#stranger things s4 spoilers

[two-red-lungs]

The Kids Are Alright (Eddie Munson)

Your first date with Eddie Munson is fine, as far as first dates go. You get pizza together: meet awkwardly outside the door at 7pm, hands sweaty, exchanging nervous, butterfly-riddled smiles. You eat. He can't stop moving in his seat opposite you, tapping his hands on the sticky enamel tabletop. He looks at you with big brown eyes. Wary, at first, then as the night goes on and it becomes clear this isn't some string-along joke, or a prank, with boyish glee.

But the second date is the one that really shines.

Eddie, in all his intellectual glory, takes you to the Dollar Tree.

It's late, again, and the D in the logo flickers in and out of existence. The air inside smells like cheap plastic, dust, and the urban sprawl of capitalism. This is a place that's usually... dead. A pathetic sort of dead, where dreams come to die, the cashier looks about five seconds from falling asleep, agonizingly boring elevator music plays over tinny speakers, and Hawaiian themed teacups are on sale for ninety-nine cents.

You think god, what the hell are we even doing here? This is hardly a dinner date, or the bowling alley, or makeout point, or any of the usual dates your friends always bragged so cooling about. But then Eddie looks at you over his shoulder, spins on his heel, and throws his arms wide. His outfit jingles.

"Welcome," he says with a glint in his dark eyes, "to the goddamn kingdom of imagination."

You should leave. God knows to anyone else at school this date could sound like a horror story, an uncouth, uncool, unladylike disaster. But there's something in those eyes. Something vibrant and alive and real. So instead of leaving you think, okay. Why not.

Best decision of your life.

He knows this place by heart, every white-tiled aisle under the buzzing fluorescents. And he's funny, too: you didn't expect him to be so funny. As you both slowly amble and push your squeaky-wheeled cart he picks up random shit, talking as he fiddles.

A fuzzy caterpillar cat toy becomes his moustache. He wraps a crinkled paper streamer around his neck like a boa and faints dramatically against some of the shelves. He scurries to the aisle next to you and pretends to walk down a staircase, disappearing from view: when his moppish head pops back up again, his wild hair flounces.

Huh. He smiles like the sun.

Eddie asks about everything possible, and god, under his stoner slang he's whip fucking smart. You crack a joke or a sarcastic reference and he smoothly returns it with equal emphasis, two tennis players on the court.

You check out picture frames. Eddie suggests throwing a little spraypaint on it, a little silver paint to light the edges, some weathering with sandpaper, and suddenly you've got yourself some primo decor.

"You like to paint?" You ask him, standing in the aisle, holding the shitty wooden frame. He's looking over your shoulder. You can feel his body heat, this close.

"I'm a big believer in, uh. Creativity, y'know?" His smile is big, toothy. Still nervous. Like as extroverted as he is, as big as his personality could be, the sting of a scoff or a sneer could still hurt.

You tell him that's cool. Something in his eyes softens.

God, you don't know how many hours you spend in that place, just talking and touching shit and discussing potential DIY projects and cool ideas. You talk comics, and music, and Hawkins social politics. He tells you about Tolkien. You tell him about David Brin. He likes David Murray, you like Siouxie Sioux. You both agree the autumn leaves this time of year make the Hawkins High look like its roof is on fire (and god, if only).

Your cart is full of bullshit you don't really need, bullshit full of promise and potential, and Eddie is letting you ride the cart with your feet on the front bar as he pushes it down the aisle at mach one speed. He splutters behind you, your hair in his mouth. He's laughing.

The total comes to 12 dollars even. The plan for the next date is to turn the kids bathtub toys you bought- ducks and dolls and dolphins- into zombies and mummies and other creatures with the shitty barely-opaque acrylics set you scored.

The sky is black outside, and it's raining. He asks if he'll see you again this week, and you say yeah, duh. The air feels like fireworks- like lightning, like a live wire. You think for a second that he's gonna kiss you.

Eddie pulls out a silver-plastic tiara from under his vest, nicked free of charge from the girl's section, and sets it on your head. It's cheap, pattern-punched plastic with pink plastic gems. It's perfect. He's made you a fairytale.

Munson bows, smiles again- the one that makes his eyes crinkle- and then he's off in his van.

He's so weird. He's so strange. You don't understand him.

You think you really like him.

[thesugarclubs-blog]

Sticky Little Words - Robin Buckley x OC

warnings: post S4 ST spoilers, hurt/comfort, panic attacks, Robin's first kiss

word count: 7k

WP: https://www.wattpad.com/1322227842-sticky-little-words-jordan

Masterlist

“Aw come on, it won't be that bad,” Robin elbowed Steve who still looked like a kicked puppy. 

She had been trying to get him to leave his house for a week. And when he finally did it was only because Dustin’s mom had asked him to drive Dustin to the high school. She was worried about them both and tagged along hoping that maybe by being needed all three of them would feel a little less hopeless about their situation. 

“Yeah,” Steve groaned, hauling the box of old blankets onto his hip from the trunk of his car. “You okay Henderson?” he asked, watching Dustin limp toward the gymnasium with a box in his arms. “Awesome,” he nodded, slamming the truck shut when the teenager didn��t answer. 

“He can’t stay mad forever, he’ll come around,” Robin assured him. She fixed the straps on her floral sundress, making sure the black t-shirt underneath was laying flat before following them inside. 

