#steve harrington x latina reader | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

pinkykitten · 5 years ago

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Live ur Life

Stranger Things

Steve Harrington x latina plus size! female reader

Warning: cursing

Specifics: plus size reader, mexican reader, latin reader, one-shot, romance, fluff, comedy, angst

People: steve, joyce, jonathan, nancy, will, el

Words: 2,318

Requested: By @glimmercrest I can’t live my life without requesting a masterpiece from you. Steve Harrington x Latina plus size reader? reader is a chola but minus the bad makeup. A badass reader who isn’t insecure but is still aware that they aren’t what guys look for. Reader is grunge rebel mechanic biker type also childhood friends with the Byers family and friends with Nancy. Reader begins 2 like Steve after the chaos.They don’t pursue their feelings even tho their friends know. Maybe Steve starts to notice them too?

Authors Note: so this is after season 3. i know anything about cars, mechanics nothing, nada so forgive me if i sound like a total dumb a*s. also i really got the feels with this one and got a bit philosophical.

“Papa, can you hand me that wrench over there?” You asked, your arm waiting patiently stretched out from under the car of the old lady that worked at a laundry mat across the street named Alondra. You worked for your father at his mechanic shop.

Your father quickly got the wrench for you. “Mira, y/n.”

You smile as you got to work on your passion. You were taught at a young age how to fix cars, motorcycles, anything with an engine and you loved that greasy life style. Your father always wanted boys but instead he got you. Lets just say when it came to cars, you were better than sons.

“Okay mi amor. Your car looks good and you’ve kept it in great shape. She’s a beauty.” You wiped your hands getting the grease off as you unraveled your hair from the bun it was in.

“Bueno, adios Alondra,” you smiled to the old lady, giving her a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Gracias mija, say, my grandson is visiting us for the weekend, how about you two go out for the night and spend time together? You are very beautiful and he is so sweet, and strong.”

You laugh as you kiss her cheek again, “goodbye Ms. Alondra.” You knew she was trying to play matchmaker.

“Y/n, someone in the front of the store is waiting for you.” Your father played with his toothpick between his mouth.

You waved to Alondra and walked to the mystery person.

The front door opened making a chiming sound as you saw that it was Nancy.

“Hey girl, how’s everything?”

Nancy turned around with tears falling from her eyes. It looked like she was crying a lot. “I can’t believe he’s going to leave.” She ran to you with opened arms and cried into your shoulder. “Why does it have to be him?”

You were so caught up in work and making sure your friends and yourself were okay mentally from all the chaos that happened, especially with Max losing her brother that you forgot about the Byers family moving away and El. It was a shock to all and you were devastated as well. Jonathan was like a brother to you. He was your best friend even before all this and the Byers family was like your second home.

You comforted Nancy saying, “I know baby, I know. Listen, things are going to be hard and they are going to be sh*t but you are strong, you are a strong woman you hear me. You are going to get through this because you have me. I’m here for you girl.” You rubbed her hair with your acrylic nails, feeling so sorry for your best friend. You know Jonathan meant so much to her. They were so cute together and they belonged to one another.

After you comforted her and soothed her to relax she sat beside you on a crate as you brought coke for you both to enjoy and talk.

“Its going to be hard for me to say goodbye. I don’t know if I can do it.” Nancy looked at the oncoming traffic, trying to take her mind off of the sadness.

“Yeah I feel ya,” you took a swig. “They meant a lot to me. Life ain’t gonna be the same without them, you know. They made me feel welcomed in a town where nobody really looked like me. Not only am I fat but I am Mexican, they ain’t nobody like me here. I felt like an outsider and they took me and my family in without a second thought.”

“You’re pretty bad a*s and beautiful.” Nancy chuckled.

You giggled, “yeah, unfortunately Joyce gotta work some things out. After Hopper’s death she needs time. Time has a way of healing wounds but this just shows me that life is precious and its short and you gotta make the best of it.”

“By making the best of it do you mean with Steve?” Nancy wiggled her eyebrows.

Nancy knew you’ve had a crush Steve. You were always friends with him and never really liked him but it was after all the chaos that you saw his true colors and how happy he made you feel. You slapped Nancy’s leg, “da*n girl you too much!” You were silent. “You never know though where life can take you.”

Later that day was the moving day. Nancy had told you to come even though you rather had said your goodbyes on the phone so no one could see you cry, but you knew you would have regretted it. You drove over to the Byers house in your motorcycle and everyone was there. They were already crying, holding hands, hugging. It all was too much for you. You stormed quickly in their empty house. Shocked by how vacant it was. You remembered all the memories here. All the good times you all shared. It seemed like yesterday. You stood in the bathroom looking at yourself in the mirror. You tried to not cry so your makeup wouldn’t get ruined but it was tough. You finally let it all out but somebody wrapped you up in their arms.

“C’mon you can’t be crying. I’ve never seen you cry.” Jonathan held your face in his hands, smirking.

“I hate you sometimes Byers,” you giggled but then cried again. “Why do you have to go?” You hugged him tightly not wanting him to go.

“I have to breathe you know.” he laughed but as you looked up at his face you could tell he wanted to cry as well.

“Dude, you know I got you. You grown, he*l if you want to stay I got an extra room at my house, he*l you could sleep in my bed if you want just please don’t leave me.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Jonathan wiped your tears away. “I’m not leaving you. I might be a ways away but I’m still going to call you everyday to make sure you didn’t beat someones a*s. Besides, my mom needs me. Especially right now, she really needs me.”

You nodded, “I know. There’s just so much I want to say but there is such little time.”

Jonathan hugs you, “we got time. This is not a goodbye, this is a see you later.”

“You better visit dam*it! And you better call everyday cause if you don’t I swear your a*s is grass.” You pointed your long nailed fingers at him.

Jonathan laughed but then tears came out of his eyes as he embraced you hard.

“Man, why do I gotta love you so much. I’m really gonna miss you. Tú sabes qué, you, you are my family right? You know life ain’t gonna be the same without you guys.”

“Jonathan we gotta go,” Joyce called.

You walked Jonathan out and everyone was saying their goodbyes. You embraced Joyce and Will.

“What do you want for Christmas, son?” You shook Will’s hair.

“That new bike that just came out. It looks really cool,” Will’s eyes lit up.

“You got it kid.” You hugged him as you helped him in the truck.

“You spoil him too much,” Joyce kissed your cheek as you two said goodbye to each other.

“Hey, since you’re the strong one of the family, you think you can keep an eye on those two stinkers?” You knelt down to El.

El cried as she nodded.

“Aye mi linda, I’m gonna miss you. You are so important to all of us and we all love you no matter what.”

They all went in the truck and were driving out of the drive way until Jonathan put his window down and called you over. “This frickin boy, ay dios mio.” You ran to him. “What?”

“Life is waiting for you okay. Gratitude, okay. We all should be gracious for the time we have. You are going to achieve so many great things y/n. You just gotta go live.”

A tear fell down as you kissed his cheek. “See you later mi hermano.”

In a haste you rode your motorcycle. You thought about what Jonathan told you. “You just gotta go live.” It kept echoing in your head. You stopped your bike abruptly and hopped off to bang on the door.

“Hello?” Steve came out in his pjs after going through many interviews with Robin. “Y/n? What are you doing here?”

“Okay, just shut up for a minute and let me speak. Life is short okay. Its really short and sometimes we have regrets and those eat us inside and potentially kill us-”

“Alright what does that have to do with-”

“Shut up. The thing is, I don’t want to have regrets. I don’t want to live my life thinking what if, what if. I want to live. I want my life to mean something and to spend time with the people I care about. Things could change. Life is full of unexpected events. But I don’t want regrets. I don’t want to regret not taking you out. So Steve Harrington, would you do me the pleasure of going out on a date with this thick, fat, churro of a girl? Cause if you don’t go out with me, I might lose my mind, just saying.”

Steve was hella excited he thought he might explode. He showed off a huge grin and said, “wait here.” He closed to door leaving you waiting for him on your motorcycle.

Steve never really was that interested in you. He thought you were gorgeous but he assumed you would never fall for him that’s why you two were always friends but in the past couple of weeks he couldn’t take his mind off of you. All he thought about was you.

“Ready,” Steve brushed his hair with his fingers as he wore his denim jacket, ready for the date. “How do I look?”

You paused, teasing him as you tilted your head to the side. You were leaning against your motorcycle. Your nail tapped your chin lightly as you made believe to think of an answer. “I think you look delicioso,” you combed through his hair with your nails.

“God talk Spanish to me,” he bit his lips and humped the air jokingly. “What did you say though?”

You hopped on your bike and raised your thin eyebrows, “pero you don’t know? A woman my dear Steve doesn’t ever share her secrets.” You winked. “Now hop on.” You hit his butt.

He climbed behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist. “I think I could get used to it.”

“Here, wear this” You gave him your helmet. “Lets ride!”

You stopped at a comfy Mexican food truck. “My cousin owns this bad boy.” You slapped the truck. “Hey papo, what do I got to do to get some good food up in here?”

Your cousin’s head popped out with a smile and he ushered you to sit stating the food was on the house and saying he was going to get the best of the best for you two. He grinned seeing you with Steve, he left mumbling, “finally ella tiene un novio.”

“Wow this place is really cool.” Steve looked around.

“I’m glad you like it,” you opened up a soda taking a huge chug.

“I heard Jonathan moved today. I know you guys were close. How was it?”

You bit your nails as you tried to stay cool.

Steve grabbed your hands, “its okay not to be okay.”

You faked smiled. “It was tough. He’s been there for me through a lot. He’s a good person.”

“Sorry about how I acted when I was young. I was a huge-”

“D*ck?”

He chuckled, “yeah thanks for that but honestly I was. I was really mean and acted super selfish and like I was entitled and sh*t but I’m so glad I’ve changed. I’m done with that Steve. Do you think I’ve changed?”

“Definitely. 100 percent. I remember you used to make fun of my weight and just make fun of me but now you’re pretty rad.”

“Sh*t I’m sorry. God I hate myself sometimes.” His head fell into his hands.

“Stop. Sometimes we do things we’re not proud of. We’re not perfect, the important thing is if we change. I’ve changed. I remember I was this insecure little b*tch when I was young. I hated how I let people walk all over me and that I thought I didn’t deserve love or happiness. I changed and I’m never going to think like that again.”

Suddenly, these group of guys started to point and laugh at you. They made fun of your outfit and your weight. You rolled your eyes. “Excuse me.”

“No excuse me,” Steve stood up to those guys. “Why don’t you guys just leave her alone? You think you’re way better than anyone else but you all just need to get the h*ll out of here. Why don’t you go to the mirror and make fun of yourself? That would be super entertaining.”

The guys shut up as Steve smirked at you. “Needed to teach those guys a lesson.”

“Not bad Harrington, not bad.”

You two ate your dinner while your cousin blasted the news to all your family members and they are setting up the wedding date and everything.

“I’m stuffed,” you hopped on your motorcycle. “Where to now Steve?”

