#anyway very funny that jonathan would hate steve

[shopcat]

i do honestly think that like. the reason steve's torture scene is so undercut is because it is a torture scene. like they didn't WANT it to be hit heavily they didn't want to have to cut between relatively normal for the show scenarios back to steve and robin locked in an unreachable facility getting beaten and drugged and about to get their fingernails ripped off with the knowledge that in the end unless they're saved they're going to die. Because that is deeply tragic. so they have to make the jokes and make it lighter than it seems not only because the plot needs it but like the AUDIENCE needs it and the CHARACTERS need it... like yes the show does not take so many character's real life suffering seriously because for some reason lasting effects and trauma only exist to be taken advantage of by the plot or if you're the billed star or something but steve also in canon is the one who didn't let himself BE A Guy Who Was Just Tortured. he was a guy who was just beat up a little. and like they're scared but they're not too scared because they have to have hope because they are two people who have never had to rely on hope before in order to survive...

but also!! tbh i can't. help but think how much of a critical hit gut wrench it would've been if they had decided to commit to the darker theme of it and how it juxtaposes against the whole Bright Neon Light Palm Fronds And 80s Pop and how 30 minutes later they're standing among a group of children and no one even realises anything is out of the ordinary i think it would've accessed an actual emotional impact and depth the duffers seem to stumble upon by accident and never of their own volition </3 to cut from the concurrently running scenes to an 18 year old boy we know is completely innocent and completely telling the truth that he was just in the wrong place and didn't realise how serious it all was who was getting tortured and it be something serious. and his 17 year old coworker who just had to listen to it all to the point where she thought they dragged his dead body in to lay next to her. and in a way it's somehow MORE tragic which was not their intention at all that it was so lightly handled even though we the audience know it's somethings deeply upsetting it all just gets washed away in the face of Life goes on even on tv... sigh.

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

Fated

Your soulmark has formed on your arm. The little bat was a mystery to you until you moved to Hawkins and met Eddie Munson...

Too bad he has a girlfriend and wants nothing to do with this "soulmate shit"

Or so he says anyway.

Warnings: Angst, meanish Eddie, soulmates, rejection, jealous Eddie, Eddie gets his head out of his ass, fluff.

Don't copy, reuse or repost my work.

I've left Eddie's soul mark up to interpretation. It's up to you what you want it to be.

♥️

Finding your soulmate should have been one of the best things that ever happened to you.

When the bat mark had appeared on your first day in Hawkins you were sure something had went very bad with this whole soulmate thing. Even though your family insisted that fate was never wrong.

Who the hell had a bat as a soulmate mark? It didn't make sense to you until you met Eddie and saw his tattoo.

There was a sharp pain and a burning feeling and you were aware Eddie was watching you for a response but you were trying not to show you were in pain.

Chancing a glance at your arm you find the small bat glowing brightly.

Eddie's eyes widen and he winces as if he's in pain too. When he removes his jacket his mark is now burned onto his skin.

"No, no no no. I have a girlfriend, she's called Chrissy and I can't... We can't, this whole soulmate bond mark thing is a load of shit sweetheart" his big brown eyes are full of panic.

Evn though you've only just met Eddie you feel your heart crack at his full on rejection.

You finally meet your soulmate and he has a girlfriend. Just my fucking luck you sigh and you don't know what to say to him.

The excitement of finding your soulmate fades as a pretty blonde bounds over to Eddie and introduces herself.

There's a sharp flash of pain that's radiating from your mark and you try to ignore it but it sits there all day, a dull ache that never really fades.

♥️

Despite Eddie being with Chrissy you manage to settle in Hawkins and make a few friends.

Robin and Steve are great and you get on well with Nancy who you're working with at Hawkins post. It's your first job out of high school and you want it to be a success.

Despite trying to avoid Eddie he's very much in your friend group and very much does not want anything to do with you.

You find out from Steve that after Chrissy found the soulmate mark on Eddie she left him.

Just another reason for him to hate you. He didn't want to know the person who broke up his relationship.

It wasn't very obvious to you but it was to Steve and Dustin his friend/pretty much like his little brother that Eddie despite his annoyance at the situation was intrigued by you.

Dustin caught him staring at you a few times or listening intently when you were chatting and answering questions about yourself.

He would turn away as soon as you noticed which made both Dustin and Robin roll their eyes in exasperation.

It wasn't your fault that Eddie was your soulmate and you were his, though Dustin did sympathise with Eddie for losing Chrissy, he was beginning to like you and didn't like seeing you hurt when Eddie would avoid you.

All that Eddie's coldness decided for you was that you needed to move on. It was crushing having your soulmate reject you but you had to accept it and move on.

That's when you met Josh, he was a friend of Steve's. Charming, sweet, funny. He was great.

Nancy was sitting with Jonathan and she was asking your plans for the evening as you diligently ignore the ache you feel with Eddie around. Thank god Nance offered a distraction.

"Oh, well I met this guy and we're going on our second date" you beam as Josh comes in and you head over to him, you're keen to introduce him to everyone.

♥️

Something dark and intense burns in Eddie's gut as he meets Josh. He's all perfect hair, perfect smile and is making you laugh.

That stupid mark burns so intensely that he swears under his breath and gulps his beer. He didn't like this guy one bit. Couldn't you see that Josh was a fake preppy dickhead?

Nancy asks how you met Josh and the growing envy inside him kicks up a notch at how charming Josh was being to everyone.

"I was a little hesitant at first, Josh admits but I couldn't help wanting to get to know her" Josh smiles at you and Eddie scowls.

"Hesitant about what exactly dude?" Josh throws him a dark look and there's a smug smirk on his face that pisses Eddie off even more.

"This soul mark thing but after hearing you were so adamant about it being a lot of shit I feel like I should thank you man, otherwise I would never have met this sweet lady"

Eddie grits his teeth and bites back a retort. Sensing danger Robin changes the subject but Eddie's in no mood to listen to Josh spout of a load of crap.

He's snappish and yeah he's aware he's being an ass but there's just something about this goofy idiot that Eddie doesn't like.

Eventually he makes an excuse to leave. He needed to destress and the only thing that could help him was jamming out a few tunes on his guitar.

♥️

You don't know what the hell was up with Eddie today but you were pissed off and somehow you ended up at his trailer, ready to confront him for being such an ass.

He opens the trailer door and looks suprised to see you and you push past him, eager to pour out your feelings.

"Why were so mean to Josh?" he leans back against the table and you feel a delicious ache build up inside you at how good he looked.

"What to you want from me Eddie? You don't want me. You want Chrissy! So why should I not be allowed to find someone? You acted like an asshole and for what!" you were full on ranting now but you didn't care.

Eddie watches you rant torn between wanting you to shut up and kissing you. The urge to kiss you was growing stronger and he tried to resist it.

"Princess, he's a fucking douchebag okay? He's fake as shit. Anyone can see that" you frown at his use of the word princess and can't decide if you like it or not.

Judging by the butterflies in your belly you did... Fuck. Irratated at how he affected you and the lack of chemistry between you and Josh you let out your frustrations.

"In case you forgotten Eddie you rejected me because you were with Chrissy and it's my fault she left you so whatever game you're playing cut it out"

The two of you are like magnets as he moves closer to you and his expression is soft, his big brown eyes full of tenderness.

"I've been such a dick to you and I'm sorry sweetheart. It's not your fault about the mark and I shouldn't have acted like it was" he caresses your cheek gently and it feels like your nerves are on fire.

"Don't think you can soften me up with those pretty brown eyes and that charming grin Eddie Munson" you warn him and he shrugs sheepishly.

"Pretty and charming huh? I'll take it" he winks at you and you feel yourself growing incredibly flustered, okay now was the time to leave.

"Ive been trying to avoid this for weeks but I can't sweetheart. I'm so drawn to you and I understand that you're seeing Josh but if he fucks up even once then... He's an idiot and I'll be waiting"

You leave at that point and your mind is racing, so much for moving on from Eddie, now you're more into him than ever.

♥️

Chrissy didn't expect to find Eddie at the Hideout tonight, it wasn't his night to perform with Corroded Coffin but here he was knocking back a couple of beers.

"Soulmate thing not working out for you?" she asks sympathetic and Eddie fakes a smile and at her gentle smile is coaxed into explaining all that has happened.

"Oh Eddie, can you blame her for moving on? You've acted like you want nothing to do with her and now you're all jealous because she's found someone. I hate to be mean but get your head out of your ass"

Eddie almost chokes on his beer at Chrissy's words but he knows she's right. He's been such an idiot.

''I'm a total butthead huh? I know that now"

Chrissy nods and kisses his cheek.

"Eddie, you've obviously fallen for her even if you've tried not to and you're jealous of this Josh guy so why don't you be Eddie the Brave and go and get the girl" she blushes a bit and tucks her hair behind her ear.

"Maybe I could pluck up the courage to talk to Jason. He's changed so much these last six months and he's my... He's my soulmate you know, I just know it"

Eddie nods. He needed to get his head out of his ass and just talk to you again.

Chrissy was right, as much as he tried to fight this soulmate bond, it was pretty obvious that you were his dream girl and he was being an idiot for letting you slip through his fingers.

Well no fucking more.

♥️

Josh had no showed tonight and after you managed to give him a call to check if he was okay, he casually dropped into conversation that he had met someone else (a non soul mark someone else)

It's not like you were heartbroken or anything but it still stung a little bit that in all your attempts to get over Eddie he was still at the forefront of your mind.

Frustrated you decide to get ready for bed and watch one of your favourite comfort movies. Maybe with some comfort food to go with it.

Just as your ready for a lot of much needed fluff and comfort your doorbell rings and Eddie is standing in the snow storm looking a little bedraggled but determined.

"Eddie" he comes inside and for a second he looks nervous but then he begins to speak and the nerves vanish.

"Look, I fucked up sweetheart. I know I did but I just have to say that Josh isn't right for you and I know I don't deserve a chance when I've been such an asshole but fuck him, you're mine and I'm going to fight for you every single day and show you how serious I am about being with you"

Oh wow. That you didn't expect.

"Eddie the truth is Josh met someone else and we aren't together anymore" Eddie stills and his eyes flash with fury.

"See what I mean now princess? He's an asshole" you stifle a smile. He takes your hand and looks to you with a hopeful expression on his face.

"One chance, that's all I'm asking" he pleads and you nod.

"Don't make me regret this Munson" you warn him gently and he grins.

"You won't princess, I promise you" He moves closer to you and presses a kiss to your lips.

It should have been a chaste and sweet kiss but the minutes your lips touch it's impossible to pull away. Eddie deepens the kiss and a soft moan issues from his mouth.

"Shit" he looks dazed and you giggle and kiss him again.

"That's not fair. I wasn't finished kissing you princess" he whines and tugs you back to him for another kiss.

♥️

Authors note: Can just imagine Eddie turning into a can't keep his hands off you, smitten boyfriend like super fast.

[will80sbyers]

Hi, I am working on the set of st 5, and I want to tell you all to give up all hopes.

Because nothing is going to happen as you guys think. Byler, mileven, Jopper, Jancy, Stancy, Lumax, Duzie, elmax none of them are endgame.

Mike will end up with Mikhail, and William will end up with Mikhail's brother. El will end up with Angela. Max and Dustin will come more closer, so does Lucas and Kali. Robin will slowly turn into bisexual, and will end up with Vickie's ex bf. And Nancy will end up with Vickie. Jonathan and Steve are gonna kiss and do some very naughty things. Joyce and Claudia will fall in love with eachother. Hopper will end up with Lonnie.

And the most unbelievable thing is that, Hopper, Ted and Mr. Harrington had a threesom in their old days 😭

Nancy ending up with Vickie would be so fucking funny to me they should actually do that after all the hate my girl Vickie got lmao

Anyway this is hilarious and I like that in any case Mike is not straight

[tastytoecheese]

Stranger things headcannons!

.Will has a mixtape of queer coded songs

.El "teaches" Max how to paint, Max doesn't have the heart to tell her it's really not good

.Mike and Will struggle to verbalise love due to the environments they grew up in

.Mike's love language is touch, he will often press kisses to the back of Will's neck when he's painting or bump their knees/arms when sitting together

.Will's love language is gifts, he's always painting things for Mike or (when he has the money) will by him things he thinks Mike will like

.Jonathan and Dustin get along really well

.Lucas is the only person max will let cuddle her when she crys

.Max likes the red sweets, Lucas likes blue. This is a hot topic for the both of them, they give Dustin the other colours

.Robin had a crush on crissy at one point

.Steve acts so protective of the kids because he wants to be the person younger him would have needed

.Crissy would have liked metal music

.Mike at Will was bathed together when they was little

.Mike and Will take showers together, not in a sexual way but in a "I'm extremely comfortable and confident around you" way

.El absolutely LOVES spicy food Joyce can't handle spice but makes the food spicy anyway

.Hopper gives piggybacks to El

.Max is blind now

.Dustin has tried to teach Max to use echolocation

.Lucas helps Max to skate, he tells her where bumps are, where to turn, when to stop ect...

.Will has forced El,Joyce,Jonathan and Hopper to play DnD

.Murray visits Joyce at least once every 6 months

.Whenever Murray passes a burger King he buys a cherry slurpy because it reminds him of Alexei

.Joyce only buys the green pumpkin buckets because it reminds her of bob

.Dustin smokes weed, suzie is NOT a fan of this

.Lucas always talked to Max in her coma, Max heard everything

.Will and El do "childish" things together as they both lost their childhoods

.El is a surprisingly good skater

.Mike and El read comics together

.Will and Jonathan get high together and discuss life pretty much every Friday night

.Argyle and Jonathan have kissed, not out of attraction, just because they could

.Nancy and Robin liked each other but was too scared to say it

.Robin and Steve come up with a list of the "perfect" things to say/do on a date

.Mike,Dustin, Suzie,Joyce,Robin and Murray are autistic

.Lucas and Will have had a spontaneous(and really bad) dance off

.Mike hates swimming

.Nancy and Robin got together after they got Murray'd

.Dustin walked in on Will and Mike making out once

.The party is very supportive of byler

.Hopper has a weird hate for carrots

.Mike has made a lot of "Will the wise and his staff" jokes, Will says he finds it embarrassing/annoying but secretly thinks its funny

.Suzie and Dustin met up in real life and spent most of it talking about science and the Internet and loved every second of it

.Erica makes her girl my little pony's kiss eachother

.Erica has a crush on her best friend who's a girl

.Lucas knows about said crush but won't bring it up till Erica does

.Max loves singing to herself

.Mike collects DnD things, literally ANYTHING to do with/reminds him of DnD

.Steve's favourite ice cream is strawberry

.When Will was younger he'd hold a pillow against him in bed and pretend he's was sleeping next to mike

.Suzie practices kissing on her pillow

.When she does this she turns the Jesus figure around

.Mike has tried to do the Michael Jackson lean, failed, and fell flat on his face

.El likes to plat Mike's/Max's hair

.When Hopper found out Mike was dating Will he said "not again wheeler!"

.Mike and Will now say "not again wheeler!" as an inside joke

.Wills favourite animal is a mink

.El is vegetarian

.Robin always bumps boobs with Nancy, Nancy thinks this is extremely odd

.Suzie writes fanfics in her diary

. Dustin and El get along really well, he loves explaining things and she loves learning things

[sammyboyimagines]

Road Trip Pt.2

Summary: the long car ride with Steve ended when you stopped at a motel for the night. The tensions snap and feelings are released. 1.7k

again, this is loosely based on the Nancy/Jonathan plot from season 2.

Warnings: angst, arguing, language, Steve and reader are VERY MEAN. SLOW SLOW BURN

//this will probably be a 3 parter, maybe a short 4th part? Like 1k word 4th chapter? how do we feel about the one-bed trope mixed with enemies to lovers and a slight slow burn? I'm just shoving every genre in there tbh.

Two days. Two days spent trying not to strangle your ex-friend/ex-crush as he talked about his ventures with women all over Hawkins. "Do I really have to know about Heidi, Steve?" you were beyond frustrated as you sat in the passenger seat of his car. 

It was hard not to notice his hands grip the steering wheel a little tighter every time you said anything. "If you don't want to hear about it, tell me. It's not that hard.." you scoff in disbelief. "Are you kidding me-" he cut you off.

"Uh uh, no more arguing. That's what we agreed upon and I refuse to argue with you anymore." he put his finger in your face as he focused on the road, making you roll your eyes. As much as you enjoyed your times with him, he could be annoying when it came to conflict. "Yeah, whatever, mom.." your snarky comment only enraged Steve more as he pulled into a hotel parking lot. "I've had enough of this. Either you stop attacking me or I take you back home and we never talk again! Because it really sounds like you don't want to do this." Of course, he blames you...

"Remind me again who ditched who?" after no response, you had your answer. "Let's just stay here tonight and we'll go to Murray's in the morning." he starts grabbing his overnight bag, but you couldn't shut your mind off.

"I don't understand why we're doing this anyway. It's all over, isn't it? Will's home and that thing is dead!" you thought back on all the late-night drives you went on with Steve while he explained in detail how his ex just left him for the second time. You thought it was funny then, seeing how bad he was with women. Now, you just pitied yourself for not being brave enough to tell him how you felt. Felt

Those feelings left a long time ago when he decided to ghost you. "It's a Demogorgon, and don't you wonder why it even came to Hawkins in the first place? Don't you want that lab to be burnt to the ground so all of this can be over? Things keep happening with that damn lab and I don't want anything to happen to my friends and family here. Don't you want to end this?" sure you did, but nothing would change the fact that it happened and the worst-case scenario is that they move locations. You couldn't tell Steve however, he'd go off on another conspiracy rant.

"Fine, I get it." you lay your head back on the seat and look out the window. "Did you really ask everyone? Was I your last choice?" it hurt to know that he would have chosen anyone before you, but frankly, so would you. Steve gave you a look, but you couldn't tell whether it was anger or confusion. Steve wasn't angry at you, he never really was. The truth was, he didn't ask anyone else. He knew you lived for adventures like these. 

