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alexisaflop · 3 months ago

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Wait on your song - Steve Harrington x Henderson reader

Stranger things rewrite with reader as Dustin's older sibling and Nancy's best friend. When I say slow burn I mean slow burn - sort of enemies to lovers.

Title based on Rock n Roll Suicide by David Bowie

Limited gendered language towards reader

Wider context: character is a nerd first and foremost. An art lover, they work in the Hawkins Record shop, and write their own songs sometimes. They're best friends with Nancy and Barb but know Jonathan from a shared interest in art and music.

Other things to know: I have wrangled the reader to have moved from England when they started middle school because I will probably use Britishisms and i guess this makes it more natural? Also it's a fanfic so why not?

Content warnings: universe app violence/gore, swearing. Use of Y/N.

MASTERLIST

Chapter below the cut - actually finished this time!

Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers

It was unusually still for an early November night as you locked up Breaking Records. Another slow shift finished. You tightened your jacket around you, before pedalling off to the Wheelers.

Dustin had been talking about Mike's campaign all week, so you knew that was exactly where he'd be. That was fine with you, it would be good to check in with Nancy. This week was choc full of tests, and you, Nancy, and Barb had made a pact to hold each other accountable for studying.

Nancy especially has been worrying about her GPA for college applications. But since she'd starting going out on-and-off with Steve, you were concerned she was getting distracted. You knew Nancy would never forgive herself if she dropped her grades for some boy. Especially one like Steve.

The Wheeler's house always felt so inviting. Knowing better than to interrupt Ted's television time whilst Karen put Holly to bed, you let yourself in. After quickly poking your head in to say hello to Ted, you headed up to Nancy's room.

It was weird how much Nancy's room was like yours at home despite being in a much nicer house. Her walls were plastered with film posters (yours with music posters and record sleeves) and pictures of the two of you and Barb or her with Mike. She was criminally neat though, her bookshelf stacked carefully and her bed carefully made.

Nancy herself, however, looked considerably less put together. Her hair was falling out of what had become a pretty scrappy ponytail and her eyes looked strained and tired.

'Nance, you really shouldn't do much more tonight. You need to have enough energy to sit the tests not sleep through them,' you said as she hugged you hello.

She sighed, 'I know, but they're all I can think about right now.'

'Me too, but there's only so much you can do,' you said, secretly a bit jealous that Nancy didn't have to work, and had all this time to use on studying. But also, at least you got paid to work at Breaking Records, and on slow days you managed to sneak in some revision too.

'Mike! Mike!' you heard Mrs Wheeler calling.

'I'm jealous of the boys,' Nancy said, moving the subject, 'they have been down there All. Day.'

You hear some muffled shouting from Mike followed by, 'You mean the end? Fifteen after!'

'I should probably go help your mum,' you say, 'as much as I love you Nance, I'm really here to get Dustin.'

The four boys were in disarray as you came down the stairs.

'Damn guys what did you do? The battles in these games are still fictional right?'

Mike gave you an unimpressed look whilst Lucas and Will whispered something about dice in the corner.

'Come on Dustin we've used up enough of these good people's time,' you said, gesturing upstairs.

Dustin offered around cold pizza before disappearing upstairs. You helped the boys clean up whilst they run you through the campaign so far.

You find Mrs Wheeler upstairs and thank her for having Dustin basically all weekend, and letting him and the boys 'stink up her basement'.

She smiled and said, 'It's nice to see them still being kids. Now Nancy feels all grown up, it makes me appreciate how they won't be this young forever. But I do wish sometimes they wouldn't make such a mess!'

You thank her once again, before heading outside to hear, 'sister is such a jerk.'

You frown at him and he says, 'oh no not you, Nancy, she's got a stick up her butt.'

You shake your head, 'I don't see how insulting my friend instead of me is meant to get me to forgive you, little brother.'

'Yeah she's been like this ever since she started going out with that Steve Harrington,' Lucas says, whilst Mike protests that she's always been a jerk.

'Steve might be a jerk, but that doesn't make Nancy one,' you say, trying not to think of all the lunchtimes she'd skipped on you and Barb for to go and hang out with Steve.

Something must have been showing on your face, because all Lucas has to do is pointedly raise his eyebrows at you.

'Whatever Sinclair, let's go. I'm shattered from work, and I've got like a million tests to sit this week.'

As you head back Dustin and Will agree on a race for the price of a comic. Will races off as Dustin swears.

'I didn't say go yet!' Dustin yells after him, 'I'm gonna kill you!'

All Will has to say to that is, 'I'll take your X-Men 134!'

You watch Will cycle away and wonder, as you do most times, if you should go home with him. But every time you think he'd be embarrassed to have to be escorted home in a way that none of the other boys do. Either way that night you don't sleep easy.

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The next morning you wake up to your alarm squawking even though it was still dark outside. You stumble out of bed, get dressed and ready to go before hammering on Dustin's door, his room suspiciously quiet.

'Come on Dustin, you're going to be late!'

You hear some expletives through the door and roll your eyes before heading out and pedalling to school.

You find Nancy by the lockers with Barb.

'We just made out a couple times,' Nancy protests.

You and Barb share a look before saying together in airy voices, 'we just made out a couple times.'

Nancy gives us a death stare, which immediately softens as Barb says, 'just please don't start hanging out with Tommy H and Carol all the time.'

You can feel Barb's concern, it feels like the two of you are being left behind.

'I would never,' Nancy says, at least having the decency to make a face.

You smile to show there are no hard feelings, before saying, 'Barb even if she does go for those guys, I would never, ever leave you for them - yuck. Am I not enough for you Barb, without Nancy is our friendship worth nothing,' you mock getting down onto your knees, 'Am I not also worthy of your love?'

Barb cracks a smile at you being so overdramatic and Nancy just raises an eyebrow, slightly shaking her head.

'See how she already turns against us!' you gesture dramatically, 'You have broken my heart Nancy, and more importantly you have broken Barb's.'

'Hey babe, hey Nancy's weird friends,' you hear a voice behind you say.

Steve.

He's looking at you like you're crazy, has he never had a bit of banter before? No, never had to break the tension?

Or at least turn up at a better time?

'They are not weird,' Nancy reprimands him, which you appreciate.

'Seriously?' Steve looks at you and then back to Nancy, 'so did you get my note?'

Knowing you've missed something, you glanced at Barb.

'Ooh the bathroom, how romantic,' you say without thinking, trailing off as you see Nancy flush slightly and Steve glare at you.

'Well you let me know when you have someone to leave notes in a locker for, and I'll give you some tips,' Steve quips.

Fair enough, 'and I'll give you some ideas of how to not get girls to think you're gross' you reply.

He and Nancy are walking away as he says, 'all I heard was, ideas of how to not get girls'.

You're not sure whether you were supposed to hear him or not.

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After school you headed to band practice. You played the flute and had started learning piccolo for fun. At home you played guitar and you were teaching yourself a bit of piano for fun, but for the sake of school band you were on the flute.

You have your dad to thank for learning all the instruments. He loved music and had his own band. He'd always joked that you could start a family band, well family duo. And as you'd got older and you started writing your own stuff he said that he'd always be your Roadie.

You liked Band, it reminded you that music is expression, another way of communicating with people.Unfortunately, as far as you knew it did not allow for communication beyond the grave.

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When you got home, Dustin was concerned, rushing about getting 'supplies'. When he finally told you 'supplies for finding Will' your stomach drops.

The bit of hope you had had, is snuffed out. Dustin runs through how the police are involved but the Party don't want to just sit and wait to be found.

'But that's what they told you to do?' you ask.

Dustin nods.

'Then you should stay here, I want you safe.'

'Do you really think they'll find him?'

'Wait here,' you say, 'I'm serious, I'll be right back.'

You return, Walkie in hand, 'channel 6, yeah? I want updates every hour of where you are. I'll have it all night, call me if anything happens.'

Dustin shrugs, but agrees.

'I mean it Dusty! Anything happens I want to hear about it.'

Then the phone rings.

It's Nancy, she's cancelling on you. Thinking it's because she's heard about the boys ridiculous plan to find Will alone, in the dark, and cold, you're about to offer to help.

'Steve just really wanted to see me tonight.'

You roll your eyes. You're happy for her as her friend, exploring new things, going out with someone actually popular and getting that American high school experience.

But Steve's name every time you spoke to Nancy was getting to you. When you first moved here, he'd given you so much crap about your accent whilst his friends made jabs about your self-made clothes and lack of nice hair and makeup or living with your single mum. And now Nancy is into him.

You phone Barb after Nancy gets you to cover for her if her mom calls.

Barb feels similar to you. She thinks the two of you are getting left behind.

'What if we never find someone like Steve?'

'We die happy I guess, I'm holding myself to a higher standard than bullies.'

'Come on, Y/N, you know what I mean. Someone we can be with. Someone who wants us around all the time. Someone who we can go out with and show off to the world, y'know?'

Everything you could think of to say felt cheap. Having moved here halfway through a school year, you'd become pretty confident in just taking things at your own pace. Not like Barb, who had always been able to fit into the background.

'We'll be okay.'

After some quiet, you make up an excuse that you want to keep an eye on Dustin tonight what with everything going on.

So you say goodnight to Barb and head over to the Byers' to check in on them. You triple check you have your Walkie and that it's on before heading off.

You and Jonathan aren't especially close, although you have often bonded over his music taste and photography hobby whilst picking up your brothers from various places.

Jonathan's house ends up to be a muster point for Will's search party.

So they still haven't found him.

It's getting dark as you join Jonathan in the throngs of people.

'You saw him last night?' Jonathan's voice is dry and scratchy.

'Yeah, I went home with all of them from the Wheeler's. I should have taken him all the way home from mine, I'm so sorry Jonathan,' you say.

He shakes his head, 'I should have been home. My mom thought I'd be home, Will probably thought I would be too. But I picked up a stupid extra shift. I let him down.'

You sigh, 'this is not your fault Jonathan. He's a smart kid, I know he'll be okay.'

He looks at you and you know he doesn't believe you. So instead you pull him into a hug, he smells like autumn leaves and vanilla.

You realise you've never hugged Jonathan before, generally opting for a more awkward wave or even more fist bump, so you're not sure what to expect. He reacts slowly, before gripping your jacket tightly, his fingers embedded on the patches you sewed on. His head falls on your shoulder and you think he's crying. Unsure of what else to do, you just don't let go.

You think of Will, and how he will probably cling to his brother like this if we find him. When. When we find him, you reprimand yourself.

Eventually he pulls away, awkwardly apologises, which you wave off. He walks away so you can't see his tears.

The sun has long set now. The trees have a low fog between them and a chill is settling into your bones. You pull your jacket tighter around you, knowing it's going to be a long night.

'He's a good student.. Will he's a good student. A great one. Scott Clarke I don't think we've met. Biology. Middle school.' Mr Clarke is talking to Hopper. You'd always liked Mr Clarke.

'Never liked science.'

'Maybe you just had a bad teacher,' Mr Clarke said. You smiled, he had always put the most effort into his lessons.

'Miss Radcliffe was a piece of work,' Hopper comments.

'Oh yeah she's still kicking around believe it or not'

'Oh yeah I believe it. Eternities. Sarah my daughter understood galaxies and hnivcerked and what not. I always thought there was enough going on down here to worry about'

'What grade is she? Maybe I'll get her in my class.'

'She's with her mom in the city... Thanks for coming out teach.'

And with that Hopper's gone into the mist.

'She died a few years back,' says someone you don't know.

'Who?' asks Mr Clarke

'His kid.'

You feel the guilt again. Will's just a kid. You hope he reappears from the mist.

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After hours in the mist and the damp air sticking your clothes to your skin the search was called off for the night.

You walked Jonathan home in silence. When you got to his house you offered to stay and help with anything but he declined. And it was clear that he and his mum needed some time together.

About halfway home on your bike the rain becomes thunderous. You can barely see as the rain comes in sheets and plasters your hair across your face.

Which is of course when Dustin chooses to start shouting over the radio.

'Y/N, Y/N, why aren't you answering? Where are you? I need your help! Code red!'

Maybe they've found Will? But he sounded so concerned.

Maybe another one of the Party is missing?

You swerve to the side of the road and attempt to seek some shelter under a tree.

'This better be important Dustin it is horrible out here.'

'Just come to Mike's. Please. I don't know who might be listening.'

He refused to answer anything else.

Having only moved in with Dustin and your mum (or mom? You never felt sure) only a few years ago, there were some things with Dustin that you still weren't sure about. Like how to tell if he's being overdramatic.

When you first met Dustin he had only been about 5, you were visiting from the UK. Your dad had had a work thing in Chicago and dropped you off to stay for a week. Dustin had looked up to you straight away, doing a silly English accent and making you read him the Sherlock Holmes books you'd been reading to him.

Going into that week you hadn't been sure what to expect. There had been an ugly fight at the end of it. They were divorced already at that point, and it just sort of happened.

You didn't really care, not as much as you had cared about Dustin anyway. He had gone off to his room to hide the fact he was crying. When you spoke to him he had only said

'We never got to finish our book.'

You had indulged the lie and carried on reading it to him. When it was time to leave, you left him with the book. He still had your copy, you had to borrow it from the library when you got home to find out the ending.

When your dad died and you had to move here permanently, Dustin had done everything to welcome you. And admittedly you had kind of shunned him, he really wanted to spend time with you and you had wanted to hide from the world.

But what surprised you most was when you were finished being angry and having shouting matches with your mum that turned into tears, you apologised to him and he accepted it. He was still excited to get to know you again.

Since then you'd helped him make costumes for campaigns and save up for science kits. You'd done homework with him and even played in the Party when they needed an extra character. It was because of Dustin that you had met Nancy and actually have more than one friend at all.

Now you didn't know what to think, other than he was in trouble and you better pedal faster.

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When you got the Wheeler's Dustin grabbed you before you could use the front door and took you straight to the back door to the basement.

Once he'd finally stopped dragging you, you took him by the shoulders and gave him a proper look over.

'You seem fine, just drenched...' you say, mostly to yourself.

'I *am* fine,' insisted Dustin, 'I don't need your help, but she does. We were looking for Will and we found her. We didn't know what to do but bring her somewhere safe and I said I'd call you.'

#stranger things #steve harrington x reader #writing #steve harrington x gn!reader #steve harrington x henderson!reader #wait on your song #strange things rewrite

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liyliths · 10 months ago

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౨ৎ ⋆ ｡˚ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭: 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 a stranger things rewrite

moving into the small and quiet town of hawkins, indiana, was not the most ideal vision of how you thought your sophomore year would go. between being under chief hopper's wing, dodging steve harrington, and a kid going missing in a town where nothing happens, you find yourself being pulled into the unexplainable.

pairings: steve harrington x reader

contains: fem!reader, minor enemies to lovers, slow burn, violence, cursing, mentions of death, blood, weapons, steve being an ass in season one but epically redeems himself, and any other warnings that may come with stranger things lol

season one word count: 48k

playlist

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𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗡𝗘: 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗨𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗡𝗘 you've just been dragged to the middle of nowhere, aka hawkins, indiana, with your pos father where the cicadas are loud and the neighbors are louder. after moving into your new trailer home that’s seen better days—probably in another lifetime, you somehow end up under chief hopper's care, hawkins' grumpiest cop. oh, and did i mention you found a creepy portal in the woods? how much weirder can this town get?

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗪𝗢: 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗨𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗪𝗢 your first few weeks in your new town, hawkins, are honestly anything but normal. you quickly find yourself caught between making new friends and keeping your distance, all while dodging the king of douchebags, steve harrington, and his clumsy attempts to get to know you, all on your first day. and, with a cherry on top, a strange figure in the woods makes you question if hawkins has a wildlife problem—or something much stranger. spoiler alert: it's not just deer.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗬𝗘𝗥𝗦 turns out nancy wheeler and her family aren't all that bad, but middle school boy humor is the worst. ignoring your gut for once? classic mistake—now a kid's missing, and the guilt trip's free of charge! what's even cooler is that steve harrington won't get off your ass, and loves to make fun of people with missing siblings with his lovely friends. oh, and now barb's missing. hawkins couldn't get any better!

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗗𝗬 will byers was announced deceased, and now your friend barb is officially missing. steve is a grade a asshole and breaks jonathan byers camera, tearing up his photography. the figure you saw in the woods and in your nightmares ends up in one of the photographs jonathan took, leaving suspicion that will is alive, and barb is in danger. maybe hawkins is cursed!

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗟𝗘𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗧 barbra is still nowhere to be found, and you and your friends think you can do something about it. steve attempts to apologize to you, but you spare him no time to talk. hopper is really bad at keeping secrets, and will's funeral was dreadful. you and your friends search for the monster, and there's some weird tension between nancy and jonathan. then nancy decides to disappear while monster hunting! how fun!

