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juniperskye · 5 months

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Expectations

Summary: Reader has no place to go, so she and her son, James, move in with her aunt Claudia and cousin Dustin. She gets a job at a record store and befriends a girl named, Robin. After a few too many drinks at some dingy bar, Robin introduces reader to none other than Eddie Munson. After a lust fueled evening, the reader finds herself in the same position she was in just 4 years prior…would things be different this time, or would Eddie let her down too? (Kids name is James – I didn’t want it to be filled with y/k/n and James is the name of the vocalist/guitarist from Metallica *this comes up in the fic* and ex’s name is Ryan…just popped in my head, sorry!) The events of season 4 did not happen, Argyle and Chrissy are in the friend group, honestly the upside-down isn't mentioned at all!

(mechanic) Eddie Munson x (single mom) Henderson Reader

Angst/Fluff

Word count: 11,685 (I am so sorry)

Warnings: No use of y/n, anxiety, mentions of past abusive relationship, mentions of having cut off toxic familial relationships, mention of pregnancy and birth, allusion to sex (NO smut), PTSD, language, drinking, mention of menstruation, panic attack, hospitals, let me know if I missed any!

Not edited - please be kind.

I do not consent to having my work translated or reposted to any other site. That being said I do not own the characters portrayed in this story.

*Phone rings*

“Who the hell is calling at this hour? *Picks up the phone* Hello?”

“Aunt Claudia, I’m sorry for calling so late, I-I just…I didn’t know who else to call.” You rushed out.

“Honey what’s wrong? Is it James?” Claudia questioned; voice laced with concern.

“James is okay, I um, I…we need a place to stay.”

“I’ll get the guest room set up for you, do you need me to come and get you? Where’s Ryan?” Just her saying his name had you flinching.

“I um, I’m leaving Ryan. Aunt Claudia h-he…” Your voice trailed off. “I have my car though.”

“It’s okay honey, just get here safe.”

You appreciated the fact that Claudia didn’t push you for more information. You had a feeling she knew what you were going through…no one in your family ever explicitly said what happened to your uncle, just that he “wasn’t around” anymore. You had always been close to your aunt Claudia despite not being blood, but after her divorce from your uncle and your parents cutting off all contact with you when you got pregnant, Claudia and Dustin were all you had left.

You made quick work of packing up your car and getting James situated in his car seat. You got in, started the car and began backing out of the driveway. You gasped as you caught a glimpse of your reflection in the mirror. You had a split lip, a gnarly bruise forming on your right cheekbone, dried blood coming from a cut in your hairline (when did that even happen?). You took a shaky breath, hissing from the pain you felt in your ribs. Looking back up, you see Ryan emerging from the house, running toward the car.

“You stupid bitch! You think you can just leave me? Nobody is gonna take care of you and that boy like I do.” He screamed.

You hit the gas and took off down the road. James was crying in the back seat, and you tried to comfort him as you drove. You hadn’t expected Ryan to be up. After he “disciplined” you, as he called it, he got wasted and passed out on the couch, you had grabbed a bag for you and James, got them packed up and called your Aunt Claudia. He had put his hands on you before; grabbing your arm or wrist a bit too tight, roughly turning your chin towards him if you looked away during an argument, but never like tonight. Tonight, he had hit you, kicked you, shoved you into the edge of the counter. But the worst part is, he had done it in front of James and when you didn’t take it silently like he’d demanded, he’d threatened to “discipline” James next. You’d taken the remainder of his beating silently as hot tears burned their way down your cheeks; you’d rather be dead than have Ryan put his hands on James.

The drive to Hawkins was only about two hours. Most of it was spent in silence, James had fallen asleep, and you didn’t want to risk playing any music and disturbing him. You felt relief as the “Welcome to Hawkins” sign came into view, only a few more minutes and you’d be safe.

“Dustin, go outside and help her with the bags. Don’t make any comments about how she might look.”

“Mom! I shouldn’t even be awake right now…what even happened?” Dustin grumbled.

“Don’t ask questions and just go!” Claudia scolded.

“Alright! This is such bullshit…she’s an adult, she can carry this stuff herself – HOLY SHIT YOUR FACE!” Dustin shouted in surprise.

“Shhhh! James is sleeping!” You waved your hands at Dustin frantically.

“Dustin what did I just say?!” Claudia said as she slapped the back of Dustin’s head.

“Ow! Sorry.” Dustin said as he rubbed his head.

“Oh dear, let’s get you inside and clean you up.” Claudia said as she inspected your face further.

You grabbed James from the backseat as Dustin and Claudia grabbed your bags from the trunk, they’d placed them all in what was now your room. You gently laid James down on the bed and went back to the kitchen. Claudia was waiting there with a first aid kit. She patched you up without a word. You could tell she knew, and if she didn’t, she didn’t ask. She told you that you and James were welcome to stay with them as long as you needed and that she would take you to get some groceries and other necessities tomorrow. You told her that you were going to get a job and that way you wouldn’t have to be there for long and she waved you off, assuring you that you were more than welcome there.

*One Week Later*

You had gotten a job at a record store, thankfully the owner had just lost an employee as they went off to college. Their loss was your gain. They had flexible hours, and you had a love for music, it had really all worked out. It had been a while since you worked, Ryan having kept you isolated from everything the last year of your life. The mundane tasks this job had to offer put your mind at ease.

“Welcome in!” You shouted as the bell above the door alerted you to a customer entering.

“Hi there! Are you new around here?” A lanky girl with short dirty blonde hair questioned.

“Oh um, yeah I guess, I’ve visited Hawkins a bunch, but I only just recently moved here.” You explained.

“Cool! I’m Robin. I’m looking for the new Metallica record.”

You told her your name and turned to grab one of the new records from the stack on the back counter.

“You listen to Metallica?” You asked her, giving her a quick once over, you were sure she had never willingly listened to metal music.

“Oh! No, not really. I am picking it up for a friend of mine, he has to work and so he asked if I could pick it up since I have the day off.” She told you.

“That’s nice of you! Your total is $8.98.” You rang up Robin’s purchase.

You were silently hoping that this interaction would continue or that maybe she’d ask you to hang out sometime. You desperately needed adult friends seeing as the only person your age you’d been around as of late what Ryan. Robin had seemed pretty cool, she obviously had cool friends since she was buying the Metallica record for one of them, and who knows, maybe Robin would invite you to her friends and you would be able to rejoin society.

“So, I know we only just met, but your new to town and I would love to take you out…not like on a date or anything! I just mean like as friends, if you’d want. If not, that’s okay too, I’d understand since we’re strangers and all, but I just thought…”

“Yes! I would love to hangout.” You cut Robin off – God this girl could talk.