"Let's just get a room. I'm kinda tired from the long drive." Steve snuck a glance at his watch. After a 2-hour drive with you, he was exhausted. Not because he hated you, but because he couldn't look at you without feeling betrayed. After his shitty friends spread the rumor about you, he couldn't even be in the same room as you without feeling double-crossed. Also, it was now around 5 am. You just nod and open the car door, slamming it for extra effect. Yes, you were mad. He was dodging your questions!

"Can we get a room for one night, please?" Steve shifted awkwardly in his spot. You watched him, how he messed with his disgustingly perfect hair. God, he was so annoying. 

"Yeah, sure thing." the man at the counter handed him a key to a room. The hotel wasn't a five-star establishment, but it'll do for one night. Steve opened the door and sighed. "One bed. This is great." He put his bag down and rubbed his face tiredly as if it would magically fix the situation. 

"I'll take the chair, don't worry about it." you held your own bag in your hand, watching him turn to you as he shook his head. "No, you take the bed." he sighs.

"Steve, you and I both know you wouldn't get any sleep if I took the bed. You need all the energy for the drive tomorrow. Just take the bed." you appreciated Steve wanting you to take the bed. Unfortunately for him, you both were experts in being stubborn. 

"Nope, either you take the bed or I'm gonna sleep on the floor." your jaw dropped, sometimes he was fantastic at getting his way. Charming asshole. "Fine! Neither of us will be taking the bed that we paid for!" You crossed your arms. "I'm gonna go take a shower, you either take the bed or neither of us is sleeping tonight." 

You turned your back and ignored the frustrated sigh that came from Steve as he sat on the bed. Steve liked to be a gentleman, and he was beyond furious that you were being so stubborn. He understood though, he wanted to argue with you but he knew it wasn't worth it. Even if he could somehow reignite the friendship, he was sure that he would not be able to look at you without thinking about the rumor about you, that you were using him. He wanted to believe that you wouldn't, but he couldn't take a chance and have his heart broken. 

He was enamored by you, and he would have told you if his friends hadn't told him about your secret plan to use him for his money and his popularity. Deep in thought, he didn't see you walk out in your towel after your shower until you were snapping. "Hello? Steve?" he broke out of his trance and tried his best to focus on your eyes. The warm steam from the bathroom made him yearn for a long shower to clear his mind. He stood up. "I'm gonna go get some air so you can get dressed." as much as he enjoyed the view, he didn't want to make you uncomfortable, even if he disliked you sometimes.

He sighed and breathed in the fresh cold November air and smiled. It was stupid, how affected he was after such a long time. Friends separate, it happens every day. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Why did you have to be so complicated?

Steve came back inside, only to be met with you sitting on the bed crossing your arms. Shit, what now?

"Alright, tell me what's going on? Why are you so quiet, ignoring me?" part of you felt he was tired of you, the same way you felt when he suddenly ghosted you. "There's a lot we need to talk about and I don't want either of us to go to bed angry. Can we at least try to talk it out?" Steve noted the hopefulness in your voice and it annoyed him.

What was there to talk about? You were using him! Pretending to be his best friend so you could get a leg up in the 'popularity war' in sophomore year! "I'm not angry. There's nothing to talk about." He sat on the chair on the other side of the room, making you laugh. 

"Really? Then why are you sitting on the other side of the room?" you pointed out. He didn't realize it himself until this moment. He was avoiding you even when you two were in the same room. He'd rather die than admit that though.

"Oh my god, can you just accept that not everything is a microaggression and that you're not always the victim?" he winced at his own harshness. You stopped fixing your clothing. "Excuse me? Since when have I said I was the victim?" he felt anger boiling inside him. 

"Since I knocked on your door, Y/n. You've acted like I've slighted you. Meanwhile, I've only been reciprocating the bullshit you've put me through since we separated!" You scoffed. Is he serious?

"Me? My bullshit? You ghosted me, and acted like we were nothing out of nowhere! Do you know how much that hurt?" Steve stood up and walked towards the door, flinching when you grabbed his arm.

"Don't walk away from me. All this time I've been thinking about why you decided to leave!" He turned around, and his face was flushed. It looked like he was holding back. "Just tell me!"

"How long have you been using me, Y/n? How long have you been leeching off of me and pretending to be my friend?" your heart sank. "What are you talking about?" Steve chuckled and shook his head in disbelief.

"No. What are you talking about? You've acted like you're so upset that we aren't friends anymore but you never even liked me! Using me for my popularity, my money, I honestly didn't think you could ever stoop that low but here we are!" Steve threw his hands up dramatically. He was done, done talking with you.

"Using you? Steve do you honestly think I would do that?" you felt yourself tear up at the thought. He didn't believe you?

"No! Don't try to lie your way out of this! You might have thought you were smart but you got caught. I was too blind to see it but my friends could. They let me know who you truly are, a snake!" he opened the door. 

"I need some air, don't wait up for me."

//whew y'all! Are you ready for part 3?? Definitely some angst smut next chapter!! Who's up for some one-bed trope?

[takemebackto-eden]

EM ‘Hey Stranger’ • Chapter Twenty Two - Dark Signs

Chapter summary: Al Munson returns to Hawkins. Eddie tells Nina about the upside down.

Content warnings: SUPER long chapter!! a fair bit of angst, hurt/comfort, Al Munson being an asshole and a sleaze, Al making a sick joke about Chrissy, violence, blood, mention of the upside down (Eddie tells Nina), nightmares, PTSD, Eddie being vulnerable, and whole lotta fluff.

'I miss the man I was the moment we left off,

And I hate who I have become Every time I wake up

When we met, I could see dark signs.'

Dark Signs - Sleep Token

Friday 27th October / 5pm / On the phone 

Eddie: [whiny] “But why can’t I come to girls' night?” 

Nina: [laughing] “You’d be bored witless watching us sew for hours honey.” 

Eddie: [grumbling] “I wouldn’t mind.” 

Nina: “But you’ve got boys night! That’ll be fun!” 

Eddie: [cheeky] “Man’s night.” 

Nina: [rolling her eyes] “Right, man’s night.” 

Eddie: “I don’t see why I have to go to the dumb thing anyway.” 

Nina: “Steve invited you and the guys for the evening, it’d be rude not to.” [joking] “You can talk girls and drink beer and do whatever guys do.” 

Eddie: [cheeky] “Is that what you think guys go? We’ll be watching films and sitting in silence for hours.” 

Nina: “More entertaining than watching Nancy and I sew.” 

Eddie: [whining] “But I want to see your costume.” 

Nina: [smiling] “It’s currently a corset and two bits of fabric at the moment, not very exciting.” 

Eddie: [cheeky] “Even better.” 

Nina: [tutting, giddy] “Perv.” 

Eddie: [teasing] “I thought you’d be used to it by now.” 

Nina: “Me too, but it still makes me giggle like a schoolgirl.” 

Eddie: “Funny, you make me giggle like a schoolgirl too.” [Nina laughs loudly] “How about you call me after you’re done and I can pick you up?” 

Nina: “You’re sweet, but I’m driving over since it’s out the way.” 

Eddie: [whining] “But I’ve hardly seen you this week!” 

Nina: [apologetic] “I’m sorry honey, it’s been a busy week at work but I’ll see you tomorrow night, I promise.” 

Eddie: “I miss you.” 

Nina: [heart warmed] “I miss you too baby, I’ll see you tomorrow, I promise. I can still ring you when I’m home?” 

Eddie: [excited] “I eagerly look forward to it, m’lady.” 

Nina: [smiling] “Love you, you big dork.” 

7pm 

Jonathan: “Have you told Nina about the Upside Down?” 

Eddie: [scratching his neck awkwardly] “No, I haven’t. Not yet.” 

Jonathan: “Why not?” 

Eddie: “Don’t want to scare her off.” 

Steve: [shrugging] “I get it. I can’t imagine it’d be the easiest thing to talk about.” 

Eddie: “It’s hard, like, I know she’d understand but it’s early days, I don’t want to freak her out.” 

Jonathan: [rolling his eyes] “Don’t take relationship advice off Steve, Eddie.” [Steve scoffs, offended] “If you know Nina like you say you do, she’d understand.” 

Eddie: [sarcastically] “Oh yeah, right, ‘Hey Nina, remember those scars I told you about? Well I was savaged by demonic bats in a parallel universe and nearly died, are you cool with that?’, I can see it going down brilliantly.” 

Steve: “Think of it this way, Nina and Robin are two peas in a pod, and Robin took the whole monster hunting thing surprisingly well,” [Eddie raises his eyebrows and nods in approval] “What’s the worst that could happen?” 

Eddie: [laughing sadistically] “She could break up with me.” 

Steve: [sipping his beer] “She wouldn’t do that man, you guys are in love or whatever.” 

Jonathan: [casually] “Yeah, you’re both sickeningly cute together, nothing a little end of the world romance can’t strengthen.” [Eddie blushes] 

Steve: [jeering, joking at Eddie’s expense, elbowing Jonathan’s side playfully] “Heh, if the world ended Nina and Eddie would probably spend their last moments fucking.” 

Jonathan: [joining in, amused] “Probably end up fucking in the Upside Down, knowing them!” 

Steve: “Might be the only place in Hawkins they haven’t fucked yet!” 

Jonathan: [winking at Eddie who is bright red, flustered] “Going at it like damn rabbits.” 

Steve: “It’s a sad day when Munson’s getting laid more than I am.” [Eddie scoffs and flips him off] 

Dustin: [entering the room with Mike, Will and Luke] “What have we missed?” 

Jonathan: “Nothing your PG ears should be hearing.” 

Mike: [scoffing] “We’re 16, not dumb Jonathan.” 

Steve: “I refuse to give you guys the sex talk, that is not in my job description.” 

Eddie: [teasingly] “I think you’ll find it is, babysitter.” 

Steve: “Fuck.” 

Jonathan: [laughing] “This is going to be a looong night.” 

10:45pm 

Eddie shuts the door of his van and jogs to the trailer door to avoid the cold of the October air. He looks confused as he finds the trailer door unlocked and the living room light on, knowing Wayne had already left for his night shift. 

Eddie: [nervously] “Hello…?” [he hears a clatter from the kitchen] “Wayne, is that you?” 

Al: [grabbing a beer from the fridge] “Eddie! How’s my favourite son?” [walking straight passed Eddie who is stunned, pale] “You going to just stand there or are you going to pass me the TV remote?” 

Eddie: [uncomfortable] “What are you doing here?” 

Al: “Just needed a place to crash for the night before I go to Chicago tomorrow. Pass me those chips, would you?” 

Eddie: [tossing him the chips, still standing] “You got let out early?” 

Al: “Good behaviour, if you can believe it.” [looking at Eddie, smirking] “Heard about your summer adventures all the way from prison.”

Eddie: [face dropping] “None of that was true, I was exonerated.” 

Al: [smirking, cocky] “Don’t need to convince me son, innocent until proven guilty.” 

Eddie: “Does Wayne know you’re here?” 

Al: [making himself comfy on the couch] “Nah, didn’t want the lecture.” [smug] “You should really hide that spare key in a better place.” 

Eddie: [muttering] “Maybe you shouldn’t let yourself into places you’re not welcome.” 

Al: [sharp] “What was that?” 

Eddie: “I said,” [louder] “You’re not welcome here.” 

Al: [angry] “I come back to see my son after years away and this is the treatment I get?” 

Eddie: [annoyed] “Years away in prison.” 

Al: [dismissive] “It was a scheme that went wrong, how did I know that Carlos would turn me in -” 

Eddie: [deflated] “I want you to go, Al.” 

Al: [angry again] “What the hell is the matter with you?” 

Eddie: [frustrated] “I don’t need this shit in my life anymore, I-” [Eddie is cut off by Al’s fist hitting him in the face] “What the fuck?!” 

Al: “You’d think my son would have learned a bit more respect growing up, clearly Wayne isn’t doing a good enough job.” [He knees Eddie in the stomach, Eddie hunches over in pain] “Maybe I’ll just have to teach you a lesson.” 

11:30pm / on the phone

Eddie: [pained] “Nina…” 

Nina: [smiling] “Eddie, I’ve just got home!” [teasing] “Did you not enjoy boys night, wait sorry, man’s night?” 

Eddie: [sniffling] “Nina… I need help.” 

Nina: [immediately, worried] “Eddie, what’s wrong?” 

Eddie: “Can you come over please?” 

Nina: “I’ll be right there okay, hang tight baby.” 

00:30AM

Nina: [bursting through the door, Eddie flinches in fright] “Eddie! Are you okay?” 

Eddie: [damply] “I’m fine.” [gesturing to his bloody nose] “Got into a scrap.” 

Nina: [worried, crouching beside him] “What the hell happened? Was it Steve? I’ll beat his hairy ass-“ 

Eddie: [rushed] “No, no, he would never.”  [with a self deprecating smile] “It was my dad. Al, his name is Al.” 

Nina: “Oh.” [softly, looking at Eddie’s teary eyes] “Oh.” 

Eddie: [sadly] “Yeah.” [looking around the trashed trailer] “He pops in every once in a while, usually looking for somewhere to lay low once he’s out of prison.” [avoiding eye contact] “Don’t be mad but-“ 

Nina: “I could never be mad at you.” 

Eddie: [with a sad smile] “You haven’t heard what I’m going to say yet.” 

Nina: [smiling] “Don’t have to.” [Eddie snorts, then winces with the pain on his nose] 

Eddie: “I gave him my savings so he would go.” [looking at Nina sadly] “So New York might have to wait a while.” 

Nina: “Oh Eddie, you big idiot, you really think I care about New York right now?” [she finishes wiping the blood off his face with wet tissues, the blood still running] “I’m more worried about you, you big softie.” 

Eddie: “I didn’t want to let you down.” 

Nina: [smiling reassuringly] “Again, you could never. Come with me.” 

Eddie sits on the bathroom bench as Nina finishes cleaning up his running nose. She pulls out two tampons out of her bag. 

Eddie: [laughing] “They better not be going where I think they’re going.” 

Nina: “What! They’ll soak up the blood until it stops bleeding!” [Eddie shakes his head laughing] 

Eddie: “You are so not putting tampons up my nose, sweetheart.” 

Nina: “Oh come on! It’ll help!” [Eddie rolls his eyes but begrudgingly lets her, trying to hide his laughter as he sits with the tampons up his nose] “Do you want to talk about it?” 

Eddie: “Nothing to talk about. He was never around much so Wayne took me in. Wayne has always been more of a dad than that piece of shit.” [frustrated, sighing] “He comes back occasionally when he needs money or is hiding out.” [goes to run his hands over his face like he does when he’s stressed, stops and flinches as he realises he can’t, pulls at his hair instead] “He said… he said that he heard about what happened to Chrissy. Made some sick joke that he hoped I got laid before she died. And congratulated me on continuing on the Munson name.” [eyes watering, self-deprecating] “Like father like son, isn’t that the saying?” 

Nina: “No, I won’t have that at all.” [taking his face in her hands] “You are nothing like your dad.” [Eddie scoffs, upset] “You aren’t! You’re kind and caring and loving and are so much more of a man than he is.” [the corner of Eddie’s lips turn up in a sad smile] “What happened with Chrissy was not your fault. Having a piece of shit as a parent is not your fault. What’s happened in the past and your family is not your burden to bear.” [resting her forehead on his, he sighs] “You’re nothing like him. You should know more than anyone, you write your own destiny or some shit. Your dad is just a chapter you’ve got to push through till you get to the really good shit at the end.” 

Eddie: “Wow, deep, is that Shakespeare?” [Nina rolls her eyes and swats at him, he smiles] “Thank you Nina.” [she smiles at him, wiping the blood off his chin] “I mean it, thank you.” 

Nina: “And I mean it when I say  I’ll be here to remind you until you get it into that curly head of yours.” 

Eddie: “Kiss me.” 

Nina: [looking at him then tries to stifle her giggles] “I can’t kiss you with tampons up your nose.” 

Eddie: [blushing] “Oh, right, I forgot.” 

Nina: [trying to distract him] “Tell me about your night.” [still dabbing the blood off his face] 

Eddie: [smiling slightly] “It was nice actually.” [laughing] “Steve gave the boys the sex talk. It was hilarious.” 

Nina: [giggling] “No way! God, I wish I could have seen that.” 

Eddie: [laughing, then wincing, clutching his bruised nose] “You really don’t, I think we scarred those poor boys for life.” 

Nina: [cheeky] “Two virgins-until-semi-recently and Steve as their sex-ed teachers? I think us girls will need to intervene.” 

Eddie: [smiling] “Rude, I would like to think I was very informed.” [winking at Nina] “I had a good teacher myself.” [Nina laughs and Eddie warms] “How was your night?” 

Nina: [taking his hand, he jumps off the counter to stand] “Really good! Joyce was a godsend. Costume is done, just need to finish off the accessories now!” [smirking] “I think you’ll love it.” 

Eddie: [cheekily] “I think I will.” 

Nina: “Sit.” [she puts Eddie on the couch as she walks to the fridge and grabs some frozen peas from the freezer. She walks to him and gently presses it on his nose, he winces, eyes watering.] “I know baby, I know.” 

Eddie: “Will you stay with me tonight, please?” 

Nina: [stroking his hair, kissing his forehead] “Of course my love, I’m not going anywhere.” 

Eddie: [small] “I love you.” 

Nina: [smiling] “I love you too sweetheart.” [She sits on the couch and Eddie rests his head on her lap, she plays with his hair comfortingly, he closes his eyes peacefully] “Even with tampons up your nose.” 

3:00am, witching hour

Nina tosses and turns in bed, whimpering her sleep. She jolts awake, heart racing, body coated in sweat. Just a nightmare, she thought, it's not real. 

She blinks a few times as she becomes more awake, feeling around the bed for Eddie. Her face turns into a frown as she notices space in the bed next to her cold and empty. 

