'Just Be' [Jean x Tsundere!Reader] - Part 5 by cherrypikkins, literature
Literature
'Just Be' [Jean x Tsundere!Reader] - Part 5
---'Just Be': Part 5--You were the last to return to the barracks that night, fresh from a long soak in the baths, a towel draped around your neck. The nerves had been left frayed so thin after your earlier encounter with Jean were finally starting to unwind. As you quietly meandered your way up the path leading to the women's dormitories, you distractedly lifted a hand to comb your fingers through the damp locks of your hair.A familiar tugging sensation against your scalp sparked the memory of Jean's savage grin. Your eyes widened. As you abruptly held your breath, you had a brief vision of his sharp amber eyes staring into yours, a l...
1:
Satoko had a hard time again tonight.
Haunted by nightmares, she ran out of the house.
Stumbling, she made her way to her usual spot.
To free her mind.
2:
In the usual spot in the park, a shadow was visible.
With its back turned to the entrance, it was sitting on a swing.
Satoko walked closer to the shadow illuminated by the streetlight.
The closer she got, the more annoyed she felt, as if her place was being taken.
Satoko stood right in front of the shadow and sat on its lap.
The shadow buried its face in Satoko's back.
Satoko covered her face with her hands.
Both of them breathed heavily, their shoulders heaving.
In the secluded park late at night, with no one to hear them,
They cried out loud.
After about an hour, they felt a little better.
They each returned to their rooms in their rundown apartment buildings.
Only their names were known, and nothing more was asked.
That was their "way to unwind."
3:
A strange cry echoed in the park.
Hiroshi thought about passing by without getting involved.
He was an unpopular video streamer who had come to this rundown apartment complex to shoot a ghost video.
His solo courage test videos didn’t attract much attention, but he was supported by a core group of fans.
It was when he finished shooting in a vacant room and stepped outside.
There was a commotion in the rundown park within the apartment complex.
He tried to pass by unnoticed.
As he moved through the darkness, the figures slowly came into view.
Two people were sitting together on a swing, crying their hearts out.
Excited, Hiroshi took out his camera from his bag.
4:
It was Rino who noticed they were being filmed while they were comforting each other.
She quickly turned her face away, and both of them collapsed off the swing.
Hiroshi kept taking pictures of the moment.
"Stop filming!" Rino shouted.
Realizing something was wrong, Satoko raised her body and looked at Hiroshi.
Their eyes met through the camera.
Their faces were strikingly similar.
5:
It all started a year ago.  
Satoko moved to this rundown apartment complex with her mother to start over.
Now, Satoko was being bullied.
She didn't know why.
She thought it was her fault.
She had no place where she belonged at school.
However, she didn't want to worry her mother.
She decided to put on a brave face.
But this backfired.
The bullying escalated from being ignored to physical violence.
They recorded it on video and threatened her with it.
Even so, Satoko never showed her emotions.
Especially not at home.
The pain she couldn't tell anyone about built up inside her.
Night after night, she couldn’t sleep, and both her body and mind were worn out.
One night, when she felt like she was about to explode, she sneaked out of her room.
She wandered, searching for a place where she could throw away her emotions.
Before she knew it, she found herself standing in front of the swing set in the park within the apartment complex.
There, her emotions broke free.
6:
The curtain fell on Rino's professional boxing career.
She challenged the champion and lost by a KO.
At the hospital, she was diagnosed with a detached retina in her right eye.
She had the advantage until the final round.
But in the end, she fell for her opponent’s taunts.
She was drawn in by the beauty of her opponent, who attacked like a wild beast.
She convinced herself, “I can tame her.”
She forgot her position as an out-boxer.
Her opponent was an infighter, and she took hit after hit.
When she came to, Kazuha, the winner, was raising her hand high.
She regretted her recklessness and tried to play it off with a joke for everyone at the gym.
This was her last challenge before turning thirty.
She was prepared, but she couldn’t lie to herself.
Rino lost all motivation and felt she had no place to belong.
She slipped into a rundown apartment complex without telling anyone.
She intended for this to be her final home.
Every night, she woke up, tormented by flashbacks.
Kazuha’s form as a fighter was beautiful.
The blows from unseen angles were seared into her mind.
Whenever she wished to become a winner, she was brought back to reality.
The moment she sat up, she felt like she was suffocating.
She left the room in search of air.
Unconsciously, she found herself sitting on a swing.
For some reason, she could breathe.
Along with a flood of tears.
7:
That night, she felt like she was drowning again.
She could feel herself breaking apart.
I have to go there.
Summoning all her strength, Rino headed for the swing.
In the dim light, she saw a figure sitting there.
Someone else had taken her spot.
She approached with rough breathing and dragging footsteps.
Barely managing to reach the swing, she said,
“Give it up!”
She placed a hand on the figure's shoulder as she uttered the raspy words.
The figure, startled, tried to shake off her hand.
An elbow jabbed into Rino’s stomach.
Anger surged within her at the unfairness.
Rino struck the figure in the side.
The figure lost balance and fell face-first to the ground.
After taking the swing, Rino realized something.
The figure wasn’t moving.
Could it be?
Rino hurriedly lifted the figure up.
That’s when she noticed—the figure was a woman.
And she had a face that looked just like hers.
8:
Suddenly, the sound of labored breathing and dragging footsteps could be heard.
It was clear, even amidst the sobbing.
As the footsteps drew closer, her body froze.
Something placed a hand on her shoulder, accompanied by a muttered incantation right behind her.
She desperately shook it off, but her legs wouldn’t move.
Cowering and trembling, she suddenly felt a shock to her side.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself looking down at her own body.
Satoko felt as if her soul had left her.
9:
Satoko remained frozen in place.
Realizing that this could be her end, tears welled up.
The other self opened her mouth.
“Thank goodness! You’re alive.”
Knowing that she was still alive, tears flowed once again.
“I’m sorry!”
The other self was crying and apologizing.
It was like looking into a mirror.
Until the sky began to lighten.
Finally, they exchanged names.
She felt more at peace than ever before.
10:
Hiroshi started running with the camera in hand.
The two of them were exhausted from crying.
Satoko couldn't get back on her feet and continued to hurl slurred insults at Hiroshi.
Rino stood up and chased after him.
She tripped and fell several times along the way.
In the meantime, Hiroshi jumped on a bicycle and managed to shake off Rino.
11:
Satoko felt a creepy sensation after being secretly filmed.
"Who did it, since when, and why?"
Her heart rate increased, and anxiety surged through her.
"It's Rino's fault."
Desperately trying to shift the blame, she wiped her tears with her arm.
She couldn’t get up from her curled-up position.
When Rino came back, she tried to help Satoko up.
Satoko refused Rino's help, pressing her arms against her face.
As Rino gently stroked her back, Satoko blamed her.
"They probably came to film me," Rino repeatedly apologized.
Rino then shared her past.
Satoko listened in silence.
That day, Satoko went home with her tears still flowing.
12:
Hiroshi transferred the data from the camera to his computer.
When he watched the video, he could clearly see the two figures.
Not only did they look alike, but they were also both beautiful.
The length was perfect for a short video.
He put on his headphones and started editing.
He replayed the part where Rino noticed they were being filmed.
Satoko was shouting something.
After filtering out the noise, he could clearly hear the words.
"If you reveal this, you’ll die!"
He couldn’t make out anything else.
Feeling uneasy, he tried face recognition.
The result hit on the name Rino.
13:
Hiroshi didn’t know who Rino was.
She was famous as a beautiful boxer.
There were even feature videos of her from past TV programs.
She retired last April after being injured in a match with Kazuha.
After that, only threads expressing concern for her well-being could be found.
Rino, who looked just like Satoko in the park at night, with contrasting expressions on their faces.
Hiroshi felt that this unexpected combination would make for an intriguing video.
Hiroshi was skilled at video editing.
His videos weren’t popular because he wasn’t good at choosing themes.
He edited the video, turning it into a music video with a popular song.
He added the tag “#FormerBoxer.”
14:
When Hiroshi woke up the next morning, there was a notification on his phone.
The video had gone viral, reaching 100,000 views.
It seemed that the quality of the footage was the reason for its popularity.
The comments were mostly about the appearance of the two women.
Excited by the large number of views for the first time, Hiroshi decided to skip university and started working on another video.
He chose a different song.
He edited the video so that Satoko’s shout matched the highlight, and the scene where Rino staggered was blended into a dance sequence.
Exhausted, he fell asleep, and when he woke up again, it was late at night.
Around the same time as the previous day’s upload, he posted the new video, hoping for similar success.
Hiroshi's mind was consumed with thoughts of gaining more views.
