#Indiana Cheerleaders

[tonyvasquez]

Indiana Hoosiers dominate FIU in the home opener at Memorial Stadium. Photos can be found on NUVO. https://www.nuvo.net/sports/indiana-hoosiers-dominate-fiu-in-home-opener-at-memorial-stadium/collection_2e37c9e6-6b15-11ef-9840-f74c632f482b.html#1

[sillylittleguy86]

the tenth cheerleader

[unamused-boss]

The Player and The Cheerleader

Billy Hargrove x Cheerleader Reader

Summary: All Billy thinks cheerleading is that's it's just flips and splits. The view changes when he has a run in with a certain Hawkins High School cheerleader.

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Billy didn't care for anyone by any means. Either it be in Indiana or California. If he doesn't see you as someone worth his time then he didn't talk to you or give you the time of day. One of those groups in specific were cheerleaders. From his point of view they were only pretty girls to look at, that's pretty much how everyone treated the cheerleader at this point. Pretty things to look at.

The cheerleaders sometimes had to share the gym with the basketball team. Which did peeve some the guys on the team but as long as the cheerleaders were pretty they could handle it. But there was one odd ball on the cheer team, the captain. Always mouthing off the players when they got to close to the cheerleaders or a ball got to close to hitting one of them.

"Hey! Shit for brains!" A voice can be heard from then other side of the gym. "I thought the point of the game was to get the ball in the basket?!"

"Jeezu..." Tommy huffed. "Can you seriously be pissed about the same thing every time? It's just a ball." He answered to you. Clearly tired of your constant shouting at the basketball team when a ball would go the wrong way.

"And it's just balls between your legs, and they can just as easily deflate." You sassed back. To Billy, it was almost comical to watch. You with the tough guy act, puffing up your chest to a dude way taller than you with colorful pompoms in each hand on your hips.

"What a bitch..." Tommy huffed again.

"Oh get over it." Billy snapped. "What's captain pompoms gonna do?" He laughed at his own statement. Like said before he found the whole conversation comical-

WHAM!

A basketball went flying right into Billy Hargroves head. He snapped his head around to see the who had the nerve to hit him. His eyes met with captain pompoms. The two had a stare off. That's what it felt like for the rest of practice. The two practically eyeing each other the entire time.

After that stunt was over, after constant staring at one another, Billy had only one reaction in mind. A big one.

The next day followed. Billy knew where he could cut you off and corner you, in-between Mr. Johnson's chemistry class and Mrs. Shoffer's English literature class. It happened fast no one could react to it, actually you doubt anyone saw it happen. What you thought was just another normal day of school turned out to be more than that. A harsh hold took your arm, taking you away from the crowd into the more secluded part of the hall. Where you came face to face with a fuming Billy. His jaw was clenched and eyes held anger.

"What, you think you're real funny for the shit you pulled yesterday?" He interrogated. "Try it again see what fuckin happens..." His threats did not stop. Well his empty threats. As much as you are terrified of what he could do, you knew he'd never act on them. Your brave front was standing strong. Taking in every threat, comment, and remark he could throw at you. To get a reaction, if you were a guy you would have answered with your fists at his first remark. But you are not. You are you. You knew the exact thing that would make him even more angry.

" You are nothing but scuff on the gym floor, and that's all you will be."

Billy did not like that one bit. Who does this bitch think she is? His fist rose into the air, readying to strike. The force came down, you felt the air brush past your face, to only make contact with a metal locker. The sound ricocheted through the hall.

You open up your eyes. Now, again, staring at him. Anger was not held in his eyes anymore. If was fear and sadness, to you it was peculiar expression to see on his face. The actions that just happened finally caught up to you, you inhale deeply not knowing you stopped breathing. Everything caught up to you.

SLAP! Your hand came down, striking Billy Hargrove in the face. Hard enough to leave a mark. Not knowing that one had just been healed from another hand. "What the hell is your problem?" You yelled, agitated. "God, you fuckin creep." You make your way back to your class leaving Billy stunned. He didn't know what to do. He has never had someone react to him like that before. It intrigued him. He had an interest in you now.

After that encounter Billy made it his mission yo agitate you as much as possible. I mean, how else are you supposed to show someone you like them. From poking you with a pencil in class, purposefully missing the hoop so the ball bounces into your direction, anything at all just so you could look at him. He was succeeding and he was royally pissing you off. Until on fateful autumn day, everyone had gone home for the day. Except for the extracurriculars that took place after school. Two of those being basketball and cheer practice. Just as the practices were about to start, Billy took notice that you weren't with the cheer team. Which he thought was odd, but instead he chose to go smoke a cigarette before practice. He made his way to the small alley like way that was outside the gym that lead to the track field. And the sight before him made him stop in his tracks. there you stood cheer practice outfit and all with a lit cigarette hanging from your lip.

"I thought cheerleaders didn't smoke?" Billy joked to you, giving you his famous smirk.

"And I thought shit stayed in toilets, but I guess I was wrong since you're here." You said taking a huff of your cig.

"Damn, always ready with a comeback are you?" Billy said, lighting his cigarette.

"Why are you messing with me Hargrove?"

"Ouch, last name basis now sweets?"

"Shut up." You won't deny it, that dumb nickname that he started calling you grew on you. "Is this because of me smacking you?"

"No."

"Was it me hitting you with a basketball?"

"No." He said blankly again.

"Then what is it?"

Billy took a huff of his cigarette then looked you in your eyes. No hate or anger, something you can only describe as adoration.

"I find you interesting." Was his only answer.

"What?" you were confused by this answer. What was so interesting about you that made Billy intrigued. " Your like curious about me or something?"

"Exactly."

"You know curiosity killed the cat, Hargrove." You sassed.

"And satisfaction brought it back, and I am not satisfied yet so get used to me sweets." He said taking his cig a stomping it out onto the ground walking away.

You grumbled at his response, inhaling the last of your cigarette with blushing cheeks. Stomping out your cigarette then making your way into practice. 'Why does this asswipe make me blush'.

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Weeks of this teasing have gone by. Everyday Billy would find a new way to make you mad, blush, or embarrassed to get a reaction out of you. He claimed "It's because you so cute." Which made you blush even more. Gosh, you couldn't stand half of the guys at this school. Why was Billy the only one making you feel this way?

Truth be told, Billy had seen you around way before he had met you. How you walk down the hall with your head held high, looking away in disgust at the "popular" kids, over all not conforming to what a cheerleader is by Hawkins view point. You fought, yelled, got in people faces. Billy love all of it, it made him excited. Excited to talk to you and ask you questions, even ones you deem are stupid. All he wanted to do was to be around you. Damn, he loved it in a way.

Practice had ended for the day leading off into the weekend. A light rain pour had come down, everyone else had a ride to get them home. Everyone except you, well you did but he was running very late. Billy made his way outside to find you standing in the walk way waiting to be picked up. Cigarette hanging from your mouth.

"What are you doing here?" Billy asked.

"Waiting." You simply put.

"Do you want a ride?" He asked.

"No, I have a ride." You said. "But he's running late."

"What your boyfriend?" Billy said, the words had jealousy behind them.

"No." You sighed. "My brother you dipshit."

"oh..." He sighed. A silence fell between you two. Not uncomfortable, but nice enough for you two to be around each other. But Billy had something building in his stomach, a nervous feeling. He hated it. He needed to tell you something.

"Hey." He called to you, you turn your head to face him. "I wanted to say I'm sorry for what happened."

"What?" You were confused by what he just said.

"I said I'm sorry, did you not hear me?" Billy said, He turned his body to face you. "I said I'm sorry." You just stood there silent. Still taking in the fact he is saying sorry. "I'm sorry that I almost punched you into a locker. I realized I was acting like someone I didn't want to be, and you calling me on my shit. It made me look at you differently. I noticed more about you. How you always make sure the other cheerleaders are okay, how you genuinely care about the people you have around you, and you don't take any shit. And- shit I'm bad at this." He's now embarrassed by everything he just said. Heat rises to his cheeks and ears.

You step toward him, placing your hand on his arm. "I thought you were doing pretty well." You smiled, comforting him in a way. He just looked at you. You never smiled at him directly but now that your smile was intended for him. 'damn' He wants you to smile at him all the time.

"Do you want to go on a date?" He asked straight out. You were shocked by his forwardness, but not entirely surprised.

"You want to go on a date with me?"

"Hell yeah, why wouldn't I?" He made it seem like you were speaking a different language. "Listen one date is all I ask, her if you still think I'm a piece of shit I'll stop everything that I'm doing."

Your smile grew even wider. "I would love to go on a date with you Billy."

"Dang, back on first name basis already? Looks like I'm getting a second date already." He joked to you, in turn caused you to laugh.

For the remainder of your time you and Billy talked till you had been picked up. You both talked about anything and everything. It was pure bliss, you loved every second of it. You both were abruptly interrupted by the honking of your brothers car.mYou said your goodbyes to make your way to the car. The smile that held your face did not drop. I didn't drop on Billy's either, when getting home Max found it incredibly disturbing to see her step brother so giddy.

That following night Billy arrived to your house to take you on your promised date. Which one date turned into another and another and another. Till it reached throughout the whole school that Billy Hargrove and the cheer captain were finally official. With many guys questioning Billy as to why he picked you out of everyone, to which he said if they insulted you again he had no problem with dealing with them himself. Girls just snuffed their noses up to you since you now made Billy officially off the market. Not like you cared, he's your boyfriend now and you have him all to yourself. So you could say everything did work out in the end. You and Billy have each other.

"So I guess we have Tommy to thank since he is the reason we met?" You joked.

"Hell no, I would have went after you even if you didn't hit me with that basket ball." He smirk.

"Jeez, you are something Billy." You smiled, leaning into him to seal your lips in a kiss. Yeah, nothing could beat this.

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[subcultureblues]

In The Same Boat

G | Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson + Robin Buckley/Chrissy Cunningham | TW: Period Typical Homophobia | Tags : pre-season 3

My take on “what if Eddie was caught loitering around Scoops A’Hoy trying to sneak a peak, by one Chrissy Cunningham… only to realize she was here for the same reason he was. And that maybe the Freak And The Cheerleader aren’t so different after all.”

———

Eddie drummed his fingertips on the table. Lifted his hand and looked at it with vague distain… Eugh. Sticky. He was sat in the StarCourt Food Court. And has been for kind of a while. His big pretzel and slushie long gone.

He checked his watch slyly. Ok, it’s been like 3 minutes.

He stretched his arms out over the back of the bench and very, oh so casually angled his head back towards Scoops A’Hoy.

He’s just… people watching ok?

Eddie raised an eyebrow as he checked out the sweet, sweet thighs on display as Steve Harrington wiped down one of the tables in the store.

Person watching.

Look, it’s… it’s not… Ok, Eddie doesn’t have any good excuse for this. He’s really only camped out here like this a few times. But summer started recently and StarCourt opened just in time for school to let out. Obviously he had to come check out this effigy to American corporate prosperity for himself. If only to bask in the air conditioning.

But those shorts man. Those shorts…

And now he’s bending down to pick up a napkin? That’s the real money shot. Eddie tilted his head back slightly. Should be on the cover of PlayGirl is where that should be.

Alright that’s long enough. He turned back to look down at the surface of the table. Next time he’s gonna bring a book. Or like a magazine.

Not that there’s gonna be a next time but - Alright, fine! Now that Harrington’s graduated, Eddie no longer has the luxury of leering on him in gym. And Harrington looks good in shorts. Really good. That’s not Eddie’s fault, is it?

God. The guys would laugh their dicks off if they knew he was here, creeping on the King. Eddie’s been telling them since freaking sophomore year, ‘No!, I do not have a crush on Steve stupid Harrington. That would be ridiculous!’

And you wanna know what they always tell Eddie?

‘What? Dude, what are you on about - no one even mentioned Harrington?’

Ok. Slight crush. Tiny crush. Literally barely even registers on the rictor scale of attraction.

Yeeeeeah….. They’d piss themselves laughing if they found out he’d fallen so far.

Eddie just thinks he’s hot. Is that a crime?

Well, ok, it’s not anymore in the state of Indiana.

And if it was - then he’s a criminal in desperate need of rehabilitation.

Ok, it’s probably been long enough. He looked back over the short lind of foliage towards Scoops and Steve’s behind the counter chatting with his co-worker. She looks super familiar. Like, so familiar. Eddie can’t place it but she definitely went to school with them.

God, that stupid asshole is so pretty when he laughs. Like an angel. A stupid asshole angel that Eddie wants to lick ice cream off of.

And looking away now.

He casually scanned the food court, because honestly not trying to look like a stalker when you absolutely are is teeth grindingly boring.

Wait a minute…. The family of four at the table booth in front of him is leaving. And in the booth directly behind them is… Chrissy? Chrissy Cunningham.

She’s got her head turned and she’s gazing through Scoop’s window too. And Eddie has a feeling it’s not ice cream she’s yearning for. Not with that delicate blush…

Ah. He thinks. Must be the ol’ Harrington charm.

Chrissy turned away and her eyes went wide when she saw Eddie looking. He gave her a small nod, they do vaguely know each other after all. They’ve shared a few classes. School talent show and everything.

Annnnnd she immediately whipped her head down, averting her eyes.

Eddie frowned. Figures.

He slunk a little lower in his seat and resumed drumming on the table. He was so focused on not looking at Chrissy he didn’t notice she was standing right next to him until she cleared her throat.

Eddie startled, swearing.

Chrissy Cunningham was now standing at the head of the table, looking down at him. She gave a shy little wave.

“I - hi.”

“Uh. Hi.” He said dubiously.

“Sorry, you caught me off guard there earlier. I didn’t mean to be rude.” Crazy thing is, she really sounds like she means it. Her voice is soft and shy and kind. And she’s nervously fiddling with her hands.

“No, no. I get it.”

“Get uh - ?” She scrunched up her brow, not following.

“Come on. I’m The Freak, yeah? No worries.” He shrugged. “I’m used to it.”

Chrissy frowned.

“I - That’s not what I was…”

“Hey, it’s cool. It’s cool, I get it.”

Chrissy only frowns all the harder.

“I think it’s messed up,” she said, quietly. “The way the guys at school talk to you.”

“You mean your boyfriend?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. He’s not trying to be confrontational, it’s just kind of a habit.

“Oh. Me and Jason broke up.”

“Oh.” Eddie said, the corner of his mouth turning down slightly, but not that apologetic. “I’m sorry.” He said anyways.