The gymnasium was packed with people, and everywhere Robin looked a sad face was looking back at her. She shut her eyes trying to block out their heartbreaking faces, unable to move any further through the wide gym doors. Her chest was tight and her heart felt like it might jump from her chest if it beat any faster. And even though they looked like a couple of teenagers just showing up to do their best, Robin knew the truth and it ate her like a rabid dog. They had tried so hard to prevent this, all of their efforts failing time and time again. She would have almost rathered they…

She felt Steve’s hand link with hers cutting her grim thoughts short with his touch. “We couldn’t help than, let’s help now,” he said quietly, “come on.” 

Robin opened her eyes, looking over at her best friend, and inhaled sharply with a scared nod. 

The quick rise and fall of her chest gave away every thought that moved through her mind, causing Steve to give her hand a soft squeeze. It was moments like these where Robin was more than grateful for her best friend. Having someone there who knew exactly how to ground her thoughts and keep her steady was something she hadn’t experienced in the past but having him and everyone who knew around her weirdly made it easier to cope. 

Well, not everyone. 

“Robin…” His voice whispered in her ear once more. 

She shook her head once and plastered on a soft smile as she met the amber eyes of Steve, “I’m fine, promise,” she cleared her throat, slipping her hand from his and walking further into the gym. 

Robin could sense the look he was giving her, it was the same look he always gave her when she said that. But he was right. It was time to actually do some good and help where they could. Since they couldn’t stop what happened, the least they could do was help with the fallout. 

Steve’s name rang out through the gym as the high school coach called him over to help move some canned goods that were too heavy for others to carry. Robin watched him hesitate as he was about to go after Dustin but he’d already limped off, away from both of them. Steve’s hand went to his side and he winced, but she could see him brush it off before making his way over to the large man who’d called him. 

“Hey, you!” 

Robin spun around and came face to face with one of the head volunteers. 

“You here to help or do you need help?” She asked brashly. 

“Uh, I’m - I’m here to help, whatever you need,” Robin stated quickly, tucking her arms around herself and pulling her lips into a thin line. 

The large woman nodded once and gestured for her to follow, “This way - we need another person sorting clothing. Mens, womens, kids, babies - sizing doesn’t matter at this station, just sort,” she stopped in front of a long table that was piled high with all sorts of different clothing items, “any questions, ask someone else,” she stated before stalking off towards the water station. 

Robin stood frozen for a moment in front of the table, looking between the pile of clothes and out into the gymnasium at her whole town. She sucked in a sharp breath, her mind becoming cloudy with dark thoughts and flashes of the previous days. A tight rope like feeling squeezed the sides of her neck, and she could hear the blood rushing around her head. 

“Don’t worry,” a soft voice came from behind the pile, “it’s not as daunting as it looks” 

Blonde curls and green eyes, with the most beautiful freckles Robin had ever seen, rounded the table and stopped in front of her with a bright smile on her face. 

“I’m Jordan, my friends call me Jo,” she extended her hand out, “look’s like you’re stuck with me today” 

Which she definitely wouldn’t mind. 

Robin accepted the handshake with a tender smile, eyes glued to the girl in front. Jordan's warm, green eyes glimmered under the sun rays pushing their way through the windows, illuminating her blonde hair like a halo. 

She was mesmerized by how pretty she was. A pretty face with an even prettier name. 

She also realized she hadn't stopped shaking her hand.

She shook her head lightly to focus on what she'd just said. "Nice to meet you, Jo.  I'm Robin, but my friends call me Robs." 

Jordan's giggle was one of the sweetest she'd ever heard. She couldn't stop smiling from it. 

"Robs...I like that, it's cute."

They pulled back and Robin turned to what seemed like hundred piles of clothes on the table, mostly in an attempt to hide her flushed cheeks from the girl's words. 

"So you helping me out with this...mission today? I don't even know where to start,” Jordan gestured with her hands toward the table.

Robin fidgeted with her rings, eyes traveling from Jo’s hand to the pile of clothes and back. Her blue eyes took in her bright violet frost painted nails, followed by long delicate fingers adorned by colorful rings. 

Jordan cleared her throat softly, calling her attention back, a knowing smile graced her lips and she raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, yes I um I am yeah. Let’s um, let’s do this.” Robin’s heart hammered against her ribcage and felt the heat creep up her neck and cheeks at having been caught staring. 

“Ok,” she laughed, “ let’s just start separating them in piles on the floor and then we can bag ‘em?” 

“Yeah, sounds good.” 

“Sweet, follow my lead then Robs” she voiced with a playful wink. 

Robin felt the heat crawl up the back of her neck clearing her throat at the way her name sounded rolling off of Jordan's tongue, "you got it." She mumbled, embarrassed that already within the span of thirty seconds, this girl had her in a puddle on the floor. 

Jordan smiled over her shoulder at Robin as she began sorting a pile of clothes. Robin took the pile next to the one Jo was working on and began sorting the mens from the womens. 

"So I don't think I've seen you around before..." Robin finally choked out, her voice cracking slightly as the nerves began to take over once again, "I mean...did you go--do you go to Hawkins?" 

The sweetest melodic giggle fell from Jo's lips and her head dipped slightly before peering up at Robin through thick lashes. 

“Actually not, no. I’m not from Hawkins. Just came here to help,” she shrugged. Robin followed her every move. “What about you?” 

“Hm?” Robin asked which made Jo chuckle. “No- um, I mean, yeah. Yeah, I’m from Hawkins. My friends and I actually…uhm,” she wanted to tell Jo about her summer but decided that it probably wouldn’t be the best idea to tell someone you barely knew that you almost died in another dimension. 

“You know what? Never mind,” she smiled and her cheeks turned pink in embarrassment. 

