#i feel like some of the party would realise like max and lucas for sure

[c0s-lettuce]

your orbit

steve harrington x reader

synopsis: amidst a night of board games, junk food and extraordinary company, the only thing steve can think about is you.

→ or the deterioration of steve harrington's mind over the course of an evening.

word count: 4.1k

warnings/tags: fem!reader, set around s4 but no upside down, eddie and robin aren't subtle, steve just really loves you, childhood best friends to strangers to friends, one bed but not really ;)

a/n: i love ex bestie steve! i've been wanting to write for him for a while, so hope i did him justice. joe keery favourite white boy frrr. pls forgive any inaccuracies and thanks for reading <3

part two coming soon!

5 PM

Steve decided to take advantage of having the house to himself. His parents are gone for the week, as they so often are. So, he sent out a few invitations to some of his closest friends. A small get-together, he told them, nothing fancy.

Robin accepted, of course. And Nancy and Jonathan, too. Steve only told Dustin about the party, but he already knew that word would spread to all the other kids.

But Steve has a mini panic attack when he finds out you're coming. He isn't too sure where he stands with you these days. Your friendship has all but rekindled, but Steve is still wary around you, terrified of messing up again. You accepted the invitation, though. That's a good thing. Right?

As Steve waits for people to arrive, he takes out his only activities, a deck of cards and a single board game he received as a gift but never opened. He's relying on his friends with siblings and/or a healthier relationship with their parents to bring more things to do.

He sets out the snacks he bought. Chips and candy are laid out over the island counter in the kitchen, and soda is stacked in the fridge. Steve even sets aside a little stash of what he hopes are still your favourites. He also managed to get his hands on some beer, and there's money set aside for pizza later.

Soon enough, people start showing up. Robin arrives first, followed by Dustin, Lucas and Max. Then Nancy and Jonathan arrive with Mike, Will and El. Then you. And finally, Eddie.

The gaggle of children quickly bee-line for the snacks and games. Steve watches with disdain, knowing there'll be a mess to clean up after. But at least his other guests appear happy to see their gracious host, with you among them.

Steve pretty much shortcircuits when you arrive. You're dressed nicely, and your hair is all pretty. You lean in to give him a quick hug, greeting him fondly. He may as well have cancelled the night then because he's sure his heart stopped for a second.

He only snaps out of it when Eddie arrives, slapping him so hard on the back that it could've been an alternative to the Heimlich maneuver. Suddenly, the population of the house has gone from one to a dozen, and noise and energy immediately replace the prior peace.

Steve quickly realises that he's in for a long night.

6 PM

"So, what's the story between the two of you?" Eddie asks.

Steve blinks, caught off guard by the question. He turns to the other boy, who awaits his answer with a half-curious, half-smug expression.

"Nothing, man," Steve mutters, taking a sip of his beer.

"Nothing, huh?" Eddie smirks. "Is that why you're staring at her like she's the love of your life?"

Steve glares at Eddie, wondering who even invited him. Eddie is the newest addition to the larger friend group. Dustin is very fond of him. And from what Steve has heard, so are you. He's in a few of the same classes as you, and there's a rumour among the kids that you used to be in Hellfire for a semester in your sophomore year.

The thought of you being close to Eddie bothers Steve. He chases the feeling away with another sip.

"Come on, big boy," Eddie nudges him. "We're friends now. You can tell me."

He looks back at you. You're sat around the coffee table with the kids in the middle of a round of Uno. And you look so lovely. You always do. Even the way you're holding the cards is pretty. You're the perfect culmination of everything sweet. No wonder the kids are hogging you.

He looks back at Eddie, who's still regarding Steve with inquisitive and mischievous eyes. Steve considers acquiescing, especially since Eddie is willing to listen. At the very least, it'll give Robin a break from dealing with his usual sulking.

"We were really close in middle school," Steve begins. "Best friends, even. But then I started high school, and... well, you can probably guess the rest."

"Ah," Eddie nods, understanding immediately. "I see."

Steve continues. "We only spent a year apart. And she was so excited to join me. But then-"

"Then King Steve emerged, and you left her in the dirt," Eddie remarks.

Steve cringes at the wording but doesn't refute it. It's an accurate recount of what happened. He knew he was horrible, not just to you but to everyone. He regrets nothing more than abandoning you and letting his so-called friends pick on you. Meanwhile, he stood by, telling himself worthless excuses to justify how things turned out.

You and Steve remained strangers after he left his throne behind. And it probably would've stayed that way if he didn't become coworkers with one Robin Buckley, who had become your new best friend in his absence.

He remembers the days you would visit Scoops Ahoy, mostly to distract Robin and make his job harder. You would often give him quick glances and polite smiles, never going out of your way to talk to him. However, he would occasionally catch your eyes lingering on him.

Robin would tell him you were checking him out, insisting she knew how her best friend thinks. But he was convinced you were judging him for his dumb hat and sailor outfit. Nothing ever made him wish he could crawl into a hole and die more than that.

But suddenly, he was back in your orbit again. And he's never left since.

Turning his attention back to you, Steve watches you play your last card, earning a groan from a few of the other players. You stand up victorious, stepping away from the table to grab another drink from the kitchen.

Steve recognises this as the perfect time to approach you and say something other than the "hey" he offered when you arrived. But just as he's about to muster up the courage, the doorbell rings, indicating the arrival of pizza.

With a sigh and another slap on the back from Eddie, he turns away to retrieve the food.

7 PM

You fit in well with the others. Not that it's a bad thing. It's great, actually. It just reminds Steve how much time has passed and how things have changed. It makes him think of what could've been.

You being best friends with Robin makes more sense than hot chocolate on a rainy day. You're like two peas in a pod. You match each other's energy, and both have a sort of charming madness about you.

The kids obviously like you. Not that their criteria are that high. But it helps that you used to work at the arcade and would give them your spare quarters. Plus, the rumour that you used to be in Hellfire makes you seem like a legend in their eyes.

Even Max likes you. He could tell because you were the one she approached earlier, asking if she could have a beer. You laughed and told her no. She just pouted and accepted it. Steve knew if he told her no, he would've been left with an insult.

You aren't particularly close to Nancy or Jonathan. Still, Steve knew they respected you, which means a lot, especially from someone like Nancy. And, of course, Eddie is... Eddie.

Steve comes to the realisation that he's jealous of everyone at the party. They all have a place in your life, in your heart. He wonders if there's even room left for him. There was a time when he occupied all that space. And it's his own fault that changed. Still, he can't help but hope.

The pizza disperses and disappears quickly. As the others chase their dinner with more snacks and set up another game, Steve remains leaning against the wall. He's so deep in thought that he doesn't notice someone approaching him.

"Steve?"

He flinches at the voice. It's you.

"H-hey," he stutters.

"Hey," you reply. "You okay? You seem a bit... distraught."

Steve takes a second to respond but nods. "Yeah, yeah. I'm good, just thinking."

You tilt your head, sensing more to the story but not wanting to pry. "Alright. Just don't hurt yourself."

Steve chuckles nervously, both relieved and terrified that you're making jokes with him.

You point back towards the coffee table. "The others are about to start a game of Monopoly. Did you want to join?"

He looks towards the group, at Dustin micromanaging how Will sets up the board. At Max and El scheming their game plan, having already picked the token they want to use. And at Mike dragging over his reluctant-looking sister, an amused-looking boyfriend following behind.

Steve knew he ought to join in, having just been standing around all night. But the idea of playing a game about capitalism with a group of kids who took board games way too seriously doesn't appeal to him right now.

So, he shakes his head. "No thanks. You go ahead."

You glance at the others before turning back. "Nah, I'm good. I need a break from getting lectured by Dustin."

Steve snorts. "Yeah, that kid's got a mouth on him. You wouldn't believe how often he tries to give me dating advice."

"He gives you dating advice?" you ask, amused.

"Yeah," Steve answers. "Now that he has a girlfriend, he thinks he's unstoppable. A girlfriend he wouldn't even have if it weren't for me, by the way. I taught him everything he knows."

You laugh and shrug. "Well, maybe you could learn something, Steve. You know, the whole 'student becomes the master' thing?"

Steve lets out a huff. "No, no way. Besides, I don't need a girlfriend when I've got-"

You, he almost says. But he clears his throat and corrects himself.

"Uh, all of you," he states, vaguely gesturing to the party. "My friends, you know?"

His words make you grin. "Aww, Steve-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," he mumbles. "Just don't tell anyone I said that."

He averts his gaze. His cheeks flush a bit, but he's holding back a smile. He's glad to have gotten that reaction from you.

You're about to tease him some more when Robin's voice interrupts, calling for your help from upstairs.

You sigh, looking back at Steve. "Duty calls. I'll leave you to your thinking."

You give him a cheeky smile before you leave, a smile that makes it seem like you somehow read his mind and found his thoughts amusing. He can only watch as you walk away again.

8 PM

Steve isn't sure how he got here, sitting next to you on the carpet. The Monopoly game was cut short after Lucas and Mike got into a heated argument. And now they've switched to The Game of Life, which hopefully won't cause any fights.

Not only did Steve get roped into playing, he got teamed up with you. You had been calling most of the shots during the game, but when you reached the marriage space, stuck a little pink peg next to the blue one and murmured, "That's us," to Steve... well, it all got a bit confronting for the poor boy.

He felt like a fool, sitting there overthinking two words that likely were said as a joke. Steve had realised a while ago that he loved you. A part of him thinks he always has, ever since the early days of middle school.

But being friends with you again after everything is more than he felt he deserved, so he doesn't expect you to return those feelings just yet. But then you go ahead and say something like that. So casually, too. "That's us." Married. Yeah, right. Either you're cruel, or there's hope for him yet.

Steve manages to calm his emotions a few moments later. But as the game progresses, he continues comparing his life to the little blue peg that was supposedly him.

Steve, in the game, has a college degree, a decently-paying job, a pretty pink peg for a wife (which you've claimed to be you), three peg children and his own house, all while avoiding any mid-life crises.

Steve, in real life, at the ripe age of nineteen, has no idea what he's doing. He's been through at least two quarter-life crises. College is definitely not happening. And he's working a retail job Robin got for him through bribery. At least it came with a better uniform. One which would probably help with picking up girls if the girl he actually wanted wasn't the one currently sitting next to him.

At least now, when you visit Robin at work, you also come to see him. You make eye contact, give him bright smiles, and actually talk to him. And he has to do everything in his god-given power to not lose his mind each time.

But it's not all for nothing. After all, you're a loyal customer of Family Video, and Steve always looks after his patrons (as long as it's you). If he knows you'll be visiting, he'll put on one of your favourite movies on the TV in the store.

He'll also research movies he thinks you'll like, lie and say they're unavailable if someone tries to rent them before he can get them to you. It earns judgment from Robin, but he doesn't care. As long as it makes you happy.

Soon, Steve vows, he'll take you out to see a movie on the big screen. It'll be just the two of you at the back of the theatre with a big bucket of popcorn. He'll pull some cheesy move on you. You'll laugh at him or roll your eyes. Or maybe you'll fall for it. Either way, it'll be perfect.

Steve only checks back into the present when The Game of Life ends. He glances around the table, relieved no one has noticed him daydreaming. Everyone's cars are in the retired space, and Steve catches a glimpse of you and him and your three kids again. But he looks back at the real you as you turn to face him.

Steve is no help as you sort out how much money you ended up with, too busy admiring you instead. You're focused, doing maths in your head and using his lap as a surface to lay out the notes and cards. And somehow, he falls even more in love with you in this moment.

9 PM

The party has diminished, with Nancy and Jonathan having gone home with the kids. Now, just Steve, Robin, Eddie, and you remain. Outside, dark clouds have gathered, showering Hawkins in light rain.

The four of you are finishing the night off with one last card game. You had won, of course. And now Eddie has recruited your help. He has his arm around you, his head pressed against yours, his deck hiding your faces as you conspired his next move.

If Steve didn't know any better, he'd assume you two were a thing. But he does know better. Eddie must be doing this on purpose, trying to make him jealous or something. And it was working. Steve supposed that's what he deserves for trusting Eddie with his deepest, darkest regret.

The card game turns into a one-sided glaring contest, with Robin having to nudge Steve whenever it's his turn. With your help, Eddie finishes second. Robin comes third, and Steve loses the game. But at this point, he isn't even upset about it because it means his suffering is over.

Eddie finally lets go of you, letting out a contented sigh as he stretches his arms above his head.

"Alright," he announces. "I'm calling it a night. You ready to go, Buckley?"

Robin nods. "Yeah, let's head."

The two stand and begin gathering their things.

Eddie looks at you as he puts on his jacket. "You sure you don't want a ride home?"

You shake your head. "I'm good, Eds. You take Robin. My dad should be here soon."

Eddie accepts your answer with a nod, and you catch the slightest hint of a smirk. But you ignore it as you and Steve walk him and Robin to the door. You give them each a hug before they leave.

Robin has an expression you don't fully comprehend as she hugs you back, somewhere between smug and amused. "See you later, nerd. Make good choices, okay?"

You furrow your brow, but she heads out the door before you can ask what she means by that.

As Eddie steps out after her, he looks back at Steve. "Hey, Harrington. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

He sends Steve a wink, who frowns at the implication of his words. You notice Robin is still giving you that look. You send her a raised eyebrow in return. But no more words are exchanged as the two go their merry way.

"God, they're weird," Steve mutters as he closes the door.

His comment elicits a chuckle from you, which elicits a flutter in his chest. He turns to face you, unable to help the smile that graces his features just by looking at you. But a mildly awkward silence follows as Steve racks his brain on how to proceed now that it's just the two of you.

"You, uh- you want another drink?" he asks.

You smile and nod. "Yeah, sure."

His own smile widens. "Alright. You sit back down, and I'll get us some."

Steve heads into the now almost empty kitchen, grabbing two bottles before finding you again in the living room. You're sitting on the couch, packing up the deck of cards. Steve is momentarily distracted by the way your hands move.

But as he approaches and hands you your drink, he decides to be bold and sits close to you, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. He doesn't even have a millisecond to regret it because he feels you lean into his touch.

Steve revels in the satisfaction.

10 PM

Eddie and Robin seem to have left just in time because the storm picks up only a few minutes after they leave. You and Steve sit and chat for a while as you finish your drinks, and you help Steve clear up the empty cans and scattered wrappers despite him ordering you not to.

But even after everything is cleaned, your father still hasn't arrived. Steve watches as you wait, looking at the time again.

"You're welcome to stay over if that's easier for you," he tells you.

You look over at him, considering his offer. "You don't mind?"

Steve shakes his head. "No, of course not."

He doesn't mind. He doesn't mind at all. In fact, he would prefer it. He's used to being alone for days at a time. But it's a bit harrowing going from twelve people to just one, especially in a big empty house during a storm. Yes, he definitely wants you to stay.

"Okay," you say, "I'll just call my parents and ask what's happening."

Steve nods as you walk over to the phone and call home. It rings for a bit before someone picks up.

"Hello?" your mother's voice greets you.

"Hey, mom," you reply. "It's me."

The pitch of her voice changes immediately upon hearing your voice. "Hi, darling! Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to check if dad was still coming to pick me up?" you ask.

There's a pause before your mom groans. "Oh, I'm so sorry. We completely forgot. We had a lot of wine for dinner. I can go get him now."

"It's no big deal, mom," you interject. "The storm's getting pretty bad anyway. Steve said I could stay over."

Again, your mother's cadence changes, but you don't need to question why. You know she's always been a fan of Steve.

"Okay, darling," she responds. "That sounds like a good idea. You two take care, alright?"

You resist rolling your eyes, even though she's not around to see it. "Yeah, you too, mom. Bye."

Your mom bids you farewell, and you hang up the phone.

Steve, who waits patiently nearby, takes this as his cue to speak up. "You staying?"

You look over at him and nod. "I'm staying."

"Okay, great," Steve smiles. "You can take my room. I'll go in the guest bedroom."

"What? Steve, no," you say. "You don't have to do that. I'll take the guest bedroom."

"No, really," he insists. "It's cold and uncomfortable in there. Trust me."

"I'm the guest, Steve. I'll go in the guest bedroom," you respond.

"No, not happening," he states.

You frown. "I'm not letting you give up your room."

Steve crosses his arms. "Well, I'm not letting you stay in the guest bedroom."

There's a pause in the conversation as the two of you stare each other down, hoping the other will fold.

When neither of you do, you make another suggestion. "Alright. How about we just share your bed?"

Steve raises his eyebrows. "Uh, you- really? Are you sure?"

You shrug. "Yeah, I mean... we used to do it all the time as kids, right?"

It's true. You did. There were countless nights when you would pass out in bed together, having stayed up watching movies or spent the entire day in the pool.

"Okay," Steve agrees. "Let's do that then."

"Great," you say.

"Great," he replies.

Yeah... great.

11 PM

Don't freak out. Don't freak out. Don't freak out.

That's all Steve could repeat in his head. He's lying on his back, staring up at the ceiling while you're beside him. He forgot to factor in how the both of you have grown considerably since middle school, meaning there's less space between you now.

Don't freak out. Don't freak out. Don't fr-

"You know," you break the silence. "I forgot how weird your plaid wallpaper was."

Steve furrows his brow, his distress momentarily forgotten as he turns to look at you.

"It's not weird," he says defensively.

"It's pretty weird," you reply before looking at him. "But it's cool."

As your gaze meets his, he feels his nervousness rushing back. You look so soft and cozy in his bed, wearing his shirt. And you're smiling at him as if you knew the funniest joke in the world and you were about to tell it to him.

He lets a beat of silence pass before clearing his throat. "Did you have fun today?"

"Yeah, I did," you answer genuinely. "You?"

"Yeah," Steve replies. "It's nice having people around."

You nod in response, remembering how his parents would send him over to live with your family whenever they would go away. As much as he loved being able to spend time with you, you knew he hated being left behind.

"How long are your parents gone for this time?" you ask.

"Just until the end of the week," he tells you.

You nod again. "You've been faring up by yourself?"

He shrugs. "I don't mind it. They've been on my back a lot recently. Honestly, I needed the break."

"Right," you reply. "So not much has changed."

Steve lets out a humourless laugh. "Nope. It's been hell since I graduated last year."

You frown at his words. "I guess that's not surprising."

"Yeah, I don't know," he pauses for a second before continuing, his voice quieter. "Sometimes, I think they have a point."

You pause as well, trying to gauge what he's thinking. "You shouldn't let them get to you, Steve."

He sighs. "I know. But what if they're right, you know, about me?"

"They're not. I promise you," you reassure him.

Steve turns to look at you again, almost like he's searching for your sincerity.

You give him a smile. "You'll be alright, Steve. I know it."

Steve can't help but smile back. You sound so earnest that he's inclined to believe you. Besides, you're here with him right now. So, he must be doing something right.

You fall into a comfortable silence. There's barely any noise this late at night to disrupt it. After a few moments, you let out a yawn.

"Ugh, man. I'm so sleepy," you mumble.

"You should get some rest," he responds. "I still remember how grumpy you get in the morning."

You give him a deadpan look. "Gee, thanks."

Steve chuckles. "Just telling the truth."

Your feigned expression breaks as you laugh along, too. Steve cherishes every second of the moment before it fades away.

You yawn again. "Alright then. Goodnight, Steve."

"Goodnight, sweetheart," he replies.

The room falls silent again. Steve lets out a deep breath and closes his eyes. Despite the uncertainty, a smile still lingers on his lips. A million things could change tomorrow. But for now, at least, you're still by his side.

[dollywheeler]

September 29th, 1996

And I say hey-ey-ey-ey-ey, hey-ey-ey I said "hey, what's going on?"

I've had this song stuck in my head all morning, still dancing along to it as if I'm still in the gymnasium, my gold dress swirling around me. I don't know why this song - it's not particularly romantic, or fitting to the occasion, doesn't sum up how the evening had felt. Yet, it had been the most magical moment of the entire night.

One moment, dancing with Daniel to Duran Duran, then this song came on, the slow start meaning we didn't break apart yet, trying to stay close as long as possible, but when the chorus hit the entire hall threw their heads back, screaming along in a messy harmony. It felt like a dream, didn't feel quite real, like some kind of movie, when your heart feels full even though you're just watching it play out in front of you. Except, this time I was in the middle of it, screaming along with everyone else, and it felt like I was floating, wishing the moment could less forever.

That's not to say the rest of the evening wasn't just as wonderful. Daniel took me to an actual restaurant, which was a nice change of pace from the dinner, but I honestly can't tell if the food was even worth it. My stomach was too busy swirling with nerves, and I could barely get any food past my lips because we were too distracted talking and laughing. It was wonderful - he was wonderful, looking dapper in his suit and glinting golden in the candle light. As far as first dates go, I'm sure it couldn't have gone any better. Not that I'd know, as this was my first first date, but it felt like a dream, like something that couldn't possibly be real.

It was the perfect blend between familiar and exciting - the comfort of someone you already know, someone you already love spending time with, mixed with the nerve-wracking thrill of a new context, of possibility.

We were having such a great time that we were late to the actual dance, having lost track of time completely during our conversation. Whitney gave me this knowing look about it - I don't think she would have believed me if I'd told her we'd just been talking.

Anyway, we danced and we laughed and gossiped and I didn't even care that Mike and his 'party' or whatever was there. I'd already realised I'd have to get used to them being around the school in every facet - that includes chaperoning school events. The night was too perfect though, and I was not going to let anything darken my mood.

I did get to talk to Max though, and thank her for the birthday gift. She said she'd mostly just said 'yes' or 'no' to things Mike had picked out and it was no big deal but that she was glad I liked it. I also used the moment to ask about everything else - I realised that if Mike won't call to tell her things, I might as well ask someone else for intel. Apparently, Lucas and her still live in Chicago, and she works as a counselor at the blind school she went to after whatever happened had happened. Everyone is always so vague about the details, but I didn't want to ask her directly and force her to relive it. That's one thing that actually is none of my business anyway.

Erica is living with them while she is going to college - she got her Bachelor's last June but just started law school. I can't imagine moving in with Nancy while I'm in college. Don't get me wrong, Nancy's great, but it's college! You're supposed to go out on your own and become independent and stuff. I said as much to Max, but she just shrugged and smiled to herself. She said Erica was happier with them than she'd been at the dorms.

I didn't know how to go from there so I just asked about El. I knew she still visits Hawkins a lot, because opposite to the others, I see her around town sometimes. At Melvalds with Joyce or in the diner with Sheriff Hopper, or alone around the library in the center of town. But there's also stretches of time when I don't see her at all. According to Max she takes a bunch of classes at the community college, but also travels a lot - bouncing between Chicago and San Fran and New York. Max said that whenever Dustin or Jonathan and Nancy have to travel for work, she usually tags along too. I don't know why or how she does all of that, but it sounds like a dream. Yet, at the same time, I think I'd personally hate it.

She seemed happy enough though, and it's obvious she is happy. From across the room I could see that, as always, her smile was wide and her skin warm with a tan, her hair pinned back with clips that clashed with her new pink highlights. Most of the chaperones hadn't bothered dressing up, but she had clearly thought about her outfit, each item carefully picked out to form a particular look, even if it was just jeans and a colorful sweater.

I didn't want to outright ask about Mike or Will, mostly because I know what they're doing right now and asking about Mike felt too much like snooping. Max didn't seem like she was going to mention it on her own, and before I could make up my mind on whether I really wanted to know, Dylan came to drag me back to the dance floor.

It was only after we were taking another break some time later that I realised I still didn't know what Dustin or Lucas are doing. I assume Dustin lives in San Fran, as that's the only reason El would go there as often as Chicago or New York, but I don't know what he does there. Probably some kind of tech company or whatever. And I'm pretty sure I heard Mrs. Sinclair talk about Lucas following in his father's footsteps but honestly I don't even know what he does so that doesn't answer any questions.

Might be something to talk about on Friday to fill awkward silences.

Anyway the dance was amazing, and someone must have succeeded in smuggling in alcohol because there was a girl puking in one of the bathroom stalls before 9 pm. She was nice though, told me she liked my dress. Even that felt magical, despite her smudged make-up and loopy expression, the entire night like a daydream where I was floating on air and nothing could ever be wrong.

There was an after party at Selena's house - I swear kids of divorced parents are raising themselves because somehow their houses are always empty at the most opportune times - but Danny and I decided not to go. I didn't want to risk ruining what had been the perfect evening, and I knew I'd only get more tired and everyone else less sober. It also kept the evening quiet, just Daniel and I in the car as he drove me home, drunk on happiness and singing along to the radio. Last night, it seemed, for once, I hadn't cared about missing out. I still don't.

I mean - nothing could have topped Daniel dropping me off at home, getting out of the car along with me as if he didn't know what he was doing either but had seen a few movies, and walked me up to the front door. I knew dad would already be asleep, but mom would be sitting up in the sitting room like she'd done so many nights before, for so many years on end, waiting for her teenager to get home safe.

I had my jacket draped over my shoulders because it wasn't too cold yet and I liked the air against my arms after the crowded gymnasium. Daniel pretended to pull it tighter around me, only to use it as leverage to draw me closer and kiss me. It feels silly writing it down because there's nothing I can say to really describe it. No words that feel right or do it justice, that explain how I'm blushing all over again just thinking about it, my stomach swirling at the recollection.

All I know is that I wish I was still in that moment, still holding his face in my hand, gently scratching my nail over his cheek, submitting the feeling to memory. But I didn't mind when he pulled away, his face flushed and dark eyes shining in the porchlight, because I got to smile at him and he smiled back, blush deepening as he stepped away and muttered a goodnight, dimples digging into his cheeks where I'd held him.

