you acknowledge all of me,
see the light and the dark.
others pick and choose what they
want or need from me,
a roll of the dice-
one shot to see if i’m enough.
but not you.
you continue to roll, to change-
you want to, you see all my sides...
you’re not intimidated by
my personal disdyakis triacontahedron
you said you’d be different
before you broke my trust.
you learned about my past
and swore to treat me better.
but i’m so exhausted, sick
of asking those to stay.
so with my heart bleeding
on the bathroom floor,
i refuse to ask you to love me.
you said you’d be different
but you’re proven to be the same.
we fit together in ways i don’t think other people have
magnetic, we were drawn to one another like the tide returns to the shore.
being with you was easy.
like our pieces interlocking in the most satisfying click.
everyone in the room would sigh while watching us gaze upon each other.
it was palpable. it was hopeful.
we fit together in ways i don’t think other people have.
the world was against us and yet we still find a way to remain united.
perhaps not in the way we both imagined. but even the most beautiful of puzzles sometimes lose their pieces along the way. it’s complicated.
it’s frustrating how unfinished our picture became.
despite throwing in the towel when it came to searching for what was lost in us, there is no denying we were made to fit together.
God, i would still frame our picture even with all of its imperfections.
wakes up my heart. like calling for Alexa, my entire being awakens-
my heart comes to attention for you.
i am addicted to the way you roll your eyes with a ghost of a smile as i tell a dad-joke and you whisper my name in amused exasperation.
the way you say my name is sacred,
like a secret you hold close for fear of someone overhearing.
when you call out to me, it vibrates between us and explodes into stars behind my eyes. you know who i am behind that name, behind that scramble of letters.
to you, that name has meaning and you call my name
like i opened your eyes.
the way you say my name ignites everything inside of me.
i can only hope when i call to you, you feel the same.
Summary: {Request @incorrect-artist} “I was wondering if you could do (maybe a series) about the reader moving to a new town and almost getting mugged but newt saves her and becomes her bodyguard but falls for her or something like that.”
Pairing: TMR Newt x Fem!Reader
Warnings/Rated: Nothing but fluff
Word Count: 2.8k
( Reader ) P.O.V.
“No.”
“Yes-”
“No!” I laugh as Thomas gives me a pitiful look. Finally giving in, I hand over the last slice of pizza with a roll of my eyes. He looks as if I’ve handed him the world on a silver platter.
Newt walks in from the kitchen, glancing between us with a smirk playing on his lips. “I told you she likes me!” Thomas says with cheek before chomping a crescent into his slice.
“She’s inclined to be nice to you, Tommy. I wouldn’t get too excited- Y/n is awfully cunning.” He teases me with a playful wink and I wrinkle my nose in faux disgust.
Thomas shrugs and continues to eat. It’s been almost two weeks since our “dinner date”. Newt and I have gotten a lot closer- as well as me and Thomas. It’s been refreshing to have the chance to redeem myself from my first encounter with Thomas. He was completely understanding. But I didn’t start feeling better until we started hanging out.
Newt sits beside us and he’s smiling at me- a real smile. I admire the way his lips pull up to reveal his teeth. The freckles on his nose run into each other as they fight to accommodate for the bright expression. It swells my chest and brings an involuntary heat to my skin.
He reaches over to scoop my hand into his. This is new. All of it but especially the affection. I told Newt this and he let me set the pace of whatever’s between us. Even so, the action itself is comforting and I tighten my fingers in a light squeeze to acknowledge it.
I look over to Thomas and he’s watching us with a smirk on his face, some pizza sauce having left a residue on his lips. “What?” I ask, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear with my other hand.
He shakes his head, “Nothing. Don’t mind me.” The wink is an obvious sign of his teasing and a shiver runs through me. My eyes roll in his direction but I continue to lean into Newt. I know that Thomas doesn’t mind, so why bother hiding?
Thomas stands abruptly, excusing himself as he waltzes away. My eyes travel back to Newt. He lifts our intertwined hands, giving it a pointed look before asking, “Is this alright?” I smile softly and offer a reassuring nod.
His thumb skims back and forth over my knuckles and I stare, transfixed, at the motion. These knuckles- the very same that were once bruised and bloodied. I continue to think about the timeline of events as we sit there in peaceful quiet.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?”