Robin watched Jo as she was sorting clothes. “You- you’re good at this. Have you helped out before?” she mentally slapped herself at her attempt to flirt with the girl. What was that kind of question? You’re good at piling clothes. Not your first time? She mocked herself in her mind. God, get yourself together, she thought to herself.

Jo smiled at her, leaning on the table of unfolded clothes she looked around to make sure no one was listening and leaned closer to Robin. A bundle of her soft, blonde curls fell into her face and Robin’s eyes flickered nervously from her lips to her big green eyes. 

“Can I tell you a secret?” Jordan whispered, raising an eyebrow playfully. 

Robin nodded, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear to keep herself from doing the same thing to the piece that hung loosely against Jo’s face. Her fingers shook subtly and she could feel her toes curling in her shoes. 

“I’m something of a clothes-folding champion,” she said, her smile growing. “I’m here undercover, if the NLA,” she licked her lip, “The National Laundry Association…” she explained causing laughter to bubble from Robin. “If they find out I lent my delicate, quick services to charity, there would be hell to pay.”

“You sound awfully important and to think you’re here helping the poor, tragedy-stricken citizens of Hawkins out of the kindness of your own heart,” Robin laughed, her nerves settling a touch. 

“If you promise to keep quiet, I can teach you a thing or two,” Jo winked and butterflies erupted in Robin’s chest and stomach. 

She swallowed tightly, “please teach me your ways oh humble NLA agent.” 

“Funny,” Jordan laughed, turning back to the laundry, “you’re funny.”

Robin followed her instruction carefully, piling all the shirts together as she tried not to get too distracted by the gentle curve of her pouty lips. It wasn’t until Jo spoke again that she realized she had stopped mid-fold and was staring again. 

“Hi,” she laughed with that same bright smile, “so uh… who’s the pretty boy?” Jordan pointed to where Steve was struggling with a few flats of soup. 

“Steve?” Robin almost laughed, nervous that she was about to lose the prettiest girl she had seen in her entire life to Harrington… “he’s my hopeless best friend but before you get excited he’s pretty tied up in this tall, dark, and dramatic dungeons and dragons dork from school.” 

“He’s not really my type anyways,” Jo giggled, looking over at Robin with a twinkle in her eye.

Her breath faltered, just a touch at the way she looked at her. The sun filtered through the gymnasium windows showing off the golden flecks sprinkled in the sea of green that were her eyes. She swallowed thickly, willing herself to speak and not just stare. 

“Really? Steve seems to be everybody’s type, usually, I mean,” she shook her head and looked back to the pile of clothes in front of her as the words just kept spilling out of her to no end, “Always fawning over him left and right, it’s the hair you know? Pretty sure that’s what got to Eddie too. All that Farrah Fawcett hairspray has come in handy. SHIT! Ok, you didn’t hear that from me.” 

She felt a soft touch on her hand and her gaze jolted upward, to those beautiful green eyes and the freckles littered below them. A barely there touch but every one of her nerve endings was shot instantly. 

“You’re rambling Robs,” she laughed, “and yes really, Steve’s not my type. Not really what I’m looking for, you know?” Jo smiled and gave her hand a squeeze before pulling her hand back slowly. 

A tingle of excitement started to build in Robin's stomach and she had to bite her lip to hold back a smile, turning her attention instead to a pile of baby pajamas and socks that were a crumpled mess. 

"Well, it's preeeeetty slim pickings in Hawkins nowadays," Robin chuckled awkwardly, her face heating up even more as she stumbled over her words. "You know, now that there's a big gate, I mean, hole, or fault line thing in the town." 

"Jesus Christ Buckley, get it together," Steve would tell her right now. Robin could practically hear his voice in the back of her head. Maybe those bats gave him the ability to communicate telepathically and he is watching me humiliate myself while he tosses around chicken noodle soup like it was his new favorite pastime, she thought to herself before Jo's giggle caught her attention. It was a light, bright sound that had Robin wishing she could record it on tape. 

"I don't know," Jordan smiled, neatly moving a stack of t-shirts to the side before she fixed her seafoam gaze on Robin, the mischief clear in her expression. "You might get lucky. Stranger things have happened." 

The butterflies swarmed in her stomach again as Jordan smiled brightly up at her. Robin was never going to be able to keep up with her. 

Just be yourself. 

Steve's voice suddenly filled her head. He'd be making fun of her right now but she knew his advice would be just that. How was she supposed to be herself when she couldn't even function around blonde curls and jade green eyes?

"Robs?" Jordan's voice filtered through the swirling drain of thoughts in her head. 

Robin glanced down at Jo, "Yeah?" 

"You've been folding the same shirt for the past two minutes..." Jordan grinned softly, "What's going on up there?" 

Well that's a loaded question, Robin thought but chuckled, "oh ya know, a little of this..." she finally finished folding the shirt, "a little of that." 

Jordan nodded, "You're quite the mystery, Robin." 

Robin glanced over at Jordan, her eyes were bright and the smile that played on her lips made Robin want to lean in and-- 

"How's it going over here, ladies?" Harrington's voice suddenly boomed between them a stupid smirk glued to his cheeks. 

“Oh well,” Jordan gave Robin a flirty look, “little of this, little of that.” 

Steve looked over at Robin, his amber eyes narrowing on her. He knew all too well what that meant with Robin and she silently begged him to behave. A cheeky grin spread across his face, eyes lighting up with mischief.  Do. Not. She mouthed across the table. 

“You guys look busy,” he turned back to Jo, taking a step back, “you look after her for me? She likes to wander off when she’s nervous,” he shrugged at Robin who was turning the color of a tomato. 