15:
Satoko went to school as usual.
She spent the class trying to keep a low profile.
Her mind was filled with thoughts of what had happened that morning.
She was worried that someone in her class might have filmed her.
That fear kept overwhelming her.
By the afternoon, Satoko began to feel unwell.
She felt sick during class and ended up vomiting on her desk.
She decided to handle the situation herself.
She borrowed a bucket and a rag from the restroom and returned to the classroom.
She felt discomfort in her stomach and her vision became blurred.
She had tried not to stand out, but as a result, she drew even more attention.
It took her some time to get the cleaning supplies, and when she returned to the classroom, she felt the cold stares of her classmates.
As she wiped her desk and crouched down to clean the floor, Satoko's condition suddenly worsened, and she collapsed on the spot.
At that moment, the people around her realized the seriousness of her condition.
16:
Satoko collapsed, causing a commotion throughout the school.
She was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Reactions varied.
Some were suspicious, others sympathetic, and some even laughed.
Kanako was pleased to have filmed the entire incident involving Satoko.
She was one of those who despised Satoko.
Unlike Hiroshi, she posted the video with malicious intent.
She was aware of the popularity of Hiroshi's video.
She linked her video to his and spread it widely.
Kanako underestimated the online community.
17:
Rino waited for Satoko every night.
They lived in the same apartment complex.
However, they didn’t know where each other lived.
They had deliberately avoided sharing such details.
Even when it rained, Rino waited until dawn without an umbrella.
Even when she developed a high fever the next day, she still waited the same way.
On the fifth day, someone came looking for her.
As she sat on the swing, a voice came from behind.
When Rino turned around, she shot a murderous glare.
She tried to stand up from the swing.
But all she could do was cling to the chains.
Her face was gaunt with dark circles, and she was utterly exhausted.
Even so, she attempted to attack the visitor.
But she had no strength left and fell forward.
The visitor caught her firmly in an embrace.
The visitor was Hiroshi.
18:
"I won't forgive you!"
Rino muttered weakly.
"You're Rino, right? Are you okay?"
Hiroshi asked anxiously.
He noticed that Rino's body was unusually hot.
"I'll call an ambulance!"
Hiroshi suggested.
Rino groaned and refused.
"Don't! I don't have any money."
"If you stay like this, you'll die!"
Hiroshi said firmly.
"Just let me die like this!"
Rino said with a trembling voice.
"Satoko is in danger. Please help!"
Hiroshi pleaded.
"It's your fault!"
Rino flared up and grabbed Hiroshi by the collar.
Hiroshi began to explain.
"I'm sorry for filming without permission."
"I thought the video would go viral because the two of you are beautiful."
"It became really popular and is getting attention from all over the world."
"You uploaded it without permission?"
Rino asked in disbelief.
"I did."
Hiroshi answered, looking embarrassed.
"Don't mess with me!"
Rino tightened her grip on his collar.
"Please watch my video."
Hiroshi took out his tablet and played the video.
The two of them were really dancing and looking cool.
Their expressions were well-edited and scattered throughout.
Surprisingly, it was a video that could leave a good impression.
"It's surpassed a million views. It's still growing!"
Hiroshi said, looking at Rino's face.
"This is just a candid video!"
Rino lowered her eyes and answered with frustration.
Deep down, she began to feel a different emotion towards Hiroshi.
She found his honesty somewhat endearing.
"I'm really sorry."
"Please forgive me."
"I'll pay you both once I get some earnings."
"I was an unpopular streamer."
"This incident has increased my subscribers."
"People are revisiting my past videos too."
"It's all thanks to you two. I'm really sorry."
"I'll cover the medical expenses."
"Please, go to the hospital."
Hiroshi begged Rino.
"In that case, take me to my room!"
Rino leaned on Hiroshi's shoulder, and he helped her to her room.
19:
Rino's room was bare.
There was nothing but a sleeping bag and camping gear.
Sportswear was hanging on the walls.
Rino herself was soaking wet.
"What should I do?"
Hiroshi asked, confused.
The sleeping bag was wet too, and he wasn't sure what to do.
"Just take me to the sleeping bag."
Rino muttered wearily.
"Okay."
"I'll help you dry off, so please change your clothes."
"I won't look."
Hiroshi suggested.
When he turned around, Rino was already asleep, softly breathing.
Hiroshi, now even more puzzled, started looking for something to use to dry the sleeping bag.
He found some towels hanging on a plastic ribbon.
He used them to wipe down the sleeping bag.
It took three towels to absorb the moisture.
"I've dried the sleeping bag."
"Now, please change your clothes and get some sleep."
Hiroshi called out to Rino.
"Thanks. What's your name?"
Rino replied weakly.
"It's Hiroshi."
"Thanks, Hiroshi. I'm just going to sleep like this."
Rino tried to go to sleep without changing.
"Wait a minute."
"You'll get worse if you sleep in wet clothes."
"Please change."
Hiroshi urged.
"My body won't listen to me. Can you help?"
Rino smiled as she asked.
Hiroshi couldn't refuse when she smiled at him with such earnest eyes.
"Okay. Just a moment."
He laid dry towels on the floor and helped Rino lie down.
He found a windbreaker and helped her put it on.
Then, he took her to the sleeping bag and tucked her in.
"Thank you."
"I'll contact you when I wake up."
"Leave your contact information."
Rino started to fall asleep again.
But there was nothing to write on.
He looked around but found nothing.
Hiroshi decided to go to the convenience store.
20:
Rino opened the convenience store bag and was surprised.
There were ten expensive nutritional drinks inside.
She had slept in the dry sleeping bag and had completely recovered.
But she gratefully accepted the drinks.
"I remember hearing that Satoko was in danger."
She vaguely recalled hearing that from Hiroshi.
Concerned, she called the number on the note.
"Hello?"
"It's Rino."
"Thank you for helping me."
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm completely recovered! The drinks really worked."
No way, Hiroshi thought in surprise.
It’s only been half a day.
She sounded much different than before.
Those nutritional drinks really work! he thought.
Hiroshi suddenly remembered something.
"Is it okay if I come over now?"
Hiroshi wanted to tell her about Satoko.
"Uh… I’m not mentally prepared yet."
Rino blushed.
"I want you to see Satoko's video."
"As soon as possible."
Hiroshi was trying to persuade her.
Rino realized she had misunderstood and started to sweat nervously.
"I'm ready anytime!"
Rino replied confidently.
21:
Hiroshi arrived in about 30 minutes and rang the intercom.
Rino opened the door.
"Good morning."
"I'm glad to see you're feeling better!"
Hiroshi said, slightly out of breath.
Rino blushed, still feeling embarrassed from the earlier misunderstanding.
"Come in," Rino said, inviting him into the room.
Hiroshi noticed that Rino's demeanor was different.
She was wearing makeup and a dress.
Even with natural makeup, her beauty stood out.
"How much time do you have?" Hiroshi asked, thinking it would only take about 10 minutes.
"I'm free, so it's fine!" Rino replied cheerfully, though her voice was a bit tense.
"Aren't you going out?" Hiroshi asked curiously.
Rino paused to think and then answered sharply,
"I usually wear dresses!"
In her mind, she added, "But I only have one."
Hiroshi decided to change the subject.
"This is what I wanted to show you," he said, taking out his tablet and playing the video.
The video showed Satoko in a difficult situation.
Rino's expression hardened.
"Hiroshi, was this you?"
She asked in a voice that seemed ready to explode in anger.
"It wasn't me!" Hiroshi desperately denied.
"Then what is this?" Rino asked, irritated, pressing closer.
Hiroshi continued to explain.
"I don't know either."
"It was posted under Satoko's name."
"It got linked to my video and spread on social media."
"The comment section has been flooded, and it’s been reported."
"The post was deleted for violating the platform's rules, but it's still being reposted on other sites."
"Is Satoko being bullied?"
Rino finally understood everything.
She realized why Satoko needed to unwind and why she refused to be filmed.
She regretted only talking about herself, and tears welled up.
"Rino..."
Hiroshi began to speak, but then he stopped.
Rino's eyes were red, and her eyelashes were wet with tears.
Hiroshi thought Rino was beautiful, no matter what expression she had.
22:
The video of Satoko was heartbreaking.
It showed numerous acts of cruelty that trampled on her dignity.
Rino thought that Satoko had endured it well.
As Rino watched the video, tears streamed down her face.
Hiroshi, too, was moved to tears.
"I can't forgive these people!" Rino said, clenching her fists.
"Hiroshi, can you find out who did this?" Rino asked.
Hiroshi realized that Rino intended to get revenge.
"I can find out," Hiroshi answered honestly.