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗫: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 you thought you almost lost nancy, and you've supposedly figured out what's causing your nightmares. also, hopper is apparently interested in conspiracies about children with telekinesis, wonder where that one will go! while you're shopping for supplies to go monster hunting with nancy and jon, you run into the one and only: steve harrington, who sucks at relationships, and you can guess how that one ends. hopper finally finds out you've been tracking down a monster, and you've concluded everyone is terrible at keeping secrets!

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗧𝗨𝗕 you're on a wild goose chase for some kids, including one with apparent superpowers, who could've guessed? steve is also realizing he has some shit he needs to fix, and his friends really suck. then, you wind up at hawkins middle school to make a fancy bath for a kid with telekinetic powers. here's to hoping she finds will and barb safe and sound!

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 you wind up a monster hunter, also third wheeling nancy and jonathan until steve harrington of all people shows up, surprise! between genuinely thinking you're going to die, fighting a monster, and trying to get will back, you're still wondering how you ended up in hawkins of all places. and, what's better, going back to living with your pos dad or fighting interdimensional monsters? you also find out steve harrington isn't as bad as you thought he was, yay!

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#steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x you #steve harrington x y/n #stranger things #jim hopper #father figure jim hopper #stranger things rewrite #stranger things blog #jonathan byers #nancy wheeler #steve harrington fic #steve harrington fanfiction #stranger things fanfiction #guys im so excited for this #enjoy ily #worlds apart

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munsonthings86 · 1 year ago

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Heyy are you still taking requests??

If so can I please have a Steve Harrington x Sinclair!reader blubber or one shot please. The idea is that this takes place like around season three (or just awhile after Steve and Nancy’s breakup) and Steve and Reader have been getting closer because of all of the events that were going on in the show. And reader realizes that she has been falling for him but the problem is that she’s close friends with Nancy but feels weird for liking her ex. But like Nancy pretty much hints to her that it’s fine and whatever.

Love you work thank you 🫶🏾💜

hi love! thank you for the request & sorry abt the wait! but i hope you enjoy! <3

wc: 3.7k

What is one supposed to do when they just so happen to fall for their ex-girlfriend's best friend? It was a daunting question that rattled around Steve's mind with harsh clangs, making him toss and turn in bed when he tried to sleep. The poor thing even resorted to counting sheep when the only thing he could see behind his closed eyes was your pretty face that made him so pitifully nervous.

Liking you was troubling. It was divine and dreadful all at once.

The divine. Steve could easily recall the first time he met you like it was his favorite scene of his favorite movie.

Billy's 1979 Camaro made a loud screech when he drove up to the Byers' home unwelcomed. He brought mayhem as he searched for Max, unhesitat to torment your little brother Lucas in the process. You were fearless when giving Billy a piece of your mind, calling him all kinds of inglorious names and jabbing your finger at him when he sneered at you with that Hargrove smirk you despised.

Though you were undoubtedly no damsel in distress, clearly knowing how to stand your ground, Steve had unfaltering determination as he went to defend you and your sibling. He threw the first punch at him, knowing that Billy wasn't the kind of person that responded well to empty threats.

Unfortunately, that was his last lucid memory from that night.

Steve would (reluctantly) admit that he didn't end that brawl unscathed, but his heart certainly grew a couple sizes for you when you tended to his wounds soon after. Gentle with his cuts and bruises, you'd shyly smile and mumble little apologies when he'd hiss and flinch.

Steve had already known of you and seen you around school, sure, but this was his first time truly in your presence.

There was something so calming and warm about it.

But one thing that Steve wanted etched on his mind forever, was the Snowball of '84.

The blue glittery dress you wore adorned your figure perfectly, hair framing the beautiful picture of your face. You were there as a volunteer, chaperoning the middle schoolers but Lucas but in particular, as you grew fiercely protective over him after uncovering the deep secrets of Hawkins.

Steve was practically drooling as he gazed at you from his car, no longer able to focus on whatever it was Dustin had been rambling about. Handing out cups of punch to kids in line, your smile was bright and glittering while you shared a conversation. With Nancy.

The dreadful. It was your relationship with her that spared you of Steve's magnetic charm. Other than his newfound shyness, of course.

Nancy and you were two peas in a pod, rarely ever being seen without the other, especially when Lucas and Mike became friends. The two of you were always on study dates, had each other on speed dial, and even had friendship bracelets with the other's initials donned on your wrists. She was more than a best friend to you. More like a sister, you thought.

But Steve couldn't help himself from lingering a bit after he would drive Lucas home from whatever nerdy activity he needed a ride back from. The tenderhearted boy was beautifully uncreative in his efforts to get your attention, as he used any and every tactic imaginable.

He'd ask you about the book you were nose-deep in, though he knew damn well the title would soon be forgotten once the conversation was over. He'd tell you about his favorite shows and movies when he caught you in the living room struggling to find something to watch. He even offered to teach how to drive when you casually mentioned something about getting your license.

Soon enough, shy waves and awkward small talk turned into late nights listening to Fleetwood Mac and intense game nights of Monopoly and Scrabble.

Steve didn't win at Scrabble too often. He kept trying to play words that simply just didn't exist.

It was June of 1985 and school had been out for the past couple weeks. Scoops Ahoy, a new ice cream joint that Erica was adamant to drag you to at least three times a week, became your new favorite place when you saw Steve behind the counter.

"Nice outfit, Harrington," you giggled, and though he knew you weren't really making fun of him, Steve blushed away, eyes shifty. You often left a little tip in the jar when you'd leave, thanking Steve for his hospitality and influx of free ice cream samples.

Today was different, though. Steve was unable to ignore the disappointment that overwhelmed him when your little sister had shown up without you. He nodded his head at her as she neared the counter, "Where's your sister?"

Erica cocked an eyebrow, hand dropping down onto her hip. "I'm sorry, do I look like her keeper? I'm just here for my usual, sailor man." Steve fixed his gaze on the blue and white clock on the wall that's arms pointed to read 12:17. Usually you were here to collect your fair share of free dessert too, but it was nearly rush hour and your favorite flavor was running low.

"Well no, but she's your keeper and I'm just a little curious, is all," he corrected, spooning a hearty serving of peanut butter chocolate swirl onto a cone. She tapped her foot impatiently, waving her hand to suggest that she wanted a second helping. If you want information, it comes with a price. His eyes were squinted at her before he rolled them, giving in to her wishes.

"Here, that's all you're getting. Now spill."

Her smile was wide when she took the cone from Steve's hand, finally satisfied. "You really need to work on your customer service skills," she pointed, a look of disapproval weighing on her face when she turned to look at Steve.

"She's at home. I think. I don't know, I haven't been there in a few hours. She could be in another country for all I know," she paused to take an obnoxious lick, "Pleasure doing business with ya', sailor man!"

Steve watched as she skipped back to her busy swarm of friends whose cackles and squeals could be heard from worlds away. He looked down at the array of ice cream in front of him, frowning at the puny supply of your favorite. Grabbing a to-go cup from under the counter, Steve garnered as much as he could of the dessert, some of it spilling over when he covered it with a plastic lid.

Robin peered over his shoulder as he scribbled something on it with a permanent marker, though she wasn't able to decipher Steve's dodgy handwriting.

"I'm going on break, cover the front for me," Steve announced, making his way out of the parlor. His stride was hasty and confident.

In the distance, he could hear the smirk in Robin's voice, "Tell her I said hi!"

﹏𓊝﹏

2550 Maple Street. Steve rolled slowly past the creaky mailbox that read 'The Sinclair's', careful not to drive over the yellow tulips by the driveway that your mother spent all spring gardening. They were coming along really nicely.

Every once in a while, Steve would ask to help her with all the weeding and trimming and other maintenance that she often called a headache. Never in a million years did Steve think he'd be so avid for a girl and her family's approval that he'd become a part time florist, but here he was.

Surveying himself in the rearview mirror, Steve plucked off the silly sailor hat that crowned his head with a huff before aimlessly tossing it, getting it as far from his self-proclaimed best feature as possible. His fingers busily shoveled through his thick tresses, searching for the perfect marriage of tousled and tamed.

To say Steve was a bit on edge was a terrible understatement. The feeling of his stomach pulling into a tight knot at the mere thought of you was something so foreign to him. He hadn't felt this way in such a long time, especially not since he'd been with Nancy. It was refreshing but damn stressful.

But you were well worth the stress and queasy stomachs.

Steve hurriedly dusted himself off, wishing he had enough time to drive to his house to change into a less ridiculous outfit. He just wanted to look his best for you.

Approaching your dark green painted abode, mumbled words of encouragement poured out of Steve's lips. He spoke with his hands and made little faces, and he had no doubt that he looked like a crazy person to your neighbors that walked by.

His fist somewhat stalled when he raised it to the wooden door, his little pep talk had only done so much to boost his confidence. But it was too late to turn back now, he thought. He left three knocks to the door anyway, figuring that he already made it this far.

With his gaze set on his shifty feet that stood on the tawny welcome mat, his heart felt sharp against his ribs when the door abruptly swung open. "Steve?"

He looked up with wide eyes only to find your younger brother, eyebrows pulled together. He had the landline clutched close to his chest, seemingly on the phone with someone.

"Sinclair! Just the person I was looking for," he watched as Lucas' fingers twisted at the lock of the gold door knob idly. The cozy smell of breakfast wafted towards Steve. "Sort of," Steve added, shrugging.

"What's goin' on?" Lucas blinked at him in anticipation.

"Nothing much. Just lookin' for your sister," he said, tapping his finger on the bowl in his hand. He squinted at the sky, peeved, cursing the searing heat of the sun. That ice cream was melting like an ice cube in a desert. And his sweaty palms surely weren't helping its case.

Lucas scanned the yard, finding that Erica's bike was missing. From what he could remember, he heard her yapping something about hanging out at the mall, however many hours ago.

"She's probably at Starcourt terrorizing the world like usual, you might wanna look there," he pointed with his thumb. Steve could hear an irked voice spouting from the phone, wondering where Lucas had gone. Max, he assumed.

He chuckled, leaning against the door frame, "Yeah, you’re not wrong." Though Erica didn't particularly struggle to ruffle up people's feathers, Steve was actually growing to find the charm in her temperament. He even caught himself fighting to cage his laugh at her snarky comments more often than not. Hanging around her so much will do that to you.

"But your older sister, I mean. She here?"

Lucas gestured upstairs to your room, stepping aside to make way for Steve. Mumbling a thanks, he abandoned his sneakers by the door, per your mother's usual request, and trekked up the staircase— butterflies reckless in his stomach.

You tried your hardest to maintain your composure as you listened to the slow thuds of approaching footsteps. It didn't take Sherlock Holmes to know it was Steve. Not only could you pick out his voice in a crowd of countless people, but from your window, you spied his parked maroon BMW in the driveway. It was hopeless to try biting back the smile that crept up when you heard he was there to see you.

The bedroom door wasn't closed but Steve knocked anyway, calling out for you in a soft tone. Heat rushed to your chest and ears at the sound of your name falling from his pink, plush lips that you so badly wanted to kiss.

It was romantic thoughts like those of Steve that spread guilt through you like venom, knowing that he was Nancy's ex after all. It had been your shoulder that she cried on when her relationship with him ended, and you easily felt like the worst friend imaginable when you found yourself falling for him.

You managed to keep your bond with him strictly platonic, but boy was it difficult.

"Steve?" He smiled when you peered around the door, features posing a coy smile of your own. His hand shyly waved at you while the other stayed tucked behind his back, "Hey, you." He shuffled into your room, appreciating the way your shaggy rug felt delicate and feathery on his aching feet that he'd been standing on for too many hours.

Your bed squeaked when he sat in the space next to your abundance of stuffed animals that Steve liked to call the "wardens" of your bed. It was so adorable to him how gingerly you took care of them– even murmuring a little apology when you bumped into one by accident.

He let out a soft laugh when he glanced at you, mindful to not stare at you, though that's all he really wanted to do, "You still in your pjs?"

Nothing but tight shorts hidden beneath a baggy band shirt draped your body. While Steve thought you looked utterly perfect, you suddenly felt awfully naked.

Shaking off the fuzzy warmth that rushed over you, you scoffed, crossing playfully defensive arms over your chest. “You should be the last person talking about outfits," your eyes scanned his tall, slender frame.

Steve's jaw fell open, theatrically appalled at your quip.

“Oh, don't act like you don't love me in this outfit, princess,” he smirked. The nickname made your nerves all fiery and tingly. "I see the way you stare at my legs when I'm in these shorts. My eyes are up here, FYI."

With your head falling back, an echoing giggle escaped you. It's a laugh so pretty and sugary, it could sweeten even the most sour lemon.

Steve couldn't ward off the reddening of his cheeks.

"In your dreams, Harrington," you replied, plopping yourself in the chair by your vanity. You distracted yourself from Steve's teasing with tidying the clutter that obscured the desk. The nerves you felt would only further ignite if you kept looking into his warm eyes.

"Well, despite the minor insult to my uniform, which I'm not gonna take personally," he beamed, finally revealing what he had hidden behind his back, "I got somethin' for ya." His teeth trapped his bottom lip in its constraints, eyes wide with anticipation as you inspected your little present.

The cup was wet with condensation and leaking melted ice cream but underneath it all read, "something sweet for a sweet girl :)".

And just like the ice cream, you melted.

"Steveee," you gushed, licking off the dessert that dripped onto your fingers that were growing frigid. "You came over just to bring me ice cream?" The smile you wore was glittering and well worth the effort.

Steve was all mumbly and shy when he responded, "Well, I know it's your favorite and that was the last of it, so," he shrugged before he could give himself the chance to ramble.

You wrestled the urge to swoon. How could one person be so adorable? And why did that one person have to be your friend's ex?

"Well, that's very kind, Stevie. Thanks," you beamed.

"'S no problem," he shrugged with a shy smile, taking a glimpse of his watch.

He had a mere twelve minutes to get back to work on time. "Shit, I gotta get back before Robin kills me, but I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Later, Steve."

Rising from your bed, he made his way to your door. His footsteps were slow and hesitant, as he seemed to have something on his mind. You were following behind him when he spun around suddenly, your bodies nearly colliding. "Actually, there's somethin' I wanted to ask you," his eyes were squeezed shut while he pointed as he spoke.

His face was flushed and his feet tapped at the wooden floor rapidly. You don't recall ever seeing Steve so nervous. "Yeah?"

"There's some house party tonight that I was, uh, thinking about going to. I was, you know, hoping that maybe, you'd wanna go with me? Like a date?"

Your mouth was open but sentences, words, really any sound at all, failed to come out. The boy you'd been crushing on for weeks that felt more like years, had finally asked you out. And you had no choice but to say no.

Your silence was deafening. "Or maybe we could go to that carnival? I could win you another warden for your bed," he laughed.

"I'd really like that, Steve, honestly, but–"

"Nancy," he finished, eyes diverting to his feet. His fluffy brunette hair blocked your view of his face. It wasn't fun seeing Steve who you're so used to joking with look so down.

"I could, maybe, talk to her?" Your tone was quiet, but hopeful.

"Are you sure? I don't wanna come in between you guys."

"Don't worry about that, her and I will be fine," your smile was confident but deep down you weren't as optimistic as you let on. Nancy and you made a promise to each other to never let anything like secrets or dumb boys ruin your relationship. But, here you were. "Now, go, your break is almost up."

"Okay," he grinned, "I'll see you tonight?"

Nodding, you waved him goodbye, watching him retreat downstairs. Your back leaned against your door when you closed it, before you looked over at your soupy ice cream, defeated.

How could you choose between your best friend and the boy you were crushing on? It shouldn't even be a question, really. The guilt was already gnawing at you mercilessly.

﹏𓊝﹏

The cards you held were sticky on your clammy palms. The echoes of your talk with Steve just a few hours prior were intrusive and blaring. Taking a sip of whatever was in your red solo cup, you tried to drown out the roaring voices of the people at the party, along with the thumping music that numbed your ears.

Your leg was impatient and desperate as it shook up and down, doing its best to repel the anxiety that bit at you. It certainly didn't help that Nancy was sitting right next to you, oblivious to the stolen glances and sneaky smiles you and Steve were exchanging all night.

Rubbing your stomach that felt queasy and pulled into a knot, you hadn't noticed that it was your turn to play. You weren't entirely sure you even remembered the name of the game you found yourself in.

"Hey, are you alright?" Nancy's hand fell onto your thigh, running a comforting thumb across your skin. Her blue doe eyes searched your face, though she's known you long enough to already know that you were far from 'alright'.

"Yeah, why?" Your lips were pulled into a tight smile, trying and inevitably failing to give your best impression of a genuine grin. And of course, Nancy sees the way you aren't seeing her. When you mindlessly played a random card, your eyes were fidgety and unfocused– a clear sign that you were frenzied.

