#jason carver my beloved

[zephrr]

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[steveisagay]

Jason Carver x Reader

"It'll be okay, I'll fix it... I promise."

Second time trying to post this!

CW: Miscarriage, heavy angst, domesticated Jason, also Chrissy lives

This idea has been floating around my mind for the past few days and there isn't a lot of Jason angst so I wanted to make more Jason content one fic at a time

It had seemed like everything had been going perfectly.  Y/N and Jason had gotten together around a month after Chrissy had dumped him.  Since then Y/N had met his parents the two had bought a house, consummated their love once they had expressed that they wanted nothing more than to be with each other for as long as God, fate, or even life would let them.  Jason had always expressed his love and want for the perfect little family.  But as long as he had his other-half he was perfectly content.  That was until they started to stop using protection and/or birth control, upping the chances of a little miracle entering both of their lives.

And soon one did, not fully-planned, but not unwelcomed.  The two were overjoyed at first.  Jason was practically bursting at the seams with excitement.  It felt like they were finally getting the little family they wanted.  Jason had already started on the nursery.  It had almost felt as if they were truly starting a new chapter of their lives.

             "Baby, I'm home," He called as he hung up his coat at the door. He'd been taking extra shifts to be able to afford extra for Y/N and the baby. When he didn't hear the normal cheery response he felt fear rise in him, "Babe?" He listened for a response, any sort of response.  Making his way slowly up the stairs he started to hear the faint sound of sobbing.  His steps hurried as he made his way to the shared bedroom bathroom.  Y/N's sobs echoed louder as Jason opened the door.  

              His eyes darted from them to the heap of bloodied toilet paper.  Instantly dropping to his knees as he felt tears well in his eyes, automatically assuming the worst.  "Baby..?  Wha-.." 

               Their body wracked with heavy sobs as their eyes met his.  The scene was simply so pathetic, anyone's heart would ache.  "I-...I lost it…"

                "I know baby.." He physically shattered, having his worst fear confirmed.  It felt like his entire world was gone.  "It'll be okay, I'll fix it… I promise,"  He scooped them into his arms, crying silently into their shoulder.  There were certain times where the world seemed to stop, and this was one of those times.  He said he wanted to fix it, and truly he did.  But he didn't know how, just a few hours ago he was excited for their child, and now he was faced with the harsh reality that he was never gonna meet the baby.  The doctor said that Y/N was of a slightly higher risk for miscarrying but that didn't cross their minds,they were happy and joyful that they were building their little family.  "It's gonna be okay, okay?" He said through wet sobs, voice muffled.  He sounded unsure and scared.  How would this ever be okay.  

[zephrr]

LEMME EXPAND THIS A LIL BIT 😍 if you oh so don't mind

Jason ends up teaching Dustin a bit of Russian. (Which Dustin then brings to Steve 💀)As you said, he hides his accent very well but since his secret is out he sees no point of doing so anymore. He also casually cusses people out in Russian and they think he's cursing their family and he finds it absolutely hilarious.

Eddie enjoys Jason's accent and just becomes a pile of mush everytime he talks. He discovered his thing for accents because of this.

Jason's mother ADORES the Hellfire club. She always makes extra of whatever she's cooking just so they can try it. Jason's father lowkey enjoys their chaotic company as well.

When Jason is overwhelmed, he can't tell if he's talking Russian or English or mix of both due to his brain going 100mph.

He says sentimental stuff such as 'I love you' and such in Russian cause he sucks ASS at emotions. Fun fact; (in my au..which is my main au) he's said 'I love you' to Eddie by mistake more than once.

Steve and Robin actually find it really cool. Robin often asks if he can teach her basic words and such.

Just so you know; At this point, Jason doesn't hide his accent. His accent is very heavy and sometimes hard to understand. The only times he 'hides' it is when nobody understands what he's trying to say.

When he's mad he cusses everybody and they MOMMA out in pure Russian. No shame in his game.

ok thats it :)

I'M SO GLAD YOU DID THIS BECAUSE I SURELY WASN'T but it was on my mind 😭

I saw @zephrr’s post about Russian!Jason and I was thinking (I know, I know, that’s surprising) about the angst that could come from it.

Think about it: it’s the 80’s, the Cold War is still going on stronger than ever. If it gets out that Hawkins’ golden boy is a Russian, he’s going to be just as outcast as Eddie.

Russian!Jason has to keep his entire family a secret, he has to hide his accent perfectly, he can’t bring in lunches from home, or else it’s all over.

A while into their relationship he makes the mistake of telling Chrissy. They’re at the movies seeing the newest Bond movie, and the oh-so-intimidating villain speaks to his henchman in Russian.

Jason laughs, because this scary villain has the same grasp on the language as a three year old. His grammar is all wrong, and his accent is so god awful that Jason can’t help but find it funny.

Chrissy asks what he’s laughing at and he tells her, just like that. Something in her expression changes, and Jason knows their relationship won’t be the same.

She starts ducking out of date night more often, saying she has plans with friends or with family. She won’t let him walk her to class, and they hang out at school less. She doesn’t like to be alone with him anymore.

Chrissy doesn’t say it, but he knows. There’s a distrustful, nervous look in her eyes whenever they’re alone, and it always looks like she’s poised to run.

She breaks up with him after a while. He tries to reason with her, convince them to stay together, but she threatens to call the cops on him.

“I’ll report you as a Russian spy if you come near me or my family,” she says, with genuine fear in her voice. “I don’t want to, but I will.”

Jason can’t even bring himself to be surprised, to be honest. This has been coming for a while. He just hopes she keeps it a secret. And she does, at least until the mall fire.

Everyone in town knows the Russians had a base under there, and Russian-American tensions are at an all time high.

Jason’s on his way to biology when it happens. Andy passes by him and Jason goes to say hello. Andy knocks the books out of his arms and spits, “Commie bitch.”

It takes him entirely off-guard at first, but then he realizes. No one in the school has looked him in the eyes. No one has spoken to him. Not in the normal, popular-boy-privilege kind of way.

In the afraid kind of way. In the whisper-as-he-passes kind of way. In the don't-touch-the-russki kind of way.

And just like that, Jason's completely outcast.

He's kicked off the basketball team, the football team, and the baseball team, he's pushed out of every club he's signed up for. Hell, Jason just counts himself lucky that his grades aren't tanking.

So, he goes where all the outcasts do: Eddie Munson. It's almost freeing, not having to keep his secret any more. His birth name is Dzheysin Karkov. His parents love to tell the story about how the immigration patrol misheard it so badly he automatically became Jason Carver.

Eddie takes to calling him Dzhey, and he lets it slide for now. After all, Eddie gave him the choice between Dzhey or Sin. Not very inventive, but Dzhey was the much better choice between the two.

Eddie always asks Jason to come up with cool Cyrillic character names, and even drags him to a session so he can do the voice for the main villain. He gives Jason a script to read and everything, with little voice lines and comments based on what numbers the club rolls against him. And Jason revels in it.

He actually finds himself having fun, letting loose. He can bring the Hellfire Club to his house and they won't judge the okroshka or the pelmeni his parents make, or the casual use of Russian around the house.

He feels more at home than he ever has in America.

[captain-clueless]

Welome to Hellfire || Eddie Munson

Summary: Y/n has been wanting to join the Hellfire club for awhile but she runs into some trouble... Someone might just come in time to help.

Warnings: Bullying, cursing, Jason

D&D. One of the best fantasy role-playing games of the 1970s and 80's. It was a game that you had played previously with your neighbours until last year anyway, as they decided it was time to pull away from D&D. It had crushed you. You weren't one to get along with many people; you barely had friends at that, but your neighbours always were welcome to you for joining them.

Over time, you had developed your character to a more suitable field to you, and you were just finishing the final edit you would be making of them.

You had a mission you hoped to achieve by the end of the term. To join the 'freakshow' of Hawkins High - Hellfire club, led by no other than Eddie Munson.

When you first joined Hawkins High, you were of course, nervous. You had no friends, no one to hang out with, no one to talk to or sit with at lunch. You had sat at the end of a table and were just about to take your first bite out of your sandwich when someone decided they wanted to share their food with everyone else. You now know that someone as Eddie Munson, whom you had soon heard of, their D&D hellfire club going around.

Every break or lunch, you always raced to sit in the cafeteria to ensure you could sit down at the following table to the Hellfire Club. You knew it was wrong, but you couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversations about campaigns and their characters, yet sometimes you regretted sitting close to them. You want to avoid hearing some of their conversations while eating lunch.

Even so, lunchtime had and always would be the best time. You were tiredly seated in the English classroom, making notes while finishing your character design sheet. You had been watching the clock for half an hour, waiting to hear the heavens say it was lunch.

You could've sworn time went in slow motion for the last 5 minutes. After the excruciating time left, the bell finally rang, and students began piling out of the classroom like a stampede. You put everything away apart from your design as you knew you'd be getting it back out again anyway.

Emerging from the classroom was always the scariest part. A hoard of students? Yeah, no thanks.

You carefully glided across the hallway and into another corridor, which was a lot quieter. You began making your way to the canteen. At least you would have been, but a sudden pull to your back was all you needed to fly on your butt. Your character sheet gripped into your hand - you would not be letting that go.

