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talesof-old · 2 years

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Welcome to Camp Killbuck Creek

chapter one

Welcome to Camp Killbuck Creek

introducing Hawkins’ very own summer camp, Camp Killbuck Creek.

bordered by Prosperity and Lover’s Lakes and settled along Killbuck Creek, our camp features activities such as kayaking, archery, arts & crafts, and more.

the year is 1983, and after the disappearance of one of the camp’s attendees, nothing with ever be the same.

word count: 7.7k

warning(s): unedited, normal stranger things warnings i supposed, things like gore, blood, violence, death, s1 steve being a douche, disappearance of children, allusions to homophobia

pairing(s): eventual steve x reader

masterlist

a/n: we’re doing great 😀 i’m trying my best and that’s all that matters lmao

little side note - the reader is going to be written as bisexual, also these first few chapters might be a little slow and they definitely jump around because i’m trying to make sure i have all the important bits covered

July 7th, 1983

You hummed along to the radio, “Don’t You Want Me” sounding through the nearly empty meeting hall. Nancy was tacking up the Camp Killbuck Creek banner. The ladder beneath her rocked precariously, a sure sign of things ending badly if the girl didn’t pay attention. You set the box in your hands down on the nearest table. Just as you were about to call out to her, a certain tall brown haired boy ducked into the large room, steadying the ladder beneath her. Nancy yelped at the sudden stability before she giggled. You rolled your eyes and turned, catching a glimpse of Barb struggling with two boxes just outside. You huffed at Steve, who agreed to help her, and rushed out into the heat before Barb hurt herself.

“I wish he would do what he was supposed to.” Barb’s words were soft and mumbled as she spoke, but the venom that seeped into them was enough for you to flinch. Her crush on Nancy had, as far as you were aware, gone completely unnoticed by the object of affection. You chewed on your inner cheek and offered an uneasy smile.

“Look: Steve’s a player, it’s bound to end badly.” The words weren’t exactly encouragement, but it was the only peace you could offer her. Nancy was head over heels infatuated with Steve, blushing and starry eyed whenever he was around, despite her vehement denials.

Barb only sighed and you were quick to reach out and grab the top box, groaning as you felt the weight. Barb sent you a small smile and the two of you shuffled into the meeting hall. Nancy was now safely on solid ground, arms crossed and hugging herself as she laughed at something Steve said. You set the box down next to the others. Barb followed suit, eyes focused on Nancy as you glanced around. The meeting hall, which would be the designated area for breakfast and lunches, as well as arts and crafts, still had a lot of cleaning up and organizing that had to be done. Tommy and Steve had already taken brooms through the entire place, sweeping away spider webs and dust while the three of you unpacked the two vans filled with groceries and supplies. Eddie and Jonathan had taken it upon themselves to start cleaning the cabins, Eddie muttering something about getting away from the popular assholes. You’d simply nodded along to his statement and wandered after Barb.

“I wonder how long it will take for her to admit they’re actually dating,” Barb whispered in your ear. You shrugged, eyes focused on Steve as he leaned against the old wooden panels of the wall. He was obnoxiously rude, even at school, though you had to admit the rumors made you curious. Barb nudged you and jutted her chin at the boxes of t-shirts you would be handing out to the kids this year.

Apparently, last year the camp shirts had been atrocious, a neon orange with blocky lettering that everyone complained about. Mr. Coleman had eventually agreed to allow you to design the shirts. You’d enlisted Robin Buckley’s help and the two of you had created a light blue shirt with darker lettering that you would actually wear outside of volunteering. Robin had begged you to sneak her in, but unfortunately, she was too old to be an attendee and too young to be a youth camp counselor. You simply patted her shoulder and gave her a “There’s always next year,” in response.

The two of you made your way through the mess and opened the boxes, separating them each by size. You set aside several, one in your own size and then another two, each in Barb’s and Nancy’s size. The three of you had decided in the days leading up to your summer volunteering that you would get one of the camper’s shirts in addition to your own camp counselor t-shirts. You’d be expected to wear these shirts most of the time you were here anyway.

Barb sat down on one of the benches, organizing the piles and keeping them neatly folded while you handed them to her. It was mind numbing, these moments. You’d loved the idea of it, you supposed. Back home, you’d gone to summer camps just like this and enjoyed them immensely. Now you were second guessing yourself. The midwestern heat was different than you were used to, though you can’t say you hate it. If you got to be by the water most of the day you’d probably be fine.

Nancy raced over, clutching the unfolded shirts in her hands as she read their tags. You certainly didn’t miss the bright red blush on her cheeks as you watched her. Barb rolled her eyes and smirked. You raised a brow but continued with the task at hand. Barb’s ability to keep her crush on Nancy from Nancy was mind-boggling, frustrating at best and heartbreaking at worst. You bent over, grabbing a handful of shirts and setting them in their respective piles.