"Find out right now!" Rino said, her anger barely contained.
"What will you do once you know?" Hiroshi pressed.
"I won't cause you any trouble," Rino replied bluntly.
"Violence will only work against you."
"Why?" Rino asked.
Hiroshi explained, "The person repeatedly posted under their real name."
"Using a high-performance camera was also a mistake."
"They've angered your fans."
"The person has been identified and is now being exposed online."
"Then why can't I retaliate?"
"The culprit is Satoko's classmate," Hiroshi said, cutting her off.
"Kanako is the one who posted the video," Hiroshi said, showing her a photo.
It was a picture of Kanako with an evil smile as she filmed with her smartphone.
"Nowadays, we can identify people from the reflections in their eyes."
"She was careless with her uniform and name tag."
Hiroshi sighed.
"Even though she's the perpetrator, she's still a minor. As a former professional boxer, you can't afford to get involved."
Rino was struck by Hiroshi's sharp warning.
"But there's one more problem," Hiroshi continued.
Rino felt that Hiroshi was the type of person who liked to drag things out.
"Kanako disappeared after the online backlash."
"But she's still updating her social media."
"And the content..." Hiroshi hesitated.
Rino looked at the posts and gasped.
Kanako had self-destructed, been identified, and was being attacked online.
She seemed to have a strong personality, and her replies were sharp.
Over time, her posts turned into resentful messages against Satoko.
There were insults, threats, and even images of knives.
She had identified Satoko's hospital and even her room number.
It was as if she was threatening to attack Satoko at any moment.
"The posts have already been deleted."
"I received copies of the content."
"Her account has been suspended, and Kanako's whereabouts are unknown."
Rino looked at the dates and felt uneasy.
"Hiroshi, when did this happen?"
She asked cautiously, and Hiroshi answered calmly.
"Last night."
Hiroshi really did like to drag things out, Rino thought.
"Start with the conclusion, idiot!"
Rino shouted.
Hiroshi wanted to say something in protest but instead apologized to Rino.
"I know that hospital. Hiroshi, lend me your bike!"
Rino looked him straight in the eye and held out her hand for the keys.
"What are you going to do at the hospital?"
Hiroshi didn't understand Rino's intentions.
"I'll figure it out when I get there!"
Hiroshi nodded quickly and agreed with Rino.
"Also, it has a combination lock."
"I'll show you how to unlock it," Hiroshi said as he left the room.
"Oh, really? Fancy," Rino replied as she followed him out.
Hiroshi decided not to mention how Rino was slightly off.
23:
The area around the hospital was in turmoil.
Several police cars were parked outside, and yellow caution tape was strung around the entrance.
As Rino approached, feeling uneasy, the crowd began to murmur.
She saw a figure outside the rooftop fence.
There was another person inside the fence, moving very erratically.
The figure hanging on the outside was Satoko.
Rino realized that the person inside the fence was Kanako.
The surrounding police officers were tensely monitoring the situation, trying to bring it under control, but Kanako, with an almost inhuman strength, was pounding on the fence.
It was clear that she was putting Satoko in a dangerous situation.
“How long has this been going on?” Rino asked the crowd.
“About two hours,” came the response.
Satoko seemed to be reaching her limit.
Rino quickly thought, then retied the laces on her sneakers.
She was glad she had changed into her tracksuit before coming.
“I’m here to try to talk the suspect down.”
“We haven’t received any such instructions.”
“Please check again. I was told to go up from here.”
“Understood.”
As the officer grabbed his radio, Rino swiftly ducked under the tape.
“Thank you for your hard work!” she said, saluting the officers as she ran up the stairs.
The officers shouted after her, but Rino, with her former boxer agility, dodged their pursuit and finally reached the rooftop.
The police were focused on Kanako, giving Rino the chance to slip between them and get between Kanako and Satoko.
“You’re Kanako, right?” Rino said.
Kanako’s eyes widened as she stared at Rino, but there was madness in her gaze.
She was holding something sharp and rushed toward Rino with abnormal speed.
The police shouted, “Get back!” but Rino calmly dealt with the situation.
“You’ve been causing my friend a lot of trouble, haven’t you?” Rino didn’t miss her chance and delivered a precise uppercut to stop Kanako’s movements.
Kanako lost her momentum and collapsed on the spot without even having time to react.
At that moment, Satoko’s strength gave out as well.
“Satoko!” Rino climbed the fence with great speed and caught Satoko just before she could fall.
After that, Rino’s memory faded.
Meeting at the foot of Death -FOD week 4 by y0g3n, literature
Literature
Meeting at the foot of Death -FOD week 4
With the festival almost being over, and the coliseum almost being completed; two kukuri have decided to make a visit to the statues. First, they made it to Death's statue since this was her time of the year. Both holding an assortment of flowers and skulls. The light grew dimmer as the sun started to set, and the lights around the festival were turned on. Giving a brilliant, warm lighting in the dying light.
"You sure it is this way., Aurum...?" Came the uncertainty of the mosaic rook. This was his first Festival of Death. For the few weeks, he had helped with cleaning up the coliseum. Now, it was time to unwind and give offerings to the two sibling statues. Though, he did understand the importance of doing this, he just was not entirely sure what to do. At least, not yet.
Aurum glances over the anxious kuku. "I am sure it is... Pop showed me the way last year," he informs the rook. "You will love it, Oeno. Trust me," he gives a faint, reassuring smile. "It is always decorated in
Headshave Request By Wonder Woman by umsharma, literature
Literature
Headshave Request By Wonder Woman
In the dimly lit back alleys of Gotham, the whispers of a new establishment caught the attention of the city’s residents. A unique salon, one that promised an extraordinary experience, had opened its doors. Named "New Wonder Salon," this was no ordinary beauty parlor—it was rumored to offer services catered to the extraordinary, the powerful, and those looking for more than just a haircut. The owner and sole stylist of this enigmatic salon was none other than Wonder Woman, Diana Prince, who had recently left the Justice League to pursue a quieter, more personal path.
Unknown to many, Diana had decided to leave behind the constant battles and the never-ending struggle for justice to open this salon, seeking a new purpose. She had mastered the art of hairstyling with the same dedication she once applied to combat, believing that even heroes needed a place to unwind and perhaps transform themselves. The New Wonder Salon offered just that—a transformation, not just of appearance but of the spirit.
But tonight, Wonder Woman found herself in a place far from the comforting walls of her salon. She was crouched in the shadows, inside the infamous lair of the Joker, one of Gotham’s most feared villains. She had slipped past the deranged clown’s henchmen with ease, using her Amazonian stealth to evade detection. Her mission tonight was personal. She had a proposition for the Joker, one that would bring him to her salon, willingly.
The Joker’s bedroom was a chaotic mess, filled with all the trinkets, toys, and oddities that mirrored his mind's twisted landscape. Wonder Woman waited, hidden in the darkness, her silhouette barely noticeable against the deep shadows of the room. The faint sound of a door creaking open broke the silence, followed by the Joker’s distinctive, unsettling laugh.
"Ah, my sweet sanctuary," he cackled to himself, skipping into the room with an unsettling joy. His grin, as always, stretched wide across his painted face. He hadn’t noticed her yet.
"Joker," Wonder Woman’s voice cut through the air, clear and commanding.
The Joker froze, his eyes scanning the darkness until they locked onto her. For a moment, he was silent, his surprise evident. Then his grin widened even further.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the Amazon princess herself,” he said, clapping his hands together. “What brings you to my humble abode, Diana? Or should I say, Wonder Woman? Planning to tie me up with that lasso of yours, hmm?”
Wonder Woman stepped out of the shadows, her presence commanding and unflinching. “I have a proposition for you, Joker,” she said, her voice steady. “One that doesn’t involve fighting or imprisoning you.”
The Joker raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Go on. You’ve piqued my interest.”
Diana folded her arms, her expression serious. “I want you to come to my salon, New Wonder Salon. I want you to give me a head shave.”
The Joker blinked, genuinely taken aback. He stared at her for a moment, trying to decipher if this was some kind of trick or joke. When he saw no trace of deceit in her eyes, his smile returned, more curious than before.
“Why, Diana, I didn’t know you were into such... extreme makeovers,” he said, giggling. “But why me? You could have anyone, even one of those hero friends of yours.”
Wonder Woman's eyes narrowed slightly. “Because you are the best at creating chaos. If I can trust you with this, then perhaps you can trust me. Consider it a... truce, if only for the evening.”
The Joker pondered this, tapping his chin thoughtfully. The idea of having Wonder Woman, one of his greatest adversaries, in such a vulnerable position intrigued him. His mind raced with the possibilities, the mischief he could cause, but there was also an allure to this act of trust.