I snort, “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Very much,” He counters, relaxing into the cushions. “I want to know everything about you.”
When I look up, I study the sincerity in his beautiful eyes. My gaze trickles over to his blonde lashes. I admire the way they flutter ever-so gently against his cheeks as he looks at me doe-eyed. “So much has changed since I met you that night in the city.”
He continues to give his comforting touch but he’s focused on my mouth- the words falling from my lips. “When I came to Glade, I was looking for a way out. A way to be something greater than I was back home. It was terrifying to think that I would never amount to some remarkable thing.
“Then I was bobbing my way through this new life and I was struggling to keep afloat. I didn’t want anyone to know how terrified I was. And then you showed up.” I smile as I remember the relief I felt at the sight of him and how I continue to feel that when I see him. “I didn’t know it then, but somehow you felt important. I didn’t realize how much you’d come to mean to me. And It's like whenever I am getting tossed about, you’re there. You’re my pick me up.”
Newt’s quiet as he digests everything I said, as if committing this moment to memory. I watch his face change and he leans into me a fraction more. I lick my lips, my heart beating against my chest. He stops halfway to me, then whispers, “Can I kiss you?”
I breathe, “Yes.”
His lips brush against mine, our breaths intermingling.
He tests the waters, pulling the soft warmth away just as fast they were there. He watches me, making sure I am okay. I lean into him this time, pressing my skin against his. And in that instant, I couldn't imagine anything more remarkable than this feeling. It's thrumming through my veins and I relish the soft grip of his hand against my cheek.
When I pull back, he doesn’t argue. He watches me with half-lidded eyes and I rake my fingers through his fringe. It’s so soft and golden between my fingers and I admire how he looks breathless.
We watch each other for a moment. Right now, this moment, everything feels right. It's as if these scattered pieces have momentarily fallen into place. Newt opens his mouth, a curve to his lips, “You were completely unexpected. Something I never could have seen coming.”
He chuckles at the thought, “You were quite literally a smack to the face. But I want you to know that you aren’t alone. I felt, to use your metaphor, like I was floating but in stagnant water. Stuck, almost. And now....” He brings my hand up to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss there, “you’ve caused a ripple.”
Newt’s words strike a chord inside me and my chest tightens. I notice a sting of wetness behind my eyes and I want to tell him how much this, how much he means to me.
But the moment is shattered by Thomas clutching his chest dramatically. “I never knew you were so poetic, man.”
As much as I love the warm cocoon that we had built on the couch, I howl in laughter. Newt starts throwing random objects at Thomas but he just chuckles. “You dumb shank!” Newt hollers right after he runs out of items within reaching proximity.
Even though Newt seems irritated, his eyes gleam with laughter. Thomas holds his aching side as he calms his breathing down. A few giggles bubble forth from my throat despite my best efforts. Newt watches me with a grin and the softest expression washes over the rest of his features.
“As much as I love this, I have to get going before my boss calls wondering where I am.” I announce, peeling myself reluctantly from the couch. My hands run over Thomas’s dark hair, dislodging the strands in a tangle of messes as a goodbye. I sneak another soft, chaste kiss on Newt’s lips on the way out.
“What? No kiss for moi?” Thomas teases. Newt whacks him on the back of the head before tacking on an ‘I’ll call you later’ at the end. Looking at them one more time before leaving, I find my heart swelling at the sight of these two. Who knew they would be so important to my life.
****
There’s a knock on my front door and I make haste to open it up for Newt. Movie night is at my place this time because we wanted more privacy. The commentary from Tommy will not be missed tonight.
Newt, despite us hanging out more and more, looks nervous and shy as he stands at the threshold. His hair is disheveled and his worn, brown leather jacket is baggy on his lanky figure.
I make a casual gesture, ushering him inside with a coy smile. There’s a slight fluttering inside my stomach. Newt has only been inside my home twice, surprisingly. It feels intimate.
His gaze sweeps across the space, taking it in with brand new eyes. To calm myself, I step back into the kitchen to prepare snacks for our date. My ears are filled with the distracting sound of crumpling chip bags and popping kernels. I jump when Newt winds his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder.