She gets out of the bed and walks to the living room where she finds Eddie asleep on the couch with a blanket over him, the light from the static on the TV illuminating the room. 

Nina: [whispering] “Eddie…?” [she nudges him softly] “Eddie?” 

Eddie: [startled] “Huh? What?” [softening] “Oh, hey baby. Are you okay?” 

Nina: “What are you doing on the couch?” 

Eddie: [yawning] “I couldn’t sleep so thought I’d watch TV.” 

Nina: “Are you okay?” [she runs her hand over his cheek lovingly, worried]

Eddie: [sighing] “Yeah, just restless.” 

Nina: “Got a lot on your mind?” 

Eddie: [rubbing his face tiredly] “Yeah.” [he looks at Nina confused] “What are you doing awake?”

Nina: [quietly] “I had a nightmare and turned over and you weren’t there.” [pouting, small, sleepy, tugging on his hand] “Come back to bed and tell me what’s on your mind.” 

Eddie: “You had a nightmare? What about?” 

Nina: [tugging on his arm, Eddie smiles] “Just my Mom, come back to bed, please.” 

Eddie: [torn] “I..  I can’t.” 

Nina: [confused, pouting] “Why not?” 

Eddie: [small] “I get nightmares too. I don’t want to wake you up.” 

Nina: [smiling sweetly] “I’m awake now, and would much rather turn over and you be there.” [Eddie smiles fondly, Nina looks at him confused] “You have nightmares too?” [Eddie nods, Nina sits down next to him] “You’ve never had a nightmare while I’ve been here, have you?” [Eddie nods again, embarrassed] “Why don’t you wake me up? I could have helped.” 

Eddie: [sheepishly] “I usually know when I’m going to have them, when I’ve got a lot on my mind.” [scratching his neck in embarrassment] “I wait till you’ve fallen asleep and then sleep on the couch so I don’t wake you up.” 

Nina: [sighing] “Oh, Eddie…” [running her thumb over his cheek, he can’t look her in the eye] “Why didn’t you tell me?” 

Eddie: [mumbled] “Didn’t want you to think I was a pussy.” 

Nina: [unamused] “So it’s fine for me to have nightmares about shit but you’re a pussy for having the same?” 

Eddie: “Exactly! Glad we’re on the same page!” [Nina rolls her eyes and swats at him] “I just…” [Eddie rubs his hand over his face, clearly struggling] “I didn’t want you to think I was scary and damaged.” 

Nina: [amused] “Dark and twisty?” [Eddie cracks a small smile] “Do you hear how ridiculous you sound?” [Eddie’s smile turns into a frown] “Eddie, we’re a partnership. We’re supposed to trust and support each other with this sort of thing, aren’t we?” [he nods feebly] “You can’t take on all of my problems and face your problems by yourself. I’m here for you.” [he softens as she pulls him close by the back of his head] “I am yours and you are mine. Your problems are my problems. Okay?” [Eddie sighs and lets out a small ‘yeah’, smiling slightly] “You dumb idiot. Come here.” [He smiles wider now as she pulls him to the bedroom to lie back down, Eddie’s head resting on her chest] 

Eddie: [panicked] “What if I get all sweaty and gross?” 

Nina: [nonchalantly] “I’ll live.”

Eddie: [worried] “What if I thrash around?” 

Nina: [chuckling] “You already do, bed stealer.” 

Eddie: [smiling small] “What if I kick you?” 

Nina: [amused] “Same answer.” 

Eddie: [smiling] “What if I scream?” 

Nina: [cheekily] “Makes a change from me screaming in this bed.” [Eddie blushes red, Nina can feel the heat from his cheeks on her chest, she laughs] “Let me be here for you like you’re here for me.” 

Eddie: [after a pause] “I don’t know how… I’ve never had someone there for me like this before.” 

Nina is reminded of her night out with Robin, and how Eddie comforted her when she said the same thing to him. 

Nina: [thoughtful] “I know baby.” [stroking his hair lovingly] “I know. We’ll figure it out together.” [quietly] “Do you want to talk about it?” 

Eddie: [nuzzling into her chest, breathing in her scent] “No. Just want to lie here.” [He closes his eyes, tired] “I sleep better with you here.” 

Nina: [stroking Eddie’s hair, Eddie sighs happily] “I do too baby.” [thoughtful] “You know…” 

Eddie: [tired] “Yeah?” 

Nina: “There is a way we could sleep together every night.” 

Eddie: [heart racing, not wanting to get his hopes up] “Yeah?” 

Nina: [shy, Eddie can feel Nina’s heartbeat in his ears] “Yeah.” 

Eddie: [moving to look at Nina, eyes wide] “You’d want to?” 

Nina: “I want to.” [shy] “Do you want to?” 

Eddie: [immediately] “Fuck yeah! I mean.. it would be kinda cool.” 

Nina: [teasingly] “Smooth.”

Eddie: “So we’re moving in together?” 

Nina: [grinning] “We’re moving in together.” [Eddie excitedly plants a kiss on her lips, both of them smiling into the kiss] "Now get some sleep darling, I'm right here."

Sunday 29th October / 2pm / Eddie’s trailer 

Nina is sitting reading in bed when Eddie comes into the room, crawling onto the bed beside her, resting his head on her chest. 

Nina: [patting his head] “You okay there, tiger?” 

Eddie: [lying] “I’m fine.”

Nina: “Are you sure? You’ve been quiet all day.” 

Eddie: [glum] “Yeah.” 

Nina: [closing the book] “What’s going on? Tell me.” 

Eddie: [lying] “Nothing’s wrong, I’m fine.” 

Nina: “I know you well enough now to know when you’re lying, Eddie.” [he smiles a sad smile] “Do you want to talk about it?” 

Eddie: “Not yet.” [nuzzling into her chest] “Just want to lie here.” [He sighs, comforted by Nina’s arm wrapping over his shoulder, nails drawing soothing circles on his skin] 

Nina: [earnestly] “Okay, darling. I’m right here.” [she presses a kiss on his head] 

Eddie: [small]  “Would you read to me?” 

Nina: [smiling] “Sure.” [moving to get up, Eddie is unmoving from her side] “If you want me to read to you, you’ll have to let me find a book you’d like.” 

Eddie: “Read that one.” 

Nina: “I don’t think Wuthering Heights is your kind of book, babe. Here, I’ve got the perfect one for you.” [Nina gets up much to Eddie’s dismay, grabs her copy of Stephen King’s IT from her draw in Eddie’s dresser and lies back down next to Eddie, who quickly cuddles back into her] “Do you want to go under the covers?” 

Eddie: [small] “Sure.” [Nina pulls the covers over them, keeping them warm] “What’s it about?” 

Nina: “This alien clown terrorises the city of Derry and children keep going missing, and a group of kids, called the Losers Club, have to find it and kill it. It’s good, you’d like it.” [flicking to the first page, laughing] “The kids all ride their bikes and save the town, it reminds me of Dustin and the boys.” [Eddie smiles a proper smile at the thought. He remembers last summer, riding bikes through the Upside Down, but pushes the thoughts away, becoming sad again ] “Is that okay? Are you comfy?” 

Eddie: “I am.” 

Nina: “Okay then. Chapter one…” 

Nina reads the chapter to Eddie, Eddie sighing contently into her chest, comforted by the smell of her freshly washed pyjamas and vanilla body wash. He puts his hands up Nina’s shirt to hold the warmth of her stomach, which always makes him feel safe. She strokes his hair softly with one hand, the other hand holding the book. 

After a few chapters, Eddie finds himself tearing up. He feels pathetic, but doesn’t want Nina to see him cry. The more he tries to hide his tears the heavier his emotions come, and he shakes with sobs in her arms. 

Nina: “Eddie, are you crying? Eddie?” [she goes to move to be face to face with him, Eddie doesn’t let her move] “Eddie, look at me.” [he shakes his head no, crying] “Eddie, please baby.” [He shakes his head again] “Talk to me Eddie, I’m right here.” 

Eddie: [brokenly, sniffing] “I’m just sad.” 

Nina: “Having a dark and twisty day?” [Eddie nods] “That’s okay, we all have down days.” 

Eddie: [now looking up at her, eyes wet] “Yeah?” 

Nina: “Yeah. It’s okay. You were there for mine, remember?” [pressing a kiss on his forehead] “I’m not going anywhere.” [this makes Eddie cry harder] “Eddie talk to me, please, let me help you.” 

Eddie: “There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. It’s kinda hard to talk about.” [Nina nods encouragingly] “There was this girl… Chrissy, her name was Chrissy.” 

Nina: [nodding, understanding, slowly] “The one who died in your trailer?” 

Eddie: [voice shaking] “Yeah. Well, it’s her birthday today. The thing is…” [taking a deep breath, breathing wobbly] “I really liked her.” 

Nina: [thoughtful] “I see, go on.” 

Eddie: “We went to primary school together. I kinda always admired her from afar, y’know? And I started to deal to her and it was like, she didn’t see me as ‘Eddie the Freak’ like everyone else did, y’know?” [small] “She was the first girl I ever really liked. She was the first girl I ever really spoke to, besides you. And, well…” 

Nina: [encouragingly] “Go on.” 

Eddie: [sighing, thumbing with the corner of the blanket] “And now I have you, and I’m so grateful for you, but I’m just terrified that something bad will happen to you or I’ll fuck it up or you’ll see how I really am and leave.” 

Nina: “And who do you think you really are?” 

Eddie: [small] “A coward.” 

Nina: “Why do you think you’re a coward?” 

Eddie: “I always run away from things. My dad, Chrissy…” 

Nina: “Eddie, no, look at me.” [Eddie still doesn’t move] “Don’t make me tickle your ass, look at me Munson.” [Eddie laughs sadly and moves from her chest, sitting cross legged on the bed, sniffling, eyes not meeting Nina's. Nina takes his face in her hands and wipes his tears] “You are anything but a coward. Your Dad is a dick, you said so yourself, and you sent him packing! You had something terrible happen to you, you witnessed the death of someone you cared about, you nearly died yourself! You’re bound to have anxieties, Christ knows I would if I were you!” [Eddie laughs a bitter laugh] “You’re anything but a coward Eddie, I think you’re incredibly brave. As for me, I’m not going anywhere.” 

Eddie: “Really?” 

Nina: [smiling] “Really. Come here.” [She wraps him in her arms as his shaky breathing calms] “I don’t know the full story, but Dustin told me you saved everyone. That’s not what cowards do, that’s what heroes do. Whatever comes our way, we’ll deal with it.” 

The Devil tarot card comes to Nina’s mind, but she pushes it away. 

The conversation Eddie had with Steve and Jonathan about telling Nina about the events of the Upside Down comes to Eddie’s mind, and he is torn as to whether to tell Nina. 

Eddie: [shakily] “Thank you, Nina.” 

Nina: “Do you want me to keep reading?” 

Eddie: [smiling a sad smile] “I’d like that.” 

Nina: “Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?” 

Eddie: “One more chapter, then we can?” 

Nina: [smiling] “Sure.” [Nina reads Eddie the chapter] “Okay, spill Munson.” 

Eddie: “You’ll think I’m crazy.” 

Nina: [joking] “I already do.” [Eddie laughs] “I’m good with crazy, remember?” 

Eddie thinks back to their first date at Lovers Lake. ‘Your crazy matches my crazy.’ He smiles at the memory, takes a deep breath and decides to go for it. 

Eddie: “This is a bit hard to explain.” [he shuffles up the bed so he can look at Nina, cross legged in front of her. She puts the book on the bedside table, waiting patiently] “You know how in IT, there’s this child killing clown, and only the kids know about it? It’s kinda like that. But here, in Hawkins.” 

Nina: (confused) “There’s a murderous clown going around eating children in Hawkins?” 

Eddie: “Okay, it’s not a great metaphor, but it’ll do.” 

Nina: [teasingly] “Look at you and your metaphors.” 

Eddie: [blushing] “Shut up, I’m trying here.” [Nina gives him a smile with an apologetic ‘sorry, carry on.’] “There’s this place called the Upside down. And there’s this thing, it’s called Vecna. It’s like this weird tall humanoid dude, and it sucks the life out of you and- [gesturing wildly with his hands] “It has these weird demobats and demodogs and this thing called the demogorgon! And-“ 

Nina: [confused, trying to breezy, laughing lightly] “Is this a plot for a D&D campaign? Cause it would be really cool if it was.” 

Eddie: [trying to keep a straight face from laughing, getting frustrated] “Sort of, don’t make me laugh, I’m being serious here! Anyway, last year, that’s how Chrissy died. There was this, like, gateway that opened up on the trailer roof! Oh wait, I should explain El first, fuck, this is complicated.” 

Nina: “It’s okay. Take your time.” 

Eddie: “Before El lived with Hopper, Chief Hopper, she was in Hawkins Lab. She had all these experiments done on her and she was being used as a weapon against the Russians. She has these powers, like telekinesis and all kinds of mad shit, and they were trying to-“ 

Nina: [amused]  “Like Carrie?” 

Eddie: [exclaiming, excited] “Yes, like Carrie! And well apparently, according to Dustin, this Vecna dude used to work at the lab with El before he became Vecna, he was called One, oh and El stands for Eleven, and- damn, I should call Dustin, he could probably explain this better than me-“ 

Nina: [amused, unserious] “Did you get stoned today?” 

Eddie: [laughing, trying to be serious] “Nina! I’m trying to tell a story here! So El was in this lab with Vecna, or One, and-“ 

Nina: “Okay Eddie slow down, I’m not getting any of this.” [Eddie sighs, defeated] “Show me how you would if it was a campaign.” 

Eddie: [hopeful] “Yeah?” 

Nina: “Yeah, come here.” [Nina throws Eddie his bag and tells him to unpack his D&D figurines and Nina pulls out various nicknacks] “Lay it out for me like this, give me the timeline. Like a story, you’re a great storyteller.” 

Eddie: [smiling] “Okay.” [holding a bit of BluTack] “This here is Vecna. He worked in Hawkin’s Lab where El was raised. This is El.” [he puts a button down to symbolise El] “Vecna, or One, tried to recruit El to the dark side - like Star Wars-“ 

Nina: [trying to understand] “I’ve never seen Star Wars.” 

Eddie: “Doesn’t matter- wait, yes it does matter! How have you never seen Star Wars?! We are so watching it next movie-“ 

Nina: [laughing] “Focus Eddie.” 

Eddie: “Right, right. So he tried to recruit El to take over the world, and El being the cute little button she is, said no, and destroyed One- or Henry I think he was called,” [Eddie used the button to knock over the blue tack] “Which turned him into Vecna. Are you with me?” 

Nina: [concentrating] “I’m with you.” 

Eddie: “But doing so, it opened a rift, or like, a gate, creating this place called the Upside Down. Which is basically like this parallel universe where Vecna lives and all decaying and gross and death.” 

Nina: [nodding] “Right.” [understanding now] “And Chrissy got taken to the Upside Down.” 

Eddie: [sighing, sitting in the chair] “Yeah. There was a gateway that randomly opened in my ceiling. Just there actually.” [He points to the ceiling, Nina looks up, noticing the burned marks on the ceiling] “He, like, sucked out her soul or some shit. Right here in front of me. He got a bunch of other kids too. And of course, I got blamed for all of them.” 

Nina: [holding Eddie’s hand] “I’m sorry Eddie.” 

Eddie: “You don’t think I’m crazy?” 

Nina: [laughing nervously] “I think this is either the best weed brain story you’ve ever thought of or you’re deadly serious.” 

Eddie: [serious] “I’m not stoned!” 

Nina: [trying to understand] “There’s a parallel universe with a demon dude whose trying to murder El and the rest of Hawkins?” 

Eddie: “More like the rest of the world.” 

Nina: [stunned] “Oh. Wow.” 

Eddie: “Yeah.” 

Nina: (cautiously) “Is that what really happened to you? How you got your scars?” 

Eddie: “Yeah. You see-“ [he stands up again, pacing, frustrated] “The whole weird possession thing Vecna does got Max-“ 

Nina: [shocked] “No!” 

Eddie: [rushing forward, glad to finally have someone to talk to about it] “Yes! That’s how she got into her coma!” 

Nina: [shocked] “Oh wow, shit.” [quietly] “I think I need a smoke.” 

Eddie: “So we all went to the Upside Down-“ 

Nina: “You what! Are you crazy!” [standing up] “Edward Munson, tell me you didn’t go and try and fight some soul sucking monster!” 

Eddie: “We all did! Me and Steve and Nancy and Robin-“ 

Nina: [furious] “Robin! Robin went to fight some dickhead monster while I’m sat like an idiot at home thinking my summer has been super exciting ‘cause the local ice cream shop finally got a new flavour! How could you all be so stupid?” 

Eddie: [ADHD brain] “Ooh, what flavour ice cream?” 

Nina: “Eddie!” 

Eddie: [grabbing Nina’s shoulders] “Breathe Nina, breathe.” 

Nina: [frustrated] “Why didn’t she tell me? I could have helped! I could have done something!” 

Eddie: [casually] “She couldn’t, the Russians are listening to all our conversations.” 

Nina: [standing up again, dramatic] “What?!” 

Eddie: “Here, chill.” [he passes Nina his cigarettes and lighter] 

Nina lights the cigarette, taking a deep breath, Eddie watching her. 

Nina: “Continue.” 

Eddie: “So we all went to the Upside Down-“ 

Nina: “I’m gonna beat Robin’s ass-“ 

Eddie: “Nina, shush.” 

Nina: (sheepish) “Sorry, carry on.” 

Eddie: “We went to the Upside Down. Dustin and I were the distraction-“ 

Nina: [interrupting] “Dumbasses.” 

Eddie: “And I played a sick guitar solo and we managed to distract the Demobats while Steve, Nancy and Robin went to counterattack Vecna or One or whatever the dick’s name is. Oh and El helped by going into this salty bathtub and used her telepathic powers to fight Vecna inside Max’s mind, it was so badass.” 