“Don’t be.” Chrissy said, “I - uh. I broke up with him.”

“Well, then con-gra-dulations for dropping that basketball case.”

Chrissy giggled a little.

“It’s uh, you’re… “

“Eddie.”

“Right. I’m Chriss-“

“-sy Cunningham.” He finished for her again. He gave her a neutral smile. “I know.”

He doesn’t live under a rock.

She smiled back brightly.

Then went ahead and sat down in the seat across from him. Which certainly has him raising an eyebrow.

“Soooo…” he’s not really sure what to talk about, now that she’s not walking away and forgetting he exists. “Uh. Why’d you break up with him?”

Chrissy shrugged, drawing her finger tip on the table.

“Guess I’ve been thinking a lot lately. Realizing stuff about myself. And realizing I didn’t really like the person Jason was. How he and all my other friends treat people who are different. It’s not - it’s not right.”

“Is that what you’re doing here all alone?” Eddie raised an eyebrow. Usually Chrissy’s surrounded by Jason and his back up singers or at least the other girls from the cheerleading squad.

“Yeah…” She said sadly. Then she shook out her ponytail and straightened her shoulders. She put on a smile. “And I’ve been uh - I’ve been trying to make new friends…”

“Ah.” Eddie smiled back, relaxing into his seat.

“What about you? You have all your friends from the club.”

“Hellfire.”

Chrissy nodded though not out of recognition.

Eddie shook his head, waving a hand. “Off busy today.”

“It’s the third time I’ve seen you sitting, right here, all by yourself.” She said, tilting her head.

“Oh, uh, I…”. Eddie blushes. Then his eyes narrow. “Wait, third time you’ve… What were you doing hanging around the food court, huh?”

Chrissy opened her mouth but didn’t say anything at all.

“Realized some stuff about yourself, huh?” He said crossing his arms, nodding at Scoops.

And now Chrissy’s blushing. Eddie grinned ruefully. Couldn’t exactly blame the girl.

“Yeah. You know, I’ve heard no one can resist that Harrington charm…”

Chrissy made a face, corners of her mouth downturned. She looked away. “Uh. Yeah. I… yeah.” She said, nodding anyways.

“Happens to the best of us.” Eddie shrugged. He would know.

“Well, what about you?” Chrissy said, changing the subject.

“What about me what?” Eddie shrugged, maybe purposefully obtuse.

“Every time I’m here I’ve seen you staring too.” She nodded at Scoops too. She looked at Eddie, biting her lip and raising her eyebrows like she’s got him now.

“Well - I… like to keep up to date on their specials.”

“From behind a row of plants.”

Eddie gave a confident nod.

“No… No, I think we’re both in the same banana boat sunday.” She giggled, very gently teasing.

“What.” Eddie sat up, shoulders tensing maybe a little defensively.

“Come on, it’s just a crush.”

“I don’t… “ Eddie shook his head. Looked away clearing his throat. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“She’s pretty…” Chrissy said. Eddie glanced up and Chrissy had her chin in her hand and was staring through the window. Watching the two sailors man their posts against a wave of incoming customers.

“Oh. I, uh - yeah.” Whew. “She is.”

Chrissy had this far, away look on her face. But Eddie was kind of busy wiping the sweat off his neck from that one. He looked down at the floor, raising his eyebrows in a moment of relief.

“I’ve only talked to her a few times…” Chrissy said. Eddie turned back watch her mouth twist up. “She seems really cool. We were all three of us in band together last year.”

Where they? Shit. Eddie doesn’t remember. Band was always right after lunch period and he was running those scales ludicrously, no - impressively high.

“Right. Yup.”

“I used to play flute. The clarinet section was right next to us. Is band where you two met?”

“Me and…“ Shit, shit what was her name shit.

“Robin?” Chrissy said, squinting.

“Right! Yes, me and Robin! Yeah, I totally saw her in band.”

Chrissy pressed her mouth together and tilted her head.

“Super pretty.” He nodded unrelentingly. “And cool.”

“Well. You’ve got good taste…”

“Can’t say the same about you.” Eddie said, maybe a lot self deprecatingly. Chrissy gave him a questioning look.

“I mean, if you broke up with Jason cause you think he’s a dick… Harrington’s not much better.” He sat back against the bench pressing his feet flat to the floor. He crossed his arms again.

Chrissy looked up and squinted, as if trying to recall something.

“I - I dunno. He always seemed… fine. Kind of quiet. Jason only joined the team last year but I remember… I remember him and the rest of the guys used to give Steve a lot of trouble too.”

“Really?”

Chrissy pressed her lips together. “I think it had something to do with Billy Hargrove?”

Eddie nodded understandingly. Yeah, he’d also heard tell that the King had been dethroned. Though, he was far too much an outsider to be privy to the high court’s tittering.

“He’s not a lot like his reputation makes him out to be.” She shrugged a shoulder. Eddie looked back towards Scoops. Towards the beautiful man with his beautiful hair. Eddie kind of preferred to think of his as some meat-headed jock he could jerk off to to forget about him. It’s easier, if he’s unattainable because Eddie thinks he’s insufferable. Rather than because, ya know, Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson would never have a chance in hell.

“I dunno. I never talked to him much.” She finished thoughtfully.

“Well…” Because Eddie was thinking now. Oh this could be good. No way was he going into His Majesty’s territory without backup (alone, looking like a loser). And no fucking way Eddie’d bring his friends. (They’d take one look at Steve’s outfit and so would start the teasing that Eddie probably thinks it only makes him hotter - and the worse part is they’d be right).

But. He had company now. It’s a win-win really!

“You feeling peckish?”

[wheels-of-despair]

The Hawkins Wives Pairing: Background Eddie Munson x Evil Woman Summary: Evil Woman's mom is invited to a Tupperware party! There's no ulterior motive here! The upstanding housewives of Hawkins just want to get acquainted with the new mom in town! Contains: Mom's POV, a common and socially acceptable 1980s cult ritual, concerned citizens, doubts, a warning, a sigh of relief. Words: 2.6k

Mary was starting to feel at home in Hawkins, Indiana.

She'd bought a cute house on a quiet street with a great yard that she'd love to fix up one day. Her kids were relatively close to their new school, which they did not hate, and her work commute was short and scenic. She liked her new coworkers. Well, most of them. The neighbors had welcomed her family with the customary casseroles and then backed off after the initial get-to-know-you stage. No forced friendships, no family drama, no barking dog next door.

She was quite enjoying her peaceful new life.

Until one of the neighbors caught her at the mailbox and insisted that she come to "meet the ladies" at a Tupperware party. Mary had accepted the invitation, although her suspicious nature told her it was a trap. She tried to reason with herself. She liked Tupperware! She liked parties! It was just a bunch of small-town moms socializing! There's nothing to be afraid of!

Still, she spent the whole week dreading the party, being teased by her children about her Stepford Initiation, and pulling things out of her closet and sighing and putting them away again. Why did this feel like high school all over again? Why was she so intimidated by these Hawkins housewives that she'd actively tried to avoid since moving here? What would happen if she actually fit in? Did she want to?

Her heart fluttered as she rang the doorbell at the biggest house in the fancy subdivision with the perfectly manicured lawns. A happy hostess gracefully ushered her inside. The house was full of smiling women with perfect make-up, looking like they'd just stepped out of the new Sears catalog. Mary felt a little underdressed and definitely under-permed, but the crowd was so warm and welcoming to the new girl in town, she quickly set aside her worries. What had she been so afraid of? Pleasant conversation and plastic kitchenware?

The party was fun. Everyone snacked on creative finger foods and drank wine and admired the brightly colored containers that brought them here. There were games, and prizes, and Mary even won a new piece for her collection.

And then, when the new product showcase ended and the ladies started placing their orders, Mary found herself sitting in a circle around the coffee table with a handful of women she'd grown almost comfortable with… and that's when she realized that she had, in fact, walked into a trap.

"Mary, why don't you join us for church this Sunday?" a permed and heavily perfumed woman named Laura asks. "I'll bet my Chrissy and your daughter would get along just great!"

Mary tries to smile politely, trying even harder not to imagine her daughter's response to being invited to church to hang out with a cheerleader. She's heard plenty about perfect little Chrissy Cunningham in the month since she'd been here, although she now realizes that her daughter has been purposely mispronouncing her last name. Before she can come up with an excuse, someone else speaks.

"Better act fast," a pastel pantsuit murmurs into her wine glass.

"Sue!" a tight perm hisses.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mary asks, not sure she really wants to know the answer.

Panic flashes through Pantsuit Sue's eyes.

"Please excuse Sue," the one called Ellen smiles patronizingly, carefully placing her wine glass on the coaster on the coffee table. "Her mouth runs faster than her brain. Got her into lots of trouble in high school, didn't it sweetie?"

Pantsuit Sue's face turns crimson.

Mary looks from face to face, wondering what the hell she's missing.

"Mary," Ellen says gently, "we're just a little concerned about the company your children keep."

Mary feels her hair stand on end.

"Now don't get upset, honey," Ellen continues, leaning forward. "You're new in town, and you don't know how things work here. But that's alright, because you have friends now. We're here to help you!"

"How so?" Mary asks, voice flat and body tense.

"Eddie Munson," says Connie, the neighbor who'd caught her at the mailbox and roped her into coming to this party. She shrinks when all eyes turn to her, but gathers her confidence and continues. "He's bad news, Mary. And he's at your house an awful lot. Even when you're not home. Do you really trust that boy alone with your daughter?"

"My son's there too," Mary points out. "And several more of their friends."

"Playing that devil music and getting into Heaven-knows-what," Laura supplies, lightly placing a hand to her chest. "Do you even know anything about that boy?"

"I know he's a good kid," Mary argues.

Does she, though? How much does she really know about Eddie Munson? That her kids like him? That he likes hard rock and pizza rolls? What could this boy have possibly done that's bad enough to have an intervention staged for her?

"My Jason says otherwise," Ellen says with raised eyebrows. "He's disruptive in class, always mouthing off and breaking rules. He has a permanent seat in detention."

"I heard he sells drugs," Sue whispers scandalously, summoning the other women to tighten the circle and share their own horror stories about Eddie Munson.

"Hasn't he failed like six times?"

"He's twenty-five! I don't understand why he's still allowed in school with children!"

"My sister was his kindergarten teacher, and she said she's never seen a filthier child in her life."

"What else would you expect from a child raised in a trailer park?"

"He never had any kind of raising at all, his druggie parents just turned him loose on the world."

"This is what happens when you don't discipline children."

"Oh, he had plenty of that. Don't you remember why his father finally got thrown in jail?"

"They should lock up all of the Munsons, as a public service."

"My husband is the manager at the power plant, and he says that the uncle is a hard worker. He might be alright."

"He's a drunk just like the rest of them, I've seen him coming out of the store with an obscene amount of beer tucked under his greasy arm."

"I've seen that boy drinking too, and smoking like a chimney!"

"I don't even want to imagine what their trailer must smell like."

"I heard that there are no cats in the trailer park, because the Munsons kill them and eat them!"

"Devil-worshippers use cat blood for rituals."

A hush falls over the circle, all eyes on the woman who spoke last.

"I read an article about Satanic cults!" she explains, face paling behind her large glasses.

"Why on Earth are you reading articles about Satanic cults?!"

"I want to know what's going on in the world!"

"Or even our own back yard!"

"I've written to the administration several times, but they refuse to disband that… that… demonic club he heads," Laura shudders. "I suppose it'll take a visit from Lucifer himself to make Principal Higgins take this threat seriously!"

"My Andy says it's a cult, not a club!"

"Imagine, allowing students to worship the devil on school grounds!"

"The man is either incompetent or a devil-worshipper himself, he let them perform their wicked music at the Battle of the Bands contest last year, too!"

"I remember that, it was so loud and scary it made my little one cry!"

"What's next, an instructional assembly on how to sell one's soul?"

"Horrifying, just horrifying."

"Ladies," Ellen says soothingly, bringing an abrupt end to the conversation. "Let's not get carried away." She turns her attention to Mary. "We're not trying to overwhelm or scare you, Mary. We just want you to be informed."

But Mary is overwhelmed. All this information at once, it's just too much. Why is everyone so terrified of Eddie Munson? Is he really in a Satanic cult? Is he dangerous? What's wrong with the Munsons? All of these well-dressed mothers couldn't be wrong, could they? They're just looking out for their kids, like she should be... right?

"Would you like another glass of wine, sweetie?" a woman whose name has been forgotten smiles sweetly. Mary shakes her head.

"I know this is hard to hear," Ellen says, patting Mary's hand. "But we want to help you. We're here for you, Mary."

Mary needs fresh air.

"I should go," she says, standing quickly and fumbling with her purse.

"Don't--" someone starts.

"It's alright," Ellen interrupts, standing and giving Mary a meaningful look. "Mary has a lot to think about, don't you Mary?"

Mary nods, finding herself unable to blink.

"Here are our telephone numbers," Ellen smiles, handing Mary a neatly printed sheet of stationery she'd seemingly conjured out of thin air. "We're here for you, Mary. All of us. You'll call us if you need anything at all, won't you dear?"

Mary nods, edging toward the door.

"Hope to see you in church on Sunday!" Laura calls.

Mary doesn't breathe until the car is in gear. She pauses at a stop sign three streets away and looks in her rearview mirror. Why does she feel like she's being followed? What the fuck just happened?!

She got ambushed by a cult of Stepfords, that's fucking what.

Her blood boils. They planned this. They all talked about her, and her kids, and Eddie, and got their heads together and planned to lure her to the rich side of town so they could frighten her into compliance.

And the kicker? Her dang kids were right.

She cracks the window for some air and presses the accelerator, replaying everything as best as she can on her way home.

She can't stop thinking about Eddie Munson. Is there a side of him she's never seen before? Is the politeness and the playfulness just an act? Is there a darkness inside him? Is it something that he was born with, as a Munson, or is there some truth in all that media panic about devil-worshippers? Is there more to that dragon game than just dice and imagination? Are her children in danger? Has her daughter been hoodwinked?

Hoodwinked? Mary rolls her eyes at herself. She's as bad as they are.

Her daughter is an unusually good judge of character. Mary had mentioned to her it once, meaning it as a compliment, and her firstborn had replied, "yeah, that's why I hate everyone."