Steve went behind you and rested his hands near your butt. “Why don’t we be like those cheesy movies and ride to a cliff or to a part where it looks over the town. Maybe make out there or talk who knows, wherever the wind takes us and we can just chill.”

You bit your lip as you grinned, “eh, its only 10:15. I got time to spare.” You revved up your bike and set off to your destination, ready to start this new journey called life.

Tag list: @harrington-lover, @angelgl16, @perfectlybeautifulsuit, @hyehoney, @haven-prelude (wont let me tag), @leasly, @totally-alexa21, @creamy-pasta-boi, @multireese, @fanfictionrecommendations-com, @prentisskelley, @malereaderforkpop (wont let me tag), @guardian-of-cookies, @justafangirl-97, @teenageshitposts (wont let me tag), @dippergravity (wont let me tag), @some-booty, @fromfoolishpeopletodeadpeople, @collectiveyou, @wtfisalltherandoms, @dirbel, @eastcoasthaven, @fangirl-4-life415 (wont let me tag), @melonreblogsstories, @idontknowwhattocallthisworld (wont let me tag)

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hellfire--cult · 1 year ago

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I--

You have no idea how close this hit home. You seriously have no idea, and even if I went on exchange, the horrible things people said about my milanesas hurt, and my accent was thicker then, I was a teenager ffs learning English still

This was too precious, as an Argentinian girl I applaud you, and Eddie is just perfect, absolutely perfect and adorable and patient and so eager that he learnt the word Princesa to swoon R over!

Beautifully written 🥹🥹

His Best Girl

Eddie Munson x Latina! OC

AN: Hi. So this lil blurb is very personal to me and my own experiences (and a few of those of loved ones) as the daughter of a latina immigrant. This is heavily based on Your Best American Girl by Mitski. Also I'm sorry for making Steve an ass at the beginning, I just think pre-upside down and Nancy, he was a bit misguided. And to all my immigrant daughters out there: please know that you are not out of place or just pieces and not a whole. You are a human with multiple facets and pieces and parts to make up something amazing. Anyways, like and reblog if you enjoy as per usual. Love y'all ❤️

CW: Xenophobia, stereotypes, internalized xenophobia and anti-latinidad, pressure of fitting in, strenuous relationship with mother, toxic motherly relationship at times, anxiety, bullying. Fear of not being accepted, etc. Mentions of food. Slightly suggestive thoughts.

I stuck out like a sore thumb in Hawkins. It didn't matter that we had lived there for longer than Billy Hargrove, we got more sneers than he ever did. Teased for lunches homemade by my mother, now rotting in a garbage can behind school. Teased for the poncho I wore in grade school, chubby cheeks wet with tears as I sobbed over the laughter. Teased for my mother’s pronunciation of words like Illinois, too many syllables crowded into her mouth for the english language.

It didn’t matter how far I distanced myself. I stopped speaking my mother’s native tongue, pushing down the hurt I saw in her eyes that now her own daughter was pitted against her. I stayed silent at my father’s snide comments about her heritage and pretended to be busy when her family called. I tried to get involved in cheerleading and dance, trying to show that I too could be part of the American Dream. Yet still, like a birthmark unable to be scrubbed away, Hawkins remembered me as a stranger.

It seemed like the effort finally paid off when Steve Harrington got interested in me. I wasn’t ugly, but I wasn't Molly Ringwall. He flirted with me after basketball practice, messing with my scrunchy, stealing my pom poms. I felt my heart soar. I’d finally made it. I’d finally been made a resident in my own community. When he finally asked me out, I felt my chest burst with pride, my sense of belonging almost fulfilled. Yes, my home was tense and sad. But now I could exist outside our little bubble without fear of being ostracized.

Then came the roadblocks.

Steve liked my hair straight, down and perfected with hairspray. Liked me clean shaven and bare. Wanted me to do makeup like Carol, simple. Wanted me dressed in pinks and perfect baby blues, the style as All-American and feminine as possible. Wanted me to stop carrying around the small rosary and evil eye bracelet I’d hidden from the rest of the world. I obliged, sugary smiles and gut wrenching nerves, just wanting to stay enough, be enough.

Then it went deeper. Steve wanted to hear me speak Spanish in private, words hushed and filthy, pushing limits I knew I’d be thinking of later in confession. But in public, he only wanted English, urged me to take French at school instead. He never asked to meet my mother, who had showered me in affection despite my cold shoulder. Who only spoke in proud words over me on the phone whether it be about my latest test, my excelling in dance classes, or just my part on the cheer team. And as we went further, he’d scrutinize little things, like the way I looked, the little superstitions I picked up from my mother, the small bits and pieces of her folded into me.

It all bubbled over the night I met his family. He warned me that they were tough but his mother was sweet. I sat, makeup perfect, smile shining, and careful to seem like the picture perfect girl they’d approve of. I nibbled at the meal his mother prepared, my heart longing for the familiar comfort of my mamá’s cooking wafting in the kitchen, the laughter in the kitchen as she made milanesa or empanadas. Steve’s mother’s cooking felt cold, lifeless. The casserole was lightly salted, and the energy at the table stale and somehow tense all at once.

“So, what’s your mother do? Stay at home?,” Steve’s father asked nonchalantly.

I felt my stomach sink. Wealthy mothers in Hawkins didn’t work. They stayed home while their husbands hopped around their business meetings and towns nearby. My smile faltered, but I decided to be honest. After all, they’d know sooner or later.

“No, sir. She works at an Italian restaurant downtown.”

“Well, I suppose Italian isn’t all that different from speaking Spanish,” He offered, shrugging.

My stomach sank to the floor, my heart squeezed. Something about his inflection, something about his writing off my mother speaking English, stirred something in me.

Steve stayed silent, his eyes begging me to let it go.

“My mamá speaks English, sir. As well as Spanish,” My voice shook softly, my hands clenched under the table.

“Ah, okay. Wasn’t sure. Seems a lot of Hispanics nowadays can’t just try to learn the language when they come into our country, for god's sake. But I should have known. You’re such a…well-adjusted girl.”

I felt the small thread holding together my façade crack. I breathed in, trying to stop myself from screaming. How could such wealthy and lucky people be so small minded? I gritted my teeth.

“English is surprisingly a hard language. My mother still struggles with it even after living here longer than she did in her home country.”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “Well, I’m not struggling. Just don’t understand why they can’t come here and assimilate. I mean, when Steve told us he was dating an ethnic girl, I questioned-”

Steve paled at the mention of this, turning to me and trying to explain himself through his eyes but staying silent.

I held up a hand, trying to keep my composure, my words cold and my anger boiling. “We try. Plenty. We try to squeeze into your boxes and norms and bend to your will and it’s never good enough. I still get notes taped to my back that say ‘river crossing’ or slurs that aren’t even correct for my heritage. I still get called ‘gorilla arms’ despite waxing and shaving daily since 6th grade. I get spit on daily and if I even look at some of the people in this town, I worry one day that I’ll be dead in a ditch. And I’m one of the lucky ones. My father is American, and I am fairly pale. I was born two towns over, for christ’s sake. I am just as American as you. My mother and any latino who steps foot in this country deserves to be here as much as you, if not more.”

I felt my hands shake and my cheeks wet as I wiped at them, the mascara I had been wearing smearing a streaky black as I stood, brushing my hands off on my dress, my heart feeling freed, my chest tempted to break open to allow me to let go more.

“Now if you excuse me, I must go home.”

I turned and walked out, leaving behind the big house full of dreams of all-star American athletes and nuclear households, tired mothers and fathers obsessed with infidelity. Part of my heart hoped Steve would run after me, apologize, kiss my cheeks and promise to love all the pieces and intricacies of me, promise to stand up next time.

But he never did.

Steve never called back, stopped speaking to me after practice, stopped trying to squeeze himself into my life. Maybe it was me embracing the soft curls of my hair and not shaving day in and out. Maybe it was me wearing what I wanted and quitting cheer to join the newspaper, and finding more people who accepted me for myself.

I won’t deny that it stung how he found Nancy Wheeler, perfectly American girl without any question. Straight A’s, beautiful, sweet, well-off family. I was happy for him. But I couldn’t deny that my chest stung with the idea that no matter what I did, I’d never be her.

My mother and I started mending our relationship, and while it always had that complicated knot of trauma and things she wouldn’t discuss, it was better than the frayed edges I’d left. She still pushed me hard, she still was stubborn and said things that would sting for a lifetime. I still cried alone when we fought, guilt over her giving up a life and home to make one mine, and yet I still got upset when she would refuse to budge and claim I'd ‘regret saying these things when (she) was dead and gone.’

But I felt less like a broken piece of glass trying to fit into a puzzle.

I met Eddie while eating lunch outside, still sensitive to classmates upturned noses and sniggering laughs behind their hands. I was at the bleachers, enjoying the fresh air and the empanadas I had reheated secretly in the front office. My mom had made the monthly trek to the latin supermarket to get ingredients and stock up on comforts. I was relishing in the flaky dough and savory inside when a voice startled me.

“What is that smell?”

I felt shame and embarrassment sink into my bones, knowing some of the kids at Hawkins hated the smell of the food I brought from home, claiming it was ‘too weird’. I turned to look at the voice, feeling my voice caught in my throat at the sight.

Eddie Munson.

I recognized the outgoing and loud metalhead anywhere. He was what I tried to distance myself from for so many years, trying to squeeze into Hawkins small sect of acceptable behavior and praised individuals. He always scared me, his clear and blatant middle finger to the idea of blending in, his behavior and interests always villainized in this town. But I also respected him immensely and was almost envious that he could do that, not consumed by thoughts of others mistreating him.

And yet now here he was, about to join the flock of Hawkins xenophobes, it seemed.

He scrambled to sit down next to me, his lean legs climbing over the seats easily as he sat by me. He had a pack of cigarettes in hand along with what seemed to be Twinkie. He smiled down on me, his wide grin causing my cheeks to heat quickly. Eddie was more attractive than the town of Hawkins gave him credit for, his smile dazzling and his eyes a warm brown. He white Reeboks rested against the bleachers in front of us as he leaned back on his hands, smiling over at me. His bangs came over his eyes a little with the wind, causing him to squint.

“I’ll trade you one of whatever that delicious thing is for my Twinkie. I forgot to pack a lunch,” he joked, dimples popping out.

I felt my hands clam up as I fidgeted nervously.

“I mean, sure, but are you sure you’ll like-”

“Princess, trust me. I love food. And that little doughy pocket you are currently munching on smells heavenly…Please?”

I nodded, feeling my stomach twist with nerves as I handed him the food, smiling at him sheepishly. He took it with eager hands, his own nimble fingers brushing mine and swiftly handing me the slightly squashed Twinkie.

“Sorry, it got a little beat up.”

I shook my head, shrugging. I had pocketed the twinkie, instead focused on his face while he took an eager bite into the dough, his moan coming soon after, his eyes rolling back into his head, his head thrown back.

I felt my skin heat up to blazing temperatures, my thighs squirming.

Who knew Eddie Munson’s moans sounded so… sinful?