I watched him go before getting back into the house, finding mom asleep on the couch. It was late for her, I realised, even though it was only a little before twelve, and considered the fact she hadn't had to stay up in a long time - not since Mike had left. I didn't want to wake her but knew I had to - if just to let her know I was home and she wouldn't wake up worried.

I still can't quite believe the night was real.

I really should get the reading done for tomorrow, but I don't want to stop thinking about yesterday. Or tomorrow, when I'll see Daniel again.

Love, Holly <3

[tryingonametaphor]

Entertaining the possibility that Mike’s struggles with Will and El are exactly what was shown to us on screen

i.e. looking at Mike's perspective through the lens of his insecurities rather than internalised homophobia. This is going to be long, but I've tried my best to properly articulate and connect all my thoughts!

Starting off with,

Mike being unable to tell El that he loves her (4x2) because to put it simply, he’s not in love with her (anymore at least) but he loves her enough that he can’t lie about it, and neither can he let her go. He’s not fallen out of love because of El, but subconsciously because of who he’s become when he’s in a relationship with El. We see early on in season 4 that El has been pretending to be someone she is not in her letters to Mike. We see her breakdown when Mike handles the roller-skate-to-Angela’s-face situation badly because that’s the confirmation she wanted to know that Mike may not be appreciative of who she truly is. El was under the impression that she was a monster in that scene. She is not, but she was worried Mike would react negatively to her and he did. El even compares it to Brenner’s reaction to a traumatic incident she repressed and believed was her fault. What Mike said later is probably true - that he just reacted that way out of shock, but he also couldn’t tell her he loved her right after, so El heard what she wanted to hear. Pretending to be someone else wasn’t working for her anymore. If we observe carefully, we’ll realise that El hasn’t been the only one pretending in this relationship.-

-Mike has been pretending to be someone else too. Perhaps for longer. Through season 3, he acts like he’s moved on from DnD, games, hanging out with the party, and all the little things that make him his nerdy self. Everyone (Hopper, Lucas, Will, Dustin, and Max) points out that there is something off about Mike and El’s relationship - that he's keeping her to himself and that he's ignoring his friends to be with her. In contrast, we have Lucas and Max who balance their relationship and their friendships. Mike later picks a fight with Will that feels irreversible when Will calls him out on this behaviour in 3x3. That entire fight could be Mike projecting, but he was especially projecting with the “What did you think? That we were going to sit in my basement and play games for the rest of our lives?” line. When El moves away, we see Mike join Hellfire Club, indulging himself in his interests once again. We haven’t once seen Mike talk about these interests with El outside of season 1, where she ignored him:

gif by @beaulesbian

He feels embarrassed at the end of season 3 for getting excited about presents. The costume designer for s4 even confirmed that it was scripted in the Airport scene that Mike was dressing up a certain way out of his norm to fit in. All this coupled with what Mike says in 4x8 in the van - “someday she’s going to realise that I’m just some random nerd who got lucky” further proves that he thinks he’s not worthy of El unless he’s someone who is not just a random lucky nerd - which is what he was, technically in that moment (but he is also so much more, and we will circle back to that in a bit) Mike has spent so much time trying to be someone he’s not that he isn't sure about his feelings for El anymore, because-

-Mike is scared he’s lost Will -his best friend- in this process. This is the third time Mike has lost Will and this time according to him, it’s his own doing (“I feel like maybe I was worrying too much about El, and I don’t know, maybe I feel like I lost you or something.”). The fight from season 3 and the ending of season 3 are two of the Mike and Will moments that stand out before the Byers move to California. In the fight, Mike indirectly tells Will that it’s time to grow up and move on from DnD, and in the finale, Will is shown to have sort of moved on from it. He gives away his stuff and says he’ll just use Mike’s set when he comes back - that is if Mike still wants to play. And Mike for a moment feels reassured that Will didn’t take his comments during the rain fight to heart. He thinks they’re separating on good terms and that their friendship has been mended, except he’s going to realise soon that it hasn’t. Will starts to pull away and doesn’t reach out, as Mike accused him of in 4x2. Will thinks that if he has to lose Mike, he should do it quickly, like ripping of a band-aid. But Mike doesn’t know that this is because Will has romantic feelings for him and that it’s Will trying to deal with his own struggles. Mike genuinely believes that something he did (probably said, during the rain fight) is the reason he’s lost Will. And this hurts because Mike has always been authentically himself around Will.

Mike is now stuck pretending to be someone he is not in a relationship, and as a consequence, he thinks he has lost his best friend, with whom he could always be himself. And all this pretending because-

-Mike has put El on a pedestal. This could be because of her powers, or because of who he thinks he should be in a relationship with a girl because she is canonically the first girl to have shown interest in him.

The first ever character description of Mike Wheeler states that not having a girlfriend is one of his insecurities.

This also explains why Mike lashed out at Will in the most hurtful way he could think of when Will called her “some stupid girl” he was ruining the party to swap spit with (3x3). But as we’ve seen over and over again, Mike and El are just not compatible in their interests. Normally, that is something couples can easily work through together, but Mike has been trying to mould himself into someone that he thinks is compatible with El - straying further away from who he is, and El has been doing the same for Mike - both of them losing themselves in this process.

I think by the end of season 4, it’s very evident that both of them are tired of pretending to be someone they’re not. Because El got a taste of individuality. She has learned from Max and Owens and even Brenner that the choices she makes doesn’t define whether she is a monster or a superhero - but who she is as a person. She has realised that she is content in being a good person and not a superhero.

Meanwhile, Mike spent all his time away from El in Will's company in season 4, understanding that in their time apart, Will never stopped considering Mike as his best friend. Mike realises that Will is just as devastated as he is about their withering friendship (4x2, rink-o-mania fight) and that he is still able to be vulnerable and his true self around Will (literally every heart-to-heart they had in s4). Mike, for the first time in almost two years (apart from his time in Hellfire), has been able to experience what it’s like to be himself again because he's never felt the need to change himself to be around Will.

Mike can’t balance his relationship with Will and El because he is two different people around each one of them.

Will’s veiled confession turns out to be exactly the way Mike wished El (or anyone) loved him - like he is their equal, and like he is worthy of the person he loves. This is why he reacts this positively to Will's words:

Except that is not El's truth. That’s not how El feels (because El has been putting him on a pedestal too) ("Everyone looks at me like I'm a monster. You look at me like I'm a monster"). They’re Will’s feelings.

Will and Mike at this point in canon, consider each other as equals while Mike and El consider themselves inadequate to be with one another.

Everything that transpires after is just an unreasonable amount of chaos for drama tbh. They could’ve made Mike be honest with El in a moment of calm and talk out his insecurities if they wanted to fix that relationship. Have him reassure her that they can fix what’s broken with proper communication, but instead, Mike’s love confession during yet another high-stakes situation is laced with half-truths and him bringing back the whole El being his superhero concept (In direct contrast to Jonathan and Nancy describing how good the both of them are as people in their 4x1 love declarations while talking in sync to Fred and Argyle). This is followed by El decidedly not talking to Mike properly for two days after that monologue nor seeking comfort in him when she's just experienced one of the worst losses in her life. Mike is still drifting towards Will at the end because now that he’s got a taste of what being himself around his best friend feels like again, he’s finding it hard to let go.

Both Mike and El seem a little done with each other just before the final byler heart-to-heart, and I can only imagine that they’re going to break up at the beginning of season 5 because both of them have realised that they deserve better and that’s it’s neither of their faults. They’re kids who are learning what they want in life and that’s okay. They jumped into a relationship when they were 13 and it didn't work out for them. For them to rebuild a friendship instead would be monumental because they truly do make a great team when they don't have all this relationship drama suffocating them.

Where does this leave us with Mike and Will in season 5? Imagine Mike finding out that the Van scene confession was from Will himself. A possibility he’s never thought of because he believes he’s not lovable just the way he is. Mike finding out that the person he feels like he can be himself around the most loves him romantically, and that the same person also feels like a mistake except when he’s around Mike, because Mike makes him feel safe. And this person is someone who has seen the ups and downs of Mike for almost a decade. I don’t think Mike is going to take that very lightly. In fact, I think it’s going to rock his entire world. Because Mike will finally realise that Will never ever gave up on them. That Will’s been secretly and silently hoping for them to be more for a long time and reciprocation doesn’t feel like a long shot to Mike because loving and being around Will is so, so easy.

I’d always been a Mike is dealing with internalised homophobia truther, but I’m starting to think that Mike might actually just be more emotionally repressed and insecure. To the point that he’s constantly pretending to be someone he’s not. I don’t think he’s scared of being perceived as a queer person (seeing as how he always stuck with Will and defended him strongly against the homophobic bullies. And how in the beginning of season 4, he feels comfortable being seen by his high school classmates as a nerd or a freak) but I think he’s worried he’s never going to be enough for the person he loves. And Will has already proven that Mike just as he is, is everything and beyond to him. Will thinks he’s a nerd(very affectionately), he’s a leader, he’s his the heart, he’s Will’s safe space, he’s Will’s go-to person, and he’s Will’s forever (“We can just play DnD and Nintendo for the rest of our lives”)(“I’ll always need you, Mike”). Mike feels the same way about Will too. He’s just going to realise that oh, all this will stay the same and maybe be even more incredible when they shift their friendship to a romantic relationship.

Mike is going to fall harder than ever once he finds out that Will is in love with him and I honestly think Mike is already halfway there. He just can’t seem to put it together because he’s always loved Will this way. Mike is finally going to realise that he can spend the rest of his life in a loving relationship with the person who understands him best. The person he understands best. Who cares what the rest of the world thinks because holy shit, Will Byers loves him (and vice-versa)

I also think it would be incredible for Will (who deals with internalised homophobia in canon) if Mike, his partner, is more confident in his queer identity because having Will by his side gives him the strength and courage to be who he is. I think it would neatly wrap up both of their self image issues. Will unconditionally loving Mike for who he truly is and Mike unconditionally loving Will, through his gay struggles and all.

[stevesbipanic]

If you’re after prompts can I suggest Steve being hurt but not showing it when the kids forget they had plans w him because he’s used to being second choice but he thought it would take them longer to realise that he wasn’t worth the effort than it had. That kind of “it’s okay, I know I’m nobody’s first choice” vibe

Ooo a chance for a lil angst and a lil fluff, I love it ty

Since pseudo-adopting seven kids, Steve had had to become a lot more organised with his time. He now had a calendar in the kitchen covered in different colour pens for each kid and their events. There were Lucas' games and Hellfire pickups and dropoffs, taking Erica for ice cream and everyone to the arcade. There were skate park trips with Max and trips up the hill for Dustin and Suzie. Regular movie nights with both the teens and the kids and pool parties to beat the heat. In short, Steve never forgot what they had planned.

The small scribble of words had been on the calendar since the beginning of the year, it was every year. For Steve's birthday, the kids were going to come over and watch movies, that's all Steve had wanted for his birthday was for his family to be safe and happy with him. On the day of Steve's 21st birthday, he woke up, went downstairs, got coffee, and crossed off the day, smiling thinking about the night ahead. He was cooking himself some breakfast when the phone rang.

"Hey, Steve!"

"Hey Dustin, are you kids still able to get here by yourselves tonight, or do you want me to pick you up?"

"About that, Eddie has been sick the last couple of days so we had to postpone Hellfire to tonight, that's ok right, it's just movies we can do that on Friday?"

"Oh, um, yeah sure Dustin, that's ok, do you need me to drop you off or pick you guys up?" Steve said swallowing his disappointment.

"Eddie is picking us up from school but could you take us home?"

"Sure, Dustin, I'll see you guys later."

Steve didn't feel like his eggs after that. He spent the rest of the day cleaning the house and talking to Robin who was visiting her grandmother but promised to make up for it as soon as she was back. At least someone had remembered.

He pulled up to Eddie's trailer a little after 9, the laughter inside made him feel a bit better, at least the kids had fun, that's what was important. He got out and knocked on the door.

"Stevie! Hey kids you're wonderful mother is here!"

Steve giggled, he and Eddie had gotten closer in the couple of months since Vecna.

"Are you ok, sweetheart?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine, was just a long day."

"Tell you what, after you drop the gremlins home, why don't you come back and hang, I've got a joint with your name on it."

"That sounds perfect, thanks Eds."

Steve smiled waving at Eddie as he ushered the kids into his car. The car trip was filled with the kids regaling the tales of their session, no mention of the date.

Steve felt better once the trailer was back in his vision. The two boys laid on Eddie's bed passing a joint between them.

"So Stevie, you gonna tell me what's got my favourite boy all sad-looking?"

"I'm your favourite boy?"

"Of course you are, don't tell Henderson, and don't avoid the question, angel, what's wrong?"

"It's my birthday."

"What? That's today? Fuck! My fever brain must've muddled up the dates."

"It's ok, don't blame you, you were sick."

"Wait why didn't the kids say something? I wouldn't have put Hellfire on your birthday!"

"I think they forgot, they were supposed to come over for movies tonight, Dustin called to reschedule, but only Robin remembered. It's alright, I know Hellfire is more important to them."

"No Stevie, you're more important than some game. Happy birthday, sweetheart."

Steve couldn't help it, he leant forward and kissed Eddie's cheek.

"I thought it was your birthday, not mine, Stevie." Eddie said pulling Steve close into a hug.

"You deserve to be someone's first priority, Stevie. I'm going to punish those kids' characters so bad next session."

Steve laughs at this and thinks if all his birthdays end with him and Eddie together like this then he'd cancel a thousand plans.

Eddie does in fact berate the kids the next day and they're all quite distraught over forgetting Steve's birthday, although Dustin cheers up when he sees Steve and Eddie holding hands.

[peterthepark]

hey your stuff is really good, could I request some steve ?? something along the lines of just hanging out with him ( and possibly the party ?? ) and realising that you love him, like really love him . thanks

i kinda changed this up a bit?? kinda made it so that it was steve who realized it? hope it’s still what u want tho, thank u! <3

I Know.

Steve Harrington x Reader

The forest is dark and eerie as owls hoot throughout the night. Moonlight peeks from the slender branches of the tall trees, welcoming with a light breeze.

It would be scary if you weren’t surrounded by a bunch of idiots.

The leaves under your shoes crunch loudly, causing you to cringe at the sudden noise. Dustin’s head snaps around to look at you, eyes wide as he shines a flashlight at your face. You squint through the harsh light, groaning.

“Dude! What ever happened to staying quiet?” He whisper-shouts at you, arms outstretched by his sides. Steve chuckles, turning away from his curly-haired friend to stop himself from laughing any louder.

“I’m sorry that I can’t see where I’m going! You’re the only one with the flashlight!” You point at him, clutching onto Steve’s arm as you all continue to walk blindly.

Who the hell thought that playing hide and seek - in a forest, nevertheless, during a dark Halloween night - would be a good idea?

“Okay, I saw Mike go that way, and I think Lucas is somewhere up high, so... wait, did you hear that?”

Dustin’s voice slowly fades in the background as you and Steve lag behind him. His boots drag against the October leaves, a strand of hair falling in front of his eyes.

You and Steve had always been good friends. Maybe a little more - but you weren’t sure, considering you had never talked about feelings or where you stood in his life. You knew he wasn’t looking for anything serious after Nancy Wheeler, so any plans of trying to ‘date’ anyone was probably out the window for him.

You hadn’t seen him or your younger friends in months, only coming home during breaks or summer to visit.

“So...” Steve starts, eyes trained on the earthy ground. He glances up at you, puffs of air leaving his mouth from how freezing cold it was. “How’s college? You, uh, you go to-“ He gestures randomly, stumbling over his words as he avoids your questioning stare. “You go to, um, Purdue? Right? Yeah? Purdue?”

“I do, yeah.” You nod slowly, finding amusement in how flustered he seems to be. Weirdo. “Congrats on being able to read my sweatshirt.” You chuckle at him, stuffing your hands in the front pocket.

“Oh! Oh, woah. I-I actually didn’t see that. Just... guessed, y’know?” He nods at himself, sticking his head out to read the design on your clothing. His Adam’s apple bobs with uncertainty when he gulps audibly, eyes searching around through the darkness. “How is it? Purdue, I mean. It’s a great school from what I’ve heard.”

“Yeah, it is. But, nothing beats home.” You grin, bumping shoulders with him playfully as you step over a fallen tree trunk. “I’ve missed you, Harrington.”

“Really?”

You can just picture his expression - eyebrows raised and lips pulled into a straight line. He coughs unexpectedly, pausing in his tracks.

That’s when you realize.

“Where’s Dustin?” You murmur, spinning around slowly in hopes of finding the kid and his stupid flashlight.

“He’s fine.” Steve clears his throat, hitting his chest with a closed fist before he places his hands on his hips. “Uh, he... he really knows his way around these woods so, you know. He’ll be fine.”

A comfortable silence washes over the forest, and you can’t help but keep talking.

“How are you, Steve?” You groan softly as you crouch down to sit on a rocky ledge, patting the empty spot beside you. He quickly moves to sit, almost losing his balance as he tries to squat down. You both laugh, feet kicking at one another subconsciously.

“I’m alright. It’s too quiet down here without you. Not that - not that you’re too loud or anything, but...”

“I know.” You reply comfortingly.

Steve places his hand down, jumping slightly when he feels yours beneath his. “Oh! Sorry. It’s dark. Didn’t mean to do that. Sorry.”

“Did you give Dustin all your charm or what?” You tease him, feeling around for his hand. You blush for a second, feeling a bit doubtful of the confidence radiating off of your behavior.

“What? Never. It’s still here, somewhere.” His voice dips to a hushed tone as he mentions the last phrase, before he stares down shyly at his lap. “It’s cause you’re back, I think.”

“Hm?” You furrow your brows, partly confused at what he seems to be getting at.

“Whenever you’re around, I-I kinda get...” He scratches his neck with his other hand. His face scrunches up in embarrassment. “I kinda get nervous around you? I just - ugh, I just don’t know. You’re cool and - and pretty and... you being gone made me realize a lot of things.” He bites at the inside of his mouth, cursing under his breath with closed eyes. “Y’know?”

You’re surprised. A little bit taken aback.

Your sudden silence doesn’t help Steve with his thoughts at all.

“And well, if you don’t feel the same then - then that’s okay! It’s, ha, it’s okay with me.” He shrugs, pushing his hair back. “I can handle rejection. I suck, anyways.” He chuckles, rubbing his nose out of nervousness.

“Hey.” You nudge him with your shoe, looking up at him. “I like you, too.”

He’s an idiot.

“But uh... I-I don’t like you?!” He says loudly.

Ouch.

“What? Dude, okay. Ow.” You scoff at him, feeling your chest tighten with hurt. You stand up, brushing your hands on your jeans. “Could’ve said that a bit nicer, Steve. Lighten the load on me.”

“No! No! That’s not what I meant!” He scrambles to his feet as you walk away from him, arms swinging hastily at your sides in an effort to get away from him. Steve facepalms himself. “Y/N! Come back!”

“You’re such a - ugh!” You groan at him, whipping around to face him. You stomp your shoe onto the ground, feeling mud splatter everywhere. “You’re an ass.”

“Listen-“

“No!” You pull at your hair, eyes wide with offense.

He really had to hurt you like that.

“Listen to me!” Steve shares the same look, enunciating his words with irritation. You both look like wild animals - chests heaving as you stare each other down. He huffs at your quivering lip and your defensive stance, laughing at how far of a turn this took. “I don’t like you... because I love you, Y/N.”

“Dude.”

You turn around as Steve looks past your shoulder, rolling his eyes.

Dustin stands with a look of shock, jaw hanging open. Lucas and Max are whispering to one another, snickering. Mike is grinning with beady eyes, glancing around at his friends.

“Dude, what did I tell you?!” Dustin punches Mike’s shoulder, dropping his flashlight in doing so. “He loves her! He fucking loves her!”

“Hey! Language!” You and Steve shout simultaneously, pointing fingers at the foul-mouthed boy.

“This is a private matter, guys!” You sigh at the kids, cheeks hot with embarrassment. “Just...”

“Steve loves you, Y/N. He’s a dumb doofus who doesn’t know how to show it, but he does.” Mike interrupts, stepping forward. “He’s literally cried about you to all-“

“Hey! Hey! No! Shut the hell up!” Steve rushes towards him, but you press your hand to his chest, stopping him.

“You really do love me?” You ask, hand still pressed against his sternum.

“Yeah, dude.” Steve blinks at you, hands on his hips.

“Did he just call her dude? Oh, my god.” Max shakes her head, groaning with frustration. “We’re leaving. Come on.”

“You love... me?” You question once more, clutching the fabric of your sweatshirt as you feel tears brim at your eyes.

“Y/N...” Steve takes your hands into his, looking down at you lovingly. “You know I’ve loved you. I always have.”

“I mean... I thought - I’ve thought that you’ve had a crush on me, but this is totally different.” You shake your head, seriously astonished. “So much for plot-twists.”

“Was it really not obvious?” He squints at you, pulling you closer to him.

“You call me dude, Steve.” You laugh at him, pushing at his shoulder as you try to catch up with the others.

“Yeah? And?” He grins, following after you.

“You’re actually an idiot.” You glance back at him.

“I know.”

He stops in his tracks, smiling widely as you continue to walk.

He loves you.

“Aren’t we gonna kiss?” He shouts after you, throwing his head back with a dramatic groan when you decide to flip him off.

He loves you so much.

[staticscreenwriting]

Until we say goodbye || one.

Warning! This multipart story takes place after the events of season 3. There’s huge spoilers already in the synopsis down below. I warned you.

Synopsis: (Y/N) Hargrove has to come to terms with the fact that her twin brother is dead and she had to watch him die, unable to do anything about it. There is something she can do for him now though and that’s keeping a promise. The promise to go back home to California. Together. In order to drive cross country and spread Billy’s ashes in a place where the Hargrove kids used to be happy, (Y/N) enlists the help of Steve Harrington. Steve Harrington who decides that it’s time to break out from his parents expectations and be the person he always wanted to be.

This time on “Until we say goodbye”: Steve offers his help only he didn’t realise that meant going on a road trip with a girl he’s talked to like twice and a dead boy’s ashes. 

(caution: mention of death, emotional abuse, slight mention of physical abuse, mention of alcohol // if you need me to tag any other possible triggers let me know)

Part 1 of ?

[additional note: I am German. Sometimes I get the tense wrong or make mistakes. I am useless when it comes to punctuation. Go easy on me, please. Tried to edit out all mistakes it but it’s almost 1 in the mornig and I  am tired.]

And if we hit on troubled water

I'll be the one to keep you warm and safe

And we'll be carrying each other

Until we say goodbye on our dying day

Rain is pattering down on the roof of his car as Steve Harrington drives down the familiar roads of Hawkins Indiana. Days are getting shorter and nights are getting colder and the town seems to be stuck under an all consuming downpour for the last few weeks. 

Maybe, Steve thinks, it isn’t all that bad. The hot summer days of 1985 have left more people traumatized than anyone can really fathom. Maybe the rain can wash it all away. The summer and the bad memories and the hurt. 

As his car stops in front of the small house on Cherry Lane, he realizes that that is just wishful thinking and even with the summer gone, the trauma is gonna stay for a long time. There’s a car parked in front. Hardly a car anymore. It’s bent chrome and dented metal. And then there’s a girl sitting on the porch , cigarette dangling from her fingertips, watching the trashed car and the rain.

(Y/N) Hargrove has her twin brothers perpetual scowl. He wonders if it’s always been this prominent of if the events of July 4th only made it worse. 

She had been there, had to watch her twin brother die. Steve wasn’t there. Not inside at least and for that he is entirely grateful. He’s seen his fair share of unexplainable, horrible things over the last 3 years, seeing a person die right in front of him is not something he wants to add to the list. 

There’s no way for him to even imagine what (Y/N) is going through. What has happened to Barb is as close as he has ever gotten to death and though that left him unable to ever use his own pool again, he still feels a certain kind of disconnect to it. Like it is something that happened in another life. Like he is watching all of it through a tv screen.

Max had been unusually quiet for a while after the events of Starcourt. Talked very little, laughed very little. Though the times she accompanied Dustin on a trip to the video store recently, Steve could see her slowly getting better. 

(Y/N) though, by the looks of it there is no getting better happening there anytime soon..

Steve keeps watching her for a moment. He wonders if he ever actually talked to her before. More than a hey or a greeting at scoops. She’s in Nancy’s year, just like Billy was. Wherever he went, she did too. It was like they came two at the price of one. And perhaps that was just a twin thing. Or maybe it was a Hargrove thing. 

Steve’s sight falls back towards his passenger seat and the reason he’s here in the first place. It’s not to watch the sad girl, it’s to return her sister’s wallet.

Ever since Steve has started working at the video store, the party has invited themselves to use the back room as their own private movie theatre, watching whatever new releases would come into stores before it was even put onto the shelves. Keith doesn’t give a shit as long as they clean up after themselves and Steve and Robin, though they will never admit it out loud, do kind of enjoy spending time with the kids.

Max and Lucas had been around all day, trying to escape the rain and Dustin’s swooning over Suzie which got more and more insufferable for the teenagers recently. Steve had sat with them for a while until Max glanced towards the clock that hangs above the door and jumped up like she was hit by lightning, mumbling something about how she should’ve been home hours ago before rushing through the door and out the shop, quickly followed by her boyfriend. Her wallet left behind.

Grabbing Max’s stuff from the passenger seat, Steve gets out of the car and rushes towards the tiny house, rain pouring down on him and soaking his jacket before he can take cover under the porch roof.

