#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-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chrissy Cunningham was hungry. Her mom didn't let her finish her meal this morning. It was starting to happen a lot more lately. It was her first day of cheer practice, and she wanted it all to go well. She didn't want to disappoint her mother again. She was always disappointing her mother. Chrissy walked into the gym and towards the group of girls who were chattering away nervously. Not everyone was there yet. Chrissy set her bag on the floor just as her stomach growled. She cursed her mother.

"Are you hungry?" A girl behind her asked.

Chrissy turned around to find a pretty girl about her age with brown curly hair and dark brown eyes. She smiled kindly at Chrissy.

"A little, my mom was in a rush today, so I didn't get a chance to finish eating breakfast," Chrissy admitted.

"Well, that's not right," the girl frowned frowned and then she smiled. "I have a sandwich in my bag. We can split it and the chips!"

"I couldn't - " Chrissy said.

"Nonsense," she said. "You can't work out on an empty stomach."

She handed Chrissy half her sandwich and her chips.

"Thank you. . ." Chrissy trailed off.

"Heather Holloway," she said.

"Chrissy Cunningham," she said and bit gratefully into the sandwich, her stomach thanking her.

Chrissy was floating. . .no, she was being carried. She kept her eyes closed tightly. It wasn't real. No, Heather couldn't be dead. She sobbed into someone's back. Oh. Someone was giving her a piggyback ride. She knew that hair that was tickling her nose.

"Chrissy?" Eddie asked. "Sweetheart?"

Eddie was moving off to the side and setting her on the ground. They were in the mall again, and everyone was moving around them. Steve, Robin, Ronnie, Erica, and Dustin looked at her in concern. She could feel the blood drying around her nose. Eddie's eyes were clear.

"You're back," Chrissy said.

"Yeah, that was one hell of a trip," Eddie said.

"Heather. . ."

"Yeah, Ronnie caught us up," Eddie said. "Did you really feel it?"

"Yes," she sobbed.

"Fuck, I'm so sorry, baby. . .I know you probably don't want to, but we're going to have to run. There are Russians after us. Do you think you can run for us? For Heather?" Eddie asked, trying to hold back his own sob.

"Yeah. For Heather," Chrissy whispered.

She took Eddie's bandaged hand. She could feel Eddie in her head now, and she felt stronger, knowing that the voice couldn't get to her when Eddie was there. She walked with Dustin, Eddie, and Erica. At her back were Steve, Robin, and Ronnie. They all blended in with the crowd of people.

"Well, shit, that worked," Erica said.

"Of course it worked," Dustin said. "We just have to get on the bus with the rest of these plebes, and home sweet home, here we come."

"Uh, Dustin, Chrissy," Steve said nervously.

"What?" Dustin asked.

"Yeah, we might not wanna go to your house," Steve said.

"Why?"

"Well, I might have given them your full names. Both of yours," Steve said.

"What is wrong with you?" Dustin asked. "You didn't tell them about Chrissy, did you?"

"No! Dude, I was drugged," Steve said.

"So?"

"So?"

"You resist. You tough it out. You tough it out like a man," Dustin said.

"Oh, yeah, it's easy for you to say," Steve said.

"Dustin!" Chrissy hissed at her brother. "You're sounding a lot like your father right now. "Tough it out like a man?" Wasn't that the kind of bullshit he used to spew to you?"

Walt Henderson was before her time before Dustin and Claudia came back to Hawkins. She knew enough about him from her mother and brother, though. He was a cheater, and he never liked that Dustin wasn't the kind of son he had envisioned. So, he was also a huge asshole.

"Hey, that's not fair," Dustin frowned.

"Neither is you making Steve feel bad about getting tortured and drugged," Chrissy said.

"You're right," Dustin sighed. "Sorry, Steve."

"I know you're scared," Steve said, squeezing his shoulder. "We all are."

Chrissy squeezed Eddie's hand gently and looked at him. She couldn't imagine what those assholes put them through.

"Guys?" Robin asked nervously.

They looked forward. Up ahead was a big, scary-looking man with a dark ponytail asking people questions. Chrissy was pretty sure he was a Russian and that he was looking for them. They quickly turned on their heels and started running in the opposite direction when the Russians spotted them. They tried to get down the escalators, but they were sectioned off with rope, which meant they weren't working. They had no choice but to slide down in between them to get to the bottom. They quickly found a spot to hide behind the food counter, and pretty soon, they were left alone with the Russians. Chrissy looked at Eddie and looked back at her. Did she look just as scared as he did? Chrissy pressed her forehead against his.

"I love you."

"I love you."