He turned to me after chewing and swallowing, his eyes sparkling with interest as he sat up and faced me, scooting closer to me.

“You’ve got to tell me what that was. That was the best thing I’ve ever eaten. I need like fifty. Seriously. I’ll give you a free stash if you just bring me one like everyday.”

I laughed, my cheeks still heated and my heart squeezed at the excitement.

He liked it. He didn’t laugh. He didn’t spit it out.

“It’s an empanada. My mom makes them.”

“Em-pan-ahd-a,” He sounded out, stumbling over his words a bit and then grinning at me, his dimples popping up.

“Seriously though, I’ll pay you to get more of these.”

Eddie and I formed a bond tighter than anyone I’d ever known. After that meeting, we’d exchanged names and he offered to bring me one sweet each day in exchange for half of my mother’s cooking.

I was terrified at first, scared he’d turn away a dish or gag at the things she made. But as it turned out, that fear was short-lived.

Eddie Munson scarfed down empanadas, milanesa, cassava, rice, and soup. He acted as if each meal was worthy of a restaurant, praising my mother's cooking over and over again. I watched with swelling pride as he asked about the dishes and ingredients, how to cook them, and what my favorites were. He took extra care to express his love for the dishes I had assisted with the night before, his sweet words imprinted on my heart like ink.

We grew from that to more and more hanging out, me being an honorary member of Hellfire, and Corroded Coffin’s number 1 fan. I learned Eddie never got to learn how to ride a bike but could fix cars up pretty well due to working at an auto shop. I learned how Eddie sometimes would visit his dad at the jail but always came out of it bitter. I knew Eddie liked his eggs over medium, not scrambled (‘it looks like brains’), and how he had a tiny chip in his tooth from eating shit at a little league game when he was about 11 (‘I was never athletic, okay?’). And with each small piece of Eddie I got to know more and more, I felt a stronger tug at my heart. A pull to know all the parts of him, to familiarize myself with the calluses on his fingers and the dip in his collarbone. I wanted to consume all the pieces of him and feel our bones lock together.

One night, I had invited him over to help my mamá and I cook dinner, her over the top doting and affection causing us both to have heated cheeks, his a bright red. She was showing him how to make milanesa, her fingers already coated in eggy breadcrumbs. He listened intently, still joking around and making her laugh. She doted on him despite my fear, affectionately reprimanding him for not wearing socks on the cold floor and having his hair a mess. We laughed and sang along to old traditional love songs wafting in from the record spinning in the living room, Eddie taking my hand and swaying with me in the kitchen. My mother looked over at me with warm eyes, her smile soft and sad.

I never felt freer than that moment, all the small pieces that made me me visible to Eddie. He looked at me with warm and caring eyes, his smile soft but still bringing out his dimples. He liked me. He liked who I was. He didn’t mind that my mother had an accent or that she was overbearing sometimes, or that she burned palo santo to repel bad spirits and insects alike. He didn’t let Jason stick xenophobic notes to my back without a fight, and never made me feel like I needed to push down my heritage.

After dinner, I helped my mother wash the dishes while she urged Eddie to talk with my Dad and tour our home. I stayed in the kitchen speaking in hushed tones in Spanish with her, feeling frustration bubble up at her listing of all of Eddie’s flaws.

He’s too rebellious.

Ya se, mamá. Pero-

He has too many tattoos.

Sí, pero-

His hair is too long.

Mamá-

I had just about accepted defeat when she stayed silent for a beat before turning over to me.

“But does he make you happy, mijita?

I felt my heart skip a bit and a glimmer of hope shine through as I nodded my head and her expression softened. She turned back to her plate that she was scrubbing, looking into the suds rather than me.

“Good.”

We sat out on my porch hours after that dinner, our pinkies brushing as we sipped on water, Eddie smoking a cigarette but careful to not let the smoke come my direction. We had slipped into a comfortable silence that was familiar to us. Eddie dropped the cigarette, stomping out the smoke before turning to me and smiling.

“This was nice. I want more of this. More of us. What do you say, princesa? Be my girl?”

I felt my heart swell as my cheeks burned from my grin, my eyes watering over as I nodded enthusiastically. He pulled my hand closer to him with our connecting pinkies, interlacing the fingers and smiling as I answered.

“Yes. Always.”

I was on a date with Eddie when I finally saw Steve again. I mean, I had seen him in the hallways in passing, his arm usually wrapped around Nancy. However, I’d heard a rumor that the two had broken up. Steve wasn’t as popular as before and seemed to stop hanging around his group of usual assholes that included Carol and Tommy. But I had never expected to see him at the local mall working at Scoops Ahoy, serving me and Eddie.

Eddie had a protective arm wrapped around me, his expression guarded as he ordered some ice cream for the both of us. Eddie actively hated the mall, but this was the only place in town that really served ice cream and the two of us combined had a dangerous sweet tooth. He also was aware of me and Steve’s past, and our sour ending. He had soothed and comforted me when I felt afraid he would react the same way to my home and family.

While Steve rang us up, his expression was pained, which would have been laughable in his uniform if I wasn’t still stung by his behavior. He looked up at me, his eyes sincere as he sighed, his expression guilty.

“Look…I’m sorry I was such an ass while we were dating. I shouldn’t have let anyone talk to you like that. I shouldn’t have pushed you like that. I’m really sorry.”

Eddie’s arm wrapped tighter around me, ready to defend me if needed, his gaze on my face.

But strangely, I felt a sense of closure. A sense of forgiveness. I didn’t need approval from Steve or Hawkins or even Eddie. I could be all the little pieces of myself and my mother, all the parts of Midwest America and Latin America by myself. I deserved to be whole.

“Thank you. I deserve to be myself and feel proud of where I come from. I appreciate that you know that now.”

Eddie smiled softly down at me, kissing my forehead as his expression was filled with pride. He paid and tugged me away from the counter, his smile soft as he handed me my ice cream and held my hand with his free one, the other clutching his own.

“Sweet treat for my favorite girl.”

I smiled down at the cone, the phrase not lost on me. Maybe I wasn’t the All-American Girl. But I was Eddie’s girl. And that was more than enough.

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cherubharrington · 2 years ago

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I’ve done a bunch of Eddie x latina reader during when stranger things season 4 had come out. I will be doing Steve ones too. I still feel very under represented and I want more of it.

#stranger things #stranger things x reader #steve harrington #steve harrington x you #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x latina reader

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multi-writer · 2 years ago

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Stranger Things Masterlist

Steve Harrington:

Tolerate it – Angst

So Close (Tolerate It Pt. 2) - Angst

Dancing with your Ghost (Tolerate It Pt. 3) - Angst

Eddie Munson:

The Princess and the Anti Hero – Fluff – Latina! Reader

Athlete! Reader - Fluff

Te amo – Fluff - Latina! Reader

Love of my Life Part 1, Part 2 – Angst and Fluff

A Sibling´s Love - Fluff

Nicknames - Blurb

2022! reader – Blurb (this helped me start the series “Love in the Past”)

Familia – Eddie Munson x Latina! Reader

The Broken Hearts Club - Friends Ending - Lovers Ending - Angst and Fluff

Series

“Love in the Past” Eddie Munson x 2022! Reader – time traveler

Chapter 1: 2022

Chapter 2: The 80´s are back

Chapter 3: The Stranger

Chapter 4: Old Movies

Chapter 5: New Friends

Chapter 6: The Crazy Van Dude

Chapter 7: Running Up That Hill

Chapter 8: The Lovers Lake

"The Lonely Princess and The Nerd Knight"

The Lonely Princess and The Nerd Knight Pt. 1

The Lonely Princess and The Nerd Knight Pt.2

The Lonely Princess and The Nerd Knight Pt. 3

#steve harrington #eddie munson #eddie munson blurb #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson x reader #stranger things imagine #stranger things one shot #stranger things #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington angst #steve harrington x reader #eddie munson x latina! reader #eddie munson angst

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lagataprrr · 2 years ago

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In Honor of Eddie Munson and my broken heart, my mom decided to brand her jeep with Hellfire Club❤️

86’ BABY

#eddie munson x latina!reader #eddie munson x female reader #eddiemunson #eddie munson st4 #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x you #eddie munson smut #stranger things x reader #stranger things season 4 #eddie munson x henderson!reader #edward munson #steve harrington #robin buckley #dustin henderson #mike wheeler #jonathan x nancy

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milkmily · 2 years ago

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Upcoming:

Editing:🦋

Currently writing/working on: 🍒

Almost done:🌱

Just started: ☕️

Line/crossed: posted

Eddie x Chubby/plus size Latina reader🍒☕️

You want to meet Eddie's Uncle after some time and ask Eddie. Eddie tells his uncle and he says, "Sure, I want to meet the lovely girl who always brings us home cooked food."

Eddie Munson x Reader🌱🦋

You lost your pick while being at Eddie's trailer. You see a white pick on his messy nightstand and decided to use it. You have a huge habit of putting picks in your mouth and always leave a dark red mark on your picks. Eddie sees his used pick and decides to use it as a necklace.

Nancy Wheeler x Chubby/Plus Size Reader SMUT 🌱🦋

In where you and Nancy chat and suddenly things get spicy at Steve's party.

Steve Harrington x Chubby/Plus size Latina reader🍒🦋

Steve meets you at scoops ahoy and has to train you at work. He falls in love with you. But one day, you don't haveva ride and Steve gladly took you home. But your family had a party when he dropped you off and invited him as a thank you.

[REQUEST]

Billy x Platonic Chubby Latina Reader 🦋

You hate Billy but feel bad seeing him knocked out at a party and decide to help him. You two trauma dump and who knew that you two would become best friends.

Steve Harrington x Reader🦋🌱

You are sick while trying to help Eddie hide and help Max from beings caught by Vecna once again. But the body finds ways to rest and you pass out. Steve, your lovely boyfriend, is there to help you.