“Okay?”
“Mhm,” I nod, relaxing a bit into his touch.
He exhales and I can hear the smile, “You’re a bit jumpy. Anything I can do to help, love?” His breath tickles my skin, causing me to erupt into a plethora of goosebumps.
“Not really,” There’s a slight catch in my voice that I’m quick to correct, “Make yourself at home.” I grasp his wrist at my waist and give it a light squeeze for emphasis. Newt responds with a chaste kiss to the back of my head before releasing me from his warmth.
With his touch no longer lingering, I take a few calming breaths. It’s odd how flustered I get around Newt. He uncovers all these varying reactions from me that I am not accustomed to. It both invigorates and baffles me.
As I’m bringing an overflowing arm-full of snacks back to the couch, I find Newt standing and staring at my wall. I dump the food onto the coffee table before calling his name softly.
His eyebrows are furrowed and he’s wearing his signature frown, “Why are all your frames empty?” Newt’s looking at me now, something curiously sad swimming in his eyes.
But he’s right.
There isn’t a single frame hung up on my wall that is occupied by a photo or a memory. They’re all bare. A colorful array of empty borders nailed upon my wall. “I just,” I walk toward him while clearing my throat, “I don’t have any memories worth hanging up- yet.”
I release an uneasy smile. Newt looks perplexed. “We’re going to make memories. I promise. You will fill these frames and have an abundance of overflow, too. You’re going to live and it’s going to be beautiful.”
The way Newt says it, as if it’s written in the stars... He gives me strength to believe in my own capabilities. He gives me courage and it means the world to me. My body moves on it’s own accord and I crash myself against his in an embrace.
I hold him to me, feeling flesh and warmth exude life beneath my fingertips. It’s somehow enough on it’s own. There’s no room for empty promises in his beating heart and I badly want it to be true. “I hope so.”
****
Brenda clutches her side as she rolls on the floor. My laugh bellows, overpowering the joining laughter. Minho and Thomas decided that it was their turn to cook for our little friend group and, not so surprisingly, burned the simplest of dishes.
Brenda holds up what was supposed to be grilled chicken but it more resembles a chunk of coal. Minho had tried to make a side salad for us but bought cabbage instead of lettuce. The poor guys tried their best before settling on just ordering takeout.
“Wait! Hold on,” I call as I wipe a tear from my eye. “Can I take a picture of you guys with your meal?” Thankfully they’re good sports and even pose with their uneatable food.
Thomas takes a very loud crunch out of his chicken and winces. “You know, once you get past the charcoal, you can really taste the Hawaiian seasoning.” This causes Brenda and Teresa to throw themselves into another fit of laughter.
I throw a look at Newt and he’s laughing just as loudly. I love seeing him so relaxed and full of joy. It’s the purest form of my boyfriend. He catches me staring and winks at me. My face flushes and I have to look away to quell the continual butterflies he gives me.
****
It’s a snowy day in Glade and we’re all acting like children. Teresa is building a snowman as Thomas, Minho and Newt are in an all-out snowball war. Brenda and I settle for laying in the fluffy snow, making snow angles as we fight against the cold seeping in.
“There was never snow this pure back home,” I comment.
Brenda hums, “You seem so different here. In a good way- don’t worry. Back then, you just seemed so unsure of yourself. We all were trying to figure out what to do with ourselves but it was as if you didn’t know who ‘yourself’ was.”
I turn my head towards her, listening. “Back home, everything seemed so polluted. You were so uncomfortable. But now- I’ve never seen you so happy. You’re as pure as the snow.”
Laughing, I roll over to hug her. “Thank you. I really couldn’t be where I am today without you, Brenda.” We sit up together, smiling.
That’s when a snowball hits the side of my neck, scattering in chunks all over the two of us. I search the location and find my boyfriend looking innocent. Too innocent. “Oh, you’ve started it now!”
His face breaks out into mischievous excitement and I holler for Teresa to join our team. Three versus three. We each claim an opponent as we zero in on them. Newt’s mine.
I chase him down in a glorious hail of snow and ice. He’s being pelted with no delay. I see him scuffle to his feet as I’m readying my next blow but he tackles me to the ground. I groan in between my laughter, his warm breath fanning my face.