“You would? Awesome! Sorry I ramble, pretty much all the time. A friend of mine, he plays in a band at this dingy bar called The Hideout…a group of us were going to see them play tonight, you in?” Robin asked.

“That sounds awesome, should I meet you guys there?” You answered without thinking.

“Um, what time are you off? Maybe Steve and I could come pick you up on our way over there.” Robin glanced at her watch.

“I get off around seven thirty.” You replied.

“Okay, perfect! Steve and I will meet you out front then! See you later.” Robin skipped off.

“See you then!” You called after her.

“Shit.” You muttered to yourself.

You’d have to call and beg Aunt Claudia to watch James tonight. There was absolutely no way you were going to miss out on a night with people your age, drinks and live music.

Apparently, you didn’t need to beg because Claudia had been more than willing to look after James for the evening, claiming she needed time with her “grandson”. You supposed that Claudia was the closest thing you’d have to a mom and James would have to a grandma given the current situation. You were so grateful for how accepting she had been of you and James.

Checking the clock, you realize that it is almost time for you to head out. You decided to run to the restroom to refresh your makeup prior to meeting Robin and Steve outside.

Once you were happy with your look, you walked through the shop, bid the closer goodnight and headed out the front door. Glancing around you saw Robin with her head stuck out of the passenger side of a burgundy BMW.

“Hey girl!” Robin shouted as the BMW rolled to a stop.

“Hey Robin, thanks again for inviting me.” You said as you climbed into the back seat of the sedan.

“Absolutely! This is Steve, by the way.” Robin gestured towards the brunette in the driver’s seat.

He turned and offered you a small wave and a half smile. He was good-looking, there was no denying that, but he was the traditional type of good-looking. Like, everyone knows he’s hot, including him. This guy was definitely the prom king, captain of every sports team, voted best hair, blah blah blah…at his high school. And again, while you can’t deny that he was handsome…but he was most definitely not your type.

“Hey, thanks for driving tonight! It has been a while since I have hung out with people my age.” You mumbled out.

“Yeah, it’s no problem. Robin said you’re new to town?” Steve questioned.

“Oh, um, yeah, I guess. I have family here, so I used to visit a lot in the summers. But I only just moved out here last week.” You told him.

“You look really familiar…Like I’ve seen you before. Who’s your family?” Steve asked.

“Oh! I’m not sure you’d know them; my cousin is quite a bit younger than us.” You started…

“Don’t be so quick to shut it down, Steve here plays mom to like 50 of Hawkins adolescents.” Robin laughed.

“His name is Dustin, Dustin Henderson.”

“WHAT? Henderson is your cousin! No wonder you look so familiar, I bet I’ve seen your photo hundreds of times. The one of your high school graduation hanging in the living room. And there’s one of you and a little boy, is that your brother or something?” Steve surprised you.

“No, that’s um, that’s my son. Sorry I didn’t say anything earlier Robin, it’s just that I really wanted to spend some time with people my age. People are usually quick to write me off once they find out I am a single mom.” You said, your gaze falling to your lap.

“Hey, first of all, it’s badass that you’re a single mom. Second of all, that doesn’t change the fact that you seem super cool, and we want to hang out with you!” Robin reassured you as Steve nodded in agreement.

“Thanks guys.” You smiled shyly.

You tried your hardest not to tear up at Robin’s words. It seemed silly to be so emotional about something so simple…but Ryan had really made you believe that people would want nothing to do with some young single mom who had a child with no dad. Ryan claimed that him taking you and James in, a little over a year ago, was the best thing that would ever happen to you. For a while you thought he was right, that there was nothing better for you out there, but then the abuse started, and you knew you needed to get out of there.

“So how old is he?” Steve asked.

“James is three. He already acts like a teenager though I swear!” You laughed.

The ride had continued on like this, Robin, Steve and you asking one another questions to get to know each other.

*At The Hideout*

Robin had been generous, calling this place dingy. This bar was filled with smoke and old men, clearly the establishment’s regular cliental. There was a small group of people who looked to be about ten years your senior, they looked like teachers or something and another group was huddled over by the makeshift stage to the far right in the back of the bar.

A small brunette girl smiled at Steve and Robin and waved us over. As we made our way to them Robin pointed out the different people and gave me their names, Jonathan, Nancy, Argyle, and Chrissy. She had explained that the friend that you were all there to see was Eddie.

You had all made small talk while you waited for the band to come out. You were thankful that Robin and Steve hadn’t brought James up to the rest of the group. They were giving you the chance to tell everyone when you were ready and that meant a lot to you.

After about 15 minutes of chit-chat, the band made their way out. There were cheers throughout the bar, mainly from the group you were with. That is when you saw him…Eddie, as Robin had kindly pointed out. Now he was your type. Untraditionally hot, he’s the type of guy with tattoos and piercings, long hair and dresses in all black, he doesn’t outwardly admit that he’s drop dead gorgeous, hell he might even deny it…but you know he is.

You had to inwardly scold yourself for staring the way you were and thankfully, after a quick glance around the group, nobody seemed to notice other than Steve. He smirked and gently bumped his shoulder with yours, leaning over to tell you something.

“He’s single, and you’re totally his type.” Steve whispered in your ear.

“No way. Single mom to a three your old definitely doesn’t seem like his type.”

“Hey, give it a chance. He might surprise you.” Steve encouraged you.

You blushed and looked back to the stage, it hadn’t been long, but you could tell that these people were going to be good friends of yours. Already so kind, accepting, encouraging. It had been a complete 180 from the last few years of your life. Losing your parents all because they couldn’t handle having a “whore” daughter, friends walking away because “every time we hang out you have your kid with you”, and then there was Ryan, the man who broke you down to nothing and gaslit you into believing you deserved nothing more. In just an hour you’d already felt the warmth and love you had been missing out on and desperately seeking.

Lost in thought you felt a nudge to your rib, pain seared through you as you fought to hold in a cry. A concerned look flashed across Robin’s face as she noticed your discomfort.

“Sorry, I was trying to get your attention and you looked totally spaced. Are you okay?” Robin questioned.

“No, Sorry I’m good. I just uh, I have an injury from before I moved here.” You explained.

“Oh shit, glad you’re good though! I was trying to get your attention because Eddie is totally checking you out!” She squealed.

“What, stop. No, he’s not.” You blushed profusely.

Sure enough, he was indeed checking you out. Normally you would have shied away, unable to hold his gaze, but he was so captivating, you never wanted to look away from him.

The band played a total of seven songs, and you were pleasantly surprised at how talented they were. They had been covers of songs by different metal bands like Metallica, Dio and Iron Maiden. Metal was one of your favorite genres, so you had really enjoyed yourself, the handsome front man definitely made that easy.

With the band’s set being done, the guys made their way over to your group. Robin pointed out the rest of the guys, Gareth, Craig and Liam. They were nice, but not enough to draw your attention away from Eddie.