"Cause you look like you're about to throw up," her eyebrows were pulled together in concern as she continued to probe, "Seriously, what's wrong?"

A dreary sigh escaped you as you cursed yourself for not being as discreet as you hoped to be. You should've know that someone you considered your sister would be able to see right through you like glass.

"It's just," you hesitated. It was now or never. "Just-"

"Steve?" Her voice lowered when she said his name, noticing the way your face shifted and became an odd mixture of relieved and confused. Your head snapped in her direction, finally meeting her gaze for the first time that night, it felt like.

The thrashing of your heart almost made your chest ache, as you appeared to be caught in some kind of lie. You didn't tell a lie, really, but you certainly didn't feel like a noble friend.

Studying her face, you scoured to find any hint that she was about to start tearing into you, calling you every wretched name in the book. Honestly, you wouldn't blame her if she did. But there was a subtle smirk on her face. A stark difference in the expression you imagined she'd be wearing upon finding out about your little puppy crush on Steve.

"How'd you know?"

"I mean, it's no secret you guys have been hanging out lately," she laughed a bit, taking your hand in hers, "and I see the way you look at him. It's the same way I used to look at him."

Words completely escaped you. Your eyes and mouth were agape, in awe of Nancy's poise. It was one of the things about her that you deeply admired. "Nancy..."

She squeezed your hand, shaking her head, "No, it's okay. I was the one who broke up with him," she glanced over to where he stood in the kitchen, downing his drink before disappearing into the backyard. "Besides, I'm with Johnathan now and I'm happy."

You exchanged smiles as your nerves became the calmest they'd been in hours. "If Steve makes you happy, I'm not gonna get in your way. He's a great guy and I think you guys would be really good for each other."

Throwing yourself into her for a hug, you practically crushed her as words of gratitude spilled out of you. It was unbelievable how lucky you were to have someone like her. "You're the best, Nance." She shrugged as if it was nothing, a bright look on her face.

"Now go get him, I'll watch your drink."

Ignoring the protests from the others who were still in the game as you walked away, you dodged dancing and mingling party guests.

The backyard was a lot less crowded, thankfully, allowing you to easily spot Steve sitting in a hammock, tapping his fingers on a freshly opened beer bottle.

He wore light blue jeans and a yellow crew neck sweater, looking as good as ever. You couldn't believe that he was going to be completely and openly yours.

"Hey, Harrington," you basically skipped over to him, slipping into the space next to him. Your legs touched and you don't feel any guilt or urge to move away from him. It was so refreshing. "So, how 'bout that date?"

The smile Steve wore was well worth the stress and queasy stomachs.

💌 1 new message from jojo: finally on summer break!! my inbox is open as always! feel free to pop in for a chat <3

#jojo’s requests ☁️#stranger things #steve harrington #steve harrington fic #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington oneshot #steve harrington x fem!reader #steve harrington x black!reader #steve harrington x sinclair!reader #steve harrington fanfic #steve harrington imagine #joe keery

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tarathetarantula · 1 month ago

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𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓸 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮!!

hii!! so, my name is tara. i'm fourteen years old, my interests are ice skating, volleyball, and writing. i go by she/her pronouns, and i'm bisexual!

Fandoms I write for:

Pen15

Shuji ishii-peters

Dustin Long

Brandt

Sam Zablowski

Alex

Stranger Things

Steve Harrington

Billy Hargrove

Jonathan Byers

Mike Wheeler

Dustin Henderson

Lucas Sinclair

Max Mayfield

Wednesday

Wednesday Addams

Enid Sinclair

Xavier Thorpe

Tyler Galpin

Ajax Petropolus

Bianca Barclay

Yellowjackets

Teen Natalie

Teen Vanessa

Teen Taissa

Teen Lottie

Tokio Hotel

Tom Kaulitz

Bill Kaulitz

Scream

Billy Loomis

Stu Macher

Randy Meeks

Sidney Prescott

Jill Roberts

Amber Freeman

Tara Carpenter

Sam Carpenter-Loomis

Chad Meeks-Martin

Mindy Meeks-Martin

Wes Hicks

Ethan Landry

Anika Kayoko

Quinn Bailey

The Black Phone

Finney Blake

Robin Arellano

Vance Hopper

Bruce Yamada

Outer Banks

JJ Maybank

John B Routledge

Sarah Cameron

Rafe Cameron

Pope Heyward

Kiara Carrera

What I WILL Write:

Fluff

Hurt/Comfort

Poly (unless its sibling x reader x sibling)

Character x Character

Character x Reader

Fem!reader and GN!reader

Figure skater!reader or character (PLEASE request this 🙏🙏)

Oneshots

Headcanons

What I WON'T Write:

Smut

Rape

Kidnapping

Pedophilia

Racism

Incest

Anything SH or ED related

A series (nothing against it it's js that I'll probably forget abt it and never finish it)

DISCLAIMER!!

If there is a character you want to request, but it is not on the list, please don't request it.

That's all!! Please send requests at all times unless requests are closed. Have a great day/night!! Bye my loves!!

#x reader #wednesday x reader #pen15 #stranger things x reader #yellowjackets #tokio hotel #scream x reader #the black phone #outer banks

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honeysuckleharringtons · 2 years ago

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Part Two: "Déjà Brew" ~ S. Harrington

Summary: (Then) Back in Hawkins, Reader is still reeling from the news she's just received. Turns out, sometimes the love of a mother might just be the very help you need when times are tough. — (Now) At Brew and Me, Reader struggles with the stress of motherhood and working. Turns out, a visit from her least favorite patron might be the thing she needs to cheer her up.

Pairing: Nurse!Steve Harrington x Fem!Byers!Reader

Word Count: 2,120

Content Warning: teen pregnancy, mentions of food, mentions of medical-related things, small mention of childhood cancer (not related to any of the main characters in this series), lmk if i missed anything!

Extra Notes: ngl, the writing in this chapter sucks but i promise it gets better!!

Originally Written: 10/08/2023 through 10/12/2023

honeysuckleharringtons' masterlist can be found here!

'brew and me' series masterlist can be found here!

[ Then, June of 1987 ]

You'd been holding onto the knowledge of your pregnancy for roughly two days, and since then, everything had felt upside down.

You'd looked for every reason possible to not see your boyfriend. You only spoke to your mom and siblings when spoken to. And worst of all, despite the human being growing inside of you, you felt absolutely empty.

You truly wanted to be happy about this. After all, a new human life was forming in your stomach. But the pain of anyone in your small town finding out you were a sinner, and the gossip about how you'd thrown your life away for some guy, it was just too much to bear.

So instead of facing your problems, you'd holed up in your room, lights out and window closed. You only left your room to grab snacks—which lay uneaten on your nightstand—and to use the bathroom. To your family, you were a passing ship in the night, a ghost barely seen. And just when you thought you'd run out of tears, more slipped out of your eyes and onto your pillow, which you were holding like your life depended on it.

It was sometime in the afternoon when Joyce knocked on the bedroom door. You'd cried for so long that you lost track of time, only realizing it was afternoon due to the setting sun peeking through the curtains. "Honey?" she called, barely getting the word out before gently opening the door. She must've registered quickly what was happening, closing the door behind herself in record speed. "Honey, what's the matter?" she cooed, a loving hand meeting your shoulder.

It's now or never, you thought to yourself. Pulling yourself up, you wiped the excess tears away with the pads of your thumbs. "Mom," you sniffled, the word sounding weaker than ever, "I've done a terrible thing."

"I'm sure it's not that bad, my sweet," she said, taking your hands in hers. "You know you can always talk to me, right?"

You nodded, though you were questioning if that statement really was true, considering the bomb you were about to drop on her. More tears involuntarily slipped down your cheeks, your eyes darting anywhere in the room besides her face.

Joyce ran a soft hand through your hair, clicking her tongue lightly. "Honey, I want you to know that you don't have to feel pressured to tell me what's wrong. But I am always here if you do want to tell me."

You forced the words to come out, and you were nearly hyperventilating before you'd even said them. "I don't really know how to tell you, because I'm not quite sure how you'll take it."

Her lips left a soft peck on your forehead, a silent reassurance that she was there for you. An unsteady breath exited your mouth, before you finally said the dreaded words you'd been thinking about for the last forty-eight hours. "The terrible thing is… I'm pregnant. And I have no clue what to do."

You braced yourself for impact, waiting for her to throw you out into the street or scream at you or slap you or anything really. You'd gone over every possible reaction in the book, hoping to find a rebuttal to each one.

Still, the screams never came and her hand never even touched your skin, other than the moment she pulled you into her side. "Oh, honey," she whispered, a tone of sympathy clear in the words.

Tears started to fall once again as she held you close, a gentle hand rubbing soft circles on the small of your back. You'd surely covered the both of you in tears and snot, but truth be told, that was the least of your concerns, given the situation.

"Y/N, you're gonna be okay," she reassured. "I promise, there is nothing you could ever do to make me stop loving you. And from here on out, there's nothing that is going to stop me from loving this child. I'm going to be here for you every step of the way. Okay?"

Through your crying, you managed to ask, "You aren't mad at me?" Genuine confusion took over you at her response to the news. You'd been convinced she'd be angry, never considering that she was the one becoming a grandmother.

She clicked her tongue again. "No, I'm still very frustrated with you for doing something this irresponsible. But that doesn't mean I don't love you or this baby."

It felt like all the blood had drained from your body as you lay practically limp in your mother's arms. The air was heavy as she waited for you to say something, anything, but the words never came. Words seemed a million miles away as the discovery of life inside you started to feel all too real.

Some time passed before she spoke again—whether it was two minutes or two hours, you didn't know. Her hand rubbed soft lines over your disposed arm, her touch as warm and welcomed as your favorite childhood blanket. "Honey, I've been where you were before. Maybe not exactly your situation, but I know what this feeling is like—the worry of what the dad is gonna think, the anxiety of caring for two people. It's terrifying. But I've got good news for you," she paused, kissing the top of your head. "You don't have to do it alone. Because I'm gonna be right here."

You weren't sure you gave her a response to that. Full-on sobs were now wracking your body, despite her kind words. Your tears flowed and your chest heaved, and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn't seem to stop. Panic and fear coursed through you, and as much as you wanted to be happy about this baby, the only true feeling you had at the moment was resentment toward yourself.

[ Now, November of 1991 ]

"Max, honey, do you know what time it is?" you asked, quite frantically. "I left my watch at home this morning."

A knock sounded on the counter behind you. "It's time for me to be your boyfriend," Steve said smugly, giving you a smirk as you turned to face him.

Max glared down at her watch, rolling her eyes at the cheesiness occurring in front of her. "Actually, it's almost 7:30," the redhead answered, pulling down the sleeve of her flannel shirt.

A grateful sigh slipped past your lips. "Ah, sweet freedom," you said before turning your attention back to Steve, who was sporting a curiously teasing look across his face. "What? I've got a hot date with a bubble bath and my feet and backbone couldn't be happier."

"Sounds sexy," he snickered.

Max huffed in fake annoyance as she passed the latte in her hand over to the brunette girl on the opposite side of the counter. "Have a nice evening," she smiled, then turned to you and Steve, to which she quipped, "If I had a dollar for every time one of you told the other something that was inappropriate to say in a coffee shop, I'd make enough money to pay off my student loans."

"Hey, it's not my fault your boyfriend is off playing basketball at Princeton and training for the NBA," you shrugged, joking of course.

Max gave you a fake pout. "That is below the barista belt, Y/N. That's just cruel."

You shot her a playful smile, giving her a sisterly pat on the arm. "Why don't you get started on the tables, hon'?"

And with that, Max was grabbing her cleaning supplies and heading to clean off the abandoned tables. You gave Steve your attention once more, curious as to if he was interested in holding up to his end of the bargain.

He surprised you with the response that came out of his mouth. "I will have a salted caramel latte with almond milk," he said proudly, sure that his answer was right. "Are you ready for that date yet?"

Your lips formed into a thin line, a look of regret coming to your face. "I hate to tell you, Doc, but nut allergies are a very common thing in my family."

"You work with almond milk all the time," he rebutted, a hand on his hip.

Your eyes narrowed in on him, not ready to back down from his challenge. "I don't like caramel."

He scoffed. "Who doesn't like caramel?"

You shrugged. "Me."

"Why don't you just admit that I was right and tell me where you wanna go next weekend?"

"Because you're wrong and I'm busy next weekend," you answered, both responses true.

He finally broke eye contact with you to look over at Max. "Hey, Max, is a salted caramel latte with almond mix Y/N's favorite item on the menu?"

"Everyone knows she hates almond milk," she answered. "I'm disappointed in you for not knowing."

His attention turned to you again, his eyes narrowing in on yours. "How do I know she isn't being paid to say that?"

An exasperated sigh left your mouth. "We make five bucks an hour and you expect me to have extra money to throw at Max? No offense, Max."

"None taken," she laughed, still scrubbing away at one of the tables. "I don't have money to throw at you either."

Steve shook his head in some mixture of disbelief and playfulness. "Would you just get me my coffee? To-go, please."

Your brows furrowed as you got to work on the drink. "What's with the to-go order? You hardly ever get your coffee to-go."

"If you must know, I happen to have a hot date of my own," he said vaguely, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Sounds sexy," you jested. "Who's the girl?"

"A cancer patient in the PEDS ward."

Your expression went from curious to downright confused at his statement. "Do I wanna know how that constitutes as a hot date?"

"She's got a crush on me so I get asked to sit with her on nights that her mom works," he explained, slipping some cash into the tip jar. "It's a hot date because every time I go in her room, she asks me to crank the heater all the way up. I think that's just because she likes the way I look when I'm sweaty."

A gentle smile appeared on your face as you passed him his latte. You thought about your own little girl, who'd be here any minute, and how much you regretted nights like those where she was left to her own devices, left to stay with your mom or one of your brothers instead of the person she needed most.

You shook off the thoughts, taking the money from his opposite hand and placing it in the cash register. "Have a brew-tiful night and enjoy your date, Doc."

And with that, Steve gave you one last playful smirk and headed out the door, but not before a certain little girl ran past him and over to you. Joyce followed suit behind her as Steve held the door open, then began his journey out to his car and, presumably, the hospital.

"Mommy!" Mandy squealed, running around the counter to greet you.

You picked her up, happier than ever to see her, placing a kiss on her soft hair. "Hey, sweetpea," you smiled, love overflowing from you as she wrapped her tiny arms around your neck. "What did you get up to today?"

"Grandma took me to the park!" she answered excitedly, her hazel eyes lit up with delight.

You gasped, playing along with her enthusiasm. "No way! You'll have to tell Mommy all about it."

"Now, don't get mad," Joyce started to say as she walked over to you.

Your brows furrowed. "Mad? Why would I be mad?"

A regretful look came across the woman's face, explaining, "We passed an ice cream truck on the way here and-"

"Mom, you know I always give her one of the leftover cake pops at the end of the day. She can't eat too much sugar."

"I know," Joyce said, "but Jon's in town for Thanksgiving so he's offered to give you us both a night off."

It was selfish, but you'd never been so grateful for your brother to be home. You sighed, setting your daughter back on the ground. "Well then, let's put all that energy to use, shall we?"

And with that, Mandy was hot on your trail, following you around as you worked to close up the shop. You just smiled down at the girl, prouder than anyone had ever been to be a mom. Sure, it was biased, but you were quit certain you had the best girl in the whole world.

-> taglist: @dungeons-are-too-cold @ducky-died-inside @awkotaco24 @liberhoe @princesseddie @aftermidnightwriting @manuosorioh @esoltis280

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hellfiremunsonn · 1 year ago

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Stuck With Me. Eddie Munson x Reader.

AN: At the end of each chapter will be a picture of ‘your’ Journal. Photos, and writing of a little bit from each chapter.

(THIS IS A REUPLOAD ALL CHAPTERS WILL BE RE UPLOADED ONE BY ONE)

I DO NOT ALLOW MY WRITING TO BE REPUBLISHED ANYWHERE OTHER THAN MY OWN BLOG WITHOUT MY CONSENT.

WARNINGS: Mentions of drinking (they're at a bar) Eddie is sweaty

WORDCOUNT: 5k

CHAPTER 3: THE GANGS ALL HERE

It took about fifteen minutes for the house to become a loud mess of young teens and young adults. Passing between the open door to the backyard, people dipping their feet in the pool, some hovering in the kitchen, and of course Steve, watching Robin with his hands on his hips as she manned the grill. He still didn't trust her enough to cook by herself, and you could only reassure him so many times, but still he refuses to fully believe you.

The gang included, Dustin Henderson, Max Mayfield, Lucas Sinclair, who was dating Max. Mike Wheeler and his sister Nancy Wheeler. Will Byers and his brother Johnathan Byers, who was dating Nancy. But Nancy was also Steves ex but they somehow get along really well?. Jane Hopper, who was will and Jonathans step sister, and she was dating Mike.