(Y/N) looks up at him, seemingly just now noticing another person in her close proximity. 

“ Harrington ? “ 

He’s used to being called by his last name by one of the Hargrove twins, though it usually came out in a gruff voice laced with an underlying challenge. A silent trial on how far Steve’s boundaries could be pushed until he would snap. 

To say that Steve never really liked Billy would be an understatement, and yet whenever he looks at Max or (Y/N) he wishes that things would’ve turned out differently for the Hargrove boy.

When (Y/N) says his name, there’s no hatred in it, no disdain. All there is is confusion and sadness. All consuming, overwhelming sadness. 

“ Hi, I uh — Max left her wallet at the video store. “ 

“ Why are you hanging out with my sister ? “ she asks and raises her eyebrow in confusion. Steve can just make out how red and glassy her eyes are, how tired she looks.

“ I don’t. I mean she hangs out at my workplace. Not just her but like — her and the other kids. They watch movies. “ 

For a second she just watches him. She sizes him up like she’s not really sure what to expect, what to make of his words. Steve knows that the friendship he has with those kids is unusual but that doesn’t mean he feels ashamed of it. They fought intergalactical monsters together, you don’t just got your separate ways after that. These kids, these families, they are his extended families now and no time passing is gonna change anything about that. 

“ Alright. “ she just nods, taking a drag from the cigarette and slowly blowing the smoke into the air. “ Max ain’t home though. She went to Lucas’ place for dinner. Just came home to let us know she wasn’t dead and then left again. It’s really — it’s not a good time right now “. 

When she looks up at him, he once again notices just how tired she looks. Like she’s on that line between being asleep and being awake. Her looks, her movements, everything seems to be in slow motion, as if moving at a normal speed takes too much strength. A strength she can’t muster up. 

There’s dark shadows under her eyes and Steve isn’t sure but he thinks he can just about make up the fading hues of a bruise on her cheek. Bruises heal though, right ? It’s been months since the night at Starcourt, this fading bruise can’t be a product of those events. 

Then again, maybe it’s not a bruise at all maybe it’s just —

“ Harrington ? Have I lost you or something ? “ 

“ Oh uh — sorry. Can I leave her stuff with you ? “ 

“ Sure whatever, as long as you get outta here then. “ 

Steve doesn’t really understand the hostility. Sure they aren’t friends, never have been, but there’s no reason for her to be snappy and rude. 

As he’s about to hand the stuff to her, there’s a commotion coming from the house. A deep voice yelling expletives as if they were cheers on a football field.  There’s banging and shouting and the smashing of a glass object against the wall. 

To his right, the girl flinches with every noise coming from the house. She looks straight ahead at the rain seemingly focusing on the individual drops as they smash to the ground. But Steve notices her hand that doesn’t hold on to the cigarette stub. The hand that’s nervously fisting the fabric of her pants, holding onto it as if it’s a lifeline keeping her afloat. 

“ Are you alright ? “ he asks, about to lean down to her level when the door swings open with a fury and a box is forcefully slammed down on the porch beside her. 

“ I told you to figure out what to do with his shit weeks ago, why do these fucking boxes still take up our entire fucking house, huh ? I almost fucking fell because I ran into on. If you don’t move his shit I’ll throw it all in the trash. I swear to god, (Y/N). “ 

Through the patter of the rain cuts a voice that’s deep and loud and tinted in anger not unlike the one that always seemed to lace Billy’s words. Only these words leave the mouth of a grown adult and that makes the anger a million times more scary. It makes them more real. More palpable. 

The voice belongs to a tall, short haired man with piercing blue eyes. They look cold and void of any comfort or hospitality. His lips are pulled into an ugly snarl only accentuated by his thick mustache. He looks like a cross between some big burly military guy and a lumberjack, with his military boots and his dirty greyish green flannel shirt. 

As the cold eyes glance towards Steve, it feels as if a cold shiver runs down his spine. Those are not the eyes of a loving father. 

“ Who are you ? “ 

“ Steve Harrington, sir. “ 

“ Are we inviting friend now with no warning no nothing ? Huh, (Y/N) ? “ 

She doesn’t look up at what Steve assumes is her father, just keeps focusing on the rain and the cigarette in her hand.

“ He’s not my friend “ she mumbles with a voice so faint, so quiet, Steve almost doesn’t catch her words at all.

“ Oh no ? Well then that makes me wonder ever more what in the world he’s doing here. “ 

Though the man’s question pertain him, none of them are directed at Steve, they are all directed towards the girl sitting on the porch, curling in on herself further and further with every word spoken. 

“ Max lost her wallet, Harrington’s just bringing it around. “ 

He takes that as his cue to insert himself into the conversation.

“ That’s right. I thought I should bring it by she probably needs it so — here you go, “ he says and holds it out towards the man only for him to snatch it from his hands.

“ Well would you look at that, “ the man sneers and once again disregards Steve completely in order to focus on his clearly distressed daughter “ good honorable young men still exist. Now if only I could’ve raised one. “ 

It’s clearly a dig towards Billy. His son. His recently deceased son. Steve feels incredibly uncomfortable and extremely shocked as he listens to the man talk like that about the one person he was supposed to love unconditionally. 

He’s fairly sure that Mr. Hargrove doesn’t know the full story of what happened, hell how would anyone explain this to a person who wasn’t there ? But just the fact that Billy died, that his teenage son died, should be enough to make him feel remorseful, to make him not talk like this about Billy. 

“ Steve was just about to leave dad. Right, Steve ? “ (Y/N) says and for the first time since the man has stepped out on the porch, she takes her eyes off of the falling rain and glances towards Steve. It’s the first time she’s called him by his first name and in her voice there’s an underlying urgency only reinforced by the same desperation cleary mirrored in her eyes.

Every fiber of his body screams at him not to leave, to stick by her side in this moment of clear distress. Steve Harrington doesn’t think of himself as a hero by any means but there’s moments in his life where he knows what’s the right thing to do. This is one of them and the right thing is to stand his ground and not ignore the sad girl being emotionally broken down by her own father. But sometimes the right thing isn’t the easy thing. Sometimes the right thing is very scary and it asks for a lot of bravery, a lot of guts. Sometimes it’s fighting other people’s fights. 

And how is he supposed to do that when he can’t even fight his own ? 

“ Right, Steve ? “ she repeats, louder this time. Her eyes are pleading now. 

“ I uh — yeah. Sure. “ he stumbles over his words as his heart struggles with his decision.

Sometimes the right thing is too much to handle. Sometimes he’s not brave enough.

“ Have a good evening and — (Y/N) if you ever need something, let me know “.

As he said before, he’s not a hero. He’s just a boy. Just Steve Harrington. 

So he walks back towards his car, rain still pouring down on him. And as he sits down in his car and looks back towards the house, the girl is alone again and she’s still crying but now there’s a box of things next to her. A box of things that belong to just a boy who never got the chance to be a man.

                               Some 1950’s record is playing over his dad’s fancy record player as Steve sits at the dining table, pushing the food from one side of the plate to the other. It’s been a while since the last proper family dinner. Usually Steve just gets some food on the way home from work. It’s probably less healthy than a home cooked meal but it means that he doesn’t have to sit at the table with his mom in awkward silence until they’ve both gulped down their dinner and can go their separate ways. 

But today dad’s home from a business trip and whenever that happens, no matter how rare those occasions are, mom makes a big deal out of sitting them all down for a proper family dinner. 

Steve has hated them since he was a kid. It’s awkward and uncomfortable and it always ends up with a fight. Most of the time between him and his dad and that usually makes mom cry and drink yet another glass of red wine which then in return makes his dad angry and yell at his mother and thus begins a never ending circle of fights and accusations.

There so many secrets at this dinner table. They’re hidden in plain sight, clearly visible to all the people involved and yet no one dares to address them. Because addressing them would set of a metaphorical nuclear bomb ready to destroy everything and everyone.

“ So, Steve — “ his dad starts and washes down his mother’s dry meatloaf with a sip of white wine, no doubt some expensive french concoction. “ a video store, eh ? That’ interesting. “ 

It’s not. They both know this just well. It’s just his father's eloquent way of leading into yet another talk about how unreliable, irresponsible and viciously disappointing Steve is in his eyes.

It used to hurt back in the day, now Steve is so used to it he hardly pays it any more attention than he would to a music jingle on a tv commercial. You kinda know how it goes after the third time.

“ Mmh. Sure it is. “ 

“ Steve works there with a girl. Her name is Robin. She’s the Buckley’s little girl “.

“ Is that true ? Oh her father Collin always talks so highly of her. Very smart from what I hear. She sounds like quite the catch “.

Oh no. Even worse than his parents scolding him for his job or his supposedly bad decisions, is his parents trying to set him up with someone. They’ve been through this countless of times before. As soon as Steve had started to show interest in girls they had brought up all the single daughters of their friends in conversation, trying to seem casual. Only Steve doubts his parents even know what being casual means.

“ Yep, she’s nice. We’re friends “ 

He’s fairly sure that the emphasis on friends is not gonna stop his parents but it’s worth a try really.

“ Friends yeah yeah. That’s how it always starts, right John ? “ his mom says and throws a saccharine fake smile at his dad. 

It’s hard to imagine his parents ever being in love. Like really properly in love. What they have now, it’s very convenient to them both. Dad owns a business which means his paycheck ain’t all that bad and mom is charming and a good talker, she knows how to get on the good side of dad’s partners. But Steve wonders if they really ever loved each other like the people do in movies. Like he loved Nancy. The love that makes you crazy in the head and in the heart. 

He wonders if his parents had planned this. To live in a picture perfect one family home with dad hardly being around and mom spending most her time at the country club sipping wine and gossiping while their only son works at the local video store. 

Did they ever have bigger dreams than this ? To see the world together and go on adventures and do — things people do when they’re in love ? 

He doubts it. His dad is a very matter of fact guy. He’s pragmatic and stoic and probably the least romantic person he can think of. And mom she’s — used to it, he thinks. Used to the man she’s married, may it have been for love or convenience.

“ Robin and I are just friends mom, that’s all there’s ever gonna be. “ 

While those words stung the first time they really set it back in that dirty toilet cubicle, they don’t do that now. Now he’s just happy to have a friend that gets him and cherishes him for who he is. And the fact that she isn’t a literal kid is also a plus. 

“ Oh well, if only you hadn't blown your chance with the Wheeler girl. I’m sure that would’ve been a nice future. She was good for you, son. She probably would’ve set you straight. Go to college together. “

Steve is pretty sure his dad doesn’t remember Nancy’s name which is why he always goes back to referring to her as “the wheeler girl”. His dad knows Nancy’s parents and so that name he can remember but he’s never really paid much attention to what Steve has told him about Nancy. Whatever Steve was talking about never seemed to be important enough to fully listen. To show any kind of interest. 

“ I didn’t blow it, dad “.

“ Sure you didn’t. I mean it surely wasn’t because she has perspectives for the future and you — “ 

At his father’s words Steve just lazily rolls his eyes. All words on this topic have been spoken countless times before there’s no need to say them again. Over and over again.

“ Don’t roll your eyes at me, young man. I’m just concerned “

Yeah concerned that his perfect nuclear family won’t seem to perfect anymore to his friends and colleagues and all the fancy people in fancy suits and dresses who drink fancy wine from fancy glasses and pretend like there’s no problems in the world worse than their cancelled spa appointment. 

If only he could tell his parents about everything. About Barb and the Demodogs. About Starcourt. Maybe they’d go easier on him. Maybe then they would understand. 

But how could he? How can he make them believe this story that, had he not been there, he wouldn’t believe either.

He can’t. So he’ll just have to live with the trauma and let his father’s words bounce off of him.

“ So, “ his mom chirps up “ anyone want some dessert ? “ 

“ No, mom I — “ 

But Steve doesn’t get to finish his sentence as the ringing doorbell echoing through the house interrupts him. Taking the distraction for a blessing, Steve rushes towards the door calling a “I’ll get it” as he goes.

Sometimes, he thinks, God or whatever higher power there is, does answer your silent prayers. Even if all you’re praying for is a chance to get the fuck outta here.

As he swings open the door, he’s expecting one of the neighbours. Mrs. Connelly loses one of the 3 cats every other day and runs around the neighbourhood looking for it. Or maybe it’s Clarice Holden who loved to gossip with his mother.

But no, it’s neither of them.

Before him stands, ever present scowl on her face, (Y/N) Hargrove. Where earlier today there was urgency in her eyes, now they’re filled with uncertainty. Her arms are crossed and she’s nervously tapping her foot on the ground. 

“ Hi ? “ 

“ Harrington, I need your help “ she says, sounding out of breath. Her cheeks are flushed and her breath seems rugged. Did she run here ? 

“ Okay, with what exactly ? “ 

“ I need you to drive me to California. “

Steve’s first reaction is to laugh. A deep hard belly laugh. But as his eyes find her face again, he can see no sign of a joke. There’s an unshakable seriousness about her which tells him that this is not a joke. This is real.

“ I’m sorry, what ? “ 

“ Drive me to California so I can spread Billy’s ashes there “.

At those words he notices for the first time, the big duffel bag on the floor by her feet and the Star Wars thermos sticking out from it.

“ Please tell me that’s not him in there. “

“ You want me to lie ? “ 

“ You are insane. “ 

“ What, why ? “ 

“ You come to my house when we’ve talked about twice in the entire time you’ve been living here. You ask me to drive you to California, which if I may remind you is pretty much on the other side of the country. And above all else, you carry your brother’s ashes around in a Star Wars thermos mug ? “

“ He really liked that one when we were younger and also you told me to come to you when I needed something. And I really need help here .” 

Steve feels like he’s on a tv show. One that tries to prank the contestants in various ridiculous ways. With pranks so unbelievable you wonder how those people don’t notice they are being pranked. This can’t be real, right ? This is not something people ask you to do when you’ve only talked a few times. Right ? Right ? 

“ I was thinking more along the lines of a shoulder to cry on not — not this “ Steve exclaims nodding towards her bag and the thermos.

“ Well you didn’t clarify. “ 

“ Geez, I didn’t know I had to. Can’t your dad take you ? I mean, wouldn’t he want to be there? “ 

Her face falls and for a moment Steve hates himself for even asking this question. He’s seen her dad, experienced how lovely he is. What a dumb question. A guy who mocks his own dead son surely doesn’t want to drive cross country to spread his ashes.

“ I don’t want my dad to take me. Look Steve. I was there and I had to watch — I had to watch it happen. I couldn’t do anything then but I can do something now. I can bring him somewhere where maybe he won’t rest peacefully but he will rest in a place he used to be happy. Where we used to be the happiest we’ve ever been. I had to steal he ashes from that ugly golden urn that stands on the side table in the living room of a house he hated in a town he hated with people he couldn’t stand. I get the chance to leave after High School. I don’t want him to have to stay. I couldn’t save him then but I can save him now. “ (Y/N) explains and takes a big breath before continuing “ I have 52 dollars and 85 cents. I have a bunch of records to listen to on the road and I really — really need to do this. Please it’s all I can do. “ 

There’s tears building in her eyes threatening to fall any second. Her need to do this, to bring Billy home is all consuming and almost palpable in the air around her. But why would she ask Steve, why him ? He’s not a hero, he didn’t even particularly like Billy. Why him ?

“ Why do you want me to take you ? “ 

“ Because I don’t have a car, the Camaro is — well you know. But mostly and most importantly because you were the first person to care. “ 

And at that, he can’t say no. Maybe earlier wasn’t his moment to be brave and heroic, to do the right thing. Maybe this is.

He can hear his parents bickering from the dining room, can just make out his name and the word “ hopeless “.

Maybe they are right, really. Maybe he is a hopeless cause. College might never be in the cards for him and hey maybe he will end up 45 and still working at the video store but if so, he will do it on his own terms. 

He will be his own person. One that’s went through trials and tribulations and has experienced things that no person ever should. And he will be the person that decided that night to be a hero and take a sad girl across the country to bring her brother home and mend her broken heart, even if just a tiny little bit.

“ Okay look, load your stuff into my car and meet me at the gas station in about 15 minutes. I gotta pack some stuff and we’re gonna be on the road for a while so we will need to stock up on snacks. “ 

“ 15 minutes “ 

“ Gimme 15 and I’ll be there. “ 

“ You promise ? “ 

“ I promise. “ 

And Steve Harrington never breaks a promise. 

He watches (Y/N) load her stuff into his car then closes the front door and peaks into the hallway. His parents have resorted to the living room, lounging on the couch watching family feud or some shit like that. They’ll most likely start fighting about the show anytime soon and how much better they’d do if they were called on. Which usually annoys Steve to no end but now works perfectly for what he is about to do.

Rushing upstairs, Steve enters his parents room, pulls open the second drawer from the top of the old wooden wardrobe and pushes away all of his mother’s socks and tights until he reaches the very back of the drawer. He fumbles around for a moment until his hand grabs onto what he’s actually looking for. 

The egg shaped container has been hidden there for most of Steve’s life. Mom doesn’t know that he knows about it. Doesn’t know that at least one of the Harrington men is fully aware that the little egg is not used to store pantihose but money for “bad times”. 

Steve pulls it open and starts counting. 465 dollars. 

465 bucks his mom probably would’ve ended up using for yet another trip to the hairdresser or some fancy ass wine from somewhere in italy. 

Those 465 bucks were stored there for “bad times” and if this isn’t a bad time, Steve doesn’t know what is. It was never specified it has to be a bad time for the Harringtons.

Stuffing the bills into his wallet, Steve places the now empty egg back where it came from and quickly puts everything back as it has been before, moving on the his room. There’s a duffel bag under his bed that he pulls out and fills with clothes and other necessities. A glance at the clock tells him he’s got only 5 more minutes and he doesn’t want to let (Y/N) wait. 15 minutes. He promised. 

After dropping the duffel bag out the upper hallway window and onto the front yard, Steve runs back down and sticks his head through the open door to the living room.

“ Hey guys, funny story that was Robin, someone’s causing a scene at the video store and they refuse to leave. Keith sent her to get backup so, gotta go. “ 

“ Now ? “ his mom questions.

“ They called for YOU for backup ? “ his dad ask incredulously. 

If only he could tell his dad that he just recently won a fight against a trained russian guard, maybe then he’d be taken seriously in this goddamn household.

But he can’t tell him. Never.

So again he swallows his pride and calls out a “ I’ll be back “ to his parents before picking up his bag from the lawn and  getting into his car. He will be back, it’s not even a lie per say. He just doesn’t specify when he’ll be back.

Starting the car Steve throws one last look back towards his house. The place he’s grown up in. Where all he is ever going to be is a disappointment. 

Maybe it is time to leave it behind and be someone else. Someone better. Some kind of hero.

                              (Y/N) sits on the curb by the entrance to the gas station. A light drizzle has started up again and she’s watching the pink hues of the neon signs being reflected in the puddles slowly accumulating in the cracks on the asphalt. 

Her gaze wanders towards the thermos cup resting next to her. If this was any other person, any other situation, this would be quite comical. Wouldn’t it ? Ashes in a Star Wars mug. Only there’s nothing funny about this. There’s just sadness there and pain. 

She wonders if her dad has noticed by now, that she’s gone. Wonders if he’s seen the ugly urn smashed on the living room floor. She wonders if he’s noticed that all of Billy’s personal stuff is gone. She wonders if he even really cares.

Taking the thermos into her hands she closes her eyes and lets the words leave her lips. 

“ Hey B. I — I’m sorry I put you into this mug but it was the only thing I could find that was safe to take on a road trip and not spill half of you. I hope you’ll forgive me for that. And for asking Harrington to take me to San Diego. I know you don’t like him but I — he is the only one who seems to care. The only one who asked if I was alright. “ 

She takes a long breath, willing for the tears to stay at bay. Crying is all she seems to do lately.

“ I promised you we’d go back, didn’t I ? I just wish I could’ve been different. God I miss you so much, B. Why did it have to be you, huh ? “ 

Wiping her eyes with the sleeves of her, of Billy’s, denim jacket, she places the thermos back inside her bag. “ god I need to stop talking to inanimate objects. People are gonna think I’m going insane.. “ 

The headlights of a car suddenly illuminate the parking space before the vehicle comes to a screeching halt. A figure steps out, walks closer, closer. 

“ Steve ? “ 

“ Uh yeah ? “ 

“ You came ! “

“ Yeah, I promised I would “.

And for the first time in a long time, (Y/N) feels like hint of a smile tug on corners of her lips. 

[msjr0119]

Forgive me

A mini series, includes suicide and abuse.

Based on true events but using TRR characters who are owned by Pixelberry.

Using usual tags let me know if you want to be removed...

@annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @yukinagato2012

****

Liam Rhys the Crown prince of Cordonia, had hesitantly agreed to his friends plans about visiting New York for his bachelor party. His brother, the former Crown Prince had recently moved to New York but Liam hadn’t kept in touch with him. They were close as children, but since his abdication they became more like strangers. Leo returned to Cordonia as and when he liked. Walking around the city, Liam thought about his brother; wondering what he was doing, wondering if he was married, had kids, had a job. Wondering if he was happy living the life he could do. If his paths crossed with his older brother he could quite easily throttle the playboy who thought more about his dick than his royal responsibilities.

Drake Walker had chosen quite possibly the most run down dive bar he could find to start the nights events off.

“Welcome to the states, your highness. Nothing beats alcohol and greasy food...”

Liam sighed, he didn’t even want to be here- he didn’t even want to be the Prince anymore. Walking through the doors, this really was a dive bar- it was empty and quiet. The bar stools looked as if they would potentially snap if you lent on it, covered in dust.

“Where’s the music?” Exclaimed Max feeling disappointed- he loved music and to dance. This place felt like they were in a morgue.

“Forget the music! Waiter!” Drake clicked his fingers. The waiter ambled up towards the men forcing a fake smile.

“Yes Sir. What can I get ya?” Daniel asked politely, whilst checking his watch. Hoping they wouldn’t be indecisive regarding their order.

“Four deluxe burgers and a bottle of whiskey.”

“Yes sir, my colleague will bring your drinks shortly as I have finished my shift.”

*****

The men looked over at the waiting staff, the waiter that had taken their original order was just leaving- he kissed a girl on the cheek before he left. The four men’s eyes all fixated on the beautiful goddess stood in front of them.

Turning around with a bottle of whiskey and four tumbles- Riley locked eyes with the four men. No it can’t be. Gulping, as if she had seen a ghost- she failed to realise that the items had slipped out of her hands. Her feet covered in a whiskey residue.

“So what’s your family and closest friends like? Will I ever meet them?”

“I’d rather you not meet them. They are a bunch of misfits. A bunch of hypocrites too apart from Li my kid brother. He’s the kindest man alive and will be the perfect king for our country. He’s loyal too. He has these sparkly baby blues that will swoon anyone.”

“So do you. Although you’re a flirt. I don’t think he’s like that is he?”

“Deep down I think he probably is. But he is an expert using his stoic expressions. If you ever met him you’ll understand. You’d probably fall in love with him too.” Riley laughed, she does fall in love easily but she wasn’t ready to commit to anyone in this situation.

“What about your friends then? I’ve heard about all your family now.”

“Well there’s Liam’s best friend, Drake Walker. He’s a miserable bastard- always sulking, whiskey in hand, he’s handsome don’t get me wrong. But he’s not the type admit feelings. He’s had a tough life.”

“Miserable bastard- I think you’re overreacting?”

“No I’m not. He will stand in the corner of the room at events people watching. I just think he needs to let his hair down and get laid. Then there’s Lord Maxwell...”

“A snooty Lord?”

“No, he’s quite the opposite. He’s a kid at heart- hyper at times. He’s cute in a way. Puppy dog eyes all the time- he’s the spare heir and constantly gets criticised but honestly Ri, he is the most kind hearted person I know. He’s friendly and outgoing - everyone instantly loves him. Then there’s Tariq...”

“Is he a snooty Lord? Come on, there’s got to be some snob in your friend ship group.”

“Oh yes! He’s a snob all right. I avoided him at all costs. You’d recognise him walking down the street- he pays an extortionate price for clothes and shoes. He’s worse than women. He will only order expensive food and wine.”

******

“Riley! Clean it up now!” Her manager snapped at her- making her jump and come out of her trance.

The men heard the glass smash and immediately stared at the waitress who looked shocked. Liam stood up, walking towards her- he bent down and helped her pick up the glass.

“Are you okay... miss?”

“Er, Riley. I’ll get you guys another bottle of whiskey. I’ll pay- it’s on the house.”

“No need. I can afford to buy them both.” Of course you can- shit it really is them. Tears began to form in her eyes, returning to the bar- watching the four men she realised Leo’s descriptions were true. How could she tell them the truth? The tragic accident that occurred three months ago. Her heart was breaking once more.

“I’ll be right back Liam.” Liam looked at her confused as to how she knew his name, as she turned her back on him. Returning to the table- he provided a bewildered expression and remained silent.

“Please tell me you’re not falling for the waitress?”

“Drake... she knew my name. She said Liam. How does she know my name?”

“Er she probably overheard us... the nosey bitch.”

Liam nodded, still not believing she overheard them- the distance between them and the bar was too far.

“I’m so sorry for the delay, here are your drinks. Your food will shortly be here.”

“Thank you, Riley. How do you know my name?”

Shit. It slipped out of my mouth

“She’s a crown chaser Liam - obviously.” Drake snapped, assuming she knew about cordonia.

“Obviously I am Drake Walker. You’re an arsehole! I’m surprised you’re not hiding in the corner sulking.”