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ridestomars · 2 years ago

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Omg Hihi I found your blog last night and I’m so thankful that you write Latina!reader <3

I have one request!! How about taking Eddie or Steve to a Latin party? Having them experience the whole Latino party scene MAKSKSK It can be modern day!

thank you so much !!! Hope you have an amazing day <3

hi hi hi baby!! i'm so glad you liked them! i looove the concept of steve and eddie going to a latin party hehe i think i got a bit carried away but yeah <3 btw, if we have any brazilians reading this, go follow me on my side account @nanciewheelers, where i post eddie/steve content in portuguese !!

oh man, they'd be so out of place when they arrived. mainly because they were so nervous that they were the first to arrive, because they totally believed that the party would actually start at 8pm (little did they know that your guests would only arrive almost at 9) and so they distracted themselves by helping your mom settle the table and finish decorating – we're going for a kinda-fancy birthday party here, okay? and eddie would definitely steal some of the sweets and stuff them in his pocket. but i think that they only came because steve went up to eddie and said, "y/n invited me for this party... if you go, i'll go" because he was terrified of being there alone :( because he knows you're gonna be busy socializing with all the guests and won't be talking to him the whole time.

but anyways, your mom is just so happy that someone is actually helping her to finish setting the party (even though you practically made all of the decorations and food by yourself), and she makes sure to thank them all the time. "oh, you're just too sweet!", that's what she says when steve picks up a heavy dish from the kitchen and he just smiles gently at her, which only makes her swoon even more. and you just stand beside her with a how dare you? look in your face because you were there the whole time!! what about your thanks? anyways, when you walk out of the kitchen, you find eddie eating all of his stolen sweets by the food table, already looking at what he would eat next. for some weird reason i feel like he would love the rice? or maybe feijão...

ok, but when it comes to the party itself, i feel like they'd be looking like two lost puppies in the beginning, watching you hug and kiss your family members as they arrive in groups. you'd often look behind you, to one of the tables right on the corner, and see their sad faces like you just committed some type of crime before them. and as soon as you stop saying your hellos, you're walking to their table, bringing some of your cousins with you just to get them to socialize. if they speak english, that's awesome! but if they don't, then you'll be translating everything and mediating the conversation. i feel like at least one of your cousins would have something in common with the boys. like, one of them is a jock and loves basketball, so they'd discuss the nba games with steve, and the other might like heavy rock or metal and they spend the whole night talking about metallica with eddie.

but your mom would always be so worried because there's never enough food on their plate :( and you actually have to coerce steve and eddie to go to the food table, because they tell you over and over again that they won't because then they would have to pass by your dad and your tios. and to say that they're terrified of them is a lie because they are, actually, scared shitless. it doesn't help that every time you go by with the boys one of your uncles tells eddie to cut his hair (because we all have that one tio).

but i feel like they would have a really good time in the end, especially because your tias love them. absolutely in love with how helpful and sweet they are and keep asking you stuff like, "which one is your boyfriend?" and "how long have you been dating?". and when they found out that you were, in fact, not dating steve or eddie, they were outraged because how could you not?? all of their exasperation is forgotten when they put eddie to sing la barca on the karaoke though.

the next day at school, they're both wearing sunglasses to cover up the fact that they're sleeping in the middle of class because they're not used to partying 'til four in the morning <3

main masterlist | navigation

#i could talk about this all day #i missed my beautiful latina!reader #liv answers anon #not proofread #obv #eddie munson x reader #steve harrington x reader #eddie munson x latina!reader #steve harrington x latina!reader #liv talks about stevie #liv talks about eddie #latina!reader #eddie x latina!reader #steve x latina!reader

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bbuckysbeardd · 2 years ago

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Three new Stranger Things designs being dropped by The Wonder Studio tomorrow (july 29) at 1PM EST!

Code: WonderNikki15 to save some $$$

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damn-stark · 2 years ago

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How did you guys like it?!

Chapter 14 Dark Red

Chapter 14 of Chispa

A/N- :(

Warning- Swearing, fluff, ANGST, mention blood and torture. Violence, small talk of physical abuse.

Pairing- Steve Harrington x WOC!reader

Episode- 4x08 & part of 4x09

(Let me know if you want to get tagged)

————

There he is again, a salvation when you need him most. One.

“It’s time,” he says and shifts his body to the side to point at the darkness ahead.

“What?” You ask nervously, but step towards him nonetheless, noticing in that moment that he isn’t looking at you, but what’s behind you.

When you look you see yourself, a much younger version with your twin brother, Bruno. You’re hand in hand and that vision of you runs through you to reach One.

“It’s time for your individual evaluation.” One says.

Vecna. This is him. This isn’t real.

“No,” you murmur and step back before you turn around to try and get out of your mind.

However, in that moment the darkness that surrounds you begins to brighten, bland white walls begin to appear, white lights begin to turn on overhead and that awful smell infiltrates your nose.

“Face me!” You bellow out to Vecna, but he doesn’t respond, he leaves you to hear the scoldings of Leo.

“Bruno, try harder, you’re holding back.”

No. No, no. No.

You keep facing the wall to avoid looking at what was playing behind you, but the memory keeps playing.

“You’ve exceeded everyone else, you can do this.”

The day of Bruno’s death.

“Face me!” You cry out again, but to no avail, he kept trying to torture you.

“Bruno, if you want to go home, do it. You won’t see your sister if you hold back.”

Well he won’t curse you, this day can’t affect you anymore.

You clench your jaw and let out a deep breath through your nose and walk out of the audience room. Nevertheless, when you’re out in the hall you freeze as you see Four and Five standing at the end of the hall with their eyes downcast, and their hands at their sides.

“Why did you leave us?” Five asks, but keeps their eyes down.

You shake your head and try to turn back but the door is gone.

“We died,” Four says.

You keep looking around for more doors to escape through, but the door at your side is locked, you can’t even force it open with your powers.

“Let me go,” you grumble to the door. “Let me go! Vecna let me go!”

“Two.”

You ignore their call and walk down the hall to try and open more doors.

“Two,” they keep repeating over and over again, each time getting louder and louder, with each call ticking you off more because you knew it was one of Vecna’s sick tricks.

They keep calling, they keep saying your name over and over again. And each attempt you try to open a door fails, it just adds to your frustration until you have had enough.

“SHUT UP!” You snap at the kids.

This time both kids go quiet, but they slowly lift their eyes to look at you, creating goosebumps all over your skin. They don’t say anything, they grab each other's hands, and when you’re about to turn away to avoid their stare they suddenly throw out their hands and shriek as they hurl you back to the wall with their powers.

“No,” you groan, “this is fake. This is all fake!”

“No,” a deep and scary voice contradicts you. “This is all real. In your head.” Vecna.

You clench your jaw and try to fight back against Four and Five, but as they come closer to you they add more pressure to their force and press you further against the wall, actually provoking pain on each and every muscle and bone in your body.

“Suffer as I did,” Vecna says through the comms around the hall. “Feel the pain I did. You can’t be shunned like I was, but you can feel at least an ounce of what I felt, Two.”

You whimper and keep trying, but the more strain you do on yourself, the more the pain increases, and it actually begins to show on your body physically.

“Her nose,” Steve murmurs. “She’s bleeding.” He cradles you in his arms and looks up at the gate. “Hurry up, get me some damn music!” He yells at the kids all gone crazy trying to find music you’d like from Eddie’s room.

“Steve,” Nancy says behind him. “We need to get her out of here. We can’t keep her here, maybe then the connection will break.”

Steve looks up at her and retorts with negativity. “We can’t pull her out of here Nance, even if you and I both tried to get her through the gate it’s too far up. We just need music.”

Nancy stays quiet and looks up at the gate to try and think of a solution as Steve holds you close to him, whispering against your lips in hopes you’d wake up soon.

Meanwhile, no matter how much you tried to fight off the kids holding you back, your powers are useless against them for some reason. It’s not until they finally make you crash through the wall that they drop their hold against you and let you fall to the floor with a loud and painful thud.

“No one can save you now,” Vecna sneers against your ear. “Just like how no one could save you then.”

You grunt and push yourself off the floor, seeing now that you’re once again in an audience room, this time however you’re not watching the moments before Bruno’s death, you’re watching yourself get hit on the wrist each time you couldn’t lift a single wooden block.

“Aren’t you tired?” Vecna asks by your ear again, making you shiver.

When you look back however, he isn’t there, no one is, you’re alone watching the memory change to another. This like the other was one of your many training sessions, one where you fail and get punished for it.

“Of getting pushed around? Not getting loved by the man that swore to love you?” Vecna continues to taunt you as he forces you to watch Leo scolding you. “Not even your own mother protected you,” he mutters and shows a memory of your mother just watching as Leo once again got you in trouble, as he hit you for not doing something right.

“She loved me,” you whisper, but he just scoffs.

“Does she?” He counters and shows you a memory of her hugging your siblings, showing them a kindness she wasn’t allowed to show you because Leo was afraid it’d make you weak. Vecna showed you memories of her letting Leo hurt you, of her letting him cast you away from your siblings to train endlessly.

No matter how much you want to fight against what you’re forced to see, it feels as if you’re captivated by it.

“You were only meant to be a weapon, you all were,” he says and changes the memory to one of you and the rest of your siblings training alongside each other. “Even now. As you live your life, thinking you’re free, they’ll find you to use you.”

“No,” you try to argue. “No. That won’t happen, you’re just trying to trick me! Get out of my head!” You grab your head and close your eyes to try and force him out, to try and wake up, but he only gets louder.

“No matter how hard you try you will never escape it! Them! They’re looking for you! Don’t you see?! Papa. He’s alive, it’s only a matter of time before he takes you back home.”

You snap your eyes open and drop your hands to turn around and talk back. “No, no! Papa is dead! You can’t trick me! He’s dead! He won’t find me!”

“Is he?!” Vecna snaps from behind you.

You spin around and this time Vecna is there, towering over you and piercing his glare into you. You try to step back, but he suddenly grabs your wrist and pulls you to him, making you gasp and go rigid.

“No, let me go please,” you plead. “Please.” You try to push his arm off but he only tightens his hold.

“I’ll give you a choice, Two,” he says in a less angry voice, but still a menacing one nonetheless. “Leave and conspire against me, or stay with me.”

You narrow your glare and furrow your eyebrows deeply. “Why would I stay with you?!” You snap.

Suddenly Vecna lets you go and tilts his head. “Because,” he continues. “I am One.” From one moment to another he begins to grow shorter, his slimy and ugly complexion begins to transform into the man you trusted, into the man you loved like an older brother, a father almost, One.

“No,” you mutter breathlessly and in disbelief. “No, this..this is another trick.” Your eyes widen and fear strikes. “What did you do? Huh! What did you do to him?!”

Vecna tries to walk towards you again, but this time you put your hand out and step back. “Stay away,” you whisper. “Stay away from me!”

“My sweet little Two, it’s me,” he says in his regular voice, the sweet and kind one. “I am the man you all call “Vecna”. It’s been me in your head helping you out, it’s me now, here again offering you a chance to be with me. Like the family we’re meant to be.”

Something shifts inside you, where you once felt a fill in your heart that had been left empty after losing him and everyone else, now rage and betrayal replace it. A rage you haven’t felt in your life, a betrayal that breaks you like you’ve never been broken before.

“But,” your voice quivers. “You tried to kill me.”

One scoffs. “Kill you? Please Two don’t be dramatic, I helped you. You were trying to ruin my plans and I showed you mercy.”

You glare at him and scoff. “Mercy?” You sneer. “That was not mercy! And my name is not Two, I am not that person!”

One tilts his head and hums. “Don’t be angry with me,” he says in a more meaner voice. “I have done nothing to you. I have done nothing but shown you love! Kindness! I’ve been looking out for you ever since you returned home. Last year with Billy? That day at the mall when he appeared after you had broken up, that was me, worrying about you.”

Your breath catches in your throat and for a second all you feel is disbelief.

“Tell me, before me who was it that loved you? Doctor Castro? Or perhaps the father that left you? Or was it your mother who let you be an experiment, who let her husband hurt you?! Your siblings?” He approaches you and grabs your cheeks to squeeze them. “None of those people out there will ever understand you like I do, Two, I am your only family. The only one who has ever loved you. Stay with me, here, this can be your home, you can teach all those people who’ve hurt us what power is!”

