see this is why taang works: because they can actually fight without toph worrying about aang crying or abandoning her. they’re equals in a lot of ways and toph can push him to be his strongest self (as we later see in bitter work) and express her anger instead of bottling it up and taking it out on herself or somebody else.
plus their flaws are complementary instead of deeply harmful to the other person. toph is violent and insensitive, and aang is conflict-avoidant and flighty, but they can temper the other person, and so temper their flaws.
in contrast, katara has deep-seated abandonment issues and aang has a chronic running away problem, one that he still has in sozin’s comet. katara is deeply independent but aang has transferred his love for his people onto her and so idolizes her, projects his values onto her, and constantly tries to keep her from asserting herself in any way that can be considered aggressive. he needs to mature, but katara never calls him out and always coddles him and idolizes him because he’s her hope, he’s the avatar. she doesn’t see him as just aang – he is very much a symbol to her, sometimes to the point of blindness to his other traits.
this should have changed, but it never did. aang’s character should have developed, but he’s never truly challenged, because his way is always upheld as the only right way. katara should have learned that she is allowed to fight with him, because that’s what healthy couples do. she should have realized that she was not his mother, and aang should have realized that she was not his, but her own person with her own faults.
this is where the letting go of attachment thing should have gone, but noooo, a random rock solved everything and katara is his mom/gf without ANY insight into her feelings and how they developed or changed. christ, bryke.
Since I´ve been obsessed with peaky blinders lately, this is something I wrote based on some of Lana Del Rey´s songs about Tommy Shelby.
There are no warnings except sadness.
My baby lives in shades of blue. Blue eyes and jazz and attitude.
And I know I can`t fix him, I know I can´t make him better. And I know he only liked me because I was red and his hands were used to it.
But I thought that I knew better than to fall for him, except that there was nothing that could prepare me for when he looked at me. I realized that not even everyone's warnings could keep us apart.
They told me I didn´t know what I was getting myself into, that I was playing with the devil.
But how he could be the devil if his touch felt like heaven?
So I decided that they could never understand us.
They couldn't see how his eyes lighted every time he saw me and how just one look from him had the power to make me crumble to my knees. They couldn't feel how his rough hands could be so gentle and touch me in the softest way.
I knew that loving him wasn't enough and that getting into his heart was impossible, but there wasn't a single soul on this earth that could make me love him any less. He made me feel like his whole world. And I wish, oh, how I wish I could know how to make him realize that life is beautiful.
There is a before him, but it could never be an after because every time he pulls me into his arms and looks me in the eyes I can see myself sinking more and more. And I question myself, what can I do besides loving him?
prompt: (requested) she's Queen Bee and everyone knows not to fuck with her unless they wanted a bruised ego - or bruised cheekbone when Billy finds out.
pairing: Billy Hargrove x female!reader
show: stranger things
note: not the greatest but it's here!
word count: 3.6k [shorty! shorty! shorty!]
warnings: cursing, dickhead behavior, talk of deceased family member, insinuation to uneasy home life, um, Jason Carver (nuff said), underaged drinking, violence.
Billy Hargrove was afraid of very few things. His abrasive nature allows him to take everything in stride before allowing his instinct to take over, typically with his fists.
He didn't like wasps - but he wasn't afraid of them.
He wasn't a fan of snakes - but he dealt with it.
He refused to fly to Indiana and wanted to drive - but he wasn't scared of airplanes. Just... Didn't trust that man should be in the air. He figured if God wanted him to fly, He would've given him wings.
What did scare him (besides his father, Neil) was his girlfriend when she was angry. Not in a way that insinuates toxic behavior, but in the way where he absolutely did all he could to never be on her bad side because her bark and bite were equally bad. When she was angry, Billy was shying away from her with his hands held in defense, doing what he could to defuse the situation - and when her anger was directed at him, it hit him dead center in the chest.
What scared him even more was witnessing his woman upset. One of the first things he admired about her was her "no bullshit" attitude, and her ability to shoot down any kind of confrontation without so much as a wobble to her tone. It took a lot to chip at her, and Billy was the one to hold her and wipe her frustrated tears on those nights’ life becomes overwhelming.