Maxwell burst out laughing uncontrollably, confused at how she described Drake to a t but it was funny seeing Drake’s eyebrows raise.

“How would you describe me then?” Maxwell smiles, giddy wondering how the friendly stranger would describe him.

“The spare heir Lord Maxwell. Friendly, outgoing- a kid at heart. And Lord Tariq you’re just a snob. Now we’ve done the introductions I better return to work. Enjoy your night gentlemen.”

“This is crazy! She knows all about us.” Drake stated, his jaw still agape with the rude attitude the waitress had towards him.

Liam stood up from the table- he wondered how she knew this information. If she had researched Cordonia- she wouldn’t be able to describe their personalities.

“Can we talk?”

“Sure. You’ll have to follow me around though.”

“So how do you know us all? I’m intrigued.”

“I don’t know any of you. But we had a mutual friend.”

Had? I don’t know anyone in New York apart from....

“Who?” Liam questioned hoping that it was his ignorant brother.

“Leo.” Riley managed to say his name, her chin trembling ever so slightly.

“That explains it. How is my brother? Have you spoken to him recently? I haven’t heard from him in over three months.” Liam snarled in a sarcastic manner.

“Liam, come and sit with me. I’ll get you a drink- you’ll need it.”

Walking back over to the bar, the other men watched the interaction- assuming Liam was trying to ‘pull’ the waitress. Riley handed him a scotch, holding his hand- her eyes began to water.

“So... Erm...” Riley bit her lip. Not knowing how this conversation was going to elaborate.

“Did you know the real reasoning behind Leo’s abdication?”

“Of course. He said he wanted to find love and not have the crowns responsibilities.”

“The truth is....He found love. And... your father found out. He was furious. Erm. Oh god Liam. I don’t know how to tell you.”

“Just fucking tell me Riley!” The other three men overhead Liam unexpectedly swear and shout at the stranger. It was out of character for the Prince. They all stormed over to the bar. Riley began crying uncontrollably, Drake had never seen Liam make a woman cry before- usually they would kiss him, especially if they knew his true identity.

“Leo.. I was married to him. We have a son.”

“So why was my father furious? Because you had a child out of wedlock? He abdicated so what did it matter? I have a nephew?”

“Yes, he’s called Lucas- he’s 1 next Saturday. Our marriage was a sham. Liam- he abdicated because he was homosexual. He found love with a man- I was the fake part of his life. Your father knew about me and Lucas but found out the truth on an impromptu trip here. Leo... he ... he couldn’t take living a lie anymore. Your father and Regina disowned him. Constantine told him ‘you are not my son, you never will be’ before slapping him across the face. Three months ago....Leo took his own life.”

[jordanlahey]

“Wake Up.” (6)

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x Reader x Steve Harrington (Platonic!The Party x Reader)

Summary: Y/n woke up in the middle of the road, having no idea where she is. Once she finds out where or more importantly when she is she just wants to go home or at least she did. 

Warnings: language, slight violence, angst?

Word Count: 1243

A/N: (y/f/f - your favourite food.)

ST Taglist: @intheendyouwillalwayskneel

WA: @ivana-franz , @helena-way07 , @asfyhcseryg , @kittenthekat1234567890 , @robinismyqueen , @billysgodcomplex , @holy-fucking-shit , @starksweasley , @jessicatheghxstgirl, @slefishpresley, @pissheadoffical, @luckyteenagedirtbag, @shannon124 

Series Masterlist. 

“Nancy not be rude or anything but how am I supposed to pay for my clothes? I mean I have no money at all.” You asked as you followed Nancy around the mall into different shops, you did look at a few items of clothing but you shied away from them cause of the price and the fact that you had no money. 

“Y/n has that been on your mind since we’ve been here?” She asked as you both entered another store, you nodded. “I was going to buy them for you as a treat I don’t mind really, I hardly ever have girl time anymore due to...some stuff.” 

“I feel bad if I let you buy my clothes Nance.” You protested but she waved you off. 

“Nonsense, now go find clothes.” She laughed nudging you in the direction of the clothes as she looked for her own clothes. You were wearing the clothes you came here; your black denim jacket, red plaid skirt and black top. You didn’t mind the looks you were getting at all cause you felt comfortable in them. You wandered over to the jeans section and saw a nice pair of black ripped denim ‘mom’  jeans and a similar pair in plain denim blue. You picked both jeans up and headed towards the tops and picked a few t-shirts then wandered around looking for Nancy who was by the sweater section. “Oh you found stuff, let’s go pay!” 

“You’re not buying anything?” You ask, guilt pouring over you. 

“I have enough clothes, we are here for you remember.” She paid and handed you the bag and the both of you left and headed to the food court. She asked you what you wanted to eat and you told her (y/f/f) and in response she told you to find a seat while she waits in line. 

You found a seat near the fountain and as you waited for Nancy you found yourself in the comfort of your own thoughts that you didn’t realise the person take a seat in front of you.

“Hey Y/n.” Steve smiled at you but he noticed that you weren’t really listening. “Y/n?” He waved a hand in front of your face and you snapped back into reality. 

“Oh sorry Steve.” You smiled apologetically and he smiled back. 

“It’s okay, I saw you sitting alone and thought I’d keep you company.” Steve leaned back in his seat. 

“Actually I’m here with Nancy who was...was in the line.” You look around for her and then it hit you, she set you up kinda like a date with Steve but not at the same time. “She’s a clever one.” 

“Nancy? Yeah she is.” 

“Did she put you up to this.” Steve was going to deny it but you were kinda true.

“Kinda, this wasn’t supposed to happen but yet here we are.” He threw his hands in the air, you chuckled at him. “While we are here do you wanna go see a movie?” 

“Is this a date?

“How about a friend date thing.” Steve shrugged.

“Sure.” You smile.

*******

Max and Eleven were wandering around the mall while the boys were at the arcade. Max insisted on taking El to the mall since they had so much fun the last time they went. 

“No freaking way.” Max breathed, looking directly and you and Steve sitting together at the food court.

“What?” Eleven asked, looking around to see what Max was talking about but she was cut short when Max grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the mall towards the arcade. 

“Guys!!” Max shouted at the group of boys waiting outside the arcade.

“What?” they all asked as they waited for max to catch her breath.

“Y/n is on a date!!” 

“Why should we care that she is on a date?” Lucas rolled his eyes, not seeing why she is so worked up about you being on a date.

“With STEVE!!” 

“What!?” everyone said at the same time then there was another ‘what’ added in except the voice was more deeper and angrier. The kids turn and see Billy, he was practically red in the face and right on cue you and Steve leave the mall, smiling and laughing which angered Billy more. 

“Uh-oh.” Dustin mumbled as Billy pushed passed the kids and made a beeline towards you and Steve. You hadn’t noticed Billy until he made himself known by punching Steve in the face. 

“BILYY WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!” You scream but like he would hear you. Steve picked himself up and held his hand to his face.

“What the hell!?” Steve narrowed his eyes at Billy and right now you were invisible, the only person that was visible was Billy. 

“I told you Harrington to stay away from her!” Billy shouted and Steve shouted something back. You couldn’t hear everything it was all becoming a white noise till you heard something more clearer. You felt dizzy again.

“Guys stop.” You mumbled, you felt sick and having no idea why you felt like this was more worrying. “Guys!” You tried again but this time you felt something hit the back of you and your vision became black. 

*Steve’s POV* 

“Guys!” I stopped and turned to look at y/n but as I did she fell to the ground. All of us rushed to her. 

“Y/n?!” I shouted gently shaking her but she didn’t respond, I checked to see if she was still breathing and luckily she was or this situation could get a lot worse. I lift her head and rest it on my lap as we all begin to talk over each other about what to do. 

“Guys, she is mumbling something, listen.” Mike shouts and we all quiet down to listen to Y/n. 

“Zero one two zero one two zero one two.” 

“What the hell does zero one two mean?” Lucas asked.

“Twelve.” Eleven piped up, all of us looked at her in confusion. 

*Your POV*

I woke up against cold tiles, I have no clue where the hell I am though it looks to be a hospital. Thank god. I get up to head down the corridor but the sound of screaming put me off, I just stand there listening to the person scream for help. I know I should help them but at this point my feet are moving on their own accord down the hall passing all these doors till I reach the only door that is open, I peek around the corner and see these people in white lab coats hold down someone to a bed and another man stood to the side, he wore a suit and his hair was white somehow he looked familiar. 

“Let me go!” I freeze I know that voice. I know it very well. This surely can’t be real.

“Put her out.” The man in the suit spoke, his voice sends me shivers, I watch as they take a syringe and jab it into the girl she stopped fighting and she laid still. The men in the white coats begin to turn and I move away from the door as they leave, I take the chance and go into the room slowly going near the girl on the bed. The number on her wrist catches my eye.

012. 

My eyes follow up her arm and to her face and my blood runs cold.

[ramenkween]

Love Song

Billy Hargrove x reader

Inspired by Love Song by Lana Del Rey

This is the first Billy Hargrove x reader fic based on Lana Del Rey’s songs! I’ve mentioned in a post before that Billy is the type of guy that Lana would write her songs about, Norman Fucking Rockwell came out a few days ago and it’s amazing.

Listen to Love Song by Lana Del Rey

Album: Norman Fucking Rockwell!

Summary: You and Billy finally become a couple after having a crush on him for years.

Notes about the story: Some things in this story that differentiate from the show; you, Billy and Steve have been childhood friends but have since disbanded in high school – but recent events have reunited the three of you. Your little sister Flora has been a member of Mike’s group for years. 

Warnings: swearing, smut(kinda?)

Word count (from start of story): 2,100

…

You remembered how late at night it was when you sat in the passenger’s seat of Billy Hargrove’s car as he drove the two of you to your possible imminent deaths; your little sister Flora and Billy’s sister Max were in Steve Harrington’s car ahead with Lucas and Dustin. You sat there quietly when Billy looked over at you.

“Oh man,” he grumbled. “Remember when we were kids? Steve and I always used to hang out at your house because I didn’t want you guys at mine when my dad was there… and Steve’s parents were just weird about him being friends with us?”

The nostalgia came reeling in; they were definitely simpler times when you, Billy and Steve were hopeless, innocent children. You were equally close with them both, but you were just that little bit closer with Billy – there’d be things that you couldn’t tell Steve because he wouldn’t understand it the way Billy would. That trust in him was what sparked your long-time crush on Billy, and that secret still remained with Steve. But those days became nothing more than bittersweet childhood memories. Years passed and high school changed the boys more than it changed you; you remained the shy and reserved girl that only ever blossomed around them. A smile lets out across your face.

 “Yeah… Those were really good days” you reply.

“We’d play Truth or Dare in your living room, and the most dangerous thing we did was daring Steve to drink a capful of your dad’s Reaper Sauce. Now our little sisters are going on some sort of death expedition” he joked. “Where did it all go wrong?”

You shrugged, “I don’t know… times have changed. We changed, too.”

“What the hell happened to us huh?” he said back.

“We grew up I guess. Steve grew that headful of hair and became King Steve and you… You grew a mullet and wore tight jeans and suddenly all the girls want you.” Billy laughed politely.

“And what about you?” he asked.

“I’m still the same. No new friends… Nothing. It’s just been me.”

“But there have been times when I asked you to hang out with me and my other friends. Why didn’t you ever show?”

You rolled your eyes and sneered, “Billy you might not have noticed, but I don’t exactly fit in to society’s ideal standards.”

“That’s too bad” he replied. “Because even though we don’t hang out like we used to, I still think you’re pretty awesome.”

You felt your cheeks redden slightly but thankfully it was too dark for him to notice.

“Thanks Billy.”

Then after a moment of not saying anything to each other, Billy cleared his throat.

“Alright, how about this; when this whole thing blows over, when we finish going after whatever it is we’re going after and somehow miraculously survive… How about we hang out again? Just the two of us?”

“Are you… are you asking me out on a date?” you shyly ask.

“We don’t have to put labels on anything… We could just be two people catching up with life. Deal?”

You looked out to the dark road you’re driving in and thought to yourself that you had to survive the night. In truth, you did miss your best friend.

“Okay, Hargrove. Deal.”

And you did survive that night; you gripped Billy’s hand out of fear when those Demodogs ran straight past your feet thinking they’d charge at you and tear your flesh to shreds. Steve noticed how close you got that particular night; when he questioned you about it before your catch-up with Billy you couldn’t help but blush. Steve saw the glow in your eyes and remembered the shy little girl who had a crush on their best friend.

“I’m happy for you, Y/N. He’s a great guy.”

“You’re both great” you smile. “You know, it’s weird; when I pictured the three of us hanging out again it wasn’t because we all had to fight off those alien things”

Steve smiled and gave a light nudge on your arm.

“How did you picture it?” he asked.

You shake your head, “I don’t really know. But I’m glad I got both of you back.”

“Well, if everything goes to plan and the two of you finally become a couple, I’m being Billy’s best man at your wedding” you went beet red when Steve teased you about it.

During the catch-up with Billy, you realised how your crush on him never went away, but was dormant instead. The feeling came back almost instantly when he spoke about his life he, you and Steve parted ways. Billy drove you back to your house when it ended.

“I had a nice time–”

He cut off your words with a tender kiss; it came to you as a shock at first, but you eventually gave in and let yourself melt within it. You were breathless.

“Holy shit… That’s what I’ve been missing all these years?” Billy said to you before pulling you in for another kiss.

“Billy… I’ve been in love with you since the sixth grade” you weakly murmured.

Billy sighed happily as he leaned his forehead against yours.

“I know” he whispered. “Steve sucks at keeping secrets. Sorry I took so long to finally feel the same way…”

“It’s okay” you tell him. “You were worth the wait.”

The two of you officially became a couple after your third date – with Steve’s help he and Billy set up an outdoor theatre in your backyard using an old projector and a large white dust sheet; you were confined to your room until it was fully ready. You watched The Rocky Horror Picture Show nestled in Billy’s arms as he played with your hair.

“Do you think we’ll end up like Brad and Janet?” you ask him.

“You mean our car breaks down in front of a creepy house and we end up meeting a sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania?” he jokingly replied.

“No you douchebag!” you laughed. “I mean like, having a future together? Or is that too soon to say?”

“Well, if we’re going to be like Brad and Janet, don’t you think we’d have to be a couple first?”

You release yourself from his arms and turn to face him.

“We – we’re not a couple?” you ask, smile fading from your face.

“We never confirmed it… but now that we’re here,” Billy pulled out a small sunflower from his jacket pocket and presented it to you. “Roses are lame. You radiate sunshine and warmth even in the darkest and cold places. You’re my sunflower, Y/N”

“Billy…”

“I don’t want to wait another date to ask you. I got you back after so many years. So, Y/N, will you be my girlfriend?”

You hold Billy’s face as you bring him in to you for a fervent kiss.

“Yes” you tell him between kisses. “I wouldn’t want anything more than to be your girlfriend.”

Days turned to weeks and eventually months; Billy had become completely smitten by you.

“God, I love you. You know that? I love you so fucking much! I’m lucky to have fallen in love with my best friend!” he exclaimed as he drove. You had just left a party that neither of you were enjoying. You just wanted each other’s company. Billy pulled up his Camaro on a hill that overlooked the town of Hawkins. Without saying a word you made your way over to his side, straddling him.

“Hi there” he smirked. “What’s happening?”

“I want you, Billy. Right here, right now.”

You knew how experienced Billy was with girls, and he knew it would be your first time.

In the car, in the car, in the backseat, I'm your baby

We go fast, we go so fast, we don’t move

“Are you sure?” he asks. You bite your bottom lip and nod.

“I’m sure” you tell him. “There’s nobody but you and me tonight.”

You make your way to the backseat of the Camaro after pushing the seats forward to make room for yourselves. Slowly between kisses you both begin to shed pieces of your clothing and toss them to the front. You unclasp your bra, fully exposing yourself to him. Billy took in the sight of you, completely under your spell.

“Holy shit, Y/N…” he exhales. You tilt your head down trying to cover your face with your hair. Billy moves it away and tucks it behind your ears. “You don’t have to do that” he says. “You don’t ever have to hide away from me again. You’re so beautiful.”

I believe in a place you take me

Make you real proud of your baby

In your car, I'm a star and I'm burnin’ through you

In your car, I'm a star and I'm burnin' through you

You throw your arms around him and crash your lips against his slow at first. The kisses begin to grow hungrier between the two of you, and soon you waste no time; Billy takes you underneath him and slowly connects himself to you. You let out a moan of pleasure as he does the same.

“Oh my…” he whispers as he moves inside you.

Oh, be my once in a lifetime

Lyin' on your chest in my party dress

I'm a fuckin' mess, but I

Oh, thanks for the high life

Baby, it's the best, passed the test and yes

Now I’m here with you, and I

Would like to think that you would stick around

You know that I’d just die to make you proud

The taste, the touch, the way we love

It all comes down to make the sound of our love song

Sweating, it feels like hours of making love in the night and you never want it to end. Billy was slow and gentle with you as it was your first time. He made you feel like a goddess with the way he moved in you.

“Billy…” you hissed through your teeth, getting lost in the moment. “I… love… you…”

He stopped to look down at you and smiled before burying his face in the crook of your neck.

“I love you too” he said. “I love you so much.”

Dream a dream, here's a scene

Touch me anywhere ’cause I'm your baby

Grab my waist, don't waste any part

I believe that you see me for who I am

So spill my clothes on the floor of your new car

Is it safe, is it safe to just be who we are?

Is it safe, is it safe to just be who we are?

Billy slowly removed himself from inside you and kissed your neck down to your collarbones, between your breasts and down to your stomach before placing your legs over his shoulders. You look down and see the view of Billy’s mouth pleasuring you.

“Fuck…” you close your eyes and begin to arch your back at the electricity he’s sending you. You tangle your fingers in Billy’s curly hair, gripping them harder as he pleasures you faster and faster. It wasn’t long until you were connected to each other again, this time his hips bucked faster as you locked him in position with your legs. You moaned each other’s names loudly, not giving a care in the world if anybody saw you through the windows. The night belonged to both of you.

Oh, be my once in a lifetime

Lyin' on your chest in my party dress

I’m a fuckin' mess, but I

Oh, thanks for the high life

Baby, it's the best, passed the test and yes

Now I'm here with you, and I

Would like to think that you would stick around

You know that I'd just die to make you proud

The taste, the touch, the way we love

It all comes down to make the sound of our love song

When you finished you lied in each other’s naked arms, panting from the best sex you’ve had so far.

“Did I hurt you at all?” Billy asked. You sit up and look at him.

“No, I’m okay. I could get used to this.”

Billy exhaled with a smile as he squeezed your shoulder.

“I’m glad you’re in my life again Y/N”

You lock your fingers with his and bring his hand up to your lips to give it a tender kiss.

“Me too, baby” you rest your head against his chest as he caresses your bare back. “Me too.”

The taste, the touch, the way we love

It all comes down to make the sound of our love song

[serendipitousrambles]

One Summer Can Change Everything

Chapter nine: Fourth of July

"Happy fourth of July!"

The beach was packed with families and friends celebrating, a sea of red, white, and blue.

They'd spent the day at the beach, but now it was time for what everyone was waiting for. The fireworks.

El sat between Mike's legs as his arms wrapped around her middle. It made a change sitting like this out of comfort as opposed to exhaustion and fear. She tilted her head back to lean on his shook as she looked up at the sky, holding her breath as she waited for the fireworks.

Max, Dustin, and Will laid down on the beach blanket to stare up at the sky. Lucas sat instead with his arms on his knees, not too interested in the fireworks. He couldn't shake that image out of his mind. Max...and Dustin?

He always knew Dustin had had a crush on Max but to go behind his back like that? Even after they just broke up? He could barely look either of them in the eye.

"Look!" El pointed excitedly up where a single spark had been shot into the sky. After a moment of silence, it erupted in a huge bang followed by a spark of red showering across the sky.

Red, blue, and white fireworks were being set off, changing after a while into all the colours: purples, pinks, greens etc.

The crowd on the beach were cheering and clapping. Lucas looked over to see Dustin and Max laughing, and Mike hugging El tightly.

He tried to block it out and looked up at the sky, but the red fireworks just made him think of Max's hair, of her converses that are so worn out from years of skateboarding but she loved too much to ever replace. It made him think of the colour of her cheeks the first time they kissed at the snowball all those years ago, the colour of his hoodie that he'd given her when she was cold that one time. Did she ever give it back?

"Lucas? Lucas ."

He hadn't even realised he'd zoned out until Will was shaking him on the shoulder. The fireworks had ended and now they were going to find some food.

Mike and El had already begun to lead the way, with Dustin excitedly rambling behind them about these "awesome hotdogs" he'd smelled earlier. Will helped Lucas up, but over his shoulder he saw Max awkwardly lingering.

"Hey…" she said to Lucas and Will sighed, running to catch up with his friends - doomed forever to third wheel it seems.

"Hi." Lucas shrugged, dusting sand off his shorts before slowly walking beside her.

"Can we talk?"

So this was it? She was going to tell him that she'd moved on to Dustin now.

"Don't bother. I know what you're going to say." He couldn't look at her.

"You don't."

He stopped walking and faced her. "You're going to tell me you've moved on to Dustin. I get it. He's always had a crush on you. And now he has his chance."

She scrunched up her face, "What are you talking about?"

"I saw you two. Kissing. I'm not an idiot. You clearly want to be with him."

Her face grew red, but this time in anger. "So you're spying on me? We broke up! It's none of your business what was going on between me and Dustin - which by the way there is nothing happening between us!"

"Oh so you deny kissing him?"

"No...that did happen. But it didn't mean anything."

"Oh so when you kissed me it didn't mean anything either?"

"Are you hearing yourself right now?" She threw her hands in the air. "You know that is different."

"How?" He folded his arms. "How is it different?"

"Because I didn't feel anything when I kissed Dustin!" She shouted. "Because when we kissed I realised that you're the only one I want to kiss. Alright!"

He was stood in stunned silence. A few moments ago he was so certain she was about to tell him she was with Dustin, but now...he didn't know what to think.

"Because I love you, stalker."

They'd never said that before. Sure they'd been on again, off again for about 4 years. But it just hadn't ever been a good time. Both had been scared that the minute they said it, they'd break up. So it just never felt right. But Max didn't know why she'd taken so long. Because she had loved him for years.

Great, now he was just staring at her in silence and maybe it was the wrong time to tell him after all.

"You... but…" Lucas' brain stopped working.

She stepped forward and cupped both his cheeks in her hands before kissing him. And it was different than before...but better. Somehow it was even more clear in her mind that there wasn't going to be anyone else. They just couldn't be Lucas.

"You love me?" Was all he managed to say once they broke apart.

Max broke into the biggest grin, nodding.

"I love you too, Mad Max. And I'm sorry for everything."

She shook her head, "I should be sorry too. I was scared about everything. Worried that we're going to be so far apart we won't be able to handle it. But I realise I can't just be your friend."

"No?" He raised an eyebrow playfully and she laughed, shaking her head as she pressed her forehead against his.

"No."

/////

El's eyes grew wide when she saw Max and Lucas walking towards them, hand in hand. She dumped her half eaten hot dog in Mike's hand and ran over to Max, giving her a huge hug.

"Are you back together again?"

"Uh huh." Max smiled, looking over at Lucas. "We're gonna make it work. You and Mike show how it's possible to get through anything, and maybe we can too."

El looked over her shoulder at Mike and smiled. He was stood holding her hot dog in one hand and trying to eat his in the other. His long legs still looked dorky in shorts and he still had that same silly flop of hair. But she couldn't imagine anyone she loved more. And hearing that Max saw them as an inspiration just melted her heart. They hadn't set out to be some great romantic story, but when she looked at him she knew they would stand the test of time. Because they were Mike and El. They always would be.

"I know we can survive anything." El smiled, looking back at Max and Lucas.

"Anyway, I'm hungry." Max pulled on Lucas' hand and dragged him to the hot dog stand.

Dustin smiled at them as they past, but Will wasn't convinced.

"Are you ok?"

Dustin looked shocked. "Who? Me? I'm fine."

"But you like Max." It wasn't a question.

"I did. Once upon a time. But we're not meant to be." He shrugged. "I just want her to be happy."

Will squinted his eyes, still not convinced.

"I'll get over it. I did once, I'll do it again." Dustin smiled sadly, taking a bite out of his hot dog. And he was right. Maybe it'd take a while, but he'd get over Max again. All he wanted was for her to be happy, and being her friend was more than enough for him.

/////

They headed back to the beach which was less crowded now, and managed to buy some sparklers.

El and Max twirled around, singing and dancing happily as they made shapes with the sparks.

Will and Mike had ended up having a fake fight, pretending they were using lightsabers instead of sparklers.

"I saw you and Max...the other night." Lucas said quietly to Dustin, who froze beside him.

"It's not what... we're not…" Dustin spluttered and Lucas put a hand on his shoulder.

"It's ok. I mean...I was upset. But I know it didn't mean anything."

"She was just confused." Dustin looked down at his sparkler. "And it was my fault for saying stuff I shouldn't have…"

"I get it. She was your first real crush. And I'm sorry it didn't work out. But you're my best friend, and I don't want anything to come between us."

"Never." Dustin looked up. "I'm sorry it happened but you know Max loves you right?"

"I know." Lucas nodded.

"We're still buddies right?"

"Always." Lucas reached out, hugging Dustin, awkwardly patting his back.

After a moment Dustin finally said, "You wanna join in their fight?"

He nodded over to Will and Mike, and Lucas smiled.

"Let's get them."