You sat on the edge of the pool next to Max watching Dustin and Mike battle it out with pool noodles.

"It's crazy to think all of you have grown up together" You comment.

Max turned to you, a small smile on her lips as she looked at you over the top of her red sunglasses. "Everyone always says that" She laughed. "They're the siblings I never had, and although they are all a huge pain in my ass I'm glad I became friends with them, trauma and all"

"Were you at the mall too? With the fire and all that?" you asked quietly.

"Uh yeah, most of us were actually" She seemed like she wanted to say more but closed her mouth. Forcing a tight lipped smile while she looked at me.

"That must have been scary, I can only imagine... But you don't have to talk about it, I get it, I'm sorry for prying" Instantly panicking that you might have crossed a line with the small red head but she laughed instead.

"No don't worry about it, people always ask about it, it's kind of an unbelievable story"

you nodded, turning your attention back to everyone around the backyard. Mike and Jane were sat close together on one of the lounge chairs, deep in conversations while their hands were intertwined.

"Hey can I ask you a question?" You said turning back to Max.

"Yeah of course"

"Who's the guy in the band? The show tomorrow?" your brows furrow, squinting through the sun.

"Eddie?"

You shrug. "Robin hasn't told me his name, keeps referring to him as 'an old friend' for some reason"

Max snorted. "Eddie Munson, he's the dungeon master for the DnD club all the guys were in at school. Or at least he was before he graduated, that's how we all know him, cause of those nerds" She said gesturing to the boys in the pool.

"Eddie Munson" You repeated. His named felt smooth on your tongue, a name you get used to saying... It replayed in your mind over and over again like a spell.

The rest of the night was actually quite peaceful. You all sat around the little campfire and exchanged stories, some good, some cringe, relating to old high school moments, and newer ones from the younger kids. They all seemed so mature for their age. All of them seeming to know more than me, and maybe they had been through more than they let on. But they were all so sweet nonetheless. It was obvious how much they loved and cared for each other.

After the sun had long gone down, we all cramped into the basement to watch a movie, and after almost an hour of back and forth yelling on which movie was better and why you ended up falling asleep about ten minutes into the movie. When you woke up the movie had ended and static played on the tv, lighting up the crowded couch where they all were fast asleep and all tucked around each other. You snuck away to grab your camera and snapped a picture of them, it was too cute for you not to.

"You're such a creep" Robin whispered to you. Waking up from her spot on the other couch, stretching her arms over her head.

"They look cute, sue me" you said without looking at her. "I'm going to head up to bed" you said, attempting to speak through your yawn.

Heading for the stairs you turned back to robin before leaving "Robin?" You said quietly.

"mhmm?"

"I really like your friends. I can see why you keep them around, I've never seen you so happy"

She blushed, the pink still prominent enough in the white glow of the tv. "Thanks... They really like you as well, they can't believe I found another cool friend honestly" She looked at them with fondness in her eyes.

"Goodnight Robby"

You happily tucked yourself into your bed for the week, sinking into the lavish pillows surrounding you.

You woke up the next morning around nine thirty, stretching out your arms and legs. After a few extra minutes of staring at the ceiling you finally got up and creeped into the bathroom, brushing your teeth and peaking into Robins room to see if she was awake yet. She wasn't.

You grabbed a pair of fuzzy socks and tugged them on before quietly making your way downstairs.

Feeling your shoulders relax when you realized you were probably the only one awake right now. You take your time snooping around the kitchen until you eventually found everything you needed to make coffee. You laughed to yourself knowing Robin would curse you for using instant coffee instead of 'the real stuff' considering you worked at a coffee shop. But something about instant coffee just hit perfectly in the morning.

Holding your mug of coffee to your chest you walked over to the large sliding doors to the backyard. Admiring the sun slowly filtering through the trees, bearing down a comfortable warmth before the heat of the afternoon was sure to hit.

You don't know when, or how long Steve had been in the kitchen but when he placed his own mug down on the counter; the ceramic noise of the cup meeting marble startled you and you flinched slightly, your coffee swirling in your mug threatening to spill more than the few splashes that hit your shirt.

"Sorry I didn't mean to scare you" Steve chuckled, his voice low and still groggy. from sleep. Hair a mess of a mop on the top of his head, yet it had somehow gained volume. "You're up early" He said while beginning to fix himself a cup of coffee.

"This is actually pretty late for me, I'm used to getting up so early for work" You pout. "This is the first time I've had more than two days off in a row"

"Really?" Steve said walking over to stand next to you. "How come you work so much?"

"I'm too nice to say no" you sigh, looking down into your coffee cup.

Taking a sip of his own, he nodded with a silent agreement. "That's like me and those little shits asleep downstairs. The amount of times I've considered moving back here just for them"

"You really are quite the babysitter aren't you? Robin makes jokes about it all the time, but it's different seeing you actually with them" you joke, bumping your shoulder into his.

Quiet footsteps from the basement stairs were heard behind you, both you and Steve turning to see who was creeping up the steps. It was Max with her two braids a little messy, a few strands coming untucked. "Oh thank god someone else is awake" She breathed while walking into the kitchen.

"I tried to stay down there but it's so boring when none of them are awake, and Dustins snoring was driving me crazy" Rolling her eyes she began searching through Steves cupboards, and drawers. The two of you continue to watch as she shifted around the kitchen, looking for whatever it was she was looking for. After a few minutes, she had laid out a bunch of bowls and other cooking utensils.

With a huff she leaned with both hands agaisnt the counter and looked up at Steve. "Steve do you have stuff to make pancakes?"

"Obviously" Steve said running a hand through his hair. "Of course I have stuff for pancakes" he scoffed while joining her on the other side of the counter.

As the smell of pancakes, syrup and bacon, filled the air, more and more of the gang slowly began to filter in and out of the kitchen. Grabbing a serving of pancakes and sitting around the kitchen and outside in the backyard to enjoy the morning warmth before it got too hot. You settled with three pancakes, adding sliced bananas on top and drowned them in syrup. "Max these are incredible" You say after swallowing a sticky mouthful of pancake and banana.

"Hey she didn't do all of the work!" Steve yelled over the sound of the kitchen sink, elbows deep in soapy water.

After a day of laying in the sun by the pool, and swimming until your arms hurt it was time to start getting ready for the show tonight. Most of the gang had gone home to get ready which left you alone sat on the floor surrounded by every item of clothing you had brought. You pouted at your choices, none of them seeming to satisfy you. With a groan you leaned back until you were laying on the floor.

"Somehow I always find you on the floor" Robin said from the door. "What's your dilemma this time" She said coming to join you on the floor

"I don't know what to wear" you grumbled, throwing an arm over your eyes.

"Just like, wear something all black, it's a pretty metal band, and a dingy bar so you don't have to try so hard to fit in"

Leaning up onto my elbows you surveyed your options once more. "Do I look like I wear all black?" you say gesturing to the colourful and mismatched pile of clothing.

Robin rolled her eyes. Leaning forward onto her knees she rummaged through the clothes, mumbling to herself as she went along.

"Here" She said shoving a full outfit into your hands. "Go put it on" She poked at your sides until you were laughing and helped you up off the floor. Shoving you towards to bathroom to get dressed.

It was the Metallica shirt that usually you wore exclusively for sleeping. A pair of black shorts, with rainbow striped socks and your converse. It was a simple outfit, and you were kind of annoyed you didn't consider it in the first place. "Perfect!" Robin said jumping up and down while clapping her hands. "You look so cute"

You blush, avoiding her gaze. "You said it was a metal band?"

"Yeah, super metal, very loud, I never know what they're singing half the time, but I'm there to support" She said shrugging, jumping a few times while buttoning up her jeans.

Going with the theme of black, you did some messy black eyeliner, smudging it out around the edges to give it a more 'alternative' vibe, whatever that meant. but I smudged it out more. You added a lightly tinted lipgloss giving your lips a perfect cherry pink color.

The hideout was about an hour away from the centre of Hawkins, the bar stationed at the very edge of the town in an almost deserted area with only a few other buildings around it. The neon sign outside of the door flickered, half of it burnt out but still trying illuminated the large bald man who sat on a stool right next to the door, probably there to card minors, but by the looks of him he probably let most of them in.

Once inside the bar was exactly what you would picture any old dingy bar to look like. Wonky wooden floors that were abused by the heavy footed men who spilled their drinks after having one too many, or knocking over the tall bar tables in some sort of petty fight they wouldn't remember in fifteen minutes. The lights low, so only the few yellow wall lights filled the room with a faint glow. A couple of red faux leather booths across the left side of the bar, closest to the bathrooms that you could only imagine smelled like that weird portapotty chemical smell.

You scrunched your nose at the thought. Most of the gang ran over to grab seats in the booths while Robin lead you to the bar.

"What can I get for you two ladies?" the bar tender asked. He was tall and thick with muscle. Covered in tattoos, and some of them definitely looked gang related, but you didn't let your eyes linger on them very long.

"Could I get a vodka and coke?" Robin asked, her fingers tapping anxiously against the hardwood of the bar top.

The bartender nodded and then looked at you. "Just a sprite would be great" I said smiling. "Also thank you"

His lips lifted ever so slightly into a small smile as he went about making our drinks. You smile to yourself, feeling accomplished from making the mean tough man smile.

"You're not drinking?" Robin asks with a raised brow, fingers still tapping away as she spoke.

"I can feel a headache brewing, don't want to make it worse by drinking tonight" it wasn't a lie, you decently did have a headache brewing, tension from the nerves of finally meeting the mystery man named Eddie. If you added alcohol into the mix tonight you'd be in for a rude awakening tomorrow.

Robin hummed, barely paying attention to what you said, her eyes searching every crevice of the bar.

"Anxious about Vickie?"

Her eyes were wide, and she was so jittery she looked like a chihuahua. "No! Why would I be? Of course I'm not anxious" she said quickly, but folded even quicker.

"Well yes, a lot actually, she said she would be here, but what if she doesn't show?" She eagerly grabbed her drink the minute the bartender set them down. You give him another small smile before slapping down some cash for the drinks, and a couple into his tip jar.

"You talked to her on the phone today right?" Robin nodded, sipping her drink. "And she said she was coming, and that she was really excited to see you right?" You asked, repeating her words from earlier.

"Yeah she did"

"So then she'll be here Robin don't worry about it" you give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze and she smiles, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.

"I'm sorry for freaking out about it so much"

"Don't apologize, that's what best friends are for, we sign up to listen to you freak out about the same thing a million times, s'just our job" you shrug.

She rolled her eyes, opening her mouth to say something witty probably but the uproar of the gang behind the two of you made her turn around. "Oh!" She yelled and quickly made her way over to the booths. Confused you follow and watched as she envelopes a tall man with long curly hair in a hug. You assume this was the 'Eddie', Max had told you about yesterday but you could only see the back of him.

Shyly sliding next to Robin, who now held him at arms length, you were finally able to see him.

My god was he beautiful. You don't know why Robin didn't tell you; You guess the whole being a lesbian thing it probably didn't even occur to her. His skin looked like porcelain, and his eyes were such chocolate brown you were sure they would make anyone who made eye contact with him melt. He was smiling while Robin babbled to him, words you couldn't even make out because you were so entranced by him. He had dimples, and deep lines that formed when he smiled around his eyes and mouth. His face so full of expression, giving you exactly the response you would want from whatever you told him. When his eyes flickered to yours it felt like time had stopped. He furrowed his brows, just slightly, clearly confused as to who you was, but there was something in his eyes you couldn't quite make out, but it made them sparkle.

"Oh! Let me finally introduce you two" Robin said turning towards you. Snapping you out of your thoughts you shook your head a little, plastering a smile on my face and reaching your hand out towards him.

"She's a she?" He said turning to robin. "I thought your roommate was a dude this entire time?"

"No you dingus, I've talked about her before, and she is very much a she, not a dude. Not my fault you gendered a nickname" She said rolling her eyes and returning to the gang behind you. Everyone clearly already having said their hellos, leaving us to get to know each other a little.

"Sorry about that" you blush.

He smiled at you, bringing his hand forward engulfing yours with his and shook it lightly. He repeated your name, and it sounded like heaven coming from his lips. You correct him, and give him your nick name which you prefer to be called but he ignores it, glancing down at your shirt.

"That's my shirt?" He said letting go of your hand to tug at the hem of the fabric.

"Huh?" you look down at his hand and then back up at him.

"This is mine, I thought I lost it, but you of all people have it?" He said raising his eyebrow.

"Oh Robin gave it to me, she didn't want to throw it out, so I took it" You say shyly, looking down at your feet. "I usually sleep in it, I don't listen to them so I feel bad if I wear it out"

"So you're wearing your pyjamas at a bar?" He teased.

You bit the inside of your cheek and smiled up at him. "I didn't pick out the outfit alright? I'm a lot more colourful than this" You say waving a hand up and down your body.

"I can tell" He said with a laugh. "Alright I gotta head to the stage, I hope you enjoy the show, even if you don't listen to stuff like this"

"I'm sure I will, break a leg up there" You say, giving him a small thumbs up. He crossed both his fingers on each hand in return.

When he made it to the stage you grabbed robin; maybe a little too aggressively as she almost spilled her drink all over the floor. "Why didn't you tell me he looked like that?" you spat, trying not to get the attention of the rest of the group.

"Huh?"

"Eddie!" you exclaim.

"What about Eddie?"

"Oh my god" You ran a hand over your face. "He looks like a fucking sex god Robin and you let me leave the house looking like this?"

"You look cute!" She argued.

"Maybe! Not cute enough for him" You say throwing your hands up in the air.

"Wait do you like Eddie?" she asks excitedly

"Well I don't know him, so I can't say yes to that, but his fucking face apparently has a way of making me have feelings that's for sure"

Robin snorted. "Oh my god I can't believe you're crushing on Eddie"

"Robin I swear to god, if you say anything to anyone I will spill so much lego on the floor of your room you will never be able to walk comfortably ever again"

"I never said I was going to say anything!" She said in defence. "But no, I won't say anything. He for sure thinks you're pretty though" she said into her glass.

"How would you know that?" you snort

"Because he's staring at you" she said smiling.

A panicked quick glance to your right to see that he in fact, really was staring at you. He seemed lost in thought, his drummer talking to him passionately, his hands flying, all while Eddies eyes stayed locked on you. Blushing, you ended up being the first one to break eye contact, but Eddies eyes didn't stray from you for very long.

About five minutes later Vickie finally showed up and ran full speed to Robin, hugging her so tightly while burying her head into Robins shoulder. They stood like that for a few minutes before finally breaking apart to give each other a cluster of kisses, laughing the whole time.

You smiled while you watched them, knowing Robin had nothing to worry about. Vickie is hopelessly in love with that woman.

More people filtered in and eventually people were standing shoulder to shoulder. Robin and Steve creating a protective amount of space around you, knowing know more about these types of crowds. Feeling very grateful to have them as friends who take such good care of you.

When Eddie emerged from the stage again he had removed his leather jacket. Now only a loose black tank top hung over his broad shoulders. His hair tugged half up into a bun to keep it out of his face. When he spoke into the mic I watched as his lips grazed the metal of it with each word.

"How ya doing Hawkins?" His voice echoed through the bar. People cheering and clapping at the sound of his voice.

"It's been a while, but I could never forget my favourite place" Another round of cheers. "Were gunna play a couple of our songs, but we wanna end it with the one that started it all, which is a cover of Metallicas Master of Puppets"

The gang excitedly screamed and clapped, encouraging him.

"Alright, that being said let's get this show fucking started" He almost growled those last few words before he and the rest of his band started jamming on their instruments. Grabbing your camera out of your bag, you snapped a couple pictures of Eddie. For the memories... Obviously.

They were insane. You couldn't really understand the words, and you could feel your headache grow, but being able to watch each of them individually and how much passion they put into their performance it was worth it.

Eddie looked like be belonged up there, like he was born to be on a stage, or at least the centre of attention. How could he not be with a face like that. His head bobbing along to the music as his fingers diligently worked up and down the neck of his guitar. His tongue jutting out over his top lip as he concentrated on the chords. His bangs were clinging to his forehead, sweat dripping down his face and onto his chest. The once loose fitting tank top now clung to his damp torso.

When he finally opened his eyes again he looked right at you but it felt like he was looking through you. It felt like your heart had stopped and time had stood still for the second time tonight. You could see Robin look at you out of the corner of your eye but refused to give her the satisfaction of looking back at her.

When the show finally ended, the entire gang was so hyped up and excited. Apparently Eddie and his band had been traveling a bit around the U.S doing small shows, and people seemed to really enjoy them!

We were all gathered around an old van at the side of the bar while the band came in and out, putting all their equipment in the back of the van. You scuffed the toe of your shoe off the ground while you waited with the rest of them. Robin and Vickie had been attached at the hip the minute Vickie entered the bar, so you drifted off to the side, afraid of bothering the rest of them.