You hear snickers come from behind you, and your blood runs cold. Jason Carver and his goons. Enemy to you, Eddie and Hellfire. "Well, well, well. Look at what we have here. It's Hellfire's Club's biggest fan." You exhale unsteadily to a breath you didn't know you were holding. You sit there on the ground as they circle you like predators hunting their prey.

They stand before you and look down at you as if you're some kind of filth they've just stepped into. You finally look at Jason with an exhausted look in your eye and stare at him while he and his goons snigger. You try to hide your character sheet behind you, but Jason quickly observes and hastily snatches it.

"Looks like we got ourselves another freak for the show." You quickly try to take it back, but one of his goons quickly pushes you back down on the floor this time though you hit your head on the floor. Fucking Jesus Christ knocking on Hellfire's door. Pain spread through your head like wildfire. The knock made you dizzy and sent a whirl of sickness spiralling in your stomach.

Faint steps could be heard strolling towards you at a unique pace, which stopped right behind you. Long brown hair comes into your view…chains too? Eddie?

"My, my Carver…Didn't know you had a thing for bullying girls now." You sit up slowly and reach for the back of your head instinctively. It wasn't bleeding, at least, but still, it was gonna leave a hefty bruise. A little dumbfounded, you look up at Eddie, yet he looks down at you softly and smiles. Oh.

"Well, aren't we lucky today? Two freaks in the same day."

"You know now that you mention it if you stay long enough, maybe we can show you our 'satanic rituals'. Actually, wait…" Eddie smiles mischievously and walks towards Jason, who scrambles backwards a bit. "As you would be our most honoured guest, you could participate! How does that sound, hm?"

"Shove off Freak. You do anything to me or my guys, and we will destroy you, Munson." Jason pushes the paper into Eddie as well as shoving him back.

Eddie twirls around dramatically and points to Jason, "OH, NO! I'm SO scared. Help me, help me! Quick! I need reinforcements!" Jason sneers and turns around with his goons hot on his tail.

As soon as Jason is gone, Eddie walks over and offers his hand to you, which you nervously take. Are my hands sweaty? He gently helps you up and sorts out a few wild hairs on your head, "You alright, sweetheart?"

"Uh..yeah. Yeah, I'm sorry. Thank you for the help." You look down at the paper Eddie is still holding, which brings his attention to it. Please don't look at it. Please don't look at it.

"This what he was going at you for?" He looks at the drawing, his pupils dilating into focus on it. Goddamn you, Eddie. You awkwardly mess with the bottom of your shirt as he continues to study the piece.

After what felt like a lifetime of waiting, Eddie looks at you with something you haven't seen before. Adoration? "You know, y/n, this isn't the first time I've seen you with this." He glances at the paper and traces the lines, "It's incredible. I wasn't expecting you, no offence, to be into Dungeons and Dragons. You know, the game that promotes satanic worship." He laughs and nudges you with his elbow. Eddie passes the sheet of paper back but doesn't let go, "Well, maybe I'm into that sort of thing," you gleam at Eddie, who still has a cheeky smile.

Suddenly, Eddie flings himself to the floor and grabs at your hands, "Y/n L/n, may I offer you the best opportunity of your lifetime?" You look in panic as everyone stares at the 'freakshow'. "May I have the honour of welcoming you to the Hellfire Club?" Did….Did I hear that correctly? Did he just ask me to join Hellfire….?

Almost instantly, you forget everyone around you as you look at Eddie.

"Yes"

You see every one of the Hellfire club at the table, anxiety gobbling you up whole as Eddie swings his arm around you lazily and slowly guides you over to the table. He slows down a little, feeling you tense under his arm the closer you get, "It's gonna be okay, yeah? Nothing to worry about."

You look at Eddie with nerves running through your veins. You take a deep breath and nod, which Eddie takes as a signal to carry on.

"Everyone!" The whole table cheers at Eddie's arrival, "I would like to introduce you to our newest member of the Hellfire Club. Y/n L/n."

[gonegrove]

this is one of the only constants in my mind when i think about st shit.

[steveisagay]

I'M SCREAMING AND KICKING MY FEET THIS WAS SO GOOD YOU'RE MY FAVORITE WRITER

Again I am so sorry for all of the requests but I love your writing and please tell me to stop if you want me to stop. You don't have to write this if you don't want to but could you write tigerfreak hurt/comfort with Jason trying to come to terms with the fact that he's gay? You're probably one of my favorite writers that writes anything at all with Jason

This one is a huge shout out to @pmrcvictim who spins Munver HC with me frequently. Lemon-ish, but mostly hurt and comfort. Don't be fooled by the POV, this is still going where you think it is, and he's trying, ok? TW: Light self harm (Scratching), Obsessive Thought Patterns

At one point Eddie considered actually writing them down, all of Jason's little rules.

It's not gay, because afterwards Jason never lingers. Apparently he can fuck Eddie all across the sheets, dig his fingers into his hips and whine out his name, but it's not gay because they don't cuddle.

It's not gay, because Jason tops. Really Eddie finds this rule somewhat baffling, and more than a little hurtful. Because Jason is still having sex with Eddie, and despite the long hair, Eddie is still a man. But far be it from Eddie to say anything about the desperate way Jason looks at him in bed, the way he touches all parts of Eddie, the way he...

It's not gay, because they don't kiss. Don't do anything softly, really, but Jason makes sure they never even come close to kissing. And really, there's only so many times Eddie can get shoved away before it starts to feel personal. Like maybe if Eddie were someone Jason respected, maybe if Eddie were Billy Hargrove or Patrick McKinney or Chance Rojas, maybe Jason would finally admit that what they're doing every other night is gay, it's so gay.

It's not gay, and to make extra sure, Jason takes a scalding hot shower immediately after, throwing a dark look at Eddie when he (jokingly... half jokingly) suggests that he could join.

God, Eddie hates the rules

All of this is irrelevant. Jason swears he isn't gay. And Eddie's too tired to fight him on it. Sometimes when Jason shoves Eddie's face away it hurts more than when he used to shove him into lockers. But at least the locker thing has stopped. At least...

The problem is that Eddie... Eddie's gay. Not all the way, he still can't help but look at the cheerleaders sometimes, or the pretty flute player in band. But Christ, the way he feels about Jason, the way Jason can turn him into a messy puddle of need so easily... the way he feels about Jason is very, very, extremely, alarmingly gay. And that's a problem.

This is what he's thinking about as Jason sucks out a shuddering breath, his fingers brushing the mess Eddie made on his own stomach, and goes lax and lazy against Eddie's back. His breath is hot against Eddie's shoulder, soft cornsilk hair brushing the sensitive skin at the nape of Eddie's neck... and it's almost like cuddling.

But then he pulls back, grabbing for the towel he always places oh so neatly by the bed before they start. Jason cleans Eddie up meticulously, like he can't bear any of the evidence be left even for a moment, even on Eddie's skin. And it burns even as it's a gentle touch, hurts because Eddie's thinking too much about it. Eddie's skin prickles to hold Jason but he can't bear to get pushed away, not again, not right now. Instead he avoids Jason's eye, curls up tight and faces the wall.

"Let me... I'm not done," Jason whispers.

"Just go shower," Eddie doesn't mean for it to come out so sharp, hard and harsh. But it's the only way he can stop it from coming out wobbly. His eyes feel tight and his throat burns, and he covers his face with his arm.

He can feel Jason linger, and he wants to snap that Jason is breaking the rules, he should be gone, totally gone. And the longer Jason lingers, the harder it is to hold it in. Eddie sucks in a shaky breath, and then another, then another.

Jason gets up in a huff, and Eddie can practically hear the words roll off of Jason. That Eddie's acting... like Eddie's acting.

Maybe this will be the end. Not with a bang, but with a whimper. And Eddie didn't even get a kiss.

He hears the water running like normal, and honestly, he should ask for some money off Jason for the heating of all his hot water. Sometimes he's in there for like a half hour.

Eddie sucks in a few breaths, until he feels calm enough to uncurl, throw on a t-shirt that doesn't smell so bad and the first pair of boxer's he finds, which he's pretty sure are actually Jason's. He pads into the kitchen, past the tiny bathroom. Jason's left the door open, so Eddie can hear how not gay he is, or something.

As he walks past though, Eddie's eyes catch on something. Sticking out of the bottom of the cheap blue curtain is one, very small, pale foot.

Eddie forgets all about the rules, forgets about the tears in his eyes. Jason could have fallen down, could be hurt. He could have gotten lightheaded in the hot water.

He's not prepared for what he sees when he pulls back the curtain, gasping Jason's name or Baby or whatever his brain manages to supply through panic.

Jason's huddled on the floor, his skin red and raw, and his eyes are red-rimmed.

"Did you fall?" Eddie gasps.

Jason just blinks up at him, his hands scrambling to cover himself, fingers digging into those muscled biceps.

Eddie falls to his knees, reaching out to cradle the back of Jason's head. He can't really be surprised when Jason jerks back, nearly slamming his head into the tile.

"You could be hurt," Eddie sneaks closer, soaking the back of his head and shirt in the blistering spray.

"Don't..." Jason warns, but he doesn't jerk back when Eddie's hand cards through his wet hair, checking for a lump.

"Did you get lightheaded, or..."

"Don't," Jason repeats, but the word wobbles a little.

Eddie looks carefully at his face, noting the pale cheeks, the moisture clumping his lashes with what could be tears and could be shower water.

"I'll get it on you. It will..."

"Get what on me?" Eddie asks.

