#Steve looks forward more to the cake than to Hopper's party

[artiststarme]

For the 3rd part of The Party Forgets Steve's Birthday, how does Eddie one up himself with the words on the cake? Have you thought about what other sayings he might use every year?

Also, great job on the fic! I loved how this series started with Steve being all sad then went to Eddie saving the day and being mad at the kids to the kids feeling really guilty. It felt like I was on a rollercoaster! Thank you, keep up the great work please!

First of all, thank you. I'm glad that you liked it.

Second of all, yes I have! Eddie always uses the same drippy red frosting that turns the cake into a blood spattered, albeit delicious, crime scene and he always uses the same rainbow sprinkles to add a little bit of razzle-dazzle.

The first cake said "BIRTH STEVE" because Eddie ran out of room on the small cake to decorate. Steve was a little appalled at the time but found humor in it afterwards.

The second cake said "BIRTH STEVE, Another Year Gone". The entire Party was shocked into silence but Steve loved it. He gave him the biggest hug and bragged about it to anyone who would listen.

Next year, Eddie writes "Goodbye to Steve's Youth" and things just devolve from there. For the next thirty five years or so (and counting), Eddie makes it his mission to be as creepy and heartfelt as he can.

"Dying to tell you Happy Birthday, Stevie!"

"RIP Age 30, Goodbye Friend"

"Life Vould Suck Vithout You!" (Also had an illegible cartoon vampire)

"Death is closer than ever"

"'If you write my age on that, I'll kill you.' -Steve"

"Congrats! You lived another year!"

Some years he also just doodles random pictures that he has to explain to everyone. Like the time he tried to make a tombstone but it was really just a lump of black frosting that stained everyone's teeth for days.

The year they get married, he also decorates a cake with the outline of a body and writes "It's always the husband...". Steve didn't know if it was a threat or an insinuation.

[steddieas-shegoes]

wip wednesday

I'm talking to you from the past!!! Okay so I felt bad about the next chapter not being out on time, so I wanted to use this wip wednesday to give a longer than usual sneak peek. I updated the posting schedule to reflect chapter 3 (late) and chapter 4 (early) updates!

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Steve’s birthday was the only part of summer that Eddie looked forward to.

This year, he’d been working extra hard to save money for a good gift.

Working was maybe not the right word, but he was earning money.

Steve didn’t know most of the reasons he had to rearrange Hellfire again was because Rick needed him to pick up his inventory on those nights.

He was pretty sure Wayne had caught on by now, but hadn’t said anything except that he hoped he was being careful.

He was, but there’s only so much caution you can take when selling weed out of a lunchbox in the woods.

Most of his customers were juniors and seniors who were throwing insane parties while their parents were on summer vacations without them. Many of them were people who lived in Steve’s neighborhood.

There was the occasional adult who didn’t care if he was technically just a kid, they just wanted to buy what they came for and leave.

He should have been more careful, today though.

He should have turned down the meeting.

It was Steve’s birthday. He’d already bought his present. He was supposed to be at the trailer in 30 minutes to help Wayne with the cake they were baking for him.

But he couldn’t turn down this deal.

A senior wanted to buy $100 worth of stuff for a college party he was going to in the city that weekend, thought it would make him look cool.

$100 was $100.

But the kid was running late, and Eddie’s biggest rule was you show up on time, or the price doubles. If you’re more than ten minutes late, you get nothing and he doesn’t sell to you anymore.

That’s what’s worked for him in the few short months he’s been doing it.

At the ten minute mark, he started to walk back to his van.

It wasn’t far, the clearing in the woods almost visible from where he was parked in the daylight.

Which is why he froze halfway back when he saw Hopper’s patrol car parked next to his van, Hopper leaning on his driver’s side door with his arms crossed, watching the woods.

He could pretend he was just on a walk maybe.

But he wasn’t dressed for it, and Hopper knew at least enough about him to know that he wasn’t exactly the “walking” type.

“I can see you, Eddie,” Hopper yelled from his car. “Just come on out.”

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Tagging @mx-jinxous @wynnyfryd @steves-strapcollection @wormdebut @legitcookie @sidekick-hero @scoops-stevie @simplebtromance @every-aj-needs-an-angel and anyone else who wants to participate!

[alias-b]

Without The Lights~ Billy Hargrove x OC Camille Harper

Chapter 8: Time After Time

A/N: Gahhh! Billy and Camille feel some time pass. Changes on the rise. Holidays and new year. New threats. The Party has to rally again for it all. Light sexual content starts here.

  “Let me help you with that, Mrs. Wheeler.” Camille hurried to pull three hot pies from the oven. The sweet smells filled the house around them.

  “I think I burned this one a little.” Karen frowned.

  “No, it looks and smells amazing, I promise.”

  “And your mother doesn’t want to come? I always love her fashion trend advice, I feel like I'm ahead of the curve.”

  “She'd appreciate that. But, no, we had lunch and she had a flight to catch.” Camille helped with desserts while Nancy started the coffee pot.

  “Smile.” Jonathan flashed when the three women huddled together in front of an island full of cookies, pies, and cakes. The doorbell sounded so Mike raced by Joyce and Will helping Holly open her new toys.

  “Mike, cool it.” Karen laughed. Her house full of family and friends enjoying the winter night.

  “Sorry,” he whipped open the door to see Eleven and Hopper. “Hey.”

  “Hi,” she offered a gift and he let them in. Mike made some introductions, hand in El's. Hopper had an elaborate story set up for her adoption.

  “I’m going to get us set up!” Dustin pulled at Will who followed him into the basement to help get their game ready. Steve was sorting gifts around and the doorbell went off again.

  “I got it,” Karen paced to open it, standing taller. “Oh? You.”

  “…Mrs. Wheeler.” Billy cleared his throat and peered down at Max. Camille poked her head around the corner to see him, glittery gold eyeshadow caught the light to make her sparkle. “Just dropping my sister off.” Sister. She'd forced him to help carry her many gifts to the door. Billy saw Camille there in a red dress and realized now that Max played him.

  “Max!” Lucas smiled and stilled when he spotted Billy.

  “Let me take those,” Karen bit her lip and handed some off to Steve so he gave them to Jonathan.

  “Hargrove.” He began, hard.

  “Harrington.”

  “Santa’s head elf this year, huh.” Steve watched Karen go into the living room. Billy shot him a tense look. Lip quirking.

  “You’re the one wearing that.” Billy gestured. Steve yanked an elf hat with ears off his head.

  “I'm wearing it for the kids.” He played it cool.

  “None of us asked you to do that,” Lucas teased, beckoning for Max to come in.

  "Happy Hanukkah?" Max grinned, earning a laugh.

  "Always appreciated." Camille smiled to greet her and met Billy’s eyes.

  “Sinclair,” Billy huffed and Lucas stilled. The teen relaxed, shrugging when he was flat. No animosity toward these people trying to celebrate with each other. Billy remained outside it all. “Merry Christmas.” Lucas gave an odd look of acknowledgment and ushered Max to join their friends.

  “You really got to him. Christmas miracles do exist,” the kid muttered and Max laughed at that. Camille approached, patting Steve’s shoulder when the two boys stared. She noted they both relaxed.

  "Hope you got more than coal this year."

  "I got this one." She eased and Steve crossed his arms, following after Lucas and Max too. She opened her mouth but Karen appeared again.

  “Billy, it’s snowing out. Come in for some dessert and coffee.”

  “Ah, I couldn’t,” he was jerked forward when her arm looped into his to walk him into the kitchen. Camille cocked her head and everyone in the living room tried not to laugh.

  “Billy, hi.” Nancy clasped her hands, intrigued. “Welcome.” Karen went into the other room to grab more paper plates.

  “Why is this so weird between you two?” Camille muttered, looking entertained and Billy rubbed his neck.

  “Don’t know what you mean.”

  “Nancy, this is weird. Isn’t it weird?”

  “It is weird, Camille.” Both girls crossed their arms and Billy cursed himself.

  “You know…that night. I got the Byers’s address from her. Might of…you know. My thing.” He hissed through his teeth when she got close to him.

  “Thing?” Nancy made a face at that. "My mom?"

  “Oh, no. Billy, ew. Bad idea. Bad. I might be queen bee but Karen Wheeler is like an entire swarm of them.” Camille covered her lips. Nancy giggled across from them, pouring coffees to take them off.

  “Worked at the time.” Billy whispered and they stood straighter when Karen appeared with a piece of apple pie. “Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler.”

  “Karen, please,” she waved him off. “You’re welcome to stay.” Karen looked between the teens and hurried to help Nancy with the coffees.

  “I really shouldn’t.” He gave that smile again so Camille bit her lip. “Time to run?”

  “Oh, yeah, or you're not making it out of here alive.” Camille pushed at his back to help him escape, they both chuckled together. Stopping in the doorway, she produced a tiny package from her pocket. “You know, I figured you'd be the one dropping Max here. This is for you. Open it.” He tore the paper and saw an ornate, silver ring. Patterns pressed into the metal. “Something small,” she explained when he slipped it on his middle finger. “I had them etch a Hebrew word on the inside.”

  “What’s it mean?”