When Eddie came out and the gang got loud again, all of them exchanging hugs, and 'welcome homes'. You leaned against the side of the van watching them, Unable to hide the smile seeing them have so much love for their friend. A heart grunt from the door next to you made you turn, one of the band guys struggling to carry something. His hand was slipping and made the weight off so you jogged over quickly to grab the other end of whatever it was that he was carrying. It looked like it was an amp.

"Thanks!" He smiled and huffed.

"I couldn't just stand there and watch you struggle" You said while straining to keep your end of the amp up high enough to lift up into the van. He let you shift your end in first, clearly noticing your slight struggle. You dusted off your hands on your shorts once the amp was successfully placed into the van.

"Thanks again" He said raising his hand up to you for a high five you smacked his hand, leaving the two of you with a stingy palm

"No problem"

"I'm Gareth by the way" he said introducing himself quickly before returning to the inside of the bar.

Going back to leaning against the van you crossed your arms over your chest, rubbing your arms and resting your hands on the tops of your shoulders, fighting off the small chill from the light breeze rolling by. Closing your eyes you leaned your forehead against the cool metal of the van, letting yourself relax into it slightly, the cold temperature soothing the dull ache behind your eyes.

"So how'd you like the show?"

Eddies voice startled your, your eyes snapping open with a small flinch.

He laughed and gave you a sympathetic smile. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you" He said holding up his hands in defence.

"It's okay" you laughed. "But I liked it. It was cool seeing you up there, very wild" You said honestly.

"I'm not like that all the time"

"What a rockstar?"

"Well yeah, I'm just a big nerd, town freak, all that good stuff" He said shrugging with a small smile.

"Aren't we all?" You asked tilting your head to the side. "Probably why we all get along so well huh?" You nod towards the slowly dispersing group of friends.

He laughed, shoving his hands deep into his pockets, leaning back onto the balls of his feet, with his shoulders tucked up high near his ears. The loud bang of the doors of the van closing made the both of us jump.

"Good to go Ed" Gareth said giving him a thumbs up.

"Thanks man" Eddie said with a salute. He turned back to you quickly. "Where you staying? Steves?"

"Uh yeah"

"I'll drive you" He said pulling out his keys from his pocket.

"Oh no that's okay I came with- Wait where did she go" You looked around for Robin, spinning in a full circle. "She left with Vickie didn't she"

"About ten minutes ago, when you were helping Gareth with the amp"

"The sex better be worth it if she's abandoning me" You say with fake annoyance.

"Your chariot awakes m'lady" He said while dipping into a bow.

"Why thank you kind sir" You quip with a terrible fake British accent, accompanied by a clumsy curtsy. Eddie reached for your hand, grabbing it and leading you up to the passenger side of the van which you now realized was his. He opened the door and continued to hold your hand to help me up and into the seat. After closing your door he jogged around the front and quickly got into the drivers seat.

You clipped in your seatbelt, setting your bag on the floor by your feet. "Is it okay if I cross my legs?" You asked looking towards him.

"Yeah why wouldn't it be?" He said turning around, one hand placed on the back of your headrest as he reversed out of the parking spot. You could smell him like this, sweat, beer, and some sort of cologne you couldn't decipher.

"Didn't know if you were one of those car people" You joke while tucking your legs up and crossing them.

"You mean like Steve?" He said glancing at you.

"Exactly that"

"This van is probably older than me, it reeks of weed and cigarettes, you could pretty much do anything in here, I don't mind"

"I'll keep that in mind for when I have to pee" You tease. "I'll just pee my pants"

He scrunched his nose. "Okay maybe no pissing on my seats"

"Too late, I make no promises"

"You're funny. I like it"

"Oh, uh, thank you" You blush looking down at your hands, suddenly finding the nail polish on them very interesting.

"So, tell me about yourself"

You groan. "That's like the worst way to get to know someone!"

"How is that the worst way to get to know someone? It's such a simple question!" He argued.

"Oh it absolutely isn't! It's like the worst question they ask you at job interviews, I never know what they want to hear!"

He laughed loudly and you couldn't help but laugh with him. His head tilting back slightly. "Okay well what do you want me to know about you?"

"Oh fuck that seems even harder... Let me think about that for a moment" You said, and he let you. You sat in silence for a few minutes while you racked your brain for anything you thought was maybe interesting enough about yourself to tell him.

"I like taking pictures?" You say, catching a side glance at him.

"What do you like to take pictures of?" He asked without a beat, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel.

"Anything really, I journal them often"

"You journal them?"

"Yeah, I tape them into a notebook, with kind of like a diary entry about whatever I wanna write about, and then I'll say something about the pictures and then cover the page with stickers and doodles"

"Are you gunna put the pictures of me in there?"

Your heart squeezed. "Yeah I might" you admit "You gunna be jealous if I don't?"

"My heart would be absolutely crushed princess" He said while taking one hand off of the wheel to clutch at his heart.

Princess.

A small giggled bubbled in your chest, and a snort escaped amongst the laugh you let out.

"What a wonderful sound that is" he said with a dreamy sounding sigh.

"What is?"

"Your laugh" he said turning to glance at you.

#hellfiremunsonn #hellfiremunsonn stuckwithme #eddie #stranger things #eddie munson #steve harrington #stranger things fic #eddie munson smut #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson x reader #Eddie Munson fic #Eddie Munson x you #eddie munson x female reader

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arriansarchive · 2 years ago

Text

Regular Request Rules + NSFW Request Rules

Regular (non-smut) Requests Basic Rules

Request in the ask box

I am allowed to not answer (shouldn't have to be said but it is)

Do not request the same thing twice

I might add/change more rules and characters as time goes on because I'm forgetful

Just Notes

Why is my Miles Morales shit post getting reblogged pleeease pick anything other than that

Reader Rules (non-smut)

I will preferably do male reader

I might do gn reader

I won't do female reader so don't ask

I will accept reader being a characters sibling

Character Rules (non-smut)

I will do romantic female characters

I will do romantic male characters

Reader Rules (smut)

I will do dom!top!reader

I will do sub!top!reader

I will not do sub!bottom!reader

Kink Rules (obviously smut)

I will do degradation

I will not do praise (I'm horrible at it sorry)

I will not do pet names of any kind

I might do other kinks if you specify

Character Rules (smut)

I would preferably do m/m

I will try to do gn/m

I will not do gn/f

I will do m/f

Fandoms I Will Do

Spiderman Into/Across The Spiderverse

Miles Morales

Peter B. Parker

Miguel O'Hara

Pavitr Prabhakar

Hobie Brown

Gwen Stacy

Harry Potter

Ron Weasley

Hermione Granger

Neville Longbottom

Luna Lovegood

Ginny Weasley

(depends) Draco Malfoy

Nymphadora Tonks

Harry/Ron

Hermione/Harry

Hermione/Ron

Neville/Harry

Neville/Luna

Shameless

Fiona Gallagher

Lip Gallagher

Ian Gallagher

Carl Gallagher

Mickey Milkovich

Mandy Milkovich

Veronica Fisher

Kevin Ball

Possibly others if you mention them

Young Sheldon

Georgie Cooper

Mary Cooper

IT Chapter 1/2

Richie Tozier

Eddie Kaspbrack

Bill Debsbrough

Stanley Uris

Beverly Marsh

Ben Hanscom

Mike Hanlon

Eddie/Richie (movie/book)

Ben/Bill (book)

Bill/Stan (movie/book)

Stranger Things

Mike Wheeler

Will Byers (male reader only)

Dustin Henderson

Lucas Sinclair

Eleven

Max Mayfield

Steve Harrington

Nancy Wheeler

Jonathan Byers

Jason Carver

Eddie Munson

El/Mike

Max/Lucas

Will/Mike

Nancy/Jonathan

Dustin/Lucas

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (book)

Alma LeFay Peregrine

Caul Bentham

Jacob Portman

Emma Bloom

Fiona Frauenfeld

Hugh Apiston

Noor Pradesh

Millard Nullings

Enorace

Jillard

Joor

Jemma

Nuwho

Eleventh doctor

Twelfth doctor

Clara Oswald

Amy Pond

Rory Williams

River song

12/Clara

Fear Street

Kate Schmidt

Simon Kalivoda

Josh Johnson

Ziggy Berman

Cindy Berman

Sally Face

Sal Fisher

Larry Johnson

Ashley Campell

Todd Morrison

Travis Phelps

Sal/Travis

Top Gun: Maverick

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

Jake 'Hangman' Seresin

Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace

Heartstopper

Nick Nelson

Charlie Spring (x m!reader only)

Tao Xu

Harry Greene

Elle Argent

James McEwan (x m!reader only)

Imogen Heanley

Nick/Charlie

Elle/Tao

The Fosters

Mariana Foster

Jesus Foster

Callie Adams-Foster

Jude Adams-Foster (x m!reader only)

Brandon Foster

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Ari/Dante

Darius the Great Deserves Better

Darius/Chip

The 13th Reality

Atticus "Tick" Higginbottom

Sofia Pacini

Paul (insert last name here since I forgot)

Tick/Sofia

Tick/Paul

Sofia/Paul

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thetargaryenbride · 2 years ago

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𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒅 𝑶𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 - [5]

Warnings: blood and gore

Pairing: Steve Harrington x f!Byers!Reader

Word Count: 4576

𝐀𝐍: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺. 𝑰 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌~ 💚🐸

𝑨𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒇 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑶𝑶𝑪 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚. Thank you for reading. Hope you like it! 💚🌿

Masterlist || Chapter 4 || Chapter 6

“Okay, hold on for a moment,” you ceased your running and your brother stopped immediately, looking up at you expectantly as his chest heaved. “The bags keep sliding off my shoulder. Can you carry one of them?” you asked and he nodded, taking one of the bags off your hands and putting it on.

Now that you have stopped, you finally got the chance to drop the bag on the ground and open it so you could shove the pack of knives inside instead of keeping them in the uncomfortable place they were previously shoved in – your corset.

Murray had been true to his words. You had believed it would be hard to run in this dress but it wasn’t. The slits he had made helped greatly and the fabrics were light. It also helped that the dress fell just a bit below your knees instead of to your ankles because then it would’ve been a hassle to run even with the slits.

Murray was truly a magician of fashion.

You put the ax inside the bag as well and secured it properly so it wouldn’t move. A part of it was sticking out but at least you weren’t clutching it in your hand anymore and if push came to shove and you needed to use it, you could easily grab it and yank it out.

“Max, did you manage to-“ you began as you turned around but there was no redhead in sight, making you furrow your eyebrows in worry and confusion. “Max? Max!” you whirled and searched for her with your eyes but she was nowhere to be found.

“I didn’t even see her run away from us,” said Will dejectedly and you sighed.

“I can only pray… for her safety... Come now, we gotta keep moving. We’re not far enough from the Cornucopia yet,” you bent down a bit and picked your brother in your arms.

“W-what are you doing? I can walk on my own.”

“Oh, no, you’re staying safely tucked in my arms and that’s final. Besides, you can be my eyes and watch my back,” you placed a kiss on his temple and he grumbled in agreement, clutching your neck and leaning his head on your shoulder.

Just then, you heard rustling in the bushes. You didn’t waste a second and immediately began running. You did not remember a time in your life when you had to run this fast.

There was this one moment when you and Jonathan had been in the woods alongside the others, cutting trees. Will was little then, only eight years of age, and he had been curious as to where his siblings went off to every day so he had followed you. The sky had filled with dark clouds later the same day and you could literally smell the forming storm. Then strands of your hair had begun rising. Jonathan had been the one who had pointed it out, face distorting in utter panic. It meant one thing – lightning was about to fall right where you were standing. You had taken Will into your arms and you had run without stopping until you had reached the nearest shed. And then you had watched the lightning bolt hit a tree and set it on fire – right where you had been standing a minute ago.

Now you ran even faster.

Somehow, meeting death in the form of humans coming after you was scarier than meeting death in the form of natural disasters.

“Y/N there’s nobody behind us,” informed you Will, and you slowed down to a jog. “The rustling was probably an animal.”

“Are you sure you see nothing?”

“Yes.”

You let out a sigh of relief, chest heaving, as you came to a full stop and put Will down, bending a bit so you could calm your racing heart and aching lungs, placing your hands on your knees.

“Holy shit,” you muttered a while later after you finally regained your breathing and got the chance to properly look around. “This is a swamp.”

“How could you tell?” asked Will curiously.

“For one, the soil is extremely soft and wet and…there’s more moss than grass. And look ahead,” you pointed and he turned around, previously having his attention solely on you, finally seeing what you were focused on.

There was a big body of water in front of you, seemingly stretching on for miles and spreading. Multiple trees grew strong on each side, their roots so overgrown they almost covered the entire ground and entangled in tricky ways that could probably make you trip multiple times.

It was hard to navigate through swamp areas because there was water everywhere and you could easily find yourself stepping into an area where at first the ground looked normal but once you set foot on it, it would sink. There were many muddy places too but what you worried more about were the animals that could be inhabiting this place. Alligators, frogs, and snakes were usually living in these places, and that scared you.

“C’mon…let’s use the moonlight while there are still no clouds in the sky,” you lifted Will in your arms and began walking, this time allowing yourself to move at a slow pace so you could regain your strength properly.

You stepped carefully, observing your surroundings and taking notice of where the water was most shallow.

“What if it’s acidic?” asked Will and you hummed.

“Well, there is one way to find out.”

You dipped your toe once you reached the place, feeling the temperature, and you thanked the heavens that the water was not actually acidic. After all, you had to suspect everything around you. Hopper had told you about his own games and how the meadows and the forests had looked like paradise and that there had been tons of fruits you could eat but everything turned out to be poisonous and deadly. So now you were vigilant even of the water.

You easily crossed it, the water reaching only to your ankles, although you didn’t much appreciate the feeling of moss and mire on your skin.

“We should find you a pair of boots,” pointed out Will.

“I’m used to walking barefoot. I do it often back in the forests at home. I’ll be fine.”

You expertly weaved your way around the roots and the trees, trying to find one that could be hard to climb for other people but easy for you since you spent your whole lives climbing trees and you could climb even the steepest ones with straight barks where there were no branches or anything to grab onto. Having grown amongst such ‘obstacles’ and being used to swamps and vast forests was very much to your advantage.

It seemed luck was on your side…for now.

“Okay, this one is perfect! Go on, baby,” you put him down at the base of one huge tree and he began climbing while you looked around, scouting the area for any Tributes, just in case. Once Will was high enough, you followed after him. The two of you climbed until you reached high branches where nobody could spot you from the ground. It was helpful that the trees were very high, very wide, just large trees in general, with thick branches that could fit two people if they were to sit next to one another.

“I lied,” said Will suddenly and you looked at him confoundedly.

“What do you mean, honey?”

“When I said that I hoped all of us would fight with honor. I ended up lying,” he fiddled with his fingers. “Half the Tributes had begun undermining each other since before the games began. And at the bloodbath…you blew up one before we started playing.”

“Will,” you sighed heavily as you adjusted your position on the branch and sat more comfortably, facing him properly. “Listen…honor is a good quality to have. It’s a must quality to have. I want you to always be honest and honorable. But when the life of a person you love is at stake and you are forced to choose between keeping your honor or letting your beloved person die, would you pick honor? Honor over the life of, let’s say, mom? Jonathan? Me? Mike, Dustin, Lucas?” you asked and he shook his head.

“I would choose you,” he admitted and you smiled sadly.

“Honor is good. It’s noble. But it’s not always going to save your life.”

“So it depends on the situation then?”

“Exactly…and honestly? It doesn’t really make you less honorable if you choose to save the lives of your loved ones instead of playing fair. If anything, it shows that you’re ready to do anything to protect them. It shows your good qualities. And what makes us humans if we don’t protect and help one another when we need it most?”

“You’re right,” smiled the boy and you returned it, bringing him close to you as you settled against the bark of the tree, leaning as comfortably as you could.

“Don’t think way too much about this now. If your mind is preoccupied and tired, it will reflect on your body and on your ability to think. And we need to be sharp and strong,” you advised. “Let’s rest for now. Tomorrow will be a long day.”

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” sounded a smooth voice from behind and you turned around, coming face to face with no other than Henry Creel himself.

His startling blue eyes sent shivers down your spine and you didn’t know why but his pleasant, chill behavior didn’t ease you at all. If anything, it made you feel creeped out as this unsettling sensation washed over you.

“Sleepyhead? Why would you call someone that way?” you asked confused and he smiled.

“You’re always later than the others.”

“I’m just not, particularly a morning person.”

“Because you are a night owl,” he said knowingly and you gulped, fidgeting in your spot before outstretching your arm.

“Y/N Byers,” you introduced yourself and he looked at your hand, then at you, before accepting it for a handshake.

