layce2015

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader) Masterlist

In 1980s Indiana, a group of young friends witness supernatural forces and secret government exploits. As they search for answers, the children unravel a series of extraordinary mysteries.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 24: The Piggyback

Previous Chapter

*(y/n)’s POV*

“Okay. I wanna run through it one more time.” Nancy said, turning to us, after we stopped on the side of the road. “Phase one.” She said. “We meet Erica at the playground. She'll signal Max and Lucas when we're ready.” I recite to her. Nancy nods at this. “Phase two.” She said. “Max baits Vecna. He'll go after her, which'll put him in his trance.” Steve said and Nancy looks over at Dustin.

“Phase three?” She asked. “Me and Eddie draw the bats away.” Dustin said and Nancy turns to Robin. “Four.” She said. “We head into Vecna's newly bat-free lair, and...flambé.” Robin said as she holds up a Molotov. “Nobody moves on to the next phase until we've all copied. Nobody deviates from the plan, no matter what. Got it?” She asked. “Got it.” We all said in unison and we all head out and towards Eddie’s trailer.

We get inside his trailer to see the makeshift rope was still at the gate and all of us gather around. “Be careful.” Dustin tells Steve. “Thanks, buddy.” Steve said as he takes off his backpack and grabs the sheets. “Here goes nothing.” He said and he climbs up into the gate. 

Once he was through the gate he lets go then does a flip and lands on ground, looks up at us and smiles before he walks off. “Oohhh…What does he want us to do, applaud?” Robin mutters to me and Robin, sarcastically, and I roll my eyes. Steve comes back with a mattress and lays it under the sheet rope. “All right. Let's go.” He said then we all climb through the gate one by one until we were all through as well as our makeshift weapons.

We walk outside then Steve turns to Dustin and Eddie. “Hey, guys, listen. If things here start to go south, I mean, at all, you abort. Okay? Draw the attention of the bats. Keep 'em busy for a minute or two. We'll take care of Vecna. Don't try to be cute or be a hero or something. Okay? You guys are just...” Steve said until he and Dustin both said. “Decoys.”

“Don't worry. You can be the hero, Steve.” Dustin said to him. “Absolutely. I mean, look at us. We are not heroes.” Eddie said and Steve nods then walks off, the rest of us start to follow him, until Eddie speaks up again. “Hey, Steve?” He said and we all stop and Steve turns to him. “Make him pay.” Eddie said, firmly, and Steve nods again and we all make our way to the Creel house, red lightning flashing over us.

“Uh... I don't mean to freak anyone out, but I swear we've seen this tree before.” Robin said, nervously, as we walked through the woods. “That's impossible.” Nancy said. “That would suck, right? If Vecna destroyed the world because...'cause we got lost in the woods?” Robin said, worried. “We're not lost, Robin.” I assured her and she begins to chuckle, nervously, as she walks ahead.

“Robin, hey. Watch out for the vines! Hive mind. Remember?” Nancy calls out to her. “Thank you!” Robin shouts back as she continues to run ahead. “Uh, Don't worry about her. She's just stressed. You know, scared.” Steve tells Nancy. “Yeah. Yeah. I...I know. It's just...” Nancy stammers as she tries to think of the right words. 

“She's a super klutz?” Steve asked and Nancy chuckles. “She did tell me that it took her longer to walk than most babies, so...” I said and Nancy and Steve chuckle. “I really shouldn't laugh. When I was a baby, I actually crawled backwards.” Steve said.

“Crawled backwards?” I asked him. “You know, I'd push with my hands like this.” Steve said as he raised his hands to demonstrate and moves them back. “Beep. Beep.” He said, imitating a truck reversing. “Always in reverse, you know? Come on, it makes sense. You push to move, right?” Steve asked. “No, no, it doesn't make sense.” Nancy laughs.

“Well, it did to my tiny little Harrington brain. That is, until I reversed my baby butt down a flight of stairs and thumped my head really good.” Steve said. “Wow. That explains so much.” I said and Nancy laughs. “Yeah.” Steve chuckles before he continues. “I think it kinda does. I think, like, right out of the gate, like, I'm super confident. But I'm also, like, an idiot. Which is just...I mean, it's a brutal combination. But, I mean, the good news is, I get a big enough thump on my head, I can change, you know? I can learn. I can crawl forward.” He explains.

I smiled at him then looked ahead to see Robin looking like she’s tripping over things. “Robin! Be careful!” I called out the sighed. “Better go and make sure she doesn’t knock herself out.” I said and I walk ahead towards Robin.

*3rd Person POV*

Steve and Nancy chuckle as they watch (y/n) run after Robin. Steve sighs then bites his lips as he thinks over his next words. “Listen, I guess what I was trying to say in a really stupid, roundabout way is, um...is thank you.” Steve said and Nancy turns to him. “Thank me?” She asked. “Yeah.” He said. “For...?” Nancy asked, confused.

“For giving my head the biggest thump of its life two years ago. I needed it. It's changed my life. And now I'm crawling forward. Slowly. Because of you giving me a proper thump, I can be the man that (y/n) deserves. I really got a good feeling about this relationship. Like it’s actually gonna work, you know?” Steve said and Nancy gives a tight, fake smile as she nods. “You’re welcome.” She said, in a fake sincere voice. Steve smiles at her then walks ahead towards (y/n) while Nancy slows down a bit, feeling her heart break at what he said.

*(y/n)’s POV*

“I swear Robin, I’m gonna wrap you up in bubble wrap.” I said to her as I help her up after she had tripped over her own feet. “Everything good?” Steve asked as he comes up to us. “Yeah, fine. Just need to find this stupid house.” Robin grumbles and Nancy comes up. “C’mon, Robin, I’ll help you.” Nancy said, sounding a bit annoyed, then her and Robin walked ahead.

“What’s her problem?” I asked Steve, gesturing towards Nancy as her and Robin keep on walking. “I don’t know. Guess she wants to get this done as soon as possible.” Steve said and I shrug. “I know how she feels.” I muttered and we start to walk after Nancy and Robin. “Sooner we get this done, the sooner we can go back home and have some normalcy again.”

”You live in Hawkins now, it’s never normal here.” Steve joked and I chuckled. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I said as we shared a small chuckle while we continued to walk. We stayed silent for a few moments before Steve speaks up. “Remember the dream I told you about?” He asked me and I turn my head to look at him. “About the Winnebago? Seeing the country with your six lil' nuggets?” I asked, with a chuckle, and he nods. “Yeah…well….I, uh…It's all true. Every last word. But I left one part out. It's the most important part.” He said and I raise a curious eyebrow at this.

”And what’s that?” I asked, curiously, and he looks at me and stares into my eyes, which made my heart leap up. “You're there.” He said and we both stop in our tracks as I stared at him in shock. I honestly couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “What?” I whispered, shocked. “You’re there in those dreams. Before, I never could see this woman clearly, it was like she was blurry. I thought it was Nancy at one point as the vision of this woman became alittle bit clearer. But after I met you and we started dating, the woman became clear as day and it was you. You've always been there.” Steve said and I gave him an awed expression. ”Oh, Steve.” I whispered, sweetly, as he looks at me in a loving manner. 

But before he could respond, Robin calls out to us. “Hey, guys! You guys! Awesome news!” she shouts as she runs over and Steve and I tear our gaze away from each other towards her as her and Nancy returned to us. “Looks like we weren't going the wrong way after all.” Robin said, breathless, and we all look at her.

“Come on. Let's go!” She said, smiling, and she turns and runs while Nancy shakes her head and follows her. “Okay. Ro...Slow down! Ro...Robin!” Steve shouts and we all chase after her and make it into the clearing of the woods and see the house. I look across and see the little playground that’s in front of the creepy Creel house. “Erica.” I muttered and we all nod as we head off to the little playground.

*3rd Person POV*

Meanwhile, Erica was sitting atop the small rocket shaped jungle gym as she watches all the windows of the Creel house where her brother and Max resided in. She then flashes her light towards the house to get their attention. “Come on, come on.” She mutters until a small light from the house comes on then turns off.

“Okay, the lovebirds have copied. Max is moving into phase two: distracting Vecna.” Erica said to her right while in the Upside Down, Steve, Nancy, Robin and (y/n) hear her voice echo. “So far, so smooth.” Robin said, hopeful. “Yeah, we're not even at the hard part yet.” Steve mutters while Nancy and (y/n) stare at the house, thunder rumbling over them as red lightning strikes. “Take the bait, you son of a bitch. Take the bait.” Nancy growls under her breath.

In the real world, Max and Lucas walk around the house to see one of the bug zappers was shining brightly, which told them that Vecna was there. Max stares at the light for several seconds, her heart beating hard against her chest and the fear rising in her heart. But she knew this had to be done if they want to take down Vecna, once and for all. She takes off her headphones and turns off Kate Bush as her and Lucas stare at the light.

“Hey! Asshole! I'm here.” Max shouts at the light. “No more music. No more games.” She said but the light continued to hum and shine brighter than the zapper in her hand. “Do you hear me? What are you waiting for, huh? Come on! Do you want me or not?” Max shouts as the lantern buzzes but then turns off and the lantern in her hand shines brighter.

Max and Lucas begin to walk and make sure to follow the light which lead them upstairs, up into the attic.

*(y/n) POV*

We stood there in front of the house for what felt like hours and I couldn’t help but pace around in place, I just wanted this shit done and over with. At that moment, I felt a hand on my shoulder and I look over to see it was Steve with a concerned look on his face. “It’ll be okay.” He whispered to me as I sigh and lower my head.

”Okay, she's in. Initiate phase three.” We hear Erica say and Robin pulls up her radio. “She's in. Move on to phase three.” She said. “Copy that. Initiating phase three.” Dustin’s voice replied and Steve and I share a look before we all duck down. Moments later, we see those bat creatures fly away, towards Eddie’s trailer. “Okay, it's working. Let's go.” Nancy said and we start to walk towards the Creel house. 

Keep him distracted, Max. Please keep safe. I thought in a sort’ve prayer to God or whoever is up there.

We make it into the house and Steve opens the door, only to see that the floor, walls and ceiling was covered in fleshy tentacles. “Oh shit.” Steve mutters as we looked around, it looked impossible to make our way in. “That's not good.” I whispered and Steve starts to jump around at any clear spots on the floor he could get to. Nancy follows him while Robin looked horrified.

“Shit.” She mutters and I turn to her. “It's okay.” I said and I grab her hand and she looks at me. “You got this.” I encouraged and she nods and starts to hop around and I soon follow her. Somehow, we hadn’t touched any of these tendrils or tentacles as we made to the stairs, which seemed to be harder as there isn’t much space to jump around these things.

But we weaved and hop around until we made it to the top of the stairs and see the door to the attic slightly open. We all stare at each other and start to ready our weapons when there was a loud rumble and the house began to shake. Steve grabs me and Robin grabs Nancy as we all try to stay balance until it finally stopped.

Robin looks down at her foot until she was pulled back and slammed up against the wall, the tendrils start to form around her. She screamed then looked over at us. “(Y/n)! Steve! Nancy!” She screamed and the three of us try to attack the tendril, trying to free her. But then I felt something grab my arm and I let out a scream as I was also pulled over to the other side of the hallway.

”Guys!” I shout as the tendrils pin my arms up either side of me then I felt one start to wrap around my throat. Steve start to come and help me but he too was grabbed and pulled towards the wall next to me just as Nancy was grabbed. 

No, no, no, no, no, no! I screamed in my head as the tendril started to tighten around my neck, the will to breathe was getting harder and harder and I couldn’t do anything about it. Please, not like this! I don’t wanna die…

*3rd Person POV*

Meanwhile, in her mind, Max was hiding at the school gym which was decorated like the Snowball dance she went to couple years ago. She thought since this was one of her best and happiest moments, she thought she was safe there from Vecna. But she was wrong.

The balloons exploded with blood and the music became distorted and played Dream Alittle Dream of Me instead of Every Breathe You Take, which was a song her and (y/n) always jokingly called it the Stalker song.

The lights event turned off and she tired her best to block off the door with the chairs but as she went for one of the last chairs, the pile of chairs were gone and the door was replaced with the Creel’s front door. 

“You can't hide from me, Max.” Vecna said as the door begins to open. Max takes a deep breath and tries to think of all the good memories. “You think I don't see what you're doing? You think I don't see everything? You thought you could trick me? You thought your friends could stop me? I see them. I see your friends. Just as clearly as I see you. I can feel them. I can feel them dying.” Vecna tells her as she tried her best to think of good memories but he was making her see everyone failing their mission.

Max gasped at this and opens her eyes to see the clock before it begins to chime. “It's time, Max.” Vecna said and Max walks slowly around. “It's time.” Vecna’s voice said, clear as day behind her and she turns to see him. He raised his hand and Max flies back and hits the wall. She screams in pain as Vecna walks up to her, slowly.

She whimpers as she tries to struggle but the force was too strong. “You are brave, Maxine.” Vecna said as he gets right in front of her. “Much braver than your brother. But in the end...you are weak and fragile, just like him. Like all the rest of them. And you will break.” Vecna taunts and he raises his hand to start the ritual but then he was pulled back.

Max falls to the ground and looks up as Vecna was held up in the air in the middle of the gym. And walking up behind him, her own hand raised was Eleven. She then used her power to turn him around to face her. “You.” He growls once he sees Eleven. “Hi.” Eleven replied, softly, then throws her arm to the left and Vecna is flung right into the benches.

Eleven runs over to Max and helps her up to her feet. “Max, are you okay?” She asked and Max looked at her, shocked. “Huh?” She asked, confused. “Are you okay?” Eleven asked again. “Yeah. Are you...” Max said, still shocked and confused, as she touches Eleven’s face. “Are you real? Di...Did I make you?” She asked as she places her hand on her shoulders.

Eleven then grabs her hand as she looks at her. “I'm real.” She replied. “How?” Max asked. “I piggybacked from a pizza dough freezer.” El replied, like it was no big deal. “What?” Max asked, still confused. But before El could tell her more, they hear rustling and clattering. They turn and walk out from the many ribbons hanging from the roof and see Vecna climbing out, growling and cracking his neck.

“Stay back.” Eleven orders Max as she walks out towards the middle of the gym, Vecna walking towards her as well. “If you touch her again, I will kill you again.” El threatened him. “Is that what you did? Hmm? Did you kill me?” Vecna asked. “I am so glad you are here, Eleven. This...is going to be beautiful. So beautiful.”

He raises his arms as several pieces of broken wood flies up behind him and aim towards El like spears. “And it's all thanks to you.” He said and he fires the wood at her but she moves them away from her towards the side but he uses his power to toss her around the room like a ragdoll. At one point, Max tried to attack him but he used his power to throw her aside as well.

El tried to surprise attack him but he stopped her and raised her up in the air then brought her closer to him. “Before I kill you...I want you to watch.” He said and he opens a portal and tosses her into it. The world he tossed her in was nothing but red with remnants of the Creel house. The tentacles grabbed her and held her up against the door and Vecna walks in, carrying Max.

He set her down and the tendrils grab Max and pulls her up, being prepped for what’s to come. “Papa is dead.” El shouts, her voice echoing, and Vecna stops and turns to her. “I know what he did to you. You were different. Like me. And he hurt you. He made you...into this. He is the monster, Henry. Not you. Not you.” El sobbed, her breath shuddering at the end, as he walks up to her.

“You're right. You and I, we are different. And Papa did hurt me. But he was no monster. He was just a man. An ordinary, mediocre man. That is why he sought greatness in others. In you. And me.” He said and El’s breath shakes. “But in the end...he could not control us. He could not shape us. He could not change us. Do you not see, Eleven? He did not make me into this. You did.” Vecna revealed as El gives him a look of confusion.

“At first, I believed you had sent me to my death. To purgatory. But I was wrong. I was somewhere new. I became an explorer. An explorer of a realm unspoiled by mankind. I saw so many things. And one day, I found the most extraordinary thing of all. Something that would change everything. I saw a means to realize my potential. To transcend my human form. To become the predator I was always born to be.” He monologues and shock and realization washed over El, all the dots connecting in her head

“It was...It was you. Always you.” She whispered, shocked. “All I needed was someone to open the door. And you did that for me. Without even realizing it. Didn't you?” He said as Eleven remembers the first time she encountered a Demagorgan during one of the experiments Papa enforced on her. “And when you did realize, you chose to resist. So I sought a means to open my own doors. I sought...your power. So, don't you see? Once again, you have freed me.” said Vecna.

“No. You don't have to do this. You can still stop this.” El pleads. “It is over, Eleven. Your friends have lost.” Vecna said and El begins to cry. “There is nothing...nothing you can do to stop this now. Hawkins will burn and fall. And the rest of this senseless, broken world. And I will be there. I will be there to pick up the pieces when it does. And remake it into something...beautiful. There was a time when I had hoped to have you by my side. But now I just want you to watch.” Vecna said as he caressed her chin then walks away, towards Max as a tendril wraps around El’s neck.

Max opens her eyes then begins to whimper and cry as Vecna walks up to her. “Don't be afraid. Try and stay very still. It will all be over soon.” Vecna said and he raised his hand and placed it over Max’s face. “Max!” El shouts as she watches, helplessly.

“El, can you hear me? El! El! Can you hear me? El! El! El!” She hears Mike’s voice say. “El? I don't know if you can hear this, but...but if you can, I want you to know I'm here, okay? I'm right here. And...I love you.” He said and El gasps at this and lets out a small sob. “El, do you hear me? I love you. I'm sorry I don't say it more. I...It's not because I'm scared of you. I'm not. I've never felt that way. Never. But I am scared that one day you'll realize you don't need me anymore. And I thought if I said how I felt, it would somehow make that day hurt more. But the truth is, El, I don't know how to live without you. I feel like my life started that day we found you in the woods. You were wearing that yellow Benny's Burgers T-shirt. And it was so big, it almost swallowed you whole. And I knew right then and there, in that moment, that I loved you. And I've loved you every day since. I love you on your good days. I love you on your bad days. I love you with your powers, without your powers. I love you for exactly who you are. You're my superhero. And...I can't lose you. Okay? Do you hear me? I can't lose you. You can do anything. You can fly. You can move mountains. I believe that. I really do. But right now, you just have to fight. Okay? El. Do you hear me? You need to fight! You have to fight. Fight! Fight!” He tells her and El concentrates on her powers and uses it to get her out of the hold the tendrils had on her while the process of Max’s body in the real world began to break, her arm and her leg to start off with.

They let her go and she lets out a scream and glares at Vecna. She raises her arm and Vecna gets flung back, taken by surprise at how powerful she is. He slams up against the vine like tree as Max falls to the ground, as well as fall on the floor in the real world.

After having knocking Jason out, who barged in and demanded answers from Lucas on what the hell was going on while aiming a gun at the kid, Lucas turns and catches Max as she falls.

The tendrils in the Creel house let Robin, Nancy, Steve and (y/n) go and begin to retreat. They fall and gasp and cough as they all stand up. “I don’t believe in a higher power or divine intervention. But that was a miracle.” Robin gasped as they all look at each other. “You okay?” Steve asked, softly, to his girlfriend. She nods and runs her hand over her neck as Nancy looks towards the attic door. “Then we better not waste it.” She said as she cocks her gun. “Phase four.” (Y/n) gasps. “Flambé.” Robin said as she grabs her bag, Steve grabs his ax and (y/n) pulls out a small pistol and they make their way to the attic.

“You and your friends believe you have won. Don't you? But this is only the beginning. The beginning of the end.” Vecna growls at Eleven while Robin sees her bag down and grabs a Molotov, the four of them glaring at Vecna as he was in a meditative state, many tentacles attached to his back. Steve holds the Molotov and Robin lights it for him.

“You have already lost.” Vecna tells Eleven. “No. You have.” El said, in a steady breath. 

Steve throws the Molotov at Vecna, lighting him on fire and pulling him out of the mind world. He falls on his knees as his whole body was engulfed in flames and Max wakes up in the real world. Vecna looks at the four young adults as he gets back in his feet while Robin lights another Molotov and throws it at him. Nancy and (y/n) both steady their guns and (y/n) glares at the monster and starts to fire her pistol at him, several bullets hitting him on several parts of his body.

Vecna lets out a roar while Nancy steps forward and fires her shotgun at Vecna twice, making him fall back from the power. She fires one more time and Vecna crashes backwards into the window and falls out of the building and onto the ground.

The four of them run down the stairs and out to the front steps to not see Vecna’s body. “That’s impossible.” Robin mutters. “Where the hell is he?” (Y/n) asked, confused.

Meanwhile, in another part of the Upside Down, Dustin and Eddie tried to get out after the quick rock concert Eddie performed but too many of those bars were coming. Once Dustin made it over, Eddie decided to be the distraction, cut the rope and ran outside to distract the bars. Dustin eventually made his way back in, hurting his leg in the process (probably fractured or broken), and tried to chase after Eddie.

But he saw that Eddie was swarmed with those bats and they all attacked him. Dustin screamed in fear as he watched, helplessly, until all the bats stopped and dropped to the ground, as if they all suddenly died. “Eddie!” Dustin shouts as he hobbles over to Eddie but once he got closer he saw Eddie had several bit marks and blood gushing everywhere. “Oh God! Oh God, Eddie.” 

“Bad, huh?” Eddie was able to muster out. “No. You're gonna be fine. Just gotta get you to a hospital, okay?” Dustin said. “Okay.” Eddie mutters. “All right. All right.” Dustin said. “I think...I think I just...I think I just need a second, okay?” Eddie said as he shakes the begins to choke.

“I didn't run away this time, right?” Eddie asked him, shakily. “No. No. No. No. You didn't run.” Dustin sobs. “You're gonna have to look after those little sheep for me, okay?” Eddie asked. “No, you're gonna do that yourself.” Dustin said. “Nah, man. Say, I'm gonna look after them. Say it.” Eddie pleads and tears begin to fall out of Dustin’s eyes. “I'm...I'm gonna look after...” Dustin sobs. “Good. 'Cause I'm actually gonna graduate.” Eddie said then he chuckles, weakly. “I think it's my year, Henderson. I think it's finally my year.” Eddie struggles to say.

“I love you, man.” Eddie said and Dustin shakes at this. “I love you too.” He said, his voice breaking. Eddie lets out a few more shaky breaths then begins to choke before he stops breathing completely. “Eddie...Eddie? Eddie? Eddie!” Dustin cries then he begins to sob, loudly, over his friend’s body.

“Lucas!” Erica shouts as she runs up into the attic, only to see Lucas cradling Max’s broken body. “We need a doctor! Call an ambulance! Hurry! Call an ambulance!” Lucas shouts at her as Erica stops in her tracks, looking at Max in shock and fear.

She begins to run as Lucas turns his attention back to Max. “Lucas...” Max whispers. “Yes, yes I'm here. I'm here.” He assures her. “I...I can't feel or...see anything.” Max gasps, shakily, as Lucas notices blood dripping out of her glassy eyes. “I know. I know. It's okay. We're gonna get you help, okay? Just...Just hold on.” He tells her.

“Lucas, I'm scared. I'm so scared. I'm so scared.” Max whispers. “I know. I know. I know.” Lucas said, tearfully. “I don't wanna die. I'm not ready.” Max cries. “You're not gonna die. Hang on.” Lucas tells her. “I don't wanna go! I'm not ready.” Max cries

“You're not gonna die! Just...Just hang on!” Lucas pleads to her. “I want (y/n). I want my sister!” Max cries. “She’ll be here soon. Just hold on. Hang on!” Lucas said as Max gasps then convulses. “Max. Max! Max!” Lucas exclaims as Max continues to cry. “No, no, no, Max. Stay with me. Stay with me! Don't go, Max. Max, stay with me. Just look at me, Max. Max, look. No. Stay with me, Max.” Lucas pleads. “I want my sister.” Max cries again. “Hang on. She’ll be here. Just hang on.” Lucas repeats then he looks over his shoulder.

“Erica, help!” He screams, tearfully, then he looks down at Max and noticed she stopped breathing. “Max? Max? Max? Max?” Lucas asked as he shakes her but she doesn’t move or say anything. 

“Max, stay with me. Max, stay with me.” Lucas said but it was too late, Max was gone. “No! No! Max! Max! Please, stay with me!” He pleads then he wails, heartbroken. “No!” He screams and he starts to let out heartbreaking cries and screams.

Back in the Upside Down, a loud eerie clock chime sounds out. The four of young adults turn towards the house then run back inside to the grandfather clock. It chimes a second time then a third and finally a fourth time and (y/n) felt her stomach drop.

“Four chimes.” Robin mutters. “Max.” Nancy whispers and they all look at (y/n), who felt her legs go shaky. “No, no, no, no.” (Y/n) said and she almost collapses but Steve catches her. “Hey, Hey, hey.” He said as he wraps his arms around her waist and Robin comes up to her.

“But we stopped him…” (y/n) mutters, distraught. Then the place starts to shake and everyone lose their balance and they fall against the walls of the house. (Y/n) clings onto her boyfriend while Robin caught Nancy.

In the real world, a big crack starts to form and Lucas moves Max out of the way as the cracks form along and split Jason in half, killing him. The large cracks all formed through the town from the four portals, causing destruction all over Hawkins, until it met in the middle at the library and stopped.

The world stopped shaking as Eleven was still in the Void and sees Lucas holding and crying over Max’s dead body. El stares at her then shakes her head. “No. You’re not going. No.” She whispers and she inhales deeply, places her hand on Max, thinking of all the memories of her and Max, as she does her best to try and revive Max.

*(y/n)’s POV*

Two Days Later

“He opened his eyes, and further words died in his throat. He forgot about the need to sick up that horrible parody of wine. He forgot about his mother, and Uncle Morgan, and his father, and almost everything else. Speedy was gone. The graceful arcs of the roller coaster against the sky were gone. He could feel the hair stirring on the nape of his neck, could feel a goofed-up grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. Speedy! I'm here, my God! I'm here in the territories!" Lucas reads to Max from the book he held while we all sit in Max’s hospital room.

After we got out of the Upside Down, I found out from my mom about Max being in the hospital. They declared her dead but then suddenly, her heart started beating again. I couldn’t believe it, it was another miracle. I made my way to the hospital and the moment I walked into her room, I felt my whole world crashing down.

Seeing her with her arms in a cast as well as her leg and her neck in a brace, her skin pale and dark circles around her eyes, I can’t even begin to describe what was going through my mind. It was just running a mile a minute and I just felt like every emotion I experienced these last few days just crashed down on me all at once. Before I knew it, the tears were falling down my face as I sob uncontrollably, collapsing against her hospital bed. And the only thing I could feel was the others embracing me in a group hug as Lucas mumbles apologies to me through his own tears.

Since then, I had stuck by Max’s bedside along with Lucas and Erica. Steve and Robin would be there for me while Steve held onto me, comforting me and sometimes went out to get me something to eat or drink. Mom would come in every now and then but either she was out helping the chaos that was going on in town after the destruction Vecna caused or at work. Right now it was just me, Lucas and Erica in Max’s room. 

Steve and Robin went to go help Nancy gather some stuff to take to the gym which was acting as a shelter for people that lost their homes. Steve and Robin asked me if I wanted to go but I declined cause I wanted to stay by Max’s side and they didn’t argue but I could see that they wanted to.

After Lucas reads the passage of the book, the door opens and I turn in my seat and see Mike, Will, Eleven, Nancy and Jonathon walking him. “Oh my God.” I whispered as Lucas and I stand up. “We've been calling you guys like crazy.” Lucas tells them as he hugs Will and Mike and El comes over to me and hugs me. “Hey, sweetie.” I whispered as Mike said. “I know. We came as soon as we heard.”

They break the hug and Mike and Will go over to me and hug me as Eleven hugs Lucas. “I'm sorry.” Eleven said to both me and Lucas. Then she looks over at Max and walks up to her bedside, Mike and Will follow after her as they stare at Max’s body. “Do they know...when she will wake?” El asked us. “No. They say she might not.” I replied, shakily, then I placed a hand over my mouth.

“Her heart stopped. For over a minute. She died. I...I mean, clinically, but...then she came back.” Lucas said, inhaling deeply, and I remove my hand off of my mouth. “The doctors don't know how. They say it's a miracle.” I whispered, tearfully. El sits on the edge of the bed and looks at Max, taking Max’s hand in hers. “I'm here, Max.” She whispered.

After they visited for a bit, they left to go to Hopper’s old cabin to fix it up. And after while, I honestly started to feel a bit stir crazy. Part of me wanted to stay but another part of me wanted to get out and get some sort’ve distraction cause just sitting here staring at my sister’s body wasn’t helping. I stood up, quickly, and started to grab my bag.

”(y/n)? You okay?” Lucas asked me and I sighed. “I’m, uh…I think I’m gonna go and…help out with the shelter. I just…I…” I stammered and I looked over at Max. “Hey, it’s okay. I understand.” Lucas said as I look back at him and nod, biting my lips. “I’ll bring you guys some food when I get back, okay?” I said to them and they nod as I shoulder my bag then walk over to Max. 

“I’ll be back, Max.” I whispered to her then I lean in and kiss her forehead before heading out.

Eventually, I made it to the school and just saw swarms of people going inside then outside, gathering up boxes of clothes, food and any other essentials. I make my way inside and see several cots scattered about with people sitting on them or sleeping. On the side, I saw a board that had several missing people poster, including one of Eddie that was drawn on with devil horns.

I frown at this and my heart sank. I didn’t get to know Eddie that much but I know how important he was to Dustin and it was awful finding him holding Eddie’s dead body.

I sighed then start to walk around to find someone to talk about maybe helping out. “(Y/n)?” I hear a voice call out and I turn to see Steve by this table that held clothes. “Hey.” I greet, softly, as he comes over to me. “Are you okay? What are you doing here?” Steve asked me, worried. “I’m fine, I just…I need to do something before I go crazy.” I replied and he gives me a soft understanding look and nods.

“I understand.” He said and I let out a sigh. Steve then pulls me into hug and I bury my face into his chest. He runs his hand up and down my back then I felt him kiss the top of my head. I raise my head to look up at him and gives me a small, soft smile. “Here.” He said as he goes over to the table. “Help me fold these clothes. You can think of it as practice for the future.” He said, jokingly, and I chuckle alittle.

“Fine, you drive a hard bargain.” I laughed as Steve smile and I walk up next to him and we start to fold clothes together. “Steve…” I said and he hums as he looks at me. “Thank you.” I said, appreciatively, and Steve smiles, softly, again. “Of course.” He said and I lean up towards him and give him a kiss on the lips. He reciprocates before we break the kiss, smile at each other then get back to work.

I look around as I folded the clothes then see from across the way, Robin at the food table and making sandwiches with Vicky and it looked like they were getting along. “Steve…” I said as I nudge him with my elbow. He looks at me and I nod towards Robin. He looks over and smiles and chuckles alittle. “Our girl is growing up.” I teased and Steve laughs and shakes his head as he continues with his job and I help.

Moments later, we hear thunder outside and everyone stops and looks outside. Steve and I look out the window to see dark clouds over the town. But what was weird was that it looked like it was snowing. Snow? In the middle of spring? I thought as Steve and I walk up to the window, as did everyone else.

We looked and I realized that this wasn’t snow but those particles from the Upside Down. Steve and I share a look at this before we look back out towards the cloud and I could’ve sworn I saw some red lightning coming from the clouds.

It looks like the Upside Down is coming, almost merging with us.

I reach out and grab Steve’s and hold onto it, he squeezes my hand as we stare out the window.

All I can think about is that we need to kill Vecna. I don’t know how or when, I just want to make this bastard…this monster…to pay for what he’s done. 

To this town.

To Eleven.

To Chrissy.

To Fred.

To Patrick.

To Max.

Vecna needs to die and I will die trying to make sure this happens.

(A/N: Hey mouth breathers! Just wanted to say that at the time of writing this, Season 5 hasn’t come out yet. But I promise whenever it does, which is supposed to be later this year, I will update after I watch it and figure things out on the story. Hope you guys have a good day!)

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 23: Preparing For Battle

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

“Nancy, just stay with us. Stay with us, okay?” Steve says, panicking, as she shakes Nancy, who was still in the trance. Then (y/n) turns to the gate. “Whatever you guys are doing, hurry up!” She shouts up as she sees Erica. The young girl nods then runs to Eddie’s room where Robin, Eddie, Max, Lucas and Dustin are digging around for cassette tapes.

“(Y/n) says you need to hurry!” Erica shouts at them. “Yeah? No shit!” Dustin shouts. “We're trying. We can't find anything.” Max exclaims. “Seriously…What is all this shit?” Robin asked Eddie, angrily. “What are you even looking for?” Eddie asked. “Madonna, Blondie, Bowie, Beatles? Music! We need music!” Robin exclaims and Eddie holds up one of the tapes. “This is music!” He shouts, angrily.

“You don’t happen to know her favorite song, do you?” (Y/n) asked Steve. He shakes his head as he keeps shaking her. “Nancy, c’mon!” Steve shouts. “Nancy!” (Y/n) said when suddenly Nancy’s eyes got back to normal and she lets out a gasp and falls backwards. “Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.” Steve said as he and (y/n) catch her as she pants.

“It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. We’re here.” (Y/n) said and she noticed the pure look of terror on Nancy’s face.

*(y/n)’s POV*

“He showed me things that haven't happened yet. The most awful things. I saw a dark cloud spreading over Hawkins. Downtown on fire. Dead soldiers. And this...giant creature with...a gaping mouth. And this creature wasn't alone. There were so many monsters. An army. And they were coming into Hawkins. Into our neighborhoods. Our homes. And then...” Nancy explains to us, hoarsely. 

After getting out of the Upside Down, we took shelter at mom’s trailer and once we got her to calm down, Nancy began to explain what happened to her. Her eyes welled up with tears as she started to say the next part. “…he showed me my mom. And Holly. Mike. And they...they were all...” she stops and breathes, shakily, then starts to cry.

“Okay, but... he's just trying to scare you, Nance. Right? I mean...I mean, it's not real.” Steve said. “Not yet. But there...there was something else. He showed me gates. Four gates. Spreading across Hawkins. And these gates, they looked like the one outside of Eddie's trailer, but...they didn't stop growing. And this wasn't the Upside Down Hawkins. This was our Hawkins. Our home.” Nancy said and I bury my head in my hands, just when I thought this shit couldn’t get any worse.

“Four chimes.” Max said and I remove my hands off of my face as all of us look at her, startled. “Vecna's clock. It always chimes four times. Four exactly.” Max said. “I heard them too.” Nancy whispered, fearfully. “He's been telling us his plan this whole time.” Max whispers, realizing. “Four kills.” Lucas said, terrified. “Four gates. End of the world.”

“If that's true...he's only one kill away.” Dustin said and I bury my face into my hands again and I feel Steve’s arm me. “Fuck…” I muttered, despairingly. “Oh Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ.” Eddie exclaims, upset. “Try 'em again. Try 'em again.” Steve said and I look over and see Max going to the phone, dialing it and waiting on it.

“Anything?” Dustin asked her after she hangs up and turns to us. “No. Rang a few times, then went to busy signal.” Max said. “Maybe you punched it wrong. Try again.” Steve said, obviously clinging onto hope. “I didn't punch it in wrong.” Max said, in an annoyed exasperation. “Well, I don't know.” Steve said, shrugging. “Steve, she knows how to use a phone.” I tell him. “I'm just saying, she could've typed it in wrong.” Steve said as Max tries to dial Will’s number again. 

“Same shit.” Max said, annoyed, after she hangs up the phone again. “How is that possible?” Lucas asked. “I told you, Joyce has this telemarketer job. She’s always on the phone. Mike won't stop whining about it.” Dustin explains. “Yeah, but this phone's been busy for, what, three days now? That's not Joyce. No way. Something's wrong.” Max said.

“She's right. It can't be just coincidence. It can't be. Whatever's happening in Lenora is connected to all of this. I'm sure of it. But Vecna can't hurt them. Not if he's dead.” Nancy said as she stand up and walks up to the window, her voice getting stronger with determination. “We have to go back in there. Back to the Upside Down.” She said as she turns to face us and both Steve and Eddie exclaim their opposition.

“Let's think this through.” Steve said. “What is there to think through?” Nancy asked as Steve walks up to her. “We barely made it out of there.” Steve replied. “Yeah, because we weren't prepared. But this time, we will be. We'll get weapons and protection. We'll go through the gate, we'll find his lair, and we'll kill him.” Nancy exclaimed. “Or he'll kill us.” Steve argued. “The only reason you survived is because he wanted you to. He's not scared of us.”

“And for good reason. We were wrong about Vecna. Henry. One.” Robin said as she stands up then looks around at everyone. “Sorry, what are we calling him now?” She asked. “One.” Lucas and Dustin said. “Vecna.” Erica chimed in. “Henry.” Nancy said like it was obvious. “Right. We've learned something new about Vecna/Henry/One. He's a number like Eleven, only a sick, evil, male, child-murdering version of her with really bad skin. But my...my point is, he's super powerful. Could turn us inside out with a snap of his fingers. It's not a fair fight.” Robin stammers, quickly.

“Then why fight fair? You're right. He's like Eleven. But that gives us an upper hand. We know Eleven's strengths. And weaknesses.” Dustin said. “Weaknesses?” Erica asked, confused. “When El remote-travels, she goes into this sort of trance-like state. I bet the same is true of Vecna.” Dustin tells us. “That would explain what he was doing in that attic.” Lucas said.