Even as a baby, there were certain relatives she would not allow to hold her. It gave Mary great pleasure to know that there was something innately wrong with her mother, who couldn't hold the baby for more than a few seconds without an escape attempt and a round of squalling. The girl had always held everyone, except for her baby brother, at an arm's length.

Until Eddie Munson.

Mary had never tested the theory, but she suspected that if you tried pulling them away from each other, they'd snap back together like magnets. She'd never seen her daughter take to anyone like this. Her son, either. He tried to play it cool, but she remembers how excited he'd been when Eddie told him that he could join Corroded Coffin.

Which is not Satanic, by the way.

Mary sighs and pulls her car into the driveway beside the hulking van that belongs to Hawkins Public Enemy #1. She wishes she could ignore all of tonight's hysteria, but she can't help but wonder… there has to be a reason for all that panic, right? Surely a town full of grown women wouldn't feel this strongly about a child just because of his last name, or where he grew up, or a game or the music he plays?

Mary wants to bang her head against the steering wheel, but instead, she gets out of the car and walks inside.

Corroded Coffin is welcome to practice in her garage, but in order to keep the neighbors happy, they have to wrap it up by 5. It's well past cut-off time now, and Mary hears music and laughter coming from the living room.

She hangs her purse by the door and proceeds through the kitchen carefully, peeking around the corner and into the living room.

The kids have moved the coffee table to the center of the room, and are gathered around it playing Uno. They all sit on pillows on the floor. There are a few open drink cans on the table, and the room reeks of popcorn.

Her daughter grins wickedly and daintily places a card on the pile.

"Noooo!" Eddie wails, and the rest of the boys howl with laughter. "How could you?!"

Her daughter lifts both arms up in an exaggerated shrug, not a shred of remorse on her face. Eddie growls, launching himself forward and tackling her to the floor. Mary tenses.

But her daughter is still laughing.

He hovers above her, holding himself up by his hands on the floor, and leans down briefly to whisper something in her ear. Her daughter stops laughing and stares at him. Is he threatening her? Why aren't any of the other boys stepping in?!

Mary is half a second away from putting a stop to whatever this is, when her daughter makes a move.

She stretches upward from her place on the floor and kisses the tip of Eddie's nose.

He holds himself there for a second, and then his body just sort of… collapses on her. She grunts at the sudden drop, then starts to laugh again. She wraps her arms around him. One hand goes in his hair. The other rubs his back.

She's petting him.

He's nuzzling his face into her neck.

The pearl-clutching house-wives of Hawkins staged an intervention over an overgrown puppy.

There is nothing wrong with Eddie Munson. He's a teenage boy, raised by a hard-working uncle who's doing his best. Who cares where they live, or why his parents aren't part of the picture, or if a grown man drinks beer in his own damn home? Judging a person for things they have no control over is one of the most ridiculous things a person can do. And they've had it out for this kid since kindergarten.

Mary is glad that her family had the chance to make room for Eddie in their lives before anyone tried to interfere, because from where she's standing, he fits in perfectly. This boy is sweet, he's respectful, and he's good to the people she loves most. And as long as he keeps that up, she will welcome him into her home with open arms.

Those old bats don't know that boy at all, and they don't deserve to.

"Are you losers gonna get back up here so we can play, or what?" Gareth demands, catching sight of Mary as he rolls his eyes. "Oh, hey Mom."

Eddie's body tenses, and he scrambles off of her daughter and returns to his seat with a red face. This? This blushing boy is the devil-worshipping monster that every mother in this town fears?

Her daughter grins at her from the floor, making no move to get up.

"The Stepfords didn't even give you a Welcome Perm?" she asks. "Rude."

Mary rolls her eyes. That's a story for another time. Or maybe never.

"I'm going to take a shower," she announces, needing to wash this awful evening right out of her hair. "Carry on, children."

It doesn't occur to Mary until the next day that she left behind the Tupperware prize she won.

She has no intention of going back to get it.

It wasn't her color anyway.

[wormdebut]

Something something AU where Steve has pretty much almost the same Upside Down squad in Hawkins but Eddie Munson lives in Tennessee with his Uncle Wayne and his band Corroded Coffin, the neighborhood girl Max whose brother died in a freak car accident last year (RIP in pieces asshole), and his best friend Cheerleader and southern belle Chrissy Cunningham.

Turns out the upside down isn’t only thriving in Hawkins Indiana but also in Robinson Tennessee.

Cut to a few years after Eddie and his squad fucked with the Upside Down in Robinson for the last time. Chrissy and Eddie relocate to Chicago for Eddie to do a tattoo apprenticeship.

At this apprenticeship he is so blessed (Shout out to you, Satan) to be tattooing a very very very hot man who has…almost the same scars that Eddie does?

Eddie tries to telepathically communicate with this hot ass motherfucker, but That’s Max’s gig…not his.

Thus ensues a comedy of errors of Steve Harrington and Eddie Munson trying to tell each other without telling each other that they know exactly what the other went through, but Those Pesky NDAs.

Cut to Robin Buckley and Chrissy Cunningham in the Corner who had ultimately met because their platonic soulmates are so gone on each other.

Chrissy: “Why don’t they just ask each other about it like we did?”

Robin: “Neither of our dingi are very smart. I’m enjoying this.”

[withlovewriting]

All I Ever Knew, Only You 20: O Captain! My Captain!

Chapter Twenty.

For now, We are an unfinished story, Waiting to be written, For now, The pen lays sleeping, While the ink stands still

Summary: Hawkins was your typical quaint, mid-western town where nothing ever happened. People were born here, lived their entire lives within the town limits, and eventually died here, peacefully in their sleep. But one cold November evening in 1983 would change everything.

Despite a child with psychokinetic abilities and ravenous monsters that lacked faces, stranger things had definitely happened in the small town in Indiana. One of them being your reluctant and slightly imposed friendship with Hawkins High’s own King Bee, Steve Harrington.

Characters: Steve Harrington x Non-descriptive F!Reader (eventual)

Words: 4,870

Chapter Warnings: Mentions of alleged suicide, explicit language, there is a crash. Also, welcome to the floor... Scoops Steve.

Series Warnings: Strong language, mentions of underage drinking, mentions of drug use, canon-typical violence, mentions of alcohol abuse, mentions of possible mental health disorders, child abuse, slow burn, kinda enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, I like to call it ‘two idiots who begrudgingly befriend each other only to realize… ‘wait a damn minute…’, eventual sexual content, canon-typical time-period bullshit. 18+. Minors DNI.

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Chapter Twenty: O Captain! My Captain!

True to his word, as the clock hit 9pm, Patrick’s car came to a rolling stop a few houses down from yours. Sneaking from your bedroom, you peered into the living room where your mother was stationed in her usual spot, mouth wide open and snoring — the only sign that she was even still breathing — as the TV blasted some game show, an empty bottle half rolled under the coffee table.

Rushing back to your room, you opened your bedroom window gently — praying that if the loud television sounds didn’t wake your mother, neither would the squeaking of your window — and squeezed out of it, trying not to trample on the mud beneath it.

But you realized, maybe a little too late, that the car parked across the street wasn’t Patrick’s, it was, in fact, a black Jeep Cherokee.

Slowing down your pace, Patrick emerged from the back seat with a wince when he noticed your pinched brow. Was this the moment they threw pig's blood over you and sped off into the distance, laughing at you all summer long?

“Hey, so, I’m sorry about this. I mentioned tonight and they just kind of… invited themselves along to pick you up. I didn’t know what to say.”

No, you thought, your eyes darting toward Andy, who was making kissing faces at the window. You could’ve said no.

Patrick’s eyes remained on his sneakers, but the moment they peeped up toward you, shame and silent understanding evident in his large, brown eyes, you realized how hard saying no could be. So instead, you sent him a slightly strained smile and shook your head, “It’s fine. Really.”

His relief was evident, his shoulders sagging slightly as he smiled back at you before moving to open the door, “Cool. Great.”

The drive wasn’t the most comfortable thing you’d experienced, but thankfully Jason’s Jeep was big enough that despite being seated between Patrick and Jason’s girlfriend Chrissy, you weren’t really squashed.

Despite knowing Chrissy — or at least, of her — for years, it still felt strange to see the girl out of her usual green, yellow, and white cheer uniform. She had quietly mentioned going up for head cheerleader in the upcoming school year, and you couldn’t help but think that despite her ability and likability, she seemed awful shy for someone on the squad. Some of the other girls were vicious, and you couldn’t help but hope that Chrissy got the position over them, if only to make your own life easier.

The car came to a stop, the group exiting quickly as they began to make their way toward the boarded-up building.

“You good?” Patrick asked, hands shoved in his pocket as he waited for you.

Nodding, you remained quiet as you followed the group into the desolate building that once housed the best burgers in town.

Perching on one of the couches, you took a look around what you thought had been a deserted diner. Some of the booths were still intact, but there was graffiti all over the walls, and tables and chairs rearranged and huddled around a TV. How this place had power was beyond you.

“Pretty cool, right?” Andy smirked, throwing himself onto the couch, trapping you between himself and Patrick, holding out a beer for his friend.

You sent the boy a side glare, unimpressed at both his words and his appearance, “It’s something alright.”

“You show her the brain matter stain yet? When we first got in here-”

“Dude,” Patrick glared at his friend before sending you an apologetic smile, “I’m sorry. He has like, no tact.”

“Oh shit,” Andy laughed, sitting up straighter on the couch so he could angle his body toward you, “It was you who found him, right? Benny? Holy shit. I bet his head was mashed-”

“Jesus Christ, what is wrong with you?” Your voice strained slightly as you pushed yourself up from your seat and away from the idiot sitting to your right, “Like, really, Andy? Were you dropped on your head as a baby or something?”

The boy stood, anger pulling his brow together as he leaned a little too far into your space, forcing you to look up toward him. But Benny was a good man, and you weren’t going to sit here, in his building, and let someone like Andy talk shit about him.

“If you don’t like it, you know where the door is. Right, McKinney?”

“C’mon, man. It isn’t-”

“Right, McKinney?” Andy turned his attention toward his friend, knowing that he could easily make him back down.

Patrick turned his attention back toward you, embarrassment and shame evident in his eyes, “I can walk you home if you want.”

Scoffing, you shook your head, trying — and failing — to not take your annoyance out on the wrong boy, “I’m good, thanks. I mean really, do none of you feel even a little shame that you’ve broken into a dead man’s business? For fuck sake, it was Benny. We all came here growing up.”

As your eyes glanced around the group, Chrissy at least managed to look mildly ashamed of herself, and her boyfriend's actions.

“Look, it’s been abandoned for like, a year and a half. Benny was cool, he’d be-”

“Just drop it, Jason,” you sighed, making your way past the small group, “I don’t what I expected.”

As you pushed open the door, walking out into the cool summer air, you faintly heard Andy scoff, “Let her go, man. That’s what happens when you date losers.”

You’d barely stomped halfway down Randolph Lane when you heard your name being called behind you, and in your anger, you chose to ignore it. Unfortunately for you, Patrick caught up to you quickly, barely breaking a sweat even in the warm June air as he jogged to catch up, an apologetic and strained smile tight across his lips,

“I am so sorry about Andy. About all of that, really. You were right, it was disrespectful to be there, and it was stupid of me to take you there.”

Scoffing, you pushed your pace, as if the high school athlete wouldn’t be able to match it, “Whatever you say, McKinney.”

“C’mon, I’m sorry-”

Rolling your eyes, you came to a sudden halt, causing the boy to almost trip over his own feet in an attempt to stop too, “You know, it’s my fault, really. I was stupid enough to agree to what I thought was a date, with someone who I knew had meathead jock friends because for one, slither of a second, I thought maybe you were different. But I was wrong, and that’s on me.”

“Look, Andy was out of line, but I promise I’m not like him.”

Sighing, you shook your head, eyes softening slightly as you looked at his puppy-like expression, “I get it, alright. You’re… You’re a nice guy, Patrick. But I won’t wait around for someone to realize their friends suck. Speaking of, you better get back. Don’t want them to realize you’re out here, talking to a total loser, right?”

“I don’t think you’re a loser,” the boy sighed, carefully chancing a step closer to you, “Well, not a total one, at least.”

Despite your attempts to stop it, your lips quirked up slightly, “Now is not the time for jokes.”

“Look, I am really sorry. I wanted to ask you out, like, just us, on a date... but then I started overthinking it and I panicked and… And I ruined my chance, and hurt you. I messed up.”

“I mean, you already said Andy would be there, I really should’ve realized it wasn’t gonna be my kind of thing.”

Patrick sent you a sad smile, hands deep in his jean pockets as he rocked on his heels, “I mean, I wanted to take you on a real date, you know? Book a booth at Enzo’s, or something. I mean, I wouldn’t be able to afford it, so we’d probably end up at the Hide Away spitting a club sandwich, but-”

“That sounds much more my style. Plus, who doesn’t love a club sandwich?”

“So maybe, there’s a possibility that you could look deep down in your heart and forgive me? Maybe even, I don’t know… Accept half a club sandwich as a peace offering?”

You probably should’ve said no. You should’ve declined his invitation to walk you home and accepted that whatever spark you’d felt between the both of you was nothing more than a simple attraction, but something that shouldn't be explored. But saying no was hard.

It was a tale as old as time, like something out of a John Hughes movie. A popular high school jock and the unknown loser find something in each other that they never knew they needed. God, Steve had practically strong-armed you into watching The Breakfast Club enough times that you realized most teenage girls — yourself included — daydreamed about being a Claire.

It seemed, however, that despite the nymphomania, you were much more of an Allison.

Despite knowing Hopper wasn’t on duty this evening and that Paul — or Officer Greene, as he often reminded you — was almost desperate in his determination to give you a speeding ticket, all too aware that whenever a certain Chief of Police was on duty they would simply disappear, you paid no mind to the signs you passed, nor the stop signs you drove right through.

You were already running late, an issue with the Miss Pac-Man machine meant you spent an extra ten minutes watching Keith’s gross, Cheetos dust-covered fingers mashing the buttons before he finally allowed you to whack the side of the machine, causing the screen to eventually unfreeze, before you stopped at the Hide Away to grab a dinner order for Hopper and El. The girl was a menace for Eggo waffles and Hopper wouldn’t know a healthy meal if he choked on one, but you were determined to shove a vegetable or two down both of their throats.

