#jargyle fanfiction

[senorablack]

On the Injustices of the Modern Senior Discount

Words: 1143 Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Argyle/Jonathan Byers Characters: injustices of the world Additional Tags: Humor, Shippy Gen, idiot 4 idiot Summary: Steve finds Eddie, Argyle and Jonathan in the middle of a protest.

When Steve finds his guy, Eddie’s handcuffed to the theatre doors. His right wrist is, anyway. His left is cuffed to Argyle’s. And cuffed to Argyle’s left ankle, is Jonathan’s right. Argyle attempts a wave, but the movement takes Eddie’s arm with it, which results in a supersized soaking of icy coke all over the pair. Jonathan snorts. Probably because he’s managed to be unscathed by the splash back.

“S’why we should have gone with 7-up.” He says. But Steve barely catches it from where he lies on the sidewalk, head pillowed in his hands.

“But you like coke, dude.” Argyle says, taking off his second layer and dabbing it at his sticky stomach.

“Without…a doubt…” Jonathan says through yawns, “but 7-up doesn’t stain.”

“Board shorts can be replaced, you know, but supersized sales on fountain drinks last forever.”

“No man, this all-you-can-drink sale ends July thirty-first, ” Eddie says, “And today’s the… ”

“Thirtieth .” Jonathan supplies.

“Yeah, so like, what are we doing sitting here and not like, out there, disrupting the land?" Argyle asks, "High time we pretended we’re some white folk from the east, man, and that that fountain machine is our California gold.”

“Some of us are white folk from the east.” Jonathan breathes.

Steve can't be sure that he's really even awake. Argyle tries again, but Steve shuts him down immediately, not needing to hear anything more.

“Could I just—“ Steve pinches the bridge of his nose (and mumbles why do I even hang out with you bozos), “—could I just interrupt you guys for a sec. Anyone want to tell me what’s up with the cuffs?”

“Cuffs?” Eddie asks, with a head tilt. “Come again?”

“I said, DID YOU PUT YOURSELF HERE OR DO I HAVE TO CALL BAIL BONDS?”

The trio wince.

“Roll the volume back to 3, brother, I’m sensitive.” Argyle says, twisting a pinky in his ear.

“He always swabs too harsh.” Jonathan says, and turn to his side. It brings Argyle’s ankle over his own. Argyle doesn’t seem to notice or mind.

“You wanna make sure you got all those little gummy guys out of there.” Eddie says, “Jay think fast!”

Jonathan returns to his back a second late and instead of his open mouth, the popcorn kernel Eddie tossed at him falls into his shirt. Steve hadn’t seen it before, but when Jonathan sits up, there is a littering of kernels outlining Jonathan’s concrete bed like some kind of buttery snow-angel. Eddie shoots him a comforting smile.

“I’ll get it one day.” Jonathan says with a shrug.

“Hey, I won’t give up on you, if you don’t give up on you.” Eddie says. Argyle places a hand on Eddie's shoulder.

“That right there, brooooooooo, that’s some real ass shit man. You could work for hallmark.”

“Nah, I wouldn’t last one—“

“GUYS!” Steve shouts again. “Let’s reel this back to why the hell you’re all cuffed together, mmkay?”

“Oh, yeah, we’re protesting.” Eddie says and fishes a half soak joint from his pocket.

He frowns. Argyle pats him on the back consolingly, retreats, and digs through Jonathan’s jean jacket to procure some rolling papers.

“Protesting what?”

Argyle takes out his wallet, places a paper on top, and uses a nail to cut open the soaked joint. He empties the bud onto the new paper and re-rolls like he’s performing brain surgery.

“Being denied the senior discount.” Eddie says with a growl.

“None of you are seniors.” Steve says.

“What, because of our age? I was a senior a mere three months ago, my guy.” Argyle says, and then snaps his fingers in Eddie’s direction. Eddie mindlessly brings out his zippo and hands it to Argyle.

“Doctor.” Eddie says quickly.

“Doctor.” Argyle says in kind. He holds the flame under the length of the joint, close enough to seal but not burn.

“No, right? For christ sakes, Steve, I was a senior three times. That means I should have like, three times the discount…” Eddie’s brows scrunch. “If my math is right.”

Steve covers both hands over his face. And then runs them through his hair, pushing back the waves in all kinds of odd angles. He imagines they look like how he inwardly feels—distressed.

“It’s not.” He says flatly.

“But the formula…” Argyle starts. And Steve has to cut him off again.

“You! Hey!” Steve kicks at bottom of one of Jonathan’s converse. “Okay, no, you—why are you here? You know better.”

“Oh, I know better, man. I know better than to trust the man to fairness and equality. We all deserve access to Alien 3.”

“Sure. Right. Okay.”

“Plus,” Jonathan says with a laugh, “this is where the bud went and I was promised nachos.”

“Christ, you really need to stop hanging around Eddie, because you’re starting to make less sense than him.”

“Nah, E&J Spa Day Saturdays are sacred and irreplaceable.”

“You don’t even go to the spa.”

“I dunno, it just sounds better than Jonathan and Eddie get blasted, visit natural history museums, and make up fake lore about earth and mankind’s evolution Saturdays.”

“Huh, now I see why I don’t get to tag along.” Steve says with raised brows. “Guess I owe you a thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” Jonathan says.

“Wait, wait…so where’s the patty wagon?”

“Get this. These are the auxiliary doors.” Eddies says.

“Walk me through that one?” Steve raises a brow.

“We can’t, sweets, because they’re only for emergencies.” Eddie says this like Steve is five, as if he's the one missing the mark. Steve rolls his eyes.

“Forget I asked. Alternate definitions welcomed, guys.”

“Back doors.” Argyle says.

“Oh.” Steve scratches his brow with a pinky nail, “So no one’s even noticed you guys, have they?”

“Oh, they’ve noticed, Steve, baby. But just like any other injustice of the world all these—bawk bawk bawk—chickens are couped. Conditioned to ignore wrong doing if it ain’t immediately doing them wrong!”

Instead of engaging in whatever all that means, Steve squats and levels them all with a scrutinizing stare.

“How high are you guys right now?”

Argyle frowns. Starts to speak. Stops. Studies the joint he’s nursed back to health. And then fixes Steve with a serious look.

“Dude, I think the real question is how high aren’t we right now? Like, one could posit that, like, we can and should, be like, higher.”

Steve closes his eyes. Breathes through his nose.

“I don’t even—christ—get yourself unlocked. I’ll pay for the tickets. You’re still getting the Nachos, babe.” Steve says.