You swallow thickly and feel your eyes sting. “You,” you mewl. “You’ve killed innocent people. M-my brother and sisters.”

One scoffs. “Necessary deaths. Doctor Castro had a life he didn’t deserve. I wanted to see him hurt the way I did for all he did to me, to you….”

Tears roll down your cheeks as you shake your head in disbelief.

“I gave him the mercy of living his life without them, his wife or you. He will die a lonely man full of guilt.” He smirks as if it’s some joke.

“And,” you stammer. “Your family. Why? Why them?”

One then goes on to tell you his life story, that it was him who killed his family and made them believe it was something sinister all because he wanted to, because he’s evil and cruel. He showed it to you all, how he was picked up by Doctor Brenner, how he was hurt too.

How he was the one that killed all your siblings at the lab after he manipulated Eleven into setting him free. How he was the monster all along.

He told you that in order to get through he needs four people, he’s already killed three, he just needs Max. He said it all and still he didn't try to give up on his offer.

“Stay with me here, Two, and no one will ever hurt you again.”

You drop your gaze and shake your head as you begin to laugh with tears in your eyes. “All these claims of love and….” You go quiet and look up at him with a scowl. “You don’t know me at all. Why would I join you? You’re a monster! Just like Papa, just like Leo and those Russians.”

One loses that soft look and begins to pierce his glare into you.

“I would never join you!” You bellow and shove him back with your powers. “Not after what you’ve done! You killed them, all of them! I will never stay!” You shove him again before you pick him off the ground and hurl him against the wall. “I’ll kill you.” You sneer and use more force. “I will kill you for them. For all of them.”

One drops his head and slowly smirks at you. “Oh the woman you are, Two.” He snarls and raises his hand even against the force you add on his body. “Always so quick to cry.” He continues and shoots out power of his own that is strong enough to make you lose your hold on him.

“Always so quick to anger,” he counters and shoves you back to a chair that he made appear. “That will be your ruin. Those womanly emotions of yours.” He then walks towards you and slowly begins to turn back to Vecna. “That’s why you couldn't fight against Billy when he and his friends beat you, when he’d yell at you and call you names and slurs.” He groans and lets vines begin to wrap around your ankles, wrists and neck. “That’s why you never fought back against Doctor Castro.” He crouches down and wipes the tears off your face.

“It’s why you can’t fight me even now. Oh Two.” He clicks his tongue. “So desperate for love. That’s your downfall.”

You try to pull your head away, but he just squeezes your face tighter.

“Go ahead,” you try to say confidently, but your emotions keep breaking through. “Laugh at me. Mock the one thing you can’t have, the one thing you’re incapable of. Laugh at me! The girl who loves too easily.” You meet his gaze and even if tears roll down your cheek all you can do is glare at him.

One sighs and stands up to turn around and grab something off the counter. “Tsk,” he scoffs and lifts his head before he turns around and shows off a tattoo gun.

“I’ll ask you one last time. Two, join me, stand at my side and show them all who we really are.”

You drag your eyes away from the tattoo gun and swallow thickly out of nervousness for what he plans to do, but you still don’t give in.

“No,” you mutter. “I won’t join you.”

One sighs and begins to approach you. “You’ve tried so hard to pull yourself away from the one thing that made you powerful, from the one thing that makes you interesting.” He turns on the tattoo gun, making the room fill with its buzzing sound. “Don’t worry,” he says in a feigned soft voice. “I’ll make sure you remember who you are. I will be the monster you all think I am.”

“No, no, no,” you plead and try to pull your arm away, but the vines around you shove your arm down to the armrest, and hug your body closer to the chair. “No. No! No!” You try to squirm even if it’s impossible, you try to get away so hard that Steve and the others begin to see your strain too.

“Wh-what’s happening to her?!” Eddie exclaims as your body begins to convulse. “This hasn’t happened before.”

“That’s because she’s not being cursed, we don’t need music.” Nancy adds breathlessly and pulls the headphones off your head. “I don’t think that was ever his plan for her. They’re in her mind, just like—”

“Just like how Eleven was in her own mind the first time,” Dustin cuts her off quickly. “Only she was in a pool of salt water.”

“She doesn’t need saltwater,” Steve interjects. “Her other dad or whatever, said she didn’t need it. Besides, if Vecna pulled her in there, I doubt he needs it too.”

Dustin claps his hands making Eddie jump and grow more confused. “Which means we can talk to her. She’ll hear us!”

Steve looks back at you and strokes your cheek to begin talking to you in hopes it’d help. “Y/N, It’s me, it’s Steve, I hope you can hear me. We’re all here, waiting for you to wake up. You need to wake up, you need to fight him and whatever he’s doing….”

“Please,” you plead at One as he sits down in front of you and grabs your arm. “Please One. Don’t, please don’t.”

One ignores you and without a second thought stabs the sharp needle through your flesh to begin engraving what he wrote instead writing it with ink like your other tattoos.

“No!” You scream at the top of your lungs.”No! Please!” You shriek. “No—-”

“Y/N,” a familiar voice cuts you off.

You snap your eyes up where the voice comes from, whilst One stops what he's doing to hear too.

“You’re stronger, stronger than everyone I know.” Steve. It’s Steve.

“Steve,” you call.

“Baby,” he continues. “Don’t listen to a word he says. Okay? Fight him off, or whatever is you need to do, just come back, we need you. I need you.”

“Yeah, Mousie don’t take his bullshit,” you hear Eddie’s voice.

“Don’t worry,” One sneers. “I’m almost done.” Once again he stabs the needle through your flesh and continues to engrave the second zero on your flesh.

You try to fight him away, try to make him hurt but he wraps more vines around you. This time he wraps one around your mouth and then begins to stab your flesh harder.

Moreover, what he wrote appeared on your physical body as well. The two zeros he engraved on your skin began to appear on your wrist and bled too.

“What’s going on?” Robin asks in panic. “What’s happening to her?”

Nancy picks up your arm and watches as a third number, ‘2’ begins to appear on your wrist. “That’s her number,” she whispers and glances at all the others in front of her.

Robin's breath shudders whilst Steve wipes the blood off your wrist that kept spilling out once the writing stopped and your body lay still once more.

“Y/N,” Robin whispers. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, please you have to wake up so we can keep talking, so we can keep being friends.”

You hear her voice, distant and echoed, it feels as if it’s gone to deaf ears as you sit on the chair and stare at the number ‘002” in disbelief.

“See what you made me do?” One says and pulls all the vines off your body.

Even with all your power, even with all the encouragement you heard from your friends, once again you felt weak, vulnerable. Once again you were betrayed and tricked by a man that you thought loved you. The one person who you thought would never hurt you.

“It’s going to be okay,” One continues. “It will be okay…” his voice trails off and you’re suddenly thrown back to reality.

You’re out of the lab and gasp for air as you're thrown back to Eddie’s living room. Not the Upside down but his actual living room.

“It’s okay,” Steve cooes, pulling your eyes to him in front of you. “It’s okay, I got you. I got you.”

Your lip wobbles and tears cloud your eyes before you throw your arms around him and let him pull you into an embrace.

“You’re okay,” he assures you. “You’re okay. I’m here.”

——

*LATER*

Hours, days, or minutes passed, it all blended together since then. The pain of betrayal and the actual pain also blended together making it unknown what you were suffering from. Tears however are something you didn’t let escape, they filled your eyes but that’s it, you just lay numbly on Max’s bed.

You were supposed to get some sleep, gain energy and strength you lost while the others talked, but sleep is the one thing you couldn’t actually achieve. Instead you made butterflies flutter around the room, you watched them in hopes you’d knock out, but nothing happened. Instead they remind you more and more of the monster that betrayed you.

It was all quiet, you could hear the murmurs of their voices out in the living room. It was like that for a while, silence and your numb state until you had enough the moment it was all completely quiet.

However, the moment you were getting up, the door begins to slowly open, welcoming in a gleam of light in the darkness.

“I thought you were meant to be sleeping,” you hear Steve say from the door. “And trying to power up.”

You swallow thickly and begin to pull on your shoes whilst you make the butterflies disappear. “It got quiet, I thought you all left me,” you admit quietly.

Footsteps approach and he scoffs. “Don’t think that way, you know we would never do that.” He crouches down in front of you and picks up your other shoe. “Here—”

“I’m not an invalid,” you retort. “I can do it myself.”

Steve sighs and pulls your foot towards him nonetheless. “Sure you can,” he says. “But the more energy you save, the more you have when we face Vecna—or One, whatever he calls himself.”

You watch him put on your shoe and sigh. “So it’s decided then?”

Steve nods. “Nancy is quite stubborn about it. Won’t take no for an answer…and well as much I think it’s dangerous and don’t want you putting your life in danger anymore….what other choice do we have? We can’t let him win.”

You nod and slowly begin to scowl. “Yeah,” you retort. “We can’t. I want to fight him for Eddie, Max and everyone else here. I have to. He’s done horrible things.”

Steve begins to tie your shoe and looks up to meet your gaze. “Didn’t think you’d actually say anything else. So if you fight, I fight too.”

You offer him a gentle smile and caress his cheek. Steve smiles softly and cups your hand when he finishes tying your shoelaces to press a kiss on your palm. “How are you feeling?” He asks as he rests his chin on your lap.

You begin to stroke your hand through his hair and shrug while a frown slowly reappears on your face.

“You were right,” you admit. “I care too much. I cared too much that I didn’t see that One was the monster….”

“Y/N,” Steve tries to cut you off, but you continue.

“It’s okay,” you nod softly. “I understand now, but I…I still don’t think it’s a flaw, you understand? Leo always said it was, One said it was just now, but….” You swallow thickly. “It’s not. It’s because I care that I want to protect my friend. That I’m here, they’re the ones that don’t understand. I’ll be more careful though.”

Steve offers you a sly smile and stands up to press a kiss on your forehead. “That’s my girl,” he whispers, making you genuinely smile. “Now let’s go, we're on a mission to go buy weapons.”

You stand up and begin to follow behind him. “In what car?” You queire.

Steve sighs and peers back at you with uncertainty as he opens the door. “Just follow our lead and—”

“Put this on,” Eddie interjects from the doorway before he throws you a bandana.

You catch it and pick it up with the tip of your fingers in disgust since it was the one he always carries. “This…old thing?” You look up at him and gasp as you see him wearing an actual Halloween mask that covers his entire face. “And you get to wear that?!”

Eddie shrugs. “I picked it first, you should’ve been there.”

You sigh and keep trying to protest. “Why do I have to wear it? I’m not the one they want.”

Steve looks over at you and reminds you of what they thought. “But they do think Eddie kidnapped you, if someone sees you then they’ll know you’re with Eddie, or they’ll try and follow you and find Eddie, see where I’m going with this?”

You roll your eyes and wrap the black bandana around the bottom half of your face, only leaving your eyes visible.

“Happy?” You complain to Steve and Eddie.

Eddie grins and nods as he throws you a thumbs up. “Rad as ever my little Mouse.”