"I can't... not fair to you... I should never have..." Jason claws at his arms, eyes glazed and unfocused.

Eddie shuts the water off, worried that Jason's gotten lightheaded from the heat.

"No," Jason bursts out, throwing Eddie's hands off and scrambling to his knees to reach for the faucet, "Gotta get it off, gotta wash it off..."

Eddie's afraid he knows the answer to the question before he asks it, "Wash what off?"

"The... g-gay... that I'm... I think I'm..." Jason blinks hard, face turned away, "G-gotta..."

"No," Eddie says it softly, tugging on Jason's arms, pulling him back onto the wet floor, "No... let me clean you up."

He expects more of a fight, but Jason just goes kind of limp at that, chin falling to his chest.

Eddie throws a towel over Jason's shoulder, trying to ignore the rock in his stomach. He helps Jason to his feet, and into the kitchenette, where he deposits him into a dining room chair and gets him a plastic tumblr of water.

Jason gulps it down, eyes turned away.

"Is that why... how often does that happen?" Eddie has to fight the urge to tug the towel tightly around Jason's shoulders.

Jason's face is just blank, but Eddie can see a twitch at the corner of his eye, "What?"

"This... panic thing."

Jason's face stays on the table, unmoving.

"Is this the first time?" Eddie pushes.

Jason shakes his head.

"You know you... can't really wash it off," Eddie's not sure what to say, but as soon as this comes out of his mouth, he cringes.

"I know," Jason's voice is cracked, painful sounding.

"So then-"

The words die on his lips when it hits him. Jason knows. So all of the rules, all of that... maybe it was just for Eddie. All the rules, the pushing him away. Maybe Eddie just wasn't good enough.

But then he sees Jason dig his nails into his arms, and his face crumples, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry..."

Eddie kneels in front of Jason's chair and gently tugs Jason's hands away, shocking himself when Jason plants them on the sides of Eddie's cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, I'm really sorry, I didn't want it to get on you, I'm s-sorry," Jason's crying in earnest now, "I don't know how to stop it, I thought that I could s-stop it, I thought..."

Eddie reaches up and brushes Jason's wet hair back, trying to joke, though the smile comes to his face too slowly, "Hey, it's okay. It's okay. I was already gay."

Jason shakes his head, "No... I... I did.... I'm sorry."

"Jason, it's okay," Eddie can't even enjoy Jason's hands on him, he's starting to worry, really worry.

Jason shakes his head, "I... I... I know that I could stop it, if I really tried, if I wasn't so s-"

Eddie doesn't know how else to stop it. He brushes his hands across Jason's cheek, tugs him by his jaw a little closer, and presses a kiss to Jason's lips.

Jason's fingers dig in, and he falls forward, not pushing back, not shoving away. He falls, shivering and soft, into Eddie's lap, and he lets Eddie part his lips and he's close, so close. Close enough that Eddie can smell soap and tears and feel every tremor that goes through Jason's body.

"I'm sorry-" Jason murmurs against Eddie's lips, which feel so much more sensitive than ever before. "I'm sorry..."

"I'm not," Eddie whispers back, "I'm not sorry, Jason."

That night, Eddie helps him back into bed, and they break almost all the rules. They kiss and kiss, hardly parting. Jason's frantic and soft in turns, babbling when Eddie stops to kiss his neck or jaw, how much he wants this, how he's afraid and sorry and happy and frightened. And Eddie feels much the same way.

Jason lingers, staying far past the time that light begins to stream through Eddie's curtains, hair getting rumpled against the sheets. He looks so different this way, messy and red eyed, nervous and vulnerable.

As the morning comes, his panic slows and he confesses, in halting tones. How long he's felt this way, and how he's not sure what to do, not sure what his future will even look like if he admits it, out loud.

He still can't say the word. But he says it, in the way that he buries his face in Eddie's neck, the way he cries into the rumpled sheets while Eddie rubs his back. He says it, when Eddie tells him that they shouldn't hook up right now, that Jason's not in the right headspace. And Jason just whispers it.

"I don't want to have sex. I want to be with you."

Eddie just smiles, "What about the rules?"

Jason's eyes dart all over Eddie's face, "Fuck the rules."

I loved this so much I put it right on AO3

[arian-thedreamer]

MY BOY FAILURES! MY FAIL SONS! MY PATHETIC BABYBOYS!

My narratively DOOMED children.

JUST LOOK AT THEM IN ALL THEIR WORTHLESSNESS.

I love them so dearly (I want to watch them suffer in the most beautiful way possible).

[stobinesque]

wayfinder for wip wednesday~*~

helloooo. it's angsty hours over here i'm so sorry

Jason slings an arm over his shoulder, congratulating him again. His breath smells sour as he leans in close to Lucas’ face. Something about his smile feels off. Like it’s a little to wide. A little to practiced. Is he mad that Lucas stole his shot? That a freshman benchwarmer got all the glory of winning the championship, and not Hawkins’ new golden boy? Is all this camaraderie and celebration just him saving face so that no one can turn around and say that Jason Carver is unsportsmanlike? A group of girls show up—or maybe several groups. They filter in, loud, and giggling. Cozying up to various team members, and gathering together in corners to gossip. Some of them come up to him. Lean in too close. Tell him he was great out there. He did a good job. How does it feel to be a champion? With a sudden, gut-dropping ache, he misses Will.

[ladykailitha]

My steddie brain never rests. And neither will I!! Bwahahahaha! *cough cough* Sorry about that.

Eddie is a pirate captain. He is a known terror of the Seven Seas. His ship The Hellfire is known by its fearsome Jolly Roger. The skull has devil's horns and has a cutlass and musket on either side.

His first mate is Jeff and his cabin boy is Dustin.

He has a very dedicated crew. They are loyal to a fault and fiercely protective of their captain.

He is a thorn in the side of Lt. Jason Carver. The man tasked to bring him in.

Eddie has been captured a few times, but always his crew mounts a daring escape.

Final Eddie is caught and Carver isn't going to wait until morning to hang him and give his crew time to save him. He knows he'll catch hell for it later, but Eddie must be stopped.

When Carver comes to get him, he finds Eddie looking out the window at the night sky.

"Praying, Munson?" he sneers. "I didn't think your kind believed in God."

Eddie shakes his head. "No God. I worship starlight."

"Starlight?" Carver mocks. "What's so special about starlight?"

"When the moon is new and the stars stretch on forever," Eddie explains a little breathless, never taking his eyes from the window high above him, "you can find your way if you let the North Star lead you. That's what I believe in. The North Star."

Carver scoffs. "You sound like you're in love with a distant twinkle, Munson. I always knew you were mad, but this takes the cake."

Eddie shakes his head ruefully. "Oh that I could love a star, that it could love me back."

Carver motions to his men and they haul him to his feet.

They take him out to the scaffold where the noose is waiting for him. They put the rope around his neck and he whispers. "Goodbye, sweetheart."

Tears run down his face as they tighten the noose. He closes his eyes.

But before they could pull the handle that would send Eddie plummeting to his death a bright light appears blinding everyone but Eddie because his eyes were closed.

He feels a soft warm hand touch his cheek. "Keep your eyes closed for me, won't you?"

Eddie nods. He doesn't know what's going on but even through his eyelids he can tell the light is too bright.

Suddenly there are sounds of screaming and of people being ripped apart. Eddie squeezes his eyes further shut.

Then the rope is being removed from his neck. "Don't open your eyes yet, love," the warm voice murmurs in his ear.

Eddie shivers but not because of the chill of the night, but because the voice sent a sharp thrill straight to his gut.

Then he's being picked up and carried bridal style. Whoever this is keeps telling him he's all right, that he's safe now.

He get set down gently on his feet.

"You may open your eyes now."

And Eddie does only to be greeted by the most ethereal being he's ever seen.

His hair is dark brown with golden highlights and he has hazel eyes. He's wearing robes that shimmer in the light and he gives off a subtle glow.

"Thank you," Eddie murmurs.

The man gives him a gentle kiss. "I will always watch out for you, my beloved Eddie."

"What's your name?"

"Stella Polaris."

Then in a flash he's gone. He makes it back to his ship and tells them the tale.

They don't believe him at first but whenever a battle is turning against them, a light flashes, blinding their enemies and ensuring their victory.

Eddie makes it back to England and is talking to a scholar, getting the old man drunk in a bar.

He says he's an amateur astronomer and Eddie pumps he for information because of his own love of the stars. And he brings up the North Star.

"Ah," the old man says with a nod. "Stella Polaris, the star that is polar. The one star in the sky you can always rely."

And Eddie is floored. His rescuer was the actual North Star.

That night laying in bed at the inn, Eddie says, "My own star. Well, I'll be damned."

Then Stella Polaris arrives in his room.

Eddie leaps from the bed and kisses him senseless.

"Stella Polaris is a bit of a mouthful for every day, sweetheart," Eddie murmurs between heated kisses. "What should I scream when you fuck me?"

The star laughs. "You can call me Steve."

"Well, come on, then, Stevie," Eddie coos wagging his eyebrows. "The night is young and I have been aching for you since you rescued me."

They tumble into the bed and have sex. The next morning comes, and Eddie wakes up to find a small little starburst scar just a above his heart that he'll later get tattooed.

For the star that fell in love with a pirate and the pirate who loved it back.