Nina: “One question.” 

Eddie: “Shoot.” 

Nina: “What song did you play?” 

Eddie: [smiling] “Master of Puppets.” 

Nina: [smiling for the first time since the story began] “Sick.” 

Eddie: [blushing] “Thanks.” 

Nina: “So how did you get hurt then?” 

Eddie: [rubbing his neck awkwardly] “Well…” 

Nina: [deadpanned] “Edward Munson, what did you do?” 

Eddie: “I went back through the gate to distract the demo-“ 

Nina: [chain smoking, loudly] “You what?!” 

Eddie: [shouting] “They were going to break through! I had to!” 

Nina: “And what, you thought you’d get yourself mauled to death by demodogs instead?!” 

Eddie: [sheepish] “Demobats, actually.” 

Nina: “Don’t push your luck Munson, I have every right to not let you out this house ever again!” 

Eddie: “But I’m fine now!” 

Nina: [gobsmacked] “Oh, yeah, sure! I’m Eddie Munson and I like to run head first into traffic! What the hell were you thinking?!” 

Eddie: “They couldn’t break through Nina, I couldn’t let Dustin and everyone get hurt. I couldn’t be a coward anymore.” [sitting down in the chair, saddened] “But I hurt him anyway. He came back through with everyone after everything had died down and dragged me out, I was barely alive.” [tearing up] “You should have seen his face Nina, it nearly broke him.” 

Nina: “Oh, Eddie.” [kneeling on the floor, Eddie’s head in her hands, tearing up too] “Promise me you won’t ever do anything like that again. It was so brave of you, but the world is better with you here in it. Please don’t be a hero again. Promise me.” 

Eddie: [looking down] “Promise.” 

Nina sighs and sits on the couch, playing with the cushion on her lap. Eddie looks at her, unsure. 

Eddie: “Is there anything you want to ask?” 

Nina: “Wait…” 

Eddie: [worried] “Yeah….” 

Nina: “Is that how El kept changing the TV channel the other day when we were arguing over what to watch? That little shit!”

Eddie laughs, shaking his head at Nina, making his way over to the couch and curling up beside her. 

Eddie: [cautiously] “You’re taking this surprisingly well.” 

Nina: [lightly] “I’m as shocked as you are.” [laughing] “I guess if I believe in crystals and tarot cards and shit I’m a hypocrite if I don’t believe in a 15 year old having telekinetic powers.” [laughing, clearly in shock] “I guess having ‘a few anxieties’ was a bit of an understatement, huh?” 

Eddie: [laughing] “Oh, you have no idea.” [Nina strokes his hair] “It feels good to finally tell you.” 

Nina: [sarcastic] “About the Russians and the world's impending doom ‘cause of some gangly alien dude? Yeah, thanks for that Eddie.” [Eddie laughs. Nina pauses for a moment, thinking] “This must have been really hard on you. Seeing your friend die and then having survivors guilt.” [Eddie’s eyes drop down, tearful, I knew Nina would understand how I feel, he thinks]  “No more secrets, okay?” [she holds out her pinkie finger] 

Eddie: [smiling] “No more secrets.” [he pulls her hand to his lips, kissing her pinkie finger] 

Nina: [holding him tightly] “Eddie…” 

Eddie: [wary] “Yeah?” 

Nina: “The ice cream was Reece’s Pieces.” 

Later that evening: 

Eddie: [coming into the kitchen, confused] “Nina? What are you doing?” 

Nina turns around with a cupcake in her hand, with a candle lit on the top. 

Nina: “It’s Chrissy’s birthday, right? I thought it would be nice if we did something to remember it.” 

Eddie: “Wow, Nina, that’s…” [choking up, pulling her into a hug, she swerves the lit cupcake out of the way so as to not set Eddie on fire] “Thank you.” 

Nina: “Don’t have to thank me. She meant a lot to you, we should honour that. I got you this too.” [She hands him the red teddy bear Eddie won her at the fourth of July carnival] 

Eddie: “Why are you giving me Mr Teddie?” 

Nina: [smiling] “Smell it.” 

Eddie looks confused but smells the bear.

Eddie: [grinning] “It smells like you.” 

Nina: “I slept with him for a couple of nights-“ [Eddie interrupts her by gasping dramatically and calling her a ‘cheater’, to which she rolls her eyes and shakes her head in amusement] “So now he smells like me. You can sleep with him on nights where I can’t stay over. And if you have nightmares, you’ve got Mr Teddie there to comfort you.” 

Eddie wraps Nina in another bear hug to which she struggles to breathe, smiling widely as Eddie clutches her tightly. How did I get so lucky? Eddie thinks. 

Eddie: “I love you, so so much.” 

Nina: “I love you too, Eddie. Gangly, soul sucking alien dudes and all.” 

Chapter Twenty Three - Love You To Death

A/N: So Eddie finally tells Nina about the Upside Down!!! Next chapter is the Halloween chapter, I so badly wanted it to be written in time for Halloween but didn't get it done in time :( I'm super proud of this chapter though so I hope you enjoy!!

Please reblog, comment, like and leave feedback! Super grateful for your support <3

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

My thoughts on the first Long-Running Panel Show Friday of 2023.

Would I Lie to You: Obviously, the most important thing about this episode is I went 4-1 in guessing the answers before they were announced, which is a strong start to a new season. The only one I got wrong is the This Is My round... sorry I didn’t guess that Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith play pranks on each other by mimicking autoerotic asphyxiation and urinating in offices.

Anyway, the episode was good. I’m impressed that I don’t feel like this one’s sagged even into its sixteenth season; David and Lee both still appear to be enjoying themselves. They both ran out of stories years ago, but not out of enthusiasm. Also, why is this the first time I’ve ever heard someone on a panel show tell the audience that if anyone on the other team is your friend, get some new friends? That seems like the sort of thing people should be saying all time.

QI: That was a good time. Not a standout episode, but a solid one. Lou Saunders made me laugh almost every time she opened her mouth. Classic play from Alan Davies, getting excited about blue whales and talking shit about Top Gear. He and Ross Noble play off each other well. And I think Rose Matafeo made me laugh literally every time she opened her mouth. I love her style on panel shows, of sort of sitting back (often literally leaning backward a bit) and sounding vaguely apologetic for interrupting every time she interjects, and it’s always funny.

The News Quiz: “We are barely a week into 2024, and I have already broken my two New Year’s resolutions: not to add one to all numbers.” – Andy Zaltzman

I mean, what more can we ask for from a radio panel show than that as the first line? That was so entertaining that I barely noticed anything else that happened. Chris McCausland and Lucy Porter are always good on this show, and they both came well prepared for this one. Had quite a bit of pre-written material on very recent stuff, I guess they were busy over Christmas. And of all the journalists they cycle through on this show, Samira Ahmed has become one of my favourites.

Andy Zaltzman referring to Rishi Sunak as “the first Prime Minister of 2023″ was good too. He had a number of nice lines. I love the little ways he commits to bits; anyone else would have dropped the thing about not giving out points after the first couple of times. I’ll be honest, it was just nice to hear from him. Missed you, Andy. Glad you’re back for another year.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: You know what? After I’ve made two posts in the last few weeks about how this show’s gone stale and they need to respectfully lay it to rest, I thought this episode was good. It wasn’t the lineup I saw announced earlier, and I was immediately annoyed when I saw Jonathan Ross, but actually, it worked well. My favourite part of the episode was Ahir Shah, in his Catsdown debut. He was some of the things that used to make it so much fun to watch Jon Richardson on this show - a genuine Countdown fan who was excited to be there and got really into trying to do well. He paired nicely with Roisin, who’s always good on this show (I mean, bad at the actual puzzles, but her type of humour fits well with the format). Even Jonathan Ross, whom I normally dislike, was funny a few times. And I thought Joe Wilkinson was on good form; he made me laugh several times.

I also liked the stand-in for Rachel Riley. I’d be very happy to have her on all the time instead of Rachel. The dictionary corner guest annoyed me at the beginning - I tend to cringe at too much of a millennial/gen Z self-parody schtick - by the end she’d completely won me around and I though she was fantastic.

I hate saying that I think this episode was so good because Jon Richardson wasn’t there, as my favourite versions of Jon Richardson are pretty much my favourite comedy out there. I absolutely love Jon Richardson, when he’s good. He and Sean Lock had something perfect going for a while, on this and 8 Out of 10 Cats. Channel 4 struck gold with that chemistry, and they were right to get as much mileage as possible out of it. But that’s gone now.

Jon had something very good going before Sean Lock too, of course, the radio show with Russell Howard being much, much better than something like that had any right to be. So one of his partnerships ended in the most dramatic breakup of the twenty-first century, and one ended in a premature death. No wonder he’s tired. Anyway, I think Jon needs to find a new challenge if he’s going to be as entertaining as he used to be again. Maybe if he got paired with Ahir Shah sometime it would bring some of the spark back, get him competitive about something.

[echoing-oursong]

hi hello for the otp meme thing i would like to give you something more creative than stranger things but. tbh. i have no idea what else you’re into. so. stranger things!!

Lol I totally get that you don’t know what I’m into. Legit have been mainly posting stranger things rn and every once in a while I’ll reblog about other things. Fun fact: I mainly made this blog so that I could see a lot of supernatural (the show) content which suddenly turned into so many different things. I once reblogged a lot of avatar: the last airbender and a few things of bbc merlin and some other things here and there. Anyway sorry for explaining that lol

Low key otp: controversial lol but I’m gonna say mileven. I totally get why they should breakup but a lot of their problems that they go through with the ship is just valid. Like El questioning if she’s a superhero and how Mike perceives her since she has been only useful to other people (mainly men) because of her powers for a good chunk of her life. The duffer bros just don’t take care to solve their problems and always writes angst for them and pushes the ship as el is a major main character. Honestly I think that they get way too much hate from other people. The duffer bros just don’t know how to write their romantic relationship.

High key notp= anything with billy and anything with Steve/kids. I’m so sorry that you have to see that last one but yes it does exist and it makes me want to clean my eyes out. I just realized that this was created by fanon/fandom so sorry if you strictly wanted canon

(Softly) don’t notp= jancy and stancy. Look Nancy just needs to stay single for a lil bit cuz like I love her but she does/says very questionable things to them. And she just hurts them and doesn’t apologize despite knowing that she hurt her romantic partner. I was gonna add fanon for this but I’ll just go with this answer lol

High key otp but I’m scared of saying it because it’s not a popular choice= going with fanon so I once had this big brain thought of a poly between Joyce and hopper and Bob. And I high key ship them but since bob’s dead and the main poly is between the teens I just don’t say it. Their power and potential is so there and it’s amazing!!! Literally I think I just started thinking about it once and ever since them I’ve been hooked sooo. Bob just sassing hopper in the lab when they had to figure everything out with the power was so funny. Also all of them deserve love and they all love each other so much! Even tho bob was helping before, he was also so concerned when he found out that hopper was in danger. And can you just imagine Jonathan and Will’s reactions to this like lenlxkxkxbx. They would be so confused but also be happy that their mom has so much love in her life.

High key otp and anyone on my tumblr knows it= the thing is that idk if everyone knows it but lumax. I feel like I post and reblog content about them the most so hopefully I’m right with that lol. Maybe a side of jopper like I forget how much of them I actually reblog/post about sooo

[imprettybitchin]

ofc i gotta ask about ST for that meme!

Give me a TV series and I’ll tell you: Status: Accepting! (throw anything at me, even if you don't know if I've seen it! <3) @rebelcliche

Favourite character: Tie between El and Will, I think. It’s so hard to choose! I relate to both of them a lot.

Funniest character: Argyle is an obvious one- I really hope we see more than just his funny side next season! But also Will is the funniest bitch alive. His sarcastic remarks give him depth and also are just - SO GOOD. El and Dustin are honorable mentions 

Best-looking character: Joyce Byers, hands down. I’ve had a crush on Winona Rider since I was a kid. No contest there. Karen Wheeler is in a close second. i don't have a type, obviously not

3 favourite ships: Elmax (no one is surprised), Lumax, and Jopper. Also Elumax (listen. I just want M to be happy!!!!!)

Least favourite character: I feel like Vecna and Brenner are too obvious/cop-out answers. Besides them, that brunet lackey at the Hawkins newspaper. He felt worse than his boss. (I hate most arrogant men on tv. They annoy me SO MUCH!!!)

Least favourite ship: I’m not a fan of the Jonathan/Nancy/Steve love triangle. I know it’s not a ship, but triangles drive me crazier than actual ships. 

Reason why I watch it: I love the characters! I prefer very character-driven shows, and I enjoy mysteries, so I keep coming back to see how my favorite kids are handling their next mystery (and the horror it brings). This season, I really appreciate Vecna’s FX makeup! And the reason why I'm in the ST RP space is because Ash ( @sensesdialed ) and Seashell ( @lcvedriven ) convinced me to after I saw s4 and wanted to add another muse to my list <3

Why I started watching it: My younger sister saw the first season right when it came out! I wasn’t sure if I would like it (I don’t like scary stuff) but watched it anyway. I ended up loving it, and the rest is history!

[robinsgayshoes]

groups i want to see in stranger things but probably won’t

lots of these will never happen but i would love to see their interactions :) also there’s a lot of robin here mainly because im so excited to see her properly interact with the rest of the gang. 

robin and nancy - ok so this one actually is happening and im extremely extremely excited about it. firstly, because nancy needs a friend after barb. secondly, they’re so different and i love them so much but for such different reasons so im intrigued to see what their interactions are like.

murray, nancy and mike - i’ve talked about this before but this trio would actually be so iconic. the angst would be through the roof, they would all hate eachother so much but like slightly less than they hate everyone else and they would be so done with everyone else. 

          and by extension of this

nancy and mike - as i’ve said before i am extremely annoyed that we get like zero nancy and mike content. like they would be amazing together, the dynamic would just be incredible. plus they’re my two favourite characters and this is honestly my biggest gripe with the duffer brothers, like GIVE US WHEELER SIBLING MOMENTS.

joyce and robin - ok i got the idea for this from this fanfic (which i highly recommend) and i just think they would be so soft. idk how to explain this one i just think they would be super cute.

will and dustin - i wish we saw these two interact more, like i feel like dustin would really make will laugh and they would just have cute friendship moments. i also just want the original four boys back again, even just for a bit, because i liked the group dynamic even though we’re completely robbed of it.

jonathan and robin - ok so they would get along so well. nobody can convince me otherwise they’ve both got little “im quirky, im a loner” complexes and i love them for it and i need to see them be little outsiders together.

steve and eleven - i can’t be the only person who thinks this would be adorable, like i can just see steve showing el movies and being like a big brother (tbh i think steve and eleven would get on better than jonathan and eleven as siblings) idk they would just be so soft.

lucas and hopper - they both see right through mike’s bullshit and i love that for them. again i dont know how to explain it i just think they would be so funny.

nancy, robin and max - three badasses who take nobody’s shit. we might actually see this in s4 but i like want just a scene with the three of them cause i feel like there isn’t enough female friendships/solidarity in the series.

erica and mike - again two people who literally get annoyed with everyone and i want to see mike get highly annoyed with erica and erica just not caring. this will literally never happen but idc.

robin and mike - 1. mike would tolerate robin and robin would tolerate mike at first but they would actually grow to be super close and i want this with my entire heart. 2. gay and lesbian solidarity

will and eleven - ok so i know this is actually happening cause they’re siblings but they would be so soft omg. like i want to see scenes of them at school looking out for eachother and im soooo ready for it. (also the people who say that will would hate el.... like are talking about the same will? like its just not in character for him in my opinion) and ik that noah and millie get along very well so im excited to see their on screen chemistry.

anyways these are the ones im mainly hoping for (though most will never happen.... sigh) but im interested to see what others want to see.

[writerwhowritesao3]

Appendicitis

Yeah so in the spring of 1985, Billy and Max are both hospitalized for acute appendicitis. 

Max gets it first, in late March. Her stomach is hurting her all day and then finally that night, it gets really fucking bad. She’s also nauseous and she has a fever and her stomach is a little swollen, so Susan takes her to the hospital. Billy goes with them—Neil has a late-night shift so he’s not home. Billy actually ends up carrying Max to Susan’s car and then carrying her into the emergency room. Max is diagnosed pretty much immediately and the doctors get her into an operating room. 

Billy takes it upon himself to call home periodically to see if Neil is back yet, to tell him where they all are. Neil gets very fucking angry and upset when he comes home to an empty house unexpectedly. So, this is not really an act of altruism on Billy’s part—he’s trying to avoid getting hit when they come home. 

By the third time he calls, Billy is able to get hold of his dad. He tells him what’s going on and gets Susan to talk to him over the phone. Neil arrives at the hospital soon after the phone call. He’s there in the room with all of them when Max wakes up after surgery. 

Despite the fact that she is terrified of Neil and hates him for beating her brother, Max is touched that he showed up for her. If she’s being honest...Neil has been more of a present father-figure than her own dad ever was. Which is fucked up beyond belief. 

Anyway, in April, Billy is at the Byers’ house. It’s him, Jonathan, Max, and Will. Joyce and Hop are there, but in another part of the house. Billy has been feeling like shit all day, but he’s been ignoring it. The pain and everything else spikes very quickly though. Will runs to get his mom and Hop, who come in right away. 

“Do you think it’s appendicitis?” Max asks as Billy focuses on his breathing. 

“It’s not appendicitis,” Billy grits out. 

Billy can still move a bit, so Hop helps him out to the car. Hop thinks that he should just carry him, but he also knows that Billy gets jumpy and tense around him to start with, and he knows that being touched also tends to stress Billy out. So he just supports his weight as much as he can to the car and into the ER. 

Joyce calls Susan from the house, so she and Neil meet Billy and Max at the emergency room. When they get there, Billy, Max, and Hop are still in the waiting room because the ER is a bit packed that night. Hop leaves as soon as Billy and Max’s parents get there. 