“Alright, Wonder Woman,” he said finally, his voice dripping with amusement. “You’ve got yourself a deal. Let’s give you that shave.”
The New Wonder Salon was unlike any other salon in Gotham. Its interior was elegant, with a hint of the mystic. Golden accents adorned the furniture, reflecting Diana’s Amazonian heritage, while the walls were painted a serene green, symbolizing peace and transformation. A large, plush barber chair sat in the center, its leather cushion inviting and luxurious. Above it, a chandelier cast a soft, warm light, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Wonder Woman sat in the chair, her reflection staring back at her from the large mirror in front. She wore a golden-green barber cape, specially designed with her emblem embroidered on it. It draped over her body, concealing her iconic armor beneath. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, soon to be cut and shaved away.
The Joker stood behind her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He picked up a pair of twin-edge scissors from the counter, their blades gleaming in the light. He took a moment to enjoy the sight of Wonder Woman sitting so calmly, allowing him to take control of her hair. He couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Ready, Diana?” he asked, his voice light, almost playful.
Wonder Woman nodded, meeting his gaze in the mirror. “Do it.”
With a flick of his wrist, the Joker began to cut. The scissors glided through her thick hair, each snip sending locks of dark curls tumbling to the floor. He worked meticulously, surprisingly focused. Despite his chaotic nature, he had a precise touch, cutting her hair with an almost artistic grace. As he moved, Diana felt the weight of her hair being lifted, each snip bringing her closer to her desired transformation.
Once her hair was cut short, the Joker set the scissors aside and picked up a pair of electric clippers. He turned them on, the low hum filling the room. Wonder Woman took a deep breath, feeling the vibration of the clippers as they touched her scalp. The Joker guided them carefully, clearing the hair from both sides of her head with practiced ease. Strands of hair fell in waves, revealing the smooth skin beneath.
Next came the shaving cream. The Joker applied it liberally to the sides of her head, the cool foam contrasting with the warmth of the room. He picked up a straight razor, its edge sharp and glinting. With careful, steady strokes, he began to shave away the cream, leaving behind a clean, bald surface. The razor glided effortlessly, removing the last remnants of hair and revealing her transformation.
When he finished, the Joker stepped back, admiring his work. Wonder Woman looked at herself in the mirror, her scalp smooth and bare on the sides, her hair now a short, cropped style on top. The change was dramatic, a symbol of her new path, her new beginning.
She stood up, turning to face the Joker. For a moment, they stood in silence, the air between them charged with an unspoken understanding. Despite their differences, they had shared a moment of trust, a brief respite from the endless battle between good and evil.
“Thank you,” Wonder Woman said, her voice soft.
The Joker grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Anytime, Wonder Woman. Anytime.”
With that, Diana left the salon, her footsteps echoing in the quiet of the night. As she walked away, she felt a sense of liberation, her head light and her spirit renewed. The New Wonder Salon had indeed brought transformation, not just for her but perhaps even a small change in the heart of the Joker.
Hero Land Chapter 12: An Understanding by Blue-Hokashi, literature
Literature
Hero Land Chapter 12: An Understanding
"It's around the corner from here; they make the best ramen noodles around!". Yasuo was taking his friends, Britta and Raul, out to dinner. After the final phase of the hero exams, it was the perfect night to unwind and relax. "Right here! Come on, you guys are going to love the food!" Yasuo said excitedly as he went inside the noodle house.
Britta giggled, "Sometimes it's funny how Yasuo acts like a kid sometimes. It's adorable.". Raul smiled, "Yeah, that's what I like about him. He's positive and outgoing.". As they walked inside, the group saw there wasn't many people around. One of the chefs saw Yasuo and his friends, "Come on in, grab a seat anywhere!". Yasuo looked around and picked the front counter.
Britta's eyes widened slightly and saw a familiar face eating there, "Yasuo... isn't that...?". Raul looked closely as did Yasuo, "Yeah, what are the odds?". Yasuo walked up to the man and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I didn't expect to see you here Vernon." the man turned
Willie and Furisha were high on their living room couch, their bellies full of snacks. Furisha was talking to Willie about what was on her mind.
Furisha: And another thing, I really think one day, we oughta just go out and see the world. Like, maybe nothing too far, but like, somewhere.
Willie: Y-Yeah, what's stopping us?
Furisha: Nothing! We can take on this world! Me and you, together!
Furisha chuckled, wrapping an arm around Willie's shoulder.
Willie: Mm... You kn-know, there's n-no one I'd rather b-be high on e-edibles with...
Furisha: Me neither, bud, me neither.
Furisha held Willie close, brushing her hair with her hand.
Furisha: Willie... can I be honest with you?
Willie: Y-Yeah, what's up?
Furisha: I know this isn't the weed talking, but I don't know what I'd do without you.
Willie: Wh-What do you m-mean?
Furisha: I know you probably think I'm all strong and tough, but that's on the outside. Inside... I'm scared of being alone.
Willie: Oh, I-I understand, F-Furisha.
Furisha: I don't think you really do. I've always been trying to keep my anger under control, but everyone seems so scared of me, except for you.
Willie: Th-that's because I s-see the k-kind of person you really a-are.
Furisha: I know. But how do you think it feels trying to hold relationships with others, but your temper keeps ruining it?
Willie: P-Probably really terrible.
Furisha: Exactly, which is why I care for you so much, putting up with my anger.
Willie: You're a-always there f-for me, Furisha. That's wh-why I feel s-so indebted to you.
Furisha: You don't have to feel that way. Kinda sounds like we both need each other.
Willie: C-can't deny that.
Furisha: Listen Willie, I don't want to feel like I'm dragging you down, just know you'll always be my best friend, and I'll always love you.
Willie: You'll n-never drag m-me down, th-that's why you're m-my best friend, and I'll always love y-you, too.
Furisha got teary-eyed, hugging Willie, who hugged back.
Furisha: Now... enough of that mushy feeling baloney, let's get back to unwinding.
Willie nodded, relaxing alongside Furisha.
-The End-
Upside Down Regression 23 by beeserious7, literature
Literature
Upside Down Regression 23
Max Mayfield hates feeling powerless, but sadly it’s been a common feeling in her life lately. Be it Billy’s death, her mother’s divorce, Eleven leaving Hawkins and most recently being targeted by Vecna to be killed.
All of those suddenly felt trivial to holding the comatose Nancy Wheeler in her lap. She didn’t look peaceful; her eyes were milky white looking emotionless up to the ceiling. Whatever song they tried that seemed close to her tastes did nothing.
“Come on you can’t be that picky, I swear Nance if you die on me, I will never forgive you.” Max shook her a bit, trying to not think about her possibly dying for real as the latest tape they tried failed.
“Eddie doesn’t have any Bowie, Beatles or Blondie not even fucking Queen, really Munson how could you not have any real music.” Robin Buckley yelled losing any sense control.
“THIS. IS. REAL. MUSIC.” Eddie Munson yelled back throwing the Black Sabbath tape at her.
Steve Harrington passed out on the floor in exhaustion after going through dozens of tapes, his wounds needed immediate medical attention yet he crawled towards Max to keep an eye on Nancy instead.
“Any change?” Steve croaked out.
“Not even a twitch.” Max said sadly, straightening Nancy’s curls.
 
“Maybe she isn’t like Max, we can try exorcise her like we did with Will years ago.” Dustin Henderson suggested.
“Are you insane Dustin, that was traumatic to Will as a kid, with Nancy’s toddler mind it be devastating if we burn her.” Lucas Sinclair immediately shot the idea down.
“Look I don’t like it any more then you do but isn’t she infected wouldn’t it be better to get rid of his influence.” Dustin argued back.
“I agree with Dustin.” Robin said surprising Steve.
“Robin you can’t be serious, we don’t know what would that do to her.” Steve objected.
“Look we are not going poke her with a flaming stick. We just need to get her to sauna level hot and see what happens.” Robin tried to make the plan sound reasonable.
“My trailer’s boiler is fucked so we can create a steam room in the bathroom.” Eddie said going in there to steam it up.
They set up a chair in the middle to sat Nancy on, Dustin tying her body gently to it for balance.
“Why are you tying her up?” Max yelled.
“In case you know, she attacks.” Dustin reasoned carefully.
“I hate this.” Lucas stated still thinking this is a bad idea.
“If anything goes wrong we will cut the session immediately.” Robin assured coming back with the space heaters.
Once the bathroom’s room temperature started to rise, they turned on the heaters pointing them towards Nancy. At first the body didn’t react to it at all, just beads of sweats formed on her face. After some agonizing minutes of waiting suddenly Nancy opened her eyes to everyones relief, which lasted for a second as she started yelling in panic.