[zephrr]

GUYS IM OK. Starting this late because of uhm...stomach bug 🫤 ANYWAY-

-----

Jason Carver does a lot of things that people don't understand. They brush it off, though. They just say it's just his 'personality'. They aren't wrong. It doesn't just stop at his personality.

He wears lip gloss. He denys it, saying its chapstick. Many people don't ask. He also wears brown mascara, people don't realize it. That's the reason he doesn't cry at school. He's afraid of people finding out.

The only person that seems to notice is Eddie. Jason doesn't know how he knows. He often makes hints at Jason and teases him about it sometimes. The jokes always go over people's heads, thankfully. Jason is still scared of people finding out.

What confuses Jason, though, is why Eddie hasn't told anyone. I mean he could easily just tell his business. So why doesn't he? He doesn't want people to know, but he's confused.

So, naturally, he finds Eddie one day and drags him somewhere more private (much to Gareth's confusion). He looks around before staring directly into Eddie's eyes.

"Why haven't you told anyone?" Jason sassed, crossing his arms. Eddie simply looked around, confused. "Told anyone...what, exactly?" He questioned. Jason simply pointed at his own face. Eddie got the hint.

"Oh...that you wear some makeup? It's not my business, man..." Eddie stated, leaning against the wall, "plus, if your parents found out you would be forced to never wear it again. That'd be a waste."

"How? I don't spend that much." Jason argued. Eddie simply stared at him before laughing. "Not a waste of money, pretty boy." He said with a slight chuckle.

Jason went silent with a slight blush. Pretty boy? What? He looked at Eddie once more before walking away.

He would not be tempted by him.

-----

[steveisagay]

Spread the message: Jason Carver needs to get his behavior fucked out of him

[ashwhowrites]

Oh, you're taking requests again? Then I have something for you!

So, we all know Eddie and the rest of Hellfire are bullied and harassed by Jason and his goons. And even Eddie himself says he's a runner, not a fighter. But ... what if his girlfriend was? What if she comes and steps between Jason and Eddie just before it gets ugly and with a few well placed punches and kicks sends Jason to his knees - getting his ass beaten by a girl.

I train kickboxing myself and I know I would never stand Idly by and watch my beloved boy get beaten.

And I think Eddie would find it rather hot :)

HI! I missed seeing your name in my inbox. This came out a little short so I hope that's alright. I hope this is what you were looking for and you enjoy it. Thank you for requesting <3

I agree, as a person who is very protective of my partner, this would definitely be me.

Fighting girlfriend

Jason Carver picked on Eddie because he knew Eddie would never defend himself. Eddie was the perfect target. Eddie let it slide since Jason never got physical. He could handle the verbal abuse, and shrug off his comments and insults. Eddie was happy in his life and Jason wasn't going to ruin that.

Once Jason found out Eddie got a girlfriend, he became even more of a pain in Eddie's ass. Jason followed him around, making jokes that his girlfriend was imaginary since no one had seen her. Eddie rolled his eyes, tired of explaining over and over that she went to college.

Jason was on Eddie's back all day, but Eddie didn't care because his girlfriend was visiting for the weekend.

"Excited to see your fake girlfriend?" Jason joked, a smirk on his face as his friends laughed.

"She's real and yes I am. Why don't you go make out with one of your little fuck boys behind the bleachers." Eddie snapped, rolling his eyes as he walked to the parking lot. But Jason and his friends followed behind.

"Funny, Munson. But we all know you're trying to cover the fact your girlfriend is fake."

"who's girlfriend?" Y/N asked, a smile on her face as she walked up to Eddie. She took in the jocks in front of her, recognizing who they were.

"Oh great. You must be Jason and the goons?" She asked, Jason growled as Eddie laughed.

"What's a girl like you doing with trailer trash, Munson? You could have a real man like me." Jason smirked, eyeing her up and down.

Eddie clenched his jaw at Jason's words. Stepping up to Jason's face. "Don't talk to her and don't look at her."

"Oh, why not? Even I have to admit your girlfriend is smoking hot. Pretty face, sexy legs, and mhhm I bet she tastes good." Eddie growled at Jason, anger growing as he disrespected his girlfriend.

"Shut up before you regret it," Eddie warned.

"Or what? You won't do shit. You don't fight back. You are a fucking loser and good at nothing. Absolutely worthless. Bet your girl here fucks the whole bar just to get one good or-" Jason's words were cut off when a fist landed across his face.

Jason's head snapped to the side as he held his jaw. But Eddie looked as shocked as he did. That's when Jason noticed Y/N now stood between them, anger in her eyes as she breathed heavily.

"Don't you ever disrespect him again and don't you ever say shit about our relationship." She warned. But Jason just laughed. She looked at Eddie over her shoulder.

"Fucking pussy. Got your bitch fighting your battles."

Eddie watched in amusement as Y/N kneed Jason in the stomach, the second he dropped to his knees she landed another punch across his face. Jason fell against the concrete as blood fled out of his nose. All his friends dropped down to check on him.

"PSYCHO BITCH!" he screamed.

Eddie quickly grabbed her hand and ran when teachers began to come running out. They laughed as they ran.

"THAT WAS AMAZING!" Eddie screamed, grabbing Y/N and hiding behind a tree. He looked around the tree to see the teachers helping Jason stand up.

"No one talks to you like that." She said shrugging. "Protect my baby any day." A kiss was placed on Eddie's cheek.

"You were so badass and so fucking hot," Eddie growled, pressing his body against hers as she rested against the tree.

"Hm yeah? Like when psycho bitch protects you?" She teased, her hand sliding down his body to his belt.

"What kind of tricks does a psycho bitch have to take care of a different kind of threat?" Eddie joked, grabbing her hand to cup his hard-on.

"Gladly show you."

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergentreblogs @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93

[steddiebang2024]

No Chance Showmance  |  Mature  |  50k

Author: @brvss0316

Artist: @ciriceart

Beta Reader: @Dontwasteyourchances

[Link to fic]  |  [Link to art]

Pairings: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley/Chrissy Cunningham, Murray Bauman/Alexei

Characters: Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham, Billy Hargrove, Eleven/Jane Hopper, Jason Carver, Murray Bauman, Gareth

Tags: AU - Modern, AU - Theatre, AU - Community College, POV alternating, mutual pining, misunderstandings, slow burn, castmates to lovers, thespian Eddie Munson, basketball player Steve Harrington, High School Musical meets Pride and Prejudice, inspired by Never Really Acting At All by Melina KB, matchmaker Murray Bauman, good uncle Wayne Munson, bisexual Steve Harrington, gay Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson has ADHD, Robin Buckley has ADHD, Steve Harrington has bad parents, flirting through Disney songs, *slaps roof of fic* this bad boy can hold so many polycules, Billy Hargrove is his own warning, sorry Billy apologists this ones probs not for you, protective Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington needs a hug, Steve Harrington gets a hug, protective Robin my beloved, Mikes a bit of an asshole

Trigger Warnings: Past attempted grooming (mentioned), minor homophobia

↳ Keep reading below for a sneak peek!

Steve had never acted or been in theatre before, never even considered it, but somehow he gets cast as the main love interest after Robin drags him to auditions as “emotional support”. Thespian Eddie Munson can’t believe he gets paired with the amateur actor/basketball team captain as a co-star. After meeting the person he’s supposed to enact one of the most famous love stories ever written, Eddie decidedly vows to not fall for the charms of the infamous heartbreaker, “King Steve”. As the show’s rehearsal schedule picks up, Steve struggles to balance his college studies, the expectations of his parents, the drama that always seems to follow theatre kids, and trying desperately to ignore his growing interest in his metalhead/theatre kid co-star. In spite of Steve’s infuriating sporadic practice attendance and apparent lack of dedication to the show, the line between Eddie’s feelings for him on and off stage begins to blur as he contemplates breaking one of the biggest rules in theatre: never date your co-star.

[klausinamarink]

KLAUS ok can I request a steddie human/monster prompt for your birthday special??? 👀🤲

(the way I agonized over this choice 💗)

LEIGH i hope you were alright with the wait! got pretty busy with visiting family abroad and had brain fog these past weeks but I am finally posting the rest of these ficlets! ENJOY

There was a hole in the woods and it had a monster at the bottom.

It wasn’t a mystery or a new natural occurrence or the beginnings of the madness plague. It was rather a fact that everyone knew about the hole and the monster. It was a fantastic stirring for the children’s imaginations and nightmares. It was a warning to the wandering strangers who wish to explore the dark wood.

Most importantly, it was the perfect punishment.

Regardless, Eddie sat down next to the hole as if he were settling a picnic at a seaside spot.  

“Hello, my beloved!” He called down into the darkness. It responded with another waff of decaying lavender. Eddie inhaled it deeply and gratefully with closed eyes. Everyone said the smell was horrible and moreso during the executions, but it never bothered Eddie once even since his first visit.

”Ahh, such a pleasant afternoon. The sun is out, the harvest was a success, and Uncle Wayne sold an extra wood carving!” Eddie chirped as he tuned the strings of his lute. “I wouldn’t guarantee we would be rich overnight, but it was definitely a blessing! I wish you were there to see it.”

The hole was silent.

Eddie laughed, “My beloved, please don’t tell me you’re still upset at me. I’m sorry for missing last week, but I warned you that I would be incredibly busy!”

He tilted his head, waiting for an answer. None came, but Eddie nodded anyway. “Well, I am here now! Perhaps some melodies can put you back into a good mood.” 