Although Hopper had officially become El’s legal guardian — forged birth certificate to prove it — they remained in his grandfather’s cabin, rather than returning to his old trailer. Whilst he would tell you it was simply because there was more space at the cabin, you knew that deep down, Hop was also uncomfortable moving back into a place that the government had bugged. He was a little more lenient on letting El out of the house with the gang, but he was still hesitant around crowds, just in case.

When you finally reached the cabin, you could hear Hopper yelling about… something, as El’s music played from her room, the TV blaring as if attempting to drown out the song.

“Hop?” You called, shutting the front door, only to see him glaring into El’s room as she sat relaxed innocently on the bed reading, Mike chilled at the bottom with a comic book, “What’s wrong?”

He took a moment, eyes flitting between the two teenagers dubiously, before finally turning around to face you, “Nothing, I… Nothing. What’s that?”

“Dinner,” you offered, placing the bag down on the small table.

Peering into the bag, Hopper’s face screwed up slightly as he spotted the broccoli, “You know I don’t like that shit-”

“What, vegetables? C’mon, Hop. You’re a grown-up, it’s time to… well, you know, grow up. Eat a damn broccoli floret.”

“I eat just fine,” the older man sighed, grabbing three plates from the cupboard, fully intending to let Mike starve.

“Don’t act like you wouldn’t have finished off that bag of Tostitos for dinner if I hadn’t come here.”

“It was a snack-”

“-A family-sized snack, maybe,” lowering your voice, you pulled out enough cutlery for him and El, “I get it. You’re stress eating because of… well, that, but she’s fourteen, you’re going to have to trust her sometime.”

“Exactly. She’s fourteen. That’s exactly why I don’t trust her. Them. Him especially. Do you remember what you were like? Jesus…”

Despite the slight eye twitch, you decided to let Hopper’s comment slide, knowing he was just being a big baby about Eleven, “Anyway, I can’t stay.”

Jim glanced your way, brow pulled together in confusion, awaiting your explanation,

“I promised to drop off Mike at the Mall, which we’re going to be late for if someone doesn’t hurry up, and then I’m gonna hang out with Steve at Scoops for a bit.”

“So I get broccoli for dinner, and you get ice cream? That doesn’t seem fair, Kid. And should you really be bothering the Harrington kid at work?” Opening the fridge, Hopper pulled out a can of beer, opening it and chugging it a little too quickly.

Rolling your eyes, you knew exactly what Jim was trying to get at, “If you can survive off a dinner of free samples of ice cream, be my guest. Plus, it’s normally pretty quiet around now. I just wanna go mock him again over his uniform.”

“Oh, God. It is priceless.” Mike practically giggled, his dark eyes a little too amused to just be thinking of Steve’s sailor outfit.

“Yeah, it’s pretty great. But we needed to leave like, five minutes ago. C’mon, Wheeler. And Hop? Finish the broccoli.”

After suffering through an agonizing five-minute radio chat between Mike and El, who had literally just seen each other, you couldn’t get to the Mall fast enough.

“So, Henderson is home tomorrow, right? You planning something, or?”

Mike huffed a laugh, “Oh, yeah. But it’s a surprise, so… Plus, you’re not invited. No offense.”

Glaring at the boy, you continued to make your way through the Mall’s parking lot and toward the group of teens, “I didn’t wanna go anyway, Asshole. I was just being polite.”

Mike gave you a gentle punch to the shoulder — one that you returned — as you entered the Mall, arm thrown around Max’s shoulders as the boys began to argue about Mike’s tardiness.

“We’re gonna miss the opening,” Will whined.

“Yeah, if you keep whining about it. Let’s go!”

“He was too busy trying to retrieve his tongue from El’s mouth,” unable to hold in your smirk when the group made gagging sounds.

“Hey! You were the one having a Mother’s Meeting with Hopper. I could’ve biked here in that time.”

Shrugging, you turned to the boy, “Well, excuse me for talking down the man with a gun and a literal license to kill, who doesn’t like you. And next time, you can bike it.”

“Oh, El, I wish we could make out forever, and never hang out with any of our friends,” Lucas continued to tease the boy, despite the scorning he received from Max.

Making your way into the Ice cream parlor, you took note of Robin, who was heading the till, as you hung back, watching Mike press the bell repeatedly,

“Hey, Dingus. Your children are here.”

“Again?” Steve asked, pushing open the server window that separated the shop from the backroom, “Seriously?”

As Steve led the teens through to the conjoining corridors, allowing them to sneak into the Movie theater for free, you made your way to the counter, leaning against it as you greeted Robin, eyes roaming over the many flavors Scoops offered.

“Are you gonna buy something, or just look busy until he’s back to give you handouts?”

Scoffing, you pressed your nose against the glass knowing it would annoy the girl who would inevitably make Steve clean it later, “It’s not a handout if it’s free.”

“So the latter?”

“Yep,” you smirked, returning your attention to the girl who rolled her eyes as she tried to keep her own smile from her face.

“You need to stop bringing them here,” Steve sighed, acting like the 40-year-old single mother he most definitely wasn’t, “I’m gonna get caught, and then I’ll get fired, and then I’ll have nothing better to do than hang out all day at the arcade, annoying you.”

“Please, I only brought Mike here. Plus, nobody is forcing you to sneak them in. That’s all on you.”

Steve glared but had already grabbed a cone, awaiting your request. Before you could point to the Cherries Jubilee, the lights flickered and cut out, leaving the Mall in total darkness.

“That’s weird…” Steve sighed, putting the scoop back down and making his way toward the light switch, flicking it on and off multiple times.

“That isn’t gonna work, Dingus.”

Steve glared at Robin as he continued to flick the switch, only this time faster.

“Harrington, seriously, you’ll blow the fuse, stop being a moron-”

“Let there be light.” Steve smugly glanced your way, cone still in hand as the electricity around both the shop and Mall turned back on.

“You know that was a coincidence, right? It probably just took a minute for the backup generator-”

“I know, I know. I’m a genius. You’re welcome.” Steve sighed dramatically before returning to the ice cream and scoping you out the ice cream he already knew you were going to try.

“You know, the free samples are supposed to be sample-sized, right? Not a whole cone.”

“Don’t spoil my fun, Robin,” you sighed before licking at your ice cream.

“I thought your fun was coming here to mock his outfit?”

“It is. The free ice cream is an added bonus.”

Scoffing, Steve continued to serve the next customer, “I’m right here, you know.”

“Oh, trust me, I know. The outfit couldn’t have made that any more obvious.”

“I’m not wearing it by choice.”

“It’s fine, Steve. I heard the giant toddler look is in right now.”

Robin’s giggle only irked the boy further, his attention flitting between you both as he pointed his thumb toward the girl, “She’s literally wearing the same thing. We both look ridiculous.”

“I mean, not really. Rob looks cute, you look… like you’re late for a family photo shoot at Olan Mills.”

“Rob,” the boy mocked whilst Robin took payment from the previous customer, “What, are you two like, friends now or something?”

“I’m allowed friends that aren’t you, Harrington. Plus, she’s kinda cool.”

“She’s in band…” Steve scoffed, as if he were disgusted at the thought, “She plays the trumpet.”

Swiping at the boy’s hat, causing it to almost fall off his head, had he not caught it quick enough, you glared at him, “I thought you stopped being an ass.”

“I did!” He argued, brow straightening out a little as he realized what he was saying, “I… Sorry. You’re right. But she is annoying. And loud. And way too hyper. And kinda mean.”

“You’re kinda mean, too.” You sighed before wiping your mouth with the napkin that had been wrapped around your cone, “Just, stop being a brat, and give her a chance. You never know, you might surprise yourself.”

“You cannot lose your temper,” Joyce said as she continued around the aisle, using her pricing gun to stick on labels.

Making your way toward her — you could already see Hopper over the shelving — you sent the two a small smile,

“Is he still losing his shit over El and Mike’s spit swapping?”

Screwing up his face, Hopper glared at you, “Don’t call it that. That’s disgusting. But, Joyce… Maybe you could do it for me?”

“Do what?”

“A heart-to-heart,” Hopper said as if he’d never said the words before, “Joyce thinks I should have one with El.”

“I mean, that sounds like a good idea to me. But, really? Him?” You questioned, turning your attention to Joyce as you nodded your head towards Jim, “I don’t think he could keep his cool, even if he was sat in an ice bath.”

“It’s just… It’s infuriating, and I don’t know how to deal with this shit, other than strangling that smug, son of a-”

“Yeah, okay. Strangling a child, not very ‘Chief of Police’ of you…” you sighed, “I told you, Hop. She’s a teenager, anything you say — or yell — will fall on deaf ears.”

“What’re you doing here, anyway? Heading to work?” Joyce asked, turning her attention from the overreacting man-baby to you.

“Oh, no. I’ve already been there, Keith asked me to hand this petition into the Mayor’s office for Tuesday's meeting at the Town Hall. It’s about boycotting the Mall’s arcade, and considering Main is practically empty, I’m presuming Donald’s doing the same?”

“Yeah, it’s been empty all morning. You and Hop are the first people I’ve seen all day.”

“See, she never gave me any problems,” Hopper started up again, his finger pointed at you as he held his hat in his other hand, “Not boy ones, at least.”

“She?” You scoffed, glaring at the man as he continued to spiral.

“I mean, sure… Petty theft, and a ridiculous amount of speeding tickets, but never any boy problems.”

“Jesus Christ, Hop,” you scorned him, eyes wide at his sheer audacity, and thankful that the store was empty, “Why don’t you just take out an ad in the Hawkins Post and let everyone know?”

Hopper was, thankfully, completely unaware of any boy problems you’d had in the past, and you were beyond grateful. The idiot could barely handle El hitting puberty, god knows he would’ve had an aneurysm if he knew about your own boy-related issues.

“I’m just saying, you never slammed a door in my face.”

You didn’t want to inform Hopper that he had not, in fact, been around enough to have said door slammed in his face, but you decided one breakdown was enough for today. Even if he was being a total ass about it, “Right, well… I’m gonna go and hand this in, then I’m meeting up with Steve at the Mall. Free ice cream calls.”

“The Harrington kid? Again? Didn’t you just see him yesterday?”

“We’re friends, Hop. That’s what we do. Hang out.” Grabbing a box of tampons from the shelf which only caused the man to delve further into his meltdown, you handed Joyce three dollars, “And don’t worry, I’m not stealing them.”

Standing next to an empty booth, you watched as Steve tried his hardest to flirt with one of the customers,

“Ahoy, ladies! Didn’t see you there. Would you guys like to set sail on this ocean of flavor with me? I’ll be your captain… I’m Steve Harrington.”

“Oh, god.”

You couldn’t help but scrunch your nose up, the secondhand embarrassment radiating from you as the girls all giggled at Steve, and not in the way he was used to, as he continued his tirade.

Once the girls had bought their ice cream, presumably turning the boy down, and made their way out of the shop, you watched as Steve turned back to Robin, exasperatingly running a hand through his hair.

Making your way toward the counter, you leaned on it, awaiting the boy to turn around, “I thought it was the hat! It’s gotta be the whole outfit, right? Like, even Tom Cruise couldn’t pull this shit off.”

“I don’t think it’s just the uniform,” Robin smirked, marking another tally on her chart.

“Then what is it? Is it me? Have I lost my… My Harrington charm?”

“Why do you never offer to set sail with me on an ocean of flavor?” You said loudly, causing the boy to jump and spin around, grabbing at his heart over his shirt, “Do you not wanna be my captain, Steve Harrington?”

Steve’s eyes narrowed at your mockery as he adjusted his necktie back into place, “You’re an asshole, you know that?”

“A very hungry asshole. You wanna head to the food court? I’m craving orange chicken.”

Sighing, Steve nodded as he made his way toward the back, “Let me just grab my wallet.”

Robin watched as you both exited the parlor, Steve’s arm hanging over your shoulder as he pulled you close, only to get you in a headlock as you jabbed at his ribs in an attempt to get him to release you, and sighed,

“Yep. Definitely not just the uniform, Dingus.”

You’d only been home a few hours when your radio started to crackle, Dustin’s voice coming through as he called for ‘anyone with a vehicle with four wheels and an engine’ to come collect him, so he didn’t have to haul something called ‘Cerebro’ all the way home.

Since Steve was still at work, you knew you were the only one who was able to help, and although you’d never admit it, you missed the little sucker whilst he was away at camp.

Dustin, however, had talked your ear off, something about some Russian guys coming through on his radio — that was Cerebro, something he had created at Camp Know Where — believing they were spies.

You’d put your foot down a little faster then, hoping to get him home as soon as possible. Clearly, the boy was worn out from camp and needed to sleep off the excitement. Although his retelling of spraying Lucas in the face with hair spray did amuse you slightly, you weren’t in the mood to hear the boy’s conspiracy theories.

You were driving down Cornwallis, just passing the old steel mill on Cherry Oak when a car came swerving down, colliding with yours as it lost control, your head hitting the car door being the last thing you remembered.

Blinking once, then twice, you came around slowly, the pain on the left side of your head pulsing behind your eyes.

Unbuckling your seat belt, you turned, seeing the cracked glass of your window, your hand slowly reaching up to touch your head, flinching when your fingertips came away tinted with blood.

Stumbling from your car, the hood smoking and bent, you tried to regain your balance as you made your way toward the familiar Camero, only to find nobody inside.

“Billy?” You called, wondering if he too had suffered a head injury and wandered from his vehicle, “Billy, are you out here?”

Swallowing down the lump in your throat and attempting to ignore the pounding in your head, you turned toward the large steel mill doors. Brimborn had been abandoned for quite some time, so if Billy had wandered down there in an attempt to find help, he’d be shit out of luck.

“God dammit, Billy,” you sighed before making your way into the large, dust-covered Mill.

“Hargrove, you down here?” Your voice echoed around the barren building, as did the scream that fell from your lips when a rat darted out in front of you, before you muttered to yourself, “Jesus Christ, get a hold of yourself.”

As you ventured further, stepping slowly down the stairs, you saw Billy standing in the basement of the building, staring at a wall. Maybe he really did hit his head.

“Billy,” you hissed, unsure as to why you were sneaking around, almost like you were waiting to be caught by the workers that no longer existed, “Hey, Hargrove? What the hell are you doing down here? And why the hell were you driving like a total lunatic-”

“You should leave,” Billy said, eyes never leaving the wall. The monotonous tone of his voice caused your body to break out in goosebumps. It was Billy but… You couldn’t put your finger on it, “Go.”

