#Expect now Vecna doesn't need eyes

[palettehao]

I've only just now realized (thanks to outlining a fic) that all of the creatures from the upsidedown lack eyes. Making Will the only thing connected the dimension and to Vecna that has sight into the real world.

Will are Vecna's eyes into Hawkins, the key to everything that happens afterwards.

This may have been confirmed at some point (I haven't watched the show in two years bare with me) but I've always been confused about how Vecna chose some random kid, and it very well could be a horrible chance that he chose Will because it was convenient. But now I think choosing a kid to do your evil work in a different dimension is smart because no one will expect a child to be a villain, no one is going to want to hurt them, but best of all (for Vecna) they are so vulnerable and easy to control.

Season one is him getting control of Will

Season two is him using Will

Season three and four are Vecna expanding his reach into the real world

And now knowing season five revolves around Will makes sense. Vecna is going back to the one component that started everything, the one component that has been a constant success in his plans.

[allsteddie]

Aftermath [Steddie]

Eddie has lost so much blood his skin is ashen, and Steve stomach is in knots after he notices the apprehension on the doctor’s face when she sees Eddie’s limp body.

“I’ll do whatever I can, but I can’t promise you anything,” she whispers to Nancy, Steve and Robin, taking care not to alarm the kids gathered around Dustin on the waiting room.

“Just try to help him, please,” Nancy, ever so strong and reliable, says. Her hands are shaking though.

The doctor nods. “Of course.”

It’s a close call, but they do manage to save Eddie’s life. The doctor doesn’t know how long it will take for him to wake up, he took some serious internal damage. They did their best to help him, now it's up to Eddie. All they can do now is wait and let Eddie heal, the doctor says.

Easier said than done, Steve’s never been good at waiting.

He spends the first night staring at the ceiling of his bedroom, exhausted after the hell they went through that day, but unable to sleep. He wanted to stay with Eddie, but he’s not family and he can’t just say he needs to be there because a couple of hours ago Steve had to drag Eddie, unconscious and still bleeding heavily, all the way through an interdimensional gate and Steve is still afraid that all this effort is going to be for nothing; that they’re going to lose Eddie anyway if Steve’s not there to make sure he’s okay.

They’d probably give him a one-way ticket to Penhurst if Steve said something like that, so it’s smarter if he doesn't.

When morning comes, he finally gets out of bed and goes to the hospital. Eddie’s uncle is still there, eyes hollow and tired. He nods at Steve when Steve enters the room and sits on the chair beside him.

Steve does the same thing the next day.

And the next.

And the next.

Eddie doesn’t wake up. Oddly enough, seeing his chest rise and fall with each breath is the only thing keeping Steve’s anxiety in check.

He spends every second of free time in that hospital room. He knows most of the Party is gathering in Nancy’s house, or Hopper’s place, making plans on how to deal with the aftermath of defeating Vecna, but Steve can’t bring himself to join them, doesn’t see a reason to. Steve’s done his part, he helped Nancy, fought whatever monster he had to, brought Eddie back and now he’s done.

Whatever’s gonna happen now that it’s over is nothing Steve can really help with. He doesn’t have superpowers like El, he’s not a genius like Dustin and he’s not a trained cop with knowledge of military secrets like Hopper. He’s a Family Video employee and a babysitter when needed and, right now, Eddie is the one who needs him the most.

With Vecna defeated or not, Hawkins is still in chaos and there are still people who believe Eddie Munson is a satanic leader who should be dealt with. So Steve leaves the planning and whatever else to the Party and Nancy and Hopper and does what he does best; he babysits.

Wayne’s got the night shift covered, but even with Hawkins deep in madness the man still gotta work. Steve stays with Eddie when Wayne can’t, sometimes he stays even when the older man is still there. They don’t talk much, just some pleasantries and a little bit of small talk here and there when the silence becomes stifling.

Because, really, what can Steve say to Eddie’s uncle? Until a couple of weeks ago Steve Harrington had no ties to Eddie Munson whatsoever. All he knew about the guy was what people around town loved to gossip about.

He’s a drug dealer.

He worships Satan.

He’s dangerous.

Bullshit, all of it. Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.

Okay, maybe not the drug dealer part, but that’s not the point. The point is that Eddie Munson almost died to save Hawkins. He almost got eaten alive by a bunch of demon-bats and Steve had to carry his broken, bleeding body all the way back from that hellhole and most of the time Steve can still feel the ghost warmth from Eddie’s blood against his skin. Sometimes he still looks down at his hands and expects them to be red and dripping.

He’s spiraling, he’s almost sure. He can’t sleep at home, where the silence is too much, and he can’t sleep here because he needs to watch over Eddie. He’s bound to break at some point, no one can go on for long when they’re barely getting any sleep and surviving on bland cafeteria food and vending machine snacks, but Steve’s gonna deal with that when the time comes.

Until then, the doctor said he had to wait and wait he does.

For two whole weeks, Steve sits on that uncomfortable chair beside Eddie’s bed and waits. From morning to night, he sits there and watches Eddie breathe quietly, hears the machines attached to him beep loud and clear, and waits.

It’s early afternoon, on the fourteenth day, when Eddie finally opens his eyes. Steve is there, distractedly flipping through a magazine and not realizing what is fucking happening, when Eddie wakes up.

“Hey there, big boy,” Eddie says, hoarse and low, but conscious, and Steve almost chokes on his own spit.

He wants to cry, he wants to laugh, he wants to run down the hallway and yell for the nurse to come here right the fuck now and check if Eddie is alright. He does nothing of the sort.

“You look like shit, Munson,” Steve says instead, voice tight, hands trembling as he folds the magazine and takes the few steps towards the bed.

Eddie smiles up at him, his lips chapped and face so, so pale, but his eyes are glittering and with that hint of amusement Steve became familiar with during their little adventure against interdimensional monsters.

“You’re not any better,” he replies.

“Fair enough.”

Careful not to disturb all the stuff attached to Eddie, Steve sits on the edge of the bed and, for the first time since Eddie was admitted there, takes his hand. It’s warm, clean, nothing like it had been before.

Steve really wants to cry right now.

“You’re gonna make me swoon,” Eddie teases.

“Shut up,” Steve chides, but doesn’t let go of the other man’s hand.

He’ll call the nurse to check on Eddie, of course. Eventually. But right now he just wants to bask in the relief of having Eddie there, alive and talking and looking at him with those bright eyes Steve sometimes thought he’d never see again.

After all the waiting he did, Steve earned this.

[dungeon-master-mike]

The State of Mike's Safety & What He Needs in S5

a part of s5 is gonna be them finally realizing they need mike. i mean, it makes sense. you have a character who feels like nobody needs him. wouldn't he need to discover that everyone needs him? in order to believe he is needed by everyone, he needs to see it for himself and not just from a single person's words.

and if it's true that he is needed by everyone like will, the duffers, and shawn levy claim, who we have no reason not to believe, then wouldn't whoever "everyone" is need to have a plot changing moment where they all collectively realize that? as of right now, he still flies right over their head. something major needs to happen for them to finally realize he has been the key this whole time. they need to lose him in some way. it's kinda like how you never know what you have until it's gone or it's almost too late.

with people still doubting mike being in danger.... why on earth wouldn't vecna take away the one thing that makes them all fall apart?

the show's literally spoiling s5 right in front of our eyes. the twist is in our face. they lost. they fell apart and were always bound to lose no matter what. why? because they lost the heart (mike). it's why mike keeps getting mentioned for NO reason in plots that don't even concern him. the answer is right in their face but the characters keep missing it.

when vecna tells el "you have already lost," it only makes me think that he had already done something that solidified his win a long time ago [side-eyes that damn vine]

s3 kept bashing the audience over the head through weird ass dialogue and blocking that mike's important. he is key. he is also "flayed." s4 just bashes you over the head even more that it's almost too late for mike, much similar to how it was for max.

now, this shot is incredibly important. nancy hugs jonathan instead of hugging mike. the show wants us to notice the flaw in this.

i think after what we saw in the bts video, one of nancy's priorities next season will be connecting with family, especially mike.

one of the points of mike in s1 was that nobody knew anything about him because they didn't put the effort to. he wasn't a concern to them until government was involved and they didn't know where he was. he was invisible until he was actually "missing" momentarily.

his mom didn't fight for answers the way she did for nancy the whole season. nancy didn't know where he could've been because they don't talk and she's clearly embarrassed to admit that. she proposes they never hide anything again but that doesn't last long. karen doesn't say anything about the scab on mike's chin when all it'd take is a line or two to write in that acknowledges it. even EL noticed it and asked. meanwhile, without hesitation, karen asks nancy about the sweater she was wearing with full concern. then the infamous cliff scene just. it never happened. he's never even thanked in any capacity for it and all the credit turns to el. a 12 year old boy stepped, not jumped, stepped off a cliff. he didn't bother begging or fighting for an alternative. he just accepted it. totally normal scene, right? and it just never gets mentioned.

karen refuses to go to mike herself. she expects him to come, but mike isn't gonna do that. there's a reason why we never see him actually open up with her and only hugs her, the same way jonathan and joyce only hug but never actually talk about what actually needs to be talked about. karen and nancy don't ever hug once the whole show because the love karen has for her is shown through her actual actions and efforts.

this "he'll come to us when he's ready" bullshit is the opposite of what season 4 was trying to say with max. waiting for someone to come ain't gonna work, at least not in this universe. it just ends up horribly.

they need to look harder.

there needs to be someone fighting for him.

it's been so clear what the show is trying to do with mike since the beginning. he is constantly shown to be running out of time or being late just like vecna's victims. he is invisible up until he's in danger, just like max. karen waits for him the way lucas waited for max, and he learns from it. the "i just tripped" excuse from vecna's victims ties directly back to mike. so if you think about it, in a way, mike's been living in his own version of vecna's curse the entire show. it's just a slowburn version of it and nobody's noticing. that's why they lost.

if they say we are coming back in a circle, then that only means mike has to finally be visible to them now. he has to be one of their concerns. they need to care and be given a reason to. we are finally gonna see into his head again, and likely more than we ever have before. finn's also already confirmed s5 will dive more into his mental health.

the last 20 minutes of s4 is basically screaming at you how screwed mike is, but it's also a line up of the people who are likely the ones gonna be fighting for him. he gets a personal scene with his mom, who tells him he is staying right there. it matters that he's there. he has his scene with hopper. nancy tells jonathan she's glad he was with mike (and adds on will as an after thought. interesting writing choice there. they're doing too much to single him out this entire ending bit).

we're even shown that will is the light in mike's life, the same way mike and will's family was will's light in s2 during his possession. will is drowning in sunlight while mike's sits right at the edge of it.

they need to reach out to mike. mike needs to be fought for in some way next season rather than him only fighting for someone else again, which only feeds into his toxic cycle. if he saves someone, he's needed. but that's not it. that's not how it should be. that is the same logic that holds him down. he was confronted with a dying el and max again in s4, paralleling s1. the pressure was on him to get to her fight and do something, or else she'd die... again... because he failed (in his eyes).

and i'm not saying mike won't be a hero - he definitely will be. he will get his moment. i'd like to think the love he'll receive will fuel his will to fight back and win against something finally. but first, he must find worth in his own life in order to do that. he needs to realize he himself is worth fighting for.

mike is clearly a target next season and has been since the start. thinking the antagonist has nothing to do with the main character... respectfully cope harder. as if it wasn't both nancy and mike's best friends who went missing. as if holly wasn't moments away from being snatched by a demogorgon. as if karen didn't have a moment with a flayed!billy. as if it isn't mike that is vecna's "friend" and him that wasn't grabbed a vine we have never seen before. as if it isn't nancy who vecna chose to give his message to. is mike really just there to sit there and look pretty and be perfectly safe to some of y'all? that makes sense to some people??

it is obvious it's max, then it's mike. they aren't even being discreet about it.

so all in all, mike needs to be valued and loved next season. and clearly, that's what the writers want you to do as well.

"but he's been a complete jerk!! he needs to earn this by apologizing first!! they shouldn't be doing this first."

ok let's think for a second why they're doing that in this order because it is odd. why is mike being met with so much love, care and concern before we even get an understanding of why he's been the way he's been? why are they making us worry about mike? why is it almost like he's getting a pass? why are they working backwards?

it's simple. if they're trying to get you to gather sympathy for this boy before a proper """redemption arc""" or apology, before getting a single glimpse into his pov, all while wholeheartedly saying he's the heart despite the last 2 seasons failing to give him the chance to be that... it's only because they know something that we don't. there's a massive plot twist regarding him that's gonna recontextualize everything.

this is another big reason why i think it's very likely possessiongate may actually be real. the way they're setting it up like this makes it seem like mike never did anything at all. when a character messes up in this show, it does not go this way. you don't seem them get rewarded with a painting that tells them how great of a person they are. there is something very off about the way this is being structured if mike is truly at fault.

-

tags (i'm gonna assume the likes were also yes' 😭):

@itswhatyougive @apocalyptic-byler @lazylama9 @beepingmemesauce2727 @gimmiecandy @will-teehee @girly-eldritch-screeching @lemons-woo-yeah @bylerposting @luhvtan875 @thecharliechip @80syaoi @ivermyri @my-coven-is-claudia @bulionzkury @heroesbyler @directorfinnwolfhard

[toseesoclearly]

What a “Return of the King-ish ending” for ST5 could mean for Will (and Mike): Part One

[this post contains spoilers all of The Lord of the Rings and more importantly for all ST5 leaks, make your own choices in deciding to read <3]

The Lord of the Rings, in book and film form, is obviously a big reference point for the Duffers, along with the books looming large for our group of nerds in-universe.

I have just always loved these covers even if they're not quite period appropriate for ST. I am going to imagine Will's copies of the books are used, well-loved trippy '60s editions

ST5 having a “Return of the King-ish ending” has been cited by the Duffers and the cast a few times now. They could just be referring to the tone (bittersweet, but happy overall) and/or the length of the epilogue. RotK’s infamous multiple fade to blacks should be the assumed probable end for “The Right Side Up” at this point (imo people who complain about that in RotK are weak-willed and losers /j).

But, the idea that RotK is being used as a broader touchpoint for ST5 is exciting for me because Will being a total Frodo type isn’t just added flavor for my ST experience, it's been a huge part of the show's appeal for me. Frodo was a formative early favorite character of mine, so I was extremely onboard for another soulful-eyed sensitive* boy gradually losing his sense of self to the horrors.

Texts between myself and a friend in November 2017, I think our text thread contains the only written record of my thoughts on this show pre-2022 because I used to be able to tune in for the newest season, coo at Will, and promptly stop thinking about ST. I miss that version of my life

Obviously I responded to this in s2 right away, but looking back on it again, it is striking how Frodo and Will’s supernatural torment and corruption share a visual language:

certainly some of this is big big eyes on smol ~delicate face, but I think there is some classic Duffer borrowing going on here

*I can't seem to fold this into this post in a natural way but I feel like I need to note up top that queer audiences reading Confirmed Bachelor Frodo as gay has been happening, with passion and enthusiasm, since the LotR's publication. Sam too of course, but Frodo doesn't even get a compulsory female love interest to marry upon return from the journey like Sam and Aragorn do.

But there are some important distinctions. What’s going on with Frodo isn’t really possession, and there are a couple major elements of his arc that have not been present in Will’s story (yet).

Temptation

The Ring's poisonous influence has a specific bent, coming from the temptation to wield its power. It’s all very biblical, we know LotR is extremely rooted in Tolkien’s Christianity, etc. Frodo’s ability to resist that temptation for as long as he does comes from his nature as a hobbit, the most humble of the races of Middle-Earth. Even the smallest person can change the course of the future, as you may have heard.

This layer of the Frodo-esque supernatural psycho-drama that Will is enmeshed in hasn't shown up for him so far. I think it's definitely on the table for s5 - especially if it turns out he has powers, or something else Vecna wants. But I expect, if it happens, Will’s temptation wouldn’t be about something so grand or theological, but more personal - overlapping, aptly for a season that is being billed as Will’s coming-of-age, with that stage in his hero’s journey like @/therainscene discusses here.

Choice

Again and again, Frodo chooses to keep going, despite the hardships inherent in his quest, his own doubts, and his accelerating mental deterioration and loss of all hope. This is to me probably the most important narrative divergence between Frodo and Will due to the different roles they have in their respective stories (and where ST’s horror/‘80s Spielberg ethos overrides any mythic/fantasy epic tendencies). As much as LotR has an expansive ensemble cast and storylines driven by other prominent characters, Frodo is the saga’s “main character.”

Will’s functions in the ST’s modern genre framework as a mash-up of a bunch of different (typically supporting) character types (my favorite write-up on this, c/o @/pinkeoni), and unlike your classic central fantasy hero, those types are often defined by a lack of agency. 

Frodo’s victory results from his endurance and, ultimately and unexpectedly, a specific act of mercy. Will’s story is also characterized by his endurance, but, unlike Frodo, he largely hasn’t been given a chance to opt into or out of the circumstances that require that of him.

But that set up should mean the pay off for Will’s arc will involve him finally being empowered. The valence of that empowerment will look different than Frodo's for the reasons discussed above, and I'm obviously extremely (the most??) excited to discover what that looks like.

Thinking about that difference in Will and Frodo’s positions in the larger structure of their stories brings us to another interesting point: Mike and his role as the show's "main character"/audience surrogate. Which will be discussed in the next post because this got too long. 😇

read part two here

[steddieas-shegoes]

Hi! Hope ur doing great! First of all, I really love your fics! I think you're really talented.

I have a request, if it's not too much trouble. I can't stop thinking about a Steve w/head trauma (so, maybe migraine prone, memory issues, etc) and a DM Eddie that still resents Steve from high school. Eddie doesn't know Steve struggles with the complications of his concussions, so he keeps judging him for it. Say, for example, Steve got a terrible migraine and couldn't pick the kids up from Dnd and Eddie thinks he's probably at a party and stood them up. Then Eddie finds out, maybe from Steve himself or a Party member or Steve's parents. (If you could somehow sneak in Steve's parents being good caring parents for one, it'd be really cool.) Eddie apologizes and they start getting closer. And, yeah, that's all. Thank you!!!

We know I love writing Steve with a migraine. Not to jinx anything, but it's been almost two weeks since I've had one myself so I'm sure the torture I put him through here will have instant karma and I will wake up with one. Is it realistic for Eddie to pretty much fall instantly in love with a man he hated the night before? No. Do I write realistic stories? No. Buckle up for the fastest burn you can possibly read today! - Mickala ❤️

----------------------------------------------------------------

Steve Harrington was late.

Not just a few minutes late, not like he maybe got held up at a light for an extra two minutes, not like he had to stop for gas.

He was 25 minutes late.

Eddie was pissed.

He didn’t mind hanging out with the kids longer, wouldn’t have even minded if he’d just been given a heads up that Steve would be late.

A phone call.

A fucking letter by pigeon.

Anything.

Dustin seemed worried, more than anyone else, though the later it got, the more Lucas and Will and Mike seemed to worry too.