“I got her,” Jordan smiled, linking her hand around Robin’s bicep as Steve turned away. She leaned over, bumping her shoulder into Robin’s, “you gonna tell me why you’re nervous? Or do I have to guess?” 

“Oh I- um,” she chuckled awkwardly, simultaneously wanting to run away and inch impossibly closer to Jordan. Her fresh floral scent seeped in through her nose and she just wished she could nuzzle into the side of her neck and try and figure out what it was the jasmine was mixed with that made for such a heavenly combination. Robin almost felt her brain firing commands to get her to talk but she was completely frozen. 

Jordan narrowed her eyes at her and leaned in a little closer, her hot breath fanning against Robin’s ear, “you can trust me, you know?” Jo pulled back slightly and smiled, “But it’s totally fine if you don’t wanna tell me… right now, we have all day to talk and stuff.” 

“Thanks,” Robin murmured, giving her a soft smile. “Haven’t had much practice…folding clothes.” 

Jo grinned knowingly before grabbing another box of donations and tossing it onto the table. Her blonde curls fell over her shoulder and sent up another wave of that mouthwatering scent. 

“I get it. My hometown is pretty small too,” she shrugged, leaning on the table. Propping herself up with her elbows, Jordan leaned back with a sigh. “Took a while for me to find someone who also liked to fold clothes. But I’m always up to give a few lessons if needed.” 

“Jesus H. Christ,” Robin muttered, her cheeks flaming red as Jordan cackled. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” the blonde laughed before giving her a sincere look. “You’re just really pretty when you blush, that’s all. Makes me want to see it again.”

“You’ll definitely get to see it again, I’m sure,” Robin muttered not realizing that she’d said it loud enough for Jordan to hear until a soft snort came from her side. Her eyes went wide as a grimace fell over her features, “I didn’t..” 

Robin pinched the bridge of her nose, “I didn’t mean it like that.” 

Jordan’s hand rested on her forearm, the warmth of her fingertips leaving tiny little fires on Robin’s skin. 

“Robin, it’s fine,” she reassured, “you don’t have to be nervous, okay? I won’t bite.” Jordan winked nudging her playfully before grabbing a shirt from the pile. 

“Thanks,” Robin whispered as she watched her move and was already missing the heat from her body. 

Jordan leaned into her, “unless you want me to.” 

Robin’s eyes went wide again as giggles erupted next to her. 

“I’m sorry, that was the last one, I promise,” Jordan smirked, reaching between them to tuck the strand of wave that fell over Robin's ear again. 

The space of skin that Jordan had brushed with her finger felt warm and tingly even after she pulled her hand away. They finished folding the laundry, Jordan leaning against the rickety table with her back as she surveyed the gym. 

“Hey how about we steal a couple of sandwiches and make this a real date,” she said. 

“A date?” The words echoed around in her head at full blast. 

“A first date!” Jordan nodded, sure of herself. “What do you say? Up for some trouble?” 

Robin swallowed thickly, all the nerves and excitement jumbling up in her stomach into a flutter of butterflies. 

She couldn’t believe this was actually happening, not after the weeks, they’d had. After all the physical and emotional pain she had been through, this angel of a woman standing in front of her was interested in her. 

Maybe this was her thank you from the universe, she was her gift after all of the turmoil. Not that she felt like she deserved any kind of gift, not when her loved ones were still hurting and she was powerless against their hurt. But even if it was just for today, even if it was just one sandwich with the gorgeous out-of-towner she was willing to let herself revel in her company, however short or long it may be. 

“Y-yeah I would love that.” 

Jo's smile was incandescent as Robin stammered out her words, the warmth of it spreading across her entire body. She was like bottled up sunshine, bright and bold and Robin couldn't pass up an opportunity to soak it all in. 

"Lemme go grab us some food and drinks," Jo said, her voice vibrating with excitement. "And then we can find a spot, okay?" 

With a shy nod from Robin, the blonde bounded off towards the front of the gym where a long table for bagged lunches and hot meals was set up. Robin couldn't help but admire the curve of her jeans, how the fabric of her shirt started to ride up just enough to- 

"So did we seal the deal yet?"

Knocking her elbow on the table as Steve startled her, Robin rubbed the area with annoyance and blew out a quick puff of air. 

"She's getting us....sandwiches," Robin whispered, watching Jordan talk animatedly with a guy handing out bottles of water by the door. 

"Hey! Sandwiches! That's..." Steve said loudly, gesturing with one hand as he looked around. "The best she could do, given the circumstances. But not bad! Good for you." 

"This is crazy," Robin groaned, leaning over the table. Her hands ran through her short hair, leaving her bangs disheveled. "Everyone's gonna find out. I'm going to be hauled through the town square and pummelled with pebbles or something." 

Steve grabbed Robin's shoulder and turned her towards him, amber eyes serious in the afternoon light. 

"Robs, listen up, okay?" he started. "You deserve to be happy just as much as anybody. And if someone isn't okay with something that makes you happy, then they aren't worth our time." 

She couldn't help but smile at the use of ‘our’, still finding it hard to believe the former King of Hawkins High could have become like an extension of herself, a little part of her soul walking around outside her body. There's no one else she would have almost died beside. Twice. 

"Thanks, dingus," she mumbled, embarrassed. Nothing made her squirm like having the attention put on her and Steve was currently shining the world's biggest spotlight. 

"No problem," Steve grinned. "Besides, she's a total babe. I don't blame you.” 

"Oh my god, like, insanely hot!" 

The two were still talking in animated whispers when Jordan reappeared carrying two paper bags and a look of amusement.

"Am I interrupting something?" 