  “Trust.” They locked eyes and he pulled another small box from his pocket, looking smug when she was surprised. Camille opened it, lifting a simple golden chain bracelet from the gift. Billy pulled from his own stash to get her something she'd like.

  “It’s beautiful. Is that…?” She let him clasp it on her wrist. A single, small charm hung from it. Circular with a peony pressed at the center.

  “Now you have one that can’t die on you. And I still had to ask which damn one it was so I didn't pick the rose because you are the first girl in the history of girls to hate roses.” He joked to make light of it. Camille stepped closer, his breath hitched.

  “Thank you.” Her fingers brushed his hand and their moment was interrupted.

  “Hey, keg king,” Steve cleared his throat. The couple came apart when he pointed up. “You know the rules.” Mistletoe hung above them. It wasn't there when Billy first arrived. “Who put that there? I wonder.” Steve flashed a huge grin and left them defenseless.

  “The real King Steve, huh? Might have to thank the guy.” Billy remarked and Camille turned to face him, all pretense gone. Blue eyes burned into hazel ones. Sparkling and bright. She watched his face change. Christmas lights played soft against their faces. Camille gave the slightest nod to signal him. Forgiveness would not echo in one perfect instant but the choice to heal opened up a million beautiful possibilities unseen before.

  Billy lifted a hand, fingers grazing her face; thumb rubbing a circle into her jaw. Camille came up closer on her toes when he tilted her chin up. He thought of the Halloween party. How badly he wanted her. How that never ended for a moment. Their foreheads touched, his eyes fluttered to close and she flickered her own across his expression. One of desire and peace. All at once. Camille touched the back of his neck, pressing gently and he waited for her. Only for her. So patiently that he vibrated when her lips touched his. A sweet kiss like an exhale against cool night air. Like waves swaying upon a California beach. Billy opened his heavy eyes framed by thick lashes. Her fingers shifted into his curls before she pressed her lips up to beam.

  “Bye.” He uttered, thumb sweeping down her jawline.

  “Goodnight.” Camille opened the door and watched him get into his car. Billy peered at her waving and took off. Somewhere to watch the stars and be alone so he didn't have to return to Neil's house yet. He touched his lips and had to open the window so cold air could caress his face. A smile found him. Camille went back inside and gave Steve a smack when she rounded the corner.

  “Real funny.”

  “Hey, I didn’t bring it. I still can't stand the guy. I’m just the height man.” He pointed at Max. "More afraid of her than I dislike Hargrove." The kids all paused.

  “Busted,” Mike teased.

  “What?” Max laughed when Camille’s arms crossed, waiting for an explanation. “I…didn’t have a present for him this year.”

  "You and I are going to have a conversation." Camille replied but, the younger girl was amused.

  "I hope it ends in thank you, Max."

  “Guys! We’re ready down here. Come on!” Will grew excited.

  “Never played,” El had whispered.

  “Neither have I really. Never had a party,” Max shrugged, holding out a hand. “We could learn together?” El blinked and took her hand, smiling when Max did to follow her down. Nancy kissed Jonathan and crossed over to give Camille a cup of coffee.

  “Cream and sugar.”

  “You’re awesome.” She cocked her head. “Guess we better join them.”

  “I am not wearing the elf costume.” Steve followed them down and Camille laughed at him. Holiday music colored the air while lights twinkled. A night that was wholly beautiful.

  “Steve, the party demands it.”

** ** **

  1985. A new year came for them all. Snow coated the grounds of Hawkins, giving them a few late starts to school. Camille breezed through the hallways.

  “Think you might be overdoing it?” Nancy pressed near her locker while Camille shifted books about.

  “Yesterday, I wrote a full page in Japanese. I picked up ballet again like it was nothing last week. And I also absorbed every cool action move I could. I cannot be stopped. I need an ass to kick. It’s like my brain is overflowing. Also…not the most exciting thing but without our housekeeper, I’m cooking more for me. Food channel…super helpful. Who knew?” Excitement laced her tone.

  “And your mother?” Nancy wasn’t sure if she could call her that now.

  “I don’t think she suspects anything.” She shrugged. “And you know that El’s abilities are different from mine. But, she helped me some with the whole…moving things part. Gift for all the tutoring so far. It just feels like that little girl always belonged in my life. Like we'd been looking for each other.” Camille paused when Billy passed, backpack in hand. He winked and she stopped a grin from splitting her lips, turning aside to look back at her locker.

  “What’s happening there?”

  “I’m not sure yet. I mean, we talk more and do assignments together. I told him that I’d help him in chem. Keep his dad off him. He's a...a strict guy. We kissed at your Christmas party but…we’re friends. He has a lot to make up for and I’m…kind of content. Where we are, you know? Billy and I are friends and trying to find that footing again.”

  “But, you like him.” Nancy was matter-a-fact. "And I'm assuming the continued quiet, longing looks and the less making rounds is a signal he likes you."

  “Yes, but, I don’t…fully forgive him for that night. He’s trying, granted. Things are different. I feel it. But, it was awful. I’m working on that and, you know, Nance… I’m glad I told you…about the…” Camille touched her stomach and Nancy nodded. “I have not had a relationship since that. Many, many out of school flings aside.”

  “You want things to change but not too quickly. Odd, but I get it.” Nancy followed her down the hallway. Heather joined them when they got outside.

  “We’re all going to the diner for hot chocolates.” She offered. “Invite Steve and Jonathan…if it isn’t weird, of course. I was going to invite Robin, I owe her big for all the chem notes I borrowed.”

  “Not weird, Steve and I are friends now,” Nancy shrugged, eyes elsewhere. Billy’s jacket provided warmth to Camille in the snow. A commotion caught their attention ahead, stopping the conversation. Camille hurried forward to see it around her car. The driver’s side window smashed in. Billy was there as Max had pointed it out seconds before.

  “What the hell…” Camille pushed students to see it. A brick sat in the passenger seat.

  “Careful, the glass,” Max spoke when the teen got the door open.

  “Take anything?” Billy craned his neck.

  “I’m… No, I don’t think so.” Camille was visibly shaken. "Did anyone see anything?"

  "Saw it when I was skateboarding down to meet Billy," Max shook her head.

  “Break it up,” Mr. Clarke pushed students of all ages to go, save for her friends. “Ms. Harper, are you alright?”

  “Yes, I’m…” Camille saw numbers marked into the brick when her gloved hand picked it up. 006. She gasped and turned it down. “I don’t think they took anything.”

  “Hey, what happened?” Steve and Jonathan had joined the circle.

  “Camille, you can’t drive that.” Nancy touched her lips and pointed. A large puddle melted the snow under the car. Mr. Clarke was kind enough to look under.

  “Camille,” he agreed and got serious, “they cut your brakes.” She looked up from him to see her friend's eyes, horrified. Stuffing the brick into her backpack so no one saw it.

  “I’ll call the police.” Heather offered. “We’ll get you a tow.” Billy touched Camille’s back when she came out on shaky legs.

  “Can I have a ride?” She trembled so he gave a nod without a thought.

  “I can take Max home,” Jonathan offered. Will and the kids caught up with him. Billy didn’t refuse, peering at his sister to cock his head.

  “Stay with your friends. About an hour. Susan said she was out for some appointment today and my dad is home alone from work there.” He’d replied so quietly. Hands in his pockets. Jonathan nodded in turn. Max pressed her lips and agreed.

  “Shit,” Dustin observed the car.

  “Language.” Their teacher chided, coming back from looking the vehicle over. “Everyone, let’s clear out. We’ll get this taken care of.”

  “You okay?” Max asked first and Camille shook her head but yes found her lips.

  “Go on with Jonathan. It’s cold out.”

  “Heather is still on the phone with a tow, but Hopper’s on the way.” Nancy spoke behind her.

  “I’ll go inside to report this too. Ms. Harper, will you be alright until the Chief comes?”

  “Yes, Mr. Clarke, thank you.” Camille touched her heart, speeding in her chest. He left and she produced the brick so her friends could see it. They all gave awed expressions and she was hard. “They’re coming for me.”

** ** **

  “See anything?” Camille cocked her head as Hopper observed her car. He took the brick and had police comb the area. They got Heather to go home and Jonathan took the kids, leaving Billy, Nancy, and Steve.

  “Nothing. Any threats prior to today?”

  “Aside from my dad’s whole room of experimentation evidence and monsters from another dimension attacking us? No, sir, not a one.” Camille shrugged and came to his side, eyebrow raised. “If I’m in danger, so is El.”

  “I know that,” Jim hissed. “Try to think.”

  “Could be people left still at that place. We both knew it wasn't over. Government secret types, who knows. Our housekeeper was jaded about the firing like a switch flipped. She was one of them too. You know, she fooled me better than my own parents did. Stung. Someone to watch me like a…handler.” Camille saw Hopper peer at Billy in question. “Oh, he knows. You remember him. The sweet blue Camaro. ...Snores.”

  “The narcoleptic bully, yeah. I definitely remember.” Jim was flat, turning. Steve snorted and Billy shot him a glare. “I’ll look into the housekeeper. Don’t go anywhere alone. Where is Rosemary?”