“So, how’s your boyfriend-” Barb was cut off by Nancy’s insistent and flustered voice.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

July 16th, 1983

A man ran down the sleek halls. His panting had nothing to do with the quickness in which he was moving down the hall. His heart was thumping hard against his ribcage because of the monster stalking the halls.

Last he could remember, it was killing his coworkers on the floor below. He slammed his fingers against the elevator button. Screams echoed through the lab and he inhaled sharply, hitting the elevator button again in a panic.

The doors opened, showcasing an empty ticket to safety. The screams became louder, closer than they were before and his hands trembled as he frantically pushed against the close door button. The elevator doors slowly inched closer.

He slumped against the wall, heart still racing, when a sharp clicking noise sent the organ skipping a beat. His stomach sank and he tilted his head upward. The monster reached for him, cutting off his scream as it wrapped its teeth around his face and throat.

The elevator door shut.

July 17th, 1983

“Do you hear that?” Mike’s voice is deadly serious as he peeked over the folder hiding his campaign notes. “Listen…”

Dustin, Will, and Lucas glanced between each other and Mike, eyes wide in anticipation as the day’s campaign is coming to an end. Empty coke cans are scattered around them on the floor of their cabin room, a nearly empty pizza box courtesy of Y/n is off to the side, forgotten in the excitement.

“Something is coming.“

Dustin’s mouth opened in disbelief, heart racing as he tried to come up with an explanation as to what he and his companions were going to have to face. Lucas was already shaking his head.

“... Something hungry for blood... “

“A shadow grows on the wall behind you, swallowing you in darkness; it is almost here-”

All three of them leaned forward, eyes flitting to their figurines. Will was nervous, head tilted as he all but whispered, “What is it?”

Dustin was quick to offer an option, shaking his head in disbelief.

“What if it's the Demogorgon? We're in deep shit if it's the Demogorgon-”

Bewilderment was heavy in the air, a thick taste on one’s tongue as time seemed to still. The possibility that their characters won’t make it out of this was at the forefront of their minds. The idea that things might not end well.

“It's not the Demogorgon!” Lucas rolled his eyes, gesturing to Mike’s folder as if that explains anything at all. The monster, a Prince of Demons, was more than he could ever expect from this campaign.

Mike watched with a strange look of knowing on his face. A smile threatened to emerge on his lips, but he forced it away, keeping his gaze on his riled up friends. Their expectant faces turned to him. “An army of Troglodytes charge into the chamber!”

He slammed the figurines onto the floor, exclamations of surprise and relief filling the room. Mike continued on his tirade, furthering along the game as the boys bicker about the adversary. Lucas leaned back, smug. Mike’s eyes grew wide and he looked over his shoulder. His voice trembled as he built suspense. He slammed a two-headed figurine on the table, voice booming as he said, “The Demogorgon.”

For a brief second, stunned silence filled the too warm air.

Then,

“We’re in deep shit.” Dustin murmured.

Soon, the room was filled with the sound of Lucas urging Will to fireball the creatures to save everyone. Dustin was just as loud, arguing that Will needed to instead cast a protection spell. Tired of their indecision, Mike forced their move. Will scrambled to roll, hands shaky as he threw the dice. It bounced off the ground hard and fast, scattering before the boys knew what happened.

Dustin spotted it by the door, “Is it a thirteen?” They just barely reached it to examine it before the door opened, Y/n standing with their hands on their hips. Mike groaned.

“Y/n, we’re in the middle of a campaign-”

You raised a brow. You’d given them more leeway than most. They were up thirty minutes past lights out, and given how loud they were, you weren’t sure you’d let them get away with it again. A glance at your watch told you it was five til ten.

“You mean the end.”

Mike rolled his eyes and groaned, following you as you turned on your heels and started walking down the hallway. Everyone else’s doors were closed and their lights off, though you’d be a fool if you believed half of them were asleep. You remembered how it was. Using your flashlights or lanterns for light and giggling well into the night, only to regret it when it was time to greet the day.

“Just twenty more minutes-” Despite the way your heart tugged at you, you shook your head. You had a responsibility, unfortunately for them. Your shirt clung to your back, sweaty from the heat as you sighed at Mike’s pleading eyes. He was cute, and reminded you too much of your younger brother.

“You guys have an early morning, I’m sorry. Everyone else needs sleep, so you’ll just have to finish it next Sunday or something-” He was quick when he cut you off. Any other time, you might’ve let it slide, but you were tired, sweaty, and ready to call it a day. The shitty old shower in your cabin was calling your name, and your body ached just thinking about your bed.