“Exactly. When he attacks his next victim, I'll bet you he's back in that attic, physical body defenseless.” Dustin said and I scoff. “Defenseless? What about the army of bats?” I asked him. “Right…True. We'll have to find a way past them. Distract them somehow.” Dustin said. “And, uh, how do we do that, exactly?” Eddie asked as he stands up too. “No idea.” Dustin said then Eddie sits back down, annoyed. “But once they're gone, he doesn't stand a chance. It'll be like slaying sleeping Dracula in his coffin.” Dustin said.

“That all sounds good in theory, but there is no pattern to Vecna's killings. Not one that I can decipher. We don't know when he's going to attack next. Don't even know who he's going to attack.” Robin said. “Yeah, we do.” Max said and we all look at her. “I can still feel him. I'm still marked. Cursed. I ditch Kate Bush, I draw his focus back to me.” She said and I shake my head as I stand up and turn to her. “Max. You can't. He'll kill you.” I said, in a worried but also fearful tone.

“I survived before. I can survive again. I just need to keep him busy long enough so that you guys can get into that attic. Then you can chop his head off. Stab him in the heart. Blow him up with some explosive Dustin cooks up. I honestly don't care how you put this asshole in his grave. Just....whatever it is...whatever you do...try not to miss.” She tells us and I bite my lips and look around at everyone. They all had the look that said we don’t have much of a choice, do we?

“Check this out. The War Zone.” Eddie said as he lays down a newspaper ad on the table for all of us to see. “I've been there once. It's huge. They got everything you need for, uh...well, killing things, basically.” He explains. “You think fake Rambo has enough guns there? Is that a grenade? I mean, how is any of this legal?” Robin asked, skeptical.

“Well, lucky for us it is, so...This...This place is just far enough outside of Hawkins. As long as we steer clear of main roads, we oughta be able to avoid cops and, uh, angry hicks.” Eddie said. “If we're trying to avoid angry hicks, maybe we shouldn't go to some store called the War Zone.” Erica points out. “Normally, I'd agree, but we need the weapons. So I think it's worth the risk.” Nancy said, firmly. “Me too.” Lucas and I said in unison.

“But is it worth the time? It'll take all day to bike there and back.” Dustin said, questioning. “Who said anything about bikes?” Eddie asked him. “You got some car we don't know about?” Steve asked Eddie. “It's not exactly a car, Steve. And it's not exactly mine, but, uh... it'll do.” Eddie said as he stands up and nods then turns to Max.

“Hey, Red, uh, you got a ski mask or a bandanna, something like that?” He asked her and she thinks then nods.

After handing Eddie Max’s Michael Meyers mask, we all sneak out and run through several trailer houses until we come upon an RV. We go around the back way of the RV as the owners were sitting out front of it, listening to the radio. Eddie goes up to one of the windows, slides it open the climbs in.

“That was suffocating.” I hear him said as we all climb in one at a time as fast as we could. Once we were all inside, Steve and I head up to the front while Eddie started to cut some wires, or hot-wiring it so to speak. “Where'd you learn how to do this?” I asked him. “Well, when the other dads were teaching their kids how to fish or play ball, my old man was teaching me how to hot-wire. Now, I swore to myself I wouldn't wind up like he did, but now I'm wanted for murder, and soon, grand theft auto. So, uh, I'm really living up to that Munson name.” Eddie said as he continues his work then Robin comes up behind me and Steve.

“Eddie, I'm not sure I love the idea of you driving.” She said, concerned. “Oh, I'm just starting this sucker. Harrington's got her.” Eddie said then he gives a smile up towards Steve. “Don't ya, big boy?” He asked, teasingly, then he brings the RV to life and a second later we hear the owners shouting at us.

“What the hell?”

“Hey! Open this door!”

“Hey!”

They shout at us as the man slaps his window and the woman tries to open the door but couldn’t. “They locked the door!” She shouts. “Shit! Go.” Steve growls and Eddie sprints out of the chair and Steve jumps onto the driver’s seat and I take the passenger seat. “It's just a car.” I hear Steve mutter before he looks back at the others. “Everybody, hang on to something!” He shouts as he gets ready to drive.

“Oh my God! Let's go! Let's go!” Lucas exclaims, panicked. “Drive, Steve! Drive!” Dustin shouts, frantically. “Go, go, go!” Robin shouts as Steve gets it into gear and slams his foot on the gas pedal. “Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!” I shout as the RV takes off. “Shit, they look pissed.” Dustin said. “It's not every day you lose your house and car in one fell swoop.” Robin points out. “Hold on! Hold on!” Steve shouts and he quickly turns the wheel and we swerve around the corner and drive through some trash cans.

”Okay.” Steve mutters as he maneuvers us around the trailer park and then on the main road.

“How's it handle?” I asked Steve after we drive for awhile. “Not half bad. Considering that this is a...house.” He said and I chuckle and nod. “Yeah, it's...it's silly, but I...I've actually...I always had this dream that I'd have this really...really big family. I'm talking, like, uh, a full brood of Harringtons. Like, five, six kids.” Steve said and I turn to him. “Six?” I asked, curiously. “Yeah. Six little nuggets. Three girls, three boys.” He said before he lets out a small laugh.

“And...and every summer, I figured all of us Harringtons, we would pack into something like this and...just see the country. You know, the Rockies, Grand Canyon, maybe Yellowstone. End up in some beachside town in California. Spend a week parked in the sand. Learn how to surf or something.” He said and I smile, softly. “That sounds nice.” I said in a soft voice, and he looks at me. “Yeah?” He asked. “Yeah.” I said, tenderly, and we share a small smile.

“Well, I mean, six kids is a lot to handle.” I said with a chuckle. “Yeah, if only I had some practice.” Steve said, sarcastically, as he gestures over his shoulder at the kids and I laugh. “Fair point.” I laughed before I looked over my shoulder at the others, making sure they were okay.

Robin, Eddie and Nancy were sitting at the little kitchen area while Dustin and Lucas sat on the couch and Max was in the back, looking out of the window. Lucas looks at her then goes over to her and sits down next to her and the two begin to talk. I smile at this, happy to see them talking again despite the circumstances.

“It’s nice Max and Lucas are getting along again.” I said and Steve takes a quick look back at them and smirks before looking back at the road. “Yeah, leave it to trauma to get them talking again.” He joked and I scoff. “Well, yeah, didn’t you know? That’s how you get the ladies.” I teased. “Really? Well, shit, I’ve been doing it wrong for years then.” Steve said and we share another laugh.

Eventually we made it to the War Zone and all of us, besides Eddie, Dustin and Lucas, head inside. As we entered, we stopped at the entrance and see several people inside as they all buy various guns and ammunition. “So much for avoiding angry hicks.” Robin said. “Let's be...fast.” Nancy tells us. “Yep.” I said. “Definitely.” Erica said and we split up, grab a cart and make our way through the store.

I went and helped Steve get a new shirt since he had only been wearing that vest Eddie gave him this entire time before we went over to Robin, who was looking at some cans of kerosene. “How many of these do you think we need?” she asked us as she holds the can up to us. “Five or six.” Steve said and he and I help put some cans in her cart until I look up and see Robin staring at something across the store.

I follow her gaze and see she was staring, not at something but at someone. It was Vicky. I smile and look up at Robin. “What are you gonna do, Robin? Just stand here and gawk at her?” I asked her. “Shut up.” She said, quickly, but then this tall dude with messy, blonde hair comes up behind Vicky which made her yelp.

Vicky turned to face the boy and slaps his shoulder. They talk a bit until the guy leaned in and kissed Vicky. I frowned at this then look at Robin to see her face fell into disappointment. The guy kisses Vickey’s neck and she looks over right at us and that’s when Robin turned away. “Robin! Robin!” I called out to her and chase after her.

Eventually, she stopped and I could hear her taking in a deep breath. “Robin, I’m so sorry.” I tell her and I place a hand on her shoulder. She sobs, quietly, at this but then I hear a cart coming up to us and I look over my shoulder and see that it was Erica. “We’ve got a problem.” She said, her eyes widen in fear.

After Erica told us that she saw some of Jason’s friends and then Nancy met up with us and said she actually talked to Jason, we quickly got our stuff, paid for it and made our way out of there and into the RV. “What happened?” Dustin asked as we all quickly got in. “Gotta go.” Steve said.

“Your old friends are here.” Erica tells Lucas, who looked scared now. “Shit!” He said. “Let's go! Let's go!” Eddie exclaims. “I'm going! I'm going! Sit down!” Steve shouts and he starts the RV and we take off.

*3rd Person POV*

After finding a good isolated spot, the gang stopped the RV and prepared their weapons for battle. Dustin and Eddie were hammering nails into a couple of trashcan lids while Nancy was sawing off the nozzle of the shotgun, Max holding it down for her. “Is this legal?” Max asked her. “Actually, I think it's a felony.” Nancy said. “Right.” Max mutters. “But it guarantees one thing. I won't miss.” Nancy said, determined, and she successfully sawed off the shotgun nozzle.

“How's she feeling?” Dustin asked Eddie as he slings the trash can lid around. “Light. But durable. Deadly. But reliable.” Eddie said and Dustin chuckles and Eddie holds his free hand out. “Hear me now. There will be no more retreating...” Eddie said, dramatically. “…from Eddie the Banished.”

“Hey, you're really ready for bat-tle.” Dustin said and Eddie gives him a confused look while Dustin chortles. “You get it? Bat-tle. B-A-T.” Dustin explains as Eddie gives him an unimpressed look. “No?” Dustin asked before he groans. “I thought I had a good one.” He mutters as Eddie places his shield down the runs at Dustin.

“What are you doing?” Dustin asked as Eddie tries to reach behind Dustin before he tosses him aside. “You son of a bitch!” Dustin growls and he runs at Eddie and they struggle to try to tackle the other while Eddie reaches behind Dustin at an attempt to give him a wedgie. “No wedgies! No wedgies!” Dustin screams as they tussle again then Eddie stops as he laughs.

“Never change, Dustin Henderson. Promise me?” Eddie said as he grabs the back of Dustin’s head with one hand and placed his other hand on his shoulder. “I wasn't planning on it.” Dustin said and Eddie smiles. “Good.” Eddie said. “Good.” Dustin said. “Good.” Eddie said in a sing song voice then lets go of Dustin and turns to Lucas and Erica as they make some spears.

“Hey, Sinclairs. How are those, uh...those spears coming on?” Eddie asked them and Lucas raises a thumbs up. “Flip that damn thumb around.” Erica remarks and Lucas turns to her. “What?” He asked and Erica takes the spear he was working on. “It's too loose, Lucas. This isn't a basketball game where they blow the whistle when your shoes fall off.” She said as she reties the knife to the long stick.

“Okay, okay, for the record, my shoes never fell off.” Lucas argues. “Okay, for the record, it's kinda hard for your shoes to fall off when you're riding the bench.” Erica points out. “Yet, for some reason, you show up to every game.” Lucas said. “Mmm, except the one that mattered. Plus, Mom and Dad forced me.” She said. “Bull. Mom and Dad can't force you to do shit.” said Lucas. “Well, even though you're a bench-riding loser, you're still my brother. Just the facts.” Erica said, smirking.

“It just doesn't make sense.” Steve said as he pours the kerosene into the bottle. “What doesn't make sense?” (Y/n) asked him as her and Robin sit on either side of him and she held onto the bottle while Robin grabs another can of kerosene. “That was Dan Shelter. He graduated, like, two years ago.” Steve said, referring back to what happened at the War Zone.

“So?” Robin grumbles. “So he's in college. Which means he was visiting on spring break. Fast Times was returned, like, I don't know, a week ago? Right? Unless she's got some horndog brother we don't know about. Which is possible. Or she's just really into Judge Reinhold?” Steve said and (y/n) rolls her eyes.

“Steve.” Robin exclaims. “What?” He asked. “I don't care. I don't understand why you do either with everything that's going on. Honestly, this feels like a perfect time for that little pull of the rug because...in the face of the world ending, the stakes of my love life feel spectacularly low.” Robin said.

“Yeah. I mean, I get you there, but...I still have hope.” Steve said as they finished filling up the bottle and put it aside and (y/n) grabs another empty one. “Not everything has a happy ending.” Robin said. “Never say never, Robin. You’ll find the right one.” (Y/n) said and Robin chuckles.

“I'm not talking about failed romance. I just...I have this terrible, gnawing feeling that...it might not work out for us this time.” She said. “You think we shouldn't be doing this?” (Y/n) asked. “I think we're mad fools, the lot of us, but...but if we don't stop him, who will?” Robin asked and the three of them all look out and see the others all trying out their newly made weapons.

“We have to try, right?” Robin asked the two and Steve and (y/n) nod at this. “Yeah.” They said. “To killing Vecna.” (Y/n) said as she holds up her bottle. Robin smirks then grabs another bottle. “Slash Henry.” She said and Steve grabs another bottle. “Slash One.” He said and the trio clink their bottles together.

Minutes later, (y/n) walks over to Max as she watches Nancy aiming her shotgun, practicing how fast she can do it. “Hey…” (y/n) said and Max turns to her. “Hey…” Max said and (y/n) sighs as she tries to think of what to say. What could you even say to your sister who was offering herself as bait to an evil inter-dimensional monster just to get a shot at killing him before he kills her?

(y/n) takes a deep breath and begins to speak. “Max, I uh…” she stammers but then Max speaks up. “You remember, back in California, when we used to save up our allowances just to go to the arcade and ice cream?” She asked. “Of course. Called it our Sister Day.” (Y/n) said and Max smiles, lightly. “I was just thinking about it and I…” she stops as she thinks over what to say next.

”I was thinking…maybe, once this is all over…we should go do something like that. You know, catch up on what we’ve missed the last few months.” Max said and (y/n) smiles as she felt her heart swell with happiness, tears started to form in her eyes. “I’d like that.” She whispers, tearfully. Max smiles at her and the two share a hug.

After getting their weapons and arsenal ready, everyone loaded back up into the RV. The sun was setting as they made their way back to the Creel house. There was this heavy feeling in the air, almost foreboding, everyone was nervous but also determined.

Some of them looked around at each other with worry, others just stared at the ground as they try to prepare themselves of what’s to come. Nobody knew of this plan was gonna work or if anyone was gonna die, Robin’s words played through (y/n)’s head over and over as she too was getting worried that this time things won’t go well.

They had gotten lucky the last few times, who’s to say that luck wasn’t going to save them this time?

Once the RV pulled up to the Creel house, Lucas and Erica get out of the vehicle. Max starts to get out but then (y/n) stands up and goes to her. The two sisters stare at each other before (y/n) leans in and gives Max a big hug, Max reciprocates. “I love you.” (Y/n) whispers to her. “I love you too.” Max whispers back and the hold each other for a few moments longer before (y/n), reluctantly, lets her go and Max walks out with Lucas and Erica.

Max turns to stare at her sister again before (y/n) gives a small wave and shuts the door. Once she’s back into the passenger seat, Steve drives off, leaving the three kids alone at the old abandoned house.

(y/n) lets out a heavy sigh then places a hand over her mouth as she felt the fear overwhelming her. She then felt a hand on her leg and she looked over to see that it was Steve and he gives her a reassuring nod. “She’ll be okay.” He assured her and (y/n) lowers her hand away from her mouth. “I hope so.” She whispers as she places her hand over his before she speaks again.

“Cause I have no idea what I’m gonna do if something happens to her.”

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 22: An Unambiguous Sign of True Love

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

*3rd Person POV*

After Steve was dragged down into the gate, the world seemed to flip as he was thrown up in the air and landed in this desert area. Steve scrambles to his feet then gets up and looks around at the unfamiliar place, the sky flashed red whenever lightning strikes. He began to realize that he was in the Upside Down.

Suddenly, sounds of wings were heard and he turns to see that bat-like creatures began to fly at him. One of the creatures then knocked him down on the ground. Steve falls on his back but gets back up when he finds an oar nearby and grabs it. He swings the oar like a baseball bat to the monster and makes contact with it. 

But then another creature comes up and knocks him down again then wrapped its tail around his neck and holds him down as two more bat creatures land on either side of him and began to bite at his side. Steve screams in pain as he squirms and tries to pull the tail off around his neck but the creatures kept on biting him.

He struggles again when one of the bats that was biting him was swatted away. He looks over and see it was (y/n) holding the oar, Eddie, Nancy and Robin standing behind her with their own weapons they found once they entered the Upside Down. “Hey there.” she quips then swats the other bat creature off of him as Nancy directs Robin to the bat that had its tail wrapped around Steve’s neck.

“Quick! Hold it, Robin!” She shouts as Robin runs over to the bat. “I got it. Get it!” Robin exclaims and Nancy uses her broken oar and stabs the bat repeatedly as (y/n) does the same to the other bat. “Kill it! Kill it!” Eddie shouts but then he heard a screech above them and he looks up to see some more bat creatures coming.

“Shit!” Eddie yells as one bat flies at him but he hits it with the broken plank of wood he held. “Yeah! Come on!” He shouts as Nancy continues to hit the bat around Steve’s neck. “Come on! Please!” Robin grunts as (y/n) killed her bat then she goes over to Nancy and Robin and tries to help them.

”Nancy, behind you! Watch out!” Eddie shouts as a bat flies at Nancy and latches on to her bat. “Oh my God, Nance!” Robin exclaims as her and (y/n) go around her and grab the tail of the monster. “Guys, get it off me!” Nancy exclaims. “Got it, got it, got it!” (Y/n) shouts and her and Robin try to pull the bat off of her.

“Damn it! Shit!” Eddie shouts as he hits another bat. “Let go!” Robin groans as her and (y/n) pull on the bat. Meanwhile, Steve was able to get free from the grip of the bat’s tail and it tries to fly off but Steve held onto the tail. “Come here!” He growls as he holds on while (y/n) and Robin get the bat off of Nancy.

Robin then slams the bat on the ground. “(Y/n)!” She shouts and (y/n) grabs her oar and hits the bat with it. “Go to hell!” She growls as the bat shrieks. Steve gets up and slams the bat around on the ground while Nancy and Eddie fight off the oncoming bats. “Come on, come on, come on, you son of a bitch! I said come on! Let's go!” Eddie shouts as they stab at the bats.

Steve slams his bat on the ground a couple more times, a loud crunch was heard, before he laid it in the ground. Then placed his left foot on the bat and pulled the tail, ripping the bat in half. Steve pants at this and (y/n) tosses her oar down and runs to him.

“Steve!” She exclaimed, worried, as she goes up to him and places her hand on his shoulders. “Jesus Christ. Jesus H. Christ!” Eddie exclaimed, in disbelief, before tossing his plank down. “Are you okay?” (Y/n) asked Steve as she looks down at his torso and sees the bite marks on his bleeding side.

“Oh, shit.” She whispered, horrified. “Well, they took about a pound of flesh. But other than that, yeah, never better.” Steve said as he looks down at her. “Uh, do you guys think these bats have, like, rabies?” Robin asked as she looks at one of the dead bats. “What?” Nancy asked her, confused. “It's just that rabies are, like, my number one greatest fear. And I think we should get you to a doctor soon because once symptoms set in, it's too late. You're already dead.” Robin explains and everyone stares at her like she’s crazy, until they hear more of those bats chittering.

The group look up at the sky and see more bats flying towards them and they all get into a stance, ready for another fight. But the bats land on the opening of the portal and surround it. “All right. There's not that many. We can take 'em. Right?” Steve asked but then they hear more chittering and they look up and see a swarm of bats heading their way.

“You were saying?” Robin said and Nancy turns and sees the woods off to their right. “The woods. Come on.” She said and her and Eddie begin to run as Steve takes (y/n)’s hand and they run after them. “Great. More running.” Robin grumbles before she runs after them and they enter the woods.

*(y/n)’s POV*

After we made it into the woods, we all went and hide under a large trunk and took cover. We stayed there as we hear those bat monsters fly over us. Moments passed and it sounded like the bats were flying away from us and we cautiously walk out of our hiding spots. “Oh...okay. That was close.” Robin said. “Yeah. Too close.” Eddie stammers and I look over at Steve, who was panting then he stumbles as he goes to lean against a tree trunk.

“Oh, sh...shit.” He mumbles and I go over to him. “Steve? Jesus.” I said as I go over to him. “I'm fine. I'm fine.” He groans. “No, no, no. You're not. You're losing blood. Come on, sit. All right?” I tell him once I get up to him and help him sit down on the ground. “All right.” I whispered and looked him over and see the wounds on him.

I quickly take off my outwear shirt and start to rip it up while Robin and Nancy kneels down next to me. “Okay. So the good news is I'm pretty sure wooziness is not a symptom of rabies. But if you start having hallucinations or muscle spasms or you start feeling aggressive, like you wanna punch me, let me know.” Robin said to Steve, quickly. “Robin.” Steve pants. “Yeah?” She asked. “I kinda wanna punch you.” Steve tells her and she laughs. “Sense of humor's still intact. That's a good sign.” Robin chuckles as I continue to rip my over shirt, making it into bandages.

“Okay. Okay. You ready?” I asked Steve and he raises his arms up. “Yeah. Just do it.” He mutters and I wrap my makeshift bandages around him and pack them tightly as I could, making him stifle a groan. “Sorry.” I whispered to him. “It's okay.” He mutters as I continue to wrap the bandages around him.

“Too tight?” I asked him, worried. “No, that's good.” He assures me. “All right.” I said and he leans back as I take the loose ends of the bandages and start to tie them up. Once I was done tying the front, I look up and noticed he was looking right at me and I give him a small smile. “Okay.” I said. “Thanks.” He tells me and I nod. “No problem.” I said and I place a hand on his cheek and brushed my thumb across it.

“So, uh, this place is like Hawkins, but with monsters and nasty shit?” Eddie asked after I helped Steve up onto his feet. “Pretty much.” Nancy said and I look up to see Eddie had climbed up on another tree trunk and he was looking at one of the vines nearby. “Wait, watch out for the vines. It's all a hive mind.” I warned him before he could touch it.

“It's all a what?” He asked. “All the creepy crawlies around here, dude. They're, like, one or something. Step on a vine, you're stepping on a bat, you're stepping on Vecna.” Steve tells him. “Shit.” Eddie grumbles. “But everything from our world is still here, right? Except people, obviously?” Robin asked. “As far as I understand it, yeah.” Nancy said. 

“So, theoretically, we could go to the police station and steal guns and grenades and whatever we need to blow up those bat things that are guarding the gate.” Robin said. “I highly doubt the Hawkins PD has grenades, Robin. But guns, yeah, sure.” Steve said. “Well, we don't have to go all the way downtown for guns. I have guns in my bedroom.” Nancy said and Eddie jumps down to look at Nancy in disbelief.

“You, Nancy Wheeler, have guns, plural, in your bedroom?” He asked, confused like his brain couldn’t comprehend what he just heard. “Full of surprises, isn't she?” Robin asked, chuckling. “A Russian Makarov and a revolver.” Nancy said. “Yeah, you almost shot me with that one.” Steve said and Nancy turns to him and smirks. “You almost deserved it.” She said and I look between them. “Uh, when did that happen?” I asked.

Before either of them could reply, Eddie tosses his jean vest at Steve. “For your modesty, dude.” He said but then an earthquake happens and we all stumbled back. Robin and Nancy fall and Eddie goes to catch them while Steve catches me as the quake continues but then it stops and we hear those creatures snarling and baying in the distance.

“So guns seem like a pretty good idea to me.” Eddie said. “Yeah, me too.” Robin agreed as Steve and I stand up. “So what are we waiting for?” Steve asked as he puts on the vest and we began our journey towards Nancy’s house.

*3rd Person POV*

“Couldn't we have tried a road, or something just slightly less creepy?” Robin asked Nancy as the group continue through the woods. “I think we're getting close. We're almost out of here. Don't worry.” Nancy assured her and the girls walk ahead while Steve and Eddie hold back. “Eddie. Eddie. Hey, man. Uh...Listen, I just, uh...I just want to say thanks. For saving my ass back there.” Steve said as he catches up to him.

“Shit. You saved your own ass, man. I mean, that was a real Ozzy move you pulled back there.” Eddie said and Steve gives him a confused look. “Ozzy?” He asked. “When you took a bite out of that bat. Ozzy Osbourne? Black Sabbath? He bit a bat's head off onstage.” Eddie explains. “I don't...” Steve mutters and Eddie sighs. “You know? Doesn't matter.” He said. “No.” Steve mutters.

“It's very metal, what you did. That's all I'm saying.” Eddie said. ��Thanks.” Steve mutters again. “Henderson told me you were a badass. Insisted on the matter, in fact.” Eddie said with a small sneer at the end of his sentence. “Henderson said that?” Steve asked. “Oh yeah. Shit. Kid worships you, dude. Like, you have no idea. It's kinda annoying, to be honest. I don't even know why I care what that little shrimp thinks, but, uh, guess I got a little jealous, Steve. I guess I couldn't accept the fact that Steve Harrington was actually a good dude. Rich parents, popular, chicks love him. Not a douche? No way, man. No way. That, like, flies in the face of all the laws in the universe and my own personal Munson doctrine. Still super jealous as hell, by the way.” Eddie said and Steve scoffs out a laugh. “Christ.” He laughs.

“Which is why I would never have jumped in that lake to save your ass. Not under any, uh...normal circumstances.” Eddie said then they hear a branch snap and a growl. The two boys stop and look around but didn’t see anything. “Nope. Outside of D&D, I am no hero. I see danger and I just turn heel and run. Or at least that's what I've learned about myself this week.” Eddie said. “Give yourself a break, man.” Steve said, exasperated, and Eddie stops Steve from walking.

”See? The only reason I came in here was 'cause those ladies came in straight after you. Now, I was too ashamed to be the one who stayed behind. But Mayfield right there…” Eddie said as he points towards the girls, specifically to (y/n). “…she didn't waste a second. Not one second. She just dove right in.” Eddie said while Steve stares at his girlfriend, feeling a whole new appreciation towards her. “Now, I don't know how serious you two are, but if I were you, I’d never let that go. 'Cause that was as unambiguous sign of true love as these cynical eyes have ever seen.” Eddie tells him and Steve looks at him then back towards (y/n).

(Y/n) just dove right in to save him? No second thought or hesitation? Sure he’s seen how brave and selfless she can be but hearing that she risked her own wellbeing to save him…was having a profound effect on him. 

He’s never had anyone put him first before. His dad is an asshole that cares more about his job than his own family and his mom thinks her reputation is everything, needing to maintain it at all times. 

Having neglectful shitty parents is rough but it made it easy to sneak out or throw parties during the many times they weren’t home. His previous partners didn’t far much better. They were usually just short term flings aside from Nancy and well…look how that turned out. None of them would’ve done what (y/n) done. 

Steve glances over at (y/n) again, feeling his heart do a little swoop in his chest as he watches her.

Just then another loud rumbling happened the ground shakes and Steve curses at this. “Here we go again.” Eddie said through gritted teeth. “Second on my list of least favorite things, earthquakes. Seriously, I'm unsteady enough as it is.” Robin said as everyone leans against a tree. Nancy glares ahead and begins to walk on.

“Nancy! Where are you going?” (Y/n) calls out as she continues onwards. “Nancy!” Robin and (y/n) called out as Nancy walks and makes it to the edge of the forest and sees her house in the distance. The earthquake subsides and everyone runs after Nancy. “Nancy!” Robin shouts and they stop as they see her house. “Come on.” Nancy said and the group begin to run as the red lightning strikes over them several times. 

*(y/n)’s POV*

Nancy opens the door to her home and the inside was covered in dust particles and these fleshy vines were wrapped around the walls. “Might be time to get a maid, Wheeler.” Robin joked as we walked inside and looked around in awe. “Come on. I don't want to stay here longer than we have to.” Nancy said and we head upstairs and into Nancy’s room.

She goes to her closet and grabs a shoebox then walks over to her desk and opens the box, revealing not guns but high heel shoes. “Those aren't guns.” Eddie points out. “These heels are pointy, but I was hoping for a deadly projectile.” Robin said while Nancy had a confused look on her face. “Nancy?” I asked her as she continues to stare at the shoes in disbelief.

“I don't understand.” She mutters. “Maybe you left them somewhere else.” I suggested. “There's a six-year-old in the house. I know where I keep my guns. And also, I threw these away years ago.” She said but then she grabs paper cards and flips through them and I noticed they were notes for class.

“I get that grades are important, but perhaps studying can wait till we get out?” Robin asked Nancy. “These are from sophomore chemistry.” Nancy said then she looks up at the wall. “And this...this wallpaper, this is old wallpaper.” She points out then she goes to the other side of the room and points at a mirror. “And this mirror, this went to a yard sale.” She said and she turns to her bed.

“And you...” she mutters then walks to the bed and grabs a stuff animal off of it. “…you're not supposed to be here. No, I gave you to Cousin Joanna two years ago.” She said then she stops and grabs a diary off of her bedside table and flicks through it then stops and stares at it. “What is it?” Eddie asked her but she doesn’t say anything. “Nancy? Everything okay?” I asked but she still doesn’t respond.

“Nancy? You're freaking me out.” Robin said, scared. “I think the reason that my guns aren't here is because they don't exist yet.” Nancy said, disbelieving. “They don't...exist?” I asked, confused. “This diary should be full of entries. It's not. The last entry is November 6, 1983. The day Will went missing. The day the gate opened. We're in the past.” She said, ominously, and we all share a look of shock.

“Dustin! Dustin! Dustin!” We hear Steve shout and I noticed that he had not entered the room with us and we run out of the room and head downstairs. “Can you hear me? Dustin! Du...Hello? Hel...Hello?” Steve shouts, frantically, as he looks around the kitchen area. “Maybe he really does have rabies.” Robin said as Steve looks around and continues to scream. “Hello! Hello?”

”Steve, what are you doing?” I asked him then he turns to us. “Hello!” He shouts, shining his flashlight at us. “He's here. Henderson. That little shit, he's here. He's like... lHe's in the walls or something. Just listen.” He said and he stays quiet for a moment but I don’t hear anything.

“Dustin. Dustin! Dustin! Dustin! Dustin! Can you hear me?” Steve shouts but then I do hear Dustin’s voice, but it sounded a bit muffled and echoey. “Dustin!” I shout and we all spread out in the room and look around. “Dustin?” Eddie calls out. “Dustin!” Nancy and Robin shout but nothing.

“All right, either this kid can't hear us or he's being a total douchebag.” Steve said as we still hear Dustin’s muffled voice. “Will found a way.” Nancy mutters. “What?” I asked her. “Will. He found a way to speak to Joyce through the lights.” Nancy said.

“Lights?” Steve mutters as Nancy goes to a lamp. “Yeah.” She whispers as she pulls the chain on the lamp then I point to the light switch. “The switch. Try the switch.” I tell her and she nods. “Okay.” She said and she flicks the switch over and over in frustration. “It's not working.” She growls.

“Guys? You seeing this?” Steve asked and we look up to see that the chandelier was glowing. Nancy walks up to it and reaches out to it, making the glow brighter. “Whoa.” Eddie said, astonished, as the rest of us walk closer. Nancy pulls her hand back and the glow dims then all five of us reach out to the light, making it shine even brighter. “It…tickles.” Steve mutters. “It…kinda feels good.” Robin said and Nancy lowers her arm and looks around at us.

”Does anyone know Morse Code?” She asked and the rest of us lowers our arms. “No.” Steve, Robin and I said. “Wait, does SOS count? Is that…is that good?” Eddie asked and Nancy nods. So then Eddie reaches out and does SOS in Morse code through the lights. “It’s working.” Robin said, smiling.

*3rd Person POV*

After getting the SOS, Lucas, Erica and Dustin decided to find something that would help them to communicate with the others while Max was talking to the cops since they were captured and taking to the Wheeler’s house. Their idea was Holly’s Lite Brite. Lucas runs into the living room and unplug the Lite Brite that Holly was playing with. “Hey!” She squeals, upset, while Lucas goes to grab the lite board from her.

“I'm sorry!” He said, apologetically, while Dustin runs in and grabs the bags that held the multicolored plastic pegs. “Sorry, sorry, sorry.” Dustin also said as he and Lucas runs out then Erica runs in and hands Holly a candy bar. “For your understanding.” She said then runs after the boys.

They head up into Nancy’s room, set the board on her bed and start to insert the pegs into the board. Meanwhile, Nancy, Robin, Steve and Eddie were gathered in Nancy’s room by her bed, almost the exact spot Erica and the boys were, and wait. “Come on. Come on.” Steve mutters and (y/n) looks at him then takes his hand in hers, the two of them held onto each other’s hand as they wait in anticipation, hoping this plan will work.

“Okay, that's it. Go, go, go.” Dustin tells Lucas quickly once they insert all of the pegs into the board. “Yeah, okay.” Lucas said and he grabs the cord and plugs it in and the board lights up. “Okay, you guys seeing this?” Dustin shouts as the gang on the other side hear his voice echoing and a bright glow appears in front of Nancy.

“...seeing this?” They hear his voice echo and Nancy runs her hand over the glow, which brightens. Back in the real world, the board start to glow brighter and hum. “Holy shit!” Erica exclaims, excitedly, and she and Dustin hugs as he laughs. “We're not moving it, but we're gonna unplug it. Stand by.” Dustin yells then he turns to Lucas. “Yank it.” He said and Lucas does as he is told and the glow in front of the gang disappears.

“Okay, try it now.” Dustin yells. “Okay. Um...Uh...”Nancy said and she waves her finger in the air where the board was and writes a message.

Hi

“Hi!” Dustin giggles once they read the message appearing in the board. “Hey! Hi.” Lucas and Erica said. “That worked!” Dustin said and the older teens cheer at this. “Yes! Yes! Hi!” Eddie exclaims, happily, while Steve and (y/n) hug and Robin chuckles. “Okay. Um...” Nancy thinks then writes another word

Stuck

“Stuck.” Dustin, Erica and Lucas recite. “Yes.” Steve mutters. “We are.” (Y/n) exclaims. “Okay…They're stuck in the Upside Down.” Lucas said, realizing. “Okay. Uh, you can't get back through Watergate?” Dustin asked. “What the hell's Watergate?” Steve asked, confused. “'Cause it's in water and it's a gate.” (Y/n) clarifies. “Oh. That's cute.” Eddie said and Robin nods in agreement.

“Right. Um, no. It's...” Nancy said and she writes out the next few letters for the next word.

Guarded

"Guarded." Dustin reads. "Guarded?” Lucas asked, confused. “Okay. Uh, Watergate's guarded.” Dustin said and the gang smiles. “Perfect. Yes. Yes. Yes.” Steve said as Eddie applauds at this. “We think we have a theory that can help with that.” Dustin yells. “Yes.” Nancy said, relieved. “Genius child.” Robin mutters. “I know, right?” (Y/n) said.

“We think Watergate isn't the only gate. That there's a gate at every murder site.” Dustin shouts but the gang didn’t quite understand what he was saying. “Does anybody understand what he's talking about?” Nancy asked the others. “No.” Steve and Robin said. “No idea.” Eddie said and (y/n) shakes her head and Nancy sends another message.

?

“Okay. Seriously? How many times do I have to be right on the money before you trust me?” Dustin shouts, angrily and annoyed. “Jesus Christ. This kid's gotta get his ego in check.” Steve said, exasperated. “It's his tone. Right?” Eddie asked. “I know.” Steve said. “Okay. So...So how far is your trailer?” Nancy asked Eddie. “Seven miles.” Eddie replied, thinking.

“Nancy? Uh, I know your house here is, like, weirdly, creepily frozen in time and shit, but haven't you always had bikes?” Robin asked and the others share a look.

Meanwhile, the police were finished talking to Max and they walked out with her into the main area of the house. Max immediately puts on her headphones as the cops talk to the parents when Dustin comes around the corner and waves Max over. She goes over to them and he explains what they found out, which leads them to sneak out.

They get out through the window and go to their bikes and start to head off but one of the officers called out to them. Erica then slashed a tire on one of the cop cars before they take off. Meanwhile, in the Upside Down, the five older kids were on a bike, Steve and (y/n) had to share one as there were only four bikes, and headed off towards Eddie’s home. 

But one of those bat creatures landed in a lamp light and noticed the kids. They let out a screech into the air, informing Vecna that they found them.

“Right here.” Eddie said as they come upon his home and they stop and get off it their bikes. “That's gotta be a Guinness World Record. Most miles traveled interdimensionally.” Robin joked as Steve coughs. “Just inhaled a bunch of that crap.” Steve gets as he coughs again. “It's stuck in my throat.” He said and (y/n) pats his back. “It’s okay, we’re almost out of here.” She said and they make it inside of the trailer.

Once they get inside, they noticed a red glow coming from the roof. “Fuck.” (Y/n) mutters as they see the large red hole on the roof. “This is where Chrissy died. Like, right where she died.” Eddie said, upset, as they hear something writhing. “I think there's something in there.” Robin said as they watch something poking through the gate.

“What the hell is that?” Eddie asked as the bulge pulls back but then it bursts open and they all yelp once they see what looks like a stick poking through. Once the opening clears up, the five cautiously walk up to the gate. “No way.” Steve said, stunned, as they all look up at Dustin, Erica, Lucas and Max in Eddie’s home. 