  “She’s been on trip after trip. Probably down a bottle of wine and few pills wherever she is.” Camille shrugged. “I called her to tell her about the car, left out some details. She offered to come but I said no. So, I have a few days to myself. If our housekeeper was invested into the experiment, why would my mother get rid of her?”

  “Frankly, that’s what makes me nervous. They both know too much, why split?”

  “Unless mother wants it to be done as well. But, wouldn’t they take me?” She exhaled cold air and he pressed a thoughtful expression.

  “Plan some sleepovers.” Jim ordered and she gave a salute.

  “Yes, sir.” Camille watched as they hooked her car up. “I liked this stupid car. Damn it.”

  “Tell me about the room with his work?” Hopper stuffed his hands into his pockets.

  “Attic. Never been allowed in…things got suspicious. So, we broke in."

  "We?"

  "Yeah, Billy and I. He helped me. It's...how he knows about me too. The attic had every single detail of my existence carefully mapped.” Camille tilted her head. Jim eyed Billy again, causing the teen's eyes to shift elsewhere.

  “Will Rosemary be back Saturday?

  “No, not till Sunday night or Monday morning.” She replied.

  “I want to see it. The attic.” Jim nodded. “Six o’clock.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  “For now: go home, you do your homework, and do not investigate this. None of you.” Hopper scanned the teens, shifting to walk off and radio Flo. “Go.”

  “Thank you.” Camille offered, sighing. “Just when things felt calm.”

  “We’ll find whoever is behind it,” Nancy assured her. “If you need a place to stay this week, you can come to my house.”

  “Appreciate it. I'll see you later.” Camille pressed her lips and her friends left while the car was pulled away. Billy unlocked his vehicle to let her in.

  “My dad will be there.” Billy hesitated. “I’m not supposed to see you. Not in this setting.”

  "What setting is that?" Camille stared over the roof of the car and he puffed, hand on the door.

  "Friends." He'd offered the word quietly like he might be wrong, hurrying to get in so she followed.

  "I shouldn't... It'll get you into more shit."

  "No, I don't care. I'm never going to be out of the shit. But, I wanted to tell you."

  “Don’t mind to face him with you. I could tutor chem tonight.” She was softer so he drove off. Luck was on their side. Susan hurried to see Camille, having just gotten home too.

  “Neil ran back out to pick up something from the office. Max told me your car was broken into. I’m so sorry.”

  “Bit shocking.”

  “Billy, that was nice of you to stay with her.” She regarded her stepson and he gave a curt nod. “I have hot apple cider in the kitchen.”

  “May I use the restroom?” Camille hurried away when Billy gave her a light push.

  “She’s, uh…shaken up.” He broke the awkward silence between him and Susan.

  “I can imagine.” She poured two mugs. “She can stay as long as she likes tonight. Don’t worry about Neil, I’ll tell him it’s for school. If she's assigned to tutor you, then you really have no choice in the matter.” Billy lifted his eyes as if to thank her without words. “Go, get warm.” Camille appeared when he turned down the hall, two mugs in his hands.

  “Come on, Harpy, you’re trembling still.” He gestured with his chin so she got the door and shut it behind them. Billy handed her a cup and turned on music to drown out their voices. His mess of a room was a welcomed sight to Camille.

  “It has to be them. I knew it wasn’t over. Why would it be? Monsters aside. Human ones are always more persistent.” She exhaled, sipping when she sat on his bed without thinking. Billy joined her, drinking. “I don’t understand.”

  “What?” His curiosity won.

  “Why me?” She whispered after months of tearing herself apart for it all. “Why did I get out to live a lavish life and no one else did? How can I live with that?”

  “Should ask why if it wasn’t your fucking fault.” Billy said after a beat. “Hell, I sound like you now.” Camille broke to chuckle, drinking more while the steamy mug warmed her hands. Billy followed until he saw her eyes change upon meeting them. Camille set her mug aside, gaze fixed on him. She took his mug next, placing it away. “What are you doing?”

  “Thinking.”

  “Got to stare at me to do that?” They drew closer when he tried to joke and she felt herself quiver.

  “How is it you said exactly what I needed to hear?” She tried to put her demons to rest. At least for tonight.

  “Because, I…” Billy glanced aside and panned to focus on her gaze. Unyielding. He didn’t know why the urge struck him to weep. Honesty drew so raw. “We’re friends, I guess. Picked up some new skills.” Such a thought made him scoff. He chased and chased. Every trick and tease. Failed. And still found exactly what he’d needed this moment in time.

  “I want to try something.” Her usual dangerous words cut into him. Billy froze when her hands cupped his face. She came up on her knees, sinking down to kiss him. Hands tugging for his collar. More of a thank you. A thank you that turned into a I fucking care about you. He responded against her mouth, hands grasped her elbows to bring her closer. I fucking care. Sometimes I can’t stand it. I don’t want it to stop.

     Then, don’t.

  Billy drowned in her this time, fingers bunched fabric until they fell against his bed. He went for her neck, angling her jaw with one firm hand to place kisses down her skin. She sunk fingers into his hair and caressed all down his back. Nails raked over fabric. Billy felt her adjust, legs opening until he wedged between them. Heat swelled. Poured over. Drowning in fire. Breathtaking.

  Foreheads touched and he pressed himself into her. Just enough for the pressure to tip higher. Legs squeezed his hips. Friction sparked over their bodies. Admittedly, he hadn’t been with a girl in weeks. Body wasn’t into it after all that happened. Not since before their ruined almost date. Flirting aside. Couldn’t lose that charm. That reputation. Billy moaned into her, quiet and stimulated. A husky sound that made her shiver. He rocked his hips, aroused and wet through denim. One hand was under her sweater, squeezing her breast before fingers shifted the bra cup.

  “Camille,” he uttered, tongue slipping against her lips. He traced his thumb over her hard nipple, rolled it between his fingers. They rocked together. Needy and panting.

  “Almost,” she hitched a whine and he rubbed against her, mouth open on her throat. Arms squeezed him into her body. Worked up teens in need of some basic release. They grew inflamed. So close. Billy was teetering, barely undone, when the front door sounded and smacked closed. He jumped off her and Camille fixed her clothing. They scrambled so she came to the floor, tearing a book open to pretend she was studying. She laid on her stomach and crossed her legs, still heaving on air. Billy shoved a pillow in his lap and grabbed a book she tossed up at him. Footsteps shook the hardwood before Billy’s door hit the wall.

  “Good evening, Mr. Hargrove. My, what a lovely tie that is.” Camille watched him open his mouth and close it upon seeing her. My, what big teeth you have, was the tone she claimed. She nestled into the shaggy rug, grinning and he smoothed the tie out in response.

  “You again. It's...new.” He’d warned Billy to stay away. Neil smiled instead, quick like a flash. Doting dad of this fine family. “What’s all this?”

  “Tutoring. Billy's one of my assignments.” Big eyes blinked with innocence and she answered so Billy didn’t have to.

  "Figure a girl like you to have several assignments." His jab struck her.

  "I guess a girl like me enjoys keeping busy." She didn't bow. Owning it. "I'm greedy like that."

  "What's the subject?"

  "Chemistry, sir." She dared this man to step over her to get to his son. Triple dog dared him.

  “And the topic, Billy?” Tension seeped into the room.

  “Ah…just chemical bonding. Chemical reactions. Start with the basics and build it up from there.” Billy made it sound as sexual as he could. Camille gave a breathy sigh, silent and frozen. “Like, synthesis. Right, Camille?”

  “Mm hm. How astute. Ionic bonds.” Camille’s addition made Billy bite his tongue. “Covalent bonds. The real exciting stuff…big test coming. I think with my careful instruction, Billy will nail it.” Her bright smile drew calculating and Billy almost lost it there in manic laughter. It reflected in his eyes. “He passed the quiz last week.” Her bragging of him swelled more heat. Neil was the one burned.

  “Ah. Good, I suppose. Wouldn’t put it past him to cheat, I’m afraid. So, look out.” Neil watched her swallow a hard lump in her throat. Billy’s cheeks were bright pink still. Hair messed. “I’ll let you two study. See if you can bring my son’s grade up more. We’ve given up trying.” He turned and jerked the door shut. Camille let out the air she was holding and Billy’s head fell against the wall.

  “Warn me sooner before you jump my bones next time.”

  “Bold of you to assume. Next time.” Came her teasing. It shouldn't have felt this natural. Being here together. Camille slipped back up onto the bed, sitting against the wall next to him. “You can go finish if you want.”

  “I kind of, uh, already did.” Billy hitched to scoff. “Fuck.” He hurried to his feet to change his pants and underwear in a tiny walk in closet.

  “Talk more chemistry to me.” She played a flirt when he eyed her.

  “Still something else, Camille.” His remark sobered her expression. Pretense lowered again.

  “Can I stay the night with you?”

  “Might have to pretend to drive you home and sneak you back into my window.”

  “Mm, you’ve clearly done this before. Clever boy. We’ll leave early for my place before your dad realizes. Max can come also for the day if she isn’t going to friends. Hopper said six in the afternoon.” She waited until he joined her, sitting down. “Billy?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I appreciate…you’re trying. I just wanted you to know that.” They peered away from each other after a beat. Slowly, his hand lifted to curl into her own in her lap. Camille took his hand in both of hers, head tilting to his shoulder. Billy couldn’t hold it in any longer.