He doesn’t want to. He knows perfectly well that Neil beats the shit out of his son, even though Billy and Max both explain away Billy’s bruises and maintain the lie that everything is fine in their home. But he can’t do jack shit about it until someone makes a report. And he knows that no one is ever going to make a report. And he knows that if he ever let Neil know that he knows all about him, things would get so much worse for these kids, who he has come to know and care for. 

So Hop leaves Billy and Max in the ER with Susan and Neil. 

Eventually, they’re brought back. Billy is examined by a doctor. 

“Do you think it’s appendicitis?” Max asks the doctor. 

“It’s not,” Billy sighs. 

“We need to check all possibilities,” the doctor says in a neutral tone. 

“Max, really, what are the odds that he would have appendicitis?” Neil asks. 

“I dunno,” Max shrugs. “He looks pretty bad though.”

“Fu-screw you,” Billy mutters. 

Billy has appendicitis. The surgeon comes in to go over the results and surgery/recovery expectations. 

She’s the surgeon who took Max’s appendix out. She recognizes them all and makes a joke about the odds of both kids in a family getting appendicitis within two months of each other. 

The surgery goes well. Billy recovers as expected. He and Max and their friends joke about how darkly funny it is that they both needed emergency appendectomies. And it is funny. For awhile. 

Until Steve needs to get his appendix taken out. And then Dustin needs the same surgery three weeks later. 

Suddenly, they are all wondering if exposure to the environment of the Upside Down has fucked with their health. 

[troop-scoop]

Youth I

Chapter One -  Pilot

Word count: 2k

Series Summary: On a family trip to your dad’s home town of Hawkins, Indiana, you make a series of decisions that result in you ending up in the year 1983 with more questions than there are answers presently available. 

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Female Reader ( slow burn ) 

Chapter Summary: You go through what’s become your new ‘normal’ at Hawkins High School

⟛⟛

Nothing about your current situation was settling right in your stomach. There were no answers as to how you got here, and you didn’t have any questions that could easily be answered. A series of unfortunate events resulted in the attitude you carried. You used to be sweet, all smiles and laughter unless someone did something to make you upset.

What happened to that girl? The girl who grew up never experiencing fear to the point where it worried her parents and made teachers concerned because she’d climb so high on the playground that if you fell, you’d surely break something.

You’d climbed so high on something, and you fell into this situation, and something did break. Your bravery, your fearlessness, nothing physical, but those two things were shattered, and your ego bruised.

Nothing was like what you were used to. To you, everything in this school hallway was dated. The fashion, the haircuts, the textbooks, and the tech.

The stereotypes.

“L/n!”

You shook your head, already knowing whose voice that was. A teenage boy who fit the typical ‘jock’ stereotype that everyone knew. The kid who hated his small town, he got around, played a sport his father probably hated, who would likely never get out of said small town he hated. Yeah, you knew the pattern. Everyone, where you were from, did.

“No.”

You continued on your trek to the locker, but you could hear the slight squeaking of the soles of the older boy’s Nikes on the linoleum floor trying to catch up. Where you were from, people would be staring at this type of occurrence, but because none of the students surrounding you even batted an eye at the basketball player or you for that matter, told you that it wasn’t abnormal for him to be audacious.

“Hey now, I just wanna talk.” He defended, finally catching up to you, walking alongside, but a little bit behind so he didn’t get in anyone’s way.

“Harrington, the last time you wanted to ‘talk’ was when you needed my math homework.” A chuckle escaped you as you said it, finally stopping at your locker.

“In my defense, you don’t look like a sophomore.” He tried, standing next to you as you were spinning the knob in the locker to get it open.

“Whatever, what do you want?”

“Wow, you’re grumpy. Anyways, Tommy H, Carol, and I wanna hang out but my parents don’t leave for another week, and we can’t be at Carol’s place because her mom hates Tommy, and well, you know how Tommy’s dad is.”

You hummed in amusement. “Yeah, he’s a dick, how does that involve me?” You had your binder and pencil case in one arm, staring at him with your hand inside of your locker, holding onto the cup of coffee.

“Can we hang out at your place?”

Rolling your eyes you kneeled down, placing your things down on the ground before standing upright, grabbing the collar of his jacket and pulling it towards your locker, placing it inside before closing the door on it. “Not happening.” You responded, a bright smile on your face as you grabbed your things, taking a step to walk away.

“Y/n! This isn’t funny!”

“I’m gonna correct you on that, it’s not funny to you.” The situation was probably the funniest thing you’d encountered in weeks, and considering your day to day life before used to be full of laughter and playfully teasing, that then went to quiet days spent alone and pondering, this was a nice change.

“Unlock it or I’ll tell Mrs. Jensen!”

Steve’s threat caused you to laugh, holding your things closer so you didn’t drop any of them. “A tattletale? You always did strike me as the type to tease kids in elementary school, but you never did seem like a snitch, you do know the saying right? About snitches?”

“Yeah, from you!” he responded, and although he had a serious face, you knew he was fighting back a smile as well by his voice and how his brows weren’t furrowed in frustration or anger.

“Snitches are bitches, who get stitches and end up in ditches.” it wasn’t intentional for both of you to say it at the same time, but you had, but in two very different tones of voice. Your’s was more ‘matter of fact’ and he was amused.

You stared at him for a second, your smile remaining before you stepped forward,  turning the dial of your lock to open it, and once you lifted the lever for the door, Steve got himself out, standing up straight and staring down at you, his hands finding the pockets of his jacket as you closed the locker door again. “That wasn’t fair, you look innocent,” he mumbled to himself.

“I’ll see you later?” Steve asked after a second.

“We have study hall together, so. . . maybe,” you told him, stepping away from the locker and heading down the hallway to your English class.

Bulletin boards on the walls, spaced out between each other, with thumbtacks keeping flyers and announcements up for students to see, lockers for students to keep their things throughout the day. It was all odd.

At your previous schools, lockers weren’t available. That was until your freshman year where you had to pay five dollars a year if you wanted one. And instead of bulletin boards, flyers and announcements would just be taped to the walls, or given during morning announcements, or emailed to students and parents. You were pretty sure your previous high school got rid of lockers in the late ’90s when drugs became prominent in your area and then got rid of bulletin boards when one student sent the other to the hospital with a thumbtack to the wrist, but those types of stories always had a few details in them that never made sense, allowing you to cast doubt on them. But maybe the story had just been told so many times that detail got twisted, the truth of what happened got misconstrued. Like a game of telephone.

Reaching the English classroom, you found your seat, with your anxiousness rising as you sat down, placing your coffee at the upper corner of your small desk, keeping your school supplies close to your chest.

You’d been a happy kid growing up. You didn’t have very many friends, but you had your parents, your little brother, and a condo that you’d been brought home to as a newborn that you knew was a safe place. Unlike the few friends you did have, you never really experienced anxiety or symptoms of depression, but you knew the signs, your closest friend, Mandy, dealt with it, and she confided in you often about how it felt and what it was like, and you often did your own research on it to know what you could to help her.

There were weekends where you spent a good few hours learning different breathing techniques to help her whenever she would have a panic attack, but now that you were dealing with moments where your heart sped up, your hands shook and you felt like something was terribly wrong, it was like all of those hours had been a waste because you couldn’t use them without getting more anxious.

“You okay?”

Looking to your left, you were met with a curious glance from your partner on the English project. Giving an unconvincing nod, you looked down at the top of your desk, eyes tracing over the wood pattern, lines connecting that looked like they shouldn’t, forming shapes and allowing you to distract yourself as Jonathan set his things down as well, taking his seat next to you.

Mrs. Jensen went over the usual, giving instructions for the project that everyone already knew, before leaving everyone to work, with her sitting behind her desk, a book in hand and a container of what you assumed were grapes by the purplish color. Though they could have been large blueberries.

“What’s so important about a quote?” Jonathan mumbled to himself, though it caught your attention from your own worksheet, looking over to him.

“In what context?” you asked, taking a sip from your drink as he began speaking.

“We’re talking about Romeo and Juliet, everyone knows what it’s about, you don’t really need a quote to explain things.”

You nodded when he looked over to you. “A lot of people only really know that it was written by Shakespeare and it’s about two star crossed lovers who kill themselves in the end. Mrs. Jensen probably knew that’s all anyone really remembers, she wants to make sure people know what’s actually happening.

“It’s pretty obvious, ‘Romeo, oh Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?’ she’s asking where he is.” He shrugged a bit, placing the book down on the desk, pages open and light reflecting off of the glossy pages.

“No, she’s not,” you told him, getting an odd and questioning look from him. “Well, this was written in the 1500s, English is practically a new language at that point, getting its own footing for once, paintings of historical figures wouldn’t have the English spelling of their names, and English is a language that’s taken a bunch of different parts from other languages, mostly german. If you ever see a period piece that’s set around this period of time, if a child says ‘lady mother’ when they’re addressing their mom, they’re not acknowledging that their mother is a female. They’re acknowledging her title. So her husband is likely a lord of a piece of land, which makes her the lady of that land as well. It was an archaic way of showing respect to their mother by also saying she had a title.”

“How does that relate to the quote?”

“Well, early modern English had many different phrases, and things have changed, we’ve come up with ways to say things that are far more simple. While we think she’s asking where Romeo is, she’s actually asking why he’s Romeo. Why out of all the people she could have fallen for, it had to be him. The enemy. You could use that in the analysis, a bit of how it shows we don’t choose who we love, even if we know we shouldn’t love them.”

Jonathan blinked before looking at his worksheet, picking up his pencil and writing something down, paraphrasing what you had just said and only moments later the bell rang, signaling the end of the class period.

You grabbed your things, leaving as quickly as you could without looking like an idiot, trying to get away from what caused you to be so nervous and make you feel like you could be sick at any moment.

Growing up, you weren’t afraid of many things if any. But maybe you just needed something like this to make you afraid of everything and anything around you. To make you jump at the sound of a drop of water from outside your motel window landing on the metal railing of the stairs and walkway.

But you were terrified, and you wanted to wake up in your own bed, at home, with your dad gently shaking your shoulder to get you up and out of bed. You were terrified you’d never see your parents again, that you’d been too mean to your little brother growing up, and that the last memory he’d have of you was you being mean.

You hadn’t even been afraid to sleep on your own as a kid, and all the things that you weren’t afraid of as a child that you should have been, always seemed to worry your dad. But what would he say and think now? Would he be worried now that you lived in a constant state of fear? Just looking at clothing racks scared you.

Since July you’d been trying to act normal, trying to pretend everything was okay, trying to be your normal self, but your normal self would be odd to everyone else, you knew random things no one else did, you liked things no one even knew about yet, and if you tried to talk about those things, you knew it wouldn’t be a good outcome, not a sour one, but not happy.

⟛⟛

Add yourself to the taglist!

tagging who i know would want to be - 

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[gloomyhearts]

That's life || Steve Harrington

Chapter eight

November 10, 1983

Y/N's pov

"Dustin what's wrong?" He threw the door closed.

"Mike and Lucas fought and won't talk to each other" we sat on the sofa.

"and what happened?" I turned to face him.

"We searched after the gate."

"The new north?"

"Yeah and at some point Luke's compass showed another North than mine. Luke said that Eleven would manipulate them. Mike and him discussed over half an hour and then it escalated El threw Luke with his power against a car and Luke drove away. He never left us like that when he and Mike argued. I lost my party. I've got nothing left."

"You have me." I laughed to brighten him a bit up but it failed and he started to cry.

"Dusti, sweatheart everything will be fine. I know it. You all have this inseperable bond and no one will ever break it. You have to convince Mike to apoloize to Luke and then it'll be alrigth, trust me." he burried in my arms as we lay down on the sofa.

"I hope so. I can't loose another friends beside Will."

We lay in silence when our parents entered the room, yeah their travel week has end today.

I think by the time they entered Dustin was asleep. As my mother stood by the couch she mouthed 'is he?" and I only nodded. My dad came to us and carried Dustin in his arms to his room upstairs. Dustin is a deep sleeper in the second he fell asleep the world could end and he would'nt wake up. When my dad was out of the room my mom sat down next to me.

"So what happened?" I told my mother something on the phone but not everything, she shouldn't be involved too much.

"As I told you. Will went missing and a few days after he was found in the Lake. Two days ago we were on his funeral. Dustin is really damaged through this accident. He feels sorry that he couldn't protect Will. And today Luke and Mike argued and Dusti fears that his party is falling apart." she looked shocked at me after telling the events we went through the whole week alone.

"You don't have to worry mom. Dustin and I are fine. We have got each other and he knows I'm helping him with everything."

"I'm proud that you both love each other so much." she gave me a kiss on the forehead and left.

On the next day when I arrived at school there was this tension, I can't describe it but it was there. It was because of the funeral a few days ago but not that everyone was involved.

It was only the three of us, Nancy, Jonathan and me.

At lunch we sat in the nearst corner so nobody could eavesdrop our conversation.

"Ok so Nancy and I want to buy weapons and go for a hunt."

"This afternoon." Nancy adds after Jonathon doesn't seem to speak on.

"This afternoon? Why? I don't know if I can. I have to ask my mom. Maybe we could meet there or I'm coming where you're getting ready."

"Jonathan and I went to the forest behind Steve's house and there was something, we want to hunt." they both nodded as the school bell rang.

"See you later" we seperate and I went to my math class but have to stop at my locker before.

No one was in the hallway what was kind of creepy because otherwise it was full because students wanted to delay the break.

"Y/N." Someone touched my shoulder but I know exactly who it was.

"What?" I turned to face him.

"Why are Nanc and Jonathan hanging out so much lately?"

"I don't know. Ask her yourself I suggest"

"Do you know something? I saw them yesterday in Nanc' bedroom."

"Steve." I shut my locker and turn to him, "I really don't know even if I'd, I don't care about it."

"Why are you so harsh?"

"Why do you even care at all?"

"Because" he came closer and whispered, "I'm still caring about you. I still worry about you. I'm still your best friend"

He is what?! Where was he when I lost my grandmother, when Barb went missing?

"Ah no, Stephen. I don't believe you. You were my best friend yeah that's right but I wouldn't call you a friend anymore. So excuse me." I began to walk to my classroom and bumped intentionally his shoulder.

During my bike drive to the Byers house I listened to my favourite music on my Walkman including 'eye of the tiger' and 'under pressure'.

When I arrived at the location there were no one not even miss Byers.

Through the window I can see some Christmas lights hanging around in the living room and letters written on the wall.

Strange.

I took my bike and drove away.

When I drove by at the supermarket I saw Steve and his best friends standing around his car. Steve held a cola bottle to his eyes.

What happened there?

I didn't even notice that my feet were riding my bike to the entry of the market. As I arrived there Steven jumped up from his car and walked towards me.

"Y/N, hey there" he tried to hug me.

"What happened to your face" I pointed at his eye.

"Ah my friend Jonathan and I beat each other up. Nothing to worry about"

"someone has to nurse it." He approached to me.

"Maybe you could. I trust you" I just laughed. "Please it hurts really bad and my friend over there aren't a good help."

"Fine but only this time. We meet at my house, Harrington" he nodded and I began to ride home.

"What took you so long" he walked to the door.

"Thomas and I fought a bit but it's okay. He's an asshole"

oh really

"jup he is" I opened the door and we walked into the house. Mews came running to us and Steve cuddled her immediately.

"I missed her really bad" I just nodded and walked upstairs to my room.

"you coming?" I heard footsteps on the stairs and moments later Steve stand next to me.

"Sit down. Feel yourself home."

"I'm always feeling home when you're around." He held my wrist

"Steve please." The tension between us is thick you could cut it.

"I'm getting ice and some band aid." I walked to the bathroom and when I arrived in my room I saw that Steve was reading something.

Shit!

"What are you doing?" He frightened as he heard me.

"I was just" he laid the paper down. "I'm sorry" he sat down on my bed and put his hand next to him to show that I should sit next to him.

"What did you read?"

"Your homework?" I walked over to desk and picked the book which declares to be my diary.

What? He didn't. Wait.

"Did you read my diary"

"I'm so sorry Y/N. I didn't want to."

"You saw that it wasn't a normal book but you didn't stop. Steve I wanted to help you but now" I grow angry and couldn't held my anger back. "Steve you're an asshole I can't believe I was so naive to help you. Leave!" I shout at him but he didn't go.

He stood up and walked over to me.

"Y/N I'm so sorry I was and still am an asshole. I was so stupid to let you down. I'm so dumb. I can't believe I left you only to be popular, to become a completely asshole. I'm so sorry to hurt you. You were my best friend and I still hope we can be friends again." By now I started to cry and Steve embraced me.

"I read the letter you wrote and I'm so sorry. I always look at our pictures we made. I miss you everytime I see you in school I want to go to you and talk. Nancy often talks to me about you how you seem to be alone and cold towards her and Barbara and I think it's my fault. Its all my fault." I let out a sob.

"Y/N I was such a dumb boy" I heard Steve sobbing too.

"I can't believe you didn't want to say all the things to me. You know you can always tell me everything. Why didn't you told me that you love me?" I gathered my courage and spoke the first time in forever

"It's not that easy Steve."

"What?"

"First when I'm talking to you everyone would stare at us and call me a whore because I'm talking to a boy in a relationship. And second you wouldn't have cared about it. You would have left for Nancy anyways. You had liked her since ever."

"Ok wait. Nancy is hanging out with Jonathan lately I don't even think I'm her boyfriend anymore. And second because I loved you too but I was afraid to tell you"

"But you love Nancy right?"

"Yeah but it's difficult" by now I began to cry and he sat down on my bed next to me.

"I'm so sorry Steve. I couldn't handle it. And it's my fault I lost you. I wasn't enough for you."

"No.. no you were and you are still perfect" he gently put a strand of hair behind my ear. I looked down onto the floor but felt his graze on me.

"And why did you fought with Jon?"

"Tommy and Carol thought they would be funny if they would let Nancy be starring in the movie theater. They called Nancy a slut after I told them she was with Jonathan yesterday in her room. Jonathan backed up for her. He's at the police station."