“You’re a bit of a maniac, you know that?” He says breathlessly. The reddening of his cheeks and nose make his freckles stand out. There’s little droplets of snow layering his eyelashes and he looks beautiful.
I shrug the best I can underneath his weight. “Takes one to know one.”
He laughs, his eyes never leaving me. “You’re so beautiful, Y/n.” He leans down, capturing my lips between his. Suddenly my body is very warm against the cold. My chest tightens at this feeling coursing through me and when he pulls back, he puts that feeling into words.
“I love you.”
My heart is racing as I realize... “I love you, Newt.” We both grin likes fools as we shower each other in mutual love. His cold fingertips are biting against my nape as he holds me but I don’t mind.
We realize we’re still in the middle of the park with our friends in a frenzy of snowballs. He sits up and gathers snow in his palm before chucking it straight at an unknowing Minho. “What was that for, shank? Friendly fire!”
“I was converted!” Newt calls, looking down at me playfully. His lips peck mine again before pulling me up to run with him.
****
The fabric is itchy against my cheeks. I clutch tightly onto Newt’s hand and walk blindly into my own apartment. Yet I remain silent. Newt has me and if the past year has taught me anything, it’s that I trust him with my whole heart.
“Okay, are you ready?” I nod at him, excitement building up with amusement. He unfastens my blindfold to reveal his gift to me.
All the frames on my wall have been filled.
There’s pictures of us on dates. Pictures of Brenda and I at parties or hanging out at home. There’s one of the day Minho and Thomas burnt everything. Even one from the day Newt told me he loved me.
My eyes scan each one, swimming in my own memories as the pictures return them to me. Like when we went to the circus and Thomas was convinced he was destined to be a traveling carny. The picture is of him wearing a big, red nose that Pokey the clown let him borrow.
There’s tears in my eyes and laughter on my tongue. I turn and immediately run into Newt’s extended arms. “It’s amazing, Newt! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“I promised you that you’d live and make memories. Thank you for letting me be a part of that life.” He says into my hair.
Tears brim my eyes and I can’t help them from falling. “I love you so much, Newt. You guys are my life. My family.” And it’s true. In this past year I’ve been through so much with this group of people. It just so happens that they’re my chosen family. That means everything to me.
Newt pulls back to look at me. I watch him scan every feature on my face, looking- really looking. Having him see me this way, with all my internal walls scattered at my feet, fills me with a brand new understanding.
It’s not about where you’ve been or what you’ve gone through. It’s about who you choose to be and how you decide to live your life that matters. The things in which we can’t control is all debris. It’s about what you build with what’s left. The things you do have control over.
So as Newt watches me with soft eyes and a ghost of a smile lingering, I know that I will be okay. And when I wake up the next morning, tucked into Newt’s side on the couch, I know for certain that this is home.
****
Masterlist Here
A/N: Thank you for reading! I’m sorry it took so long to get this story out! Life is chaotic but I hope you guys continue to persevere! I have some cool stories in the making but they’ll be posted in my own time. Thank you for the patience and support! xx
Summary: Babysitting was Y/n’s part time job. To her surprise, the school’s prized heart-throb is basically a full time mom.
Pairing: Steve Harrington x Reader
Warnings/Rated: None
Word Count: 1,833
( Reader ) P.O.V.
Hawkins, Indiana. My newfound home.
I’ve been here for two months. Two glorious months of blending into the crowds and trying to not become the target of social ridicule. In that aspect, nothing has changed from my former hometown on the southern tip of the state. No matter where you go, peers are jerks.
I clamber into my house, hanging my backpack on the edge of the kitchen chair. “I’ve got you a job.” Mom says while stirring something sizzling on the stove.
My brow raises curiously. “A job? What kind of job?” I linger over to the fridge and open it to browse it’s empty shelves as a distraction. Finding work has been a source of stress for me, especially in a small town like Hawkins where everyone knows everyone.
Mom smiles reassuringly, setting the food to simmer. She walks over to me, closing the fridge so I will look at her. “It’s a babysitting job for the Wheeler’s. I know how much you like kids, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity! Holly is around four and their son, Mike, is thirteen.”