The two of you played this game of cat and mouse throughout the first round of drinks, shared glances, smirks, a wink here and there from Eddie. Steve was definitely catching on, he cleared his throat and suggested that he and Robin fetch another round for the table, thus vacating the seat next to you. Eddie was quick to move into Steve’s seat, he threw his arm up and around you on the booth and he leaned in close to your ear.

“Steve tells me your new to town, if you want, maybe I could show you around some time.” Eddie’s breath was hot on your neck as he spoke lowly into your ear.

Robin and Steve returned with more drinks and the night went on. Eddie continued whispering into your ear with his arm thrown over your shoulders. He’d ask you questions about your favorite genre of music, if you’d like the band’s set, but he’d also throw in flirty comments like that he thought you were pretty, and your skirt looked nice or that your hair smelled good. He was doing a good job of keeping a blush on your cheeks. You continued on like this for the third, fourth, and fifth round of drinks before you started feeling extra bold.

“Hey, about that tour, I’d think I might take you up on that sometime.” You tried to keep your face straight as Robin and Steve not-so-subtly gestured towards you and giggled.

“I know a great place we could start…you wanna get out of here?” Eddie offered.

Your eyes shot to his, surprised by how forward he was being…you weren’t sure if a one-time thing was what you were wanting, but you also were nowhere near ready for anything serious. You slowly nodded at him; you didn’t want to live with the regret that would surely follow declining his offer.

Eddie got up, grabbing your hand and dragging you behind him. Looking over, you see Steve and Robin nodding at you in approval. Eddie said something to his bandmates before dragging you out of the bar and over to his beat-up van. The two of you drove around in Eddie’s van for a bit while he pointed out a few spots around town. You made some casual small talk until the van came to a stop near a small lake.

“You know, I don’t really do this. Hooking up with girls I’ve just met I mean.” Eddie said nervously.

“I don’t either, honestly, I shocked myself when I agreed to leave the bar with you. Not because you’re not attractive, you totally are, just because I don’t do this sort of thing.” You cringed at how ridiculous you sounded.

Eddie looked over to you and broke out into a grin, before you both started laughing. The two of you sat and talked for a bit, you mentioned that your past hadn’t been the best and that you came to Hawkins to be close to your family. Eddie had told you that he also had a tough past and that for a long time he had yearned to get out of Hawkins, but now he didn’t mind it, he had his uncle and friends and now he had…his voice had trailed off. He knew it wouldn’t be appropriate to say he had you, you had only just met, but he was really enjoying your company and he felt a spark there. Judging by the way you were looking at him, you were feeling it too.

He slowly started to lean in, meeting your lips in a gentle kiss.

“Just take a right here.” You gestured.

“Okay. I hope you know I had a lot of fun tonight. Do you think maybe we could go get something to eat sometime?” Eddie asked.

“It’s that house there on the left. And yeah, I’d really like that.” You blushed as you looked down to your lap.

“Wait, this house here? This is Henderson’s house.” Eddie gave you a questioning look.

“Oh, you know Dustin too? He’s my cousin.” You explained.

“Fuck. Henderson is gonna be pissed.” Eddie muttered.

“What are you talking about? Dustin’s just a kid, his opinion of who I spend time with is not his business.” You said, letting out a frustrated breath.

“No! I didn’t mean it like that, I just, I don’t know. He’s a buddy of mine you know, and now I’ve slept with his cousin. I just don’t want it to be weird.” Eddie tried to clear things up.

“What’s weird is one, your friends with a fifteen-year-old and two, you’re implying that you are going to tell him we slept together.” You scoffed.

“Okay hold on, he joined my D&D club at school and I kind of took him under my wing. And I most definitely will not be telling him about tonight.” Eddie looked at you, hoping not to have ruined the entire evening.

“Okay, that’s actually pretty sweet that you looked out for him, he’s a total dork and definitely needed someone to keep an eye out for him. Also, that’s cool that you have a D&D club, I remember when I first introduced Dustin to it, he was so into it!”

“Wait, you are the one who got Dustin into D&D? That’s freaking awesome!” Eddie exclaimed.

“Yeah, we can talk about it more over dinner! I should probably head inside though.” You sighed.

“Okay, I’ll call you!” Eddie said as he leaned in and kissed you once more.

*Two Months Later*

Eddie and you had never gotten that dinner. You were disappointed to say the least, Robin and Steve had made it seem like Eddie was this great guy who was totally interested in you, and for one night, you had believed it. Part of you was convinced it was because you were related to Dustin, another part of you wondered if he had somehow found out about James. But the worst part of you, one that you so desperately wanted to push out, told you that you just weren’t good enough.

Despite the supposed lack of connection between Eddie and yourself, you’d grown very close with Robin and Steve. You had shared with them the horrors you had endured that ultimately led to you moving to Hawkins. They expressed their care for you and held you as you cried through it. They truly had become some of the best friends you were sure you’d ever have. The three of you got together frequently for movie nights, swimming at Steve’s house, dinner at your aunt’s, you were finally starting to feel like an actual person again. Unfortunately, things couldn’t stay this good forever right…

You had been avoiding your friends for the last week or so. You hadn’t felt amazing and in hopes of saving them from whatever illness you were clearly coming down with, you told them to keep their distance.

Robin, however, she didn’t care that you might be sick.

“Hey! Dustin let me in on his way out!” Robin called as she made her way down the hall.

“Hey, what are you doing here? I told you I was sick!” You tried to keep your distance.

“Girl, I am not even worried about it. What I am worried about though is how badly I need to pee!” You could hear Robin’s giggles as she made her way to the bathroom down the hall.

“Ughhhh Shit! Hey, do you have a tampon?” Robin yelled through the door.

“Yeah, they’re under the sink…” Your voice trailed off; you were trying to do the mental math as to when you’d had your last period. Your thoughts were buzzing through your mind, missed period, nausea, fatigue, tender breasts…

“Oh, fuck!” You said as Robin walked back into your room.

“What, what’s wrong?” Robin Asked.

“Mommy. Mommy!” James came running into the room and slammed into your legs.

“Hey baby, how was lunch with nana?” You asked as you scooped him up into your arms.

“It was fun! We had ice cream!” He told you, as if the sticky chocolate residue caked on his cheeks wasn’t a dead giveaway.

Robin smiled at your interaction with your son. Over the last two months she and Steve had spent quite a bit of time around him. She looked at you, and then at your son. She thought about your odd comment and all at once, she put the pieces together. You saw the lightbulb appear above her head.

“Robin don’t!”

“You’re pregnant!”

“We need to get to the pharmacy.” You said, while grabbing your keys.

You, Robin and James made your way to the car, you got James all strapped into his car seat and began driving over to the pharmacy. Robin told you to run and grab the test while she got a drink for you and to meet her in the bathroom.