“Hi there.” Dustin laughs. “Hi.” Steve and (y/n) said, waving, while everyone laughs in relief. “Holy shit, this is trippy.” Robin mutters. “Bada-bada-boom!” Dustin exclaims, triumphantly.

Dustin and Erica tie up some bed sheets together, making a rope, while Max and Lucas carrying a mattress in the room and place it under the gate. (Y/n) recoils at it as she saw several stains on the mattress. “Those stains are, uh...” Eddie said, trying to think of an excuse but couldn’t come up with one. “I dunno what those stains are.” He said and Robin hums at this. “It’s okay, I was already planning on taking a shower afterwards anyway.” (Y/n) joked as Dustin and Erica finished making their makeshift rope and he walks up under the gate.

“Not quite sure how these physics work. But, uh...here goes nothing.” Dustin said as he throws the sheet rope up and it goes through and lands in front of the group. Dustin tugs on the rope and it stays. “There we go. And if my theory is correct...” he said and he lets go of the rope and it stays. “Huh. Abracadabra.” He said. “Holy shit.” Max said, surprised.

“All right, pull on it! See if it holds!” Dustin shouts and Robin grabs it and pulls, and it stays. “This is the craziest shit I've ever seen in my life. And I've seen some crazy shit.” Erica said as Dustin laughs then he and Erica high-five each other. “Guess I'm the guinea pig.” Robin said and she jumps on the rope and climbs up on it.

“Alright…Let's clear the landing pad.” Dustin said and he, Lucas, Erica and Max back away. Robin climbs up until she goes through the gate. “Oh my God!” She exclaims and fall into the mattress. “Oh, thank God. That was fun.” She said, breathlessly, and Dustin helps her up on her feet.

“All right, guess I'll go.” Eddie said and he climbs up the rope then falls onto the mattress as he gets through the gate and lands on the mattress. “That was fun.” Eddie said, laughing. “Shit.” He mutters as Dustin helps him up. “Okay…you wanna go next, Nanc…” (y/n) said as she turns and sees Nancy standing there, her eyes completely white and she was blinking rapidly.

“Nancy. Hey! Hey!” (Y/n) exclaims as she turns to her and shakes her, Steve turns and sees what’s going on and panics a bit. “Stay with us. Nancy! Hey!” (Y/n) shouts as she shakes her. “Nancy, wake up.” Steve shouts but Nancy doesn’t respond. Meanwhile the others look up and see what is happening. “Vecna.” Max whispers, fearfully.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 21: The Dive

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

“Not to be a wimp, but can I sit in the car? 'Cause this is gonna totally and royally suck.” Robin gripes as all of us were riding in Nancy’s car, Nancy being at the wheel of course. “It'll be fine.” Nancy assures. “I just can't stand to see those dull eyes of Eddie's break again. I really, really can't.” Robin said, sadly.

”At least he can drink himself into feeling better.” Steve said as he holds up a six pack we got him. “That's what my mom does.” Max adds and I scoff. “Why don't we give it a trial? Hey, Eddie. Uh, good news first this time. We got you some Dustin-approved junk food and that six-pack you requested. Oh yeah, and we found Vecna. Bad news is that he's in that other, darker, much scarier dimension, and the gate's closed, so we have no way of getting to him. He's entirely shut off to us, so basically you're screwed. And, no, I know you were already screwed, but now you're doubly, triply screwed." Robin said. “Wait, wait, wait. Maybe we don't put it like that.” I tell her. 

"We're one step closer to finding Vecna. That's what we say. That's what's important.” Nancy said. “See, Robin? Positive spin can make all the difference.” Steve said as he and Dustin eat on some snacks. “Uh-huh.” Robin grumbles. “Oh shit.” Nancy said in shock with a hint of fear in her voice. “What?” I asked and we look out the window to see that there were several cars, including police cars, outside of Rick’s house.

”Fuck.” I muttered as we also see a crowd of people while Nancy parks the car and we all get out. “C’mon, this way.” Nancy said and we go up to the news van and see Sheriff Powell talking to the news reporters. “As many of you know, the Roane County line received a call a little after midnight...reporting a homicide here on the lake. Officer Callahan here and myself arrived first on the scene. We made our way to the shore of Lover's Lake, about ten yards from that house you see behind me. It was there that we found the victim, an 18 year-old senior from Hawkins High, Patrick McKinney.” He informs and Lucas looked troubled at this and turns his head away.

I pat his back as we hear Powell continue. “His limbs...his body, it was disfigured…There was an eyewitness on the scene...We have also identified a person of interest. Eddie Munson. We encourage anyone with information to please come forward.” Powell said a she holds up a picture and I gasped at this.

”Oh man. This is not good. Really not good.” Steve mutters to us, worried. “You've got a lot of questions, and I'm going to answer as many as I can. Two o'clock at town hall, where anyone from the Hawkins community is welcome. But right now, I've got work to do, and I appreciate your understanding.” Powell said and he begins to walk off as many reporters shout their questions at him.

“Dustin, can you hear me? Wheeler?” We head Eddie’s voice ask through Dustin’s radio and we all turn away as Dustin answers. “Eddie. Holy shit. Are you okay?” Dustin asked him. “Nah, man. Pretty...Pretty damn far from okay.” Eddie replied, upset. “Where is he?” I asked Dustin and he answers back to Eddie. 

“Where are you?” He asked. “Skull Rock. Do you know it?” He asked. “Uh, yeah. That's near Cornwallis and...” Dustin starts to think but Steve speaks up. “Garrett, yeah. I know where that is.” Steve said as he pats Dustin’s shoulder and walks ahead. “Hold tight. We're coming. We're coming.” Dustin tells Eddie and we all follow Steve into the woods.

“Dude, I'm telling you, you're taking us the wrong way.” Steve tells Dustin as he and Dustin are walking ahead while Dustin was using his compass. “It's north. I'm positive. I checked the map.” Dustin said. “You do realize Skull Rock, it's a super popular make-out spot?” Steve asked him. “Yeah. So?” Dustin said, uncaring. “Yeah, well, it wasn't popular until I made it popular. All right? I practically invented it. We're heading in the wrong direction.” Steve said and he drifts off to the left.

“Steve. Where are you going? Steve!” Dustin exclaims. “Stop whining. Let's go. Trust me.” Steve said and we all start to follow them. “Okay, so apparently we're going this way now? I swear to God, if they get us lost...” Max said, angrily. “At least we’re getting some exercise.” I joked and Max scoffs then looks over at Lucas, who looked really upset.

“Hey. You okay?” Max asked him. “Uh, yeah. I'm fine. Just...thinking about Patrick. You know?” He said. “Yeah.” Max said. “I mean, it's...it's like, why him? But then, I remember this one day, he...he came to practice with a black eye. He said he fell, but clearly he was lying.” Lucas explains. “Shit.” I muttered, realizing, as Lucas stops and Max and I stop and turn to him.

”It's like everyone Vecna targets has something in their life. Something that's...” Lucas said, thinking. “Hurting them. Haunting them.” Max finished. “Yeah. I...I didn't really know Patrick, so it was easy to just look the other way, I guess. But I did know you. And I'm sorry I wasn't there.” Lucas said to Max.

“It's not your fault.” Max assures him. “No.” Lucas said, shaking his head slightly. “I disappeared.” Max said. “No, no, you didn't. I just didn't look hard enough. Okay? But I see you now. I see you.” Lucas said and he and Max share a look.

”I guess I can also share into the blame.” I said and Max turns to me. “No, don’t…” she said. “I was just more concerned with working and getting my apartment be more a home for us…for you…I didn’t pay attention to your needs or everything going on with you. And I am so sorry for being a shitty big sister.” I said, apologetically. “You don’t have to apologize, (y/n). You did nothing wrong. I was the one pushing you away.” Max said and I give her a sad sympathetic look.

“Oh, boom! Bada bing, bada boom. There she is, Henderson. Skull Rock.” We hear Steve call out and we follow after his voice. “In your face, man. In your stupid, cocky little face.” I hear Steve say as I come out of the bushes and Dustin looks up at the giant rock in confusion.

“Doesn't make sense.” He mutters. “Yeah, yeah. Even with it staring you in the face, you can't admit it. Can't admit you're wrong, you little butthead.” Steve said then we heard a noise behind us. “I concur.” A voice said and we turned around to see Eddie. “You, Dustin Henderson, are a...total butthead.” He announced while Dustin looked relieved.

“Jesus, we thought you were a goner.” Dustin said as he hugs Eddie. “Yeah, me too, man. Me too.” Eddie said as he pats his back and they break the hug as the rest of us come up to him.

“When I got to the shore, I tried calling you guys, but, uh...my walkie was busted, man. Drenched. So, uh, I did the thing that I do now, apparently. I ran.” Eddie explains as he drinks some of the water we gave him while Dustin was pacing around. “Do you know what time this was? The attack?” Nancy asked him. “Yeah, no, I...I know exactly what time it was. My walkie wasn't the only thing that got soaked.” Eddie said as he takes off his watch and tosses it to her.

She catches it and looks at it. “9:27.” She said. “Same time our flashlights went kablooey.” Robin said. “Which means what, exactly?” Steve asked. “That that surge of energy was Vecna attacking Patrick.” I replied.

“Well, we're one step closer. We know how Vecna attacks.” Robin said. “And where he attacks from.” Lucas said. “So now we just need to sneak into his lair in the Upside Down and drive a stake through his heart.” Max suggests. “If he has a heart.” I remarked. “A stake? Is he like a vamp? Is he a vampire?” Steve asked 

“It was a metaphor.” Max said. “A bullet should work on him, right?” Eddie asked. “I say we chop his head off.” Lucas said. “I’d say All of the above, but we can't do any of that 'til we find a way into the Upside Down.” Nancy said. “We need El to get her powers back.” Max said, upset.

“Everything was way easier. We had this girl. She had superpowers.” Steve goes to explain to Eddie. “Superpowers. Yeah, you mentioned her.” Eddie said then he looks over at Dustin, who was still pacing around. “Hey, uh, Henderson's not, uh, cursed, is he?” Eddie asked. 

“Cursed? No, no. He's fine. Mental? Absolutely.” Steve said as Dustin stops, his back to us. I swat at Steve’s shoulder at this. “Steve.” I said, in a warning tone. “What? It’s true!” He said. “Boom!” Dustin shouts and he turns to us and points at Steve. “Bada...bada...boom. I was right. Skull Rock was north.” He said.

“Seriously? You're serious?” Steve asked, annoyed. “Mm-hmm.” Dustin said, nodding. “This is Skull Rock. Okay?” Steve shouts at him, angrily. “Mm-hmm.” Dustin said, again. “Okay. You're totally, absolutely, 100% wrong. Right now.” Steve said. “Yes. And no.” Dustin said. “Oh my God.” Steve said, exasperated, as he places his hands over his face and turns his back on Dustin.

“This worked correctly when we left the Wheelers'. It was correct when we got in the car on Curly. But it started to slip the further east we went. Now it's way off. When I was leading us here, I wasn't wrong. The compass was.” Dustin explains and Steve turns back to him. 

“So you're using faulty equipment. You're still wrong.” Steve said, still exasperated. “Except it isn't faulty.” Dustin said as he points at him then he turns to Lucas. “Lucas, remember what can affect a compass?” He asked. “An electromagnetic field.” Lucas said, realizing. “Yep.” Dustin said.

“I’m sorry. I must've skipped that class.” Robin said, not understanding. “In the presence of a stronger electromagnetic field, the needle will deflect towards that power. So either there's some super big magnet around here, or...” Dustin said then Lucas finished his sentence. “There's a gate.” 

“But we're nowhere near the lab.” Nancy said. “But what if, somehow, there's another gate? A gate that we don't know about. It'd have to be smaller. Way less powerful.” Dustin said. “Snack-size gate.” Robin said. “How? Why?” Steve asked. “No idea. All I know is that something is causing this disturbance, and the last time we've seen anything like it, it was a gate. And I hope it is because then we'd have a way to Vecna. And a shot at freeing Max from this curse.” Dustin said and he walks off.

“Where are you going? Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.” Steve calls out and Dustin stops and turns to us. “Eddie's still a wanted man. We can't just go hike in the woods.” Steve said. “This little steel capsule might be the key to saving both Max and Eddie.” Dustin said then he turns to Eddie. “What say you, Eddie the Banished?”

“I say you're asking me to follow you into Mordor, which, if I'm totally straight with you, I think is a really bad idea. But, uh, the Shire...the Shire is burning. So Mordor it is.” Eddie said as he stands up and Dustin hops up and down in excitement. Then the others follow after him. “What is Mordor?” Steve asked and I turn to him then sighed. “Oh my God, you need to read more.” I groaned as Eddie grabs his stuff.

”I read.” Steve said, defensively. “Playboy magazines don’t count, Steve.” I said as I follow after the others and he follows after me.

“Something's happening.” Dustin said as we walk through the woods, the sky had already gone dark at this point. “Dustin? Can you slow down? Dustin?” Eddie called out. “I think we're getting close.” Dustin said as we get to the edge of the lake and Eddie grabs Dustin. “Watch your step, big guy.” He said

“Oh man. You gotta be shitting me.” Steve said, breathlessly. “Yeah. I thought these woods were familiar.” Eddie said. “Lover's Lake.” Robin said. “This is confounding.” Dustin said, stunned. “There's a gate in Lover's Lake?” I asked. “Whenever the Demogorgon attacked, it always left an opening. Maybe Vecna's the same way.” Nancy replied. “Yeah, only one way to find out.” Steve said.

Moments later, we grabbed a boat and placed it on the shore and then Robin, Eddie, Nancy and I climb in the boat. Then Dustin starts to walk but Eddie stops him. “Hey, hey, hey, you trying to sink us? This thing holds four people tops, okay?” He said while Dustin, Lucas and Max looked upset.

“It's better this way, okay? You guys stay here with Max. Keep an eye out for trouble.” I tell Dustin. “You keep an eye out. It's my damn theory.” Dustin exclaims, angrily. “You heard (y/n).” Robin said. “Who put her in charge?” Dustin asked, angrily. “I did. Compass.” Robin said and Dustin sighs and hands the compass to her.

“Hey, there you go.” Steve said as he tosses a backpack at Dustin, who catches it. “Ow.” He said and Steve pushes the boat out into the water then jumps in. “You said three.” Dustin exclaims. “Sorry.” Steve whispers. “Bedtime at nine, kiddos. Miss you already!” Robin calls out to them as we float out.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down. Slow down, guys.” Nancy said after Eddie and Steve were rowing the boat with a couple of oars. They stopped and I shined a light on the compass in Nancy’s hand to see the hands on it were going crazy. 

“Whoa.” I muttered as we looked at it. “Guys, what's going on? Come on, talk to me. What's going on?” Dustin asked through the radio. “Uh, Dustin, your compass has gone from wonky to wonky with a capital aah!" Robin said as Steve starts to take off his shoes.

“Steve, what are you doing?” I asked him. “Somebody's gotta go down and check this out. Unless one of you three can top being a Hawkins High swim co-captain and a certified lifeguard for three years, then...it's gotta be me. No complaints, all right?” Steve said as he stands up. “Hey, I'm not complaining. I do not wanna go down there.” Eddie said as Steve starts to take off his sweater and shirt.

I stare up at him and felt my face go red. How is it that it was just a couple of days ago the two of us were just lying in bed, enjoying the aftermath of sex, to where we are now. It’s crazy.

Steve noticed me staring and gives me a quick wink while I turn my head away as Eddie put one of the flashlights into a plastic bag. “Hey. Good luck.” Eddie said to Steve ask he hands the flashlight to him. “Thanks.” Steve said and he looks back at the lake while Eddie tries to light up a cigarette but Robin grabs it. “Gross.” She said and tosses it in the water.

Steve took a few deep breathes until I grabbed his arm. “Steve.” I said and he turns to me and I move my hand into his hand and hold onto it. “Be careful.” I plead to him. He smiles and squeezes my hand as if to reassure me he will. Then I let go of his hand then he turns back to the water and dives in.

”Where we at, Wheeler?” Robin asked. “Closing in on a minute.” Nancy replied after we had waited for Steve to resurface. I sighed then looked over the edge of the boat and waited. Moments later, Steve bursts out of the water, startling all of us. “Oh Christ!” Nancy exclaims. “I found it.” Steve said. “You found it?” Nancy asked. “I found it. Yeah. I found it.” Steve pants as he comes closer to the boat. 

“Dustin, you are a fucking Einstein. Steve found the gate...” Robin said as Steve swims up to the boat. “It's pretty wild. It's more a snack-size gate than the mama gate, but still, it's pretty damn big.” Steve said as I reached out to help him when suddenly he was jerked back a bit. 

We all freeze as if we were standing on thin ice. Steve looks around before he was pulled back under the water. “Steve!” We all screamed. “No! No! What the hell was that, man?” Eddie screamed, panicked. 

I stare down at the water, trying to see some sign of him but it was impossible with how dark it was. He was just here one second ago and then he was gone, just like that. No…not again. I won’t lose him too.

I stood up, fumbling to shed off my jacket. “Wait, wait, wait. You're not going in there, are you?” Eddie asked as I toss the jacket aside. “Just wait here.” I instructed before diving into the icy cold water as Robin shouts. “No, (y/n)!”

All their screams for me to come back were muffled as the water filled my ears. I gritted my teeth as the water envelop me, feeling like tiny needles were stabbing me all over. But I pushed through the uncomfortable feeling and started to swim downwards, noticing a bright red glow at the bottom of the lake. I made my way towards it, determined to get Steve back. 

Hang on, Steve. I’m coming.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 20: The Creel House

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

*3rd Person POV*

“Dustin, can you hear me? Dustin? Earth to Dustin.” Eddie’s voice called out through Dustin’s radio. Nancy wakes up then crawls over to it and answers it. “Hey, it's Nancy.” She said, tiredly. “Wheeler! Hey. Um, I'm gonna need a food delivery, like, really soon, unless you want me going out into the world.” Eddie said and Nancy shakes her head.

“No. No, no, no. Don't do that. Stay where you are, and we'll be there as soon as we can.” She tells him. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Listen, um...can you pick me up a six-pack? I know, it's stupid as shit, drinking right now, but a cold beer would really calm my jangled nerves.” He said and Nancy sighs then raises her head and sees that Max is gone.

“Hey, I'm gonna have to call you back.” She said. “No, don't you da...” Nancy said then she turns the radio off then goes over to Dustin, who was leaning against the wall asleep. “Dustin! Wake up.” Nancy said, quickly, and Dustin wakes up. “What?” He groans as he wipes his eyes. “Aren't you supposed to be on Max watch?” Nancy asked him. “Yep. Yep, yep, yep. Sorry.” Dustin said, still half asleep.

“Then where is she?” Nancy asked. “She's right there.” Dustin said, slightly annoyed, and he gestures to the couch Max was sleeping in but he noticed she was gone. “A second ago.” He said, realization washing over him. “I swear, I just dozed off for...” he said then he looks at his watch and his jaw drops. “…an hour.” Dustin said, fearfully, then he and Nancy get up and run up the stairs and run into the kitchen/dining room only to see Max and Holly sitting at the table, Max was drawing.

“Morning, guys.” Karen said as Nancy stares at Max in shock, feeling relieved that she was ok. “Everything okay?” Karen asked them. “Yeah. Yeah, everything's okay.” Nancy sighs. “Sorry, I didn’t tell you guys.” A voice said and Nancy and Dustin look over to see (y/n) in the kitchen with Karen. “I had it handled.” She said and Nancy sighs again.

“I think it's so sweet that you guys are sticking together like this.” Karen said. “Could try sticking together at a different house for a change.” Ted grumbles as he reads the paper. Nancy rolls her eyes at her father’s response then walks over to the table while Karen shakes her head and turns to Dustin.

“You know you're welcome anytime.” She said. “Totally. You're like family.” Dustin said then he gestures to the plate of pancakes that (y/n) had just finished making. “May I?” Dustin asked Karen. “Absolutely.” Karen said. “Yeah, why not? Take us for all we're worth.” Ted sneered and Dustin looks at him. “Okay.” He said, cheekily, then takes some pancakes while Karen turns to (y/n).

”Thank you for your help, sweetie.” She said. “No worries, Mrs Wheeler. Glad I could help.” (Y/n) said, smiling. “At least someone is pulling some weight around here.” Ted grumbles and Karen shakes her head again. “You go ahead and get some food.” She tells (y/n), who nods and grabs a plate.

You wanna feel how it feels?

Yeah, yeah

You wanna know

Max continues to draw when Nancy sits down next to her. Max presses the stop button on her Walkman and takes off her headphones. “Hey.” She greets. “Hey. You okay?” Nancy asked her. “Just couldn't sleep. People kept blasting music in my ears, for some reason.” Max jokes and Nancy chuckles while (y/n) goes to sit on Max’s other side with her.

“But Holly let me borrow some of her crayons. We've been having fun, right, Holly?” Max asked and Holly hums as she continues to color. (Y/n) then noticed the eerie drawings that Max made, it consisted of a red background and different shapes and even an archway.

“Is this what you saw last night?” (Y/n) asked her. “I mean, it's supposed to be. I thought it'd be easier to draw it out than to explain it, but...not so much.” Max said. “Is that...?” Nancy asked as she pulls a drawing to her that was of two tree like shapes each with a body infused in it, one boy and one girl. “It was like they were on display. And then there was this red fog everywhere. It was like a dream. A nightmare.” Max said.

“Do you think that Vecna's just trying to scare you?” Nancy asked Max. “With Billy? Yeah. But when I made it here...I dunno, something was different. He seemed surprised, almost. Like he didn't want me there.” Max said. “Maybe you infiltrated his mind. He invaded your mind, right? Is it that big a leap to suggest you somehow wound up in his? Like Freddie Krueger's boiler room.” Dustin said.

“Freddie Krueger?” Holly asked. “He's a super burned-up dude wirh razors for fingers. And he kills you in your dreams.” Dustin explains whine Holly looked alittle scared. “Dustin, seriously?” (Y/n) said in a warning tone. “Sorry. It's a movie. It's not real.” Dustin said to Holly, quickly, then he turns to Max.

“Just...think about it. What if you somehow unlocked a backdoor to Vecna's world? Like, maybe the answer we're looking for is somewhere in this incredibly vague drawing.” Dustin said as he looks at one of the drawings. “God, we need Will.” He grumbles. “No shit. But I tried them again this morning, and it's the same busy signal.” Max said while (y/n) and Nancy look over the other drawings when Nancy noticed one of them.

“Is this a window?” She asked. “Yeah.” Max said. “Stained glass with roses.” Nancy said, questioning. “Yeah. See? I'm not so terrible after all.” Max said, smiling. “Yeah, well, it helps that I've seen it before.” Nancy said then she folds up the drawings in a way then starts to put them together like a puzzle then adds her own addition to drawings.

“It's pieces of a house.” Max said as everyone looks on. “Not just any house.” Nancy said as she placed the last folded up drawing, the one with the stained glass door, on it. “It's Victor Creel's house.” She said then she gets up. “Where you going?” Dustin asked her. “Waking the others.” Nancy said as she walks back towards the basement. Dustin looks at her then grabs some food off of the table. “Sorry, fuel for the road. Thanks, Mr. Wheeler!” Dustin said as he walks off and Max and (y/n) share a look before they get up.

*(y/n)’s POV*

We pull up to the Creel house and get out of Steve’s car, the building looked abandoned for decades. It was dirty, the grass had overgrown and there were boards over the windows. It honestly looked like it came out of a horror movie. “Yeah, that's not creepy.” Steve remarks as we walk up to it.

Then Steve and Nancy pull nails out of the board that was covering the front door. “What exactly are we supposed to be looking for in this shithole?” Steve asked Nancy. “We're not sure. We just know this house is important to Vecna.” Nancy said. “Because Max saw it in Vecna's red soup mind world?” Steve asked. “Basically.” I said. “Great.” Steve mutters as he continues to pull nails off of the board.

“Maybe it holds a clue to where Vecna is. Why he's back. Why he killed the Creels. And how to stop him before he comes back for Max.” Dustin said. “We don't think he's in here, do we?” Lucas asked, nervously. “Guess we'll find out.” Max said as Steve gets the last nail off of the board then turns to Nancy.

“Ready?” He asked her, she nods and they let the board go and it falls on the ground, dust going everywhere. Max stares at the door as I look over at her then place an arm around her shoulder. “It’s okay. I’m here.” I tell her as she looks at me and gives me an appreciative nod. “It's locked. Should I knock, see if anybody's home?” Steve asked after he tried to open the door and Dustin sighs.

“No need.” Robin said behind us and we all turn to her and see her with a large brick in her hand. “I found a key.” She said and we all step back as she throws the brick at the window, smashing it. Steve then reaches inside and unlocks the door and we all walk in. The place was really dark and dusty which was sad cause I could tell it was once a beautiful home.

“Looks like someone forgot to pay their electric bill.” Lucas joked as I turn to see him messing with a lamp. Then all of us pull out our flashlight turn them on and Steve looks at Dustin, confused. “Where'd everyone get those?” Steve asked and Dustin turns to him. “Do you need to be told everything? You're not a child.” Dustin berates and I chuckle. “Sadly, he does, I swear…he’d lose his head if it wasn’t attached.” I teased and I hear small chuckles from everyone while Steve gives me an exasperated look.

“Thank you.” He said, sarcastically, and I smiled. “You’re welcome.” I said as Dustin takes off his backpack and hands it to Steve. “Back pocket.” He said and Steve digs into the bag and gets the extra flashlight as Dustin walks ahead then Steve tosses the bag down.

“They just left everything.” Nancy said as we head over to the living room area. “I guess a triple homicide isn't good for resale value.” Robin said, sarcastically, and I shake my head. “Hey, guys?” Max calls out and we all turn to her as she stares at a grandfather clock in the hallway. “You all see that, right?” She asked us. “Yeah.” We all said 

“Is this what you saw? In your visions?” I asked Max and she continues to stare at it. “I mean, it's... just a clock. Right?” Robin asked as she walks up to the clock and wipes the dust away from the face of the clock. “Like a normal old clock.” She said. “Why is this wizard obsessed with clocks? Maybe he's, like, a clockmaker or something?” Steve asked. “I think you cracked the case, Steve.” Dustin snarks.

“All I know is the answers are here. Somewhere.” Nancy said then she turns to us. “Okay, everyone stay in groups. Robin, you and me upstairs.” She said and Robin nods. “Steve, you and Dustin. And Max, you, Lucas and (y/n), okay?” She said and we all nod while Steve looks at me with concern. “I’ll be fine.” I said to him as I grab his hand and squeeze it. I let go then I follow Lucas and Max to another part of the house while I hear Steve sigh then bickering with Dustin.

*3rd Person POV*

“Hey, uh, Henderson?” Steve calls out as he and Dustin look around the top floor. “Yeah?” Dustin said, curiously. “Could you maybe, uh, clarify what sort of clues we're supposed to be looking for here?” Steve asked him and Dustin smirks. "The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes." Dustin recites in a British accent and Steve stares at him and Dustin gives him a disbelieving look.

“Sherlock Holmes.” Dustin said in his regular voice and Steve continues to stare at him. Dustin then scoffs at him. “That's great. Thanks. That's great. Really helpful.” Steve said, sarcastically. “Has (y/n) taught you nothing?! Jesus!” Dustin exclaimed then he walks into another room. “Sherlock...” Steve scoffs.

Steve then noticed a hatched door on the floor and goes to open, revealing several jars. He picks one up and sees what looked like dead spiders. He scrunched his face in disgust when he felt something in his shoulder. He looks over and noticed a spider crawling and he jumps, drops the jar and stumbles back into Nancy.

”Whoa, whoa. What's wrong?” Nancy asked him, worried. “There was a spider.” Steve said, breathlessly. “What?” Nancy asked him. “It's a black widow.” He said and he reaches towards the door and closes it. “Don't go in there.” He said and he walks off but Nancy noticed he had spider webs in the back of his hair.

“Oh, oh. Wait, just...” Nancy tells him. “What?” Steve asked as she comes up behind him. “Something? Shit. Okay.” Steve said, slightly panicked, as he starts to move. “Wait. Stop moving. Stop. I just...I got it. I got it.” Nancy said as she grabs the web out of his hair and tosses it aside. “Thank you.” Steve said, appreciatively.

“If there's a spider, you're never gonna find it till it lays eggs and the babies spill out.” Robin teased. “What's wrong with you?” Steve asked her and she walks past them and chuckles. “Robin, seriously.” Steve said but Robin continues to walk ahead. “She's got problems.” Steve mutters. “Tell me about it.” Nancy said, slightly annoyed, as she continues to get the web out of his hair. “It’s cool you, her and (y/n) are friends now.” Steve said while Nancy lowers her eyes down and looked a bit heartbroken.

“Maybe after we find Vecna, kill him, save the world and stuff, maybe we can all go out. You know? Me, you, (y/n), Jonathan, when he's back. A double date or something…” Steve said and Nancy bites her lips as she gives a skeptical look. “Really? Wouldn’t that be…awkward?” She asked as she takes the last bit of web out of his hair. “There…all better.” She said and Steve turns to her.

”Awkward? Because we used to date?” He asked her. “For starters.” She said and Steve shakes his head. “No, the only way it would be awkward if we still liked each other. We both moved on and well…not to throw your own words in your face, you did say our relationship was bullshit so…” he said as he shrugs. “Right.” Nancy mutters, despairingly.

“Can’t get any further from a I love you than that!” Steve said and he lightly slaps her shoulder and Nancy gives a small nod, keeping her head down to hide the heartbroken expression on her face. 

*(y/n)’s POV*

Lucas, Max and I walk around the first floor, looking for any clues on Vecna. As we looked around, I could hear Kate Bush blaring from Max’s headphones and I smile alittle at this. She then looks down the rewinds the tape. “I wish we had a longer loop.” Lucas said. “Forty-six minutes isn't bad. I think there are bigger concerns. Like...What if, by listening to this over and over, I get sick of it, and suddenly it's not my favorite anymore? Will it still work? Or will Kate Bush, like, lose her magic power or something?” Max asked.

“Kate Bush? Never.” Lucas proclaimed and Max seemed surprised by this. “You're a Kate Bush fan?” She asked him. “Uh, yeah. Now I am.” He said, like it was obvious. “Really?” Max asked, with a small chuckle. “Yeah, mega-fan. She...She saved your life. Besides, we're hot on this creep's trail. We're gonna find Vecna and kill him before he even thinks about messing with you again. All right? In fact, I bet if we hit these suckers in the right combo, we might just open a door to his secret lair.” Lucas said as he goes over to an old piano and place a few notes, which sounded a bit out of tune.

“Voilà.” Lucas said and Max laughs. “You're such a dork. I thought you were, like, one of the cool kids now.” Max questions. “I'm not cool?” Lucas asked her and Max laughs. “I've really missed that.” Lucas said. “Missed what?” Max asked. “Your laugh.” Lucas replied and I felt my heart break as I listened to this. In all honesty, I’m with Lucas…I miss her laugh as well and her witty comebacks, how’d she always come to me and tell me about her day, shitty or not.

Max looks at Lucas and was about to say something when her tape clicks. “All done. Work your magic, Kate.” Max said as she pushed the play button and I hear the song play. But at that moment, I heard some static and both Max and I look over and see a lamp light was on, which is impossible. “I promise I'm gonna stop asking this, but...you guys are seeing that, right?” She asked me and Lucas. “Yeah.” Lucas and I replied and she reaches out to the lamp but the light goes out as quickly as it came on.

”Weird.” I muttered as I go to the lamp and look it over. “Look.” Lucas said and he points into another room and we see another lamp light coming on. We walk to it but the lamp light goes out and then a ceiling light comes on over us at the main stairway room. Then the lights over the stairs come on then off and a chandelier over the dining room comes on and pulses.

After getting the others, we head back to the dining room to see the chandelier still on. “It's like the Christmas lights.” Nancy mutters. “The Christmas lights?” Robin asked. “Yeah, when Will was in the Upside Down, the lights...came to life.” Nancy replied to her.

“Vecna's here. In this house. Just on the other side.” Lucas said, realized, and at that moment the light turned off. “I think he just left the room.” Robin said. “Did he hear us?” Max asked. “Can he see us?” Steve adds and I look at Max, who looked scared. “Headphones.” I tell her and she puts on her headphones 

“Wait, wait. Everyone, turn off your flashlights and spread out.” She said and we all turn our flashlights off and we all split up. “We're not gonna be able to see if we turn off our flash...lights.” Steve said but noticed that most of us were leaving the room. “Jesus Christ.” I hear him say then he walks up behind me.

We all split off into different parts of the house and tried to make our way through the house, blind, when I hear Robin shout. “I got him! Got him! I got him.” We all run to her and I was able to see her flashlight was one but then it turned off 

“I...I had him.” She said, disappointed, but then Steve’s flashlight comes on. “Oh, whoa. Oh, I think he's moving. He's moving. He's moving.” Steve said and he takes the lead as he tries to follow where the light wants us to go. We get upstairs when the light goes out and Steve sighs.

“Shit. I lost him.” He grumbles and I noticed a door off on the wall and see a light peering through the cracks. “No, you didn't.” I said as I walk over to the door and open, which revealed stairs heading up to the attic. “It's an attic. Of course it's an attic.” I hear Robin whisper as we head upstairs. “Hold up, guys. What if he's leading us into a trap? Guys, guys.” Dustin calls out but we continued on.

We get to the top of the stairs and into the large spaced attic to see one lightbulb pulsing brightly. “Flashlights.” Dustin said and all of us noticed that our flashlights had come on of their own accord and they shined brighter when we circled close together under the lightbulb. “Okay, what’s happening?” Steve asked, worried.

The lights shined really brightly for a few moments but then one by one the bulbs started to blow out, the glass breaking and all of us shrieked as we covered ourselves. Whatever was going on, it couldn’t be good.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 19: Dear Billy

Previous Chapter/ Next Chapter

*(y/n)’s POV*

Nancy screeches to a halt at the school’s parking lot, and the three of us get out of her car and make our way into the school and run down the hallway.

“That's not even the bad part.” She said as she turns to face us. “What do you mean?” I asked her, concerned, and she bites her lips before she continues. “Fred and Chrissy, they both came to Miss Kelley for help. Uh, they both were having headaches, bad headaches that wouldn't go away. And then...then the nightmares. Trouble sleeping. They'd wake up in a cold sweat. Then they started seeing things. Bad things. From their pasts. These visions, they just...they kept on getting worse and worse, until eventually...everything ended.” Max said. 

“Vecna's curse.” Robin said, softly, and I start to get really scared. “Chrissy's headache started a week ago. Fred's, six days ago. I've been having them for five days.” She said and I gasped as everyone looks at her. “I don't know how long I have. All I know is that, for Fred and Chrissy, they both died less than  hours after their first vision. And I just saw that damn clock, so...looks like I'm gonna die tomorrow.” She said, her voice fully of shaky tears.

Steve ran a hand over his mouth and I shake my head in disbelief. “No, no, that’s…” I stammered as I look at my baby sister. “Why didn't you tell me?” I asked her and she looks down then back at me. “You were busy and had other things going on. And plus, I guess…” she stops then sighs, like what she was gonna say was gonna be stupid. “…I was still mad you moved out.” She said and I give her a sad look.

”Max….” I whispered but then we heard a loud banging sound. We all look towards the door and Steve turns to us. “Stay here.” He tells us before he grabs a lamp and walks out, holding the lamp like it was a weapon. The rest of us look at each other then we follow Steve down the hall as we heard some more clanging sound, then what sounded like hurried footsteps.

Then Lucas runs in front of us and all of scream as Steve raised his lamp. “It's me!” Lucas exclaimed, as he raised his hands up. “Lucas?” Max asked, confused, as Steve sets the lamp down. “It's me.” Lucas assures us again. “Jesus, what's wrong with you, Sinclair?” Steve asked, annoyed, obviously recovering from the heart attack he just endured.

“I'm sorry.” Lucas said, shaking. “I could've taken you out with this lamp!” Steve shouts as Lucas catches his breath. “Sorry, guys. Sorry. I was...I was biking for eight miles. Give me a second. Shit.” Lucas pants and I walk over to him and pat his back. “Just breathe, Lucas.” I tell him and he nods.

“We've got a code red.” He said, finally. “What?” Steve and I said, confused. “Dustin.” Lucas said and he walks over to Dustin. “I've been with Jason, Patrick, and Andy, and they've gone totally off the rails. They're trying to capture Eddie, and they think you know where he is. You're in terrible danger.” He warns him. “All right. Yeah, that definitely sucks, but we've got bigger problems than Jason now.” Dustin said and Lucas looks at him confused while Dustin turns to Max as I go over to her and place an arm around her.

The next day, we were hiding out at the basement of Nancy’s house while Steve reads over the newspaper Nancy, Robin and I found. “Okay, be honest. Uh...You guys understand any of this?” Steve asked. “No.” Lucas said. “Pretty straightforward.” Dustin said .