“That’ll ruin the flow!”

He ran in front of you, arms flailing as he tried to convince you to let them continue. You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose in a plea to whatever divine being was listening at the moment. These kids were going to be the death of you. You heard the mumbles of the other three boys behind you. You glanced behind you but Mike spoke before you could focus on what the other kids were doing.

“I'm serious, Y/n! It took two weeks to plan. How was I supposed to know it'd take ten hours?”

You blinked in surprise. What the fuck are these kids on?

A part of you felt as though you shouldn’t be surprised. Eddie had played numerous campaigns, some of which you’d watched, and they could drag on for hours. You didn’t doubt that these boys had been holed up all day.

“You've been playing for ten hours?” The tone was far more exasperated than you’d originally planned for it to be, but it was late, so you were beyond trying to reason with him. Mike opened his mouth as if to reply. Then, as if thinking better of it, he darted back into the room the four were residing in.

You huffed, turning back to see Will with his flashlight walking towards you and the entrance. Strangely enough, you’d heard him mutter something that sounded a lot like “It got me,” as he passed Mike in the hallway. You raised a brow at the young boy. He shrugged, a sheepish smile on his face. “Bathroom.” You nodded, the assumption that one of the boys would be joining his walk to the bathhouse since you’d spent the entire first week not shutting up about the buddy system.

You left the cabin, eyes drooping. Above you, the light illuminating the door and ground flickered before resuming a steady light. You shook your head, making a mental note to check for a potential replacement, and started back towards your own cabin. If you’d been more awake, you might have noticed just how silent the woods around you had become. How it felt as though something was watching, waiting.

+++

Will made sure to be quick in his efforts to get to the nearest bathhouse. His mother, Joyce, had made him promise to check in with Jonathan each night, and the bathrooms were just a minute walk from his older brother’s cabin. He kept his bike, which Joyce had brought over that morning, steady over the uneven trail, shining his flashlight in front of him to hopefully avoid any less than friendly animals.

He passed a large sign, one that at this point, he’d gotten far too used to. It wasn’t his first time at this camp. The large, bold letters read:

HAWKINS NATIONAL LABORATORY.

RESTRICTED AREA. NO TRESPASSING.

His bike’s light flickered in the night, and he glanced down. Around him, everything seemed to quiet. The light returned to normal. Will glanced up, a loud gasp tearing from his throat as he took in the tall, misshapen figure standing just yards in front of him. He yanks the handlebars of his bike backwards, a desperate attempt to avoid crashing. His bike veered off the trail. He crashes into the ground, rolling away from his bike and coming to a painful stop. Behind him, a sharp clicking and rumbling noise can be heard. It grows louder, and the thought that it might be coming for him briefly passed the boy’s mind before he’s running.

By now, he’s long since forgotten the need to pee. No, instead, he’s racing to get to his brother’s cabin. Perhaps, Jonathan will know what to do. Even if he doesn’t, the camp counselors' cabins all have guns, since gun shooting used to be an activity at Camp Killbuck Creek.

He bursted into a clearing, taking in the shadowed cabin. His heart thumped against his chest. He ran forward, throwing open the door before slamming it shut and locking it behind him. “Jonathan?” His voice sounded weak as he called out. Panic was clawing at his throat as he realized there was no one here.

He shook his head, peeking out of the front window. For a moment, it seemed as though he’d lost whatever was following him. He blinked, the figure seeming to appear from nowhere just at the treeline. Will paled, eyes wide as he took in the outline of the creature. It didn’t seem human, he realized; its arms were too long, its head was too big. He blinked again and suddenly it was gone. He stumbled backwards.

He raced down the hall. This cabin had a phone. He’d seen Jonathan use it several times to talk to his mom. He spotted the bright yellow phone hanging and nearly slammed into the wall to get to it, hands shaking as he dialed 911. There is no ringing. Dread filled his stomach as he heard what sounded like the creature through the phone, as though it was trying to tell him something. As though it was trying to talk to him. He glanced at the door down the hall. He made out the silhouette of the monster just outside the door. The lock began to slide out of place.

Will made a run for it, out the back door and into the shed that holds the rifles. The shed door slammed behind him with a loud wham!, though by now his attention is solely on how he can protect himself. The shed light flickers above him. He grabbed the nearest gun, attempting to load it as fast as possible. His hands shook as he did his best, trying to ignore the fear that resided in his stomach. He finished loading the rifle, snapping the chamber closed and aiming it towards the door.

Behind him, a shadowy figure rose. Will stilled as he realized he could no longer hear anything from beyond the door. His muscles tensed as he felt a soft breeze long the back of his neck. He turned slowly, rifle lowering as he took in the face of the monster. Tears burned his eyes but all he could do was stare in shock.