Robin jumped slightly, knocking away Steve’s hands as she turned towards Jordan, plastering the best smile she could, “No–not at all!” Suddenly out of breath and knocked her elbow gently into Steve’s sternum when a chuckle escaped him. 

Jordan grinned, “You ready for our date then?” 

She could feel Steve’s eyes bore into the side of her face as she pressed her lips together in a thin line and hummed with a nod. 

“Well come on,” She held out one of the bags for Robin to take, blowing a small puff of air from her lips to blow the small tendrils of curls away from her face. 

Robin could feel the blush creep up her spine once again as she stood watching Jordan as if it was a slow-motion scene. 

“This is the part where you take the bag and go with the pretty girl…” Steve whispered, leaning into her.

“Thanks, genius,” Robin pushed him away and took the bag. “Can we leave before he embarrasses me anymore?” She begged Jordan. 

“Sorry princess,” Jordan threw her arm around Robin playfully. “Maybe next time I can meet your dorky dungeon lover?” 

Robin tensed, she’d never get that double date. Not with Eddie hiding in Steve’s house from the law. She begged the universe to make the situation normal, where she could just go out with her best friends, hand in hand with a pretty girl 

“He’d like you,” Steve smiled genuinely, but Robin could see the pain in hazel eyes as he put a hand on his hip. “Enjoy your lunch ladies, there’s a picnic bench hidden behind the tennis courts.” 

Shooting Steve a small wave, Robin and Jordan snuck their way out of the gym and out into the fresh air. The bright sun illuminated Jordan’s eyes and brought out the freckles that adorned her cheeks, just the sight of her made Robin’s heart skip a beat as they walked out into the grass together, Jo’s arm still sloppily draped across her shoulders. 

The small pep talk continued in her head, still trying to convince herself that everything would be fine. It didn’t matter what the town thought. All that mattered was the support of her best friend and her own happiness. Exactly as Steve had told her many times. 

Robin took a sharp breath and looked over at Jo, who was already looking at her with her head tilted to the side. Her warm smile set every nerve in her body off as butterflies erupted in her stomach. 

“Sorry, I did it again, didn’t I?” Robin asked with a laugh, gently leaning against the blonde beside her, nudging her playfully. 

Jo shook her head, “it’s okay, I get it. Let’s distract that beautiful brain of yours, k?” she smiled and swiped her tongue along her bottom lip as she thought for a second, “tell me about the coolest thing you’ve ever done.”

Pulling her bottom lip between her teeth, Robin hummed and tried to figure out what she could tell her. The answer she wanted to give was when she and Steve cracked the Russian's secret codes, but that wasn’t exactly a story she could just blurt out. Nor was a story about being in an alternate upside universe. That seemed more like a second date story. 

“Hm, Steve and I helped save some kids during this… mall fire that happened here a couple of years ago, I guess that was kind of cool,” she shrugged, as they sat down at the hidden picnic bench, “this town has had some bad luck the past few years” 

Joe pulled out her sandwich and looked at her with widened eyes. “ Really? Wow, that's really cool. You guys must be some sort of heroes of Hawkins then I assume? “ She took a bite with a lopsided smirk as she chewed. 

Robin took a bite of her sandwich, her throat thickening, and a lump formed in her throat which made it hard for her to swallow. The memories of that night flashed by in her mind, the fear and the exhaustion of thinking of the many ways it could’ve gone terribly wrong. The loss of her newfound family. 

Also that the town had no idea of the people inside the mall and what they were really fighting for. 

The warmth of Joe’s hand on her thigh made her eyes bounce up to hers, erupting butterflies through her whole body. Her eyes were a combination of regret and sorrow. “ I’m sorry, did I say something wrong? “

She shook her head quickly, chuckling because there was no way this beautiful girl could be wrong about anything. She was too perfect for this world. “ No, I’m fine, I just…got lost…again. “

She smiled. “I could see that. But what you did to those kids must mean a lot to them today. You saved lives, Robs. “ 

“We’re actually really good friends today. Well, sometimes it feels like they’re my siblings. Especially on those days when they make you want to pull out your own hair,” Her words welcomed Jo’s adorable and melodic giggle which she couldn’t hold back on her own as they took a bite. 

Silence fell shortly around them and Jo’s eyes were suddenly fixated on Robin’s face. She felt how redness quickly crept upon her cheeks, and she was about to check if she had something on her face, when the blonde’s hand reached towards her. Her hand lingered over her mouth for a second before she rubbed away something sticky from the corner of her mouth with her thumb. Robin’s heart hammered in her chest and it felt like it was about to break free along with her soon to be collapsed lungs. 

Jo drew back her hand and wiped away the mess on her jeans. A playful smirk lingered on her lips. “Sorry, but you’re a messy eater. “ She winked as she sipped on her drink, blonde curls flowing through the wind like the waves of the ocean, calling for Robin to feel the silk between her fingers. 

Robin chewed on the inside of her cheek, trying to hold back her smile as Jordan chewed lazily on her sandwich and leaned back against the table to let the sun bathe over her. Robin could count the freckles that trailed down her neck, over the soft ridges of her collarbone. She wanted to paint constellations on her skin with them, she wanted to see how they looked in the moonlight and the early morning sun. 

Jo tilted her head, her glossy green eyes blinking back at Robin who couldn’t help but stare. Hidden away, behind the gymnasium away from the prying eyes and cruel whispers of the town she felt the confidence to do so unashamed creep up her spine. 

“When the sun reflects in your eyes, they look like a lake before the world wakes up,” Jo looked up at her through thick lashes, “unbothered and serene.”