And Eddie would maybe worry too, except he knew what was happening.

He knew because it’s all he ever expected of Steve.

Steve probably went to a party, thought he could make his rounds, maybe have a drink and sober up in time to come get the kids.

And then he probably got bribed into having another drink, maybe smoke a joint in the backyard of whatever rich kid’s house he was visiting, maybe have a shot with a group of kids who liked to spend their time bullying the very kids he was supposed to be picking up.

Maybe fuck a girl in a bedroom upstairs until he was too tired and just passed out on top of her.

He rolled his eyes at the thought.

“Maybe we could try to call his house again?” Lucas asked.

“He didn’t answer the first four times, why would he now?” Mike asked, though his eyes kept scanning the road into the trailer park, searching for headlights that wouldn’t appear.

And wasn’t that just the last straw for Eddie? Watching his favorite gremlins admire and respect someone who couldn’t even remember to pick them up? Watching them expect so much from a guy who peaked in high school, who didn’t care about them if it hindered his plans?

“You guys wait here,” he said, his hands shaking with anger.

“Where are you going?” Will asked.

“To call Robin. If anyone will know what’s up, she will,” he replied.

It was late, but not too late for a phone call between adults.

“Buckley residence, you’ve got Robin,” Robin answered the phone with a bored tone.

“Any clue why your best friend is 30 minutes late to pick the kids up from my house?” He tried not to sound angry at her, it wasn’t her fault.

But he couldn’t hide the fact that he didn’t understand what band nerd, lesbian, nice person Robin could possibly see in Steve.

Sure, he carted the kids around a lot, and had helped Wayne out with Eddie’s medical stuff after Vecna, but it felt like he did it out of guilt more than anything else.

“He’s never late,” she said, her tone sharp, defensive. “You sure he knew they needed rides?”

“Positive. I heard him yell to them when he dropped them off that he’d see them in three hours.”

Robin didn’t respond for a minute, and he almost thought the line went dead.

“Has Dustin tried the walkie?” She finally asked.

“Yeah. No answer.”

“Shit.”

Eddie rolled his eyes.

“Wanna fill me in here, Buckaroo?”

“Um. Can you bring the kids home? I gotta go check on him.”

Before he could respond, the dial tone let him know she was already gone.

“Fuck!” He yelled.

He hung up the phone and grit his teeth together.

The problem wasn’t taking the kids home, he really didn’t mind and had told them on multiple occasions that he could so they didn’t have to rely on Steve to do it.

The problem was that they had relied on Steve and he let them down.

He hated that he’d have to go out there and tell them that Steve wasn’t coming.

He hates Steve for the way he would have to watch their faces fall, for the way they’d ride to their homes in silence.

He hated Steve for the fact that he’d probably buy them all ice cream tomorrow to apologize and they’d all rely on him again.

All would be forgiven.

———————————-

The next morning, he tried calling Robin and got no answer.

He tried calling Dustin and got no answer, though he wasn’t as surprised by that since he’d already been considering going to the Sinclairs’ to spend the weekend since his mom was working.

He tried Steve’s house and got an answering machine. Twice.

He considered leaving a scathing message, but didn’t want to risk one of his parents hearing it and deleting it.

“Fuck it,” he said to himself before he grabbed his keys and decided to drive to Steve’s house.

He was a little surprised to actually see Steve’s car in the driveway, half expecting him to still be passed out at some stranger’s house.

Before he could ring the doorbell, the front door swung open and Robin’s wide eyes were silently begging him to stay quiet.

She looked exhausted, a little flustered, more stressed than he’d seen in a long time.

“What’s going on?” He asked.

Maybe Steve drank more than he should’ve, maybe he wasn’t actually home and she was trying to find him still.

“Come in but be quiet. He’s finally sleeping,” she said, already walking back into the house.

He followed, closing the door behind him and giving his surroundings a quick look.

Everything looked perfect as usual except for Robin’s shoes by the door and her backpack open on the floor by the couch.

The couch that Steve was currently passed out on, blankets almost completely covering his head, ice pack resting over his eyes.

Eddie’s brows furrowed.

“Hangover?” He whispered to Robin.

She looked at him confused.

“No? He hasn’t drank in nearly a year.”

If Eddie didn’t have more control over his body, his jaw would’ve dropped.

“Oh. Um. So is he sick?” Eddie tried to gather up his thoughts, glancing over at the sleeping form on the couch.

He noticed the curtains closed and no lights turned on, noticed the complete silence in the house except for the sound of a fan running in the corner.

“He gets migraines. I thought you knew,” she said.

Eddie shook his head.

“He’s had a lot of head trauma. Gets migraines that make it impossible to even sit up sometimes. I guess he was fighting it most of the day yesterday but after he dropped the kids off with you, he passed out in the shower and barely was able to crawl to his bed after. When you called me, I kind of assumed the worst, so I came straight here and saw him naked and shivering in bed, not able to get up to get dressed or even get the covers on. Got him dressed, got him water and meds, called his parents, tried to help him eat. He spent almost an hour throwing up after that. Then he cried because he forgot the kids. Memory problems happen with the head trauma, too. I couldn’t calm him down until about an hour ago.”

Eddie let himself feel the guilt he deserved for thinking the worst of Steve.

Steve didn’t deserve this. No one did.

“Does he need to go to the hospital?” Eddie whispered, his voice broken thinking about how Steve had been alone here, probably scared when he was curled up in his bed unable to move.

“No. His parents are on their way. If it’s not better tomorrow, they’ll probably take him to his neurologist,” Robin responded.

“Shit.”

“Yeah.”

A whimper came from the couch, causing Robin to tense and hold her breath.

Eddie looked over and waited to see if maybe Steve was completely awake or if he’d just made a noise in his sleep.

After a few seconds, Robin relaxed, and he felt a breath leave his body.

“How often does this happen?” he whispered as she went to grab a drink from the fridge.

“This bad? Once a month or so. He sometimes has some memory problems without the migraine, but luckily he snaps back quickly,” she shrugged, acted as if it wasn’t a big deal, but Eddie could see right through her.

“And you help him a lot?”

“Well, his parents travel a lot for work, and he can’t always call them or remember how to contact them when it’s this bad, so yeah. I tend to be the one to take care of him until they can get here,” she said.

Eddie chewed on a piece of his hair, glancing over towards the couch every few seconds.

He was surprised this hadn’t come up before.

He was even more surprised that none of the kids had mentioned this as a possibility last night.

“Why didn’t the kids mention it last night when I was pissed?” he finally asked.

“Steve doesn’t really tell anyone. Like, the kids know, but they’ve never actually seen it, and so I think they just kinda forget. He doesn’t wanna bother them with it.”

“That’s stupid, they care about h-”

The front door started to open and a woman peeked her head inside.

Robin ran over as quickly and quietly as she could and Eddie stood awkwardly behind the couch as a middle aged woman walked into the house.

A man followed a few seconds after, a bag in hand.

“Is he asleep?” the woman asked.

“Yeah,” Robin replied before explaining much of what she’d already told Eddie to them.

The Harringtons looked surprisingly put together for a couple who probably hadn’t slept all night and most likely had flown home from somewhere as quickly as they could. They also looked nothing like what Eddie expected.

Mr. Harrington was bald, age spots on his head giving away that he must have been quite a few years older than Mrs. Harrington. She had the same color hair as Steve, same voluminous style, cut just above the shoulders. They both wore glasses, and both of them were wearing business attire like they’d rushed back directly from a meeting.

“And who is this?” he heard Mr. Harrington ask, gesturing towards Eddie.

He walked over and put his hand out to shake, trying to remember the best manners he could.

“I’m Eddie, a friend of Steve’s.”

He could feel Robin staring at him, but didn’t turn towards her. Instead, he shook Mrs. Harrington’s hand and then offered to help with any other bags they have.

“Oh, don’t worry about it. We can get them later. Since he’s asleep, we’re gonna go freshen up a bit and then you can head on home. Thank you for taking care of him, Robin. You know we appreciate you so much,” Mrs. Harrington said as she hugged her.

“It’s never a problem. Take your time,” she said.

“I’ll stay, Robin. You should go home and sleep,” Eddie offered before he could think about what he was offering.

“You’ll stay? With Steve?” Robin asked incredulously.

“Yeah. He seems pretty out of it so I’m sure he won’t even wake up before they’re done,” Eddie said, hopeful that he was right.

“Alright, my mom should be here in a few minutes anyway. She was bringing me a change of clothes in case I ended up staying today, so she can just bring me home,” Robin said hesitantly.

“Okay.”

The Harringtons nodded and walked upstairs without another word, most likely too tired to care much about who stayed with Steve as long as he was being looked after.

“Eddie, you don’t have to do this,” Robin said when they were gone.

“I know. But I’m the only one here who slept last night, I can handle it for a bit.”

“He can be…kind of a lot,” she sounded like she didn’t want to admit it, didn’t like saying something negative about him at all.

“It’s fine. If he’s in this much pain, then it’s understandable.”

Robin looked him over for a moment, something like understanding finally showing on her face. He didn’t know what she was understanding, but he was just grateful she didn’t seem to want to talk more.

She started zipping up her backpack, putting on her shoes, and whispering some basic instructions to Eddie in case Steve woke up.

“Replace the ice pack, don’t let him try to move off the couch by himself and only if he has to use the bathroom. The bucket at the end of the couch is if he gets sick. He needs water if you can try to help him drink some, and if he thinks he can stomach it, there’s some crackers on the coffee table. He’s due for more meds in two hours, but you probably won’t be here for that,” she rambled off.

Eddie nodded along, mentally making a to-do list.

“You’re sure you got it? He sometimes isn’t able to talk.”

Jesus Christ, how had he never noticed this? Was he that oblivious to what Steve was going through?

“I got it.”

He could hear a car pull into the driveway and Robin opened the door to leave.

“If you need me, call me. The Harringtons will probably be as quick as possible, but just in case,” she begged him.

“Okay.”

She left and closed the door behind her quietly, leaving Eddie staring at it for a minute.

He heard a small whimper from the couch and he rushed over, looking down at Steve.

The ice pack had fallen off his face, and his eyes were scrunched closed like he was still suffering even in his sleep.

Eddie leaned over to pick up the ice pack, ready to trade it out with a fresh one, when one of Steve’s eyes opened.

He froze and looked at him, hoping he would go back to sleep quickly.

“Eds?”

Shit.

He’d started calling him Eds in the hospital, always walking into his room with a bright smile and a ‘hey, Eds’ that had Eddie cracking a small smile.

He hadn’t heard it since then.

“Yeah?” he finally responded, trying to keep his voice as soft as possible.

He knew when Wayne got headaches, he was very sensitive to noise.

“Hurts,” Steve whimpered out.

Eddie’s heart shattered in his chest.

He walked closer to the couch and knelt down on his knees, placing a hand on Steve’s forehead.

“I know, Stevie. You wanna try to have a sip of water for me?” He whispered.

“No, hurts.”

“Might help,” Eddie tried to bribe him.

But Steve’s eyes were closed again, and even though he wasn’t asleep, he was making it very clear that he couldn’t quite handle keeping them open right now.

Eddie gently ran his fingers back and forth across his forehead, down his nose, along his temples, smiling as Steve’s wrinkles seemed to disappear, his face relaxing slowly.

“Go back to sleep, Stevie,” he whispered.

“Mhm,” Steve let out before he seemed to actually fall back asleep.

—------------------------------

Eddie didn’t move from his spot for nearly 45 minutes, even when his legs went numb and his hand started cramping.

Steve hadn’t so much as snored, so Eddie didn’t want to risk any movement waking him up.

“Would you like something to drink?” Mrs. Harrington asked him, startling him slightly.

“No, thank you,” Eddie responded as quietly as possible.

“Are you the Eddie from the hospital? The one he insisted on visiting every day?” she asked as she sat down on the coffee table right next to him.

“Um, yes ma’am,” he knew he sounded nervous.

“Oh, so you boys worked it all out? He promised he’d tell me if you said yes!” she smiled at him.

“Worked…what out?”

Her eyes widened.

“Your feelings! Steve told us he was going over to your house the day you got out of the hospital and telling you how he felt,” she explained, sounding somewhat unsure now.

Eddie felt like his stomach had dropped to the floor.

“He what?”

“Oh dear,” she said, wringing her hands in her lap. “I suppose I was wrong.”

Eddie saw Mr. Harrington walk into the kitchen from his spot on the floor, felt the tension in the air as Mrs. Harrington tried to change the subject quickly.

But he wasn’t going to stop thinking about what she meant.

Steve had had feelings for him? Like, more than a friend feelings?

Steve let out a small groan in his sleep, shifting his head a bit.

Eddie tried to shush him a bit, running his fingers gently through his hair, careful not to catch on any tangles.

He could feel Mrs. Harrington watching, but she didn’t say anything else until Steve seemed to calm again.

“You know, Steve came out to us in March. Said he’d met a guy who was worth the risk. We love him, we always will, but we were very worried. I think any parent worries when their child, even their grown ones, says they’re in love with someone. In this case, we didn’t know if you felt the same, or if you even liked men. And Steve here tends to fall fast and fall hard and forgets to wear a parachute before the jump.”

Eddie didn’t say anything, his head filled with the way she’d called his feelings love.

“But I think I see now that he didn’t need one. I think he had you jumping with him and you remembered the parachute for him.”

He turned to look at her, her fond smile pointed at them both as he continued to run his fingers through Steve’s hair.

She got up and went into the kitchen, leaving Eddie to think about what she said.

That’s all he did for a while.

—---------------------------------------

The next time Steve woke up, he was slightly more coherent, but still didn’t want to eat or drink.

Mrs. Harrington had gone to lay down for a nap while Mr. Harrington was finishing up something in his office. They both told him to come find them if Steve woke up and needed something.

At some point, Eddie had rested his head against Steve’s chest, listening to his heart beat loudly against his ear.

“Eddie?”

No, why Eddie again? Why not Eds?

“Hey, Stevie,” he lifted his head and spoke just above a whisper. “How about a few sips of water?”

“I can’t.”

“Sure you can. I’ll help.”

Robin had been kind enough to find a straw for the cup of water she’d gotten before she left, so Eddie just held it up close to Steve’s lips and told him to sip.

Steve did manage a few sips before he shook his head and started to turn away.

“It’s time for more meds. Wanna take them?” Eddie asked.

“Bed?”

“Um.”

“Carry me.”

Eddie let out a small laugh at the demanding tone in Steve’s voice.

Even through the pain, and exhaustion, and struggle of speaking, he sounded like a drama queen.

Eddie might love him.

“Won’t that hurt?”

“A little.”

“Then shouldn’t you stay here?”

“Wanna cuddle.”

Oh.

“Uh. With…your mom?”

“You.”

Eddie was going to pass out.

There was no way he’d be able to carry Steve up the stairs to his room and then cuddle with him, and pretend he wasn’t feeling the overwhelming urge to propose marriage.

These new feelings kicked in too fast for him to process and he knew cuddling wouldn’t help.

“Please?” Steve asked, his eyes squinting slightly from what little light was making it through the curtains.

“Okay, but don’t laugh when I get out of breath.”

Steve didn’t respond, or really do anything to acknowledge what Eddie said, but he was pretty sure Steve’s head hurt too much to laugh anyway so he took a chance.

He removed the blankets on top of him and managed to pick him up relatively easily.

The walk to the stairs wasn’t bad.

The walk up the stairs was rough for a couple reasons: One, Eddie was out of shape and Steve weighed roughly the same as him. Two, Steve kept whimpering in pain with every step.

When they finally reached his bedroom, Eddie was panting and Steve had a couple tears falling from his eyes.

“I sure hope the cuddling lives up to expectations after that,” Eddie tried to joke.

“Worth it,” Steve sighed.

He set Steve in his bed first, made sure the fan in the room was on and the curtains were shut, then got into his bed.

People dreamed for most of high school to be in this position, but Eddie hadn’t let himself picture it.

He wouldn’t have ever pictured this scenario anyway.

Steve was sweaty, almost like he was running a fever, but Eddie didn’t let that deter him from scooting closer and moving Steve into his arms.

They both fell asleep in minutes, Eddie’s fingers wrapped up in Steve’s hair.

—----------------------------------------

When Eddie woke again, it was pitch black in the room.

Steve was also awake.

“Stevie? You need something? Feeling any better?”

He didn’t answer for a minute, and Eddie considered running to get one of his parents, when he finally spoke up.

“A little. Thanks”

Eddie let out a breath and relaxed back against the pillows under him.

“You can go if you want,” Steve nearly whispered into the darkness.

Eddie tensed again as he looked over at Steve, who was playing with the blanket covering him in his hands, not looking at Eddie.

“And if I don’t want to?” Eddie asked, reaching a hand out to hold Steve’s.

“I know you hate me, so. You can go.”

Well, that just wouldn’t do.

Eddie couldn’t let him think he hated him, even though up until this morning, he thought he did.

“Stevie, lay down and look at me.”

Steve, surprisingly, listened and Eddie felt a tug at his heart that Steve was willing to listen to him that easily.

Eddie cupped Steve’s jaw, gentle in case of any lingering migraine pains.

“I don’t hate you. I think I realized that maybe I had my own feelings wrong for a long time,” he admitted.

“What?”

“The best part of my days in the hospital were when you visited. Wayne used to make fun of me when you left for being stuck in the hospital for longer because I was lovesick. And when I got home and you didn’t come visit unless you were bringing the kids by, I just kinda thought it meant things were back to normal. King Steve didn’t need to be nice anymore, his charity case was safe and mostly healed,” Eddie stopped Steve from interrupting at that, scared to lose his train of thought. “So I went back to hating you. It’s easier to hate someone when your heart’s broken, ya know? And I just assumed you were the same Steve I thought you always were. But then I realized that you never really were the Steve I thought you were. And especially now, you’re a guy who deserves kindness and care and love. I’d really like the chance to give that to you.”

He felt Steve’s face getting wet and he brushed his thumbs back and forth to wipe away the tears falling.

“I was going to tell you the day you got out of the hospital,” Steve said, voice trembling.

“Tell me what?”

“That I loved you.”

The world stopped spinning, Eddie would bet money on it.

“You did?”

“I did.” Steve gulped. “I do.”

“You do?”

“You’re a hard person to fall out of love with, Munson.”

It was Eddie’s turn to cry, a few tears falling from his eyes onto the pillowcase below.

“So…”

“So?” Steve asked.

“Is the headache better? I’d really like to kiss you,” Eddie said.

“It’s good enough for a kiss. Might even work better than the meds,” Steve’s smirk could be seen even in the darkness.

Eddie didn’t need to wait for more permission than that.

He was gentle, of course. Just because his migraine had gotten better, didn’t mean he was ready to make out.

He gave him a couple soft pecks on the lips, smiling when he felt Steve smiling against him.

“I think you’re probably pretty easy to fall in love with, Harrington.”

“Yeah?” he asked, voice rough.