“P-please…” His voice trembled as he pleaded.

The lightbulb above him grew brighter, steadily becoming too much to bear, but right before it burst, it dimmed.

The shed was now empty.

July 18th, 1983

You were stocking up your first aid kid when Jonathan rushed into the meeting hall, frantic and followed by his equally distressed mother. You blinked in surprise. Joyce normally volunteered here on her days off to spend time with her sons, or so you’d heard for Mr. Coleman. You set down your backpack as Jonathan beelined for you.

“Barb said you checked on Will last night?” It was less a statement, more a question. You frowned as you thought back to last night. It was no secret that the two brothers were close. You’d overheard Steve complaining about Will coming to check in with Jonathan some nights if Jonathan didn’t check in on him in his own cabin.

“Yeah, he was up late playing a game with his friends.” Jonathan ran a hand over his face, turning to his mom. Joyce was shaking as she looked at you. You blinked again, heart dropping as you took in their faces.

“Why? What happened?”

“We can’t find Will-” Jonathan’s voice cracked as he spoke. Your brow furrowed at the information. You’d left right before he went to the bathhouse, it was possible something had happened on the way there. But why wouldn’t whoever his buddy was say something?

“Was there anything weird that you noticed last night?”

You turned to Joyce, mind racing. Did he even have a buddy last night? Now that you thought about it, the woods had been oddly quiet. You gnawed on your inner cheek. If something had happened…

“All I know was that I heard him say he was going to the bathhouse,” You were careful with your words. Joyce seemed frazzled enough as it was. It would do no good to make things worse. She leaned forward, urging you to say more.

“I had to go to bed, I just assumed he’d taken one of his friends as his buddy.” Joyce frowned but nodded, eyes turned to the floor. Jonathan shook his head. You thought back to last night again. There hadn’t been anything out of the ordinary. You’d tripped on your way there because you’d scared yourself, scraping your knee bad enough for it to bleed. You’d heard a strange noise off to your right while you were doing your rounds. Tommy was supposed to go with you, but he’d refused in favor of spending time with his girlfriend.

The pair left and you turned back to your backpack. Something wasn’t right, you could feel it. The noise you’d heard that night hadn’t been like anything you’d heard before. It was a strange rumbling noise that you’d been unable to pinpoint.

It didn’t take long for Joyce to go to the police station. The off-ness of the situation wasn’t lost on you. Will wasn’t the kind of kid to just up and run away. You continued with your day, teaching kids first aid for burns for an hour after breakfast before eventually making your way to the kayaking station. Eddie was lounging inside the small marked building, annoyed with the sun if his face told you anything. You laughed at his expression, ducking into the small space and motioning out the open front.

“A kid might’ve gone missing. Do you think they’ll send everybody home?” Eddie was fiddling with a pair of sticks in his hand, mock drumming to some imaginary song. His lack of care was enough to tell you he didn’t think so. Not surprising, given his current hatred of cops and of anyone with money.

“Parents pay to send their kids here. As long as there’s money involved, I doubt they’ll do anything.” You nodded, taking a seat next to him. Yours had been an unlikely friendship. It was still something discouraged, Barb and Nancy begging you to stay away from “The Freak” as everyone had labeled him. You simply ignored them, curious as to why he was so hated by the general population. The reason still eluded you.

You rested your head on his shoulder, eyes fluttering shut. The heat, which normally energized you, seemed to have drained you of everything today. Eddie settled, lifting his legs to rest on the counter space. An hour from now, Nancy and Barb expected you to meet up with them at your shared cabin. The other camp counselors were all supposed to be doing things, but you’d convinced Eddie to cover for you.

The hour passed without incident. Eddie shook you awake when your watch alarm went off, chuckling as you nearly fell off your seat. You sent him a half-hearted glare and turned off the alarm. The heat and humidity seemed especially oppressive today, sticky as if it desired to cling to your skin. You groaned and ran a hand over your face. “You don’t have to go.” His smile was cheeky as he wiggled his brows and you gently shoved him away, laughing at his suggestion.

“See you at dinner, my dear.” He bowed his head in mock respect and you rolled your eyes, grabbing your backpack and water bottle. Most of the kids had given up on actually trying to kayak and were now swimming in the lake. You smiled at their playful antics.

A part of you wished you’d brought your bike, all things considered. Instead, it was chained up by your cabin. You huffed as you kept walking, thankful you remembered to spray your entire body in bug spray before going to the lake. Kids ran past you, giggling mischievously as they made their way to wherever they had planned. You shook your head and glanced upwards. You still had a little ways before you got to your own cabin.