Eddie plucked a few strings experimentally before he started to play. The familiar notes filled the silence, for no bird or insect dared to sing trill around the hole. Then Eddie cleared his throat and began humming his beloved’s favorite.

By the time dusk inevitably came, Eddie finished the last song with a heavy sigh and stood up to his feet. “The night separates us again, my beloved. I will see you again shortly.” 

He blew a kiss, prayed that it reached the bottom of the hole, and went away.  

His shrouded beloved wailed softly as if they were already mourning Eddie’s demise. 

-

Perhaps the mourning call was a warning. A plea for Eddie to be careful and come back safe next time. Because the next time Eddie visited the hole in the woods, he was being dragged with a rope that scraped his wrists raw. 

He was blindfolded - better to be blinded by a wrap of cloth than by hot-iron pokers - and stumbled along the path he knew by heart. Quiet murmurs and jeers followed him like a procession. Every so often, the sharp tip of a spear jabbed at Eddie’s back just to quicken his pace. 

In the past few weeks, there had been a senseless slaughtering of several livestock. At first, the farmers grumbled about the direwolves and other beasts in the woods. Then people went missing. Their bodies were found behind their homes with broken limbs and missing eyes, all disfigured beyond repair. When a young maiden named Christine fell victim, her betrothed Jason Carver had made the first accusation at Eddie. 

Eddie had swiftly denied ever laying a hand on Christine or the other victims. But then few people had spoken about seeing him frequently wander into the woods and returning late at night. 

Within minutes, the town’s opinion of Eddie had greatly soured. Except for his uncle Wayne, of course. He’d tried for Eddie’s innocence but what could a poor woodcarver do against a court?

A gust of wind blew on Eddie’s face and he caught the first scents of decaying lavender. Eddie perked up instinctively. Beloved! 

But the spear jabbed at him again, this time breaking through skin and muscle right beside Eddie’s right shoulder blade. He cried out in pain and stumbled over. The ground scraped his palms and knees unkindly. 

Even with the thick blindfold, Eddie could tell that the edge of the hole was right before his fingertips.

Something small and metal was shoved into his hands. Eddie barely had time to recognize the shape of a lantern before rough hands pushed at his back.

And then Eddie fell into the deep hole. 

-

It was said that anyone who fell in the hole would break their neck. Dead bodies was a monster’s favourite meal.

Eddie did not break his neck during his fall. The bottom of the hole was very soft and muddy but he felt his arm popped out of the socket. 

With a painful whimper, Eddie scrambled to remove the blindfold. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness even with the faint help of the lantern, which had somehow barely cracked.

It took another moment before Eddie saw he was not alone.

There was only one story about the monster in the hole: it was a terrifying sight that even the sunlight was afraid of it.

It was why everyone who faced this perfect punishment was given a lantern. Should anyone survive the fall, they would see the monster and die of fright.

So when Eddie laid his gaze on the monster for the first time, he did not die of fright. In fact, his fear died midway through his throat.

It had a wolf’s skull for a face and shadows for a body. Long claws flickered where it grappled on the moist walls. Instead of fiery red coals or sickly green smoke, its eyes were a humanly hazel. Occasionally marks of bright red rippled blindly across its body as if it had been injured.  

Newly unafraid, Eddie called to it. A question rather than a command or plea. 

“Beloved?”

It rumbled somewhere in its throat. The decaying lavender stench grew from suffocating to gentle. Then it brushed its face against Eddie’s and opened its jaws wide enough to almost swallow him whole.

Eddie tilted his head back, feeling the pants of heat from its mouth. Instead of screaming or begging for mercy, Eddie began humming. 

He had no lute or instrument with him. But Eddie knew his beloved’s song by heart.

Even as he felt the mouth close and the sharp tips of teeth poking through the skin of his exposed throat, Eddie still sang. 

After he was done, his beloved released its jaws with a teary whine. A few hot drops fell on Eddie’s face before it was followed by a sudden vomit of warm blood. 

Eddie spluttered and nearly fell backwards, saved by a massive hand caught him by the back. Then it pressed him against his beloved’s chest. To his surprise and delight, the shadowy skin felt soft and feathery. 

Eddie bubbled out a laugh, “I knew you would never hurt me.”

His beloved dropped its head on top of Eddie’s and started humming their song.

[streets-in-paradise]

Friday the 13 Th - Eddie Munson x (Fem) Henderson! Reader

Warnings: Friday the 13 Th franchise references.

Summary: Eddie has convinced you of making something big to bother Jason in the most fitting day for your inside joke about him.

Notes: Happy Friday the 13 th! Let's make fun of Jason lol

The school's cafeteria was a stage where Eddie loved to play being a dreaded artist annoying the well adjusted students with his unhinged dramatizations. He was an autentical court jester despite many loathed his performances. You may have been once too shy to get involved or even engage, but the spirit of companionship of Hellfire had slowly and consistently changed that.

As two lonely weirdos doing their best to not be noticed during most of your highschool experience, you have always been in a distant bubble with Jonnathan doing your own thing unless bullies would disrupt you. There was no one else at least untill he started to date Nancy and you befriended Eddie first, later also Steve. While you remained best friends, some of that crave to hide together in a little corner going unnoticed began to change and that was way more evident in you under the influence of Eddie.

For once at least, Jonnathan acceded to get involved for a small role in a carefully crafted espectacle you were planning because he got to appreciate the concept. Fellow horror geek, he found it simple yet quite effective. At very least you both would have a funny story to share with Will and Dustin.

Staged action took it's course as you approached him limping and pretending you were crying your heart out.

" Please, please! You have to help me!! " You begged him for the entire place to hear you, your ketchup soaked hands seeking to hold his clean ones . " … He is coming, he got my friends!!! He is gonna kill us! "

Pretending confussion wasn't that hard given your performance.

" What are you talking about?"

" The councelors were making love while that young boy drowned!!" You directly referenced the speech of Pamela Vorhees in a mashup with a victim character. " … Now we are all cursed. WE DESERVE TO BE PUNISHED!!!! "

When your agonical, prophetic scream gave him the sign Eddie emerged rushing like a maniac into the scene.

" FRIDAY THE 13 TH!!! IT'S FRIDAY THE 13 TH, PEOPLE!!" He began to scream to anyone in his way. " RUN FOR YOUR LIVES CAUSE JASON IS GONNA COME TO GET YOU!"

The joke was perfectly timed with the entrance of Jason Carver. Annoyance was the less concerning feeling it awakened on the target. When you once started it he could have never imagined it was going to stick with the full weirdo group and even escalate.

" Are you looking for trouble, freak?"

Enacting a reaction fitting for a horror movie, you got in between them shielding Eddie with your body.

" No, Eds! Don't sacrifice yourself for me!! "

Eddie turned dramatically to play pretend a heartfelt objection.

" I must do it. You are the final girl and i am just the disastrous but charming male lead following you into the woods just because i'm in love with you. " He followed your performance with a self awareness touch. " Go, my beloved. Save that stoner and remember me. "

You held his hands as if his life trully depended of listening to you.

" I won't let you go! I know how to defeat Jason, you just have to trust me. "

The basketball player was frankly weirded. Still angry, but his lack of contextual orientation to whatever you were thinking to be doing temporally overcame his desire to punch Eddie in the face.

He was accidentally incarnating one of the lapsus of confussion Jason Vorhees could sometimes had in the films before resuming the chase for his victims.

Perfect moment for you to iniciate the end of the third act taking off your jacket to reveal a striped sweater in matching colors with the Tigers.

" Look at me Jason!! Look! Come over here … " You began to call him in the sweetest tone. " Do you recognize this? You are in home, honey.. It's gonna be ok, I'll take care of you!"

Your friends were laughing uncontrolably and you realized that even a guy in the jock's table was holding his chuckles. Probably only just for the excessive female nudity of the franchise, but he must have watched the film your joke was referencing. Not missing the chance to expose it, you smiled at him and his amusement turned inmediately into disgust.

" Friday the 13 Th Part 2, just in case you want to rent it for the weekend. " You explained to Jason after abandoning the character. " My interpretation didn't stick completely to the source material, but I found this sweater in a thrift store and inmediately thought of you. Eddie insisted we had to save it for the next Friday the 13 Th. "

" Meaning that you got that cheap sweater in my team's colours and prepared a scene arround it just to annoy me. " Jason summarized out loud, clearly fed up with all the freaks. " At least i can say you took too many bothers to get my attention in this oddly specifical charade. "

" Bullshit! He is pissed off, only tries to hide it because he lost. " Eddie quickly corrected. " We made it, sweetheart!!"

You both hi fived each other and rushed in the opposite direction, but hubris made Eddie deliver one last comeback on the way.

" Happy Friday 13 Th, Carver !!!! Don't get in the lake!!! "

Despite he did enjoy the thrill, Jonnathan was giving you judgamental looks as you reached him.

" … If i get targeted again for this."

Eddie patted him on the shoulder cheerfully before reassuring him.

" Chill, man! His feud is against us, you are totally safe. "

" That was freaking awesome! " You followed the cheers. " Don't lie to me, I saw it in your eyes. You are as excited as me. "

You had a point and he couldn't deny it.

" Fine, it was quite fun … Not as satisfying as punching Steve, but still. "

Eddie clearly supported the posibility of finding someone to complain about Harrington with that you couldn't object to. Besides, he was a big fan of the referenced episode.