“Fair enough." Eddie nods. "Suppose the cause could pause for a free hour and a half of thrills and chills.”

When everyone is free and standing, Argyle’s striking up the lighter again. Steve steals the joint he’d been meaning the light right from his lips.

“If I’m buying, you assholes sure as hell owe me first hit.”

[natty-f]

Dusty, old memories

jargyle / stranger things / multichapter

His mom rarely said something about his friendship with Argyle, but Jonathan was certain, that she was happy for him. He figured it out that day, when he mumbled something about a boy from school inviting him to the cinema – she didn't even ask for his name and rushed for her wallet instead. It was such a weird feeling to receive additional money from her, but she insisted. Joyce wanted to see her son outside, enjoying new places, new school and the rest of his childhood. The rest, because a large part of his childhood was somehow taken away from him.

[apomaro-mellow]

"Okay, be straight with me."

Steve leveled a look and Eddie almost swooned but he kept it together. This was serious.

"Right, okay, be bisexual with me."

"Eddie, we're in public", Steve said, mock-scandalized.

"I'm starting to regret becoming a level 5 friend of yours Harrington." Dustin had said Steve could get silly and goofy. Of course Eddie didn't believe it. Not until he had seen it. Not until he had seen that secret handshake of theirs and seen him pump his fist in victory when he beat Erica at rock, paper, scissors, and when he'd seen him-

"Did you have something to say, or...?"

"Yeah! Okay, so, what I wanted to ask waaaas, did you ever, you know, look at any guys?" Eddie cleared his throat and continued when Steve looked at him blankly. "Sinfully?"

The location for this conversation could either be really good or really bad. In the McDonald's parking lot on a late afternoon. Steve just got off from a relatively short shift and wanted lunch. Eddie was wasting time until Hellfire that night. Of course they were eating in Eddie's van. Not a single crumb graced Steve's car.

"I mean, I guess I did", Steve shrugged. "Before I really understood what I was feeling. Honestly it felt like I just hated guys for no reason."

Eddie nodded in understanding. Before realizing what all those slurs meant, he definitely felt like some dudes were attractive in a way just to spite him. Then he came to realize he didn't want to punch them, but to do...well other things with his hands.

"Soooo, you ever have a crush?"

Steve let out a bark of laughter so loud it startled Eddie.

"What are you serious?"

"I-yes? What? Is it so ridiculous?"

"Eddie I-", Steve cut himself off and looked him in the eyes. "You asked me that question and you really don't know?"

"Is it a sensitive topic?" Eddie went on ahead and stuffed a handful of fries in his mouth before he stuck his foot in it.

"No, it's just, you of all people asking me that." Steve put a hand to his mouth and looked out the window and Eddie felt like he was missing something.

"So was there ever anyone?"

Steve turned back towards him. "Was...and is."

"Well shit, don't leave me hangin'."

"Are we doing girl talk or something now?", Steve grinned.

"I know for a fact you and Bucks talk about the girls she likes. Why can't you talk to a fellow queer about boys?"

"I've talked to Argyle and Jonathan about it", Steve shrugged.

Now that got Eddie raring. Jonathan he could understand. But he just met Argyle!

"Okay, you gotta tell me. It can be either the 'was' or the 'is' but I need to know who caught the eye of the Hair."

Steve laughed again, this time bending over. "Eye of the Hair sounds like one of your dungeon things."

"Don't try and distract me with DnD, Steve. Spill."

"Okay, okay. Let's talk about this is."

Eddie was torn. On the one hand, he really did want to know who Steve was crushing on. On the other hand, if he knew the dude what was stopping him from going over to his house and busting his nose?

"So, he's our age. Went to Hawkins High-"

"Wow that really narrows it down."

"He and I were in different cliques. Didn't hang out a lot until he started hangin around my kids."

Eddie let out a snort. "You do remember you didn't actually birth a gaggle of children, right?"

"You wanna hear this or not?"

"Continue."

"Anyway, he's a nerd. Like a huuuge nerd. Like sometimes I can't even believe I like him, but then he...I mean I....it's not like I like him despite his nerdiness. I like that part of him too now."

Eddie began listing the choices. Someone from school, who hung out with the kids? Recent? That could be someone from Hellfire. Kind of think of it, Steve and Jeff have been talking a lot more recently. It was just here or there when Steve was dropping off or picking up kids from meetings but still...

"Can I get a description?"

"What are you? The cops?"

"How dare you!"

"He's got dark hair and dark eyes", Steve conceded with a roll of his eyes.

Fuck it could be Jeff. Okay, okay, he could be supportive. Jeff was a good guy. A great guy. And Jeff would be a lucky son of a bitch to get Steve.

"Son of a bitch", he murmured.

"Hm?"

"Son of a witch, nerd thing", Eddie waved off. "I think you should be able to trust me with his name. I could even maybe hook you two up if I just so happen to know him~"

"You'd hook me up with some guy?", Steve asked.

"I know right, I'm so generous." And maybe if Jeff blew his chance with Steve, he could be there to pick up the pieces. No! Bad Munson! Bad thoughts. Jeff would never hurt Steve and he shouldn't hope for it. But what if it wasn't Jeff?

What if it was some other geek he didn't know? The freshies were into science too. What if it was that chemistry dork Howard?

"Actually, I think I really do need to know who this guy is. Need to be sure he's good enough for you."

Steve smiled in a way that rivaled the sun and Eddie truly felt like a knight in shining armor. He'd protect his princess from any undeserving mouthbreather.

"I think he's more than worthy. And I hope you would agree", Steve said.

"I'll know for sure once I see him." Eddie crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat, already formulating ideas to make this dude wet his pants. "So tell me more about him."

"Okay, we knew of each other for a while, but the first time we officially talked, he attacked me."

"Red flag. No go."

"In his defense, he was on the run from the law", Steve added quickly.

"A criminal? Second red flag."

"Allegedly. And that's big talk comin' from a drug dealer."

"Who you partake with", Eddie reminded him.

"I do. But it's a little less than legal what you do. As is several things both of us have done. I don't think either of us has a high horse to look down on."

Eddie hemmed and hawed before letting out a sigh. "Alright, we'll call that a yellow flag for now. What else?"

"He's just...so different from anyone else I've ever been into, Eds. I'm really into him. Like an embarrassing amount." And now Steve was blushing and Eddie felt jealousy boil in his gut. But he also felt happy that Steve was happy. He could take solace in that. Even if he wanted to deck this guy on principle.

"Do you know if he's like us?"

