#i see your 'if will stayed in hawkins he would go to all lucas games'

[skyfallslayer]

Should We Stay or Should We Go? || Chapter One

-A ST Rewrite Feat. Steve Harrington x Henderson!OFC-

Main Masterlist || Series Masterlist

🎲Summary: On the night of November 6th, 1983, Stephanie Henderson decided to walk her little brother’s friend, Will, back home. However… they never arrive. Now, Dustin, Mike and Lucas, and soon the exception of the girl’s ex-best friend, Steve, must band together to find out what happened. Meanwhile, Steph and Will must fight for their survival in this nightmarish version of Hawkins, Indiana.

🎲Chapter Summary: On his way home from a friend’s house, young Will and his best friend’s sister, Stephanie, sees something terrifying. Nearby, their loved ones start worrying hysterically, all while Steve hears some unsettling news.

🎲Pairings: Will x Platonic!OFC; Dustin x Sister!OC; Slow burn! Steve x Henderson!OFC (Ex-bestfriends to Lovers); Slow burn! Byler

🎲Rating: Teen-Mature

🎲Word Count: 9,471

🎲Date: 3/12

🎲Warnings: Angst; Swearing; Implied Broken Friendship; Racist Comment; Talks of Kidnapping; Car Crash; Mental Strain/Breaking Down; Implying to Sex; Lying; Suicide Comment; Homophobic Comment/Calling A Person A Derogatory Word; Implied Death; Steve's 'Asshole Era. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

(And let me know if I missed anything)

🎲A/N: Here we go folks. The official rewrite of episode one. Can't say it's perfect, might be a little messy, but think of it as it setting the whole plot up. Anyway, stay safe, and enjoy!

“It was a seven.” The words fell from his lips that would predestine this night. On the chilly night of November 6th, 1983, the small group of friends had gotten together to play their weekly game of DnD that was cut long short for being on a school night. Two of the boys had rode off on their bikes, away from the host’s house as the young brunette told his friend the truth.

The boy of the house, Mike Wheeler, turned his head, confusion on his face. “Huh?”

“The roll, it was a seven.” The brunette, Will Byers, replies, a frown on his face. “The Demogorgon, it got me.” He kicks the stand off and starts riding. “See you tomorrow.”

As his words lingered in the air, the garage lights flickered on and off that was forgotten with a shrug. 

Young Will catches up quickly with the other boys, Lucas Sinclair and Dustin Henderson. The wind in their eyes and smiles on their faces, they continued to ride for many blocks, slowly coming unwind.

“Good night, ladies.” Lucas teased as he broke from the group for his driveway.

“Kiss your mom ‘night for me.” Dustin quips back, before facing the other boy. “Race you back to my place? Winner gets whatever my sister brings home this time.”

Will’s eyes light up from that. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Dustin says, not expecting for his opponent to take off immediately. 

“Hey! Hey! I didn’t say ‘go’! Get back here!” But as he says that, he knows there was no stopping his friend. “I’m gonna kill you!”

Will chuckled and shouted, “Bring it to school tomorrow!”

Dustin hits the breaks, out of breath and frustrated as he replies, “Son of a bitch…” Meanwhile, his friend pretended he didn’t hear that as he rode down the street they dubbed ‘Mirkwood’.

Yes, he lived the farthest away from… anything really; His friends’ houses, his school, the nearby strip mall, pretty much everything that was ‘useful’, But he didn’t mind it. As long as his family was happy with their place he could go along with it.

So Will continued to ride, in his own head that was causing him to ignore when his headlight flickered off and on until his bike chain magically came apart. 

The boy gasped and swerved in a jagged line, worriedness on his features as he used his feet to forcefully come to a complete halt. Stopping along the side of the road, he looked down, trying to figure out what the problem was. While doing so, he didn’t even notice a car had slowed and rolled its window down.

“Will?” The person in the vehicle said, catching him by surprise. 

He was met with a familiar face, the fair skin, freckled nose, and dark curls tied back in a small pony was a girl he practically grew up with. Ironically, she was the older sister of the boy he raced, Stephanie Henderson.

“Steph?” He said, still shocked as he watched her get out. Those bright blue eyes of hers trailed to his only transportation and frowned.

“What happened to your bike?” 

“Uh, chain broke. I think.” Will says, looking at it again, and then back at her. “You’re coming home late.”

“You’ll understand when you have a job and a crappy boss.” She smiles, softly. “Come on. Put your bike in the car and I’ll drive you.”

“What?” He looks at her in disbelief. “Are you sure? You came that direction.”

“You know I don’t mind. Besides, it’s quicker and safer than walking. Plus I’m sure your brother and mother would appreciate it.” She says, opening the back door.

“But what about your mom?”

“I called her already and told her that I’ll be a little late.” She gestures to the car. “Come on.” He smiles and puts the bike in before hopping in the passenger seat. She even spoils him by handing him a paper brown bag. “Cinnamon bun?”

His eyes light up. “Actually, Dustin betted me that if I beat him in a race back to his house I can have whatever you bring.”

“Then I guess they’re all yours.” She turns the car around. “So how was your campaign?”

“It was good until the end.” He takes a bite of the pastry. “I ended up getting beaten by the Demogorgon.”

“Remind me what that is again?”

“He’s a two headed demon prince. Very evil.”

“I see.”

Another bite and a small hum. “You should try playing it.”

She raises an eyebrow. “You think?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fun!” Now he was like a kid in a candy store. “You can be… our mage! A druid, or maybe even a ranger.”

She chuckles quietly. “I… have no idea what any of that even means. But uh… I’ll give it a shot. What’s the worst that can happen? I hate it?”

“Or you get eaten by a Demogorgon.”

“That’s true.” Steph agreed, and continued their light conversation until something strange started to happen. She watches as her headlights suddenly start to flicker. “What the?”

“Look out!” Will yelled, and her eyes snapped back up just in time to spot the bizarre looking figure in the road. 

She gasps and veers off the road, foot slamming into the brakes as it rolled down and down into the woods, crashing into a tree. Now, it wasn’t that bad of a hit, more like a little thump, but still. A crash is a crash.

Stephanie lets out a pant, tiling her baseball cap back up to look worriedly towards her passenger. “Shit! You okay?”

“Uh…” He nods, a little shaken up, but looking unharmed. “Yeah. I’m good.”

Another pant and she looks around. “Who that fuck was that?!” She snaps, upset. “Who the fuck stands in the middle of the road at nine o’clock at night?!”

But as she was having her meltdown, Will was staring at the side mirror and paled. “Steph?” He says, terrified.

“What?”

“I think he’s coming.”

“What?” She followed his eyes to the mirror before turning around. Standing behind them a few feet away was the figure who made her heart sink at its unnaturally long arms, and fingers coming at a point. Now she starts pales. “That’s not a person.”

“Huh?”

She starts fiddling with the door. “Get out of– Get out of the car, now!”

Once they were both out, she snags him by the wrist and pulls him along, running as fast as they could, a few miles down, all the way back to what their destination was. As soon as they stepped a foot inside the Byers home, the family’s dog, Chester, started barking defensively as she told the boy to lock the door.

“Mom? Jonathan? Mom?!” He replies after finishing the task, but alas it seems like they were the only ones home.

“Ms. Byers?!” Steph yells out, biting her lip. “Shit.” She runs for the phone as he looks out a window and sees the figure approaching the house. She tries dialing 911, but all she receives on the other end is static. “What the fuck?!”

“It’s unlocking the chain!” Will yells, backing away as she takes a look. Sure enough, they watched the chain on the door slide itself across the track as the other locks started to turn (What in the fresh hell is going on?!).

“Come on!” She pulls him away, thinking the only thing they can do is protect themselves now. 

They both run into the shed in the back, Will remembering what his mother had told him if something to this degree started happening, and begins loading the shotgun on the wall. 

“Is that all you got?” She asked, searching around for anything else she could use.

“Y-Yeah.” He mutters, and frantically points the weapon at the door, trembling as the girl stood behind him, hands over his and shielding his body protectively.

“If that thing comes in, shoot it. I’ll hold you steady so you don’t fall back.” She says, and he nods (His body subconsciously pressing into hers out of fear and comfort).

But the next few moments were tedtious, hearing that thing growling, which got louder and louder, until it sounded like it was right next to them. Steph, who felt the wind get knocked out of her, was the first to turn around, eyes widened as she kept the boy behind her, feeling him clench her jacket. 

“What the fuck are you?!” She screamed, the growling turning into screeching. 

Then the light in the shed gets brighter and brighter– Until everything suddenly stops.

Then…

.

.

.

There was no one left.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

As soon as the sun touched his face, the boy reached over and shut his alarm clock off before it could even ring. Groaning and stretching, he was feeling extremely exhausted after being up so late (But last night was so fun, it was totally worth it!). Grinning a toothless grin, Dustin rolled out of bed, his clothes in hand as he strolls to the end of the hall for the bathroom. However–

He lets out a sigh and throws his head back at the door being closed. “Oh, my god. Phanie! I told you I needed to use the bathroom first on school days.” Seriously, how many times has he told his sister this? He doesn’t get a reply, and bangs on the door. “Phanie!! Are you listening?”

And on the last knock, to his surprise, the door creaked open. Being cautious, he poked his head inside finding the light was off and the room was unoccupied. 

“Huh.” He said, looking around again. “Okay…” He quickly gets ready for the day, fixing his curls so his hat stays on, before adventuring back out. “Goodbye, sleepyhead!”

And once again, Dustin was shocked to find that now his sister’s room was unoccupied as well. The only thing present was their cat, Mews, who was curled up in a ball on the still perfectly made bed… with everything on it still looking the same in place.

What the? He thought, before heading for the kitchen where his mother was listening to the news.

// -And that’s it for News Center this morning. Thanks for joining us. Let’s hand off now to Liz at the news desk //

// All right, thank you, Donna. Turning now to local news, we’re getting reports of surges and power outages all across the county. Last night, hundreds of homes in East Hawkins were affected, leaving many residents in the dark. The cause of the outage is still unknown. We reached out to Roane County Water and Electric, and a spokesperson says that they are confident power will be restored to all remaining homes within the next– //

“Hey, mom, have you seen Stephanie?” He asked, ignoring the fact his mother was making him his favorite breakfast meal.

“Stephanie?” His mother, Claudia, asked as she slid him a plate. “No, I haven’t.”

“She’s not in her room.” He replies, taking a seat, thinking. “Did you see her come home last night?”

“Well, she did call me saying that she was going to be late, but I’ll admit, I dozed off before I heard her come in.” She notices her son’s worried expression, and smiles. “Oh, don’t worry, Dusty-buns. I’m sure she had to just pick up a friend for school. I can drive you.”

“No, I can bike, I just…” He trails off, not really hungry anymore. We always eat together.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Meanwhile, in another household. Joyce Byers was rummaging around her living room for her keys, cursing under her breath after every failed attempt.

“Where the hell are they?” She sighs. “Jonathan?”

“Check the couch!” Her oldest child said from the kitchen.

“Ugh, I did.” She moves the cushions around again, finally spotting them. “Oh, got them.” She smiles and comes over to give him a pat on the shoulder. “Okay, sweetie, I will see you tonight.”

“Yeah, see you later.” He says, finishing up the eggs.

“Where’s Will?”

“Oh, I didn’t get him up yet. He’s probably still sleeping.”

Joyce sighs, already leaving the room. “Jonathan, you have to make sure he’s up!”

“Mom, I’m making breakfast.”

“I told you this a thousand times. Will!” She claps her hands. “Come on, honey. It’s time to get up.” She pushes open his door only to find that his bed was empty. “He came home last night, right?”

Jonathan’s heart sank as he faced his mother. “He’s not in his room?

“Did he come home or not?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“No. I-I got home late. I was working.”

She gives her son ‘the look’. “You were working?”

“Eric asked if I could cover. I said yeah. I just thought we could use the extra cash.”

“Jonathan, we’ve talked about this.”

He frowns, looking away. “I know…”

“You can’t take shifts when I’m working.” She says, wheels turning in her head at where he could be.

“Mom, it’s not a big deal.” He makes eye contact again. “Look, he was at the Wheelers’ all day. I’m sure he just stayed over.”

“I can’t believe you.” She says, already grabbing the phone. “I can’t believe you sometimes.” She starts dialing the phone number she knows by heart and waits.

[ ‘Hello?’ ]

“Hi, Karen. It’s Joyce.”

[ ‘Oh, Joyce, hi.’ ]

Before Joyce could ask, she hears a ruckus in the background.

[ ‘Quiet!’ ]

“Was that Will I heard back there?” She asked, hopefully.

[ ‘Will? No, no, no, it’s just Mike.’ ]

“Will didn’t spend the night?”

[ ‘No, he left here a little bit after 8:00. Why? He’s not home?’] 

Joyce tries to keep the panic off her face as she replies, “Um, you know what? I think he just left early for... for school. Thank you so much.”

[ ‘Okay.’ ]

“Bye.”

[ ‘Bye.’ ]

Joyce hangs up the phone, exchanging concerned glances with her eldest child.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Three out of the four boys rode to school that morning, chattering away about a certain person that’ll only end in sadness. Frowning as they slowed down to their usual bike rack that laid empty before them.

“That’s weird. I don’t see him.” Mike said, noticing the absent bike. Did he park somewhere else this time?

“I’m telling you, his mom’s right.” Lucas said, trying to be the reasonable one. “He probably just went to class early again. You know he’s always paranoid that Gursky’s gonna give him another pop quiz.”

“That’s true.”

“Yeah… pop quiz...” Dustin mumbled, being completely distant from the group. 

Lucas sighs, rolling his eyes. “Dude, you still worried about your sister?” 

“Well, yeah! I mean, why was she not home? We always eat breakfast with each other, how could she just skip out on it?”

“She’s sixteen, you know? You’re just overreacting. I’m sure Steph is fine.”

“I don’t man, this ain’t like her.”

“Dustin–”

“Step right up, ladies and gentlemen!” A bully, named Troy, announced as he came over with another boy. “Step right up and get your tickets for the freak show.” He smirks. “Who do you think would make more money in a freak show?” He pushes Lucas first. “Midnight–” Then Mike. “Frogface–” Then Dustin. “Or Toothless?”

The other bully, James, looks pensive for a moment before making his decision with a point. “I’d go with Toothless.”

Dustin’s cheeks flush out of embarrassment. “I told you a million times, my teeth are coming in. It’s called cleidocranial dysplasia.”

“‘I told you a million times’.” James mocks, and laughs. 

“Do the arm thing.” Troy pressures, as Dustin takes a small step back.

“Do it, freak!” Deciding to just comply, Dustin cracks his arms with his collar bone, making him and Troy groan and recoil. “God, it gets me every time.”

Then the two of them push through the boys as they leave for class; The trio sending them a death glare.

“Assholes.” Luca scoffed.

“I think it’s kinda cool.” Mike said, trying to cheer Dustin up. “It’s like you have superpowers or something. Like Mr. Fantastic.”

Dustin chuckles. “Yeah, except I can’t fight evil with it.”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Meanwhile, in the high school next door, Mike’s older sister was hustling inside, books in hand, acting all flustered. It especially didn’t help when her friend came over, grinning like the Chester Cat.

“So, did he call? The ginger girl, Barb, asked all giggly.

The sister, Nancy, shushes her looking around. “Keep your voice down.”

She nudges her with her elbow. “Did he?”

“I told you, it’s not like that.” Nancy blushes harder when Barb gave her a look. “Okay, I mean, yes, he likes me, but not like that. We just made out a couple times.

Barb raises an eyebrow. “‘We just made out a couple times’. Nance, seriously, you’re gonna be so cool now, it’s ridiculous.”

“No, I’m not.” She shakes her head while unlocking her locker.

“You better still hang out with me, that’s all I’m saying. If you become friends with Tommy H. or Carol–”

“Oh, that’s gross!”

“I’m just saying, you better still be friends with me. I heard that the King pushed a close friend out of his circle when he took the throne and–”

“Okay, I’m telling you, it was a one-time... two-time thing.”

She opens her locker, finding a note that read: MEET ME IN BATHROOM -STEVE.

Barb’s expression grew. “You were saying?”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Before you know it, Nancy is having a make out session with the highschool’s King, Steve “The Hair” Harrington. The cocky bad boy that every girl fawns over, and the physic that every guy envies. If you wanted any kind of popularity while running around this place, you had to make a guarantee that he would be in your corner.

“Steve.” Nancy croaked in between kisses, making him hum. “I have to go.”

“In a minute.” He mumbled, nibbling at her neck as the school bell rings.

“Steve–” She nudged her way out from him. “I really, like seriously, I have to go.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Let’s…” He snags her bag, keeping her in place for a second. “Come on, let’s do something tonight, yeah?”

“No, I can’t. I have to study for Kaminsky’s test.”

“Oh, come on. What’s your GPA again? 3.999–”

“Kaminsky’s tests are impossible.”

“Well, then, just let me help.” He said, smirking.

She rolls her eyes with a smile. “You failed chem.”

“C-minus.”

“Well, in that case–”

“So I’ll be over around, say, like, 8:00?”

“Are you crazy?” Nancy shakes her head. “My mom would not–”

“I’ll climb through your window.” He insisted, all pumped up at the idea. “She won’t even know I’m there. I’m stealthy, like a ninja.”

“You are crazy.” She says, taking her bag back and starts leaving. 

“Wait, wait, wait. Just…” He steps in front of her. “Okay, forget about that. We can just– We can just, like, chill in my car. We can find a nice quiet place to park, and–”

“Steve, I have to study. I’m not kidding.”

“Well, why do you think I want it to be nice and quiet?”

That got her to crack another smile. “You’re an idiot, Steve Harrington.” She replies, stepping around him. “Meet me at Dearborn and Maple at 8:00. To study.”

The school bell rings again, leaving behind a very satisfied teen.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

“Alright, class, I’ll be your sub for today.” The man explains, writing his name on the board. “I’m Mr. Dunwoody. If you have any questions, please refrain before I take attendance.” He ignores as some of the ‘cool kids’ snickered under their breaths and chuck paper balls around. “Uh, Barkley?”

“Here.”

“Brown?”

“Here.”

“Byers?” No reply. “Jonathan Byers?” He scopes the room, the seat in the back corner was absent. “No Byers. M’kay, uh, Davidson?”

“Present.”

“Evans?”

“Here.”

“Eubank?”

“Here.”

“Henderson.” No reply, he looks around – Yet another seat in the back unattended (And certain eyes following). “Henderson? Is a… Stephanie Henderson in?” His gaze shifts with the class’ and frowns. “No, okay. Uh, Harrington?” Silence. “Harrington?”

Steve blinks and faces forward, snapping out of his trace. “Uh, present.”

“‘Kay, uh–” He started shooting off more names, but the teenager wasn’t honestly listening. Something about that empty space (the space that seemed so far away now) didn’t sit right with him. And the gossiping in the background wasn’t helping his troubled mind either.

“Maybe grunge girl finally got the hint.” 

“Oh, yeah. For sure.” 

“Do you think the pressure made her drop out?”

“Drop out?” A laugh. “Maybe she took a dive off the overpass.”

“Guess we’ll have to check the news later for that!”

They laughed under their breaths and Steve’s hands started subconsciously squeezing his crossed arms. This shouldn’t bother him. It’s not like they’re–

He didn’t even realize he was turning around to say something if it was for Tommy’s hand snagging his shoulder. It, and he’s not sure if he can admit, hurt in a way he can’t describe. They both locked eyes, and Tommy shook his head ‘no’ just as the substitute finished calling out names, starting the soulless class.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

As usual the town’s head sheriff was strolling into his job late and looking like he’d been hit by truck after truck. His five o’clock shadow was strong and so were the bags under his eyes; Jim Hopper walks in with a lit cigarette in his hand, the receptionist amazed by his appearance.

“Good of you to show.” She said, as he passed by and gave a small nod to the other officers present.

“Oh, hey, morning, Flo. Morning, everybody.” He says, heading for the small kitchenette to pour himself some coffee.

“Hey, Chief.” Powell greeted with a grin.

“Damn! You look like hell, Chief.” Callahan replies, looking up from his game of cards.

“Oh, yeah?” Hopper spares him a look.

“Yeah.”

“Well, I looked better than your wife when I left her this morning.” His response made his brothers bust a gut as the elderly woman came over, trying to get his attention.

“While you were drinking or sleeping, or whatever it is you deemed so necessary on Monday morning, Phil Larson called. Said some kids are stealing the gnomes out of his garden again.” Flo explains, as he tries not to roll his eyes (or maybe he did?).

“Oh, those garden gnomes again.” He sighs, and picks up a donut too. “Well, I’ll tell you what, I’m gonna get right on that.”

Flo keeps a straight face, used to his antics by now. “On a more pressing matter, Joyce Byers can’t find her son this morning.”

He hums after taking a bite of the pastry. “Okay, I’m gonna get on that.” He starts walking away. “Just give me a minute.”

“Joyce is very upset.” She pushes, as he shakes his head.

“Well, Flo– Flo, we’ve discussed this. Mornings are for coffee and contemplation.”

“Chief, she’s already in your–”

“Coffee and contemplation, Flo!” He shouts as he leaves the room, and, due to not paying attention, is surprised to see Ms. Byers already waiting in his office. His jaw clenched. “Okay… Missing? I’ve been told.”

“Yes, missing!” Joyce says, watching him sit down and start typewriting a file out for her boy. Worriedly she waits for him to finish, even smoking bud after bud to calm the jitters. “I have been waiting here over an hour, Hopper.”

“And I apologize.” He says, trying to calm her.

“I’m going out of my mind!”

“Look, boy his age, he’s probably just playing hooky, okay?”

She shakes her head. “No, not my Will. He’s not like that– He wouldn’t do that.”

“Well, you never know.” He suggests, a little smirk growing on his lips. “I mean, my mom thought I was on the debate team, when really I was just screwing Chrissy Carpenter in the back of my dad’s Oldsmobile, so–”

“Look, he’s not like you, Hopper. He’s not like me. He’s not like most.” She explains, her face saddening. “He has a couple of friends, but, you know, the kids, they’re mean. They make fun of him. They call him names. They laugh at him, his clothes–”

“His clothes?” Hopper’s eyebrows shoot up. “What’s wrong with his clothes?”