Stepping back up the stairway, you kept your eyes on the boy, “I’m gonna head down the road and call for help. I think you might’ve hit your head. Just… stay here, alright? Don’t move, and I’ll be right back.”

The boy didn’t answer, instead continuing to stare ahead of him, you quickly made your exit, ignoring the pain in your head as you rushed down the road, looking for the nearest pay phone.

Eventually, you found one a little further down Cherry Oak Drive and called Flo’s office phone, asking to be put through to Hopper who, thankfully, was working that evening.

But as he pulled up to the steel mill with you in the passenger seat of his Chevvy, a spare napkin pressed against your head, you both remained in the car, staring out toward the rather empty lot. It was much creepier at night.

“He must’ve left,” Hopper sighed, noting only your car outside of the mill.

“Well, he shouldn’t be driving. His car had a huge dent in it, and I think he hit his head because he was just… staring. Like, staring at nothing.”

Hopper watched you for a moment as confusion crossed your face, causing your brow to pull together, “Well, I know you’ve hit your head. So c’mon, I’ll take you to the hospital, and I’ll call for a tow truck in the morning.”

“And what about Billy?”

“I’ll check his address, and see if he’s headed home. But you need to go get that checked out.”

Waving the man off, you pulled the napkin away, finding the blood was already clotting, “I’ll be fine, Hop. It’s just a scratch. I just… I wanna go home.”

In reality, home was the last place you wanted to be. You’d managed to wreck the car and had no way of being able to pay the repairs on it.

Your mother was going to kill you.

[story-box]

LITTLE RED & THE BIG BAD BURNOUT | Eddie Munson

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Reader | Eddie Munson x Y/N

Summary: On a cold Halloween night in 1980s Hawkins, Little Red Riding Hood trades her basket of cash and cherry lighters for weed, warmth, and a dangerously charming vampire metalhead named Eddie Munson.

---

You’re pretty sure the cape was a mistake.

Not because of the look—Little Red Riding Hood is bitchin', actually.

The black corset you borrowed from your sister (she doesn’t know, don’t worry), the ripped red tights, and the tiny picnic basket you’ve repurposed into a stash box all work together like a weirdly hot horror movie ensemble.

No, the problem is that Hawkins, Indiana is windy. And October is cold. Your knees are practically blue and you're not about to show up to the trailer park looking like a Popsicle.

You should’ve been at Tina’s party.

Everyone else was—dancing to Madonna, drinking flat wine coolers from a bathtub, pretending they weren’t all gonna peak at twenty-one.

But no. You’ve made it this far. The leaves crunch under your combat boots as you march up the gravel path toward Eddie Munson’s trailer. Halloween night. No school. And more importantly—

You knock three times, basket clutched to your chest.

“Trick or treat?” you call out, smirking.

The door swings open with a creak straight out of a B-movie, and there he is.

Eddie Munson.

His hair is a mess of curls, he’s wearing black leather pants (a crime against God and teenage hearts), a ripped Metallica tee, and vampire fangs. Plastic, obviously. His eyes widen the second he sees you.

“Well, well, well,” he grins. “If it isn’t Little Red in the flesh. Did the Big Bad Wolf send you my way, sweetheart?”

You tilt your head and step into his space. “I’m looking for something a little more… relaxing? Than Grandma’s house?”

His brows rise, clearly impressed. “You came to the right woods, Red.”

You step inside, the door clicking shut behind you. The trailer smells like sage, cheap incense, and whatever weed he probably just smoked. Dungeons & Dragons books are scattered across the coffee table, and there’s a vinyl spinning softly in the corner—some deep-cut Black Sabbath.

You drop the picnic basket dramatically on the table.

Is this full of cookies? Or…” He trails off.

“No,” you say, popping the basket open and revealing:

A lighter

A $20 bill

One (1) very stale packet of Gushers

A note that says I’m not here for conversation.

Eddie whistles. “Damn, Y/N. That’s either a proposition or a threat.”

You toss your cape over one shoulder and drop onto his couch like you own the place. “I’m here for one thing and one thing only.”

“Gushers?”

“Weed, Munson.”

He mock gasps, fangs still in. “My dear, sweet Red. Are you trying to buy drugs on Halloween?”

You shrug. “Better than candy.”

He plucks the twenty from your basket and winks. “For you? I’ve got something that’ll make the moon look like it’s dancing. Consider it a Halloween special.”

Eddie disappears into his room, returns a minute later with a joint tucked behind his ear and a grin on his face. He lights it with your lighter, takes a hit, and hands it to you.

“Careful,” he says, “This stuff’s called Ghoul’s Breath. Not for the faint of heart.”

You raise an eyebrow, exhale. “Is everything you sell named like it’s in a heavy metal horror flick?”

“Obviously.”

You plop down on his couch, cape billowing, and kick your feet up.

“So tell me,” you say, “What’s a metalhead vampire like you doing alone on Halloween?”

He flops beside you, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. “Hiding from real monsters. Cheerleaders. Jocks. Reagan’s America.”

You smirk. “I thought you liked cheerleaders.”

He grins, looking you over. “Only the ones who come asking for weed dressed like fairytale bait.”

You snort, trying to play it cool as the Ghoul’s Breath starts to settle in behind your eyes. “Fairytale bait, huh?”

Eddie leans forward, elbows on his knees, voice low and theatrical. “You’re telling me this doesn’t scream ‘final girl with a twisted backstory’?”

He gestures at you with the joint—corset, cape, and all. The flickering TV light catches in his eyes, making them gleam like he’s about to narrate a haunted house tour.

You take another hit and lean back. “I’m more of a ‘knows where the bodies are buried’ kind of girl.”

Eddie whistles, impressed. “Well, shit. Guess I better behave then.”

You grin. “Too late.”

The smoke is thick now, curling around you like fog on a VHS horror set. The music warps a little in your ears, bass fuzzier, Eddie’s laugh echoing slightly like you’re in a tunnel—or maybe just very, very high.

You glance around. Posters of Dio and Judas Priest stare down from the walls. There’s a giant skull candle on the TV stand. The place is a mess of dice, empty soda cans, and one very haunted-looking Ouija board peeking out from under the couch.

“Okay,” you say, shifting toward him. “Real question. You dressing up tonight for the party, or is this vampire thing just... your vibe now?”

He adjusts the fangs, gives you a mock-bow. “This is Count Munson, thank you. I was going for ‘gothic seduction meets taxidermy chic.’”

You squint. “That’s not a thing.”

“It could be.”

“You look like Lestat got kicked out of high school for selling weed in the parking lot.”

Eddie beams. “Exactly the goal.”

There’s a beat of quiet—comfortable, lazy. Somewhere outside, fireworks go off. Or maybe a car backfires. Either way, it fits the soundtrack. You watch as Eddie fidgets with the rings on his fingers, and he watches you watching him.

Then, softly: “So what’s really up, Red? You could’ve gotten high with, like, a dozen other freaks tonight. Isn’t Chrissy having a thing? Why come here?”

You pause. The joint is a glowing stub in the ashtray now. The air feels warm, too warm, but not bad.

“I like the company,” you say. “And Tina’s party has too many skeletons I haven’t buried yet.”

Eddie tilts his head, curious. “And I don’t?”

You grin. “Yours are more fun. And stoned. Plus, you don’t make me pretend to be someone else.”

Something flickers in his expression—something soft, just for a second, before he covers it with a grin and flops sideways onto the couch dramatically, head landing on your lap.

“Oh no, Red,” he groans. “You’ve fallen for my dark charms. You’re doomed.”

You roll your eyes and playfully tug at his curls. “I’m doomed if I catch frostbite in this skirt.”

He cracks one eye open. “There’s a blanket in my room. I could be persuaded to share it... y’know, for your health.”

You raise an eyebrow. “That your version of a vampire’s lair? Lure them in with weed, charm them with Dio, and seduce them with flannel sheets?”

“Works every time,” he says.

You pretend to consider it, poking his cheek. “Fine. But if you try to suck my blood, I’m calling your uncle.”

He sits up, mock-offended. “Wayne would be thrilled to know I’m finally bringing girls home.”

You laugh—really laugh—and Eddie joins in, the sound of it spilling out of the trailer like music from a B-side love song no one knows exists yet.

Outside, Halloween rages on.

Inside, you’re warm, a little high, and maybe, maybe, already planning your Thanksgiving costume.

Just in case Eddie’s still handing out specials.

[havecourage-darling]

Oh my gosh ok so I thought of something for Eddie and you don’t necessarily have to write it you totally can if you want but I was thinking about one of the kids like older siblings is at Lucas’s game supporting him and realizes that Dustin, Mike and Erica isn’t there. After she sees them all coming out of hellfire she gets a little disappointed with them (cause she’s kinda a mom friend) and like kinda gets a little snippy with Eddie (who has known about her but never met her) and is like you really couldn’t change the date for one meeting, this was important all the while Eddie is just standing there stunned with heart eyes

I don’t know why this just popped into my head but I had to tell somebody

A/N: First, I am so sorry for taking forever to get to this. Second, this might not have been what you had in mind but I hope you like it anyway anon! Third, this really didn't need to be this long but, yolo

wc: 3.5k

warnings: none

It was a bright and early afternoon when Steve Harrington’s bad luck streak had finally broken. You’d watched, hiding next to Robin in the documentary section, as Steve asked out the pretty blonde to the championship game. Robin inhaled sharply, expression twisting sympathetically, when blondie blinked at him for a beat but you knew. Steve was one of your oldest friends and despite abdicating the throne, you knew the effect Harrington had on a girl – as gross as he was.

“Holy shit, Harrington I can’t believe she actually showed,” you said out of the corner of your mouth.

It was a solid indication that Steve was actually more nervous than he looked because he hadn’t reacted to your teasing. Instead, he shot you a wide-eyed look and bobbed his head. “Right?” With an anxious swipe through his hair, he glanced at you.

Answering his non-verbal question, you nodded. “It looks perfect as always.” Steve’s hair barely obeyed the laws of physics. Blondie leaned across Steve and waved.

“It’s nice to meet you!” She beamed. “Are you a senior?”

“Oh no,” you said, “I’m a freshman at Indiana State. Go Lions!”

“That’s so cute!” She said and you furrowed your brows. Was it? You could tell she wasn’t being malicious but you weren’t sure where she was going with it.

“Yeah,” you said, laughing, “super cute!” Blondie laughed, hair shaking as she did and you glanced at Steve. Already knowing, he kicked your calf and you swallowed your own laughter.

Nancy pointed at the court, fingers splaying out and the photographer nodded, hanging onto her every word. Her head swiveled to the crowd and, somehow, she’d caught your gaze. Waving, smile broadening, she rolled her eyes when you waved back. You knew she missed Jonathan – he wouldn’t have needed her instructions and would’ve just known.

“Where’s Lucas?” You asked, trying to glance over the jumping cheerleader’s heads to get a good look at the line up.

Steve motioned to the end of the bench, where Lucas stood searching the bleachers in front of you for someone. You followed his lead and realized you couldn’t spot the familiar redhead he was undoubtedly looking for. Heart squeezing a bit, you knew the likelihood of Max showing up was close to slim. She’d retreated into herself after El had left and despite your weekly visits to her trailer – you didn’t want to push too hard.

“Wait,” you said, mostly to yourself, “where’s Dustin?”

Searching out the familiar set of curls, you felt panic start to climb up your spine. Where was Mike? Steve’s warm hand grabbed at your wrist and pulled you to the surface. “What’s wrong?” He asked, his own voice anxious.

“The guys, Dustin and Mike, they’re not here,” you whispered, “what if something happened to them?”

Steve’s furrowed brows smoothed and he exhaled. “Oh, don’t worry they’re fine. I think they had their little game finale or whatever tonight. Henderson tried to rope me in as a substitute for Lucas.”

“Substitute?” You echoed, forcing a wide smile onto your face when Lucas saw you and Steve. His entire expression shifted, excitement and relief at the sight of you two. You waved, lifting your small sign that Robin had helped you paint.

‘DUNK IT! GO #8!’

Lucas beamed at you, waving wildly up at you two. Steve shot him a thumbs up before he started some drills.

Dustin and Mike wouldn’t have ditched Lucas’ game for a campaign, would they? Especially knowing that he’d already be hurt at the fact that Max wasn’t going to show up. No…a flash of long curly hair scampered across your mind. The leader of their new club…the guy Steve was obviously jealous of. Eddie Munson, you snapped your fingers, remembering.

Dustin had shown you photos of the club that Nancy had taken, a proud beam across his face. You knew Dustin was just excited to have more friends but, to give Steve some credit, he did talk about Munson an awful lot. You still hadn’t met him, but you had a brief memory of seeing him in the hallways sometimes, hair much shorter.

But you knew, then, if Munson had refused to move the campaign – there was no way Dustin or Mike would stand up against him. Especially not out of fear that they’d be kicked out the club. It was all they talked about. Shit, you’d driven Dustin to the town over so he could find just the right color for his figurine.

Lucas glanced up again, gaze desperate, and your heart broke.

“Everyone now please rise for our national anthem. Singing for us tonight, we have a very special guest tonight. All the way from Nashville, our very own – Tammy Thompson!” Your jaw dropped, exchanging gazes with Steve before you both whipped around to find Robin.

Shocked, you watched dumbly as Tammy strutted up to the mic and started to sing off key. Robin’s eyes were wide and you heard Steve mutter, “Muppet.” You couldn’t hold back your laughter, Brenda turning to look at you both at the sound.

“Wow, she sounds amazing, doesn’t she?” She asked, tone awed.

Steve’s hand gripped your wrist tightly, both of you clearing your throats in a desperate attempt not to laugh.

You watched Lucas’ leg shake as he stood near the benches, teeth sinking into his bottom lip. He was nervous. Your chest tightened. Please let him play. You plead the universe, crossing your fingers. He needs a win.

/////

“I can’t believe it,” you said, getting choked up again. Lucas beamed under everyone’s attention, but you tucked him into your side, arm squeezing his shoulders. “Lucas, you were amazing!”

“Thanks,” he said, grinning when Jason Carver shoved him excitedly. ‘Party at Benny’s boys!’ The group of morons shuffled off towards a nearby car and you rolled your eyes. Lucas caught your half-scoff and winced. “I know you don’t like them…”

“Hey, whoever you hang out with is not my decision, just – be careful, yeah?” You glanced after Carver and remembered what it was like being in Lucas’ place. “That crowd tends to want to mold you after them and you’re already your own person. A person I really like. Don’t let them try to shove you into some cookie cutter box.”