You rushed through the pharmacy, gathering everything you needed before checking out and making a beeline to the bathroom. While you took the test, Robin sat with James, as you exited the stall you saw them playing patty cake and you couldn’t help but smile.

“How much longer?” Robin asked impatiently.

“Um, one minute and thirty seconds. Shouldn’t I be the one freaking out?” You asked.

“I know sorry! I’m friends with a lot of guys okay, this doesn’t happen often.” Robin chewed at her nails.

“It’s time…” You glanced over to the test.

Two lines. Positive. Pregnant. You were fucked, what would Claudia think? Oh shit…Eddie was going to flip.

As you drove home with James and Robin, you talked about breaking the news to Claudia. You knew that you’d have to tell her now. She knew you too well and you owed her complete honesty seeing as she took you in. Robin suggested that you go in and talk to her while she took James to your room to play with his toys and with a deep breath you agreed.

“Aunt Claudia?” You called out.

“In the Kitchen!” She returned.

You made your way into the kitchen as Robin led James back to the room as you’d discussed. You looked at your aunt and felt the tears stinging in your eyes. You weren’t sure what you’d do if she kicked you out. She and Dustin truly were the only people you had, other than Steve and Robin now.

“Sweetie what’s wrong?” Claudia questioned.

“I messed up, real bad aunt Claudia.” You cried.

“Oh, honey it can’t be that bad, just talk to me, tell me what happened.” She said as she pulled you into a hug.

“I-I. I’m p-pregnant.” You sobbed.

You could feel Claudia sigh, definitely displeased with the situation, but what shocked you was when she hugged you tighter, pressed a kiss to your temple and reassured you everything was going to be okay. She asked you a few questions like if you knew the guy, how you’d found out, if you’d called a doctor yet. She helped you schedule an appointment and made a few other calls. She did give you a lecture on the importance of safe sex and she threw in something about you going on the pill once this baby arrived. But ultimately she had your back and you let out a sigh of relief, grateful to have someone who actually cared about you as your “guardian” for all intents and purposes.

*Later that night*

“So, don’t hate me, but I called Steve.” You could see Robin cringe as she told you, fully expecting your wrath.

“Robin! What the hell? I don’t want everyone to know about this. I am so screwed; Claudia is going to kick us out and I’m going to have to figure out how to tell Eddie that I have a son and that I am pregnant now and ugh!!! I was just starting to feel like things were good and settled.” You ran your hands over your face, sighing.

“Holy shit you’re pregnant?” Steve huffed in disbelief.

“How did you get in here?!” You shouted.

“The door was open, but hey Robin said you were having a hard time, so I brought all the good stuff, cheese pizza, chocolate, potato chips and coke!” Steve rubbed the back of his neck bashfully.

“Well then, I guess you can stay. Thanks Steve.” You smiled at him.

The three of you sat in the living room watching movies while you pigged out on all the food Steve had brought. James had long been asleep laying next to you on the blankets you’d laid out on the floor. Robin had just dozed off, her quiet snores only just disturbing the quiet.

“You know, if Eddie doesn’t want to help you out with the baby, you have us. We will always be here for you. And I don’t know, I care about you and James is a really good kid and I, well, ugh. What I am trying to say is, I would step up and be there for you if he didn’t, that is, if you’d want that.”

“Steve you are the sweetest, I really appreciate you and if it comes to it, I might just take you up on that offer.” You couldn’t help but smile at his little outburst.

Somewhere within the next thirty minutes, you and Steve had both succumbed to your exhaustion. What inevitably woke you was an impatient knock on your door. You got up quietly and walked over, opening the door to expose Eddie.

“Oh shit, hey. I uh-I was looking for Dustin.” Eddie said looking anywhere but your eyes.

“Oh, uh hey Eddie, I don’t think he’s here. I think he stayed over at Mike’s.” You tried to push the door closed as much as you could to hide the sleeping figures in the living room.

“Look, about that night, I’m sorry. I know I should’ve called but I just got in my head about you being Henderson’s cousin and all and how much I liked you. I don’t know it just all happened so fast. I’ve wanted to talk to you for a while now, and I kinda thought I would be able to today since I had to come get Dustin…but then I saw Harrington’s car in the driveway.” He sounded disappointed.

“Yeah, um Robin and Steve came over and brought dinner and a movie for us to watch, we ended up falling asleep. We didn’t have plans they just sort of showed up, I hadn’t been feeling well so they were trying to help.” You were quick to explain.

“Oh okay, well can I come in?” He asked.

“I’m not sure it’s really the best time…” You looked over your shoulder briefly.

“Mommy, mommy!!” James came walking over to you, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

You bent over to pick James up and propped him on your hip. You looked over to Eddie and you could almost see the gears turning in his head as he processed James calling you mommy, the fact that you looked nearly identical and that you were here now standing in front of him with a child in your arms.

“You uh, you have a son?” His eyes scanned James’ face.

“Eddie, does it really matter? Now really isn’t a good time.” You tried to brush it off.

“You lied to me?” He looked for any sort of expression in your eyes.

“Look Eddie, I didn’t lie, it just wasn’t something I was going to blurt out that first night. Maybe if you had called like you said you were going to, I would’ve told you at dinner, but that never happened. So, if you would excuse me.” You tried to shut the door, but Eddie blocked it with his boot clad foot.

“Hey, wait, can we please just talk. I know I messed this all up, but I want to make up for it. I’ve been stupid throughout this whole thing, and I just want to start over.” Eddie pleaded.

“Eddie we are way past starting over.” You huffed.

“Please.” Eddie was relentless.

“Fine. Let’s go to the patio.” You urged Eddie to follow you.

Eddie took note of Steve and Robin each asleep on their respective couches as well as the blanket bed laid out on the floor, presumably where you had slept last night. The thought of you and Steve having grown so close left a sick feeling in his stomach.

You closed the sliding glass door quietly and set James down, prompting him to go play in the yard. As he waddled off, you sat in one of the plastic lawn chairs, gesturing for Eddie to do the same. As you watched Eddie sit, you tried to get your thoughts organized. Maybe you should just tell him now, just rip off the band-aid and get over it, at least this was Robin and Steve would be here to support you if Eddie had just walked out.

“Look Eddie, before you say anything there’s something I should tell you.” You started.

“Go ahead…” Eddie waited.

“A lot happened that night, you and I-we talked about so much. I told you about all that stuff that happened with Ryan, why I moved here. I hadn’t felt that comfortable with another person in a long time. And then you just didn’t call and look I can handle it if all you wanted was a hookup, but you had me believing that you cared and that you really wanted to go out again. Anyway, if you want nothing to do with me after this that’s fine, I have no expectations for you, but I-I…shit. I’m…” Your head snapped over in the direction of James, he had fallen and scraped his knee and was now crying as he called to you.