  “I want you.” He tried again because he fucking meant it.

  “I know.” Camille came up to see his eyes, hands tightening around his. “I want you too. But, I’m…not sure if I’m okay with it yet.”

  “You were right.” Billy sat back, eyes turned aside. Surprise flooded her. “My brand or whatever. Queen bee. I chased your skirts because of that. The more we teased. The more aloof you were to me, after every move I pulled. The more I wanted you. Call it shitty, it is. Stupid ass high school game, I think it lasts after you get out. And you had…everything I wanted, so I fucking thought. I thought if I held you, I could hold that. More shit. Parents who bought you everything and loved you. Coddling you with a big house and ballet classes and a damn hot tub. A maid and fancy parties…and perfect grades. Damn it. And…”

  “Go on,” she coaxed.

  “It’s just so fucked. Because they just needed to keep you distracted while they prodded and left. Maybe it isn’t worse than what I had but, fuck, it wasn’t really better. Was it? You and I were both fucked up and we found each other and that shit was not a mistake. And I threw it away. ...And maybe because of what happened when I was fifteen. Guys congratulated me for hot senior pussy, not even believing that she ra-…That she did what she did. I was supposed to want it. And when I see girls remotely in her circle, I want to feel in control again and that’s sick. It’s fucking sick, Camille. I wanted to chase you because I thought you were perfect queen material and I had some shit to prove. Guys like me eat that up and spit it out…” Billy grew so very quiet. So genuine. “And I don’t want that for you and I.”

  “You no longer want to consume me?”

  “No, I think I still do. That’s just it. But, I want you to ask me to do it.” He shuddered. Camille felt that hit deep.

  “Hey, you were right too. I loved being chased by the bad boy. I ignored red flags because of it. I love being wanted because I never felt…” She stopped when he met her eyes again. “Whatever this is now, I value it. Chasing routines aside. Bullshit aside. I’ll let you consume me…only when I feel I can do it back. No, this was not a mistake. I know that now too.”

  "That night we went to Ohio, you wanted me and I came so close to fucking you and being done with it." Billy admitted.

  "Why didn't you?" She would make him say it. "You said I wanted you because I hated myself and that was true. But, I'm sure you fucked your share who hated themselves. I'm sure you fuck when you hate yourself too."

  "Seeing you in pain was somehow easier to stomach than leaving you behind." Billy's words came out and managed to be tender and harsh. That hint of menacing lingered. Delicate fingers touched his jaw, turning his head so he'd look at her face.

  "I never did thank you," Camille's brow furrowed, "for saving my life." Billy never sought it. It was peculiar, how she found every moment she could to offer these tiny compassionate touches. Billy was new to being touched in a way of comfort. It flooded him with the terrifying reality that he was here. She took every single opportunity to remind him that he was fucking here. Even if it made him feel wounded. Camille didn't forgive him. Not just yet. Wanting him was another matter. She didn't lose sleep over him making it all better again. Problem was on him at the end of the day. He fucked up, the blame was all his. She'd made her point. They had a connection regardless and she wasn't letting that go just yet either. Trauma had a way of bringing lost souls to the threshold. Years of helping his abused mother branded a special talent for nurturing wounded girls that was not yet lost on him. Her fingertips hadn't left his jaw, inching up over skin. Touch with Billy Hargrove often meant getting fresh stitches plucked open. For Camille Harper, he'd risk it.

  I'm here, he thought again, chills rushed over skin.

  "Thank you, Billy." She ghosted a smirk. "For saving my life and, frankly, screaming me back into existence. It made me start fighting again. It was exactly what I needed. You gave me exactly what I needed when the time came."

  “You did trick me into being your friend,” he chuckled so she did too. Billy realized in that moment that she'd already returned the favor. Harsh and tender as her own words came after that horrid night. Tension drained again. Her hand dropped from his face toward his knee. Stayed there.

  “It’s silly. How we looked at each other as unobtainable.” Camille confessed after another beat. “This goes so far beyond that. We almost missed it.”

  “We’re idiot kids still.”

  “Yes, we are.” She came to her feet. “Come on, it’s late. Fake take me home.” Billy looked at her other hand still wrapped in his. Eyes lifted to her smile. He felt a great shudder within his chest. That night, Billy dreamed of a California beach. Those waves washing everything awful away. Wind in Camille’s hair while she turned to smile at him. It felt right to have her here. They were happy. He tried to build a home. Something obtainable.

  Just for a little while.  

[ughthatimagineblog]

not your baby (part two)

steve harrington x reader | part one

requested:  Okay first off, “I’m Their Healer” is AMAZING and i loved the plot twist at the end!! You are extremely talented! Could you maybe do a Steve Harrington x Reader that involves the reader being a shy, but really sweet and caring new girl that accidently pisses off Billy somehow and Steve comes to the rescue? Id love for him to get revenge and kick his ass. Then the girl meets the Party (and loves Max cause they both have red hair?) WOW thats specific sorry so dont do it unless you want to!

warnings: cursing (a lot), fighting, billy being a major butt, kind of sexual assault? kinda. kinda.

word count: 2017 (lol)

a/n: so i changed it to where the demodog doesnt come crashing through the window and Elle just kills them all. some other small details are changed im sure but other than that I stuck to it. hope yall enjoy! :)

 Your personal dramas were all cut short when the reality of the Upside Down really set in. You were on your way to Nancy’s, only to find she wasn’t home. Then, you were picked up by some kid named Dustin and Steve to help catch what he called a demodog. Cut to you, now scared and skeptical, in the backseat of a bus in the old Hawkins junkyard with three of Mike Wheeler’s friends.  “Guys, I’m not even sure if I want to be here, can’t I just go home and you can play your game without me?” You complained and Dustin glared at you. “It’s not a game.”  You looked at Steve, for the first time all night actually, and he nodded. “It’s not.” He confirmed. “You’re in on this too?” You asked. “Unbelievable. A bus filled with two redheads, which Max, I’m a fan of the hair believe me,” You smiled despite going literally insane about the events happening before you. “Two eighth graders and a senior who are all psy-” You couldn’t finish your sentence when a loud growl was heard outside. 

 “What was that?” You were quick to ask. Steve immediately stood up. “They’re here.” He stated, grabbing his bat and moving to the front of the group. Lucas, who was also Mike’s friend, came crawling down the ladder. “Shit, shit, shit.” He muttered on his way down.  “Is he out there?” Steve asked. “Yeah but he isn’t going for the bait.” Lucas reported. Your eyes were darting between the two, starting to get scared that they were serious and a monster that ate Dustin’s cat was truly out there.

 Steve’s eyes darted to you and you saw something in them. Something you saw that day Billy showed up. When you exchanged glances and he switched seats almost to. . . protect you.  Something was felt in your heart that you couldn’t explain, but you couldn’t voice it before Steve was handing Dustin the lighter and walking out the door. You moved up the ladder with Lucas to watch what was going on in the yard. You could see a creature on four legs in the distance. You were about to make the excuse it was a dog, when it’s face opened up and released a blood curdling growl.  You clasped a hand over your mouth and Lucas leaned over to whisper. “Now you believe us?” You nodded. “Steve is going to fight that? Alone?” Lucas nodded. You looked to your right and your stomach dropped. “But what about those.” You pointed to the other creatures that entered the junkyard. Soon there were about five or six and Steve was well outnumbered.  You and Lucas rushed down the ladder and slammed open the bus door. “Abort! Abort! Steve!” You called after him and it was almost too late when he noticed he was outnumbered. You held the door open and he rushed in, making his escape. You shut the door and were about to go back up the ladder to scout the area when thuds were heard on the roof and a terrifying face popped through the fire escape hatch.  You screamed and Steve nearly knocked you over, pushing himself in front of you. “Out of the way!” He shouted, waving his bat at the ‘demodog’. His face opened up but before it could bite, a distant screech was heard and its head popped up. Deciding you all weren’t interesting enough, it changed its mind, and retreated. Leaving most of you dumbfounded.  “It left.” Lucas said, breathing heavily. “No, no, they didn’t leave,” Steve said, opening the door and looking to the distance.  “They are going somewhere.”

By the time you reached Hawkins lab and piled everyone into cars, your feet hurt and you were crying. Sobbing even. Never in a thousand worlds or lifetimes would you expect all this to be real. And to hear someone died made it even more surreal.  You were in the back of Hoppers cop car with Steve and the ‘Party’ when you felt a hand on your knee. It was Steve’s. “Hey, hey, hey. It’s okay. I know this is all overwhelming but it’s going to be okay. Come here.” He offered his arms out to you and you sniffed, wiping your nose on your jacket.  “Like you said, Steve, I’m not your girlfriends best friend so you don’t have to be nice to me.” You said back, bitterly. “I know.” He said. You looked to his face. There was no sign of sarcasm. No smirk. Just a pure gesture.  Reluctantly, you scooted to the other side of the back of the van and sat next to Steve, who wrapped his arms around you, allowing you to lay your head on his shoulder where you fell asleep. For the time being.