"Oh, I know", Steve said, putting his elbow on the rest between them and leaning in close. "Wanna know more?"

And fuck his masochistic heart, he did. What could this guy have that he didn't?

After Eddie nodded, Steve continued. "He's larger than life, honestly. In a way I thought I used to be but he's the genuine real deal. He can be kind of a jerk, but it's clear when he cares. And that mouth-"

"Okay! Please stop torturing me and tell me who this guy is so I can decide if I hate him or not!"

Steve was laughing again and as beautiful as it was, Eddie felt like a joke himself.

"If you're gonna start hating yourself then we've got a problem", Steve said.

Eddie jerked around like he was short circuiting as all the pieces came into place. High school, nerd, with the kids, attacked him, running from the law.

"You! You are unbelievable, you know that?"

"That's a new one", Steve was still grinning. "So are you gonna kiss me now? Or are you not worthy?"

They were in a parking lot. In broad daylight. This could be bad. But Eddie was a weak, weak man and his dream boy was asking for a kiss. So he leaned in and obliged. Son of a bitch he was the son of a bitch that caught Steve's eye.

"Well?", Steve asked when they pulled away. "What do you think of the guy I like?"

"I still think you could do better."

[thefreakandthehair]

Spicy Six -Ber Month Fanworks Challenge

It's that time again! I'm so excited to host the Third Annual Spicy Six Fanworks Challenge, with a twist this year! Rather than winter-specific prompts, we have a mix of both fall and winter prompts. With all of the fun October events happening, this felt like the best way to capture both seasons. The past couple of years hosting the seasonal challenges has been such a blast, and I can't wait to see what people come up with this time around!

Here are the rules: 

It's a Spicy Six challenge so of course, you must include someone from the Spicy Six (Robin, Nancy, Jonathan, Eddie, Steve, Argyle). Don't feel pressured to include everyone, of course. You can be ship-specific or general. Chrissy is also included! (I know that makes seven– I just don't want to change the title, honestly.)

There are two links below, one for dialogue prompts and one for more general prompts. There will be a claims process, but I've decided to make it easier for everyone (myself included) and will not be limiting how many people can claim the same prompt this year. In years past, it's led to a lot of back and forth trying to choose second options, third options, etc. and there's more than enough creativity in this fandom for people to make vastly different interpretations of the same prompt!

To claim a prompt, simply shoot me a DM with which prompt you'd like from what list (i.e.: prompt 6 from dialogue prompts'). Since I'm not limiting prompts, don't worry if I don't get right back to you!

One prompt per person. You're welcome to use as many as you like, but you can only claim one.

No restrictions for fanart, and no word count minimum or maximum for fics. Long fics, ficlets, drabbles, all are welcome.

Posting will run from November 15th through December 31st. Additional posting details here!

When you post, please use the tag spicysixbermonthchallenge and tag me so I can see and reblog it!

Please feel free to reblog to spread and signal boost.

Dialogue Prompts Here Inspiration Prompts Here

tagging some peeps who've been along for the ride before/expressed interest & some writing/art pals (this is open to everyone!! not just those tagged!): @starrystevie @hexiewrites @stevespookington @withacapitalp @maxinemaxmayfield

@maxineholtzmann @stevethehairington @just-my-latest-hyperfixation @formosusiniquis @sourw0lfs

@steddieas-shegoes @steddieasitgoes @judasofsuburbia @kkpwnall @thisapplepielife

@werepuppy-steve @medusapelagia @frankenstein-ate-my-left-shoe @starthecozy @sidekick-hero

@shares-a-vest @steddie-island @acasualcrossfade @hbyrde36 @ao3usermelancholyhues

@cuips-not-cute @arelliann @stervrucht @griefabyss69 @kaspurrcat

@sparkle-fiend @ahhrenata @nostalgicbones @henderdads @undreaming-fanfiction

@riality-check @wynnyfryd @aidaronan @stevesbipanic @hereforanepilogue

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Part One. . .Part Two. . .Part Three

A few weeks later, Steve, Eddie, Robin, and Vickie were hanging out in Robin's backyard. They were sprawled out on blankets, enjoying the cool summer evening air and watching Robin scribble into her journal as she translated their curse into Latin. Vickie was reading a book on witchcraft that she found at a bookstore in Indianapolis, her head on Robin's back. Eddie was trying to peak over his boyfriend's shoulder to get a glimpse at Steve's own notebook. Steve was coming up with his own potion ideas or trying to.

"Would you quit it? Your hair is tickling my chin," Steve said affectionately.

"I finished working on the campaign for Hellfire. I'm bored now," Eddie pouted.

"Take a nap," Steve said.

Eddie scowled and grinned.

"Fine."

Eddie crawled on top of Steve, his back pressed up against Steve’s as he spread out his entire body to line up against his. He leaned his head back against Steve’s and crossed his arms.

"I didn't mean on me!" Steve exclaimed.

"You love it when I fall asleep on you!" Eddie yelled.

"This is an awkward way to do it, Eddie," Steve sighed.

"Would the Peanut Gallery please be quiet? I am trying to translate English into Latin here. . .or do you not want me to finish the curse?" Robin asked.

"It sounds like you're getting frustrated, baby," Vickie said, closing her book and shuffling to lay next to Robin. "Do you want to take a break and get some food for that beautiful brain of yours?"

"That's delightful," Robin said. "Pizza?"

"Ooh, yes!" Eddie exclaimed. "Your parents going to want some?"

"No, they said before they left that they're going to take Wayne out again," Robin said.

"Jesus, they're also taking him away for the weekend. They trying to knock him up?" Eddie asked.

"I don't know, but it's definitely getting pretty serious," Robin said. "They said they wanted to talk to us before they went away. I should have told you that earlier."

"Damn, it is serious," Eddie whistled.

"Looks like you are going to be cousins," Steve said.

"There are worse people to be related to," Robin said and Eddie grinned.

"And my uncle deserves to be taken care of for once," Eddie said.

"And my parents are very loving. They love to love," Robin beamed and then frowned. "I'm telling you right now, though, I am not sharing a room with you. You'll share with Steve."

"Oh, living in the same bedroom as my boyfriend. . . The horror. . .whatever shall I do?" Eddie asked dramatically and rolled off Steve.

He snuggled up to Steve’s side and planted a big wet kiss on his cheek.

"Okay, so pizza!"

The sun was starting to fade when Argyle pulled up in his van. He had started working at the local pizza place after spring break along with Jonathan.

"Oh, thanks for inviting us, man," Argyle said to Robin as she guided both of them to her backyard.