“Yeah, might be a new record for me.”

“I’ve been told it’s very sexy when I’m suffering through a migraine,” Steve joked.

“You have no idea,” Eddie joked back.

They stayed in bed all night, Steve eventually falling back asleep again.

Eddie stayed awake though, memorizing the shape of Steve’s body with his fingers, or at least what he could reach while he held him.

They could talk more tomorrow, when Steve’s migraine fully subsided.

But Eddie knew what he wanted now, and he’d never been so happy to be wrong about someone.

[willel]

ST5 Trailer Thoughts

It's been a few days so here I am to do a little theorizing. Only a little, there's hardly anything to discuss that I haven't already.

NOTE: I feel the need to say this now. THESE ARE THEORIES. I don't know jack. I don't claim to know anything absolutely. I have no idea truly where things are going. So if you disagree with something I say, that's ok! Because we both don't know jack. Lol. If you want to chat about it, don't be afraid to speak up! Just don't be rude or weird about it.

First of all, I am so glad to have THE family back on screen. We went way too long without Byers family content. The only disappointment now is Jonathan missing from all of it. Again. I'll withhold judgement but the Duffers have disappointed me so many times now when it comes to this stuff. I can't say I'm expecting much.

I mentioned in my initial reaction that it's interesting they started with Joyce stating everything started the night it "came for him". There was much debate in the fandom about whether this all truly started with El or with Will.

Obviously if you just look at the timeline, then it started with El. But from the perspective of literally everyone else, it started when Will was kidnapped. It's the only reason any of them are involved at all.

So yes, there must be something specifically about the night the Demogorgon/aka Vecna, saw Will and came for him. It's still debatable if it was wrong place at the wrong time or he somehow knew about Will prior, but I think it's a mix of both.

Moving on,

We get a lot of old content shown to us. Some of it is relevant I"m sure, the rest not so much. The first few we see are all pertaining to everyone searching for Will. Which makes sense.

Will says "Everything changed." "We failed." "But we need to be ready."

I don't know if this is actually how Will responds to his mom. It's obviously very spliced up dialogue. Even the "Everything" sounds like it's following a different piece of dialogue to me?

When we get back to new stuff, it's everyone seemingly ready to face off with whatever is trying to bust down the barn door. It's an Upside Down creature because the lights are flickering.

Now. As strong and powerful as Joyce is, there's no way she's standing there ready to face off with whatever is at the door with an axe, right??? And everyone just... standing behind her including the kids... right?

Maybe they're just expecting it to hold back whatever is knocking. Or it already has held back something before so while they're cautious, they aren't freaking out? I just tried by hardest to see how much barn doors weigh or how strong they are but all I got where the decorative farm doors you can install in your house :/

Anyway, maybe the creature isn't that big? Maybe they have a trap? I dunno.

Next we have Max and Lucas in the hospital. Different room than the last season. Her bones have healed, which is good. Means her body hasn't completely given up on her. I noticed a radio and tape in the background, I wonder if he still plays music for her hoping she'll find her way back. I hope that'll come back and actually help her. I don't expect Lucas to sit here the entire season and watch over her, but it'd be sweet if when she opens her eyes, her favorite song is playing and Lucas is sitting with her.

Next we got Steve and Dustin somewhere. I think they are outside. I worked for a paving company for a year or so and this is definitely a brick pattern called basket weave.

So they're outside, probably somewhere in town? I tried to see if the Hawkins town square had bricks like this and it doesn't. There's the corner of the sidewalks that looks like it has light bricks, but I can't tell what pattern it is.

OHOHO!!!! It may be Hawkins Lab. Here is the ground around the building. Sooooo maybe they go to Hawkins lab for some reason? Note it's OUTSIDE the building, they wouldn't put these bricks inside a science building imo.

Whoops. I skipped over Holly and Karen. The scene is flickering again, so something Upside Down related is happening.

In the BTS trailer we got last year, I think we saw quick snips of Lucas and probably the others in the Wheeler house while the lights are flickering

I'm too lazy to pull it up but I'm almost positive that's the Wheeler's living room, or like, foyer room right next to their stairs. Maybe they arrive in the house just as something is happening to Karen and Holly?

I've been pondering this scene for a while. Whereever they are is flashing red. I swore there was a picture released of a guy in the radio station or something and everything was red. So, I assume this is still the radio station? Or did El and Hopper sneak onto a military base?

My first thoughts were the military built something to neutralize El and cause her mental distress. Like some kind of high pitched sound, which is fairly easy to do. The sound wouldn't bug Hopper much. Then again, since he's not reacting much (I can see he's saying "El?!") I guess it's not a sound.

Mmm, I can only assume she was doing something with her mind and either saw something horrible, or Vecna messed with her. Maybe this is linked to whatever is happening at the Wheeler house with Holly and Karen? Or, as my willel heart screams, it's happening at the same time Will is screaming run.

Next, we encounter this giant wall of flesh. El and Hopper are there at the bottom.

Maybe instead of being caught unawares, Hopper and El' mission is to map out the Upside Down to figure out where Vecna is hiding or at least potential spots.

And eventually, they come across this giant wall of flesh. It looks like it has multiple egg sacks embedded into it. Mmm. Maybe this is a giant cocoon? Maybe this is where the Upside Down ends? Maybe Vecna built this wall to protect himself so the lair is beyond the wall?

Maybe the egg sacks are the giant army he's building, just waiting to be born?

Next, we have a bunch of children I don't know. I do know that one with the colorful shirt is in the barn on the upper floor. I think. Does that mean this is the same day? Or he just couldn't change clothes. Joyce is obviously wearing the same jacket and I THINK Will is wearing the same shirt, he just doesn't have his jacket. So the barn scene happens first, and then this.

Will is seemingly out of it leaning over Joyce and the lights are flickering again. Also, Will and Mike are wet. and the soldier in the back appears to be a doll?

So the barn scene happens, the something happens between then and now and they end up on a military base? And Will is out of it? He isn't out of it in the barn scene so I don't think being around Upside Down creatures is... or WAS affecting him.

I'm no cinematographer but the way the camera moves me think they're encountering something big. Or they're looking at something big.

It may just be a coincidence but I also notice Will's head dropping further onto Joyce. Like a wave of dizziness or something washes over him as they back away a little.

Ah I see ok so my order of events. They all end up on this military base for some reason. Will is passed out and Joyce appears to be holding him. Something breaks out of the ground as Joyce gets Will to his feet and they back away?

Looking at the position of the soldiers at this point when the ground starts to pound, none of them are looking at Joyce and Will. Some are looking at the ground. Others are facing the opposite direction as if they see something else.

Looking back up to when they're backing away, they're no longer on steel flooring, but asphalt. Hm.

And then we get to the run scene.

To me, that background looks like the steel flooring from the military base right?

So order of events I think:

Something at the barn, maybe a trap of some kind. Hm, wasn't one of the episode titles referencing a trap?

That same night potentially, they meet up with others and do some team reformations, tracing out Robin and Erica for Mike and the other two kids

With this new team, Will and Mike get wet for some reason

They end up on this military base, one of the ones that is covering over the giant gate formed last season

Will sees something or feels something horrific. It's so overwhelming that he screams and collapses to the floor like we see above. Maybe Vecna does something to him?

Potentially El is also witnessing this with her remote viewing, which is why she screams?

Cue something breaking out of the floor

Hm. Yeah. That's what I think. The Duffers said season 5 is gonna be like the team is already together and on the same page doing their thing right? That's what leads me to believe this is all connected, including El screaming. Maybe this whole trailer at the end is all on the same day of the season when another one of their plans fall through.

Hm, yeah. I was gonna say maybe not the Joyce and Will convo, but no. Will is wearing the same shirt and Joyce the same jacket. This must be a discussion AFTER the barn scene when Will has removed his jacket. Before Will gets wet? And before the run scene?

Looking again though, Will doesn't look wet in the run scene. Maybe because his head is down in the previous scene, he just looks soggy and only Mike is wet??

Going back to Will's reaction (yeah I know I'm all over the place), I think it has to be Vecna or the Mind Flayer encountering him. What would make him pass out and be dazed afterwards like that? Surely he didn't screen so hard he lost consciousness. That's hard to do in normal circumstances.

And I figure El (and Hopper) were supposed to be remotely watching over whatever operation was happening that night. Like... the standby team ready to jump if something goes awry. After all, El can't be seen out and about because of the military. But I suppose whatever happens at the military base was NOT expected and sends her into a frenzy too, which has Hopper confused and worried.

As for WHAT Vecna/the Mind Flayer did, I'm not sure it's possession. When he was possessed last time, he didn't pass out. In fact, he was painfully awake the entire time. I think if Vecna/the Mind Flayer is behind Will's state, then this is something new. Like, some kind of mind fuckery out of body experience for a little bit. Something meant to incapacitate him and not kill him?

As for WHAT they're doing there, well, I think the obvious answer is still looking for Vecna's hiding spot. I think everyone on the team is doing that in their own way to varying degrees to danger. I assume this trip to the military base wasn't supposed to be that dangerous because who would bring a bunch of kids to this, but it ended up that way.

Heck, maybe they didn't even mean to end up on the base and got arrested or something. Maybe Will is being chased and the reason they are discussing the day Will went missing at the beginning of the trailer is because Joyce is putting two and two together? Like, maybe this whole night is just a twisted repeat of what happened November 6th with a lot more people around.

Taking him at he barn didn't work, but I guess he thinks whatever is coming out of that floor will. Eh.

Well. Those are my thoughts on the trailer! Cheers to another one that has more substance someday.

[griefabyss69]

Inside The Fall

Written for @steddiemicrofic!

[ AO3 ]

'FOOL' wc: 1987 | rated: T | cw: Mention of weed

(This is the April Fool's version of the prompt, it includes all of the words needed)

Steve's used to stepping up in life or death situations, but otherwise he's directionless. He isn't expecting Eddie to be so good at helping him figure out the other parts of his future.

(Continues after the readmore)

"Step into my office," Eddie says with a guiding sweep of his arm.

"You mean your bedroom?" Steve asks just to be annoying.

Eddie's smile doesn't dim but his eyes narrow, all sharp and shit.

"Yes, well, sometimes you have to mix business and pleasure when you're waiting around on the sweet cash that's supposed to be coming in any day now," he says, shutting the door behind them.

Eddie's bedroom isn't really like the last one, though Steve had only seen that in the height of insanity, when it'd been newly deserted and then torn through in search of anti-Vecna music.

This one is neater, though still pretty chaotic. Steve can't help but like it, even though he has to wait for Eddie to clear off his desk before he can conduct his business.

"Come, make yourself comfortable," he says, gesturing at his unmade bed.

Steve ignores the thrill in his gut as he carefully sits down at the edge of it. He doesn't make a joke about cum, or about making himself more comfortable, or about Eddie offering up his bed. He's on his best behavior because otherwise he's going to go too far and Eddie's going to think he's still just a stupid jock who has bad jokes, despite all of the shit they went through together; old habits and all of that.

Once Eddie's cleared his desk, he moves to the other end of it, leaning against the wall but resting his ass against the stack of milk crates he uses for shelving. He nods at the chair, his smile all menacing as if Steve was one of his players and he was going to give him a hard battle.

"I'm not gonna hurt you," he says when Steve hesitates, pulling a box out of his pocket.

Steve has to laugh a little bit, and moves over to the chair, settling in with his elbows on the desk. He has to look up to meet Eddie's eyes, and that puts another thrill in him, this one is harder to ignore.

"Don't let me win," Steve says, smirking. He knows that's not how tarot cards work, but Eddie's laugh is worth it, like he gets the joke and doesn't think he’s actually stupid.

"I'd never do that," Eddie gasps, bending to spread the cards out on the desk. They're all face down, so Steve can only admire the cool design on the back, but maybe after Eddie's finished reading into his future or whatever he'll let him look through all of them.

He explains some of what he's doing, and it seems simple enough. He asks Eddie a question, Eddie gets him to shuffle the cards, then there’s some kind of sorting thing, then he pulls a few of them.

"What would you like to ask?"

He's tempted to ask something… easy. Something that doesn't matter, and doesn't show Eddie the inside of his head. But Eddie had offered this in the first place because Steve had admitted that his thoughts have been all fucked up, he's been pretty lost these days.

"What should I do with myself this summer?"

Eddie nods, considering that as he gestures to the cards.

Steve carefully shuffles them around in a big mess, as instructed. It's kind of fun, and he takes his time before sitting back, relaxing.

"Okay, that should be all mixed up," he says, stretching his legs out and crossing them at the ankles. He's determined to try to be comfortable, even with Eddie looming over him, his arms crossed over his chest.

He looks really good from here.

"Good," Eddie says, bends to corral the cards back into order, tapping it into neatness before he sets it down. "Split the deck in half for me."

Steve leans forward, meaning to find the exact center, but he ends up going with his gut and splits it closer to the bottom. For whatever reason, he's more curious about what's buried deeper.

"Thank you."

Eddie chews on his lip as he thinks, eyes going from Steve to the cards and back against a few times before he smiles.

"Draw three cards from here," he says, tapping the shorter stack. "Place them face down in a row."

Steve follows his instructions.

While he doesn't really believe that the cards are magic or whatever, he does believe in Eddie's ability to create an atmosphere. He's not even being dramatic or loud or anything, but he's bringing such an earnest seriousness to it that makes Steve decide to take it seriously too.

"Okay. If this doesn't answer your question at all, we can do another run of it, with more cards," he says, leaning his palms on the table. "Though usually unless a question involves a lot of people or a lot of moving parts, three is perfectly fine to answer it."

Steve starts to feel nervous, so he just nods and watches Eddie’s hands, thinks about how clean Eddie's new rings look, wondering when they'll start to get worn in by life like the last ones.

Eddie turns over the first card.

"The Knight of Swords," he says, his dimples coming out even as he tries to suppress a smile. "Other cards in this suit can be a warning, but this one is generally good."

Steve swallows. He knows he doesn't want bad news, but Eddie told him this all wasn't like, his destiny anyway. It's more of a guidance thing, like he can choose to take it's message or not.

Eddie flips the next one.

"The Seven of Wands."

He doesn't say anything else about it yet, just thinks for a moment before moving on, flipping the last one.

"The Fool."

Steve's eyebrows raise, because that doesn't sound good.

"Okay," Eddie says, leaning back against the wall, playing with one of his shiny rings. "What I'm getting for this is that you're restless, and that instead of all of the freaky monster adventures you've had, you really need a good adventure. Something new, maybe something a little different than you're used to, but ultimately you need to relax and just do what you want."

Steve looks at The Fool, about to walk off a cliff, and feels skeptical.

"Won't I end up like that?" he asks, pointing at it.

"Don't take the pictures so literally," Eddie says, and Steve has to sigh at him. "Your energy is high, like a magnet for good things," he elaborates, pointing at the Knight of Swords.

Next he points at the Seven of Wands.

"You're probably doubting yourself, dealing with a lot of fear and uncertainty, but good things are in store if you just do what you're scared of anyway. You need to remember that you're in charge of your life now."

Steve gets a lump in his throat. He hasn't ever felt in charge of his life.

"And our Fool here, what he says is that you need to pick something and try it out, whether it works or not. Do it thoughtfully, but you don't have to think that hard about it."

"Oh," Steve says. He hadn't expected to feel so… encouraged. Taken care of. "That's nice of him."

Eddie laughs, his voice quieter when he leans back down against the desk.

"It sounds like it'll be a good summer for you," he says.

After Eddie had cleaned up the cards and Steve had successfully kept himself from crying, they went off on the first nice adventure of Steve's summer.

Eddie had put a couple joints in with his smokes, and then they wandered off on a late afternoon walk, right into the shady forest, where it's not too dark yet.

"You know," Eddie begins as they walk side by side even though the path is kinda narrow. "I think you'd make a good Knight."

Steve thinks it's so not fair how much that makes him blush. He has to duck his head and grin at the ground just so he doesn't like, tackle Eddie and kiss him on the mouth and plummet off of the cliff of his own foolish behavior.

"Yeah? Do you think there'd a Knight for a baseball bat with nails in it?" he asks, looking back up to keep up his eyes on the area. Mostly it’s tree branches and nothing tougher than a squirrel.

Eddie laughs, nudges up against him as he moves, and because it's like, June, it's warm enough that he's just in his new Hellfire t-shirt, the sleeves rolled up. That means the skin of their arms brush together and Steve's brain lights right up.

"A nailbat is kind of like a sword," Eddie muses, the warm look in his eye doing irreparable damage to Steve's self control. "I might be more interested in what kind of Fool you are, though."

Steve blushes harder, mourning how it'd started to go back down just a moment ago. There's no way Eddie could've known what he'd been thinking of doing, but he knows and so do the blood vessels in his face.

"Uh, I'm not sure," he lies, shrugging. "I guess we'll find out."

Eddie beams, slides an arm around his shoulders as he says something that gets totally lost – Steve's brain has honed in on Eddie's body and only that, his feet starting to trip over themselves as he takes in the solid way they fit together.

"Easy," Eddie murmurs as he makes sure he doesn't face plant. "Is it too hard to walk this way?"

It's a little awkward, but there's no way Steve's letting him go.

"Nah, just had two left feet for a second," he says, turning his face to smile at Eddie and – Christ – he's right there. He has to go cross eyed to get a good look at him.

His gut pulls hard but he breathes through it. If anything, he knows how to be a gentleman and not just do whatever the hell he wants. Maybe his instinct for self protection is pretty busted by now, but at least he's not about to go around kissing random men just because he wants to.

Eddie laughs, and his eyes must be going cross eyed too, because they dip down to stare at his mouth instead, his long eyelashes showing off their thick, sweet curve.

"Girls would kill to have your eyelashes," he says, pleased when Eddie opens his eyes wide, shocked.

"What?" he laughs, glancing at the path before looking back at Steve. He's glad that one of them is looking out for tree roots, because Steve can't bring himself to care about anything but the feeling of Eddie's breath on his face.

"Your eyelashes, they're really long and nice," he says, less afraid to compliment him than he'd thought. "Most girls wear mascara to get theirs to look like yours."

"Oh." Eddie grins, turning his head to duck it all bashfully, and Jesus, Steve recognizes himself in that. "Thank you."

Steve can see the stones crumble from the cliff under his foot, knocking their way down the side until they disappear. He's about to do something really stupid – foolish – but his composure falls away under the force of every side of Eddie he sees.

"Eddie?" he asks, waiting until their eyes meet. "Will you kiss me?"

Eddie stumbles, barely catches himself from landing flat on his face, pulling Steve half down with him.

"Uh," he says, a nervous laugh chilling the air. "Why?"

Steve swallows hard, planting his ass on the ground so he's not halfway between straddling him or getting up.

"Because even though I'm scared, I should ask about what I want, right?"

"Oh, okay," Eddie’s voice is thin and strangled. "Sure."

It's a yes despite how Eddie looks scared now, so Steve leans in and crushes their mouths together, falling freely among the stones of his trepidation. Eddie kisses him back like they’re standing on solid ground.