"What the hell" I ran my finger through my y/hc hair.

"Nancy slapped me and then Jonathan came and threw his fist in my face and it escalated."

"You're an idiot Harrington." I rolled my eyes. Slowly it feels like it's going to be normal even after the talk before.

Don't let him in again.

"Steve you should go." He nodded and walked toward the door.

"See you in school Y/N" I only nodded as and he left.

Dearest Steve,

Thanks for the memories that you gave me over all those years. I really appreciate that we were friends until Tommy our biggest enemy brought us apart. I did everything for you even if it seemed impossible and crazy. I love you from the very first day and I always gonna love you.

Even if you'll never get this letter I want you to know that you're my everything, my life and my best friend.

I hate being apart from you and not talking to you kills me. Every time I see you and Nancy kissing it kills myself. I'm dead inside and you left. You gave me power to live to hold on but then you left. Puberty really changed you just as Tommy did.

I miss the time when we lay under the stars and talked about our wishes and dreams. My dream now is to go back; to have my Steve back. I had loved it when you were around and we acted like we don't care what others are thinking mostly when we did the weirdest things. I was proud that my best friend is a year over me at school and still likes to meet me.

But the horrible thing is that we see us at school and don't even look at each other. I miss your beautiful brown eyes which light up when you were laughing over my bad jokes. I miss your fluffy hair and your crazy secret behind it. I would love to go back but I can't and I know it. I know I treat you like shit but its just to protect myself not to be hurt again.

[addictofsupernatural]

Emotions (pt. 12)

Billy Hargrove x reader

Summary: Billy does his best to win you back, but a certain person keeps getting in the way.

Word Count: 2485

Chapter 1 • Chp. Masterlist

Billy was not giving up. He was set on winning you back, and started by waiting at your house to take you to school. At first you tried to ignore him and just walk, but he kept driving next to you and you felt too guilty. You'd end up getting inside and seeing his relieving smile. Hopper did always say that your conscious would screw you over some day.

During biology he was constantly trying to make you laugh. His charming jokes and quick wit would eventually get to you, and you would end up cracking a smile. You couldn't help it; you just thought it was funny how much of a child he could be, even with his beautiful grin.

During lunch you went with Steve Harrington. It pissed him off, but he needed to learn that you're entitled to hang out with anyone you want. He just didn't understand why it had to be him. When Billy passed by you in the halls or anywhere at lunch, he would always smile and wink at you. He'd see you blush, which was all he needed.

Billy had learned to have patience. He needed to be patient with you when you felt insecure about yourself, or when you didn't understand something simple. Looking back at it now, he could see why you had trouble adjusting to normalcy. He would now need to be his most patient self, because right now you were doing something you thought would be best for Billy, and he saw that you were trying your hardest to be better for him by trying to have him move on. He just needed enough patience for you to realize that he wasn't going to move on from the love of his life.

When Steve caught on that Billy's dumb ass face was actually working on you, he knew that he had to do something as your self proclaimed best friend. He invited Jonathan over to see what to do about it, pacing the floor and acting like he was planning a war strategy.

"We have to do something about this!" He said to Jonathan in the living room, with you easily listening from your bedroom easily listening. Hearing the two of them was like having a devil and angel on your shoulder. "Okay, what's our plan?"

"I don't know man. I think Billy's okay now, if I'm being honest. He's actually sorry, and he's okay now with y/n's powers. Maybe we should give him a chance?"

"Are you kidding me? And let my friend get hurt again? No, she's not going to fall for that dickhead again. Someone has to protect her; she's too innocent."

"Hey, dumbasses," You said from your door frame. "If you don't want me to listen in then maybe you shouldn't be talking about this crap in my house."

"See what I mean?! He taught her how to curse!" He then pointed to you. "And shut up. Your house is comfy, okay?"

"He's actually not wrong about that." Jonathan mumbled.

You scoffed. "I told you guys, we're not getting back together. And shouldn't I be able to make my own decisions anyways?"

"No, you need the guidance of a loyal friend." You rolled your eyes at his serious face, which then lit up with an idea. "I know exactly how to get him to back off! We need to get him jealous, and he'll get so pissed that he'll give up."

"You sure you don't just wanna see him get pissed?" Jonathan asked, scoffing as well.

Steve gave him a pat on the back. "That, my friend, is an added perk." He then gave the two of you a teasing smile.

The next morning when Billy went to your house to pick you up for school, he saw that Steve's car was parked there. He watched in disgust as the two of you came out, with your head down as you went into his car. Steve looked back, smiling and nodding at Billy. "You ever tried her pancakes?" He called out. "Delicious!"

He then got into the car too. You didn't look at Steve when saying, "You don't have to be an ass about it."

"You want him to move on or not?" Steve asked as you silently nodded.

Billy gripped his steering wheel as his breaths became deeper. You used to make him pancakes. You used to sit on his lap and feed it to him. Sometimes you'd lick the syrup off his lips. You'd never do that with that jerk off Steve, but the thought of you making something for Steve instead of him got Billy so fucking pissed.

At school, Billy thought about his options. He could still try to keep it up with strong flirting, but that dick off Steve would probably also start flirting. You hate conflict, and you'd hate that situation. Fucking Steve Harrington. How the hell was he supposed to win you back now?

It was time for him to really look back and think. When you two first got together, how did it happen? Back then, it happened slowly as you saw that his attention was focused on you. This was when you were just friends. Bingo.

When he saw you enter fourth period, he gently smiled and nodded his head. "Hey." You put your head down. "So, I was thinking. I'm sorry for going against what you want, and I think we should start over. As friends?"

This was painful for you, and you knew that you should just reject him so he can move on and be happy with someone else in the future. But you were dying to talk to him again; the conversations you missed so much. "Okay." You squeaked.

Unlike when you first met, this time he was the talker in the conversation and you were the listener. He rambled on and made jokes, and you responded with a smile or a nod, occasionally making a comment.

Once class ended the two of you were still talking when Steve walked into the classroom and smacked your shared desk, startling the both of you. "We should head over to lunch now. Let's go y/n."

Billy stood tall. "Sure thing. Let's all go."

"Let's not fight guys. Please." You quietly said.

Steve glanced at you before nodding. "Whatever you say. C'mon." He then put his hand on the small of your back to lead you out. Billy trailed behind, his nostrils flared and his teeth gritted.

You walked over to the basketball bleachers, with the two boys both ending up linking to each of your arms. Instead of sitting at you and Billy's usual spot, you sat on the other end. Billy took this as a sign that your memories together were still sacred to you. In actuality you knew it would fuel his anger if Steve sat at your 'special spot' that he loved so much.

"So, you two are, like, what? Friends now?" Steve asked, attitude in his voice.

"We never stopped being friends." Billy gave a shit eating grin.

"Well y'know, with kicking her out of your house and not accepting her for who she is I figured you guys were having a little trouble in paradise." He gave a shrug.

"Steve." You hissed.

"No, he's right." You whipped your head to Billy. "I did act like a jerk, but y'know what? Our bond is so fucking strong that I realized I don't care about any of it. She does that to me, I guess. Always reeling me back in, huh sweetheart?"

"As her best friend, I don't feel comfortable with you calling her that."

Billy gave a tch. "I'm her best friend."

You stood up out of anger and started walking away. "Where you going?" They said in unison.

"To Jonathan and Nancy." You turned to look back at them.

"You hate being around Nancy." Billy said.

"And you know Jonathan won't stand up to her."

"Yeah. Well, that should tell you how crappy I feel around you two right now." And with that you left.

"Very nice, ass wipe." Billy said as he shoved Steve.

"Really? This is my fault?" Billy only glared back at him. "Why can't you just leave her alone?"

"Why the fuck can't you just leave me alone?"

The two of them quickly got up and stomped away from each other, with Billy going over to an ecstatic Tommy and Steve trailing shamefully behind you as Nancy lectured you about not listening to her.

After school you slipped away from both boys and used a payphone to call Hopper. When he pulled up, you began walking over to his car before you heard Billy and Steve call out your name in unison. You started to speed walk before breaking out into a run when you saw them running over to you. You got into the car and slammed it shut. "Drive! Drive!"

Hopper, being flustered by your hurried tone, quickly drove off. "You wanna tell me why the hell we just Marty McFlyed the crap out of there?"

You let out a loud groan, ready to rant. "Ughhh! It's Billy and Steve! They keep fighting with each other, and it's about me. I hate that. They know I hate that, and yet they still have this alpha male bs going on. It's so stupid! I just want Billy to calm down, and Steve to tone it down! This whole thing is so dumb." You then quickly turned your head to Hopper, who had been listening helplessly, and caused him to jerk his head a bit in surprise. "What do you think?"

He was caught off guard by the question. "Uh, well... take a break from both of them. They sound like they're doing idiot things for good reasons, but they're jackasses if they're making you like this. Maybe you could try to be by yourself for a while."

You let out a breath and grinned. No matter what El or Mike said, you knew Hopper listened and you knew he was a smart person. In actuality, Hopper just wanted to say that these two were jackasses and that he should just arrest them for a day or two, but he knew you would get mad at him too, with your emotions all over the place.

You gave him a hug as he pulled up to your house. "Hopper you're a genius."

You happily got out of the car and went inside to your room, where Hopper smiled. He hoped you knew that he was there for you. That he could be your dad.

As you did your homework that night you got a call from your phone. When you answered, your face fell. "What do you want Steve?"

"Um, so you got home safe then?" He attempted to lighten the mood.

You sighed. "Goodbye Steve."

"No no no, wait! I'm sorry, I wanted to say that I'm sorry. We just really need to get him off of your ass, y'know?"

"I mean, he said he just wanted to be friends. Maybe we could go back to being just acquaintances?"

"God five, you'd think all things considered with you that you wouldn't be so stupid about this." Steve said this out of rage, but after hearing your soft gasp over the phone, he knew he just fucked up.

"Are you kidding me right now? You know what Steve, you'd think all things considered with you that you'd understand how hard it is for me to let him go, and how badly I want him back even though I know it's best to let him be."

"Five-"

"Don't ever call me that again!" You then hung up.

You breathed hard, trying to calm yourself down. You're not a crybaby. People who cry all the time are stupid, and you're not stupid. The damn telephone rang again, and you picked it up. "Damnit Steve, leave me alone!"

"Whoa there sweetheart, wrong guy."

You let out an involuntary breath of relief when you heard Billy's voice. It felt good to hear from him, but it just pained you in a worse way. He's trying his best to be perfect when you feel like you're too fucked up to even be allowed to have a boyfriend.

"Hi Billy." You said quietly, tears forming and your nose beginning to sting.

"What's wrong sweetheart?"

You sucked it a hard breath. "People keep telling me things that hurt."

You were really struggling to hold back the tears. "Y/n–"

"I have to go!" You slammed the phone back. You rolled up into a ball, and cried. Maybe you are stupid.

Once you exhausted yourself and stopped crying, you saw headlights flashing outside. You confusedly and sluggishly got up, since everyone was asleep by now, and saw Billy's car. He got out and said nothing, swiftly bringing you in for a hug. You hugged back. "C'mon, let's get you inside."

You only nodded and let him guide you. You knew that this wasn't right, but you were too damn exhausted with everything to do anything about it. He kicked off his shoes where he normally did, and took you to your room. He laid you down on your bed, and got in with you.

"You shouldn't be here." You quietly said as he tugged you into his chest. You didn't do anything to stop him, and instead embraced the smell you missed so much.

"Course I should." He took a deep breath, before continuing. "I'm sorry for adding all this stress to you. I know you've always been my little rule follower."

You felt the tears begin to sting in your eyes again. "Y'know, Hopper's always told us to follow the rules. That people who don't follow the rules are stupid, and we're not stupid. We can't be, and we won't be." You looked up at him. "I can't even follow my own rules. Why am I so stupid? How do I even do better?"

"You're not stupid. Don't ever say that about yourself again. Okay?" He spoke sternly, and you nodded your head while he wiped away a tear with his thumb. "You're just confused. It's okay to be confused about your feelings. Just as long as you don't have any for cock sucker Steve." You could practically hear his smile.

"Mm. You don't really think I'd have feelings for him, do you?"

"Nah, he's too vanilla."

You snuggled into his chest. "So are you, but only in private."

"Only with you baby." He grabbed your chin, and kissed your lips for a second before you pulled back. "Too soon, got it. Do you want me to leave?"

You sighed, knowing it's better if he did. But you felt so safe with him there. "After I fall asleep? Please."

"Course doll." And the two of you stayed like that until you fell asleep, when Billy gently kissed your unconscious lips and silently slipped out of the house and off to his. He went to sleep, content that he could still make you feel safe.

---

Tag List:

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[okaybutlikeimagine]

Since the quarantine started I've been trying to keep myself in shape, and I started to do exercises every day, feeling completely incapable. 😂😂😂 Imagine Billy trying to be some sort of personal trainer for Jonathan, mostly because he noticed that he doesn't move enaugh, but also because it's funny to watch him stuggle while Will and El laugh their asses off.

first of all: i FEEL it!! dude i keep trying to do things and then my mind is like: you’re real funny to think i’m ever doing anything physical ever again

I’M CACKLING i absolutely cannot!! Billy and Jonathan's relationship w/ each other makes me laugh and this??? has me rolling. you just know Jonathan would NOT want this. he'd push so hard against this. (also sorry i kind of gave this a plot WOOPS)

Okay, if this was a modern AU/if i ever could rip my absolute love for the 80’s away from myself enough to WRITE a modern AU, i think this would make the PERFECT ONE. like….. Imagine Billy filming shitty little videos on his camera/phone for social media (snapchat or instagram or like……. Vlogging for his fitness youtube channel or some shit, idk, i don’t use social media enough but you get the idea) and being like: “Alright guys… day one of turning local twig into more than just skin and bones.”

And he’s sauntering to Jonathan’s room as he talks and turns the camera around to find Jonathan’s door open and him laying on his bed like, reading or going through his camera or something looking at and deleting pictures he doesn’t like/need/whatever and Jonathan looks up, just barely perturbed bc it’s just Billy and his door is open so he kind of asked for this and the camera catches the exact moment that Jonathan’s face switches to -oh shit oh no Billy has his camera out- and he just goes: “What are you doing?”

And Billy turns the camera back around to him and you can see Jonathan’s little head and scared little face in the background behind Billy’s shoulder as Billy says: “Training day!” with the biggest, widest, most malicious grin on his face as he fucking trust falls back onto Jonathan’s stretched out form.

And Jonathan starts scrambling trying to get up but he’s really just flailing his limbs, eyes going wide as the camera gets blurry and there’s a thump and an-

“Ooof!”

And then Billy’s cackling.

And Jonathan’s voice is strained- sounds like someone’s practically choking him- as the camera focuses on Billy’s grinning face and skinny hands that are pushing at his broad shoulders and his cheek (which makes Billy grimace bc he doesn’t like his face being touched thank you) and Jonathan says: “Get off, you’re heavy.”

“First exercise! Push me off yourself.”

“What?” Jonathan squeaks. “No! I can’t! You’re like, a million pounds.”

“Million pounds of pure muscle, baby.” Billy says as he lets all that muscle go and becomes absolute dead weight onto Jonathan who is struggling.

“I hate you so much.” Jonathan wheezes, shoving at Billy, pinching him a few times until Billy smacks Jonathan’s hand hard enough to make him whine, laughing about how that’s cheating, jackass

You’re the one who won’t get up, asshole.

Yeah, well maybe after this we need to work on your reflexes, slow poke.

And it goes on like that. At first Billy does it randomly bc it’s kind of just a joke, like: “I think I wanna mess with Jonathan today. Let’s go.”

But then he gets kinda serious about it and it becomes an actual series of videos like: “Day 5, cardio day! If he can do it, then you can do it.”

“Ha ha, very funny.”

Billy shrugs, grinning at the camera with an: “I think it’s pretty funny...”

Jonathan shoves at Billy, who in turn shoulders the boy back and makes him lose his balance.

The curly haired boy sends a knowing look to the camera.

“And this is why we’re doing this.”

“Whatever.” Jonathan mutters.

And it’s kind of fun for both of them, honestly!! Jonathan gets into it (even though Billy’s a little aggressive in his ways…) and absolutely does NOT look at any of the comments. Billy does though, and likes to tell Jonathan all of the ones that 1. Playfully make fun of him and 2. Are like…… really oddly and kind of grossly horny for him (bc Jonathan’s face gets red and he always tries to run away as quickly as possible bc our boy is a Shy Lil Bean who does NOT want to hear about how some random girl or guy on the internet thinks Jonathan is “just cute enough to eat the fuck up”) there are also some extremely rude people who shit on Jonathan constantly but they’re bullies and Billy always tells them off right before blocking them completely.

ANYWAY enough of that, let’s get back to the 80’s please!

No vlogging, no comments, just Billy walking out of basketball practice to his car to go hang out with Steve, heading around the back of the gym so he can avoid as many people as possible, when he hears a very familiar sound.

He looks over, out of instinct and curiosity bc yup, it’s a body being slammed into the chain link fence that surrounds the school. And his sauntering slows, curiosity fully taking over because hey, he must know the dudes that’re fighting, and gossip is one of the only interesting things in this town and-

Shit.... Shit, he knows that floppy hair.

It’s Jonathan. Billy doesn’t have a good view of the guy who’s pushing him but the two boys behind him are Jacob and Trevor so he figures the dude acting as the aggressor must be that jackass Zack Olson. The boy’s a punk. Billy keeps a careful watch of the scene in front of him, wondering what the occasion is.

And then the boy, with a hand still on Jonathan’s jacket, reaches his fist back for a punch. Billy does all he can to keep himself from going over there. Something about the need to “fight your own battles” or whatever filtering through his head when-

The boy punches Jonathan’s stomach. Billy’s mind is racing, blood starting to boil, shifting his weight.