“Oh, straightforward, really?” Steve asked, annoyed. “What's confusing to you? It makes sense. So far, everyone Vecna has cursed has died, except for this old Victor Creel dudes Nancy found. He's the only known survivor. If anyone knows how to beat this curse, it's him.” Dustin said. “That's assuming he was cursed, Henderson, which we don't even know.” He said then rubs his temple. 

“How can Vecna have existed in the 50’s? It doesn't make sense.” He mutters. “Far as we know, Eleven didn't create the Upside Down. She opened a gate to it. The Upside Down has probably been around for thousands of years. Millions. I wouldn't be surprised if it predated the dinosaurs.” Dustin said. “Dinosaurs? What are we...” Steve started to ask but Lucas talks over him.

”Okay. Okay. But if a gate didn't exist in the 50’s, how did Vecna get through?” Lucas asked. “How's he getting through now?” Steve asked. “And why now?” Lucas asked. “And why then? Just pops out in the 50’s, kills one family, and he's like, I'm good. And poof, he just disappears. Just...gone? Only to return years later and start killing random teens? No, I don't buy it. Straightforward, my ass.” Steve grumbles then he turns to Dustin. 

“Honestly, Henderson, a little humility now and then, it wouldn't hurt you.” He said. “Sorry.” Dustin mutters and Steve sits down in a chair and I sigh then sit on the spot on the couch next to Dustin, looking across the room to see Max writing.

“Any idea what she's writing?” Dustin asked me and I shrugged. “Did she sleep?” Dustin asked, concerned. “I mean, would you?” I asked him and he frowns at me just as we heard a door opening and Nancy and Robin come in. “Okay, so...we have a plan.” Nancy said, smiling.

“Thanks to Nancy's newspaper minions, we are now rock-star psychology students at the University of Notre Dame.” Robin explained as we all gathered around. “I'm now Ruth.” Nancy said. “And I'm Rose.” Robin said. “Ruth?” Steve and I said and Nancy shrugs while Dustin looks over the file.

“Nice GPA.” He compliments. “Thanks.” Nancy said then she turns to the rest of us. “So we called Pennhurst Asylum, told them we'd like to speak with Creel for a thesis we're co-writing on paranoid schizophrenics...” Nancy explains. “To which they said no.” Robin said. “But we landed a three o'clock with the director.” Nancy said.

”Now all we have to do is charm him and convince him to let us talk to Victor.” Robin said. “Then maybe we can rid Max of this curse.” Nancy said. “About that. We've been doing our Victor Creel homework, and, uh...we got some questions.” Steve said. “Lots of questions.” Lucas adds. “So do we. Hopefully, Victor has the answers.” Nancy said then she turns to me.

”We, uh, we made up an ID for you so you could join us…” Nancy offers but I shake my head. “Nancy, I appreciate it but…I need to stay here and be here for my sister.” I said and I look over my shoulder and see her writing away. I stare at her and take a deep breath then let it out before turning back to the others.

”I haven’t been a good older sister to her. I’ve just been so busy with work, the apartment…” I said then I look at Steve. “..Us…” I stop and sighed then look back at Nancy and Robin. “I’m not pushing her away again. She’s my priority right now.” I said, firmly, and Nancy nods. “I understand.” She said. “Then I’ll stay here with you, then.” Steve said and I turn my head to him and a small appreciated smile forms on my lips.

Later, Robin and Nancy make their way upstairs to Nancy’s room to change outfits while the boys and I stayed in the basement, Max still writing. “You didn’t have to stay with me.”  I said to Steve as he watched Max then turns to me.

”I know you hate being the babysitter…” I said and Steve shakes his head. “I’m not being the babysitter, I’m being the supportive boyfriend.” He said and my eyes widened in shock before I give another smile. “I appreciate it, Steve.” I said before I kiss his cheek then lean my head on his shoulder. “Besides, it’d be cruel to leave you alone watching over these shitheads.” Steve said and I chuckled while Lucas and Dustin looked offended.

”Dude! We’re right here.” Dustin said, annoyed, while Lucas had his hands raised. I chuckled, softly, and then look back over to Max, who was still hunched over a desk. “I just wish I knew what’s going through her head.” I muttered as we all look at her.

She stops then looks at us over her shoulder. “I know you guys are staring at me.” She said and we all jump and act like we weren’t staring at her. “What, sorry?” Steve said. “You said you needed something?” Lucas asked. “Just hanging out.” I said as Lucas and Dustin grab a magazine and Steve grabs a ball and tosses it up in the air but I keep looking at my sister.

Max then sighs. “How you think your eyes boring into the back of my head is protecting me from Vecna, I don't know.” She said as she grabs what looked like envelopes, stands up and walks over to us. “We’re just worried about you, is all.” I tell her and she sighs then looks down as she stands in front of us. “I know…” she muttered then looks at the boys.

“You can look at me now.” She said. “Thank you. Sorry.” Dustin said. “Sorry.” Lucas and Steve said as they all look at her. She holds out an envelope to Dustin. “For you.” She said and Dustin grabs it then she holds another envelope out to Steve. “For you.” She said and Steve takes the envelope and she holds up two envelopes and holds both of them out towards me and Lucas.

“And, um, you two.” She said and both of us, cautiously, take them. “Oh, and, um, give these to Mike, El, and Will. If you can ever get a hold of them again.” Max said as she holds up the pile of envelopes while Steve and Dustin peek into their envelopes. “What are you doing?” She asked them and they stop and stare at her. “No, don't. That's not for now. Don't open it now.” She tells them. “Don't...Okay.” Dustin said while I stare at my envelope.

“I'm sorry. What is this, Max?” I asked her and she glances at me then bites her lips. “It's, um...it's a fail-safe. For after. If things don't work out.” She said and my jaw drops. “Wait, whoa. Max, things are gonna work out.” Lucas said. “No! No, I don't need you to reassure me and tell me it's all gonna work out. People have been telling me that my entire life and it's almost never true. It's never true. I mean, of course this asshole curses me. Should've seen that one coming.” Max admits and I give her a concerned look.

”Max…” I whispered before she looks over her right then grabs Dustin’s walkie-talkie. “If we go to East Hawkins, will this reach Pennhurst?” She asked Dustin. “Of course. Yeah.” Dustin said. “Wait…Why are we talking about East Hawkins?” Steve asked and Max looks at me with a knowing look. “Max…no!” I said, realizing why she mentioned that place.

“Max, Max. Seriously. Seriously, I'm not joking. I'm not driving you anywhere.” Steve tells Max as we all walk outside towards Steve’s car. “Steve, if you think I'm going to spend what is likely the last day of my life in the armpit that is Mike Wheeler's basement, then you're out of your mind. Either take me where I need to go or tie me down, which is technically kidnapping of a minor. And if I live to see another day, Steve, I swear to God, I will prosecute.” Max said as we get to his car.

“Not if I have anything to say about. You are my sister, I can just easily say I’m babysitting you.” I said, firmly. “I know a good lawyer.” She threatens and I scoff and Steve and I share a look and Steve sighs a she pulls his keys out. “Henderson, that super walkie of yours better reach Pennhurst.” He tells Dustin and we all load up into the car. Steve driving, me in the passenger seat and the three kids all in the back.

Steve drives all the way over to the trailer park and in front of Mom’s trailer. “This better be fast, Mayfield.” Steve said, clearly annoyed. “Twenty seconds.” She said and she gets out of the car and heads into the trailer.

I sighed and my right leg starts to bounce up and down from nerves, I keep staring out the window and ignore whatever Steve was asking Dustin until I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Hey…” Steve whispers and I turn to face him. “It’s gonna be okay.” He assures me. “I just wish she’d talk to me, like she used to. Or maybe if I actually paid attention more to her then this asshole wouldn’t be after her!” I exclaimed, upset. “Hey, you couldn’t have known.” Steve said and I sighed and looked out the window.

”It’s been twenty seconds. Where is she?” I asked before I start to open the door and get out of the car. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Steve said as he starts to get out of the car but just as I start to walk towards the trailer, Max comes around the corner of the trailer from the back, looking upset.

”That was longer than twenty seconds.” I said, upset, and she walks past me. “Hey, whoa, whoa. You all right?” I asked her. “I’m fine. Just drive.” Max ordered, upset as she gets into the backseat. Steve and I share a look before we get back inside the car. “Did something happen?” Dustin asked her. “Can we please just go?” She asked and Steve starts up the car and we drive out of there. I turn my head to look at her but she kept looking out the window, looking very scared.

Whatever happened back at Mom’s really got to her.

We kept on driving down the road when Max speaks up. “Turn here.” She said and I look over at her. “Here?” I asked and she nods then Steve and I share a look before he turns to the cemetery. Once he stopped and parked, Max gets out of the car and Lucas follows after her while I step out, bout to follow her myself.

“Max?” He calls out to her and she turns to him. “Lucas, please, just wait in the car.” She tells him. “Max, just wait. Max, please.” He pleads. “Lucas, just wait...” she tells him but he talks over her. “Just listen to me. Just, please. I know something happened there with your mother. Was it Vecna?” he asked her and she stays quiet before say. “I told you, I'm fine. Okay? I mean, as fine as someone who's hurtling towards a gruesome death can be.” She said.

“Max...you know you can talk to me. Right?” Lucas asked her. “Yeah, I know that.” She said but I could tell from her tone she didn’t believe it. “Okay, then why do you keep pushing me away?” He asked her and she doesn’t respond. “Okay, look, I don't need a letter. I don't want a letter. Just talk to me. To your friends. To your sister. We're right here. I'm right here. Okay? I'm here.” He pleads as she stares at him. “Wait in the car. This won't be long.” she said and she stomps off towards Billy’s grave.

Lucas looked upset as he turns to face us and I go over to him. “You tried.” I said and he sighs as he walks over to the car and leans against it while I watch from the hill and see her sitting down in front of Billy’s grave.

*3rd Person POV*

“All right, it's been long enough.” Steve said, after several minutes of silence and Max just sitting at the grave, as he starts to walk forward. “Steve, just give her some time.” Lucas tells him. “I have, all right? I'm calling it. She wants to get a lawyer, she can.” Steve said, annoyed before (y/n) places a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll go. It’ll be easier if I go to her.” She said and Steve looks down at his girlfriend before he nods and she walks over to Max.

(Y/n) goes to Max, who was sitting in front of Billy’s grave, and she kneels down to her. “Max. We gotta go.” She said, gently, but Max didn’t respond. (Y/n) looks at her and noticed that her head was raised just a little and her eyes were glazed over but she was slightly blinking rapidly, almost like she was in a trance.

“Max?” (Y/n) said, worried, and she shakes her little sister’s shoulder but Max doesn’t respond. “Max. Max. Max! Max.” (Y/n) shouts at Max as she continues to shake her but nothing was getting through to her.

Meanwhile, in Max’s mind after she read her letter to Billy, Max heard Billy’s voice then she turns around and sees Billy walking up to her. “I've been waiting to hear those words, Max. Waiting so very long.” Billy tells her as Max stares at him in fear.

“Wake up! Hey! Max, wake up! Max! Wake up!” (Y/n) said, panicked, and Steve looks towards (y/n) and Max then he pauses as he watches them. He began to worried as he sees his girlfriend shaking her sister. “Oh, something's wrong.” Steve mutters as Lucas and Dustin looks over at the girls while (y/n) turns to them. 

“Steve! Guys! Help” she shouts and the boys run as fast as they can to her.

“But it wasn't the full truth, was it, Max? You know, I think there's a part of you, buried somewhere deep, that wanted me to die that day. That was maybe even relieved. Happy.” Billy tells Max, who shakes her head. “Billy, no, that's not true.” She said.

“That's why you stood there, isn't it, Max? It's okay. You can admit it now. No more lies. No more hiding.” He said. “Billy, that's not true, I swear. I swear it's not true.” Max said, her voice shaking. “That is why you feel such guilt.” Billy said. “No.” Max said, tears running down her face.

“Why you hide from your friends. Why you hide from your sister. Why you hide from the world.” Billy said. “No. No.” Max said. “And why, late at night, you have sometimes wished to follow me. Follow me into death. That is why I am here, Max. To end your suffering, once and for all.” Billy said and Max shakes her head. “No.” She whispers and she falls backwards then looks up to see Vecna.

“It is time, Max. Time for you to join me.” Vecna said and Max begins to run.

“Max, you gotta get outta there! Can you hear me?” Lucas shouts. “Max!” (y/n) shouts, in a panic, then Steve grabs Dustin. “Call Nancy and Robin! Go get 'em! Call Nancy and Robin! Go!” Steve yells at him as Dustin walks back, falls backwards then gets up and runs back to Steve’s car. “Please, Max!” (Y/n) exclaims, fearfully.

“Shit! Shit, shit, shit! Shit, shit, shit!” Dustin exclaims, quickly, as he runs to the car and grabs his radio the pulls the antenna out. “Nancy? Robin? Do you copy? This is a code red. Do you copy? Shit. Robin!” Dustin shouts.

Meanwhile, Max runs across the cemetery then ducks behind a gravestone and sits up against it, catching her breath. “You cannot hide from me, Maxine.” Vecna warns her as she sits there, deciding what to do.

“Robin, where the hell are you? This is a code red. I repeat, a code red!” Dustin yells in the radio when he finally got a response. “Dustin, it's Robin. We copy.” She answered. “Holy shit. Finally! Please, please tell me you guys have this figured out.” Dustin asked them, panicking.

Max stands up and looks around, trying to find anything or anyone. “Lucas! (y/n)! Dustin! Lucas, (y/n) please, help! Dustin!” Max screams, fearfully, then she turns around and sees a red light emitting from within the fog. She stares at it and walks towards it.

Dustin pulls out Max’s bag and dumps it all out to see her Walkman and some tapes. He gathers them up in his arms and runs back to the others.

Max walks into the red fog then realizes she wasn’t in the cemetery anymore. It didn’t look like anyplace from back home. This looked like she was in Hell or a hellish dimension with tendrils rising up from the ground and red lighting striking every few seconds.

“Max, get outta there!” Lucas shouts at Max. “Max!” Steve shouts. “Can you hear...” (y/n) started to shout when Dustin runs over and sets the tapes and Walkman down. “What is this?” Lucas asked him. “What's her favorite song?” Dustin asked as he looks between Lucas and (y/n). “Why?” They asked, confused. “Robin said if she listens...It's too much to explain now. What's her favorite song?” Dustin asked, yelling a bit, then (y/n) started to dig into the tapes as she knew what to look for.

Max makes it to the center of the place where there was some broken down stairwell, a door, a doorway and the grandfather clock that chimed, eerily. “What are you doing in here, Max?” Vecna asked as Max steps on what looked like spider eggs. 

“Come back to me.” Vecna said as Max backed up then turns around to see Chrissy’s distorted body within a tendril tree. She stared at it in horror before she turns around and sees another tree that had Fred’s similar distorted body in it.

“How do you like them, Max?” Vecna asked as he walks up to her. “Would you like to join them?” he asked and Max turns and tries to run but Vecna flicks his wrist and a tendril grabs Max around her ankle. “Shit! Shit!” she screams and the pull her back.

“No! No!” She screams, fearfully, as the tendrils pull her up to a tree and slams her into the tree and wrap around her arms then her neck, chocking her.

“Where the hell is it?!” (Y/n) asked, frantically, as she looks through the tapes. “What are you looking…” Dustin asked and (y/n) shouts. “Kate Bush!” She shouts as everyone scrambles to find it. “It's right here! Got it!” Lucas shouts as he holds up the tape. “Give it to me.” (Y/n) shouts and he hands her the tape and she opens the Walkman up while Dustin places the headphones on Max’s head.

Then (y/n) places the tape inside the Walkman and closes it. “Now!” Dustin said and (y/n) presses play.

Back with Vecna and Max, Running Up That Hill started playing and Max hears it then looks over Vecna’s shoulder to see a portal had opened and she could see the boys and her sister calling out for her.

“Max!”

“Max, wake up!”

“Max! Wake up!”

“Max, we're right here!”

“Come on, Max.”

“They can't help you, Max.” Vecna said as he turns back to Max. “There's a reason you hide from them. You belong here, with me.” Vecna said as one of the vines holds onto Max’s throat a bit tighter. “You're not really here.” She gasps out. “Oh, but I am, Max. I am.” Vecna said and he holds his right clawed hand out towards her.

In the real world, Max starts to float up and the boys and (y/n) fall back as they see her rise up a few feet in the air. “NO!” (Y/n) screams, panicked, before her and the boys continue to shout to her as if she could hear them.

Meanwhile, as Vecna placed his hand over her face, Max begins to have flashes of her life playing in her mind as the music gets louder.

It's you and me, won't be unhappy 

And if I only could I'd make a deal with God 

And I'd get him to swap our places... 

She started to see the times she had with the boys, with El, with Lucas and of course with her sister.

I'd be running up that road

Be running up that hill

Be running up that building... 

Then she flashes to the last thing Lucas said to her before she went to Billy’s grave. “I don't want a letter. We're right here. I'm right here.” He pleads to her then she flashes to a couple of moments of (y/n).

“It’s you and me against the world.” (Y/n) told her the first night they moved to Hawkins then it switches to a memory from a couple of days ago. “You always used to talk to me about anything but now…you don’t. And I worry because you’re my little sister and I love you.” (Y/n) said, tears forming in her eyes. 

Come on, darling 

Let me steal this moment from you now 

Come on, baby, come on, darling

Let me steal this moment from you now

Come on, Angel

Come on, come on, darling

Let's exchange the experience...

After having those flashbacks, Max gasps as she opens her eyes then reaches out to Vecna, grabs at a piece of his neck and yanks on it. Vecna yelps in pain as he stumbles back and Max falls on her front. She looks up then immediately gets to her feet and runs towards the portal. Vecna turns to her as his neck regenerates and sees Max running.

And if I only could I'd make a deal with God 

And I'd get him to swap our places...

Vecna then uses his powers to throw debris at Max to stop her and while one narrowly missed her and she falls to her knees. But she quickly gets back up and runs, the love of her friends and sister was making her push forward.

More and more debris try to hit her but she dodges and runs, even when she felt alittle tired she still pushed forward. Her legs felt tired and sore and her lungs were stinging as she breathes in and out really fast.

I'd be running up that road 

Be running up that hill

No problems

Say, if I only could

I'd make a deal with God 

And I'd get him to swap our places... 

Eventually, Vecna stopped throwing debris at her as he watches, angered that she was getting away. Max could see the portal was getting closer and closer as the music was getting louder and the shouts and screams from the boys and (y/n) were getting louder and louder.

Be running up that road...

Be running up that hill 

“Max! Max! Max! Max!” The boys and (y/n) shouted when Max opens her eyes, gasps then begins to fall. Quick instincts, (y/n) gets under her and catches her, making the both of them fall on the ground. “Max! Oh my God.” (Y/n) cries as she hugs her sister, tighter, and the boys kneel around them.

Max holds onto her sister as Lucas comes over to her other side and hugs her. “I thought we lost you.” Lucas mutters, tearfully. “I'm still...I'm still here.” Max whispers while (y/n) sobs, with relief, and Steve comes up to her and wraps his arms around her, trying to keep her calm. “I'm still here.” Max whispers again as everyone does a group hug, happy for this victory at least.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 18: A Shot In The Dark

Previous Chapter / Next chapter

The next morning, we had gone out and got some food for Eddie then made our way back to Reefer Rick’s place. We head to the barn, or shed, and enter it, making Eddie jump in fright as he was standing by the window. “Delivery service.” Dustin said as he holds up a bag of groceries while Eddie still looked scared.

After giving him the food, he grabs a bag of chips and starts eating on it while we tell him what we’ve found out this morning. “So we got, uh, some good news and some bad news. How do you prefer it?” Dustin asked Eddie. “Bad news first, always.” said Eddie then sips his drink.

“All right. Bad news. We tapped into the Hawkins PD dispatch with our Cerebro, and they're definitely looking for you. Also, they're, uh, pretty convinced you killed Chrissy.” Dustin said. “Like, 100% kind of convinced.” Max adds and Eddie looks between us.

“And the good news?” He asked us. “Your name hasn't gone public yet.” I replied. “But if we found out about you, it's a matter of time before others do. And once that gets out, everyone and their shallow-minded mother is gonna be gunning for you.” Robin said. “Hunt the freak, right?” Eddie asked in a shaky voice.

“Exactly.” Robin and I said, in unison. “Shit.” Eddie mutters, upset. “So, before that happens, we find Vecna, kill him, and prove your innocence.” Dustin said. “That's all, Dustin? That's all?” asked Eddie. “Yeah, no, that's pretty much it.” Dustin said but Eddie didn’t look convinced or happy.

“Listen, Eddie, I know everything Dustin is saying sounds totally delusional, but we've actually been through this before.” I said to him and he looks at me. “Well, they have a...a few times, and...and I have once. Mine was more human-flesh-based, theirs was more smoke-related, but bottom line is, collectively, I really feel we got this.” Robin said.

”Yeah, see, we usually rely on this girl who has super powers. But, uh, those went bye-bye, so...” Steve said as he scratched his cheek. “So we're technically in more of the...” Robin said as Steve and I said, thinking. “Kinda...”

“Brainstorming phase.” Max adds and we all nod. “Brainstorming.” Steve said, snapping his fingers. “There...There's nothing to worry about.” Dustin sputters and Steve scoffs out a laugh.

Suddenly, we hear sirens and we all l share a look of fear. “Shit.” I muttered and Robin points at Eddie. “Tarp. Tarp. Tarp.” She said and Eddie ducks under the tarp and we all run over to the window to see several cop cars and ambulances passing by. “That’s not good.” I muttered and we all load up into Steve’s car.

We followed the road the cops and ambulance went to and saw that they had gathered around a big section of the road. Steve stops behind a parked cop car and we see Nancy talking to the cops, looking shaken. All of us step out of the car and she noticed us, staring, while the cop tried to talk to her.

“You're saying that this thing that killed Fred and Chrissy, it's from the Upside Down?” Nancy asked us after we made our way back to the trailer park, sitting at one of the picnic tables. She had told us that her and her friend, Fred, came her to get a scoop on what happened to Chrissy but then Fred disappeared until they found his mangled body in the road.

The way she described Fred’s body was eerily similar to how Eddie described Chrissy’s body. “If the shoe fits.” Steve tells Nancy. “Our working theory is that he attacks with a spell or a curse. Now, whether or not he's doing the bidding of the Mind Flayer or just loves killing teens, we don't know.” Dustin said. “All we know is this is something different.” Max adds.

“Something new. Doesn't make sense.” Nancy said. “It's only a theory.” Dustin said. “No, Fred and Chrissy don't make sense. I mean, why them?” Nancy asked. “Maybe they were just in the wrong place. They were both at the game.” I suggested. “And near the trailer park.” Max said.

“We're at the trailer park. Uh, should we maybe not be here?” Steve asked and we all looked around as the cool breeze of spring blows around us. “There is something about this place. Fred started acting weird the second we got here.” Nancy said.

“Acting weird as in... ?” Robin asked her. “Scared, on edge, upset.” Nancy listed of. “Max said Chrissy was upset too.” Dustin said, realization. “Yeah, but not here. She was crying in the bathroom at school.” Max corrects. “Serial Killers stalk their prey before they strike, right? So, maybe Fred and Chrissy saw this Vecna...” I said, shrugging, then Steve speaks up.

“Dunno about you, but if I saw some freaky wizard monster, I would mention it to someone.” He said. “Maybe they did. I saw Chrissy leaving Ms. Kelley's office. If you saw a monster, you...you wouldn't go to the police. They'd never believe you. But you might go to your...” Max said and Robin and I nod. “Your shrink.” We said, together, and Max nods.

We all start to head to Steve’s car and Nancy heads to her car. “Whoa, whoa, Nance. Nance! Where you going?” Steve asked her, concerned. “Oh, there's just something I wanna check on first.” Nancy said. “Something you wanna share with us?” Dustin asked her.

“I don't wanna waste your time. It's a real shot in the dark.” Nancy said. “Yeah, okay. Are you out of your mind? Flying solo with Vecna on the loose? No, it's too dangerous. You need...You need someone to...” Steve said then stops as he sighs. “Okay, why don’t Robin and I go? You know, us ladies will stick together.” I said and Steve looked even more worried.

”No, I definitely don’t want you out on your own either.” He said and I place a hand on his cheek. “Steve, I’ll be fine. Okay?” I said and he sighs. “Just…watch out for my sister for me, okay?” I said and Steve sighs, rolling his eyes and head alittle. “I’m always the damn babysitter.” He grumbles to me and I chuckled. “Cause you’re good at it.” I chuckled then I kiss his cheek before Robin and I walk over to Nancy, who was now eyeing me with narrowing eyes. I don’t know if it was with anger or jealousy as I know her and Steve were a couple before I came along. Did she still have feelings for Steve?

“Be careful.” Steve calls out and I turn and wave at him just as Robin, Nancy and I head to Nancy’s car.

“Help me get this straight. Eddie's uncle, Wayne, thinks that Victor Creel escaped from Pennhurst Asylum and that he's the one running around committing these murders?” Robin asked Nancy as we walk up to the library, the bell tolling for the new hour. “Pretty much.” Nancy said to Robin, in an exasperation.

“But Victor committed the eyeball murders, like, way back in the 50’s.” Robin said. “Well, '59.” Nancy said as we get to the doors and she opens it. “So, that means these murders predate Eleven in the Upside Down by about 30 years?” I asked. “Yeah.” Nancy replied. “Which makes spooky Victor Creel like 70 years old.” Robin adds. “Yep.” Nancy said as she rings the bell on the desk.

“So, he's a grandpa murderer who can turn invisible and lift people into the air.” Robin said as she leans against the front desk. “It doesn't make sense. I know. That's why I said it was a shot in the dark.” Nancy said as she rings the bell again. “I know. I just thought that by shot in the dark, you were being modest or hiding something super solid up your sleeve that you were gonna wow us with later. But this is really, truly a shot in the dark. Like, we are snipers with blindfolds on who've been spun around times.” Robin rambles as Nancy kept ringing the bell, rapidly.

“Coming!” An older female voice calls out as she comes around the shelves, several books under her arm. “Hi. Sorry, we're in a bit of a rush. Could we get the keys to the basement archives?” Nancy asked the lady. “Of course. Give me one sec.” She said and she goes to get the key.

“Did I come off mean or condescending?” Robin asked Nancy. “No.” Nancy replied, but I could tell she was getting alittle annoyed. “Right. Sorry. It's just, you seem annoyed. You don't know me well. I don't really have a filter or a strong grasp of social cues.” Robin said, quickly. “Okay.” Nancy mutters. “If I say something that upsets you, just know that I know it's a flaw. Believe me, my mother reminds me daily.” Robin said. “Robin, you’re doing it again.” I said to her. “Right…sorry.” Robin said just as the lady comes back with the key.

“All right, ladies. Here you go. Have fun.” She said as Nancy takes the keys. “Yep. We'll try.” Nancy said and she walks away the woman looks at us as if to ask if something was wrong. Robin and I shrug before we follow Nancy.

“Anything…juicy over there?” Robin asked me and Nancy as we all looked through several archives of newspapers but nothing was sticking out. “Nothing new.” Nancy said. “Yep, same here.” Robin said.

“Victor seemed like a normal guy. Dead family, missing eyes, took a plea deal, sent to Pennhurst.” I said, sounding a bit bored. “What are we looking for exactly?” Robin asked but Nancy doesn’t reply. “She does have a point, Nancy, what are we looking for? I mean, I see nothing here pertaining to dark wizards or curses…” I said and I hear her let out a heavy sigh. “I don't know. Okay? It's starting to seem like this was just a big waste of time.” She said, annoyed, as she stands up and walks off.

“You're obviously bored. Why don't you call Steve? I'm sure he'll pick you up. And I mean, I'm not really in danger here, so...” Nancy sneers at me then she walks off and heads downstairs. I sighed as Robin and I share a look. “Thought I was done with this high school bullshit.” I grumbled as I get up and follow Nancy down the stairs.

She pulled open a drawer full of cards and I come up behind her. “Okay, if you’re gonna be this way, then let’s talk like adults.” I said, feeling annoyed at this whole thing. “What?” Nancy said, confused, as she looks at me over her shoulder. “I don’t understand why you have it out for me, Nancy! You’re the one that went after Jonathon, right?” I said and Nancy looks taken by this.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said and I scoff. “Bullshit, you know what exactly I’m talking about. Whenever I see you every now and then, dropping Max off to school and I see you and Mike heading to class. I’d wave at you and you would just ignore me or look at me like I’m a freak. And just a moment ago, you snapped at me…” I said and Nancy rolls her eyes at me.

”You’re just being delusional.” She said and my jaw drops at this. “If that’s true, then cut the attitude. If you wanna cheat on another boyfriend, do it on someone else’s time.” I growled and she glares at me. I glare back at her, both of us waiting for the other to speak up until Robin speaks up.

“Holy shit. The Weekly Watcher. I can't believe they have this.” She said and we look over to see her holding up archive tape. “Don't they write about, like, Bigfoot and UFOs?” Nancy asked, changing subject at our argument. “First, UFOs are absolutely real. Bigfoot I'm still on the fence about. But may I remind you we are looking for information on dark wizards? If someone's gonna write about that, it's gonna be these weirdos.” Robin said, smiling, and we all share a look.

Later, we go up to the archive machine and flip through the old paper from the Weekly Watcher. “Ah. Elvis cloned by aliens." I remarked, sarcastically. “You never know.” Robin said and I scoff as she flips through more and more papers while Nancy walked off, pacing. 

"Victor Creel claims vengeful demon killed family. The murder that shocked a small community." Robin said, mocking the voice of a news anchor. “Ha, ha. That's very funny.” Nancy said, uncaring. “She’s not kidding. Get over here.” I said as I read the headline Robin just read and Nancy comes over to look.

"According to several insiders, Victor believed his house was haunted by an ancient demon. Victor allegedly hired a priest to exorcise the demon from his home." I read out loud. “Pretty novel for the 50's. Exorcist wasn't out yet.” Robin remarked. “Keep...Keep going.” Nancy tells me and Robin flicked through the paper. “Okay, so Victor claimed this exorcism failed, but it angered this demon, which then murdered his family, removing their eyes. Victor believed he was spared as a punishment.” Robin said as she reads over the paper.

“That's pretty convenient for Victor.” Nancy said. “Yeah, or super inconvenient. Victor was declared legally insane by the court, right? What if this is why? I mean it sounds pretty insane. Just didn't go public because...” I said and Nancy stammers as she starts to think. “The plea bargain. The records were sealed.” She said. “What if a demon did invade Victor's home? It's just, this demon wasn't any old demon.” Robin said. “It was Vecna.” Nancy and I said, in unison, all three of us feeling proud at what we found.

”Dustin, do you copy?” Robin asked into the walkie-talkie. “Yeah, I copy.” Dustin said. “So, Nancy’s a genius. Vecna’s first victims date back all the way to 1959. Her shot in the dark was a bull’s-eye.” Robin said. “Okay, that’s totally bunkers but I can’t really talk right now.” Dustin replied. “Wait, what are you doing?” Robin asked him. “Breaking and entering the school to retrieve some confidential and extremely personal files.” Dustin’s voice said but it went in and out.

”Can you repeat that?” Robin asked, confused. “Just get your asses over here. We’ll explain everything.” Dustin said before he ends the call. “I thought they were talking to Ms. Kelly.” Nancy said, frustrated. “We leave them alone for two hours.” Robin said, sarcastically, as she closes the antenna on her radio. “Maybe they couldn’t get information out of her? Way our luck is, things never go as smoothly as we hope.” I said as we all load up into Nancy’s car and head to the school.

*3rd Person POV*

Meanwhile, at the school, Max, Dustin and Steve were able to break into Ms. Kelly’s room and look through her files to not only Chrissy but Fred’s as well. They look through it and Max realized that the two suffered through similar symptoms, symptoms that were familiar to her.

Nosebleeds, headaches, nightmares and then hallucinations…

Max couldn’t believe what she was reading as she had been suffering through most of those symptoms, except for the hallucinations. But then she heard a deep, growling voice call out to her.

Max…

She turns in her seat then gets up and walks out onto the hallway as she hears the sounds of a ticking clock. She walks down the hallway and turns a corner to see an old grandfather clock as it ticks but also chimes an eerie sound four times. And then she hears the voice again, her heart thumping hard in her chest.

Max…

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 17: Vecna’s Curse

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

I groan as I start to wake up and finding myself lying on my stomach on my bed. I raise my head then look down at myself and noticed I don’t have clothes on, so I looked next to me and see Steve sleeping next to me. The blanket covering most of him except for his bare chest. I smiled at this as the night’s activities flood my mind.

I scoot closer to him then lay my head on his chest, cuddling up to him. I let out a sigh of content before running my fingers over the hairs on his chest as I hear him starting to stir. I raise my head to look at him as his eyes slowly open them. “Morning, sleepyhead.” I teased, softly, and he lets out a small grunt. “Morning…” he mumbles as he rubs his eyes. “You feeling ok?” I asked him and Steve nodded. “What about you? You good?” He asked and I smiled. “Never better.” I said.

I lean into him and give him a loving kiss to his lips and we share a kiss for a few moments before we break the kiss. I then turn over to look at the clock and see that it was almost seven in the morning. “We got a couple of hours til we go to work, you want me to make you some coffee before we head out?” I asked Steve and he nods and I start to get up, put some clothes on before I head to the kitchen.

After having our coffee, I went and got changed then rode with Steve to his house as he had to change out his clothes. Once he was done, we make our way to pick Robin up and head into work.

”Then Vicki laughed. And it wasn’t like a cheap, fake laugh either. It was like…it was a real, genuine laugh.” Robin said to us, excitedly, as Steve and I stocked the VHS tapes. “Of course. It’s my Muppet joke. It’s hilarious.” Steve said, confidently, and I rolled my eyes. 

“My point is that Vicki laughed and everything was just like….it was perfect.” She said, happily, as she walks up to us. “But?” I asked, sensing she was gonna say something more. “But I’m having this problem where it’s like, I should stop talking. I have said everything I need to say. But then I guess I get nervous, and the words keep spilling out, and it’s like my…my brain is moving faster than my mouth, or…or rather my…my mouth is moving faster than my brain. And it’s like I’m digging this hole for myself, and I want to stop digging, I’m trying to stop, but I can’t.” Robin explains, really fast, as Steve and I continue on with our job.

He and I share a knowing look as she continues then we stopped walking while she walked a few steps away from us. “And I’m doing it right now, aren’t I?” She asked as she turns to us. “Yeah, you are.” I said, smiling, and she exhales then leans against the wall. “I’m hopeless.” She sighs, dramatically, and I shake my head as I walk up to her and place my right hand on her left shoulder.

”You’re not hopeless, Robin.” I assured her. She sighs as she looks at me. “I wish I was more like you guys. I mean, you two found each other and went for it when the time was right, meanwhile I’m a total train wreck.” Robin said. “You’re not a train wreck, Robin. You’re perfect in your own special way.” I assured her but she didn’t look convinced. 

She looks over my shoulder as I remove my hand off of her shoulder. “Ooh, I think I found our morning movie.” She said as she runs past me and goes to a movie shelf then holds up a movie. “Doctor Zhivago.” She said, excitedly, and I groan. “Ugh, you know I don't do double VHS.” Steve grumbles. “But it's about doomed love.” Robin said, with a pout. 

“Oh, well, that's relatable.” I muttered, sarcastically. “Precisely.” She said and she runs over to the TV and VCR. “Also, Julie Christie is b-b-bonkers hot in this. Like, seriously, the most beautiful creature I have seen in my life.” Robin said and she starts to turn on the TV, Steve and I share another look and I walk over to him and he pats me on the back when I hear a news reporter talking. 

“We're in the Forest Hills trailer park in east Roane County.” The reporter said and I froze and look up at the screen when she said that. Forest Hills is where Mom and Max are living. “We don't have a lot of details now, but we can confirm that the body of a Hawkins High student was discovered early this morning. Police have not released the name...” the reporter said as the three of us watch the screen. 

“Holy shit.” Steve mutters and I placed my hands over my mouth, fear rising in my chest. “...although we are told they're currently in the process of notifying the family.” She continues on and I run over to our phone and start to dial up Mom’s number. “She better not be drunk off her ass.” I growled under my breath while Steve and Robin come up to me. But the phone kept ringing and I growled under my breath then slammed the phone down.

”Hey, hey…it’s okay. I’m sure she’s okay. She’s a tough kid.” Steve assures me as he places an arm around me while I run my hands over my face. “Everything will be okay.” Robin assures me. For a few minutes, Steve and Robin try to assure me that Max was okay until we heard the door open.

I look up and see it was Max and Dustin. “Oh thank God.” I said, relieved, and I go over to Max and hug her. “I thought something happened to you.” I said to her. “Yeah, we saw someone was murdered at the trailer park.” Steve said. “I’m fine.” Max mutters to me after I remove my arms off of her.

”How many phones do you guys have?” Dustin asked Steve. “Two. Why?” Steve asked. “Technically three, if you count Keith’s in the back.” Robin corrects then Dustin and Max share a look. “Yeah, three works.” Max said to him and Dustin shrugs off his backpack and lays it in the counter. “What are you doing?” Steve asked as Dustin shoves his bag over the counter and it slides off onto the ground, making Robin and Steve jump. “My pile!” Robin exclaims. “What are you—“ I asked as Dustin jumps over and knocks down some tapes. 