You roll your eyes and begin to drag your feet out of Max’s room. “Whatever, let’s go before I suffocate.”

The moment you’re all together, everyone proceeds to file out of Max’s house and sneak towards some drivable RV nearby.

Since there’s so many of you, the sneaking part took a lot more time than needed. And it was because there was many of you that you were afraid you’d be caught by someone just inside their house.

With every step, with every stop you did to hide, your pulse beat a lot harder and faster. Even when you did make it in the RV, your worry didn’t decrease whatsoever, more like it felt you were going to have a fucking heart attack.

“There’s no keys here,” you grumble as you shut the glove box.

“Yeah,” Eddie mumbles as he fumbles with something in the driver's seat. “Didn’t think there would be. You don’t happen to like start cars with your mind do you?”

You look over at him and meet his gaze whilst he pulls the wires out from under the steering wheel. “Uh, maybe I can, it would just take some concentration.”

“Where’d you learn how to do this?” Steve asks Eddie as he cuts some wires.

“Well, when the other dads were teaching their kids how to fish or play ball,” Eddie says. “My old man was teaching me how to hot-wire. Now, I swore to myself I wouldn’t wind up like he did, but now I’m wanted for murder, kidnapping of one of my best friends, and soon, grand theft auto.” He continues as he begins to spark some wires. “So, uh, I’m really living up to that Munson name.”

“Uh, Eddie,” Robin walks over to interject. “I’m not sure I love the idea of you driving.”

Eddie looks back at Robin and assures her. “Oh, I’m just starting this sucker. Harrington’s got her.” He smirks and leans towards Steve. “Don’t ya, big boy?”

You look over at Steve and grin as he looks baffled.

Moreover, Eddie finally gets the RV started and instantly alerts the owners.

“Hey! Open this door!”

“Hey!”

They bang the window and keep trying to get in.

“They locked the door!”

You snap your eyes over at Eddie and exclaim. “Switch now!”

Eddie hurries out of the seat and runs back with Robin, whilst you jump in the passenger seat.

“Everyone grab onto something!” Steve yells, causing everyone to panic, and making you grab onto your seat as Steve presses on the gas to maneuver out of the RV park.

It seemed like you were actually going to shit yourself over how scared and panicked you felt, but when you saw that no police cars were chasing after you you finally began to relax and fully settle in your seat.

“How’s it handle?” You finally manage to ask Steve.

He glances over and nods. “Not half bad. Considering that this is a…house.”

You scoff softly and nod. “Yeah. This is crazy.” You glance out at the passing scenery and set the bandana down on your lap.

“Yeah, it’s…” Steve continues to say. “It’s silly, but I…I’ve actually… I always had this dream that I’d have this really…really big family.”

You look over at him and listen carefully.

“I’m talking, like, uh,” he continues to share. “A full brood of Harringtons. Like, five, six kids.”

You begin to smile and question him. “Six?”

Steve nods. “Yeah. Six little nuggets. Three girls, three boys….and,” he laughs. “And every summer, I figured all of us Harringtons, we would pack into something like this and…just see the country. You know, the Rockies, Grand Canyon, maybe Yellowstone. End up in some beachside town in California. Spend a week parked in the sand. Learn how to surf or something.”

You swallow thickly and can’t help your cheeks from aching as you keep smiling. “That,” you add softly. “Sounds very nice.”

Steve looks over at you with his eyes soft and his lips tugged in the same tender manner. “Yeah?”

You nod as you hold his gaze. “Yeah. Even the six kid part I mean I can see it.”

Steve snickers. “Can you now?”

You nod and look back at all the kids. “You’ve had practice haven’t you?”

Steve nods. “I have.”

You share a passing glance before you watch the passing greenery once more.

“You?” He presses. “Do you have a future in mind?”

You let out a deep breath and shrug, feeling your lips flicker to a frown. “I…I guess I never gave it much thought. Given my life, I mean, my life was planned for me. I was going to go to a prestigious university, but end up being a weapon for who knows who. Now…well I don’t know.”

Steve looks over at you for a second and sighs before he tries to comfort you. “But you’re free from that life…no longer controlled by Leo or anyone else.”

You blink and look down at the engraved ‘002’ on your wrist and sigh.

“So tell me, what comes to mind.” He insists to know.

The corner of your lips pull to a faint smile and you give in. “Truth is I don’t know what I want.” You smile wider and meet his softened gaze. “Maybe I do want to experience some time in college, or I want to travel the world to see what it holds. Or maybe,” you laugh nervously. “I want a farmhouse, with chickens, goats and cats and dogs. A white picket fence and a wrap around porch so I can have a rocking chair to drink iced tea and read all day. Two kids so they can keep each other company. A cozy job or no job at all, I’m fine being a housewife and welcoming my husband home.” You giggle and see his gaze unchanged, it’s still soft and tender, full of love and awe.

“I don’t want to worry about who might be after me, or who I have to fight to live another day,” you continue with more confidence. “I want a husband who loves me, who after fifty years or so when we’re all wrinkling and senile still shows me the same burning passion we had when we first met. I want a normal life.” You sigh.

Steve scoffs softly but can’t stop smiling as he watches the street. “I thought you didn’t know what you wanted?”

You nod. “I don’t. That’s why I said maybe I want those things.”

Steve glances over at you again to meet your gaze and share his soft and awe-struck smile. You mirror it and let your gaze linger, knowing when you mentioned, husband and talks of a future, it was him who appeared in your mind.

Would it be too soon to tell him?

Maybe. But maybe after all this is over you’ll tell him.

“Y/N,” he says and pulls eyes gaze away to look back at the street. “Uh…it’s—”

“We’re almost there!” Eddie cuts Steve off loudly, making you and Steve groan.

“I’ll tell you later I guess,” Steve adds.

You nod. “Okay,“ you whisper and let your eyes linger on him a bit longer until you see the weapon store come into view.

“You’ll stay here with me right, Mouse?” Eddie asks.

You nod. “Yeah,” you sigh. “I don’t really have another choice.”

Eddie walks over and leans his head forward to meet your gaze. “Is that…dread and annoyance I hear?”

You narrow your gaze and nod. “Yes.”

Eddie scoffs and feigns to be hurt. “Ouch.”

You smirk at him and hand him back his bandana. “Do you even wash that thing? It reeks.”

Eddie shoves it back in his pocket and looks at you dumbfounded. “Do I have to? I never use it on my head.”

Your jaw drops and you look at him in disgust and bewilderment. “I…I…” you pause and just sigh. “Okay. I’ll pretend you didn’t ask me that. Robin, Steve, I’m going to write down what I need so please get it for me.” You snatch a scrap of paper around the mess in the RV and jot down, “Black vest, pants, handgun, bullets and socks.”

Steve reads the note and Robin comments on it. “A gun? You’re like a better version of Carrie, you don’t need it.”

You get off your seat and watch Max, Nancy and Erica climb off the RV.

“I do,” you retort and give her your excuse. “If I want to face One, I need strength, meaning if we run into bats again, I can use a gun to save my energy. See where I come from?”

Robin nods and sighs. “Yeah. I understand now. Smart.”

You shoot her a sweet smile and wave. “Bye now. Stick together and behave.”

Robin scoffs. “We always do! Don’t drive off, or you know get out.” She jumps off the RV and Steve lingers back.

“We’ll be back,” he says in a soft and caring voice. “Okay?”

You smile and nod. “I know.” You wave and he finally steps out and shuts the door, leaving behind only Lucas, Eddie, Dustin and you. Letting you sit down on the couch and wait for them to return as the boys began to talk.

You planned to just in silence, try to continue gaining as much energy as you could, but as you fiddled with your fingers you caught a glimpse of the raw red scar on your wrist and felt only sharp stinging pain.

All the effort you put into trying to cover up the tattoo that stood its place before, now One scars you in a manner that is harder to cover, in a manner that will scar and stay with you forever.

Him, One, the man who made himself a mentor, an older brother…he who you missed, who you mourned and grieved for years scarred you in ways no one has. One hurt you in ways only a vile few have. He who you held in such high respect, who you vouched for.

Now One is nothing but bad memories. A nightmare. An enemy. A stranger….

You sigh and open your palm to make a butterfly appear on your palm in hopes it’d bring some calmness, but tears instantly sting your eyes and your heart begins to ache more.

“See, I knew you could do it. It was all about your will. I’m proud of you y/n.”

Now the way you saw butterflies as pure and beautiful, soft and sweet, now that cherished memory of making those paper butterflies float for the first time because of One, becomes tainted. All of it. It’s no longer pure and beautiful. No longer sweet and soft, it’s just an ugly reminder of him. It’s cruel and monstrous thanks to him.

So instead you slowly lift your hand that holds the butterfly, slowly lose your frown and tears and form a vicious scowl. Now you watch the butterfly fluttering with a cold glare before you suddenly crush it in your hand.

There, dead.

You groan and turn your fist to open your hand and watch pieces of the butterfly fall out of your hand with the same coldness.

“You okay?” Dustin’s voice cuts you from your stupor.

Your eyes flicker up to him and you nod. “Quite,” you assure him. “Just…” you sigh. “Dealing with my demons.” You smile at him. “How are you doing? It’s been a crazy couple of days.”

Dustin shrugs nonchalantly. “I’m used to it already.”

You scoff softly. “It’s not something you should be used to. You’re just a kid.”

Dustin drops his gaze and sighs. “Guess it’s life right? We can’t choose it.”

Wise. It’s not something he should be at such a young age. But you can’t disagree either.

“Yeah,” you agree softly and drop your head. “Guess you’re right.”

“Hey,” someone says as they come near. When you look up you see Lucas slowly approaching the both of you.

You smile. “Hey.”

Lucas draws in a deep breath and puts his hands in his back pocket as he sighs. “You’re a girl right?”

You snicker and nod. “Last time I checked, yeah.” You narrow your eyes on him and notice that he looks almost timid. “What’s up? We have time until the others get back, so spit it out before you’re interrupted.”

Lucas rolls his head to the side and averts his gaze as he slowly gets to his point. “Say you’re broken up with Steve, right? Say you want to get her—him, him! back how would that be? What would you do?”

Your smile softens and you answer without an ounce of amusement so he can take you seriously. “Well if I was broken up with Steve and I wanted to get him back, I’d…try to be his friend but not in the way that says let’s just be friends, more of a friend before you date— I’d try to be there for him, try to make him laugh, compliment him and his hair,” you laugh as you think of him. “Uh, I’d ask him out to do something he likes. I’d…” you pause and meet his gaze with a smirk.

“I’d buy her flowers even if she says she doesn’t like them,” you say since you knew he was asking for himself and Max. “Her favorite flowers. Flatter her, but importantly make her laugh. Be yourself. Be patient. Have fun, you’re kids. Make memories.” You shrug innocently, and see him nod and get awkward again.

“Thanks,” he says and smiles nervously.

You shoot him a grin and nod. “No problem.”

“Can you pencil me in now?” Eddie interjects and walks over to squeeze in between Dustin and you.