 When you woke up, you woke up on Joyce Byers couch. There were no adults to be seen and only Lucas and Max were sitting in a chair across the room. It was unfamiliar. You didn’t know where Hopper was or even Steve. Steve. Where was he?  You sat up quickly, catching the attention of Lucas and Max. Seeing you in your panicked state, they rushed to your side. “It’s okay. Hey, Steve’s in the kitchen talking with Mike and Dustin.” Max explained while Lucas called Steve’s name.  He came in and explained everything. Where Joyce and Hopper were, where the rest of the team were, what had happened and how they kept you safe.  “So this girl, Eleven, she took the dogs down?” You asked to clarify, sitting at the table with a glass of water. “Yes.” Steve confirmed and you nodded slowly. “Okay.” You said calmly. “Are you good now?” He asked. You nodded. “I have to be. It’s my reality. Besides, if any of the dogs come back, i’ll kick their asses.” You said confidently, finding the best way to cope with your fear was to fight it.  “Alright.” Steve nodded but was cut off by Max and Lucas arguing in the living room. You both got up to see what the commotion was all about.  

 “What’s going on?” Steve asked and you stood beside him. “Billy’s here. He’s looking for me. If he finds me I’ll get killed, or worse, we will.” She gestured to both her and Lucas. You and Steve looked to each other.  “I’ll handle him.” You stepped forward. “What? Y/N, no!” Steve protested but you held a hand up to his chest. “Listen, hot stuff, you’ve protected me from this asshole enough. Let me handle this, okay?” You said, and he shrugged, backing off. “Good to know the old you is back.” He made the snide remark before watching you go. From the inside, he surveyed the situation from the side of the window.

 Outside, Billy was just turning off his car when you stepped out the front door. “What are you doing here, Billy?” You asked, arms crossed.  “Ooh, Y/N. Funny meeting you here.” He smiled a sly smile and you felt bile rise in your throat. You wanted to spit. “Not that funny. You aren’t laughing.” You replied, not letting emotion cake your features.  Billy approached you slowly, his cigarette hanging between his lips. “Feisty. Nice.” He commented and lifted his hand to brush one of your hairs away but you pushed his hand away.  Inside, the gesture made Steve flinch. He wanted to walk outside and deck that guy. But Dustin held him back. They both knew you could hold your own. For now.  “Too bad I’m not here for you.” He stated, crossing his arms and taking another drag. “Yeah, then what are you here for?” You replied. “My little sister.” He turned from looking behind you and looked straight at you. “Who?”  “Shot, redhead, bit of a bitch?” Billy asked, flicking his cigarette into the ground. You nearly rolled your eyes. “Never seen her.” You shrugged. “Oh yeah?” Billy commented. “Then who’s that?” He pointed behind you and in the window you saw four heads duck down.  “Shit.” You muttered to yourself before you felt two arms wrap around you, spin you around and back you into the door of his car. Billy pressed his body against you and you leaned away best you could, trying to escape the stench of cigs and cheap cologne.  “Now, I could let this go, if I get one night with you. . . What do you say, baby?” He whispered grossly into your ear, ghosting his lips over your neck. If this was anyone else, if this was Steve you’d be turned on. But it wasn’t. So you were disgusted.  “She isn’t your baby.” You heard Steve say and a door slamming open. He was quickly making his way across the front yard and Billy was just pulling away from you when you saw Steve’s fist collide with Billy’s face. You were so surprised it took you a moment to recuperate.  “Now this is the King I’ve been hearing so much about. And last I heard, she was single. So who’s baby is she?” Billy shouted, gathering himself from the pavement, a smirk plastered on his lips once again.

 Steve’s face had a look you had never seen before. It made you scared. He was angry. More than angry, he was seething. “Don’t you fuckin’ touch her Billy or I swear to God I’ll rip your fuckin’ face off, you hear me?” Steve shouted and ran at Billy again, tackling him to the ground. From there, Steve took a few blows. Two to the side of his ribs and one to the face but all of them he was quick to recover from.  You decided to run inside and take action. You grabbed a needle and filled it with the sedative you assumed was used earlier to sedate Will.

 You were pushing through the kids at the doorway when you saw Steve repeatedly punching Billy, who was smiling the whole time. “She’s fuckin’ mine, that’s who.” Steve grunted and your heart leapt, stunning you in your place for only a moment.  She’s fuckin’ mine.

It was Max who broke your daze and stripped those words from echoing in your mind. “Y/N!” She shouted and you jumped, finally snapping out of your trance and rushing up to the scene. You plunged the needle into Billy’s neck which made the struggling boy go limp. You pulled Steve off of him, repeatedly saying it was over and he won.  He stopped resisting when he looked at you, realizing why he got so angry.

Inside, Billy’s passed out body was laying on the couch while the kids left you alone with Steve in the kitchen. You were cleaning up his wounds when you decided to comment on what he had said.

 “Steve-” You began but he cut you off by putting his hand on the one that was dabbing the wound on his lip. “I know what I said. And I’m sorry.” He looked at you. “Why?” You asked, breathless and heart speeding at a million miles an hour. “I don’t know. I just. . . When I saw you and Billy out there and he had his hands on you, and his body on yours. . . It just made me so angry. And I realized that maybe I like you more than just a friend.” Steve explained. “I know it wasn’t right of me to call you mine. You’re not and I-” You held up a hand to stop him in his tracks. “I will gladly be yours. All you had to do was ask. Truth be told, Harrington, I’ve always liked you. I just didn’t know I did until the night of the party. So, no need to apologize.” You gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.  “What about Nancy?” He asked, lacing his fingers through your free hand. You thought long and hard about that for a moment. “She has Jonathan now.” You shrugged and smiled, leaning in for a kiss, one Steve gladly returned.

You broke away by the sound of Dustin’s voice. “So are you our mom now?”

@izzy-zzz I hope you enjoyed!

[coyoteweird]

How Hopper Adopts Mike Wheeler: Part 5

Wow I was going through my drafts and realized I forgot to post this. Well here it is.

Hey guys! This is part 5/? of The “How Hopper Adopts Mike Wheeler” Series written with my son @lgbtchee

Warnings: mentions/implied eating disorder, that’s it bc it’s all fluff 

Hope you enjoy!

Hopper didn’t cook. It was just a fact. He lived off of greasy takeout and microwave meals. He never thought that he’d be in Joyce Byers’ kitchen making a birthday cake and planning a birthday party.

It was Mike’s sixteenth birthday and that night they were having a party. Hopper wanted to make it good. He knew that Mike was feeling the absence of his parents worse than ever. Nancy had taken Mike out to celebrate together, and to distract him. The entire party was planning a surprise party for Mike. The girls were out getting decorations for the party. The boys were out getting tapes from the local video rental store for the sleepover that night. Steve was getting food for the party. Jonathan was picking up a few last minute items they needed. All Joyce and Hopper had to do was make a birthday cake.

If only Hopper knew how to make a birthday cake. At this point, Hopper had no idea what he was doing. It was taking way too long to make a simple cake and Hopper was worried they wouldn’t have it done in time.

“How much longer do we have to get it done?” Hopper asked, looking at the clock while joyce put the cake in the oven.

“We have enough time, Hop. Don’t worry” Joyce said.

“But I want this to be just right for him, after all the shit that’s happened. He deserves this at least.” Hopper said. “He’s practically my kid now, I want to do this right.” Hopper pauses.

“What if it’s not good enough for him?” Hopper said, furrowing his eyebrows.

“Hop, please, anything you do for that boy will be amazing to him. He’ll love it either way. He looks up to you.” Joyce said. “Plus, even if the cake doesn’t come out right I doubt he’ll mind very much, kind of worrying though...” Joyce said.

“What do you mean?” Hopper asked “Is something going on?’

“Well… I did notice that he doesn’t really eat a lot, sometimes not at all.”

“What?” Hopper asks, clearly out of the loop.

“Oh well, I could be wrong. I just noticed when he eats dinner at the house, he doesn’t really eat much or makes an excuse not to.” Joyce answers.

“El and Mike usually eat dinner before I get home from work. She hasn’t said anything to me…” Hopper says, brows furrowed.

“Again, I could be wrong, it’s just some things I’ve noticed. It could just be my cooking.” Joyce attempts to lighten the mood.

Hopper just sighs, dragging his hand down his face.

“I worry so much about that kid that I feel like I’m going to explode.” Hopper says, mixing the batter.

“I get it, when I’m away from Will, all I do is worry about him.” Joyce says.

“I don’t know what I’m doing with him. I feel like every step I take is a wrong one. He’s so different from El in every way. They have completely different issues and lives and personalities. I’m still figuring El out, now trying to figure him out is like trying to speak french and german with no teacher.” Hopper says with a huff.

“Hop, you’re doing your best. You’re doing way better than Ted and Karen have.  He has a lot of issues, it’s gonna take more than a day to heal. Give him time.” Joyce says, grabbing his upper arm.