“I don’t know. Does that matter?”

“Maybe.”

Joyce inhales deeply. “Look, he’s... He’s a sensitive kid. Lonnie…” God she could punch that man right now. “Lonnie used to say he was queer. Called him a fag.”

Another eyebrow raise. “Is he?”

“He’s missing! Is what he is.” 

“When was the last time you heard from Lonnie?”

“Uh, last I heard, he was in Indianapolis. That was about a year ago. But he has nothing to do with this.”

“Why don’t you give me his number?”

“You know, Hopper, he has nothing to do with this. Trust me.”

Hopper’s body straightens, hands coming to rest on his desk to make sure she was listening. “Joyce, 99 out of 100 times, kid goes missing, the kid is with a parent or relative.”

Her eyes widened. “What about the other time?”

He blinks. “What?”

“You said, ‘99 out of 100’. What about the other time, the one?”

“Joyce.”

“The one!”

Hopper tries to deescalate again. “Joyce, this is Hawkins, okay? You wanna know the worst thing that’s ever happened here in the four years I’ve been working here?” He could hold back a small smile. “Do you wanna know the worst thing? It was when an owl attacked Eleanor Gillespie’s head because it thought that her hair was a nest.”

Joyce sighs. “Okay, fine. I will call Lonnie. He will talk to me before he talks to–”

“What, a pig?”

“A cop! Just find my son, Hop. Find him!”

And then came a knock on the doorframe, which happened to be Flo who looked apologetic this time.

“Chief, I’m sorry, I have another hectic parent. A Ms. Claudia Henderson is here to see you.”

“What?” Hopper said, and just before he could blink, a blonde woman came stumbling in, all nervous just like someone else in present.

“Hopper, I’m sorry if you’re busy, but–”

“Claudia?” Joyce said, standing up with surprise. 

“Joyce?” Claudia’s face washes over with relief upon seeing her. “What brings you here?”

“It’s Will, I can’t find him.” She says, missing the way the other woman’s face lost all color. “And apparently he didn’t go to school either.”

“Well, what a coincidence. I can’t find my daughter, either.”

And then all eyes are now on the police Chief who was dumbfounded this was all happening at once. After a moment, he sighed and pulled Will’s form out of the typewriter before sliding in a new piece of paper.

“Alright.” He gestures to the chair. “Let’s hear your story.”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

And then that’s how the police chief found himself at a middle school. His first “suspects” in this case was Will’s inner circle of friends. But what he wasn’t expecting while sitting in the principal’s office was the trio to be talking over one another frantically.

“Okay, okay, okay.” Hopper says, waving for them to stop which they did. “One at a time, all right?” He points to Mike. “You. You said he takes what?”

“Mirkwood.” Mike said, confusing him.

“Mirkwood?”

“Yeah.”

Hopper sighs, looking at his partner. “Have you ever heard of Mirkwood?”

“I have not.” Callahan shakes his head. “That sounds made up to me.”

“No, it’s from Lord of the Rings.” Lucas says, offended.

“Well, The Hobbit.” Dustin pushes as his friend rolls his eyes.

“Who cares?”

“He asked!”

“‘He asked’!” Lucas mocked which started their bickering again.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Hopper yells, getting to stop once more. “What’d I just say? One at a damn time.” He points to Mike again. “You.”

“Mirkwood, it’s a real road. It’s just the name that’s made up. It’s where Cornwallis and Kerley meet.” Mike explains, giving the Chief a picture now.

“Yeah, all right, I think I know that.”

“We can show you, if you want.” The boy replies, his friends agreeing with him immediately. 

Hopper shakes his head. “I said that I know it!”

“We can help look.” Mike pleads.

��Yeah.” Dustin encouraged.

“No.” The boys try to protest, but he shuts it down again. “No. After school, you are all to go home. Immediately. That means no biking around looking for your friend, no investigating, no nonsense. This isn’t some Lord of the Rings book.”

“The Hobbit.” Dustin mumbles, quietly.

“Shut up!” Lucas said, elbowing him.

“Hey!”

“Stop it!” Hopper snaps, while standing up. “Do I make myself clear?” He gets no answer. “Do I make myself clear?”

Mike nods. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” He faces the principal. “Sir, thank you for your time.”

“Wait!” Dustin cuts in, and makes the man groan.

“What?”

“What about my sister? You mentioned her earlier. What about her?”

“Kid, listen, your sister’s sixteen, and to be honest, I believe a teenager playing hooky more than your friend Will. Okay?” Hopper tried to leave again, but the kid wasn’t letting up.

“But Stephanie’s not like that! I mean, yeah, she doesn’t necessarily like school, but she always studies hard to get good grades. She’s a good noodle.” Dustin frowns worriedly. “Trust me, she would never skip school. I mean… did you even check the parking lot to see if her car was there? Or the mall that she works at?”

I guess… the kid did have a point, Hopper will admit that one. He locks eyes with his partner who shrugs.

“I mean, we might as well kill two birds with one stone while we’re here.” Callahan says, truthfully.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Hopper sighs. “Okay. So Dustin, did your sister have any… friends we could talk to?” Then they got quiet, looking amongst themselves. “What? No? She didn’t? Or–?”

“Well, not really.” Dustin admits, bittersweet. “I mean, she probably hangs out with us more than anything at this point.”

“I mean, she’s friends with that douchebag Steve.” Lucas said, upset.

“Was friends. Not anymore.” Mike clarifies.

“Was a friend?” Hopper asked, skeptical. “What happened?”

“Not sure. They were inseparable until one day they just… weren’t.” Dustin replies, which was the truth. He remembers seeing Steve around a few times as he grew up, but then one day his sister stopped going out and didn’t even mention him anymore. Then before he knew it, he witnessed first hand the boy’s ‘asshole’ attitude (Makes him glad that she wasn’t around him anymore).

“Okay, then. What’s his name?”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

“Steve Harrington.” 

Steve stopped himself from getting into his BMW to look who was calling him out. To his shock he found two police officers in his presence, and immediately felt sick.

“Um, can I help you, officers?” He asked, paying no heed to the passing stares from other students.

“I’m officer Hopper, this is my partner Callahan. We just want to ask you a few questions.” Hopper explains, as the teenager nods.

“Am I in trouble?”

“No, son. As long as you comply.”

“Okay.”

“Alright then, do you know a girl by the name of Stephanie Henderson?”

His heart sank again like earlier. “Stephanie?” Steve asked, his throat feeling tight (Why was his throat closing up?).

“Yeah. We were told by her brother that you guys used to be friends. Is that true?”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

“Have you spoken to her recently? Seen her?” Hopper asked, getting a shake of his head.

“Seen her? Yeah, I mean I see her everyday, we’re in the same classes, but I didn’t see her today.” Steve shifts his weight around on his feet. “As for talking, I haven’t spoken to her in years.”

“So you haven’t had any real contact with her?”

“No, sir.” Steve watches the two adults exchange glances which pique his interest. “May I ask what’s going on with her? Is she in trouble?”

“Not necessarily trouble, I would say. Her mom came down by the station earlier and reported her missing, saying she didn’t see her in the morning and when they called the school she wasn’t there.”

“If I’m being honest, son, she’s a teenager, she probably just wanted some time alone.” Callahan replies, with a half shrug. “Besides, everyone knows her mother’s a bit… out there. She tends to overreact.”

“There’s nothing for you to worry about, Mr. Harrington. We appreciate your time.” Hopper replies, bidding him a farewell as he begins to leave (but this wasn’t sitting right with the boy’s stomach).

“She never misses her classes though.” Steve blurts out, getting their attention. “Even now, even if we aren’t friends, I notice she never misses school. It’s completely out of her character.”

It really is though. Steve waited until the officers processed his comment, before nodding.

“Noted.” Was all Hopper said and they left, leaving him high and dry, wondering what was truly going on. He was so stuck in his head he didn’t even notice Tommy and Carol making their way towards him.

“Oooh, looks like someone’s in trouble.” Tommy coos, with a grin.

“What did you do, Harrington? Slash Tammy Thompson’s tires finally?” Carol asked, making herself laugh.

But Steve didn’t find this funny, instead his attention was turned back to climbing in the passenger seat. “I gotta go home.”

“What?” Tommy said, caught off guard.

“I gotta go home.”

“What? But you said we were going to the movies?”

“Maybe tomorrow I–” He couldn’t even think straight. “I’m sorry. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He shuts his car door as his name is being called, and quickly pulls away.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Along the Mirkwood road, the three officers were paneling out, surveying the area. Everyone was shouting Will’s name, except Hopper who nerves were shooting through the roof; So much so, he had to stop and pop a pill. These kinds of situations, especially evolving children, were hard for him to deal with. It reminded him too much of his own–

Wait a minute. Were his eyes deceiving him? Does actually see this or was this another one of his episodes? 

But after triple checking, he finally calls the others forward. “Hey! I think I got something.”

He steps off the room, jogging a few feet into the woods. If it wasn’t for the daylight, he surely would have missed a huge clue that was being covered by a few shrubs and ankle deep piles of autumn leaves. Smashed into one of the sweet gum trees was a car, windshield cracked and lightly powdered in stray branches.

“I don’t remember hearing anything about crashes this morning.” Powell said, confused as he examined it. 

Hopper’s keen eyes also caught something lying in the backseat and pulled it out. He frowns, his nerves spiking again. “This is Will’s bike.”

“His bike?” Powell asked, suspicious now. “You don’t think this was uh… a kidnapping?”

“It’s possible. But it doesn’t explain why the kidnapper would crash and abandon the car. Then leave evidence of the child behind.”

“Now, what a second.” Callahan said, perking up. “This is a 1975 Tan Ford Granada, the same car that Ms. Henderson said her daughter drives.”

Hopper’s eyes widen as he sets the bike down. “She also said that her daughter had a Journey keychain.” He opens the driver door, and sure enough, still in the dead ignition, there was a little band keychain dangling off her car key. “Shit.” He locks eyes with his partners. “Which way is the mall?”

Powell pointed in the direction that he feared the most. It was in the same direction the Byers’ house was. Now it was starting to make sense. 

“What are you thinking, Chief?” 

Hopper frowns. “Well, if you look at the bike, the chain’s broken. My guess, Stephanie was driving by and saw him on the side of the road, and offered him a ride home.”

“Then how do you explain the car being off road?”

He sighs, dreading for the answer (both in a good and a bad way). “I’m not sure.”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Saying Joyce Byers was livid was probably not a strong enough word after being hung up on so many times. Why, out of the times she actually needed to talk to her ex-husband, he doesn’t answer the phone?! She could pull all her hair out from that man. No wonder they were divorced since he frustrates her so–

“Mom?” Jonathan said, standing up from the couch (He was currently making missing child signs for his brother).

“What?” 

“Cops.” Sure enough, they saw many cop cars pull up, including a tow truck with a car none of them recognize. 

“Is that his bike?” Joyce said, worriedly once she was outside. “And who’s car is that?”

“We found this in Stephanie Henderson’s car.” Hopper replies, sitting the bike down. 

“Stephanie’s car?” Jonathan said, surprised. Well, I guess he shouldn’t be that surprise, ‘cause although they’re not exactly friends as one thinks they might be, given the situation, he knows her enough that she’s the type of girl to give you the shirt off her back if you need it.

“Our best guess right now is that she saw him on the side of the road and offered to drive him back. It makes sense since her mother told us Stephanie called to let her know she’ll be running late from work. And given the time stamp Will’s friends provided us, them crossing paths match up.”

“But that still doesn’t explain everything!” Joyce says, trying to piece this together. “Where did you find her car?”

He sighs quietly. “Down off the road, into the forest.” He starts walking away, motioning for his men to follow him. “Split up, fellas.” He said, once they were inside.

“Did it have any blood on it? Or– or what was the condition of the car? Did it slide off the road?” Joyce asked as she followed him around. “And why are you here instead of looking?”

“Well, he had a key to the house, right?”

“Yeah.”

“So maybe he came home. Maybe they both came home.”

Joyce scoffs, stepping in front of him. “You think I didn’t check my own house?”

“I’m not saying that.” He says, eyes trailing away upon catching something else. “Has this always been here?” He walked over and pointed to an indent in the wall.

“What? I don’t know. Probably. I mean, I have two boys. Look at this place.”

He suddenly opens the door to the backyard, the doorknob trailing directly to the spot of the mini hole. “You’re not sure?” He’s about to question it some more when the dog suddenly starts barking. He heads outside, finding Chester angrily staring down the shed. “Hey, what’s up with this guy, huh?”

“Nothing, he’s probably just hungry.” Joyce said, after following him out. She sighs and drags the dog by the collar. “Come on.”

But as they left, Hopper’s gaze was focused on the shed. Why was the dog so wound up from that place? Treading carefully, he goes inside, flipping the lightswitch on that buzzed lightly above. His eyes scaled the room, immediately noticing something. His fingers wrapped around the box full of shotgun shells, realizing it was half empty.

Empty? He thought, setting it down and heading for where the weapon would be stored. But the two hooks screwed into the wall were bare, and to a shock, when his fingers brushed where it should be, the light suddenly shut itself off.

Out of instinct his hand latched around a flashlight nearby, turning it on. He turned the light towards the door, wondering if someone was just screwing with him but… no one. 

Okay… not creepy at all. He trailed it around, looking closely, nothing making him want to stand on his toes until he decided to turn around. That’s when he saw the back half of the shed was a mess, shelves torn off, boxes and objects thrown everywhere, some even being crushed under some kind of weight. Even the hair on the back of his neck stood up when he swears he could hear someone growling.

His heart was beating in his ears as he crouched down, looking around for anything. (Un)Luckily enough, there was no kid laying emotionless in the pile. He frowns, wondering what scared the boy so much that he went to grab a gun. And then–

Something shiny caught his eye.

He reached out and picked it up, a gold chain unraveled, showing off a heart shaped pendant with two initials carved into it. 

S.H.

“Shit.” Hopper whispered, horrified.

“Hey!”

He shot to his feet, turning around to face his brother in blue. “Jesus!”

“What are you, deaf? I’ve been calling you.” Callahan said, before noticing how ill his boss looked. “What’s going on?”

“Fuck…” Hopper mumbled and started racing back outside.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Chief?”

“Listen, I want you to call Flo. I want to get a search party together, all right? All the volunteers she can muster. Bring flashlights, too.”

“Chief?” Callahan stops him before he goes back into the house. “Hey, you think we got a problem here?”

“I don’t think, I know.” Hopper shows off the necklace. “We’re going to the Henderson’s house.”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Dustin watches with fear as the officers explain the situation on hand about his older sister. His mom of course was hysterical, giving the professionals a challenge to get answers out of her. 

“Oh, who could have hurt my baby? And poor Will too.” Claudia sobbed into her handkerchief. “She’s always so kind to others, of course she would have offered him a ride.”

“Ma’am, I know you’re upset, and we’re sending a search party out as soon as possible. But I just need you to confirm that this is your daughter’s, then we can make this one big old case.” Hoppy explains, trying not to be snappy with his words. “Now–” He shows off the necklace. “Is this your daughter’s?”

Dustin’s eyebrows shot up through the roof. “She still wears that?!” He said, shocking both himself and the officer.

“What?”

“Y-Yes.” Claudia said, nodding. “That’s hers.”

“Thank you.” Hopper says, placing it in her palm. He spins his heels around to Powell. “Let’s go. We got two missing people we’re looking for.” 

“Please find her.” She begged, getting his attention once more. “I can’t lose my only daughter.” But all she gets is a sad nod from him as he leaves, watching as all the cars pull off her driveway in a hurry. She sighs and then gasps when felt her son take the necklace away from her, studying it intensely. “Dusty, why were you so surprised she still wears it?”

“Don’t you remember who gave this to her?” He asked, slightly sour.

“Well, no.”

He sighs, and starts leaving the room. “It’s nothing.” 

And it should stay that way.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Meanwhile, later in the day, a heated discussion was going on at the Wheeler’s house over a nice homemade dinner.

“We should be out there right now. We should be helping look for him.” Mike said for the millionth time tonight, extremely close to igniting the fuse in his own mother.

“We’ve been over this, Mike.” Karen said, drawing her attention away from her toddler. “The chief says–”

“I don’t care what the chief said.”

“Michael!”

“We have to do something! Will can be in danger.”

“More reason to stay put.”

“Mom!”

“End of discussion.” She snapped, silencing her son. But when one bird stops chirping, another one decides to start a tune.

“So me and Barbara are gonna study at her house tonight. That’s cool, right?” Nancy says, not an ask, but that of course gets shot down too.

“No, not cool.”

“What? Why not?”

“Why do you think? Am I speaking Chinese in this house? Until we know Will is okay, no one leaves.”

“This is such bullshit.” Nancy replies, dropping her fork.

“Language.” Ted chimes in, still munching on his food.

“So we’re under house arrest? Just because Mike’s friend got lost on the way home from–”

“Wait, this is Will’s fault?” Mike spat, sending daggers at his sister.

“Nancy, take that back.” Karen warned, as Holly started to get teary eyed.

“No!” Nancy scoffed.

“You’re just pissed off ‘cause you wanna hang out with Steve.” Mike quips, sending the whole room into silence. He swallows when he realizes he messed up (and how his sister looked like she was going to kill him).

“Steve?” Her father asked, finally tuning back in.

“Who is Steve?” Her mother asked, as her son decided to just roll with it anyway.

“Her new boyfriend.”

“You are such a douchebag, Mike!” Nancy yells, throwing the chair back and marching out of the room.

“Language!” Ted says, as Karen sighs.

“Nancy, come back. Come back!” She shakes her head, and cups her youngest cheek. “It’s okay. It’s okay, Holly.” She holds up her sippy cup. “Here, have some juice, okay?”

“You see, Michael? You see what happens?”

“What happens when what?” Mike snaps again, still in disbelief. “I’m the only one acting normal here! I’m the only one that cares about Will!”

“That is really unfair, son. We care.” And now his words drove his son away from the dinner table.

“Mike!” Karen yells after him too.

“Let him go.” Ted encourages, as his wife picks up their child.

“I hope you’re enjoying your chicken, Ted.” She says, then leaves herself.

“What did I do?” He notices he is truly alone now. “What’d I do?”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Dustin was sitting on his bed, holding his sister’s necklace in his palm. It was a gold color chain with a dark red heart shaped guitar pick. It even had her initials scratched into it. Such a beautiful and expensive gift. However, he still wonders why she even still wears it. Especially since it was gifted by none of other then–

[ ‘Dustin, do you copy? It’s Lucas.’ ]

He perked up from the voice of his friend coming through on his walkie, and scrambled off the bed to his desk. “Lucas. What’s up?”

[ ‘Mike just called me. Says he wants to go out looking for Will.’ ]

“Looking for Will?” He gasps at how perfect this was. “We can look for Phanie too!”

[ ‘Steph? You mean she hasn’t come home yet?’ ]

“No! That’s what I’ve been saying!” Why don’t his friends listen to him sometimes? “So she’s out there, we have to go find her as well!”

[ ‘I mean, we can. But we’re biking over where Will was last–’ ]

“Oh, no. I got that! But…” Dustin frowns. “Wait. You didn’t hear?”

[ ‘Hear what?’ ]

“Oh, my god– Okay! Well, long story short, my sister wasn’t playing hooky like everyone thought.”

[ ‘What do you mean?’ ]

“According to the police, Phanie apparently gave Will a ride home before somewhere along the way, her car ended up in the woods. They found his bike in her car, and even found her necklace at his home. So, Lucas, my sister was with Will! It’s not just Will who’s missing! My sister is too! Together!”

He thought might have exploded his friend’s brain after the long silence he was given.

[ ‘Oh shit…’ ]

“Yeah!”

[ ‘We have to tell Mike this when we meet up. Don’t worry, man, we’ll find her too.’ ]

“And I have faith in us.” Dustin peeks outside his door. “My mom’s watching her shows right now to keep herself distracted. So we have a few hours.”

[ ‘Perfect. See you in ten.’ ]

“See you in ten.” He puts down the antenna, clenching the necklace in his palm. “Don’t worry, sis, we’re going to find you too.”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

[ ‘I’m sorry.’ ]

He heard her apologize for the millionth time while over the phone. He can imagine her cute little face full of irritation (was that reason to be in love with a person?). 

[ ‘My… dumb mother has me under house arrest until morning.’ ]

“Don’t sweat it, Nance.” He said, leaning against the wall while they talked. “You know… I could always be sneaky like a ninja and–”

[ ‘No, Steve. You know what my parents would do if they caught you?’ ]

He hums. “Um, congratulate me?”

[ ‘Steve.’ ]

Steve laughs. “Alright, alright. I’m joking. Uh–” He runs a hand through his locks. “We could… study over the phone?”

That was a good idea.

Right?

Her silence was making him worry. “Um, Nancy?”

[ ‘Sorry. I was thinking. It’s a tempting offer but… risky. I don’t want my parents eavesdropping.’ ]

“Do they tend to eavesdrop?”

[ ‘Steve!’ ]

“Alright, I’ll stop.”

[ ‘We’ll just see each other tomorrow.’ ]

“Of course we will.” He smiles. “As long as uh… the search for that Byers boy isn’t still going on. Heard they’re grabbing everyone in town.”

[ ‘Yeah. Well, it’s not just for him, l mean they’re looking for the Henderson girl too.’ ]

And there it is again.

The horrible, aching feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“S-Stephanie?” The air got trapped in his lungs (Why was it so hard to breathe?). “I thought Will just went missing?” It was just him, right? There’s no way she went missing too. And at the same time no less. “Right, Nancy?”

[ ‘No. From what it sounds like on the news I just overheard, she gave him a ride home, but her car was found abandoned with his bike in it. So… as of now, we have two people missing.’ ]

Stephanie’s really missing? Once again he’s asking himself that it shouldn’t hurt this much, right? It’s not like they’ve been acquitted in years, so–

[ ‘Steve? You there?’ ]

“Uh, um, N-Nancy I… I think I hear my parents. I… I-I got to go.” He said, slurring his words and could practically feel the strange look she was probably giving him right now.