You open your hand and stare at your palm to pretend it’s your checkerboard. “I have one last opening. Now.”

Eddie smirks. “Lucky me.” He glances over at you and meets your gaze briefly before grabbing your right arm and pulling it towards him. “You really gave me a scare there.”

Your smile fades and you look down at your new scar. “Sorry,” you whisper in a sad tone.

Eddie lifts himself off his seat to pull out another smaller bandana. “Here,” he offers and begins to wrap it around your scar. “So you won’t get it infected.” He ties it around your wound and when he’s done he gently pats it as he meets your gleaming gaze. “And don’t apologize, ‘kay? Not to me. Maybe Robin because you were really freaking her out, she was, like, ballistic.”

You muster a hearty chuckle and sniffle. “I’ll have to talk to her then.”

Eddie nods slowly and then nudges your shoulder. “Dustin told me about the time you were a badass.”

You smirk and glance at Dustin shying away before you meet Eddie’s gaze. “Is that so?” You ask.

Eddie nods and shifts around to face you with a toothy grin. “You, like, stopped bullets in midair and snatched the Russians guns out of their hands, and shot them with their own guns! That’s super fucking badass!”

You giggle and nod. “Yeah, I was always high as shit.”

Eddie eyebrows scrunch before he leans over and presses in disbelief. “You, were high? You never want to get high with me!”

You clear your throat and turn to face him and explain. “It wasn’t weed or anything like that. And it wasn’t because I wanted to either. They forced truth serum or some crazy shit like that on me! It was, I mean, traumatizing but…I kinda liked it,” you giggle and Eddie chuckles.

Eddie scoots in closer and goes serious. “You also can make me see things huh? Show me something that you know I like.”

Your smirk widens and you put your hand out and close your hand to a fist and Eddie watches you closely. When you turn your hand face up, you slowly open your palm and make a Wyvern fly out.

Eddie’s jaw drops, and his lips tug to an amused and fascinated grin.

The Wyvern roars and flies around his head before returning to your palm and suddenly changing to a black widow and jumping on Eddie’s lap, making him jump but laugh at the same time.

You beam at his reaction and as you’re changing it to something else the door suddenly slams open, making you lose concentration and jump up to your feet.

Steve comes rushing in and throws Eddie back his vest as he quickly returns to the driver seat in new attire. Erica stomps in after him with a bag in her hand.

“What happened?” Lucas beats you to the question.

“Your old friends are here,” Erica answers and lets Robin, Nancy and Max rush in with more stuff, causing you and everyone else to rush back to your seats, even if you were curious over Robin’s pout and saddened gaze.

“What’s wrong with Robin?” You ask Steve once he was driving on the street again.

Steve sighs and briefly glances at you with this pitiful and sad look. “I’ll tell you later when there’s…less people around, okay?”

You meet his gaze and grow concerned but nod regardless. “Okay,” you assure him.

Steve then digs in pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper he hands to you. “Your friend Raul was there,” he says with bitterness.

You roll your eyes and scoff before correcting him. “It’s Rahul.” You open the paper and instantly go rigid when you see that it’s a missing person flier for you. It has a picture of you and everything.

“Was he handing them out?” You ask in shock.

Steve presses his lips together and nods slowly. “Yep. He looked at me funny too…” he huffs out in fustration. “I probably looked like such a fucking jerk. I mean I walk in with my ex-girlfriend and everyone else, looking like I’m marching into battle with no emotion whatsoever. He-he probably thought the worst.”

You slowly drift your gaze up to him and scoff. “And? Who cares? I mean sure it’s weird that you, my boyfriend, don’t seem to care that I’m missing, but you know the truth, so don’t care what he thinks, okay?”

Steve sighs deeply. “It’s sort of hard when he wants to win you over.”

You roll your eyes and scoff. “He can try but I'm just going to reject him, I’m with you…I mean…” you pause and debate telling him that you see a future with him.

But you promised yourself that you’d tell him after just to make sure you’ll come out of this alive.

“I love you,” you say instead and reach for his arm to caress it. “I love you.”

Steve glances at you and pulls the corner of his lips to a timid smile before he pats your hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I love you too,” he assures you. “But still. I mean he made fliers! That caught me off guard.”

You snicker. “You know at least you know now that he’s a loyal friend.”

“He is!” Robin teases Steve from the back. “We love Rahul!”

Steve's eyes widen and he glares at her through the rear view mirror. You snicker and shrug before you lay back on the door and rest your legs on his lap. “Wake me up when we get to wherever.”

“Alright,” Steve says and steals a look at you and smiles softly.

——

Gentle breeze. Warmth. Singing birds. Calmness. Steady heart. Peace. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Peace.

Calmness. Peace.

“Just do—”

“Shh.”

Don’t pay attention, deep breath in, deep breath out.

Don’t think about the smell of dirt, sweat and lake water that suddenly wafts in your nose. Don’t think about the feeling of people breathing by your face, just keep calm and keep meditating.

Peace. Think about the gentle breeze brushing over your skin, the singing birds, don’t think about….someone trying to give you a wet willy…jeez.

You keep your eyes closed but stop their attempts, making them known and protest.

“My finger won’t move…there’s—” Eddie.

“It’s her,” Dustin retorts.

You sigh deeply and slowly open your eyes to see Eddie and Dustin crouched around you.

As Eddie catches your stare he slowly lowers his hand and stands up to place his hands on his hips and act nonchalant. “How did you know I was doing that?”

You feign a smile and share their very obvious mistakes. “One, I can hear and feel you guys breathing on me, mouth breathers,” you quip. “Two, I heard you pull your finger out of your mouth, and your jacket makes noise when you move so…” you sigh and stand up, choosing to give up on your meditation. “You guys suck at sneaking up on people.”

Dustin stands up straight and shrugs. “We just wanted to check out how concentrated you were.”

“Well,” you scoff in annoyance. “I was doing well, you know clearing my mind until people chose to interrupt me all the way out in the treeline, where I,” you snap sassily. “Chose to be at peace while you all worked on your weapons.” You feign a grin and pat Eddie’s shoulder.

“Well,” Eddie excuses his actions. “We’re done with our part.”

“So we came to annoy you,” Dustin adds.

You sigh and nod stiffly. “That’s what I gathered. Thanks—”

“On guard witch,” Eddie suddenly blurts as he lifts his makeshift shield.

You cross your arms over your chest and glare at him in silence. Eddie however smirks and drops his shield to quickly run at you to pick you off the ground and throw you over his shoulder before you can react. “Burn the witch! Come now ward.”

“Eddie!” You yell, but also can’t help but smile and begin laughing as he begins taking you with the rest of the group. “Put me down dude!”

Dustin picks up Eddie’s shield and follows behind him with a goofy grin on his face.

“Eddie!” You laugh. “Come on, put me down! You stink!”

Eddie chuckles. “And so do you.” He then deepens his voice and continues to joke around. “Your time has come now, witch.” He then puts you down and reaches back to be handed his shield. “Like it? Made it myself.”

You look at the nails he hammered through the shield and smile up at him. “Nice. Very practical and creative. Deadly too. Good job.” You peer over at the others now that you were forced back to rejoin them and see the Sinclair’s struggling with their spears. “Now that I’m here,” you sigh. “I’m going to make some rounds.”

Without waiting for a response from either boy you make your way to the siblings, once you reach them you notice how loose the blades were against the wooden sticks.

“Need help?” You chime in and make them look over at you.

Erica scoffs and points to her brother. “He does. All that basketball made him lose some brain cells.”

“Hey!” Lucas remarks.

You smile at their interaction and pick up one spear that was already “ready”, when in reality the blade needed to be tied tighter against the wooden stick.

“This,” you point out and press the blade down, making it fall off. “This is still loose.”

“Ha!” Lucas laughs and points at his sister.

Erica shoots him a glare and snaps back sassily. “I’m still young, therefore I’m weaker than you. What’s your excuse?”

You keep smiling at the ground and just tighten the grip a bit more since it didn’t need that much more grip, just a bit. Once you’re finished you present it to Erica. “Here, better. Now,“ you sigh and wave Lucas’s spear over. “Hand it.”

Lucas sighs and places it on your hand so you can tighten the blade against the wooden stick more.

“Can I ask,” you add as you work. “Can either of you throw a punch? I mean from what we have planned so far, and who’s out chasing Eddie, one never knows what trouble you might run into.”

Lucas scoffs. “Of course I do.” Lucas says smugly.

“Please,” Erica quips. “Don’t lie to the girl. When have you fought someone in your life Lucas?”

You glance at him and see grow annoyed and slightly shocked. “Erica!” He snaps.

You chuckle softly. “It’s okay.” You finish with the spear and put it down to face Lucas. “Show me how you throw a punch.”

Lucas glances at the ground and sighs deeply before he slowly stands up to show how he makes a fist and throws a punch; which isn’t so great or all that powerful. It’s a bit of a weak swing and his fist is slightly wrong.

“Okay,” you say and walk over to him to shift his elbow slightly more up, and pull his thumb out over his index finger. “Never cage your thumb in or else you’ll break it on impact.” You tell him and let Erica see since she’s paying close attention.

“In the heat of the moment it’s hard but always try to keep your back straight before throwing a punch,” you keep helping them. “And always, always rotate your whole body, use all your strength in that punch and you’ll give a mean right hook.” You step away from Lucas and motion him to show you.

This time when he swings his fist he does a lot better. “Good, good,” you compliment him and then turn to Erica. “Come on show me your swing.”

Erica smirks and fixes her fist, arm and body the right way, the way she just saw you mentor Lucas. When she throws it however her swing is a little slower, but good nonethless since she is smaller.

“That was great,” you assure her and she smirks proudly. “Better…” you pause and feel your smile falter. “Violence doesn’t need to be the answer for everything, but…given our complexion….it’s better to know how to protect ourselves unfortunately.”

Lucas frowns and nods in agreement. “Yeah, I get it…have you gotten jumped or something?”

You swallow thickly and nod. “Yeah. Once by Billy and his friends. I didn’t fight back even if I could. I regret it now. Besides, back then I didn’t know how to throw a punch, I only relied on my powers to help, but since I couldn’t show them off they hurt me.”

Erica grows visibally uncomfortable whilst Lucas seems to grow upset.

“Yeah,” Lucas nods. “He tried to fight me once too. I didn’t fight back because I was scared.”

Your jaw drops and you stiffen until something comes to mind, something you wish you could’ve bonded over with your own siblings.

“If you guys want, once all this done I can teach you both some stuff for protection,” you offer them. “My dad and his friend have been letting me train with them, I know some moves.” You offer them a gentle smile. “It’s all up to you though.”

Erica smiles and nods in agreement without a second thought. “That would be cool! I’m in.”

You glance over at Lucas and he also agrees. “Yeah, that would be cool.” He nods. “Uh, thanks.”

You grin. “Cool, we’ll talk about it more after then.” You walk back and linger for a bit only because you got reminded of your brother and sister, Enzo and Angel. Not because the Sinclairs did something in particular to bring such memories, but they simply just did. Them more than anyone else.