“No, no, no! My tapes! Dude!” Steve exclaims as Dustin goes over to the computer. “What the hell are you doing, Dustin?” I asked as I lead Max around the counter. “Setting up base of operations here.” Dustin said. “Base of operations?” Robin asked as Dustin types away and Robin and I come up behind him.

”Get off!” Steve ordered Dustin but he kept on typing. “I need it.” Dustin said. “Need it for what?” I asked him. “Looking up Eddie’s friends’ phone numbers.” Dustin said as he types away and names come up on the screen. “Oh, Eddie. Your new best friend you think is cooler because he plays your nerdy game?” Steve asked, sarcastically, and Dustin rolls his head. “I never said that.” Dustin said, defensively.

”Seriously, you guys, maybe on a Monday you can play around here like toddlers, but it’s Saturday. It’s our busiest day.” Robin said, frustrated, as she fixes up her pile and sets up the signs. “Look, Robin, I totally empathize, but this cannot wait til Monday.” Dustin tells her. “Why is calling Eddie’s friends such an emergency, Dustin?” I asked him and Dustin turns to Max.

”Can you fill them in while I do this.” Dustin said and he turns back to the computer. “Fill us in on what?” I asked and Max gives me a look of fear and I start to feel concerned. “Max, what happened?” I asked.

Max explained that the student that was killed was a girl named Chrissy, who was a cheerleader, and Max saw her with Eddie at his place but then the electricity at her house was flickering on and off. She just shrugged it off but then she noticed Eddie running out of his home, looking scared.  Next morning is when Chrissy was found dead, so of course the only person that knows what happened to her was Eddie

So her and Dustin thought that if anyone would know where Eddie had run off to, they could find him and ask him his side of the story. Dustin, Robin and Max used all three phones to call all of Eddie’s friends while Steve and I ran the rental store as normal as we could. “All right, Doctor Zhivago. It's a double VHS. It's long. But that's because it's filled with action and romance, and a little bit of suspense.” Steve said to a girl and I chuckled then fold my arms across my chest as I watch him basically getting rid of the movie so we don’t have to watch it today.

“So, my boyfriend won't, like, totally puke when I bring it home?” She asked Steve “Oh no. No. He's gonna...He's gonna love it.” Steve said and the girl smiles then Steve goes to help check the movie out.

Once she left, I go up to him. “So, if you think her boyfriend’s gonna love that movie, you think my boyfriend would love it too?” I asked him and Steve scoffs. “I don’t think so.” He said. “Oh? And why is that?” I asked and Steve runs his eyes over me. “Because he’d be too distracted looking at you.” He flirts and I blush and scoff out a small laugh. “You’re such a cheeseball.” I remarked as he walks up to me. “That’s not what you said last night.” He whispers to me with a wink. “Shut up!” I said as I slap his shoulder and he laughs.

“Hey, guys, I might have a lead.” Max said and we all turn to her. “Seriously?” Dustin asked. “Yeah. Apparently, Eddie gets drugs from some guy named Reefer Rick, and sometimes Eddie crashes there.” Max said. “That sounds promising. Where does this Reefer Rick guy live?” Robin asked. “See, that's the thing. No one knows. He's more of a...a legend than someone that people actually know.” Max said.

“What about a last name?” Dustin asked her. “I don't know that either.” Max said. “Bet the cops know the last name.” Steve speaks up and everyone turns to him. “What?” Max asked. “Cops. I mean, listen, if this Reefer Rick is actually a drug dealer, I guarantee you he's been busted at some point.” Steve points out. “Means he's in the system.”

“The cops? Really, Steve? That's your suggestion?” Dustin asked Steve, exasperated. “I think they should be filled in on what we know, what's going on.” Steve said. “You think Eddie's guilty, don't you?” Dustin asked him. “Whoa. I believe in innocent until proven guilty, all that constitutional shit. I just, you know, don't think we can rule it out.” Steve said, defensively.

“That's precisely what we're trying to do here, Steve.” Max said. “And maybe we'd have a little bit more luck if you spent less time flirting with your girlfriend and more time trying to find Eddie.” Dustin said, annoyed. “Okay, okay, everyone calm down!” I exclaimed and then sighed. ”Look, it’s not that we’d love to help find Eddie, it’s just we have a job to do. You know, like what adults do?! Somebody has to attend to the customers. We've got a very big selection in here. It can be super overwhelming for people.” I tell Dustin and then Robin’s eyes brighten as if she got an idea.

“Yeah, it can be.” She said then she goes over to the computer and types away. “What are you doing?” Max asked her as we all go over to Robin. “Maybe we don't need a last name.” She replied as she types away and the computer beeps. We stand next to her and see several names appear on the screen.

“Twelve Ricks have accounts here.” Robin said. “Lot of Ricks.” Max said. “So, let's narrow it down.” Robin said as she clicks in a name. “Rick Alderman's latest rentals are Annie and Dumbo.” She said. “What are our chances our drug dealer has a family?” Robin asked Max and Dustin. “Not likely.” Max said. 

“All right.” Robin said and she goes to click on another name. “Rick Conroy. Sixteen Candles, Teen Wolf, Romancing the Stone.” She lists. “No.” We all said, in unison. “Okay.” Robin said and clicks on another name. “Rick Joiner. Mask, Footloose, and Grease.” She said. “Nah.” We all said then another click. “Rick Kimbrough. The Blue Lagoon and Splash.” She said and we all laugh. “Definitely not.” I said. “No way.” Steve mutters and Robin clicks another name.

“Okay. Rick Lipton. Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Cheech & Chong's Next Movie. Cheech & Chong's Nice Dreams. Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke.” She lists off and Dustin laughs. “Bingo.” He said. “Lipton?” Max asked. “Spelled like the tea. Holland Road.” Robin said. “That's out by Lovers Lake.” Dustin points out. “Middle of nowhere.” I added. “It's a perfect place to hide.” Robin said.

Minutes later, we all run out of the store and Robin switches the sign over to close as we get into Steve’s car.

It was dark by the time we get to the address and we get out and head to the front door. But the place looked empty and dark. Dustin rings the doorbell but nobody came so he presses it several times. “Okay. Well, that’s settled. I guess he’s not here.” Steve said as Dustin knocks on the door. “Eddie! It’s Dustin!” Dustin shouts. “Look we just wanna talk, okay? No cops, I swear. We just wanna help.”

Dustin then knocks on the door and yells out for Eddie while Robin and Max try to look into the building. “Rick! Reefer Rick!” Dustin shouts as he knocks them rings the bell. “Don’t scream that!” Steve warns him and I start to walk around the building, Max follows me.

As we went around, I raised my flashlight and see a large shack behind this house. “Hey, guys!” I called out and everyone comes over to me as we see the shack.

We walk towards the shack and Robin goes to the front door and opens it. “Hello? Is anyone home?” She asked and we all enter the building and look around for any sign of Eddie. “What a dump.” Steve grumbles as we look around, the floor creaking under our feet. Steve then grabs an oar and goes over to a boat, that had several bags inside of it. He takes the oar and starts to poke at the bags.

“What are you doing?” Dustin asked Steve but Steve ignored him as he looks over the tarp. “What are you doing?” Dustin asked him again. “He might be in here.” Steve said as he hits it with the oar again. “So take the tarp off.” Dustin exclaims, annoyed. “If you're so brave, you take the tarp off.” Steve argued and he continues to use the oar.

“Hey, look over here.” Max said and I go over to her as she looks over some food wrappers. “Someone was here.” I said. “Maybe he heard us. Got spooked and ran.” Robin said. “Don't worry. Steve will get him with his oar.” Dustin said, sarcastically. “I know you think you're being funny, but considering everyone in this room has nearly died a hundred times, personally, I don't find it funny in the slight...” Steve said when Eddie jumps out from under the tarp, grabs Steve and pushes him up against the wall, holding a knife against his throat.

We all shout and scream as Eddie shoved Steve up against the wall. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Eddie! Eddie! Stop!” Dustin shouts and Eddie looks at him and I could tell that he was freaking out. “Eddie! Eddie! It's me. It's Dustin. This is Steve. He's not gonna hurt you, right, Steve?” Dustin said, in a calm slow voice. “Right. Yeah.” Steve whispers, a bit panicked.

“Steve, why don't you drop the oar?” Dustin asked and Steve drops it but Eddie holds his weapons closer to Steve’s neck, making him groan. “He's cool. He's cool.” Dustin assured Eddie. “I'm cool, man. I'm cool.” Steve whispers, nervously.

“What are you doing here?” Eddie asked, still glaring at Steve. “We're looking for you.” Dustin tells him. “We're here to help.” I said and Eddie looks over at us, confused but I could see fear etched all over his face. Whatever he saw, really got to him.

“Eddie, these are my friends. You know Robin, from band.” Dustin said and Robin imitates playing an instrument. “This is my friend Max. The one who never wants to play D&D.” He said and Max waves. “And this is her sister, the cool nerdy one.” Dustin said and I gave Eddie a small wave. 

“Eddie. We're on your side. I swear on my mother. Right, guys?” Dustin said. “Yes. Yes. We swear.” Max and I said, in unison. “On Dustin's mother.” Robin said. “Yeah, Dustin's... Dustin's mother.” Steve said, quickly. Eddie glares at Steve for a few moments but then lets go of him as he takes a few steps back.

“Jesus Ch...” Steve grumbles as I go over to him. “Hey, you okay?” I asked him, concerned, and he nods as Eddie leans against a wall then slides down to sit, still looking out of it. “Eddie...We just want to talk.” Dustin said, calmly, and he tries to reach out to Eddie but he flinches. “Okay?” Dustin said as he raises his hands and Robin walks over to Eddie and Dustin and kneels down next to Dustin.

“We want to know what happened.” Robin said and Eddie sniffles. “You won't believe me.” He said, shakily. “Try us.” I said and Eddie looks at us, surprised.

“Her body just, like, lifted up into the air and, uh...And she just, like, hung there. In the air. And her bones...Uh, she...” Eddie whimpers as he recounts what happened last night. “Her bones started to snap. Her eyes, man. It...It was like there was something, like, inside her head, pulling. I...I didn't know what to do, so I...I ran away. I left her there.” He explained as we listened.

“You all think I'm crazy, right?” He scoffs as he runs his hand over his face. “No. We don't think you're crazy.” Dustin said. “Don't bullshit me, man! I know how this sounds.” Eddie exclaims. “We're not bullshitting you.” Max said. “We believe you.” I assured him and he exhales a heavy sigh.

“Look, what I'm about to tell you might be a little...difficult to take.” Dustin said and Eddie gives him a confused look. “Okay.” He said, unsure. “You know how people say Hawkins is...cursed? They're not way off. There's another world. A world hidden beneath Hawkins. Sometimes it bleeds into ours.” Dustin explains. 

“Like ghosts and shit?” Eddie asked. “There are some things worse than ghosts.” Max said. “These monsters from this other world...we thought they were gone. But they've come back before. That's why we needed to find you.” Dustin said. “If they're back again, we need to know.” I said and Eddie looks between all of us.

”That night, did you see anything?” Robin asked him. “Dark particles, maybe?” Max asked and Eddie shakes his head. “It would almost look like dust, swirling dust.” Dustin said and Eddie shakes his head. “No, man, there was nothing you could see or, uh...or touch.” Eddie said, still shaking slightly. “You know, I tried to wake her, man. She couldn't move. It was like she...she was in a trance or something.” Eddie said and Dustin sits up straight at this.

”Or under a spell.” He said. “A curse.” Eddie corrects as she looks at Dustin. “Vecna's curse.” Dustin said, in realization. “Who's Vecna?” Steve asked. “An undead creature of great power.” Dustin said, in an ominous voice. “A spell caster.” Eddie mutters. “A dark wizard.” Dustin said and something about this gave me chills as I really didn’t like the sound of that.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 16: The Hellfire Club

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Spring of 1986

*Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep*

Ugh, let me sleep five more minutes. I thought as I groan then rub the sleep out of my eyes as I see that the clock was showing me that it was 6:15 AM. I go and sit up then stretch out my arms and back, the joints making satisfying popping sounds. I get up from my bed then make my way to the bathroom, trying to maneuver around the boxes that still held some of my stuff I hadn’t unpacked yet.

Yes, I had moved into my own little apartment. It’s not big but it’s spacious enough for one person. 

I get into the bathroom and do my business, wash my hands and brush my teeth before I head out of the room. I then accidentally knock over a stuffed teddy bear that Max gave me when she was young. I give a sad smile to it as I kneel down and pick it up.

As I put the bear back, I can’t help but feel guilty on leaving Max behind. I know I always promised her that her and I would live together so we could get her away from Mom and Neil but this is for the better. I mean, I can barely afford for myself but I had to get out. After Neil and Mom divorced, Mom, Max and I had to move out of the house and Mom only had enough money to move into a trailer park.

Mom had turned to alcohol and would constantly drink, leaving me and Max on our own. I couldn’t take it any longer so I decided to move out and get an apartment. I also couldn’t help but feel guilty on leaving Max there but I’m trying my best to make sure this place is safe and in the best shape for her to stay. Like I said, it’s me and her against the world.

I sighed again then start to get ready, Steve and Robin are gonna be here soon to pick me up.

*3rd Person POV*

“I mean, we’ve been dating for almost a year and, I want to take it to the next step with her but I’m not sure if she’s ready. I mean, she seems…almost scared about the idea of sex but I really like her and I want to show how much I like her but I also don’t want to scare her off and ruin it.” Steve laments as he drives his car down the road, Robin in the passenger seat working on her make-up.

She doesn’t respond to Steve as he turns his head to look at her. “Robin, are you listening?” He asked her, annoyed. “Uh, yes. I-I’m…” Robin stammers. “What did I just say?” Steve asked her as she continues to stammer. “Uh, something about (y/n) being scared of you?” Robin said and Steve gives her a bewildered look. “No! I’m wanting to take us to the next step in our relationship but I’m worried she’ll get scared!” Steve exclaimed and Robin groans. 

“I’m sorry. Cut me some slack, please.” Robin said. “Well…” Steve said, exasperated. “Your love life is one of labyrinthine complexity. It is almost 7 in the morning, we have the stupid pep rally, and I woke up looking like a corpse.” Robin said as she continues to fix up her make-up. “You're worried about a pep rally? Expect me to believe that?” Steve asked her, disbelieving. “Yeah? So?” Robin asked. “So we both know what this is about, okay? I’m not buying that. This is about Vickie.” Steve said. “Absolutely not.” Robin said.

Few months ago, Robin actually came out to Steve and (y/n) that she liked girls. There was a guy that flirted with Robin at the video store, which Robin was definitely not into, and when (y/n) tried to be Robin’s wingwoman, Robin finally pulled them back and told them. And after she admitted who she was, Steve and (y/n) instantly accepted her and teased her a bit after she told them about this girl she liked, Tammy Thompson. 

Steve then teased how she was a dud and Robin points out that she’s in Nashville, trying to be a singer, but then Steve joked that she sounds like a muppet and the three of them just had a laugh, causing their friendship to be even stronger.

“It is. You know what else I think?” Steve asked her. “I don't care...” Robin said but Steve continues. “You gotta stop pretending to be someone else when you're around her. You just gotta be yourself.” He said. “You're literally quoting me and (y/n) to me. You do realize that.” Robin said. “Well…Maybe you need to listen to yourself. Ever think about that, smartypants? I listened. Look at me. Boom. In a great relationship.” Steve said. 

“It's not the same thing. Okay?” Robin said. “Well...” Steve starts to argue but Robin cuts him off. “You ask out a girl and she says no. Big deal. Nothing happens. Maybe your ego's a little bruised. I ask out the wrong girl, and bam, I'm a town pariah.” Robin explains. “I'd buy that, except Vickie is definitely not the wrong girl.” Steve said. 

“We just don't know that, do we?” Robin asked. “She returned Fast Times paused at 53 minutes, 5 seconds. Know who pauses Fast Times at 53 minutes, 5 seconds?” Steve asked her and she doesn’t respond. “People who like boobies, Robin.” Steve exclaims. “Ew! Gross.” Robin said, disgusted. “Boobies.” Steve said. “Don't say boobies.” She said. “Not a big deal, okay? I like boobies. You like boobies. Vickie likes boobies. Definitely.” Steve said and Robin shakes her head. “It's boobies.” He said again and she scoffs as they pull up to (y/n)’s apartment.

*(y/n)’s POV*

After Steve and Robin picked me up, we head over to the trailer park mom and Max are living in. Once we pulled up, I start to get out of the car when Max comes stomping out of the house, headphones over her ears. “Hey, Max.” I greet but she walks past me and I sighed, exasperated.

I turn and see her get into the backseat, shut the door and sits there with her head bowed. I look towards the front and see Steve and Robin giving me a look and I roll my eyes and shake my head before I head back into the car.

We make it to the high school and Steve parks as we see several kids heading to the gym for the pep rally that Robin was talking about. “There you go, ladies.” Steve said as Max climbs out of the car really quick while Robin said. “Thanks, Steve.” Meanwhile I sighed then get out of the car and chase after Max as Robin gets out as well. “Max! Max!” I called out as she continues to walk but I catch up to her and place a hand on her shoulder. “What?!” She asked me, annoyed, as she turns to face me.

Not gonna lie, I was taken aback by her attitude. She rarely acted this way to me. “Why won’t you talk to me? I mean, the last few months you’ve just been…” I said, trying to find the right words, and Max makes a face that says Go on. “Distant. I mean, I try to talk to you but all you do is listen to your Walkman and ignore me. Come on, you can talk to me.” I said and Max rolls her eyes.

”I’m fine, (y/n). I don’t need you to baby me all the time.” She sneered and I felt like I got stabbed in the heart by this. “Max, I don’t understand what’s gotten into you. Is this about the divorce?” I asked and Max shakes her head. “Is it about me moving out? Or is it about Billy?” I asked but Max doesn’t say anything as she turns her head away from me. “Max, I don’t get it. You always used to talk to me about anything but now…you don’t. And I worry because you’re my little sister and I love you.” I said and she looks back at me, while I felt my eyes welling up with frustrated tears.

“Max! Max!” A woman’s voice called out and I look towards the voice and see it’s Counselor Kelly coming towards Max. Max rolled her eyes as she turns to Kelly. “Where were you yesterday?” She asked Max. “Oh, yeah. Sorry, I forgot it was Thursday.” Max said, shaking her head slightly. “I'd like to see you today. Come straight after lunch, okay?” Kelly said and Max rolls her eyes and turns away as she starts to walk but I grab her arm.

”You missed counseling?” I asked her, quietly. “Yeah, so? What’s it to you?” She sneered at me then walks off and I sighed and run my hands over my face. “Are you her…?” Kelly started to ask. “I’m her older sister, yeah.” I said and she nods. “Ah, so you’re (y/n). She talks a lot about you….when she decides to talk.” Kelly said and I scoff. “Really? She rarely talks to me.” I said and I turn and walk back to Steve’s car and get into the passenger seat.

”You okay?” Steve asked me, worried, as I buckle my seatbelt. “I just…” I started to say then sigh with exasperation as I shake my head. Steve reaches over and places a hand on my leg and I look over at him. “Hey, it’ll be okay.” He said and I give a small smile at him. I lean over and we share a quick kiss before he takes off and we head to work.

*3rd Person POV*

After the pep rally and lunch, Max makes her way down the hallway, her headphones stuck in her ears as always as she listens to her favorite song.

It didn't hurt me

Yeah, yeah 

Do you wanna feel how it feels?

Yeah, yeah, yeah 

If I only could I'd

make a deal with God  

And I'd get him to swap our places 

Be running up that road 

 Be running up that hill

Be running up that building

Say if I only could

Oh

Yeah, yeah, yeah, 

Tell me we both matter, don't we?

You 

Max passes the lockers then noticed Lucas, who was hanging out with a couple of his new basketball buddies, when he turns his head and looked at her, almost in sadness. She glares over at him as she turns the corner then noticed Chrissy, the head cheerleader, coming out of Kelly’s office and she looked rather upset.

Max noted this as she thought it was odd but it also wasn’t her problem as she heads into Kelly’s office.

If only I could  

I'd make a deal with God

And I'd get him to swap our places

Be running up that road

Be running up that hill

Be running up that building

Say, if only I could

“Can you remove your headphones, please?” Kelly asked Max as she gestures to her ears. Max then removed the headphones and turns off her Walkman. “Sorry.” Max said and she leans back her chair, her legs bobbing up and down, as Kelly looks over her reports.

“A C in English and a C-minus in Spanish.” Kelly read. “Yeah.” Max said, uncaring. “Well, that's not normal for you.” Kelly said and Max shrugs. “If you say so.” She said. “How's your mom holding up?” Kelly asked Max. “She's fine. I mean, she hates our new place, which is, like...Yeah, it's terrible, but...she's fine.” Max said as her fingers fidgets. 

“Is she still drinking?” Kelly asked Max. “Like, yeah, a little, but...Well, she's working two jobs. So, it's not easy.” Max said, defensively. “It must not be easy for you either with your stepdad gone.” Kelly said. “It's kind of better, honestly.” Max said. “Better how?” asked Kelly. “He was an asshole. So, there's less assholery.” Max said.

”What about your sister? Saw her this morning and I noticed she looked upset when you wouldn’t talk to her.” Kelly said and Max bites her lips, her fingers curling up into a fist for a moment before she unfurls it. “She seems good, I guess. Besides that fight her and mom had. And then she ditched me…” Max grumbles then sighs, hating that’s how she thinks of her older sister.

”I’m sure she didn’t ditch you, Max. I mean, I’ve seen her be your transportation to school a lot. She obviously still cares about you.” Kelly said and Max’s leg continued to bob up and down.

“Are you sleeping better?” Kelly asked her. “Yeah, fine.” Max replied. “No more headaches? Nightmares?” Kelly asked her and Max shakes her head but then has a flashback of when Billy was killed by the Mind Flayer. “Nope.” She said, firmly. 

“Max? What you've been through, what you're still going through, it's a lot for anyone. And it's okay to not be okay. But I can only help you if you're truthful, if you open up to me.” Kelly said. “Yeah, I...I know. I'm...I'm being open.” Max said and Kelly gives her a look like she doesn’t believe her. “I'm being open.” Max said, firmly.

Later, Max leaves Kelly’s office and was about to put on her headphones when she heard a voice call out to her. “Max, hey.” The voice said and she turns to see it was Lucas. “Are you stalking me or something?” She asked him as she continues to walk off and he runs after her. “Oh, no, I...I just wanted to give you this.” He said as he hands her a ticket.

“What is this?” She asked as she takes it and holds it up. “A ticket to the game. I know you never want to go to my games, but this one is kind of a big deal.” Lucas said. “A big deal? Lucas, you really care about this?” Max asked him, annoyed. “Yeah, I...I do. Maybe you should find something you care about too.” Lucas said and Max stops then turns to face him. 

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” She asked, angrily. “Uh...” Lucas stammers then he exhales before he continues. “You're just...It's...It's like you're not even here anymore. It's...It's like you're a ghost or something.” He explains and she scoffs. “A ghost? Really?” She asked. “Max, I know something's wrong.” Lucas said. 

“Yeah, right. Something must be wrong with me because I broke up with you.” Max sneered. “No. No, that...that's not what I meant.” Lucas said. “Lucas, look, people just change, okay? That's it. I've changed. It's that simple.” Max exclaimed and she starts to head for the bathroom door but stops and turns to Lucas and hands the ticket back. 

“Good luck.” She said, leaving Lucas standing there heartbroken.

Max gets into the bathroom and leans against the sink, taking some deep breathes, before she digs into her person and pulls out some medicine for her headache. It was then she heard a girl coughing then gagging, almost sounding like she was throwing up.

”Hey, are you alright?” She calls out as she saw at the end of the stalls, a pair of legs with white shoes by the toilet. “Yeah, I’m..I’m fine.” The girl’s voice said. “Okay, um…you sure?” Max asked, concerned. “Please just go away.” The girl’s voice said, softly, and Max nods before she leaves the bathroom.

*(y/n)’s POV*

“What, to hang out with you and Eddie the freak Munson? Uh, yeah, I’ll pass.” Steve said into the phone as I was with a customer and checking their video tape out for them. “Ew. Ugh. Whatever. Besides, this date is really important for me tonight. So, can’t, sorry.” Steve said and I smile to myself as I finished with the customer and a group of young women come into the door.

“Oh, I got some customers. Call you back. Bye.” Steve said and he hangs up the phone and I laugh. “Who was that?” I asked him and he sighs. “It was Dustin. He was wanting me to play his…little board game with Eddie Munson.” Steve said. “D&D?” I asked and Steve nods. “Wait, you said Eddie Munson? That guy still in high school?” I asked him and he nods again. 

“Yeah, I think that dude is gonna be in there til he’s ninety.” Steve said and I chuckled alittle. “But then again, he’s too weird for the real world, so I guess him being stuck in high school is good for him.” Steve said. “Hey, he’s not weird, he’s…eccentric.” I said and Steve scoffs. “That’s just the nice way of saying weird.” Steve said and I rolled my eyes as he starts to get to work.

”So, what’s this I hear about this date tonight being important to you?” I asked and Steve stops before he continues on with his work, like nothing’s happening. “Oh, you know…got a hot date tonight with a hot girl I wanna impress.” He said and I smiled. “Oh, really? And how are you gonna impress this hot girl?” I asked, teasingly. “Ah, you know, rent a movie, take her to see the championship game, get a pizza, go back to her place….” Steve said as he turns to me and walks closer to me, my smile growing.

”Mmm, sounds wonderful. Anything else?” I asked and Steve starts to think. “Well, uh…um…you know what? We’ll just see where it goes from there.” He said, shrugging, and I chuckled. “You expecting to get lucky tonight?” I asked him and Steve looks taken aback that I asked that. He looks flustered and red in the face before he avoids my gaze.

I chuckled at him as he begins to stumble for the right words before I lean up and kiss his cheek, making stop. “If it goes as well as you said it will, you might.” I whispered and Steve seemed stunned by my words and I smiled before I turned away from him and get started on stocking the shelves. 

That night, after getting home and getting changed, Steve and I make our way into the high school gym and head to the stands while the players run out of the locker rooms, the band began to play and the cheerleaders all cheering. 

“Does it bother you that, like, we might win a championship right after you graduated?” I asked Steve, teasingly, and I see him rolling his eyes. “Yeah, that's an interesting point. Thank you so much for bringing that up, (y/n).” Steve said, sarcastically, as he leads me up to the stands. “You’re so welcome!” I said as I turn and give a cheery, sarcastic smile before we get to our seats.

Moments later, the principal comes up to the mike and begins to speak. “Everyone now please rise for our national anthem.” He said and we all stand up. “Singing for us tonight, we have a very special guest. All the way from Nashville, our very own Tammy Thompson!” He said and he claps as everyone cheers while Tammy comes walking out to the court.

Mine and Steve’s jaw drops at this as we share a look then look over at Robin, who also seemed surprised by this. “Go, Tammy!” One student yelled. “We love you, Tammy!” Another student said as the cheering dies down and Tammy gets ready to sing.

O say, can you see 

By the dawn's early light... 

“Oooh, yikes.” I whispered as Tammy’s singing sounded more like she was singing through her nose. Steve and I shared a look before we look back over to Robin, who was looking at us. “Told you. Muppet.” Steve whispers to her. “Okay, she does sound like a Muppet.” I hear Robin whisper then she gets distracted to talking to a girl, who I assumed was Vickey the girl she always talked about.

After Tammy’s singing, the game begins and boy what a game as it seemed to go back and forth. It was actually getting pretty intense and good as we all cheered for our team. Then at one point, one of the players gets hurt on the court and Lucas was put out to play. “Woo! Go, Lucas!” I cheered and it seemed he heard me as he turns and sees me. I smiled at him and waved, he smiles back as he gets in the game.

I know he and Max broke up but I still care about the kid and I wanted to be here for him. And I’m glad I did. I did happen to look around and didn’t see Mike or Dustin in the crowd, I knew Max wasn’t here as she told me she wasn’t going. I felt bad for Lucas to not have his friends out here to support him but I hope me and Steve are enough to make him feel good.

The game continued to go back and forth until it was down to the last second where we were just one point behind. With just five seconds left on the clock, one of the boys tried to shoot their shot but the ball bounces off the basket ring and starts to fall back until Lucas catches it.

He turns around and dribbles then faces the basket and throws the ball as the last seconds on the clock in. It was like watching in slow-motion as the ball flies through the air. All of us stand up in anticipation as the ball hits the basket a couple of times before it goes into the basket, winning the game.

We all cheer and scream and I turn to Steve and we hug each other. Then I hear the team cheering Lucas’ name and I look over to see them carrying him on their shoulders. 

Later that night, I was getting the movie in the VCR while Steve was plating our pizzas. “That was some game, huh?” Steve said and I chuckled as I got the tape in and turn the TV on. “Yeah, I’m so proud of Lucas. Although, I’m disappointed with the boys and Max for not going.” I remarked as I turn to face him and he looks at me over his shoulder.

”Wait, those shitheads didn’t show up?” He asked me and I shake my head. “I didn’t see them and Max told me she didn’t wanna go.” I said before I sighed and sit on the couch that was in front of the TV. Steve then comes around, holding two plates of pizzas, and hands me a plate.

”Thank you! Such a gentleman.” I said as Steve takes the spot on the couch next to me. We then begin to dig into our pizza as the movie started, which was the movie Sixteen Candles. Few minutes into the movie, we finished our dinner then Steve placed his arm around my shoulder and I smiled as I scooted closer to him and place my head on his shoulder.

“Your apartment is coming along nicely.” Steve said. “Yeah, slowly but surely. I hope to have all this crap cleared up at least by…the end of this month.” I said and Steve scoffs. “The end of this month? With how you’re going, it’ll be done at Christmas.” He teased and I rolled my eyes. 

“You need any help with the heavy stuff?” He asked me and I laugh. “No, not at the moment.” I replied. “Alright. But call me if you do, I don’t want you getting hurt.” Steve said and I smiled at him. “I will. I know how much you like to show off.”  I teased and Steve looks at me, with a fake appalled face. “Me? I’m not a show off.” He said, appalled, then he playfully shoved me. “Get out of here!” He said and I chuckled.

“Oh yeah, I can just imagine you purposely walking in front of me every single time you pick up something heavy.” I said. “It’s a small apartment.” He said, acting innocent. “What about that time I was in my bedroom and you come walking in with a stack of boxes that were clearly labeled kitchen and you asked me where you should put them?” I asked and he smiles, sheepishly, at me and seemed unable to come up with an excuse.

”Well….” I said as I fold my arms across my chest. “I’m waiting.” I said and gave him a pointed look. “Okay, you know what?” Steve said then he starts to tickle me. I begin to laugh at the sensation and try to swat his hands away. “Steve…stop…” I said, in between laughs. “What? I can’t hear you!” Steve said as he continues to tickle me.

I continued to laugh and he also laughs as I fall on my back on the couch and he gets on top of me and continues to tickle me. “Steve! Stop!” I laughed then finally he stopped and we laugh together before I actually look up at him and realized the position we were in.

I was on my back and he was on top of me, his hands braced on either side of my head. We stare at each other for a few moments before he leans in until our lips met and we started to kiss. The kiss started out sweet but then it becomes deepened and more sensual as it continued and I was starting to feel a fire lighting in my lower abdomen, a feeling I haven’t felt in a long time.

I wrapped my arms around Steve’s neck then buried my right hand fingers in his hair, earning a groan from him. We break the kiss and stare at each other for a few moments as he pushes back some strands of my hair away from my face with his left hand then used his right thumb to stroke my forehead.

”Steve…I need you.” I whispered and he looked at me, surprised. “You sure? I don’t wanna push you…” he stammers, concerned, and I smiled at him before I nodded. “I’m sure. I’m ready. I trust you.” I assured and Steve smiles then leans into kiss me once again. 

Truth be told, I always wanted to have sex with Steve back when we first started dating but…I was scared. Mainly of if that’s all he wanted from me, just like the guy I gave my virginity to. That guy was an old classmate of mine back in California when I was about 14 and I had a major crush on him. Long story short, we got together at a party and I lost my virginity that night and he told me everything I wanted to hear.

But then the next day, he started to ignore me and when I tried to talk to him, he just told me I didn’t matter to him and he only wanted me for sex and that me being a virgin was just a nice bonus. 

I hated myself after that and if I ever got into an actual relationship I always avoided sex. Which then lead to these relationships not lasting long.

But with Steve, he’s very caring and seemed to not just want meaningless sex. He wanted a connection with someone. Sure there were times things were getting a bit steamy whenever we made-out but when I stopped it and said I wasn’t ready, Steve respected it and told me he can wait til I’m ready.

We continued to kiss until Steve pulls back then gets up and off of the couch and I start to sit up. But before I could get up, Steve scoops me up in his arms, bridal style, and I squeal as he carries me to my bedroom. “Yeah, not a show off.” I teased him as we get into my room. “I’ll show who’s the show off.” Steve said then he used his feet to shut the door behind him then lays me on my bed, his right hand cradling the back of my neck as he hovers over me.

We go back to kissing each other and eventually we started to remove each other’s clothing. And that’s when we started to explore each other’s bodies and made each other feel good throughout the night.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 15: The Battle Of Starcourt

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Eleven continues to scream and wail in pain and I look down at her leg, which had something moving in her wound. “What is that?” Erica asked, disgusted, as she looks at El’s leg. “There's something in there.” Mike said as the wound seems to get worse. “No!” El screamed. “Jesus Christ.” Dustin said, worried.

“Keep her talking. Keep her awake, okay?” Jonathon said before he runs off somewhere. I look down at El and placed a hand on her forehead. “It’s okay, honey. You’re gonna be okay.” I tried to assure her and she looked like she was about to lose consciousness. “Hey, hey, hey. Stay awake, stay awake.” Mike said to her, keeping her alert. “Let's get her on this side, on this side.” I tell Mike and he, Dustin and I move El. “Easy, easy, easy, easy.” I tell the boys. 

“It's, uh...You know, it's not actually that bad. There was a...The goalie on my soccer team, Beth Wildfire, this other girl slid into her leg, and the bone came out of her knee, six inches or something, it was insane.” Robin rambled and I give her a confused look. “Robin.” Steve said. “Yeah?” She asked. “You're not helping.” Steve tells her. “I'm sorry.” Robin said as we get El situated and Jonathon comes back with a wooden spoon, some bandages and a large knife.

“Okay. All right, El? This is gonna hurt like hell, okay?” Jonathon tells her. “Okay.” She sobs and I hold my right hand out to her. “Here, if you want, you can hold my hand.” I tell her and she takes it as Jonathon starts to put on gloves. “Need you to stay real still.” He said and he hands the wooden spoon towards her. “Here, you're gonna want to bite down on this, okay?” He said and Mike takes it and hands it to El.

“Jesus Christ.” Dustin mutters as El leans her head forward and bites down on the spoon. “Holy shit. Holy shit.” Dustin mutters as I firmly grasp El’s hand. “It’s gonna be okay, it’s gonna be okay.” I whispered to her as Jonathon moves the knife close to her wound 

“Do it.” Mike tells Jonathon, who looked very nervous to do this but he takes a couple of deep breathes. “Okay.” He whispers then starts to cut into the purple bulge and El’s scream was muffled as she bites down hard on the spoon and grips my hand really hard, I was starting to loose the feeling of my fingers but I did my best to hold onto her.

“Oh, shit.” Dustin exclaims as Jonathon slices the wound open then sets the knife inside and, slowly, inserts his finger into the wound, which made El scream even louder. Everyone, including me, all gave an exclaim of disgust as Jonathon keeps digging in the wound. 

“Jonathan!” Nancy yelled. “Stop talking!” Jonathon exclaims as he continues to dig around into the wound, trying to get whatever was in El’s leg. “No! Stop it! Stop! Stop!” El screams as she drops the spoon from her mouth and Jonathon stops. “I can do it. I can do it.” El grunts, tearfully, and she lets go of my hand and Mike and I help her sit up. 

She raises her right hand towards her leg and uses her power to remove it from her leg. Some glass breaks around us as El screams and slowly removed this weird, fleshy looking leech from her leg. “Oh, God!” I grumbled, in disgust, as the leech flies up and El uses her power to throw it far away from us. It looked like it started to scurry away when Hopper, Joyce and some bespectacled, bearded balding man come in and Hopper steps on the fleshy monster.

“The Mind Flayer, it built this monster in Hawkins, to stop El, to kill her and pave a way into our world.” Mike started to explain after we patched up El and the adults asked us what the hell has been going on. “And it almost did. That was just one tiny piece of it.” Nancy said. 

“How big is this thing?” Hopper asked. “It's big. Thirty feet, at least.” Jonathon replied. “Yeah. It sorta destroyed your cabin.” Lucas said to Hopper, who looked a bit upset. “Sorry.” Lucas whispers, apologetically. “Okay, so, just to be clear, this...this big fleshy spider thing that hurt El, it's some kind of gigantic...weapon?” I asked the others. “Yes.” Nancy confirmed.