[ ‘You okay?’ ]

“Y-Yeah. I’m… I’m good, I– I think it’s time for dinner.”

[ ‘Isn’t it kind of late for dinner now?’ ]

“Oh, you know, we Harringtons like to have it late. So, uh, pfff– I’ll see you at school tomorrow. Have fun studying.”

[ ‘Steve–’ ]

He hangs up the phone before she questions him anymore.

It just doesn’t make sense. They’re not friends any more so…

.

.

.

Why does it hurt so much?

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

The rain was coming down like a monsoon. Thunder was starting to rumble, lightning was lingering around waiting to strike. Speaking of waiting… The Byers were on their couch, rummaging through photos that touched their emotions.

“Jonathan, wow. You took these?” Joyce asked, amazed by them. “These are great.” She got her son to crack a smile. “Wow, they really are.” Then came the sniffles again. “I-I know I haven’t been there for you. I’ve been working so hard and… I-I just feel bad. I don’t even barely know what’s going on with you. All right? I am so sorry about that.” And then the sobs started coming from her child. “Hey, what is it? What is it, honey?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing.”

“Tell me. Tell me.” Joyce urges, rubbing his forearm. “Come on. You can–”

“No. It’s just…” Jonathan’s blank expression broke. “I s-should’ve been there for him.”

“No. Oh, no. You can’t do that to yourself.” She shakes her own head and gives him a gentle squeeze. “This was not your fault. Do you hear me? He is… close. I know it. I-I feel it in my heart.” She clenches the left side of her chest. “You just have to… You have to trust me on this, okay?”

He nods while leaning into his mother’s touch. “Yeah.”

“Oh, look at this.” She says, picking one where it was just Will and his cute smile. “Look at this one.” It makes them both quietly laugh. “I mean, that’s it, right?”

“Yeah. That’s it.” He smiles sadly. “W-We should… see if Ms. Henderson had any photos of Stephanie. Maybe we can make a poster together.”

Then her whole world gets thrown around when she hears breathing. “Will?” She chokes, eyes widening. “Will? It’s Will!”

“That’s a good idea.” And the phone rings and she shoots off the couch. She prays and prays it’s good news as she yanks the phone off the receiver. “Hello?” She answers, which happened to be nothing but static.

“Hello? Lonnie? Hopper? Who is this?”

Jonathan was by her side in a split second. “Mom, it’s Will?”

“Who is this?!” Joyce screamed when growling came on the other side. “What have you done to my boy? Give me back my son!” And whoever was truly on the other side, replied by shocking her with electricity. She shrieked and threw the phone away, her son picking it up right after.

“Hello? Hello, who is this?” Jonathan asked, the silence making him furiously hit the phone box. “Hello? Who is this?” He finally hangs up, turning towards his hysterical mother. “Mom, who was it? Who was it, Mom?”

“It was him.” She sobbed, as she was taken in his arms.

“Look at me, was it Will?”

“Yes!”

“What did he say?” Jonathan choked, as his mother reached for the phone, hoping they were still connected.

“He just breathed. He just breathed.”

“And was someone else there?”

“I–”

“Mom, who was there? Who was it?”

“It was him…” She wraps her arms around him, knees almost buckling at the emotional exhaustion. “I know it was his breathing. I know it was his breathing.”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Meanwhile, in the deep depths of the forest, drenched head to toe, the trio was shouting until their lungs hurt, hoping to find any one of their loved ones. 

“Will!” 

“Stephanie!”

“Byers! Henderson!”

“Anyone?!”

Lucas sighs. “Guys, I’m starting to feel like this is hopeless.” 

“Don’t be a big sissy.” Dustin says, getting ‘the look’.

“I’m just being realistic, man.”

“Well, stop being realistic! My sister and Will are missing, and they’re fine.” They have to be. He doesn’t know what he’ll do if they’re–

“Maybe…”

“Lucas!” Mike scolded, getting a shrug.

“What?” Lucas snapped. “I’m just saying. I mean, did any of you ever think Will and Steph went missing because they ran into something bad? And we happened to be going to the exact same spot where they were last seen? And we have no weapons or anything?”

“So?!” Dustin scoffed. “If it was any of us in their place, my sister and Will would be busting their asses trying to find us!”

“Really? How would you know that?”

“I just do!”

“Shut up!” Mike yells, facing them. Their jaws closed and he shushed them quietly. “Shut up and listen.” And then there was a faint sound of rustling. “Do you guys hear that?”

And then the rustling got louder and louder, the boys spinning on their heels and waving their flashlights around for any signs of life. Just as thunder roared and the spotlights moved to another side, that’s when they were practically blinding a person.

Although it was not Will or Stephanie.

It was another child, barefoot and in a shirt that was practically a dress.

Staring in amazed and confusion, the boys weren’t sure what to say except,

“What the hell?”

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

|| THE NIGHT BEFORE ||

The lights flickered back on with an audible gasp. 

She heaved the strange tasting air into her lungs, eyes adjusting to the bright world before it completely went dim, like an eclipse was happening just overhead. Before she could question where she was, she felt someone tug on her jacket and gasp themself.

Stephanie whipped her body around, catching the sight of the young boy who was now having a bit of coughing fit. “Will?” She says, taking the boy by his shoulders, relieved to see him.

“S-Steph?” He choked, taking a moment to look around with his big cocoa eyes. “What just happened?”

Well that was the million dollar question. What actually happened?

She takes a moment to finally look around herself, realizing they were in the… same spot? Yeah… the same spot. They were still inside the shed, still holding the shotgun, but the only difference was no… what can you even call that thing they encountered?

“We’re still in the shed. But it’s…” Will crinkled his button nose at the sight. “Gross.”

Steph swallows, blue orbs landing on the door. “Stay behind me.” She lets herself push open the shed door slowly, heart beating like crazy as she luckily met with no scary creature. She shivered at the sudden drop in temperature. “Jesus, It’s freezing.”

The outside world seemed to be encased in a blue hue, the places around seemed to be tangled with vines and covered in something sticky. There was also a white powder that looked like snow, raining down from the dark skies above. A sky that didn’t even have moonlight like it did a few minutes ago.

Holy shit… She thought, before feeling around her head, worriedly. She then locked eyes with him and asked, “Did you hit your head when we crashed?” He shakes his head, fueling her emotions. So they weren’t dreaming or having a concussion. So what even is this place? 

Where the hell are we? And in the distance…

A creature snarled…

.

.

.

While waiting for his orders from his master beyond.

(TBC)

A/N: 😬🤭🫣

-Taglist is Open-

@ladygrey03 @poppet05 @tooearlyforthis @lovesfics @lordzzz

@mirkwoodshewolf @sadbitchfangirl

[artiststarme]

What if Steve died instead of Chrissy?

Here's just a short thing that came to mind. I hope you guys like it and please leave your thoughts in the comments!

~*~*~*~

After the events of Starcourt, the whole Party fractured. They all dealt with the trauma of the Mindflayer and the Russians differently. With Hopper gone, El had no choice but to leave Hawkins with the Byers. Joyce had no interest in staying in the place that had taken so much from her and her boys. As soon as they were finished packing their things, she bustled them all to Lenora Hills in California, the furthest place from Hawkins she could think of. Without Jonathan there to ground her, Nancy threw herself into journalism and school work. After all, she needed to have control over something in her life.

Max pulled away from everyone, she didn’t have time for the childish games she once enjoyed. Not when she was taking care of her alcoholic mother and moving into a new trailer after Billy died and Neil left. And she had no interest in grieving her brother that no one liked, with the company of anyone in the Party. Dustin, Lucas, and Mike placed all of their attention into joining the DnD club at school. They didn’t want to experience any reminders of the Upside Down or the events of the summer so they focused on fantasy instead. Robin was coddled by her parents and grounded for weeks after Starcourt burnt down. They wouldn’t let her leave their sight for weeks out of fear of losing here. 

All of that meant Steve was alone. 

For months, Steve stayed in his room grieving the loss of the guy that had become his father figure. He mourned the loss of his fun times at Scoops Ahoy and the innocence he had before being tortured by Russians. He could never be the guy that he was before being tortured mercilessly and stumbling the line so close to death. Some of the Party reached out to him but trying to talk to him grew too challenging eventually and they gave up. Robin and Dustin, despite being his best friends, couldn’t deal with his problems on top of their own. 

Steve’s nights were filled with nightmares and his days were full of sadness. He was in a pitiful cycle that he couldn’t break. Usually, he would go to Hopper when things got really bad. Hop would manhandle him back to the cabin for movies, games, and Eggos with El, and he would keep him there until Steve could pull himself back. But, he didn’t have that option anymore. 

What did Steve have? He didn’t have parents that cared, friends that noticed his months-long absence, or a father figure that wasn’t dead. All he had was himself, his depression, and a cold, empty house.  

It was only a matter of time before he started looking for new ways to cope. He drank all of his father’s alcohol, he drove to bars in Indy to pick up partners, he even sat on the edge of the quarry in an effort to feel something, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, he saw Eddie Munson walking home from school one day and something sparked in his mind. 

Eddie dealt drugs! Drugs would definitely get him out of his head, right?

Steve was desperate at that point. His nightmares kept getting more vivid and the terrors seemed to follow him into the daytime. His head ached all of the time and his nose was bleeding from the pressure inside his head. He needed something to deal with it all. 

So he met Eddie at his usual spot behind the school one day and tried to make a deal. Unfortunately, Eddie only carried weed with him but Steve made arrangements to go to his trailer after the championship game to get something harder. He was so excited to finally get rid of the headaches and the grief that plagued him that he didn’t mind going to the trailer to get it.  

But when Eddie tried to sell him the ketamine that night, he had to watch the golden boy Steve Harrington levitate in his trailer. He had to watch as the bones of his high school crush cracked and splintered. He had to see Steve’s eyes get sucked through his skull by an unseen force. 

And later he had to watch the world move on from the inside of a jail cell when he was charged for the murder he never in a million years would have committed.

Eddie shot up from his bed in a daze. He was still on his stained mattress at the trailer, surrounded by his clutter. It was just a dream. He was sure that Steve Harrington was still safe and sound up in his castle and whatever the fuck nightmare his brain had conjured up was just that... a nightmare. Stuff like that didn't happen in real life, he was fine. And Steve probably was too. It was fine.

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[munsonfamilyband]

Here is part 4! TW for mentions of parental abuse, implied sexual content (very vaguely, condoms are mentioned and Steve laughs at the handcuffs)

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

"Vecna? Like the campaign you were writing?" Steve frowned, looking at Eddie for clarification, only to get it from Dustin instead.

"Yes, like the campai- wait a second, you said campaign! And you said Vecna right! You've been pretending to not understand DnD this whole time! Steve, how could you?!" Dustin had a look of complete betrayal on his face, which somehow intensified when Eddie started laughing. Though he wouldn't say it, Steve was grateful that Dustin was here, if only because he was able to make Eddie laugh despite the situation they were in.

"Henderson, he's known me since July, of course he understands DnD by now. Who do you think came up with the tavern scene this campaign?"

"I could have been asking you about DnD for months, Steven-"

"Not my name, Henderson-"

"And you have been acting like you didn't even know the name of the game. I don't know if I can ever forgive you for this." Steve just shrugged, squeezing Eddie's hand before starting to stand so he would stand as well. Robin tried to stand up too fast when she noticed Steve moving next to her and nearly fell over, stabilizing herself against Steve.

"Well, now that we have a name for whatever is causing this, I think we need to get everyone together - or at least as many people together as we can. Dustin, do you have your walkie on you?"

"What sort of question is that? It's like you don't know me at all. Of course I have my walkie." Steve rolled his eyes, motioning for Dustin to get his walkie out of his bag.

"First, can you call Nance? See if she's home, let her know it's a code red and we need a place to plan. If you don't hear back from her, call Lucas and get his location, see if he needs to be picked up." Dustin nodded before stepping outside to contact the rest of the group in Hawkins. "Once we get an idea of where Lucas is and if we can go to the Wheeler's I'm going to drop you guys off there-" Robin quickly interjected.

"What about you? We shouldn't be separating." Steve gave her a meaningful look, tilting his head toward Eddie.

"I'll be coming back here, no way am I letting Eddie stay here alone when he's possibly wanted for murder." Steve turned to Eddie before speaking again. "I'll stop and get us some food. I'm gonna try to get in contact with the guys to let them know what's going on since you definitely missed practice this morning, and see if I can sneak into the park and see Wayne, maybe get us some clothes." Eddie squeezed his hand, giving him a grateful smile. Steve could see in Eddie’s eyes that he was barely keeping it together, focusing on all the information he had been given to avoid panicking.

Dustin walked back in at that moment, finishing his conversation with Nancy.

"Alright, thank you, Nancy. Steve will be driving us, so look out for his car. Lucas said he'll be over in a couple minutes after he showers. Over and out." Dustin looked up at everyone, "Nancy just got home, apparently there was another murder, some guy from the newspaper. Good news about that, Eddie's trailer isn't the only crime scene now so it may be less guarded by cops."

"Okay, that’s sort of good. At least that will make sneaking into the park easier. Alright everyone, grab your stuff, let's go." Steve waited for everyone to leave, Robin shooting him a wink on her way out, before he turned to Eddie and grabbed his other hand. "I'm gonna run those errands, I'll be back in a couple hours at most, okay?" Eddie just tugged him closer so they were holding onto each other.

"I know you'll be back, sweetheart. I'll stay hidden and then we can have a night to ourselves and you can tell me more about your adventures." Steve held onto him for a moment longer, giving one last squeeze before reluctantly pulling away so they could look each other in the eye. Steve's hands moved up to cup Eddie's face in his hands, Eddie's hands still wrapped around his waist.

"I love you." Eddie grinned, and Steve braced himself for what he knew was coming.

"I know." Steve groaned, fully pulling away from him.

"I changed my mind, actually, I hate you, you're awful." Eddie just smiled and grabbed Steve for a quick kiss before letting him go again.

"I love you too, now go, I'll see you soon." Steve smiled, walking backwards to the door, refusing to stop looking at Eddie until he absolutely had to. Grinning, he blew his boyfriend a playful kiss and Eddie, in his usual fashion, acted as if it had been an arrow to the heart, falling to his knees with his hands to the his chest. Laughing, Steve stepped out of the boat house and hurried to his car, still grinning as he climbed into the driver's seat.

"What took so long?" Unsurprisingly, Dustin was bitching and Robin turned in her seat to look at him.

"Dustin, my genius child friend, you do not want the answer to that. I have had to watch them for months, be lucky you haven't."

"Rob, I was just saying goodbye. Sorry if I was reluctant to leave him again after thinking he may have been abducted by a murderer this morning." She just rolled her eyes at Steve as she faced forward again.

"Whatever, let's get going so you can get back here." Steve started the car without complaint and started the drive over to the Wheeler's house.

When he pulled into their driveway, Steve didn't bother getting out of the car with everyone but he did grab Robin's wrist as she opened her door.

"Robbie, I need you to stay safe, and to keep the kids safe, okay?" She gave him a sad little smile, placing her hand over his.

"Dingus, I promise I will keep your children safe-" She kept talking over Steve's complaint that they aren't his kids, "and I'm with Nancy Wheeler, I'll be fine. Now go so you can get back to Eddie. You've been tapping the steering wheel obnoxiously this whole time, so I can tell you're anxious."

"Alright fine, I'll call on my walkie when I get back to Eddie later." She grinned and climbed out of his car. Steve waited for her to be inside before pulling away from the house and driving away, first stop: Gareth's house.

When Steve pulled into the driveway of Gareth's house he could see the guys practicing in the garage, but they stopped when they saw his car. Normally when Steve came to practice he came with Eddie in the van, but they all knew Steve was supposed to be at work today so seeing his beamer was a surprise. When Steve climbed out Gareth was already making his way over, eyebrows creased in confusion.

"Steve? What are you doing here? Eddie said you had work today, and then he never showed." Steve didn't bother answering any questions yet, jumping instead to the important part.

"Have you guys seen the news?" This made Gareth frown more.

"No, why, what happened?"

"Chrissy Cunningham was found dead in Eddie's trailer this morning." Steve watched the blood drain from Gareth's face, he could also hear someone drop something heavy in the garage.

"Eddie wouldn't-"

"No, I know that, we all know that here, but the news had said he was missing this morning. Dustin showed up at Family Video and we went to find him. He's safe, I'm actually doing a supply run right now and then heading back to him." Gareth sighed in relief, leaning against the hood of Steve's car.

"You're sure he's safe?" Steve couldn't tell them the full truth, but he didn't want to lie to them so he went with a half truth.

"As he can be, all things considering. I'm going to try to see Wayne later too so he can know Eddie's safe."

"Good, good. You stay safe too, okay? I like your cookies too much for you to die." Steve had become decently good friends with the guys, especially Gareth, but he knew that none of them were big on emotional moments (Gareth reminded him a lot of Max in that way). Gareth's comment about his cookies, ridiculous as it was, was clearly meant to mean more and Steve just grinned.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Gare. I have a new recipe I've been meaning to try out so I can't kick it until I've made them. If anyone comes looking for Eddie, tell them you don't know anything and he missed practice, okay? Because it was Chrissy, some of the basketball guys may come sniffing around." Gareth nodded and walked closer to Steve to give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before turning and heading back into the garage. Steve waved at Jeff and Alan who waved back, before getting back into his car and driving off.

After going to the grocery store and buying enough food to last at least a few days Steve headed to his own house. Parking in his driveway he climbed out with all the food and went inside. Steve left the food in the living room and hurried upstairs to his bedroom, grabbing a duffle bag for the food and a backpack for some clothes. He briefly considered grabbing his bat from under his bed but decided against it. Since he was planning to bike to the trailer park and then back to Rick's Steve figured that the bat would look too suspicious. As it was, he was only biking because he knew his car would look too weird sitting at Rick's, so despite the distance he was going to take his bike. Once everything was packed, including the copy of Lord of the Rings that Eddie had been reading to him, Steve went to his garage and grabbed his bike. Thankfully, from years of having to use it to get groceries, there was a big basket over the back wheel that Steve was able to strap the duffle bag into. With his backpack on and everything else secured, Steve locked the house and his car and headed into the woods to go to the trailer park.

He and Eddie had done this trek multiple times, alone and together, so he didn't get lost on the way there. As he broke the tree line, Steve put his bike down, leaning against a tree, and left his backpack with it before starting to sneak around the park to the back of the Munson trailer. Once he got close enough Steve spotted Wayne sitting on a picnic table nearby; seeing no cops, Steve called out to him and started walking closer. Wayne's head popped up when he heard his name and, recognizing Steve, he jumped up with more agility than he should have, hurrying over to pull Steve into a hug.

Wayne had taken to Steve very quickly after he and Eddie started hanging out. About a week after they first met, Steve's parents had come home and it didn't go well for Steve. His parents had been unhappy that he had lost his job, never mind the fact that the mall had burned down, and that the house was a mess, also ignoring his physical appearance.

He had shown up, unannounced at the Munson trailer with a newly bruised black eye and a split lip on top of the still healing Russian injuries. Eddie had opened the door and pulled Steve inside without even asking what happened and started helping clean him up. That was what greeted Wayne when he came home a half hour later with take out: Steve sitting on the couch with Eddie opposite him sitting on the coffee table, carefully cleaning Steve's split lip with a cotton ball while Steve held a bag of frozen peas to his eye. Steve had panicked, and Wayne, because he knew the look in Steve's eyes from Eddie, asked if he needed to spend the night. According to Eddie, Wayne had asked him about their relationship once Steve was asleep, telling him to tie Steve down or he was going to adopt him, because he wanted to make Steve a Munson one way or the other. Wayne had, of course, denied this but it still made Steve feel loved either way.

Steve leaned into the hug, clinging to the back of Wayne's flannel button down and just breathing in the comforting smell of cigarettes and oil that always clung to Wayne. To Steve, Wayne and Eddie and their trailer smelled like home, and standing there, being held by the only currently living man that he saw like a father, Steve felt tears well up in his eyes. Fighting to not cry, Steve spoke softly, his voice strained with emotion.

"He didn't do it, Wayne, I know he didn't do it." Wayne held Steve tighter when he spoke, rubbing his back like he does for Eddie.

"I know, kid, I never thought he did. Have you been to see him? Is he safe?" Steve managed to pull himself together enough to back up a bit, Wayne keeping a grounding hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, he's safe. I stopped to see the guys too so they know he's okay. I went and bought some food for us, I'm gonna stay with him for a bit. I wanted to grab him some clothes if I could, and let you know he was okay." Wayne nodded, never one for words, but the relief is clear in his face.

"Pigs are all focused on that other kid's murder sight now so I can sneak you in. I got a bag in my truck with some more... incriminating items in it for you to take too." Steve knew exactly what would be in that bag - any of Eddie's ‘work’ related items, all of the clothes Steve leaves at the trailer, and the tapes Eddie deemed the "Steve pile". Following Wayne to his truck he took the bag gratefully and then followed him over to the trailer. They both snuck in the second door, since the main door was covered in police tape, and the second door was right next to Eddie's room.

Stepping in to Eddie's room, Steve could tell Wayne had torn in apart to find any drugs. Eddie's room is normally a mess, but it was messier than usual and things had clearly been moved from their usual spot. Steve did manage to huff a laugh at the still hanging handcuffs by the door and the box of condoms on the bedside table. Quickly, Steve went over to the closet and grabbed a few pairs of jeans, some shirts and then he pulled some underwear and socks from the dresser. He took one last sweeping glance around the room before nodding.

"I think that should be good. Thank you, Wayne. For letting me in here, and for hiding anything that would look bad for Eddie." Wayne pulled Steve into another hug.

"As much as I didn't want to see some of the things I saw while doing it, there was no way I wasn't going to protect my boys. Now you get going, and let our boy know that I never doubted him. You and I both know he's going to be worried I think he's like his old man." Steve nodded in understanding, smiling at Wayne as they left the trailer.