Lucas smiled, pleased, and looked down at his sneakers. “Thanks. It…really means a lot to me that you guys showed. I know you go to everyone’s stuff, you and Steve, but-”

“Hey, you’ll always have me in your corner, all of you do,” you assured him, your mind drifting to the rest of the party. Will would’ve showed, you thought, smiling at the reminder of the weekly call you had coming up.

Before either of you could say anything else, a loud crash caught your attention.

You watched a group of people rush out the double doors, excited and laughing with each other. Easily picking out Dustin’s curly hair, you glanced back at Lucas’ frozen expression.

Emotions flashing, you opened your mouth to try and do damage control but one of his teammates smacked into his side. “Sinclair, come on! You’re riding with us.” Lucas’ expression pulled into a smile quickly, but it was too late. You’d seen underneath it. Anger building in your chest, it bubbled to the point of discomfort.

Placing your hands on his shoulders, you shook him. “Do not drink and drive, Lucas Sinclair I’ll rip your spine out – you hear me? And don’t take any pills,” you said, shooting him a withering glare. His shoulders were still slumped but he nodded, his smile half-hearted. “Alright, if you need me for a ride or for help, you call me.”

“I will, thanks��for coming,” he said slowly, jogging off without a second glance. Making sure he’d disappeared around the corner towards the other jocks, you whipped around on your heel and stomped over to the loitering group.

As you got within earshot you saw Mike’s eyes drift over to you. He smiled, hand coming up, but immediately froze when he saw your expression. “Oh fuck,” he muttered, and Dustin stopped his excited jumping just in time for you to punch him in the shoulder.

“Ouch, what the fuuu- oh, hey there Widow,” he smiled, a little confused, “what are you doing here?”

///

Eddie raised his brows, watching Dustin stumble as you punched him in the shoulder. Wincing, he knew that had to have hurt. He’d almost instinctually stepped in but Henderson’s expression brightened, smile widening, and he figured you were safe enough.

“Shit,” Eddie heard Mike mutter, watching him take a step behind Dustin at the sight of your furious expression.

“Hi Widow,” Erica said, expression lighting up when you paused your anger and shot her a smile.

Ah, so this was the infamous Widow. Henderson and Wheeler had nothing but praises for Harrington and you. Eddie knew Harrington, because who didn’t? He had his reservations but Eddie was nothing if not fair. He’d save them for the moment he actually met King Steve – not that he thought that would be any time soon. But you? He’d heard all about you.

“What am I doing here?” You echoed, one of your hands dropping, the other flying through the air. “What the hell are you doing?”

Eddie was a little surprised with how intrigued he was.

Dustin looked back at Mike, surprised to see him so far away. “Uh, we had a campaign. Oh, this is Eddie!” Dustin’s hand came out towards Eddie – who waited less than a millisecond to step forward.

“If I may,” Eddie started, wanting to make a good impression on Dustin’s hot friend. How the hell did Henderson even know you?

You, however, barely spared him a glance. “You may not,” you snapped, turning back to the boys. Eddie’s voice died in his throat, blinking at how easily you’d dismissed him. Interest flared to life in his chest, because of course it did. “What the hell guys? You missed the championship game?”

The newfound interest waned. Ah, you were jock. He probably didn’t recognize you because you’d run with the popular crowds. Especially if you knew Harrington.

Dustin and Mike, however, withered like plants who’d been kept in the shade for too long. “It was The Cult of Vecna!” Dustin said, voice going high. Eddie’s eyes darted over to you, where he watched – fascinated – as your eye twitched.

“I don’t care if it was the goddamn reckoning. We don’t abandon our friends! That’s the first rule of the party!” You shouted.

“Actually, the first rule is no girls,” Mike muttered and you turned your sole attention onto him and he winced. “Not that – we’re not…happy to have you. Of course we are! You’ve been there since the beginning almost. And Nancy. And Robin. Obviously. But this campaign has been going on for weeks and and and…we couldn’t postpone! We tried!”

Eddie watched you soften and his interest reared its head again. You had a soft spot for the freshmen. Why?

“You knew Max wasn’t going to show,” you said, quieter, “you knew how important this was for him.”

The guilt that shot across their faces was clear. “He was going to be on the bench!” Dustin said, hands coming up.

Anger flickered to life in your eyes again. “Yeah?” You asked, tone incredulous. “Well, he shot the winning basket. You should’ve seen his face when he looked up and saw you guys weren’t there.”

Dustin and Mike ducked their heads, expressions sheepish, and Eddie was impressed. You really were laying it on thick.

“I’m not mad,” you said, and Eddie could see you rearing back for the killing strike, “I’m just really disappointed in you two.”

Their shoulders slumped, eyes on the floor, and Eddie couldn’t help but whistle. You were playing them like a fiddle. Unfortunately, it seemed to catch your attention and your sharp eyes turned to him.

“And you!”

Eddie pointed at himself, taking a small step back now that your fury was turned to him. “Me?” Interest shot down his spine. Jesus, what was with him with the hot and scary ones?

“What the actual fuck is wrong with you? I know campaigns take time to plan out, I know that!” Eddie blinked, caught off guard at the respect he wasn’t expecting. “But he’s a kid, they’re all kids. You couldn’t have moved it twenty-four hours so that they could go watch his game? Out of what? Jealousy? Some sort of misguided pettiness because the popular kids were mean to you? They’re mean to everyone! That’s what they do! They almost broke my nose senior year. Instead of teaching them to rise above it, you stoop to their level? Ugh, grow up. God, this whole town is such a cliché!”

Dustin looked panicked, Mike had a hand over his eyes, and Gareth turned to him, eyes wide and jaw dropped. Eddie was also shocked, not sure where to start. “I think-”

“Seriously,” you snapped, talking over him again, eyes lighting up with an anger that was most appealing. The flash of your eyes reminded him of a harpy – in the most flattering of ways. In fact, Eddie’s knees went a little weak, his chest unfurling with something that was way too close to blatant interest.

Oh, who was he kidding? He’d give all his month’s tips to be able to sink his teeth into the tendon by your neck. It strained at him, taunting him, as you heaved a guilt trip onto him. Unfortunately for you, he was immune to them. So, it left him a few seconds to drag his gaze up and down your body.

“Can I speak now?” He asked, not wanting to interrupt another tirade, he was getting fond of those at this point.

You inhaled deeply, fingers coming up to pinch the bridge of your nose. “Yes.”

“Why do they call you Widow?” He asked. “Is it because you like spiders?”

If you did, he wouldn’t mind, Eddie decided. He wasn’t particularly fond of them himself but he was also an acquired taste so what did he know?

The withering glare you shot him went straight to his chest and curled around his ribcage. Eddie rubbed his sternum, like that could stop the ridiculous seed of interest from planting itself deep within his skin.

“No,” you said, offering no further explanation. “Why do they call you the Freak? Is it because you’re really Satan Worshippers?”

The way your entire face twisted with regret, and guilt swam into your eyes, Eddie knew you hadn’t meant it. In fact, he already felt a smile growing at his lips.

“I’m sorry,” you said immediately, “that was a low blow, I’m just – no, it’s no excuse. I know you get shit from other people. You don’t need it from me, especially not since I know it’s not – it’s not that.”

Instead of ducking down to look at the floor, you met his gaze straight on for the first time since stomping up to the group of them. Eddie sighed and you’d clearly taken it as a reaction to your barbed reply because you began to wring your hands together. In reality, Eddie wanted to slap his stupid chest. He always did this.

Barely five minutes had passed and the interest dug deeper and rooted around for its new home. The vines grew, twirling around his veins, and reaching towards his chest. Heart, already on his sleeve, skipped a beat as you offered up a sincere apology, Eddie nodded. “No harm done,” he said, seizing the chance to bow, “Eddie Munson at your service. Atheist by the way.”

You nodded, quickly skirting your gaze back to the two boys but Eddie was stunned into silence when he caught the flash of interest in them. Was he still high on the success of the campaign or were you actually glancing back at him?

“I hope you know how shitty this was, Steve had a date and he brought her here instead of missing it,” you said.

Dustin snorted. “Steve’s just cheap and wanted an easy date night.”

Eddie saw you bite your cheek and he winced, knowing it must’ve hurt. You made a valiant attempt to hide it, but the laughter had already made it to your eyes. It softened your face entirely and his heart stirred awake. Jesus, what magic did you wield that you had captured his attention so thoroughly? 

“Still,” you insisted, one last glare at them. Turning to Erica she glanced up at you, smile crooked and you softened. Lifting your arm, she scurried over to you and you draped it across her shoulders. “I won’t even waste my breath trying to straighten you out. You want a ride home?”

“Thanks Widow,” she said, lifting her nose up at the other two. You must be the real deal if you had little Sinclair’s approval. He’d met her a few hours ago even Eddie knew she was a tough nut to crack. Clearly, not for you.

Mike, proving he’d lost most of his brain power during the campaign, stepped forward to follow and you shot him a glare that had Eddie wincing “Uh, no. My offer extends to her only.” He frowned and Eddie heard a very Jeff sounding laugh.

You started to walk away, and Eddie’s eyes dipped – he couldn’t control it! - when you stopped and sighed a few feet away. Eddie startled, eyes raising quickly from your ass to your eyes and winced when realizing you had your gaze directed at him. Eyeing him, Eddie felt his neck flush as your eyes trailed up his body. What the fuck? Since when did he get shy?

“Can you give them a ride home?” You asked. “It’s dark and I don’t want them riding their bikes alone.”

They two started to protest, glancing at Eddie warily, but another glare from you shut them up. Eddie was about start a tirade, asking what it was in for him – a date he hoped – when you spoke up again.

“Please,” you said, barely audible. Eddie was helpless to do anything but nod, fingers itching to see if he could play you as well as his guitar. He just needed a chance.

Somehow, his brain spurred to life before he realized. “Yeah, Widow,” he said, barely containing the urge to fist pump at the sight of your small amused smile, “I can get the nerds home.”

“Hey!”

Eddie was wholly unprepared for the grin that you shot at him. If your fury had sparked interest in him, your smile almost made his knees give way. Bats fluttering around in his small intestine, wreaking havoc, he managed to smile back at you.

“Thanks Munson,” you said, disappearing into the crowded parking lot after one last look.

No one spoke for a moment, the air stilling as Eddie reeled from the way his entire world had shifted in two seconds.

“I’ve never seen Eddie blush,” Dustin whispered loudly.

At that, Eddie snapped. “I’m not blushing!”

“Are you really going to give us a ride?” Wheeler asked meekly, eyes going towards the bike stand.

Eddie nodded. “Yeah, I’ll give you a ride, hurry up.” He’d use this to his advantage. He knew his chances were slim to none but even he wasn’t that stupid to not even try. “So, what’s your hot friend’s deal?”

The two idiots groaned, face twisted into disgust, but Eddie ignored them. He wanted to know everything he could about you.

///

“Stop moving so much!” You hissed, anxiety practically spilling out of every pore in your body.

Eddie whined, his nose scrunching as he shut his eyes tightly. “I’m just so itchy,” he complained, the skin around his bandages bright red.

“They come off soon, just wait a little bit more,” you said, gesturing to the doctor’s office you were currently in. “We’re next I think.”

Grunting, Eddie threw his head back and winced when it collided too loudly with the wall. You rolled your eyes and brought your hand up to check for a bump. “You’re a child.”

Sticking out his tongue, he leaned into your touch like a puppy and you rolled your eyes. You’d known him less than a month but just like Robin – trauma bonded people faster than most things.

“I can see your fingers,” you said, smacking his hand away from the larger bandage by his clavicle. The demobats had really done some damage but you’d been there when the ER doctor had clearly said to keep the stitches dry, clean, and intact. “You’re gonna make it worse!”

“Distract me, please, I feel like I’m going to crawl out my skin,” he begged.

Without thinking twice, you pressed your lips to his for a second. You bit back your smile as he blinked at you, eyes glazed over. “Was that enough of a distraction?” You asked, smile threatening to break through.

“Uh, I might need a second try to make sure,” he said faintly and you only just managed to not smack his shoulder.

“Pervert.”

Eddie’s brows flew up into his overgrown bangs. “Who just kissed who?”

You hummed, ignoring him, and went back to flipping through your magazine.

“Can I ask you something?”

Pulse pounding, you kept your eyes on the article in front of you. “What?”

“Why do they call you Widow?” Eddie asked, surprising you.

Glancing at him from the corner of your eye, you shrugged. “Dustin started it,” you sighed.

“He always does,” Eddie said, smile growing wider.

“After Natalia Romanoff. The Black Widow?”

“The spy and assassin?”

“Yeah,” you smirked, memories flashing through your mind, “I was really good at killing demogorgons. Plus, once actual Russians joined the picture, even I couldn’t deny that it was kind of perfect.”

“Cool, my girlfriend’s nickname is after a Marvel superhero.”

The word girlfriend brought your brain to a sudden halt and you whipped around to look at him. He was grinning, eyes mischievous, and you sputtered.

“Edward Munson?” A nurse called out. “Follow me.”

“Come on,” Eddie said, threading your fingers together. “We’ll talk about where our first date will be on the ride home.”

First date? You blinked at him, letting him lead you towards the exam room.

[henry-fox-biggest-stan]

I have the Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-the-Scenes Companion book, I got it in 2018, so here are some fun facts from it

In the party’s dnd charts it says Will’s class is “magic-user” 👀👀 and one of his abilities is “true sight” 👀👀

The first scene written and the first scene filmed are both the dnd game at s1 ep1

Mike supposedly has rainbow blinds in his room (as a reference to E.T since Elliot also has rainbow blinds)

When El throws Lucas against a wall, that was Caleb, not a body double. Apparently he was excited to film without a double and asked for it (he was thrown against a mattress). Called said he had so much fun.

During the scene where El sends the van flying, the duffers said than when they first tried it (without filming) it all went as it was supposed to, it flew the right directions. The first time they filmed, tho, the van fell on top of one of their cameras and destroyed it.

Steve is in his last year of high school (as opposed to Nancy, who is in her second, or Jonathan who is in his first)

Steve plays basketball and baseball. He was supposed to be an asshole and die the first season, but Joe Keery came and gave a bit more depth to Steve’s character.

243 people auditioned to play El

Some of El’s powers include biokinesis, teleportation, and psychometry

Hopper fought in Vietnam 

At first the upside down wasn’t supposed to appear on screen at any moment. We would have heard what happened over walkie talkies or radios.