"We're more than glad to have you," Robin said as Vickie came to help her with the pizzas. "I just hope you don't mind eating out here."

"I love eating under an open sky," Argyle said.

They set the pizzas on the patio table as Eddie and Steve brought out more chairs.

"Nancy couldn't make it?" Steve asked.

"Oh, she's busy trying to get back into Emerson," Jonathan said.

"Oh, she's going to get in. There's nothing that she couldn't tackle," Steve said.

"Definitely, they're definitely going to regret kicking her out," Jonathan said, sharing a grin with Steve and pausing. "Uh, Nancy and I both moved on from each other. . ."

"Yeah, I've moved on, too," Steve grinned and wrapped an arm around Eddie's waste. "Isn't that right, stud?"

"Oh, yeah," Eddie grinned as he let Steve pull him into his lap. "Screw the other chair, I guess."

"You, too?" Jonathan asked.

"Eddie," Steve gasped. "Are you seeing Jonathan, too?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Eddie said in confusion.

"No, I mean, you moved on with a guy, too?" Jonathan asked.

"Yeah," Steve said and looked at Argyle questionly.

"Oh, yeah, it's me," Argyle said and pulled Jonathan into his lap.

"Oh, well, I guess it was pointless bringing out those two extra chairs," Robin said.

"I realized I was bisexual in California," Jonathan blushed. "I just didn't know how to tell Nancy that I had fallen for someone else."

"And I, of course, follow my heart wherever it leads me," Argyle said, squeezing Jonathan's hip.

"Well, you don't follow someone halfway across the country after being shot at, and then stay with them after the hell you been through if you're not in love with them," Jonathan said, blushing. "Even I could see that."

"Worth it," Argyle said.

He cupped the back of Jonathan's neck and pulled him in for a quick kiss. Jonathan smiled against his lips before pulling back, his cheeks red.

"Although, I don't know, I think I'm always going to be a little bit in love with Nancy Wheeler," Jonathan said. "Which Argyle totally gets."

"Yeah, I've talked about that with Eddie," Steve smiled. "She's a hard woman to get over."

"Tell me about it," Jonathan said.

"I definitely have a Nancy shaped spot in my heart," Steve said and pointed to his chest. "Right here, according to Eddie."

"Really? Because Jonathan's is right here," Argyle said, pointing to a different spot on Jonathan's chest.

"Hm, interesting," Eddie said, thoughtfully.

"Okay, as cute as this is that we've discovered that none of us are straight, I am hungry," Robin said. "Let's eat, translating english to Latin is hard work."

"Why are you doing that?" Jonathan asked as they dug into the food.

As they ate, Robin told Jonathan and Argyle all about their coven. Argyle thought it was cool, but Jonathan wasn't so sure about it.

"What's the problem? It's not like it's real," Robin said.

"Okay, but up until the summer of 85, you didn't think another world existed underneath Hawkins," Jonathan pointed out.

"Okay, that's a fair point," Robin said. "We've all been doing this for weeks, and nothing's happened. . .not even a flicker."

"Still," Jonathan said. "Why test fate? I mean, how did this happen anyway?"

"Well, Steve and I got bored one day after my parents told me that I was descended from witches," Robin said. "It was only going to be us, but then Steve brought Eddie over, then Eddie invited Vickie over. . .and so now, we're all working to figure out a way to place a curse on Steve's dad. Of course, it's not real, so nothing's going to happen, but it's fun to think about."

"Ooh, you've got room for a couple more witches?" Argyle asked.

"Argyle," Jonathan protested.

"Nancy's right. You are your mother's son," Argyle said. "There's nothing to worry about, babe."

Jonathan sighed as he stared at his boyfriend.

"I suppose I do worry a lot," he said. "Is there room in your coven?"

"There's plenty of room," Robin grinned.

"Oh, yes! You guys are so cute!" Vickie said with a smile. "Though not as cute as me and Robin."

"Nice save, my sweet bread," Robin said.

After they finished their pizza, Robin and Steve rushed to their room to grab the supplies. They set it up and pushed the initiatives into the middle of the circle.

"Okay, I feel like we're forgetting something," Steve said.

"Fire extinguisher, sweetheart," Eddie said.

"Thanks," Steve said and rushed back in to retrieve it.

"Okay, so the last few times, they took off their shirts to enscribe runes on their torsos, but you don't have to do that," Robin said.

Argyle didn't hesitate and shed his tops. Jonathan stared at him nervously, licking his lips before doing the same as they kneeled in front of each other.

"So, what do we paint?" Jonathan asked.

"Anything you want, really," Robin said.

"Robin and Steve chose to paint genitals," Eddie grinned.

Argyle laughed as he chose to draw a pineapple in the center of Jonathan's chest. Jonathan snickered as he drew a pot leaf in the middle of Argyle's.

"To each their own," Robin smiled.

They watched as Jonathan took the potion from Steve and dabbed it on Argyle before giving it to him to let him do the same. Jonathan took it back from Argyle and put it on his lips before kissing his boyfriend. With both of them on their knees, Jonathan wrapped his arms around Argyle's neck and pulled himself closer. Argyle wrapped his arms around Jonathan's waist as they both deepened the kiss, moaning into each other's mouth. Jonathan quickly pulled back, swallowing.

"Woah, head rush," Jonathan and Argyle said.

"It's cute how someone always chooses to kiss their partners even though they don't have to," Robin said.

Jonathan and Argyle held hands as they faced them. Steve, Eddie, Robin, and Vickie stood in front of them, holding hands as well. Robin didn't need the notebook anymore, as she had memorized the spell. Robin opened her mouth to begin when Steve suddenly made a noise with his mouth.

"What's wrong, Popeye?" Robin asked.

"Oh, I suddenly thought about Chrissy. . .she would have loved this," Steve said.

"She would?" Eddie asked.

"Oh, she thought witches were fascinating. . .I wish she was here," Steve said.

"Yeah, me too," Vickie said.

"Yeah," Eddie said. "I definitely would have loved to see her reaction to this."

Robin gave them a minute to think about Chrissy before opening her mouth to begin the chant. Once the spell was over, Jonathan and Argyle began to clean the paint off each other when the wind began to pick up.

"Does anyone feel a little tingly?" Vickie asked.

"Yeah, does that not usually happen?" Jonathan asked.

"Well, no, but I'm sure that just means it's going to storm," Robin said, looking up at the darkening sky.

The wind started to blow harder, and the flames on the candles flickered before going out all together. Suddenly, the sound of thunder was heard, followed by lightning.