“But instead of, like, screws and metal, the Mind Flayer made its weapon...with melted people.” Steve said, as if to understand what is going on. “Yes, exactly.” Nancy said. “Yeah, okay. I...Yeah, I'm just making sure.” Steve said and I sighed, giving a side hug to Max as she was standing between me and Steve.

“Are we sure this thing is still out there, still alive?” Joyce asked. “El beat the shit out of it, but, yeah, it's still alive.” Max said. “But if we close the gate again...” Will said. “We cut the brain off from the body.” Max adds. “And kill it. Theoretically.” Lucas finished. “Yoo-hoo! Yoo-hoo!” The balded man said as he walks in, wave some papers in his hands.

“Okay, this is what Alexei called the hub. Now, the hub takes us to the vault room.” The man said as he sets down the papers on a nearby table. And from what I could see it is a map of the Russian bunker. “Okay, where's the gate?” Hopper asked. “Right here. I don't know the scale on this, but I think it's fairly close to the vault room, maybe 50 feet or so.” The man said as he points at a certain part of the map. 

“More like 500. What, you're just gonna waltz in there like it's commie Disneyland or something?” Erica asked as she walks up. “I'm sorry, who are you?” The man asked her. “Erica Sinclair. Who are you?” Erica asked, with an attitude. “Murray...Bauman.” Murray replied. “Listen, Mr. Bunman, I'm not trying to tell you how to do things, but I've been down in that shithole for 24 hours. And with all due respect, you do what this man tells you, you're all gonna die.” Erica said.

“I'm sorry, why is this four-year-old speaking to me?” Murray asked, annoyed. “Um, I'm ten, you bald bastard!” Erica yelled. “Erica!” Lucas shouts. “Just the facts!” Erica yells at him. “She's right. You're all gonna die, but you don't have to. Excuse me.” Dustin said as he walks up to the table. “Sorry, may I?” He asked Murray as he gestures to the map. “Please.” Murray said, sounding a bit annoyed that a couple of children were talking back at him. 

“Okay, see this room here? This is a storage facility. There's a hatch in here that feeds into their underground ventilation system. That will lead you to the base of the weapon. It's a bit of a maze down there, but between me and Erica, we can show you the way.” Dustin said. “You can show us the way?” Hopper asked, confused. “Don't worry, you can do all the fighting and the dangerous hero shit, and we'll just be your...navigators.” Dustin said as Erica nods.

“No.” Hopper said, shaking his head, as Dustin and Erica frowned. “Nope.” Hopper said again.

After thinking it over for a bit, Hopper decided to let Dustin and Erica navigate him, Joyce, and Murray through the bunker. But to be able to communicate from so far away they need a strong frequency for their radios to work.

Dustin gets an idea to use his radio he had built at camp, that’s still out on a hill in the fields. Hopper tosses Steve the keys to his car when he and Robin volunteered to go with Dustin and Erica.

“You coming?” Steve asked, turning to me and I look over at Max. “Um, if it’s okay with you…I’m gonna stay here and be with my sister.” I said, pointing over at Max and Steve frowns slightly which causes me to start panicking.

”N-Not because I-I don’t wanted to hang around y-you or anything, I-i-it’s j-just…” I stammered and Steve chuckles a little, his lips quirking up into a small. “It’s okay, I get it.” He said and I let out a small sigh, slumping my shoulders.

Then without any warning, Steve’s hands slips into my hair at the back of my head and the other going to rest on the lower part of my back as he pulls me into him, leaning his head down for an electrifying kiss.

I let out a surprised gasp when I felt his lips to mine. It took a few seconds for me to recuperate myself and once I did, I closed my eyes and place my hands on his cheeks, kissing him back. We break the kiss and lean our foreheads against each other before I speak up. “Just be careful.” I tell him and he gives a small smile to me. “You too.” He said then he gives me a quick kiss on the lips then walks over to Dustin, Robin and Erica, who all looked shocked and surprised.

”Well, you finally did it, huh?” Max asked and I turned to face her, my cheeks turning warm. “Yeah, I, uh…” I stammered and Max smiles. “Good for you.” She said and I chuckled and we stand there in silence for a few moments.

”Sooo, Billy…” I said, changing subject, and Max nods. “Yeah, it’s crazy.” She said. I still couldn’t believe that this monster was controlling Billy. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked her. “I didn’t want you to worry. You already had enough on your plate.” Max said and I frowned. “It’s my job to worry, especially about you. You could’ve gotten hurt!” I said. “But I didn’t!” Max said, defensively. “I can see that. But if something were to happen to you, I would never be able to forgive myself.” I shoot back at her.

Max’s eyes soften at this then she looks down and I place a hand on her shoulder. She looks back at me. “You’re my little sister and I love you very much. And I’m always gonna be worried about you, even when we’re both old and gray.” I said and Max scoffs out a laugh. 

Then Mike comes up to us. “You guys ready?” He asked us and we nodded. Mike goes over to Hopper and El then said. “We should probably go.” He and Max go over to El and go on either side of her and start to carry her off. “Mike?” Hopper said and Mike turns to him. “Be careful.” He tells him and Mike nods and he and Max continue to carry El while Nancy, Jonathon, Will and I follow them out.

“El, you're bleeding.” Max said as we walked outside of the mall and towards Nancy’s car. “Are you okay?” Mike asked El. “Yeah.” She replied, still wincing a bit, then I go to the back of the minivan and open the back hatch. “Here.” I said and I help Max and Mike get Eleven into the car.

“Lay down.” I tell El as we get her in the car and she winces in pain again while Nancy starts the car but the engine sputters. “What's wrong?” Jonathon asked as Nancy tries to start the car again but it still sputters as Mike, Max and I get into the car. “I don't...I don't know.” Nancy said, confused, as she continues to get the car started.

“You can't be serious. Come on!” Nancy growls as she tries to start the car but still nothing. “Didn't your mom just buy this car?” Lucas asked her. “Yes. I'm sure it's fine.” Nancy said, frustrated. “Did you leave the lights on?” Will asked her. “No.” Nancy replied. “Do we have gas?” Lucas asked. “Yes!” Nancy yells, angrily, as she tries to start the car but still it sputters.

“Come on!” Nancy growls as she turns the keys again, aggressively. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Just stop, stop!” Jonathon said and she stops and looks at him. “Pop the hood.” He tells her as he gets out and she does that then I get out and walk over to the hood of the car as does Nancy.

Jonathon opens the hood and looks in it. “What the hell?” He said, confused. “What?” Nancy and I asked. “The ignition cable's gone.” Jonathon said. “How the hell..?” I started to ask but then the familiar sound of a car engine reeves up. We all look to our right and see several feet away, Billy’s car. My heart sank at this as the car continues to rev up its engine, seeming to get ready to hit us.

Nancy runs to the back passenger side and I head to the back of the car and open the hatch. “Back in the mall! Back in the mall!” Nancy shouts and Lucas and Will get out while I opened the hatch and Max and Mike get out and try to get El out. “Here, let me.” I said and I start to carry El, bridal style, and she places her arms around my neck. “You got her?” Mike asked. “Yes. Just go! Go, go, go!” I said and we all run back into the Mall.

“Go! Go! Go, go, go!” Nancy and Jonathon yelled as we run back into the mall.

“Scoops Troop, do you copy? Scoops Troop, do you copy? Scoops Troop, do you copy? Scoops Troop, I repeat, do you copy?” Mike asked into his radio but nothing after we got settled into the mall. “We're trapped in the mall and in need of emergency transportation. Scoops Troop, do you copy? Billy has found us. He has disabled our car and we are trapped in the mall. Repeat: Billy has disabled our car and we are trapped in the mall.” Mike repeated over and over again as Nancy was loading a pistol and Lucas was preparing his sling shot.

“You're gonna kill him, aren't you?” Max asked Nancy. “This is just a precaution, okay?” Nancy said. “And not just against Billy. If he knows we're here, so does the Mind Flayer.” Will tells Max then her and I share a look of worry. “This is so fucked up.” I muttered as I place my hands on my head.

”Scoops Troop, I repeat, we are in need of emergency transportation. Do you copy? Scoops Troop, do you copy?” Mike, continuously, said into his radio but still no response from Dustin. Nancy looks over at the car El used to take out the Russians.

“No chance that thing'll drive, right?” She asked, sarcastically. “We don't need it to drive. We just need the ignition cable.” Jonathon said and we all look at the car.

Minutes later, Nancy, Max, Lucas, Mike, Jonathon and I push up the car as best as we could so that Jonathon could get to the hood of the car and get the cable. “Push!” He grunts and all of us strain as we push up but then we let it slip and it crashes. “Shit!” Lucas exclaims, annoyed. “Let me try.” El said as she hobbles over to us, Will standing next to her. 

“El...” Mike pants and El steps a couple of steps forward. “I can do it.” She said, firmly, and we all move out of her way. Then she raises her hand at the car and concentrates on trying to move it but nothing. She looks down, in defeat, and I go and place my hand on her shoulders. “You did your best.” I assured her but she still looked sullen.

Later, we found some pole stands and start to use it on the car to flip it over. “Push!” Jonathon ordered and we push, making the car move a bit. “All right, great. All right, now, all the way. Ready?” Jonathon asked and we place the poles up against the car. “Three, two, one...Push!” Jonathon said and we all push the car and it flips over on its wheels.

“Told you. Physics.” Mike said and Nancy and Jonathon go to the hood but couldn’t get it open. “How do we get it open?” Nancy asked and I go over to the car. “Uh, there should be a latch.” Jonathon said as I get to the driver’s side. “Checking under the wheel.” I said and I look under the wheel and found it and push the latch. “Got it.” I said and the hood pops open.

“Do you see it?” Nancy asked Jonathon as he looks inside. “I don't know. It should be right here.” Jonathon said as he looks around. “Distributor, distributor...” he mutters and I look over and noticed Will shivers a bit then places his hand on the back of his neck.

”Will? You okay?” I asked him. Before he could reply, we hear rumbling and pounding no footsteps. I look up on the roof and noticed the glass roof shakes as whatever was coming was getting closer. “Guys.” I muttered as the cracking of glass sounds out and Max, Mike and El looks up in fear.

“Got it.” Jonathon said and I look over to see he got the cable. “Nancy!” Mike shouts and she looks over and I point up. She looks up as the cracking of the glass continues and the rumbling gets closer. I run over to Mike, Max and El and turn to El. “Can you run?” I asked El, she shrugs and shakes her head slightly. “Okay, I’m gonna carry you again.” I said and I pick her up and carry her like I did earlier and turn to Mike and Max. 

“Come on!” I shout and we begin to run as I hear a loud crash behind us. I look over my shoulder and see this giant fleshy looking spider monster as it lands on the floor and roars. I noticed Jonathon, Lucas, Will and Nancy go and hide before I turn my head forward and Max, Mike, El and I go behind the escalators, I hold El close to me in case I have to carry her again when we make a run for it.

All of us sit in silence as we hear it move around then we hear the radio go off and Dustin’s voice speaks through it. “Griswold Family, this is Scoops Troop! Do you copy? Over! Griswold Family, I repeat, this is Scoops Troop. Do you...” then I hear the roar of the monster again and I gasp then I hear it throw the radio but I could still hear Dustin’s voice shouting for us.

”Griswold Family, do you copy? Do you copy?! Griswold Family, this is Scoops Troop. Please confirm your safety! Griswold Family, this is Scoops Troop! Please confirm your safety! Are you en route to Bald Eagle's nest? Please confirm your safety! Someone, please just answer. Is anyone there? Just answer! Anyone, please...Griswold Family, do you copy? Griswold Family, do you copy? Griswold Family, do you copy?Do you copy?!” Dustin voice keeps asking and I bite my lips, like that would hold back my fear, as the monster moves around.

I look over at Max and she looks back at me, a look of fear etched over her face. I then reached out, with my free hand, to her right hand, which was next to me, and grab onto it and hold it tight. She squeezes my hand back as we look back into each other’s eyes, having a silent conversation between the two of us.

The monster continues move around, trying to find us, as he head if stomping around and throwing a few things. Mike stands up alittle to look out then shrinks back down. “It's turned away. If we go up the stairs now, we'll make it.” Mike said. “No way, not with El’s leg; even with (y/n) carrying her…” Max starts to argue. “We have to try.” Mike said. “There's another way...to get out. Through the Gap.” El said and Mike stands back up and looks over.

Then he gets back down and looks over at us. “Okay.” He whispers and I let go of Max’s hands and hook it under Eleven’s legs. “Hang on, sweetie.” I whisper and El nods as she wraps her arms around my neck. “Now.” I said to the kids and we get up and start to run over to a clothing store and we enter in but El’s leg hits one of the clothing racks, which made a loud clanging sounds.

”Shit.” I growled under my breath and we run behind some shelves as we hear the monster come to us. Then we heard it grab something then it roared and throws something, which turned out to be a mannequin. We continued to sit and hide as we hear it moving around then a long slimy tentacle comes up to the side and I try my best to not puke.

It looked like it was about to reach for us until we heard a loud pop from a balloon. The monster then moved away from us and we get up, me carrying El again, and run out of the store as the creature was distracted.

We get around to the back area of the mall then run through the back hallways before we get to one of the doors that lead to the side of the mall. We go to the gates and go through it, leading to the front of the mall, but then we all stop and see Billy standing some feet away from us, his car was on fire. “Shit!” Max and I said and we turned away and run back into the mall. “Go, go, go, go, go, go!” Mike shouts and we run back to where we came then Max pushes the button to shut the gate as we run back in.

The lights flickered as we run as fast as we could down the hall. “Hang on, El. Hang on.” I whispered to her. “In here. In here.” Mike said as he gestures over to a corner snd we go over to it to see an elevator.

”Okay. Come on, come on, come on...” Mike said, frantically, as he presses the elevator call button several times and I set El on her feet for a moment to rest my arms. But then we hear a door open and Max walks around the corner. “Billy. Billy, you don't have to do this.” Max pleads as we hear footsteps. “Billy. Your name's Billy, Billy Hargrove. You live on 4819 Cherry Lane. Billy, please, I'm Max, I'm your...” Max said but then Billy comes up to her and slaps her across the face, knocking her down.

”Max!” I screamed and Mike runs over to Billy to attack him but Billy grabs him and shoves him against a pipe. “Billy, stop!” I shouted as he turns to me and comes up to me, obviously eyeing El who I pushed behind me. “Whatever’s wrong with you, you need to fight…” I started to plead but then he grabs me and throws me across the room and I black out.

*3rd Person POV*

After knocking (y/n) out, Eleven tries to use her powers but Billy grabbed her hand then flings her against the wall, rendering her unconscious. He goes over to Eleven and carries her out of the back hallways and back into the middle of the mall.

Once he makes it back to the mall, he sets Eleven down in the ground then leans into her ear. “Don't be afraid. It'll be over soon. Just try and stay...very still.” He whispers to her as she wakes up and they hear the growls of the Mind Flayer. The Mind Flayer climbs back down into the mall and El looks up at it in fear as it gets closer to her. It opens its mouth and the small extra mouth sticks out towards her until a loud explosion and lights hit the monster in the head, making it look where the distraction came from.

It was Lucas, on the second floor, with a firework that he and the kids had grabbed from the grocery story, back when they tried to treat El’s leg wound. “Flay this, you ugly piece of shit!” Lucas shouts and throws another firework at the Mind Flayer in the mouth. The monster stumbles back as on another side of the of the second floor Nancy and Will throw some more fireworks at it. It roars and growls as the fireworks hit him and it stumbles around. 

“Hey, asshole! Over here!” Steve shouts as he and Jonathon throw more fireworks at it. El then noticed that any time the monster got hit with the colorful explosions, Billy was in pain too as if he too was affected by it. She decided to take this opportunity to get away but it wasn’t long before Billy grabbed her leg and dragged her back towards the Mind Flayer.

Then Billy stops dragging her, gets on top of her and places his hands on her neck. “We’re almost out!” Will shouts at Lucas. “I know.” Lucas said then Steve uses the extra radio Robin got from Dustin and contacts Dustin. “Dustin! We’re out of time!” Steve shouts and Dustin, who was still upon the hill with Erica. Dustin then contacts Joyce, Hopper and Murray’s radio. “Hurry! Close it now! Close it!” Dustin shouts at them.

*(y/n)’s POV*

“(Y/n)…(y/n)…(y/n)…” I hear a voice say but it sounded so far away as I start to come back to consciousness. “(Y/n), please wake up!” I hear the voice plead much clearer and I realized it  was Max. I open my eyes and see Max and Mike were kneeling over me. I sit up and Max places a hand on my shoulder.

“You okay?” She asked me. “Besides a splitting headache, I’m fine.” I said then I look around to see El was gone. “Oh no…” I whispered and Max and Mike help me up to my feet and we run back into the mall.

We get back into the mall and hear some explosions and roars and we run to the middle of the mall and see The Mind Flayer surrounded by smoke. It roars then I noticed Billy was standing before the monster, Eleven was laying down by his feet.

Max, Mike and I came to a stop as the Mind Flayer shots its tentacle mouth towards Billy, who held out his hands to catch it and stops the monstrosity from attacking El. He lets out a strenuous scream as he fights against the Mind Flayer. Max and I gasp at this, amazed by his strength to fight back against such a large and dangerous opponent.

Then several more tentacles came out of the Mind Flayer, one impaling itself into Billy’s stomach and Billy goes quiet. Another tentacle goes into his waist and Billy’s head droops down. 

More tentacles impale themselves into Billy’s back, holding him up so he’s looking directly at the Mind Flayer. I stood there, my legs feeling as if they’re frozen sold and my heart running a mile a minute, watching this monster kill my stepbrother.

The monster roars down at him and Billy lets out a furious and anguish yell before another tentacle hits him in the chest. “BILLY!” Max and I screamed as the monster removes its tentacles from Billy’s body and he falls to the floor.

Then the monster screeches and squirms around like it was in pain before it falls to the ground, dead. All of us stare at this, unsure if it’s safe to approach yet. But then Mike runs out to El, dropping down to his knees to hug her.

Max and I slowly walk over to Billy, seeing him bleeding way too much from too many places, so much so that blood was pouring out of his mouth. I knew in this moment that any hope of him surviving were nonexistent.

”Billy.” Max and I said as he looks up at us, utter fear in his eyes as he gasps for air. “Billy, Billy, get up, please. Billy, get up, please, please.” Max pleads to him as I kneeled down and place my hands on his chest, trying to stop the bleeding. 

“Just hang on, Billy. W-W-We’ll g-get you an ambulance a-and they’ll fix you right up.” I said in denial, not really wanting to accept the reality of the situation. I know Billy and I never got along, if anything we downright hated each other but I never wished death upon him.

“I'm sorry.” Billy whispers, his voice sounding weak and raspy. Then he exhales sharply before his body goes still and his eyes loses all light in them.

“Billy...Billy. Billy.” Max and I said, trying get him to respond but received nothing, he was gone. Max breaks down in tears while I sat there, too stunned by everything to even register what emotion I should be feeling. I couldn’t believe it, Billy was gone and his last act was protecting El at the cost of his life.

Max drops down next to me and press her head into my chest, seeking comfort and I instinctively wrap my arms around her to hold her. But even with Max sobbing into my shirt, no tears came to me. No feeling of sadness or lost or pain came over me, I just felt…nothing.

El comes over to us, kneeling down and throwing her arms around me to hug Max from behind, crying along with her best friend.

Sometime later, the ambulances, firefighters and the army arrived and ushered everyone outside to get us out of the army’s way and check us for injuries.

Max and I stood by an ambulance as we were being checked over when Steve came over to make sure we were okay. I told him I was fine but I honestly didn’t feel fine, I was so confused on how to feel about all of this. 

Steve didn’t say anything and just pull me into hug and like a dam being burst open, the tears I thought weren’t going to shed for Billy streamed down my face.

I buried my head into his chest, sobbing so hard I was start to have trouble breathing and had to make the annoying hiccup sound. Steve held onto to me tight, running his hand up and down my back to soothe me and I felt Max throw her small arms around me too and begin crying again into my arm.

After what felt like an eternity, I felt myself begin to calm down. Max pulls away to dry her eyes while Steve kept an arm around my shoulder as Robin comes up to us, seeing if we were okay. 

I spotted Joyce coming out and Will runs over to hug her, then I saw Eleven walking around, looking for Hopper. Joyce looked over at El and she looked very upset as if she’s telling El she’s sorry. 

And then it hit me that Hopper didn’t make it. “Oh God.” I muttered as I see El starting to cry. I pull away from Steve and made my way over to El to give her a comforting hug. She press her face into my shoulder as she sobs and I did my best to whisper comforting words to her while I try not to cry again myself.

Three Months Later

I drive up to Will’s house to see the large moving truck and Joyce’s car. Max, who was in the passenger seat, looks out the window and sighs. “Sucks that they’re moving.” She mutters. “Yeah, but I guess I understand why.” I said and Max nods. Joyce, Jonathon and Will had decided they were gonna move to California, taking Eleven with them. 

Hopper didn’t make it back at the Russian bunker so Joyce took Eleven in and she’s been staying with them since then. I parked the car and Max unbuckles her seatbelt then looks over at me. “You coming in?” She asked me and I nodded. “Can’t stay too long, got a job interview to go to.” I tell her and I start to unbuckle my seatbelt and we get out. 

“It’s just not fair. El and I just started hanging out and now she’s leaving.” Max said, frustrated, as we walked towards the house. “I know. But you can still write to her and we can visit her someday. I have been wanting to go back to California.” I tell her as I knock on the door. It opens and we 

After saying my goodbyes to Joyce, Jonathon and Will, I go down a hall and into one of the rooms to see Eleven standing there as she packs up her things. I knock on the doorway and she looks over at me. “Hey, sweetie.” I greeted her and she gives a small smile then I go over to her and we hug.

”Unfortunately, I can’t stay long but…I’m gonna miss you.” I tell her. El goes quiet as I pull back from the hug and look down at her and begin to speak. “You’ll love California. It’s so much more sunny there. And there’s so much to do.” I tell her and she looks down and I frown at this

”I’m scared.” She whispers. “Of what? The move?” I asked her and she nods. “I don’t like being alone.” She mutters and I give her a sad smile. “You won’t be, El. You’ll have Will and Jonathon with you. And you’ll make new friends.” I said and El still looked unsure. “Hey, if anything, you can always write me or Max a letter.” I tell her and she looks up at me, hopeful.

“Really?” She asked me and I nodded. She goes to hug me again and I hug her back, chuckling alittle. I tilt up her chin and said. “Hey, chin up okay? Everything’s gonna be fine.” I tell her and Eleven smiles and nods.

After saying goodbye, I made my way to the rental store and pulled up to the parking lot. I dig into my bag and pull out my application and read it over. Since the mall was practically destroyed, Robin, Steve and I lost our jobs and the past few months we had been trying to find another job.

But like I said, the mall got destroyed and lots of people lost their jobs. So finding a new job was like finding a needle in a haystack.

After checking over my application, I hear a car pull up next to me and I look over to see it was Steve and Robin. I smiled and get out of my car as do they. “You put your mom down as a reference?” Robin asked Steve. “Yeah. Why not? She's, like, super well-respected.” Steve replied, defensively, and I chuckled as I walk up to them 

“You're such a dingus.” I remarked as I go and kiss his cheek. “Wha...” he stammers and I chuckled. “You guys ready?” I asked them and they turn to me. “Yeah..” Robin said as we head to the main door of Family Video.

“Uh, just to be clear, we weren't fired, you know. The mall burned down and, like, killed a bunch of people.” Robin tells Keith, who is now the manager of Family Video instead of the arcade. “Thanks for sharing. Didn't know.” Keith said as he sets out applications down then he points to Robin. 

“Three favorite movies. Go.” He said. “Uh...The Apartment, Hidden Fortress, Children of Paradise.” Robin replied then Keith points to me. “You, go.” He demanded and I think real quick. “Ghostsbusters, Sixteen Candles and National Lampoons Vacation.” I replied then Keith points to Steve. 

“You. Go.” He said and Steve looked taken aback. “Favorite movies?” He asked, confused. “Did I stutter?” Keith asked and Steve goes to think. “Uh...Animal House, for sure. Um...” Steve said as he looks away then Keith snaps his fingers and points towards himself. “Eyes on me, Harrington.” He said and Steve looks back at him. 

“Yeah. Uh...Star Wars.” Steve said. “A New Hope?” Keith asked. “A new what-now?” Steve said, confused, and I run my hand over my face. “Which Star Wars?” Keith asked, clearly getting annoyed. “The one with the teddy bears. Duh.” Steve replied then he mimics the sound of Ewoks before he looks over at me and Robin, who lowers her head and I shake my head. 

“No? Uh...Oh, the one that just came out. The movie that just came out. The one with the DeLorean and Alex P. Keaton, and he's trying to bang his mom. The time…” Steve chuckles. “Babe, stop…” I whispered to him then he clears his throat. “Yeah, those are my top three. Classics.” Steve said.

Keith looked beyond offended before he turns to me and Robin. “You two start Monday.” He said then he turns to Steve. “You start never.” He said and Steve looks down, obviously upset. Robin then leans into us.

“Will you just, um...Will you give us a minute?” Robin asked me and Steve. “Why?” Steve asked, annoyed and disappointed, and I place a hand on his shoulder. “Steve.” I said then I grab his arm as he, aggressively, yanks his resume while Keith makes a face at him. Steve and I walk away while Robin talks to Keith.

”What the hell is she gonna do? Clearly he doesn’t want to hire me.” Steve grumbles. “Robin has a way with words, I think she’ll figure it out.” I assure him and Steve hums, unimpressed. “Mmmhmm, yeah we’ll see.” He said. “Hey, don’t be such a downer, it’s not a good look on you.” I tell him and he looks over at me and scoffs before he crashes into a cardboard cut out.

He curses as I go and help fix the cut out, which was of a scantily clad dressed woman that was promoting the movie Fast Times In Ridgemont High. “How the hell…” Steve grumbles as we fumble with the cutout then I get it to stand up again and Steve seemed to noticed the movie it was promoting.

“Fast Times. Fast Times. Ever heard of it? Top three for me, Keith.” Steve calls out to Keith, who looks at me and Steve then back to Robin as if to ask do I have to? But whatever Robin said to him, it worked and now the three of us are back working together again at the Family Video Store.

Later that day, after spending some time with Steve, I make my way back home and start to head to my room before I glance over at Billy’s room and my heart sank alittle. After his death, mom and Neil were devastated and they had tried to act like they were okay after several weeks but I could tell something was up. Neil was gone more often than usual and mom drank more and that had been fighting a lot as well, I’m starting to think that they might break up soon.

I sighed and shake my head as I head to my room but then I noticed Max was sitting in her room. “Hey…” I said and she looks up at me and she looked alittle sad. I frown then go over to her and hug her, comforting her since her friend was now gone. “I’m sorry, Max. But…maybe, one day we can go and visit her.” I suggested and Max nods alittle and we sit there in silence.

”How did the interview go?” Max asked me. “Well, you’re looking at the new employee of Family Video!” I said and Max smiled. “Congratulations!” She said then I dig into my purse. “Also, I got you something.” I said then I pull out a cassette tape and hand it to her. “Kate Bush?” Max said, confused.

”Hey, I listened to this at the store and I thought she had great music but there is one song I really like.” I said then I go over to Billy’s old boombox and I insert the tape inside. Synthetic music start to play for a bit and then Kate’s voice comes through the speakers.

It didn't hurt me (yeah, yeah, yo)

Do you wanna feel how it feels? (Yeah, yeah, yo)

Do you wanna know, know that it doesn't hurt me? (Yeah, yeah, yo)

Do you wanna hear about the deal that I'm making? (Yeah, yeah, yo)

You

It's you and me

And if I only could

I'd make a deal with God

And I'd get Him to swap our places

Be runnin' up that road

Be runnin' up that hill

Be runnin' up that building

Say, if I only could, oh

Max and I sit and listen to the song and I bob my head to the music as we listen to the rest of the song. Although I couldn’t help but think of Billy as I listened to this song. 

You don't wanna hurt me (yeah, yeah, yo)

But see how deep the bullet lies (yeah, yeah, yo)

Unaware I'm tearin' you asunder (yeah, yeah, yo)

Oh, there is thunder in our hearts (yeah, yeah, yo)

Is there so much hate for the ones we love? (Yeah, yeah, yo)

Oh, tell me, we both matter, don't we? (Yeah, yeah, yo)

You

It's you and me

It's you and me

Won't be unhappy

And if I only could

I'd make a deal with God

And I'd get Him to swap our places

Be runnin' up that road

Be runnin' up that hill

Be runnin' up that building (yo)

Say, if I only could, oh

Once it was over, Max turns to me. “Okay, that was a good song.” She said and I chuckled. “You’re welcome.” I said and we share another hug.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 14: The Bite

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“Jesus, slow down!” Steve slurs as Robin drives the little car towards the elevator. Dustin and Erica were in the passenger seat and Steve and (y/n) were in the back. “Yeah, what is this, like, the Indy 500?” (Y/n) asked. “It's the Indy 300.” Steve tried to correct. “No, doofus, it's 500!” (Y/n) said. “It's 300!” Steve argues. “Let's say a million.” (y/n) said then her and Steve begins to laugh out loud like it was the funniest joke ever.

“What is wrong with them?” Erica asked. “I don't know.” Robin said as she continues to drive but she was going so fast. Erica and Dustin gasp as they see some barrels up ahead. “Robin, watch out!” Dustin exclaims and Robin slams on the break but crashes into the barrels and (y/n) and Steve hit the back end of the truck, groaning in pain.

“You guys all right back there?” Robin asked but only got groans of pain from them. “They're fine.” Robin said then her and the two kids get out of the car and open the back of the car. “Come on. We gotta go, now.” Dustin tells the two then he and Erica shout at Steve and (y/n) to move but they barely move.

Then the trio start to pull them out of the car. “Ow! We're coming!” Steve grumbles as they get into the elevator and Dustin uses the keycard he had stole from that guard Steve beat up earlier. “Here goes nothin'.” Dustin said and the elevator doors close and it goes up, really fast.

At that moment, Steve and (y/n) start to whoop and holler at this as Steve stands on top of a push cart and tries to balance himself. “Hey! You look like you're surfing!” (Y/n) tells him. “Surfing! Yeah!” Steve agrees and they continue to laugh while Dustin, Robin and Erica stare at them, confused.

“They seem drunk.” Erica said. “Why would they be drunk?” Dustin asked and Robin gasped as she realized something. “I’d bet anything they’re drugged.” Robin said. “What? Drugged?” Dustin said just as Steve shouts. “I'm a natural! Check it out!” 

Then (y/n) pulls the cart back and Steve stumbles forward and falls to the ground. “Wipeout!” (y/n) exclaims and they laugh just as Robin kneels down to Steve and places a hand on his forehead. “He's burning up.” she tells the others. “You're burning up.” Steve grumbles at Robin.

“One sec, one sec. Steve, Steve.” Robin said as she tries to grab his head then gets a good look at his eyes. “God, no. Ow!” Steve groans and Robin noticed his pupils were dilated. “His pupils are super dilated. Which means he has been drugged.” Robin said and she goes over to her friend.

“Steve, are you drugged?” Dustin asked Steve as Robin goes up to (y/n). “Hey, what are you…?” (Y/n) said to Robin as she grabs her face and looks into her eyes. “How many times, Dad? I don't do drugs. It's only marijuana.” Steve said to Dustin, sarcastically. “This isn't funny, okay? I need to know what they did to you. Are you gonna die on us?” Dustin asked Steve, who reaches out and touches Dustin’s nose. “Boop.” He said as Robin removes her hands off of (y/n).

”We all die, my strange little child friend. It's just a matter of how...and when.” (y/n) replied to Dustin as Robin looks at him and nods, confirming that (y/n) was also drugged. “They're gonna be looking for us up there, so I need you to tell me where you parked your car.” Dustin said. “Oh, can we make a pit stop at the food court?” Steve asked. “I would kill for a hot dog on a stick.” (Y/n) said and Steve made a noise of approval.

“All right. Yeah, food. Yes, you can have as much food as you want, but only if you tell us where your car is parked.” Robin said. “Uh-oh.” Steve said as if he realized something. “Uh-oh?” Dustin asked, confused. “The car's off the board.” Steve replied. “What?” Dustin and Robin asked. “They took the keys. The Russians, they took the keys. Like, forever ago.” Steve said as he pulls out his empty pockets and (y/n) laughs, hysterically, then Steve joins in the laughter. “That's a bummer, right?” Steve asked and Dustin, Robin and Erica share a look.

Later, the elevator stops and they go to the door and opens it, revealing the outside world. “Oh! Oh, my God, that tastes so good. Ah!” (y/n) said, pleasurablely, as she opens her mouth and sticks her tongue out, tasting the air. “Steve, can you taste the air?” She asked Steve as he too sticks his tongue out.

“I taste it! I taste it!” He said as they walk in but Dustin, Robin and Erica stop as they see the gate opening and two guards run after them. “Stop!” The guard shouts. “Shit! Come on! Come on!” Dustin shouts as they turn and grab (y/n) and Steve and head back into the Mall. “Okay, okay, okay! Woo!” (Y/n) exclaims as he raises her hands in the air while Robin pushes her back in while Dustin pushes Steve. “Why are we running?” Steve asked as they enter back into the mall.

“Where are we going?” Robin asked Dustin as they run down the back hallways of the mall. “Just trust me.” Dustin said then they come up to a door and Dustin opens it and looks around. “All clear.” He said and they walk out to see they are in the movie theater section of the mall. They walk into the screening of Back To The Future. Steve grabs a bag of popcorn out of the trash can as they enter the screening, the scene when Doc Brown tested his Time Machine for the first time.

“Come on.” Dustin whispers as they walk on the walk way and towards the front row. “You two, sit.” Robin orders Steve and (y/n). “No, no, no! These seats are too close! Dude, these seats blow.” Steve argues while a few people shushes them. “Then don't watch the movie.” Dustin tells them. “We wanna watch it.” (Y/n) said. “Then watch it!” Dustin yells then a guy in the seat behind the two drugged people leans forward and shushes them.

“Sorry.” Dustin said to the guy then Robin looks at Steve and (y/n). “Whatever you do, don't...go...anywhere.” She said, firmly, to them. “Fine, Mom.” Steve grumbles and he and (y/n) laugh alittle before Dustin, Robin and Erica run over to the end of the row of seats and sit into the three empty seats.

“Okay, it's official. I'm never having kids.” Dustin mutters. “What are we doing here?” Erica asked. “We're laying low. Cooling off. Like Oswald.” Dustin said. “Oswald was found in a theater and shot to death.” Robin points out. “A week later.” Dustin adds. “The point is, his plan didn't work.” Erica said.

“Only because it was a setup.” Dustin said. “What?” Erica asked. “He was just a patsy.” Dustin argued. “Tell me you're joking.” Erica said then a few people behind them shushes them and they shush them back. “We need to get outta here.” Erica said. “All right, you two watch Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Make sure they don't go anywhere.” Dustin tells Erica and Robin. 

“Where are you going?” Robin asked him. “To find us a ride.” Dustin said and he gets up and leave. “What's happening?” (Y/n) asked Steve, quietly. “I have no idea.” Steve replied as they continued to eat the popcorn.

Minutes later, Dustin comes running back in and takes his seat. “Do you guys have any batteries? Double-A?” He asked Robin and Erica. “Why would we have batteries?” Erica asked. “I always carry batteries.” Dustin replied. “Then what's the problem?” Robin asked him. “I need eight.” Dustin said. “Eight?” Robin and Erica asked and Dustin sighs.

“Shit. Guess we'll have to go to plan B.” He mutters. “Plan B? What's plan B?” Robin asked him and Dustin looks down the row and noticed Steve and (y/n) are gone. “Where...are they?” He asked, worried.

Outside of the theater, Steve was drinking water from the fountain while (y/n) was leaning against the wall. “That's amazing.” Steve said and he continues to drink the water. “So, like, I wasn't totally focused in there or anything, but...I'm pretty sure...that mom was trying to bang her son.” (Y/n) said. 

“Wait, wait, the hot chick was Alex P. Keaton's mom?” Steve asked. “Yeah, I'm pretty sure.” (Y/n) said. “But they're the same age.” Steve said. “No, but he went back in time.” (Y/n) explains. “Then why is it called Back to the Future?” Steve asked after drinking some more water. “He has to go back to the future because he's in the past. So, the future is actually the present, which is his time.” (Y/n) said and Steve looks at this stunned then turned to her, confused

“Wh...What?” He asked. “No, no, it's my turn. You've had enough.” (Y/n) said and she shoves Steve away from the fountain and drinks the water. Steve then looks up and notices all the lights were getting blurry and spin a little. “Wow. Hey, (y/n). You gotta check this out.” Steve said and (y/n) runs over to him and looks up.

“Check this...This...The ceiling, it's beautiful.” Steve slurs as the room starts to blur and spin some more. “Oh, wow.” (Y/n) said then she spins around. “Oh.” She mutters but then the two begin to grunt as they start to feel sick. Then they run to the nearest bathroom and get into their own toilet stall and puke into the toilet.

Afterwhile, the two stop puking and flush their respective toilets. (Y/n) lays on her back, staring at the ceiling. “The ceiling stopped spinning for me. Is it still spinning for you?” (Y/n) asked Steve and he looks up to see it wasn’t spinning anymore. “Holy shit. No. You think we puked it all up?” He asked. 