A demodog is just a teen demogorgon (I think this was explained at the show, but I have seen people say they are different creatures)

Jonathan does cycling, is in the school newspaper, and the photography club

Caleb is very good crying on command

Mike’s bike is the newest because his family has the most money, Dustin begun painting his bike but hasn’t finished it yet, and Lucas has a fluorescent saddle

At first they weren’t allowed to use ghostbusters costumes but they talked to Ivan Reitman and eventually got green light 

Dart was supposed to appear in the first season but they didn’t have enough time

The upside down was originally called the underworld 

Nancy and Jonathan (their relationship) are inspired by David and Jennifer from WarGames (1983). Also by Willie Scott and doctor Jones from Indiana Jones

Bob was supposed to die on ep 4 instead of ep 8

For the scene with Will and Morse code (when he’s tied to a chair) the duffers just told Noah to watch a YouTube video on Morse code the day before 

Talking about Noah, after being possessed and convulsing to the point everyone was amazed with his acting, the moment they stop filming he just gets up and asks for a cup of tea like nothing happened

For the upside down spores they actually used dandelions 

Hopper is repeatedly described as a cowboy lmao

In s1 when the boys dress El up in a wig and a dress and Mike does her makeup, they are dressing her up in their vision of what a girl is

Finn said than it was only halfway through the second episode than Mike realized than El is a real girl, a real person, and not E.T.

The duffers were inspired by the breakfast club for the making of Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve’s characters!!

Nancy played volleyball, was in the cheerleader team (?!?!?!), was in the French club, volunteered at church and did social volunteering, and did a writing workshop

Barb played softball, the clarinet, was part of the Mathematical Olympiads, volunteered at the library, and was a babysitter.

[roseareeh]

Camp | Steve Harrington x Reader x Billy Hargrove

Notes: I rly like this one, and I had a lot of fun writing it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 🤍

Words: 2.3k

Warnings: Sexual Innuendos

"I'm so tired.", Jesse sighted while sitting down next to you around the bonfire. "Go to bed then, we're not forcing you.", you simply replied while putting your marshmallow on a stick. All week, Jesse wouldn't shut up about how tired she was and that cheer camo was so exhausting. God, she was annoying. At the same time, she still stayed.

Because cheer camp this time was grouped with the basketball camp. Since this camp was only for teams in Indiana and not many signed up, you were grouped together for financial reasons. And Jesse was desperately to get Mark Lewinski's attention with her Damsel In Distress tactic. Unfortunately, it worked when he helped her get up and brought her to her dorm.

A small "Oooh." went around the group of basketball players and cheerleaders as they looked after them. You didn't care; the marshmallow you were roasting was much more important. Chrissy got comfortable next to you and watched your candy go crispy brown before you took it out, blew on it a bit and then proceeded to eat it. "CN you make me one, too?", she asked you in her usual soft, yet cheery voice. Since your mouth was full, you nodded and put another marshmallow on your stick.

Billy was watching you through the flames from the other side. The gooey candy was leaving a white string on your lips and chin. It made his imagination go wild, just the same way it went wild when he saw a glimpses of your ass during practice earlier. The things he'd do to you, if you let him.

Steve was watching you from the side. To him, you looked adorable with your mouth full. He liked the way you enjoyed the little treat, and how you showed Chrissy how to make it the same way you did. Just how he liked the way you high-fived your teammates earlier after a pep-talk. The things he'd do to you, if you let him.

Steve fell from his glory as king when Billy stepped into the picture. Well, the actual reason was long before that, but if he can blame someone else the blow of it wouldn't be that hard. He came to camp to prove that he still deserved that title; to himself and others.

Billy was basking in the glory right now. All the girls wanted him, the team loved him. What more could he ask for? He was at camp to get girls; especially you.

You were playing hard to get, that's the one thing both would agree on if said out loud. Even if they meant it in different ways. You were amazing at cheerleading, gave good pep talks and were eager to help while also speaking your mind. Both were attracted to you, although the type of attraction was different for the two boys.

"I think if we add two cupies in the routine, we have a chance at regionals.", you said to Chrissy while she was munching on her marshmallow. She couldn't responde until she swallowed her first bite, but the raised eyebrow was a giveaway. "Do you think we can do that?", she asked you. While she was team captain, Chrissy was well aware of the fact that you also did cheerleading outside of school and had a few more years of experience than her. "I know I can do it, and I trust my base. I think Stephanie could learn it, too."

Steve listened and watched from afar in awe. Your passion was beautiful; it was what made you attractive to him in the first place. Every time you stepped onto the basketball court to cheer for the Hawkins basketball team, he fell for you more. And when you comforted his team after loosing, he couldn't be mad about the failed game. Because you were always there.

Billy only imagined you spinning in the air, seeing your ass underneath that uniform. That's why he loved seeing you on the court. He wanted nothing more than for you to show him your moves in his bed. Especial how flexible you were. The positions he could throw you in...

"I think I'll get to bed. I need to be up for practice, if we're gonna do that." You stretched while getting up; Billy had a perfect view of your hips and Steve had a perfect view of your adorably tired face. "I'll come with you, I was gonna go to bed soon as well.", Steve quickly said while getting up. You gave him a small smile and a nod. "Good, because I'm a bit scared of the dark." You two started walking towards the dorms, leaving Billy behind with a mind full of anger. How dare Harrington get between his plans?

"Well, whatever raccoons might be out there, I'll protect you from them.", he joked while walking beside you. A laugh left your lips - a beautiful sound to Steve - at his words. "Oh yeah, they might have rabies." He laughed as well. "I'd catch rabies to protect you." The fact that Steve had a crush on you was obvious to you. He flirted at any occasion, it was so clear to see like a snake jumping into your face. At the same time, his flirting humoured you. "What a cavalier.", you joked. "Don't think you can protect me for long if you have rabies, though. And the basketball team needs you." He was a good player but since his fall from glory, Steve greatly underestimated himself. It was a bit sad to see, since you saw his potential. "They'll be fine without me. I'll graduate in a few months anyways.", he stated while looking up at the stars.

You hit his side with your elbow, though not to hard. "You know why Billy is so good?" Why did you have to mention Billy out of all people? "Because he's a cocky asshole. He knows he's good, so he's good." You calling Billy an asshole actually felt good, for some reason. "You're good, but you don't know it. So be a bit cocky, just maybe not an asshole." You both laughed, shortly before he dropped you off at your dorm.

You know he's good. That's what he thought about while laying in bed.

"Looking good up there, Ms. (Y/L/N).", Billy commented while he watched you standing on the hands of your base while holding a split. "You're distracting me.", you warned him. "I think you're the one distracting me, actually.", he continued. Your base let you down and set you to the ground while most of the girls from your team made a small "Oooh." sound. With an eyeroll, you walked over to him. "Can I help you?", you asked. He was shirtless, as per usual, and looking down at you with a smug smirk. "I can think of something you can help me with.", Billy said, still smirking. "And I can think of something I don't wanna help you with.", you replied as you propped your hands on your hips. He took a step closer to you, although his smirk faltered a bit. "And I can think of something between us that you're denying." Billy leaned towards your ear and started whispering. "Harrington is just a pretty boy. I can make you see stars, baby."

It was at this very moment that you realized one thing and decided another: Billy and Steve were fighting over you, and you'd use that as entertainment for the next two weeks at camp.

"We could go skinny dipping.", Stephanie suggested while you two walked away from practice to go see the basketball team as they finished up. Her boyfriend Chance was on the team, and she loved watching him play. But her suggestion was a bit odd. "Maybe in my underwear. I'm not getting naked in front of you-know-who." She laughed a bit and nodded. "Nobody's stopping you from wearing your bikini. But some of us are gonna enjoy getting naked. Amy has been eyeing Billy for a while now." The mention of Billy made you smirk, but in a humoured way. "She can have him, I don't care." You stopped in front of the gym and put your hands in your pockets. "I need to make a call, but I'll see you at the lake later."

You decided to wear your bikini to the lake. Fortunately, nobody really felt the skinny dipping mood which meant pretty much everyone was in their underwear or quickly for their bathingsuits- or short in the meantime. "Looking good, Mrs. (Y/L/N).", Billy commented with his signature smug smirk. "Do you have any other line to flirt with? I already know that one." He took a step closer and looked down at you. But that damn smirk never faltered. "Maybe you can make me do some different sounds."

You slapped his peck lightly before walking off. "Be more creative, Hargrove!", you yelled as you strutted into the lake. Billy enjoyed the perfect view of your ass while you walked away.

The moon looked beautiful on the lake. Especially when you were so near to the reflection. Steve thought the same, which is why he now stood beside you. "She makes you look really beautiful.", he said while looking at you. It was all true - the light made your eyes shine more than the sun. He could look at them for hours. If only he could. "She?", you asked.

"The moon. She.", Steve clarified. You giggled a bit. "Thank you for the compliment." You looked him in his eyes and saw sincerity. As much as you wanted Billy and Steve fighting over you as your own comedy programme, it made you feel bad. Steve was actually serious about you. "It's really sweet of you, but-"

You were cut off by Billy approaching. "What do we have here?", he asked while putting his arm around your shoulder. You shoved it off just as quick. "Come on sugar, wouldn't you want to have a little joyride?"

"You're getting really annoying, Billy."

"You love it just as much as I do. Call it a...game." His fingers ran through your hair, which you tried to avoid. "I must admit, you do entertain me." He scoffed at your comment, followed by a smirk. "And if I do well, you can entertain me."

Steve watched quietly before speaking up. "I don't think she wants to talk to you." Billy's face changed to an annoyed one in the snap of a finger. "I think she can decide that herself."

"It's nice to have boys fight over me, but I' here to enjoy the lake, not cock." Just like that, you got under the water and swam away. For once, you humoured then with the way you left the situation.

When there was another bonfire a few days later, Billy sat down right next to you. "What a coincidence.", he said, referring to the empty space. "How can I reject you today?", you replied. It made him laugh a bit. "Wouldn't it be nice if you were just honest with me and let it happen?", Billy asked while leaning back a bit. It showed off a bit of his stomach as his shirt rolled up. "You're just...not my type, you know?" You leaned back as well, putting the both of you at the same eye level. "Ouch." He put his hand on his chest and gave you a theatrical, hurt look. "First time I heard that."

"It was ought to happen at some point in your life, no?" For the first time, you gave him a smug smirk. "I promise you, baby, I'll give you the time of your life." You couldn't help but laugh a bit. "Might have to get some reviews. Lucky me, you already went through more than half of the cheerleaders."

"You say it like experience is a bad thing." Once you looked over, you saw the smug smirk once again. You slapped his shoulder lightly and sat back up. "I'm not saying it is, but I also don't enjoy leftovers." With a swift move, you stood back up. "I gotta go make a call."

Steve and Billy kept trying. You couldn't even count on both hands how many times both fought over you, with or without you near them. And their flirting got more intense every single day. So much that you talked about it during the daily calls you made.

"I mean, it's kinda funny but I'm just really annoyed at this point.", you told the other person on the phone. A low hum was followed by "Why don't you just tell them?"

"I don't want Billy to find another poor cheerleader to play with. Can't have more heartbreak on the team, it's gonna ruin our chance at regionals.", you explained. "Besides, wouldn't it be fun if you picked me up when we return and have them find out then?" There was a laugh from the other end of the line. "I like that idea. See you tomorrow."

You slept for the most part while taking the bus back. It made the smell of sweat more bearable if you were knocked out. Being in a secluded space with the basketball team was not something you enjoyed, but at least the ride only took 3 hours.

"You need a ride home?", Steve asked you while helping you carry your bag out of the bus. "I think I'm more equipped to give her a ride.", Billy chimed in. You took your bag from Steve's hand and turned to face the both of them. "My rides here already, thank you."

Just like that, you ran off to kiss Eddie Munson. "Hi baby.", your boyfriend said with a wide grin. "I missed you."

"Did she play us for three weeks?", Steve asked Billy with a confused look. Seriously, Munson? Out of all the boys at school?

"Sometimes, a man has to accept defeat." Billy gave Steve a clap on the shoulder, then threw his bag over his shoulder. "See you Monday."

[mydaddywiki]

Howard Schnellenberger

Physique: Husky Build Height: 6' 1" (185cm)

Howard Leslie Schnellenberger (March 16, 1934 – March 27, 2021; aged 87) was an American football coach with long service at both the professional and college levels. He held head coaching positions with the NFL's Baltimore Colts and in college for the University of Miami, University of Oklahoma, University of Louisville, and Florida Atlantic University. He won a national championship with Miami in 1983. Schnellenberger worked extensively as an assistant coach at the college and professional levels, including as part of the staff of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.

From his white hair, bushy mustache, blazer-wearing and ever-present pipe made him look more businessman than football coach, he was one sexy man. And with that low voice of his…forget about it. Mmmmmm.

Born in Saint Meinrad, Indiana, Schnellenberger graduated from Flaget High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where he played football, basketball, and baseball and earned a scholarship to the University of Kentucky. Apparently, he was an elite tight end for the Kentucky Wildcats, being named a 1955 All-American.

He was married to his former cheerleader of a wife for over 62 years; they had three sons. I’m projecting here, but I wonder if they’re swingers. Probably not, but if they were, I wouldn’t be surprised. I personally would waste no time in tapping both of them in some serious 3-way action. Again my fruitful imagination is running away again. Schnellenberger died on March 27, 2021, in Boca Raton, Florida, eleven days following his 87th birthday.

Years Active: 1959–2011

Head Coaching Record Overall: 158–151–3 (college), 4–13 (NFL) Bowls: 6–0 Tournaments 2–1 (NCAA D-I-AA playoffs)

Accomplishments and Honors Championships: National (1983), Sun Belt (2007) Awards: Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award (1983), Paul "Bear" Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)

[deliriumsdelight7]

Okay so I'm too afraid to watch Stranger Things (I have on good authority that it would actually break me) but I feel like I Need to know about hellcheer, what are the most important things to know xD

You, my friend, are in luck, because Hellcheer has all of, like, five minutes of interactions. I’ll only show you the video for the good one so as not to break you. This scene OOZES chemistry:

As for things to know, I will do my best to stick with strictly canon material and avoid headcanons (of which there are many).

For Chrissy Cunningham:

1.) She is a senior in high school, head cheerleader.

2.) She is dating the captain of the basketball team, Jason Carver.