Robin felt the world slow down, she could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage as her lungs stubbornly filled with air and her fingers and toes tingled like they were being held to an open flame. How could someone she knew for so little a time, make her feel so alive?

“Robin?” Jordan pushed up on her hands, straightening her back and sliding closer to her, “I want to kiss you.”

Her lips parted, in any strangled attempt to respond but it was like someone had sucked all the volume out of the world. She wanted to kiss Jordan so badly, it made her chest hot and stomach roll into a thousand little knots. To feel how soft her lips felt on hers, to lick away the jelly taste, and to finally kiss a girl. It’s all Robin wanted. But the words caught in her throat, sticky and stubborn stayed stuck, leaving her stupidly silent in the face of love. 

Jordan leaned in, brushing Robin’s wavy blonde hair back from her cheek before her hand trailed down the gentle curve of her long neck all well bringing them closer together under the bright sun. 

Robin could feel her breath on her lips and the constriction in her chest tugged and pulled her in every direction making it hard to breathe. “I’ve never kissed anyone.” She blurted out, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

A soft smirk crept onto Jordan’s perfect lips as she brushed the tips of their noses together, “I can teach you,” she whispered, brushing her fingertips ever-so softly along the side of Robin’s neck, “if that’s okay, of course” 

Robin sucked in a shaky breath as she looked at the beautiful girl in front of her. Her mind and heart were both screaming at her to say yes, to just lean in and kiss her but she sat frozen, unable to peel her eyes off Jo’s as they sat there. In their own little world. 

After what felt like hours, she finally mustered up the ability to nod slowly, biting the inside of her cheek to stop the smile. She could hear the blood rushing through her ears as she watched the Jordan’s tongue swipe along her bottom lip. 

The moment their lips pressed together, every nerve in Robin’s body ignited with electricity, butterflies taking over her entire chest. She tasted of strawberry jam and peanut butter, their lips moving together in perfect harmony. 

In a moment of confidence, Robin’s hand landed on Jo’s thigh as her other went up to cup her cheek, pressing deeper into the kiss. Jo’s lips were softer than she could have ever imagined, and though she didn’t have much to compare it to, it was the best first kiss she’d ever experienced. 

As the two pulled back, Jo rested their foreheads together, her pink kiss-bitten bottom lip finding a home between her teeth as the two girls caught their breath. 

“You know, for having never kissed someone before,” the blonde breathed, rubbing the tip of her nose against Robin’s, “you’re pretty good at it” she teased playfully, pressing another quick kiss to the brunette’s lips. 

“I had a really good teacher,” Robin cooed, pressing her lips to the corner of Jo’s mouth as she pulled away. 

“You’ve really never kissed anyone?” Jordan’s eyes flickered over her face, tracing her flushed skin and kiss swollen lips. 

“That was my first,” Robin swallowed, her hand sliding down her cheek and thumb resting on Jo’s bottom lip. “I didn’t expect it to be so soft,” she whispered, tempted to lean in for more. 

“Oh darling, it won’t always be,” Jo nibbled on her thumb, “I had to be nice the first time.” 

Robin could feel the warmth explode in the pit of her stomach, imagining every single thing she could learn from Jordan. 

“We can save that for the second date,” Robin giggled, feeling lighter than she had in days. 

“And the third,” Jordan pressed her lips to Robin’s again. “And the fourth,” she kissed her cheek and jaw. Peppering her skin with soft lips as Robin leaned closer into her lap without hesitation. 

“We probably should do them all at once,” Robin laughed, feeling Jo’s hands press to her hips, her fingers curling against the fabric. 

“You’re probably right,” Jo giggled, brushing her nose against the skin of Robin’s neck. “But it was worth a shot,” she clicked her tongue against her teeth. 

“What about tonight?” Robin asked, she and Steven were supposed to sit at home watching movies but she was sure he wouldn’t mind if she invited Jordan. 

“Look at you angel, confidence shining brighter than a star,” Jordan’s smile melted every ounce of willpower Robin had. “And all it took was a kiss,” she winked. 

“It was you,” Robin stopped her. “I haven’t felt like myself in a long time—” 

“She was there all along,” Jordan sat up proudly, her beautiful curly hair blowing in the wind. “You just needed some help finding her. Will you tell me why you were actually hiding her? Cause I know it wasn’t that story about the mall fire. Everyone can see there’s something going on in Hawkins.”

Robin’s confidence rushed from her like a tidal wave leaving behind the sinking feeling that she was doing something wrong. With a simple blink, the picnic table seemed to be in the middle of the gymnasium again, the face of sad and injured people staring at her, confused and hurt by her happiness. 

“A lot has happened in the last few weeks,” Robin whispered, barely able to explain herself.  

She felt Jordan’s soft fingers intertwine with her own and give her hand a small squeeze. Her gaze staying fallen on the grass that surrounded them, Robin knew that if she looked at the girl beside her, she would lose it. A side of herself that only Steve had witnessed. 

Swallowing a thick lump that had formed in her throat, she chewed on the inside of her cheek, trying to figure out how to start the story without sounding insane. There was a reason the gang had kept this all to themselves. If they even tried to explain what was happening they would all get locked up or worse. The weight of their little town sat on the shoulders of kids and no one knew. Her chest squeezed together and she shook her head, bouncing her leg anxiously. 

“Hey, take your time - I’m right here,” Jordan reached over and tucked a piece of Robin’s hair behind her ear. Her other hand stayed locked with hers, bringing a small amount of comfort as she tried to get the words out. 

“You’re going to think I’m crazy,” Robin admitted.