[frickatives]

[a/n]:: I've had this steddie one-shot fic in my drafts for ages. wasn't sure if I'd ever get around to posting it. but it's 2025 now, and the world is feeling like an especially difficult place, so let's all post our self-indulgent angsty fanfics pls. the steddie is pretty low-key in this one, tbh, it's more pre-steddie angst than anything, but we all deserve to engage in a little wish fulfillment re: eddie at the end of s4, no? I have some ideas for maybe continuing this fic, sooooo we'll see if I can defeat my Serial Fic Abandoner demons~

[warnings/tags]:: steddie, angst, perhaps too much angst, canon-typical gore and violence, bisexual king steve harrington pov, everyone's having a bad time, gratuitous italics, playing fast and loose with a vague understanding of life-saving resuscitation procedures, s4 ending fix-it fic vibes

[wc]:: 3.3k

[ao3]

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Standing on the front porch of a rotting house in a rotting world, staring at the charred patch of not-quite-grass where there should have been a body, Steve Harrington's stomach lurches up into his throat. He struggles to swallow around it.

He saw the bastard fall. Pumped full of buckshot, molotov-fried extra crispy over rice, falling ass-first out of a window to what was supposed to be his death, so goddammit, where is he?

Nancy's staring at the grass, too, heaving terrified breaths with the rest of them, which can't be good. Steve and Robin both glance at her, their leader, their ferocious, fearless, capable, whip-smart Nancy, and the fear plain on her face grabs Steve by the spine and shakes. 

Maybe Vecna evaporated, he tells himself. Maybe it's normal that there isn't a body. It isn't like any of them would know; none of them have ever killed an evil wizard, before. Maybe Vecna hit the ground and turned into a million of these little flakes of gross that are always hanging in the air, here. Maybe they kicked Vecna's ass so hard that he's dust, now. A hysterical part of his brain bubbles with the words maybe his ass is grass. 

He opens his mouth to say so, even though it's dumb and probably wrong – Steve is usually wrong – and the clock behind them starts chiming.

His stomach does new, awful acrobatics. 

They run back into the house, stopping short an arm's length from the grandfather clock, as if it might lash out at them. Four chimes, each one pumping his own chest full of buckshot, because whatever this means, it's probably bad. Robin's hand finds his arm and he clings to her as hard as she clings to him. 

The name is out of Nancy's mouth before Steve's brain can put together what's happening: "Max."

She's right. Of course she's right. She's Nancy Wheeler, and she's always beautiful and always right, even when she's breaking Steve's heart.

There's no time for the pain to take root. (They lost Max, they lost Max, they weren't fast enough and Vecna got her and now that sweet-and-sour kid will never terrify him with her temper or her underage driving again–) 

The fourth and final chime has hardly stopped echoing in his ears when the house cleaves in two. 

The ceiling above them groans and splinters and red-orange hellfire (red-orange like Max, his stupid, useless brain supplies) carves a line down the hallway, moving towards them fast. 

"Woah, woah, woah, shit– shit!" he yelps, dragging Robin back towards the door. 

Nancy doesn't need dragging; she's jogging backwards with him, sawed-off tucked against her shoulder, eyes not leaving the tearing, ripping, growing split in the world above them, like she expects Vecna himself to reach through it. 

God, Steve hopes he doesn't. He hopes Vecna really is dead and that his disgusting, decaying world is falling apart without him. 

He hopes that Nancy was wrong (for once) about the clock chiming, and that they did save Max. 

Bits of plaster rain down around them. Vines – those slimy, sentient veins of the Upside Down – pry the fissure wider, shredding everything in its path. 

They make it out onto the not-lawn and leap out of the way of the destruction as it darts forward and swallows ground where Vecna should have been, and they keep running with everything they have.

It's so loud. The entire world groans and shakes like some great, wounded beast – and, shit, for all Steve knows, the Upside Down is some giant creature that's dying with them inside it. Every monster and vine-vein writhes and screams, like they can feel their world dying, too. 

They need to get back to the trailer. They need to climb out of this crumbling hell. Steve clamps his hand around Robin's as they run. Nancy sprints ahead of them, the sawed-off shotgun bouncing against her back.

He will get them out of here.

They run and run and run – Robin runs so weird, why are her feet doing that – and Steve can't feel the burn in his legs that he knows is there. He's still a little oxygen-deprived after being throttled by Vecna's vine-veins, and he has too much panic thumping through his own vine-veins. They don't stop until they're bursting out of the woods and into the trailer park.

Steve's heart stutters. There's another hell-fissure, and it's swallowed half of the Munsons' trailer and cut a jagged path toward the center of town. Nancy looks over her shoulder at him, as if to brace him for the worst. 

What if the gate is gone? What if they're trapped here? 

Robin almost eats shit when her sneaker slips against something on the ground – the wriggling body of one of those fucking bats Steve can still taste in the back of his throat. He grabs her elbow and heaves her upright, pushing her forward, towards where the trailer used to be. Maybe the gate is still there, in the not-eaten half of the trailer. They have to try.

All around them, the rips in the world continue their rampage. Metal screeches and avalanches of rubble rumble in the distance. The not-grass and slabs of cracked concrete beneath their feet buck hard enough that Steve can hardly keep himself upright.

Robin half-gasps-half-shrieks in his ear and he and Nancy freeze.

"What– What is it? Are you okay?" Steve yells at her over the cacophony, gripping her shoulders, eyes wide, heart pounding, looking down at her weird-running feet for any sign of injury.

She raises a trembling arm and points at something: a lump on the ground a few dozen yards from the trailer, not very large, wearing a ghillie suit. 

Steve's heart stops.

His knees threaten to buckle. 

"HENDERSON!" 

He's off like a sawed-off shot. 

He was so stupid, to let the kids out of his sight. He wants to reach through time and slug himself in the mouth for ever complaining about babysitting because this is so much worse. First Max (please, please let her be alive), now this? It would kill him to see any of them here, now, with the underworld falling apart around them, but Dustin? 

As he closes the distance, the ground is littered with more and more bats – either dead or dying – and he can hear Dustin crying, which is both a knife through the heart and the biggest goddamn relief Steve has ever felt. At least the kid is alive. A sob lurches up Steve's own throat and he falls to knees beside Henderson and–

That's when he sees Eddie cradled in Dustin's arms. 

Bloodied, battered, and motionless. 

"Dustin, hey," he says as gently as he can, though he actually wants to start screaming and never stop. "Look at me." 

"He– He didn't come back through with me," Dustin chokes out, still staring down at the boy in his lap. The kid's voice wavers with a tearful vibrato that obliterates his usual precociousness and makes him sound exactly as young as he is.

Anger flares somewhere in Steve's gut, beneath the all-consuming fear. He'd told Eddie, hadn't he? He'd given him one simple job– explicitly told him not to be a goddamn hero. They were supposed to be the diversion. They were supposed to be safe.

Steve grabs Dustin's face, probably too roughly, and forces him to look up, away from Eddie. 

"We gotta go," he tells him, his voice shaking badly, too. 

Nancy and Robin are somewhere behind him now. He hears their footsteps skid to a halt, and another ragged gasp out of Robin, followed by a muffled cry. Nancy murmurs, "Oh, no."

"We can't leave him," Dustin says. His face is streaked with tears and his voice cracks under the combined crushing weights of puberty and desperation. 

"We won't." He reaches over and tries to lift Eddie away from the kid, but Dustin pulls him back. Small hands grab ahold of Eddie's collar, refusing to let go. Another knife through Steve's heart. 

"I think this is the gate!" Nancy calls from far away. "I think we can make it through." When Steve looks up, she's on the edge of the glowing crevasse, prodding at it with the shotgun. Robin is standing a few yards away, still, her hands buried in her hair and her eyes glued to Dustin. And Eddie. 

"Dustin," Steve says, forcing more calm into his voice, "you gotta go with Nancy."

Dustin shakes his head emphatically. "No. No, no, I can't leave him–"

"Robin? Robin!" Steve shouts over his shoulder, and Robin startles out of her horror-borne trance. "Take Henderson and get somewhere safe. I'll be right behind you." 

She rushes over and hooks her hands under the kid's arms and hoists him upright, even though Henderson can't seem to put much weight on one of his legs, and even though Robin's arms are about as strong as wet spaghetti on a good day. 

"I've got Eddie, alright?" Steve says firmly, looking Dustin in the eye and pushing him away with Robin. "Go."

 A stream of soothing sounds is falling out of Robin's mouth rapid-fire, and she's dragging Dustin over towards Nancy, who's got one leg fully inside the fracture in the world, and, hell, the world is probably ending any second now, but all of that falls away when Steve looks back down at Eddie's face.

Big, hickory-brown eyes stare skyward, unfocused. Blood is smeared across the pale skin of his cheek and collected in the corners of his mouth. His chest isn't moving.

Steve's never seen a dead person, before. 

He'd been there when Billy died, yes, but he hadn't seen it. Hell, he'd flat-out refused to look inside the open coffin at his grandmother's funeral when he was a kid. But here was Eddie– or, the absence of Eddie, where Eddie should have been. A terrible, wretched vacancy. 

It doesn't feel real. Eddie is right here. Steve can reach out and touch him– he does reach out and touch him, laying an uncertain hand on his shoulder. Eddie doesn't swat his hand away. Eddie's dimples don't appear on either side of his bloody mouth and he doesn't say something snarky and flirtatious that makes Steve feel simultaneously annoyed, flustered, and confused. Eddie doesn't so much as blink.

He's so… still. 

Steve's heard people in the past describe death as something peaceful, but the look on Eddie's face–

He looks scared. 

Steve thinks he might throw up.

He presses his fingers against Eddie's throat, searching for a pulse that he knows isn't there. Eddie's still warm. Blood dribbles out of his mouth and oozes out of a gnarled lash across his neck (it matches the one that crisscrosses Steve's neck, those fucking bats). His stupid leather jacket is shredded. His stupid Hellfire Club shirt is similarly tattered and soaked through with red. 

Steve wonders how long he's been– if he– had he gone in front of Dustin? A fresh wave of anger licks at his throat. Son of a bitch, can't even listen to simple goddamn instructions–

He remembers the last thing Eddie said to him with a sharp pang: "Hey, Steve? Make him pay."

Steve had nodded. Eddie had nodded, too. It was a promise.

And Steve Harrington, King Steve, captain of the basketball team, and captain of the swim team, and ice cream slinger, and video rental wrangler, and monster fighter, and lifeguard for a few summers, and secret Russian base infiltrator some other summers, and lapsed babysitter– he's failed to keep it. 

He's failed so many people, tonight. He couldn't stop Vecna, didn't make him pay. He couldn't help Max, or undo whatever Dustin saw. Everything he was wasn't enough.

Nancy was right (she always was); he was bullshit. Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. 

The world around them growls again, and Steve looks down at another person he's failed to protect, and he thinks, Fuck this. 

He has to try. 

Moving quickly, he laces his fingers, locks his elbows, places his stacked palms in the center of Eddie's still-warm chest, and presses down hard. He sings Dancing Queen under his breath, out of tune, timing his compressions to the beat (something he learned in lifeguard training). He dares Eddie to wake up and tell him how much he hates the song. 

Blood spurts out of a wound in Eddie's side and soaks the knee of Steve's jeans with coppery warmth.

 "Shit, shit, fuck," Steve hisses into a few more compressions, before he stops and gently tilts Eddie's head to open his airway, one hand against his still-warm forehead, one hand gripping his chin. He leans over and checks for breath sounds. Nothing. 

He pinches Eddie's nose shut and presses his mouth over Eddie's, trying not to think about how much blood floods his own mouth. He breathes once, twice. Eddie's chest rises weakly each time. That's good, that's– It's good.

He starts the cycle again. 

"You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life…"

Red lightning streaks across the sky and Steve flinches. The ground shakes more violently, like the whole place is threatening to give up the ghost and fall away beneath them. Part of him wishes it would, to save him the embarrassment of failing again.

"Come on, Munson."

Open airway, check for breath, pinch nose, breathe, breathe. 

"Friday night and the lights are low…"

He does it again, and again. Still nothing. 

"Come on, come on, come on," Steve begs. "Please." 

The quakes crescendo more and more, until Steve is practically shouting lyrics over them–

It sounds like a bomb goes off miles away, and a shockwave slams him in the chest. Steve throws his arms over his head and his body over Eddie's, shuddering with fresh adrenaline. He squeezes his eyes shut. 

Everything around them falls silent. The ground under his knees settles. His ears ring with the absence of it all.

He must have waited too long to leave. He can't make himself look. Surely the gates are gone. Surely that explosion was his way home being blown to smithereens. Part of him is glad Eddie didn't come back to this– trapped in the underworld with someone he despises? He'd probably ask Steve to re-kill him, and Steve would probably fuck that up, too. 

He's so screwed. Everything is so completely screwed and he screwed up so much of it himself, and it's probably good that he's probably trapped here, now. He probably deserves it.

Something jolts beneath him and then–

Eddie Munson coughs a mouthful of blood directly into Steve's face.

"What– Oh! Oh, shit!" Steve scrambles to shift his weight off of Eddie's chest as the other boy draws a clotted, strangled breath and chokes on it. Steve grabs him by the less-bat-bitten shoulder and hauls him onto his side. The other boy's ring-bedecked fingers brush against his arm, making weak attempts at grabbing him back. 

Eddie whimpers and groans, spitting and drooling more blood out of his mouth and nose. He coughs again, and it's the most gorgeous sound Steve's ever heard.

Steve grins, even with a face and mouth full of Eddie Munson's stupid blood. 

Eddie looks up at him, panting, and his eyes go wide when they finally focus on Steve's face. "H– Harrington?" He's almost voiceless. Not just hoarse, but struggling to make any sound at all.

"Yeah," Steve says, still smiling like a fool. He feels drunk. Eddie's breaths are all distinctly shallow, fast, and wet, but they're there, and they keep coming, which hadn't felt possible a moment before. The overwhelming, sudden joy is a massive head rush.

Eddie looks confused, and wracked with pain, and he squints at Steve and asks, "Did you die, too?" His tongue seems to tangle with each syllable.  

That trips Steve out of his daze. His smile falters. Trapped in the Upside Down, his brain reminds him. "You're not dead, Munson," he says. 

Steve looks up, then, and scans their surroundings. The red-orange ravine still yawns open not too far away, which slaps him across the face with relief and chases it quickly with dread. 

They can get home, thank fuck, but what had all of this done to their Hawkins? Had it been similarly torn open by nightmare super-gates? Is there this much destruction on their side? Steve's stomach clenches. 

The hellfire-filled crack that begins in the middle of Eddie's trailer stretches off into the distance, as far as Steve can see. If these fissures were like the gates– if they'd appeared in Hawkins, too– they're twenty or thirty feet wide, in some places. Big enough to swallow cars, houses. People. 

Something like this… It would kill a lot of people. 

"Hurts," Eddie gasps. 

Steve's attention snaps back to him. "What hurts?" he asks.

Eddie manages an especially-wet, "Everything. F-feels like a– fucking– elephant– sat on my– chest." He fights for air between every couple of words, but never draws in very much. 

"Yeah, well," Steve says, easing Eddie up to sitting and sliding an arm under his knees, "you had to go and stop breathing, like an asshole." He hefts the shorter, ganglier boy up into his arms and staggers up to his feet. Eddie ought to feel heavier, he thinks. Maybe this is one of those moms-lifting-cars-off-kids things.

"Seemed like– the thing– to do," Eddie pants. His eyes flutter closed and his head lolls backwards, curly hair brushing against Steve's arm. 

"Hey," Steve snaps. "Eddie."

Eddie groans. Still alive. Steve releases his captive breath.

Steve walks them over to the tear in the not-earth, where Nancy had been. He expects it to be warm – it glows like lava – but the air around them is freezing. It reeks of ammonia and decay. He tucks Eddie a little closer to his chest.

And then Steve hesitates, staring down at the maw in the ground. 

He should just go through. Quickly. Eddie needs medical attention way beyond the skill of a sometimes-summer-lifeguard. Shit, Steve probably does, too. 

But… 

What about Max? What about Dustin, and Robin, and Nance? What about everyone else? What about his parents? What if this didn't just happen in Hawkins, but happened everywhere? What if the whole apocalypse happened without him? 

As long as he stays in this universe, he doesn't have to know how badly he hurt his own. He can pretend the damage is limited to this shithole, and that everyone on the other side is blissfully unaware. It's like that thing Henderson tried explaining that one time– Schlongdinger's Box, or whatever. If he stays here, there's nobody around to disappoint besides Eddie, whose opinion of him is already so low that it would be impossible to drag it lower. 

"Steve?" Eddie wheezes, oblivious to the turmoil happening inches away from his face. 

"Yeah?"

Munson hesitates, too. "Were you– singing– ABBA?"

That startles a huffed almost-laugh out of Steve's tight chest. He rolls his eyes. "I don't wanna hear it, man. ABBA saved your goddamn life."

Eddie squints up at him and starts telling Steve (slowly and quietly, as he grapples with his halting lungs) that he'd never besmirch (besmirch? what a dork) the good name of ABBA, he's not a monster, he was just curious why Steve's rendition had been in so many different keys is all (unbelievably rude), and even though Steve can hear the fear in Eddie's voice, and he knows Eddie's only talking about ABBA because the alternative is to freak out, something clicks into place in Steve's head:

He wants to have a million more inconsequential conversations, like this one, with the people he cares about. 

Even the ones who might despise him a little.

Even if the apocalypse happened on the other side, and even if people he loves are hurt, and even if Steve Harrington is bullshit, he has to try to do what he can to help. 

He holds Eddie a little tighter. He informs him that he actually sang it totally normal, thanks, and gingerly, he maneuvers them both down through the gate and back into Hawkins.

[melodymunson]

Eddie Munson x fem!reader x Chrissy Cunningham oneshot

Baby love me, apocalyptic

5.3K words

ao3

warnings p in v sex, threesome, pussy eating, fingering, use of a toy (dildo), cum swallowing, pure filth, cream pie, raunchy smut and pure filth, unprotected & protected sex, blowjob, handjob, mentions of cheating. (not Eddie or reader + a big fuck you to Jason Carver).

backstory: Eddie, Chrissy, and reader are all college age. Chrissy is 20, reader and Eddie 22. Its the year 1988 and Chrissy is back in town from college. Reader lives with Eddie and he is still Chrissy's drug dealer. Chrissy didnt die in 1986 and its slightly AU. The fruity four defeated Vecna in 1986 along with Eleven and Max except Vecna comes back years later.

Synopsis: You were former friends with Chrissy Cunningham. One day she showed up to visit the trailer park to buy some Ketamine from Eddie. What started as a rocky evening led to a night none of you could ever forget. (A little re-imagining at the end and Chrissy does not die in this Stranger Things universe).