C’mon, bud… fight back… I know you can-

He gets shoved back against the fence again, before his shin is getting kicked and-

Nope nope nope-

Billy’s kicked into gear. He’s stalking over there, getting faster with each aggressive move and the assholes are goddamn cackling and Billy’s blood is boiling and it seems like Jonathan’s had enough at this point bc he ducks out of the way quickly and then Billy’s veering for the hole in the fence and he’s stepping through it and he slams his hand against the fence, the rest of it shaking noisily as all 4 of the boys swing their heads over to him.

“Hargrove!” calls one of the boys.

“Get out of here.”

“C’mon… we’re just having some fun-”

“Get… out... unless you want your nose broken in multiple places.”

Fear fills their eyes, but they don’t leave without a scowl.

And then Jonathan is there, coughs a little bit, and Billy’s mad.

“Hey.” Jonathan mumbles, pushing off the fence to walk past Billy but Billy grabs his wrist before he can get away.

“What was that?” He asks, teeth clenched because he’s confused and is trying to make sense of this. “You just let those guys beat you up like that?”

Jonathan shrugs.

“I don’t understand you.” Billy continues, sitting in his hip, still keeping hold of the thin wrist. “Those guys are punks… You beat up my boyfriend, didn’t you? What are you doing letting those guys do that to you?”

“I don’t like to fight.” Jonathan mumbles and Billy thinks he needs to clean out his ears.

“Don’t like to fight?” Billy laughs disbelievingly. “From what I hear you beat Steve up to a fucking pulp and you don’t like to fight? Don’t give me that shit-”

“Yeah, because Steve was saying stuff about Will and… and my mom. So.” Jonathan looks Billy in the eyes but Billy’s too busy being shocked by the words.

He knew Jonathan beat Steve up in an alley. He knew Steve did some pretty shitty stuff leading up to it. He knew Steve incited it. He knew Steve was sorry sorry so sorry... but he didn’t know it got so personal. He didn’t know Steve said shit about the Byers. Steve never wants to talk about it and, frankly, Billy never wants to ask. But this seems important. Maybe he will. Because… well-

“.... He said shit about Joyce? And Will?” Billy’s grip loosens.

“Yeah…” Jonathan mumbles, hanging his head again, shaking his wrist out of Billy’s hand. “But he- he didn’t mean it. He was just mad. He apologized. A lot… it’s fine.”

Billy’s gonna have to ask about that. But for now he’s got a shaking boy in front of him that for some reason he like…. Actually cares about now and it’s weird but it’s not horrible and… and he doesn’t wanna see this boy get hurt when he knows the boy himself can prevent it.

“Huh…. well you’ve got reflexes obviously. Don’t tell me it’s some ‘monster’ side of you or something- you’ve got practice.”

“Yeah well…. I used to….” Jonathan’s voice gets far away. “I used to have to fight my dad off...”

“Oh…. huh.” Billy knew that too. Vaguely. Knows Jonathan’s dad was an absolute asshole and Jonathan used to have to keep him at bay so he wouldn’t hurt Joyce or Will. Still doesn’t make it any less shocking to know that their little family has roots in so much pain and fear. They’re such a good family now. They didn’t let it break them apart. Joyce fought for them and… and Billy can’t think about that too much. “So what, you’re one of those guys? Hero type, won’t fight unless you need to or whatever.”

“You do the same thing.”

“Do not-”

“Most of the time you do.” Jonathan says with an eyebrow raised. “C’mon Billy, you can cut the tough guy shit. I know you now.”

Billy’s not having it. “Yeah, whatever, this is about you. Maybe if you had some more meat on your bones they wouldn’t be able to push you around like that.”

“It’s not that, they’re just jerks-”

“Yeah, and you’re not exactly intimidating-”

“It’s fine, Billy, stop pretending like you care-”

“I do care, you asshole.”

“Then quit worrying. I’m fine, I’ll take care of myself, I can handle it… it’s fine. I just don’t like fighting.”

Billy’s irritated, but he’s too tired to fight because he already knows the two of them could go at it forever. He just watches Jonathan shrug his shoulders harshly as he backs up before he turns, slips through the hole in the fence, and stalks away.

Billy rolls his eyes.

But when he’s with Steve, he brings it up. The fact that he saw Jonathan after school (Steve asked how he’s doing), the fact that he saw Jonathan getting beat up (Steve sat up with concern and asked if he stopped them), the fact that Jonathan told him he doesn’t like to fight (Steve nodded with understanding, like he knew that already), the fact that-

“Jonathan said you said shit about Will and Joyce.”

“Hu-... oh…”

“That’s why he beat you up.”

“I… I didn’t mean it. He knows I didn’t. I swear I didn’t, I was just… it was a lot that was happening and-” Steve is stammering. Billy starts to feel bad about it. “-there’s no excuses. No no, there’s no excuses, I shouldn’t make excuses, I was an asshole and I shouldn’t have said that shit no matter how angry I was because they… they didn’t do anything and Will is such a good kid and Joyce is like… one of the only people that actually ever seems to care and-”

“Babe.”

“And I didn’t mean it, I swear-”

“Babe.”

“H-huh?”

“I know.” Billy says, grabbing hold of Steve’s face to get him to calm the hell down. Steve breathes.

But Billy still doesn’t know what to do about Jonathan. And Steve tries to reassure him that- “He knows what he’s doing. We know he can fight them off he just… doesn’t want to. Can’t make a horse eat the hay or…. Whatever it is. What is it? Can’t get an old dog to… drink from a river?”

Billy rolls his eyes, but his heart beats a little faster.

“You’re such a dumbass.”

Steve tries to be resentful but he’s being kissed so he doesn’t exactly have the opportunity.

But Billy isn’t okay with this!!! He truthfully doesn’t know how Jonathan even has the reflexes he does still bc Lonnie’s been gone for a while and all the boy does nowadays is lay around the house…. Literally that’s it. At any given moment of any given day he’s laying on the couch, laying in his bed, or running around with his camera- and by ‘running’, he really means ‘ambling’ bc the boy has absolutely no sense of urgency.

He likes to say that he had “enough urgency back when I thought my brother was dead. I’d like to take a break now.” but Billy likes to say: “That was two years ago, you lazy fucker.”

So.

And Billy can’t really be lead to believe that sex with Nancy is that much of a fuckng cardio work out. Billy doesn’t know hardly any details of the two and their sex life because he doesn’t want to know but Billy can bet the two of them are the most vanilla people on the planet. And Nancy is tiny, it’s not like lifting her would be that much of a physical strain. For anyone.

So...

He’s like…. upset about this. Jonathans carries himself very differently when he’s at home than when he’s at school but it still bothers Billy bc why. And he figures it must be bc the boy just isn’t physically capable of being confident in a place with so many people. Figures maybe Jonathan just wants to be invisible when he's at school and so he shrinks but Billy just doesn't understand. And now all I can think about is Billy being a really fucking aggressive version of Glinda from Wicked and Jonathan is Elphaba and Billy just stands in Jonathan’s doorway, large and intimidating presence that he is, and says: “Jonathan, I’ve decided to make you my new project.”

And Jonathan, who’s laying in bed eating popcorn and flipping through his photo album as he listens to R.E.M. just gives a very disinterested look in Billy’s direction and says: “You really don’t have to do that.”

And Billy sits in his hip and raises and eyebrow and rolls his eyes and says: “I know…” on a sigh, with a vaguely exhausted and yet somehow cocky “That’s what makes me so nice.” tagged onto the end.

“Think I’m gonna have to disagree-”

“No time. C’mon. We’re going for a run.”

And Billy tries not to give the boy much of a chance, but he makes it so difficult. For as thin and lazy as the boy seems to be, Jonathan has a lot of fucking endurance. He can fight Billy on this forever and Billy really just wants to pick him up and throw him in front of the weights and make him lift them but like… he knows he can’t so he gives up for the day.

But then one day he catches Jonathan asleep on the couch.

So he scares him awake.

“Shit!” Jonathan jerks, sitting up and looking into Billy’s face and sighing harshly. “Billy! Are you trying to kill me?”

“Did that get your heart rate up?”

“Yeah, you nearly scared me to death.”

“Great, we’re going for a run.”

“No.”

“Yes, we are. 5 laps around the house and then we’ll see where you’re at, c’mon.”

“Billy I said no.” And Jonathan pushes himself up and starts heading to the kitchen but Billy just isn’t having this because… because he knows Jonathan was getting smacked around again yesterday. Knows he got harassed after gym class. Billy saw it. He’s mad about it and he thinks he can do something about it so he’s gonna and…

Billy grabs hold of the back of Jonathan’s shirt and yanks him back.

“Billy!”

“You think you’re good? Fine then, fight me.”

“No.”

And Billy keeps hold of Jonathan’s shirt even as he struggles out of the way and Billy knows the boy used to be able to hit and take a punch in return but he just… he needs to really know. If Jonathan can get away from him then he’ll leave him alone but only then.

Jonathan struggles. “Let go of me.”

“You get away yourself.”

“Billy-”

And Billy pulls Jonathan back some more so he can pin him against the wall aggressively and Jonathan shrinks and Billy’s got him against the wall, hand to his chest, arm’s distance away from him, waiting for Jonathan to fight back and-

“Fight back.”

“I don’t want to!”

“Do it. Try and get away.”

“No!”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m at home! I don’t… I don’t wanna fight in my house! Not in the house, just-stop. What if Will walks in?”

And the words strike Billy harshly. Like he’s the one that’s taken a blow, like Jonathan just punched him and-

And suddenly Billy feels like an absolute asshole. Because he’s being a bully. He’s bullying Jonathan in his own home, even when he’s being asked to stop. He’s an aggressor. He’s being their fucking father and maybe the intent isn’t malicious but that doesn’t change a whole fucking lot, now does it? He knows it doesn’t. He loosens his grip, unsure how he could have let himself get this far. He tries to convince himself that it’s not like that... but he knows that Will wouldn’t see it that way if he were to walk in.

He lets go of Jonathan. They stand there in silence.

But Billy’s still just not okay with this.

“I just… I don’t wanna see you get pushed around anymore.”

Jonathan rolls his eyes.

“Then look away.”

Billy growls.

“No, you idiot. Don’t you… you affect Will too, y’know!”

Jonathan eyes Billy darkly. “Yeah, what are you talking abou-”

“What do you think he would think if he saw you getting pushed around? He’s gonna think it’s okay to let people do that to him!” Billy’s getting riled up and really he feels kind of stupid being so affected by these people he gave absolutely zero shits about a little over a year ago but… but now.

Jonathan’s mouth screws up in thought and irritation. Billy’s trying to hit it home.

“He’s not gonna stand up for himself because you don’t.”

Jonathan slumps against the wall. Billy thinks he’s got him.

“I still don’t see why you care.” Jonathan mumbles, eyeing Billy with a curiosity that’s colored with disdain and Billy’s a little sick of that face.

“Because you guys are my family now, jackass.”

Jonathan scoffs disbelievingly. “I really never would have pegged you for being such a ‘family guy’, Billy.”

The words leave something bitter in Billy’s system. He licks his teeth . “Yeah, well, maybe I don’t wanna be like those assholes.”

Jonathan sizes Billy up for a second… and Billy knows he’s got him.

“Fine.”

Billy’s grin becomes shark-like. If that scared look on Jonathan’s face is regret… well it’s too late for that.

And so Joyce comes home from her shift at the store to find her son…. Running…. Around the outside of the house……

“Uhm… Hi honey.” Joyce climbs to the porch, turning around as Jonathan stops in front of her.

“H-uh… huh… huh… huh…h-uh-”

“Don’t stop! Who said you could stop?!” Comes a voice that makes Joyce jump.

Billy jogs up, looking up at Joyce and giving a polite smile.

“Hi!” He says, hands on his hips, slightly out of breath but looking rather unbothered compared to Jonathan who’s currently bent over wheezing.

“Uhhhhhm…. What’s going on?”

“Jonathan’s my new workout buddy!” Billy says triumphantly, patting a large hand harshly on Jonathan’s back and causing the boy to cough in response.

Joyce looks concerned. Billy’s not too worried about it.

“Uh huh. Alright then… well, I’m just gonna start on… dinner…. Then….”

“Sounds good.” Billy pats Jonathan’s back harshly, barking again once Joyce has her back turned. “Alright, 5 more!”

“B-but! We just did 5!”

“Yup, and we’re doing 5 more. C’mon, the longer you stay standing the harder it’s gonna be, now move!”

And Jonathan’s getting shoved and then the two are running, Jonathan flailing a bit more with every step he takes but hey…. All that stuff about Rome and taking time and whatever… Billy thinks that applies here.

And so the two of them work out and Jonathan kind of 100% wants to quit every time they start (esp bc Billy seems to know exactly when it’s inconvenient for Jonathan to start working out and picks that exact moment to bug him) but…. It kind of feels good... he guesses.

And Billy pushes hard at first. And he makes Jonathan eat more. Like… a lot more. So much more, in fact, that the boy vomits and Billy realizes he may need to pull back because: Hey…. maybe he can’t force too much too quickly. He’s just trying to get the boy to carbo-load so he gets some kind of muscle.

He wants to track it too (because maybe this is his calling or something), so he asks Jonathan for his camera and pulls him in front of a wall.

“Uhhh… please just… just be careful with it.” Jonathan insists, holding onto his camera until the last possible second but eventually having to concede to allowing the camera to lay in Billy’s large hands.

“It’s fine.”

“Put the strap on. It can’t fall if you-”

“I’m not putting on the stupid little strap, I’m not trying to look like a loser, I’m just trying to get a picture.” and then he’s twisting and flipping the camera around in his hands, mumbling: “Now how do I…?”

“Be careful.”

“I’ve got it!” Billy barks, eyebrows furrowing. “I’m just looking for the-shit!”

“Ah!” Jonathan cries, moving lightning fast towards his camera and catching it before it hits the ground. His breath is labored from his fear. “What the hell! Be careful, asshole!”

Billy’s heart is racing too, fear flashing in his eyes as he watched the camera start to fall to the ground. He takes a second to collect himself.

“Cool. Good. I was just testing your reflexes.”

“Yeah, it has nothing to do with the fact that you’re a clumsy piece of shit.”

“Hey.” Billy growls, reaching to grab for the camera again but Jonathan holds it away. “Keep that up and I break it for real.”

“Yeah yeah.” Jonathan says, completely unconvinced, flopping the camera strap around Billy’s neck and catching his head a bit.

“Hey, watch the hair!”

“Woops.” Jonathan mocks like a piece of shit and Billy’s gonna fight him just for being irritating. Jonathan steps back up against the wall once he’s satisfied that the strap is on properly.

“Alright, say cheese.”

“Cheese.” Jonathan mumbles and the flash goes off.

And the two of them work out every day!! And every week Billy pushes Jonathan to stand against the wall and takes some pictures, some with him flexing (I feel stupid, Yeah well you’ll feel less stupid once you’ve got something to flex, now shut up and stay still).

And Jonathan is sore. Like… all the time. El laughs about it when she tries to mess around with him and he winces in pain. Will is a little worried but it makes him giggle.

One day the two kids are sitting in the room, eating lunch and watching TV, when Billy decides it’s time to lift weights in the living room. And so they do. And Jonathan’s just lifting the bar and it’s difficult. And Billy likes to show off so he’s lifting a shitton and yelling at Jonathan to keep up and it’s hard and the kids start laughing.

Jonathan whines a bit, setting the bar down and asking Billy quietly if maybe they can do this later because…. Well… he’s embarrassed.

And that just won’t do. He’s not okay with that. Because he’s having Jonathan do this so that they can both be good examples for these kids and they’re laughing?

So Billy sets his weights down and walks in front of the kids and El glares him down bc he’s “in the way” and Will seems kind of nervous bc Billy has that glint in his eye and then-

“Ah! Wait! Billy!”

Billy scoops Will up and carries him over to Jonathan and shoves a squirming Will into Jonathan’s arms.

“Weight training.” Billy supplies by way of answer, and Jonathan is laughing bc Will is wriggling and he’s hard to hold like this but Billy’s too busy walking over to El who’s so busy cracking up over on the couch that she doesn’t notice Billy is currently headed towards her on a mission… until he picks her up and then she’s squealing and he turns to Jonathan with a: “Get to it!”

And Billy starts curling with El is his arms and she’s squealing and wriggling and all 4 of them are laughing and Hop is most definitely confused when he comes home in his break between shifts.

But progress is made! And one day Jonathan comes home from work to find Steve lazing around on the couch with Billy, the both of them in crop tops and short exercise shorts, and Jonathan knows this is nothing good. Because there’s a bag next to the couch and Jonathan thinks maybe he should just turn back around and try to hang out with Nancy or something because-

“Finally! We’ve been waiting around for you!” Billy calls out, rolling himself off the couch and picking up the bag and oh no.

“Hey Johnny!” Steve calls from the couch and Jonathan is supremely uncomfortable whenever Steve calls him that but he does it so often and he can’t think too much about it bc the bag is being shoved into his chest.

“Put these on.”

Jonathan peeks into the bag and closes it quickly.

“No.” Jonathan whines.

“Shut up just put them on.”

“Why?”

“Because you wear the same sweats every time we work out and they’re gross, now put them on.”

And now the kids are really laughing…. Like REALLY laughing…. Bc the the three boys are wearing crop tops and short exercise shorts as they work out in the living room and Billy took one of his hair ties and tied up Jonathan’s fringe so there’s a little tuft at the top of his head bc: “We’re doing burpees and your hair is gonna get in the way, dummy.”

And it’s just funny.

Jonathan can’t say he agrees. he also can't really laugh while he’s busy wheezing.

But he’s doing well! And he starts getting some muscle and he didn’t think it’d feel this good but like… gym doesn’t totally suck anymore. And he’s not as tired 24/7. And his body like… starts feeling good when he and Billy start to exercise. To the point that when they take a day off he feels bad... almost empty.