They ran at Mike and Will, all four of them shrieking. It was good to laugh again, the air cleared. Maybe they had grown up, maybe they had to deal with college and girlfriends, but deep down, they were still the same four boys. The party had grew over the years and for that they were truly grateful, but it was times like these that reminded them of the days when it was just them against the world. Maybe some things didn't change.

[screensirenfic]

Black Leather - Chapter 30

The moment Steve’s sneakers hit the grass; you could feel the tension in the air change; a buzzing, almost electrical feeling whipping up my skin, like when a storm’s coming in and you can sense the change in air pressure.

I followed out after him; my boots noticeably lighter sounding despite their clunky design.

Slowly; step by step, we crept out in the open, already adopting the soldiers’ stance of bent knees and sharp eyes.

Dart let off a low chortle.

A warning. He knew we were after him.

I could see his hackles rising; a distinctly canine trait despite me knowing he was far from it.

Steve began to whistle; a cheery sharp sound more suited to calling a dog than a monster.

“Come on, buddy…’ He called, finishing it off with a series of whistles just in case he didn’t seem crazy enough.

“Come here, fella. Good boy.” Steve cooed as we crept closer, eyes fixed on the suspicious looking creature.

“Steve; cut it out. It’s not a dog.” I muttered under my breath, not entirely sure we should be treating this thing like a pet.

“Have you got any better ideas?” He pointedly asked, still not taking his eyes off the demogorgon.

I sighed, knowing he was probably right; goddamnit!

“Here boy…” I began to call, feeling every ounce the idiot as we cooed to a Lovecraftian horror like some puppy.

“Dinner time.” Steve coaxed it; and I tried not to think of the very real implications that we may end up in this thing’s stomach.

Dart continued to watch us, and I was beginning to wonder if this plan was gonna work at all.

“Aren’t you hungry, fella?” I asked; forcing a fake smile, because maybe this thing could read facial expressions.

“Human tasted better than cat; I promise…” Steve continued to tempt it, edging closer and closer still.

Finally; Dart started to respond, slowly approaching us; strange flowerlike jaws snapping at us experimentally.

Steve whipped his bat in front of him, warding Dart off like a lion tamer and his beast.

“Have you got a shot?” Steve asked, focusing on the creature in front of us in case it decided to pounce.

“Almost…” I said, lining up a shot with my gun so I could see Dart in my crosshairs.

“Just a little further…” I waited, because the fucking thing wouldn’t move it’s head and I needed a damn headshot.

“Come on, come on…” Muttered Steve, watching as the beast began to hesitate, almost as if it sensed my gun on him.

If it just moved left a little—

“Steve! Lola! Watch out!” Yelled Lucas from the top of the bus, but we didn’t have time to look.

“A little busy here!” Replied Steve, not taking his eyes off Dart, because goddamnit; we could see what it was doing! We didn’t need a—

“Three o’clock! Three o’clock!” Lucas yelled; and I turned my gun just in time to spot another demagorgon jump onto the hood of a junked car, hissing menacingly.

“Shit! You got that one?” Steve asked, noticing the other demodog, but not moving his bat away from the first.

“It’s alright. I got it in my sights. You just watch the other one.” I reassured him, settling my crosshairs over the advancing creature.

“Steve! Lola!” Yelled out the voice of Dustin, and I suddenly realised that must’ve meant he’d opened the bus door.

“Abort! Abort!” He yelled from the doors; and goddamnit! This kid was gonna get himself killed!

Suddenly, I heard hissing, and before we knew it, Dart was making a leap at Steve.

I fired at him; aiming for the head, but in quarters as close as these, it was hard to see if it met its mark.

I think my shot went wide, then—

Fuck!

The other demodog came sailing towards me, and I was beginning to think this was it…

Fuck me for watching out for Steve’s dumb a—

Shit! I landed on the metal hood of a car with a thud; the metal cold and hard against my back.

I immediately pressed my gun up, ready to fend off whatever had landed on top of me, only to realise it was Steve.

I didn’t get time to thank him for the save before the Demodog took another leap at us, but Steve managed to take a swing at it.

Wood met flesh with a firm crack, and I think Steve must’ve broken one of that thing’s legs, but it still wasn’t dead. I could fix that.

I lined up a shot with it quickly, before firing into its back.

It wasn’t a headshot, but I didn’t have time to check my kill, Steve already grabbing my arm to haul both our asses back to the bus where the kids were beckoning frantically in the doorway.

“Quick! Run! Run!” They yelled, and I swear the growls of the demagorgons had gotten louder, but I wasn’t about to stop and check.

We were almost at the door now, and I could literally feel the demagorgons snapping at our heels behind us.

We made a dive for the door, fully expecting not to make it and end up being dragged back by the ankles by a pack of vicious demagorgons.

Steve landed first; his heavier frame landed back first on the bus floor with a firm thump.

I came next, landing straight on top of him; hands quickly shooting out above him to stop myself from giving him a pretty debilitating headset.

Steve stared straight up at me; deep brown eyes sparkling with life and adrenaline, and was it just me or had his pupils gotten larger?

I smiled down at him, enjoying how he tensed beneath me, because fuck; Steve was such a sub, and a pretty one.

Steve was always so very pretty; everyone thought so, and here on the floor of a junked bus, he was no different.

Soft waves of brown hair spilling in a relative halo around his head, dumb pretty boy smile across his lips that just made you wanna kiss it off hi—

And what the hell was I thinking? This was Steve I was thinking about!

The same guy who I’d known since seventh grade.

The very same guy who made stupid jokes just to see me laugh.

The very same guy who dropped me home after Tina’s Halloween party; who held me when I’d cried because Billy had been a total dick, and goddamnit; this was Stev—

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The sound of three very heavy bodies colliding with the closed door snapped me out of my thoughts; me quickly dismounting Steve to scramble towards the other side of the bus.

“Shit!!” Dustin exclaimed, but Steve was already on it, grabbing a piece of scrap metal from the floor and holding it to the door with his feet.

I began to reload my shotgun, knowing Steve wouldn’t be able to keep them out for long.

“They can’t get in! They can’t!” Insisted Lucas, but I don’t think the demagorgons cared, still throwing themselves at the bus door with angry hisses and bangs.

“Shitshitshitshitshitshit!” Panicked Dustin, and I don’t think he was the only one—

Shit! The demagorgons had managed to break through, already clambering to get onto the bus, but Steve wouldn’t let that happen; already standing with his bat in hand, taking swings at it’s snapping jaws.

Meanwhile; I managed to get another bullet into my shotgun, silently cursing the day I’d convinced my dad that he didn’t need a newer model.

“Is anyone there? Mike? Will? God? Anyone?!” I could hear Dustin yelling down the radio; a last ditch attempt at getting backup, despite all of us knowing we were terrifyingly alone out here.

I raised my shotgun, aiming past Steve to fire at the attacking demagorgon.

BANG! BANG!

I fired both rounds into the monster, forcing it to retreat out of the bus, and goddamnit; why weren’t these things dead yet?!

I didn’t have time to contemplate the potential invulnerability of the demagorgons; the beasts in question having already circled the bus and begun to fling themselves at the back of the bus.

The kids began to shriek in terror, and I was really beginning to regret agreeing to this field trip, because goddamnit; I could deal with monsters, but screaming children?!

“We’re at the old junkyard, and we are going to die!” Yelled Dustin into the radio, stating the truth we really didn’t need to hear, even as Max and Lucas began hopelessly looking for an escape route.

Unfortunately, not all of us had time to panic; me already getting to work at reloading my shotgun, but I don’t think I brought enough shells for this, and fuck it; I don’t even think they were work—

BOOM!

Something managed to land on the roof; the whole bus shaking with the force of the impact.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

I could hear heavy footsteps reverberating on the metal roof of the bus, but somehow; I don’t think my dad had managed to parachute down and rescue us--

“AHHHHH!” Max let out a scream, staring up from the foot of the ladder at something above the sunroof.

Me and Steve rushed over to her; already knowing what it was.

“Out of the way! Out of the way!” Instructed Steve, shoving her to one side.

I levelled my shotgun with the face of a snarling demogorgon; it’s jaws parting to let out a roa--

BANG! BANG!

I unloaded my shells into the back of its throat, watching as it fell to one side and off the roof of the bus with a sickening squelch.

The bus suddenly stopped shaking, and the demagorgons hissing and roaring started to become fainter as if they were—

They were retreating!

Thank fucking god!

I wanted to fall down on my knees and praise whatever god was listening for sparing us from a gory death, but I couldn’t quite yet; not until we knew for sure.

——————————————————————————

Five minutes later, after Steve and I knew it wasn’t a trap and we weren’t about to get jumped by demagorgons the moment we opened the door, we ventured out of the bus.

Steve went outside first, nailbat in hand, because despite the fact I was better armed and more suited to fighting at range; he still had to play the gentleman and keep me out of danger.

I followed, gun at the ready, because it would be a cold day in hell when I let his ass get killed over something as stupid as chivalry.

Nothing.

Not a single living thin—

CRACK!

Me and Steve both spun towards the sound of a twig breaking; both hyper alert and ready for battle, should things get ugly.

On the outskirts of the junkyard, I could see Dart running away back towards the woods.

I raised my gun, ready to take a potshot at him, when Steve stopped me, placing his hand over my barrel and pushing it down.

I let him, deciding that I could at least defer to his judgement just this once.

Besides; we didn’t want them coming back for vengeance.

“What happened?” Lucas asked, emerging from the bus first to take  a look around.

“I don’t know.” Max replied; the next to get off the bus with a shaken look on her face.

“Do you think we scared them off?” Dustin asked, sidling up between me and Steve as if he’d done anything but screaming and whining.

“It’s possible—“ Steve replied,

“No.” I interrupted as Steve rested his bat on his shoulder, ready to call it a day.

Fuck; I was ready to call it a day, but I couldn’t, not if they were going.

I could hear the demagorgons growls and hisses in the distance, echoing as they retreated.

I knelt on the ground, studying the start of a blood trail leading into the woods.

“They’re going somewhere.”

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Chapter 7 : I'm Loving You

“I didn’t think it was anything at first. I mean, I think I just didn’t want to believe it. The first time I felt it was at Day of the Dead.” Will started explaining, petting my hair softly. “Power went out that night, too.” Mike exclaimed. “And then I felt it again at the field near the Nelson farm the next day. Then again yesterday outside Castle Byers.” he continued, making me bite my lip. “What does it feel like?” Max questioned, curious. “It’s almost like You know when you drop on a roller coaster? It’s like everything inside your body is just sinking all at once, but this is worse. Your body it goes cold and and you can’t breathe. I’ve felt it before, whenever he was close.” Will continued, looking at me worriedly. “Whenever who was close?” Max pressed, making me shake my head. “The Mind Flayer.” Will answered, making me sob softly hearing that again. “I closed the gate.” El explained, shocked. “I know, but what if he never left? What if we locked him out here with us? This is him. All of him. But, that day on the field, a part of him attached itself to me. My mom got it out of me and Eleven closed the gate.But the part that was still in me, what if it’s still in our world? In Hawkins.” Will drew a sketch of the Mind Flayer, explaining everything. “I don’t understand. The Demodogs died when El closed the gate. If the brain dies, the body dies.” Max refuted, but I shook my head. “I can’t take any chances…W-We can’t take any chances…We gotta assume the worst…A-And if that fucker is back…Th-Then…Then…Billy…” I put my hands in my hair in desperation, pulling at it. “He’d need new me. A new host. And it’s possible that Fox found the host.” Will muttered, hugging me. “How can you tell if someone is a host?” El asked softly, looking at us. “Lets go to the pool. It’s Billy’s shift now.” I offered, driving them to the pool and getting out the binoculars, spying at him.

He was staying in the life guard chair, with a long-sleeved sweater, a towel over his legs and an ice cold drink in his hand, sweating like crazy, which made me hit my head on the car.

“That’s it…He’s the host…He likes it cold, remember? The Sun is hurting him…And…And Billy doesn’t wear long sleeved sweaters…He kept saying they’re for nerds and he’d rather die than wear any.” I choked out in a very depressed voice. “Yeah, but he’s lounging at the pool, which is, like, the least Mind Flayer thing ever.” Max tried to reason, but Will shook his head.  “Not necessarily. The Mind Flayer likes to hide. He only used me when he needed me. It’s like like you’re dormant. And then, when he needs you, you’re activated.” Will told us, ready for a fight.  “Okay, so we just wait until he gets activated.” the girl asked in confusion, looking at each of us.  “No. What if he hurts someone?” Mike asked, incredulous.  “Or kills someone. We can’t take that chance. We need to find out if he’s the host” Will said, hurrying to the pool with the other 2. “Where are you going?” Max yelled after them, but they paid us no mind. “I have an idea. Boys only. Just trust me on this one.” Mike yelled back, not looking back. “This is gonna end up so badly…” I muttered, sneaking inside the pool with El, while Max stayed behind to watch over her brother.

Inside, we started making our plan to work and we lay in wait for Billy to finish his shift, at night. Before anything, however, I looked at Mike and gripped his shoulders tightly.

“Mike. I think you’re the most physically strong from the party. Look, I-I…I know how I can be…Wh-When we do our plan…C-Can you please make sure I stay back? I…I’m afraid I might do something to destroy the plan when I’ll see him in pain…So if anything happens, can I trust you to stop me?” I asked, looking hopeful at him, my heart breaking at the idea. “Sure, Fox. We’ll all make sure everything will be okay. We promise.” he reassured me, and I could only smile and sit down, scratching at my legs, waiting.

After what felt like a million years, the pool closed and Billy went to take a shower, and after he was done, we started our plan. I and El messed around a bit with the doors and lockers, making noise, while Mike put the dummy in the sauna room and duct taped the walkie to its waist, and called out Billy’s name, making him follow the noises, until he went berserk and got in the sauna, where he confused the dummy with a human and threatened him. But then, Mike told him to look behind, and El used her powers to slam him to the wall behind, making me cringe at the impact, feeling his pain, and the rest secured the door locked.

Billy then pressed his face to the door window and glared at us, pounding on the door, which made me flinch, Mike and Will holding my hands.

“Kat…Kat, let me out…They’re holding you back, ain’t they?…You kids! You think this is funny? You kids think this is some kind of sick prank, huh? You little shits think this is funny? What is this? Open the door. Open the door! OPEN THE DOOR! OPEN THE GODAMN DOOR!!” he yelled again, but somehow slid down the door with a grunt, and that was the last straw and I ran to the door, planting my hands on the door and looking through the window at the collapsed boy. “Billy! Billy, are you okay? Baby, talk to me, please!” I raised my voice, trying to make him hear me. “It’s not my fault. It’s not my fault. It’s not my fault, Kat. I promise you, it’s not my fault.” he cried on the floor, pleading and praying at me to forgive him. “What’s not your fault, honey? It’s okay, you can tell me! I’m right here!” I reassured him in a sweet voice, despite my heart ripping itself in pieces. “I’ve done things, Kat. Really bad things. I didn’t mean to. He made me do it.” he implored, looking at me and sobbing. “Who made you do it, sugar? I’m here, baby, it’s gonna be okay, I promise! I’m here to protect you!” I put my forehead to the window, looking at him. “I don’t know, it’s like a shadow. Like a giant shadow. Please, Kitten, please forgive me!” he begged and begged, rocking back and forth on the ground, making me sob and rake my fingers on the door. “What did he make you do, sweetheart? I promise I’m not mad, so please, tell me what happened.” I tried to persuade him to tell me, “It’s not my fault, okay? Kitten, please. Please, believe me, Kitten, it’s not my fault. I tried to stop him, okay? I did. Please believe me, Kat. Please believe me!” he slid down on the ground, barely hanging up, holding the bench, which made my legs tremble. “Baby, it’s gonna be okay! I promise you, you’ll be alright, honey! I will save you, no matter what!” I cried, cursing myself for not being able to just break down the door and hold him.  “Kitten, please…” he chocked, sobbing, looking as helpless as never before. “It’s gonna be okay, sweety, I swear! We want to help you, we WILL help you, I promise! I swear on my life! We will to help you, just have to talk to us, okay? You have to talk to us, sweetheart! I know it’s not your fault, love, I know, I believe you! You are a good person, I know that. You let me see your good side, and you’re such a lovely and sweet person who deserves the world…We’ll figure it out together, okay? I promised I will always be there for you, and I will! Please, baby, I need you to trust me. Please…Please-” tears wouldn’t stop falling down my face so hard that I didn’t realise he wasn’t Billy anymore just like that, nor that the kids were talking, warning me to step back.

It was too late when I realised, as I was barely able to side step the glass shards from the window as he broke it, glaring, cursing and threatening me. “Let me out, you fucking bitch! Let me out or I’ll fucking gut you! LET ME OUT!” he kept repeating, and I swear I never felt my heart hurt so much than now, seeing him in so much pain. “Fox, get away from there!” Lucas yelled before hitting him with…Something. Something strong enough to make him fall back…And let the monster take over him.

Billy roared in pain as the monster took over him, and while I felt vulnerable as hell, I stood in front of the kids, wiping away my tears and standing my ground as he started pounding on the door like a mad bull, until he destroyed it.

“Billy…? I know you’re in there. Please…It’s me…Your Kitten…Please, baby, look at me and remember. You’re strong, baby, you’re strong, so fight that monster possessing you and come back to me, I beg of you!” I cried out to him, but it had no effect at all, his eyes remained unwavering…With the only exception of a stray tear falling down his face as he lunged towards me.

“I’m so sorry, baby…” I choked out, as I made the weights levitate and hit him, pinning him on the wall. “GET OUT OF HERE, ALL OF YOU! I’LL KEEP HIM BUSY!” I screamed at them, concentrating as hard as I could on pinning him but it wasn’t that easy, for the monster overpowered me and made him throw the weights back at me, hitting me in the stomach, kicking out the air from my lungs, and in turn, falling over El. I was barely able to take off the weights, that he took me by the hair and snapped my head back to look at him…But he wouldn’t look at me, but at the kids, as he slammed his hand on my throat and raised me high into the air, choking me.

“B-Billy…! P-Please, h-hon-ney…P-Ple-ase…”

I managed to choke out between gasps of air. My vision became blurry and I didn’t realise that El used her powers to hit Billy with the weights again, making him drop me to the ground like a rag doll, until I stood up when he strutted towards them, and I levitated him in the air, this time the strain an infinite times worse, for some reason that I suspect would be the Mind Flayer’s influence on his body. 

“GET THE FUCK OUT OF HIM, YOU MONSTER!!” I shriek in a shrill and desperate voice as I slammed his body so hard on the wall that he went through, running away, making me collapse on the floor, sobbing from the effort and seeing the love of my life in such a state.

“Fox! Fox, are you okay? Fox, look at me!”

Will shook me desperately, screaming my name, and I could only throw my arms around his frail body wailing in pain, emotionally, for my body felt numb.

“WHY HIM?! WHY?! WHY DID THE FUCKING MONSTER HAVE TO TAKE HIM?! FUCKING HELL, WHY?!”

I screamed my lungs out, letting out all my frustrations.

“It’s okay, Fox, it’s okay, I promise you we will save him. I promised you and I won’t back down on my words, okay?”

he held my face in his hands, looking into my eyes, and I could only nod and say a barely audible

“Okay”

, before they helped me on my feet and we got out of there.

We went back to Mike’s house where El and Max went to the bathroom to clean El up from the blood, while I just stood on the ground, looking at the ceiling, my mind completely blank, not being able to think of feel anything. I couldn’t hear what anyone around me was saying, arguing or doing, it was just me and my own world, thinking, overthinking, my head spinning and mixing like it was gonna snap and remain unfixable.

That is, until a sweet voice and a shook woke me up to reality, and I saw Nancy’s gorgeous eyes looking concerned at me.

“When did you get here…?” I asked in a shushed voice, tilting my head slightly. “We just got here. What happened with you…? Here, let me clean you up.” she helped me get on the couch and took some watered tissues and cleaned my face. “Billy happened. He’s been possessed by the Mind Flayer. Fox tried her best to get to Billy’s mind, but the Mind Flayer was stronger and it made Billy attack us…And her, especially.” Will explained, licking his lips, afraid he might trigger another panic attack for me. “It’s fine, Will…I’ll be okay…I am okay…He is not…As long as he’s okay, I am okay…” I said in a very robotic voice, my vision still not focused on everything and I felt like rolling around in a limbo state. “Your neck…Does it still hurt?” she asked, touching it gingerly. “A bit. More when I talk…No big deal, no worries.” I shrugged nonchalantly. “Look at the body temperatures.” Nancy said, showing us a paper with the victim’s weirdly cold body temperature.  “He likes it cold." I muttered, glaring softly at the paper.  "Okay, so this crazy old woman who was eating fertilizer. What time was this attack?” Mike asked, a bit frustrated. “Last night. Around 9:00.” Nancy answered, making Jonathan look at her.  “You waited all night to call?” he asked, a bit shocked. “I was waiting for the doctors to run some tests.” she explained, looking down. “You weren’t there?” Will asked, making his brother shake his head.  “Well, I’m here now, aren’t I?” he tried to defend himself, but Nancy was annoyed and dramatically exclaimed "Hallelujah!“, making Lucas go "Ooh.” and me to facepalm at how badly and awkwardly they were handling everything.  “Um, so, what time was your sauna test?” Nancy asked, making us all answer in unison "Around 9:00.“ "Well, that proves it. That proves my theory.” the girl clapped her hands together, nodding at us in victory. “She’s flayed, just like Billy.” Mike informed, making Jonathan look weird at him. “Flayed?” he asked in confusion. “The Mind Flayer. He flays people. Takes over their mind. Once they do that, they basically become him. If there are two flayed, we have to assume there are more.” Will explained to them the matter. “Heather Holloway. I’m sure she’s been flayed. I’ve known about both of them since I saw them at her house.” I muttered, biting my lip in annoyance. “Then let’s go to her house and see if we can find any clues!” Nancy exclaimed, rushing us to the car.

We drove back to Heather’s house, which was a complete mess, and we found a mix of chemicals on the counter and the scene of the crime, where we realised that Heather struck her father with the wine bottle, then Billy tied them up and dragged them to a place where the Mind Flayer wouldn’t want us to see, so now we have to unveil that secret.

Great!

And at the end…We went to visit the old lady that got Flayed, hoping that she’ll be able to guide us to the place where it all started and we can save every-…Fuck that.

I don’t care about everyone.

I’m not gonna lie anymore, fuck it.

I just want to save Billy and keep him safe.

Fuck the old lady.

Fuck Heather.

Fuck Heather’s parents.

Fuck everyone else that isn’t Billy Hargrove.

—

Back at home, El was in the other room, trying to locate Heather or someone so we could find out where the source is. I’ve been trying to make her let me do it in her stead, since I’m practically running on a thousand miles per hour with worry and I can’t stay still no matter what…So I just started pacing everywhere in the room, until she got back here and told us that she has to try another way to locate them.

“I am doing it. I’m done letting you do everything. I physically canNOT stay still any longer and I swear to fucking God that if I have to take another breath instead of looking for him, I will explode. So give me that scarf, forgive me for being such a bitch, and let me do this.” I panted, gripping her shoulders and peering so deep into her eyes that I could practically see her soul. “Are you sure, Kat? It could be dangerous. You’ve never done this before, right?” she blinked at me, worriedly, but I only shook my head. “Please, El, I beg of you. Let me do this. It’s killing me and I don’t know if I can take much more of this. He’s all alone out there and he needs me. It’s…It’s gonna be 4th of July, El. He promised he’d take me on a trip to the mountains, just us two…Just us, alone, with the forest, camping fire, the lake and or favourite rock songs that sing to me while playing the piano…He’s scared, and El, my heart can’t take thinking of him crying and hurting anymore. Please, let me do it. Please.” I fell to my knees, hugging her tightly and sobbing in her shirt, begging her to let me do something so I won’t feel as useless. “Okay, Kat…But please be okay. Be careful.” she sighed, petting my hair and giving me the scarf. “Okay…Okay…So…I just stay here, TV open…And you guys shut up while I try to focus…And I do my thing…Kinda like how I did with Will, right? That should be it…I hope…” I hyped myself, sitting on the floor as I tied the scarf around my eyes and took a deep breath.

It didn’t take long before the dizzying from searching vanished and I found myself in a dark place, walking on water, and there, in front of me, stood Billy on a bed. I rushed to him, taking in the cried face and the wound on his face, and my heart was so overwhelmed with emotions that I kneeled in front of him, taking one of his hands in both of mine, holding it on my face, calling out to him.

“Billy…? Baby? Can you hear me, sweetheart? …Honey, can you hear my voice…?" 

I called out to him again and again, letting a few stray tears fall down my cheeks, until his eyes, no longer fixed in one point, averted to mine. At first, I could see a flicker of guilt, fright and recognision…But it all faded away as soon as it came and with the other hand, he gripped my neck tightly again, making me choke and gasp for air, and without realising, I used my powers to push myself from his grasp, and I fell -

And I fell -

And I kept falling and falling, and it felt like I was in slow motion, like sleep paralysis all over again, as flashbacks coming from Billy’s mind, the car-crash, the fights, the victims, how he tried to escape the monster…Everything.

That is, until I found myself splattered on a beach, the waves wetting my clothes, making me get up…

I was scared, my head was spinning, the flying and croaking seagulls were making me feel sick and the sound of the water, trying to find a place to focus and stop the growing anxiety attack…

"Fox?! Fox, are you okay?!” I could somehow hear from outside this place. “Yeah…I’m fine now…” I managed to mumble, not sure if my voice was heard. “Can you see anything?” Will asked, trying to keep me grounded. “I’m at the beach…California…” I sighed, moving on.