“Nance honey its okay just need to let it happen.” Steve tried to console her, cupping her face.
“NO STOP IT!” Nancy continued to yell in pain, struggling with the ropes.
When no one did anything Nancy turned to look at Robin, her spit going all directions as she yelled again. “FUCKING STOP…HE KNOWS….NOT WORKING….HE WILL HURT EVERYONE.”
Robin seeing her genuine panic couldn’t help but pull the plug, running up to the sweaty girl.
“Nance its okay, no more heaters I promise look at me.” Robin tried to encourage her. Nancy finally raised her head to look intently into Robin’s eyes, she smirked slowly biting her lip. She launched forward to kiss her strongly on the lips.
“Nance are you insane?” Robin yelled out looking shocked as they parted.
“Come on it was a kiss for old times sake Buckley. Don’t tell me you forgot our little game already.” Nancy said nonchalantly, looking around her surroundings still breathing heavily.
“Thats not her.” Robin stuttered as the penny dropped, the speech pattern and the unearned confidence all made sense now.
“What are you talking about?” Dustin asked.
“Thats Heather fucking Holloway.” Robin yelled back.
“Heather!? Wait like the dead Heather from last summer.” Max said.
“Well thats just rude.” Heather scoffed in Nancy’s voice. “Hey what you doing, unhand me.” She yelled as they tightened the ropes.
“Don’t tie tighter please, I can just not run away he gave me instructions to not do much other then talk.” Heather flinched seeing them bring out another rope to tie her, it reminded her the time when flayed Billy held her captive. Steve feeling bad for her signaled the kids to stand down.
Dustin bringing the portable heater closer to her asked. “What do you want with her huh?”
“Stop it….stop it…You geniuses aren’t exorcising as much as slow cooking her mind right now.” Heather gritted out in pain as the heater got closer.
“How are you even here?” Lucas questioned the whole situation getting crazier each day.
“He sent me into her body so you stop, look just keep her away from heat its burning poor Wheeler’s mind.” Heather explained her face pained trying to keep a hold of her psyche.
“Why should we trust you?“ Steve growled.
“And how can we be sure you are who you say you are too.” Erica suddenly interjected.
“Who is the ankle bitter?” Heather asked unimpressed.
“Erica Sinclair, I have you know I am the most important one here so answer me.” She introduced herself.
“Okay let me think, ohh right no because my instructions were not to talk to idiot kids just the idiots teens.”
“Don’t talk back to my sister like that.” Lucas yelled back.
“Again still no clue but I admire the confidence kid, check with Buckley over there I think rebooted her system twice today.” When Robin stayed silent, Heather instinctively faux pouted. “Ohhhh don’t be cold towards me now. Do tell them how I saved your life through my brilliant kissing today.” She raised Nancy’s eyebrows playfully.
“It is Heather, trust me.” Robin said looking exhausted, she wanted to wake up Nancy not deal with her again.
“See you literally have no other choice then to listen to me. Your little music route at this point will not work on Wheels, she is too far gone in his words.” Heather revealed to them.
“Hey thats what I call her as well.” Eddie reflexively pointed out.
“Right any way, this whole burn anything out of her is impossible when there is nothing to burn.”
“She isn’t possessed like you were last summer that thing is part of her.” Max concluded suddenly.
Heather clicked Nancy’s fingers as best she could tied up. “Bingo…I knew you were the smart one of course Billy wouldn’t get the brain cells.” Heather said, Max could tell she was smiling but even that looked wrong on Nancy’s face, she was using too much teeth.
“Billy?” Max quietly asked.
“Yeah your stepbrother is here didn’t they tell you.” Heather said sounding surprised.
Everyone looked at Steve expecting an explanation, he threw his hands up in frustration. “Sorry I was busy processing being pummeled by him all the while freezing my chest off.”
“Aren’t you a big brave boy.” Both Heather and Eddie said at the same time. They shared a knowing look of understanding the appeal of shirtless Steve.
“How..How is he?” Max looked closer to her to ask unsure how to feel knowing a part of him is still alive.
“Rude, petulant, thinks he can solve everything by punching.” Heather replied truthfully which earned Max’s trust enough to be untied.
“Yeah that does sounds like him.” Max said cracking a sad smile.
“Thanks for freeing my hands Red, if its any consolation he never blamed you.” Heather tried to console her.
“It wasn’t for him, if anything Nancy’s sad expressive eyes got too much to look at.” Max redirected.
“Yeah how the hell she controlling them to inflate on demand.” Heather questioned touching the face to get a feel on the new body.
“Can’t you tell us what’s his plans are to be bit more useful?” Robin asked crossing her arms.
“I can’t tell you anything more Buckley, you know what he is capable off.” Heather said, her genuine fear catching Robin off guard. She remembered all the non verbal times Nancy got through a message.
“Munson I need you asap.” She pulled Eddie out the room. Once they came back in Robin had a marker in hand, walking up to the brunette girl. She got a hold of her hand putting the marker while keeping eye contact with her. The blue eyes widened at the implication, holding the marker to scribble out what she can.
“Just let her be, and she will be released back to her body soon enough.” Heather parroted his words as Robin guided her hand on the piece of paper.
“I entrust you with her till then, well more like I trust Cunningham fully.” Robin said pocketing the paper into her pant.
“And here I thought we were friends was nearly touched there. She will be back soon, so use your remaining day wisely.” Heather warned.
“Wait!…could you send this message?” Max asked showing Heather a piece of paper. Heather winked at the redhead affirmatively , as another surge went through her making her yell out in pain.
“Hope to never see you guys again, because well that would mean you died. Not gonna lie Billy and Chrissy is handful enough for me already so don’t.” Heather said goodbye as best as she can without seeming like she cares, the process already was painful enough.
Robin gotten closer to her to catch her incase she collapsed. In pain Heather looked into Robin’s eyes again smirking. “If its our last talk Buckley, know you weren’t the worst last kiss….she be lucky to have you.” Heather quietly croaked out, maybe it was the kind words coming out of Nancy’s voice that got her but Robin gently gotten a hold of her hand to provide some comfort. Nancy’s mouth let out a wail as her eye rolled to the back of her head, collapsing on to the chair. Robin instinctively wrapped the body into a hug whispering. “You weren’t a bad first kiss either.”
The whole room gotten quite again, everyone not daring to make a sound for a minute.
Steve taking charge again clapped his hands together. “Come on kids lets just go to Max’s trailer, we can’t do much and we need our strength.”
“You okay?” Steve checked on Robin, who was holding Nancy tightly in her arms.
“Yeah she is just still so annoying, couldn’t we have gotten Chrissy.” Robin played up a bit to hide her tears.
“I don’t know I liked her.” Eddie shrugged as he came back carrying supplies from his room.
“Yeah because you both were drooling over Steve.” Robin whispered back so Steve wouldn’t hear it.
“She might be annoying but she has taste.” His smile dropping the moment his eyes land on unconscious Nancy. “Is she going to be okay?”
“I believe so at least she doesn’t look like she is under his spell.”
“You think down there she is okay?” Eddie said.
“I don’t know Eddie, he might still be spanking her or even worse. I can’t stop thinking all the times she was asleep, was she being tortured. How could we be so blind?” Robin started to ramble, but Steve wrapped an arm around her to stop the spiraling.
“We will try harder.” Steve said.
“Steve we got only one day left with her.” Robin shuddered.
“Both of you stop that! Robin none of us could have seen this coming, both you and Steve need understand that.” Eddie yelled at them. “I already beat myself enough about Chrissy, but I couldn’t have stopped an evil wizard. Like how both of you couldn’t have magically done anything. Now there is a group of kids looking up to you for guidance, so come to your senses.”
With that pep talk the platonic best friends, gathered their wits to lead the kids out of Eddie’s trailer. After everyone settled in the Max’s living room, Max as the resident medic, helped them to wrap Steve’s wounds as the kids started taking turns to shower.
“Just let me stay with her.” Steve winced trying to straighten his back on the couch.
“Fine just make sure your bandages don’t move much dingus.” Robin warned as she got up to check on the kids.
Steve pulled Nancy’s head on to his lap, looking at any signs of twitching incase she was in pain. He started petting her cheeks hoping she was all alone down there. “You are going to okay, when you come back we going to be different. You are never ever going to be alone again.” He promised as if his words were magical, Nancy opened her eyes breathing in and out frantically.
“It okay you are back honey.” Steve tried to comfort her. Nancy opened her mouth but no words came out, only pain from the rush of memories.
After some time, she tried again. “Bub-Bubba.”