"Uh, doesn't lightning usually come first?" Steve asked.

"Usually," Vickie frowned.

"Uh, we should probably go inside," Robin said. "Gather everything up."

They quickly grabbed everything and rushed inside. They made it just in time. The thunder clapped loudly, and then the rain came pouring down.

"Are you sure we didn't just cast a real spell?" Jonathan asked.

"I'm not so sure," Robin said, looking at the rain.

Meanwhile. . .in Roane County Cemetery. . .

A rat skiddered along the ground, trying to dodge the rain and look for food as well. He ran towards the grave that sat underneath the tree, taking cover from the rain. He sniffed at it, looking at the headstone. If he could read, he would have understood what it had said: Christine Elizabeth Cunningham. Just as he was about to move away, a hand shot out from the grave. It wrapped itself tightly around the rat, causing it to squeak as the hand's nails dug into it. Blood dripped from the rat and down into the grave.

[mikhardwheat]

This universal experience of not being able to find a weirdly specific scenario you have in your head after scrolling through ao3 for days, but for some reason stubbornly refusing to write it yourself.

[hedgefrogpresents]

We Wrote Stranger Things Season Five But There's Gay Vampires And It's A Puppet Theater

I wrote a 95 page treatment of how Stranger Things season five would go if I got to be in charge of it and then we acted it out scene-by-scene in the Hedgefrog Puppet Theater and made our friends voice characters with us and also there's a musical number and a drag bar and Eddie is alive and he and Steve are hooking up but it is NOT romantic it is PURELY sexual and also Steve and Robin are a horse and Max gets to have a sword (as a treat) 💕🦇✨🐎💕

[ghostlynimbus]

WIP Poll

I'm still trying to get back in the swing of things after a long period of burnout and dealing with other personal issues so, since running a poll has helped me get motivated in the past I figured I would give it another try.

You can find info about my fics here --> (Google Doc)

You can vote for up to three fics per time taking this poll, and you can fill out the poll as many times as you'd like. The choice is weighted, with first choice votes being worth more points than second or third.

My goal is to try to do 100 words of writing or 15 minutes of planning/editing/organizing for every vote a fic gets, plus do a little something extra for whichever fic has the most points at the end of the month. I am also hoping to finish up some of these before starting anything else new.

Thanks for participating and helping me out! I really appreciate it.

Tumblr - Tip Jar (Ko Fi) - AO3

POLL LINK

[thespookiestparker]

things I write for, listed alphabetically

ships and characters listed under the cut! some things were added and others were taken away as my tastes have changed in the last few years lol anything with an * is new. Requests are open and any character can be for any gender!

DISCLAIMER: Every character I write for is of age. I do not write for minors, this blog is 18+. This is nothing personal

Fandoms

Baldur's Gate 3*

Criminal Minds*

DC

Marvel

Stranger Things

Star Wars

Ships

Baldur's Gate 3*

Bloodweave* (Astarion Ancunin x Gale Dekarios)

Karheart* (Shadowheart "Jenevelle" Hallowleaf x Karlach Cliffgate)

Ursa Minor (Astarion Ancunin x Halsin Silverbough) ! there are other ship names for this one i just like that

DC

Birdflash* (Dick Grayson x Wally West)

Dickory* (Dick Grayson x Kori Anders)

JayRoy* (Jason Todd x Roy Harper)

Superbat (I feel like this one's self explanatory) Marvel

BuckyNat (Bucky Barnes x Natasha Romanoff)

Deadclaws/Poolverine* (Wade Wilson x James "Logan" Howlett)

IronStrange (Tony Stark x Stephen Strange)

MattFoggy* (Matt Murdock x Foggy Nelson)

Romy* (Anna Marie LeBeau x Remy LeBeau)

SpideyDevil (Peter Parker x Matt Murdock)

SpideyDevilPool (Peter Parker x Matt Murdock x Wade Wilson)

SpideyPool (Peter Parker x Wade Wilson)

Stony (Steve Rogers x Tony Stark)

Stucky (Steve Rogers x Bucky Barnes)

Thundershield (Thor Odinson x Steve Rogers)

Star Wars

Anidala (Anakin Skywalker x Padme Amidala) ! Includes Skywalker Family !

Scoundress* (Han Solo x Princess Leia Organa)

Skysolo* (Han Solo x Luke Skywalker)

Stranger Things

Jancy (Jonathan Byers x Nancy Wheeler)

Jargyle* (Jonathan Byers x Argyle)

Ronance (Robin Buckley x Nancy Wheeler)

Steddie (Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson)

Stonathan (Steve Harrington x Jonathan Byers)

Characters

Astarion Ancunin*

Gale Dekarios*

Halsin Silverbough*

Karlach Cliffgate*

Rolan* (unfortunately without a canon last name rip)

Shadowheart "Jenevelle" Hallowleaf

Wyll Ravengard*

Aaron Hotchner*

Penelope Garcia*

Spencer Reid

Barry Allen*

Bruce Wayne*

Clark Kent*

Dick Grayson

Jason Todd

James "Bucky" Barnes

Remy LeBeau*

James "Logan" Howlett*

Matt Murdock

Peter Parker (Peter 1, Peter 3, or a Special 3rd Kind lol)

Steve Rogers

Tony Stark*

Anakin Skywalker*

Han Solo*

Luke Skywalker*

Leia Organa*

Obi Wan Kenobi*

Eddie Munson

Jonathan Byers*

Robin Buckley*

Steve Harrington

[leeloooonfire]

How about green witch!Eddie, who only ever grows Weed because all the other plants won't really listen to him, moves to Carlifornia after school and sells his goodies to these two dudes named Argyle and Jonathan, who have a coffee shop.

When Jonathan's little brother and his gaggle of nerdy friends 'steal' one of the baggies from Jonathan's and Argyle's kitchen, one Steve Harrington, favourite babysitter with disappointed-mom-vibe, doesn't try to make their life a living hell, but confronts Eddie instead!

And Eddie would really love to listen to the kitchen witch's rant about child endangerment, health concerns related to the devil's lettuce and general responsibilities of adults, but he simply cannot stop looking at the witche's lips and whiskey-coloured eyes and the freaking cute freckle on the bridge of his nose.

He is soooo doomed!

[stranger-stardustt]

5 hour car ride. send a prompt and a ship to my ask box!! prompts can be anything from detailed storylines to one simple word. i just need something to do!!

my favorite ships to write: steddie, ronance, byler, elmax, jargyle, and any platonic ships!!!!!!!