You got up and rushed over to him, pulling him into your arms so you could inspect the injury. All the commotion had woken up Steve and had him rushing outside to you. As he passed the threshold he scanned the backyard, taking note of Eddie awkwardly standing clearly unsure of how to help and then over to you sitting on the ground in your pajamas with your son sitting across your lap as you rocked him comfortingly.

“What happened, are you okay bud?” Steve said, kneeling by your side.

“I fell, my knee is bleeding!” James cried.

“Shhh, baby it’s okay, we will go inside and get you all cleaned up okay! I can get you a band-aid with the trucks on it, the ones you picked out with nana.” You cooed at him.

“You know what might help James, we could get a popsicle! The cold might feel good on your knee there.” Steve suggested.

“Okay! Can I eat the popsicle mommy?” James looked at you with bright eyes.

“Of course, bub.” You pressed a kiss to his hairline.

“Here, I got him. Let’s go get you all cleaned up!” Steve said as he picked James up.

“Thank you.” You said quietly as you glanced over to Eddie.

Steve and James made their way inside and you could hear Robin questioning what happened as the door slid shut. You made your way back over to the chair you’d previously occupied and slumped into it. Dragging your hands down your face.

“Sorry about that.” You apologized.

“Don’t be. I’m sorry, that should be me! I should be the one that is here and knows you and James like that. God I really fucked this whole thing up and I feel like such an idiot. Would you please consider giving me another chance?” Eddie looked at you with sad eyes.

“Even after all that, you still want to try this with me? Even though I have a kid…Eddie I need someone who is going to stick around. I can’t just have someone in mine and James’ lives if there not going to be there for good.” You explained.

“I want to be here. I talked with Dustin, and I told him that we had met and that I had feelings for you, and he was thrilled! I didn’t share any of the details, but I knew that part of me would never be able to do this if I hadn’t talked to him first. And I know he’s just a kid, but he’s my friend and I couldn’t just go behind his back. After I explained everything to him he smacked me in the head and told me I needed to pull my head out of my ass and make it up to you. Which is what I intend to do, so please, would you give me another chance?” Eddie looked at you with those big brown eyes…you had to tell him.

“Before I answer that, there’s something you need to know.” You hesitated.

“What is it? Don’t tell me your dating Harrington!” Eddie sounded slightly accusatory.

“What no! I’m not dating Steve; he and I are friends! But Eddie, I am pregnant.” You couldn’t bear to look at him.

“What? You-you’re pregnant. And that would mean, it’s mine?” He looked to you for confirmation.

“Yes.” You nodded slowly. Lifting your gaze to him, you were finding it hard to gauge what he was thinking.

Something flashed in his eyes, it looked like fear, then maybe hope, but they landed on what looked to be rage and you could feel yourself beginning to panic. Eddie stood up out of his seat and turned away from you, placing one hand on his hip and the other over his mouth.

“Fuck!” He shouted as he kicked over the plastic lawn chair, turning back towards you.

That’s when he saw it, your breathing had sped up significantly, a sweat had broken out across your skin, you had lost all color and when he reached towards you, you flinched away from him. He was mentally cursing himself for scaring you. He knelt down beside you and spoke softly:

“Hey, it’s okay, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to startle you. Can you take some deep breaths for me?” He was sure to keep an appropriate distance as to not spook you even further.

You nodded at him quickly, trying to control your breathing.

“Good, you’re doing such a good job sweetheart. Can I touch you, is that okay?” His voice was warm and soothing.

Once again you nodded, you hand slowly reaching for his. He grabbed your hand, bringing it to his heart and nodding at you. With his other hand he rubbed small circles onto your back, modeling the deep breaths he wanted you to replicate. And as you returned to equilibrium, he sang more praises into your ear.

“That’s it, good girl. You did so good sweetheart. It’s okay.” He gently pulled you into his arms and you hugged him back fiercely.

“I’m really sorry I scared you. I want you to know that I would never hurt you, I know that trust is a hard thing to give, but I will work for it everyday if you’ll let me.” Eddie spoke into your hair.

Pulling back slightly to catch his gaze you wondered aloud:

“You still want this? Eddie, I’m a mess – if anything, this just proves that. I have a three-year-old and a baby on the way, are you sure?” You looked into his eyes questioningly.

“Look I am beyond terrified here, and I am pretty sure my uncle is gonna smack me senseless when I tell him, but I have known from the moment I laid eyes on you, that you were different, and I needed to be with you.” He smiled, pulling back so he could see more of you.

You smiled back at him, and he gently wiped the tears from your cheeks. You leaned into his touch, and he leaned in for a sweet kiss. Maybe things would be okay after all.

*Three Months Later*

Things were not okay. Wayne had a conniption when Eddie told him you were pregnant, even more so when he found out that Eddie had practically ditched you for nearly two months after the conception. You and Eddie were constantly bickering, trying to figure out how to do this right.

You had gotten into a pretty big argument when he had suggested you get married. It had gone back and forth, him saying it was the right thing to do and you coming back with the fact that you two really didn’t know one another.

You had ultimately worked things out, but the current topic up for debate was where you were going to live. Claudia wanted you to stay with her, her reason being that she could help you and it’s good to be close to family. Wayne had suggested that you get your own place, informing you that there were some nice, affordable apartments that he passes on his way to work each day, he even offered to go with you to look at them. You and Eddie had talked about it and could quite come to a decision. It was too soon for the two of you to move in together, but it would be really nice to have a mutual space to raise your child together, especially if you were going to build a relationship with one another.

You had been lost in thought thinking about what you were going to do, where you were going to live and how things would affect James when a knock on the door pulled you from your thoughts.

“Honey, Eddie is here!” Claudia called you.

“Okay, be right there.” You shouted back to here, pulling a sweater over your head you made your way to the door.

“Drive safe you guys, and I can’t wait to hear about the scan when you guys get back for dinner!” Claudia hugged you.

“Thanks aunt Claudia, we will see you tonight.” With that you made your exit.

Eddie was taking you to your appointment, you had held off on finding out the sex of the baby because nobody could agree. Robin and Steve thought you should wait and let it be a surprise, Claudia and Wayne thought you should find out to be able to plan more effectively, Dustin and all the teens thought you should have a party and tell everyone together. So, to try and appease everyone you were going to have a dinner party at Claudia’s house and announce the sex to everyone.

As you climbed into Eddie’s van, you could practically feel him buzzing beside you. His van was another topic that would need to be discussed – definitely not safe for car seats or children.

“What are you so excited about? You’re also super early Eds, the appointment isn’t until one.” Pointing to the clock on the dash that currently posted 11:30 am.

“I know, but I think I found us a place!” He flashed you his signature Eddie grin.

“Really? Where?” You were skeptical.