Eddie was your boyfriend and your best friend. After being long-term friends for the first three years of high school, you began dating. Your former best friend Chrissy had joined the popular crowd, and she became the head cheerleader. You were not on the best terms with her anymore, but had been best friends for about 7 years and had known each other since elementary school. There was a time when you could tell her anything and you were practically inseparable. Some days you missed her a lot, but it was great that you had Eddie. Even though you were both outcasts, you still really understood each other and had a lot of fun together, no matter what you did. Just sitting next to him and listening to heavy metal music was good enough for you. He was the person you told all of your secrets to now that Chrissy was a part of your past since 11th grade.

Chrissy needed to buy some ketamine, and she knew Eddie had the goods. After she arrived at his trailer and they exchanged pleasantries, they made the deal and she came inside to pay for them. You and Eddie had been rolling joints, and you felt all relaxed and mellowed out. You had just had a shower together, and it was great to just get comfortable on the couch with him and listen to heavy metal. It was a great time until she showed up, at least. She said hi to you and you nodded as you gave a very vague response to her. Things were awkward. After she sat down, you pulled him in close to you. He offered Chrissy the joint, and she accepted. As it was passed around, you felt so good and relaxed. It was already the second joint you had shared with him that day and it was just what you needed. After some silence ensued, you broke it by speaking up first.

"So why did you come here, Chrissy?"

"I needed to make a deal with Eddie. I don't know why you care, though it's just business. I haven't even talked to you in years now," she replied with simply a shrug of her shoulders.

This was news to you because Eddie had promised you a date night, just the two of you. He knew you had a falling out with her, just not the details, but the tension was so thick in the room that it could be cut with a knife.

"I'm just surprised you would come over to Eddie's place with him being a social outcast and everything. I guess you didn't expect me to be here even though practically the whole town knows we are dating," you told her with a roll of your eyes.

"Look, if this is too uncomfortable for you, then I'll just leave. I'll make it simple for you."

She got up, and Eddie stopped her by holding her back.

"Wait, don't go. We can figure this out," Eddie told her in a promising tone.

"Yeah, it's no big deal. Just stay then. It doesn't matter, I guess. Whatever," you responded as you flicked the ash from the joint and passed it over to Eddie again.

"Fine. I guess I will stay for 5 more minutes."

She sat back down with her legs crossed and her arms crossed around her chest. Eddie looked over at you and mouthed, 'Calm down.' You were glad he was there to intervene, and even though you were pretty skeptical about Chrissy staying, you were glad that a fight hadn't ensued. He always kept cool and level-headed. You secretly wondered if she had bought drugs from him before. You were a bit jealous, but also had some pretty strong feelings for Chrissy. That was over now, or so you thought. Eddie was yours and you trusted him. You knew nothing could come between the two of you. You were the biggest supporter of his band Corroded Coffin, and you shared a bond with him that neither of you had with anyone else.

"She wasn't supposed to come over until tomorrow. You have every right to be pissed off, though," he explained before taking another drag of the joint.

"Just forget it. I'll put on some music for us," you told them as you got up and turned on the radio. The song playing was PainKiller by Judas Priest. It was one of Eddie's favorites. He started nodding along to the song as you returned to the couch and sat on his lap, hoping to make her jealous.

It felt like impending doom some days because Hawkins had the reputation of being a very dismal town with a dark past and history. Victor and Henry Creel were the town outcasts and their family was the town's legends, but for all the wrong reasons. Life was random, but you cherished it and even though it was full of loss sometimes, you would not give up on Eddie and you hoped you could repair the damaged friendship you had with Chrissy. Secretly, you thought she felt the same. Having her around sure was interesting. Eddie felt sometimes like he couldn't deal with the big jumble of thoughts constantly going through his head, and if Vecna's curse was real, he felt he was screwed. Instead of dwelling on that, he planned to make the most of each day and do what he could to make it through. With you by his side, things were so much more bearable. With Chrissy having a hectic and rough home life, she vowed to not let it fully control her. Getting better was a slow process for her, but she was taking it a little at a time and day by day.

When you used to have sleepovers with Chrissy, you would always share a bed. Her room was fully decked out in pink shades, but for you, it was just the opposite. You loved horror movies and metal instead of all girly things, but your friendship still worked just like opposites attract. Having so much time with her and sleeping next to each other made your feelings for her grow. Even though she was just your friend, your feelings became deeper for her, but you never told her. Occasionally, you would practice kissing each other and you felt even more attracted to her because of it. Getting popular changed her a bit, and you drifted your separate ways the summer after tenth grade.

Recently Chrissy had been breaking up off and on with her long-time boyfriend Jason Carver because of stupid little fights and you wanted to rub it in her face just how much you loved Eddie. Chrissy was taking a drag and her eyes looked hazy. Maybe once she got high enough, she would lighten up and stop being such a drag. As she passed the joint to him, their fingers brushed together but you pretended not to notice. You had an idea at that moment to lighten the mood. You whispered into Eddie's ear and he nodded, then took off his denim vest of Dio handing it to you and you put it on. The next song was Looks that Kill by Motley Crue, and it was one of your favorites. Chrissy was staring at you with a genuine look of interest on her face. You gave Eddie a lap dance as the song led into the chorus. He had the biggest smile on his face and he occasionally looked over at Chrissy, who was weakly smiling and even blushing a little and giggling. You gave Eddie some kisses on his neck as you gave him the dance and as you turned around on his lap grinding on him, you threw your head back onto his shoulder and his hands caressed your body. When the song was over and a commercial came onto the radio, he gave you another kiss. The lap dance was something you had a lot of fun doing and with her around you were shocked you could be as into it as you were instead of shy. He blew some smoke into your mouth and then handed you the joint as another song came on.

"You doing okay over there, Chrissy?" He asked her curiously after a brief pause.

"Yeah, I'm great. I could go for a bottle of water."

"Sure. I was thinking about getting a beer for myself. Be right back. Anything for you, m'lady?" He asked as he turned back to you.

"Just some water, please. Thanks."

Eddie kissed you on the temple and tapped your ass playfully. You moved closer to Chrissy and after taking another drag of the joint; you passed it to her.

"So what's on your mind?" Chrissy asked interestedly.

"I actually can't believe I did that with you here. It's so unlike me."

"It was great, though. I wish I had your confidence. Look, I'm sorry we aren't friends now, but I would like to give our friendship another chance."

"I would like that if you are serious. I mean, why not? Let's give it another, try I guess."

You both smiled, and you leaned in closer to her. It might've just been the weed talking, but you were feeling a strong attraction toward her. Before either of you could say another word you gave her a small kiss on the lips.

"Do it again," she told you with a raise of her brows and a mischievous look on her face, looking disappointed at how quick the kiss was. If it wasn't for the drugs you probably wouldn't be doing this but it happened and there was no going back. Suddenly she was reminded of the times you had practiced kissing each other and she was craving more from you.

"I thought you were back with Jason though…"

"Yeah well, it's not going so well I think I'm going to break up with him again. I saw him kissing another girl. Also, I found a used bra and a pair of panties in the glove compartment of his car. I found the key even though he had it locked."

Jason could seriously go get fucked you thought to yourself. No one deserved that ever. Not even Chrissy. Especially not Chrissy. You kissed her again and she deepened it, pulling you even closer to her. Only moments later Eddie walked in with his beer along with two bottles of water and a surprised but pleased look on his face. Seemingly, he was quite interested in the scene that was happening right in front of him but he also was a bit perplexed that you two went from arguing to kissing so quickly. It's not that he minded in the slightest. You had talked to him before about if the opportunity arose and you were with another person, particularly another girl you liked, it was okay to kiss.

"Didn't mean to interrupt…"

You and Chrissy broke the kiss, only now realizing he was there again.

"It's fine Eddie. Come sit down. I'm sure Chrissy wants her water."

He walked over to the couch, sat down again and handed Chrissy her water and you the other water.

"I guess we put on a sort of a show for you, huh?" You asked him as you took his hand in yours, fingers now entwined.

He took a big swig from his beer and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"I loved it, though. What guy could be upset with his girlfriend for kissing another girl?"

You were so turned on at that moment and you gave him a deep, passionate kiss and then looked back over at Chrissy. With the joint now finished and the 3 of you feeling pretty buzzed, a smirk formed on your lips. Something told you that things were about to get much more interesting. You and Chrissy drank some of your water then set it aside.

"I've never really done something like this before. I'm having so much fun, though," Chrissy admitted.

"Good. I'm glad. Tonight has been something else, hasn't it?" You asked as you wrapped your arms around Eddie's shoulders pulling him in even closer to you.

"Now it's my turn to give you a lap dance Y/N," Chrissy told you before taking a chug of her beer for extra confidence.

The song on the radio was Talk Dirty to Me by Poison. You moved off Eddie's lap and sat down next to him. Chrissy stood up and danced on your lap. Eddie watched with fascination as she moved and grinded on you with her short cheerleading skirt on. He practically guzzled his beer while he got into the moment. Her lips grazed yours as she teased you and pulled away. She was giving you such a hot lap dance, and you were having the time of your life. As she danced your eyes stayed focused on hers and when the song was over she gave you another kiss.

"Let's take this to the bedroom," you offered up as a suggestion, wanting to take things further with Chrissy and Eddie.

"Definitely. I thought you'd never ask," Chrissy responded as Eddie got up and you, as well as Chrissy followed him into his room.

You felt excited about all the possibilities and what could happen that night with Eddie and Chrissy. You liked her and it was great. She liked you too.

You went up to Chrissy and wrapped your arms around her from behind and kissed her neck as you heard her soft whimpering. You pushed her hair back from her face and caressed her chest, causing her to gasp. You removed her top and her skirt, then let her undress you down to your panties.

"Now tell me what you want to do with me. I want to know your innermost thoughts and darkest desires," you whispered to her.

"I want to show you how much I like you. I want to pleasure you."

"Of course, but first, let's make Eddie feel good."

She nodded in agreement and you kissed her deeply and passionately with tangled tongues. Once the kiss broke you pulled Eddie close into you and kissed him then watched as they kissed each other. Getting down on your knees on the carpet, you undid his pants and unzipped them. Chrissy got down next to you and watched eagerly with wide eyes as you removed his thick and perfect cock from the inner confines of his boxers. As you grabbed her by the jaw and looked into her eyes you said,

"Right now Chrissy, I want to see how well you can suck cock."

"Eddie, you are so big. I want to feel you down my throat," she told him in a soft voice.

He looked down at both of you with lust in his eyes. He wanted to feel both of your mouths so badly.

"Fuck him with your mouth first. I want for you to start."

She caressed the tip of his cock then his shaft and kissed every inch of his length before she wrapped her mouth around the head taking him into her mouth little by little as she began to caress and cradle his balls and rub the part of his shaft she hadn't yet reached with her mouth. She looked so hot as she sucked, deep and even deeper until she established a steady rhythm on his length. The lewd sucking sounds could be heard as she kept going with eager enthusiasm and you stroked his balls.

"Good girl, now let me get a chance."

She popped off his cock, and you met her lips in a wet and sloppy kiss with tangling tongues. Eddie watched both of you as a huge grin was plastered on his face. You took him into your mouth with pleasure quickly reaching his pubic bone with your nose and began to choke and gag a little on his cock but just at first until you fully adjusted to his length. He rocked his hips back and forth as you moved your mouth loving the feeling of the very back of your throat. Chrissy watched with great interest as you sucked him off like a pro and he pulled your hair back with one hand while his other hand rested on his hip.

"Such a good girl for me putting that mouth to good use. Deep throating me like a porn star," he groaned as he closed his eyes for just a moment.

You looked up at him and fluttered your lashes as you kept on sucking him off with strands of drool and pre-cum running down your mouth and chin. Soon he pushed you off his cock and pulled you up with a firm grip of your hair to meet your lips in a kiss. Your tongues moved with passion as you kissed him back hard.

"I want to watch as you ladies please each other, then I'll join in."

He sat down in a nearby chair and you took that as your signal to guide Chrissy to the bed and push her down on it. Once you removed your clothes except for your underwear, you leaned down close to her and caressed her chest as you asked her.

"What did you promise me about wanting to give me pleasure?"

"I want to explore your body and pleasure you. I haven't done this with another girl before," she admitted a bit excitedly, sounding full of longing and yearning for a chance to get to do this with you. She wanted you to be the first girl she had ever made love to and as far as she was concerned, Jason was now history.

"Well, you can please me then. I would love that."

You laid down on the bed as she straddled your thighs, kissed you from your neck down to your collarbone, chest, and stomach, and then parted your thighs. You opened your legs wide for her as she kissed and licked down towards your inner thighs and removed your panties with her teeth as Eddie watched his cock twitching in his pants his beer now gone.

"This is nice but I want your tongue," you commanded firmly.

Chrissy looked at you like you were the girl of her dreams and you wanted to give her the best night of her life. With Eddie there, you knew things would be even better. The thought of sharing Eddie with anyone wasn't something you thought would happen or with Chrissy of all people, but now that it was you knew you would make the most out of the experience. The weed heightened the feelings you were experiencing, and Chrissy looked and smelled so beautiful.

When her tongue and fingers made contact with your clit, you wondered if she hadn't done this before because she knew exactly how to please you. You looked over at Eddie with a big grin on your face and he looked back at you with lust in his eyes and a wicked smile on his face his cock still as rock hard as ever.

She was fairly good at pleasing you and being a girl she knew what your sensitive spots were, where to put her tongue, and just how to finger you. You were so wet already and her tongue and fingers brought you closer than ever to reaching your first orgasm of the night. You tugged on her hair and told her when to go slower and when to apply more pressure. She read the signals well and she looked deeply into your eyes as you moaned and whimpered for her. She was encouraged only more to please you even better. It was so hot to watch her be submissive like this and give you what you needed and craved. Eddie's eyes were on the two of you never daring to look anywhere else worried about missing even a single second of her pleasing you or the faces you were making. As she tongue-fucked you, you caught glances at Eddie and caressed your breasts wanting to put on a show for him. The lewd moans and noises coming from your mouth were making his cock already wet with precum and he was fully erect again. Porn had nothing on this sight in front of him. Seeing you and Chrissy please each other was the hottest thing he could ever watch.

"That's so fuckin good, baby girl," you mewled as she ate you out like you were a four-course meal and you tugged even harder on her ponytail.

Eddie couldn't take it any longer and came over to the bed fully naked now and harder than ever as Chrissy had you on the verge of your release. He fondled and caressed your breasts and nipples as she added another finger and you writhed underneath her, your fingers clenching the sheets.

"Gonna cum- fuck!" You cried out as you began to cum in her mouth.

She pulled away slowly, licking her lips, then kissed Eddie. You got up and pushed him down onto the bed as you straddled his lap then lowered yourself down onto his erect cock. Chrissy was kneeling next to you and caressing your breasts as you began to ride him. His big cock stretched you out so fully and it felt incredible.

"That's my girl taking her daddy's cock just like that. Fuck! So hot," he groaned.

You could never get enough of him, and her touch made the experience even hotter than it would be if it were just you and him. Her caresses felt wonderful. Eddie grunted underneath you and spanked your ass as he bounced you up and down on his cock. As you rode him and your breasts bounced, your moans grew louder.

"Touch me, Chrissy. Fuck me with your fingers."

She obeyed your command almost instantly and moved her fingers down to your wet clit and rubbed circles over it, wanting to make you feel amazing. You pulled her in deeply for a kiss as you rode him and he spanked your ass.

"Fuck, that's so hot just like that Kiss her," he growled almost animalistically.

He felt so fuckin turned on and hard inside of you as you rode him and he bucked his hips even further into you. He never thought that you and Chrissy kissing and being together would turn him on but here he was and you as well as your former best friend, were giving each other carnal delight and pleasure.

As she groaned against your mouth and you rode your boyfriend's cock, you moaned loudly and coated him with your juices. He bucked his hips up into you a bit forcefully as he pinched your nipples and Chrissy finger-fucked you with three of her fingers, making you feel so fuckin' hot and you felt another orgasm approaching you quickly. As you looked at Eddie and into his brown doe-eyes and back over at Chrissy's blue ones, you felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

You pulled her in for a kiss and crashed your lips together, feeling so wet from her touch, Eddie's cock, and his fingers working against your nipples. Your cries grew louder and the bed squeaked even louder as you fucked him and kissed her.

"Fuck yes, cum all over my cock just like that," he groaned as he felt your juices coat his shaft.

Chrissy licked her fingers greedily, loving your taste, then met his lips in a kiss so he could taste you from her lips. You got off him and whispered into her ear, "You want to ride his cock, right? Now is the perfect time for that."

She blushed slightly, and you wasted no time reaching into the bedside drawer to grab the box of condoms. You eagerly rolled the condom onto his cock as he looked at you, practically out of breath. His chocolate button eyes were wide with wonder as he realized what you were up to.

"Are you sure about this, baby?"

"Yes. I want to see her ride your cock. It would be the hottest thing."

Once she removed the rest of her clothes, you guided Chrissy onto him slowly, inch by agonizing inch. As she took him fully, you rubbed her clit and guided her along as she began to bounce up and down on his thick length. He was so big and girthy and you watched with fascination and delight as you fingered her and yourself. Her moans became louder as she got into the rhythm of it all. As he fucked up into her wet and tight pussy, you kissed her and Eddie grabbed her hips to help her bounce on his cock to his liking at the perfect tempo and pace.

"Fuck, she is so tight. Fuck!" He gasped as she rode him with passion and elicited loud moans as she fucked him.

Getting your favorite toy out of the bedside table, which was a clear glass dildo with a heart shape at one end, you use it on your clit, moving it over your sensitive bud and watching as they fucked each other hard and rough. The sounds they were making and the wet sound of skin slapping against skin were so erotic and it made you move the toy even faster inside of your pussy.

"Now switch and get on top of her," you commanded, as she seemed to be nearing her release.

Chrissy popped off his cock and switched positions with him. He wasted no time ramming right back into her wet pussy as he wrapped her legs around his waist. His thrusts became more sloppy as he was getting closer to chasing his high and you fingered her clit as he fucked in and out of her and made wet, squelching noises. It was one of the hottest and filthiest things you had ever seen before. You were dripping onto the toy now and nearing overstimulation, but kept going as you watched them fuck. They both watched you and whined with pleasure as you used the toy on yourself. You loved to see her tits bounce as he fucked her, and it was so hot to see them pleasing each other like this.

Hearing Eddie's groans was like music to your ears. Seeing him being pleased like this made you feel so hot.

"Gonna cum- Eddie," she whined as she felt like her orgasm was going to wash over her at any moment now.

"Me too, Chrissy," he told her as he thrust his hips into her.

"Cum on our chests," you groaned as you set the toy aside on the bedside table.

A low growl escaped Eddie's lips, and Chrissy moaned louder now that her orgasm washed over her.

"Yes, Eddie! I'm cumming!" She cried out. After she had ridden out her high, he pulled out and removed the condom, quickly tossing it aside and into the trash.

You watched with delight as you were now down on your knees next to the bed.