You closed the door with a groan, leaning against the wood. Your face was hot and sweaty, your bra rubbing against your skin uncomfortably. You made your way back to your room, brow raised when you spotted Nancy and Barb sitting on the unused bed.

“Hi?” Nancy gave you an awkward little wave, ignoring Barb’s teasing nudge. You smiled, dropping your stuff at the foot of your bed and falling on top of the sheets with another groan. You hated the heat. Or at least, you hated this heat. You much preferred being able to sit in air conditioning when it was this hot. Barb’s voice was singsongy as she questioned Nancy on whether or not Steve had called after she’d gone to bed.

You turned your face toward the two of them. Nancy was red in the face, a sharp “it’s not like that,” coming from her lips as she sent Barb a stern look. You giggled. Her glare turned to you and you raised a brow, daring her to say anything. Steve had been all over her for ages. She’d been all over him for ages. It was bound to happen eventually.

“Okay, I mean, yes, fine, he likes me, you know, but not like that.” She shook her head, a soft smile overtaking her features. You smiled at the sight. Despite understanding Barb’s feelings, you liked to see Nancy happy. Her voice was quiet and nearly shy as she spoke again. “We just made out a couple times.”

You laughed louder this time, especially as Barb teased her. Nancy’s cheeks burned cherry red and you relaxed into the covers of your bed. It was hard not to be at ease with the two of them. All three of you were studious, serious in your studying and content to avoid parties. Perfect Nancy, who was sweet with everyone but her family, who was caring and kind and desperate to fit in. Sweet Barb, who was loyal to a fault and spent too much time worrying about her friends. Your heart ached for the two of them. In the past, you might have considered yourself more similar to them than you would have liked. Ever the people pleaser, content on destroying yourself if it made others happy. By the time you’d left your old town however, you’d pushed away that part of yourself. It was one of the reasons you got along so well with the girls. You could understand them, but were still willing to stick up for yourself when the time came.

“You better still hang out with me, that's all I'm saying. If you become friends with Carol and Tommy H-” Barb’s teasing voice brought you from your thoughts. Nancy cut her off with a scoff, a look of pure disbelief on her face.

“Gross. And I'm telling you, this was just a one-time, two-time thing, alright?”

The three of you made your way to Nancy and Barb’s shared room. As she opened the door, she spotted a folded up note on the floor. You sent her a knowing look as she reached down and opened it up. Barb smirked as she peeked over Nancy’s shoulder.

Meet me. Behind bathhouse. Steve

Barb leaned against the wall as Nancy blushed. “You were saying?”

+++

It’s not until later that afternoon that the police show up and start asking questions. First, they spoke to Mike, Lucas, and Dustin. You didn’t even know they were there until you entered the meeting hall. You were supposed to be preparing the supplies for friendship bracelet making, but instead, they pulled you to the side and started asking you questions.

You told them as much as you knew. From the look of it, Police Chief Hopper was beyond frustrated. You didn't know Joyce well, but if she was anything like your mother, she would stop at nothing until she found out what happened. Or found you. Or both.

By the kids’ free time, which hit at exactly 4pm, Jonathan and Joyce were searching for Will in the surrounding woods. A knot had formed in your stomach since talking to the pair this morning, but it seemed to have worsened as time went on. According to Eddie, the police were also searching the area for any sign that Will had run away.

You frowned. The heat was hard to beat, and you were sure it wasn’t helping any matters. Jonathan had all but dragged his mother into the meeting hall, demanding that she take a break and drink something before she hurt herself. You made sure to get out of their way. If one of your siblings went missing…

You shook your head. There was no point in thinking about that.

Joyce was at the phone in the kitchen when the police cars pulled up. You tensed, glancing at Jonathan who was already calling to his mom. A group of kids was headed towards the doors of the meeting hall and you met them outside, informing them that something had come up and that Nancy was leading arts and crafts at the pavilion tables. They grumbled something about the sun and left you to return inside.

A part of you felt responsible for this. If you’d been paying more attention, maybe you would have noticed that Will was leaving the cabin alone. You would’ve walked with him. Made sure he was alright. You bit the inside of your cheek.

Hopper had pulled Will’s bike from the back of his truck when you peeked out the window and your heart stuttered. Jonathan and Joyce were clearly panicked by the sight. You shook your head, stepping outside as Hopper motions for them to follow him down a trail. You sighed, returning to the inside of the meeting hall and grabbing the box of beads Nancy asked you to grab.

+++

Jonathan’s voice was harsh as he kept his gaze on the police chief. “If you found his bike out there, why're you here?”

The camp counselors’ cabin was empty at this time, all of the teenagers elsewhere since they were supposed to be supervising the kids. Hopper examined the walls, looked around the rooms.

“He come here often?”