And Billy is so proud of him! And yeah, it’s not like Jonathan’s gonna try out for the basketball team or anything, but when guys try to push him around in the hallway now he’s surprisingly sturdy. He plants his feet and he’s practically a rock and guys are confused by it. When guys try to push him against fences they just can’t. People stop bothering him. They murmur about how “the freak got like… strong all of a sudden”

And Billy couldn’t be prouder. Really, he feels like he should do this professionally.

Although… Nancy is pretty confused when she walks into the dark room in search of her boyfriend (who is absolutely fed up with her nonsense of not listening to him when the light says to stay out) and she hugs him from behind and asks: “Uh… what’s that?”

Bc Jonathan is developing all the pictures they’ve taken and… well…

“Who took those?” She asks, grabbing for them no matter how much Jonathan protests that you’re gonna ruin them, be careful

“Uh… Billy took them.”

“Billy? Hargrove? Took pictures of you… shirtless? And flexing?”

Jonathan’s about to melt to the floor in embarrassment. Nancy is giggling.

“Did you guys take them for me, or what?”

Jonathan’s head is in his hands. He’s gonna die.

“Y’know how I told you we’ve been working out?”

“Uh, yeah?”

“He wanted pictures to... document the progress. He gets a power trip off of it or something.”

“Oh my god, Jonathan, are you wearing a crop top in this one?!”

Jonathan is absolutely going to die.

[skullrock]

the partners, chapter two - Steve x Reader

chapter two: there is a light that never goes out

series summary: you and Steve are police apprentices at Hawkins Police Station in the fall of 1986. you get along famously, but there’s something Steve is hiding, and there is an unknown evil lurking in Hawkins. [friends to lovers, angst, hurt/comfort, fluff] 

chapter summary: You and Steve grow closer; you and Steve are called in to investigate a death

warnings: swearing, panic attacks, mention of death

word count: 3.3k

a/n: things are heating up boys!! next chapter will really kick off the cop stuff. if you haven’t seen it, here’s the Spotify playlist that goes with the series, and you can catch up here. enjoy!

---------

The rest of the week rolls by without many incidents. By the time Friday comes, you’re beaming with excitement.

“We’re still on, right?” You ask him Friday morning, bouncing on your toes.

“Y/N, for the fifteenth time, yes,” he laughs. “I’m not bailing.”

He kind of wishes he could – he hasn’t been able to sleep. He can’t stop worrying. What if this is a mistake? What if you get hurt? What if this all backfires? He can’t let you know this, though, and he’s been grinning through the week.

“Great, do you know where I live?”

“Three streets away from me, Oak Street, the big white house.”

You tilt your head. “How did you—”

“You’re the only person in town with a Walter Mondale sticker on their bumper,” he replies. “I saw your car in your driveway.”

Steve had moved out of his parent’s house about one week after securing the position at the station. His parents had graciously gotten him an “apartment,” which was in fact a nice house in a good spot in town. They paid his rent as a form of gratitude that he was “getting his life together”. He hated that idea, truly, but was happy to be able to live on his own, only worrying about groceries. He was a lot happier now that he was on his own – specifically that he was not living with his father. He did see his mother though, and pretty often, because she would bring him a lunch every few days.

“Creep,” you say, smiling. “Then I’ll see you tonight.”

“Y/N, we have an eight hour shift ahead of us.”

“Whatever. I’ll see you all day and then tonight.”

---------

Steve pulls up around 6:30, and he’s sweating bullets. He honks once, then waits. He finds himself checking himself out in the rearview mirror, and then quickly jerks his head away. It must be some kind of knee-jerk reaction, Steve thinks, picking up a girl feels like a date.

You come out of your house and lock the door, then bolt down the steps to his car. He can feel the energy radiating off of you.

“Hi,” you say as you slip inside.

“You look nice when you’re not wearing a uniform,” he jokes.

“Funny. I was going to say the same about you.” You buckle up and he sets off for Mike’s house.

“Now that you’re hanging out with my friends, am I going to hang out with yours?” he asks.

You deflate slightly. “Well, that’s the thing,” you say quietly, examining your nails. “I um. I don’t really… have any?”

He looks over at you, forehead creasing at your body language. “You don’t have any friends? That’s gotta be bullshit.”

“I did,” you explain. “But then I went to college and I lost touch with people from high school. And then I came back and I lost touch with people from college. So, I really don’t…” you sigh heavily. “Hang out with people.”

He swallows hard. “Y/N, I’m so sorry. If I knew –“

“It’s okay,” you say quickly, shaking your head. “It’s not your fault or anything. It doesn’t matter now, anyway.” You smile and lightly punch his arm. “Since I managed to crawl into your life.”

“Well, you’ll really like the kids,” he says. “Let me give you the rundown.”

He begins to explain all six of them. Dustin Henderson, his best friend, has a bit of a lisp and some disease that “makes him like Gumbo? Gumby? Whatever.” Mike Wheeler, party leader, bit of a drama queen, loyal friend. Lucas Sinclair, funny one of the bunch, dating Max, the redhead, is emotionally mature despite his comedic exterior. Max Mayfield, redhead extraordinaire, metaphorically adopted sister of Steve, super intelligent and strong. Will Byers, “you already know him,” kind and quiet, has been through a lot, deserves the world. Then there’s El.

“El is… different.”

“How?”

“Well…,” he sighs. “She… comes from a bad home. She was… she comes from a bad home. They did bad things to her.”

“Oh.”

“But she’s really great. I’m trying to teach her how to read before she and Will go back to Maine for school. She’s dating Mike, they get along pretty well. She’s really smart, just behind since she never got to go to school.”

You nod. “They all sound like phenomenal kids.”

“They are,” he replies thoughtfully. “Sometimes they’re a pain in the ass, but they’re my pain in the ass.”

You pull into the same large house on Maple Street that you had a few days before and hop out. You’re feeling a bit antsy – so is Steve.

“Wait,” you say. “Doesn’t Nancy live here?”

“Oh.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Yeah, but we’re cool. We still talk to each other. And she’s probably out with Jonathan anyway.” He clears his throat, and you reach out and squeeze his arm. “I’m okay,” he laughs. “Come on, let’s go.”

The kids remember you from the other day, and your friendship with Steve helps convince them that you’re a good person. You get along together immediately, laughing and joking like you’re all old friends. Steve beams and Dustin nudges him, making Steve shove him.

“We’re watching The Goonies tonight,” Lucas says, producing the VHS.

“What’s a goonie?” El asks.

“It’s like, a silly person,” Steve explains. “Like Mike.”

Mike rolls his eyes. “We can’t start yet, Robin isn’t here.”

You nearly choke on the soda you were drinking. “Robin? Robin Buckley?”

As if on cue, the door to the basement opens and Robin comes down. You jump up and shout her name. She looks at you, confused for a brief moment, then smiles widely and bounds over to you.

“Oh my God!” you both shout as you embrace. You try to ask each other questions, but they all come out at the same time, making you both laugh.

“Are you going to tell us how you both know each other?” Steve asks, brows drawn together, but smiling, nonetheless.

“We were in band together!” Robin exclaims. “I thought you died or something, you never called!”

“I lost your number when I moved to Indianapolis,” you explain, squeezing her hand. “But I’m back now. I’ve been back for a few months. I work with Steve, at the station.”

Robin snaps her head over to him and glares, making him sink in his seat.

“None of us knew,” Max pipes up. “That Steve works with someone, I mean.”

Robin closes her eyes and shakes her head. She looks back at Steve with a we need to talk kind of look, then turns back to you. “Well, you’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

As the night goes on, you grow more and more comfortable with everyone. You sit and talk to Robin while the rest of the gang plays Monopoly. You could mirror the movie to how the kids act – it’s like they are the Goonies. You watch as they all bicker, Max shoving Lucas over stupid jokes, and El grabbing onto Mike, leaning into him. You watch as Will and Dustin barter with each other, and as Steve calls them all out for “cheating,” which is code for “I really suck at this game and need to explain why I’m losing.”

Your eyes focus on Steve while he explains something to El. It makes your chest swell. It feels like the only thing you can focus on his Steve. How bright his eyes are while talking to his friends, how his brows flit together then part as he laughs. And his laugh. It’s the only thing you can hear, and the sound rings in your ears. He looks up at you and smiles, then goes back to looking at the game board. You snap out of your trance.

“Oh, ew.” It’s supposed to be said in your head, but you say it out loud.

“What?” Robin asks. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, yeah!” you say after a moment. “Yeah, sorry. I just got a little, uh, sidetracked. So, um, are you planning on going to school anywhere?”

Soon enough, it’s one in the morning, and the kids are getting tired. You are, too, and you yawn loudly.

“Let’s go, sleepyhead,” Steve says, holding out his hands to help you off the couch. You take them, swallowing the electricity in your stomach.

“You should come by more often!” Dustin grins.

“Yeah, we need more girls around,” Max says, and you smile back at her.

“You’re welcome in the party anytime,” Mike declares, and the others agree.

You could almost cry at how nice they are. “You guys will never know how… how much…” you sniffle. “How much this night has meant for me.”

“Okay, okay,” Steve says, rubbing your back. “Time to go, buddy.”

“You guys are the best!” you say through tears, and Steve shushes you gently, guiding you upstairs.

“Steve!” Dustin shouts, and bounds up behind him. Steve rolls his eyes and tells you to head out to the car.

“You better bring her around again.” Dustin squeezes his arm and Steve rolls his eyes once more.

“We mean it!” Will says. “She’s cool.”

“You guys don’t even like me this much,” Steve huffs, to which Robin replies, “Yes, because you’re a dingus. Y/N is cool.”

“Goodnight!” Steve groans, continuing upstairs.

He unlocks the car and you both get in.

“Thank you,” you whisper, eyes shining, “for taking me out.”

“Of course,” he hums. “Next time it can just be us, without kids and Robin.”

Your stomach flips and you ignore it again. “I’d really like to.”

You both make conversation as you head down the darkened streets. You think the town at night is beautiful and serene. Steve thinks it’s eerie and threatening. He really didn’t like going out at night much anymore, and he typically had to talk himself up if he was leaving somewhere past 9 pm. You notice the change in his energy, how he is suddenly gripping the steering wheel a bit too tight.

You begin to ask him if he’s alright, but a deer scampers across the road. It’s not very close, and maybe required just a slight brake, but Steve throws his arm out to pin you to your seat and slams on the brakes. The car slides to a halt and you slam back against the seat; thankfully Steve threw his arm over you, or you’d probably have a severe case of whiplash.

When the car stills, you look over at him, eyes wide and heart skipping. He looks like he aged 50 years in ten seconds. His eyes are huge, jaw clenched tightly. A crease on his forehead. His body is stiff and he is leaning forward, almost like he’s about to fight. He looks, quite honestly, like death.

“Steve,” you breathe. “Are you okay?”

Steve throws the car into park. He squeezes his eyes shut and blinks a few times, eventually relaxing in his seat. Although his body is relaxed, you can hear how his breathing is a quick staccato, not slow. He runs a hand through his hair once, twice, three times. It sounds like he’s drowning, and his eyes are filled with tears when he looks at you.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers hoarsely. “I’m sorry – I thought –“

His eyes can’t focus. They run around in his head, back at the road, to you, to the steering wheel, to his hands, to the road again.

You realize he’s having a panic attack.

“Hey, hey,” you coo. “Look at me, Steve.”

He faces you, but his eyes are still moving rapidly, and his breathing is becoming quicker. You see him swallow hard.

“You’re safe,” you say, reaching out and taking a hand. “It was just a deer. You’re safe. I’m here.”

He nods stiffly. “No – I know that – I just thought….” I just thought it was a Demogorgon. No big deal. He clamps his eyes shut again and you see tears fall.

“Steve, look at me. Focus on me, okay?”

He nods lightly and does, and you see his pupils focus in on you.

“Breathe with me, alright? In and out.” You exaggerate your breathing, deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth. He tries to keep up and pace himself, but it takes a few tries.

“You’re doing great,” you say quietly, and squeeze his hand. “Can you pull the car over for me?”

He does as you ask, eyes scanning the road ahead. His bat is in the trunk (he figured he should hide it before you see it), and he considers getting out to grab it. You pull him back to reality.

“Look at me.” His eyes meet yours again. “I’m going to teach you something, okay? It’s based on your senses. Can you tell me five things you hear?”

He blinks. “I hear the engine… I hear your breathing… I hear the radio… I hear my breathing… I hear my heart beating.”

You nod. “Okay, good. Four things you can see?”

“Uh….” His eyes flick back to the road and you gently pull his head back to look at you.

“I’ll focus on the road, okay? Just tell me four things you see in the car.”

“I see you… I see my hands… I see the steering wheel… I see the light from the stereo.”

“Three things you smell?”

“My cologne, your perfume, gasoline.”

“Two things you can feel?”

“Your skin and the seat under me.”

You smile. “This one’s tough. One thing you can taste.”

Steve pauses. “Coca-Cola?”

“Perfect,” you say, squeezing his hand again. “Do you feel better?”

He does; he’s not fully grounded, but he’s feeling better than he did a few minutes ago. He can breathe normally again, and his body is a bit more relaxed. He nods and you let his hand go.

“You’re okay,” you repeat. “You’re safe.”

“I’m okay,” he breathes. He reaches up and wipes his eyes, laughing slightly. “I���m sorry.”

“Do not apologize.” You don’t really know what just happened, but you know whatever he’s going through must be tough. “Your feelings are valid. It’s okay to feel that way, Steve.”

Steve sighs heavily, and after a few minutes, he puts the car in drive.

“Don’t take me home,” you request. “I can walk.”

“What? No way. I’m taking you to your house.”

“Steve,” you say. “Sometimes you need to take care of yourself before you take care of others. I can walk, dude, it’s only 15 minutes, max.”

He wants to refute your claim. He wants to believe he’s strong enough to just take you home and forget about it all, but all he wants to do is crawl into bed and sleep until the afternoon. He just wants to forget. So he pulls into his driveway and shuts the car off. He sits there for a few moments before finally saying, “I’m sorry I ruined tonight.”

“Steve.” You can’t help but to laugh. “I haven’t been this happy in so long. I don’t care – I don’t mind that you got… spooked. And we don’t ever have to talk about it again. I don’t care what happens as long as I’m with you.”

The corners of his mouth perk up. “Oh no, Y/N. Don’t fall in love with me.”

You roll your eyes and nudge him, smiling. That’s the Steve you knew.

You reach into the center console, finding an old receipt and a pen.

“Here,” you say, scribbling. “Here’s my number.” You shove the receipt towards him, and he takes it.

Steve writes his number on the bottom of the receipt and rips it off. “And here’s mine. You better call me when you get home. Like, the minute you go through the door.”

“I promise.”

You both get out of the car.

“I really did have fun,” you say. “I hope I see you soon.”

He nods. Part of you wishes he would say it back, but you understand. As you’re walking off, he calls after you.

“Y/N!”

“Yeah?”

He licks his lips. “Thank you.”

You give him a tight-lipped smile and salute, continuing off into the night.

---------

You awake Monday morning at 1 am to your phone ringing. You quickly sit up in bed and grab it.

“Hello?”

“Y/N.” It’s Steve. “I need your help.”

Your eyebrows knit together, and you look at your clock. “Are you okay?”

“I….” He huffs. “I’m trying to make danishes for everyone at the station? But everything I do is wrong, and there’s flour everywhere—”

“It’s one in the god damn morning!” You exclaim. “We have work in seven hours.”

“Yeah,” he says, like you’re the idiot. “Why do you think I’m making them now?”

You close your eyes. You want to be annoyed, but it’s honestly hilarious. “Okay, Steve. I’ll be there in a few.”

You arrive and knock on the door, and you’re greeted by Steve. He is covered in flour, and he looks nearly as stressed as he was Friday night.

You gawk at him. “What—”

“Just – come in,” he insists, grabbing you and pulling you inside.

Steve has a really nice house. Or apartment, or whatever he wants to call it. He takes you through the living room, then dining room, and into the kitchen, where there is even more flour. It looks like a bomb went off.

“So,” he starts, pacing around the kitchen, creating tracks in the flour-covered floor. “I’m trying to make these, right? And it says to put flour and butter into a blender. And so I did. And like, it’s fine, it’s going great, but then I guess I added too much flour, and now it’s everywhere. And this fucking dough is supposed to chill for 6 hours and we have work in 7.”

“Where is your recipe?”

He hands you a sheet of paper and you scan over it.

“Steve,” you groan. “Are you even following this?” You look up at him. “How did you even manage to mix the yeast and water correctly?”

He leans on the counter and puts his head in his hands. “I don’t think I did.”

You burst into laughter. You can hardly keep yourself upright. Your ribs and jaw hurt, but you can’t stop. Steve seems annoyed at first, but then starts laughing with you.

“No matter what, you couldn’t have these done in the morning,” you say, wiping your eyes. “Why did you think this was a good idea?”

He shrugs hopelessly. “I just wanted to be nice, and I couldn’t sleep.”

You both resolve to cleaning up and starting again. You would make the dough and let it chill, and then continue making them that night.

You watch from afar, giving Steve tips and reading the directions out for him. He’s not super helpless when someone is directing him. When it comes time to fold the dough, though, he’s doing it wrong.

“No,” you say, jumping up and coming behind him. “You fold like this.”

You take his hand and help him get the technique right. After a few moments, your cheeks start to burn, and you feel that same chest-swelling feeling that you had at Mike’s house. You slow your movements and Steve follows, until you completely stop. He turns back to look at you, and you notice how close you are to him.

Suddenly, the phone rings. Steve drops the spatula he was using and hurries off into the living room, looking paler than usual.

“Hello?” you hear him ask. There’s a long pause before he says, “Do you want Y/N to come too?” Another pause. “Okay. We’ll be right there.”

He comes back into view and looks like he’s seen a ghost.

“Who was it?” you ask, heart beating fast.

“It was the Chief. There’s a dead body at Rimborn Steelworks.”

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