"I'll let him know, I promise." Steve started walking away but was stopped after a few feet by Wayne calling his name, and he turned to look back at him.

"You keep each other safe, got it?"

"Will do, Wayne." Steve gave him a short wave and headed back to his bike. He needed to get back to Eddie.

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

Taglist @messrs-weasley @y0urnewstepp4r3nt @eddie-munsons-lunchbox @live-the-fangirl-life @nburkhardtt @inmoonywetrust @henderdads @vlada-elya @grtwdsmwhr @spectrum-sceptre @madamonsieur-silvrene @abookisproofofmagic @ashe-charcoal @knitsforthetrail @imzadidragonfly @blackholegladiator @maya-custodios-dionach @phantypurple @booksandsience @formacoon @gregre369 @beeing-stuupid

[veryace-ficrecs]

Steve Harrington Is a Good Babysitter

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)   

Blood will follow blood by Rocketbride - Rated T

Steve smiled. “Here’s the bad news: you’re gonna need stitches, Mayfield. A bandage isn’t going to keep enough blood inside of you. And you might get an infection if you leave it gaping open like that.”

“No. No!” Max thrashed and El hugged her.

“What’s the problem, Mad Max?” Eddie said from behind Lucas. “Hate the hospital? It ain’t so bad. I had some delicious jello when I was recovering from the bat attack.” He sauntered into her line of sight and flapped his arms dramatically.

“No, it’s…we can’t afford it, alright?” Max tried to sit up and El scooched in to support her. “I had to get stitches two months ago and they cost $200. My mom didn’t eat lunch for a week after that.” Her eyes rolled up at Steve. “Please, Steve, can’t you just, like, tape it up? I can go easy on it. Lucas can help me get around.” Everyone looked at Lucas, who nodded nervously.

“Steve, just put some more gauze on it, I’ll be fine,” Max gritted out as she tried to get to her feet.

“Woah, woah, stay down,” Steve held his arms to block her. He chewed his lips harder. “I guess I could. Yeah. It could work.”

The dangers of babysitting by Siegrrun - Rated T

The wound in his side screamed against the too deep breath and it took everything he had in him not to make a sound. There was no need to alarm the kids.

Or

Steve hides his injury from the kids. It goes about as well as you'd think

 i wave goodbye to the end of beginning (goodbye) by steveharringtoned - Not Rated

Eddie Munson has been going steady with Steve Harrington for a little while now. He’s learned to expect the occasional disturbance.

In which he observes:

5 times Steve helps the kids, +1 time they help him.

 you're beautiful (every little piece, love) by strawberryspence - Rated T

Steve Harrington would do anything for the kids. Anything.

Apparently that includes shaving his hair.

The Curse of Hawkins Becomes Known by AshWinterGray - Rated T

Lucas won the game, Steve pulls off a miracle, the guys are sorry, and... Chrissy Cunningham is apparently possessed. This is not how anyone thought the night would go. Least of all the government. 

You can put it all on me, you can laugh and you can bleed by steveharringtoned - Rated G

Phil Callahan has made a large variety of strange arrests in his time working as a cop for Hawkins, Indiana. Daylight skinny-dippers; a small group of old ladies who’d attempted to rob the corner shop with their umbrellas, a guy who’d stolen a total of eighteen gnomes from his suburban neighborhood.

But pulling over Max Mayfield driving her brother’s Camaro at the ripe age of thirteen was pretty insane. Sure, kids will be kids and kids will be crazy. Until Steve Harrington crawled out of the backseat, clutched his knees and horror-movie hurled blood all over his boots and shit got crazier.

That took it from a minor concern to oh, fuck. Callahan has to take this kid to a hospital.

Kiss, Marry, Kill by QueermoDelToro - Rated G

The kids play Kiss, Marry, Kill. Dustin instigates. Mike overreacts. Hilarity ensues. 

Pride of the Party by scifigeek14 - Rated T

The party owes Steve a lot, and he owes them just as much.

A five plus one fic - about friendship, growing up, and gratitude.

it feels so scary, getting old by generic_cruiser - Rated T

Five times Robin sees Steve being a mom to the party, and one time she fills in for him 

five times steve hated being the babysitter and the one time he was grateful by simplyylupin - Rated T

Selfishly, a part of him wished he’d ignored Dustin earlier that day and just gone home, oblivious to the situation around him. Alas, he was there, and there was no way in hell he was letting these prepubescent dipshits blindly follow a bunch of flesh eating monsters.

or

Five times Steve Harrington (thought he) hated being the babysitter and the one time he was grateful. 

Sleep tight, don't let the Demodogs bite by PursueCrazyLife - Rated G

After the tunnels a fairly stressed-out and concussed Steve has to ensure the safety of the kids.

And there is still the matter of the demodog in the fridge.

(aka. the obligatory season 2 aftermath fanfic. After experiencing season 2 nostalgia I couldn't help myself adding yet another one to the pile)

The Favor by AshWinterGray - Rated T

Hopper showing up at his door is alarming for several reasons. For most, it would be because he was the Chief of Police. But for Steve, it meant there was a potential threat. And now was not the time for him to be cooking dinner. 

Common Cents by Ghoststar - Rated T

Making a will at eighteen seems incredibly morbid. The lawyer stares at him long and hard the entire time. She acts like he's contagious, like she might catch her death from him or maybe he'll ruin her rug by dropping dead in her office. Steve figures she has nothing to worry about. If anything's going to kill him, it's probably going to be a monster from the Upside Down.

-

In which Steve hunts monsters, becomes a deputy, makes a will, and finds a family. Among other things.

designated driver by genesisofrhythm - Rated T

 Steve screamed as Robin slammed on the brakes.

 “That is not how you stop!” he said, as his whole body jerked forward. His head would’ve hit the dashboard if he wasn’t holding the handle at the top of the car with a death grip.

 Robin turned to look at him. She had the audacity to be offended. “There was a stop sign.”

 “Eyes on the road,” Steve snapped.

Or: 5 times Steve taught someone how to drive + 1 time he was in the driver’s seat.

Outside Looking In (Request) by miss_little_kitten - Rated G

Eddie seeing the kids and Robin interacting with Steve, including a day he's waiting for their arrival and they never came.

Steve and Robin would 100% look everywhere for those kids if they couldn't find them.

The Times Steve Didn't Know How To Say I Love You and the Time He Did by miss_little_kitten - Rated G

Times Steve didn't know to say I love you too back to the kids, either in their own love language or the words in general and then the time he said he loved them to Hell and back, which was obvious.

[crappymixtape]

something infinite • part six

SOMETHING INFINITE • PART SIX A N D I T ‘ S S U C H A S H A M E

part six of something infinite – ferris wheel at 8 and another chance to see where this thing with steve is taking you, but when his friends find out will he be able to handle it? | ( 4k, fluff, lots of angst, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader – find the rest of the series and more here and find the series playlist on spotify here )

J U L Y 1 9 8 7 🎶 cold and holy, mono moon

You could see lights and hear the music from the Hawkins Fourth of July Celebration all the way from your aunt’s house. The field was close enough you could walk and everyone had decided to meet up there before leaving together.

“Jonathan don’t forget, Will needs to be back after the fireworks!”

“I know mom, I got it. After the fireworks.”

“And if you go back out just be safe, make good decisions?”

“Yeah, of course mom. Good decisions.”

“Hop’s on his way down there, so if you need anything–”

“Mom, we’ll be okay.”

Listening to Joyce give Jonathan the usual going-out lecture, your leg jiggled nervously as you sat on the porch swing waiting for her to just let you all go already.

Steve hadn’t come to eat dinner before and you couldn’t blame him. You didn’t think Hop would kill him, but if you were Steve you probably wouldn’t have tested that theory, so you’d spent the entirety of the evening asking Robin the time. Yanking Dustin’s arm to look at his calculator watch. Getting teased by literally everyone there.

“Are you afraid of heights?”

“What if it stops while you’re at the top??”

“Is he a good kisser?”

“Did he–wait–what, Max?”

“What? It’s a legit question.”

“Dude, are you kidding? I’m not gonna tell any of you anything,” you shot back to a chorus of groans and swear words. Eddie shot you a grin as Lucas asked Max again why she needed to know if Steve was a good kisser and then Robin’s hand suddenly slapped the top of your thigh.

“Chill. You’re gonna, like, take off into space.”

“I am not, I’m fine.”

“Yeah, okay. You’ve only been checking the time literally every minute. We’re gonna get there on time. Promise. You won’t miss out on round two with old Stevie boy.”

You fixed Robin with a look and let out a small sigh of relief as finally Jonathan came out to the porch, “Okay, let’s get outta here–wait! Will! Mike! You gotta stay close!” He didn’t hardly get a word out before the younger kids all took off and he and Nancy chased after them, leaving you, Eddie and Robin to bring up the rear.

“I’m not gonna lie, I’ve never seen Steve like this before,” Robin said giving you a grin, but it softened the longer she looked at you, “It’s nice.”

“It is nice, isn’t it,” Eddie repeated like he’d just had an epiphany. “God, he’s like himself around you. Sweet Stevie. The one we all love,” Eddie said giving your arm a squeeze, his fingers shining all silver in the moonlight.

“Oh great, no pressure,” you joked, trying to make light of the situation, but they both gave you a look and you felt your cheeks flush. “Alright, it’s not like we’re sending out wedding invitations,” you mumbled, but you couldn’t help the little flicker in your chest that was growing by the day. The one you held for this boy. This brown-eyed, messy-haired, obnoxious, beautiful boy.

“Okay, but like, when you do send them, we’re both invited right?” Robin asked, face all serious and you shoved her.

“Shut up.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too, dingus.”

“And love me too?”

“Yes. Love you too, Eddie.”

“Good.”

The fair was bright and loud and full of screaming children and sugar highs and summer and you felt your nerves creeping back in as the ferris wheel came into view.

“What time is it?” you asked Dustin again, grabbing his wrist, but this time he yanked it back.

“Time for you to get a watch. God. You have like five minutes, get the hell out of here,” and he gave you a gentle shove away from the rest of the group.

Max and Lucas made kissy faces at you. Mike and Dustin had gotten wrapped up talking game strategy, but Will and El each gave you a thumbs up. Eddie and Robin, well, they were less than appropriate as Jonathan and Nancy struggled to pull them away from each other and you couldn’t help laughing as you walked away. Walked toward the ferris wheel. The damn ferris wheel.

You have like five minutes.

How long did it take to get over there? Was he waiting for you? Was your outfit okay?

Your feet did all the work for you as your brain ran through every horrible scenario that could possibly happen and when you finally looked up from the ground you realized you’d reached it. Your meeting point.

The ride towered over you and you felt your stomach sink as the music playing on the old, shitty speakers tried to project happiness and joy, but all you felt was dread. It was so high up. Taking in a breath you attempted to reassure yourself, but a voice behind you made you jump, your moment of peace shattered.

“Hi,” Steve was grinning at you, holding cotton candy in one hand and a giant soda in the other, just like he’d promised.

“Hi,” you shook your head and gave him a tiny scowl, “Scared the shit out of me.”

“Oh, sorry. Did you need to hit the bathroom first, or…?”

“Shut up.”

Steve grinned, “Kidding. Here. Blue, just like you asked and 7-Up.” He held both things out to you, giving you the option, and you felt your own grin tugging at the corners of your lips.

“Big spender, huh?” you took the cotton candy and wrapped a tiny blue cloud around your finger.

“Had to. It’s your first fair. If we fuck this up we can’t go back,” he said seriously, taking a drink of soda, tentatively resting his hand on your lower back. When you didn’t shy away you caught his grin soften into a smile as he looked up at the ferris wheel and you felt the flame in your chest flicker again. God, you really liked this boy.

“Off to a decent start,” you teased, leaning into him and taking another tiny pinch of cotton candy, but this time you stayed close as he pulled you into line.

“Okay, so it’s the easiest thing ever. You just jump into your little carriage thingy and they close the gate and then it turns around super slow for, I dunno, five minutes? Thrilling,” he explained, wiggling his brows at you and pointing with the giant cup of soda in his hand.

“Sounds like it,” you laughed, but the longer you looked at the ride the more the knot in your stomach twisted. Clearing your throat you tried to sound casual, but your apprehension was obvious, “We won’t like…get stuck up there. Right?”

Steve looked down at you, all joking aside, and gave you one of his warm smiles, “No. And even if we do, you got me up there with you so. It’ll be fine.”

“Great. Perfect.”

“Hey,” he tapped a finger on your nose. “We’re not gonna get stuck, Princess. I promise,” and as he pulled you in closer at your waist you believed him.

The metal clanking of the ferris wheel turning to life shook the pod you sat in, thigh to thigh next to Steve, and as it started to lift you up into the air you felt your heart going with it. The stars were like countless glittering pin pricks in the inky black sky and you let the feeling wrap around you all hazy and bright.

Your pod swung jerky for a minute as the giant wheel moved along and your hand flew out to grab hold of Steve’s arm.

“S’okay,” he gave you a little grin, hand finding yours to tangle your fingers together. If your stomach hadn’t already flipped over from the loss of gravity it did then at his touch.

“I’m fine,” you tried to sound brave, but it was a miserable attempt.

“Oh. Okay. Well, if you need anything I’m literally right next to you, so…” his grin softened and you could feel him looking at you. You decided to look back, but only as a distraction from how high you were climbing into the air.

“Lucky me.”

“Yup. So, how is it? Everything you dreamed of and more?”

“And more,” you attempted a joke, but held your breath as the pod stuttered and Steve squeezed your hand again. “Cotton candy is top notch, soda isn’t too bad, and this ride hasn’t killed me yet. I do have one complaint…” you let out a tiny exhale and tried to give him a grin.

“A complaint?” nerves flickered on his face for a second.

“Yeah. I didn’t get a bear yet. And I feel like that’s a pretty integral part of the fair experience.” Steve bit back a laugh and then took on a very serious expression.

“So sorry to hear that,” he started, trying very hard to maintain his concern, “We’ll fix that right away. Just so happens your date holds the record for most free throws in a row, so, should be able to get you a bear in no time.”

“Most free throws in a row?” you broke first, a skeptical smile cracking your face and he huffed a laugh.

“What? I do. Why’s that funny?”

“You’re a dork,” you say back, but it doesn’t hold any bite and when you glance away you realize how far away the world has fallen, all the little people below milling around like tiny ants, your soda and Steve’s flannel waiting for you all the way at the bottom. You swallow thickly and screw your eyes shut, taking in a steadying breath. Steve squeezes your hand again.

“Hey. We’re okay. Here, look at me,” his fingers gently tucked under your chin to lift it and when you finally opened your eyes he was smiling at you so sweet and soft and you felt the anxiety that had been clutching at your chest melt away. “See?” his eyes were warm, flecks of gold swimming in honey, and you felt like you were going to float away.

God, he was so pretty it hurt.

You knew what you wanted to say, the words were loaded and ready to fall out, but you couldn’t find the bravery. The look in his eyes was making your brain feel all mushy, but when his hand dropped away you ached for his touch and it was all the motivation you needed.

“Kiss me.”

Biting in a grin his hand moved back to your chin, holding it gently between his thumb and forefinger, tilting it just so. “Second time is usually better,” he quoted you, voice low and warm and the air crackled between you, electric, like sparks from a fire.

“Usually,” your voice was a whisper as his eyes closed, long lashes sweeping against his cheeks, and you felt yours fluttering shut too as he pulled you in to catch your lips with his.

The first time had been curious. Tentative. New. But this was braver. Bold. Wanting. Faintly familiar. He tasted like cotton candy and soda, like spearmint gum and summer and you wanted more. Twisting in your seat to face him, he took the cue and wrapped his arms tight around your waist, tugging you impossibly closer. A tiny gasp escaped you as he pulled you in, taking you both by surprise, but Steve recovered and grinned into the kiss, letting your bottom lip go with a small pop.

“Get a room!” someone in the pod above you laughed and you felt your cheeks flush, but you were grinning just as stupid as Steve was.

“Better?” he asked, smug and already knowing your answer.

“Hmm. Yes, but you’ve set the bar pretty high for yourself, genius,” you teased.

“S’fine, I like a challenge,” he lifted a hand to tuck a couple of flyaways behind your ear, still pressed into you as the ferris wheel slowed, creaking and protesting against the ceasing of movement. You wished you could stay close like that forever, but a voice shook you back to reality.

“Alright, everybody off!” the grizzled ride operator appeared at your gate. Rolling his eyes at the state of you both he undid the lock, hurrying you out for the next group of impatient couples who wanted what you’d just had.

“Jeez, maybe you should give him a kiss,” you muttered as the operator walked away and Steve poked at your ribs.

“He wishes.”

As you left the platform, Steve scooped your giant soda off the railing and handed it over, “Here, hold this for a minute, I’m gonna grab my flannel.”

You took a sip and turned to get out of the way of the growing line of people when something, someone, ran smack into you. With a Pop! the giant cup of 7-Up in your hand busted open, spilling all down the front of your shirt.

“Shit,” you sucked in a gasp, the cold soda soaking through to your bare skin, shirt ruined, but before you could say anything else you heard laughing. Not I’m-Having-Fun laughing. More like What-A-Fucking-Mess laughing and you glanced up to see a brown haired boy looking down at you.

He was tall, cheeks smattered with dense freckles, lips twisted up into a smirk as he laughed and you felt the knot in your stomach tighten.

“God, freak, watch where you’re going,” he snarked.

“Didn’t know there’d be a wet t-shirt contest,” another boy behind him snickered, blonde hair set across his brow just-so, and he elbowed his friend with a wicked grin.

“Gross,” a red headed girl next to them quirked a judgmental brow at you, nose crinkled up in disgust.

Cheeks burning you wished the ground would open up and swallow you whole. You didn’t know who these assholes were, but somehow they’d devoured every bit of your confidence in that moment just by looking at you.

Soaked and feeling the soda drying in a sticky mess on your bare skin you glanced over your shoulder for Steve, but you didn’t have to look far as he walked up on the four of you.

“Hey, sorry that guy tried to give me someone else’s–” but when he looked up from the ground the color drained from his face. “Tommy?” fell out of his mouth.

Tommy. Your stomach dropped.

“Harrington? What the fuck are you doing here with a Byers?”

Steve’s eyes flicked from Tommy to you and back again, his fingers fumbling with the flannel he held in his hands. It was like he was stuck, short circuiting, debating.

“Harrington?” the blonde boy repeated and it seemed to shake him.

“Oh, hah, yeah that asshole at the ferris wheel asked me to give this back,” he hastily shoved the wadded up fabric into your sticky soda hands making you fumble the empty paper cup to the ground.

“Always taking on the charity cases, Steve. C’mon. We’re supposed to go to Kyle’s. His brother got a keg,” the girl gave you another disapproving look and rolled her eyes.

You were frozen in place as you listened to the exchange. As if you hadn’t just kissed like you were the only two people left on earth. Like he hadn't just promised he'd be there for you. Like you hadn't shared everything over the last month. Like you hadn't shared you.

The shift in Steve’s body language made your insides hurt, made you want to throw up, made you want to go home and scrub him off of you. He’d turned away, shoved his hands into his pockets instead of reaching for yours, and you could see his tongue darting out to lick at his lips nervously.

“Give this back?” you repeated, tone edged with venom, “Charity case?” Steve finally looked down at you as spat your words out and the cool facade he’d tried so hard to put on cracked a bit, driving you further. “I’m sorry, we’re on a date,” you clarified for everyone and silence lingered for a moment before everyone but you and Steve burst into laughter.

“A date? With Harrington? No fucking way.”

Silence.

“Wait, seriously?”

“I–what I mean is–we didn’t–” Steve fumbled over his words and something in you snapped.

“We didn’t what? What was that then?” you threw a hand back over your shoulder at the ferris wheel, “What was that?”

“Oh shit, someone’s pissed,” Tommy laughed, high-pitched as he watched your face turn sour and Steve stayed silent. You practically shoved him over with the force you used to drive the flannel back into his stomach and started to walk away, throat tightening as you fought back tears.

Steve seized up again as he listened to Tommy squealing, listened to Kyle wolf whistle after you, listened to Carol drawl on in her nasally, annoying tone.

“Bye, freak!”

“God, what a mess.”

“Fucking weirdo.”

Something in him swelled, was building to a peak as they yelled after you and laughed and snickered and god he couldn’t take it anymore.

Steve broke.

“God, shut the hell up, Tommy! Just. Shut. Up,” Steve hissed, rounding on the other boy and getting right in his face. Kyle and Carol both stopped, mouths dropping open into little ‘o’s.

“The fuck is wrong with you?” Tommy shook his head, a mixture of irritation and confusion on his face.

“You. You’re what’s wrong with me. You’re such a dick. All the time.”

“Me? Oh that’s rich, Harrington. Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?” Tommy took a step closer to Steve. His tone held an edge to it, dangerous, like it could tip one way or the other and it hinged on what Steve said next.

“Yeah? Okay. I’m tired of your shit. I’m tired of the way you’re always dragging everyone, including Kyle,” Kyle’s face shifted in shock. “You’re so hung up on stupid shit that doesn’t matter. We’re not on the basketball team anymore, Tommy. We’re not in high school. It’s over. And you cheat on Carol pretty much anytime she’s out of town.”

“You what?” Carol looked like she could kill Tommy and Tommy’s face was burning, fists in balls at his sides.

“You’re no saint,” Tommy snapped at Steve, “You’re always talking shit about Carol. Telling me Kyle’s a little bitch. Have since we were Freshman. King Steve right? You’re the worst out of all of us!” Tommy thrust his hands up into Steve’s chest, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt, and pulled him in close. “Don’t fucking tell me I’m the one to blame.”

It was like an instinct, Steve’s hands flinging into Tommy and shoving him away, following after as he stumbled backwards. Tommy started laughing again.

“What’re you gonna do Harrington? You gonna hit me?”

“Yeah. I am,” and as Steve walked up on the boy he loosed a punch into Tommy’s jaw, the smack of skin on skin loud against the fair music.