Jo shook her head and gave her hand another squeeze, “Never, and you don’t have to fully tell me if you don’t want to, whatever you’re comfortable with” 

“No, I - I want to tell you, it’s just that - it sounds insane. I know it sounds insane, it’s hard to put into words that make sense,” Robin’s breathing picked up quickly as anxiety washed through her, thinking about everything. Even just focusing on the last few weeks was a lot for her brain to process. 

“There’s this… place that we call the upside down - it’s basically alternate dimension Hawkins, and there are things that live there, that have been escaping into this Hawkins for the past few years, and basically the whole situation came to a head a few weeks ago when this guy who’s name use to be Henry and then he was a kid who was experimented on and his name was One, but the kids our group also calls him Vecna after this bad guy in Dungeons and Dragons… anyway the whole thing kind of turned sideways and in trying to save the town we kind of caused this all to happen and we lost -” a lump caught in her throat as a sob escaped her. Robin shook her head once, “we lost a couple of people…” 

Jordan sat there listening, holding onto Robin’s hand with one of hers while her free arm draped around her shoulders, the tips of her fingers running gently over her skin trying to calm down the heat that was rising. 

Letting out a soft sigh, Robin chewed on her bottom lip, still unable to look over and meet the eyes of the first person she’d told this to outside of their group, “if we had been a little quicker, a little bit more planned, none of this would have happened…” she cleared her throat, and went to take her hand away from Jordan, “I’ll understand if you want to turn and run as far away from me as you can get…” 

“Hey,” Jo stood up, trapping Robin on the bench with her arms on either side of her body. She kissed her slowly, taking her time, convincing her with nothing but her touch that she wasn’t going anywhere. “How dare you think I’d spook that easily,” she whispered, brushing her nose against Robin’s teary cheek. “Thank you for telling me,” she said next as if Robin had just told her something wonderful and life-changing not a tragic story of death and loss. “Do you want to know what I think?” 

Robin nodded, unable to form the words. 

“I think that Hawkin’s is still standing, that whatever you guys did down there in…” she trailed off. 

“The upside down,” Robin helped her. 

“Yeah, whatever you guys did down there, prevented more people from dying. There are kids, moms, dads, uncles, and aunts. There are grandparents and pets in that gym, and they’re there because you guys did something to stop it. You’re a bunch of high schoolers Robin,” Jordan wrapped her hands around her face, “I think you’re brave and courageous with so much more strength than you give yourself credit for. I’ve known you for two hours and I can say with the utmost confidence that you are the most beautiful intelligent woman I have ever met. If I turned tail and ran now, I’d miss out on so much. The way your nose gets red when you’re nervous and the soft gravelly giggle you make when you think you said something embarrassing. I’d never get to count every single freckle on your face or kiss you again,” Jo shrugged, stealing a kiss before she could argue. “The only thing about that entire story that sounded insane was me running away from you.”

Robin’s eyes welled up, looking up to finally meet Jo’s and pulling her lips into a thin line. A wave of relief washed over her and took the place of the anxiety and for just a moment, the whole world around them stilled and faded away. 

It was definitely not the response she had been expecting, Robin hoped that she wouldn’t scare away the first girl who’d been able to pull her out of her shell and make her feel safe in such a short amount of time, but given everything that had been happening, it would just be another thing. Most days Robin still woke up screaming for Steve as the familiar feeling of the vein tightened around her neck. 

“We just should have done more… we shouldn’t have left them alone,” Robin cleared her throat and placed her hands on Jordan’s forearms, “it was bad Jo, seeing the kids going through that, I-” 

“Robs, this wasn’t your fault. I know I don’t know everything about what happened, but I do know this wasn’t your fault,” Jordan reassured, swiping her thumb across Robin’s cheek to catch a fallen tear, “I will tell you that as many times as you need. I am right here, and I know that you and your friends did everything you could” 

“Hearing it helps but I don’t think this sinking feeling will ever go away permanently,” Robin shrugged and pressed her face against Jo’s hand. 

“You shouldn’t have to carry it alone,” she said. “And if you’ll let me, I’d like to help.” 

Robin tangled her hands into the curls around Jordan’s face, letting the silky strands run over her fingers. The sun basking across her face, made the green in her eyes dance like the iris was alive, and in a tight, breathless moment that look gave Robin her hope back. 

The hope that Steve so desperately held on to for her, that he never gave up on, for her. 

It was there, smiling back at her in the form of a living angel. 

“Kiss me,” Robin blurted out, keeping her eyes locked with Jo’s, “please” 

Without another word, Jordan dipped her head slotting her mouth against Robins in a deep kiss. Taking in every bit of sadness and despair, and replacing it with a warm fuzzy feeling that made her want to cry, and scream all at once. 

Her hands remained tangled in Jordan’s long blonde curls as she stood up and pulled her body as close to hers as she could. The need to feel every part of her taking over completely. While the sun shone brightly over the two of them, Robin felt as though she had her own perfect ray of sunshine, right there in her arms. Her own personal feeling of hope for even the darkest days. The pain and anger and sadness she’d been feeling every day for the last 3 weeks slipped away just by being in this beautiful girl's presence. 

Jordan pulled back, tugging on her lip gently as she went, “you owe me a second date,” she teased. 

“Do you like really bad comedy movies?” Robin asked. Hoping that Steve wouldn’t mind if they crashed movie night. 

“How did you know those are my favorite,” Jordan laughed.

“You look like a girl who loves a badly timed joke,” Robin kissed her again. “Thank you,” she whispered, pulling away breathlessly. 

“For what?” Jordan’s brows knitted together. 

Robin shrugged. “For reminding me what the sun looked like.”