 
“We were so worried, are you okay did he hurt you more.” Steve hugged her tightly rocking on the couch,
“Bubba you squishing me.” Nancy mumbled into his chest.
Everyone hearing the commotion rushed to their side, happy to see their Nancy back again.
“He…He left a message.” Nancy breathed in and out erratically looking at the group.
“Tell us in the morning okay, now we going to take a minute to unwind, shower and go to bed.” Steve insisted it was to late to do anything and everyone was too tired.
 
“Sissy!” Nancy exclaimed seeing her, she extended her arms for Robin to pick up but the short haired girl looked at her warily.
“Sissy okay?” she asked frowning thinking she did something bad.
“Robin this is our Nancy, stop acting weird.” Steve chastised.
“You are not going to kiss me are you?” Robin asked sitting gingerly in the sofa.
“Uhm I can.” Nancy said confused, scratching her head, she leaned forward to gently peck Robin’s check.
That finally got Robin to let her guard down to pull their sweet Nancy into her lap. “Sweetie it is you, we were so worried about you.”
“It burned a lot.” Nancy said remembering it.
“We are so sorry, we thought we can get you out. Uhmm Heather kinda explained we weren’t helping you at all.”
“Auntie Heather was hurt a lot.” Nancy said looking down, feeling responsible for her sick state.
“Honey it wasn’t your fault, we just tried a very risky thing. Are you okay now?”
“Yeah cooled down…..She talked?”
“Yeah Holloway talked a lot but wasn’t the worst.” Robin rolled her eyes a bit, earning a light slap from Nancy again.
“No meanie sissy.” Nancy chastised.
“What do you see in her honesty?” Robin said as she fussed over Nancy’s still dirty face.
“She is fun grumpy.” Nancy simply explained, as Robin rubbed the dirt off her skin.
“Its the cat principle Buckley, the less you act interested the more lovable you become.” Eddie chimed from the side.
Nancy suddenly felt a trickle run down as her bladder involuntarily released after all that stress, her nether regions feeling warmer. Robin rocked her instinctively as she felt her own lap getting warmer because of it. “It okay sweetie just let it go.”
“Sissy i am wet…need change.” Nancy mumbled into Robin’s shoulder.
“Shit we don’t have any supplies.” Robin mouthed silently to Steve looking freaked out.
The more they had their silent conversation, the more Nancy started to whine audibly regarding the soaked pamper.
“Is she okay?” Dustin suddenly popped up from behind.
“Jesus christ kids!” Eddie yelped as he fell off the sofa.
Max ignoring him continued. “Whats the matter Robin, we heard a lot whimpering.”
“Well we kinda can’t change her into anything fresh.”
Dustin looked at them like they were idiots. “Yeah actually we do have supplies.”
“What you mean Henderson, everything was in my car which is near the lake need I remind you.” Steve raised his eyebrow.
“You amateurs, for our trek I gotten backups in my backpack incase something happened.” Dustin yelled as he ran to get his bag.
“If he fixed his tone, it would have been actually sweet.” Eddie pointed out.
“Dusty is best scout.” Nancy clapped when he brought all the supplies.
“Or all of you guys learn nothing each time this happens.” Dustin said.
Robin rolled her eyes not in the mood to argue with him. “Let go freshen up then sweetie.”
After that Robin easily gotten into their usual bath time routine, even deciding to wash Nancy’s hair. Luckily Max had a tub so Robin filled it up with water, and place Nancy in it gently.
“No toys thats a shame, what you gonna do while I bore you with my cleaning.” Robin said she started rinsing her curls.
Nancy thought about it as she splashed the top of the water. She spotted the soap on the side, remembering how Chrissy made those bubbles grabbed to rinse her hands with it. She then started to blowout bubbles from her soapy hands, making herself giggle.
“Woah look at those bubbles sweetie.” Robin praised her.
“Aunty Chrissy showed.” Nancy explained as she continued to do it.
“Yeah I can see that makes sense.” Robin mused the sweet girl of course will show that.
“You okay?” Nancy questioned realizing Robin gone silent.
“I am fine sweetie, those girls really kept me safe.”
“Aren’t they the best.” Nancy said finally happy to be able to talk about them.
“Yeah they are not the worse, I am glad you had them when we couldn’t be around to comfort you.”
“I worry about them.”
“No wonder, hey if we can I promise we gonna get them out too.” Robin said not sure how but weirder things have happened.
“Really?”
“Yeah hate admit they grown on me…like a rash.” Robin added the last part silently.
“They part of family.”
“You have a very big family Nance don’t you.” Robin said softly.
“Never thought like that.” Nancy looked down, always feeling rather lonely.
“Because you were very stubborn to ask for it and we were too blind to check on you.” Robin kissed the top of her head.
“Kissed Auntie Heather?” Nancy said remembering the kissing comment to change the subject.
“More like she french kissed me.” Robin‘s cheeks flushed remembering it.
“Like it?” Nancy discreetly asked.
“Oh sweetie even though you have lovely lips, I don’t feel like that about you.”
“You like Vickie…wanna kiss Vickie.” Nancy teased, which Robin shut her up by washing her face with the sponge getting soapy water all over her mouth.
Nancy blew a raspberry back at Robin as a retaliation. “Yuck no fair.”
“Come on lets finish your bath.” Robin light heartedly said as she unplugged the tub.
Due to their ordeal the kids insisted they take Max’s bed so once Robin changed Nancy into a new outfit courtesy of Max, she carried Nancy back there.
“Look who all fresh and happy.” Robin cooed at Nancy when they made their entrance, Steve smiled from the bed extending his arms.
“Give her to me Robin and then go take a shower. I can handle her from here, just take care yourself a bit.” He said worried about his best friend taking on all the responsibility because him and Nancy were out of commission.
“Go shower..stinky.” Nancy said squeezing her nose.
Robin looked faux outrage, lowering the teen on the bed. “The betrayal!! Take the traitor, you two belong to each other.”
“Bye stinky.” Steve yelled back, as Robin gave him the middle finger.
“Well that was very rude wasn’t it honey, lets dry those curls.” Steve grinned as he plucked in the hair dryer. After he blow dried her hair, Nancy happily shook her newly dried curls.
“You happy with my work?” Steve asked spinning her around slowly to not aggravate his wounds. When he stopped to sit down, Nancy patted his now wound free face.
“Bubba’s boo boos gone?”
“Physically yes but psychologically I feel like a truck ran me over. How did you handle all the other times?”
“I had you.” Nancy revealed having them around made her forget those painful moments.
Before Steve can ask more questions there was a knock on the door. It cracked open with
“Don’t hit I brought a new clothes for you and her.” Eddie said.
“Ohh thanks Eddie but Robin already changed Nancy into new outfit.” Steve’s tone became softer.
“Etrigan come.” Nancy reached out to him trying wriggle out of Steve’s hold.
“Lois Lane come to me, I haven’t checked on you like the twins have.” Eddie dramatically said as he embraced Nancy into a hug.
“Etrigan feeling okay?” Nancy checked on him.
“Oh yeah I am more then okay just going to need a lot booze to process it later.” Eddie joked but Nancy looked at him disapprovingly.
“Fine I will find a healthier option, let put on your new shirt.”
Steve changing into new sweat’s questioned the extra Hellfire shirts, Eddie brought.
“Unlike the boring ones, this one was a special order from a very little lady.” Eddie exclaimed showing to Nancy.
“My own shirt!” Nancy said making grabby arms for it.
“Yeah well we will still make you a custom one but till then just use one of mine.” Eddie turned his back for second to find Nancy immediately failing to take her own top off.
“The shirt is eating Wheels alive save him Stevie.” Eddie laughed seeing her struggle.
Steve stood up to help Nancy with her situation. “Raise your arms up honey, don’t struggle you going to make it worse.” After he successfully removed it, Eddie put on the new shirt to Nancy delight. Hugging herself with the large shirt.
“Thank you..thank you.” Nancy chanted.
Eddie couldn’t help but be touched at her simple happiness from his dumb shirt. He ruffled Nancy’s curls, making her whine out a bit.
Steve sat next to do duo, and immediately gagged at Eddie’s smell. “You smell, couldn’t you grab a clean shirt yourself too.”
“No dude thats because I smoked this is a from a clean load please.”
“You are a wanted man Eddie stop doing that.” Steve chastised.
“I knew you cared about me.” Eddie teased making himself comfortable on the bed.
Silently Nancy gotten a hold off his hand sniffling his cigarette smelling fingers. “Etrigan smells like Joyce...wish she was here.” she pondered about the the always smoking neurotic women that acted like a second mother to them in times off crisis.