Suddenly, the atmosphere of the kitchen shifted. The air was thicker, almost electrified. Neither Hopper nor Joyce realized the way they were slowly leaning into each other. Like magnets, the two were drawn together. Both were mesmerized by the other. Just before the two became one-

“Mom, we’re back! We got a bunch of Mike’s favorite movies!” Will says, slamming the door. Hopper and Joyce jump apart.

“Okay hun! Go set everything up in your room, we’re almost done in here” Joyce says, her cheeks a light pink.

“Alright?” Will asks, a little confused but he walks back to his room, Lucas and Dustin following.

There was a slight tension in the room after that.

“Maybe we shouldn’t do that when we’re expecting the kids back soon.” Hopper said, laughing a little.

Joyce joined in. “Well you do have a point on that one. Now let’s get the cake done before Nancy gets back here with Mike.”

Soon after, they had everything set up. The entire house was decorated, the cake was done and everyone was in place. Now they just had to wait for Nancy and Mike to get there.

They heard the two of them walking towards the door right then.

“Are you sure anyone’s here? All the lights are out...” Mike asked Nancy. All he honestly wanted to do was go to sleep and forget the day entirely.

“Yes I’m sure Mike, don’t worry about it.” She said, smiling and opening the door.

“I just dont-” Mike was cut off by walking in the house and the lights flickering on.

Everyone shouts, “Surprise!”

He’d be lying if he said he didn’t almost cry because, holy shit, he was so happy that they’d done all this for him. He looked around, seeing his friends and people he cares about, there to celebrate him. It made his heart swell.

“Oh, wow! Just, wow!” Mike says, completely speechless.

“Happy birthday, Mike!” The party yells, rushing over to Mike.

Lucas wraps an arm around Mike’s shoulder. Dustin wrapped his arms around his waist, his face pressed against Mike’s stomach.

“Dude, happy sixteenth!” Max exclaims.

“Happy Sweet Sixteen! We didn’t forget, like the movie!” El yells, the biggest smile on her face.

“Happy birthday, little dude!” Steve says, ruffling Mike’s hair.

“C’mon, guys, the pizza will get cold!” Joyce says, laughter in his voice.

Mike was still stuck as everyone went to the kitchen, just looking around at all the decorations.

Will came over to him and grabbed his hand. “C’mon, Mikey,” He said, smiling. “Let’s go eat okay?”

Mike seemed to snap out of it then, nodding. The biggest smile on his face that he’s had in forever. “Yeah, okay” he said, following Will into the kitchen.

They were all sitting around the kitchen eating pizza and talking. God Mike had never felt so fucking grateful in his life. Mike sat up on one of the counters, will right up there beside him as he ate his slice of pizza, without Will even having to convince him to try.

“Thank you guys for all of this, so so much.” Mike said, after everyone had finished eating.

“Don’t worry about it, you deserve it Mike.” Jonathan said. “After everything that’s happened recently, you do.”

Mike just smiled, and Will was just glad that he was happy in the moment. He’d missed Mike’s smile so much.

“C’mon now, time for cake.” Hopper said, lighting the candles.

Mike was practically beaming as everyone sang happy birthday, and when he blew out the candles, he wished for everything to stay just like this. For nothing to ever go wrong or change.

“What’d you wish for?” El asks, Max throws her arm around her shoulders.

“He can’t tell you or it won’t come true! That’s why you don’t say you’re wish out loud when you make it!”

El smiles, a small blush on her cheeks. Max has a large grin on her own face. Mike smiles at the interaction.

“I hope the cake’s okay. I asked El and Will what you’d like, and they said that this was your favorite.” Hopper says, cutting into the buttercream frosting.

Mike’s smile only widens. Will and El had gotten it right. Hopper cut a large piece of pink strawberry cake with buttercream frosting.

“Thanks! It’s my favorite!” Mike says, taking a huge bite. “It’s amazing! Thanks so much!” Mike says, mouth full of frosting.

Will stared at Mike warmly, a large smile on his face. Mike shoveled cake into his mouth, enjoying the cake. Mike catches Will staring and pauses, fork hovering above his mouth.

“What is it? Is there something on my face?” Mike asks, confused.

Will doesn’t answer, instead leaning over and wiping a glob of frosting off of Mike’s face. The pad of Will’s thumb dragging across Mike’s lower lip. Mike blushes a deep pink.

“There.” Will smiled softly, leaning forward pecking his lips gently, making Mike’s cheeks just go pinker.

The party watched the scene play out, Dustin and Lucas always knew that the two of them would end up a thing, they were always so obvious. Everyone else had moved into the living room.

“Hey, do you wanna go watch a movie with everyone before the sleepover tonight?” Will asked suddenly, Mike nodded.

“We’re having a sleepover too?” Mike asked.

“Well of course we are. Now c’mon, you get to choose” Will said, grabbing his hand, pulling him into the living room.

Dustin, Lucas, El and Max followed behind them, El and Max holding hands, sitting right next to each other on the floor in front of the tv.

If Will was being honest, he was trying to keep mike distracted. The longer he was distracted, the less time he had to think about things that Will knew would just make him upset.

They all sat around the tv, watching one of Mike’s absolute favorite movies, The Shining.

Mike always got so into horror movies when watching them. He loved to theorize who the killer was or who was next to die, even analyze the meaning behind the stories. Most people would find his excited chatter throughout the movies annoying, but Will thought it was endearing. Mike had a sort of obsession with stories. He loved planning their D&D campaigns, taking time to perfect the details and plot lines. Will also knew that Mike wrote his own stories, but he was much more hesitant to share those. Will had yet to read one.

“What’s this one about again?” El asks, still confused.

“Okay, it’s about this family, right? They go up to this hotel in the mountains. The dad’s a writer so they move there so he can focus on it more and still make enough money to take care of the family. And the hotel’s like, haunted somehow. Well, the little boy, Danny can like, see things? Not ghosts per say but he has visions. He’s a ‘shiner’, That’s what they call it in the book, and while they’re there Danny starts seeing worse and worse stuff. Jack like, investigates the hotel and finds out how messed up it is and he goes nuts and tries to kill his family.” Mike says, not taking a full breath the whole time.

“Jesus, this is based off that Stephen King book, right?” Steve asked.

“Yeah! There’s a lot more details in the book though. I don’t think they mention the shiners in the movie though.” Mike responds.

By the time the movie was over it was starting to get late. Dustin was passed out on Lucas’ shoulder, Lucas leaning his own head on Dustin’s. El and Max wear also asleep, El with her head in Max’s lap. Jonathan and Nancy had gone to bed halfway through, Steve going home soon after. Hopper had gone home just before the movie started. Will and Mike were the only ones awake.

Will and Mike had been sitting with their backs against the couch. As the movie progressed, Mike and Will were drawn closer together, ending with Will’s arms thrown over Mike’s shoulders, Mike’s arms wrapped around Will’s waist, face pressed to his chest. Neither boy was asleep, both too happy to sleep just yet.

“Mike, can I give you my gift?” Will whispers.

“You didn’t have to get me anything. This was more than enough.” Mike responds, looking at Will in the eyes.

“Come?” Will asks, and Mike nods.

Will stands and holds his hand out to Mike. They walk down to Will’s bedroom hand in hand. Will shuts the door behind Mike, not moving further into the room. Mike pauses, leaning against the shut door. Will is silent, staring at Mike with a warm gaze.

“What is it?” Mike asks.

“This isn’t your gift, but can I kiss you?” Will asks, making Mike blush and nod.

Will cups Mike’s cheek, thumb brushing across Mike’s cheekbone, before sliding down to Mike’s neck, cupping the back of his head. Will leans in, lips connecting with Mike’s. The kiss is slow, but passionate. Mike’s arms were wrapped around Will’s back. Mike thinks he can feel all of Will’s love in that one kiss. After a few minutes, Will pulls away from the kiss with a smile. In the back of Mike’s mind, he notes that’s the longest kiss the pair has shared.

“Now for your real gift.” Will says, pulling away after kissing Mike’s cheek.

Mike was still a little breathless from the kiss, his cheeks still flushed light pink. “Really, Will. You didn’t need to get me anything.” He said.

“I wanted to, after everything that’s happened you deserve it.” Will said, holding Mike’s hands, giving him a soft kiss yet again before going over to his closet.

Mike thought that he could live on just that for his whole life.

Will pulled out a small, wrapped box from his closet, bringing it over to where Mike stood. He handed him the box. “Here, open it.” Will said softly, giving mike the box.

“Will you really didn’t need to” mike said.

“Mike, hush and open it, please?” Will responded.

“Okay, okay fine.” Mike said, sitting down on the floor, will sitting right in front of him. Will watched as Mike unwrapped the box, lifting the flaps that kept the contents hidden.

Inside the box was a small stuffed bear, a walkman, and a tape that had ‘For a Rainy Day’ written on it. Mike was quiet. For a second, Will thought that he didn’t like it.

“If you don’t like it, I can return it and you can get something different.” Will says, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Suddenly, Mike surges forward and wraps his arms around Will’s neck. Will was stunned for a moment, but quickly returns the hug, wrapping his arms around Mike’s waist.

“It’s perfect, Will. I love it!” Mike says, pecking Will.