“Forrest hills, and before you say no, just come and see it with me first!” Eddie knew you too well at this point.

“Okay, I will check it out with you…is that where we’re going now?”

“Yes! I scheduled an appointment, I figured we could go see the place, grab a quick bite, then go to the doctor…is that okay?” Eddie looked nervous.

“Eddie, that’s great. Thank you.” You grabbed his hand to hold the remainder of the ride.

As you pulled up to the trailer park and around to the necessary lot, you were at a loss for words, it didn’t even look like a trailer home, the place was beautiful. Eddie brought the van to a halt and looked over to you, he was pretty pleased with your reaction so far. You would’ve never guessed what was to come next. Eddie reached over, grabbed your left hand and slipped one of his rings onto your ring finger.

“Wha-What are you doing?” You tried to pull your hand away from Eddie.

“Don’t worry, this isn’t another half-assed ploy to get you to marry me, I just read that couples tend to get a better deal on homes. I figured us pretending couldn’t hurt. We should’ve brought James though, really seal the deal.” Eddie explained.

“First of all, I can’t believe you did so much research on all this. Second of all, we will not exploit my son Eddie!” You fell into a fit of laughter at how ridiculous this all was.

The trailer had everything you wanted and more, it had three bedrooms, which meant James and his sibling could each have their own while Eddie and you shared. It felt crazy to think about the two of you sharing a room and living together. The kitchen was spacious, which excited you, you loved to cook! The living room had just enough space that you could comfortably host your friends. You were feeling really optimistic.

“Oh my gosh, Eddie, this place is so beautiful, and it would be perfect for us, but can we really afford it?” You looked at Eddie only to see him wearing a shit eating grin.

“Perfect for us?” He nudged your arm gently.

“Stop it, yes for us! Now back to my question.” You rolled your eyes.

“Well, I think we can afford the monthly rent, we just might need some help for the deposit.” He explained.

“I have some savings, but maybe we could sit down with Claudia and Wayne and talk about it. I think it is a really good option for us.”

“Alright guys, how are you doing? Any pain, discomfort, changes since I last saw you?” The doctor asked.

“We’re good, no pain or discomfort, everything is pretty much the same.” You replied.

“What about the pain you were feeling the other day?” Eddie chimed in.

“That was just an ache, I brought it up at the last appointment, it’s just my body making more room for the baby.” You informed him.

“Ah yes, that is very normal. Back pain and achiness in your abdominal area are common as your body makes accommodations for the baby. Speaking of which, are we ready to find out the sex?” The doctor looked between you and Eddie.

“Yes, we are ready.” You smiled up at Eddie.

“Alright, well let’s start with the heartbeat. It’s strong and steady, just as we would expect. And as for development, we appear to be right on track.” She went through the different points of the appointment.

Eddie and you shared a look with misty eyes, just happy to have such a healthy baby.

“And here we are, okay, alright you are having a – “

*At the Dinner Party*

You couldn’t stop smiling. Everyone had dressed up for the occasion, well, at your request anyway. You had wanted this to be a formal dinner party, good food, nice plates, candles, and a more formal dress code.

Eddie looked over at you from his spot on the couch, he had insisted that you were glowing, coming up on your sixth month of pregnancy. You personally felt that you looked huge, everything was swollen, your hands, feet, stomach, hell even your face looked swollen. You shook your head from the thought and began looking around at all your loved ones.

Dustin, Will, Mike and Lucas were sprawled out over the love seat, talking about Eddie’s latest campaign while Max and El were sitting on the floor below them laughing. Nancy and Johnathan were sitting outside with Argyle. Steve and Chrissy were looking pretty cozy together sitting across from Robin and Vicky on the chairs in the living room. Claudia was cooking dinner in the kitchen and Wayne and Eddie were sitting on the main couch with James. Your heart had never felt as full as it did in this moment.

“Alright everyone, dinner is ready!” Claudia called out.

The dining room table certainly wasn’t big enough for all the people who had gathered with you guys tonight, so Wayne had been kind enough to bring in a folding table and some chairs to expand the seating. As you all found your seats, Eddie placed his hand on the small of your back, his way of letting you know that he’s there with you. Claudia had placed the last dish on the table and gestured for everyone to be seated. Eddie and you had remained standing at the head of the table, ready to announce the gender. Eddie got everyone’s attention by clinking his knife against his glass, gazes quickly shifted towards you.

“I’d like to start by thanking everyone for being here today, knowing that you all care about us and this little bean means the absolute world to us. It hasn’t been long since I have been here in Hawkins, but in that time, my family has grown, new friends have been made and I just, I feel so incredibly lucky that this little girl is going to have so many aunts and uncles to spoil her rotten.” You looked up into Eddie’s eyes.

The group collectively cheered hearing it was a girl, Eddie walked over to James, picking him up and bringing him back over to you. You pressed a big smooch onto James’ left cheek while Eddie pressed one onto his right cheek. The two had bonded so much in the last three months and it was the sweetest thing you’d ever seen.

“Hey bubba, you’re gonna have a little sister soon.” You told him.

“A sister! When is she coming?” James said moving one of his little hands to your stomach.

“Well bud she should be here in a little more than three months.” Eddie said.

“Is she my birthday present?” James asked and the group erupted with laughter.

“No baby, you will get a whole birthday party with presents all for yourself before she gets here, okay?” You brushed his hair back.

“Okay!” He smiled and leaned his head onto Eddie’s chest.

“Let’s eat!”

Throughout dinner, multiple topics were brought up, the name of your little girl, when the baby shower would be held and where, who the godparents would be as well as where you would be living. Eddie and you shared a look at that question, making a silent note to talk to Claudia and Wayne about that after dinner. Everyone helped clean up afterwards and goodbyes were shared as people began making their exit.

“Ms. Henderson, Wayne, could we talk to you guys about something?” Eddie got their attention.

“Oh, of course.” Claudia said, ushering you all to the living room.

“So, before the doctor’s office today, we had another appointment to go to.” Eddie started.

“Did you guys go to the courthouse?” Wayne accused.

“Oh God, no, we will definitely inform all of you prior to any sort of nuptials.” You clarified.

“We um, we went and saw a place today. It is in Forrest Hills, and I know that you both mentioned wanting something better for us, but it’s brand new, has three rooms, and it would be close to both of you, so we wouldn’t have to worry about not seeing either of you often. And the best part, we’re pretty sure between both of our jobs, we can afford it. We would just need some help until she can get back to work.” Eddie gave them all the information you had put together prior to this conversation.

“It sounds like you guys have really thought this out.” Wayne muttered.

Claudia wore an expression that you couldn’t quite read. It almost looked like she was fighting an internal battle, unsure of how to proceed with whatever she was inevitably about to share.