She wanted to say anything else, but she found her mind to be as blank as his was. She just needed to feel him inside of her mind, and he clearly needed it, too. She could hear the echoes of their footsteps. She couldn't see them but she could hear them. She could probably guess that they were probably getting ready to kill them. They were probably raising their guns right now. Wait. . .what was stopping her from using her powers right now? Nothing. Just as Chrissy was about to stand up, she felt it. . .someone else with powers. . .who needed her help. She recognized it. . .El. Chrissy closed her eyes, and together, she helped El lift the car. It rolled over the Russians like they were bowling pins. Chrissy stood up, her nose bleeding as she looked up at the second floor. El stood there with the others behind her: Argyle, Jonathan, Nancy, Mike, Lucas, and Will. They all moved at once, racing towards each other.

"You flung that thing like a hot wheel," Dustin said as he hugged El and Mike before pulling back to hug Will.

"Are you okay?" Will asked his boyfriend.

"I'm fine, dear," Dustin asked, and Will snorted.

"Lucas?" Erica asked as she ran towards him.

"What are you doing here?" Lucas asked.

"Ask them. It's their fault," Erica replied.

"True, yeah, totally true. It's absolutely our fault," Steve said.

"I don't understand what happened to that car," Ronnie said.

"El has superpowers," Dustin explained.

"Steve, what happened to your face?!" Nancy asked, touching it gently.

"Our boyfriends got tortured by Russians," Chrissy said.

"And drugged by them, too," Ronnie said, wrapping an arm around her girlfriend.

"Russians?"

"Oh my god!" Nancy exclaimed and began fussing over him.

"I'm fine, baby," Steve said. "I'm here."

"You are not fine!" Nancy yelled furiously. "You got tortured - oh, I'm going to kill them!"

She softened and kissed the corner of his mouth that wasn't swollen, her eyes filled with tears.

"I don't doubt that you would totally kill them all," Steve said. "We kind of need that firepower here, though."

"Noted," Nancy said, smiled and tucked herself gently into his arms.

"What Russians?" Jonathan asked.

"The ones who just got flattened into pancakes by that car," Eddie said.

Just like that, everyone began arguing over the Russians. No one was focused on El anymore, except that Chrissy noticed that she had wondered off. She pulled herself away from Eddie and followed after the girl. Chrissy caught her just as she collapsed.

"GUYS!" Chrissy yelled.

Everyone stopped and rushed to their side.

"El!" Mike screamed.

"Oh, man, it's her leg!" Eddie yelled and unraveled the bandage. "Oh, FUCK!"

Chrissy, still holding El, looked down at her leg and gasped. There was a nasty looking wound and. . .something alive. El screamed.

"What is that?" Erica asked.

"There's something in there," Mike said.

"Jesus Christ!" Dustin exclaimed.

"Oh, I'm going to be sick," Ronnie said. "What the fuck?!"

"Keep her talking, keep her awake!" Jonathan yelled as he ran off.

"Hey, hey, sweetheart, look at me, it's Eddie. Can you focus on my voice?" Eddie asked.

El looked up at Chrissy, still writhing in pain. . .still screaming. She looked at Eddie.

"Yes," El said, but she closed her eyes.

"Hey, hey, stay awake," Mike said and then looked at Chrissy. "Let's get her on this side, on this side."

Mike took El from Chrissy and turned her around, laying her head in his lap. Jonathan came back with gloves and a hot knife.

"Okay, alright, El?" Jonathan asked. "This is going to hurt like El, okay?"

"Okay," El sobbed.

"Need you stay real still. Hey, you're going to bite down on this, okay?" Jonathan asked, handing her a wooden spoon.

Just as Jonathan had sliced open her leg, Chrissy got the idea. He was going to end up rooting around in there, and she knew the thing would only move away. There was another way. Chrissy grabbed his hand.

"I can use my powers. It's better this way," Chrissy said. "El?"

"Yes, yes, do it," El said.

Chrissy held out her arm and focused on the creature. It felt like she was pulling it out with her very own hand, but she was grabbing it and yanking it out with her powers. She screamed with El, and as the windows shattered around them, the thing was pulled from El's leg and tossed away. Someone's boot slamming down on it. Chrissy collapsed against El and Mike, breathing heavily. They all looked up to see Hopper and Joyce standing with a balding man with glasses.

"Oh, hey, it's Murray!" Argyle exclaimed, pointing to the balding man. "Oh, right, we don't like you."

Hopper moved to pick up his daughter, glancing around the place.

"What the hell happened?" He asked.

"Oh, man, I think we all have different stories to tell. I think Ronnie might know now," Argyle said.

"Yeah, I do," Ronnie said, her face pale.

They all gathered together in the middle of the mall, right by the fountain. Together, Joyce and Hopper patched up El, letting her lay between them. She was basically their daughter, Chrissy thought. Which would make El, Jonathan, and Will her cousins. . .right? Chrissy leaned against Eddie as Mike spoke.