Jonathan shrugged. “I mean, sometimes. He checks in every night since sometimes he gets homesick.”

“So maybe he came here.”

Joyce clenched her jaw in frustration. The two of them had already gone over the entire cabin to see if there was anything Will might’ve left behind. Jonathan shook his head. He was supposed to be there that night, supposed to make sure his baby brother was okay before going to bed. Instead, he’d let himself get roped into helping clean when it was supposed to be Tommy’s night.

A strange noise came from outside and Hopper quickly opened the back door. A stray cat was hissing at the shed, back arched and tail straight as it stared at the unsuspecting building. Hopper’s shoulders tensed and he crept forward, praying to a god he didn’t even believe in that he wouldn’t find a body. The door swung open with ease and he shined his flashlight into the old building. He turned off the flashlight and pocketed it.

He entered the shed, flipped on the light switch. The light above him shone brightly as he checked over the contents of the building. Dust covered the table, a half empty box of ammunition enough for him to look closer. On the wall, a rifle is missing. The lightbulb began to flicker. He tilted his head upward, a frown on his face as it continued to dim and brighten. It cut out suddenly, leaving him in darkness. Behind him, there’s a strange growling noise that sends him turning, brows furrowed. The hell is that coming from?

He grabbed his flashlight, shining it into the room to find the source. Hopper spotted nothing. Despite that, the sound grew louder. Loud enough that he was reaching for his gun-

Officer Callahan entered the shed. His face is twisted in what seemed like annoyance.

“You deaf? I’ve been callin’ you.”

Hopper shook his head, the light above him flickering back to life. He glanced up at it before brushing past Callahan. He’s quick in his pace. Something isn’t right, he can feel it.

“You sure you're alright, Chief?”

Callahan’s voice is concerned as he struggled to keep up with Hopper. Even he could tell something was wrong, though his money was definitely on the brother. Hopper barely paused before he said, “I want you to call Florence, have her get a search party together, as many volunteers as she can muster, flashlights too.”

Callahan bit back a groan. If this turned into something big, the paperwork was going to be atrocious. Just thinking about it gave him half a mind to quit. “Think we got a problem here?”

Hopper doesn’t answer.

+++

Outside, cicadas sounded. Mike was sitting in the meeting hall with Nancy, his parents and younger sister seated next to them.

“We should be out there right now. We should be helping look for him.”

Karen Wheeler frowned. She could only imagine how he felt right now. A pang of sympathy shot through her as she looked at her son. He was angry, she could tell, his eyes glinting hard in the dim lighting. Ted and her had come down to check on the kids, and she still had half a mind to take them home.

“We've been over this. The chief said-”

“I don't care what the chief said.” His voice was rough as he interrupted her. She stared at him. “Michael-”

“He's not even real police, Mom. We have to do something -- Will could be in danger!”

Karen set down the fast food she’d been eating. Mike had barely touched the fries he normally inhaled. She sighed. “More reason to stay put.”

Mike groaned a simple “Mom,” before Karen interrupted him. “End of discussion.” Her words were harsher than she intended, but it got her point across nonetheless. She wouldn’t have her kids just disappearing on her. Even if they hated her for it.

Mike looked away, frustrated and annoyed at his parents' seeming lack of care. Karen, Ted, and Holly resumed eating. It was dead silent. Mike stared to the side, debating whether or not it would even be a good idea to keep pushing the matter.

Nancy’s voice was nearly too casual when she spoke. “So... me, Barb, and Y/n... we're gonna hang out with some of the other counselors tonight. That's cool, right?” Karen looked up from her meal. Her features were hard as she stared at her. Her daughter, her intelligent, too smart daughter, was serious in her question.

“No. Not cool.” She set down her food again. Her children, for some reason, didn’t seem to understand the gravity of the situation. A child had gone missing, and until they found him, she would be keeping an eye on them.

Nancy fought back, demanding to know why she was being punished when Will was the one who had gotten lost. It was unfair, in her mind, a stupid rule considering he was probably fine. Mike slammed his hands on the table, furious at his sister’s casual cruelty. Karen’s jaw dropped, unsure of how to deal with this sudden display of rudeness from both of her children. Holly whined at the increasing volume around her. Nancy stormed away, back to the room the camp director had moved her into at Karen’s insistence.

Holly began to cry, reaching for her mom almost immediately. Karen takes a brief moment to stare after her oldest daughter before reaching to gather Holly into her arms. Holly curled into her mom’s chest. Ted continued to eat, apathetic to the argument that just occurred around him. Karen sighed, soothing Holly. Mike threw his hands up. “I'm the only one acting normal here, I'm the only who cares about Will!”

Ted nearly rolled his eyes at what he viewed as a dramatic statement. There was no point in reassuring his son, in his mind. He was already upset. Anything he said would make it worse.