Looking around, I could see a little boy with a surf board, running happily to his mother, a gorgeous woman in a white dress, wearing a hat.

That was Billy.

“What can you see?” he questioned, his voice firm, but still gentle. “I…I can see Billy…He’s so young…And he’s so happy…He’s…He’s smiling…And he’s talking to his mum…He’s going back to surf…” I informed them, before they both vanished as soon as I looked ahead and saw a huge storm with red lights. “I think I see the source.” I said sternly, making a run for it.

Running was never my strong point, but now, I couldn’t care less about my aching muscles or burning lungs. On my way there, I passed by that shithead Neil, yelling, insulting and reprimanding Billy, which made me try to push him away, but my hands when through the smoke-like figure, and it pissed me off to no end, continuing to run.

I couldn’t bear looking at the imagine of a kid Billy beating out a kid and calling him the same names his poor excuse of a father called him.

The storm kept getting harder and harder to pass through, the more his heart ached at those memories, including those where his father hit his mother, when she finally left them and he kept begging her to return over the phone, when his father remarried and showed him Max…And then…The car crash, how he got to that place…And that place had the monster take him.

I screamed out after him, but before I could process anything, that memory vanished and I was in the eye of the storm. I passed his broken Camaro…And got to this dubious building, with must have been the source.

“Brimborn Steelworks.” I told the kids as I looked at the huge letters on the building. “Okay, Fox, great job, now get out of there!” Will called out, making me try to get back, focusing on leaving.

This made my head spin like crazy, and the feeling of falling from earlier felt even worse, as it was reversed, and I could see everything that happened to him, from the car crash, how we went to the phone, how he got dragged inside the building…How he turned Heather and her parents into one of them…How he attacked me…How he screamed in pain…Everything.

By the time I was able to take out the scarf and finally breathe again, I found myself all alone in the house, which made me panic even harder.

“Will?! MAX?! NANCY?! HELLO?! GUYS, WHERE ARE YOU?!” I screamed as hard as my lungs kept me, crying and pacing around in circles, until I heard a sort-of demonic voice called out from another room. “They can’t hear you.” it said, as Billy came into the room, looking as robotic as ever. “You shouldn’t have come look for me.” he declared, approaching me. “Because now I can see you. We all can see you.” he pressed on, walking towards me in a very intimidating and threatening manner, making me back away as fast as I could, all while looking at the tears that kept trying to escape and flow down his face. “Leave him alone! Get away from him!” I barely managed to choke out as he smirked. “YOU let us in and now YOU are going to let us stay. We’ve been building it for you. All that work, all that pain all of it for you. And now it’s time. Time to end it.” he grinned manically, trying to get closer to me. “NO! SHUT UP! GO AWAY! LEAVE HIM ALONE! GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!!!” I screamed as hard as I could, sobbing, crying, wailing like a cat in distress, but he didn’t seem to disappear no matter how hard I tried to focus on making him disappear. “And we are going to end you.” I kept shaking my head, screaming at the top of my lungs for him to get out, but to no avail. “And when you are gone, we are going to end your friends.” he said in an even darker voice, frightening me like never before. “GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!” I shrieked, falling to my knees, gripping my head in desperation. “And then we are going to end everyone.” he ended with a satisfied deadpan comment, making me let out a high pitched shrill scream, “GET OUT!!!”, making my vision start to twist, as I somehow made Billy fly and slam into the wall behind him, but just as my whole vision went black, I could hear a very faint “I’m sorry, Kitten.” making me scream in agony and somehow, fall to the ground in the real world, coughing blood and crying.

“Get back…Please…Please get back…” I managed to cry out barely audible, curling down on the carpet and wallowing in self pity. “Kat…? Kat, what happened?” Nancy asked, kneeling in front of me and helping me stand, hugging me. “You were yelling for something to get out of your head…Did the Mind Flayer get to you?” she peered on, making me nod. “Controlling Billy…He…He said that…They were gonna kill me…Me and El… And then all my friends…And then everyone…But…But at the end…I-I-I could h-hear h-his voice…Billy’s…The real Billy…A-And…H-He said…He said ‘I’m sorry, Kitten.’ a-and I knew he was still there…And I want him back…I want him back, Nancy, please, I want him back…” I cried in her chest as she tried to calm me down by saying reassuring words that I doubt she believed anyways. “Did he tell you anything else?” Will asked softly, trying not to scare me. “He…He knows we are here…We were right here…In this place…A-And he said he can see us…And…I think they might be coming over…What do we do…?” I questioned them, my mind completely out of it. “Also…He’s building an army…To kill me and El…So…I think I should leave this place before I put you in more danger…” I muttered, trying to get up, but Nancy held me tight. “You’re not going anywhere. We stand and fight someway. We need a plan.” she reprimanded me like a mum would, making me sit still and sigh. “Nancy…I-I think…I hear something from outside…Can you…?” I asked softly, looking up at her. “…I do. Do you guys hear that…?” she asked in a hushed tone as she got closer to the window.

She dragged me outside, to see the fireworks, but the bad thing was that we could see the monster hitting trees and getting towards us, making me let out a shaky laugh and mutter “We’re fucked.”

We ran back in the cabin and closed all possible entrances, giving everyone weapons as everything started shaking and the lights kept flickering.

All of a sudden, a huge tentacle came through the window, aiming at Nancy, but Jonathan managed to hit it. Instead, the tentacle got mad and slapped Jonathan into the wall, which got Nancy to shoot all the Shotgun bullets at it, which made her the monster’s trajectory. She backed into the wall, but I got in between her and the monster and used my powers to stop the tentacle and make it back away, before another show out and attacked me. I held both tentacles with my hands, but another came through the roof, biting my leg and I sure as hell wasn’t expecting that.

I kept screaming out to them to help me, and it took all of them to hold me back and El to use her powers to get the monster to back off, not before she got her arm scratched as well. But even after Lucas and El managed to sever that tentacle, making me fall to the ground, the teeth and head were still attached to my leg like a leech, making Nancy pull away at it, throwing it away, and me screaming in agony. How the hell do I still have a voice after everything going on…

“GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM US, YOU, FUCKASS!” I screamed at the monster as it returned even after that, which made me royally pissed, and pulling myself up by tugging at Will’s clothes, I use as much of my power as I can hitting the monster’s head on the roof, getting help from El to then split its head in two, and making it get the hell away from us…Well, more like drawing back for a few seconds as it roared in pain.

I collapsed on the floor, clutching my leg in pain and cursing away life as it is, before Jonathan helped me up and we all got to the car, somehow fitting all of us and driving the hell away to the nearest market, where the kids got some freaky fireworks and I asked Nancy and Max to give me some stuff to nurse away my wound, despite my vision being blurry as hell from the pain.

I’m a doctor in training, who cares if I can’t see, it’s just a bite, it shouldn’t be too bad, right?

As Max and I cleaned and disinfected my wound, El and the rest tried to see where the hell Dustin was, and in the end, we ended up driving to Starcourt, where El used her powers to knock over some Russians that were threatening Steve, Robin, Dustin and Lucas’ little sister.

Yes, the reunion was lovely, everyone was trying to explain and fill in each puzzle piece, but I couldn’t hear anything but a ringing, my leg hurt so much that it send shocks all over my body and I felt like throwing up worse than from those Vodka-days. The state of vertigo was so bad that I collapsed to the floor, barely able to call out for Nancy. The ceiling was rotating, maybe even I was, I couldn’t tell anymore. I gripped my head and started crying, my heart hurt in fear from this circling around, but my leg….My leg was killing me.

“Nancy…M-My l-leg…H-Help…” I managed to choke out, and the reactions they had as they revealed the wound was enough to scare me and not want to see it. “There’s something inside it. We have to take it out.” one of them said, making me scream and cry in pain. “M-Monster…I think…Out…” I tried to explain that I thought a bit of that monster was in my wound, but I don’t know what they understood.

The girl instructed Jonathan to get a pair of gloves, a knife and some wood and as they got there, I panted a bit, coughing a bit of blood, before scowling.

“Two hold me down…One cut fast…I take out…” I managed to say between sobs, and that’s just how it went down.

Robin and Steve held me down as I shrieked, biting on that wood piece, Nancy and Will were the emotional support while Jonathan managed to cut the swollen wound, shocking everyone.

“Me…Now…Off…” I panted after taking out that wood, trying to regain my courage. “Come on, Kat, you’re a strong girl! You can do it!” Robin encouraged me, hugging my side, and I could only nod absent-mindedly, screaming in agony as I used my powers to get that moving monster residue out of my wound and I collapsed again on the floor, sobbing. “My only fear in life for so long…Has been pain…So why…Do I have to endure this…? Why…?…I just want Billy back…I just wanna go to California with him…And be happy.” I tried to calm myself, closing my eyes, imagining my ideal life, away from all this mess. “It’s gonna be over soon.” a voice I haven’t heard in a long while called out, making me raise up my torso and see Hopper, with Joyce and another man, making me cry in shock and happiness. “Jim…? Why are you here…?” I asked, smiling through my tears. “Rescuing you, of course.” he let out an amused breath, getting me and El to sit on the bench, holding us both as everyone started explaining what the hell was going on here.

Frankly, I’m not sure that we actually know for sure what the hell is going on here, not even with the proper information, but even so, we had to do SOMETHING.

“I can help…” I found myself saying randomly, despite not even knowing what they were talking about. My mind was still hazy and I was trying with much difficulty to put back together my sanity…For Billy…And for everyone here. “No, missy, you’re staying right here and that’s an order. Both of you. We have a plan and we all gotta stick to it, roger?” he asked in a mock military voice, getting me to giggle. “Roger that, Captain Hopper…Please return to me safely. Please. I don’t want to live in a world without Captain Hopper, okay? There’d be nobody to visit me, call me regularly to make sure I’m okay and nobody to bring me food and water, 'cause I’m a forgetful klutz who forgets to breathe sometimes.” I laughed weakly, making him chuckle in return. “Don’t worry, kid, I don’t plan on letting the Russians get me…But…Here, take this. Don’t open it until you’re home, okay? Promise.” he made me promise like we always did…A pinky promise, and I nodded my head and grinned, my heart aching at the thought of letting him go again, but I hooked my pinky to his nonetheless. “And you please promise to take care of yourself and Joyce. Please.” I looked at him in the eyes, and despite his sorrowful look, he nodded and got up.

We were in 3 groups…Again.

Jonathan and Nancy told us to get in the car so we could drive to a safer place, but on a closer inspection, Jonathan realised that the ignition cable was taken away and…Billy was in his Chevrolet, about to bust into us, so we ran back inside and looked for weapons and ways to keep ourselves safe.

I noticed El trying to move the car or make a soda pop burst open, and she couldn’t, which panicked me a bit and I tried as well…

But I could do it.

Okay, okay, better reserve my energy for when the monster arrives-

Which is now…Through the roof…

A G A I N

“TAKE COVER!” I yelled at them, making Jonathan, Nancy, Lucas and Will hide behind a car, while I, Max, El and Mike behind a counter, trying not to breathe too loudly as the monster kept prowling around and Dustin was screaming into a Walkie talkie.

We distracted the monster so we’d go through the Gap, but we walked on glass shards which made loud noises, getting the monster onto our backs. We got saved by Lucas’ amazing ranger skills since he popped a balloon and we could run away.

We all ran outside, and somehow Steve and Robin managed to run into Billy’s car, making him stop following us, and got the monster to follow them, but at the same time, I and the other 3 had to get back in the mall because Billy was trying to attack us, and while sure, Max closed the gate, Billy was much stronger than all of us put together, and inside, he knocked all of us out and picked me up and offered me as some sort of sacrifice to the Mind Flayer.

“Billy! Baby! Honey! Sugar! Billy, love, can you hear me?! Please, don’t let him kill me! Please!” I tried to call out to him, crawling away, but as the monster tried attacking me, the kids used those gunpowder fireworks to distract the monster.

The fireworks seemed to hurt Billy as well, since he fell to his knees, screaming away in pain while I tried to crawl away from there, but I suddenly felt a strong grip on my wound and I shrieked in pain, clawing at the ground to get away, until I got thrown to the ground and Billy put both hands on my neck, squeezing, dragging me up and down and I panted for hair and screamed in pain and fright.

But then he stopped.

And he looked in my eyes.

And I knew this was the opportunity I was looking for.

“Remember California, baby? Remember the waves? The seagulls? The sand? The sun? The water…Was 7 feet, you said…You were surfing, remember? And…And your mum was there…So beautiful…Long blond hair, a long white dress, a nice straw hat, her sandals in her hands…She looked like a princess…I guess that’s why you are so beautiful, honey…You take after her…” I choked out, reliving those memories of his at the same time as him, as I put my hands on his face, wiping away the tears forming. “Baby, you were so happy back then…Happier than I could ever make you…And I’m so sorry I couldn’t make you as happy as you deserve, because you deserve the world, sugar. I promised I’d keep you safe, that I would protect you, but instead, I let that monster take over you…And I’m so sorry, Billy, it’s all my fault.” I cried, realising that all parts of the monsters were gone by now, but he was too stunned to say anything at all. “Remember "Christmas, sweety? Remember our first kiss? Remember when we first slept together? Remember how flustered I was when you first called me Your Kitten? Remember how happy we were when we got our scholarships? We said we’d move to Cali together…Have fun and be happy…Together…Just us…Baby, today is the 4th of July, do you remember? We said we’d be going on a trip to the mountains…Just us two, together, in love, happy, nobody and nothing to bother us…My love, do you remember these necklaces? I am yours, and you are mine and everybody knew it…” I choked on my words, my heart hurting so much from everything going on, until I realised that the kids were out of fireworks and I had to do something, or we’d get attacked. “I’m sorry, Kitten…” Billy managed to say, barely above a whisper, making me sob and throw my arms around his neck, holding him closer to me just for a few more seconds…I finally had my Billy back with me…And I was his Kitten once again. “Baby…I love you so much, Billy. I love you with all my heart and please, please, never forget me. I love you to the Moon and back.” I said between sobs as I pulled him in a deep kiss, before using one hand to push him away from me, while with the other I stopped one of the monster’s tentacles that was threatening us.

“GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HIM AND MY KIDS! YOU HURT ME, THAT’S ALRIGHT, YOU’VE DONE YOUR SHARE, OKAY! BUT IF YOU TOUCH MY BILLY OR MY KIDS AGAIN, YOU’RE GONNA FUCKING WISH YOU DIDN’T EXIST, YOU PIECE OF SHIET!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, letting out all frustrations, all feelings, all the pent up rage that residued my heart as it threw another tentacle at me, now stopping them both with my hands.

“FUCK OFF! GO BACK TO YOUR STUPID DIMENSION AND LEAVE US ALONE! LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID! YOU HURT HIM! YOU FUCKING HURT HIM!! DIDN’T HE GO THROUGH ENOUGH?! YOU FUCKING MONSTER!!” I shrieked, holding it off as best as I could, not even caring that my face was smeared with blood from my nose and eyes.

“YOU MADE ME HURT HIM! HOW COULD YOU?! HOW COULD YOU MAKE ME FUCKING HURT HIM?! AND WORSE, HOW COULD YOU FORCE HIM TO BREAK HIS PROMISE AND HURT ME AND THE KIDS?! AND HIS SISTER?! HOW COULD YOU FUCKING DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT, YOU FUCKING ABOMINATION!!” I had no idea if my words came out coherent anymore, for a 3rd tentacle circled around me and shot me through my right shoulder, making me writhe in pain, but I still stood my ground, crying.

“YOU THINK THIS IS GONNA STOP ME?! THEY’RE CLOSING THE FUCKING GATE RIGHT NOW! AND YOU’LL FUCKING DIE! YOU WILL BE GONE! NOBODY WILL REMEMBER YOU! DEAD! THAT’S WHAT YOU’LL BE! NOTHING BUT ASHES!” I raged at it, trying to stop my trembling legs as I coughed blood like never before.

“Guys…My vision’s becoming blurry…Warn me if there’s a new vine or whatevs shooting…” I mumbled, not sure if they heard me, until I heard a shrill “LOOK OUT!” and I felt my stomach get hit, making me vomit blood and choke for air, but still not breaking focus for one second.

“You fucktard…Really…Don’t want me…To be happy…Do you? You can’t…Let me…Enjoy my life…With the love of my life…And my friends…You disgusting piece of shit.” I cursed it, as one another vine shot my already damaged leg, making me fall on one knee, screaming in concentration and anger.

“ARE YOU FUCKING HAPPY NOW?! I CAN’T FUCKING SEE! BLANK! ALL BLACK! NOTHING! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANTED?! FOR ME TO OVERUSE MY POWERS SO YOU CAN KILL ME?! WELL, THINK AGAIN! I CAN GO BLIND AND DEAF AND MUTE AND I WON’T BUDGE FROM HERE! YOU’RE NOT HURTING ANYONE AGAIN!” I shrieked, not even bothering to feel fear from being completely blind and unaware of my surrounding, just trying to hold that thing off as long as possible.

“Kitten, you’re doing so well! It will be alright! You…We will be alright! Just hang in there a bit longer, and this fuckass will die! We’re gonna have our revenge, baby!” I could hear Billy’s voice called out from in front of me, confusing me slightly 'cause I knew he was behind me, but my mind wasn’t rational anymore.

“CLOSE THE FUCKING GATE ALREADY! I DON’T KNOW HOW LONG I CAN KEEP THIS UP ANYMORE! COME ON! COME ON! COME ON!” I raged on, even more motivated and angrier than before, but thankfully, it didn’t last long before all sounds stopped around me and there was no more pressure.

I was confused…Did I die, or did we win? Did they close the gate?

I found myself slowly turning behind me, licking my lips a bit, not sure how I was still standing anymore.

“Hey…Did we win…?” I asked, barely audible. “Yeah, Fox, we won! The Mind Flayer is dead! We won the Campaign! Fox, you’re the best Party Leader ever!” I could hear the kids screaming in genuine joy, making me laugh, but it felt more like coughing more blood. “Are you all okay? Hurt, anyone? Billy?” I questioned, feeling my legs give out. “We’re all fine, thanks to you. You saved us, Kitten. You saved us.” Billy’s soft and gentle voice echoed from behind me, which made me sob of happiness and collapse to the ground, finally feeling all the pain surge through my veins as adrenaline vanished and relief took over me. “I’m…So happy…So, so happy…That you’re finally okay…” I cried out, burying my face into his chest, as he caught me and lowered me to the ground, holding me tightly, just before I hit the ground. “We’re finally together, baby. We’ll move back to Cali together and there’s no more Hawkins or monsters or anything. And Imma take you on that mountains trip very soon, I promised. So baby, smile at me. It’s the only thing that kept me alive all this time.” he kissed my forehead gently, make me giggle painfully, finally feeling safe. “I missed you so much, Billy. Every day, every second, every time I’d blink or breathe, my heart ached so much for you…I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to save you…But now you’re here, with me, and it’s all that matters. I can die happy now…I can be happy for once…” I cried softly, not knowing if it was water or blood anymore and nor did I care. “No, baby, no, you’re not dying on me, I’m not letting you die. The ambulance is on the way, you’ll be okay, I swear to you. I promise, so please, hang on, listen to my voice and don’t fall asleep.” his voice became shaky and I could feel his tears falling on my face, mixing with mine. “Please, don’t forget me, baby. Be happy, live your dreams, enjoy life…But don’t forget me. I’m scared of being alone.” my bottom lip quivered, barely able to speak. “What are you even saying, you’re not dying! I’m not letting go of you no matter what! Kat, stay with me!” Billy called out desperately, trying to make sure I stay awake. “I just…I wish I could see you one last time…Stupid powers…Blinding me like this…How stupid…And I just wanted to see your beautiful face once again…” I sighed, biting my lip in resignation. “You will see me again, baby, I promise. This isn’t the end, I promise you. I swear on my life.” he kept reassuring me over and over again, until he stopped dead in his tracks. “Time, it needs time to win back your love again…I will be there, I will be there” I began, straining my voice to sing the lyrics that brought us so many emotions throughout the year. “No, no, no, don’t you dare sing that song…” he took in a sharp breath, desperate for my life. “Love, only love can bring back your love someday…I will be there, I will be there” I kept panting for air as I put my hands on his face, smiling at him softly. “Don’t do this to me, Kitten, please, I beg of you, don’t do this to me.” he kept shaking his head, tears falling down his face like a river. “Fight, babe, I’ll fight to win back your love again…I will be there, I will be there” I gently wiped away his tears. “You already fought a whole war just to save me…So please…Don’t leave me now…” he kept sobbing, holding me close to his chest. “Love, only love can bring down the wall someday…I will be there, I will be there” I raked my fingers through his messy hair, trying to make him look at me. “You are the only one who saw me for who I was…Kat…Kitten…Honey, please…Don’t break my heart, please…” he sobbed in my chest, gripping my clothes as tight as he could, afraid to let go, as if I was going to disappear. “If we go again all the way from the start…I would try to change the things that killed our love” I sang in a softer voice, both out of energy, and only for him to hear. “You already killed all the monsters, that’s enough! Kat, keep your energy, stop singing! Stop this, you’re hurting me!” he cried out, letting go a bit, to look at my smiling face. “Is there really no chance to start once again…?” I managed to breathe out, clinging on his neck with dear life.

“I’m loving you” 

we both confessed in the most broken yet full of emotion voice that we manage to produce, before outright crying like two kids who scrapped their knees.

And that’s when everything began to spin around in my mind, and seeing nothing apparently made it worse than anything. Anxiety shot through me and I could fear the grip on conscience, on hearing, on my senses lose it’s strength, and I felt myself falling into a limbo…

Falling and Falling and Falling, with no way to reach the ground.

Just an endless abyss of darkness and fright and no way to get out of here, just like being shackled inside a cage.

My mind went blank.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 8

@klassickb

[dcbicki]

Do you think that Mike and elevens break up happened a little too easily? I mean just based on how strong their bond is and the fact that they've clearly had meaningful conversations before (El telling mike about her mom) I would've figured they could've talked the situation out or something? I know they're kids but the break up just felt too immature for them. I also wish we could have maybe seen them having a genuine conversation before they broke up instead of solely kissing.

It was… very much just put in there to:

allow the El/Max friendship to develop this season;

give the boys (esp. Mike and Lucas) something to talk about;

create tension within the Party so we can see that they’re *growing up*;

make room for them to develop as individual characters, and realise that they can be together without being each other’s ~everything~

Sure, it felt a little contrived. We’ve seen them grow, and we know how they feel, so the break-up seemed to cheapen the depth of their relationship, but… really, these are teenagers, in the end, so to me it’s entirely believable that they’d fall out over such a misunderstanding (which! is what! it was!) The good thing is that the writers know what they’re doing with them. As a fan, you could do a lot worse than the Duffer Bros and co., to be quite honest. They know what they’re doing because they created these characters, and they created their bond.

It never felt odd to me that they didn’t talk on-screen about genuine, more important things like El’s mom (and probably about that time she went to Chicago) because I just buy it. You’ve gotta fill in the gaps for yourself with this show by piecing together the little things the writers offer you – they’re not on a silver platter so you have to put some work in to understand the characters and understand how every one of their different relationships works.

Yeah, the majority of their stuff in the first episode is all lovey-dovey, hand-holding, giggling between kisses stuff but… really, I don’t know if opening the season up with them talking and being all ~deep~ would have worked. They were angsty all throughout the second season, so it was nice to know that they were finally happy, and together, even if it meant we missed out on 6+ months worth of conversations, you know?

[scribeofmorpheus]

Meet Cute Bonus! (Steve Harrington x  Reader)

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

A/N: This entire chapter was only possible because the amazing @thechickvic suggested Steve being embarrassed by the kids while babysitting. I tried my level best, but either way, this fic is practically dedicated to you amazing reader!

Words: 1590

Warnings: Fluff! The Kids bullying Steve in front of his girl!

(Gif isn’t mine)

It didn't take too long before the two of you officially started dating. It felt almost unreal. You and Steve had this great chemistry that was always radiating with tenderness. It was like this vibrancy that never failed to make the two of you beam with smiles of blissfulness. You always laughed wholeheartedly around him and he did the same around you too. Steve was happy. You were happy. You fit together like a lock and key.

You and Steve had been together for almost a month now. You had acquainted yourself with his friends, as well as the odd band of kids that always dragged him into their shenanigans. You found the playful dynamic between Steve, the absolute worst designated authority figure, and the stubborn kids to be humorous. You'd often tease him and call him 'Momma Steve.' He hated the nickname, but since it was you he let it stick, but God forbid one of the kids call him that.

Steve and you still had differences though, he liked sports and you were the furthest thing from a sports fanatic. You preferred science fiction films and he always seemed fatigued by the genre. Nevertheless, you always managed to talk him into watching your favourite films, he was honestly such a marshmallow around you, it was adorable.

On most movie nights Steve would fall asleep on your lap while you talked his ear off about how certain frames were shot or how the effects were done. Steve may have hated your choice in movies but he loved to fall asleep to the sound of your soothing voice on the comfort of your lap. He felt a sense of contentment around you.

Tonight was one of those movie nights. It was Steve's turn to host film night and since his parents were out of town again you had the whole house to yourselves. The two of you had decided to shake things up and watch a romantic comedy instead of the usual gorry science-fiction films you loved.

Steve wasn't paying much attention to the TV and neither were you, to be honest. You stroked Steve's perfect hair in gentle, languid strokes while he massaged your leg idly, he was slowly falling asleep and you couldn't help but gush at his adorable half-sleeping face. Out of habit, you were instinctively drawn to him, placing a kiss on his forehead. He murmured something under his breath that sounded like "Olive juice," you tittered at his cuteness.