[practically-an-x-man]

oh my god i'm rewatching Stranger Things from the beginning and i just realized that the song that plays when they resuscitate Will in S1 is the same song as when Eddie dies in S4

[alt-acc-but-its-just-me-again]

this is going on the alt no one looks at- this is too hot of a take

HOT TAKE getting upset over spoilers doesnt make a piece of media shallow or bad or anything, under the guise that the spoilers ruin the whole thing for you and therefore mean the plot twists are the only good part in said media

i dislike spoilers because i enjoy the immersion or “escapism” of it. i love the mystery. i love feeling the world just as the characters do. i love discovering it at my own pace. i love the wonder of experiencing a new world for the first time- second rewatches should be for noticing all the hints and foreshadowing and easter eggs- second rewatches are when i get to feel like god, thats a Treat For Later

but also i totally understand if you Don’t like the suspense and anxiety and enjoy the predictability as comfort but also like- keep that in ur pants!!

getting spoiled for eddies death made me loose any and all emotions i would have felt for that scene. it wasn’t “he sacrificed himself!! oh my god!” it was “he sacrificed himself? i thought that would be later”

getting spoiled for the end of tbomt made me loose so much intrest in the show because it ends in a trope i Really Fucking Hate So Much. but i love the characters still!! i love the world still!! its a great show!! me getting upset over spoilers cant change that!!

its fine if you dont mind spoilers! ill give you spoilers if you want! but i dont want them!! please dont!! consent bro!

on the other hand i hate people who are purposely all like “haha this guy dies i hope you cant watch this show now” and i think They Should All Go To Hell No Matter What

[excalibur0]

I finally finished catching up w stranger things a couple days ago....

I have feelings... maybe even thots...

and while I know I can't elaborate on most thots and feelings, I will say that I think it is a fuckin crime that Argyle and Eddie never got to meet :(

[meloqnspblog]

We could be getting something on Will's birthday

This is just a theory, and I don't have any proper evidence for it, just pure speculation!!

Even though all the dates stuff are announced are random (expect st day), I think that a possibility of getting something like the teaser/trailer or even announcement dates is very possible on Will's birthday. Hear me out:

It's gonna set birthdaygate in stone even further.

Since It's an important announcement, the GA will have the date memorised and will be like "wait, this date is familiar"

It would make sense between the gap of the release and the dates announcement. The days between the dates announcements and releases are around 100-200 days. So, I calculated it.

If I'm right, the earliest release is June 30th and the latest is October 8th.

I personally believe that we are getting the teaser very soon and that we didn't get it because of the elections on st day. Possibly around December/Christmas?

[smellsliketeenangst]

SOBBING AT DUSTIN GETTING EDDIES TATTOO!!!!

These BTS photos are FEEDING me right now

[bylerbean77]

You can’t convince me that they aren’t bffs that talk about boys at sleepovers

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

How Steve and Eddie accidentally have a baby:

Robin's cousin just had a baby through a turkey baster. Robin and Eddie are hanging out when Robin brings it up.

Eddie: There's no way! It doesn't seem possible.

Robin: Dude, you're carrying around your own turkey baster.

Eddie: Nope. Nope. Nope. No way!

Robin: We have the material. We have an actual turkey baster. Let's test out a theory.

Eddie: And if it does work?

Robin: Then you and Steve get a baby like you've been talking about.

Eddie: You know, maybe Steve is right. Maybe we shouldn't hang out without him.

Robin: Coward.

Eddie: . . .

Robin: . . .

Eddie: *narrows eyes* Do it.

A couple of months later. . .

Eddie greeted Steve with a kiss as soon as he walked into their home and snuggled into his arms, squeezing him tightly.

Eddie: So, how mad would you be if I told you that I got your platonic soulmate pregnant?

[fauxblt]

belated halloween post heheh (using @dogsill's the upside down pack)

[two-red-lungs]

Me when Stranger Things S5 inevitably comes out and my favorite literally canonically dead character doesn't magically appear in the first scene:

[apocalyptic-byler]

should we be worried that theres a reference of music near his picture becaussseeeeeee

[will80sbyers]

what they should do is not do any graduation epilogue but put graduation in a collective Vecna vision... and then do a real Christmas epilogue where they celebrate together and this because I like Christmas way more

[i-upset-to-dead-65]

If the Umbrella Academy writers wrote season 5 of Stranger Things

Lucas is given the magical power to resurrect Max. She wakes up episode 1 and her being dead has no impact on her character development.

The Russians? What Russians? Oh, there was a US-Russia war that took care of that off screen.

Dustin becomes a comic relief character with no depth. Suzie is mentioned once offhandedly in episode 2 as having vaguely ended their relationship. No elaboration.

Will can fly now.

The kids discover they can defeat Vecna with the power of holding hands.

A third parallel universe called the Sideways-Over is introduced, used as a plot device once, then the show ends with no explanation or real relevancy.

Will has a tearful gay confession then he is sucked into super hell and Mike abandons him to go to homophobic heaven because God wants him to be his Special Angel - wait sorry that's Supernatural AND Good Omens.

Robin's role is written down to Steve's sidekick, Vicky is never mentioned, and she has no development or interactions with any one but Steve.

Mike finally gets with Eleven/Will. Then there's a time skip where he cheats on them with Steve. It's okay, we time skipped so its legal now. Why are you booing? They got trapped in the upside-down for four years, of course they'd fall in love.

[junoisthecoolest]

so bylers canon ig

[milevenstancyendgame]

Guys, I'm gonna flip:

Could this mean that Steve is in the ambulance?😳

Also, is Nancy's hospital disguise (possibly even two disguises, see last post) related to this?