She hid behind a mask of anger, similar to him; and she did it out of defense. In her younger days, her mother became deathly ill, leaving his girl to the hands of her absent father, and apparently it made her the subject of harsh bullying which resulted in her reinventing herself come high school.
When Billy rolled into town, he was the only one to melt her icy exterior, tear down her walls brick by brick, and allow her soul to open to him. He took it to heart because he saw so many similarities between them; empathy a feeling he was unaccustomed to, and yet, he felt flooding his mind and heart. She needed him, and he needed her; two lost souls just looking for something real to hold onto.
Billy hated Hawkins, until he met her. The real her - not the Mean Girl persona she used to deflect actual emotion.
She was stubborn and rude and abrasive and barely let him get a word in when he tried to approach her. She was icy, she was harsh, she was something akin to a storm - making her unpredictable and wild. He pursued her for months before she finally let him get a full conversation between them, and then, it was a slow-going process to ask her out.
But Billy was willing to take any speed - even if it was a baby step. She was apprehensive and it made her defensive; often sneering words she possibly didn't mean and pushing people away. Her "friends" were very similar to Billy's, where they were closer to leeches and just fed off their popularity because they were more afraid of them than anything.
She shut him out when things got bad, but Billy was always there with a sledgehammer to bully her defenses down. He was willing to sit there with a chisel, if that's what it took, because Billy was fucking enraptured with his woman. Under that icy exterior was an incredible woman who was intelligent, funny, caring, and who had a whole fucking life plan - starting the day they graduated.
After Billy confessed his love, her plan started to alter; flexible to accommodate his presence in her life now. It made him feel supported and loved, like there was something to look forward to past this shitty town that he only came to tolerate because of her.
Not to mention his woman got along almost too well with Max. Both had similar humor and would often poke fun at each other before Billy was basically begging his sister to leave him time alone with his lady. It was calm when it was just them, being part of the reason he hated upsetting her. It took a lot to really set her off but when it happens, Billy's wishing he could take cover.
It's part of the reason he does what he can to not tip that scale, leading to a dramatic change in his communication. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't happen - and only a handful of times has it been at school.
Billy's never felt embarrassment until he's eyeing his girlfriend at her locker and letting slip, "You know, your skirt's real short. If you wanted my attention, doll, just had to say that."
She throws him a glare, "What was that?"
"Your skirt's too short, sweetheart," he'll gulp a little. "Showin' everyone your skin - c'mon now." He can't help but scoff a little because truth was, he was feeling defensive and jealous. He loved your fashion, but you liked pushing boundaries, and some days more skin was shown; making him feel like everyone can see what's only meant for him.
The locker slams, "You wanna try that again?"
He shifts on his feet and sighs, "I can take you home really quick - "
"Let me make this 110% clear to you," she snips, a few peers in the hallways pausing their steps to watch, "the way I dress has nothing to do with you, and you get no fucking unsolicited opinion on whatever I put on my body. Or how I choose to show it. If you have a problem with that, maybe you need to go date some other bitch - maybe one that's a prude. Hmm?"
"Baby, I only meant - "
"I know what you meant," she snaps. "And I appreciate whatever sentiment was behind it. However, my skirt still meets the tips of my fingers, so, by all means, it's not too short."
Truth was, she was already having a hard day and after 4th period, she was feeling more insecure in her outfit and body. Yeah, she pushed envelopes and liked to use fashion as expression, but that didn't mean she was always feeling 100% confident, all the time. She was tired that day, and Billy's comment sent her careening over the edge of annoyance.
It wasn't even that bad of a comment, but she still wasn't in the mood.
After the last word, she'll roll her neck out and sigh. "I'm sorry," she mutters, aware of the eyes still on them. "Just been a long day."
"It's okay, baby," he nods, "I'm sorry, too," he's still nervous as she nods in return.
"Walk me to class?"
"Course," he takes her books in his hands and she turns to head off down the hall.