“Shit,” Tommy hissed, fingers gingerly touching the spot on his face where a bruise had started to bloom and when he looked back up at Steve he had fire in his eyes. Picking up a sprint Tommy lunged at him, grabbing Steve around the knees and shoving them both to the ground. He threw one, two, three punches – Steve’s nose, his jaw, his cheek.

“Tommy, stop! Hopper’s coming!”

And it was over as quick as it started. Tommy clambered off Steve, Kyle and Carol hot on his heels as they took off into the crowd. Hopper shoved past the last two people in his way and let out a grunt of frustration.

“You shits! Get back here! God dammit,” stopping where Steve was still laid out in the grass he shook his head, grumbling curses under his breath. “Alright, kid?” he offered the boy a hand.

“Not really,” Steve touched his lip and brought away blood on his fingers as Hop pulled him onto his feet.

“Yeah, you don’t look great. I’d say you should get home, but if I were you I’d fix that first,” Hopper pointed to your figure, still walking to the edge of the field and Steve didn’t need any convincing as he took off at a sprint.

“Hey! We were just about to get a spot on the grass–” Eddie saw you coming up on them at the edge of the fairgrounds, but his words cut short when he saw the look on your face. “Damn, are you okay, sweetheart?” he asked, but you walked right past him, Steve not too far behind.

“What the hell, Steve?” you heard Robin snap at him as your feet carried you further away, and then everyone joined in.

“Oh shit, what happened?”

“Who did that to you?”

“It was Tommy–” Steve tried to get a word in.

“Tommy? I’m gonna kill him!”

“Go fix it!”

“Jesus. I know! I’m going!” Steve scrambled across the ground, shoes slipping against the unkept grass, hair wild and heart pounding in his chest.

You should’ve started running too, but he was too fast and you could hear him sucking in breaths as he closed the gap between you.

“Wait, wait, wait. C’mon. Please wait,” Steve’s hand tried to wrap around your wrist, but you flung it away.

As you turned around you saw his split lip, the lilac bruise that crept across his cheek and jaw, all jammy and purple like plums in summer and worry tugged at your heart, but you tried to shove it away. Tried to keep hold of your anger.

“Who did that to you, Tommy?” and Steve kept his mouth shut, frame crumpling a little as you took him in. “Did he?”

“Yeah.”

“God. Why?” you said under your breath, but then he grabbed your hand and your heart stuttered.

"Please.”

Your eyes traced a path from your hands, up his arm, across the moles dotting his cheek, hair all messy and swept across his forehead. When your eyes finally met his, deep and hazy and brown, your heart ached. The look on his face wrecked you. Broke your heart into tiny little pieces and when you spoke again it was wobbly.

“What, d’you want to pile on? Get a good laugh in?” the sob that was clawing up your throat tried to strangle you, but you fought it back. Determined to not let him see you cry.

“No, no it’s not like that, I–”

“What are we, Steve?” the first time you said his name and it was like a curse on your tongue and it hurt.

“I–I like you. I want you.”

“And your ‘friends’?” it was like you’d sucked the air out of his lungs.

“Tommy just gets worked up–”

“No. Tommy? Your ‘friends’? Are assholes. They treat you like shit,” he looked like you’d just punched him and you felt guilt creeping in, but you had to keep going, “It’s simple. You’d rather fit in, be ‘popular’ or whatever. And that’s fine, but I don’t want to get dragged along for the ride. I can’t.”

You left out how your heart felt like it was being crushed in a vice. Left out how much it hurt to watch him just stand there while Tommy and Carol and Kyle laughed. Left out how much it sucked getting lied to.

He’s our dingus. He’ll come around, you’ll see.

Just give him a chance.

He’s got a big heart, he just needs someone who isn’t going to break it.

Steve let your words sink in, standing there in the wheat field while stale fair music played in the background, mocking the weight of the conversation, making everything that had happened before seem like a joke. What was he supposed to do, tell you his friends were ‘just acting up’? Pretend like they weren’t assholes? Pretend like he hadn’t deserved it?

He couldn’t justify his actions or words just by telling you he got his ass kicked for speaking up after you’d left. Couldn’t tell you it was all even now, because it wasn’t and he knew it. He owed you more than that and you weren’t ready for it.

So he shut up and kept his mouth closed.

And your feet moved you away from him.

You could hear the fireworks starting behind you, but you didn’t dare turn around. The tears were coming faster now, your shoulders shaking as your walk turned into a jog and then a run. Long stalks of wheat whipped against your thighs, whoosh whoosh whoosh, Steve’s voice fading away in the distance as he said your name over and over into the dark.

SOMETHING INFINITE SYNOPSIS: hawkins, indiana, 1987 – your mom is out of town for the summer on business and she sends you to live with your aunt joyce and her husband jim in hawkins while she’s gone. joyce works at the library and jim is the town sheriff – the kids, will, jonathan and el slowly warm up to you and it’s after you get in with them that you really start to feel at home, but there’s one person who just annoys you to no end. one person you’d love to just boot off a cliff – steve fucking harrington. ♥️ find the rest of the series and more here and find the series playlist on spotify here.

[freckledjoes]

how do u think st5 will end? i think eleven will sacrifice herself for will, before he dies, probably mike dies?? her powers would be strong enough to sacrifice and save hawkins. nancy stays single and travels away for a job/collage or something, steve gets himself a girlfriend, finally. please. he wants to be the stay at home mom with his kids. nancy clearly didn’t look like she wants that life cause she doesn’t, i really don’t understand why he’s still stuck on her even after so many years after their breakup, it’s silly. max wakes up. jopper will get married!! pls i need that to come true.. dustin survives vecna’s curse, idk will nancy get possessed too? and who’s the new lady that’s been introduced as a new character?? steve’s mom maybe?? or the mayoress of hawkins?? i want all the town to help the main group but still i don’t want it to be the second avengers endgame pls… omg could vecna possibly use his victims against our main characters? alsoo, i don’t want the ending scene where nancy and steve are in the car saying we’ve seen stranger things, it’s too corny for my liking pls no… and i like the time travel thing idea.. (going back in time so vecna would turned on his dark side.. this would be really easy way out, tho i hope it won’t happen lol?).. i’d really want eddie returning as a vampire, not really like coming from the dead, that would ruin everything probably (even tho i’d wanted it in heartbeat) buuut yk what i mean right? something like billy came back in max’s visions so eddie would come like this to dustin’s visions. the worst possible ending, is blood bath, there’s been a lot demand for a body count. i feel like modern audiences are more into stuff like game of thrones, walking dead.. stuff like that… killing characters casually. i’m not saying i don’t want a character or three dying tho! i’d be happy if they’d killed off two or three of the main characters finally, they always kill a new character that the audience like and then the audience is always mad. why is that?? we’ve already lost bob and eddie. should it be that way?? i’m really scared steve is going to die bc he was supposed to die in s1, if he does die i’m gonna riot against their stupid writing (that brings me getting stancy back together again). pls get him a girlfriend, a happy life he dreams about and don’t let him hang up on nancy anymore, he deserves better.. he’s changed.. also it needs to stay to the 80s show vibes and has the happy ending as well.. what do you think?? what are your thoughts? :D

I had to write down all your thoughts as bullet points so I could acknowledge them in my reply lmao. Loving this elaborate thought blurb! Alright, so I do think there will be some sacrificing going on, I'd see either Will or El doing it for Mike. Part of me thinks one of those two might die, but on the other hand I don't see them doing it. Why? 'Cause it would fuck up Jopper. And they spent a lot of time on Jopper. Hopper can't lose another kid and we've seen how Joyce handled Will's missing. Not saying this is logical, but it's what I think anyway. Maybe an almost death. Like one of them going in knowing they will probably die and saying goodbye- maybe, and then surviving. I feel like Max might get a more important role than we anticipate. Something about her showing up for El at the moment she needs her the most. Like in the mind thing. I'm worried for Lucas, that poor boy is suffering. :( Assuming Jopper survives - which I do think they will - I wouldn't be surprised if we get a Jopper wedding as a way of a corny happy ending. I don't expect anything mindblowing if I'm very honest, the fan theories have been so good that I fear disappointment for most of us lol. And well, considering many things - I also don't really care if it flops. I'll just enjoy seeing some of my sweet characters one last time before their actors go off into bigger and better projects. <3 Anyway, back to it. If they bring back Eddie, it's definitely gonna give us more pain than gain. He'll hurt Dustin, bet. As wonderful as the Kas ideas are, I don't see it happening considering what I mentioned in the previous paragraph. It's too good. I either see him show up in a Vecna vision or some kind of undead army thing. Both will suck. Imagine Dustin, who is literally embodying Eddie right now, is face to face with his dead friend. Yikers. Idk about the new lady, I'm honestly bored out of my ass that they added a new character for the last season. "Here's a new character to care about - or not - but they're gonna die once you get attached!" - so yeah, not many thoughts there. It'll be too brief. I don't see the town doing anything other than vandalize Eddie's grave and somehow find a way to blame the goddamn earthquake on him honestly. Steve and Nancy... fingers crossed it doesn't happen. For me anyway! For those that ship them, good luck getting it your way~ But yeah, I don't see the appeal, but I do feel how they're pushing it onto us hard. It wouldn't surprise me if Steve dies trying to protect Nancy and that we'll get a stupid nugget speech similar to Eddie's sheep speech. I really need that all to not happen. But don't wanna get too deep into ships, I just don't think that outcome would be sensible for either character. That said, Steve getting a partner (an unknown character) would be nice, but if I'm really honest I'd much rather they all leave it open to our interpretation. If we're getting a cliche ending of some future thing, just throw me the Jopper wedding or Steve and Robin (platonically) moving out of Hawkins together, away from that hellhole. This has become a mix of what I think might happen vs what I want to happen I guess, but these are my thoughts! And anyway, no matter what happens, we will always have a 1000+ fixit fics :)

[nathanielzalexandria]

I have the bones of a steddie fic but not its skeleton and here it is:

In season 4 there is technically no upside down and Jason did the murders and is purposely trying to frame Eddie. Everyone that knows about the upside-down thinks that the recent events are upside-down related. It's technically not because El did succeed in closing all gates. So the C-plot with the adults is largely unchanged; Joyce and Murray attempt to jailbreak Hopper from the Russian jail where the jailers are attempting to open a gate and are failing. They have no (alive) demogorgons so no colosseum match against one. However, there are two things of note. After months of failing spectacularly, right before Joyce and Murray arrived at the Gulag they get their first moni success. Secondly, Murray has been keeping an eye on Jason, maybe even Eddie and the other soon-to-be victims because of something he witnessed happen a while back. If he was still in Hawkins he would have pointed directly at Jason when the murders began.

The b plot with El and the gang remains largely the same. Because everyone thinks it's upside-down related the government still blames El and tries to capture her the exact same way. She still ends up in the lab with Papa to get back her powers and learns of Henry and what really happened im the lab all those years ago. El realizes that while it might not be an upside-down mess something is telling her that someone has poked the gate. So now they are rushing to Hawkins.

The A plot gets the massive overhaul.

Not entirely sure where to start but im the bench scene with Eddie and Chrissy. Maybe not the entire conversation but something about it being a while since they last spoke and things needing to change and the pressure of being perfect and then we get the "Do you ever feel like losing your mind?" line. Eddie offers her the "good stuff" and invites her to the trailer. However, he tells her that if she arrives first to use the hidden spare key and let herself in because he might run late.

The next few scenes happen just like the show except, Steve doesn't go to the basketball game on a date and there's a run-in with Eddie. Positive? Negative? Im not sure, but it delays Eddie a bit more in finally reaching home. Where he finds Chrissy dead on the floor, a mangled mess in an inhuman way. He immediately runs away and doesn't tell the police because there is a beloved cheerleader that is either 2 or 3 years younger than him brutally murdered in the trailer living room of a suspected drug dealer and accused devil worshipper that is trying to graduate for the second or third time. Two people that should not be around each other and normally aren't. He knows what they would assume. So he gets the fuck out of there and prays to whatever deity exists that no one saw him come home. Also, for a second he swore he saw a silhouette standing over the body flickering out of existence. So Eddie hides.

We follow the plot, with Steve telling Robin about the encounter with Eddie and sounding slightly homoerotic about it when the news breaks about a murder and then Dustin and Max bursts in and the search for Eddie is underway similar to the show. Max says that she heard Eddie drive up to his trailer late last night/early morning but he barely stayed a minute before driving off. Also, before he arrived she remembered seeing her lights flicker and they decide to find Eddie to see what he saw or knew. Maybe even get to him before the eventual mob. They eventually find him at the lake.

Over with Lucas and the basketball team, they are waiting to be interviewed. Lucas has a vague memory of something about Jason knocking on his skull from that night but can not remember it. He watches how Jason reacts towards the news about Chrissy and immediately feels as though something is not right with his jump straight to blood thirsty agression. He also clocks how much more disturbed and affected Patrick is by it. But he puts it away from current thoughts. Chrissy and Patrick were really close friends. He also barely notices that Jason disappears a bit after being interrogated.

Over with Nancy, everything is the same at the trailer park except maybe no Fred hallucinations. Nancy learns about Victor Creel from Wayne and Fred wanders off in the woods after noticing something. Nancy eventually notices Fred's disappearance and tells the officer.

We move back to Steve and his group finding Eddie in the boathouse and Steve getting held up against the wall with a broken bottle to his neck but it stirs some feelings in him he had not expected leaving him a bit breathless. Everything more or less happens in the same dialogue wise except Eddie saying that he wasn't there when it happened and saw a flickering shadow over Chrissy. This leads them to assume Upside down nonsense and they tell Eddie about it. Dustin ends up naming tge shadow Vecna

The group leave. They return. They tell Eddie the cops are looking for him but haven't publicly released his name. While there they see the police speed by and the group decides to follow them, finding the second victim, Fred, dead the se way Eddie described Chrissy and Nancy being interrogated. Nancy sees them and assumes upside down.

While updating Nancy on what they know they try to find the correlation between Chrissy and Fred when Max brings up Miss Kelley and the plot plots like the source except for no visions. Oh and more Steve and Eddie interactions.

Over with Lucas, he realises that what Jason is doing is less than a search or even a manhunt. It almost feels like missionary works, telling people about Eddie instead of looking for him. Even when they went by the band it felt like he was trying to make the band doubt Eddie. They were "lucky" that they mentioned Dustin as knowing as it gives Lucas the chance to get to his radio and in contact with the others and run away. He also notices how shaken up Patrick is about hearing about the death of Fred and how unsure and shifty he seems to keep looking at Jason. Before Lucas gets away he is either told by or overhears Patrick mentioning something happening some months ago.

Back with Max, the councillor refuses to share information on Chrissy and tries to bring up Billy and an incident from a fee months ago. Max storms off, steals the keys and breaks into the school with Dustin and Steve. where she learns that Chrissy and Fred were experiencing the same things including the feeling that something menacing was staring at and hunting her. While there she begins to feel that feeling again.

Everyone sans Eddie and Lucas meet up at the school where they share findings and Max reveals that she is the next target. Everyone doubles down on the Vecna thing, but something has Steve wanting to press X for doubt.

Instead of ending up in the Wheeler basement, they go back to Eddie and they plan there with Lucas who met them at the house. While they start piecing together Vecna's life and filling him in. Steve and Eddie have another bonding moment. Eddie is a bit wary and Steve tells him that he is not sure this is upside-down related to the way they think it is but he doesn't tell the group because he has no evidence for the contrary.

This time instead of Steve volunteering to go with Nancy, Nancy asks Steve to go with her and Steve offers up Robin because they need at least one person that can drive and isnt wanted for murder. And when Nancy argues that she doesn't really know Robin like that Steve suggests that he and Robin go and Nancy stays with the kids. Nancy takes Robin.

Steve and Eddie have a few more moments when Lucas tells Steve and Patrick what he noticed about Jason and Patrick, triggering something in Eddie but no time to explore that. Max hands out the letters including one to Eddie and threatens Steve to take her where she wants to go and Dustin and Lucas tag along.

At the cemetery, Max instead of getting lifted in the air notices that has a calm talk with the gravestone. Meanwhile, as they wait for her to finish talking to Billy, Lucas tells Steve that while she had brokenup with him she hadnt pulled away until a few months ago abruptly. Dustin dismisses it but Steve doesn't. They get the call around the time Max returns about the music and they get the Walkman on her but the feeling of being watched and hunted doesn't stop. She is also confused by the mention of hallucinations. Nancy takes it to mean that maybe Max got it wrong and she wasn't the next one to be killed but Max believes otherwise. They radio over to Eddie and say they are going to the Creel house.

We check in on Jason and he splits the team up, taking an increasingly sad and nervous Patrick with him to look for Eddie. However, instead of going where they said they were going, Jason tells Patrick that they are heading to Rick's place.

Over in the Creel house, they find little presence of the upside-down other than Max or maybe Steves' flashlight flickering for two seconds. Similar to the researchers finding an alarmingly weak signal of energy at the trailer. Even demogorgons leave s higher trace. Dustin and the rest of the group sans Steve don't know what to do with this information.

Over at Reefer Rick Eddie has started to put 2 and 2 together and is getting 22 but the answer is still somehow right. Jason shows up and Eddie tries to reason with Jason but it's of no use. Jason says that they got what they deserve for that night. At this Patrick tries to talk Jason down, buying enough time for Eddie to jump into the boat and start it. But Jason keeps going and barely pays attention to Eddie,

"I might have spared Chrissy if she hadn't broken up with me the other night!" He laughs like a crazy person, "I wanted to get that little Redhead too, but," he sighs, 'I'll settle for only you two."

Jason kills Patrick and Eddie gets away. Does he do it with powers, I don't know.

The group finds Eddie at Skull Rock, and the compass thing happens but not as dramatically. They think it's another Vecna attack but Max takes one look at Eddie and she knows that it is not.

Then something happens and the group splits up like in the show. Not too sure how but it results in the group splitting up and Steve getting hurt. Im thinking that they split up to check the places where the murders happened. The lights flickering and the compass swivelling are concerning. They may have checked the lake and seen a tiny gate with nothing coming out of it because it's too small. The children check the trailer and the older teens check the road and some bats fly out the road gate and attack Steve.

While taking care of Steve and the crack that's when Eddie tells them that whatever upsidedown shit is happening it's a coincidence because Jason is the killer getting revenge for something that happened months ago that involves Chrissy, Patrick, Fred, Max, Jason and himself. I don't know what the incident is but it leaves Jason insanely mad and everyone else involved decided to keep quiet about it. This is the reason Murray had been keeping an eye on Jason because he saw what happened.

Max also spills to the younger teens and they realise they need to catch a person and not a flesh monster with telekinetic powers so they pick up Erica and radio the older teens so they could meet back up at either the trailer or Steve's house.

Jason on the other hand has raised a mob to hunt Eddie and probably enact mob justice just in case he can't make a "hero" of himself and kill Eddie. Andy notices blood on Jason in a place it should not be and is now watching him

It is at this point I have no idea what happens next other than Jason is defeated (most likely through Scooby-Doo shenanigans), no one dies and El explains that his actions were being used by the very real and weakened Henry Creel/Vecna to open a way from the upside down into Hawkins and if he had killed one more person it would have been enough. And Steddie happens.

This is much longer than I expected, but these are my thoughts. I would love to see someone write this and if they do please tag me.

[stuckinstrangerthings]

Senior Year - Where we lose count

(part 7)

Pairing: Eddie Munson x fem!reader/ y/n Henderson

Context: y/n is Dustin's big sister. The events of S1 to S3 have happened with y/n being a part of it to some extent. S3 ends differently with Hopper escaping the Russians with Joyce and Murray. Joyce and Hopper made it to Enzo at some point and they are now happily dating. Joyce didn't move to California so the gang is all together in Hawkins.

Dustin's and y/n dad died a few years ago. He was Hopper and Joyce's high school friend so they are very close to the family. Hopper is y/n godfather.

I don't know yet if some of the events of S4 will happen in this serie, but I can promise that Eddie will be safe if they do.

Summary: Y/n is starting her senior year as Eddie's starts his third one. They know each other from being in the same high school, but are not really friends. She likes him. Good thing her little brother is now a part of the Hellfire Club.

Warnings: (for the whole serie) mention of dead parents, mention of drugs and alcohol, swearing, slow burn, flirting, mutual pining, fluff, friends to lovers, smut 18+.

Author's note: I want this will be a serie. English is not my first language. Also, this is my very first time writing fanfic. Please feel free to comment and give constructive criticism. Thanks!

----

It's Saturday afternoon and Eddie gets to your house as planned to work on your chemistry assignement due on Monday. As soon as he parks his van, he hears total chaos coming from inside. He chuckles, guessing the source of said chaos. He opens the front door and what he sees confirm his theory. All the youngster are there, spread all over the living room and the kitchen. Eating sandwiches and chips. It's loud but you look so happy. You are chatting and laughing with El, Max and Will sitting in the living room. Dustin, Mike and Lucas are eating and arguing in the kitchen.

Everybody warmly greets Eddie.

"Guys, you need to clean up and leave soon if you don't want to miss the movie!" you say.

They all get up, hurrying to finish their lunch and put the dishes in the dishwasher. Getting ready to leave. Today's plan for them is afternoon at the movies and sleep-over at the Byers.

"Dustin, don't forget the banana bread!" you shout, grabbing the container and putting it in his backpack "You guys leave some for Joyce, Hop and Jonathan".

"I'll try my best" he says laughing.

You and Eddie watch as they all jump on their bikes (or skate) and leave for the movie theater.

You get back inside.

"Eddie, I have leftovers, i'm making us sandwiches!" you say.

He smiles. By now, he knows there is no refusing food from you. Besides, why would he refuse, he loves all the food you make.

"I'm sad the banana bread left with Dustin" he jokes.

"Don't worry, I hid our portions. I also have extra for Wayne". you answer.

"Of course you have Princess. I don't know why I was worried" he winks at you.

Yes, the nickname stayed, and yes you love it. Add the winks... goosebumps. You like Eddie a lot as a friend, but at this point you know for sure you love him and oh my do you want him. Is the flirting a game? You don't know, but boy do you enjoy it.

You both go to your bedroom with your food. Eddie takes a first bite of his sandwich. He moans and closes his eyes.