It’s true, I do love kids... However, thirteen is a difficult age between I-don’t-need-a-babysitter and I-will-set-the-house-on-fire-if-I’m-not-watched. That’s the only thing that gives me a millisecond of hesitation. I smile at my mom, her expression mirroring mine.
“When’s my first shift?”
****
So, Friday after school, I drive over to the Wheeler residence to meet with the parents before they went off to have a ‘date night’. Holly was your typical four year old, playing with her toys on the living room carpet. Mike, on the other hand, was less than thrilled at the thought of my company.
“Mom, I don’t need a babysitter! This is ridiculous!” He cries as Mrs. Wheeler slides in a pair of earrings. “Will, Dustin and Lucas are supposed to be coming over to finish our campaign!”
“And you can finish your game just fine while Y/n is here. Nancy is out with Jonathan and we need someone here to put Holly to bed. I’m sorry, Michael, but you’re just going to have to deal with it.” Mrs. Wheeler finishes as she slips her heel into a pair of pumps.
“Dad, you can’t be serious?” Mike asks incredulously. My presence, standing like a statue in the middle of their house, seemed uncomfortable. I wanted to vanish from the throws of this disagreement between parents and child.
Mr. Wheeler was a very monotone man. Without much of a glance at his son, he said, “Listen to your mother.” He slipped on his coat, patted Michael’s head and followed his wife out with a definitive shut of the door.
Mike groaned loudly and he was obviously aggravated.
I drop my things beside the door and decide to check on Holly while I let Mike simmer down. She smiles at me, not finding me too intrusive, and continues to play with her dollies. Mrs. Wheeler said she ordered pizza and left the money on the counter.
Mike stands in the doorway, eyeing me wearily. “So... what kind of campaign are you having?” I ask, trying to break my way past his defense. He looks unimpressed with my efforts but answers anyway.
“It’s for D&D. I’ve been working on it for weeks and everything has to be perfect-” He’s getting antsy about it and I can tell that he’s afraid it’ll be disappointing.
“Dungeons and Dragons...Got it. It’ll be perfect, I’m sure. How about you go on down and set up? I’ll bring the pizza when it arrives.” Mike furrows his brows at me. “Listen, I get it. You’re too old for a babysitter. I’ll respect that, but you gotta cut me some slack. Deal?”
Something shifts and I can sense that I’ve made quite the impression. “Fine, deal.” He agrees. I sigh in relief and he spares no time in going downstairs to prepare. At least I’ll only have to really focus on Holly until her bedtime.
****
A few hours later, Holly was tucked in and knocked out in slumber. The boys downstairs kept to themselves and didn’t budge character even when I came sloping down the stairs with pizza boxes. Though, they did take the liberty of introducing themselves to me briefly.
Now that I had free time, I ventured back down into their lair with the intention to clean up whatever mess they’ve made during their game. Four boys sat around a fold-up table with junk food wrappers and crushed soda cans littering the area around them. All of them looked very high on sugar.
The bottom step creaked underneath my feet and all of their eyes turned up at me. “Don’t stop on my account! I’m just gonna pick up the trash so your parents don’t kill me.” I say, holding up the trash bin I’ve dragged along with me.
Mike shrugs nonchalantly and continues to describe the scene they all just rolled into. I can feel the hesitation to launch into full-blown roll playing while I’m walking in such near proximity. Hurrying my clean up, I try to make as little noise as possible as I crouch over to scoop the evidence of their escapades from sight. There must have been some sort of acceptance of me since they all begin to scream in horror, roaring with accents and acting out their advancements as they roll their dice.
My lips pull up into a smile at their excitement. All of them are out of their seats, focused on the board in front of them as Dustin rolls for dexterity. I don’t see the number in which it landed but the hollers mixed with ‘yes!’s lead me to believe it was exactly what they needed.
Suddenly, the door behind them slams open and Steve Harrington prances through looking stern. “You guy’s said you would be done at nine! I’ve been waiting outside for thirty minutes you shi-”
His eyes land on me as the boys lower themselves into their seats. I can’t imagine the expression I’m wearing. Shock? Confusion? Interest? Either way, I just saw golden-boy-heart-throb Steve freaking Harrington go into full mom mode.