Chrissy went over to you and knelt as well, kissing you as Eddie muttered 'oh fuck' and gave his cock several more thrusts before spilling all over your chest and hers. You helped clean each other up and collapsed together on his bed. Once you had all come down from your highs and caught your breath, everyone cuddled next to each other, feeling so satisfied from the experience.

"Well that was pretty wonderful. I'm just so glad we were able to make up," Chrissy mused as she rested in between you and Eddie.

"Just stay with us. Stay the night," you suggested. Eddie nodded in agreement.

"I will. I'm glad I'm here. Tonight was the best."

"You're still dating Jason, though, aren't you?" He asked with big doe-like eyes.

It wasn't like Chrissy to cheat, but being with you and Eddie just felt so right, and Jason did cheat first after all.

"Yeah, about that don't think that was working out too well. It was mainly long distance anyway."

"Breakup with him and go out with us. The more the merrier," you suggested, sounding as serious as you could.

"And more mind-blowing sex? I mean, why not? I enjoy being around both of you."

"Then it's settled. You are ours," he told her as he wrapped one arm around her and the other around you.

You pulled her in for another long and lingering kiss. Tonight was pretty wonderful, and it was all thanks to them. Eddie and Chrissy both understood you so well and the sex was amazing. Most of all, you loved the way you were when you were around them. What started as a friendship and then turned into a crush before it turned into enemies was now a friend with benefits and possibly more- but who knew where things would go from here? You were finally at a good place with Chrissy Cunningham and loved your boyfriend more than ever- you wouldn't want it any other way. That same weekend, Chrissy broke up with Jason and exposed him for the creepy cheater that he was. What started as revenge sex was turning out to be something even more.

Weeks later Vecna was taken down again and with Chrissy on your side, you, Eddie, and your best friends Robin, Nancy, and Steve accompanied by Dustin, Max, and Eleven destroyed FOREVER what once was the upside down.

3 months later

Every weekend at the hideout you and Chrissy were there for Eddie and cheering him on front row and center. He loved to see you both get into the show and dance together. It was quite sexy to him seeing you and Chrissy grind on each other. Other people might've noticed, but all of your attention was on them. That night was very special though, because you and Chrissy now had the coolest and best outfits of anyone else there. She helped you to make Hellfire Club cheerleader uniforms that were white and black with the Hellfire Club lettering and the logo of the demon on them. Eddie got so turned on by seeing the uniforms. Once the show ended, you all went backstage and had a little fun of your own. You stripped off her uniform first but left the short skirt on. She did the same for you and you were devouring each other in front of him 69'ing as he got off by stroking himself and licking his lips. It was the hottest thing he had ever seen in his life. When he couldn't take it any longer, he got up and pounded into you, taking you from behind, pulling your hair as Chrissy watched, then switched and fucked her going between your pussy and hers as you made out with her. He spanked you both and his thrusts got even more rough and forceful, but he called you both his pretty princesses. Things were getting pretty serious and not just with Eddie, but with Chrissy, too. That night was filled with so much euphoria, pleasure, and ecstasy. It was pretty hot and heavy with Chrissy for a while and throughout another year of college. After you remained friends but went your separate ways when she found a girl she wanted to date exclusively. From then on you and Eddie only grew closer and even though you found other partners with him, nothing matched the chemistry and mind-blowing sex you had with Chrissy until Steve came around. But that's another story for another time.

soundtrack: Halestorm-Apocalyptic Fate Destroyed-Crave William Control-Romance and Devotion Depeche Mode-Master and servant Motley Crue-Looks that KILL Poison-Talk Dirty to Me In This Moment-Closer (Nine Inch Nails cover) Type O Negative-Can't lose You

taglist: @impmunson @bimbobaggins69 @somethingvicked @babygorewhore @inourtownofhawkins @corneliuswatkins @keeryatmosphere @undead-supernova @ali-r3n @harringtonfan4 @koskeepsake @munson-mjstan @bunnsandroses @steveslittlesunflower @emsgoodthinkin @jadeylovesmarvelxo @zestychili @s6raphic @probablyin-bed @corrodedcorpses @dollalicia @lokis-army-77 @ofhawkinsandskippy @keeksandgigz @hcwthewestwaswcn @emmyshortcake @geeky-introvert @lovelythoughtfulcupcake @xxbimbobunnyxx

[ultimate-shipper-blog]

The previous chapter:

Pt.3

So...this was normal right? Steve wasn't surprised anymore at his new normal. Should it surprise him that a woman in a wedding dress is sitting across from him in the back room of his shitty 9-5? Probably. But it doesn't. He doesn't know what to do with her though. She hasn't said a word, just keeps staring at him with large wet eyes. He zeroes in on her necklace. She's fiddling with it, twirling it around. It kind of reminds him of Eddie's guitar pick necklace but the colors are different. A mixture of yellow and blue and red.

It's getting a little too silent for his liking.

"Can you tell me your name?" Steve asks her as softly as he can.

"L-Lydia"

"Do you have a last name? Any family in town?"

"Well haha," she cuts off with a laugh. "You could say that." Her blue eyes almost seem to narrow afterwards like she's trying to read his mind. He hopes she doesn't have powers like El he can't exactly explain away anything more. She looks so familiar, if she was younger she'd look exactly like his mother as a child. He runs through a list of girls he's hooked up with and is thankful none of them have dropped off surprise babies. I mean could you imagine? Him? With kids while he's this young? Ha! Laughable.

...it's his dream.

"Can you tell me what you're doing here? I mean I don't understand why you asked for me." He tries not to think of the obvious white frilly elephant in the room.

"I'm in trouble and you were the first name I thought of."

Trouble?

"Your fiance? He hurt you?" He starts to push himself off the couch feeling overly protective of this girl. "And I know him? He mentioned me?" His fists clench.

"No! No! No! Not that kind of trouble I'm ok really!" She looks bashful now like she's embarrassed but she's looking at him with pride in her eyes. "Can you sit down again?"

She grabs his hands.

"I am here to help you Steve Harrington. I need you to trust me."

"I don't understand."

"I know how to stop Vecna."

His blood runs cold.

"No." He rips his hands out of hers. "Who are you? What are you? ROBIN!"

"No! Please! I'm here to help. You have to believe me!"

He can hear Robin outside arguing with a second voice.

"I'm from the future," she grabs him again trying to put her entire weight on him to stop him from leaving. "I'm not from the Upside Down I'm here to help!"

She's almost backing him up by the door, her eyes frantic.

"Please I thought you of all people would believe me!" She clinging onto him for dear life. He can't breathe. It can't be back. He was naive to think it was over.

The back door opens behind him and they both tumble to the floor.

"Woah, Stevie, the other girls weren't good enough you had to go for the married ones?" Eddie cackles from above him.

Lydia snaps her head up at the sound of his voice. Her entire face going pale. She looks nauseous.

"I have to go." She states seriously

"Wait! No! You-" she pushes past them and runs out of the store.

"Wow" Eddie says "I've never had that kind of reaction from a girl before."

"Shut it Munson call a code red."

------

Lydia is at the Diner in town sipping on a chocolate milkshake when a familiar mop of hair approaches her.

"Hey"

She turns her head slowly at the sound, eyes glassy. She feels numb. Reality setting in. It played out differently in her head, she doesn't know what she should've expected. Her Pa to magically remember her? Years before she was even born? Before her parents even got together? She huffs out a breath and turns towards the voice that dares to interrupt her wallowing. What she's not expecting is to be face to face with her uncle. Well...face to shoulder...he's shorter at this age.

"Holy shit."

"Yeah holy shit is right!" Her Uncle Dustin looks upset, a little frown line forming between his brows. "You need to come with me."

------

Hi guys! How're you liking this? It's the one thing I look forward to writing when I get off work. My schedule only has me writing small chapters sorry. I also have the ending already written before the rest.🫣 Please interact with this!!! I love reading your comments :)

Tag:

@tinyplanet95

[fantasyfantasygames]

Beyond the Shield of Time

Beyond the Shield of Time, Titania, 2005

If you own entirely too many RPGs, Beyond the Shield of Time (BtSoT) wants to leverage that.

The basic premise goes like this: Someone is stealing major artifacts from across a number of worlds. Your characters have been drawn into their "slipstream", pulled from their own world into a new one where the thief is their only way home. The game hops from world to world as you track down the villain, they escape you, you fall through another portal, and you slowly gain what you need to get ahead of them. Eventually, you confront them and their secret is revealed, and the game ends soon thereafter.

The coolest and most difficult part of BtSoT is that it's not a game. It's a framework for running a campaign across multiple games. They provide a semi-universal character description template that works across a wide variety of fantasy RPGs, and you reference that in order to make new characters in each world you fall into. Your characters are changed in the process - someone built as an assassin in Burning Wheel might end up as a bard in Dark Sun D&D, because that's the role that bards have in that setting.

BtSoT has guidelines for conversion from their template into D&D (Rules Cyclopedia, 2e, and 3e), Burning Wheel, Dark Hammer, MERP, WFRP 1e, GURPS, HERO, and a handful of others. There are examples of suitable artifacts in each one, from the Silmarils to the Eye of Vecna. It's a shame Glasswork wasn't published for another two years, because it would have been a perfect world to pop through. It has recommendations for what other games will work well with this system and which won't. I appreciate that BtSoT isn't one of those books that claims to be universal even within the fantasy genre. For instance, it excludes Exalted on purpose rather than by accident, for reasons of power level. It's going to be a lot of work between sessions, but I feel like it would be a hell of a cool game. Then again, I'm the guy who's reviewed almost 100 games so far, so, grain of salt.

The art is fairly good. I think it might be Storn? There's more than one piece with the heroes walking through a portal and coming out changed, with two different worlds on the opposing sides of the page. There's another that's very reminiscent of the "Frodo reaching for the ring" image, but with a Dark Sun halfling reaching for what is still clearly the One Ring.

I feel like the reveal of the secret doesn't 100% work any more. Social values and expectations have changed since 2001, and people are familiar with different cultural touchstones. Much as I love the Amber setting (which is half of the reveal), I'd probably want to rewrite the ending for a more modern audience.

Titania was one of the first game designers to publish as herself (or even a pseudonym) rather than as a company name. Even Monte Cook was still "Monte Cook Games" rather than just his name. Now that's basically the standard if you're in the younger bracket of game designers. There were some rumors that Titania left the industry, but there have been some more recent books with her trademark writing style, so I think she's still out there somewhere.

[sparks-olivarpente]

Fun Fluffy Fics

Super long list of fun byler fics! We all need fun and fluff don't we? Reblog to add your favorites :)

if you kissed me now by astrobi (@astrobei) “Huddling. For warmth.” “Like penguins,” Mike offers, and then rests his head on Will’s shoulder like this is supposed to be helping, or something. Or: Will Byers and the harrowing experience of being snowed in with your mom, your almost-stepdad, all of your friends, and your (kind of) (secret) boyfriend.

sealed with a kiss by @astrobei too Listen. No one should ever let Mike make decisions right after he wakes up from a nap, okay? Especially not decisions where Will is concerned. This is so not his fault.

cheer up, baby by @perexcri Will is working at Melvald’s to help carry his own weight in the Byers-Hopper household. It’s his junior year, and everything is going fine. That is, until someone tries to ask Mike to prom in the office supplies aisle of Melvald’s during one of Will’s afternoon shifts…

sweetheart, you're so cruel by @perexcri too A music snob and the frontman of his most-hated local band walk into a bar for a date. It’s either the beginning of a really good joke or a really shitty love story.

pull of an ocean by @magentamee Will goes on a Hopper-Byers family East coast vacation for a week. He finds himself missing Mike a lot sooner than expected and ends up getting swept off his feet when he gives Mike a call.

what a crabby, little guy by dragons_like_smores (@howtobecomeadragon) Will gets sloppy drunk after a break up with his boyfriend and sits very sadly on the beach. Mike meets him there to find out what happened.

honey-mouthed by @smoosnoom According to everyone in his life, Mike has a voice reserved just for Will. He tries to figure out what that says about him.

eyecatcher by @smoosnoom too While volunteering at the Hawkins' help center, it seems like every girl around has a newfound interest in Will Byers, and Mike doesn't know why he feels the way he does.

lying on the floor (typing your name into the internet) by @andiwriteordie The one in which Will and Mike are just friends on Tumblr… until they aren't.

kiss me, kiss me with your eyes closed by bxni "Does anyone else think their partner is… edible?” Mike asks, aka; mike wants to eat Will affectionately, the party knows this but not their relationship, and he's so, so whipped.

the walls we crashed through by delusionaltogether (@parkitaco) Mike Wheeler is not good at keeping secrets.

Positive Forces (all I need) by @eightfifteen Having a secret relationship is easier than it seems. Except for the 'secret' part, apparently.

everything about him by endlesslytea Maybe all the monster fighting did a number of Mike, because he cannot for the life of him remember Will coming out to him. Either his memory is messed up, or he woke up in the alternative reality in which it isn’t a taboo subject, because Will just casually mentioned liking guys and Mike is not taking it personally at all.

Only Thing On My Mind by FoodieHoodie (@foodiewithdahoodie) Mike and Will have been dating for a while and it's their 6 month anniversary. They still want to keep it a secret, but they're also very handsy with each other after finally getting the boy of their dreams… Featuring the self-proclaimed Hickey King.

When Should I Have Noticed? by Matto (@mattuhoh) Michael Wheeler is equally jealous and desperately in love with Will, and the party just wants to live their lives Post-Vecna. Secret relationship.

[agirlwholovesrockstars]

pretty young thing

☆AGATHA'S MASTERLIST☆

summary : you've always been so cheery and very joyful person, you also made everyone's day, there's one person you want to loosen up, Eddie Munson, you might be the reason that his life will change forever

word count : I'm trying not to make my short fics not too long 😩

warnings : 18+ Shy!Eddie Munson x FEM!reader, language, Eddie and reader are both 19, use of Y/N, Eddie and reader will having nicknames by the characters from Audrey Hepburn's films, reader will be unaware, oblivious to her own feelings, yeah I think that's just about it yep :))

what to expect : friends to lovers, fluff, happy ending hehe

note to reader : EDDIE & READER are both NERDS in FILMS AND MUSIC! like literally everything about pop culture, cute lil' fic, I hope you enjoy 🫶🏻 UPSIDE DOWN & VECNA DON'T EXIST HERE!

author note : LONG LIVE THE KING‼️ since it's the king's birthday month I decided to make my ideas into a reality now 💜✨

"Y/N! come on! we're gonna be late!" Max shouts at your doorstep, arms crossed, her foot keep patting repeatedly on the ground surface

You can feel her getting impatient so you speeding up as fast you as you could

She moves her sleeves up to check on her watch and it's 7:15am, she groans and begins to pace around at your front porch

Class starts at 7:30am

She doesn't want to be a part of community service again for a damn week because of tardiness

"In a minute!" you check yourself one last time on the mirror and you locked up the house and you put the keys on your pocket

she sighs of relief, while going down at the stairs

You don't even understand why you became bestfriends in the first place, both of you are the exact opposite

You're a joyful person and Max is.... well... Mad Max

You immediately lock your arms around her forearm and you say sweetly "I'm sorry, Max won't happen again, I promise"

She rolls her eyes "you know, I can't stay mad at you"

She finally smiles at you and you giggled

"Ah- there she is! My bestie!" You bounce up and down in excitement and she goes back again to her formal self

"Oh please!" She sneers, you both go up at the school bus sitting next to each other

Later in Art Class

"I have already decided the pairings for the whole class" your favorite teacher, Ms, Amelia- spoke with a smile that she knew some of the students won't agree on this

All of your classmates complain but you don't mind it

You look around at the room and it seems you already become an acquaintance to them, but there's one that catches your eye

He's sinking back on the chair, doodling something on his notebook, chains are hitting the metal chair, obviously not aware of the situation

"Edward Munson! Oh my god- this is perfect!" You think to yourself

You grin to yourself thinking that this could be the opportunity to finally get to know each other

You already have shared some casual interactions but never bonded that much

You wanted to be friends with him so badly ever since Dustin, Mike, Lucas talked a lot about him

Your mind is overflowing with ideas to hang out with him, you didn't even hear your teacher announcing your partners

"Y/N L/N, you will be pairing with Edward Munson" Ms. Amelia says while she pushed back her reading glasses from sliding off, she flips the next page

you only hum in response, but you closed your notebook and your eyes goes wide

You need to double check again just to see that you didn't just misheard it

"I'm sorry? Come again? Miss?"

"Your partner will be Edward Munson" she says with her eyebrows raised at you, she uses her pen to direct where Eddie is

Your mouth agape and you smiled and you squealed with "Yay!"

"What do you mean, Yay?" Max turns to you look at you while her head is laying at her arms resting on it

"Eddie Munson is going to be my partner!" You say not looking at her, you kept your eyes on the metalhead still doodling

Max follows your gaze, she raises her head and prop up her arm and rest her chin on it

"Well, Iooks like we have the same situation"

You turn around to face her and you lean in with your eyes gleaming with curiosity

"And that is?"

"I am paired with Gareth" she snorted

You knew that Eddie has a band called "Corroded Coffin" and you always been so interested to know about more of his favorites ever since you found out about his music taste

You gasped "Oh my god! We're twinning!"

She laughs at your enthusiasm "I've never seen anyone else in this room has the amount of excitement as you do"

"I just love to interact with people that I hardly knew, I mean- you'll never what you could miss, that person might become your bestfriend"

"That's true" she replies while tapping her pen on her desk

"and without this trait of mine, we wouldn't to have this friendship" you smirk

Max eyes might stuck for rolling her eyes too much "Alright, alright, I get it!"

"You'll be presenting a piece that shows the meaning behind your friendship for the partners that I have given for you" Ms. Amelia explains

You nudged Max's arm and she scoff but couldn't contain her smile

"See? I told you, coincidence? I think not" you whispered and she snickers

"Y/N? Are you with us?" She sighs while shaking her head

"Yes ma'am, I'm very much present" you pressed your lips together trying not to laugh and Max hides her face on her hands as she shakes from laughing

The bell rings, art class is dismissed

Max told you that she'll meet you at the cafeteria, she'll be meeting up with Lucas

"Oh, I tell him I said "Hi"

"I will!" she waves bye at you and you nod at her

You pack up your stuff and you put your bagpack, you walk towards to Eddie, he's also putting his things on his bag

"Hello" you say with a warm smile

He stopped to what he was doing when he heard that familiar voice

He lift up his head and locked eyes with you

The struggle with Eddie is that, he is very intense with eye contact

Less talking, more on eye contact

You seriously don't have a thing for Eddie, right?

You break the silence by saying "I'm your partner for the project?"

"o-oh, it's you, Y/N" he completely ignores of what you just pointed out but you don't care about it anyways

He zips his bag and put over his shoulder

"Good, you remember me!" you clasp your hands together with a grin on your face

He stammers "Of course, I do remember, y-you're friends with Max, right?"