“Sweetie, I have something I need to tell you. Your dad called me a while back.” Claudia looked incredibly guilty.

“What? I mean, what did he want?” You reached for Eddie to ground yourself.

“Honey, he misses you. He wanted to know how you were and I told him you were doing good, that you were thriving here. I um, I may have mentioned that you were expecting again, and well, he started sending letters.” You couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth.

“Letters? Aunt Claudia, why didn’t you tell me? What did the letters say?” you were in disbelief.

“Well, the letters were him explaining himself, apologizing, wishing you well, but that’s not all, I guess he had an account set aside for you, from when you were a child, that he has continued to put money into, and he sent over all the information for you to access it. He has also set up a college fund for James and he’s gone ahead and set one up for the baby as well.” Claudia reached for your hand.

You were in shock; you hadn’t heard from your dad in about 3 years and 5 months. It had been that long since he and your mother had kicked you out after you’d informed them of your pregnancy. You glanced up at Claudia and you could tell she had only kept it from you to protect you. She cared like that.

“Sweetie, the reason I am telling you all of this is that he has enough money set aside for you that you guys should be able to move into this place with no worry, and plenty of money left over to continue saving.” She explained to you.

Eddie and you couldn’t believe it, you guys would be able to move in together and you’d still be close to everyone you care about.

*One Month Later*

You were officially six and a half months along in your pregnancy and boy were you feeling it. You were exhausted all the time, and your back and feet were pretty much always killing you.

On a lighter note, you had officially begun moving into your place with Eddie. Wayne and Claudia had helped immensely, Wayne managed to get Eddie a new more family friendly van and Claudia had gotten you a bunch of furniture for the house. People who were close to you had donated old furniture to you guys too. Nancy’s mom gave you guys her couches since she had gotten new ones, Joyce gave you a bed for James – Will had grown out of it. Hopper had given you pretty much everything you could need for a kitchen since he and El moved in with Joyce and they didn’t need two of everything.

Things had been moving far faster than you would’ve liked, you felt like you couldn’t catch your breath, but just a few more months and things would settle. Eddie had stepped into his new role as a significant other and parental figure beautifully. He truly had been so amazing with James, part of you thinks that he really grew close with James after you’d informed him that his namesake is derived from none other than the lead vocalist to Metallica. But seriously, Eddie had grown fond of James, and he knew just how to be there for him. It made the image of your future much clearer, you, him and the kids in your perfect home.

You guys had talked about names for the baby and had finally settled on something, which was exciting. Eddie had suggested announcing the name at the baby shower that Robin was throwing for you next month, but you insisted on waiting until she was here to tell anyone, explaining that when you see her, your minds might change as yours had with James. He admitted to not having even thought about that and eventually agreed to wait.

*Three Weeks Later*

Eddie had been instructed to keep you out of your house until 2:30 pm. Robin had told you she wanted to hold the baby shower at your house for two reasons, one being that you wouldn’t have to drag all the gifts home and two being that it could double as a housewarming.

Given that instruction, Eddie made sure to take you and James out for a late breakfast, then to a few shops. He wanted to take you to the bookstore so you could pick up the novel you’ve had on hold. He also wanted to stop by the only baby store in town to pick up the car seat and the crib. His last thing on the list was to take James to the toy store, wanting to make sure he has a special part of this day too.

After making all those stops you turned to make your way to the car before Eddie grabbed your hand.

“Hold on just a second, there’s one more place I would like to go.” He stated.

“Okay.” You looked at him questioningly.

Eddie picked James up, putting him on his shoulders and you linked your arm through his. He led you down the street a little further and then turned into this little park. The flowers were all in bloom and the sight was truly breathtaking. Different shades of green, white, pink and yellow strewn through a small garden area within the park. Beyond the trees lining the entrance way there was a white garden bench. Eddie motioned for you to sit as he took James off his shoulders, returning him to the ground. James climbed up on the bench to sit next to you and Eddie took his place on the other side of him.

“So, I know things for us didn’t exactly start off great, but I am really happy with where we are now. I just, things with you have proven to be everything I have ever wanted. I have always questioned whether or not I would be a good dad, since my old man was a deadbeat, but you have convinced me that I am not him and that I am capable of this. Now, sweetheart I have messed this up twice already and I won’t do it again. Will you marry me?” Eddie asked as he pulled the small velvet box from his pocket.

Tears were already falling as you nodded year head yes and broke out into the biggest smile. James was clapping, he leaned over and hugged you and then looked at Eddie.

“Mommy, is Eddie daddy now?” James asked.

Eddie had just slid the ring onto your finger. Your eyes shot up to his in surprise and you gave him a look, silently asking if it was okay for James to call him that. Eddie gave a subtle nod and so you replied to James.

“Yeah baby, Eddie is daddy now.” You kissed the top of his head.

Eddie checked his watch and cursed under his breath.

“We gotta get back babe, Robin is gonna be pissed.” Eddie told you.

“Language Eds!” You hissed.

You guys rushed back to the car, each of you holding one of James’ hands getting him settled in and driving back home. You could hardly park there were so many cars outside. You could hear the chatter as you walked up the few steps to your door.

Eddie pushed open the door and a chorus of surprise rang out. The decorations were a combination of engagement party and baby shower things, ring and baby bottle balloons. A simple “congratulations” banner, pink cups and gold forks. It was truly wonderful. You guys played silly baby shower games, ate some food and opened a bunch of gifts, after things had died down a bit, the boys carried in the crib and Wayne helped Eddie install the car seat.

*One Month Later*

Eight months. You were eight months along and it was killing you. You wanted this pregnancy to be over, it wasn’t that you’d had particularly bad symptoms or anything like that. This pregnancy had really just been killing your feet and back and despite what the doctor tells you, you were convinced that your little girl was going to be 15 pounds.

You were heading to work; this was your last week before you took leave. Your boss had been pretty cool, allowing you to sit on a stool behind the counter during your shift, he made the mid shift employees do the majority of the restocking and he’d fought the owner to allow you a lengthy maternity leave despite you only being employed there eight months.

Eddie had left for work before you, he had been taking on extra shifts at the garage trying to save up a little extra and get the last few cars he’s been working on done before he takes a short leave from work. After he left, Claudia arrived to pick up James, she had been watching him from time to time, and when she couldn’t Steve, Robin, Chrissy, Dustin, Max and El all took turns watching him. Thankfully he will be four soon and come September you’ll be able to get him enrolled in preschool. Your mind was all over the place this morning.

You were going through one of the new releases boxes when you felt it. The unmistakable pain of a contraction. You checked the clock so you could keep an eye on the timing of them. About an hour later your boss noticed how you pressed your hand into your side and the audible hissing sounds you were making.

“Hey, that is the third time in the last fifteen minutes that you’ve made that sound. Are you good?” He questioned.