"Princess, even your sandwiches are heavenly. What's in there?" he says.

"Can't say, secret ingredient. Family secret" you reply.

"Wow, now I have to marry you to know everything" he answers.

You laugh "You want to marry me for my cooking skills?".

He gets that naughty look on his face and answers "Oh I'm sure you have plenty of other skills worth discovering"

You laugh...and you blush "Ok Munson, that was sexy. You win this round".

You both smile at each other.

"Ok, let's do this damn chemistry assignement so we can have a little peace for the rest of the week-end" you say.

After a few hours, you are both tired but you are finally done with the assignement. It's now dark outside. The only lightening in your bedroom is from the lamp on your desk. You and Eddie sit in a confortable silence at your desk. You start touching his forearm, tracing the bats from his tattoo.

"I like this one" you say.

"Yeah? I didn't know you liked tattoos" he looks surprised.

"I love tattoos!" you reply.

"Do you have any?" he aks.

"It depends, can you keep a secret?"

Eddie face is a mix of shook and amusement "You do, you totally have at least one! No way! I want to know!".

"Oh my God, Eddie" you laugh but you are also worried "I'll tell you everything but you have to promise to keep it a secret. My mom would kill me".

"I promise" he says, mimicking locking his lips and throwing away the key. He looks super excited.

"Ok, nobody knows. For real, nobody but you. I have two small tattoos. Got them at a small tattoo shop while I was in Indianapolis last summer".

"That is so cool. I did not see that coming Princess. Pleasantly surprised" he says with a big grin "Where are they?".

"Well, let's say they are well hidden so my mom can't see them even when i'm in a bathing suit".

"I think i'm gonna faint" Eddie says as he rubs his hands on his face.

You laugh "Are you blushing? Am I winning a new round?"

He stays silent for a moment. Face still in his hands.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours" you say.

He takes his hands off his face to look at you. He is definitively blushing and you win this round. A victorious look on your face.

"Princess, you will be the death of me" he sighs.

You decide to push it further. You are alone with him. Nobody is coming home until tomorrow. And this proximity with him in your poorly lit bedroom is making your head spin with desire. Also, you did what to see all his tattoos.

"It's a serious offer" you tell him.

He stops smilig, still blushing but now also very curious "Really?"

"Yup, but you go first. Show me all your tattoos. And no lifting part of your t-shirt or pants. You have to take the piece of clothing off. That's the deal". And that was a pretty good deal considering you were wearing only a dress.

"Deal". He gets up and quickly takes off his t-shirt.

You stand up and get closer to him "Can I touch you?".

"... yes" he replies a little shaky.

You smile but don't look at him. Your fingers slowly and gently touching his tattoos. Some of them you knew he had, some are new to you. You get to his back to discover big bat wings tattoos. You continue touching, taking your time, contouring the tattoos. You can hear his breathing changing. You feel the goosebumps on his skin. And you enjoy it... a lot. You come back to face him, tracing the tattoos on his chest, slowly coming down to the one besides his happy trail and disappearing a little under his pants.

"The bats on your forearm is still my favorite one" You put your hand on his lower abdomen tattoo "But this one has the best placement for sure". He puts his hands on yours. Your eyes meet his and there is no doubt on both your minds. This isn't just a game. You bite your lower lip and you shiver a little.

"Your turn Princess. I want to see yours now" he whispers.

"You'll have to find them" you softly say has you turn around and hold your hair out of the way so he can unzip your dress. He gently does and your dress falls to the floor. Leaving you only in your underwear. Nice black ones of course. You were always ready in case the flirting would lead to more.

His hands and his eyes are exploring your body. Searching for your tattoos, but it's also way more than that. It's very sensual while being very respectful. No inappropriate touching, He takes his time, slowly touching you everywhere your skin is exposed and paying attention to your reactions. At this point, you can't help making little sounds. Moans and sighs. But you don't feel self-conscious at all. You feel confortable, high on Eddie. You feel on fire. You are really enjoying this. This is foreplay and you are in heaven.

After exploring your legs, he stands up, dangerously close to you. Close enough for you to clearly feel on your stomach that this was working for him too.

"I can't find them" he says.

You lustly look at him "Guess you are going to have to take my underwear off to see them".

He licks his bottom lip and takes your face in this hands "I really want to kiss you right now" he confesses.

You look at him and reply "I always really want you to kiss me".

He blushes, smiles and leans over to kiss you. His hands finding your waist while yours find his neck. And it's soft and perfect and everything you wanted and then hungry and full of more desire from both of you. He grabs your ass and lifts you up. You wrap your legs around his waist. You can feel him kiss you everywhere he can while taking you to your bed.

Finally, this is happening.

[ronanceblogs]

Dungeons and Dragons and what…? ( pt. 1)

Hi Tumblr! I wanted to write a small fanfic of the four main st kids before all chaos happened in Hawkins. Anywho, I hope you enjoy and please please keep in mind that I have never played D&D and only am writing off the knowledge that I know(which is very small😬) so enjoy!

December 2nd, 1980

“MIKE! SAVE YOURSELF! RUN!!” Lucas shouted on top of his lungs.

“I- I can’t! He took my powers! I’m… I’m going to die!” Mike said in a frantic voice. “Dustin is in his jail cell, he has you locked in a cage, and me?! If I can’t roll a 20…. We’re dead… All dead!!”

This has been an ongoing game for about 3 days now. At this point, it was basically the boys only priority. Especially now. Nothing was more important than Mike rolling the 20, not even the roast Karen made that the boys all love. Mike had to win this.

“No one will ever defeat Will the Wise!!” This was fun for will as he got to play a villain… he loved using his villain voice.

“Will! Please! This is not you! Let us out! Your in a trance! It’s the mindflayer!! Not you!!” Dustin plead in hopes he could help.

“It’s too late. I’ve taken over your friend. And next, all of you!! Mawhahaha!!”

“I can’t- it’s impossible. We’re going to lose. I would need the whole worlds luck if I want to roll a 20… Wil- or whatever you are, can we make a deal? A small deal…. A fair deal.” Mike crossed his fingers under the table hoping that evil thing that had Will would take his deal.

“Hmmm… depends… what kind of deal are we talking about?” Evil Will asked.

Lucas leaned over to Dustin “yes yes… he’s going to pitch the idea!”

“It’s a fair deal, I promise.” Mike told Will. “What if I roll a 14, 5, or a 10 and we can team up and bring in a character to help us.”

Mike did make it fair, well the group did. Though Dustin did disagree at first saying getting any of those numbers were risky, he was willing to take it. The 3 days couldn’t go to waste. The boys needed something.

“Let me think…” Will took a moment to think which made all three boys very anxious. “Fine, but under one condition… teams of two.” Will knew it may be hard to roll one of those numbers, but that it also wasn’t possible. Though as mentioned earlier, Will liked playing the villain, but also wants to help his friends, but he had to stay in character.

“Teams of two?!” Lucas shouted. “How can we?! That’s impossible!! Clearly you’ve lost your mind, that only leaves three of us, we don’t have enough!”

“Yeah! Totally unfair!” Dustin Dustin agreed.

Will looked at all of them with an evil smile…. “Well then, guess you’ll just have to find a sub for now… to fill in my spot.”

“A sub?! It’s 8pm at night, it’s Friday, but who in the hell are we going to find this late! We’re lucky we’re even allowed to play this late!” Dustin shouted.

“Guys guys…” Mike grabbed all their attention. “Listen, we could still get a 20, it’s rare, but possible. Let me roll the dice then we can worry about it later… just, just trust me…” Mike really didn’t have a back up plan and was just as worried as the boys. But he wanted to get it over with.

“Mike you’re insane, but okay.” Lucas followed. “Here.” He tossed the dice over to Mike.

“Thanks.”

Will looked at all three of them with a smile knowing that they would lose, but also he had his fingers crossed under the table where no one could see hoping that Mike would at least get one of the numbers he mentioned earlier and it would work out. He just couldn’t help it.

Mike held the dice close to him, closed his eyes and whispered a few hopeful words. “3… 2… 1!” He threw the dice on to the table. All four boys stood up so fast they knocked some chairs over which led to a big thud and Crashing sound which woke Baby Holly up upstairs. But the boys seemed to not notice and ran straight to the dice.

“WHERE IS IT?!” Dustin yelled.

“HERE! RIGHT HERE!” Lucas pointed to the other end of the table right on the edge. “This has to be good luck…”

All four ran up to it and looked over at the dice, but it was too crowded for them to all see and Will somehow made it to the front first.

“Well… what is it?!” Mike said in a panicky voice.

Will studied the dice for anticipation and continued with it while he spoke. “It’s… it’s a- 14!!” Will shouted happily at first, but remembered he needed to stay in character. “I mean…. Noooo! A 14! You guys have a chance…”

The three boys looked at each other with both a bit of hope, but also terrified at the same time. Where were they going to find a fourth person?! It was going to be impossible.

Just then, they heard the door open upstairs. As the boys tried to act and remain calm, they noticed the chairs on the floor and finally heard the cries coming from upstairs.

“Shi- shoot! Baby holly! We’re in deep Trouble…” Mike said. “Hurry! The chairs! Pick them up and act normal…” he loudly whispered.

Though Karen loved the fact Mike always had his friends over, it was starting to get a bit too much with Holly being so little and both Ted and Karen trying to get Holly to fall asleep on her own. This would be not the first time they work Holly up, it’s been many times. The last time the boys got told to go to bed or go home. They ended up having to quietly and awkwardly watch a movie. This couldn’t be good this time.

All boys sat the chairs up and sat down quietly looking at each other, while also looking at the stairs waiting for their real death time. This is the first time all boys were quite and sat still, but to their luck, well maybe, it wasn’t Karen who came down, it was Mike’s older sister. Nancy.

“Mike, you’re dead. Absolutely dead.” Nancy angrily said.

“Great. I don’t know what’s worse” Mike mumbled.

Mike and Nancy never fully got along really. Nancy would really only be nice to him when his friends were around, and sometimes on rare occasions they both would get along.

“Mom made me come downstairs to tell all you dumb heads to keep your voices down. She’s mad. You woke Holly up…”

“Dumb heads?” Lucas questioned.

“Sorry. Tell mom we’ll be more quite… is she going to send us home?” Mike asked.

“No. Well I don’t know. Consider yourselves lucky she sent me down even though I’m not too happy. You interrupted me and Barbs conversation.” Though the story Nancy was telling wasn’t fully true, she didn’t want to tell them it was herself who offered to tell the boys to be quite. Karen was about to come down, but Nancy just had gotten off the phone with Barb and couldn’t help but to offer. For some reason she felt bad for them last time and would’ve felt bad this time too. Karen was not happy.

“Oh… well just call her back.” Mike said.

“It’s not that easy Mike…” Nancy snapped back

“Can’t you just, you know, dial the number again and she’ll answer?” Lucas replied.

Nancy gave him a glare, though he was confused he noticed Nancy became a little more snappy with her brother and somewhat the rest of them. He knew what is was like to have siblings, and a sister, but he also knew mike and her and didn’t want to start an argument. He put both his hands up and looked away.

“So now what. We don’t have a forth person. The game is already basically over.” Dustin said. “Worse game ever.”

“I mean, there’s still a chance we can find someone….” Will said. Hoping they would get the hint.

“Who? My dad? My mom?? Baby holly?!” Mike was very annoyed with everything that just happened and the game itself. He was really stumped till he saw Will who kept glancing at his sister. He didn’t know why she was just standing there, but also this was his only chance. A chance to win a game. He took a deep breath. “Nancy… um… well…. if you would like, would you want to be in our game? Just for a round? Only to help create a character?” His friends(except Will who smiled) looked at him like he was insane. Mike knew she would say no, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. He closed his eyes tight, and under the table he was crossing his fingers… maybe she would say yes.

“You’re asking me to help create a character for your game??” Nancy asked.

Mike already started to regret everything.

“Well I guess…. What do I have to do?”

Everyone looked at her in shocked. Dustin smiled, he missed when she used to interact with them. Mike missed it too, but unlike Dustin, he tried to hide his smile.

The boys explained the directions to what they had to do and how this happened, Nancy actually seemed intrigued and like the idea of creating a character and already had a few ideas. She actually felt a little excited for this.

“Okay so do we choose our own partners, or does cursed Will over there choose for us?” Lucas asked.

Will smiled mischievously… “I’ll choose” he said as he was taping his fingers. “Lucas and Mike, Dustin and Nancy.” It was quick. Will knew right away, he knew they would all work together well enough with no fighting or awkward tension. Again, the Evil could never take over Will. Never.

The kids all agreed and got things set up. “You all have 30 minutes to create a character. This character can only be used once for now. Make it good, I will then decide who wins and who will enter the game, may the best character win..” Will was loving his role so much. He couldn’t wait to tell his mom and Jonathan what night he had.

Everyone gathered up in their groups to start creating their characters… this was going to be exciting. The plan went much better than anyone thought. Maybe Dustin was wrong, this might’ve been one of their best games yet.

(to be continued…)

[givehimthemedicine]

max coming to support lucas at his game even tho shes blind... my heart.. she would tho bc she listened on the radio 😭 fic pls

(I guess this is an au where all the kids go to Hawkins High)

"The band is standing all together. Robin is there. They are all bright green and orange with feathers on their heads," El says, her head leaned against Max's. She has to stay this close in order to get her voice into Max's ear before all the clapping and yelling and music.

"They are showing Will's big tiger painting! It looks s- NO!" El gasps. "Oh, noo."

"What?"

"It got torn. A boy jumped straight through it! On purpose!" Max feels El stand up abruptly next to her. "They all are, they are all copying him, even Lucas-"

"It's fine," Max grabs her arm and pulls her back down. "That's what it was for."

"He spent two lunches making it!"

"Will knew," Mike shouts. "He knew they were gonna do that when he signed up to paint the banners. It's a normal sports thing."

El leans past Mike to catch Will's eye, confirming that he doesn't seem upset.

"There was lots of room to go around it..."

Max smirks to herself at the confusion in El's voice. She tunes into the cheers of the crowd and the beat of the band's drums and the vibration of stamping feet through the bleachers - all of it hers, for Lucas. Corny as shit, but nobody has to know.

"He is looking all around - oh, smiling big - he found you. He is waving to you." El and the boys wave back. Max instantly grins and raises a hand too, a little self consciously, and El mentally nudges it in a more accurate direction.

"They are all running around. One of the ones who is not Lucas has the ball. No, a different boy took it. No, a different- they keep throwing it." It's safe to cross color commentator off El's list of potential careers, but this suits Max's interest level just fine.

"Okay, Lucas got his turn to bounce the ball. They are trying to get it but he won't let them get it. He's jumping up to throw it at the basket. He can jump really high... he got tall, I think he has always been taller than Mike-"

"EL." Max holds up her palms impatiently, although it's a safe guess what happened from the sound the crowd has made.

"Oh, he threw it and it hit the basket. But the numbers did not change...? But he hit it," El insists, sounding offended for him, and Max can just picture the frown on her face.

"It has to go IN the basket."

"Oh. If you want, next time, I could make sure-"

"That's cheating."

"It would not make you and Lucas happy?"

"No," Max says, but not without an impish grin fighting its way onto her face. "Not unless you promise to come to every one of his games forever and get him in the hall of fame."

El shrugs. "I am not busy."

[luminnara]

Billy Hargove x reader fluff

Can I request a Billy x Reader where the kids have no idea she’s Billy’s girlfriend and the boys have little crushes on her. They’re always visiting where she works (whether that’s at the pool/arcade/Starcourt is totally up to you). One day they swing by to see her, and notice that Billy is there, openly flirting with the reader and she’s dishing it right back. The boys don’t pick up on the obvious signs, annoyed at Billy for hitting on their crush, but Max and El quickly realize there’s something between the two older individuals. Just a lot fluff and playful banter and maybe a few sweet moments between Billy and his girl? Thank you! Sorry if it’s a lot lmao

Billy requests are open!

Warnings: very vague mentions of abuse/violence, implied sexual references bc billy is a flirt, innocent teenage pining lol

“That’ll be fifty tickets,” you said boredly, leaning your elbow on the glass countertop while you propped your cheek up on your hand.

The kid shoved a sweaty wad of tickets towards you and you sighed before handing him the prize he had picked out. He grabbed it and ran off without a second glance, and you were totally fine with that.

Working at Palace Arcade wasn’t really a gig you enjoyed all that much. It was alright—you had an unending supply of cheap snacks, you were surrounding by games all day, and if you really wanted to you could skim some tickets and use to them get your own prizes—but it was so. So. Boring.

Okay. It wasn’t necessarily that it was a boring job. On busy nights, there was plenty to do…but a lot of the kids were obnoxious, you didn’t get along all that well with your coworker, Keith, and you had so many things you would rather be doing.

Things like Billy Hargrove.

You’d been going steady for a while, though up until now, you’d kept it pretty private. It had all started when Billy climbed through your window one night after a particularly bad fight with his dad, and after you let him stay til morning, things snowballed. Now, you always found yourself missing him, especially since he had gotten a summer job as a lifeguard, and you were stuck dealing with gross kids at the arcade.

There was one group of you kids you really didn’t mind, though. Those nerdy ones, who always saved up as much cash as they could to come beat each other’s high scores and ingest way too much sugar. Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, El, and Max, Billy’s sister. Step sister.

He was always very clear about that.

Max was nice. You didn’t spend much time with her and really only saw her when she came into the arcade, but she seemed alright. You had known the boys pretty much your entire life—Hawkins was a small town, after all—and El was cool, too. They were a goofy bunch, and they always made you laugh, something that was very welcome during shitty shifts.

They loved making you laugh. To them, you were maybe the coolest girl in Hawkins. You’d babysat them all in the past, when they were younger and needed it, and now, they always looked forward to coming in while you were working to see you. Because they all had little crushes on you, and it always made Max and El roll their eyes.

You never really noticed, though. They were just goofy junior high kids who didn’t go out of their way to be overly obnoxious at the arcade, and you appreciated that. And besides, you were usually daydreaming about Billy while you worked, imagining him strutting around at the pool like an absolute asshole, all the moms checking him out. You wondered if he ever hit on them. He always told you that you were the only girl he ever wanted to be with, but you knew Billy, and you knew that he could be a total flirt.

As long as he kept climbing through your window at night, though, you wouldn’t complain.

The sound of footsteps and keys jingling pulled you away from your thoughts. Rather than look up at your new customer, though, you just sighed, staring down at your chipped nail polish.

“Can I help you?” You asked in a monotone voice that put Keith’s to shame.

“Damn, I thought working at an arcade would be a little more exciting than this, sweetheart.”

Your head snapped up and you grinned when you saw that Billy was leaning against the counter, smirking at you. It was too hot out for him to be wearing a jacket, and he stood before you in a black muscle tank that showed off his toned arms, an outfit choice you were sure he had made very purposely.

“What are you doing here?” You asked, pushing yourself up to lean across the counter and kiss his cheek. “I thought you had work all day.”

“Got off early.” He shrugged, pulling a cigarette from behind his ear. “Wanted to come see my girl.”

You heart swelled a little whenever he said that. Because you loved Billy Hargrove, and you loved being his girl.

“Got bored of Mrs. Wheeler, huh?” You joked.

He fixed you with a glare but it only lasted a few seconds before he was sneering at you in a way you had learned was playful. “Jealous?”

You scoffed. “As if. I get all the attention I need right here.”

Billy suddenly bristled, straightening up as he looked around. “Who do I gotta beat the shit out of?”

You snorted a laugh. “I was joking, Billy. Nothing exciting happens here. It’s totally boring and I always spend all day thinking about you.”

He visibly deflated and you had to keep yourself from laughing harder. “Oh. Good.”

“It’s good that I’m bored?” You raised a brow.

“No!” He said quickly, immediately scrambling over himself to take back what he had just said.

“It’s good that I daydream about you?” You grinned as he floundered.

He smirked at that, finding his normal cockiness again. “Course, baby. What else are you s’posed to do without me all day?”

You laughed at that, and it was like music to Billy’s ears.

“You got a break room around here?” He asked, craning his neck.

“…why?”

He looked back at you with those smoldering eyes of his and you felt your knees growing weak. “So I can make all those daydreams a reality, princess.”

Your face burned in a fierce blush, the kind that only Billy could bring on.

“Not gonna climb through my window tonight, Prince Charming?” You manage to flirt back. “Got somewhere to be? On a tight schedule?”

He offered you a genuine smile, the sort nobody else ever got to see. “Definitely not, baby. You know I just can’t get enough of you.”

And you laughed again, and he looked down at you warmly, because he was head over heels for his girl and nothing was ever gonna change that.

Someone else heard your laugh, too, and it brought smiles to their faces.

“See? I told you she’d be here!” Dustin said, elbowing Lucas.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“For not believing me!”

Max and El shared a look and both rolled their eyes. The boys’ little collective crush on you was more annoying than anything else, but it meant that the whole party spent most of their free time at the arcade now, which wasn’t the worst. It wasn’t like they usually had much money to spend at a place like Starcourt Mall, and none of them wanted to stick around the pool when Billy was working. At least the arcade had games they could enjoy while the guys paid you way too much attention, and Max’s shitty stepbrother only ever showed up when he was being forced to give her a ride home.

“Guys!” Mike said, giving Dustin and Lucas a look. “Focus! We need a game plan--”

Max rolled her eyes and grabbed El’s arm. “C’mon. I want a new high score on Dig Dug. Gotta leave Dustin in the dust.”

“I heard that!” Dustin yelled as the girls marched away. 

“Okay,” Lucas said, pulling a small roll of tickets out of his pocket. “How many do we have? We can just go up and get prizes, and then talk to her.”

The others glanced at each other. They almost never played the carnival-style games that actually spat out tickets, spending most of their time focusing on the cabinets that they actually cared about. 

“Guys, seriously?” Lucas groaned. “Am I the only one who got tickets?”

“We can still take those to the counter!” Will said. “We can just...get...candy, or something.”

Lucas gave him a skeptical look, but before he could say anything, Mike cut in. 

“Yeah, and then we can...we can ask about games,” he nodded enthusiastically.  “Or...something.”