He winces slightly, "Damn- why is this so hard?" He thinks to himself

He wants to keep the conversation going but he is too shy to talk to you normally

Talking to you somehow it seems to hard for him

You got him all tongue-tied up

"Yeah" you nod at him, your hands gripping on the bagpack straps

"Okay, so about the project, maybe we could...." You trail off, your eyes are on the ceiling thinking

Eddie watches you, if you could read his mind, he is panicking, why? he doesn't know how to act whenever you're around

You didn't get the chance to notice it but you have this feeling that you will be the best of friends

You're so sure of it

You look back at him, "Ah! How about we hang out and while we're doing it, maybe will get ideas from there?"

"What do you think?"

He blinked "U-Uh yeah, that sounds good"

You smiled at him and you walked away

He just watches you and he furrows his brows when you turned around and you notice that he's not with you

"Well, come along then!" You gesture your hand to motioning to follow you while standing on the doorframe

He forgotten that it's lunchtime

He scrambles up to his feet, almost tripped, catching up with you

You both walk together at the cafeteria, you spot Max already talking to Gareth and she waves at you

You wiggle your fingers at her and you hook your arm over at Eddie's forearm, he blushed

You passed a tray for him, and he just sheepishly smiles at the kind gesture

You're wearing a polo with a velvet maroon vest with pleated black skirt, your hair is curled with a red ribbon on top, small black boots

Your bag is black heart shaped like bagpack

Your style is clearly not his style but you definitely know how to dress up, he likes it

After you both picked up your food, you asked

"Can I sit with you?"

"Y-yes, you can"

You give him a cheesy grin and you sat down where Max and Gareth is

Jeff, Lucas, Mike and Dustin are there on the same table as well

"Y/N!" Dustin says with a sing-song tone, he drops his bag of chips, as he leans in to hug you

Mike's eyes shines with the same energy you have

You made the secret handshake with Lucas and all of you share a laugh

Duff just gave you a squeeze at your shoulder before he settles down and you smiled at him

Eddie watches you again, you bring so much life at the table

His heart flutters at the sight of you interacting with his friends

"So, Eddie- you're partners with Y/N" Gareth says plainly

"Y-yeah"

"Could Y/N bring out the best of you?" Jeff smirks at Duff

"What do you guys mean?"

"Man, cut the bullshit- you're always this blushing mess whenever you're with her" Duff exclaims while chomping down his food

"Oh- see?" Gareth points his rose-tinted cheeks and Eddie swats his fingers off and Jeff laughs

"We're just friends" he grumbles, while he aggressively stabs the piece of chicken with the use of fork on his plate

"We'll see about that, man" Jeff chuckles at his friend in his denial statement

Before you leave, you told Max that you'll see her at the ladies restroom

"Edward" the 3 of his friends chortled at what you just called him and he cringes

You laugh as well "Okay, I seem to get to know that you didn't liked that, now- that's a start"

You sat down beside him for a while and you just pretend that you didn't see his friends clearly spying on the both of you

They're not playing good for keep it low-key

"Just call me, Eddie" he says while finishing his drink

"Okay, can I also call you, Joe?"

He puts down his cup and a smile grows on his lips and he clears his throat

"No one else called me that before"

"Oh really? then I'm the first" he smiles at you

He got the prettiest smile, don't he?

"Sabrina" he blurted out

"What?"

"Since you got me a nickname, so I figured, I can call you Sabrina from Audrey-" you cut him off

"Hepburn film!" You finished his sentence with your lips apart

"I didn't knew you watch classic old Hollywood films" your voice is so loud in excitement, you didn't even care about it

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me" he manages to wink at you, it gave him the confidence after you geeked out in front of him

"Well, I'm willing to know all about it!" You say while you search for a pen on the pocket of your bag

You tear out a piece of paper and you wrote your phone number on it

"Here's my number, you can call me whenever we make this project" you hand out it to him

You graze your fingertips to him and it shoots an unexplainable feeling through your core

He looks down at it and his eyes are big like he couldn't believe that this is happening

"I'll see you later, Joe" you rest your hand on his shoulder and you smiled

He watches you leave, his heart might have been stopped every minute you talk to him

His friends are sniggering behind his back and he shuts his eyes closed

"Still denying that you don't have feelings for her?" Duff says with a teasing tone

"Oh- shut the fuck up, Duff!" Eddie shouts at him and they throw their heads back in laughter

The next day....

Eddie is leaning against his RV van on the front in the school's parking lot

Chewing on some gum while he reads "Batman" comic book

A faint music coming from his RV van, it's Depeche Mode - Strangelove

"What are you listening to?" you open the door and he removes himself and he quickly closed off his comic book and goes to you

"You're listening to Depeche Mode?" both of your eyebrows raised and you grinned

"Y-yeah, I am" he shyly repiles, both hands we're on the comic book, he gripped it so hard it might tear apart

"I love Depeche Mode" you say with a smile and you sat down on the passenger seat and you look over to his cassette tapes

Picking it up on every tape with a curious look on your face

He scratches his forehead and runs over to the driver's seat

"Why am I so stressed out?" he thinks to himself

"Just be cool, Munson" he muttered

Once he opens the door, you say "No way! You also listen to Queen?"

You hold up the "Night At The Opera" tape with a excited smile

He just chuckles and he just loves it when you're so energetic about the simplest of things

You hum on the chorus line of Depeche Mode - Strangelove still playing

while you settle down, placing both of your hands on your thighs as you drum the beats of the song

Eddie is now very self-conscious about his RV being messy but you don't seem to mind it, you feel at home

You eye the comic book that he just put on the dashboard and your eyes are now filling up with so much chaotic explosion of geekiness

"Ahhh!" You shrieked and he jumps out of his seat, he acts like a child which is so funny and..... cute?

You laugh out loud while you throw your head back at the seat and he just grows completely flustered

He had a minute to recollect himself until he is now also laughing of what just happened

"I'm sorry" is the only thing you manage to say, you're still breathless from your laughter until you calmed down yourself, fixing your position on the seat, straighten yourself up

Eddie just continues to laugh while he hides his face on his hands, peeking out to look at you, you're also staring at him, while you're pressing your lips together to stop your another wave of serotonin

You patted down on his shoulder, you reach out for the comic book on the dashboard and you flipped the pages, a smile tugs at your lips

"Stop" you mumbled

"What?" Eddie thought he might've done something wrong but a smirk is sitting on your face

"You also like Batman? We have so much in common right now" you say while you shook your head in unbelievable manner

"What's your favorite comics? DC or Marvel?" he asked, while watching you still flipping through the pages on the comic book

You slam the comic down on your thighs with your jaw dropped "That's like the hardest question ever!" you pushed him on the chest playfully and he chortled

You rolled your eyes at him and you pick it up the book again

"I mean- come on, there's gotta be a-

Your eyes are still on the comic book while you put your hand on his face to shut him up making him all giggly and shit

"That's the most impossible question ever, Joe" you say, your hands are still on his face

His voice is a bit muffled but audible "Okay, you win, let me hear your thoughts"

"I grew up to both that's why it's hard to pick!" you pushed his face away and he chuckles in the process while he reaches to your hand and he holds it for a while

"I love Spiderman, Iron Man, obviously I like Thor and Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the whole damn Avengers and Justice League" you say as you finally placed the comic book on the dashboard to where it was before

He nods while listening to you, and girl- he is still holding your damn hand, why is that?

He is now caressing it with his thumb, oh gosh

"Say, um-" he began and you look at him waiting for what he has to say

"We can eat pizza after school" he put his other hand on top of yours, he looks at you very directly

Your heart spluttering in a beat that you could never understand

"Uh- sure, Joe" you shrug with a pleasing smile on your face and it warms his heart seeing it everytime

The bell rang and you slipped off from his hold and maybe it's just your brain messing with you

Did he just frown slightly when he can't feel your hand over his anymore?

You go down from the passenger seat and you say

"What's your favorite comics, then?" You smirk, repeating the same question to him and he smiled

He squints his eyes for thinking a bit for a moment, "I'd say both too" he shrugs

"Really?"

"Yeah, my uncle owns a Venom comic book" he winks at you and you laugh in disbelief

"What? It's the truth? I have proof- I could show it you" he says with a confused expression

You breathy laughed "Okay, fine- Joe, I believe you, I'll see you later-

"Alligator" he finishes it and you snorted while turning back at him, heading towards at the school's entrance

You both shared a couple of laughs together, shared some stories about each other's lives

Eddie watches you pulling the stretchy cheese out of the pizza and you throw your head backwards as you raise up your hand to eat it

He dust off the crumbs out of his hands as he kept his eyes on you

You're giggling about the story that he almost punched Gareth for scaring him, one time at a band practice

He has very active reflexes, he warned you not doing the same thing that his friend had done

"Of course, I wouldn't do that to you, Joe" you cackled and while licking off your fingers from the residue of the pizza, you take a sip of your soda

There's two slices left of the pepperoni pizza, he gave you the other half, you mumbled a soft "Thank you"

"Okay" he starts "besides Audrey Hepburn, what else do you like to watch?" he finishes with his mouth full

"Hmm" you hum while taking a bite from the crust of the pizza "Can't Buy Me Love by Patrick Dempsey is really nice"

"Oh, you're also into that kind of teen movies, huh?" he licks off the crumbs from his lips while he reaches for the tissues

"Yeah, I do" you swallowed "Some of the teen movies, I relate to it a lot especially when it's John Hughes" you say

"John Hughes is the man!" He put his hand over his head making a mind blowing motion and you laughed

"Yes, he is" you chortled

"I just- I love everything about art in general, you know? I love music, films, paintings...." You trail off while letting out a sigh as you lay your back against the seat

His eyes you for a minute, admiring how you look tonight as if he didn't saw you earlier at school

"I know what you mean by that, Sabrina"

You look into his eyes and you smile, oh- god he always loved your smile

You lean forward with both of your arms propped up as you crossed your hands together resting your chin on top of it as you say "ooooh- tell me about your music? like what else do you enjoy listening?"

He popped a spearmint chewing gum on his mouth and he offers you a stick and you kindly accept it

He chuckles and shook his head "I think you already know what I'm listening to" gesturing to his outfit

You rolled your eyes at him and he laughed "No, I'm serious! Eddie!" you slammed your hands on the table with a raised eyebrow

"Woah, okay since you called me by my real name, fine" he held his hands up but can't help smirking at you

"I love Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple and all that jazz" he plays with his fingers by waving it ridiculously and you giggled

"I do enjoy listening to Earth, Wind & Fire and Tears For Fears" he shuts his eyes while opening the other one slowly, he thinks that you judge him for it but you didn't

Instead, he saw you- almost like heart eyes of what he just said

"Aha! I knew it you're a music lover just like me!" you cupped your face together and you flash out an elated smile at him

He finally opens his eyes as he chuckles softly

"What did you mean?" He asks

You tilt your head at him "You know" you shrug

"No- I don't" his eyes goes side to side as confusion takes over him

"You're open to all music genres! that's what a real musician is!" You wink at him and he blinked, he covers his flaming hot red cheeks with his hair hoping that you didn't get to see it

And yep, you didn't saw it- how freaking clueless you are

"You knew that I play guitar?" He asks, while scratching his head

"Duh, you have band called Corroded Coffin right?" You wipe your lips with tissue paper

"Y-yeah, I do" he smiles

"And I know for sure, you will do great things"

Oh- his love for you continues to grow and grow

"Really?" He squints his eyes as he asks again

"Really, really" you smiled at him

He invited you to come at Jeff's party and he didn't expect that you will indeed come

*Michael Jackson - P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) playing at the background*

You dance across the floor and you let the music takes you into your system

Eddie is having another negative thoughts feeling that you won't hang out with him after the project, he double take when you caught him frowning

You tilt your head at him and he is taken a back and you smiled, he is confused

"Why so blue?"

"uh-" he stammers

You laughed "Come on, dance with me!"

You reach for his hand and you drag him, he just sways with you shyly

"Don't worry too much, Eddie"

He looks at you and listens

"There's so much to do while you're here in this world, so just have fun!" You say while you're bopping your head into the beat

He just continues to sway, you managed to brighten him up just like that- he loves watches you throughout the party

Your teacher gave you 2 weeks to finish your project

You insisted to buy all of the materials needed for it, Eddie wants to contribute but you take it down and you assure him you got it covered

You both take turns to sketch the picture on the illustration board

Eddie is the one who draw first, you're shocked when you saw his sketch, it's not yet finished but you already get the idea

You and him, both arms are hanging each other shoulders, looking around at all of the things you both love and enjoy

from music to films, you admire his creativity and talent

Eddie's heart skips a beat as he watches you complimenting his good work

Next Monday, is the deadline

while finishing up the project over at Eddie's trailer, you're now coloring the drawing that you both did together

He carefully putting more details on the picture as he pokes his tongue out in concentration

Your stomach is laying down flat on the mattress as you start to shade the drawings

You're hesitant to ask him but you put down the colored pencil on the side- "Eddie, I have a question" you say as you look at him at his behind

He's on the chair, dusting off the eraser residue at the table

"Shoot"

"Have you ever...." you look down for a sec and you blinked "fall in love?"

Yes, he did- it's you

The tip of his pencil breaks as you finished the last line, his breath catches from his throat

He slowly turns around, his eyes meet yours and you're waiting for an answer

He clears his throat, he can't even look into your eyes that long "Uh, I think- I" he stammers

"Dinner is ready! Come out and eat!" Wayne called

You glanced at the door and you get up from the bed but as soon as you reached for the doorknob

"I-I haven't experienced what it felt like- I don't think that I did" he answers

Dumbass

"Me either" you chuckled slightly, not turning around just yet

He looks at you from the back of your head "but I do know what love is"

You finally turn around at him with amused look at your face "You do?"

"Yeah" he smiles

Your face falters a bit and Eddie notices it "what is it? and also why are you asking me this?"

You shrug "it's just a thought, I just wanna know what you think"

Eddie nods, he hopes he had a chance with you

and then he blew it up

moments later, Eddie gave you a lift to go back at your place, he should've told you the truth

A minute that Eddie left, you've been pacing around your room, are you falling in love?

You're confused, you never had this before, you don't know what to do so....

You called Max to come over

You both catch up from all the things that happened

Max find out that Gareth wasn't so bad at all, she understands why Lucas likes him

He is very determined when playing D&D and sometimes when Eddie takes it too far he becomes even more dramatic

She also finds that they both love the film "Karate Kid", and you guys chatted with each other over an hour, you both laughed and gasp

Even you don't say anything, this is not your usual hang out together

Calling someone to come over means something else

"Come on, fess up, what's going on?" Her voice is in serious tone

You're both sitting on the top of your bed, you take a deep breath, you look down

"I think- I-I'm falling in love, Max" you raise your head slowly to meet her gaze

She immediately bounced from the bed "with whom?"

But before you can respond, you and Max looked at each other as she slapped her hand against her mouth with wide eyes as she realized

"Yeah" you chuckled unenthusiastically

"Eddie, huh?" she nods with a smirk from her face and you throw a pillow at her and she laughed

"I asked him if he ever falls in love"

"So? What did he say?"

"He said.... that he didn't?"

"Well, maybe he's just afraid of rejection"

"Rejection? that's bullshit, Eddie is really wonderful guy"

"Oh gosh, Y/N! You're so in love!"

You shoved your face with your hands, your voice became muffled under it "yeah, I'm definitely falling in love"

"What should I do?, if ever that happens"

"Just say what you feel"

"That's really hard, Max"

She giggles "No, I'm serious! Just say what you truly feel, you know, Lucas and I back then we lack of communication because both of us don't say what we really meant so end up arguing sometimes"

You gave her a squeeze from her shoulder as she sighs "ever since we started to say the truth with each other nothing has ever bad between us"

"I may not know, Eddie, that well but I've never seen him this happy like genuinely happy" she added

"You too, like I mean- you always been so cheerful person, building up everyone's mood, you remove the cloud from them" you both laughed when she gestures thunder with her hands

"You'll be okay, Y/N, you'll see"

"Thank you, Max"

you hugged before she left your house

It's Monday

You both presented your project so proudly and you both explain it so very well

"I found out that we both love almost everything that we enjoyed" you glanced over to Eddie and he smiled

"Over the course of hanging out together, I also found that Eddie is a really nice guy, he is not what you think he is" you emphasize the last line and he looks at you with so much adoration

"The best part is that I developed Friendship from him" you end your speech and Eddie is the next one

He sheepishly smiles at everyone

"Your turn, Munson" Ms. Amelia says as she grading your presentation

"What I like about Y/N is that she's so fun to hang out...."

He is lost for words when he meet your eyes again and you grinned at him

"S-she is so cool that she knows a lot of things better than me" you chuckled and you say sorry

"The best part is that whenever I'm with her, I forget everything that is killing me, when you're with Y/N all of your sadness will fade away"

You blinked at him, your heartbeat became shockingly rapid

You glanced at Max, she gives you a knowing look and you swallowed nervously

"She's so full of life, kind, thoughtful, really amazing" he said while he locked eyes with yours

"Ms. Amelia, I found-" the bell rings and everyone started to applause for a bit and get out of the class to eat lunch

"Impressive presentation" Ms. Amelia smiles at you as she gaves you the paper

You read the criteria and you guys both got an A+!

Eddie come cover to your side as he also jumped with excitement, pumping his fists in celebration

"We did it!"

"Yeah, we did!"

"We make a pretty good team, don't we?"

"You have no idea"

You both smiled each other and it felt like the time stopped, what is this feeling?

You look down becoming shy to look at his gaze again

"Oh, we go to the cafeteria now" you hold his hand dragging him out of the classroom

Eddie is appalled from your action and your touch, your hand is so soft and he can't stop staring that you're holding his hands

Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max, Gareth, Jeff, and Duff congratulates the both of you

"Y/N does presentation so naturally, if only Gareth stopped laughing earlier" Max groans while she ates her sandwich

"He is always unserious" Duff snickers nudging Jeff's arm signaling that Eddie is so lovesick with you

The situation is even more laughable because you don't even see it, you don't even notice it

Eddie just sighs in content as he watches you flip your hair over your shoulder and giggle at Dustin's corny jokes

"Don't give him that Y/N!" Lucas exclaims

"Y/N is always bubbly, you know that Lucas" Mike chuckles

"I give the best jokes ever" Dustin smiles in satisfaction

The school's over, Eddie gave you a lift to get home and unexpectedly you hug him for the first time and you gave him a last squeeze before you let him go

"Thank you so much for everything, Eddie!"

"No Joe?" Eddie smirks

You laughed "You know what I mean" you smile

You turned around to walk inside but he spoke "Hey, Y/N"

You look over him at your shoulder "Yeah?"

"I-I just wanna say, I've had a great time"

"This won't be the last time since we're friends"

He doesn't want to be friends with you, he wants something more than that

His mood shifted a bit and you furrow your brows "yeah, um- goodnight, sweetheart"

"Goodnight, Eddie"

He didn't even take one last look at you before he left- that's new....

Out of nowhere, you caught a fatigue, your muscles felt sore, and you had a slight fever

You can't get up and your mom told you to skip the class today...