The kids crowding the hallway, interested to watch their Queen Bee and King of Hawkins fight, parted with disappointment to let the two stride between them. Billy kept a step behind her until swallowing his nerves and letting his hand slide into hers, sighing in relief when her arm wraps around his waist. His arm will then sling around her neck, and he won't mention the length of her skirt again.
Together, they ruled the school during their senior year. Billy was an all-star basketball player, and you the head cheerleader; perfectly filling stereotypes that left other students apprehensive to cross either of you. Again - this doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
Maybe you and Billy are at a party that weekend, and the drinks are flowing steadily. You're not necessarily in a bad mood but you're tired, and after watching your classmates make fools of themselves, you were annoyed being at Benny's [abandoned] Diner. Billy was content hanging with a few of his basketball teammates while you leaned on a wall, content to people watch until Billy was ready to go - when Jason Carver saddles up beside you.
You look him up and down, "You lost, boy?"
He sighed with his back flat to the wall, left leg bent to keep his foot up. "Nope, right where I wanna be," Carver spoke smoothly, taking a drink from his solo cup. "You looked like you could use some company."
Your eyes rolled, "Not from the likes of you."
"C'mon, why the long face? It's a party, you should lighten up." There came a beat as you were resigned to ignoring him, sipping your drink, when he spoke again, "Swear since your Mom died, you've just turned into a stuck up bitch who thinks she's too good for this town." You choked lightly on your drink and snapped your head over, but Jason kept going, "Seriously, this whole bullshit attitude you've got is getting old - and I don't think your Mom would be very proud of this," he gestured at your body.
Your throat dried because it'd been years - like literal years - since anyone had ever dared mention your Mother to you. "You better shut your fucking mouth, Carver," You grit between clenched teeth, cup slightly shaking in your hand as tears collected unconsciously. "I'm not kidding - "
"Why? You afraid to confront the truth?" he taunted - and you briefly wondered if he was doing this because you shot him down time and again since high school started... And not every rejection was nice or private, which could've resulted in this stomach-churning revenge ploy. "Your Mom died, and you became a total bitch. You're miserable to be around and, look, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but there's not an ounce of respect you deserve. Yeah, your Mommy died - but seriously? Grow up," he sneered, your chest tight and panic swelling to a new height. "You're not the only person to have hardships, but you don't see them fucking terrorizing others."
"The fuck are you - terrorizing?" You spat. "I don't interact with any of you shit-for-brains dickheads, so, pray tell how I'm terrorizing people? I mind my business, it's you stupid motherfuckers that wanna instigate me and force this bad side - and talking about my Mother is a surefire way to get there!"
Jason chuckled dryly, "Whatever you gotta tell yourself, princess, but just know - this is a tired and played out show. Nobody's been willing to confront you, but I'm glad to do it. You need to be knocked down several pegs."
"Are you really so butt-hurt I didn't want to date you that you're resorting to dirty wordplay by bringing up my dead Mama?" You snapped.
He chuckled when tears overflowed, "I see I did what was necessary. You're too big for your britches, time to grow up and make room."
Jason pushed off the wall and easily strode away after a solid 6 seconds of stunned silence from you. Your heart was broken once again in your chest, making you slam your drink to a counter and instantly search for Billy. Your world was closing around you and panic made your blood sing, legs wobbling some as your tearful eyes desperately tried to find your boyfriend.
Your name was called softly, head snapping over to look at Chrissy Cunningham - who offered you a concerned look. "I-I saw Jason talking to you and knew it couldn't be good... He's got a real thorn in his side from you, and I knew him drinking might make him abrasive."
"Yeah, you could say that," you sniffled, wiping your cheeks while still looking for Billy.
"I-I'm sorry for whatever he said, it's obviously upset you," she frowned, fingers twisting together in front of her nervously.
"Look, I appreciate that, but I'm trying to find Billy. Please, Chrissy, can you just - can you please just help me find him?"
Once upon a time, you and Christina Cunningham used to be best friends, but once middle school hit and devastation wrecked your world, you shut her out, too.