“Jonathan Byer’s mother whom we still can’t reach.” Steve explained to confused Eddie, another piece of the puzzle they can’t seem to solve
“Byers in trouble?” Nancy asked sadly.
“I don’t know honey.” Steve said not sure himself.
Nancy started biting her fingers again thinking her little brother might be in trouble. “But Mikey is there.”
Steve gently removed her fingers, trying to find something still for her to chew. “Jonathan is with them so I am sure he taking care of him.
“Stevie for your information we kinda on not Jonathan fan train for lying to Lois Lane.” Eddie informed from the bed.
Steve rolled his eyes at his dramatics. “I think she is okay with Jonathan looking after him.”
“You are soft on him.” Eddie said.
“Right I am soft on the guy that punched and technically gotten with my ex girlfriend.” Stefe said sarcastically.
“Great we are on the same train, we are not fan of the guy that bruised your pretty face.” Eddie pouted, as Nancy crawled onto his lap.
“It was more complicated then that but thanks for caring I guess.” Steve stopped pushing his thing.
“I knew it..…and she is using me as a pacifier again isn’t she.” Eddie said when he felt wetness on his shoulder.
“Honey no stop putting things into your mouth, we gonna find you a new paci.” Steve tried to stop her.
“Just let her Steve, this one is a clean shirt. Isn’t that right Wheels walking paci is your favorite.”
“Comfy.” Nancy mumbled as she continued to chew.
“Why do I even bother, lets set your blankets in the floor Eddie.”
“Can Edds stay Bubba? Ohh please please!” Nancy begged with her big eyes, Eddie joining with his brown eyes to make it impossible for Steve to say no.
“Fine, but Robin has the final word.” Steve relented.
But when they pleaded with Robin she simply said. “No.”
“Come on Robin, it would be cruel to throw away her emotional support metalhead.” Eddie exclaimed from the bed.
“Please Sissy, Bubba agreed.” Nancy begged with her puppy dog eyes. After a minute of them being locked in a staring contest, Robin threw her hands up in the air in defeat. “Okay fine just stop looking at me like that.”
“Lets go Wheels
“Just don’t touch me Eddie.” Robin grumbled sitting down.
“Yeah I don’t wanna be covered in your saliva.”
“I do not drool, Steve tell him.”
Steve looked a like a deer caught in headlights knowing thats a total lie. “Honey do you need a potty break? I think you need it.”
“Not really….ohh we going.” Nancy said as she was yanked away from the situation.
“Come back here dingus and don’t you run away from me.” Robin yelled from the bedroom.
“Is everything okay?” Lucas asked once he spotted Steve and Nancy leaving the room.
Nancy babbled contentedly back to Lucas, Steve rubbing their noses said. “Yeah we all feeling better now, how about you kids?”
“Yeah we good, set up an area in Max’s mom bedroom.” Lucas said as they walked into the living room.
“Can she stay here with us?” Max asked.
“Not tonight she is under a strict watch .” Steve said.
Max took a step back remembering what Nancy’s missing. Opened up Dustin’s bag to take out the rabbit plushie. “I think someone else here missed you very much.”
“Mr Bunny!” Nancy exclaimed. “Maxie took care.”
“Yeah of course I did, he was very worried about you.” Max said giving her the bunny.
“Nancy what do we say again?” Steve said
“Thank you Maxie.” Nancy parroted.
Lucas realizing his sister was looking at Nancy warily decided to introduce them. “This is Erica, Nance you remember my sister right.”
“Of course she remembers me moron, she babysat me dozens of times.” Erica’s snappy tone got Nancy to squeak out and hid her face in crook of Steve’s collarbone.
Steve instinctively shushed her patting her back. “Its okay sweetie….She is a bit shy around new people Erica you need to be a bit gentle with her.”
“Okay but this is Nancy.” Erica whined.
“Erica be nice.” Lucas warned his sister.
“Fine I am sorry Nancy, unlike these nerds you are marginally cooler.” Erica apologized.
When Nancy stayed silent hiding her face, Steve let out a sigh. “Tomorrow we try again then, you kids got everything under control here. If all good then its bed time for all of you.”
“Got it Mrs Brady.” “Yes mama bear.” A chorus erupted simultaneously.
He couldn’t even be mad at them for that so he abruptly left the living room to go back to enduring Robin calling him a traitor. Once they figured out their sleeping arrangements, they laid Nancy in between himself and Robin while Eddie laid on top of their legs to fit in the small bed.
Nancy not feeling tired played with her bunny, by using Steve like toy house. “Honey no bunny cannot play on my hair.” Steve complained for her to stop, any other time it would be cute but his migraine after everything today was too much.
“But its so soft.” Nancy insisted bouncing the plushy on his head.
Robin feeling bad for him wrapped he arms around Nancy to lock her in place. “No you had enough time with him, now its my turn.”
Nancy wiggled to face her smiling, happy to see her not stressed. “Play with us?”
Robin rolled her eyes playful as she grabbed the bunny, to give her kisses tickling her. “Sissy stop too much.”
“No you need more kisses.” Robin teased tickling her more.
Steve watched them play a while longer with a dopey grin on his face, fighting his sleepy eyes.
“Steve you need to close your eyes.” Eddie observed from the edge, where he wrapped himself with a blanket.
“What if he takes her again?” Steve whispered back.
“Then we make sure she is very wanted here so she fights her way back.” Eddie suggested not knowing what else to say. He himself knows it was luck that Nancy’s insistence worked to get them out from Vecna’s domain.
“I don’t think he would sent her away to just bring it back.” Robin also said.
“Bubba needs rest.” Nancy mumbled out.
“But what if you have nightmares?” Steve reasoned.
“Will wake you.” Nancy assured, hugging him close to shut her own eyes.
Steve tightened his grip on her and closed his eyes. “Fine just for a little bit, I will wake up to check on you.”
Later in the night, the heat from all three of the teens became too much for Nancy. So she silently pried herself off to have moment for herself. Before she left the room she made sure to push Eddie in between so Steve would confuse his curly hair to hers. Allowing her to get some reprieve from his clinginess. Steve hugged Eddie closer to himself, with Robin cuddling into the dungeon master as well.
Nancy quietly crawled towards the living room, sitting on the couch to look out the window contemplating everything that happened. She remembers exactly what daddy told her to say. But she started having doubt’s about tricking them to act irrationally, why couldn’t she just tell them the truth. If she doesn’t do this everyone will get hurt and she can’t let that happen. Wasn’t she condemning another poor soul however, making her his monster again. Nancy hugged her legs close to her chest just wanting everything to be over.
“Nance is that you?” a tired voice called out breaking her out of her thoughts. Before Nancy can question who they were, she heard the faint voice of Kate Bush clueing her to it being the redhead.
“Maxie!” Nancy smiled crawling up to the redhead.
Max sat down to be on her eye level, checking to see if she was in distress. “What are you doing up this late?”
Nancy leaned into Max’s touch, unlike the others her hands were cold. “They fallen asleep….felt in furnace.”
“They literally piled on you have they.” Max joked. Since you are up wanna watch TV with me, I am not sleeping obviously.”
“Cartoons?!”
“It’s very late for those I think but lets check out fun movies.” Max said as she turned on the tv surfing through the channels.
“They told us what happened in there, you okay?” Max asked after a while, to check up on Nancy.
“Use to it.” Nancy shrugged it off instinctively rubbing her cheek.
Max recognized the phantom signs of Nancy’s abuse again. “Nance we talked about this, it’s not okay that he hits you.” she said with a pained expression.
“He says its love.” Nancy said her lips trembling.
“Have I ever lied to you?” Max said, once Nancy shook her head she continued. “Then trust me when he says its love it’s actually a way to keep you in line trust me my step dad did that a lot.”
“It hurts so much.” Nancy finally sobbed out hugging Max to finally letting out her mental exhaustion.
“We going to end this Nance I promise.” Max’s own voice quivered, rocking herself to sooth her.
Once both girls separated, Max changed the subject. “You been seeing Billy…Is he…Is he nice to you?”
“Tries, gave me pigtails.” Nancy explained gently.
“Ohh so he had the capacity to care.” Max scoffed out angrily, his insistence of self destruction when he could have been a decent person.
“Maxie angry?” Nancy whimpered.
Max rubbed her shoulder to calm the other teen down. “Not at you Nance just life in general.” she contemplated.
“Not on you.” Nancy said.
The redhead for once couldn’t stop her tears around someone. “But he would have been alive if I cared more.”
“He tried cuz you cared.” Nancy said her tone sounding like her old self again briefly.
“Even in this state you know what to say don’t you.” Max faintly smiled.