You check your temperature and it says 37.5 and you winced it while you look it

You throw your head back at the pillow and stare at the ceiling for a bit

There's this feeling inside of you like you're searching for something, are you longing for someone?

You turn on the other side and you shake your head at the thought of it

You gasped when the realization hits you

"I miss..... Eddie?"

You slowly get up and sat on the bed

"I love Eddie?" It sounds so new to you and it feels different but it's so good to say it out loud

You finally stand up on your feet and say "I love Eddie Munson!"

You seething at the pain you felt when you try to get up but you have to- you have to ate something for strength

So, you walk down headed towards at the kitchen

"Where is she?" Eddie kept tapping his pencil on his desk when he kept glancing at your empty seat

As if the more he stares at it, you might appear but you didn't

He is worried, you never missed a day in class, you never skip for no reason...

Eddie is now overthinking, he thought you didn't like the things he say over the presentation yesterday

Maybe, you're just late, maybe, you'll attend the next period

Turns out, you didn't as well

While walking down the school hallways, he looked over at your locker....

He is not used to this, not having you around

He supposed to get, warm smiles, he supposed to hear your sweet laughter, maybe even a hug, but he didn't get any of those today

"Uh- hey, Red- have you seen Y/N?" Eddie asks while lining up for lunch holding a tray

"No, I haven't since this morning, you know, I was supposed to ask you about her too, damn" Max shakes her head, as she raises her tray to place the meal plate on it

"I have to see her" Eddie can't calm down without knowing if you're okay or not

Max hides her face and smirks in excitement and she is thrilled about you had that effect on him

"Then you should go, right now" Max says plainly

"What?"

"I'll let you know what will happens throughout the last period, okay?" Max raises her eyebrows and gesturing to leave the cafeteria

"O-okay" Eddie runs away and leaves his tray

"Go get your girl, Munson!" Max giggles and she saw over at the table

Gareth, Jeff and Duff both share high-fives with each other and laughed

Lucas, Mike and Dustin their jaws dropped on the ground of shock

Lucas walks towards to Max "you have a lot of explanation to do"

She tuts "y'all blind, dumbasses" Max snorts

Eddie finally arrived at your doorstep

He breathes heavily while he places his hands over his knees

Catching up with his breath, he knocked at your door rapidly

You flinched at the couch while having a blanket hung around your shoulders

"Who could that be?" You headed towards the door and words caught up in your throat when you finally lay your eyes at the certain metalhead you've been looking for since morning

"Eddie-"

He shushes you "Please, let me explain"

"I don't know why you didn't come up to class today, I know why, because you told me, you just wanted to be friends but just listen to me- remember when we're making our project and you ask me if I fallen in love?"

You nod and you gulped

"I did, and it is you, Y/N"

You stare at him, he's telling the truth

"But I understand, you don't want to have me, I respect that, but I just wanna let you know that I do and I'll never regret that I told you what I really felt whenever I'm with you" he pauses, taking a deep breath

"I love when you pulled the melty cheese on the pizza, I love it when you ramble all about your faves, I love that you have the ability to make everyone's day happy, I love your smile, your hug, your laugh, I love you so much, Y/N"

Despite the bodyache, you're having- you feel like light as a feather- it's like you're above the clouds as he confesses his love for you

He waits for your response but you just remain silent, he turn away from you, holding up the tears from his eyes

"Eddie- wait"

He gasped and he turn around at you immediately, he is nervous of what you're about to say

"I think I.... I love you too" you let your happy tears fall and you sniffled and chuckle a little bit

"I know I was oblivious but everything seems clear to me now, I was confused and didn't understand back then.... but right now- it just feels right when I finally let myself feel it"

Eddie blinks and a smile grows on his lips as he moves closer to you

"I love y-" Eddie held the back of your head and he kisses your lips- you squealed as he pulls you closer, you close your eyes you kissed him back, you place your hand on his chest as he deepens it

By the time he touched your neck, it felt hot

He pulled back "Woah- woah, you're burning up, what- you have a fever?!"

You shyly smiled at him "y-yeah" you laughed

He connects all the dots and the awkward silence fills the air

"Damn" he chuckles, he scratches his neck

"That's why Max don't have any idea what's going on with you because you don't have the energy to tell her"

"Yup"

"And here I am, confessing my feelings for you" he grins awkwardly

"It was really cute and romantic! You don't have to be embarrassed by it!" You wrap your arms around him and he blushes

"You made me feel so good inside, I just want a girl just like you, such a pretty, pretty young thing" he says as he kisses your forehead

You became flustered at his words and you roll your eyes playfully "You can come inside, let's watch Sabrina?"

"Sure, on one condition" he holds up his index finger

You went quiet for a moment

"Let me take care for you, sweetheart" he held your cheeks

"That's the reason why you're here" you smile at him and he chortled

"My pretty young thing" he thinks to himself as you tagging him along inside

🎶I want to love you (P.Y.T) Pretty Young Thing, you need some lovin' (T.L.C) Tender Love and Care, and I'll take you there🎶

[pearynice]

✨Fic Recommendations✨

So I've never really posted anything like this before but I just read some truly amazing fics that I feel like do NOT have enough kudos so I have to scream about them here, and I always love hearing what other people are reading so I thought I'd shout into the void too.

TLDR;

As The World Falls Down

you must have known for a long time (the shape of things to come)

Such An Oversight As To Rank As Egregious

Summaries and my comments below the cut (:

As The World Falls Down by daeneryske on Ao3 - 244k words

Summary: After saving Eddie from the Upside Down, Steve hides him at his house while the party concocts a plot to clear Eddie's name. What Steve doesn't expect is how much he likes hanging out with Eddie as they get to know each other.

Under the looming shadow of the Mind Flayer threatening to destroy Hawkins, Steve and Eddie realize they're each grappling with their own darkness, from Steve's father's impossible expectations to Eddie's feelings of worthlessness.

Their friendship develops into something more even as the party prepares to fight Vecna and his monsters one last time. Steve must decide if he's ready to shrug off the rigid roles assigned to him and become his own person. Eddie must learn to embrace what Steve has been trying to show him every day since nearly dying: that he's worth saving.

Y'all. I just finished this fic and... it truly left me speechless. It's so beautiful. I cannot overstate how much I loved this fic. If you need a good, long fic to sink your teeth into, please, please read this! It's tagged as slow burn but for the length of this fic Eddie and Steve are together for like... 80% of it. Just being fucking cute and in love while they deal with what life throws at them. Reading the development of their relationship was truly so special. I selfishly wish the author had more writing on Ao3 for me to read!

you must have known for a long time (the shape of things to come) - by brakers91 on Ao3 - 31k words

Summary: “Tower two?” Steve’s uncertain voice crackled through the radio. “You there, man?”

Eddie held down the button, opened his mouth, then snapped it shut again and released the button. He did it two more times. Shit! Steve would surely recognize his name. That was the last thing he needed.

He made a split-second decision and pressed the button to talk. “Yea, yea, I’m here. Sorry. Uh, bee got in. I was trying to get it out the window. I’m, um- Eddie Makowski.” His intonation raised at the last syllable like he was asking a question. He cringed. Hoped Steve didn’t notice it.

There was a long silence. Then, “Makowski, huh? Ok. Um, nice to meet you then, Eddie Makowski.”

or: Eddie gets a summer job, not knowing Steve will be his only coworker. They fall in love over the radio waves.

Soooo this fic actually made me cry. At work. My boss was very uncomfortable. Steve is just so soft with (traumatized) Eddie and he's just so kind and understanding and I think I've read it at least twice because it just feels like a gigantic, warm hug.

Such An Oversight As To Rank As Egregious - by hitlikehammers on Ao3 (they are also on tumblr! @hitlikehammers) 6k words

Summary: “I fucked up.”

Wayne takes a seat in his recliner but leans forward, full attention. It’s not that he wholly doubts that his nephew could, maybe very well has fucked up, he just highly doubts that’s not a particularly dramatic and probably inaccurate way of phrasing it.

Also? If Wayne’s picked up anything about the relationship Eddie’s built over more than a year, now, it’s that it’s one of odd but undeniable equals. Adults, who squabble and shout and sometimes storm out but usually only because they recognize the need to step away, take some air. Adults who disagree, sometimes in big loud ways, but still don’t spend their nights alone.

Almost ever.

So: whatever the fuck up is? Wayne’s…just not too concerned.

“How’s that?”

Eddie’s eyes flick up from what he’s reading, not even scared. More…ashamed.

Devastated, and ashamed.

So Wayne pays extra close attention when Eddie shakes his reading material, oh: a calendar. The calendar. With all the anniversaries on every goddamn day.

Eddie tosses the calendar on the table and moans, despondent:

“I missed one.”

So I have 100% loved everything I have ever read by this author. It's all just so beautiful, but if I HAD to pick a favorite... it would be this one. I love Wayne SO MUCH in this fic it almost killed me. So you should read all of them, but especially this one.

[castlebyersthoughts]

To add to your post about Mike and Will saying “I love you” to each other. Yes, it would be cute to have Mike let it causally slip out in conversation or to have them say something just as meaningful as a substitution or to say it without saying it but I think another option is just to allow them to actually definitively say—I love you. To speak the whole truth. In a world that begs you to conform to what it deems normal. To repress parts of yourself and give in to the pressure of societal expectations. To know that if fate had its way you’d end up like every other tragic queer love story that came before you. To say that if it’s me against the world then I want you right there next to me. To take hold of the reins. Remember this isn’t just Will thinking his love is unrequited. Mike also believes it’s unrequited. I think some people have come to see “I love you” as something negative in ST. Thinking that only those who don’t really love each other have said, but Jonathan and Nancy have said it. Jonathan said it to Will. Joyce is constantly saying it to Will. Yeah there are many ways to say it and there are many ways to show it without having to say it but I think it’s more about those couples needing to say it because they couldn’t show it. Mike’s storyline has centered around this one particular phrase for two seasons and up until now he hasn’t, on his own accord, been able to truly say it. To finally, unapologetically and unabashedly, look Will in the eyes and confidently say “I love you” and mean it with every fiber of his being. To know that at one point they both probably wished for it to not be true. Denied it and pushed it so far down in the hopes that it would just go away only for it to come roaring back even stronger. Growing and growing until they couldn’t deny it any longer. Something so fundamentally true that I think when the time comes it will be hard for them to contain the words.

That is a great addition to the post, anon, thank you for that. I understand your perspective very well but I am quite torn on this subject. On one hand, I can see how important saying the words out loud would be since Mike and Will's love is a love that doesn't conform and even had to be hidden during that time period. It would be a very powerful and liberating way for them both to fully accept who they truly are and the love they have for each other.

But on the other hand, I can't help but feel that it might sound kind of cheap to the audience, since Mike had this big "love" monologue to El the season prior. The word would kind of lose its meaning, in a way? I genuinely believe that the writers can find a way for them to "speak their whole truth" without saying those three exact words. Jonathan and Nancy have said "I love her/him", but the writers haven't felt the need to show them saying it to each other. We just know they do. The only times we heard "I love(d) you" was for Stancy, M*leven, familial and platonic relationships, and Brenner to El about the lab kids (yikes). I'm not sure I want that for Mike and Will. I don't think it has to be any less impactful if they don't say it, on the contrary. They can have their own way of showing their love, without it sounding like they're still repressing parts of themselves, and it sometimes even holds more meaning. But this all depends on what the Duffers write.

I was thinking about how Will would have a hard time believing Mike anyway and this potential scenario just came to mind. Imagine Mike repeating "I love you" to Will but he doesn't believe him because he thinks it's a Vecna vision or something. Mike doesn't know what to do, but then he says something else, something that only the two of them know, a reference to a particular moment of their childhood or something, and Will immediately knows that this is the real Mike and he fully believes him this time. Because then it wouldn't just be empty words. (If anyone has watched The Magicians, kind of like Eliot saying to Quentin "50 years, who gets proof of concept like that? Peaches and plums, motherfucker" ugh I loved them so much!) The only problem is that Vecna can access all of your memories, I guess?

But if it's done well, I could totally accept an "I love you" for them in S5, because of the points you cited. It really depends on what the Duffers' vision is here.

Thanks for sharing!

Asks are open if anyone wants to chat!

[undreaming-fanfiction]

Lonely Times

I've been hooked on time loop Steddie fics, that's my drug of choice. And I have thoughts because when don't I have those...

What would it look like if one of the time loop conditions was that Steve can't tell anyone? Whenever he tries to, there is an immediate reset, and Steve tries working around it, really does, but it's as if whatever caused this wants him to suffer alone. He goes through several rapid loops just trying to communicate his concerns, but that's a no-go. Changing their plan turns out to be way more difficult because Steve isn't the brains of the group and everyone tends to trust Nancy more with planning, so he sets out to collect as much information as possible on his own.

Apart from the obvious downsides to all of this - dying, seeing his loved ones die, the healing of his wounds resetting every day - the worst part is having to pretend not to know anything others are saying. The vision Vecna showed Nancy? He knows it word by word, but if he tries to interrupt, summarize it faster, click, a reset happens. So he has to play his part, nod along, ask questions - at least his reactions don't need to stay the same, but it's tedious and it makes him feel so alone.

He's tried talking to Eddie more times than he cares to admit, has tried to figure out if there is a way to keep Eddie out of harm's way. For Max, the solution is more clear, stopping Jason Carver from destroying her lifeline - a painful lesson he learned the one time he squeezed into the Creel House team - was obvious, but with Eddie the danger doesn't lie only outside, in the swarms of demobats, it's Eddie's painful disregard for his own life. He's had numerous discussions with Eddie, going in his responses from appreciative to annoyed to genuinely curious because with what Steve knows will happen, he wonders - why doesn't Eddie ever talk about himself apart from all the coward stuff? He wants to see others happy so badly he'll throw his life away without a single thought. Steve finds the familiarity painful. And so keeps asking, keeps prodding, collects information like pieces of a puzzle and he can't help himself, the picture that starts showing up is lovely, it is complex and Steve knows he simply has to bring this damaged boy home, home to his loud music, his loving uncle, his secret ambitions.

He heads to Eddie's trailer when others are still talking, he says he needs some fresh air. He pokes around, finds all the weaknesses, the vents, the fragile doors. Even though others stare at him as if he grew a second head, he gives them all the details, suggests how they should adjust the planned defenses. It's not enough, but Steve has all the power in the world now, he knows how to work the system. The second anything goes wrong, he grabs Robin's shoulder and mutters the magical words: "I'm stuck in a time loop". Eddie won't remember the pain tomorrow, Eddie won't remember the things he told him about his mother, about how he got held back in school because the principal caught him kissing his nephew and that sparked a long vendetta that Eddie couldn't win against. It doesn't matter if Eddie doesn't remember, Steve will spare him the pain, will spare Dustin from losing him all over again. Maybe Steve also selfishly wants to spare himself.

The repetition drives him crazy, but it makes him more bold, less hesitant. He spends more time with Eddie in each loop, talks to him about all the topics in the world, and his heart aches whenever it's go time because he already expects another reset. If he sees any mistakes repeated, knows they won't make it, he just says the magic words and there it is, a second chance, third, fourth, twentieth. He doesn't even count, time doesn't flow the way it should in purgatory anyway.

"I think I've been falling for you," he says once to Eddie, ready to follow the sentence with the spoken reset button, but it doesn't happen, not then. Because Eddie looks at him, his dark eyes and full of fondness, and maybe he's been feeling desperate too because he tosses away the spiked shield and reaches out, strokes Steve's cheek, and Steve's feeling brave and stupid. "I want to know more about you. You're so interesting Eddie, so vibrant, and I don't care if it sounds like I'm losing my mind, because nothing matters to me now than seeing you alive and happy. To have you walk the stage and give the principal the biggest fuck you of his life because you made it. To go on tour or just play at the Hideout, to keep meeting with all the tiny shitheads and create any and all adventures you want, I...I need to see that happen." He covers Eddie's hand with his own. "Please tell me you understand," he whispers and Eddie does, not in words, he kisses Steve right there and then.

When Steve has to say the words that evening, when one of the vines breaks Nancy's leg and they hear Vecna walking down the stairs, disturbed by the muffled scream of pain, he decides that he will do anything and everything to have those lips against his again.

"I'm stuck in a time loop, Nance."

"Hey Robin, I've lived through this day before."

"Eddie is about to die in an hour and the day will reset."

In the end, he figures out the magical combination, just like he figured out Eddie, through trial and error and dedication. He proposes changes to the plan, adding to the "bait" - getting an additional speaker and placing it in another trailer, switching between them to keep the bats occupied, to draw them from one place to another. He's seen it many times already, Eddie can never feel like his job is done. He will keep him occupied. He will keep him safe.

Erica has to move positions, she signals from somewhere else to avoid being spotted. Lucas barricades the doors and places Max's walkman to a safer position. Steve and Nancy make their way upstairs and get Vecna, Robin stays outside and cuts off his escape with more Molotov cocktails until the two make it back.

And just like that, a dam breaks in their minds. "What..." mutters Nancy and stares at Steve as if she saw him for the first time. "Have we been through this before? I feel like..."

"Like there's a shit ton of memories in your head that never happened?" adds Robin and expects Steve to explain, knows he had something to do with it, but he doesn't have the time or energy for that, he just stares in the direction of the trailer park and runs, because if this is it, if others remember, then-

He meets Eddie halfway there, in the forest, near the place when Eddie told him a lifetime ago he should get Nancy back. "You..." wheezes Eddie and Steve presses the knuckles of his hand to his mouth to stifle an ugly sob, "...knew all along, didn't you?"

"Yes," whispers Steve and can't help it, pulls Eddie into a crushing hug, his own injuries be damned. "For such a long time, Eddie. It never worked out, I don't know how many times, but it's okay now, you remember, I...I wanted to tell you so badly." He's full on crying now, sobbing into Eddie's neck and he vaguely registers Eddie's hand stroking his back.

He's about to apologize and pull back, he never wanted to dump all this on Eddie, but Eddie holds him just as tight and his long fingers find their way into Steve's hair, gently massaging his head. "You did so good, Steve," he says and his voice sounds broken, quiet. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all that alone. I wish I remembered all of that sooner."

Steve gives a wet chuckle, still buried in Eddie's shoulder. "All of that, huh?" He wonders if Eddie remembers really everything, because then-

"Everything. But especially that one moment. I hope you haven't changed your mind about the falling thing," and Eddie is finally pulling away, just a little, to look into Steve's eyes. "Because if that was the only time I get to kiss you, this will be my villain origin backstory."

They are both laughing now, staring at each other through the tears and they can hear steps getting closer, Nancy and Robin finally catching up. "I'm pretty sure the info you have is outdated," says Steve and pulls Eddie closer, if that's even possible. "I'm way past falling now. I'm completely gone for you, man."

"Good, then we have something in common. I still don't get how you did it, how this whole loop thing came about, but I don't give a fuck. This is our year, baby," he grins at Steve.

And Eddie is right. It is.