[wallywise]

It’s a byler tangled AU, Jonathan is a prince, Nancy is a general of the kingdom, Argyle is a peasant/merchant and Steve and Robin are knights (it think, it could change) (except Jonathan is a prince since Joyce is the Queen so i can’t really change that))

And if you have any suggestions on what their dynamic could be or their role since I could change that don’t hesitate i don’t know what I’m doing :’D

[beetlesandstarss]

robin: with dingus. he’s stolen my fluffy socks

nancy: gasp need me to come over there and steal them back for you?

robin: um duh seriously though you are so welcome whenever wherever be here!!!

nancy: don’t tempt meee

robin: *tempts you*

nancy: evil evil woman

Or, With Christmas just around the corner, Jonathan and Argyle talk 'love', the girls get closer, and Steve gets acquainted with Prosecco. Meanwhile, Eddie takes to Twitter. 

read The Spicy Six Versus Twitter here!!! 

[morganski-19]

Chapter 20: Staring

Eddie: The new campaign is ready Dustin: Finally Dustin: You two took forever Eddie: Well excuse me for wanting to be prepared Will: Sorry it took me so long to get the pictures done Will: There were a lot of them and I’ve been busy Lucas: You have nothing to apologize for Will Eddie: Yeah, Dustin’s just an impatient little shit Dustin: I am not Dustin: We just haven’t had a new campaign to play in almost a month Mike: Then why didn’t you make one Dustin: Because the last time I made one you all complained that it was too boring Lucas: That’s because you made it too sciency Mike: Which was weird for a fantasy game Will: And then got mad at us when we tried to mess with the potions the “wrong way” Dustin: Because it was the wrong way Mike: How is using a poison potion to kill an enemy wrong Dustin: BECAUSE YOU USED IT ON ONE YOU COULD KILL IN ONE HIT Mike: BUT I WAS ABOUT TO DIE Dustin: THEN TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM MICHEAL Eddie: This is why I don’t let any of you DM

read more on ao3

[thefreakandthehair]

spicy six -ber month challenge 🍂❄️

based on the results of the poll here, the next spicy six seasonal challenge will go as follows:

prompts will drop october 1 and there will be a claiming process like there has been in the past; however, I'm toying with a way to make it less restrictive.

prompts will include both fall-themed and winter-themed options! a combo pack, if you will.

posting will take place november 15 - december 15.

more info to come but as always, I'm super excited to see what comes out of this challenge!

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

From Hell to Home to Back Again

Summary: At the talent show, Chrissy Cunningham is so hungry that she nearly collapses. When she's found by Hopper, her parents ended up losing custody of her. She ends up being placed in the care of the Hendersons, and she finally finds the family she so desperately needed. She also ends up falling in love. What other changes are made in this alternate universe?

@emen-98 @1lostsoul0fishbowl @vulpixsworld

Prologue . . . Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

"The week is long. The silver cat feeds when blue meets yellow in the west," Chrissy, Robin, Ronnie, Dustin, Steve and Eddie read together.

They had finally gotten the message translated. It was long after closing, and all the customers had left. They were the only ones left in Scoops Ahoy and in the mall. Chrissy still felt that sense of fear that something was wrong with Heather. It lingered in the back of her mind no matter how many times she reassured herself. She promised herself to call the Holloways when she got home. Hopefully it was nothing.

"It just can't be right," Steve said as he closed Scoops Ahoy.

"It's right," Robin replied.

"I think it's great news," Dustin said.

"How is this great news? So much for being American heroes?" Steve asked. "It's nonsense."

"You guys want to be American heroes?" Chrissy asked in amusement.

"It certainly would change people's perspectives of us," Eddie said and sighed. "As much as I try not to care about that. . ."

Chrissy and Eddie's hands swung together as they walked through the empty mall. Since no one else was here, Robin and Ronnie were doing the same. It was strange being in the mall alone at night. It made the hairs on Chrissy's neck stand up.

"It's not nonsense. It's very specific. It's obviously a code," Dustin said.

"What do you mean a code?" Steve asked.

"Like a super secret spy code," Dustin exclaimed.

"That's a total stretch," Steve said.

"I don't know, is it?" Robin asked. "I mean, after all that we have been through? With, you know, Higgins selling drugs to kids, Billy putting Chrissy in the hospital. . .Eddie's house blowing up because his father got him involved in a drug heist. . .and other things. . .okay, so let's say this is a secret Russian transmission, what do you think they're going to say? Blow the warheads at noon?"

"Yeah, okay, so you have a point," Steve frowned.

"She usually does," Ronnie said and then frowned. "I'm just going to ignore the other things that you won't tell me about. I trust you, I guess."

Robin looked guiltily at her and then shared a look with Chrissy. She looked back with sympathy, knowing how much you wanted to talk with your partner about these things but also knowing you couldn't. Robin quickly changed the subject back to the secret message, discussing with Dustin what it might mean. Meanwhile, Ronnie stared at her suspiciously. Chrissy had been watching them so closely that she didn't even notice that Steve had fallen behind. They found him putting quarters into a little horsey ride for kids. He fumbled with his change and cursed as it spilled all over the floor.

"Hey! I need a quarter," Steve said.

"Are you sure you're tall enough for that ride?" Robin asked and Eddie snorted with laughter.

"QUARTER!" Steve yelled urgently and Robin tossed him one.

They all watched him as he put the quarter in to start the machine.

"Need help getting up, little Stevie?" Robin asked, and Dustin laughed.

"Would you two just shut up and listen?" Steve asked as he pointed at the Indiana Flyer.

"Holy shit," Dustin realized. "The music. . .the music!"

"It was on the tape!" Chrissy gasped.

"Shit, nice catch, Stevie," Eddie said and clapped him on the shoulders.

"I don't understand," Robin said.

"It's the exact same song on the recording," Dustin told her.

"Maybe they have these in Russia," Robin said.

"An Indiana Flyer? I don't think so," Steve said.

"This code. It didn't come from Russia. It came from here," Steve said.

They all stared at the rocking horse in shock. Russians in Hawkins? No fucking way. Chrissy shared a look with Eddie. Well, there was another world under Hawkins. . .why not Russians, too?

"No way, that's insane. Russians in Hawkins, you've got to be shitting me," Ronnie said. "What would they be doing here? This is a joke, right?"

"Oh, yeah. Total joke. Got you!" Robin chuckled weakly.

"Okay, babe, you're a terrible liar," Ronnie said. "What the fuck is going on? What aren't you telling me?"

"What? I'm not - I am telling you the truth!" Robin exclaimed.