You've barely spoken to one another in the years since but only had to due to the fact you're both on the cheer team. And now, your old friend was nodding rapidly in agreement and offering her arm, clasping her hand over yours when you accepted. Chrissy kept you close as you both strained to look around partygoers before she was patting your hand and then pointing, "There!"
Billy was seen against a back wall, laughing with a few guys around him, each with a beer in their hands. "Thanks, Chrissy," you breathed.
"Are you okay?"
"I just need to talk to Billy," you nodded, tears surfacing again as Jason's hateful words echoed in your mind.
"W-What'd he say to you?" she worried, preventing you from untangling your arms.
"He, um... He brought up my Mom..."
"Oh, hell no," Chrissy - a sweet girl who never cursed - swore under her breath before stomping towards Billy and toting you behind her.
He caught sight of the petite strawberry blonde before you, brows furrowed in confusion as he lifted a cigarette to his lips. When his eyes lifted to yours, he perked up slightly and opened his arm for you before confusion morphed his expression.
"The hell's going on?" he demanded, looking between you two cheerleaders while tugging you into his side. "Hmm?" He directed at you, keeping his cigarette balanced to pinch your jaw and tilt your head up. "You crying? What's going on, doll?" Your head shook slightly, glancing at the other guys around. Billy understood instantly and lifted his heated gaze to them, "Beat it."
When the guys scurried away, Chrissy was telling Billy, "Jason confronted her and said shit about her Mom."
"Carver did what?" Billy breathed, looking down at you. Your quivering lip was indication enough but when your head nodded, oh, Billy saw fucking red. "All right, hey," he nodded at you, "I'm gonna be right back, but why don't you go get in my car, hmm?"
He paused to fish his car keys from his jean pocket and handed them over. "No," you whispered, "wait, where are you going?"
"I'm handling Carver," he nodded. "I know you better than anyone, and I know you didn't just stand there and let him say shit. So, no more words, we're using fists now."
"Baby, don't - "
"Nobody gets to talk to you, especially about your Mother, do you hear me? Fucking nobody, baby, and if they ever assume to, I'm here to knock them the fuck out. Okay? So, you go sit in my car - uh, Chrissy, it's Chrissy, right?" My friend nodded. "You need a ride?"
"Sure," Chrissy accepted.
"Cool, so," he looked back at you, "you go with your friend and wait in the car, and I'll be there after I deal with Carver."
"Who's gonna stop you from killing him?"
"Who could stop me?"
"Don't make me visit you in jail, please," you whined.
"All right," he sighed, "only for that reason. Get to the car."
Billy leaned down to kiss you gently, a complete contradiction to the anger coursing through his veins. But he knew you were upset enough and just wanted you to feel loved and supported - so, he kissed you gently and tried to convey how sorry he was. Sorry you had to deal with this. Sorry you were alone when this happened. Sorry someone felt the audacity to say anything about your passed, beloved mother.
Billy pulled back and smiled lightly, nodding at Chrissy before pushing past you both to bully his way through the thick crowd of teenagers. However, you and Chrissy didn't head for the car; no, you just turned to follow him with your hands clasped together.
Billy found Jason as if he had a fucking GPS on the boy. When his eyes found blonde hair and letterman jacket, Billy was yelling, "CARVER!"
Instantly, people flinched away and parted a pathway for Billy to charge right up to Jason; shoulders squared, and chest puffed out. You and Chris came to a sneaker-squeaking halt when Billy was within range, and instantly swung on Jason, hitting him square in the cheekbone and sending the younger boy to the floor. The crowd oooh-ed in shock and reeled back - even Jason's cronies shying a step or four backwards. Billy fell to his knees over Jason's body, much like he'd done to Steve Harrington months ago; fists of fury unleashed without restrain.
His arms flexed under sweat-riddled skin, religious pendant around his neck swinging against his bare chest, curls jostling from his fast and fierce movements; teeth bared and snarling at every impact fist made to face.
"Think it's okay to talk about someone's parents like that?" Billy growled, pounding into Jason's face. "Huh? You think that shit's cool? Talkin' shit about the dead?"