“That's not fair, Michael. We care.”

Mike stared at his father before storming away in a similar fashion to Nancy. A plan to sneak out was already forming in his mind. His backpack was already supplied with the things he would need; flashlights, a poncho, his walkie-talkie. He reached for the bag, already prepared to convince his friends to aid him.

Minutes later, Mike was sneaking out of the cabin, bike nearly silent as he traveled over uneven ground. He paused at a movement from the corner of his eye. Steve Harrington, attempting to climb through his sister’s window. Mike blinked. Steve froze, making eye contact with Nancy’s younger brother. Both boys paused, an uncomfortable beat passing before Steve sent him an awkward wave. Mike rolled his eyes. Unbelievable. He turned his head, pedaling away and into the night.

+++

All three boys met up at the front of the cabin they’d been staying in just the night before. They were silent as they rode forward. Thunder sounded in the distance. Eventually, Mike came to a stop. The other two boys huffed, slowing down to a stop beside him.

“Why are we stopping?” Lucas raised a brow at the boy beside him. Mike didn’t say anything, just kept his gaze on the woods beside him. Dustin and Lucas followed his gaze, hearts racing when they spotted the yellow police tape. A strange feeling overcame each boy. Much like the feeling that occurred just the night before, just much, much more real.

A loud crack of thunder sent them jumping. Lightning flashed and Dustin glanced up, only for a raindrop to hit his cheek. It was cold enough to make him flinch.

“Oh man. You guys feel that?”

He held his hand out. Several drops of rain hit his palm. The sound of the sky opening up close by was enough for him to pause.

“Maybe we should go back.”

The realness of the situation was slowly sinking in for Dustin. Will had gone missing, and maybe it was a good idea to let the police handle it. Who knows, maybe the thing that took him was still out there. Neither of the other boys are listening to him. In fact, it almost seemed as though they were convincing themselves that this was the only option.

“No splitting up or anything stupid like that, but stay on channel six. Just in case.”

He handed a walkie-talkie to Dustin, already turning and ducking underneath the yellow tape. Dustin watched with wide eyes. Lucas glanced between the dark forest and his friend before following after Mike. Dustin stood there, frozen in both surprise and fear. Another loud boom of thunder sent him sputtering, calling after his friends and following them into the woods.

+++

Jonathan leaned into his mom, tears welled in his eyes. Joyce rubbed his back. “He's gonna come home soon. I know it. I know it... because I feel him. I feel him in my heart. He's close. He's close. You believe me, Jonathan, right?” Jonathan, whose gaze had been trained on the table in front of him, finally glanced up at his mom. Joyce was looking at him with a watery smile. He nodded.

Joyce glanced down at the pictures in front of her. Several were of Will, but a particular one caught her eye. He was smiling wide, the picture of a happy boy. She let out a weak laugh. “Oh this one--I... I always liked this one.” Jonathan smiled, watching as she picked up the semi-recent photo. His stomach churned as he looked at his brother. “Me too,” he responded softly.

Joyce stared at her eldest for a moment, only to be startled by the shrill sound of the phone ringing. Both of them paused. If it was news, there was a chance it was bad. There was a chance they would find out something that they really didn’t want to know. Joyce felt faint as she walked to the phone, answering it with a hesitant, “Yes -- hel-hello?”

There was nothing but silence on the other end. Then, a low breathing. Her brow furrowed as she strained to make out the background sound. “Lonnie? Hopper?” When there was still no response, Joyce felt her heart begin to pound in her ears. Jonathan began to approach her.

“Who is this?”

The breathing on the other end got louder. She strained to listen. It sounded familiar, and far too much like the breathing of a child. Tears stung her eyes and she paled. Jonathan was quick to race over to her. “Where are you, baby?! Talk to me! WILL?! WILL?!” But already, the sound of her son’s breathing is gone. Instead, all she could hear was an odd growling, something a little too inhumane for her to bear.

“WHO IS THIS? WHAT HAVE DONE WITH MY BABY?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!!”

Joyce was frantic with her words, terrified that her son was just beyond her reach. The growling faded, a long stretch of silence spanning for what felt like an eternity gnawing at her heart. Jonathan was clutching at her. His face was riddled with guilt as he watched his mother panic.

A high pitched shriek sounded in Joyce’s ear. She gasped, her ear and palm throbbing in pain as she dropped the phone. Her palm is seared, an ugly, furious red as Jonathan screamed into the phone. She backed away. Something acidic curled in her stomach. Her son turned to her, pale in the face.

The line was dead.

Joyce’s back hit the wall. She slid down the wall, a sob already catching in her throat.