“Or something?” Lucas asked. 

“Well do you have any ideas?”

“Let’s just...be cool,” Will suggested. 

“Yeah,” Dustin agreed, leading the way. “Just be cool, guys. Watch the master at work.”

“The master?” Mike scoffed as he followed. 

“Uh, duh,” Dustin said over his shoulder as the four of them walked between the rows of arcade games towards the kiosk at the back of the room. “The ladies can’t get enough of me!”

Mike and Lucas rolled their eyes and Will just laughed. This was the latest in a long line of attempts to talk to you, and they were all determined not to chicken out this time. You were always nice to them, and they thought you were just about the coolest girl around--besides Max and El, of course. On the ride over to the arcade, they had all been talking about how to talk to you, and they all had a good a feeling about today.

As the other three were still arguing, however, Will’s face fell. The kiosk was in view, and you were there...but so was someone else.

“Guys,” he hissed, grabbing someone’s arm. 

“What?” Mike snapped, coming to a sudden stop while the other two continued on. 

“Look,” Will whispered, nodding towards the counter. 

Mike looked...and then his face paled. There he was, the biggest asshole in town--no, in the entire state--leaning on the counter, smoking a cigarette, and talking to the girl they liked. 

“Oh,” Mike managed to say. “Oh no.”

Because there was Billy Hargrove, the guy who loved trying to run them over with his obnoxious, loud car. There was Max’s shitty, violent older brother, who only liked fighting and drinking and being a dick. There he was, trying to smooth talk you, acting like he had the right to stand there and enjoy your company. They watched as you smiled at Billy before stepping away, rolling your eyes at whatever your boss had just yelled towards you. 

Great. Now you were gone, and Hargrove was still there. And Dustin and Lucas were about to walk right into him. 

“Dustin!” Will hissed, trying to stop his friend before he got too close. 

But Dustin and Lucas were still arguing, looking at each other rather than where they were going. 

“--I’m going to strike up a conversation, and then you--”

“No way!” Dustin interrupted. “I’m talking first!”

“Why?”

“Because I know how to talk to girls, and--”

“Dustin!” Mike practically shouted at him. 

“What, Mike?” Dustin asked, looking back at him in annoyance. “Can’t you see we’re--”

He cut himself off by running into something. Unfortunately for him, that something was already turning around to snarl at who the fuck had the balls to interrupt his conversation. 

And Dustin stared up in horror as none other than Billy Hargrove glared daggers down at him, a cigarette clenched in his teeth, his blue eyes icy and angry. 

“Uh--”

“Uh?” Billy mocked, sneering down at him. “Get lost, twerp.”

“You get lost!” Dustin snapped back reflexively.

Billy’s eyes were blazing with rage. “What was that?”

Lucas was quickly backing up towards Will and Mike, trying to make himself seem as uninvolved as possible. 

Dustin gulped. 

“I-it’s a public arcade,” he said quickly, standing his ground. 

“Is it?” Billy growled. 

“Leave him alone, Billy!” Max yelled, suddenly appearing. 

“Great,” Billy said sarcastically. “Get your little friends outta here before they get hurt, Maxine.”

“Don’t call me that,” she growled. 

Billy’s nostrils flared angrily as he moved to flick his cigarette away. Max knew what that meant--they all did--and they had about ten seconds before he got pissed off enough to go after them. 

Before anyone could run, though, a new voice interrupted everything. 

“Oh, hey guys. It’s nice to see you.” You said, walking back behind the counter with a box of new inventory in your arms. 

The kids all perked up at your arrival, and Billy relaxed. Visibly. 

Max was baffled. Billy never calmed down that quickly, no matter who was around.

“What’s up?” you asked, seemingly oblivious to the angry tension.

In truth, you knew what was going on. Or, at least, you could guess—you knew Billy better than anybody, and you knew how he could get. You had seen his bouts of anger plenty of times, but it was never directed at you. Because your Billy was sweet, and just like he did now, he always calmed down for you.

“We just…uh…” Dustin stammered.

“Oh, do you guys have tickets?” You asked, noticing what Lucas held. “Want someone candy? You can have extra. Don’t tell Keith.”

That seemed to smooth things over, and the kids were willing to inch closer and snatch handfuls of candy out of the box you had brought out. Then, they all retreated, mumbling thank yous and running to regroup around Ms. Pac-Man.

“What the hell is he doing here?” Dustin hissed, ripping open a packet of Smarties.

“It looks like he’s…hitting on her,” Mike wrinkled his nose.

They all peered around the games to watch as Billy returned to his former position, leaning casually against the counter as you sorted inventory.

“Ugh, can’t he just leave her alone?” Lucas grumbled through a mouthful of chocolate.

“She clearly isn’t into him,” Dustin said confidently.

“She isn’t, right?” Will asked, glancing at the others. “I mean, nobody likes him. Right?”

“Right,” Mike agreed. “And definitely not her.”

“Yeah, so we have to get him to back off!” Dustin said.

“And how are we gonna do that?” Lucas asked, glaring at him.

“We’ll just…tell him to go away.” Mike said. “Right? That’ll work.”

“Yeah, there’s four of us, and one of him,” Dustin agreed.

“Good luck with that,” Max mumbled, leaning against a cabinet.

They all turned to fix her with a look before their attention was back on you. They couldn’t hear what Billy was saying, but they were sure it was totally lame…and they were so convinced that you didn’t want the attention that they mistook your genuine smiles and laughter for something more awkward and polite, as if you were simply putting up with him because you couldn’t escape.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

“God, you’re sexy,” Billy said as he watched you count out packets of cheap candy.

You glanced up at him, unable to hide your smile. “I’m in my work uniform, Billy. It’s not very sexy. I don’t even have any makeup on.”

“I like you without it.”

“I thought you said you loved my lipstick?”

“Yeah, I love smudging it all over,” he smirked. “Love making your mascara run, too…”

“Billy!“ you whispered, laughing. “I’m at work!”

“I still wanna find that break room…”

“Billy!”

“What? Can’t a guy sneak his girlfriend off for a quickie once in a while?” He gave you a wolfish grin, watching you like a big, scary predator might watch a cute little bunny rabbit.

But two could play at that game.

“What if I prefer something a little longer?” You asked, a suggestive tone in your voice. “Maybe…tonight?”

“Now you’re speakin’ my language, doll.” He puffed on his cigarette, giving you a lazy smile. “It’s a date.”

You smiled and bit your lip, tossing a piece of candy at him and laughing when it hit his chest. He chuckled, reaching out to smooth his thumb over your cheek. He was looking down at you with such a warm expression that you felt yourself melting, his bright eyes suddenly seeming so peaceful. When you leaned into his touch, you closed your eyes for a moment, just enjoying the feeling of his skin against yours.

Your audience, meanwhile, was growing angry.

“What is he doing?!” Dustin practically yelled. “He can’t touch her!”

The others all nodded, agreeing, their voices rising as they worked up the courage to intervene.

Max, however, was quiet as she shared a look with El.

“Guys,” Max said, trying to get their attention. “Guys!”

“What?” They all asked in unison, staring at her.

“Leave them alone,” she said.

“Are you crazy?” Mike asked. “He’s bothering her!”

“I don’t think he is…” El said.

“What? What are you talking about?” Lucas asked.

“I think she’s into him,” Max said, trying not to retch as she thought about anyone liking her brother.

“What?”

“They’re into each other,” El agreed nodding. “I can tell.”

“How can you tell?” Dustin asked angrily.

“I watch TV.”

He grumbled something and rolled his eyes, sitting on a stool in defeat. “Great. Just great.”

“I think they look happy,” El commented, watching as you laughed at something Billy said again.

“Happy? How can anyone be happy with him?” Mike asked.

“I don’t know, but El is right,” Max said. “He never acts like that around anyone else.”

When they all looked back at the two of you, they could see you smiling a real, genuine smile…and Billy was returning it, suddenly looking a lot less like a sleazebag than he usually did.

“I’ll get outta here,” Billy said, giving you a quick kiss. “Want a ride home later?”

“Nah, I drove,” you shrugged.

“Then I’ll see you after you get back?”

“I sure hope so, Romeo,” you gave him a coy smile and another kiss.

Billy gave you a long, lingering look, and it took everything in him to force himself to turn and leave.

You got a pretty nice view of his butt in those tight jeans, though.

As he passed the kids, he paused to snap at them.

“The hell are you lookin’ at?” He growled, fixing them all with the glare they were so used to from him.

“Nothing!” They all stammered as they shook their heads and turned to the various games around them.

He just snorted angrily and kept walking. They watched him go before their heads swiveled to see you standing in your usual spot, a wistful look on your face as Billy Hargrove walked out to his Camaro.

“Dang,” Mike sighed. “They really are a thing, aren’t they?”

“Oh well,” Lucas grumbled.

“At least now I can focus on my high scores again,” Dustin mumbled, hopping off the stool and heading towards an arcade cabinet.

They dispersed, heading to their favorite games. El and Max just looked at each other and shook their heads.

“Boys,” Max scoffed.

“Boys.” El agreed.

[violetrainbow412-blog]

D20 [E. M]

Eddie Munson x fem!reader

Word count: 2.1k

Summary: Eddie and Max play an innocent game that inevitably ends up focusing on you.

A/N: I really like to imagine that Max and Eddie could have been good friends, so here's a short one. I hope you like it!

Eddie rubbed his eyes as he walked to the door to attend to the knocking. It was pouring rain outside, who the hell could it be?

"Red" he greeted lazily. It was his youngest neighbor, Max, who had taken shelter from the rain on the porch of the trailer.

"My mom isn’t here and I don't have a key, can I stay here?" she asked, to which Eddie nodded and stepped aside to let her pass. After both of them had been nearly killed by Vecna ​​they had grown closer, a friendship blossoming from their common trauma. Eddie sometimes took the girl to school and had visits from her like this on occasion, while he had even learned to play some of Kate Bush on his acoustic guitar for her to listen to. He felt good having the girl around, as he had always wanted a younger sister and somehow he could see her as that.

“Do you want something to eat for dinner?” Eddie asked, pulling a couple of grapes from a fruit bowl to pop into his mouth. Thank Wayne and God at least there was never a shortage of food in that house (or trailer, rather).

"I ate something at Lucas's house"

"Huh, so you were with Sinclair," he sneered and inevitably she blushed "He stopped being a jerk yet?"

"Not yet, but... it's less so now"

"It's less so now," he repeated with amusement. He didn't want to push her too hard so he just flopped down on the couch next to her, not mentioning anything else on the subject. Before she arrived, he was writing a song for the band so he took the notebook back to check how he could improve the lyrics, but the truth was that he abandoned it after a few minutes. He was racking his brains to find something good, but he knew inspiration would come at some point, no pressure. "Do you want to play something?" he murmured, hoping that with that they could beat the boredom.

"Play what?" Eddie held up a finger as a request that she wait and dashed into her room to find a small black and red D20. “No! You know I don't like D&D."

"I know you don't like it, it's not that," he laughed. He motioned for her to come over to the bar and sit in front of him, “We're going to say random things, and then we're going to throw it. If a natural 20 comes up, we have to do it,” he explained. It was simple, nothing dangerous and fun, so she nodded at the idea.

"And what do I have to say?"

"I don't know, whatever you want," he exclaimed as she shrugged. Max thought about it for a moment and then spoke again.

"If I roll a natural 20, you... you're going to go out in the rain for a minute." she rolled the dice on the bar and when she stopped there was a 3 on the top face of it.

“My turn,” Eddie said, taking the object and shaking it in his hand. “If I roll a natural 20, you're going to steal Mike's lunch on Monday.” The girl laughed and nodded as Eddie rolled the dice. This time a 9 came up.

So they went on, beginning with small things, for a long time. The challenges ranged from wearing ridiculous clothes to school to ruining beloved Steve Harrington's hair, but luckily only a couple of those had come to fruition. At some point Max's eyes lit up at an idea and she smirked at the boy.

“If I roll a natural 20, you have to call Y/N and tell her you like her”

Eddie froze at this, not even daring to breathe at the sound of your name. Oh, how could he begin to describe you? He and you had started talking, like most of his new friends, thanks to the disaster that had threatened Hawkins. Chrissy's death in the school gym had shocked everyone and although there was no relationship, most had harshly judged Hellfire under the allegation that they ‘were a cult’ and practiced all that satanic shit. And that's where you came to the rescue, willing to even fight with blows with those who messed with your children. You were very protective of the underage group, and luckily for Eddie, you were also protective of him, even though you barely knew him. Inevitably he got mixed up in the 'Upside Down' stuff and that's how you formally introduced yourself. It had been months since, for reasons still unknown to you, Eddie had saved you and Dustin from a demobat attack and the rest is history.

But he had never discussed his feelings for you with anyone. If he had, he'd probably tell her that he'd felt that way for many years, when he'd seen you sometime in high school, and that he'd been trying to bury that silly crush deep inside his being. But sometimes it was impossible for him, especially when he looked at you in the corridors looking so pretty, with that smile that drove him crazy.

The idea that someone knew how in love he was with you terrified him and in the panic of the moment, he understood that Max wasn't stupid. Any movement would simply give him away.

"And why would I say that?" he murmured, trying not to stutter, as he drummed his fingers on the bar.

"So you deny that it's true?" she responded nimbly, narrowing her eyebrows in his direction. Eddie was silent for a moment and shook his head.

“I don't know what you're talking about” he answered nervously and she laughed.

"Don't be a liar, I've seen how you look at her"

"What?" he half screeched "And how do I look at her?"

“With those goofy eyes of yours. And then your eyelashes flutter like you're a flirtatious schoolgirl”

"Shut up!" he laughed, nudging the redhead slightly. "That's not true."

“Of course it is, we all know that,” she exclaimed with amusement, but that made Eddie's heart clench a little.

"Are you serious?" he asked sadly. He didn't want you to think he was weird or depraved or anything like that and his friend finding out so quickly worried him.

“Well, by everyone I mean just Dustin and me. Maybe Robin and if she knows so does Steve, who probably told Nancy…”

"Okay, I got it, everyone knows I'm head over heels in love with Y/N."

"So you admit it?"

"Mayfield!" he complained, pouting. "Just forget it, it's stupid and she'd never pay attention to me." Eddie snorted, visibly sad.

“Oh, c’mon, don't be discouraged. I know you're not the best and you smell a little ugly but maybe she can get to like you” he tried to encourage him, but Eddie let out an offended laugh “Listen, we've rolled the dice so many times and it's never come up a 20, what could happen?” the younger murmured, holding out the dice to her friend. "Just do it, just like I ate that horrible thing you had in the fridge," she practically demanded.

Eddie sighed and took the dice in his hands to shake it a couple of times before throwing it on the table. One, two, three turns and he finally stopped.

20.

“It has to be a joke,” Eddie groaned, staring in disbelief at the result.

"Well, I guess it's fate, Munson," Max sneered. The boy was pale because he knew perfectly well that his friend wouldn’t forgive him for the dare.

“But how am I going to tell her? It's going to be super weird, she's going to freak out!" he muttered worriedly, unconsciously biting off a piece of his fingernail.

“Just call her and explain that you want to tell her something, and tell her. It’s not complicated” 

“Easy for you to say,” he screeched. The two of them argued for a bit until Max practically forced him to comply, after all it had been his idea of ​​the game in the first place.

“I don't know her phone number, to begin with.” He tried to excuse himself, but Max recited it from memory. Both your number and Steve's and of course her mother's were engraved in her brain for emergencies.

Eddie took a deep breath as he punched in the digits and with each passing second, he became more convinced that this was a terrible idea. But Max was right, he had to comply and he wasn't going to look stupid in front of a girl.

"Hello?" your soft voice asked. He jumped when he heard you and froze "Is anyone there?"

“Hello, Y/N”

"Eddie?" you murmured at his stutter "How did you get my number?" you said from the other side of the line. You sounded a little confused but the truth was that you were just curious. Eddie was a company you were enjoying a lot lately, always being goofy and pretty without even trying.

"Max…" he exclaimed, but his response sounded more like a question.

"What happened to her? She is fine?"

"Yes, she is wonderful" he continued, avoiding at all costs having to make his confession. But Maxine’s questioning look across the bar didn't help much. "But I asked her because… huh, well… I wanted to tell you something important."

“Oh, something important?” you asked and he nodded, wanting to punch himself realizing you couldn't see him. Max obviously laughed at this. "Sure, tell me," you exclaimed cheerfully, even if you hadn't received a verbal response. That was when Eddie felt his palms sweat and a knot form in his stomach. How could he say that he liked you? "Ed?"

"I'm here," he exclaimed shakily. Shit, he was just going to say it “I just wanted to tell you that I really like you… rrr hair”

Max looked at him in confusion and Eddie closed his eyes as he let his head fall back. He had chickened out at the last moment and just hoped he hadn't sounded too stupid, which he probably had.

“My hair?” you exclaimed, hearing yourself confused even through the phone.

“Hjm” he hummed “And I wanted to ask you what product you use because it always looks so soft and silky and I would love mine to look like that”

"Oh," you exhaled, still a little weirded out by things. That wasn’t the direction that Eddie would have wanted for the talk, but it would be necessary to improvise “I use a shampoo and a conditioner of the same brand, in addition to drying it after I shower. But my hair is a bit straighter than yours, pretty, that's why it looks like this."

"Super, you can tell me where you bought it later and I'll go get them" he mumbled, trying to ignore the fact that you had called him pretty "Thank you very much, Y/N"

“Did you call me in the middle of the night just to ask me what hair product I use?” you said amused, letting out a giggle that wasn't meant to be mocking. Eddie also laughed on the other end of the phone.

“I'm sorry, you know when I have something on my mind, I can't get it out of my head” he apologized. Max, who was witnessing everything, was looking at him with murderous eyes.

“Your curls are cute either way. I like them"

"Really?" he said, with one of the goofiest smiles.

"Yes. Even if you want…”

"Yeah?"

“There are some products to define curls and if you want to invest in something that would be a good option. I can accompany you one day”

"Please. I only know the 5-in-1 shampoo that my uncle buys” he confessed and you burst out laughing.

"You need urgent help then," I snorted, making him laugh softly. There was a short silence and although neither of you could see each other each had a loving smile.

"Thanks again. Have a good night"

"Rest, Eddie"

“You too,” he said, and even though he didn't want to do it he had to hang up. He didn't need more than a glance from his redheaded friend to start whimpering “I panicked! Okay? And technically I told her… in a roundabout way, but I did.”

“You’re a complete fool”

"Someday I'm going to tell her, don't push me" he snorted, walking to the couch and flopping down "Forget that stupid game, come and pick a movie, and don't say anything anymore" he groaned as he crossed his arms. Max just shook his head in amusement and did as he asked, not saying a word about it.

After all, she knew that, with a little effort, that boy could finally tell you how he felt about you. Someday he would.

TAG LIST: @sweetdayme4427 @smol-book-nerd @ilikewomendealwithit @harringt8ns @katsukis1wife @ilovereadingfanfics

[loverforstrangerthingsfics]

The stages of dating ...... eddie munson[This is long]

[ I just think the song matches the vibe so I suggest listening ]

The meeting

:you had met eddie through the party because you were just like eleven but older and you understood the world more than her

:you had the same story plot as el because you escaped together

: you guys together were unstoppable so while you stay in Hawkins while the byers were in California you stayed with the wheelers

:befor you meet eddie you had a crush on Steve so it took a while for him to peek your liking

:people thought dnd was weird and you were one of the people

:so when most of the party met him you met him to

:so when lucas was busy with basketball mike ran to you so you can fill in

:[Mike out of breath] ed-eddie I found your sub for dnd

:"sup I'm y/n .... let's cut to the chase you obviously need me sooo in return I want my homework done for the rest of the week by you munson because I am supposed to be with nacy right know stuffing my face and binge watching horror movies so do I have my self a deal"?

Eddie:every day beside friday I have stuff to do

Yn: so deal ?

Him:.....deal

:it only took you a few minutes to learn because you scammed through your powers and got any information about dnd there is

:and ofcorse you won the game and that impressed him

The asking out

:he was formal ,came to you because you were friends so he wasn't so scared to ask you out

:so eddie asked you at lunch

"So y/n what about you and me Sunday at the movies "

Y/n:eddie who the fuck goes out on Sunday that's me day how about this Friday?

"Of course babe"

"Were not there yet munson "

:the date went great you both ate till you couldn't and laughed at the stupid movie that played

The dating

:hanging out in his trailer

: playing dnd together

:stealing his clothes

:getting a hell fire shirt

:you got to spend more time with Dustin and the boys and you got more closer to Erica

:using your powers for easy stuff

"Ed's I just read there mind and there definitely talking about us"

"Those ass holes"

:binge eating

:being lazy

:going to school and rocking your grades [with cheating of course]

:random drives at night and I love yous

:doing everything together

:him teaching you how to play guitar

:modeling for eachother

:showing him your powers

:random singing matches

:making mistakes for eachother

:laughing at each other

:being confident within eachother

Pictures and videos of you guys

You telling him his hair isn't all that

You being drunk at 2 in the morning and saying this

Playing a game of dnd

You after using your powers [Imagine your race and gender]

Id like to add one more stage .... grief

:you always thought why not you why did I not use my powers to save him then you realize el , Mike, hopper, max, Lucas, all of them... they all need you alive well.. you needed your eddie alive you were not even living when he dead

:the guilt took over you, you changed you weren't the same withought him

:you did the best you could for him trying to live life the way he would

:people say sooner or later it gets better it didn't kinda

:but your family and the people around you made life worth living again

:you would visit his grave and play the guitar for him

:you would tell him all the good and bad news

"Yeah and then they walked away like nothing happened "

: u tried to move on really

:but you did move on ... to steve

: you always felt bad like you shouldn't move on but then you would remember

A month ago...