Dustin speaks up, “I’m sorry, Steve. We didn’t know it would take this long! We are almost finished, if you could just-” His words are cut off by Holly’s voice roaming the living room. She must have been woken up by the commotion.
Looking sheepish, I silently excuse myself, though all eyes watch me ascend, to go take care of the disturbed four year old. Holly looks pitiful with a blanket draped over her shoulder and a pout tugging at her lip.
Picking her up, I stroll back up to her room. Her head flops onto my shoulder, still very exhausted and obviously troubled at being stolen from her precious rest. It takes almost no time to get her to settle back into her mattress with a sigh. My fingers brush her golden strands away from her mouth and I see her become heavy as she goes under. I close the door, only leaving it open a crack, behind me. Hopefully it’ll be enough to buffer out the sound of the boys downstairs.
Assuming the boys would have dispersed after the arrival of Steve, I'm quite surprised to see them all continuing their game as if nothing happened. Even more so when I notice they’ve convinced the brown hair senior to participate.
At the grounds of Hawkins High School, I’ve seen Steve around. Rumor has it that he had changed quite a bit from last year, though it’s inconclusive as to why. Steve was a popular. He had girls chasing after him, he was athletic and fell underneath another high school cliche. That’s all that I knew about him.
Yet, here he stands in front of me. Purple pointed hat and matching robes clothe him as a poor excuse for a wizard. He recites some line Mike had written out for him with thinly veiled irritation, though he does put a bit of effort forward to sound mighty.
Will and Lucas join up to strike him down, their combined skills making for an epic conclusion to their campaign. Seeming as if Steve almost gets into it, he falls to his knees, hands grasping his chest as he curses them. With a dramatic cough he falls flat on his back, tongue lolling out of the corner of his mouth- dead.
The boys laugh and I join in, covering my mouth in a weak attempt to hide my amusement. My burst of giggles must contrast very differently because it immediately makes Steve’s eyes open and him hop up, shedding the ridiculous getup. “Nicely done, boys! Mike, your parents should be home soon. Do you need help cleaning up?” I ask.
Lucas waves me off. “Nah, we can put everything away.”
“Thanks.” Will adds.
Together, they start gathering up their things while discussing the events that took place on their way to a victorious game. I’m so focused on the boys that I forget Steve for a moment.
“Hi, I’m Steve. Harrington, that is.” He introduces, holding out his hand for me to take. I accept it, smiling at him. Of course I know who he is, but I won’t point that out. “You’re that new girl that moved here a while back, right?”
Drawing my hand back to my side, I nod. “Yeah, a little over two months ago. I’m Y/n.” Bending at the waist, I gather his wizard robes and playfully extend them toward him. “These are yours, I presume?”
“What? No-no, that-” He stops at my smile, realizing my attempt at banter. “Oh, ha-ha. You try saying no to these kids when they’re hyped up on D&D and sugar!”
I laugh.”I’m sure I’ll have to at some point. That is, if I can keep this as a regular babysitting job.” I toss the robes into a basket setting on the couch. “I assume I’ll be seeing you around here as well. Seems like you’re....” I avoid calling Steve a ‘mom’ to his face, “close with them. I suppose I’ll have to learn from you on how to gain their respect.”
Steve laughs but he doesn’t get a chance to respond. “Stop flirting with the babysitter, Steve. If we’re out late again, we’re toast.” Dustin says, pushing the straps of his backpack over his shoulders. I instantly flush at the words and Steve knocks the kid’s hat down to obstruct his view.
“I’ll see you around, Y/n.” He calls, pushing Will, Dustin and Lucas out the door.
Shaking my head, I sigh lightly. Mike and I are left in the basement, standing in the quiet they left behind. My hand cups the back of my neck in an attempt to cool down the warmed skin there. “Thanks. For tonight, I mean. I guess you aren’t so bad.” Mike says, folding the table up.
I bite my lip to suppress my grin. Perhaps Hawkins won’t be too bad after all.
****
Masterlist Here
A/N: How do you guys feel about short(er) one shots compared to long series? I’ve been trying it out! Let me know what you think and what you prefer! Thank you for the support and feedback! - Ellie-Mae