“Maybe. I’ll ask you something then, after you answer, you’ll ask me something.” (Y/n) said and Steve scoffs out a laugh. “Okay, sure. Hit me.” Steve said and (y/n) thinks for a moment. “Have you...ever been in love?” She asked him. “Yep. Nancy Wheeler. First semester, senior year.” Steve replied and (y/n) scoffs out a laugh. 

“Robin always called her a priss.” She said and Steve hums alittle. “Turns out, not really.” He said and (y/n) stays silent at this. “Okay, mine to ask.” Steve said. “Shoot.” (Y/n) said. “Back in the bunker when you said you liked me, did you mean it?” Steve asked her and (y/n) sighs. He had to ask that question.

She then goes to sit up. “You’re supposed to ask an easy question.” She said and Steve chuckles alittle. “It’s an easy yes or no answer.” He said and (y/n) thinks over her answer. “Yes…I did mean it. Although you weren’t supposed to find out about it.” She replied. “Why not?” Steve asked, confused. “I didn’t want to make things weird between us, cause I know I don’t have a chance with you.” She replied.

”Why would you say that?” He asked her. “Cause who could ever love me?” She said, quietly, but it was loud enough for Steve to hear. He goes quiet at this, too stunned to even think of a response to this. “Are you still in love with Nancy?” (Y/n) asked and Steve thinks over for a moment before shaking his head. “No.” He replied, truthfully.

“Why not?” (Y/n) asked him. “I think it's because I found someone who's a little bit better for me.” Steve replied and (y/n)’s heart drops alittle. “It's crazy. Ever since Dustin got home, he's been saying, You know, you gotta find your Suzie. You gotta find your Suzie. Which, honestly, I'm not 100% sure she's even real.” Steve said and (y/n) chuckles, quietly.

“But that's not...that's not really the point. That doesn't matter. The point is, this girl, you know, the one that I like, it's somebody that I...hung out with a few times. Got to know her better and even fought some monsters alongside her.” Steve said and (y/n)’s heart stops at this, feeling like her soul left her body.

”I should’ve asked her out while in school but…I didn’t. Maybe 'cause Tommy H. would've made fun of me or...I wouldn't be...prom king. It's stupid. I mean, Dustin's right, it's all just a bunch of bullshit anyways. Because, when I think about it, I should've been with this girl the whole time. First of all, she's hilarious. She's so funny. I feel like, these last several months, I have laughed harder than I have laughed...in a really long time. And she's smart. Way smarter than me. You know, she can crack, like, top secret Russian codes and...You know? She's honestly unlike anyone I've ever even met before.” Steve confesses and (y/n)’s jaw dropped then she places her hands over her mouth.

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was Steve Harrington…THE Steve Harrington…confessing that he had a crush on her and that he should’ve asked her out a long time ago?

”(y/n)? (Y/n), did you just OD in there?” Steve asked as he noticed she hadn’t talked in a while and taps the wall of the stall. “No. I...am still alive.” She said, removing her hands off of her face and pulls her legs up to her chest, then Steve slides up under the stall and scoots over to the stall (y/n) is in, sitting across from her. “The floor's disgusting.” (Y/n) said. “Yeah, well, I already got a bunch of blood and puke on my shirt, so...” Steve said as he shrugs.

“What do you think?” Steve asked. “About?” (Y/n) asked. “This girl.” Steve replied. “She sounds awesome.” (Y/n) said, smiling. “She is awesome. And what about the guy?” Steve asked. “I think he's on drugs, and he's not thinking straight.” (Y/n) replied. “Really? 'Cause I think he's thinking a lot more clearly than usual.” Steve said and (y/n) chuckles.

”Why do you think nobody could love you?” Steve asked her and (y/n) frowns then looks down. “Billy says…” she started to say and Steve scoffs and shakes his head. “Billy? The guy that’s gonna be a drunk and a lonely bastard in ten years, living in a trailer park? Since when does his opinion matter?” Steve asked her and (y/n) laughs alittle. “You’re a great girl, (y/n). Any guy would be lucky to have you.” Steve assures her and he places his right hand on her right knee.

The two stare at each other and smile as (y/n) places a hand over his. “I want to kiss you but…I’d probably taste like vomit and blood.” Steve said and (y/n) giggles. “So do I but I wouldn’t mind. This day has already been shitty.” (Y/n) said and Steve smiles at her. (Y/n) gives a shy smile then they look at each other before they start to, slowly, lean towards each other. 

But before anything could happen, the door bursts open and the two look over to see Dustin, Erica and Robin enter the bathroom. “Okay, what the hell?!” Dustin exclaimed and Steve and (y/n) look at each other then start to laugh.

*(y/n)’s POV*

After recovering and waiting for the movie to end, Dustin slowly opens the bathroom door to look out and see crowds of people leaving the theater. “And...blend.” He said and we all walk out of the bathroom and join in the crowd. “Well, shit, that worked.” Erica said. “Course it worked. We just have to get on the bus with the rest of these plebes, and home sweet home, here we come.” Dustin said while Steve looked, fearful.

“Uh, Dustin?” Steve said. “What?” Dustin asked. “Yeah, we might not wanna go to your house.” Steve replied. “Why?” Dustin asked. “Well, I might've told them your full name.” Steve replied and Dustin looks at him in shock. “What is wrong with you?” He whispered-yelled at Steve. “Dude, I was drugged.” Steve replied, defensively.

”So?” Dustin said.

”So?” Steve said, disbelieving. “So, you resist. You tough it out. You tough it out like a man.” Dustin said. “Oh, yeah, it's easy for you to say.” Steve grumbled then I noticed some of the guards were out among the crowd, asking questions. “Guys?” I said as I point them out to the others and we all stop.

“Abort.” Dustin said just as one of the guards noticed us. “Abort. Abort.” Dustin said and we run the other direction. “Shit.” Robin, Steve and I muttered as we continued to run over to the escalators. “Okay. Come on, let's go, let's go.” Steve said and we get to the middle of the escalator and slide down to the lower part of the mall and hide.

We hid behind a counter in a food court and stayed still as best as we could. We could hear the guards talk amongst each other and walk around. The five of us were panting, my heart beating hard against my chest then I felt a hand reach over and grab my left hand. I glance over and see it was Steve as he held onto my hand and I go and squeeze it tight.

Suddenly, there was a loud car alarm going off and we hear the Russians talk in confusion until a second later we heard a loud crash. We slowly get up and see that one of the cars was flung at the guards. Then we look over to the other side and see Eleven, Mike, Max, Lucas, Will, Nancy and Jonathon in the upper floor and we smiled at them.

”You flung that thing like a Hot Wheel!” Dustin laughs as we run over to them as they make their way down stairs. Dustin hugs El while Max runs over to me. “Lucas?” Erica said, disbelieving, as Lucas walks up to her and Max and I hug. “You okay?” I asked Max. “Am I okay, what the hell happened to you?” She asked me once we break the hug and she gestures to my torn work outfit, which also had some blood on it. “Long story.” I said to her.

“What are you doing here?” Lucas asked Erica. “Ask them. It's their fault.” Erica said as she points towards us. “True, yeah. Totally true. It's absolutely our fault.” Steve said, sarcastically, as I go over to El and hug her. “Thank you, El.” I said as she hugs me back. 

“That's El?” Robin and Erica said and I look over at them then at Dustin. “You told them about her.” I asked him and he nods. “Holy shit, this is crazy!” Robin exclaimed as El and I break the hug. 

“I'm sorry, who are you?” Nancy asked Robin, confused. “I'm Robin. I work with Steve and (y/n).” Robin replied. “Yeah, her and I cracked the top secret code.” I said. “Yeah, which is how we found out about the Russians in the first place.” Steve said. “Russians? Wait, what Russians?” Jonathon asked.

“The Russians!” Steve exclaimed. “Those were Russians?” Max asked as she points towards the knocked out guards. “Some of them.” Erica said. “What are you talking about?” Lucas asked. “Didn't you hear our code red?” Dustin asked. “Yeah. Couldn't understand what you were saying.” Mike tells him. “Damn low battery.” Dustin grumbles.

“How many times do I have to tell you with the low battery?” Steve asked Dustin. “Well, everything worked out, didn't it?” Dustin said. “Worked out? We almost died.” Erica said. “Yeah, but we didn't, did we?” Dustin asked. “It was pretty damn close.” I remarked. “Okay, Russians? As in, they're working for the Russian government?” Lucas asked. 

“What are you not comprehending? Am I not speaking English? We have a full-blown Red Dawn situation.” Dustin said, getting annoyed. “So this has nothing to do with the gate?” Max asked. “It has everything to do with the gate...” I said but then we heard something heavy drop and we look over to see El had collapsed on the floor some feet away.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Mike said and we all run over to her. “El! El!” Mike calls out as he moves her over to her back, her nose was bleeding from both nostrils. “What's wrong with her?” Erica asked as I kneel down on El’s right side and Mike is on her left side while everyone gathered around. 

“What's wrong?” Mike asked her. “My leg. My leg.” El cries and Jonathon goes to her left leg where I noticed she had a bloody bandage. “Her leg, her leg. Okay.” He said as he goes to unwrap it. “Get that off.” Nancy tells him and it reveals a large purple bulge on her leg and everyone exclaims in disgust. Then something was squirming in the bulge and El begins to whine and scream in pain.

“El! El! El! El, are you okay? El! El!” Mike exclaims, panicked, before El let’s out an ear piercing scream.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 13: E Pluribus Unum

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“The gate.” Dustin mutters to Steve and (y/n) before they start to run away from the doorway and down the stairs. “I don't understand. You've seen this before?” Robin asked. “Not exactly.” Steve said. “Then what, exactly?” Robin asked. “All you need to know is it's bad.” Dustin said. “It's really bad.” Steve said. “Like, end-of-the-human-race-as-we-know-it kind of bad.” (Y/n) said and Robin turns to them. “And you know about this how?” She asked, annoyed and angry.

“Um, Steve? Where's your Russian friend?” Erica asked and they all look around to see the guard was gone, then an alarm goes off. “Shit.” Steve said as he looks out and sees the man he beat up talking to his comrades. “Shit. Go, go, go, go, go!” Steve said as she shuts the door and the gang begin to run back up the stairs.

They make it back to the room where they are trying to open the gate then run down the stairs on the side. “Move! Let's move!” (Y/n) shouts. “Go! Shit! Shit, shit, shit!” Steve shouts when the guards chase after the kids. They get up the drill and are stopped by the laser. “Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! Shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!” Dustin screams, in frantic panic.

“This way!” Steve said and they follow him down to another set of stairs that lead down and he shoves a guard out of the way as they continue to run. “Oh, shit! Oh, shit!” Steve said, worried. “Whoa!” Erica exclaims as they continue to run.

“Come on! Go, go, go, go, go!” (Y/n) shouts as they get to a door and enter the room. Once they get in, Steve shuts the door and leans against it as Erica, Dustin and Robin run. “(Y/n)!” Steve calls out and she stops and turns to see Steve holding the door but several guards were banging against it on the other side.

“Help me, come on!” Steve shouts and (y/n) runs over to him and helps him. “Here! Come on, let's go!” Erica exclaims as she found a floor hatch upstairs. “Come on!” Dustin shouts as he and Robin turn to see Steve and (y/n) holding the door. 

“Go! Just get out of here!” Steve shouts at them. “Go, come on, now!” Dustin shouts. “No! Just go get some help, okay?” Steve yells. “Are you two crazy?!” Robin asked, panicked. “What are you doing?! Go!” (Y/n) shouts and Robin looked at her, tears forming in her eyes as she fears for her friend’s life. “I won't forget you!” Dustin said to them.

“Go!” Steve and (y/n) shout and Dustin, Erica and Robin jump down the hatch and close it just as the door is shoved opened, making Steve and (y/n) fly back and land on the floor. The guards run in and aim their guns at the two and shout at them in Russian, the two young adults raise their hands up.

After being captured, the guards take Steve and (y/n) off into different rooms to interrogate them. In Steve’s room, a guard punches Steve a few times in the face, making him groans. “That one stung.” He groans. “Who do you work for?” The guard asked him. “For the millionth time, I work at Scoops Ahoy! Scoops Ahoy.” Steve said and the guard and his boss look at each other before the guard punches Steve in the stomach.

“What the hell?!” Steve asked in a groan. “Look at my outfit! Look at my outfit! You think I just wear this?! Think I'm a spy in a sailor's uniform?” Steve shouts. “How did you get in?” The leader guard asked. “I already told you. I told you before. My delivery didn't come, and my friends and I, we thought that it was left at the loading dock, so we went in the room, and then it turned into an elevator, and then...and then we dropped and then, next thing we know, I open my eyes, and we're in this...wonderful facility. But I swear to God, nobody knows about us, nobody saw us. You could just let us go, all right? And I'm not gonna tell anybody about this, okay? Shit happens, life goes on. And, uh... ice... ice cream. Ice cream, okay? You guys know what ice cream is. Everybody loves ice cream. I don't know if you have Russian ice cream or if that's considered gelato. I don't know what's what, but whatever you guys want, seriously. USS Butterscotch, I mean, you gotta try it. It is out of this world, I'm telling ya!” Steve replied, quickly.

Then the two guards start to laugh and Steve lets out a fake nervous laugh. “I like this guy! USS...Butterscotch." The lead soldier laughs but then stops as he leans forward to Steve. “Who do you work for?” He asked, in a serious tone. “Oh, come on. No, no! No, seriously...” Steve said, desperately, but the other guard punches him across the face, knocking him out.

Later, they drag the unconscious Steve into another room and throw him into a room as another door opens with a couple of other guards coming in, carrying (y/n) who was kicking her feet. “Get your hands off me!” She growls at them as she squirms around, making it tough for them to hold her.

Then they toss her on the floor next to Steve. She looks over to see Steve and felt her heart drop when she noticed him not moving. “Hey...” she said as she rolls onto her stomach and go to Steve. “Steve? Steve? Steve? Steve?” She said, panicked, then she looks over to see the lead guard entering in the room.

“What did you do to him? What did you do?” She demanded from him as he walks up to when then he slaps her across the face, she falls to the side but landed on her hands and shakes her head. “Put them in the chairs.” The lead guard tells his comrades and they grab (y/n) and Steve. 

“Don't touch me!” (Y/n) growls as they place them on the chairs, which were back to back against each other. “Steve...Steve, wake up. Steve?” (Y/n) calls out as the guards start to tie them up together with a couple of black straps. “What did you do?!” (Y/n) yells as the lead guard grabs the top of Steve’s hair and pulls his head up to look at his bloodied and bruised face.

“Don't touch him.” (Y/n) growls as she looks over her shoulder and the main guard clicks his tongue. “Steve? Steve, can you hear me?” (Y/n) called out, worried, as the main guard comes over to her. “I think your friend need a doctor. Good thing...we have the very best.” The guard said as he kneels in close to (y/n) then looks around at his men and laughs

They laugh as well and the man looks back at (y/n) just as she spits in his face. The laughter stops and the man pulls out a tissue and wipes the spit off of his face as (y/n) glares at him. “You are going to regret that, little bitch.” The main guard said and he and the others start to leave. “Bastards. Let us outta here! Bastards! Let us out! Let us out!” (Y/n) shouts as the guards leave and the door shuts.

“Help! Help! Help!” (Y/n) shouts as loud as she could, trying to get anyone to come in but nothing for several minutes. “Hey, would you stop yelling?” She hears Steve grumble, softly, and her heart leapt for joy. “Steve! Oh, my God! Steve...Are...Are you okay?” She asked, relieved, as she leans her head back against his. 

“My ears are ringing, and I can't really breathe, my eye feels like it's about to pop out of my skull, but, you know, apart from that, I'm doing pretty good.” Steve replied. “Well, the good news is that they're calling you a doctor.” (Y/n) said and Steve raises his head to look at the very metal and sterile looking room. 

“Is this his place of work? I love the vibe.” Steve said, sarcastically, and (y/n) chuckles alittle at this. “Charming.” Steve mutters. “Yeah, tell me about it. So, okay, do you see that table over there to your right?” (Y/n) asked and Steve looked to the left. “No, your other right.” (Y/n) said and he looks over to see the table she’s talking about. 

“Oh. Yeah, okay.” He said. “And do you see those scissors?” (Y/n) asked. “Uh-huh.” Steve said. “Yeah, well, I think that if we move at the same time, we could get over there, and then maybe I could kick the table and knock them into your lap.” (Y/n) suggests. “And I could cut the binds.” said Steve.

“Yeah, and we could get out of here.” (Y/n) said. “Gotcha. Okay, yeah, we can do that.” Steve said, agreeing. “Yeah.” (Y/n) said, breathless. “Those morons. They left scissors in here?” Steve asked and (y/n) laughs. “Yeah, morons.” She said. “Total morons.” Steve laughs.

”Okay, so, on the count of three, we're gonna hop.” (Y/n) said. “Okay, good, hop on three. I gotcha.” Steve said. “All right. One, two, three.” (Y/n) said and the two hop over a bit with success. “Okay, that worked.” (Y/n) said, smiling. “Okay.” Steve said, nodding.

“All right. Uh, let's try again.” (Y/n) said. “Right.” Steve said, getting ready. “One, two, three.” (Y/n) said and they hop closer and they two smile. “Holy shit, this is gonna work!” (Y/n) said, happily. “We're close. Ready?” Steve asked. “Okay, one, two, three.” (Y/n) said and the hop over but they fall over in the ground, making the two of the groan.

Steve hears a small noise coming out of (y/n), which sounded like she was crying. “It's okay, it's okay. Don't cry. (Y/n).” Steve tries to assure her but then he realized she was laughing alittle. “Are you laughing?” He asked her. “Yeah.” She said. “Jesus!” He sighs. “I'm sorry! I'm so sorry. It's just...I can't believe...I'm gonna die in a secret Russian base with Steve The Hair Harrington. It's just too trippy, man.” (Y/n) said as she continues to laugh.

“We're not gonna die. We're gonna get out of here, okay? Just...You gotta let me just think for a second.” Steve said and (y/n) calms down from her laughter. “You know, I hated moving here.” (Y/n) said and Steve furrows his brow. “What?” He asked. “When my mom and stepdad told us we were moving here, I hated it. I didn’t want to start over and become the new girl especially in my last year of high school. I didn’t expect anything good happening here or make any friends. Especially with my asshole stepbrother.” (Y/n) said then she sighs, licking her lips. “I just wanted steal Billy’s car and drive until I run out of gas.” She admits, real tears now evident in her voice. “But I couldn’t leave Max behind.“ 

Steve is stunned silent, not realizing just how badly she wanted to escape her home life until now. “First day of school, everyone looked at me like I was some kind of zoo animal. Everyone but you…you were the only one not looking at me in that way. The only one that made me feel normal.” She explains and Steve felt his heart beat hard in his chest. 

He remembered that day; when he saw her, after the teacher introduced her, he did think she was cute and gave her a small smile as she walked past him. But at the time, his heart had belonged to Nancy. But now that is over, his heart was singing a different tune every time he was around (y/n) especially after the whole ordeal with the tunnels.

“Funny thing was, I knew I had no chance with you as I just knew you were the popular guy and had all the girls eating out of your hands. Then when Robin gave me the tour of the school, she mentioned you and Nancy after we walked by you.” (Y/n) said and Steve frowns alittle at this. “And I gonna admit, I was kinda jealous of Nancy.” She added and Steve furrows his brow.

”Jealous?” He asked and (y/n) scoffs out a laugh. “Yeah, I, uh…well…” she stops as she bites her lips. “I guess it’s time to be honest but I like you, Steve. Like a lot. I mean, I thought you were good looking but when I got to know you better, my feelings for you grew and hasn’t stopped…” (y/n) said and Steve smiled alittle at this, feeling this warmth spreading in his heart.

Steve turns his head and was about to speak but then the doors open and the Russians guards and the commander come back in. “Where are you two going?” The soldier asked them, sarcastically, after seeing the two on the ground. He clicks his tongue and shakes his head as two guards help them back up while the doctor comes in and starts to fill a new needle with a drug.

The commander walks over to Steve and leans into him. “Try telling the truth this time, yes? It will make your visit with Dr. Zharkov less painful.” The commander said as he pats the side of Steve’s head. Steve winces in pain as the man caresses Steve’s chin then chuckles and nods at the doctor.

The doctor walks over to Steve, holding a large needle that was filled with a dark blue liquid. “Wait a second. Wait. Hold on. Okay! Wait, wait, wait! What is that thing?” Steve asked, panicked. “It will help you talk.” The doctor said then he grabs the top of Steve’s head and moves it to the side.

“Did you even clean that thing?!” Steve asked, frantically, as the Doctor injects the drug into his neck, making Steve scream out in pain.

After injecting the two with the drugs, the Russians leave Steve and (y/n) again as the drug runs through their body. They sit there in silence before Steve speaks up. “Honestly, I don't really feel anything. Do you?” Steve asked (y/n). “I mean, I...I feel fine. I feel normal.” (Y/n) replied. “Yeah, I feel...I feel fine. I kinda feel good.” Steve said then the two start to laugh.

“Wanna know a secret?” (Y/n) asked him. “What?” Steve asked. “I like it, too!” She replied and the two laugh again. “I feel good.” (Y/n) laughed as her and Steve lean their heads back against each other. “Morons. They messed up the drug.” Steve giggled. “They messed it up!” (Y/n) said then her and Steve start to shout.

“Morons. Hey, morons!”

”Morons!”

“Moron! Mor...”

”Hey!”

“Whoa-oh!”

“Oh, no. There's definitely something wrong with us.” (Y/n) said. “Something's wrong.” Steve chuckles as they hear a buzzer and the Russians come back in. The doctor goes over to the table and lays out some weapons while the commander walks up to Steve. “Would now be a good time to tell you that I don't like doctors?” (Y/n) asked but she was ignored.

“Let's try this again, yes? Who do you work for?” The commander asked. “Scoops. Scoops Ahoy.” Steve said and (y/n) snorts then laughs. “How did you find us?” The commander asked. “Totally by accident.” Steve replied and her and (y/n) laugh again. “More lies.” The commander growls in Russian and he looks over at the doctor. The doctor then grabs a pincher and walks back over to the two.

“What is that shiny little toy?” Steve asked. “Where you going with that, doc?” (Y/n) asked as the doctor goes over to Steve then grabs his left hand. “Whoa, whoa, hey, hey. Wait! No! Wait! Wait! Whoa!” Steve exclaimed as the doctor places the pinchers in Steve’s fingernail and was about to pull it off until (y/n) shouts. “There was a code! We heard a code!”

The doctor stops then looks at the commander, who goes over to (y/n). “Code. What code?” He asked her. "The week is long. The silver cat feeds when blue meets yellow in the west. Blah, blah, blah. You broadcast that stupid spy shit all over town, and we picked it up on our Cerebro, and we cracked it in a day. A day! You think you're so smart, but a few kids who scoop ice cream for a living cracked your code in a day, and now, people know you're here.” (Y/n) exclaims

“Who knows we are here, little bitch?” The commander asked. “Uh, well, Dustin knows.” Steve said and (y/n), quickly, turns her head. “Hey, Steve?” She said but Steve keeps going. “Yeah, Dustin Henderson, he knows.” Steve said. “Steve!” (Y/n) exclaims, exasperated, while Steve chuckles.

“Dustin Henderson. It is your small, curly-haired friend?” The commander asked as he walks over to Steve. “Oh, curly-haired. Great hair. Small. Kind of like a 'fro. Yeah.” Steve replied. “Where is he?” The man asked. “He's long gone, you big asshole. And he's probably calling Hopper, and Hopper's calling the US cavalry. They're gonna come in here, commando-style, guns a-blazin', and kick your sorry asses back to Russia. You're gonna be two pieces of toast.” Steve replied and the man leans in closer. “Is that so?” He asked, his tone threatening. “Yeah.” Steve said and him and (y/n) start laughing. 

Just then, the alarms go off and the doctor and the commander look at each other. Then the commander looks at Steve, who shrugs and smirks as if to say Told ya! The commander leaves while the Doctor stayed. But moments later, the other door opens and Dustin runs in with a stun stick in his hand. He yells and shoves the stun stick into the doctor’s chest, electrocuting him and he falls over.

“Hey! Henderson! That's crazy, I was just talking about you.” Steve said as Dustin and Robin go over to the two and start to free them. “Oh, my God!” (Y/n) said. “Get ready to run.” Dustin tells them as he and Robin gets the two untied.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 12: The Flayed

Previous Chapter/ Next Chapter

All of us screamed as the elevator continued to drop down, super fast. “Shit! Shit!” Dustin screams and he goes over to the control panel, pressing the buttons. “We're going down! We're going down!” Steve shouts. “Yeah, no shit, Harrington!” I yelled back at him as Robin and I lean against the wall.

“Why don't these buttons work?!” Dustin exclaims, frantically, as he presses the buttons. “Press the button!” Erica shouts as she goes up to him. “What do you think I'm doing?!” Dustin yells at her. “Come on, press something! Just press the button!” Steve shouts at Dustin, who screams again. 

“Push it!” Erica said and they pressed more buttons then the elevator, suddenly, stops and all of us fall to the ground, including some boxes fell on me and Steve. “Oh! My groin. It fell on my groin.” Steve groans. “Guys, help!” I called out and Dustin goes over to Steve to get the box off of him and Robin helps me. 

“Is everyone okay?” Robin asked as she helps me up and Steve sits up, slowly. “Yeah, I'm great, now that I know that Russians can't design elevators!” Steve yells, angrily, as he gets up and heads to the control panel, pushing buttons. “I think we've clearly established that those buttons don't work.” I tell Steve. “They're buttons. They have to do something.” Steve growls.

“Yeah, if we had a keycard.” Robin said and Steve turns to look at her. “A what?” He asked, annoyed and angry. “It's an electronic lock. Same as the loading dock door. If we don't have a keycard, it won't operate, meaning...” Robin explained. “We're stuck in here.” Dustin finished. “Yeah.” Robin replied and I sighed. “Just perfect…” I grumbled, exasperated.

“Just so you nerds are aware, I'm supposed to be spending the night at Tina's, and Tina always covers for me. But if I'm not home for Uncle Jack's party tomorrow and my mom finds out you three are responsible, she's gonna hunt you down, one by one, and slit your throat.” Erica threatens and I glared at her before Steve speaks.

“I don't care about Tina! Or Uncle Jack's party! Your mom's not gonna be able to find us if we're dead in a Russian elevator!” Steve yells and Erica looked at him surprised. “Yeah, seriously. There’s things a bit more important than a damn party right now.” I added then Dustin looks up and points up. “Hey. What if we climbed out?” He said as we look up to see the hatch door up.

Moments later, we help get Dustin up and he opens the hatch then climbs out. Steve then climbs up after him and I get up and stick my head out of the hatch and look up. “What were you saying about climbing?” Steve asked as we all look up and saw how far below we were.

*3rd Person POV*

“Code red, I repeat, code red. Does anyone copy? This is a code red, I repeat, a code red. This is a code red, I repeat, a code red. Does anyone copy? We are innocent children and we are trapped under Starcourt Mall. The Red Army has infiltrated Hawkins, and if we are found, they will torture and kill us.” Dustin said into his radio as he stands on top of the elevator.

“Hey. Gotta take it easy on that thing. Gonna drain the battery.” Steve tells him once he comes up through the hatch. “The mall just opened.” Dustin said. “So?” Steve asked, annoyed. “So someone could be in range.” Dustin said, like it was obvious. “What do you think, Petey the Mall Cop is gonna rappel down here and save the day?” Steve asked then he climbs up.

“All right, why are you such a cranky pants after getting to spend the night with (y/n)?” Dustin asked him. “Shh! Jesus Christ.” Steve said, annoyed. “Will you just give up on your creepy dream already?” He asked him. “I heard you guys talking all night.” Dustin points out. “We were trying to figure out a way to open up the door while you children and Robin were sleeping. After eight hours, we're still exactly nowhere, which is, you know, probably just a little bit of the reason why I'm feeling just...a tad cranky.” Steve said as he walks over the edge of the elevator and starts to unzip his pants.

“What are you doing?” Dustin asked, confused. “What does it look like I'm doing? I'm taking a leak. Look away.” Steve tells him while Dustin gives him a confused look. “Look away!” Steve shouts and Dustin turns away and Steve starts to pee.

In the elevator, Robin and (y/n) heard something leaking and they look over to see the streak of pee from the other side coming down the wall. “Can you redirect your stream, please?” (Y/n) called out to Steve, who then moves over but continues to pee. “Ugh. Seriously, what do you see in him?” Robin asked (y/n). She shrugs when they hear a loud bang and they look over to see Erica uses one of those green glass containers against a metal shelf.

“Hey, hey! Be careful, careful, careful! We don't even know what that is.” Robin said as she runs over to Erica and takes the container out of her hand. “Exactly. It could be useful.” Erica said. “Useful how?” Robin asked her. “We can survive down here a long time without food, but if the human body doesn't get water, it will die.” Erica said. 

“I hate to break it to you, but this is not water.” (Y/n) said as she points at the container in Robin’s hand. “No, but it's a liquid, and if it comes down to me drinking that shit or dying of thirst, I drink.” Erica said but then (y/n) and Robin hear a soft humming noise. Erica grabs the container out of Robin’s hand while Robin and (y/n) go up to the door and press their ear to the door as they hear a motor type noise. “We've got company.” Robin said to Steve and Dustin as she gets up into the hatch.

Outside of the elevator, two Russian guards, in a small motor car, come up to the elevator and use their key card to open it. Once the scanner comes on green, the door opens and they enter when one of them stops and sniffs the air. “You smell that?” The guard asked in Russian. “What?” The second guard asked. “Piss.” The first guard said and the second guard sniffs around, shrugs then the guards begin to pick up the boxes and place them in the car.

Meanwhile, Steve, Erica, Dustin, Robin and (y/n) were crouched on top of the elevator and could see the guards taking the boxes. Steve raises a finger to his lips as he looks around at everyone, Eric’s still clutching onto the container she grabbed from Robin.

After several minutes, the guards load up in their car and drive away. The group jumps down as the doors start closing and Steve uses the container to stop the door from closing. “Let's go.” Steve whispers and Erica tosses her backpack to him and he catches it and tosses it through the large gap. 

“Go. Go, go, go, go, go.” Steve whispers and Erica runs over then lays on her stomach. “I'm going!” Erica growls as she crawls through the gap. “Henderson. Go, go.” Steve whispers and Dustin crawls through the gap. Then Robin and (y/n) crawl through just as the container starts to crack.

“Come on, Steve, let's go!” Dustin shouts as Steve crawls through then a second later, the door shuts which causes the container to break. The gang back up as the liquid sizzles. “Jesus Christ.” Steve exclaims as (y/n) helps him up to his feet. “Ooh!” Erica said as they watch the liquid melts the metal floor. “You still wanna drink that?” (Y/n) asked Erica as everyone looks at it then Dustin turns around.

”Holy Mother of God.” He said and everyone turns around to see a long hallway, lite up with blue lights. “Well…I hope you guys are in good shape.” Steve said then he pats Dustin’s chest. “Looking at you, roast beef.” He said then starts to walk down the hall. “Come on, let’s go.” Steve said. “Why me?” Dustin asked as the gang start to follow Steve.

“I mean, you have to admit, as a feat of engineering alone, this is impressive.” Dustin said after they walk down the hall for awhile. “What are you talking about? It's a total fire hazard. There's no stairs, there's no exit, there's just an elevator that drops you halfway to hell.” Steve said.

“They're Commies. You don't pay people, they cut corners.” Erica said. “To be fair to our Russian comrades, I don't think this tunnel was designed for walking. Think about it, they developed the perfect system for transporting that cargo.” Robin said. “It all comes into the mall like any old delivery.” (Y/n) said. “And then they load it up onto those trucks and nobody's the wiser.” Robin said.

“You think they built this whole mall so they could transport that green poison?” Steve asked. “I very seriously doubt it's something as boring as poison. It's gotta be much more valuable, like promethium or something.” Dustin said. “What the hell is promethium?” Steve asked. “It's what Victor Stone's dad used to make Cyborg's bionic and cybernetic components.” (Y/n) said while Erica scrunches up her face at them.

“You're all so nerdy, it makes me physically ill.” She said. “No, no, no. No, don't lump me in with them. I'm not a nerd, all right?” Steve said, defensively. “Why so sensitive, Harrington? Afraid of losing cool points to a ten-year-old child?” Robin asked him. “No, I'm just saying I don't know jack shit about Prometheus.” Steve said.

“Promethium. Prometheus is a Greek mythological figure, but whatever. All I'm saying is, it's probably being used to make something.” Dustin said. “Or power something.” Robin adds. “Like a nuclear weapon?” (Y/n) suggests. “Totally.” Robin and (y/n) said, in unison. “Walking towards a nuclear weapon. That's great. That'd be great.” Steve mutters, sarcastically.

“But if they're building something, why here? I mean, Hawkins. Seriously. Of all places. At the very best, we're a toilet stop on your way to Disneyland, but maybe that's it. Maybe it's our very...” Robin started to ask but Steve stops Dustin and (y/n) as they realized the reason why the Russians could be here while Robin and Erica keep walking and talking.

“You think the Russians know?” Dustin asked. “About...” Steve started to say. “They could.” (Y/n) said. “So it's connected?” Steve asked. “Maybe.” Dustin said. “How?” (Y/n) asked them. “I don't know, but it's...” Dustin said then all three of them say, in unison. “Possible.”

“I'm sorry, is there something you'd like to share with the class?” Robin asked them as her and Erica stop to look at Steve, Dustin and (y/n). But then the sound a radio transaction goes off as they hear a voice speaking in Russian. “Walkie.” Steve, Dustin and (y/n) mutter and they run over to the girls as Erica pulls off her backpack and Tobin takes out the walkie talkie out of her backpack.

"A trip to China sounds nice. If you tread lightly." Robin recited, in Russian, then she looks at the others. “It's the code.” She said. “Wherever that broadcast is coming from...” Dustin said and Robin nods. “It's close.” She said. “And if there's one thing we know about that signal...” (y/n) said. “It can reach the surface.” Dustin finished.

“Let's go.” Robin said and they stand up and run.

Later, they make it around a corner and Steve looks over as he sees some of the cars and a few guards walk away. “Okay, clear.” Steve whispers to the others once the guards leave. “Clear, come on, let's go.” Steve said and they begin to walk again. “Okay, that was close.” Robin said. “Too close.” Dustin points out.

“Relax. All right? Relax. Nobody saw...” Steve said as they come up to another hallway to see several guards, scientists and assistants in what looked like a the main area of this large bunker. “Shit.” Steve whispers and the gang duck behind large boxes. “Jesus!” (Y/n) mutters, panicked.

“Red Dawn.” Dustin mutters. “I saw it. First floor, northwest.” Erica said. “Saw what?” Steve asked, confused. “The comms room.” Erica said. “You saw the comms room?” Steve asked. “Correct.” Erica said. “Are you sure?” Dustin asked her.Positive. The door was open for a second, and I saw a bunch of lights and machines and shit in there.” Erica said.

“That could be a hundred different things.” Dustin said then Robin looks over at Steve and (y/n). “I'll take those odds.” She said and Steve sighs while (y/n) looks at her then nods. “If you’re in, then I’m in.” She said and her and Steve share before he shakes his head then looks out before ducking back in.

“All right. We're gonna move fast, we're gonna stay low. Okay?” Steve said to the others. “Okay.” Robin whispers and the gang start to sneak around to the comms room. They come upon the door as one scientist walks out. “Let's go.” Steve whispers and the make it to the door. 

“Come on.” Steve whispers to them and they all enter the room and Steve shuts the door. But as they turn, they see a Russian guard inside. He turns in his seat and looked surprised to see them. He stands up and start to get his gun out until Robin steps forward.

“Tread lightly! Tread lightly!” She said in Russian. “Who are you?” The guard asked her, confused in Russian. “Silver cat...Silver cat.” Robin said as she points to herself then to the others. “I don't understand.” The guard said and Robin looks at the others before turning to the guard. “China?” She asked then the man scoffs and starts to unholster his gun.

Steve screams as he runs at the man and tries to tackle him but the man tosses him aside. The guard punches him in the face and tosses him aside again then goes to grab him but Steve elbows him in the stomach, making him stumble back. Then Steve grabbed the corded phone and swings the phone across the guards face, making him fall back, hit the edge of the table and fall to the ground, unconscious.

Steve pants alittle before running his hand through his hair while everyone looked at him in shock. “Dude! You did it! You won a fight!” Dustin said, excitedly. “Jeez...” Steve mutters before he smiles then Dustin goes to the unconscious guard.

“What are you doing?” Erica asked. “Getting us our ticket out of here.” Dustin said. “You want to walk all the way back?” Erica asked him. “Well, we can hang out for a little bit, relax, have a picnic maybe.” Dustin said, sarcastically. “Have a picnic? We came here for the radio.” Erica exclaims while Robin and (y/n) walk up to a door that had blue lights pulsing through the window of the door.