" I heard all about it, the freak that kicked his bully's ass and stole his girlfriend … I just want you to know that Hellfire considers you a hero. You will always be welcome among us. "

His most inmediate answer was an awkward smile.

" Thanks. I really appreciate it, but i would like to keep my girlfriend. "

They chuckled and Eddie's was the loudest.

" Good call, man! Good call. "

Something in the specifical way Eddie choose to congratulate Jonnathan made you feel uneased. Probably because you were just jealous imagining he could want to steal his bully's girlfriend too if he had the same chance.

" Eds, if we were in a horror movie. Do you really think we would be the romantically coded final girl and last kill boy sacrificing himself so she could make it to the final fight?" You asked him as you were walking thowards the Hellfire table. " I mean, I won't do well as a final girl. To be one you need more than just be the virgin ... "

The joke may have been themed as a different thing, but you were masquerading your will to figure out if that was the case.

" ... And most times they aren't unwanted freaks, they are normal cute girls just too shy to approach their crush or too nervous to let their boyfriends convince them of sleeping together. "

He wasn't sure of where the point was going, but didn't mind to indulge you.

" Realistically, I would be the guy who dies alone getting high in the woods. " He mocked himself. " but i do think you could be a final girl. Although a rare breed we don't often get blessed with, freak girls tend to be passionate horror fans. You know all the rules to survive, my prediction is that you would make it and at the end of the film Harrington would be asking you out. "

The answer deviated from the path you expected.

" I thought you would accuse Steve of being the asshole jock dying in the sex scene. "

" As a judge I'm cruel, but fair. That has to be Hargrove, Harrington has higher chances of making it if he sticks with you. "

That made you laugh for reasons he could never possibly understand. In real life, Steve was the resourcefull fighter.

" Would you believe me if I tell you that Steve is a final girl ? "

He was laughing harder then, untill your softly delivered conclussion stopped it.

" I would like to make it with you too … It would be a refreshing change for the slasher formula. "

Eddie wasn't sure of it, but for an instant he choose to treat himself imagining you said you wanted to be with him in a very freakish way.

" There is no way i could make it. Ríght now i can tell you I would die for you. "

[hargrove-mayfields]

For ST Rarepair Roulette 💕 @st-rarepair-roulette

Word Count: ~5,000

Ships: Billy Hargrove x Chrissy Cunningham and Heather Holloway x Jason Carver.