"The Mind Flayer, it built this monster in Hawkins to stop El, to kill her and pave a way into our world," Mike said.

"And it almost did," Nancy said. "That was just one tiny piece of it."

"How big is this thing?" Hopper asked.

"It's big," Jonathan said. "Thirty feet at least."

"Yeah, it sorta destroyed your cabin," Lucas said.

"Okay, just to be clear, this big fleshy spider thing that hurt El, it's some kind of gigantic. . .weapon?" Steve asked.

"Yes," Nancy said.

"But instead of, like, screws and metal, the Mind Flayer made its weapon. . .with melted people," Steve said.

"Yes, exactly," Nancy said.

Melted people. The words floated around in Chrissy's mind. She didn't know how Heather died. . .only that she did. She was a part of that thing. . .it broke her down. . .squashed her like a bug. . .and used what was left of her to make itself stronger. Chrissy stomach rolled, and she rushed to the nearest trashcan. She didn't make it. She slipped and fell, releasing the contents of her stomach all over the floor. Her body shook with sobs.

"Chrissy, honey?" Joyce asked, and Chrissy felt her come up behind her. "Are you okay?"

"Of course, I'm not okay!" Chrissy shrieked, slapping her hand and moving away from her. "None of this is fucking okay! Heather. . .Heather, she died, and I felt it. I felt her die. She's - She's a part of that thing. She's gone. Gone!"

She collapsed backward, her entire body shaking with sobs. It wasn't the right time for this but she couldn't help it. She had failed. She had failed to save Heather. What would she tell Tina? Oh, God, Tina.

"Heather," she heard Nancy sob. "I wanted to believe she somehow made it. I'm sorry, Chrissy."

"GODDAMNIT!" Argyle screamed.

She had never heard Argyle scream like that, and it was almost chilling. She felt a pair of familiar arms wrap around her, and she looked up to see Eddie. He was cradling her, tears of his own on his face. She hated seeing him cry. She managed to sit up slightly. Nancy was sobbing into Steve’s arms, while Jonathan was doing the same with Argyle. Ronnie was letting Robin cling to her. They had all lost a friend.

"Sorry, Chrissy," Steve said, tears of his own in his eyes.

Chrissy clung to Eddie, the both of them crying. Eddie pressed kisses into her hair, and she could feel his salty tears.

"I'm so sorry, baby," Eddie said.

"It's my fault," Chrissy sobbed.

"No, sweetheart, it's not your fault. It's the Mind Flayer, he did this," Eddie said.

"I should have been able to save her. . .why do I have these powers if I couldn't use them to save her?" Chrissy asked.

"Even your powers have limits," Eddie whispered. "You can't do everything, okay? It's just not possible. You are not responsible for Heather's death, okay?"

"I don't know if I'll ever believe that," she whispered.

It was her fault. She was killed because Heather was her friend because that's what the Mind Flayer needed. . .he was controlling her every action, and she couldn't even say anything.

"Look, I know how hard this is for you, for all of you, but right now we can't afford to waste any time mourning, if we want to get justice for your friend the best thing that we can do is fight this thing," Hopper said.

Chrissy sniffled and nodded before pulling herself out of Eddie's arms. Hopper was right. With Eddie and Joyce's help, she got up off the ground.

"Are we sure this thing is still out there, still alive?" Joyce asked as she made her way back to El and Hopper.

"El beat the shit out of it, but yeah, it's still alive," Max said.

"I can feel it," Chrissy whispered.

"Me too," El replied.

"But if we close the gate again - ," Will said.

"We cut the brain off from the body," Max said.

"And kill it," Lucas said. "Theoretically."

Chrissy sat in Eddie's lap as they gathered around the table to go over how they were going to break into the Russian base. She couldn't find it in her to be amused by Erica's antics, but she appreciated it none the less. She never met Murray, but he gave her a not so good feeling. Something told her that he had crossed a line last year with Argyle, Jonathan, and Nancy. She tried not to let herself drown over the fact that Heather was gone, that she was never going to see her again, and tried to hold on to the people who were still there. She focused on her brother's voice as he helped show Hopper the best way to make it to the gate room.

"Okay, see this room here? This is a storage facility," Dustin said. "There's a hatch in here that feeds into their underground ventilation system. That will lead you to the base of the weapon. It's a bit of a maze down there, but between me and Erica, we can show you the way."

"You can show us the way?" Hopper asked in disbelief.

"Don't worry, you can do all the fighting and the dangerous hero shit, and we'll just be your. . .navigators."

"No way in hell!" Chrissy snapped at her brother.

"Chrissy!" Dustin exclaimed.

"No, you are not going back down there. I won't have my little brother getting killed or captured by Russians!" Chrissy yelled.

"How else will they be able to get there?" Dustin asked. "The walkies don't - "

"Cerebro, dumbass," Chrissy rolled her eyes.