All of a sudden the entrance burst open and a troop of kids came pouring into the house, leaving you looking dumbfounded. It was Hawkins' very own AV Club members. They were arguing about something.

"I'm just saying how can you not realise that your son looks exactly like the guy who was friends with you in high school?" Lucas queried amongst his group of friends.

"I mean obviously they noticed some resemblance, why else would they name Marty after Marty?" Dustin offered, he was wearing his signature red, blue and white hat.

"I dunno. I think his mom named him Marty because she thought he was responsible for her and George getting together," A red-haired girl argued.

"But then why not name Marty's older brother Marty?" Mike questioned with a hint of snark in his words.

After sorting through the context clues, you were able to figure out what they were talking about, "Are you guys talking about Back to the Future?" You asked excitedly.

All six kids turned to look at you, previously unaware of you and Steve lounging silently. You had been drowned out by the sounds coming from the TV. Steve made an unamused noise as he groggily got up off your lap. He blinked, confused for a second, and then he realised he wasn't hallucinating after all and his face took on a piqued expression.

"What are you guys doing here?" Steve protested.

Dustin looked at him weirdly, "It’s Saturday. You said we could play our campaign here since Mike's mum is hosting some boring adult person thing. Probably a knitting party."

"No," Steve pointed his finger in the air, thinking back to the day Dustin was referring to, "I said that you could host game night that ONE Saturday. I didn’t offer my house as your playdate hangout spot indefinitely." He corrected.

"Well, we're here now. Deal with it," Max said all too comfortably.

"Do you see what I have to deal with?" Steve whined at you, giving you an exhausted pouty face.

"Leave them be, at least now I have someone to talk to about Back to the Future," You teased.

Steve sighed and laid back down on your lap, "Fine, but if they burn the house down or something, your ass is grass." He gave you a sneaky wink and smiled with mischief. You winked back and continued the discourse about the plot holes Back to the Future suffered from with the kids

***

As the night stretched on, the kids found themselves entertained by the cheesy film playing on the TV. Before you knew it the whole party was sitting cross-legged or slumped over the remaining chairs, popcorn spilt all over the carpet and candy wrappers tossed about. Eleven kept herself busy by toasting an entire box of Eggos which she shared with Mike and no one else. The kids would laugh every so often when something cheesy happened.

Steve, having been disturbed from his nap was idly twining and untwining your fingers together. You were twirling that one stubborn strand of his as you stared bored at the TV. You watched one of the secondary characters of the film get the lights punched out of him and for some reason all the boys and Max -but excluding Eleven- burst out laughing.

"Oh My God! The guy who looks like a dollar store version of Steve just got knocked out, just like when Billy wiped the floor with you," Lucas balled up laughing. Steve tensed, embarrassment and betrayal showing in his eyes.

"Wait, you and Billy Hargrove fought? And you, king of sport, lost?" You asked, unable to believe what Lucas had just let slip.

Steve shot up quickly, he gave Lucas a death stare but then quickly turned his attention back to you, "It's not like that. I wasn't on my A-Game. I could have taken him."

"Sure, Harrington. You just thought it would be better if Max knocked him out with a tranquiliser instead, huh?" Dustin teased, his words all sarcasm and zero sincerity. Mike choked on his popcorn mid-chuckle, he managed to flow a few popped cornels in your direction. Eleven just looked confused and Will looked like he didn't know what everybody was going on about.

"Wait. You got knocked out and Max saved the day? How old is she anyway, like 12?" Your eyes were wide and a humorous grin spread across your face.

"Hey!" Max protested.

"And the time when he screamed like a girl after he woke up to Max driving the car!" Lucas added more insult to injury. Dustin gave a nasal snort.

You just looked at the young redhead completely amazed at how much of a badass she really was, though for some reason you felt as though the one who really put the rest to shame was Eleven. She may have been quite and constantly confused by things, but there was something about her that just oozed quiet badass.

"Unbelievable, I agree to let you little shitheads stay during date night and this is how you thank me?" Steve's hands were on his hips and his head was craned forward. He had that 'Momma Steve' disapproving look. You grabbed a couch cushion to hide the painful grin that refused to subside.

The back and forth bickering continued for a good twenty minutes. You had laughed so hard the entire time your lungs burned and your cheeks hurt. You decided to excuse yourself by getting something to drink. You needed a breather from all the craziness that had disrupted movie night.

On your way into the kitchen, Will shouted over the loud banter something that sounded like, "A gassy Otter."

You paused and turned around, "Did you just ask for a gassy Otter?" You gave Will a quizzical look. He just shook his head and beamed an adorable smile at you.

Lucas looked at you and shouted in his usual shrill shout: "He said a glass of water!"

"Oh," you whispered, slightly embarrassed about your having misheard Will. As you grabbed the stuff from the kitchen your mind raced back to that moment when you thought Steve had whispered 'Olive Juice' at you. You found it quite amusing how Olive juice sounded vaguely like 'I love you.'

And then it clicked. The initial shock of the revelation that Steve had absentmindedly just told you he loved you earlier made your grip on the glass go limp and the next thing you heard was glass shattering. Everyone raced from the living room into the kitchen, looks of worry on all their faces.

"Hey, Y/N, are you okay?" Steve wrapped his arms around your waist, his embrace warm. You looked up at him and smiled, you'd keep that little revelation of his to yourself for now. It would be your precious little secret. To chase the worry away from his brow you placed a peck on Steve's clean-shaven cheek and gave an adorable giggle.

"Butterfingers," you waved your ten digits in his face, he rolled his eyes playfully. The kids groaned and made their way back to the TV. With the two of you alone in the kitchen, you took the opportunity to kiss Steve properly this time. In the background, you heard Max shout for the two of you to get a room. The both of you laughed into the kiss. And there it was again, that wonderful feeling of bliss.

Christmas Special is HERE!

MASTERPOST

As Always: Hope you enjoyed it. Feedback is welcomed and some line about tag lists... :)

P.S:  I have already started thinking up a storm for a Christmas special where the reader and Steve wear matching ugly sweaters and have to go through an awkward family dinner. KFC anyone? LOL Since it’s Christmas themed, we have to wait a while for it!

Tags: @theconscientiouswriter @chims-kookies @electroma89 @thechickvic

Permanent Tag List: @gruffle1 @thechickvic @notawarriorjustyet

[inaheartbeat-phff]

Chapter 14

8:45am Nottingham Cottage, Kensington Palace, London

Arabella squinted her eyes as she came to that morning. Yesterday they didn't really rest much after their flight as they had dinner with Harry's immediate family. Arabella stretched her body and rolled to her side to see Harry peacefully sleeping beside her. No matter how many times she's seen this view, she couldn't help but smile to herself. He looks so peaceful while he was sleeping. There was no lines on his forehead and his body is relaxed.

Sighing she looked to a clock by her side table and checked the time. She groaned when she realised that she overslept by 45 minutes and rolled to her side to get out of bed. She sat down for a while before stretching and standing up. Walking towards the en-suite bathroom where she will do her morning routine. Once she was done, she got out of the bathroom to see that Harry was awake.

"Morning," he said in his morning voice. Harry rubbed his eyes and stretched before getting himself up to a sitting position.

"Hi. Did you have a good sleep?" Arabella asked Harry as she walked towards the bed and kiss him good morning.

"Yeah, I did. What’s your plan today?" Harry asked her as he reach towards his phone on the night stand.

"I'm heading off to St. James Palace for a meeting at ten, and then I have lunch with Bea, Genie and Zara. After lunch I think we're going shopping, but it's up to the girls really." Arabella laid back down on the bed next to Harry so she could have some morning cuddles.

"I'm so happy you get along well with my family. Really." Harry said as he put his head on top of Arabella's head. "Skippy invited us to a club opening tonight."

"What club?" Arabella looked up at Harry.

"Not sure. I think it's one of Sam's private clubs." Harry shrugged. "There's an actress coming tonight that Skip wants to introduce to you. She's a big fan of yours apparently. Maia something."

"You sure she's a fan of mine and not yours. I think you've got that mixed up babe. Besides Maia something?" Arabella giggled. "I don’t recognise an actress with the name of Maia something."

"Maia, Meghan, Molly. I don’t know. I know it begins with an M though." Harry shrugged, not really caring. "Do you want to go? I have to tell Skippy so he can call Sam and get everything sorted.

"Sure. I need a night out anyways. I think it will be nice to have a night to let loose. It has been a crazy week." Arabella nodded her head to Harry. Harry then typed something in his phone, probably replying to Skippy.

Skippy, or also known as Tom Inskip, is Harry's best friend. They've known each other since their time in Eton. Skippy is usually the reason why Harry got into so much trouble when he was younger. Though most of his partying days were over since Harry and Arabella became official publically in 2013, the pair do enjoy some odd night outs with friends. Arabella got along well Harry's friends. They have been very welcoming and friendly to her.

Arabella was introduced to Harry's friends back in 2012 when they first began dating. Since Arabella has met most, if not all of Harry's family members, she was a bit nervous during her introductions with his friends. She even met Harry's ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy early 2013. They were friendly with each other and know their places. They're not exactly the best of friends but if they see each other in public, they wouldn’t tear each other's hairs out.

Harry has 7 close friends and some of them has gotten married so his circle consist of 12 people. Him being a prince and all made that circle very very tight. There's Skippy and his girlfriend Lara Hughes-Young, Sam Branson and his wife Isabella Calthorpe, Hugh Grosvenor, Jake Warren and his wife Zoe Stewart, Thomas van Straubenzee and his wife Melissa Percy, Arthur Landon and Guy Pelly.

Arabella went to Sam and Isabella's wedding back in 2013 as well as Jake and Zoe's wedding in 2013 as well. It was in Jake and Zoe's wedding that she met one of Harry's previous flings Cressida Bonas. They were on friendly terms and it seems that Cressida and Arabella remain a good friend to each other. Cressida happened before Arabella and Arabella is not the type of person to get jealous at all. She knows what she's worth and feels very comfortable in her own skin. Besides, she is the crown princess for god sakes. If Harry would leave her for someone else, it would be a step down, unless of course, that someone is a Queen of her own right, but then again, there is no Queen who is single and even close to their age.

Harry finally got up from the bed and head into the bathroom to get ready for the day. While Harry was in the bathroom, Arabella finished getting ready before going to the dining room for some breakfast.

The tables were set differently here. There is no place mats on the head of the table and instead they are on the seats next to the head. So Arabella and Harry would be facing each other.

Arabella sat down and started eating her breakfast. Fifteen minutes later, Harry came out of the bathroom and sat opposite to her and start loading his plate up.

"So what's your plan today babe?" Arabella asked Harry. She realised that she didn’t know what he's doing today.

"I don’t think I have anything going on today. I think I'm going to visit Will and Kate at 1A, and I think I'm meeting Granny for lunch at Buckingham." Harry thought. "I think I have the afternoon free before the club tonight. We're having dinner with everyone before the club and I think Chelsy and Cressida will be there as well."

"Is the actress friend of Skippy going to be at dinner as well?" "I think so yeah." Harry said.

As Harry has finished his breakfast, he stood up from his seat and went across the table to kiss Arabella goodbye and head off to Apartment 1A. Arabella sighed. She isn’t normally a jealous person but she feels as if something is going to happen tonight and she doesn’t know whether she likes it or not.

Sighing, she called Anna, one of her ladies in waiting to the room.

"Your Royal Highness." She curtsied as she entered the room.

"Get Markus to ready the car, I'll be heading off to St. James in fifteen minutes."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The meeting at St. James Palace went as much as a meeting would go. They discussed their schedule for Arabella in London for the next month. Not much is planned, mostly meetings with charities that Arabella is patron of as well as some wedding planning. That and an engagement with Prince Philip at the end of the month. Arabella knew that it’s going to be a stressful thing planning the wedding as they have to incorporate both Dutch and British traditions. That and under which church do they get married in. Do they get married under the Church of the Netherlands or under the Church of England. Arabella thought that maybe they can have two weddings, one under the Netherlands and another under England, but that requires even more planning.

Jane and Eva have compiled a list of designers that would love to design Arabella's wedding gown so there's a pile that needs to be sorted. There's also the matters of cake, reception, music, decorations, guest list, and many more.

Now that she's done with her meeting, Arabella is off to lunch with Bea, Genie and Zara, some of Harry's female cousins that Arabella is close with. Arabella met Zara when she was visiting her Aunt Lilibet back in 2010 just after her wedding with Mike Tindall. They hit it off right away and remained close ever since. Arabella met Eugenie and Beatrice during Will and Kate's wedding and they kept in touch. Whenever Arabella was in London, Bea and Genie has taken her under their wing and show her around places that isn't that well known.

Travelling to lunch, Arabella slumped inside the car. The car they have used is her official car in London, a black Range Rover Sport that is actually armoured. In front of the car is a flag of the Netherlands. That is to say that it is her that's traveling in the car. If it was her father, there will be two flags in front of the car as well as a flag of his house.

Accompanying her to lunch today is Max, Lucas and Liam since Finn has to take care of head of security things. Markus is  driving her car with Max in the passenger seat, while Lucas and Liam are in the car behind. At all times, there has to be two cars with me. One of them are my emergency car, or as I like to call it, the backup car.

Arriving at the restaurant Bea has chosen for lunch, Markus opened Arabella’s door and help her step out of the car. 

Entering the restaurant, Liam was walking in front of her surveying the scene with Max behind her. They walked to the reception table at the front.

"Good Afternoon ma'am. Do you have a reservation?" The woman behind the counter asked looking at the boys who are now standing behind.

"Er, I'm actually meeting someone here, I think it should be either under Beatrice or Eugenie. Or maybe Zara actually I'm not too sure." Arabella reached up a hand to tuck in a piece of stray hair behind her ears.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Ma'am. Right this way." She then started walking to the back and opened another door for her. This led into a private room which currently hold Zara, Bea and Genie.

Liam walked in first to check the room before allowing Arabella to enter. He checked every nook and cranny of the room, even under the table to check if there is any other entry door. When he's satisfied that there's none, he bowed to her before leaving the room.

In front of Arabella, stood three beautiful English women she’s going to call family soon.

They greeted each other with hugs and kisses before settling down in their seats around the round table.

"Happy belated birthday Bella." Genie started off once they’ve settled in their seats.

"Thank you. How are you girls?" Arabella asked them looking around the table.

"We've been good. Had a good New Year, it’s been pretty relaxed here this time of year." Bea shrugged.

“Tell me, how did our dearest cousin proposed? I know you guys had interviews and all that regarding this but you never tell in detail.” Zara asked leaning forwards a little.

“Well it was very romantic. We were at the Alps for my birthday and he took me outside to go for a walk underneath the stars. He got down on one knee in the snow and asked me there and then with the stars as witnesses. It was freezing as well.” Arabella told the girls before moving to a different subject.

They spent the next hour or so catching up with each other. Out of all of Harry's cousins, Arabella is closest to Zara, Eugenie and Beatrice, not only are they closer in age but they are the people that Arabella can turn to without being judged. Arabella doesn’t have many friends that is non-royal. Her best friends are members of a royal family and even then, sometimes they don’t have a title, but they understand how it feels like under pressure. Over the years, she had friends who tend to take advantage of her status and fame.

The four of them talked about their life, their other halves and what they've been up to. They called the waitress to come in and give them the cheque before moving outside and onto the next part of their outing which is a shopping spree. They went to oxford street to do some window shopping. When Arabella is given the chance to shop, she usually shops at high street shops instead of high ended ones. These are the clothes she'll wear every day. Clothes she'll wear during engagements and other things are usually picked out by Eva and she knows Arabella's type of style.

They went to Primark first, looking at pyjamas and night clothes. Arabella got some Harry Potter pyjamas as well as some really soft robes. Then they went to ZARA, which they promptly made fun of Zara for.

"Come on Zara, let's go to your shop next!" Bea exclaimed as they walk out of Primark.

"Do you think you'll get a discount for having the same name?" Genie thought out loud.

"I don’t think it works like that Genie," Zara then said shaking her head.

"Well let's go anyway. Kate likes to shop here, I haven't seen any of their winter line yet." Arabella said.

When they went inside ZARA, Liam stayed outside the doors, with Lucas and Max following behind them. Due to Zara not having a title, she did not get protection officers, however, Bea and Genie did have them before but in 2011, they were pulled away and are only used during engagements. So the only protection officers there are Arabella's and she has 3 with them at all times with an extra one, the driver Since she is the crown princess. It's a good thing that while she's out and about, she doesn’t need to bring any police escorts with her.

They walked around ZARA for a while and got some clothes. Arabella got a few dresses as well as jeans and t-shirts while Zara, Bea and Genie got a few dresses as well. As they were queuing to pay, a few girls behind them noticed them and was whispering with each other. They didn’t really recognise Arabella at first which was a relief but they noticed Bea, Genie and Zara. The girls didn’t bother them much and after they paid, they went to the next shop which is Marks & Spencer.

They walked along Oxford Street, getting noticed here and there, and at the end of their trip, Arabella's second car was filled with shopping bags and they went to Selfridges, Mulberry UK, Adidas store, Forever 21, Lush, Disney Store, Next, Urban Outfitters, Mango, Nike town, H&M, JD Sports and a lot more shops along the way.

"I'll say that was a very successful shopping trip." Arabella said to the girls before laughing and going back home.

~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry's day have been very relaxing so far, he spent the morning with his brother and his first born son who's 6 months old. They talked all morning about this new role that Harry is going to take.

"So how are you doing?" Will asked Harry as he play with little George. "How are you coping with everything?"

"I'm doing okay, I think. Bella is there to explain how things are going and what to expect. It's been a roller coaster ride to be honest." Harry confessed.

"I'm sure you'll be fine Harry. If you need anything I'm sure Pa will help you. I don’t know how most things run there but I'm sure its similar to how Pa is here. "

"I think it's going to be a bit different Will. Pa is what Bella is. They're the heir apparent. I'm what mum was, what Camilla is." Harry said. "Though I will get the title Prince of Orange, and I will get the title King, but I don’t do the work that Bella will do, with the parliament, the government and all that."

"You'll learn along the way Harry. Just asking, what is your title after you marry Bella?"

"I asked Alexander about it while we were still at The Hague." Harry started. "I'll be HRH The Prince of Orange, Prince Henry of Wales, Duke of whatever gran gives and so on."

"Wow. You'll be known as the Prince of Orange then."

"Yeah. You'll have to bow to me then Wills." Harry jokes.

With that, Kate went down to where they were sitting.

"Hey Kate, you didn’t go have lunch with Bella, Genie, Bea and Zara?" Harry asked his sister in law.

"No, wasn't invited." Kate shrugged her shoulders before laughing at the uncomfortable look on Harry's face. "Relax, I'm joking. No, I have a meeting in a few with Rebecca about some of my charities. I'm also limiting my appearance in public if I have to, hiding the little one you see." Kate then rubbed her small bump.

Harry nodded before standing up and excusing himself as his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Ah, Harry my boy." His father's voice rang through the phone.

"Hi Pa, what can I help you with?"

"Do you have any current lunch plans?"

"No, not at the moment."

"Great. Come have lunch at Clarence with me. I have a few things I would like to discuss with you."

"I'll be over in a few. Bye Pa." With that, Harry hang up the phone and went back to the sitting room where Will is left with George.

"Where did Kate go?" Harry asked.

"She left for her meeting." Will answered.

"Sorry to cut this meeting short, but Pa has summoned me to Clarence." Harry gathered up his things before going over to his brother who stood up.

"Take care alright. I know this is new territory for you but take these next few months for you to learn the ropes. You are going to be a King Harry, a King. You won't bow down to Arabella once she's Queen, not like grandfather. You'll be her equal. Observe how they do things, learn their culture and language. Prepare yourself. You will still be King if Arabella dies before you. You won't be a prince or prince consort, you'll be King. I know you'll do well. Just take care alright." Will said hugging Harry tightly.

"I will." Harry hugged back. "Thank you."

With that, they pulled away from the hug and Harry said goodbye to his nephew before going to his father's place.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~

"So tell me, how are the wedding preparations? Have you started yet?" Charles asked as they eat their lunch.

"We’re having our first meeting with the wedding coordinators tomorrow. We plan to incorporate as much as we can from both countries in the wedding. It’s not going to be easy but we’ll try our best.” Harry answered his father’s question.

“That’s good to hear. It’s going to be a bit difficult since you are under the Church of England and she’s under the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. What’s your plans for this?”

“We might do the same thing as what Alexander and Maxima did for their wedding. Neither of us will be losing our place in the line of succession if we marry someone of a different religion but to appease both countries, we will have two ceremonies on that day or a separate day. It’s still uncertain.”

“My boy, going to be king some day. Never thought I’d see that day ever happening.” Charles shakes his head. “You were such a care free child. You didn’t have the pressure of being the heirs heir like your brother and you were so naughty growing up as well. Always getting into trouble.”

"Pa," Harry started.

"Let me just say this Harry." Charles interrupted Harry. "Before you met Bella, you were a mess. You've been with Chelsy for seven years, you were known as the 'party prince' to the press, hell you made a lot of mistakes and caused this family through bad press, but I feel like, if it wasn’t for that, you wouldn’t learn and grow to the man you are today. Ever since you met Bella, you've become such a good role model for the people, more responsible. I'm sure Afghanistan also contributed to this factor, but I am so proud of you Harry. I'm sure your mother would be proud to. Just remember, it's just not this country that you need to worry about now, you need to start thinking about the Netherlands and how you want to be as a King."

"Did you give Will this speech too?" Harry asked. "When he was about to marry Kate?"

"Yeah. Just not the King part, I gave him that speech when he was fifteen." Charles shook his head. "Your brother was under a very tight leash. We wanted him to have a normal childhood, but after your mother passed away, I had to talk to him and get him to understand the world we lived in. I told him, you are going to be King one day, don’t do anything that would jeopardise that."

They finished their lunch with small chats about their plans for the next few weeks, how long is Harry and Arabella going to be in London, and what about their royal engagements. Once they were done with dinner, they moved to Charles study to have a drink.

"Harry, your grandmother has spoken to me earlier," Charles began. "She asked me to give you and your future wife something."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, the reason why I've invited you over for lunch is to discuss your titles and some estates she would like to give to you. Normally, she would tell you herself, but she wish for me to tell you tonight so she can make preparations and join efforts with King Willem-Alexander." Charles then passed Harry his drink. "She has decided to give you a Dukedom. The Duke of Sussex actually, as well as the Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Your official title, from England once you've married would be His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. You will be primarily known as the Prince of Orange however once you've married Arabella."

"So how what's my full title? If I'm a prince and a Duke as well."

"Well your official title would be HRH Prince of Orange Prince Henry of Wales, Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Your titles from the Netherlands with come first since it’s a higher rank. Just like how I'm Prince of Wales and then comes my dukedom and so on."

Harry nodded understanding what his father was trying to say.

"Your grandmother, as an engagement present, would like to give you both York Cottage at Sandringham and as a wedding gift, she would like to give you Craigowan Lodge at Balmoral. She knows that Balmoral is Arabella's favourite place as a child and you love going to Sandringham during Christmas. You may start repairs anytime you want. The family lawyer will draw everything up and will present it to you once it's done."

"Wow. She's giving us two?" Harry asked slightly in shock. She knew his grandmother has given his brother Anmer Hall but other than that, they have been living at Apartment 1A at Kensington.

"Yes. She decided to give you a summer home as well as a winter home. Let's not forget Nottingham Cottage at Kensington. All three will be under both of your names, once everything is signed, you'll have to release a press release. Have you both talked about a pre-nup?"

"Yeah, we're meeting our lawyers and advisors tomorrow at St. James. Parliament on Arabella's side won't let her marry without one and we know that they have the power of removing her as the heir if they don’t approve of our marriage. They only agreed because I'm granny's grandson and fourth in line to the throne. There is also a probability that Will might abdicate or George but I don’t see that happening, or at least I hope not." Harry shrugged.

"Well, whatever their reason is, they allow you to marry and let her keep her place."

They talked some more before Harry have to excuse himself to go home and get ready for dinner and a night out with his friends. He did call Arabella on his way home to check in and see whether she's home or not.

"Hey." Arabella's voice called out on the other side of the phone.

"Hey, I'm on my way back from Clarence."

"Clarence?"

"Yeah. Pa wanted to talk about some things."

"What about?"

"Granny is giving us York Cottage at Sandringham and Craigowan Lodge at Balmoral. Both needs a lot of repairs but as soon as they're signed, we can start."

"Did she really?"

"Yeah. Are you home?”

“Just arrived. What time are we meeting everybody?”

“Meeting them at 8:30. I’ll see you at home, I’m 5 minutes away.”

“Love you.”

“I love you too.”

With that Harry hanged up the phone and sighed. He has a feeling that tonight will be a long night.

*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*

Arabella walked out of the bedroom wearing a sequined maroon sleeveless mini dress. Her hair was up in a ponytail with a few pieces loose in the front. She did her make up a little bit smoky with some liner and nude lips.

Arabella felt very comfortable in her skin and love dressing up to look good. She went downstairs and greeted Harry by the door, ready to go.

"Are you ready?" She asked him while putting on her shoes.

"Yeah. Barend is on shift tonight so he's driving us using my car, Samuel will be in the car with us while Arthur, Lucas, Max and Finn will be in the car behind." Harry informed her.

"Are all your friends going to be there tonight?"