"I don't think any of you have been telling me the truth since Chrissy was put into the hospital," Ronnie sighed. "But whatever, if you don't want to tell me what's going on. Fine."

Ronnie walked off, far ahead of them. Robin watched her, looking sadly at her retreating form.

"She's not going to let this one go, is she?" Robin asked.

"She's Ronnie Ecker. Of course she isn't," Eddie said. "I hate lying to her, too."

Eddie put his arm around Robin and hugged her tightly. Steve moved to her side.

"Hey, if Nancy and I can get through this, then so can you and Ronnie," Steve said. "She's just mad because she cares about you, about all of us."

That night, they all went home with their thoughts running wild. Chrissy went to the phone and immediately called the Holloways.

"Hi, Mrs. Holloway," Chrissy greeted cheerfully.

She never really had a problem with her, but her husband, on the other hand. . .he was a real meathead. She knew Heather hated how much her mother drank, though, because of him.

"Oh, hello, Chrissy, how are you?" She greeted politely.

"Oh, I'm good, Mrs. Holloway," Chrissy said. "How are you?"

"Well, some days are better than others but I'm getting by," she said.

"That's good. . .well, I was calling to check on Heather to see how working at the pool went," Chrissy said.

"Oh, she absolutely loved it until that awful Billy fellow started working there. I know how much he bothers her. You're such a good friend for checking on her," Mrs. Holloway said. "Heather isn't here right now. She's spending the night at Tina's, I think. Hopefully, my baby will be a good influence on that girl."

Chrissy rolled her eyes. If only she knew. . .which she didn't. Heather's mother was usually too deep in her own problems to notice what was going on with her daughter. She didn't even know Heather was a lesbian or that she and Chrissy used to date. After talking with her for a while, Chrissy was finally released from the conversation and hung up the phone. She went to her room and plopped on her bed, feeling a sense of relief. Heather was with Tina. So. . .why did she still feel so worried? Chrissy rolled over and hugged Peggy to her chest, letting Eddie inside her head. She drifted off to sleep with Eddie's presence washing over her.

The next day, Chrissy was dragged to Scoops Ahoy by her very annoying brother. Robin was leaning against the counter with headphones over her ears as she looked over the translation again. Meanwhile, Steve was busy trying to cover for her. The last customer walked away, and the Hendersons took their place at the counter.

"Ready to scout the area for any. . .enemies?" Dustin asked cheerfully.

"Yeah, just hold on," Steve said as he took off his hat and apron.

"Oh, hey, I didn't ask. . .how's Nancy doing at the Newspaper?" Dustin asked.

"Oh, well, she actually has an investigation of her own going on. Something about the rats going crazy and eating fertilizer. . .I don't know what that's about, but Nancy's determined to crack the case even if those stupid misogynistic assholes at the paper try to stop her," Steve replied.

"Well, I'm sure Nancy will show them," Dustin said.

"Yeah, she's great like that," Steve said smiling fondly.

"STEVIE! DUSTY!" they heard a voice yell.

Eddie skidded into the ice cream parlor with a pair of binoculars around his neck. Breathing heavily, he stood in front of Dustin and Steve. He was wearing his cutoff shorts again and a stolen polo of Steve’s. He had torn off the sleeves as well. Eddie was wearing a bright pink scrunchy of Chrissy's in his hair. It wasn't that strange. They had all stolen each other's clothes from everyone amongst their friend group. Gareth had stolen a couple of pieces from Jeff and Eddie. One of them was a red flannel that he cut the sleeves off. Robin either stole from Tina or from Ronnie or Steve. Nancy, Chrissy, and Heather usually swap amongst each other. Robin always joked that no one would be able to tell if anyone was cheating. It was just something that they did.

"Jesus, I don't think the entire mall heard you, Eds," Steve said sarcastically. "Might want to yell a little louder."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. . .Reporting for duty, captain," Eddie said, and Chrissy cleared her throat. "Oh, hey, Chrissy. . .what are my orders?"

"And he greeted me like I wasn't his fucking girlfriend," Chrissy pouted.

"Oh, shit, no! Hi, my love!" Eddie exclaimed. "I swear I'm just excited about the quest."

"I'm really worried that you really are going to leave me for Steve," Chrissy said.

"What?! No, I love you!" Eddie yelped. "Baby, listen. . ."

Eddie pressed his forehead against hers, and she smiled as she felt his love for her pour through their connection. Chrissy sighed happily.

"I love you, too," She said and paused. "Okay, I've decided. You can go play your little spy game with Dustin and Steve."

"Yes!" Eddie exclaimed and kissed her deeply, pouring everything he had into the kiss.

Chrissy watched him fondly as he took off with her brother and Steve as they went to look for evil Russians. Ronnie had entered just as they had exited.

"Do I want to know?" Ronnie asked.

"No," Ronnie and Chrissy said.

"I came here with him, but the asshole took off when we came through the door," Ronnie said. "I figured he was excited to see you, Chrissy."

"At the end of the day, he'll come running to me when he tires himself out," Chrissy giggled and stepped aside to let Ronnie approach the counter.

"Are we okay?" Robin asked Ronnie.

"I thought a lot about it last night, and I can't force you to tell me if you're not ready to. It's just frustrating not knowing what's going on with the people I love," she said.

"I'm sorry, I wish I could tell you," Robin said softly.

"Well, that makes me feel a little better," Ronnie said. "I love you."

"I love you too," she said. "Does it make you feel even better to know that I wish I could kiss you?"

"It does. . .you still working on that message?" Ronnie asked.

"Yeah."

"Let me help."

" . . . A trip to China sounds nice if you tread lightly," Robin read the other part of the message to her.

Ronnie leaned against the counter, frowning thoughtfully. Yeah, Chrissy couldn't figure it out either. Before Ronnie could open her mouth, Erica Sinclair marched her and her friends into the parlor to take advantage of their company policy. Ronnie and Chrissy moved back to let Robin deal with her. Once that was done, they went back to it until a delivery guy dropped off a package for Scoops Ahoy, and that's when Robin connected the dots. The message was talking about the stores in the mall. It was a time and place for them to meet or to drop something off. Chrissy and Ronnie had stared at her like she was crazy as she stood up tall in the middle of the mall. Although, Ronnie looked at her more appreciatively. They had run into the guys on the way out, and they had followed after them.

"I cracked it," Robin said. "I cracked the code."

It was how they later ended up looking down at the back end of Starcourt wearing raincoats late at night as the rain came pouring down on them.