“You got us now.” Nancy insisted trying to be here now when she also didn’t try with her before.
“I am not sure if I want Mike as a brother.” Max sniffled jokingly.
This got Nancy to laugh too. “He isn’t too annoying.” Looking towards the bedroom she added. “Bubba loves being your bubba.”
“Yeah thats true Steve is annoyingly good at it too but I wouldn’t mind having you as a sister though. Eleven is a great friend but we are way to different to function as full time siblings. I think she fits in with the Byers clan more anyway.”
“Your sister?” Nancy asked looking shocked but liking the idea of being red head’s sibling. They could do all the things, Mike stopped doing with her because in his words she was too annoying.
“Yeah when this is over hopefully maybe I don’t know you drive us to the arcade and I beat you in all the games.” Max said as she wiped her tears.
“Maybe I win all.” Nancy smiled confidently.
“Oh oh a challenge I like this competitive side, I bet you don’t even go easy on Holly.”
“Holly who? Only got Mikey.” Nancy looked at her shaking her head.
“Holly your little sister.” Max slowly said.
“Right silly me forgot.” Nancy said suddenly remembering her little sibling, it just slipped her mind probably. But her saying that fact with such confidence had Max worried. The occasional loss of memory was very concerning probably but thats tomorrow’s problem now.
“Right it happens I forget Mike is your brother because how uncool he is. Lets find something to watch, or we just going to cry all night.” Max grabbed the tv guide to see whats on.
“No horror for you..eww romcom..hmm you like superman?” Max asked non committed.
Apparently it was the right choice as Nancy nodded her head excitedly. “Love him so so much.” she chanted the theme song along with it.
“Who knew Nancy Wheeler is a certified nerd.” Max teased ruffling her curls.
“You like them too.” Nancy whined.
“Well I like Wonder Woman, she is cooler.”
Before Nancy could argue back a growl interrupted her, realizing the sounds were coming from her rumbling stomach. Her mouth puckered into an o shape, her eyes looking frantically at Max. Nancy would usually go without food when it was an emergency period but she guessed her body is running on instincts more lately.
“Sorry hungry.” Nancy said shyly.
“Its okay Nance, I think we forgot to feed you during the chaos. I got Chef Boyardee wanna go crazy with them?” Max asked trying to get her excited about it, assuming the girl that had homemade food all her life find it disgusting.
“Sounds yummy.” Nancy said to her surprise, getting ready to follow her into the kitchen.
“Nance stay, the kitchen is too small and I don’t want to trip over you. Just observe me and watch whats on for now.” Max said putting her hands on her hips to look serious. Nancy pouted a bit but eventually relented turning around to continue watching the commercials while sucking on her thumb again.
“I am turning into Steve.” Max shuddering realizing she has been acting like him. After sometime it took to heat up the canned pasta, she gathered snacks around the kitchen for the movie. As she turned around she came face to face with Lucas, scaring the living daylights out of her.
“AaaAaaaAAA Lucas stop doing that.” Max whisper yelled hitting his arm reflexively.
Lucas held his hurt arm, holding in a yelp to not wake up anyone. “Heard noises so I got worried.”
“Well I am fine, Nance was up and is hungry so I prepared a late dinner.” Max said showing the tray of food.
“We did forget to feed her didn’t we.” Lucas winced realizing that.
“Yeah wanna join us, we found a showing of Superman on a channel.” Max offered as a little peace offering after the little tussle they had today.
Lucas smiled giddily at her offer but tried to still play it cool. “Oh thats Mike’s favorite movie, not really my jam.”
“Lucas join?” Nancy’s head popped up from the sofa calling out to him.
“Try saying no to her.” Max teased as she walked towards the sofa.
He was very tired but Nancy’s blue eyes were looking at him with so much happiness, he couldn’t say no. “Sure Nance, make room for me.”
As he made himself comfortable, he couldn’t help but question the bowls of chips and popcorn. “Should she be eating all this junk?”
“Okay you guys do know her metabolism is of a teenager right. I am pretty sure it can handle one night of it, and I got an orange too see healthy.”
“Its vitamin C.” Nancy supplied.
“Fine give me that one, I will peel it now.” Lucas grabbed it the fruit.
Max put the tray in between herself and Nancy who took the spoon clumsily but even Max could see it was going to be a disaster if she didn’t intervene.
“Will it be easier if I feed you?” Max asked incase she wanted to try herself. Nancy whined a bit to herself but ultimately shoved the spoon into Max’s hand.
Max scooped some of the pasta, and blew on it before extending it towards Nancy. “Come on Nance open wide for the pasta train.”
“Hmm yummy.” Nancy smacked her lips once she swallowed it.
“Max never cooked for me you know, you getting the best treatment.” Lucas teased Max as she continued feeding Nancy.
“This pasta is really hot and I am a decent shot so don’t push it Sinclair.” Max retaliated as she pushed the spilled food back into Nancy’s mouth. After Lucas stopped making fun of her, Max finished feeding her the rest of the bowl.
“Movie night!” Nancy exclaimed quietly flapping her hands as the movie started.
“What you haven’t had one in a while?” Lucas asked amused at her excitement.
Nancy shrugged trying to remember when she watched anything with anyone this year. “Not really.”
Lucas’s smile dropped realizing the implication of them not inviting her to any of the movie nights they been having at her house. “After this we should have more then.”
“Okay.” Nancy piped up happily her full concentration being on the movie.
Lucas had to make sure Nancy didn’t create too much of a mess with the chips with her concentration being less on aiming for mouth then watching the tv.
“Lucas stop.” Nancy whined as Lucas dusted off the crumbs on her shirt.
“Nance come on you complain when we make a mess all the time in your car. Just use the bowl while you eating .”
“Fine.” Nancy relented taking the bowl from his hand.
Max couldn’t help but focus on Nancy and Lucas through out the runtime. Lucas would have this goofy smile every Superman did something heroic and Nancy would squeal whenever Lois Lane appeared. They each tried to hide their tears when Lois seemingly died, and held each others hand when Superman saved her.
“You enjoyed your movie night?” Lucas asked brushing Nancy’s curl once the movie ended.
“Loved it!” Nancy smiled widely.
“Who was your favorite character Nance?” Max asked sarcastically knowing the obvious answer.
“Lois Lane wanna be her.” Nancy jumped on the couch.
“Of course you want to be the no nonsense reporter, one of us has to take up photography to follow you around make sure you don’t get into trouble.” Lucas suggested.
“If Dustin ever breaks up with Suzie, he would do it in a heartbeat.” Max said as she collected the dishes.
“Still got that crush for sure.” Lucas agreed.
The trio heard commotion coming from Max’s bedroom with equal parts yelling and a high pitched scream.
“I think Steve finally realized you were gone Nance.” Max pointed out.
“I am surprised he let you out of the bed this long.” Lucas snickered.
“Left body double.” Nancy giggled thinking about Eddie.
Both kids laughed imagining Steve cuddling Eddie like a huge teddy bear.
“Nance, Nance are you here!?” Steve barged in looking frantic, letting out a huge sigh of relief once he spotted them. “Thank god honey, you gave me a huge fright.” he ran to scoop her into his arms.
Nancy looked at him with fondness in her eyes, as she tightly hold on to him. “Couldn’t sleep Bubba.”
“You could have woken me up, instead of your little escape plan. Poor Eddie got kneed by Robin.” Lucas audibly winced realizing what that girly scream was.
“You needed sleep.” Nancy pouted. “Can’t I stay with Maxie?”
“Nance honey, no you are not staying away from us tonight. Lets us go back to bed, you going to be grumpy in the morning if you don’t sleep now.” Steve firmly stated, he was not letting her out of his sight.
“I want space.” Nancy stubbornly insisted.
“How about you hang on to my back rather than you being in the middle.” Steve suggested a compromise.
Nancy stuck out her tongue thinking on it a bit, at least they wouldn’t overheat her. “Deal! More TV now?” she tried her luck again.
Steve breathed out slowly trying to just not make his way to the bedroom. “No honey please lets go.”
Nancy pouted but didn’t want to make Steve sad by not going back to bed. “Awww okay goodnight Maxie, Lucas.” she waved as Steve made his way back.
Max waved back, leaning towards Lucas she whispered. “You think he is gonna tie her to his chest.”
“Probably he is going to grow a pouch to hide her in forever.” Lucas snickered.
“Come on Lucas lets find another movie to watch.” Max turned back rewinding her tape again.
“Okay just nothing too scary.” Lucas exclaimed still looking at the direction Steve and Nancy left too. He knows tomorrow morning everything was going to again go back to being life and death but at least for final night they got to spent it together in peace.