“Henry Creel. Although I suppose you already knew who I was as I know who you are.”

“True. But I believe introductions are simply…basic manners,” you told him with a tight smile and he chuckled. “Well…if you don’t mind…I should be off training now. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Creel. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of ways you have invented for the killing of children this year,” you chirped and his smile curled into a smirk, eyes glistening teasingly.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he spoke lowly as he took a step closer, casually putting his hands behind his back, the distance between you suddenly diminishing to none/nul. “And you would wish you have indulged some more in my company,” he muttered and you could feel his breath on your face, making you gulp as you tried not to look into his eyes but found the resistance too easy to break from. “I can be a useful ally. Better than any pompous Sponsor who plays by the silly, little rules,” he drawled and you traced each and every shade of his irises, tilting your head ever so slightly.

“Isn’t that a dangerous thing to say?” you whispered and his smirk grew.

“I love living life on the edge.”

“So, do you offer your… help, to every Tribute?” you asked.

“Only to those who hold potential…and fire in their blood.”

“So you’re saying you can help me and my brother?”

₊˚ʚ 🌿 ₊˚✧ ﾟ.

You came to with a sharp gasp, eyes darting around widely as you tried to gain control of your erratic breathing. Once you registered your surroundings you calmed down and pressed your palm against your forehead, rubbing your eyes tiredly.

“Are you alright?” asked Will worriedly and you nodded, pulling away.

“I’m fine, sweetie. I’m okay. ‘s just a nightmare,” you breathed out and he hugged you, placing a kiss on your cheek.

You had been awake for almost the entire night, too afraid to allow yourself to fall asleep. You worried that anything could come through the branches and that you weren’t safe even in the embrace of the thick tree crowns. Apparently, you had dozed off at some point early in the morning but you were glad you woke up quickly. You didn’t exactly wish to be trapped in this particular dream.

Because it wasn’t a dream

It was a memory.

And you didn’t want to think of its continuation.

“Listen, I’m going to climb to the top of the tree and scout the perimeter,” you informed him. “You stay here, okay?”

“Okay.”

You took the bag off your back and handed it to Will before calculating your route up and grabbing the nearest branch to haul yourself up. You let out a grunt as you pulled yourself over and over again until you finally reached the top and felt the warm sunrays caress your face. You let out a breath as you saw the grounds below. The tree was so high that it felt as if you were seeing everything from a bird’s point of view. You could see the whole swamp from here and it was indeed a huge area that was mostly overtaken by water and trees.

“That would be a nightmare to navigate through,” you whispered.

You could only hope that there would be more solid soil under your feet because if you had to walk through water all the time, you were sure you’d get sick.

“We’re still pretty much at the center of the Arena. The Cornucopia isn’t too far from here and I was able to see that it has been turned into a camp,” you informed Will once you dropped down onto your branch. “Most probably by One, Two, and Four. But they were nowhere in sight. I suppose they are hunting other Tributes throughout the swamp.”

“What do we do then?”

“I suggest we move further into the Arena and hide in the trees. Let them kill one another. Whoever is left after the carnage…I’ll cut down,” you told him and he gulped, nodding.

“Let’s check the bags. We didn’t get to see what we’ve gotten last night,” he offered.

“Yeah, we should do that,” you agreed as you took your bag while Will opened his and the two of you began rummaging through them, taking out the items and inspecting them.

Inside you found a rope, matches, bandages, two empty metal flasks for water, a blanket, a net, and three sandwiches, besides the pack of knives and the ax you had gotten.

“Okay, that’s good. These are all useful,” you grinned and Will lifted his hand to give you a high five. “Here, eat this,” you unwrapped one of the sandwiches and handed it to him, scrunching up the paper and shoving it in the bag.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” he asked and you shook your head.

“No, honey, I’m not hungry yet. Maybe I’ll grab a bite later. I promise.”

After that, you waited for him to finish eating and once he was done, you climbed down the tree and kept on moving further away from the center. You don’t know how long you walked but eventually, you reached that part of the swamp where water level was higher and solid ground was no longer under your feet.

“Okay, listen, there’s no way around the water. We’ll have to cross it to get to the other side of the forest. We’ll have to get a bit wet.”

“That’s fine. I’ll survive,” he shrugged and you chuckled.

You decided to first fill your bottles with water and you crouched down to scoop some of the liquid in your palms, bringing it to your lips to take a sip.

“Thank God, it’s a freshwater swamp,” you sighed in relief and you filled the canteens before shoving them back in the bags. “Alright, now, you take the bag with the ax and I’ll take yours,” you instructed as you switched bags so he could be able to get onto your back. “Come here,” you crouched down and motioned for him to climb on and he didn’t hesitate to follow the order, wrapping his legs and arms around your torso. “Now hold on tightly because I won’t be able to support you. I gotta use my arms to navigate.”

And then you entered the water. It was warmer than last night which was good. The weather itself was warm which put you at ease.

You kept on going, using your arms to scoop the water away and help yourself move faster. It was slowly beginning to rise and was reaching your hips as you went in further.

“Why is there so much water?” groaned your brother as he looked at his reflection and you chuckled.

“Well, swamps are transition areas. They are neither totally land nor totally water. They usually form around lakes and streams, and rain and seasonal flooding cause water levels to fluctuate,” you explained. “Don’t worry. There might be lots of water but they are usually shallow.”

“Okay, but what are those?” he scrunched up his face in disgust as he unhooked one arm and reached to grasp some of the green plants covering the majority of the surface.

“Oh, it’s just duckweed.”

“It feels nasty,” he shook the offensive greenery off his hand and you snorted.

“Tell me about it…Hey, I thought you were supposed to pay more attention in geography and biology class,” you lifted a brow playfully and he sighed.

“You know I prefer science class.”

Education wasn’t that good in the majority of the Districts but you were at least required to learn some basic and important things. Will has always been fascinated by science. He always had questions and always wanted detailed answers about anything and everything. It hurt you and your mother that you could not provide him with what he craved, simply because the Capitol was controlling many of the things you were supposed to learn and know about the world.

As you kept on moving, you were beginning to feel more and more confused because the water level kept on rising. It was now almost reaching your chest and you feared that soon you wouldn’t be able to feel the bottom. You weren’t the best swimmer so it would take you quite some time to exit the water if you had to swim.

You cursed yourself when your thoughts came to reality. It felt as if you jinxed yourself when you couldn’t properly walk on the ground anymore and the water licked at the base of your neck and kept rising.

“Alright, maybe this swamp is different than the others and I underestimated the skills of the Game-makers,” you grunted as you struggled to paddle. “Good news is, we’re halfway there.”

₊˚ʚ 🌿 ₊˚✧ ﾟ.

“All right, Dr. Ellis, let’s show her that she should have kept those boots on,” commanded Henry and the woman in question nodded, her finger making contact with one of the multiple holograms laid out in front of her.

“Activating the live plants, sir.”

“Connie, release version P-5 of the mutts in five, four, three…”

₊˚ʚ 🌿 ₊˚✧ ﾟ.

You froze, chills racking your spine as you felt something brush against your calf. You cursed under your breath as you began paddling faster and Will looked on with confusion as fear began overtaking him at your sudden reaction.

You let out a sharp gasp when you felt something wrap around your ankle and pull at you, causing you to lose some of the strength and balance that was keeping you above water and it didn’t help you had reached a spot where the water was deep enough to fit your height twice over.

“Will, take a knife out,” you barely spoke out before the vine pulled you harshly, submerging you underwater.

The boy was forced to let go of you and he looked around frantically as he clumsily tried to take the bag off his back. You returned to the surface, taking a gulp of air as you grasped onto your brother’s shoulders and tried to help him open the bag so you could take a knife out.

Suddenly, a rope was thrown your way and your heads snapped to look in the direction it came from, eyes widening when you saw no other than Max on the shore you had been trying to reach. She had tied the rope around one of the trees and was waiting expectantly for you to grab a hold of it.

“Go on!” you barked out at your brother as you struggled against the hold of the vine and he anxiously looked between you and the rope. “Go!” you yelled and he grabbed it, kicking with his legs and pulling his body with his arms. Max also helped by pulling the rope towards the shore and in the meantime, you took a deep breath and dived into the water, hand clasping around the vine while the other tried to cut it off with the knife.

As you were cutting it, you felt something else brush your leg.

‘Not another’ you thought in exasperation as you had just gotten rid of the one holding you, when you felt something sharp pierce your skin, making you yelp in pain and gulp some water in the process. You quickly came back to the surface, coughing. You searched wildly for your brother, watching on with relief when you saw him reach the shore and get out with Max’s help.

Then you felt your skin being pierced again and realized there was an animal down there, biting you. You kicked your legs, trying to shove it away but it kept on coming and then you felt it bite your leg in two places at once. Realization hit you like a ton of bricks when you felt numerous small bodies bump against you and begin biting at you, making you scream and trash around.

The water was littered with piranhas.

“Y/N!” hollered Will, panic wrecking him, and you snapped to look at him, worry swimming in your eyes.

“Don’t come in the water!” you yelled as you kept kicking your attackers and trying to simultaneously swim to the shore, eyes widening when you saw him take a step forward. “Stay there!” you bellowed, pain and desperation lacing your tone as you felt your ankles and calves being shredded by the sharp teeth of the fish, blood staining the water around you.

The pain had become so unimaginable and unbearable that your body just spasmed and got into shock, rendering you unable to keep swimming and you could only frantically try to get rid of the little monsters, kicking and screaming, and trying to pry them off with your hands.

₊˚ʚ 🌿 ₊˚✧ ﾟ.

“Okay, that’s enough,” ordered Henry leisurely, and Connie, Dr. Ellis, and the other scientists and workers, looked at him weirdly.

“But sir, we can’t just withdrawal them.”

“We have prepared the canon.”

“I said…enough,” he spoke lowly, leisure and chill gone and replaced by malice, and locked eyes with anyone who dared to talk back to him, and they shared a look before sliding their fingers on top of the holographic tablets and commanding the mutts to retreat.

₊˚ʚ 🌿 ₊˚✧ ﾟ.

Suddenly, you felt the piranhas stop their vicious attack and swim away, releasing you from the clutches of their deadly teeth. You heaved as you tried to stay afloat but the blood loss and the anguish your body was going through were too overwhelming, causing you to lose any strength you had left and sink underwater. Through bleary vision, you could see the mutts disappear and the vines slither back into the muddy bottom of the lake.

Just when you thought you were going to pass out and find your death here, you felt two arms wrap around yours and pull you up. A few seconds later you were desperately gasping for air as you breached the surface and saw it was Max who had come to your rescue. You wondered how was she able to swim to you so fast and pull you with such ease but then you remembered she was from District Four.

Will watched on with shock, tears sliding down his cheeks, as she dragged you onto the shore and knelt by your side, inspecting the damage.

“My legs,” you sobbed and let out pained grunts as you lifted yourself slightly to look at them before plopping back down on the ground. “My legs.”

“It’s okay! I got you! Y-you’ll be fine,” tried to reassure you the girl as she tried to grapple with her own panicked state, eyes wide with fear and worry at the sight of your wounded and bleeding flesh, hands hovering over your limbs as she didn’t know what to do.

Will sniffed and hiccupped, wiping his eyes roughly, as he opened the bag and took out the bottle of water, pouring it onto your torn skin and washing off any blood and grime.

“Keep cleaning it, okay?” said Max as her shaky hands pulled out a bottle of alcohol from her bag and she waited for Will to properly clean your injuries, cringing at the sight of your mauled flesh.

The piranhas had bitten you so much and so badly that their bites weren’t even recognizable as bites because the majority of the flesh of your ankles, the top of your feet, and parts of your calves, were just torn.

You cried out in agony, body jerking and spasming, when Max began disinfecting some of the wounds that were more on a surface level. Those that were deeper, where the skin was almost completely gone and the meat underneath was visible, she didn’t clean with alcohol for it was going to do more harm than good. After that, she and Will did a quick job at wrapping your feet, ankles, and calves with the bandages.

“Careful. We shouldn’t wrap her with too many layers and it shouldn’t be too tight because they’ll get stuck in her flesh and it will be painful when we have to remove and change them later,” instructed the redhead as she guided the boy. “Besides, the tissue needs to breathe in order to heal.”

“How do you know all that?”

“I just get injured a lot,” she shrugged, eyes not leaving your form. “You know, back home. I’ve fallen from trees and stuff.”

“You’ve fallen from trees?” he asked incredulously and she snorted, rolling her eyes.

“Not everyone is lucky to have grown up in the forest like you all from Seven.”

“The forest,” you breathed out and the children looked at you. “The trees,” you reminded Will, and his eyes widened in realization.

“That’s right, we wanted to get further into the Arena and hide in the trees,” he told Max. “They won’t find us there.”

“I’m not good at climbing trees,” muttered the girl.

“We’re not good at swimming,” told her Will and she lifted a brow.

“What are you trying to imply?”

“I’m just saying, we’re not good at what you’re good at. And you’re not good at what we’re good at. We complete one another,” he stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world and she looked at her lap, visibly thinking over his suggestion.

“Max,” you muttered and she locked eyes with yours.

“Come with us.”

#stranger things x reader #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things reader insert #steve x reader #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington fanfic #eddie x reader #eddie munson x reader #will byers x reader #jonathan byers x reader #billy hargove x reader #reader #reader insert #alternate reality #au #hunger games au

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corroded-hellfire · 1 year ago

Text

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆ ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆

TO SPREAD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER (AND AN EXCUSE TO ESCAPE YOUR IN-LAWS, OVERBEARING EXTENDED RELATIVES, SIBLINGS, and/or PARENTS)

LETS PLAY A LITTLE GAME

𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞, 𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠

thank you my beloved @munson-blurbs for tagging me 🤍

𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭...

𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎: my true favorite is being used somewhere else on this list so I shall go with the runner up. Harrington!reader sticks up for Eddie after Jason calls him a freak

𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜: As You Wish, Part 1 (older!eddie x babysitter!reader)

𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜: St. Patrick’s Day Party

𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎: Top This, I believe. It was Easter and I decided I wanted to post an Eddie Easter fic and bam, somehow it came together very quickly.

𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎: Where the Heart Is, Part 4. My God there was some serious writers block trying to get that one done

𝚏𝚒𝚌 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚜𝚔: my small collection of older!eddie stories that started with this ask about Eddie putting reader into subspace

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛: Steve. He just doesn’t spark my creativity like Munson does

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛: Eddie my beloved

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛: never say never

𝚂𝟻 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜?: tears. Lots of them. Mostly from me. Max will come back, Dustin will be a wreck, Will is gonna open up to Jonathan and/or Mike, hoping for at least an Eddie cameo, and I’m a stancy truther so I’m already planning the wedding

𝚔𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝, 𝚠𝚑𝚢/ 𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚗𝚘𝚝?: I think so, but I’m not sure they’ll necessarily call him kas

𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚠𝚑𝚢/𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚗𝚘𝚝?: God yes, please. They’ve both grown so much and are better suited for one another now and I don’t care what anyone says, Steve never stopped loving her.

𝚊 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎: gonna be completely honest and say I have no idea which blogs are considered bigger or smaller ones

𝚊 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚘 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎: @icallhimjoey is where I always know I can go for inspiration!

𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖: the first ones I remember reading were by @luveline!

𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖: @munson-blurbs cuz I’ve had a tumblr crush on her since day one

𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚎: it’s gotta be

𝚐𝚘𝚊𝚕𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛: Completed my first series on here. And in non-fanfic writing I successfully finished the outline for my first two novels!

𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛: 17.5k for Where the Heart Is, Part 5

𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎: idiots in love

𝚜𝚖𝚞𝚝, 𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚏𝚏?: it depends on the mood I’m in

f̾u̾c̾k̾ ̾m̾a̾r̾r̾y̾ ̾k̾i̾l̾l̾

𝚝𝚎𝚍, 𝚖𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚛. 𝚌𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎?: fuck Ted because a certain bff of mine wrote a fic about exactly this and made it hot. Marry Mr. Clarke cause he got that steady paycheck coming in. Kill Murray because I couldn’t not handle that man for long periods of time

𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚌𝚎, 𝚔𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗, 𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚕𝚊𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚊? (𝚍𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗’𝚜 𝚖𝚘𝚖): fuck Karen because hello billy had the right idea. Marry Joyce because she’s Joyce frickin Byers and I would do anything for that queen. Kill Claudia I am sorry but at least she shall be with mews

𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚛, 𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚘𝚗, 𝚍𝚛. 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛? Fuck Hopper because yes daddy but also I could not live with that man lol. Marry Wayne Munson because DUH he’s Wayne and I would happily be his wife. Kill Dr. Brenner because f u papa

𝚊𝚛𝚐𝚢𝚕𝚎, 𝚓𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗, or 𝚔𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑? Honestly this one is so difficult. Fuck Argyle, marry Jonathan, and kill Keith. I have no explanations for any of these

𝚎𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚎, 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚛𝚐𝚢𝚕𝚎? Fuck Stevie boy. Marry Eddie because he is the love of my life. Kill argyle sorry bruh

𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚋𝚊𝚝, 𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚐𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚊𝚗, 𝚟𝚎𝚌𝚗𝚊? Fuck a demogorgan cause that seems like an adventure. Marry Vecna because in the words of JQ have you seen Jamie? Kill demobats cause they hurt my Stevie and did unspeakable things to my beloved Edward

no pressure tags: @eddiemunsonsmum @hellfire--cult @joejoequinnquinn @silkholland @wheels-of-despair @ghost-proofbaby @word-wytch @storiesbyrhi

#tag game

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farmergirlimagines · 5 months ago

Text

Prelude: June 15th 1977

Masterlist ~ Through Static and Shock

>>>Thank you for reading! Please comment and let me know if you want to be tagged in future updates of this story. I post a new chapter each Monday, Wednesday and Friday!