Warnings: Implied/referenced child abuse, lots of arguing and misunderstandings, very mild references to sexual content.

~~~~~~

“No. Nope. I don’t believe that for one second.”

Gossip. That’s all it is. Heather and Chrissy laying on the former’s bed, legs up against the wall, long hair dangling over the opposite edge of the bed, exchanging silly gossip.

Never the mean kind, Chrissy won’t allow that, it’s mostly their respective crushes and fascinations from school they talk about.

Or specifically, lately how much Heather doesn’t like Chrissy’s taste in boys. Or anybody, for that matter. In her heart of hearts, she knows Heather is just protective.

Still, Chrissy tosses a little stuffed fuzzball of an animal at her friend for that comment, “Hetty! Rude!”

“Look I’m sorry, I just can’t believe that Hargrove has like, actual feelings. I don’t trust him.” Heather elaborates, through her laughter.

See, she’d say the same every time, they both know that. What matters is whether Chrissy is bold enough to go through with it. She never has been so far. It’s one thing to have a crush, but to have someone openly pining back, that’s something more rare.

An opportunity Chrissy wouldn’t like to lose just to please her best friend.

She’ll try to win her over, “One date won’t be bad.”

But Heather will make excuse after excuse, “Every girl says that before the worst night of her life.”

Chrissy rolls onto her front, sighing so heavily the weight of Heather’s mattress lifts up, like she’s turned to the most stressed little helium balloon and floated away. Maybe she did, off into her imagination, taking her common sense with her.

Maybe she’ll entertain Heather’s concerns, but only if they’re productive, “Well how did you know Jason was being genuine?”

Heather's boyfriend. Track and basketball star, high class social asshole. Chrissys has never been a fan, to be entirely honest. Her earliest memories of Jason Carver were of him shoving over smaller kids in their church group and treating every recess game as pro-level sports. She still doesn’t see what Heather finds so charming about him.

She hopes maybe he’d changed, assumes he’d have had to to win over a critical heart like the one guarded in Heather’s chest.

Oh but Heather gives no such benefit of the doubt to anybody else, “I /don’t/ know it. But /my/ boyfriend doesn’t run over innocent children in his free time.. or whatever the hell it is Billy Hargrove gets up to.”

Chrissy has to laugh at that, it's so absurd, “Oh- He does not! Billy’s /nice./”

“Prove it.” Heather challenges, popping a gum bubble between her teeth to assert her seriousness.

“Hetty.” Chrissy warns, uninterested in playing that game.

Her friend isn’t having it. Heather rolls her brown eyes with so much force she literally rolls over on the bed, sprawling out over top of Chrissy like a beloved golden retriever with no respect for sharing space. It’s always been comfortable with her, coexisting without regard to self consciousness and mothers opinions and Godly image. Probably why she lets Heather get away with being a little catty sometimes.

Like now, as she claims, “Oh come on. Make it a game, have some fun, but show me he’s genuine. Or else I’m kicking his ass.”

“Fine.” Chrissy wants to be stern, but she cracks a little smile, her real, bright one, “If I'm supposed to threaten to kick Jason’s butt, I don’t think I’d be able to.”

Heather hums in thought before presenting a solution, “I’ll do the ‘defending of our honor’ if you help me test Jay back.”

“Pinky promise you’ll be nicer to Billy once we get proof?”

“That’s /if/ we get proof, but you have my word.”

The deal is sealed. They lock pinky fingers, one soft pink nailed and one a flaming red shade. In the ten years they’d been friends since Heather joined their class in 1st grade, not a single pinky promise between them has been broken. It just isn’t done.

Admittedly, that’s a lot of pressure. Talking about cute boys doesn’t feel as fun anymore.

Chrissy’s fluttery feelings start to set in, fidgeting with her hands to hope to drive them off. If she had her bracelets on, she’d shake them and enjoy the way they ring from the hard plastics and metals banging together, but it’s late, she’s in her pjs without jewelry. She picks her nails instead.

Redirecting, Heather hands her a stuffed Winnie the Pooh, and asks a question she knows will catch her off guard, “Soooo. What are you gonna do?”

“Hetty, I haven’t had time to think!” Chrissy complains, squishing poor Pooh between her hands, choosing to abuse the stuffed toy with her anxiety instead of her own skin.

“Oh come on. What do boys care about? Cars, sex, and sports. Pick one and he’ll show his true colors.” Heather says it likes it’s all just so easy, and she already knows it all.

Chrissy isn’t as sure. She considers her options,

“Um, sports sounds the least dangerous.. maybe?”

“Until he tackles your little ass.” Heather points out.

There’s a moment where they both sort of stop moving. They both know what Heather is about to do, but Chrissy's defenses are useless to stop it. She scrunches her body up as tiny as can be, but Heather has pounced, poking her sides gently where she knows her friend is ticklish.

Chrissy used to get all self conscious when Heather would do things like that. Not just touching her skin, so close to where she feels her strongest insecurities, but even jokes, little digs that had nothing to do with Chrissy’s appearance would get her down.

They have Billy to thank for the change. Dating or not, William Hargrove isn’t one to hide his affections. Everyone knows he’s had a thing for Chrissy for a while. It’s deciphering whether he’s chasing tail, or chasing the sweet girl he’d shown enough interest in to replenish her view of herself, hung around and flirted and laughed with so freely it healed a part of her broken heart.

She thinks maybe repaying him a little would increase the chances of getting the ball rolling, and getting Heather’s trust. “What if I cheer special for him during one of his games?”

“Uh, no!” Heather shakes her head, rolled curls bouncing in their pillow curlers back and forth, ”That just makes /you/ public about it. And he can spin that if he’s being an ass for real.”

“But I don’t think-“ Chrissy starts to argue, brow knotted.

Heather holds one of her hands, showing she is doing this because she cares, even if she’s being a little harsh, “Honey, I know I’m a cynical bitch, but I don’t want to see you hurt. Save yourself the embarrassment.”

“I don’t- Heather, it’s not embarrassing to be in love!”

A gasp, slow realization dawning. “You’re right. Oh my god, Chrissy you’re so right!!”

Heather kicks her legs with glee, fuzzy slippers going flying. Right out of a movie, she squeals with delight, infecting Chrissy too with her sudden joy.

Chrissy giggles, going along with it, “I am?”

“Uh, yes! It’s perfect!” Heather scoots closer until they’re shoulder to shoulder, looking up at the ceiling together. She talks with her hands, like she’s painting the picture for her. “Don’t /cheer/ his name. /Wear/ it.”

Only, Chrissy doesn’t think she gets it, “...How?”

“His varsity jacket! If a boy gives you his varsity jacket, it’s serious business. They protect those damn things like a firstborn daughter. If you can get Billy to give you his jacket, you might as well be hitched!” Heather explains, a ball of enthusiasm.

Chrissy knows her longing heart starts racing, probably obvious to Heather too this close together, “You actually think that would work?”

Heather flips up so she’s sitting, burning some of her energy in her dramatic motions, “Duh! You show up to a game repping his varsity, baby, that deal is sealed. I’m talking a proposal at the end-zone. A wedding between quarters. I’m talkin’ baby-making under the bleachers-“

Chrissy, face as hot pink as her pj tank top, interrupts all that, “Okay! Okay. That’s… I get it.”

“Do I make you blush, fair lady?” Heather drawls, in an impression of a boy, eyebrow arched, chest puffed out, lips curled, her voiced dropped ridiculously deep-

Chrissy covers her face, trying desperately not to laugh at the ridiculous attempt, “Heatherrr!!”

Heather clutches her chest like she’s wounded, taking on a sort of accent almost from how badly she’s doing her impression, “Ah! My apologies, maiden. How ungentlemanly of me.”

“Nobody talks like that! /Billy/ doesn’t talk like that!!” Chrissy argues, though she giggles at the unseriousness of it all. So it took a while, but Heather always does know how to make her feel better.

They drop the boy talk for a while, choosing to sneak downstairs and grab some snacks at two in the morning once Heather’s parents were definitely asleep, coming back up with a strange homemade trail mix. Dark chocolate chips, raisins, pretzels, almonds and strawberries. Certainly nothing outside of Chrissy’s comfort zone, careful not to push the limits of her recovery, though it’ll probably give them both a stomachache in a few hours regardless.

Leaned against some bean bag chairs right under the open window, enjoying the birdsong and cricket chirps, they share their homemade creation, and better, more smiles and lighthearted stories. Like they used to, before highschool drama and all.

Nearing 4, Heather turns to her, uncharacteristically dead serious, and declares, “I hope he makes you this happy.”

The realness inspires Chrissy to do the prying now, switching roles, hoping her friend will open up to her in kind, “Does Jason make you happy?”

“/Jason/ does. Our parents practically arranging for us to be married from the time we were newborns, hm not so much.” Heather sighs, drawing her knees in. She doesn’t quite shut down, it’s more for comfort, self assurance, which Chrissy understands. She gives her space to collect her thoughts.

“He’s my guy best friend. And I love him. In more than the best friend way. It’d be stupid not to end up together. But god there’s so much pressure!”

“I think you should do the jacket thing too.” Chrissy offers carefully, “I’m doing it to prove /my/ date isn’t a one-hit creep. You can do it just to remind yourself why you love your boy. And that he loves you. ‘Cause I know he does, Heather. But I know you’re afraid he doesn’t.”

Heather has tears in her eyes and a sad smile when she looks at Chrissy, “What is with you quiet girls and secretly being psychics?”

Oh how Chrissy wished she truly were a psychic.

At the beginning, she wasn’t nervous at all. Her and Heather bullshitted all the time, it wasn’t anything serious. But they’re all four on a date, wandering downtown around the various second hand stores, a typical stop for one couple, and the complete opposite for the others.

Seemed as good a time as any to go through with their silly plan, it wasn’t like it would hurt anything. Except she’d tried all kinds of things to get Billy to give her his jacket, and so far, none of them worked even a little! Not browsing through a selection of jackets at the stores, not shivering dramatically, not clinging to his side either.

Chrissy felt a chip in her little heart every time, feeling like maybe Heather was right. All over a jacket. She’d have her heart broken for a little bit of wool and leather.

With her boyfriend's name on it. Her boyfriend who actually holds her hand, and tells her she’s pretty, and doesn’t creep his hands under his skirt constantly.

She doesn’t know if she could get over losing that.

Her gait down the strip is admittedly less spirited, lingering behind Heather and Jay, but Billy never leaves her behind. He engages her in conversation too, hair blowing all over the place around his face, “How the fuck do you go outside in this shit?”

Chrissy looks at him, wearing an amused little smile, “Like, ever?”

“Yeah /ever/, Princess.” Billy sarcastically, but lightheartedly bumps her shoulder lightly with his arm, “Jesus, I should take you to California. Gonna miss winters without tiny fucking knives falling from the sky.”

Heather doesn’t lose track of that comment for a minute. Excited for Chrissy, she tries to plant the seed for their plan,

“What’s the matter, Billy? You too cold?”

“Hell no. But I’m not a chick the size of a baby deer.” Billy remarks, taking the bait perfectly well, rubbing Chrissy’s arms and feeling how cold she is, “Shit, you’re fucking frozen, Chris. Here.”

And without even thinking he peels off his varsity jacket and starts to hand it over.

Used to the cold, and despite her excitement wanting to make sure Billy doesn’t get uncomfortable, Chrissy protests, “No, no, no. Keep it. I can’t let your California sunshine freeze over.”

Billy disregards that, slinging it over her shoulders anyways, “Yeah, well I’m not letting all the fuckin’ little pixies that fly around your head freeze to death either.”

Jason scoffs at him, turning around to walk backwards with the group, teasing, “Dude, what does that even mean?”

Without even looking Heather flicks his ear, getting his attention back, “Just because you don’t understand romance doesn’t mean nobody can.”

He looks at her like a kicked puppy, but Jason is nothing if not stubborn, “Pixies? Sunshine? What happened to- beautiful and charming and butterflies in the stomach?”

“I don’t know, Jason. Maybe you should fall in love again and find out.”

“Who would I fall in love with? Nobody can beat you, Holloway.”

Heather rolls her eyes, flicking her hair like an agitated horse would it’s tail, “Ah, see you almost got a couple points there. Almost. You’re in the negatives though for using my last name.”

He tries to recover it suavely, “I could call you Carver instead?”

But that isn’t Heather's way. She counters intensely, “No. I’m not being a child bride, thank you very much. Besides, who says I’m taking your name? Maybe I could call you Holloway.”

“The.. I- Okay.” Jason just sputters, turning pink up to his ears.

Behind them, still lingering a good ways back, Chrissy hums, warm and cozy in her boyfriend’s jacket, “What are they even arguing about?”

Billy laughs about that, shrugs his shoulders, “Hell if I know. They lost me a long time ago.”

“It’s funny. Heather didn’t think you were good for me, but she fights with Jason all the time.” Chrissy informs him.

Billy stops dead in his tracks. Gently uses his hold on Chrissy's hand to spin her around to face him as he fell behind,