"Oh, yeah," Dustin said.

Once Dustin explained to Hopper about Cerebro, Hopper began to prepare for his descent into the base. Dustin wondered over to his boyfriend and their friends. Meanwhile, Argyle, Jonathan, Steve, and Nancy all took their place at the table in front of Chrissy. Nancy grabbed Chrissy's hand.

"You and Steve were there for me after Barb died, we're going to be here for you, too," Nancy said.

"Will you be there when I tell Tina?" Chrissy asked, tears in her eyes.

"Of course," Nancy whispered.

"Oh, man, if you want all of us there, we'll be there, too," Argyle said.

"Thanks," Chrissy said.

Argyle reached for Chrissy's hand and placed it on top of Nancy's. It wasn't long before the rest of them followed suit. Eddie was the last one, and he placed a kiss in Chrissy's hair as he did so. Suddenly, Steve got up, motioning for Ronnie and Robin to help him. They came back with small cups filled with soda. They all raised their cups.

"To Heather," they all said and paused before toasting to her memory.

"I love you, guys," Chrissy whispered. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you."

"We love you, too," Eddie whispered.

Chrissy leaned her forehead against Eddie's, brushing away his own tears with her thumb. She hated seeing his face so bruised and beaten. She hated the fact that they ripped two of his fingernails off, and she hated the fact that they were all going through this. Were they ever going to have a normal life, or were they all destined to die young?

After a brief rest, Steve, Robin, Dustin, Ronnie, and Erica took the car that Hopper stole to Mount Weathertop to bring Dustin to Cerebro. That would be where he would navigate Hopper through the Russian underground base. Meanwhile, the others would be going to Murray's house in Indianapolis to wait it out there. Chrissy hated not being involved, but she also knew that El needed protection in her weakened state. Hopper nodded at Chrissy, and she pulled away from Eddie to wonder over to him.

"I know, I probably don't need to say this," Hopper started to say.

"I'll look after El," Chrissy promised.

"I know you will, but don't forget to look after yourself," Hopper said. "You're important, too, and not just what you can do for all of us. Okay?"

"Okay," Chrissy nodded.

"And kid? I'm so sorry about your friend. I would have given anything to protect you from that, you know that, right?" Hopper asked.

"I know," she whispered. "It hurts."

"I know it does, kiddo," Hopper whispered and pulled her to his chest. "You've got heart, don't lose that."

"I won't," she said and hugged him tightly.

"Benny - your father would be proud of you," Hopper said.

"He'd be proud of you, too," Chrissy said.

Hopper sat down next to El, pulling Chrissy next to him.

"My battery is low, but it will recharge," El said.

"I know it will, kid," Hopper said.

"I can fight," El said.

"Better than any of us," he said. "But right now, I need you safe. I need both of you safe. This thing is after you. It's not after me. Do you understand? Hey, I need you to understand. Okay?"

"Hey," Mike said, and Chrissy rolled his eyes at his timing. "We should probably go."

El smiled at Hopper and hugged him tightly. With Mike and Max's help, she stood up.

"Mike?" Hopper asked. "Be careful."

They walked off ahead of them, and Chrissy stood up, facing him.

"You be careful, too," she whispered and hugged him again before running to catch up with her boyfriend.

Chrissy held Eddie's hand tightly as they walked outside.

"I fucking hate being split up like this," Eddie said.

"I know," Chrissy whispered. "Me too."

Mike and Max got El into the back of Nancy's car. Jonathan went with Argyle to his van along with Eddie and Chrissy while the kids piled into Nancy's car. Both Argyle and Nancy tried to start their vehicles only for them both to sputter.

"Argyle? What's wrong?" Chrissy asked.

"I don't know, I just fixed this baby up and put gas in her!" Argyle exclaimed.

"Did you leave the lights on?" Eddie asked. "Wayne is always getting onto me for doing that shit."

"No, that's the first thing that I make sure is off," Argyle replied.

"Do we have gas?" Chrissy asked.

"Wait. . .did I fill up? No, I definitely did," Argyle replied.

"Okay, stop, man. Pop the hood!" Eddie exclaimed.

Argyle jumped out along with the rest of them after opening the hood. Jonathan grabbed a flash light from the floorboard and shined it over Argyle's shoulder.

"What the hell?" Jonathan asked.

"Shit! The ignition cable's gone," Eddie cursed.

"Oh, did someone rip it out?" Chrissy asked.

They looked to find Nancy checking out her car, too.

"Damn, look like's Nance is having the same problem," Jonathan said.

"Fuck, what are we going to do?" Argyle asked.

That's when they heard it. . .the sound of the engine, and Chrissy felt it on the back of her neck. The group whirled around to find a flayed Billy Hargrove revving his engine at them.