3.) She is being plagued by visions from an otherworldly creature who is essentially feeding off of her trauma. That’s why she’s so jumpy in the clip.

4.) She has an eating disorder. This manifests in her visions as a table full of food that is rotting and fly-infested.

5.) Her mother is abusive. This manifests in her visions with her mother at a sewing machine altering Chrissy’s clothes to fit. Additionally, in the vision, her father is sewn to his recliner, his eyes and mouth sewn shut - implying that he has been violently blinded, immobilized, and silenced by his wife.

6.) Later in the night the same day as the above scene, Chrissy goes to Eddie’s trailer so he can sell her ketamine to try to ignore her visions. The creature haunting her takes this opportunity to kill her brutally in front of Eddie.

For Eddie Munson:

1.) Eddie is loud and abrasive. Compare the scene where he’s introduced to how soft he is with Chrissy:

2.) Eddie lives in a trailer with his uncle. According to the prequel book, his mother is dead and his father is in jail. His father taught him to hotwire cars when he was a kid.

3.) Eddie has been held back twice. His goal is to graduate high school, flip off the principal, and get out of Hawkins, Indiana.

4.) He is not the same person after Chrissy dies. He is deeply traumatized, and blames himself for running away and leaving her in his trailer (even though she was already dead).

5.) Eddie’s uncle, Wayne, is Eddie’s number one supporter. This guy is continuing to shelter his twenty-year-old drug dealer metalhead nephew when he has no obligation to. When he comes home from work to see a dead cheerleader in his trailer, he is 100% positive Eddie didn’t do it. We would all die for Uncle Wayne.

6.) In the last episode of the season, Eddie goes into the alternate dimension where the evil creature lurks and plays Master of Puppets by Metallica as a distraction. Now, people take this as Eddie being a guitar prodigy because that song came out only WEEKS before the events of this season. But more importantly: he dedicates his performance to Chrissy.

(Only the first few seconds of this are relevant)

7.) Chrissy’s death affects Eddie right up to his own. He successfully distracts the creatures in the alternate dimension. He’s in the process of returning to his own when he stops, turns around, and sacrifices himself in order to keep the monsters at bay a little longer. As he’s dying, he says, “I didn’t run away this time.”

Jason Carver (because no Beauty and the Beast style ship is complete without a Gaston):

1.) Jason is Chrissy’s boyfriend and the captain of the basketball team. He is handsome and well-liked, but very self-centered. One of the first times we see him, he takes a town tragedy - a “mall fire” that killed dozens - and makes it about his upcoming basketball game.

2.) When Chrissy dies, he goes off the rails. He gathers his teammates, packs his trunk full of weapons, and goes hunting for Eddie.

3.) We never really see Jason sad about Chrissy’s death. He’s only angry. There’s a scene where a classmate offers her condolences to Jason. He changes the subject.

4.) When someone tells Jason that Chrissy went to Eddie because she was scared, he grows angry and says that she would have come to him. Kinda says a lot about the relationship.

5.) Fun fact: the actor who played Jason based his personality off of Tom Cruise and mega church leaders. Yikes.

Parallels:

1.) ‘86: Chrissy wears a 1986 necklace, and Eddie says that ‘86 is going to be his year.

2.) We never see either character out of their “uniform” - her cheerleading outfit and his Hellfire Club t-shirt (his DnD club).

3.) Both characters were victims of the town’s perception of them. Chrissy didn’t get the help she needed because her life seemed so perfect. Eddie was pursued by a literal mob because the town succumbed to Satanic Panic.

4.) Both had parents who put unfair expectations on them: Chrissy’s mother put the burden of beauty on her, and Eddie’s dad made him help steal cars.

Hopefully that’s a good jumping off point! If anybody else wants to chime in with anything I missed, feel free!

Let me know if you want popular headcanons to go with it!

[bvtbxtch]

Welcome to Hawkins, Indiana. The sleepy city that can bring with you the sweetest dreams, or the most terrorizing nightmares.

WARNINGS: 18+ MDNI, Smut, Content might not be suitable for all readers (more updates coming)

If you would like to be notified of updates to this series, please add yourself to the taglist!

In collaboration with my love @darknesseddiem

"The quaint mundanity leaves Hawkins, Indiana a forgettable blip on the map. However, it casts a spell on you. Everyone in town has their jobs - go to work, take care of the kids, run their shops or prepare a new pot of coffee for the before-work rush. The neat and tidy form that lies in this sleepy city can make you fall in love, find yourself, or run into much more sinister happenings beneath the surface of the manicured lawns. It's your choice to figure out how to survive."

Jack O'Lantern Kiss - Carving pumpkins with bestfriend!Eddie leads to confessions you may or may not have always wanted to hear. Bestfriend!Eddie x Fem!Reader. Fluff, slight smut

Firestarter - Eddie has just told you he was bi, when the opportunity to explore appears at a bonfire at the Harrington house. Sub!Eddie x Dom!Reader x Switch!Steve. Smut

I Can Make You Scream - Your first collaboration with one of the most popular cam boys, Eddie, leaves you breathless and waiting for the next shoot with him. Camboy!Eddie x Camgirl!Reader. Smut

When It's Cold I'd Like to Die - The only way that Eddie feels he can get you out of the Upside Down safely is to sacrifice himself; but he forgot how stubborn you are. Boyfriend!Eddie x Fem! Reader. Angst, fluff

Paranoid - You watched Eddie make it out of the battle for Hawkins clinging to his life by a thread. Even though he has been acquitted for the crimes he was accused of, and life has gone back to normal, there is something not quite right with your boyfriend. Vecna'd!Eddie x Fem!Reader. Angst, fluff, slight smut

Dead by Daylight - You and Eddie have to stay together to survive your captors, a famous killing family situated on the outskirts of Indianapolis. Victim!Eddie x Victim!Reader. Angst, fluff

On the Line - Pumpkin Pie is back on the menu at Hank's Diner. What happens when the new waitress needs to stay with the Jaded line cook to prepare for fall festivities? Linecook!Eddie x Waitress!Reader. Fluff, smut

Let Me Love You - Eddie comes over to nurse you back to health after catching a cold. Bestfriend!Eddie x Sick!Reader. fluff

Jealous Guy - Steve Harrington is persistent with his advances towards you during the Hideout's Halloween party. Your co-bartender, Eddie, doesn't like the fact that you don't shoot him down right away. Bartender!Eddie x Bartender!Reader. Smut

Live From the Upside Down - There is a special Corroded Coffin show in Hawkins to celebrate Halloween. You've been a devoted fan since your brother, Dustin talked about Eddie and his band back in high school. Seeing the metalhead again stirs up feelings you forgot you had. Rockstar!Eddie x Henderson!Reader. Smut, fluff

Obsession - Eddie's obsession with you has been fun and games - late night drives, hookups and even a couple of dates. He has seemed to cross a line as of late... Ghostface!Eddie x Cheerleader!Reader. Smut

Children of the Corn - A group date in the new Hawkins corn maze sounded amazing to you: Hanging out with Steve, Robin, Nancy and Jonathan sounded like just your night, until your worst enemy is included in the plans. Eddie x Fem!Reader. Smut

Movie Marathon - Years after the Ghost face killer has ended his reign of terror on Hawkins, the local movie theatre has decided to put on a movie marathon of the movies inspired by the killer. You and Eddie decide to go and revel in his glory. Ghostface!Eddie x Fem! Reader. Smut

You Don't Scare Me - Eddie is used to scaring most of the people who walk through the Hawkins Haunted House in the old Starcourt mall. He's determined to make you scream after you walk through and show no signs of being scared by him. Scareactor!Eddie x Grumpy!Reader. Smut

Kiss Me Through the Phone - You nor Eddie could contain your excitement for your homecoming from college for thanksgiving... so much so that you needed a reminder of what you would be getting yourself into when you're back. A phone call would suffice, wouldn't it? Eddie x Fem!Reader. Fluff, Smut

Taglist: @eddies-acousticguitar @mmunson86 @sadbitchfangirl @hideoutside @anxiousobserver @tony-starks-ego @ohmeg

tagging some friends just for fun: @eddiemunsons-missingnipple @hellfiremunsonn @ali-r3n @andvys @eddie-munsons-mullet @changemunson

[kennahjune]

Another Gareth and Steve Idea

I’ve mentioned before my idea of step-brothers Steve and Gareth.

This is another one of those.

Steve and Gareth who— after their parents finally marry— move to Hawkins Indiana just in time for Steve’s Senior year of high school.

Steve’s not at all happy about it but he tries to keep the brooding to a minimum. His anger issues tend to spark up Gareth’s anger issues which would just make everything worse.

So Steve deals. It’s fine. It’s Gareth’s Freshman year, and he himself isn’t to happy about starting in Hawkins. But it’s whatever, not like he had any friends back in (insert wherever Tf it was they moved from).

Except when they start at Hawkins nobody knows they’re brothers. Gareth kept the Emerson last name in honor of his late mother and Steve’s last name remains Harrington from before his mom and dads divorce when he was 12.

Not to mention that they immediately run in different social circles.

Well— they try to.

Steve isn’t too good about sticking to a circle. Sometimes he’s hanging out with the “nerds” others he’s hanging out with the band kids. He’s often found talking with the cheerleaders in the halls and the jocks and popular crew at lunch. But he doesn’t seem to have any trouble talking to just about everyone.

Gareth goes on to meet Eddie and Jeff. He shares a few classes with Jeff, even though he’s in the year above. He starts running with the freaks of the school and he quickly becomes a target for bullies.

Steve doesn’t know Gareth’s being bullied until later, when he hears some of the jocks he sits with at lunch laughing about him.

Idk where I was going with this.

The jocks end up going home early in the nurses office.

Eddie and Jeff and Brian are all very skeptical about Steve and Gareth finds it hilarious to no ends.

“Steve? Who cried over a dead bird in the road literally last week?”

The guys don’t know they’re brothers. And it’s not like Gareth is keeping it from them or anything, it’s just never quite come up.

They both manage to get over half way through the year before Steve finally meets Hellfire.

The drama club room is being used the night of Hellfire so Gareth offers up his place because his parents won’t be home, only his older brother.

The guys come over and it’s Steve who opens the door.

They’re fully convinced they have the wrong house until Steve’s like “oh yeah that Dorks and Dumbasses game with Gare, right?”

And that’s when everyone finds out they’re brothers.

Steve and Gareth had no idea that they had no idea that they were brothers. They thought everyone knew???

Apparently, nobody in the school knows.

Idk where this continues but uh— eventual Steddie!!

[lillypad910]

When We Were Young (fluff)

Eddie Munson x Childhood friend!fem!Girly girl!Reader

|Childhood friends to lovers, Best friends to lovers|

Summary: You moved to Hawkins, Indiana with your family when you were still little. Moving into a mobile home in the trailer park, you met Eddie and Wayne Munson. You become friends quickly, learning you love him early on. But what happens in 1986, when your whole world crumbles?

His Angel (18+)

Bi! Eddie Munson x Bi! Christian (Baptist) raised! plus sized! girly! f! Reader

|Secret dating|

Summary: You were always a good girl, a good Christian girl who wanted to be loved by your family. But growing up in that house was hard. With two older brothers way older than you, and parents already in their late 50’s, your relationship with your family is… difficult. You were taught that what you are is wrong, but then you fell in love with a certain guitarist who makes you remember that you are worthy of love.

It’ll Get Better

Eddie Munson x Cheerleader! Fem! Reader

|Enemies to lovers|

Summary: You are Andy’s girlfriend, friends with Jason and Chrissy and the rest of the popular kids of Hawkins High School, but your life flips upside down when you find out your pregnant. After a harsh breakup with your boyfriend and being discarded by all your friends, you find yourself at the Sattler Quarry, standing on the edge of the rocky cliff, will you jump? Or will a certain freak save you from your dark space?

Brother’s Best Friend (fluff)

Rockstar!Eddie Munson x Emerson!fem!girly girl!Reader

|Brother’s Best Friend (literally), Gareth Emerson’s sister! Reader|

Summary: You are 16, the little sister of Gareth Emerson, the drummer of Corroded Coffin. You take every opportunity to be around the band of guys. Why? Not because of your brother, no! Because of him! Eddie Munson, the man of the show, the 20 years old in his second run of Senior year, also your brother’s friend. And boy, do you have such a schoolgirl crush on him.

Christmas with the Emersons

Rockstar!Eddie Munson x Emerson!fem!girly girl!Reader

|Brother’s ex best friend, family dynamic, Gareth Emerson’s sister! Reader|

Summary: After about six months of dating Eddie, your mom calls and reminds you of your family’s annual Christmas celebration. Your family doesn’t know who your dating but it’s a known fact he’s a required guest. You spend the two weeks leading up to Christmas down in Hawkins, Indiana with Eddie. What will happen between him and your family? Between him and his ex best friend, your older brother, Gareth?

Chocolate Cake Milkshakes (18+)

Boyfriend! Eddie Munson x Chubby!Girly!F! Reader

|Cute diner date and his van on the lake|

Summary: You have a date with your boyfriend Eddie Munson, who, like the gentleman he is, picks you up from home. Your mom favors your sister once again but you don’t let it deter you from the dinner your boyfriend takes you on at Benny’s for your favorite shakes and the rest of the date spent in his van by the lake.

Such a Good Girl (18+)

Dom!Eddie Munson x Sub!Girly!Reader

|Sneaking around|

Summary: Eddie sneaks into your window to find you getting ready for bed. But he was other plans for your evening.

Blurb: Sex on the Beach

Eddie Munson x f!Reader

|First Meeting|

Summary: Eddie, Steve, and Robin go to the bar for Rob’s birthday. You are there with your friends, checking out the guys who come in, but a certain metalhead catches your eye. He orders the drinks for his friends, but his order shocks your whole table, but you take it as an opportunity.

I Promise

Eddie Munson x f!Reader

|Hurt/comfort, nightmares|

Summary: The Upside Down was terrifying, something you will never forget.

Pretty Girl (18+)

Mechanic! Eddie Munson x Chubby! f! Reader

|Cute lingerie|

Summary: A shopping trip with Nancy and Robin have you going home with your first set of lingerie. You put it on to surprise your boyfriend when he gets home. Things lead exactly where you wanted.

Headcanons

The Emerson Siblings

Summary: Cute headcanons about Emerson! Reader and her big brother, Gareth (still technically x Eddie because this is based on the characters from Brother’s Best Friend).