+++

“Will? WILL???” The boys were shining their flashlights into the darkness around them, the light reflecting off the thick sheets of rain falling. Despite wearing ponchos, each of them has been soaked. Dustin brushed a curl from his forehead, frowning at the other two.

“Byers?!”

They try for what felt like hours, desperately calling out to their dear friend. There was never any response. Merely silence, and the steady beat of rain. It was clear that they were not going to get anywhere. Mike was determined though, both Lucas and Dustin could see. It was enough to keep them pushing through.

“Guys, I really think we should turn back--”

Dustin attempted to keep any trembling out of his voice, but it was obvious he was scared. He’d be a fool if he wasn’t, in his opinion. There was possibly something out here snatching up little kids. He had every right to be afraid.

Lucas was quick to cut him off. “Seriously, Dustin, if you want to be a baby, just go home already.” He was tired, annoyed by both the rain and his friend. Though, if he thought harder about it, the rain was a welcome reprieve from the stifling heat they’d been subjected to the past few days.

“I'm just being realistic, Lucas--” His voice was nearly whiney as he spoke.

“No, you're being a sissy--”

Lucas and Dustin bickered back and forth, the latter bringing up his inner thoughts about a potential dangerous kidnapper, despite his friends attempts to shut him up. Mike turned away from his two friends, eyes scanning the woods around him. The sound of something cracking had caught his attention. Dustin and Lucas kept at it, voices slowly growing louder.

“Shut up!” Mike’s voice rang through the rain.

By the time the boys turned to him, they realized this had less to do with anger than with something else. Mike was listening to the sounds around them. Dustin crept closer to Mike. Lucas followed suit, each boy pointing his flashlight in another direction.

Mike’s voice was low, near a whisper when he spoke next. “You guys hear that?”

There’s the sound of something rustling not far from where they’re standing. Mike slowly directed his flashlight to the side, eyes trained on the space he was illuminating. The sound of something moving behind them had them scrambling, each boy whirling around to see what’s there. Their eyes were wide as they took in the figure before them. She was bald, eyes wild as she flinched back from their bright lights. The girl caught Mike’s gaze, their eyes locking. The rain around them fell harder and thunder clapped loudly. The boys glanced at each other. They might not have found Will, but maybe they’d found someone who could help them.

+++

You groaned as the thunder kept you awake. Normally, you found thunderstorms soothing, but today you could only find it unsettling. Nancy was off at a cabin much closer to the parking lot, which left Barb and you alone in your rooms. You sighed, wrapping yourself in your blanket and climbing out of your bed. You grabbed your pillow before exiting your room. Your feet padded softly against the ground, muffled by your socks as you went next door to Barb’s room. You knocked quietly, hoping that she was awake. You waited a moment. The seconds ticked by, time stretching before you endlessly. Just before you were going to give up, Barb opened the door. A flashlight was on by her bedside, her glasses case open on the bedside table.

“Sorry,” you smiled sheepishly. She smiled back at you, opening the door further and retreating back to her bed. You shut it behind her. She settled underneath her covers, glancing at you before taking off her glasses. You curled up on Nancy’s bed, smushing your face into your pillow and making sure your entire body is covered by the blankets.

It was silent for a while, save the rain. You were beginning to doze off, legs aching and mind slowing as you began to fall asleep.

“I don’t see what she sees in him.”

You jerked awake. Blinking furiously, you turned to her. It took a couple of seconds for your brain to catch up with what she was saying. “Hmm?”

You stared at her, watching as she kept her gaze trained on the ceiling. A frown tugged at her lips. Sighing, you shrugged. “Barb, I’m gonna be completely honest, the only reason I would be interested in him is his dick-”

A pillow was thrown in your direction, cutting off your sentence. Barb was laughing despite herself. You smiled. She turned her head towards you, her expression thoughtful. It was startling enough to make you pause. “What?”

She shook her head and turned her eyes back to the ceiling. It was hard, you guessed. Crushing on someone who would probably never like you back was rough. You’d been in that position plenty of times.

“I’m glad you’re my friend, ya know? Is it weird that I’m actually excited that we’re probably going to be taking a class or two together when school starts again?” You laughed. Of course Barb was already thinking about school. One of the smartest girls in the grade, she was well on her way to getting into her dream school and getting the hell out of Hawkins.

You closed your eyes again. “I mean, maybe a little? I’m so over school at this point.” She was silent in response. You peeked out of one of your eyes just in time to see her shutting off the flashlight.

Darkness swallowed the room, and not long after, sleep swallowed you.

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x nancy wheeler #jonathan byers x nancy wheeler #eddie munson #barbara holland #nancy wheeler #steve harrington #stranger things #stranger things season 4 #welcome to camp killbuck creek

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