“Hold on. Take a step back. Heather thinks /what/ about me?”

Chrissy’s nerves spike so quickly she gets a little dizzy, “Please don't take it personally. I want my two favorite people to like each other. Please.”

Her beau steadies her, instead of freaking out, “No problem. I just find it.. fuckin’ weird.”

“It’s because of the way you drive. And smoke. And act. She thinks it’s bad for me.” Chrissy blurts, knowing it’s unkind but needing him to believe that she had no part in it.

He doesn’t seem too phased by having Heather’s disapproval, apparently learning faster than most people do, “Big fucking deal. At least you know I love you, right?”

“Mhm.” Chrissy nods her assurance, standing on her tiptoes to kiss Billy’s cheek and seal the promise.

“Right. Tell her she’s the one making Jason cry his damn eyes out the second he gets tipsy on a sip of anything stronger than a fuckin’ soda pop. I’m tellin’ you, Holloway has ripped out his heart and shoved it up his own pansy ass.” Billy sounds bitter, but not overly mean.

It’s something he’s thought about before. Good to know the gossip street goes both ways.

It’s why Chrissy doesn’t feel too bad telling Billy now, “She doesn’t mean to. I think she’s scared.”

“Sacred of Carver?…. He hurt her?” His voice drops, as angry and mean as Heather warned her about.

They don’t talk much about serious things, serious isn’t their kind of fun, but Chrissy knows about Billy’s life at home. About the type of man Billy could’ve been destined to be.

She rushes to make sure he doesn’t turn on his own friend for thinking Jason was the same way, “Oh no! No, not at all. Never. It’s her mom and her daddy. They sort of forced her to date Jason. She wasn’t ready. I think she’s ready now and doesn’t want to admit it. ‘Cause that would be like taking their orders.”

“Fuckin’ parents.” Billy eventually grumbles, not knowing what else to say.

It seems to be a common theme in their group. A bonding experience for all four of them, whether or not they’re open about it.

Chrissy doesn’t really feel like talking about that stuff anymore, sort of just mumbling, “Yeah.”

Because Billy is perfect, and none of the things Heather says at all, and the actual bullies in their lives makes her want to just hide. Billy notices the drop in her mood, and silently slings an arm around her waist, pulling her into his side as they walk. Keeping her close. Safe.

Maybe someday things will work out beyond Hawkins. They have to. Winning the jacket was a silly, small victory, but it was a step.

Now Chrissy just wants, more than anything, her friends to be happy.

She holds onto Billy’s hand a little tighter.

The next time Heather and Jason get together, it’s for a study date at the end of that week. With Heather being a year above, the only class they have in common is the Biology two class Heather failed last year. There’s coloring sheets of bones and cells to be completed, so it’s not like they need each other’s help, but sitting on Heather’s bed coloring with colored pencils didn’t seem like a bad deal either way.

At some point, surrounded by all the color, Heather realizes something,

“Honey. We’re going shopping this weekend.”

Jason barely looks up from his work, focused on being neat close to the lines, “For?”

“Clothes. You’ve worn three white polos this week. I’m bringing some color into your life.” Heather pokes him with the flat end of the white pencil for emphasis.

Jason blinks, caught off his guard, “I wear green sometimes.”

“School colors don’t count. Yellow either.”

“I think I have, maybe, /one/ blue shirt.”

Heather digs in the pile for a turquoise-ish pencil, “Blue! Blue’s.. good! That’s definitely on God’s rainbow. Maybe a nice pair of blue jeans too, for once-“

That’s where Jason cuts it off. Because that’s where Heather went from playfully sharp to flat-out insulting, “Heather, please.”

She stays on the defensive, “I’m just saying. There’s nothing wrong with branching out from your choir boy uniform. That’s all.”

Sometimes it’s like she thinks if she pokes a bruise enough, it’ll make her seem like she’s strong enough to cause them. Like she’s all in charge and nothing can stop her.

Jason doesn’t want to stop her, he just wants her basic respect, “So what do you suggest?”

Not even sarcastic, just genuinely enthusiastic to share, Heather starts, “Pastels! Your hair is way too strawberry to be a dark dresser. Unless you go with emeralds, no more tacky green. Ooh, or even if you grow it out some! You know, actually-“

Jason runs his fingers over his neatly parted hair, protecting it, not hiding the concerned squeak to his voice, “No thank you, I happen to like my hair short.”

“Again, baby. Boring.” Heather just rolls her eyes, once again. Sometimes it’s like that’s all she knows how to do.

It stings.

“Look, if nothing I do is ever going to be good enough-“

Heather doesn't entertain that in the least. She slaps her hand over his homework page, making him look at her, “It’s not /you/. You know that it’s not you.”

No, he didn’t know that. Jason looks at her, confused, “What?”

“Just because you dress yourself, and you drive your stupid little station wagon around parading your image, doesn’t mean there’s not that voice in the back of your head. Maybe… maybe a tight fist too. Telling you what to do. You’re afraid.” Heather talks with her hands, just enough that Jason can see through it.

That she’s being showy to hide something.

Doesn’t mean he’s not been rendered self conscious and bare-souled all the same. He doesn’t like that, even after months with Heather not feeling safe showing her all his tender parts like that, “I don’t want to hear this from you.”

“Oh, so a girl can’t have opinions, huh? I should just spread my legs now and let something else do all the talking?” Heather heats the argument.

Jason just lets his head fall back, frustrated, “I don’t- You /know/ I don’t want that.”

“Oh please do enlighten me then, your graciousness.” Heather forces what Jason is thinking out of him.

So he lets it go, without regard to her feelings, even though he hadn’t wanted to, “Look, I’m not stupid. I know your parents are a problem, Heather. Everyone that’s read the paper knows Tom Holloway isn’t a kind man. You try to hide it, but you can’t keep it from me. And you can’t- just take it all out on me!”

“I wasn’t-“ Heather tries to backpedal.

He still doesn’t let her, “You were! You always have! Nobody has the key to the lock on your heart, but I’ve been trying anyways. And you just shut. me. down!”

“Jason…”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry we didn’t meet for real until high school. I’m sorry I can’t save you because I’ve got my own.. shit to deal with. But, and forgive me for using His name in vain, Jesus fucking Christ Heather!”

“Jason..” Heather repeats, clearly more misty eyed than before, and opens her arms. A hug is letting him in physically, letting him get close even when the words aren’t easy.

Mostly, she hadn’t realized Jason could read her as easily as she could read him.

He takes the vulnerability to mean it’s safe to say, “I love you.”

“I know.” Is Heather’s response. It’s not easy to say it back, not when she chokes on it every time she tries to say it to her ‘problems,’ let alone a highschool boyfriend she was never supposed to fall for, not in her own heart.

It’s enough. Jason keeps holding her, lips against her shoulder, “I’m sorry.”

Heather repeats herself, “I know.”

Nothing else felt right to say. Because she /was/ sorry too, but saying it second would feel ingenuine. At least, she’d read it that way.

She closes her eyes and feels exhausted. It’s not supposed to be this hard. Their school years are drawing to a close, and yet she can’t even admit her own parents treat her like shit.

Maybe a silent tear drop or two drips off the end of her nose behind Jason’s back. If he noticed, he didn’t say a word.

After a while, Heather needs to do something, sitting and thinking and regretting not doing anything to help, “Can we call Chrissy and Billy and go get some ice cream or something?”

“Sure. I think I owe that to you for keeping myself so.. alone.” Jason admits, bashful but genuine.

And isn’t that just the thing. Heather gives him a tiny smile back, “Ditto, baby.”

Ice cream ran into the evening, all of them itching for an excuse to stay out. Chrissy was the last to finish her bowl of two raspberry scoops with sprinkles, half of it melted into sludge by the last spoonful, and even that’s not a distraction enough.

It’s early spring, which means, as the group informed Billy, that the Hawkins drive-in theater was opening back up. Nobody even needed to discuss it to know that’s what they wanted to do. There were a variety of chick-flicks and even more horror sequels in the box office, which meant the two week delay at the drive-in would make for some good choices at least. Most Hawkins residents would take their trucks out there, not some prissy little station wagon, but it would do.

At least, it should, but Billy started getting impatient with cruising along under the speed limit out to the wooded hill where the drive-in is, “Can’t this piece of shit go faster?”

Heather turned around slightly to face and scold him, “Well, we coulda brought yours if you hadn’t decided to buy the extra tiny, no room for fun model.”

Billy just snorted humorlessly, “We could fit if there was any actual fun going on. Leaving room for the Lord or whatever is what fucks it up.”

For that comment, knowing their company, Chrissy pushed Billy’s arm gently. Still, she didn’t seem to disagree too harshly, since she smiled through when he kissed her next.

Heather seemed irritated, though that tends to be her default honestly, as she huffed, “Not everyone’s a sleaze like you, Hargrove. Get used to it.”

Billy hadn’t even justified it with a response, just waved her off and used the same arm to swing it over the seat behind Chrissy. She was wearing his jacket again, hadn’t taken it off all week, curled into his side and wearing his name. In that bubbly way she does, she was also wiggling her hands about, not nervous, but happy.

Content.

Heather and Jason still had a ways to go to reach contentment.

The pair stay in the car for the movie, their counterparts in a blanket on the grass instead. Cali boy is out there freezing his ass off, but he’d said anything would be better than being trapped with relationship drama.

Heather and Jason try to ignore him.

They fail.

Jason turns to her not even a full twenty minutes after that comment starts working it’s way under his skin, “Heather?”

“Hm?” She hums to show she’s listening, but doesn’t look his way.

That’s not enough for what needs to be said, so he repeats, “Heather.”

“Yeah, that’s me. You need something?”

“I wanted- I just…. I’m sorry.”

Her pretty features screw up in confusion, “For what?”

“For not being good enough.” Jason informs, like it was the most clear thing, “You’d be happier with a guy like Billy. Maybe you could call up Steve-“

“No, fuck you if you think I could ever leave you.” She spits.

And then she grabs Jason by the collar of his polo and kisses him.

It’s nothing chaste, nothing at all like their usual peck of the lips. This is roaming tongues and hands.

Heather reigns herself in when she feels Jason’s hands, holding her hips up under the back of her shirt, shaking.

“I’m not gonna make you do anything. Sex isn’t my endgame.”

He sort of freezes, like it hadn’t occurred to him that Heather wouldn’t mind helping him in his devotion to modesty, “So what is?”

“An apartment. Maybe get a cat. I want to share a space with you long before we do marriage shit.” Heather explains lightly, smile on her face.

Jason relaxes his shoulders, “Make it a dog and we’ll see. Dogs are better.”

“Oh, ha-ha. Make it one of each and I’ll forgive you for that comment.”

Heather kisses him again, without any heat or intensity this time, just gentle, soft affection. She even lets him touch her hair, despite usually slapping his hands away for that. It helps that she’d brushed it out to be restyled before bed tonight, but still, she would have let him even if her curls were laying perfect.

When they pull away, Heather lays her head on Jason’s shoulder. Instead of watching Cat’s Eye on the screen, her gaze falls to their friends huddled up outside, and she muses, “How much you wanna bet Chrissy and Billy run away into the sunset?”

“I hope they do. Hawkins is Hell on earth.” Jason asserts, clearly serious because he usually wouldn’t even mention a place like that.

Heather sighs slightly, “Literally. The kidnappings, the murders. I can’t take much more of it.”

Confident, Jason says, “I’m sure they’d make room for us then. If we wanted to go with them.”

That has Heather sitting up straighter, surprised, “You would live in California?”

Sunny skies, living free- it didn’t seem very much his pace. The order and the mundanity of Midwestern life seemed better for Jason.

He just shrugs for now, “Who knows? We’ll see when we get there.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Heather wonders aloud, as she knows it, finding that Jason prefers to have his entire life planned out.

He only sounds a little tense as he tries to sound brave and strong, “Getting there.”

The tension between them had to have been coming from there. She wanted nothing more than to rebel and escape, while he, even when he was feeling crushed by the weight of parental disapproval, was nothing short of desperate to be back in their graces.

If Heather could be more open to discussion when that made her uncomfortable, and Jason less complicit to begin with, the pair would probably be on the right path again.

She lays her head on him again, and this time, Jason takes his arm out of one sleeve of his varsity jacket, slinging it around her like a blanket. Her heart absolutely soars. The promise to Chrissy was fulfilled, she and her honey were working out just fine now, after she’d gotten Billy’s jacket.

That’s gotta be a sign that things will work out for Heather too.

“Hey, Jason?”

“Hm?”

She feels compelled to finally confess, “I love you.”

It’s Jason this time who, after a soft little kiss to her forehead, says, “I know.”