"Yeah pretty much. Skippy, Lara, Sam, Isabella, Hugh, Jake, Zoe, Tom, Melissa and Guy will be the only ones for dinner. After that other friends of friends will join us."

"Great! I haven’t seen them in so long."

With that, they climbed into their car and left Kensington grounds.

The couple arrived at the restaurant at eight thirty sharp and was shown their tables as soon as they went inside. It was an Italian restaurant and they were seated in a private room. When the pair entered the room, all of Harry's friends stood up and started clapping their hands, shouting words of congratulations and praise. Once they were all seated, they began looking through the menu and ordering their food.

It was a rectangular table with six seats on each side. Arabella was seated in the middle with Harry seated across of her. On her immediate right was Lara and next to her was Isabella and Sam at the end. On her left side was Zoe and Jake. Next to Harry was Skippy, Tom and Melissa at the end while on his other side was Guy and Hugh.

"Well, let me see the ring!" Lara said to Isabella once they've finished ordering their meal. Out of all of Harry's friends, Arabella was closer to Lara and Melissa.

Arabella just smiled before showing Lara her left hand. There in her ring finger was her beautiful engagement ring.

"My goodness, what a beautiful ring. We saw your engagement interview and everything, but those don’t do these any justice." Lara said smiling before turning to Arabella. "Have you started the planning yet?"

"We've got a general idea of what we want but we're having our first meeting with the wedding planner tomorrow." Arabella started off. “We know we would like to incorporate both countries in the wedding, we just don’t know how."

"That idea will make both countries very happy I hope." Lara said.

"Do you know which designer doing your dress?" Zoe asked from Arabella's other side.

"Definitely not McQueen or David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The comparisons will be horrific. I know that I'm going to have more than one designer that's for sure." Arabella said. "I have a huge pile of resume's in my office with designers that wants to design my dress already. God knows it will only continue to grow until the actual wedding."

"Do you have a date already in mind?" Zoe asked.

"Well, we know it's going to be in October, I like the autumnal colours, like oranges and burnt red, it's absolutely beautiful. Perhaps early to mid-October, I don’t want the weather to be too cold or too hot." Arabella explained.

"Have you thought about your bachelorette party yet?" Lara asked. "Are you going to be the one planning it, or will someone else plan it."

"Madeleine will plan it I'm sure. I bet she's already started planning it." Arabella laughed.

"That's cute of her." Isabella said from next to Sam.

"So what's the plan tonight?" Arabella asked.

"Well, when we're finished here, we're off to this new club Sam is overseeing." Skippy started off, after hearing Arabella's question.

"There's this new American actress that wants to meet the both of you, said to be a huge fan." Guy said. "I thought I could introduce her to you and in return have a very fun night from a very thankful actress."

The whole table burst out laughing at what Guy said. It was typical for Guy to introduce someone to them to get lucky, so Arabella and Harry did not feel offended of being used like that. And that’s only because Harry has known Guy since he was little and Arabella knows for a fact that Harry's close circle of friends are very loyal. Sure they joked around and often use them to gain a benefit here and there, but at the end of the day, they are fiercely loyal and extremely protective of their friends.

"What's her name? I tried asking Harry this morning but all he said was someone starting with an M, which wasn’t very helpful." Arabella started pointedly at Harry across the table.

"Meghan Markle, small TV show actress. I know you have ties with the Hollywood scene Bella." Guy told Arabella.

"The one from Suits?" Arabella recalled. "Harry we watched an episode of that series. Remember? I said if you weren't with me, you would go for her."

"Babe, we weren't doing much watching at that time." Harry laughed.

At Harry's reply, the whole table burst into laughter leaving Arabella red in the face and stuttering for an answer. Shaking her head, she opened her mouth to retort a comeback but the food has arrived and they ate their meal. Once they're all done, food and drinks has been paid, courtesy of Skippy who said that it was a night of celebration, they left the restaurant and went to the club to let loose.

The club they were going to is a very high class club, which means bouncers, and high security, but that didn’t mean that Arabella's protection officers would wait outside. Nope. Barend will standby at the car, Lucas will stand guard at the back door while Max stands by the front door. Finn however will be within 5 feet away from Arabella inside the club. Arabella won't see Finn, but rest assure, if anyone touches Arabella who is not authorized, they will be on the ground. Harry's PO's however is a different story. Samuel will wait in the car (there's two cars on standby) while Arthur will be somewhere inside the club. Not as close as Finn to Arabella but he can see everything.

All of Arabella's RPO's carry a weapon, maybe even more. Even Barend and Markus is trained in martial arts and carry a weapon. They take their jobs very seriously since if anything were to happen to Arabella, they have to answer to the King and make sure that they have done everything in their power to protect Arabella. Not only do they have to answer to the King but also to the people as well. Princess Diana might have been known as the People's princess of but Arabella is known as the Kingdom's Princess.

They went inside the club towards the VIP section on the second floor which oversees the dance floor below and has its own bar and bartender. When the group arrived, Chelsy Davy was there as well as a few other acquaintances. Arabella and Harry greeted everyone they knew with a kiss on the cheeks and everyone else with a polite handshake and smiles. There was a few people who they did not know that was there and when it was Arabella who was greeting them, they y did a small curtsy when they shook hands which Arabella just ignored.

"Harry! Bella! Come here for a sec, I want to introduce you to someone." Guy called from somewhere near the bar. Harry excused himself from the person he was talking to and reached Guy before Arabella. Arabella was sitting at the couches when Guy called so she took a bit longer to get to Guy.

"Harry, I would like to introduce you to Meghan Markle. Meghan, Prince Harry." Guy introduced them.

"Nice to meet you." Meghan gave a small shy smile.

"You too." Harry replied giving her a smile before turning around to look for his fiance.

"Babe," Harry called out to Arabella as she came closer to the trio.

"Bella, this is Meghan Markle, the girl I was telling you about." Guy introduced her again. "Meghan, this is Princess Arabella."

"Hello," Arabella said politely which Meghan returned with a smile. She didn’t really want to meet the Princess, she just wanted to meet Prince Harry. When Guy invited her to go out tonight, he said that the Prince might come so she dressed to impress. She wasn’t happy that his fiance was there as well.

"Shall we go sit? I'll grab us some drinks." Guy said as he gestured them towards the sitting area as he went to grab drinks. "Your usual I assume Harry? Bella? And what would you like Meghan?"

"Yes please." Both Harry and Arabella replied Guy.

"I'll have a Margarita please Guy." Meghan replied. With that Guy left to go to the Bar and order their drinks. Making sure to have Arabella's drink checked and made under direct supervision so that nothing is added or anything.

Meanwhile, Harry, Arabella and Meghan went to the couches and sat down. Harry sat first, pulling Arabella onto his lap and pulled her even closer, and Meghan sat opposite of the pair.

"So, Meghan, what do you do for a living?" Harry started off.

"I'm an actress and an activist." She replied.

"Oh, big screen or small screen?" Arabella asked. She knew a lot of actors and actresses and none of them have heard of Meghan Markle before.

"Small screen now, I'm currently doing this TV show called Suits. Have you seen it before?" She turned to Harry when she asked this question.

"I think we watched an episode, but I don’t think we were paying that much attention, did we babe?" Harry smirked at Arabella before pressing kisses on her neck.

Laughing, Arabella kissed Harry's cheeks before asking the next question. "How long are you here for?"

"Only for a few days." Meghan replied shortly. Feeling as if she didn’t want to talk to Arabella,  Arabella just looked away and surveyed the area. It was then that Guy came back with their drinks.

"Martini for the Princess, Whiskey for the Prince and a Margarita for the actress. Enjoy." Guy handed each of them with their drinks and started a conversation with Harry and Meghan. Arabella whispered to Harry that she's going to go over to Skippy and Lara before getting up from Harry's lap and heading over there.

They stayed there for a while, many drinks between them. Arabella stayed with Lara and Zoe, often going to the railing to watch people dance before heading to the mini dance floor and dance themselves while Harry chatted with Guy and Skippy who joined them not long after Arabella left. Meghan stayed there as well with Chelsy joining them after Skippy. Chelsy and Harry remained friends after the break up and Arabella and Chelsy are friendly with each other. Chelsy has her own boyfriend and are very happy right now.

Throughout the whole night, Chelsy watched how Meghan interacted with Harry, feeling slightly suspicious of the new girl in their circle. She liked how happy Harry is with Arabella and she doesn’t want anyone jeopardising that. The whole night, Chelsy could see that this Meghan was full on flirting with Harry, touching his arms, laughing at every single thing that Harry says and even doing the tucking of the hair behind the ears move. Chelsy then glanced at Arabella to see if she noticed that Meghan was making a move on Harry and it looks like she was having a blast with Lara and Zoe. She was laughing and dancing and drinking like there was no tomorrow.

Feeling annoyed, Chelsey excused herself to go to the bathroom and went to go do her business. Once she was done, she left the cubicle to see that Meghan had went to the bathroom as well and is re-applying her lipstick. Chelsy ignored her as she went to wash her hands.

"Do you think if I pull down my top more, Harry will notice me?" Meghan spoke up beside Chelsy.

"I'm sorry, what?" Chelsy furrowed her eyebrows.

"What do you think I should do to get Harry’s attention?” Meghan asks again. “Do I need to show more skin to get him to leave his fiancé? Or do I need to play nice girl?”

Chelsy just looked at her flabbergastedly.

“Is that your plan tonight? To get Harry interested in you that he will leave his fiancé? A crown princess for some low small screen nobody? Please, have some respect for yourself.” Chelsy scoffed before leaving the bathroom.

Meanwhile at the table, when Chelsy left, not long after Meghan left to the bathroom as well and Arabella approached Harry, Guy and Skippy.

“Having fun?” Arabella asked Harry kissing his cheeks.

“Not without you baby.” Harry replied.

“Please stop guys or I’ll barf.” Guy said mockingly barfing.

“Why didn’t you stay here with us?” Harry asked Arabella.

“Yeah, you missed Meghan throwing herself at Harry while Guy just moped.” Skippy laughed.

“Well I didn’t want to see someone throwing themselves at my fiancé, so I decided to just let loose myself.” Arabella replied to Harry’s question. “Besides, absence makes your heart grow fonder, is it not?”

Shaking his head, Harry just pulled Arabella closer to him and swayed to the music.

It was then Chelsy came back from the bathroom with a slightly pissed off look in her face.

“What’s wrong Chels?” Harry asks still hugging Arabella close to him.

“I just want to rip out Meghan’s head off.” Chelsy said angrily.

“What? Why?” Guy asks.

“She literally asks me in the bathroom what to do to make Harry notice her, show off more skin or pretend to be a good girl.” Chelsy shakes her head.

“And? What did you say to her?” Curious, Arabella prodded some answers from Chelsy.

“Well, I said, word for word, if that’s her plan tonight. If she’s trying to get Harry to leave his fiancé, a crown princess, I might add, for a low small screen nobody. And that for her to have a little respect for herself.” Chelsy shrugged.

With that, the whole table burst out laughing.

“Oh Chelsy honey.” Arabella pulled away from Harry to hug Chelsy. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I had to, Bella. I know we’re not exactly the best of friends, but you are one of my friends and I have grown to respect you a lot. I’ve been through where you were, only I was more insecure and in the end, that and how his life is like, that we didn’t end up working. I don’t want some bimbo nobody get in between Harry and his happiness. After all that he’s been through, he deserves it. And you, not only embrace this life of his, but your life is even more demanding than his. So, yeah. I have to do this. I will do this again.” Chelsy said to Arabella.

“Thank you.” Arabella smiled at her. “It means a lot to me. For you to do this.”

When they pulled away from each other, they faced the smiling group and shook their heads. At that, Meghan came back from the bathroom and the group could clearly tell that she chose to show more skin. It was indicated by the lower neckline of her shirt and even shorter skirt and ruffled hair.

Arabella just stared at Harry before laughing and shaking her head. She then kissed Harry on the lips, just to mark her territory before going to the bar to get some more Martini, maybe even some tequila, she definitely needs something stronger.

"Tequila shot please." She gestured to the bartender before turning around and lean against the bar to survey the VIP area. What she didn’t realise, is that Meghan followed her and stood next to her against the bar.

"I see I pushed you to drinking shots now? Are you that insecure that I'll steal your man?" Meghan spoke up.

Turning around, she looked Meghan up and down, before laughing again. "Honey, what makes you so sure that you can steal my man?"

"He's been into me the whole night. I bet you if I would walk past him and give him a signal, he'll come following shortly. Because let's face it, who would want a stick thin dumb blonde as a fiancé?"

"Let's get one thing straight here Meg, can I call you meg?" Arabella asked before smirking. "That guy behind you there, with the leather jacket? He's my protection officer, well one of them anyways. I don’t usually pull this card but, compared to me, you're nothing. I'm the crown princess, my godparents are kings and queens, if anyone were to threaten me, well let's just say that you won't be allowed back in many countries. You want to try and get Harry's attention go for it. I just want to see your face when he doesn’t give you the time or day." With that, Arabella gestured for Meghan to go walk past Harry and come back.

"Fine. You'll see how he'll drool over me when I come back here." With that, she flicked her hair and walked towards Harry in what Arabella assumed to be a supposed sexy walk. She walked really slowly in front of Harry, trying, and failing to show some legs. When Harry didn’t even glance her way, she just huffed and stalked back to where Arabella was standing.

"Now watch how it's done." Arabella threw back her shot of tequila before slamming it back down on the bar top and make her way to Harry. She swayed her hips a little as she got closer to Harry. It was at that moment when Harry felt the need to look up and there it was, right in front of him, his fiancé walking towards him sexily. He bit his lips before excusing himself from his friends and meet her half way.

"You want to get out of here?" Arabella looked into his eyes and bite her lips.

"Let's go." Harry just signalled Finn that they were leaving before taking her hand and dragging her towards the exit and their cars.

Arabella turned her head to look behind her, her eyes stared into those of Meghan's and Arabella gave her a wink before turning back to the front and giggled softly.

"I know what you did," Harry said as the car doors close.

"I have no idea what you’re saying." Arabella smiled coyly.

"I saw you talking to her by the bar, I saw the way you laugh and how you challenged her."

"Fine, she told me that you were into her and how if she would walk past you, you would look at her and follow her into oblivion. I obviously challenged her to actually do it and when she failed to catch your attention, I told her to watch and learn how it's done, and well, you're here now aren't you?"

Let's just say, when they returned back to the cottage, their night was spent with laughter and a lot of love making.

Next Chapter 

[alpha-imagines]

8th Grade Valentine’s- Billy Hargrove

A/N: Aw this was such a cute idea thank you to whoever suggested it!! Another part of New Boy should be up tomorrow but i wanted to post this on Valentine’s day so here ya go! Hope you’re all having a fun day no matter what you’re doing!

Requested by Anonymous:  so i saw that you wanted some ideas for billy, and i thought of something v-day related. so what i was thinking was like reader is the partys babysitter and dustin is "in love" w her and he asks her to be his valentine before billiam couldve asked her and hes lowkey pissed about it bc he cant spend time w his girl bc some fucking 8th grader asked her first???

The first time you properly met Billy Hargrove was at Joanna Cleeves’ Christmas party. Her parents were away and Carol had convinced her that she had to host a festive gathering which slowly turned into a house party for what felt like the entire school.

You and your best friend had arrived, got unequivocally drunk before you had encouragingly pushed her into the arms of Craig Lawson who she’d been crushing on for pretty much her entire life.

“Hey Angel” You heard from behind you and although your reflexes were pretty out of sync you slowly turned your head and saw that Billy Hargrove was leant against the counter behind you, red cup to his lips that partly masked his brimming smirk.

“Uh Hi” You mumbled, confused as to whether or not Billy Hargrove was actually talking to you or maybe someone behind you.

“You look to die for” He smirked and sent a wink your way, despite the alcohol that was spinning his brain he didn’t miss the blush that covered your cheeks.

“Thanks” You replied sceptically only for you to realise you were being pulled further away from Billy by someone who had a grip on your elbow

“Hey!” You exclaimed before your vision caught up with you “Oh hey Steve” You smiled pulling him into a drunken embrace

You didn’t really know Steve all that well, you shared a couple of classes with him but recently you saw more of him thanks to Dustin Henderson. When your parents separated your mom wanted to downsize, so you stayed with her and moved to a smaller house a few doors down from the Henderson’s.

It started out with the odd bit of housesitting when they were out of town for the weekend and gradually you started to babysit whenever Claudia went out and eventually you occasionally took Dustin to school or his friends. You got on really well with Dustin and got to know the other boys pretty well, and when Dustin started spending time with Steve it was inevitable that your paths would cross at some point.

You couldn’t really remember much of that night apart from sitting on the front lawn and drunkenly spilling secrets with Billy who’d followed you out there only to be snatched up and driven home by Steve who announced that you were “too drunk” and “too nice” to be alone with Billy Hargrove.

But that was the first time you’d spoken to Billy and the pair of you had hit it off after that. Winks in the corridor and at basketball game, him stopping by your locker before walking you to history so he could miss 5 minutes of maths. You two were friends but he flirted furiously and you didn’t mind it at all, much to Steve’s disapproval.

“Dustin said you were sitting for him tonight?” Steve asked as the pair of you walked away from the gymnasium after Hawkins High had thrashed the other team at a basketball game.

“Oh yeah” You remembered “I’m going for 6 if you had plans with him first”

“No, no plans” Steve said and scratched the back of his neck nervously “I just have a favour to ask you”

“Sure” You smiled as you approached his car and slid into the passenger seat.

“So are you like around on Valentine’s Day?” He asked, turning in his seat to face you

“What?” You stammered “Oh um Steve…”

“No no no” He quickly interjected, holding his hands up innocently “Not for me, but maybe for Dustin?”

It took you a moment to think, and you were about to respond with a somewhat hesitant “ok” when Steve interrupted you

“Don’t tell Dustin I told you this, because he’ll kill me” He laughed “But he kinda has this big crush on you and he didn’t want to go to the valentines dance alone and I figured..”

“Sure” You smiled reassuringly at Steve who then released a breath that he didn’t even realise he was holding.

You liked Dustin, he was a sweet kid, a little weird but he was always sweet. You didn’t mind giving up your valentines to help him out, but you had a feeling that perhaps Billy would.

“So what film do you wanna watch?” You asked Dustin, your legs stretched out on the sofa as you flicked absently through the channels

“Hey what’s up?” You asked when he didn’t respond, you scooted off the couch and sat next to him on the carpet, your back resting up against the sofa.

You knew something was up with him, his shoulders were slumped and he wasn’t rambling on about some physics theory or how to win at the arcade games.

“So are you going to the valentine’s dance?” You asked, bumping his shoulder with your own to prompt him to look at you

“No” He sighed “Lucas is taking Max so I don’t wanna be there”

“Ahh” You sighed sympathetically, he’d told you about how he liked Max and he also told you how she liked Lucas, it was no one’s fault but the boy was clearly still upset by it all

“Well I’ve got no plans either” You shrugged “Maybe we could do something?”

“What?” His head whipped round to look at you which only made you crack a smile

“Yeah I could take you out” You clarified “If you wanted?”

His vigorous nod told you all you needed to know, making the pair of you smile. He seemed happier after that, picking out a movie and chatting the whole way through it like he normally did, it made you smile to know you’d made him happier.

“Morning angel” You heard from behind your ear as a pair of arms snaked their way around your waist

“Billy” You laughed, trying to sound serious but ultimately failing “Not here”

“Why not?” He asked with a smirk “Afraid your good girl act might falter?”

“Not funny” You replied and turned around to give him a light smack on the chest “But I’ve got to get to chemistry so I’ll see you at break” You said and pulled away from him to start heading to your classroom

“You know where to find me” He smirked, his hand still entwined with yours but you let him go as the final bell rung and the corridors began to clear.

As you had said, you met him at his car at the start of lunch, he was leant against the driver’s side, clouds of smoke falling from his lips, his brows drawn into their usual frown from the sunlight as he watched you walk closer to him.

“So” He began as you got close enough to him for him to wrap his arms around you once more

“So” You repeated looking up at him and brushing the speck of dust off of his cheek

You and Billy weren’t officially dating but you’d be heartbroken if he was with anyone else the way he was with you and secretly you hoped he’d be the same if it were you.

“So I was thinking” He started

“Uh oh that could be dangerous” You smirked up at him which earnt you an unimpressed glare

“I was thinking maybe once Susan and my dad are back from whatever stupid adult thing their doing, and Max’s is at her lame dance, maybe we could do something, you know on Valentine’s Day”

Your heart swelled at what Billy was saying, initially he told you that he wasn’t about because he had to look after Max but now he was actually putting in an effort to show he cared, except you already had plans.

“I didn’t think we were doing anything?” You frowned up at him

“Well we are now” He smiled and brushed your hair back behind your ear

“Unless you don’t want to” He stammered after you stood there silently chewing the inside of your cheek

“No no I do want to” You clarified and forced a smile onto your face

“Then what’s the problem?” He asked, he was starting to sound angry and the last thing you wanted was for him to cause a scene

“Billy” You began only to be immediately cut off

“What? You seeing someone else now is that it?” He said pushing you lightly away from him to create some space

“Not like that” You tried to explain “I said I’d take Dustin out on Valentine’s Day”

“Dustin?” Billy spat “As in my little sister’s nerdy friend, 8th grader, ‘son of a bitch’ Dustin?”

“I didn’t want him to be alone on Valentine’s Billy” You pleaded, stepping an inch closer to him

“So you’re gonna ditch me for an 8th grader?” He asked with a raised eyebrow, hoping that you were joking with him

“Billy we can hang out afterwards ok” You tried to reason

“You’re actually going on a date with an 8th grader over me?”

“What difference does it make when you’re already acting like an 8th grader” You quipped back before turning on your heels and heading back towards the cafeteria

“Hey Handsome” You smiled as you spoke through your open car window as Dustin came towards you “So I thought maybe we could go catch a movie then go for food, how’s that sound?”

“Good” He smiled “Great”

“Good” You smiled back triumphantly and sent a quick wave to Mrs Henderson who was stood on the doorstep, cat in her arms, waving at the pair of you.

You’d finished the movie and surprisingly you’d only had to tell Dustin to shut up three times throughout the whole film which seemed like an achievement in itself.

The pair of you then walked a few blocks to go and grab something to eat, you shared a booth and both silently deliberated over the menu before an unenthusiastic waitress came to take your order.

“Hey angel” You heard and instantly you whipped your head around to see Billy stood by your booth and a bunch of flowers that looked a little worse for wears in his hand

“Billy?” You asked with raised eyebrows

“Well I couldn’t not give my girl a valentine’s present could I?” He smiled and motioned for you to slide along, which you did.

“Billy what are you doing here?” You whispered harshly

“I came to see my girl on Valentine’s” He smiled and placed the bouquet of flowers in your hand “Sorry they’re crappy it’s all they had”

“Thanks Billy” You smiled sincerely

“Sorry to steal your date kid” He said, leaning back in his seat “She’s just too hard to resist”

Although you failed at hiding the smirk on your lips you smacked him lightly on the shoulder

“Well if you’re going to gate crash at least go and get me some ketchup” You ordered and prodded him with your finger until he got up and did what you’d told him

“Sorry Dustin” You said with an apologetic smile

“Steve never said he was your boyfriend?” Dustin said confusedly just as the waitress brought over your fries and milkshakes

“He’s not really my boyfriend” You began “It’s complicated” You shrugged

“Steve says he’s a psycho” Dustin said somewhat hesitantly as he took a sip of his milkshake

“I can tell him to go” You said, ignoring his previous comment “I’ll tell him to go”

You slid out from your seat and walked over to where Billy was wrestling with the ketchup bottle

“Do you think maybe this is the best idea?” You asked as your hand rested on his back as he turned to look at you

“Whatta you mean?” He asked, his brows furrowing at your question

“Well you know” You began, averting your gaze from his broken expression “You tried to beat up his best friend, he’s kinda scared of you”

He swallowed hard at the realisation that you somehow knew what had happened before Christmas, and all of a sudden he felt guilty for ruining your date.

“I’m not going to hurt him” He said, his tone was confused as if you were suggesting that he might

“I know you wouldn’t” You smiled, rubbing your thumb across his knuckles “It’s just- I don’t know maybe three’s a crowd?” You cringed expecting some sort of angry response about you putting some kid before him but to your surprise he slowly nodded and placed the ketchup bottle back down on the side

“I promise I’ll make it up to you” You smiled and leant in for a quick kiss

“You better” He smirked once you’d parted lips “You better get her home safe Henderson!” He called out into the diner and Dustin’s eyes were suddenly wild with fear

You laughed and slapped his chest playfully, shaking your head at his comment

“Thank you Billy” You said, your hand pulling him back as he began to head for the exit “and Happy Valentine’s Day”

“Don’t have too much fun” He smiled but you could sense some serious in his tone, he hated the idea of you having fun with someone that wasn’t him, even if it was with an 8th grader

“Not without you” You smiled before letting his hand fall out of yours and watching him walk towards his blue Camaro.

“So how was your date?” He asked, his fingers combing through your hair as your head laid on his chest

“It was nice” You smiled “Thank you for not throwing a tantrum” You said, turning to put your chin on his chest to look at his face

“A tantrum?” He asked, propping himself up slightly “You tryna say I throw tantrums?”

“You know you do” You laughed and Billy couldn’t help but smile back at you

“Well maybe I’ve shown I could be boyfriend material” He said but it came out more like a question

“Maybe you have” You smiled and leant in for another kiss.

You had to admit it had turned out to be a pretty successful Valentine’s Day for all of you.