“This plan is way better. If I knew Steve could knock out a Russian, that would've been our plan in the first place.” Dustin said as Robin goes back to the others while (y/n) stared at the window in awe. “Guys. There's something up there.” Robin said and everyone follows her then they head to the door.

“Let's go.” Steve said as he opens the door and they all walk through then go up to the door to another comma room. “Holy shit.” Dustin mutters as they see a large laser drill using a laser through the wall, a long slit was pulsing orange light. Steve, Dustin and (y/n) share a look of fear as they realize that the Russians were indeed trying to get to the Upside Down.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 11: Operation Child Endangerment

Previous Chapter/ Next Chapter

*(y/n)’s POV*

“That keycard opens the door, but unfortunately, the Russian with this keycard also has a massive gun. Whatever’s in this room, whatever’s in those boxes, they really don’t want anybody finding it.” Dustin tells us. It was the next day and Robin, Steve and I were in the back room of the parlor once again while Dustin went to spy on the Russian guards in the back dock of the mall.

“But there’s gotta be a way in.” I remarked. “Well, you know…I could just take him out.” Steve said as he leans forward on the table. “Take who out?” Robin asked him, sarcastically. “The Russian guard.” Steve said, like it was obvious, then Robin and I share a look. “What? I sneak up behind him, I knock him out, and I take his keycard. It’s easy.” Steve said.

”Did you not hear the part about the massive gun?” Dustin asked him. “Yes, Dustin, I did. And that’s why I would be sneaking.” Steve said and I facepalm at this. “Well, please, tell me this, and be honest, have you ever actually…won a fight?” Dustin asked him and I snort alittle at this. “Okay, that was one time—“ Steve said. “Twice. Jonathan. Year prior?” Dustin points out. “Listen, that doesn’t count.” Steve said, defensively.

”Why wouldn’t it? Because it looks like he beat the shit out of you.” Dustin said then the two begin to bicker then Robin gets a look in her face, like she just thought of an idea. “That might just work.” She mutters then she gets up and runs to the front of the parlor. We all follow her and see her grabbing some cash out of the tip jar.

”Robin! Hey, Robin!” I called out before she starts to run. “Hey, what—what are you doing?” Steve asked as we run over to her. She stops and turns to us. “I need cash.” She replied, plainly. “Well, some of that is ours. Where’re you going?” Steve asked her. “To find a way into that room, a safe way. And, in the meantime, sling ice cream, behave and don’t get beat up. I’ll be back in a jiff.” Robin said and she runs out into the crowd.

Then I look over to see Dustin licking ice cream off of the scooper. “Dude..” Steve said as he looked over and grabbed the scooper out of his hand. “Come on, man, not my scooper.” Steve grumbled and he pockets the scooper.

“It is fascinating what 20 bucks will get you at the County Recorder's Office.” Robin said once she returned and we all were back in the back area. She sets down what looked like blueprints on the table. “Starcourt Mall. The complete blueprints.” Robin said and Dustin looks at her, impressed.

“Not bad.” He said and Robin smiles then points at one section of the print. “So, this is us, Scoops, and this is where we want to get.” Robin said as we look over blueprint. “I mean, I don't really see a way in.” Steve said. “There's not, if you're talking exclusively about doors.” Robin said as she flips over another layer of blueprints and I gasped.

“Air ducts.” I said and Robin smiles at me. “Exactly. Turns out, this secret room needs air just like any old room. And these air ducts lead all the way...” Robin said as she walks around us, grabs a red make then goes back to the prints, circles our area then draws a line down then to the left and circles an area. “…here.” She said and we all look up at the air duct on the wall.

Steve gets up there and removes the vent cover from it. “Flashlight.” He said and I hand him the light. “Thank you.” He said then he turns the light on and looks through the air duct. “Yeah, I don't know, man. I don't know if you can fit in here. It's, like...super tight.” Steve said to Dustin. “I'll fit. Trust me. No collar bones, remember?” Dustin reassured and Robin scrunches up her nose.

“Uh, excuse me?” She asked. “Oh, he's, uh...Yeah, he's got some disease. Chry, uh...It's chrydo, um...Something. Yeah, I dunno. He's missing bones and stuff. He can bend like Gumbo.” Steve tells her as Dustin climbs up to the air duct and tries to climb in. “You mean Gumby.” I tell Steve and he looks at me then shakes his head. “I'm pretty sure it's Gumbo.” He said.

“Steve, just shut up and push me!” Dustin exclaims. “Okay. I'll push ya.” Steve said, exasperated, and he goes for Dustin’s feet and starts to push. “Not my feet, dumbass. Push my ass.” Dustin said, angrily. “What?” Steve asked, confused. “Touch my butt! I don't care!” Dustin shouts and Steve rolls his eyes and goes to push Dustin’s butt.

“Come on! Harder!” Dustin shouts. “I’m pushing!” Steve yells. “Push harder!” Dustin screams and I facepalm and shake my head as Steve shouts. “I'm pushing!”

“You're playing with my legs.” Dustin yells as Steve gets under him and grabs his legs. “I'm not playing, I have terrible footing. I'm gonna just shove you, ready?” Steve said. “Just shove me?” Dustin asked, confused. “One, two...” Steve said and he goes to shove Dustin but nothing. “Shit.” Dustin grumbles. “That work?” Steve asked. “One more time.” Dustin said just as Robin and I hear the bell up front ring. 

We look over and see it was Erica. “Ahoy, sailors! All hands on deck! Ahoy! Come on. Get over here and serve me some samples.” She said as she keeps pressing the bell. Robin then looks at her then at me with a knowing smile. I furrow my brow in confusion but then I realized what she was planning. “Oh, God, please no.” I said, exasperated.

Later, after getting Dustin out and talking to Erica, she goes up to the vent and looks through it. “Can’t believe we’re doing this.” I grumbled as Erica hums. “Hmm...Yeah, I don't know.” Erica said as she gets down and turns to us. “You don't know if you can fit?” Dustin asked her.

“Oh, I can fit. I just don't know if I want to.” She said. “Are you claustrophobic?” Robin asked her. “I don't have phobias.” Erica said and I rolled my eyes. “Let me guess, you wanna know what’s in it for you?” I said and she smiles. “Finally, someone that’s not an idiot.

Later, we sit out in the main dining area and hand Erica a sundae and she looks at it before pushing back towards Steve. “More fudge, please.” She said and Steve looks at her, annoyed, while I have my arms crossed. “Go on.” She tells Steve, waving her hand, and he takes it and goes back to the ice cream bar.

“All right. You see this? This is the route you're gonna take.” Robin said as she holds up the blueprints she marked on. “Then we just wait till the last delivery goes out tonight. Then you knock out the grate, jump down, open the door.” Robin said.

”Then you find out what's in those boxes?” Erica asked. “Exactly.” Robin said. “Mm-hmm. And you say this guard is armed.” Erica said. “Yes, but he won't be there.” Dustin assures her. “And booby traps?” Erica asked. “Booby traps?” Robin asked. “Lasers, spikes in the wall?” Erica lists off and Robin laughs at how ridiculous this sounds. “You have watched too many spy movies.” I remarked to Erica.

“You know what this half-baked plan of yours sounds like to me? Child endangerment.” Erica said. “We'll be in radio contact with you the whole time...” Robin said then Erica raises her finger. “Ah, ah, ah! Child endangerment.” She said, emphasizing her words. “Well, this will be a great jump start for you into the real world.” I snarked and she glares over at me. I don’t know what it is, I normally like kids but Erica pushes some sort’ve button with me.

“Erica? Hi. Uh...We think these Russians want to do harm to our country. Great harm. Don't you love your country?” Dustin asked her as she looks at him. “You can't spell America without Erica." Erica said and I rolled my eyes at that corny line while she loudly slurps her drink. “Uh, yeah, yeah. Oddly, that's, uh, totally true. So, so, don't do this for us. Do it for your country. Do it for your fellow man. Do this for America...Erica.” Dustin said as Erica finished slurping her drink up, loudly.

“Ooh! I just got the chills. Oh, yeah, from this float, not your speech. Know what I love most about this country? Capitalism. Do you know what capitalism is?” Erica asked. “Yeah.” Dustin, Robin and I said. “It means this is a free market system. Which means people get paid for their services, depending on how valuable their contributions are. And it seems to me, my ability to fit into that little vent is very, very valuable to you all. So, you want my help? This USS Butterscotch better be the first of many. And I'm talking free ice cream for life.” She demands and Robin looks over at me. “This is your fault.” I muttered to her.

“Erica, do you copy?” Robin said into the walkie-talkie later that night as we hide out on the roof of the mall, watching the back dock. “Mm-hmm. I copy. You nerds in position or what?” Erica asked. “Yeah, we're in position. It's all quiet here, so you've got the green light.” Robin said. “Green light, roger that. Commence Operation Child Endangerment.” Erica said. “Can we maybe not call it that?” Robin asked her. “See you on the other side. Nerds.” Erica said and we wait.

“All right, nerds. I'm there.” Erica said after a few minutes of silence. “Do you...Do you see anything?” Robin asked. “Yeah, I see those boring boxes you're so excited about.” Erica replied. “Any guards?” Robin asked. “Negative.” Erica replied. “Booby traps?” Robin asked her. “If I could see them, they'd be pretty shit traps, wouldn't they?” Erica said, annoyed.

“Thank you for that.” Robin said, exasperated, and I run my hand over my eyes. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and they have a really good booby trap to get her.” I grumbled. “I'm in.” Erica said and Steve runs his hands over his face and through his hair. “Oh, God.” He sighs and I place a hand on his shoulder.

Then the door opens and we see Erica walking out. “Free ice cream for life.” She shouts at us and we all share a look before we make our way down.

Once we get in the room, Steve uses his pocket knife and opens one of the boxes. Inside was a weird metal box and Steve reaches in and grabs the top open, only to see four smaller containers inside. “That's definitely not Chinese food.” Steve said and he goes to reach in. “Uh, maybe you guys should, you know, stand back.” Steve tells us and Robin, Erica and I stand back but Dustin stands still.

”No.” he said and Steve holds out a free hand to him. “Just...Just step back, okay?” He said. “No.” Dustin said, firmly. “Step back. Seriously.” Steve tells Dustin. “No! If you die, I die.” Dustin tells him and they stare at each other before Steve shrugs. “Okay.” He said and he pulls out one of the containers, revealing a container full of a green substance with something floating inside of it.”

“What the hell?” I said. “What is that?” Robin asked but then we heard a loud metal sound and the room shifted alittle. “Was that just me, or did the room move?” Dustin asked. “Booby traps.” Erica whispers as we hear more mechanical sounds. “You know what? Let's just grab that and go.” Robin said as she takes the container out of Steve’s hand and Dustin goes over to the buttons and presses it, but nothing happened.

“Which one do I press, Erica?” Dustin asked her. “Just press the damn button, nerd.” Erica shouted. “Which one? I'm pressing the button, okay?” Dustin argued. “Press open door." Erica said. “I'm pressing open door." Dustin shouts and Steve goes over to him. “Just open the...Press the other button.” Steve said as he presses a button.

“Out of the way so she can push the button...” Robin said. “Would you stop?” Steve argues with Dustin. “I'm trying.” Dustin said, exasperated. “Would you let me just do it? Would you stop?” Steve said as he and Dustin continue to argue while he presses the buttons. “Just open the door!” I shouted but then we heard a noise.

Suddenly, the room drops down and Robin and Erica scream as I realized that we were in an elevator. “Oh, shit.” I muttered as continued all the way down.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 10: The Case Of The Missing Lifeguard

Previous Chapter/ Next Chapter

*3rd Person POV*

Thunder rumbled in the gray sky as Max and Eleven walk towards Max’s house. The night before, Max and Eleven thought it would be funny to use El’s powers to spy on people, mainly the boys, until they used a game to pick their next victim and it landed on Billy. But what disturbed El was that it looked like Billy was up to something as she saw him kneeling in front of a girl who was crying and pleading. 

The thing that scared Eleven the most was that Billy turned and looked almost right at El, almost like he knew she was there.

After that, El decided she needed to go to Max’s house to find out what Billy was doing. “It’s gonna start pouring soon.” Max said as she looks up at the sky. “We should be at the mall or, like, watching a movie or something.” Max said as her and El walk up to her house. “You don’t believe me?” Eleven asked her. “I believe you saw some super weird stuff, totally, but you said Mike has sensed you in there before, right?” Max asked her while El doesn’t respond to that.

”So maybe it was just like that. Maybe Billy just…sensed you somehow.” Max suggested. “But the screams.” El points out and Max scoffs. “Yeah, I know, but here’s the thing. When Billy is alone with a girl, they make, like, really crazy noises.” Max said. “They scream?” Eleven asked, confused. “Yeah, but, like…happy screams.” Max said and Eleven furrows her brow.

”Happy screams? What is happy screams?” Eleven asked and Max sighs, not believing she’s actually having this conversation with her friend. It was already embarrassing when she had this same type of talk with her sister after she had heard the happy screams coming from Billy’s room when he brought a girl over. “It’s like…I’m just gonna lend you my mom’s Cosmo.” Max tells her as they make it to the front door of her house.

”His car’s not here.” Max said, confused, then she noticed (y/n)’s car wasn’t there either so she figured she went to work. But with Billy…it was his day off. Where the hell was he?

Max turns to Eleven, who gives a determined look at the house. “You really want to do this?” She asked her friend and El nods and they make their way into the house and began their investigation. They went inside the house and looked around his room, not finding much except for nude magazines. Then they head into the bathroom to see the tub is full of water with empty bags of ice inside.

Eleven was concerned but Max tried to blow it off as Billy probably used that for his body as he does workout often. But El saw some blood drops on the door of the sink cabinet. She opens it and sees a trashcan inside, she takes it out and digs into the can and finds a Lifeguard fanny pack and the whistle. Max and Eleven share a look of shock and fear.

At the mall, Robin and (y/n) were in Scoops Ahoy, still trying to understand the code again when Erica comes up and slaps the bell several times. (Y/n) groans at this while Robin continued to listen to the recording through her headphones. The two share a loo and (y/n) nods and Robin continues to listen to the recording and (y/n) turns to Erica, who had her gang of little bratty snots with her.

”I’d like to try the peanut butter and chocolate swirl, please?” Erica asked, putting on a fake smile. “No. No more samples today.” (Y/n) tells her and Erica’s smile drops. “Why not?” She asked. “Because you’re abusing our company policy.” (Y/n) retorts back to her, having enough of her crap.

”Where’s the sailor man?” Erica asked. “Sorry, he can’t help you. He’s busy.” (Y/n) said, giving a sarcastic smile. “Busy with what?” Erica asked, with an attitude. “Spycraft.” (Y/n) replied.

Meanwhile, Steve and Dustin were hiding among the plants as Steve uses binoculars to look around at the people. “You see anything?” Dustin asked him. “Uh, I guess I don’t totally know what I’m looking for.” Steve said. “Evil Russians.” Dustin replied as if it was obvious. “Yeah, exactly. I don’t know what an evil Russian looks like.” Steve said. “Tall, blonde, not smiling.” Dustin listed off as Steve hums at this while he looks around.

”Also, look for earpieces, Camo, duffel bags, that sort of thing.” Dustin adds. “Right, okay, duffel bags.” Steve mutters as he scans the floor above and sees a familiar girl talking to a guy. “Oh, you gotta be kidding me.” Steve grumbles. “What?” Dustin asked. “Anna Jacobi’s talking with that meathead Mark Lewinsky.” Steve replied, annoyed.

”If you’re not gonna focus, just gimme the binoculars.” Dustin said, exasperated, but Steve doesn’t listen to him. “Aw, Jesus Christ, whatever happened to standards? I mean, Lewinsky never even came off the bench.” Steve said, annoyed, as he watched Lewinsky mimicking shooting hoops to Anna. “Dude, you are the worst spy in history, you know that?” Dustin said to Steve, annoyed, and he grabs the binoculars.

“Give me those.” Dustin said. ”Stop, hey. Stop.” Steve said as removes the binocular strap around his neck. “Besides, I don’t get why you’re looking at girls. You have the perfect one in front of you.” Dustin said as he looks through the binoculars. “Seriously, if you say Robin…” Steve said, exasperated, but Dustin talks over him.

”No, I was gonna say (y/n).” Dustin said and Steve looks taken aback by that. “No.” He said, quickly. “C’mon, why not?” Dustin asked. “Cause she’s…” Steve stops as he thinks over the answer before settling on one. “She’s not my type.” He grumbles. “She’s not even in the ballpark of what my type is, all right?” Steve said. 

“What’s your type again? Not awesome?” Dustin asked as he looks at Steve and Steve looks at him, annoyed. “Thank you.” He said, sarcastically, and Dustin scoffs a little before turning back to the binoculars. “For your information, (y/n) and I are just friends. And she’s a nerd.” Steve said and Dustin turns his head to give a look of disbelief at Steve. “She goes to the comic book store on Saturdays, she reads all these fantasy books, and watches this weird space show with these group of people and aliens that just travel around in this ship.” Steve lists off. “You mean Star Trek?” Dustin asked and Steve nods.

”And don’t get me started about on her going to the arcade.” Steve said while Dustin was still waiting on a good reason for Steve not to ask (y/n) out. ”So, sorry, no.” Steve mumbles. “Wasn’t Nancy a bit of a nerd?” Dustin asked and Steve glares at him.

”Now that you’re out of high school, which means you’re technically an adult, don’t you think it’s time you move on from primitive constructs such as popularity?” Dustin asked Steve. “Oh, primitive constructs? That some stupid shit you learned at Camp…Know…Nothing?” Steve said, defensively. “Camp Knowwhere, actually. And no, it’s shit I learned from life.” Dustin said and Steve scoffs

”Instead of dating somebody you think is gonna make you cooler, why not date somebody you actually enjoy being around? Like me and Suzie.” Dustin said. “Oh, Suzie. Yeah, you mean, hotter than Phoebe Cates. Yeah, that Suzie. And, uh, let’s think about how exactly did you score that beautiful girlfriend?” Steve asked, pretending to think. “Oh, yeah. With my advice. Because that’s how this works, Henderson. I give you the advice, you follow through. Not the other way around, all right, pea-brain?” He said and they return to their spying.

”The week is long. The silver cat feeds when blue meets yellow in the west. A trip to China sounds nice if you tread lightly.” (Y/n) recites to Robin, reading the paper with their translation, as they sit behind the front desk. “Tread lightly?” Robin mutters and she grabs the Russian to English book and flips through the book.

”I’m gonna be honest, this is making my head hurt.” (Y/n) said then they hear a knocking in the back area. “I got it.” (Y/n) said as she heads to the back area and opens the back door, revealing a delivery man. “Delivery for you.” He said as he hands a box to (y/n). “Thank you.” (Y/n) said as she takes the box and goes to put it away.

The man gets his clipboard and pen out for her to sign. She turns and goes to sign the papers but noticed the company name on his uniform: Lynx Transportation. And his hat said Lynx. Seeing this was making the wheels in her head turn as the man gives her a look and she shakes her head slightly then signs the papers.

”Have a nice day.” He said. “Yeah, you too.” She said and the guy leaves then (y/n) walks out the door and sees on the back of his uniform was a logo of the head of a silver cat. “Silver cat.” (Y/n) said, in realization, then she runs over to Robin to tell her what she just discovered. “Robin, you’re not gonna believe this.”

Just then Steve and Dustin walk in the parlor, they thought they had found the Russian but it turned out he was a workout teacher in the gym of the mall. “Girls, you’re not gonna believe who Dustin thought was a Russian.” Steve said and Dustin looks at him. “You did too.” He argued. “No, I did not.” Steve said and they argued but both girls ran past the boys and run out to the Mall and stop in the middle of it.

“A trip to China sounds nice.” (Y/n) recites as her and Robin look around for anything to relate to that until they see a Chinese food court called Imperial Panda. “A trip to China sounds nice.” Robin gasps then she looks down at the paper. “If you tread lightly.” Robin mutters and (y/n) looks around and sees a store called Kaufman Shoes. “Robin…if you tread lightly.” She said as she points out the store to her.

”When — When blue and yellow meet in the west.” (Y/n) said as they look around again then Robin noticed the clock which had a blue hour hand and a yellow minute hand. “When blue and yellow meet in the west.” Robin said as she taps (y/n)’s shoulder and points to the clock. The two girls smile, widely, then they turn to each other, let out excited laughs and they give each other high fives.

”Guys! What are you two doing?” Steve asked them as he and Dustin come up to them. “We cracked it!” Robin said. “Cracked what?” Steve asked, confused, and the girls jump off the little ledge they were standing on and land in front of the boys. “We cracked the code.” The girls said, in unison.

That night, the rain was pouring down, the thunder roared and the lightning was striking the sky as Steve, Robin, Dustin and (y/n), all of them wearing rain coats, hide on the roof of the mall to watch the back loading area. “Look for Imperial Panda and Kaufman Shoes.” Robin tells the boys as Dustin looks through his binoculars, Steve kneeling down next to him then (y/n) next to him and Robin next to her.

Dustin watches on as a man comes out with some boxes, and he was whistling. “They’re with that whistling guy, ten o’clock.” Dustin exclaims as the movers load up the boxes. “What do you think’s in there?” Steve asked. “Guns, bombs?” Dustin lists off. “Chemical weapons?” (y/n) adds. “Whatever it is, they’re armed to the teeth.” Dustin said and Steve runs his hands over his eyes.

”Great. That’s great.” He grumbles as the one of the guards opens a mechanical door for the delivery men. “Hey, what’s in there?” Robin asked when the door opens and the delivery man enters with the boxes. “It’s just more boxes.” Dustin said and Steve reaches over for the binoculars. “Let me check it out.” He said but Dustin tries to stop him. “No, I’m still looking.” Dustin argues and the two boys fight over it until they dropped the binoculars and it hits something metal, making the men look over.

”Duck!” Dustin tells the others and they all duck down to hide. The guards look around as the group hides, catching their breath. Robin was breathing quickly while (y/n) was frozen in fear, worried if the men had seen them. Then she noticed her left hand was holding onto something. She looks over at her hand and noticed that she was holding Steve’s hand, who was holding onto her hand tightly.

The two teens look at their joined hand then at each other before they, quickly, let go of each other’s hand. Both of them were feeling their faces turning red but both of their hearts were beating hard against their chest, and neither one of them were sure if it was because of the adrenaline of almost getting spotted or for something so simple thing like holding hands.

They eventually get up and make a run for it as they make their way through the mall. “Well, I think we found your Russians.” Robin remarked and the others nodded.

“Which one?” Max asked Eleven as she holds up a Wonder Woman comic in one hand and a Green Lantern in the other hand while El looked disturbed. After they found the whistle and fanny pack of Heather, the missing girl, they went to the pool as he closed down and they told the girls that neither Heather or Billy showed up to work. El used her power to track Heather down which lead to Heather pleading to El to save her life.

Max and El went to Heather’s house and see Billy hanging out with Heather’s parents. When El confronts him on where Heather is, Heather comes out, looking normal. The two girls leave and El gets lost in thoughts as she tries to figure out what the hell to do.

“I don't know.” El said to Max as she sits next to her on Max’s bed. Max lowers the comics down and looks at her friend. “Hey, there's nothing to worry about anymore, okay?” Max assures her. “It doesn't make sense.” El said. “What doesn't make sense?” Max asked

“Heather. The blood. The ice.” El lists off. “Heather had a fever, so she took a cold bath, but she's better now. That has to be it. I don't know where that blood came from, but...we saw her. We both saw her. She's totally fine.” Max said. “What about Billy?” El asked. “What about him?” Max asked.

“He seemed wrong.” El said. “Wrong is kind of like his default. But it's nice to know he's not a murder, because that would've totally sucked.” Max said then she lets out a chuckle while El looks at the comics, mainly at Wonder Woman.

“Who...is that?” El asked as she points at Wonder Woman. “See, this is why you can't just hang out with Mike all the time. This is Wonder Woman. AKA Princess Diana. She's from Paradise Island, which is, like, this hidden island where there are only women Amazon warriors.” Max said and El sits back and looks at the comic as Max flips through the pages.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door and Max and El look over. “It’s open.” Max calls out and the door opens, revealing (y/n). “Hey, girls. Everything alright?” She asked and Max nods. “Yeah, we’re good.” Max said, proudly as El nods in agreement. (Y/n) smiles at the pair as she notices the comic book they’re both reading. “Ah, Wonder Woman. Great choice.” She said, pointing to the little picture book in Max’s hands.

“I like it.” El stated, looking at one of the panels. “Of course you would, Diana is kick ass!” Max proclaims, enthusiastically. “Hey, language.” (Y/n) said to which Max rolls her eyes and El giggles. 

“But you’re not wrong. And if you like Wonder Woman, El, you might also like Supergirl too.” (Y/n) said. “Supergirl?” El echoed and (Y/n) nodded with a hum. “You actually remind me a lot of Kara, I’ll have you lend you my comic books.” She said and El smiles at this.

“Do you girls need anything?” (Y/n) asked them and the girls shook their heads. “No.” Max said. “No, thank you.” El said, politely.

“Alright, I’m heading to bed. Lights out in ten.” (Y/n) stated, grabbing the doorknob. “Yes, warden.” Max said, flipping to a new page and (y/n) makes a watching you gesture as she pulls the door shut.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 9: The Mall Rats

Previous Chapter/ Next Chapter

I look up and see Dustin and I smiled. “Dustin! Hey!” I greeted as we go to hug. “How you doing?” I asked. “Good. See you got the job.” Dustin said as we break the hug and he gestures to my outfit. “Yeah…how was camp?” I asked. “It was great! Uh, is...is he here?” Dustin asked me and I laugh then look over my shoulder then shout. “Hey, Steve! Someone’s here to see you!”

Steve bursts out of the door and sees Dustin. “Henderson.” He said, shocked, and Dustin laughs and smiles. “Henderson! He's back! He's back!” Steve said, happily, as he jumps up and down and comes over to us. “I'm back! You got the job!” Dustin said. “I got the job!” Steve said then he mimics a trumpet sound as he and Dustin walk up to each other.

Then they do a handshake then mimic doing a lightsaber duel ending with Dustin stabbing Steve in the stomach. I chuckled and shake my head at the silliness I was seeing but Robin didn’t seem too pleased. “How many children are you friends with?” Robin asked Steve, who looked a bit annoyed at her.

“No, no. No way. Hotter than Phoebe Cates?” Steve asked Dustin as he, Dustin and I sit at a booth, catching up with him as he tells us about his girlfriend. “Mm-hmm.” Dustin said as he eats his ice cream sundae I went and made for him. “No.” Steve said, disbelieving. “Brilliant, too. And she doesn't even care that my real pearls are still coming in. She says kissing is better without teeth.” Dustin said, proudly, and Steve and I share a look of disgust as Dustin eats his ice cream before I shake my head again.

“Wow. Yeah, that's great. Proud of you, man. That's ro...That's kinda romantic. That's like...Wow.” Steve stammers. “Good on you, Dustin. Happy for you.” I tell him. “So do you guys really just get to eat as much of this as you want?” Dustin asked as points to his ice cream with his spoon. “Yeah. I mean, sure. It's not really a good idea for me, though. I gotta keep in shape for the ladies.” Steve said, proudly.

“Yeah, and how's that working out for you?” Robin asked. “Ignore her.” Steve tells Dustin. “She seems cool.” Dustin said. “She's not.” Steve said and I shake my head. “She’s right though, the only girls you talk to are your coworkers. I mean, when’s the last time you got a girl’s number?” I asked him. “Yours.” He replied, quickly, and I scoff out a laugh. “And I’m still waiting for the phone call.” I said, sarcastically, and Steve rolls his eyes.

“So, where are the other knuckleheads?” Steve asked Dustin. “They ditched me yesterday.” Dustin said, annoyed. “No.” Steve said. “My first day back. Can you believe that shit?” Dustin asked. “Whoa. Seriously?” Steve said. “I swear to God. Mm.” Dustin said and I give a sympathetic look. “Yeah, Max told me about it. I’m so sorry, Dustin.” I said as he eats on his sundae

“Yeah, well…They're gonna regret it, though, big time, when they don't get to share in my glory.” Dustin said and Steve and I furrow our brows. “Glory? What glory?” I asked him and Dustin scoots closer to us. “So, last night, we're trying to get in contact with Suzie...” Dustin goes to explain and we hum as he looks around, obviously making sure nobody is listening. Then he whispers real softly.

“What?” We asked and he whispers as he hides his mouth from the other guests in the parlor but all I hear was that he intercepted something. “Just speak louder.” Steve said. “I intercepted a secret Russian communication!” Dustin said, loudly, and the customers all look our way and I wave them off before Steve and I huddled up with Dustin.

“Jeez, shh. Yeah, okay, that's what I thought you said. What...What does that mean?” Steve asked. “It means, Steve, we could be heroes. True American heroes.” Dustin said and Steve makes an approving noise and I roll my eyes.

“You hear that, (y/n). American heroes.” Steve said and I scoff out a laugh. “Just think, you could have all the ladies you want and more.” Dustin tells him. “More?” Steve asked. “More.” Dustin confirms. “I like more.” mutters Steve.

“What's the catch, Dustin?” I asked him. “No catch, I just need your help.” He said. “With what?” We asked and Dustin digs in his backpack and pulls out a Russian translation book. “Translation.” He said.

Later, Dustin, Steve and I were in the back of the parlor, listening to the recording that Dustin was able to catch. We could hear a man saying something in Russian but there was also music in the background, and it sounded familiar. “So what do you guys think?” Dustin asked us once he stopped his tape.

”It sounded familiar.” Steve remarks as he eats the banana he had. “What?” Dustin asked, confused. “The music. The music right there at the end.” Steve said. “Why are you listening to the music, Steve? Listen to the Russian! We're translating Russian!” Dustin exclaims. “I'm trying to listen to the Russian, but there's music...” Steve argues but then I talk over them. “Guys, shut up!” I exclaimed until Robin bursts in.

“All right, babysitting time is over. Steve, you need to get in there.” Robin said then she sees that we erased her tallies on her board and replaced them with the Russian alphabet. “Hey, my board. That was important data, shitbirds.” Robin exclaimed, angrily.

“I guarantee you, what we're doing is way more important than your data.” Dustin said. “Yeah? And how do you know these Russians are up to no good anyways?” Robin asked and the boys both look surprised and Dustin looks up at me and Steve. “How does she know about the Russians?” Dustin asked, quietly. “I don't know.” Steve said, shrugging, and I sighed.

”I told you guys you two were being too loud!” I said. “Exactly. I can hear everything. You think you have evil Russians plotting against our country, on tape, and you're trying to translate, but haven't figured out a word because you didn't realize Russians use an entirely different alphabet than we do. Sound about right?” Robin asked and the boys and I share a look then she reaches over to the tape recorder but Steve puts his hand over it and pulls it close to him.

“Whoa! What do you think you're doing?” Steve asked her. “I wanna hear it.” She said. “Why?” Steve asked. “'Cause maybe I can help. I'm fluent in four languages, you know.” Robin said, proudly. “Russian?” Dustin asked her. “Ou-yay are-yay umb-day.” She said and I snort out a laugh as the boys let out a noise of impressed.

”Holy shit!” Dustin giggles and I turn to them. “That was Pig Latin, doofus’.” I tell them as Robin smiles and Steve hits Dustin’s shoulder with his banana peel. “Idiot.” He mutters to him as Robin speaks again. “But I can speak Spanish and French and Italian, and I've been in band for 12 years. My ears are little geniuses, trust me.” Robin said as she takes the chair across from Dustin.

“Uh...” Steve mutters but she talks over him. “Come on, it's your turn to sling ice cream, my turn to translate. I don't even want credit. I'm just bored.” She said and we hear the bell ring. “Here, I’ll take it.” I tell him as I take the scoop and walk out the front, only to groan in my head as I see Lucas’ sister at the front desk. Obviously only to get free ice cream.

A couple of hours went by as I helped a few customers when they came until I see Max and El come in. “Hey, girls.” I greet as they come up. “Hey.” Max said. “Hi.” El greets, smiling, then I realized something when I see El. “Wait, aren’t you supposed to be home?” I asked her and El frowns when Max speaks up. 

“Look, Mike was being a dick to her and I just thought taking her out for some fun would be…” Max defends, quickly, and I chuckled. “Ah, boy problems. Don’t worry, your secrets safe with me.” I said and El’s smile returns. “So, uh, can we have some ice cream then?” Max asked and I raise an eyebrow at her. 

“Please.” She added, quickly, and I smiled. “Yes, you can. And since this is a special occasion, ice creams on me.” I said and Max and El’s eyes widen in shock. “Seriously?!” Max asked me and I nodded. “Yeah, tell me what you want and I’ll pay for it.” I said and the girls smile. “Thank you!” Max said. “Thank you, (y/n).” El said and I smiled at them. 

“No problem.” I said and the girls tell me what they want and as I start to make their ice cream, I hear the sliding window door open. “Hey!” I hear Robin’s voice call out and I turn to her then walk closer to her. “We’ve got our first sentence.” She tells me, quietly. “Oh, seriously?” I asked. “The week is long.” Robin said, imitating a Russian accent. “Well, that’s thrilling.” I said, sarcastically. “I know. But, progress.” Robin said, smiling, then she shuts the door and I go to finish Max and El’s order.

”Okay, here you go.” I tell them when I handed them their ice cream. “Oh, and El, if you ever have anymore boy problems, you can always come talk to me, okay?” I said and she nods and smiles. The girls give me their thank you’s and start to run out into the mall and continue their day while I sigh heavily and continued with the day’s work.

It was way past closing time but we think we had finally got the code figured out as we look at the board with the written sentences. “The week is long, the silver cat feeds when blue meets yellow in the west.” We all recited together and just give confused and dumbfounded looks to the other.

”I mean, it just can’t be right.” Steve said after we walked out of Scoops Ahoy and he shuts the gate to lock it up. “It’s right.” Robin said. “Yeah, we checked it over twice like Santa Claus.” I remarked as we start to make our way through the mall, heading towards the exit. “Honestly, I think it’s great news.” Dustin proclaims. “How is this great news? I mean, so much for being American heroes. It’s total nonsense.” Steve said, frustrated.

”It’s not nonsense. It’s too specific. It’s obviously a code.” Dustin said. “What do you mean a code?” Steve asked him while I look over at Dustin. “You talking about like a secret spy cod or something?” I asked and Dustin nods. “Exactly!” He said. “That’s a total stretch.” Steve scoffs. “I don’t know, is it?” Robin asked and Steve looks at her. “You’re buying into this?” He asked her. “Truth is stranger than fiction.” I remarked and gave him a knowing look and he scoffs alittle.

”Listen, just for kicks, let’s entertain the possibility that it is a secret Russian transmission. What’d you think they were gonna say, Fire the warhead at noon?” Robin asked, annoyed. “Exactly.” Dustin said again. “And my translation is correct. I know that for sure and like (y/n) said we checked it over a couple of times, so…The silver cat feeds. Why would anyone talk like that unless they’re trying to mask the true meaning of their message?” Robin asked. “Exactly.” Dustin said and I nod, starting to believe that this could be true.

”And why would anyone mask the true meaning of their message unless the message was somehow sensitive?” Robin asked. “Exactly.” said Dustin again for the fourth time while Steve looks at me and makes a mocking face and I stifle my laugh and shake my head. “So I guess that confirms your suspicion.” I said to Dustin. “Evil Russians.” He said and Robin smiles.

”I can’t believe I’m about to agree with this strange child, but, yeah, totally evil Russians.” Robin laughs. “So how do we crack it?” I asked. “Well, I guess we translate the rest and hopefully a pattern emerges.” Robin said, shrugging. “A pattern. Right, like maybe silver cat is a meeting place?” Dustin asked. “Or a person.” Robin suggests. “Or a weapon.” Dustin said.

”It’s probably gonna take a super genius to crack it, but…” I started to say then I look over to my right to see Steve was not there anymore. “Where’s Steve?” I asked the others as we stop and I look around to see him at one of the little horsey rides, looking at it before digging into his pockets.

”Hey, Steve. What are you doing?” I called out. “Uh, it’s a quarter. I need—“ Steve said as he digs into his pockets then looks over at us. “Do you have a quarter?” He asked and Robin laughs as we walk back over to him. “You sure you’re tall enough for that ride?” Robin teases him. “Quarter!” Steve shouts and I hand him a quarter. He deposits it in the ride and the horse begins to gallop and a familiar tune plays. It was Daisy Bell.

”You need help getting up, little Stevie?” Robin teased as I stopped once I heard the music. “Oh my God.” I muttered and Robin looks over at me. “What?” She asked. “The music.” I said, stunned, and Dustin gets a look of realization on his face. “Holy shit.” He said and he pulls off his backpack. “The music!” He exclaims and he pulls out the recorder and plays the tape where we hear the man speak Russian but the same music was playing in the background of the tape.

Steve, Dustin and I share a holy shit look while Robin looked lost. “I don’t understand.” She said. “It’s the exact same song on the recording.” I said as I point at Dustin’s recorder. “Maybe they have horses like this in Russia.” Robin suggests. “Indiana Flyer? I don’t…I don’t think so.” Steve said, shaking his head as he looks back at the galloping horse. “This code, it…didn’t come from Russia. It came from here.” Steve said and all of us share a shocked look.