See you all next update!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Hendersons' house buzzed with childhood energy, and the high-pitched laughter of the two six-year-olds echoing from room to room. Dustin Henderson, a heavier set boy with tight, springy curls that seemed to have a life of their own, darted across the living room in his dinosaur-patterned pajamas, clutching a half-inflated balloon. His gap-toothed grin widened as he whipped it into the air, his movements brimming with the endless energy of youth.

Across from him, Mike Wheeler, taller, lanky, and with straight, dark hair that constantly flopped into his wide, curious eyes, scrambled to catch the balloon before it hit the floor. His cheeks were flushed from laughter, and his striped socks slid comically on the hardwood floor as he dove for the prize.

The faint clinking of dishes came from the kitchen, where Claudia Henderson hummed a tune over the sink, the sound blending with the chaos of the living room. Another balloon POPPED with a sharp crack, causing both boys to freeze for a split second before erupting into uncontrollable giggles, their laughter filling the house with a pure, unrestrained joy.

"Did you see that?!" Dustin exclaimed, doubling over as he clutched his sides.

"Yeah! You totally exploded it!" Mike gasped between laughs, collapsing onto the carpet with a dramatic flair. The two rolled around like puppies, their joy uncontainable, the balloon forgotten as their attention was pulled to the front door creaking open, and the sound of Joyce Byers’ cheerful voice filled the Hendersons’ house. “We’re here! Sorry we’re late—the car wouldn’t start again!” she called, ushering her children inside. She carried a brightly wrapped gift under one arm and balanced a plate of brownies in the other.

Trailing behind her were Jonathan and Joanna, both ten but strikingly different in presence. Jonathan hung back slightly, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he clutched a Polaroid camera close to his chest. He surveyed the lively scene with quiet curiosity, already composing shots in his mind. Joanna, on the other hand, burst through the doorway like a firecracker, her wild curls bouncing with every step. Her untied shoelaces slapped against the floor as she waved a handmade card in the air.

“Where’s the birthday girl?!” Joanna shouted, her voice carrying easily over the chaos. Without waiting for an answer, she charged into the living room, nearly colliding with Mike and Dustin. Will, sticking close to Jonathan’s side, smiled shyly at his friends before letting go of his brother’s hand and running to join them.

In the kitchen, Claudia greeted Joyce with a warm hug, while Donna peeked in from the living room. “Happy birthday, Donna!” Joyce said brightly, setting the plate of brownies on the counter. Donna smiled, her hands clasped behind her back, her charm on full display even at ten. “Thanks, Mrs. Byers!” she chirped, her eyes darting toward the gift Joyce had brought.

Nancy Wheeler, already perched at the edge of the couch in a neatly pressed floral dress, gave Joanna a raised eyebrow as her friend skidded to a stop beside her. “You’re going to trip and break your neck one day,” Nancy said matter-of-factly, smoothing the skirt of her dress.

“Only if I’m lucky!” Joanna shot back with a mischievous grin, flopping down next to Nancy and immediately yanking the neatly arranged throw pillows onto the floor.

Barb Holland, sitting cross-legged on the carpet with a book in her lap, glanced up from her reading. “Donna, is this going to be another one of those parties where Joanna gets us all in trouble?” she asked, her skepticism evident even at four years old.

Donna laughed, plopping down between Nancy and Joanna, her mustard yellow cardigan slipping off one shoulder. “Always. That’s what makes it fun.” She tugged Joanna’s curls playfully. “And we love her for it. Right, Nancy?”

Nancy sighed dramatically, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “I guess.”

As the four girls sat together, their differences became as clear as their bond was strong. Donna, with her quick wit and magnetic energy, effortlessly drew them all in. Joanna, with her bold and impulsive nature, kept them on their toes. Nancy’s steady, practical demeanor grounded the group, while Barb’s quiet wisdom and thoughtful observations added depth beyond their years.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Jonathan had slipped off to take pictures, snapping candid shots of Dustin and Will trying to outdo each other with balloon tricks. He lingered near the edge of the room, content to observe from a distance while Joanna’s laughter rang out like a bell, loud and uninhibited.

Joyce, watching from the kitchen, exchanged a knowing look with Claudia. “It’s funny, isn’t it?” Joyce said, smiling softly. “How they’re all so different, but they just click.”

Claudia nodded, her gaze lingering on Donna as she leaned into the group of girls, her birthday crown slightly askew on top of her head as her two uneven pig-tails held shield her tight brown curls from her face. “Yeah. They balance each other out. Just like siblings, in a way.”

It was a modest celebration, but to Donna, it felt like the world had come together just for her. Yellow and pink streamers crisscrossed the ceiling in a haphazard pattern—a collaborative effort by Dustin and her father, Robert that somehow added to the charm. The centerpiece of the room was the birthday cake, a slightly lopsided chocolate creation with “Happy Birthday, Donna!” written in bright green frosting by Claudia. In the corner, a cluster of balloons bobbed gently, one shaped like a dancer mid-leap drawing her attention to it all afternoon.

“Okay, next up: musical chairs!” Robert’s booming voice announced as he clapped his hands.

The kids scrambled to set up the chairs, their energy infectious. Jonathan Byers quietly stepped in, adjusting the arrangement with the precision of someone determined to avoid any mishaps. Nancy hovered nearby, already calculating her best strategy, her mind hard at work. Joanna, meanwhile, was too excited to plan, practically bouncing in place as she urged everyone to hurry up.

The record player crackled to life, filling the room with the upbeat rhythms of ABBA’s Dancing Queen.

The kids circled the chairs, their faces a mixture of focus and playfulness. Joanna danced with exaggerated Broadway-style flair, her arms outstretched dramatically. Dustin and Will were giggling uncontrollably, their movements clumsy as they tried to keep up.

Barb hung back hesitantly, her practicality telling her this might not be her game. Donna wouldn’t have it. She grabbed Barb’s hand and pulled her into the circle. “Come on, Barb! It’s fun!”

The first round ended with a dramatic flop from Mike, who missed a chair and landed on the floor with a theatrical groan. “I’ve been betrayed by my legs!” he cried, earning laughter from everyone, including a rare chuckle from Jonathan.

The music started again. Dustin, ever the joker, decided to turn the game into his own performance. He wiggled his hips dramatically, throwing in a few exaggerated spins. Donna and Will couldn’t stop laughing at his antics, but his theatrics proved to be his downfall. When the music stopped, Dustin froze mid-pose, realizing too late that he was out of reach.

“Nooo!” he cried, collapsing to the floor in mock defeat.

Will patted him on the back, ever the peacekeeper. “You almost had it, Dustin.”

Dustin grinned, brushing it off. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be your personal cheerleader now!”

Jonathan, more deliberate than the others, moved steadily around the circle. But his lack of aggression cost him. When the music stopped, he was just a step too far from the nearest chair.

He shrugged, offering a small smile. “Guess I’m out.”

Joanna threw her hands in the air, teasing him. “Jonathan, where’s your fire? You’ve gotta want it!”

He chuckled softly, retreating to the sidelines. “I’ll leave the glory to you.”

As the circle tightened, Barb moved cautiously, staying close to the chairs with calculated steps. Joanna, in contrast, leapt and twirled like she was performing for a packed theater. The music stopped, and chaos erupted. Barb hesitated just a fraction too long, and Joanna slid into the last chair with a victorious grin.

“Sorry, Barb!” Joanna exclaimed, though her grin made it clear she wasn’t sorry at all.

Barb laughed softly, shaking her head. “I don’t think I’m cut out for this game anyway.

The final three—Nancy, Joanna, and Donna—circled the last two chairs. Nancy moved with sharp precision, her steps deliberate and controlled. Joanna, ever the firecracker, was unpredictable, bouncing and twirling like a whirlwind. Donna found herself weaving between their two extremes, her movements graceful and fluid.

When the music stopped, Donna found herself just a second too slow. She laughed, stepping back. “I’ll cheer for you guys!”

Nancy and Joanna faced off, the room buzzing with excitement. Joanna’s energy was electric, her eyes fixed on the prize. Nancy remained calm and collected, her every step measured.

The music started, and they began circling the last chair. Joanna threw in dramatic spins, her arms flaring out like a star on stage, while Nancy moved with quiet focus.

When the music stopped, it was almost too close to call. Joanna dove for the chair, nearly knocking it over, but Nancy was quicker. She slid into place with practiced ease, adjusting the skirt of her dress as if the win had been inevitable.

Joanna threw her hands up in mock outrage. “Nooo! I was so close!”

Nancy smirked, tilting her head playfully. “Close, but not close enough.”

The room erupted in cheers. Dustin ran up to Nancy, bowing dramatically. “All hail the Queen of Chairs!”

Joanna laughed, shaking her head. “Rematch next year. I’ll take the crown!”

Nancy rolled her eyes, a rare grin spreading across her face. “We’ll see.”

Donna stood back, clapping for her friends as a wave of warmth washed over her. The house was filled with life, the kind of joy that lingered long after the music stopped. This wasn’t just a game—it was a memory, one they’d all carry with them, tucked away like a cherished keepsake.

While the lively sounds of Dancing Queen and the children’s laughter filled the living room, the kitchen was a world apart. Claudia leaned against the counter, arms crossed, her eyes following the movement of her hands as they idly traced patterns on the edge of a dish towel. The faint hum of the refrigerator and the occasional burst of laughter from the party were the only sounds accompanying her.

Robert entered quietly, the small velvet box tucked discreetly in his hand. He glanced at Claudia and hesitated for a moment before stepping closer.

“You’ve been hiding out,” he said softly, his tone teasing but gentle.

Claudia glanced up, offering a tired but warm smile. “Just taking a breather. It’s a good party.” Her gaze flicked toward the doorway, where the sound of Donna’s laugh spilled into the room. “She’s happy. That’s what matters.”

Robert leaned against the counter beside her, the easy camaraderie of years of shared experience settling between them. “She’s more than happy. She’s glowing.” He paused, looking at Claudia. “That’s because of you, you know.”

Claudia scoffed lightly, shaking her head. “Don’t give me all the credit. You’re the one who went overboard with the balloons.”

He grinned. “Hey, every party needs a little pizzazz. Besides,” he added, lifting the small box into view, “I still have my ace in the hole.”

Claudia’s expression softened as she eyed the box, her hands falling still. “You’re really giving it to her today?”

Robert nodded, his grin fading into something more thoughtful. “She’s old enough now. And I want her to have it while it still feels like... a gift, not a memory.”

Claudia swallowed hard, her arms tightening across her chest. Her smile wavered, and for a moment, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “She’s going to love it.” Her voice was steady but thick with emotion.

“I hope so,” Robert said, opening the box just enough for Claudia to glimpse the delicate silver chain and the tiny ballerina pendant. The charm sparkled faintly in the warm kitchen light.

Claudia reached out, brushing a finger over the pendant. “She’ll treasure it. She always treasures what you give her.”

Robert closed the box gently and turned to face Claudia fully. “You know,” he began, his voice dropping to a quieter, more intimate tone, “I couldn’t do this without you. You’ve held everything together—Donna, Dustin, this house, me.”

Claudia laughed softly, the sound equal parts humor and disbelief. “You’re giving me too much credit. Half the time, I’m just winging it.”

“Yeah, well,” Robert said with a lopsided smile, “you’re a pretty good wingman.” He reached out, squeezing her hand briefly.

For a moment, they stood in silence, the sounds of the party washing over them like a distant tide. It was a rare moment of stillness in their busy, complicated lives—a reminder that even in the chaos of parenthood and the challenges of the day to day, they still had these fleeting moments of partnership.

Claudia exhaled deeply and straightened, her smile returning with more certainty. “You better get back out there before they wonder where you are.”

Robert nodded, holding up the box. “Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need it,” Claudia said, her voice warm. “She’s going to remember this forever.”

As Robert walked back into the living room, Claudia lingered for a moment longer. She wiped at her eyes quickly, then turned to the sink, letting the sound of the children’s laughter fill the quiet once more. The sound of Robert’s footsteps faded and the joyful clamor of the living room grew louder, as Claudia stayed rooted to the spot, her fingers clutching the edge of the countertop. The laughter filtering through the walls was bright and warm, but it couldn’t quite drown out the hum of her own thoughts.

She let out a shaky breath, brushing a stray curl from her face as her gaze fell on the sink full of dishes. It wasn’t that the task was daunting; it was that it felt so normal, so mundane, against the weight of the day.

Her mind wandered to Donna, who was somewhere in the other room, likely glowing under the adoration of her friends and the excitement of the party. Claudia smiled softly, though it was tinged with sadness. Donna was growing up so fast—too fast.

Ten years old already, Claudia thought, her heart tightening. It feels like just yesterday she was toddling around, holding onto my legs while I tried to cook dinner.

She thought of Robert’s words: You’ve held everything together. It had felt like a compliment, but it also felt like a mirror held up to all the ways she hadn’t. She tried her best every single day, but there were nights she lay awake, wondering if her best would ever be enough.

The necklace Robert was about to give Donna brought a lump to her throat. She could still remember the day he’d bought it—how he’d come home from work with a mischievous smile, holding the little velvet box behind his back like he was hiding a secret.

“Just a little something,” he’d said then, “for when she’s older and ready for it.”

It had seemed so far away at the time. Claudia had teased him about being sentimental, but now she wished she’d held onto that moment a little longer. Life had seemed so steady then, so solid. She hadn’t known how quickly the ground could shift beneath her feet.

Claudia blinked quickly, brushing away the tears that threatened to spill. She couldn’t let herself go there—not today, not on Donna’s birthday. This day was for her, and she deserved every ounce of happiness.

She straightened her posture, forcing herself to take a deep breath. She looked toward the doorway, where the laughter seemed to pulse with life.

You’re doing okay, she told herself, the words more of a plea than a reassurance. They’re happy. That’s what matters.

Claudia closed her eyes and let the ache wash over her, just for a moment.

When she opened them again, the sounds of the party pulled her back. Donna’s laugh rang out above the others, pure and bright, and Claudia couldn’t help but smile.

“She’s happy,” she whispered to herself, as if saying it aloud might make it feel more real. She grabbed the dishrag and wiped her hands, composing herself before stepping back into the dining room. The party wasn’t over yet, and there was still so much joy to be shared.

Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains of the Hendersons’ home. The faint scent of freshly baked cake lingered in the air as Donna sat cross-legged on the carpet, a rainbow of wrapping paper scattered around her as she eagerly unwrapped her birthday gifts. At ten years old, she was the picture of joy—her wavy hair clamped beneath a birthday crown and tied into two uneven pigtails with bright yellow ribbons that matched her sunny smile, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Dustin was beside her, clutching a box he was clearly dying to open himself.

Around her were her best friends—Nancy, Joanna, and Barb—all giggling and whispering to each other as they watched her unwrap another gift. Dustin bursting with energy beside her, tugging on his best friend Will's sleeve and whispering secrets. Mike was busy trying to poke holes into the balloon animal Nancy had carefully crafted earlier, much to her irritation.

Jonathan stood off to the side near the record player, isolating himself from all the commotion quietly flipping through the Hendersons’ modest vinyl collection.

Robert was seated on the couch, cradling the small velvet box in his hands. His smile was soft, the kind of smile that held the weight of the moment in a way only a parent could understand. Claudia, ever the multitasking mother, moved in and out of the kitchen, chatting with Karen Wheeler and Joyce while keeping an eye on the kids.

“Alright, Donna,” Robert said, leaning forward. “Time for the final gift. This one’s special.”

He looked at her with a warmth that could have melted the hardest heart.

Donna’s eyes widened as she took the box. She opened it carefully, her fingers trembling with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Inside was a delicate silver necklace, the charm of a dancer mid-spin catching the light like a tiny star.

Her jaw dropped. "Dad, it’s beautiful!"