Will smiles brightly, tightening his arms around Mike’s waist.

“I’m really glad you like it. I was nervous you wouldn’t.” Will says, pulling back a bit to look at Mike’s face.

“Will, it’s amazing. My parents have my old one so this is absolutely perfect! It’s actually too much, you didn’t have to spend all this on me. The bear would have been more than enough. I really love it.” Mike says, thumb caressing the back of Will’s neck.

Will shakes his head. “No, it’s more than okay,” He says, smiling. “Like I said, you deserve it. Okay?” He said, kissing Mike’s nose.

Mike started to argue, but stopped himself. He was sure that Will wouldn’t let him win this one

“Okay, okay, fine.” Mike says “I’ll agree with you on this.” He added, leaning his forehead against wills

“Wanna watch another movie and go to sleep?” Will asked, standing up and pulling Mike with him.

Mike nodded “Can we watch Halloween?” he asked softly, following will back into the living room, carrying the small stuffed bear with him.

Will nodded. “How about that, then 16 Candles?” He asked.

“You only want to watch 16 candles because I’m finally 16 now.” Mike pouted.

“Oh, come one. It’s one of my favorites! It’s romantic.” Will teases, making Mike blush.

“You’re such a sap, Will.” Mike teases back.

“Oh, so you’re telling me I have to reenact the birthday cake scene all by myself?” Will smirks.

“You’re too cheesy to handle.” Mike swats at Will’s arm, but melts against his chest when Will throws his arm over his shoulders.

After the third movie, the pair was asleep, loosely entangled in each other’s arms.

The next morning Mike woke up to everyone talking.

“Guys, shh! You’ll wake them up!”

“They’re probably already are awake!”

“I am! Be quiet so you don’t wake Mike up!”

Mike groaned softly, burying his face in Wills shoulder “What time is it?” He mumbled.

“Nine in the morning.” Lucas laughed. 

“Why the hell are any of you awake” Mike complained, sitting up.

“Because, we have more planned for today! We’re going to have an all weekend thing for you, Mike. So get up!” Max said, smiling.

“You guys didn’t have to! Yesterday was more than enough!” Mike exclaimed, but a bright smile on his face.

“This is ‘The Weekend of Wheeler’, okay? One day just isn’t enough.” Dustin says, pinching Mike’s cheeks.

“Up and at, ‘em, Nerd. We got things to do and places to be. So start getting ready!” Max exclaims.

“Where are we going?” Mike asks, grabbing his bag.

“It’s a surprise! Get ready and you’ll see.” El says, clasping her hands together in excitement.

Mike rushes to get ready, showering and getting changed in record time. He wore an oversized sweater with a muted pattern that El bought him that Max said would “suit his coloring”, whatever that meant. When he finished getting ready and entered the living room, everyone else was ready and eating the breakfast Joyce and Hopper were making, scrambled eggs, toast, and some bacon. Mike smiled.

Mike took the seat next to Will. “Why can’t you guys just tell me where we’re going?” He whined, taking a few bites of the eggs.

“Because it’s a surprise.” Will said. “You have you wait until we get there” Will whined back.

Mike pouted, pulling his sleeves up a little so they don’t get messy. “That’s not fair though.” He says as he finished what was on his plate. Will squeezed his hand slightly.

“Well you have to deal with it.” El says, smiling “If you wait it’ll be a better surprise.”

“Fine,” Mike pouted. “Can we go now?” He asked once everyone had finished eating.

Just then, a horn sounded from outside, causing Mike to furrow his brows but the others to jump up.

“Fine, fine! Let’s roll out!” Dustin yells, grabbing his bag.

“Who is that?” Mike asked, but he was just pulled by the hand by Will.

“We already told you, it’s a surprise!” Will says.

Outside, Steve leans against the police cruiser. Hopper follows the kids outside, a scowl on his face.

“Be careful with her, okay.” Hopper barks, Joyce pats his shoulder.

“Be careful with the kids, okay. You know to call of anything happens, alright. And have fun!” Joyce says, bringing her hands to her mouth in anxiousness.

“We’re taking the cruiser?” Mike asks Hopper.

“Yeah, you got a long drive ahead of you and I don’t want you all crammed and on each other’s laps. That way you all fit.” Hopper says, ruffling Mike’s hair.

“A long drive? Where are we going?” Mike asks again.

“It’s a surprisee!” Will says again, drawing out the E and dragging Mike to sit next to him in the car.  

“Why can’t you guys just tell me.” Mike pouts. “You could be dragging me to my death.” He says, leaning his head on wills shoulder.

“We aren’t dragging you to your death, oh my gosh.” Will says, laughing a little.

“Don’t worry too much, Mike.” Nancy said from the passenger seat. “We wouldn’t do that to you.”

“I know, I just wanna know.” Mike said, yawning a little.

“Well you gotta wait a few hours, we’re going all the way to Indianapolis.” Steve laughed.

“That’s so far.” Mike says, “What’s in Indianapolis?”

“Nope! Surprise.” El says. “Now, shhh.”

Mike ended up sleeping a majority of the car ride, still tired from staying up later the night before with Will. The others were happy about that, knowing the surprise would be even greater when he woke up. The ride was a little over two hours, Mike spent the entire time curled up by Will’s side, drooling slightly into the collar of Will’s flannel. The others were already thinking of all the ways they could tease Mike, but Will simply smiled and leaned his head on top of Mike’s. Mike stayed asleep until Steve finally parked.

“Mike,” Nancy dragged out. “Mike, we’re here.” Nancy leaned closer to Mike.

“Hm?” Mike brought a balled fist up to his eye to try and rub the sleep out. “Already?” He yawned.

“Yeah, only took like three hours. Enough time for you to create a small ocean of drool on Will’s shirt, doofus.” Max’s chin rested in El’s shoulder, shaking for trying to hold in her laughter.

Mike’s cheeks turned bright pink. “I don’t drool.” Mike swiped at the corners of his mouth to try and hide any dried spit before the others spotted. “Where are we? A parking lot?” Mike’s brows furrowed.

Lucas snorts. “Yeah! We drove all the way to Indianapolis to hang out in this parking lot. Happy birthday!” He smirked, leaning against the seat in front of him on his bent elbow.

Nancy smiles at the interaction. “You’ve been asking to come here since you were like, eight. So, I thought now was as good a time as ever.” Mike’s eyes lit up and he sat up straight immediately.

“No freaking way! You guys didn’t!” Mike couldn’t keep the ear to ear grin off his face.

“We freaking did!” Dustin’s hands shot out, narrowly missing Steve’s face.

“Then, what are we doing waiting in the car? Let’s go!” Mike couldn’t wait for the others to get out, so he started crawling across Will’s lap and opening the door. “Guys, come on!” Mike tumbled out of the car and onto the asphalt, an excited laugh leaving his mouth.

“Sometimes, he baffles me with how much of a nerd he is, I swear.” Max says, holding out her hand to help El out of the car. El just gave her a half-smile in return.

“It’s cute how excited he is though” Will said, getting out of the car.

“Guys hurry up!”

“Mike, we literally have all day calm down.” Steve said, laughing a little.

“Oh hush, he’s excited, leave him alone.” Nancy said. “Let’s just go before he runs off and gets lost.”

Will managed to catch up to mike, who had already gotten to the entrance and was pretty much bouncing in his spot. ”Excited?” Will asked him, smiling.

“Definitely! I’ve always wanted to come here, I love all the animals so much!” Mike said, grinning.

“What’s your favorite?” Will asked, turning to face him.

“Ooo uh, either the koalas or the lions or the penguins, I can’t choose.” Mike says

“I think mine are the elephants. They’re so big but so sweet and smart. And obviously cute.” Will grabs Mike’s hand, lacing their fingers. “But, yours are all great ones.”

“There are so many animals here! I can’t wait to see them! We need to find out everyone’s favorites so no one gets pissed!” Mike was practically vibrating.

“I want to see the snakes.” El leans her arm on Will’s shoulder.

“The snakes? I want to see the tigers.” Max says.

“I just don’t want to lose any of you shitheads. I’d like to avoid Hopper killing me for at least another day.” Steve interjects, biting his lip.

“Drama queen.” Nancy lightly shoves Steve. He barks out a laugh. “I’m being serious! He might actually kill me if any of you disappear”

“We won’t get lost.” Will said “Now, lets’ go before Mike falls over.” he said laughing.

The group walked in, Mike immediately dragging Will over to the first animal he saw, being the meerkats “Guys! Guys, look.”

“What are they?” El asks, face practically pressed against the glass.

“Meerkats! Aren’t they cute?” Mike’s face was pressed up against the glass.

“Says here that their groups are called gangs. That’s adorable.” Steve says, the others roll their eyes.

They watched the meerkats play for a few minutes, before moving on to the next animal. Mike leading the group, pulling Will by his hand.

“Come on! We gotta try and see as many animals as we can!” Mike is practically skipping.

They stayed most of the day. The zoo didn’t close until 10pm, and Mike had begged to stay until it closed, even though he was dead tired by the end of the day. They got back to the car finally and started heading home.