With that also comes anger though. Anger towards One, the person who killed them out of spite against Doctor Castro.

Fuck him. It’s good that you’re on your way to kill him, he deserves that and so much more. Fuck One.

You sigh deeply and save that anger for later, instead you turn to head towards Nancy and Max, as Nancy practices shooting on some targets.

And not surprising whatsoever of course Nancy knew how to shoot.

“You’re a good shot,” you announce yourself.

Nancy lowers her gun and looks back at you to watch you fall at her other side. “Thanks,” she says with a small smile.

“Who taught you?” You ask.

Nancy sighs. “Myself. My dad is in the picture, but he’s…not really in my life.” She reveals with no hint of sadness, she’s more angry than anything. “I had to teach myself.”

You meet her gaze and hum. “Well, shitty dads is something I know all about.” You exhale deeply. “My step dad, Leo, was more my scientist than anything. And my real dad was a dead beat, preferred traveling the world and working than being with me, even if he knew how bad his brother treated me.”

“But you live with him now,” Max adds.

You nod. “Yeah,” you say. “He wants to try now. I was against it at first, but after he saved me I chose to give him a chance. He’s trying I mean, he,” you giggle. “He does what he can. Better than my mother, she can’t even look at me sometimes. I think…I remind her too much of the kids she lost. Can't say I blame her though.”

Nancy looks at you with pity but makes sure to lift your spirits. “I can teach you a thing or two, if you teach me how to throw a good punch like you did with Lucas and Erica.”

You grin at her and nod right away, going unaware of the pair who was watching you by the RV.

“Have you told her her?” Robin asks Steve as she looks away from you. “That you want to move her out of the state after graduation.”

Steve lets his eyes linger on you to watch how Nancy taught you how to shoot with a shotgun. “No,” he admits and shakes his head. “Not yet, I haven’t really had the chance given we barely made it official not so long ago.”

Robin bites the inside of her cheek and musters a feigned soft laugh. “You two have been basically dating since August.”

Steve smiles and places down the bottle he had in his hand and comments on her response. “Not officially. She was waiting for my feelings to pass for almost an entire year, she didn’t want to date.”

“But you stuck together regardless,” Robin says dryly. “You guys did couple stuff together in between, meaning you were basically together. Just unofficially.”

Steve sighs and rolls his eyes. “Whatever,” he retorts. “Anyway, no, I haven’t told her yet.”

Robin stays quiet for a second before she swallows back her ache and tries to comfort him. “Well, you should. I wasn’t really convinced by your plan at first, but now…” she pauses and they both look over at you as you miss shooting a can. “If what One says about Doctor Brenner is true, then it’s a matter of time before they try to come after her again. The Russians already tried once, I…she’s my friend and I love her, she’s gone through a lot already, I don’t want her to go back again.” She drops her gaze and feels her eyes sting with tears.

Steve on the other hand smiles sadly as you look quite happy being helped by Nancy. “Yeah,” he agrees. “I don’t want her to go back either, and I don’t want her to suffer here anymore either, but…she’s barely managing to pick herself up again.” He sighs with frustration and looks away from you. “She’s happy.”

Robin nods. “She was. But it’s better for her to be out of Hawkins. Besides she won’t be so upset, she’ll have you. She loves you.”

Steve gets happy at the sound of Robin's comment even if he tries to act cool. “I guess we’ll see when I tell her. After all this shit. If we make it out that is.”

“Yeah.” Robin whispers and steals one last look at you.

——

Time passed. Not much, but now returning to the Upside Down, facing One again, killing him was getting closer.

Maybe death was creeping around the corner or salvation and relief, whatever it was that waited for you at the end of this day, you were ready. More than you have been for anything in your life, because he broke your trust and your heart. He lied and became a monster, he killed…Enzo and your sisters. He. He killed them.

So yes, you are rightfully enraged, yes you’re ready to face him and kill him.

However, one thing that you’re not ready for is breaking up the group. You don’t like that Eddie and Dustin are going to try and distract the bats alone, and you especially don’t like that Max is going to use herself as bait. Not when he needs her to open the last gate.

“Maybe,” you interject as you tighten your vest strap. “I’ll go in your place, Max.” It wasn’t a question or a suggestion, it was a claim. “I can keep him distracted and put up a fight to get him weaker.”

All eyes turn to you and Steve and Robin look at you with protest, but Max is the first to argue. “No, it’s been decided I’m going. I’m not going to trade your life for mine.”

“Life?” You scoff and lift your hands to secure the vests straps on the shoulders.

Max swallows thickly and tries to show off that she’s not at all affected by what she just said. “We have to face the facts, don't we?”

You shake your head and narrow your gaze. “No, because you aren’t going to die. That’s what we’re trying to avoid. You’re not dying Max.”

“And you won’t either,” she retorts. “Besides you’ve faced him more than once, if he wanted to kill you he would’ve. You won’t be able to keep him distracted, he’ll just push you out again.” She folds her arms over her chest and challenges your gaze to prepare to counterattack, but she’s right.

All he’s done since you’ve seen him as Vecna is push you out, he’s avoided getting rid of you, he’s helped you. If it’s for the simple reason that he wants you to be at his side or not, you don’t know anymore.

“Max is right,” Nancy chimes in and throws you a pair of leather fingerless gloves like hers. “He’s had the chance to kill you and he hasn’t, I doubt he’d do it now. Besides, you’re the only one who can give him the killing blow after Robin, Steve and I injure him.”

You slip on the gloves and nod stiffly.

“Meaning, no mind control,” Eddie adds and points at you. “None of that. Got it?” He looks over at Robin and Steve. “You two have to make sure she doesn’t use her powers.”

You roll your eyes and interject for yourself. “You don’t have to lecture me on something I already know, Eddie.”

Eddie shrugs. “I’m just reminding you, Mouse.”

You sigh and meet his gaze to offer him a half assuring smile. “Thanks.”

“So everyone understands what needs to happen?” Nancy asks with admirable determination.

Some verbally agree, while others like you nod to show your understanding.

“Good,” she says with a nod. “Let’s go.”

Everyone breaks away from the group and head to their seats to begin heading to your first stop, the Creel House to drop off Lucas, Erica and Max.

Now unlike before though, the mood in the RV was different than before. The atmosphere felt heavy, somber and nerve-wracking. Steve didn’t even bother to turn up the radio, nothing filled the RV but silence until he rolled to a stop in front of the abandoned house.

“Be careful,” you tell all three kids. “Keep your eyes peeled, and don’t get distracted.”

Lucas and Erica nod and head out after saying their own goodbyes to the others, leaving you to talk to Max. “I’m looking forward to seeing you at the end of this okay?”

Max nervously shifts her gaze away and nods slowly.

“Whatever he makes you see,” you continue, “it’s not true. Remember that it’s all just tricks, okay?” You grab her shoulder and give it a small squeeze as you offer her a faint smile. “Maybe after all this we can go eat ice-cream or something.”

Max slowly meets your gaze and the corner of her lips twitches to a smile. “Yeah,” she whispers. “That would be cool.”

Your smile widens and you pull your hand away to step back towards your seat before you nod and wave at her. She then gets out of the Rv and closes the door behind her, letting Steve finally drive back to Eddie’s house, back to the gate. Only making your confrontation that much closer.

Now worry also began to accompany your anger as you were getting closer. Steve saw that and reached over to caress the back of your neck.

“It’s going to be okay,” he tries to assure you.

You slowly drift your eyes over to him and sigh deeply. “I hope so.”

Steve offers you a faint smile before smirking as he checks you out. “You’re looking hot in that outfit.”

You grow flustered and can’t help but smile.

“I’m being honest,” he says. “I mean it does look like you're going to be cold with that tank top under your vest, but you’re still looking good.”

You stretch out your arms and smirk. “I’ll be okay without sleeves, I’ll feel less restricted. This way I can move my arms better. Danger comes and bam!”

Steve chuckles and nods. “Good that’s what I like to hear.”

You grin at him now. “You’re not looking so bad yourself, Harrington.”

Steve smirks and shrugs nonchalantly. “Oh you know. It’s just me, effortless.”

You giggle and beam at him.

“What?” He quips. “You dont think so?”

You scoff. “Did I say that? No. I liked your comment.” You smile sweetly and he glances over and smirks.

“You better.”

You meet each others gazes and share a soft and sweet smile before he begins to frown and grow serious.

“Promise me you won’t do anything stupid and rash.”

Your smile slowly begins to fall but you manage to offer him a very faint one. “I promise. As long as you promise me the same.”

Steve nods without hesitation. “I promise,” he whispers.

Your eyes linger on one another for a second longer before he focuses back on the road and lets the tense silence return now that you’re much closer. Closer than before.

The moment you reach the glowing red gate, your breath catches in your throat and goosebumps grow all over your skin. Dread begins to grow and keeps you quiet as everyone throws their weapons to the other side before they themselves go through, one by one, always wary until you’re once again in such a horrible place.

Now though it’s on purpose rather than on accident.

“I really hate this place,” you murmur as you exit Eddie’s Upside Down house.

Robin nods in agreement. “Same here.”

“Hey, guys, listen,” Steve interjects, making you all stop to turn and watch him direct his comment to Dustin and Eddie. “If things start to go south, I mean, at all, you abort. Okay? Draw the attention of the bats. Keep ‘em busy for a minute or two. We’ll take care of Vecna. Don’t try to be cute or be a hero or something. Okay? You guys are just—”

“Decoys,” Dustin says at the same time as Steve. “Don’t worry,” Dustin continues. “You can be the hero, Steve.”

“Absolutely. I mean,” Eddie chimes in. “Look at us. We are not heroes.”

Steve nods softly in comprehension and turns as you stay facing Eddie with worry. He notices right away but first addresses Steve.

“Hey, Steve? Make him pay.” Eddie nods and then glances at you. “And take care of this one,” he points at you, and you scoff. “I’m trusting you with her.”

Steve holds Eddie’s gaze and nods before turning, leaving you still before Eddie with the same worry painted face.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he finally addresses you as it’s hard to find words to tell him. “It’s going to be okay,” Eddie assures you with a soft smile.

You swallow back the lump that forms in your throat at the sound of his comment, and can only muster a wobbly smile as he reminds you of the twin brother you had lost so long ago.

And of course Eddie notices your gleaming gaze, and walks over to you to grab your shoulders and offer you a wider smile before he leans in and presses a kiss on your forehead.

“You take care of yourself,” you whisper and lean your head back to meet his gaze.

Eddie smiles softly and nods before he takes your forearm and you take his.

“I’ll see you later,” he assures you.

You scoff softly and then press your forehead against his. He smiles at you, at your interaction and continues to try and comfort you.

“Stop worrying about me, Mouse,” he says. “It’s going to be okay.”

You draw in a deep breath and pull back to nod at him. “Yeah,” you sigh and offer him a soft smile.

You pull away before you force him to follow, and turn to follow after Steve to head towards your destination.

However, before you can enter the woods, you look back at Eddie one last time and notice he was watching you leave. When he meets your gaze he waves, while you offer him one last smile before disappearing through the woods.

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