Robert grinned, his expression a mixture of pride and tenderness. "I saw it in a shop downtown. You’ve been working so hard in dance class, Donna. I thought you deserved something special to remind you how proud I am of you." He gestured to the charm. "Whenever you wear this, remember that I’m always cheering for you, no matter what."

Donna felt her chest swell with happiness as she gently lifted the necklace out of the box. "Can I wear it now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course," Robert replied, standing up to fasten it around her neck. "There. Perfect."

Donna jumped up as her father fastened the necklace around her neck, the charm resting lightly against her collarbone. She twirled in the middle of the room, the delicate dancer charm catching the sunlight with every spin.

“It’s perfect for you, Donna,” Nancy said, stepping closer. Her sharp eye immediately noticed the intricate details on the charm. She leaned in, her expression thoughtful. “The engraving is so precise. It’s like a tiny work of art.” She smiled, a little shyly, but her admiration was genuine. “It’s beautiful. Just like your dancing.”

Joanna standing beside Nancy, bounced on her toes radiating excitement. “Ugh, I’m jealous! That is so cool, Donna!” she exclaimed, reaching out but stopping just short of touching it. “It’s like... when you’re famous one day and performing in New York or something, you’ll wear this on stage, and we can all say we were there when it all started!” She grinned, her enthusiasm so infectious that Donna couldn’t help but laugh.

Barb Holland hung back for a moment, her caution making her hesitate. But then she stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the charm. “It’s really special,” she said softly, her voice steady and sincere. She met Donna’s gaze, her lips curving into a rare smile. “Your dad knows you so well. It’s not just pretty—it’s you.”

Nancy nodded in agreement, ever practical. “You should keep it safe, though. Don’t wear it when we’re outside playing or something.”

Joanna groaned dramatically. “Nance, she just got it! Let her show it off!”

Barb chuckled quietly, the corners of her mouth lifting. “She has a point, though. But maybe don’t listen to us right now. It’s your birthday, after all.”

Donna’s heart swelled as she looked at her friends, each of their words weaving a moment she knew she’d treasure forever. She fingered the charm lightly and grinned. “Thanks, guys. I’m never taking it off.”

Joanna gasped, throwing her hands in the air. “Never ever? Even in the shower?”

Nancy rolled her eyes, muttering, “Joanna, that’s not what she means.”

Barb shook her head with a quiet laugh. “Some things never change.”

From the kitchen doorway, Claudia paused her conversation, a faint smile playing on her lips. But her eyes flickered with something deeper—an unspoken worry, a weight only she carried.

Jonathan adjusted the record player, and soft music began to play. Nancy and Joanna grabbed Donna’s hands, pulling her into an impromptu dance while the boys watched, laughing at their dramatic spins. Dustin and Will tried to mimic their movements but quickly dissolved into a pile of giggles. Even Barb was coaxed into joining, a rare and fleeting moment of carefreeness.

The house was filled with laughter, music, and the lighthearted joy of childhood.

“Promise me one thing,” Robert said as Donna’s spinning slowed. He knelt in front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “No matter what happens, keep dancing. Never stop.”

Donna beamed, her energy radiating confidence and certainty. “I promise!”

“Alright, everyone! Gather around!” Robert’s voice cut through the chatter, carrying a playful edge that immediately drew the kids’ attention. His grin was wide and full of mischief, promising something exciting. “It’s time for the talent show challenge!”

Donna’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands in delight. “Yes! I’ve been waiting for this!” Her feet practically bounced off the floor as her enthusiasm radiated through the room.

The kids shuffled into the living room, jostling each other with friendly elbows and nudges as they arranged themselves in a semi-circle around the makeshift stage. It was nothing more than a cleared space in the middle of the room, outlined with brightly colored masking tape, but to them, it felt like a real performance hall.

Nancy stood with her arms crossed, skepticism written across her face. “Do we have to?” she asked, her tone laced with mock reluctance. But there was a telltale gleam of curiosity in her eyes.

“Yes!” Donna replied dramatically, pointing a finger at her friend. “Participation is mandatory. House rules.”

Claudia appeared in the doorway with a tray of juice boxes, her soft smile framed by a mix of exhaustion and affection. “Don’t look at me. This one’s all Robert.”

Robert chuckled as he held up a small notepad, his energy infectious. “Here’s how it works: each of you will perform a talent—anything you like! Singing, dancing, magic tricks, impressions... whatever. The rest of us will vote for our favorite. No pressure, just fun.”

Joanna shot up like a firework. “I’m first!”

“Not fair!” Dustin groaned, flopping backward onto the carpet in protest. “You’re always first!”

Joanna stuck out her tongue, then strutted into the “spotlight,” bowing theatrically. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she declared, tossing imaginary rose petals, “prepare to be amazed!”

She launched into a whirlwind of a Broadway-style routine, belting out ‘Tomorrow’ from the movie, Annie, as she spun and leapt across the room. Her moves were exuberant and a little uncoordinated, but her sheer confidence had everyone grinning. She ended with an exaggerated flourish, one hand on her hip and the other stretched toward the ceiling.

The room erupted in cheers and applause. “Ten out of ten!” Donna announced, clapping enthusiastically.

“Thank you, thank you,” Joanna said, bowing deeply. “Your turn, peasants.”

Dustin and Will Byers huddled together, whispering furiously before stepping forward. “We present... Dustin the Magnificent and his assistant, Will!” Dustin declared, miming the placement of a top hat on his head.

Their performance was a glorious disaster. Dustin fumbled through a card trick with dramatic flair, while Will attempted to “levitate” a balloon by subtly blowing it upward. Trying and failing to make Mike disappear behind a raised blanket. The result was chaotic and hilarious, leaving the audience clutching their sides with laughter. Even Barb let out a rare, full-bellied giggle.

Nancy reluctantly stood when her name was called. “Fine,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I’ll show you my talent.”

With a surprising air of composure, she recited a poem from memory. Her voice was steady, her delivery heartfelt, and as her words flowed, even the usually restless Joanna stilled.

“Didn’t know you had that in you, Wheeler,” Jonathan said with a small nod of approval as the applause faded.

Nancy smirked, her cheeks slightly pink. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Byers.”

Barb hesitated when it was her turn, her hands twisting nervously. “I don’t really... I mean, I’m not good at...”

“Anything counts, Barb!” Donna encouraged warmly, her tone inviting.

After a long pause, Barb stepped forward and launched into a surprisingly accurate impression of one of their strictest teachers, Ms. Pritchett. Her exaggerated frown and high-pitched scolding voice had the room howling with laughter, and Barb couldn’t help but smile as she returned to her seat.

Jonathan, as always, tried to fade into the background, but Donna was having none of it. She grabbed his arm and practically dragged him to the front.

“Fine,” he muttered, reaching for Robert’s acoustic guitar resting in the corner.

The room fell silent as he strummed a soft melody, the gentle tune weaving through the air. Jonathan’s fingers moved with quiet confidence, and though the song was simple, it carried a depth of feeling that left everyone in awe.

“That was amazing!” Donna exclaimed, her smile radiant as the applause thundered.

Finally, it was Donna’s turn. She stepped into the center, her excitement palpable. “This one’s for all of you,” she said, giving a playful bow.

With practiced grace, she began her ballet routine. Her movements flowed effortlessly, every step a testament to years of dedication and passion. The crowded living room faded away as Donna danced, her expression radiant with joy.

When she finished, the room erupted into cheers, Robert leading with a standing ovation. “And the winner is... Donna!” he declared, though the others immediately began protesting.

“No way!” Joanna shouted. “I demand a recount!”

“Clearly, I should’ve won,” Dustin said, crossing his arms in mock indignation.

Donna laughed as she looked around at the lively group, her heart swelling. “How about this,” she said, her voice full of warmth. “We all won.”

Dustin groaned, tossing a couch cushion at her. “Cheesiest thing I’ve ever heard!”

But despite the teasing, the glow in the room was undeniable. The talent show had turned into more than just a game—it was a moment of shared happiness, one that would linger in their hearts long after the night was over. The talent show’s laughter and applause had faded, replaced by the quieter hum of goodbyes. Claudia, moving with the practiced grace of a seasoned hostess, ushered the departing guests toward their coats and shoes, her smile warm but tinged with the exhaustion of a long day.

Near the front door, Jonathan held Will’s coat draped over one arm, his stance relaxed but attentive. He bent slightly to meet Donna’s gaze, offering a small, genuine smile. “Happy birthday, Donna,” he said, his voice soft, almost shy.

Donna beamed up at him, her cheeks still flushed from the excitement of the evening. “Thanks, Jonathan! Bye, Will! Bye, Mike!” she called, waving enthusiastically as the boys shuffled out into the cool night.

Dustin lingered, his overnight bag slung haphazardly over one shoulder. He bounded toward Donna, wrapping her in a quick hug that carried the familiar scent of outdoors and sugary treats. “See ya tomorrow, sis!” he said with a grin before darting after Will and Jonathan, his laughter fading as the door clicked shut behind him.

The house felt larger as the crowd thinned, leaving behind a trail of streamers, confetti, and the faint scent of frosting. Only Nancy, Joanna, and Barb remained, their presence a quieter echo of the party’s earlier chaos.

Nancy leaned against the couch, her posture casual but her expression carrying the quiet thrill of possibility. “Looks like it’s just us,” she said, adjusting her sleeve with a graceful flick of her wrist.

Joanna, ever dramatic, threw an arm around Donna’s shoulders and grinned. “Sleepover time!” she proclaimed, her voice bright and full of mischief.

Barb, perched near the remnants of the cake, cast a skeptical glance at the scattered decorations. “Should we even bother cleaning up?” she asked, her tone practical but tinged with hope for a reprieve.

From the kitchen, Claudia’s voice floated over the clinking of dishes. “Leave it,” she said, waving them off with a motherly warmth. “It’s Donna’s special day. You girls go have fun.”

Robert appeared, balancing a tray of leftover cake slices with theatrical precision. “Just remember,” he said, his grin mischievous, “no staying up too late, and no scary stories that’ll have you waking us up at 2 a.m.”

Joanna shot him a mock salute. “No promises!” she called as the girls retreated to Donna’s room, their giggles trailing behind them like a ribbon.

Donna’s room was a treasure trove of childhood whimsy. Posters of ballerinas twirled across the walls, their delicate forms caught mid-dance, while fantastical landscapes hinted at faraway adventures. Stuffed animals crowded the corners like a soft, silent audience. Joanna wasted no time claiming the bed, flopping onto it with theatrical flair and pulling a plush unicorn into her lap.

“So,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “what’s the first order of sleepover business?”

Nancy perched gracefully on the edge of the bed, her fingers idly smoothing the hem of her dress. “We could play a game or do makeovers,” she suggested, her voice calm but inviting. “Something fun but not too messy.”

Joanna groaned, dramatically rolling her eyes. “Makeovers are so boring. Let’s tell ghost stories!”

Barb, sitting cross-legged on the rug, shifted uncomfortably. “Maybe we could just... talk?” she suggested, her voice hesitant but hopeful. “About normal stuff?”

Donna, glowing from the day’s excitement, settled beside Barb on the floor. “We can do a little of everything,” she offered with a warm smile, her excitement contagious.

They began with “Truth or Dare,” the game quickly descending into laughter as Joanna repeatedly chose “dare,” resulting in an impromptu silly dance, a drawn-on mustache, and a hilariously failed attempt at braiding Donna’s hair. Nancy, ever composed, stuck to “truth,” revealing a carefully guarded crush on Jonathan that left Donna squealing in delight and Joanna in theatrical disgust. Barb, after much coaxing, dared to sing her favorite song, her shy voice faltering but earnest, earning an eruption of applause.

Later, with the lights dimmed and flashlights in hand, Joanna took center stage. She angled her flashlight under her chin, casting eerie shadows across her face, and launched into an exaggerated ghost story about a haunted forest. Her voice rose and fell with practiced suspense, her words weaving an atmosphere so vivid that Donna clutched her blanket tighter, her wide eyes flicking toward the window.

“That’s not real... right?” Donna whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Of course not,” Nancy said, her tone confident, though her gaze darted to the darkened corners of the room.

Barb, visibly uneasy, glanced at the door. “Can we talk about something else now?”

Sensing her friend’s discomfort, Donna leaned forward. “How about a friendship pact instead?” she suggested, her voice warm and inviting.

Joanna groaned but couldn’t resist a smile. “Fine. What’s the pact?”

Donna flipped open the purple glittery notebook, its pages already filled with fragments of her childhood—stickers, doodles, and notes from past adventures. She smoothed the page, her fingers trailing over the faint sparkle of the cover.

“Okay,” she said, her voice steady but tinged with excitement, “let’s each write a promise, something we’ll always do for each other, no matter what.” She handed the pen to Joanna, who snatched it eagerly.

Joanna’s tongue poked out in concentration as she bent over the page. Her handwriting was messy, the letters leaning into each other as if impatient to escape the pen. “I promise to always make you laugh, even when things feel hopeless,” she wrote. She added a dramatic flourish at the end and then surrounded her words with tiny stars.

“Because what’s life without laughter?” she said, grinning as she passed the notebook to Nancy.

Nancy held the pen delicately, her expression serious. She paused for a moment, her brows furrowed in thought. Then, in her neat, precise cursive, she wrote, “I promise to always tell the truth, even when it’s hard.” She underlined the word truth twice, her hand lingering over the page before she passed the notebook along.

“I think honesty is the most important thing in a friendship,” she said softly, looking at each of them in turn. “No secrets.”

Barb took the notebook next, her hands hesitating over the glittery cover. She held the pen tightly, as though the promise carried great weight. In careful, blocky letters, she wrote, “I promise to listen when you need someone to talk to.” She added a small heart at the bottom of her words, her cheeks pink as she looked up.

“Sometimes,” she said, her voice quiet but firm, “you just need someone to be there. No advice, no judgment. Just... someone.”

Finally, it was Donna’s turn. She held the pen with both hands, her eyes sparkling as she thought. In large, looping letters, she wrote, “I promise to always believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.” She surrounded her words with little doodles of diamonds and hearts, her artistic flair spilling across the page.

“I think that’s what friends are for,” she said, her voice warm. “To remind you how amazing you are, even when you forget.”

Each girl contributed to the page, their personalities shining through. Joanna doodled stars around the edges, Nancy wrote in precise, neat looping cursive, and Barb added a small heart near the bottom. The notebook, now brimming with promises, was a kaleidoscope of their personalities—Joanna’s bold humor, Nancy’s steadfast honesty, Barb’s quiet empathy, and Donna’s unwavering optimism.

They huddled closer, their fingers brushing as they admired the page. “We’ll keep this forever,” Donna said, her voice filled with conviction. “Whenever we feel lost or scared, we can look at this and remember—no matter what, we’ve got each other.”

Joanna smirked but didn’t argue. “Okay, but we still need to seal it. Like, for real.”

“Secret handshake?” Donna suggested.

“Too easy,” Joanna said, grinning. “How about... a blood oath?”

Barb’s eyes widened. “Absolutely not.”

Nancy rolled her eyes. “We’re not doing that.”

They settled on their over-complicated handshake—part slapstick, part choreography. By the end, their laughter had them collapsing onto their sleeping bags, the notebook safely tucked away like a treasure. And in that moment, their promises didn’t feel like just words on a page—they felt like a bond that nothing could break.

As the night continued on, The room had grown still, save for the occasional rustle of a sleeping bag or the faint sigh of someone shifting into a more comfortable position. The glow-in-the-dark stars on Donna’s ceiling cast a soft, otherworldly light, their faint shimmer matching the quiet hum of contentment in the air.

Donna lay on her back, staring up at the tiny, glowing constellations she’d carefully placed months ago. Her heart felt full—too full, almost—as if it couldn’t quite contain the joy and love that had filled her tenth birthday.

Beside her, Joanna muttered something in her sleep, one arm draped dramatically over her face. Nancy’s soft, even breathing came from the other side of the room, her hair spilling over the pillow. Barb, closest to Donna, clutched a stuffed bear to her chest, her expression serene.

Donna closed her eyes and smiled to herself. The promises they’d made that night weren’t just words—they were threads weaving them together, stronger than any ribbon or bow.

Somewhere in the distance, a clock chimed faintly, marking the arrival of a new day.

Her last thought before sleep claimed her was a quiet, fervent wish: that this moment—this feeling of being understood and surrounded by love—would last forever.

And with that, the house slipped into silence, carrying the echoes of laughter, whispered dreams, and promises into the stillness of the night.

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alexisaflop · 3 months ago

Text

Wait on your song - Steve Harrington x Henderson reader

Stranger things rewrite with reader as Dustin's older sibling and Nancy's best friend. When I say slow burn I mean slow burn - sort of enemies to lovers.

Title based on Rock n Roll Suicide by David Bowie

Limited gendered language towards reader

Content warnings: universe app violence/gore, swearing. Use of Y/N.

Chapter below the cut