"The things I do for you," Ronnie muttered, and Chrissy giggled.

"There's your Russians," Robin said.

"What do you think in there?" Steve asked, talking about the boxes they were moving.

"Guns? Bombs?" Dustin asked.

"Chemical weapons," Robin said.

"Dragons," Eddie said, and they all looked at him. "What? Like that idea is totally out of the realm of possibility?"

"Well, whatever it is, they're armed to the teeth," Dustin said as he looked through Eddie's binoculars.

"Great, that's great," Steve said.

They watched as the Russians down below opened a set of double doors to put boxes inside a room.

"It's just more boxes," Dustin said.

Of course, Steve and Dustin had to fight over the binoculars. Their tussle ended up causing a ruckus and alerted the armed guards. They all quickly ducked for cover, and Chrissy squeezed Eddie's hand with hers. She noticed Robin, Ronnie, and Steve doing the same. They managed to make their way safely back inside and out of the rain.

"Well, I think we found your Russians," Robin told Steve.

"Holy shit! Russians really have invaded Hawkins. . .what the fuck?!" Ronnie exclaimed. "I mean, why would they come here of all places? What's so special about Hawkins?"

Chrissy shared an uneasy look with her brother, Eddie, Robin, and Steve. Ronnie definitely didn't miss the way the way they all tensed up, and she let out a frustrated yell.

"Still excited about your quest?" Chrissy asked Eddie.

"Not so much," Eddie said. "The minute I saw the guns. . ."

They all waited inside the ice cream parlor for the rain to let up, and then they all escaped the mall. Eddie offered to drive Dustin and Chrissy home, squeezing in the back of his van with their bikes. He dropped a quiet Ronnie off at her house, wincing as she slammed the door. Chrissy crawled into her spot.

"I hate when she's mad at me," Eddie nodded.

"She'll understand," Chrissy said softly.

"Is it really that much safer if she's left I'm the dark?" Eddie asked.

"We have no choice, Eddie, we all signed NDAs," Dustin spoke up.

"Yeah, I know," Eddie replied. "I just put her through hell before with lying to her and everything about what happened with my dad."

"Yeah, you put Chrissy through hell, too," Dustin said, narrowing his eyes at him. "Don't think that I forgot about that. Any, you can NOT tell because they'll cart all of us off to jail or juvie or foster care. Hell, maybe they'll kill all of us and cover it up. Whatever they do, I'd rather we keep our family together."

"Dustin!" Chrissy exclaimed.

"What? It's the truth!" He yelled.

"You could be a little more sensitive about it," Chrissy said.

"I don't know how anyone can soften the blow for that," he replied.

"By the way, I think you're being a little hypocritical for someone who ended up being the one that let it slip about all of this," Eddie said.

"That's exactly why I'm saying this, Eddie! I did all that to impress a girl! I brought something dangerous into the house! It killed Mews, but it could have killed Chrissy or our mom or you! Bringing you into all of this, it's my fault. I can't stop you from following me and making sure I'm safe and we have no other choice but to stop these bastards from coming into our home! We have to cause as little damage as possible, and we can't worry about NDAs or worry about more people getting involved when they shouldn't!" Dustin yelled.

It got quiet in the van, and a moment later, they heard Dustin sniffling. Eddie stopped the van and turned around.

"I'm sorry, shrimp," Eddie said.

"I'm just tired," Dustin said softly as he rubbed his eyes. "I just don't want anything to happen to anyone, but I also want all the shit that we've been through to mean something."

Eddie leaned over to wrap his arms around Dustin, hugging him tightly.

"You've got the biggest heart of anyone that I have ever met," Eddie said. "Never change, Dustin Henderson."

"I won't," he said and sobbed into Eddie's shoulder.

"You don't have to carry this crap alone either," he said. "Okay?"

"Okay."

"We're going to get through this together," he said.

Chrissy watched them fondly and let them have their moment before wrapping her arms around both of them. After all the tears were shed, Eddie pulled away and started the van back up. When they pulled up in front of their house, Chrissy turned to her brother.

"Why don't you go in? I'll be there in a few minutes," Chrissy asked.

"Why? What are you going to do to Eddie?" Dustin asked.

"Do you really want to know?" Chrissy asked and Eddie snorted.

Dustin huffed, pulled the door open, and slammed it before storming into the house.

"I love you," Chrissy said softly to Eddie.

"I love you, too," he replied and paused. "You know that I don't want anything to happen to Ronnie either."

"I know that," Chrissy said. "And Dustin does too."

"Do you think the reason that the Russians are here is because of the Upside Down?" Eddie asked.

"I can't think of any other reason they'd be here," Chrissy said.

"Yeah," Eddie said. "Fuck!"

"I'm tired of this shit, too, Eddie," Chrissy sighed.

The wall that they had put up earlier was still there, and Chrissy could feel it now more than ever. She hugged him but they didn't kiss goodbye and as she walked to the front door, she couldn't help but wonder why she didn't kiss him. Maybe she was just too tired. When Chrissy entered the house, she found their mother fussing over Dustin and his wet clothes. Claudia had immediately turned on her as well. After drinking hot chocolate and watching some TV with their mother, they went off to bed. Dustin had nodded off on the couch and nearly spilled his hot chocolate. Chrissy crawled into bed and curled up with Peggy Munson. Thoughts of Russians, Eddie, and Heather filled her head. It was too late to call Nancy and talk about it all with her, Chrissy thought as she drifted off to sleep. Shit! Steve said something about Nancy investigating rats, and she had been dreaming about rats. Chrissy fell asleep before she could question it further.

Chrissy was falling, and she was falling fast. She was in the void, and she could hear someone calling her name.

"Chrissy?!"

"Heather?!"

She appeared before Chrissy, looking gaunt and scared, tears running down her face.

"I just wanted to help. I know he hurt you, and even though he did that, I couldn't help but reach out to him. . .but there's something wrong with him, Chrissy. There's something wrong with Billy, and I don't know where he brought me. I don't know where I am," Heather sobbed.

"Heather, what happened?" Chrissy asked.

"He attacked me, and there was this monster. . . ," she cried.

"What monster?" Chrissy asked.

Suddenly, the void and Heather disappeared. Chrissy was standing in an old abandoned house.

"Chrissy. . .she does NOT matter to you," a voice in the darkness called out to her. "She's unimportant, unlike me. . .you shall soon discover. . .where your heart truly belongs. . ."

A dark figure came rushing out at her, and vines wrapped around her body. Chrissy screamed. Darkness overcame her.

Chapter Twenty-Eight