"Billy!"
"Holy shit!"
"DUDE!"
"He's gonna kill him!"
"Shit," you hissed and moved behind Billy, grabbing his arm when it cocked back. "Baby! Baby, no, no, no, no, stop. Okay? You made your point," you panted, trying to keep hold on the muscly boy. But Billy's fist got free one more time to crack Jason's nose before letting you pull him back.
"I ever hear you sayin' shit to my girl, again, Carver, will be the last time you got a functional jaw!" Billy seethed, Chrissy stepping up to help corral Billy back. "Hear me, Carver? Say shit to my girl again, you're dead! Lemme hear you say shit about her Mom! I'll fucking kill you!"
"Billy," you worried, shoving his stomach a few times, and getting him to move. "Jesus, you could've killed him."
"Still thinkin' about it," he growled, glaring at anyone who dared look at us as Chrissy had to jog a few steps to keep up.
It was harder than necessary to get Billy outside after he wanted to go back and really fuck Jason's face up. He did more than substantial damage and you would honestly be surprised if he didn't end up in the hospital, knowing Billy's anger fueled nothing but toned, lean muscle. However, when Billy was finally outside, he was plucking his keys from your hands and opening the passenger door.
While Chrissy crawled in the back, you were examining his bloodied knuckles. "Baby," you whispered.
"Hey," he picked your chin up instantly, "I'd do anything for you, okay? And I know you're strong, but sometimes you don't have to be. You come to me; you hear me? You come to me for anything. Okay?"
You nodded, "Okay."
"Good," he whispered, letting his thumb drag up and down the skin of my cheek. "I love you, baby, and I'm so sorry you had to deal with that shit."
Tears swelled in your eyes as you whispered, "I know I'm a bitch, but I swear it was unprovoked. I didn't even see him until he was next to me."
He nodded, "I figured as much. As long as I've known you, you're not the first to throw a punch, but you're the last. And when you can't, my pretty girl, I will - I'll throw as many punches as it takes."
"Takes for what?"
"To let everyone know that you're not to be fucked with," he purred, leaning in to peck my lips with a smirk.
"My hero," you whispered, pecking his lips again.
Billy got you in the car before loading himself in and asking Chrissy where to go. She shrugged and admitted she was supposed to stay the night at Tina's, so, Billy made an executive decision. He brought you guys to a corner store and watched as you and Chrissy got whatever snacks you wanted to aid with your alcohol-fueled cravings. Then, he took you all to your house because your Father was at his brother's house for the long weekend.
It spurred you and Chrissy into a giggling mess as you made up the living room for maximum cozy comfort. In front of the L-shaped couch, you piled all blankets and pillows you could find from around the house on the floor. Billy grabbed a 6-pack from the basement fridge (your Father's "beer fridge"), and found you girls in pajamas, a sappy movie on the living room TV, and the snacks all around you.
It was easy for Billy to drop beside you, leaning on a mountain of pillows so you could lean back into his warmth but still laugh and joke with Chrissy. He liked watching you relax, and the presence of your old friend really helped you come out of your defensive shell. His hand had been cleaned and lightly bandaged, your fingers fiddling with his as you kept his hand to your lap - smiling to himself as he listened to you two giggle away.
When Chrissy crashed, you were stretched out against Billy with the end of a movie casting a glow over you both. One of his arms was bent behind his head and the other curled around your waist to keep you close; fingers dragging lazily over your tee-shirt covered ribs.
"Thank you," you whispered, one leg dragging up to hook over his hips.
"For what, baby?"
"Defending me... Protecting me."
Billy smirked down at you, "I'd do anything for you, sweetheart. And nobody's allowed to make my girl cry - not even me."
You couldn't help but giggle under your breath, stretching your neck to let your lips press to the corner of his. You pecked once, twice, three times before his head turned to let you kiss him fully. He hummed lightly, lips turning up against yours; tightening the arm around you as the other drew to hold your cheek. "I love you," you whispered against his lips.
He hummed, pecking your lips again before tucking you into his neck, "Love you more, pretty girl."