The party was quiet in the car. El and Max were asleep with their heads resting on top of one another. Lucas was sleeping with his head resting against the window; Dustin had his head leaning all the way back, snores escaping his lips. Mike’s head was against Will’s shoulder. Mike hadn’t fallen asleep yet, but he could feel his tired eyelids getting heavier. Mike thought that Will was asleep until he quietly broke the silence.

“Did you have fun?” Will’s chest vibrates softly as he speaks.

“Yeah, I did. It was great. I’m really glad we all went.” Mike tilts his head to look at Will. A sleepy smile painting his face.

“I’m glad we went together, too. We really wanted your birthday to be special,” Will’s rests his right hand in his lap, almost brushing Mike’s own hand. “You always go above and beyond for our birthdays.”

Mike figures out that Will is quietly asking if he can hold his hand, and interlaces their fingers. “That’s because you guys deserve it. You guys are the most important people in the world to me.” Mike’s thumb brushes across the back of Will’s hand slowly. “It’s nothing.” He finishes.

“It is too a big deal. It means a lot to all of us,” Will squeezes Mike’s hand, leaning more into Mike. “And, you know, you mean the world to us. To me.” Will blushes at his own words.

Mike’s cheeks turn a bright pink, but he has a wide smile and his eyes shine. “Thanks Will. You mean the world to me too.” Mike tilts his head up and kisses Will’s cheek.

“I love you” Will said softly, Mike froze for a second, biting his lip. He didn’t know what to say for a moment, it made his heart stop. He had to admit that it still made him anxious, even if it was Will.

“I love you too.” Mike said after a moment, a small smile on his face.

“You don’t have to say it back, you know.” Will stares out the window, pink dusting his cheeks. “I just want you to know.” He adds, his left hand scratching the back of is neck.

“I’m saying it because it’s true. I do. Love you. I love you.” Mike says, his own face just a pink as Will’s.

“Good�� Will said softly, leaning down to press his lips to Mike’s. The kiss was soft and sweet, just like every other kiss they’ve shared. And to mike, every kiss was better than the last.

When they pulled away, the kiss lasting just a couple minutes, will leaned his forehead against Mike’s, smiling softly. “You should sleep, Mikey” he said, bringing their hands up to softly kiss the back of Mike’s hand.

“I’ll wake you up when we get home, alright?” Will said.

Mike nodded “Okay.” He said softly, nuzzling his head into Will’s shoulder “I love you.”

“I love you too, Mikey.”

Mike hadn’t expected there to be more when he passed out in his bed in the cabin later that night. He hadn’t even expected any of this, but he really hadn’t expected to be woken up the next day by Will, instead of Hopper yelling breakfast while the smell of coffee filled the entire cabin.

Mike had been in his bed, sleeping soundly. Well, as soundly as Mike could. He was sprawled across the entire bed, lanky limbs going every which way. His hair was incredibly messy and curlier than he would like. He had a small pool of drool wetting his pillow next to his open mouth. A stranger looking in would probably wrinkle their nose, but Will thought Mike looked beautiful.

“Mikey?” Will sits on the bed gingerly, pushing hair away from Mike’s forehead. “Wake up.”

Mike groaned quietly, still not opening his eyes. “Five more minutes.” He mumbled, flipping over and burying his face into the side of Will’s leg.

Will smiled, his heart seizing at the sight. “Mikey, it’s already twelve in the afternoon. You can’t sleep forever.” Will chuckles.

“Watch me.” Mike retorts, but opens his eyes anyway and balls his fist to rub the sleep out of them.

“Will?” Mike said, blinking and sitting up. “When... When did you get here?” He said, blushing, maybe a little embarrassed.

“Just about an hour ago.” Will said, squeezing Mike’s hand. “Don’t worry, alright?” He said, just sensing the other boy was embarrassed. “You’re cute when you’re asleep.”

Mike just blushed again “Wait, why are you here? I thought you went home last night?” Mike said

“Well, I did, but I came back this morning, Today’s just gonna be you and me alright?”

“What do you mean?” Mike furrows his brow, head tilting to the left.

Will smiles gently. “I mean, the last two days have been with everyone, but I wanted to celebrate, just me and you.” Will places his hand on Mike’s knee.

“These past few days have been amazing, but I did miss spending time with just you. Sometimes being with everyone is exhausting.”

Will took in Mike’s appearance. His smile was tired and his skin was pale. The circles under his eyes were a deep purples and filled with bags. But his eyes were bright and Will knew he was happy. That was all he needed.

“Well, I don’t have any excursions planned.” Will pats Mike’s knee and then leans against the iron headboard behind him. “We can just lay here for awhile. Hopper’s at work and El is at the arcade with Dustin and Lucas and Max.” Will finishes.

Mike blushes a deep red, his gaze shifting. He didn’t think Will was interested in doing anything like that, and Mike didn’t think he was ready just yet. Will was confused at Mike’s expression. The others weren’t there so they didn’t have to be too careful on being too affectionate before they became officially together to everyone. Mid-thought, the implication of his wording caught up to him and he became as red as Mike.

Will’s eyes widened. “Oh my god! That’s not what I meant! I’m so sorry! I meant that we don't have to police ourselves! Because they don’t know everything. Not that, definitely not yet. We are so not ready for that!” Will scrambles to apologize; praying to whoever is out there that Mike isn’t uncomfortable.

“No! No! It’s okay” Mike said, leaning his head against Will’s shoulder. “i just thought, you were saying no one was here and everyone was busy so I figured..” He trailed off, blushing bright red.

“No, no, not until we’re both ready, alright?” Will said, running his fingers through Mike’s hair. They fell into a silence then, Mike’s cheeks still red.

“Do you want to get up and get something to eat?” Will asked slowly. Mike shook his head. “Ate too much this weekend...” He mumbled to himself, probably hoping Will hadn’t heard him.

Will debated on saying anything, he knew he probably should, but he didn’t want to risk upsetting him. He wanted Mike to be happy. He really didn’t want to ruin the mood of the weekend by arguing with him over food.

“Alright, what do you want to do?”

“Can we just lay down for awhile. I’m still really tired.” Mike’s shoulders starting to sag.

“Of course.” Will smiles and lies down fully in bed. “Nothing I’d enjoy more.” Will goes in to press a kiss to Mike’s lips but Mike pulls away.

“Let me brush my teeth before you kiss me. Morning breath.” Mike smiles and leaves the room for a few minutes. When he finishes, he climbs back into bed with Will cuddling up into his chest.

“I like this. I like that we don’t always have to be doing something.” Will starts to play with Mike hair, resting his chin on the crown of his head.

Mike throws his arm around Will’s waist. “It’s relaxing.”

Will presses a kiss to Mike’s forehead. When he pulls back, Mike tilts his chin up and looks him in the eyes quietly for a moment. Before Will could think of what to do next, Mike leans in and kisses Will. It started off how they usually do, untll the air seemed to change and something shifted.

Unlike their normal kisses, this one lasted longer. They usually were content with short and soft and sweet kisses. But this one seemed to go on for longer. It was lazy and still soft, but there was more behind it. There still was no expectation of going anywhere beyond this, but it was a nice change. They had only kissed like this once before, the night of Mike’s birthday party. It was nice.

“Wow,” Mike said softly when they finally pulled away. “That’s better every time.” He says softly, his forehead against Will’s.

“It does.” Will says softly, smiling.

Mike moved so his head was back on Will’s chest. “It’s nice to just be...us,” Mike said softly. “It’s quiet, I like quiet.” He mumbled.

“It is.” Will says, twirling one of Mike’s curls around his finger, tugging slightly. “Quiet is nice, after being so loud the past two days.”

Mike nodded. “This weekend has been so much fun.” Mike says, “I’m not ready for it to end, to have to go back to school tomorrow”

Will pulled Mike a little bit tighter. They could all see how much the shit at school was getting to Mike. He tried so hard to hide it and push it deep down inside, but they knew him too well to not see it. This weekend they were completely detached from all that. No one had batted an eye when Will and Mike held hands or were close. No one said anything remotely negative to Mike. School was not so kind.

“I wish we could just stay like this.” Will continues to run his fingers through Mike’s hair. Mike stroked Will’s back softly. “Stay in here, keep it all locked out there and just stay here.”

Mike’s head falls forward and rests on Will’s chest. “That’d be nice.” Mike mumbles.

“But it’s just not like that,” Mike continued. “We have to deal with all the shit, with people being assholes about everything.” He said quietly.

Will nodded, his hand on the back of Mike’s head “Yeah, we do.” He said softly. “I wish we didn’t have to though.”

They went silent after that, Mike closing his eyes, listening to Will’s steady heart beat. “I love you” Will said softly, resting his chin on top of Mike’s head.

“I love you too.”

“I like saying that. I love you, it’s nice.” Will whispers, twirling one of Mike’s curls with his finger.  

“I like saying it too. It feels nice, feels right.” Mike mumbles, eyes closed.

Will hums in response, too tired to even respond properly. Mike thinks he could spend the rest of his life, right here, half asleep curled up next to Will. He doesn’t think anything could be better.

Well, there you go! We hope you enjoyed this part! We know that the last few parts were pretty heavy so we wanted to have so fluff too. 

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