"Hey y/n what would happen if you passed like would you want me to move on "

I think it depends..... on the person and how much you loved them I would want you to because you deserve happiness like I do so yes I would want you to because I would never want to see you hurt and not happy I'm not saying you have to or need to but you would know when the time is right

"Yeah I guess so y/n I would want you to move on to and if you do I hope they treat you good you deserve happiness so I would want you to move on "

And that's why I love you

"Come here gimme a kiss "

End of flashback

:know you remember why you loved

The " freak" eddie munson

"All my tears have been used up......... on another love "

And that is the start of the stages series

[spoodrm4n]

Steve Harrington Masterlist

Series:

And I Would Do It Again : In season 3, instead of Steve getting beaten by the Russian interrogators, it’s you. Steve and Robin are still drugged so they don’t notice your life threatening injury at first. Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader. 

But I Wouldn’t Let You : Part two of “And I Would Do It Again”. You wake up in the hospital, having no memory of how you ended up there and Star Court. Steve comforts you and stays with you while you heal. You both end up having a heart to heart at the end of the day. Angst to fluff! Takes place at the end of season 3, leading into season 4. 

One Shots:

Everything and Nothing All at Once : You and Steve had grown up together and were best friends until your freshman year when he ditched you for the popular crowd. He has some unknown regrets that he carries with him and wants to make right. Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader. 

Just a Feeling : The Hawkin’s group is reeling after almost losing Max. You realize you are having the same symptoms, but stay quiet, not wanting to be a distraction in solving Vecna’s curse. 

Glances Unnoticed :  Dustin drags you out into the woods with none other than Steve Harrington to look for the creature that had eaten your cat. You get roped into a lot more than you bargained for and old wounds are reopened and realizations are made at the end of the night. You just wouldn’t expect to end the night with Steve Harrington spending the night.

I Can Handle It : The reader goes with Steve and the kids to a basketball game to cheer Lucas on, but one of the boys from her wrestling team that always had a bone to pick with her causes trouble and reader defends her brother. 

Locked Out: Steve and El get locked out at movie night and the kids bully you into admitting your crush. 

Not Fair:  Steve had broken up with you a month ago without any explanation and it had crushed you. After a group movie night, you decide to get some homework done and Steve tries to act like he cares about you again. 

Savior Complex:  You have a savior complex when it comes to the people you care about. You would take every hit and insult for them if you could and it terrifies Steve to his core. When you get into a fight with Billy Hargrove to protect him and the kids, you hide something from them until it may be too late. 

Better Than Me:  Band AU where Steve has been ignoring you for a couple of weeks and you have no clue as to why. Robin convinces Steve to go to one of their concerts and you let him know how hurt and angry you are. 

Requests:

In Due Time 

Tipsy Confessions 

I’m Right Here 

I Thought I Lost You 

It Looks Good On Him 

See You Later 

Sweatshirt Thief 

You’re an Idiot, Steve Harrington 

[scoops-ahoy-fics]

dating lucas during season four (vol. 1) headcannons

hawkins wasn't really kind to either of you in 1986. there were a lot of ups and downs, but lucas was by your side the whole time.

reader: gender neutral

characters: lucas sinclair

genre: fluff/angst

spoiler warning?: HEAVY s4 vol. 1 spoilers

notes: why is there like no lucas content on here?? lucas deserves love too <33 i was a lil stumped on this one, so im sorry if this isn't exactly what you wanted, but i tried!! i decided to just kinda put the reader in the events of season 4! hope you enjoy! @astronaut-spook

• Lucas is such a loving and caring boyfriend, it's unreal. You two started dating right before basketball season, and you wouldn't change it for the world. Despite caring for his friends and basketball, he finds time for you as much as he can.

• You're there at every basketball game, every event, and anything else you can be at to support your boyfriend. And you're there when he makes that winning shot. After the game, he ran up to you and hugged you as tight as possible, giving you a kiss on the forehead as you rambled on about how proud you were of him. Definitely a power couple on the rise.

• You didn't hear from him the day after, though, and you were worried. Somebody at your school had died, and it was just radio silence from your boyfriend. You looked everywhere for him, trying his house, and then trying his friend's houses. There, you ran into Dustin and Max, seeing if they had heard from him.

• They tried to brush you of but you were persistent, you weren't going to just let this go until you had answers and knew that your boyfriend wasn't in danger. The two looked between each other, before deciding to explain everything. Every thing. And you were more confused than ever. Your boyfriend has had a hand in defeating not one, but three monsters? What the hell?

• So you decided to just follow those two, running to the video store and attempting to help. As the crew eventually got a hold of Lucas, he was very caught of guard when he realized you were with them. “B-Babe! Hah ... so uh- you're not mad at me or anything, right? I was gonna tell you! I just ... didn't know when there would be a good time,” he said with an awkward laugh.

• You weren't mad at him, you would've probably found out eventually, you were more relieved that he was okay. He was at least safe for now, that's all that was on your mind. So you continued uncovering the mystery with Max, Dustin, Robin, and Steve.

• As you all got to the counselor's office, and Lucas ran in, you practically jumped into his arms. He was obviously worried. “You don't need to be here, you need to be home! I don't want you hurt, this is some really dangerous stuff here!” he insisted, but you refused. You were going to help.

• Lucas was pretty protective of you pretty much the entire time, his hand was always holding yours. Yeah, you could protect yourself, you he wasn't going to let you get hurt. You were one of the most important people to him, and he wasn't going to let you go.

• But, all of the sudden, you put some of the pieces together. Everybody that had been killed had been having headaches, and your head had been killing you for some time now. And then you heard the clock chime.

• Anxiety filled your body as you saw the clock, and when you came back to, you clung to Lucas as your breathing began to speed up. You were next, and you needed a solution. Quick.

• Nancy and Robin were on it almost immediately, and you were anything but calm. Lucas was the only one that could calm you down, telling you that everything was going to be okay. He would gently cup your face with his hands, pressing a gentle kiss onto your nose. “Baby, listen. We're not gonna let anything hurt you, that stupid monster dude is not gonna kill you. They're getting a solution now, so just stay calm for me, 'kay?”

• When Vecna got ahold of you, he was trying his best to stay calm, but he was a bit teary eyed. He couldn't lose you, and he was begging for Robin and Nancy to get an answer to them. Quick. And when he found out the answer was to play your favorite song, he knew exactly what it was. He rummaged around in your bag and found the song.

• As you fell from the sky, Lucas was at your side immediately, pulling you into his lap and pressing gentle kisses onto your forehead. He stroked your hair carefully as his eyes began to spill a few tears. He wiped them quickly, not wanting to be upset. He was just glad you were okay. He didn't let go of you for a little while, being relatively quiet. After a few minutes, he let out a soft laugh. “I told you nothing was gonna hurt you.”

[vivaamor]

crystal clear

warnings: swearing, mentions of violence (bullying), jason carver *pukes*, friends to lovers

relationships: eddie munson/ female reader

summary: you finally realize what's right in front of you

"so, what'd you guys do last night?" you asked, drinking from one of the caprisun's from mike's fridge, flattening out the skirt of your cheer uniform as you take a seat on the old couch in the wheeler's basement.

eddie sits cross legged next to you, his feet tucked in. "well, lucas, mike, will, and i played some dungeons and dragons. i don't know whatever hopscotch shit dustin was doing, but it certainly wasn't dungeons and dragons."

"hey, screw you, man! the game you set up last night was fuckin' hard!" he whines back, pouting at eddie, then at the other boys as they chime in about how badly dustin played. you giggle to yourself and eddie sends a wink your way.

you'd known eddie since sophomore year, only having known the other boys for a little over a year now since eddie met them when they joined hellfire. eddie hadn't changed since sophomore year. he was still the same sarcastic, nerdy, clumsy underclassmen you remembered him as when you met him. you were partners in a lab in biology and everything was history. the two of you were quite nerdy, not having many friends. but even since nancy convinced you to try out for cheerleading with her junior year last year, that all changed. you began receiving invites to senior parties, everyone knew your name and even hawkins high's most popular jock, jason carver was your boyfriend as of six months ago.

eddie never understood your relationship with jason but in your eyes, he could be a really good boyfriend. sure, he could be jealous and a little judgmental of your friendship with eddie, but he was good to you. the boys just never got to see that side of him.

"you playing with us tonight, y/n?" eddie asked, smirking at the chaos he caused, the boys still bickering like old women. it had been so long since you had the chance to sit and play a game.

you scratch your neck, knowing full well that you have plans with your boyfriend. there was a party at steve's house, another important piece to your friend group puzzle. he'd invited almost the whole grade, but eddie wasn't one for parties. if you remember correctly, you believe his exact words were, "why the hell would i get drunk with a bunch of jocks i can't stand when i can sit in the wheeler basement and play a board game with my favorite freaks?"

you shake your head, "i told jason i'd go to steve's for the party he's throwing."

"oh, okay." eddie nods, trying to be understanding but the slight pout on his lips says otherwise.

"what?" you tilt your head, elbowing him. "no, come on. what's up?" you look around the room, everyone going quiet. "dustin?"

he sighs, taking his hat off his curly head of hair, turning to you. "it's nothing, y/n, it's just..." he chews on his bottom lip, folding his arms across his chest. "you know we like jason. he's a cool guy."

"but?"

dustin's eyes flicker to eddie's, then back to yours. "we never see you anymore. like once a week for maybe an hour, you're always with jason. we just miss you is all."

"but-" eddie buts in, scooting closer to you. "we get that you have a boyfriend and you need to spend time with him. go have fun, maybe next time." he offers, running a hand through his frizzy hair.

you sit there for a moment, feeling awfully guilty. after all, eddie was your best friend and you should make hi and the boys more of a priority. "no." eddie quirks an eyebrow at you. "no, i'm gonna stay. after all, it's not like we'll always have time to play with eddie and i graduating." you smile, leaning your head on eddie's shoulder. "plus, i miss you guys, too. i just need to call jason."

"phone's in the kitchen." mike tells you, gesturing to the stairs leading to the kitchen. you nods, walking upstairs and dialing jason's phone number.

downstairs, dustin is staring down eddie. "what, henderson?"

"you keep staring at her," dustin notes matter-of-factly, the other boys chuckling at him. "you still got the hots for her, don't you?"

eddie shrugs, looking down at the rings on his fingers. "she has a boyfriend, man."

"a boyfriend she ditched to hang out with you." eddie raises his eyebrows at the freshmen with another shrug of the shoulders. "she loves us, but she wouldn't have canceled plans with hi if you weren't here. they're always fighting."

"boyfriends and girlfriends fight, dusty bun." he smirks, making any excuse to avoid the obvious. eddie held a crush for you since you became friends those two years ago. in his eyes, you were utter perfection. you had this smile that he just couldn't ignore, and it was contagious as hell.

walking downstairs, you shoot the boys a thumbs up and they lamely cheer. "i can tell he's pissed but we can fight tomorrow. tonight..." you put your hand on dustin's shoulder. "dustin and i are gonna win this thing."

-

"well, i think you redeemed yourself tonight, henderson." eddie announces, helping will put away the pieces of the game. "see ya!" he calls after all the boys but mike, them heading to their respective homes. "you headed out, too?"

you shrug, "i guess so. you?"

"eh, wayne's having poker night at the trailer. mind if i crash with you tonight?" you nod, motioning him to follow you upstairs, bidding a farewell to mike. "you drive here?" you stare at him as almost to say, which what car? "it's like two miles, i would've picked you up." you shrug in response. "come on." he opens the passenger side door for you, gesturing for you to get in and you hop up into the van.

you remember when eddie first got his license, not that he didn't drive before he had it, because he did. when he had turned sixteen sophomore year, his uncle gave him the van for his birthday, it was all he could afford. but eddie loved it. you'd sneak out of your house at midnight, eddie parked down the street to pick you up. he'd drive the two of you down to the gas station and you'd get slurped's, cherry for eddie and blue raspberry for yourself. you'd spend hours, talking and listening to music until he'd drop you back off at your house around three in the morning. and then you'd see him five hours later at school.

the van smells how it always smelled-- herbal and of cheap, mint air fresheners to cover some of the smells of his activities he partook in the van. there was the same smiley face sticker you stuck on the dashboard junior year on one of the mornings he'd picked you up for school. you ride in silence on the way to your house, but you didn't mind. there was something about the quiet in the air when you with eddie. it was comfortable silence. you didn't need to fill the air with your voices or dumb conversation, you were fine just being around him. his presence was enough. you supposed that meant you had a strong friendship.

it was different with jason. the silence terrified you around him. you always listened him talk about him and the basketball team or what party you just had to go to. you were always quiet, you'd never been known for being chatty. but if jason was quiet, you knew something was terribly wrong and in most cases, it was because of something you'd done.

"here we are." he pulls the keys out of the ignition, parking his car in the driveway of your house since your dad was always traveling for work, he assumed he was out of town. he runs over to your side of the vehicle, swinging the door open for you. "m'lady," he jokes, helping you out. you unlock the front door, leading eddie inside. he smirked, he doesn't think he'd ever seen your house messy, it was always so put-together, so neat, just like you were. "the spot?" he asks, holding up a carton of cigarettes. you nod eagerly, taking his hand and walking upstairs to your dad's office, the window already open.

eddie climbs through the opening, sitting on the edge of the roof when he holds out his hand to help you do the same. you sit next to him, taking a cigarette from the carton he held. "here," he brings the lighter to the end of the cigarette situated in front of your lips and shelters it with his hand, carefully lighting the end. "you're extra quiet tonight."

you take a long drag, exhaling the smoke from your lungs, cigarette between your two fingers. "you ever think... what the hell am i doing?" you ask, your gaze not shifting from looking in front of you, peering over the town of hawkins.

"all the time." he jokes, looking over at you. it was dark out, the only illumination being a few street lights, but he was still able to make out the features of your face. "what do you mean?"

you sigh, passing the cigarette to eddie. "i mean... jason's leaving for college in two months and i guess i don't even know what i want to do. i don't even want to go to college."

he smiled softly, understanding. "you don't have to. the great thing about being an adult is that you have time to figure yourself out."

"what if... what if i never do?" it felt comforting, being able to have these talks with eddie. he was always so laid back, so calm and didn't have a concern in the world about his future.

"well..." he slides his arm over your shoulders, pulling you in until you rest your head on his shoulder. "then that means you can join me for dungeons and dragons every monday after bingo at the local nursing home."

"no, eddie, i'm serious. everyone is going off to college, jason, too. and i'm supposed to do that as well, and i don't even know why i'm dating him." you chuckle, rubbing your fingers in small circles at your temples. "i don't care about popularity, i don't care about how people see me. and i know what you guys think about him. i guess i'm just... reminiscing how things were when he first asked me out, you know?"

"no, not really."

you fold you legs in, turning until you're fully facing him. "like, i don't know, it was like... like my heart beat out of my chest every time i saw him." eddie nods, knowing the feeling. "the first time he kissed me, i literally thought my heart was going to stop. but i haven't had that again since those firsts. i haven't felt like... special like that. and i am dying, i mean, looking for that again."

"i know what you mean."

you chuckle, "you do?"

he nods his head again, "yeah, of course. like, when i grab a girl, like this." he puts the cigarette down on the roof and places both his hands on either side of your face, rubbing his thumb over your jaw. "it's not just the girl maybe feeling special, it's me, too." his brown embers stare into your eyes, and your stomach turns. "and i lean in," he follows his words, his nose softly ghosting over yours. "and i just want to kiss her so bad...." he pulls away from you, dropping his hands from your cheeks. "i feel like the luckiest bastard in the world."

-

eddie drove you to school the next morning, tucking a plastic baggie of marijuana in your bag, telling you that you'd smoke it after school in the van to help you unwind. you part ways once at your locker, him telling you he'd see you at lunch before running off to go meet dustin. you shut your locker, jumping when jason is standing behind it. "hi, babe." he grins, pulling you in for a quick kiss.

"good morning!" you greet, taking his hand in yours. "i really have to get to class early, i need to talk to stevens about the exam, but i'll catch up with you at lunch?" he gives you a nod of approval and you kiss his cheek, walking toward room 324, the science lab.

the day had gone relatively slow. you were exhausted, having stayed up late with eddie talking and listening to music he had on his walkman. you didn't know he always survived on four hours of sleep when you were miserable. it felt like ten hours before the bell ending fourth period finally came, lunch time in session. you walk out of english, jason and a few of his friends, along with steve standing outside the room, waiting for you. "there you are." he smiles, hands tucked into his letterman jacket.

"y/n, hey!" eddie calls as he walks out of the class next to yours. "you get any medicine? i have a killer headache."

you nod, shrugging off your bag, looking inside. "oh, it's in my locker i'll be right back." you hand your bag to jason, "hold this for me? i'll be right back and then we can go eat." jason nods with a smile, waving you off. looking down at your open bag, he squints his eyes when they land upon something in particular.

he moves his eyes to eddie. "she's a good friend, isn't she?" jason asks, almost suspiciously.

"oh, yeah, great." eddie agrees awkwardly, folding his arms over his chest.

he grabs at the baggie, "even better girlfriend."

"i bet."

jason takes a step toward eddie, "bet you wonder what that's like? kissing her, holding her, fucking her."

"not really my place, man." eddie shoots him a look, taking a step back from him. "what's your deal?" jason pulls out the baggie and eddie winces, "oh, fuck."

"what, you tryin' to drug my girlfriend?" his eyes pierce into eddie's, full of rage. "so what, she'll fuck you, munson?" he shoves at eddie chest harshly, eddie's back running into the wall.

"what? hell no, what the fuck are you-" suddenly, jason pulls him by his jacket and shoves him to the ground, his fist flying at his face as jason's friends surround him, kicking eddie while he's down.

"i'm getting real sick of you trying to do something to my fucking girlfriend, munson!" jason yells down at eddie, who's groaning on the floor.

you run back down the hallway, "hey, eds, i-" your eyes land on the scene in front of you. "what are you doing? stop." you yell, but no one eve hears you. you pull on jason's jacket, "stop!" you screamed at the top of your lungs, deciding you needed to do something more. you crawl on top of eddie, taking a few blows from your boyfriend's friends.

"guys, stop. that's y/n!" jason hollers and the kicking and punching all comes to a stop, your arms guarding your head from taking too much damage. "y/n, baby-" you stand up, and all you could see then was pure red. you bend down, checking on eddie and his face.

"hey," you run your hand over his cheek and he winces. "head to my house," you hand him a key to the front door. "i'll be there soon, alright?" you help him to his feet, looking back at jason. you wait until eddie is out of ear shot for you to tear into him. he watches you with steady eyes as you slowly creep toward him, your hand swinging back and landing across his face. "are you fucking kidding me?"

"baby-"

you put your hand up, telling him he better shut up. "is your dick that small that you have to berate people to make yourself feel superior?" you yell, rolling her hands into fists. you glance at the now empty english room, walking inside. "come on, now." you motion for him to follow you, but he's stood still. "now!" you yell loudly and he follows you inside the classroom.

-

eddie is sitting on your bed, glancing at the clock on your bedroom wall, which reads one o' four. he'd left the school almost an hour ago and hadn't heard from you since. he sighed, his eyes glued to the floor, fidgeting with the several rings that adorned his fingers. "guess she's not coming back," he mumbled to himself, running a shaky, pale hand through his ruffle of brown curls. he's getting up from your bed and trying to find the keys to his van when he hears the front door open and close.

"eddie?" you shuffle through the living and kitchen until you reach your bedroom, which eddie is stood in the middle of. your eyes run over his features- the bruise imprinted on his left cheekbone, the cut on his lip, his sad eyes scanning over you. "fuck." you pout, walking over to him and telling him to sit. "sit, i'm gonna clean that cut, so it doesn't get infected." he sits on your bed, waiting for you as you return with alcohol and some cotton pads. you sit on your knees beside him on the bed, his lip still bleeding just a little. you wipe at the blood with a dry cotton pad before dampening it with the alcohol and lightly tapping at the lip, biting yours in concentration.

he winces, the alcohol stinging. "do you love him?" he blurts out unknowingly, causing your eyes to widen. he didn't care how selfish he was being, he had to know. "all that talk last night about not knowing why you're with him, did you mean it? i mean, do you love him?"

"i don't know, eddie. can we not get into this right now?" you sighed, your hand on his jaw to keep his head steady as you helped him.

"i need to know, y/n. we all see how he treats you. he acts like... like you're a doll or something. like you're just there to be played with, and put away when he's done until he needs you again." his words stung you like the alcohol did to him. he grasps your arm with his hand, pulling you away from the cut on his lip.

he stared at you, needing an answer. "i..." your eyes wash over his features, and you feel warm. eddie was always your answer when you needed to feel safe or when you needed a laugh, or needed to feel secure about yourself. "i love you."

he parts his lips, unable to respond, your answer having taken him aback in surprise. "i mean, you're the one who's always been there. you make me laugh until my stomach hurts, you'll cry with me, and you don't judge me by my flaws. for example, taste in boys." he chuckles, looking down at where you rest your hand on his knee. "your main goal is always to make me smile until my face hurts. you don't pick out things about me that you don't like, you don't tell me i'm being sensitive when i'm sad-- you hold me instead and point out everything you like about me, just to make me smile even for a split second." he blushes, resting his hand over yours. "it's you who cares about me, and... i love you."

"but...? there's a but, isn't there?"

you shake your head, "there's not a but. maybe you were the only who i've been seeking out this whole time, the one guy i've ever known that has truly gone out of his way to make me feel special." he moves his free hand to your cheek, rubbing his thumb along your jawline, just like he did the night before. except this time, he doesn't pull away or make some lame joke to ease the tension. he leans in further, capitulating your lips in his.

you smile softly against his lips, leaning in further until his hand that was on your knee is now on your lower back. and there it was- the butterflies you'd been dying to feel again. you had been looking in all the wrong places, the answer had been in front of you the whole time, it has been crystal clear, and the answer-- eddie munson.

he gently guides you onto your back as he lays on his side, your cheek laying against your pillow, his hand on your cheek collecting the hairs that fanned over your face and tucking them behind your ear. his tongue pushes past your lips, scanning the roof of your mouth, causing you to let out a quiet whimper. your rub your fingers over his bicep and then travel into his hair, closing your eyes when he pulls away, his hand continuing to rest on your cheek. "let me take you out tonight," he smiles genuinely, pressing a kiss to the tip of your nose.

"it's a date."