“Um, yeah. I’m good, it’s probably just false labor. That can happen when you get towards the end of your pregnancy.” You told him, ending with a gasp as your water breaks.

“Oh, shit dude. Who can I call for you? 911?” He looks more panicked than you feel.

“No, can you call the garage, Eddie is working. If he doesn’t answer, call my aunt Claudia.” You instruct him.

The guys at the garage informed you that Eddie had stepped away for lunch, and Claudia hadn’t answered the home phone, which had you assuming she had taken James out somewhere. You thought about who you could call, and you realized that your friends would either be working or be in school. There was one person who you knew would be home and available to take you.

“Could you call Wayne Munson?”

About six minutes later, Wayne’s truck sped through the parking lot of the record store and came to a screeching halt. He came into the store frantically and searched for you.

“Over here Mr. Munson.” You called him over.

“Oh kid, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Wayne. Now, how you doin’? Let’s get you to the hospital okay?” Wayne said as he helped you up and out to the car.

Wayne got you to the hospital pretty quickly, he continuously reassured you that everything would be okay, telling you that he would call everyone as soon as you got settled. He even checked you in once you’d gotten up to the desk. A nurse came over and took you to a room, giving you a gown to change into and getting all your paperwork filled out and wires hooked up. While this was all happening, Wayne had taken leave and went to the payphones to call Eddie and Claudia first and foremost.

Eddie had never run so fast in his life; he was rushing through the halls trying to get to you in time. He had been moving so quickly that he missed the crowd of his friends and family sitting in the waiting room.

“Jesus son, slow down! She’s in room 206.” Wayne called out to Eddie.

Eddie could only nod, he couldn’t believe that this was happening, tonight you would bring your daughter into the world, and he couldn’t wait. It was James who snapped Eddie out of his haze. James had wandered over and wrapped his tiny arms around Eddie’s legs. Eddie bent over and picked James up, he could tell that James was tired by the way he tucked his face into Eddie’s neck.

“Where’s mommy?” James mumbled.

“Oh, buddy I’m gonna go see mommy okay. She’s gonna bring us your little sister tonight.” Eddie patted James’ back softly.

“But it’s not my birthday yet!” James whined.

“I know bub, but your sister wanted to be here for your party, so she decided to come a little early.” Eddie tried to reason with the three-year-old.

“Okay daddy.” James seemed content and Eddie passed him back to Claudia.

He looked around at everyone, smiled and then ran to your hospital room. He arrived just as another contraction ripped through you. As the door flew open, you looked over and saw Eddie standing there, a mess in his work coveralls.

“Oh, thank God you are here!” You seethed through gritted teeth.

“That’s right, I am here sweetheart, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” He made his way to you.

Before he could make any sort of contact with you and nurse stopped him, prompting him to go clean himself up, while handing him a set of scrubs and a bar of soap. She shooed him away and towards the bathroom. He made quick work of changing and used the bar or soap to scrub up to his elbows. He used the hair tie on his wrist to pull his hair up into a bun and made his way out to you. It was perfect timing as the hospital staff had gotten you all set to be moved to the delivery room.

“Are you ready Eds? This is it.” You looked at him, doubt flashing in your eyes.

“I am so ready sweetheart, let’s go meet our daughter.” He spoke as he grabbed your hand.

Thirty minutes later, your baby girl was placed into your arms. Eddie and you had both cried. Eddie cut the umbilical cord, the nurses took her to clean her off and take her feet and handprints, as well as her measurements. You were cleaned up as well and they took you back to your room.

“So how do you feel about the name we picked…still like it?” You asked looking over to Eddie who was sitting holding your newborn against his bare chest.

“I think it is perfect.” He replied.

You pressed the call button for the nurse and when she arrived you let her know you were ready to fill out the birth certificate. She brought in the necessary paperwork and allowed you guys to fill it out. Before the ink was even dry, Eddie was placing your daughter back in your arms, throwing the scrub top back on and heading to the waiting room, he let them know that they would all be allowed in soon, but that James needed to meet his little sister first. James walked in at Eddie’s side and when he saw you he hurried over to your bedside wanting to be lifted up. Eddie lifted him and placed him in the middle of the bed, just to the side of your legs. James’ eyes glistened with what could only be described as love. He looked up to you and smiled.

“Mommy, she’s so pretty. Thank you for my sister.” James whispered to you.

This had you and Eddie both smiling. You reached over and caressed James’ cheek. Looking at Eddie, you nodded signaling him to invite everyone in. Eddie went back to the waiting room to tell everyone to come into your room. They all filed in, some even dragging in chairs from the hallway. There were oohs and ahhs from everyone in the room, they were fighting over who got to hold her first. You called Wayne over.

“Wayne, would you like to meet your granddaughter?” You looked to him for an answer.

He sniffed and wiped his eyes before making his way to you. Gently taking her from your arms and stepping back towards Claudia.

“Sorry aunt Claudia, you can hold her next. Wayne drove me here and has been waiting out there the longest, so I thought it was only fair.” You tried to justify your decision.

“Sweetie it’s okay! But yes I do definitely get her next!” She said.

She was passed around from person to person, the room was comfortably quiet as everyone took in her beauty. Once she had finally made her way back to Eddie and you, you looked around. Once again, you were so incredibly thankful for all of the wonderful people you had in your life. You felt so lucky.

“Alright, is everybody ready?” Eddie posed the question to the room, and after a collective nod, he continued. “I would like to formally introduce you to Stevie Elena Munson.”

If Wayne hadn’t been crying before, he definitely was now. He walked over to Eddie and clapped his hand down on his shoulder and reached to give your hand a squeeze.

“That’s a nice thing you’ve done there. Ed, your momma would be so happy that you’re using her name.” Wayne wiped his face once again.

“We wanted to honor her, plus it was easy given that Elena is such a beautiful name.” You informed him.

“So where did you get Stevie then?” Steve asked, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face.

“Oh no, not from you dude. Sorry. We got it from Stevie Nicks. We wanted to keep the music theme going.” Eddie broke the news to Steve.

Steve’s face fell, but only for a moment.

“Steve don’t worry, we have good news for you too. Could you and Robin come over here please?” You motioned to your bedside. Once they made there way over you continued; “We would like the two of you to be the godparents for Stevie.”

The pair of them were elated, thanking you for your trust and mentioning their plans to spoil her. Robin included a few panicked questions along the way. Conversation continues amongst everyone and the warmth within you only continues to grow, knowing that you are surrounded by people who you love and that give you love in return. They had all certainly raised your expectations for the love you feel you deserve.

262 notes · View notes

slowandsteddie · 9 months

Note

Hi!

Since you’re asking for fic ideas, how about Claudia Henderson taking Steve in when he’s younger? She knows Wayne Munson got custody of his nephew the year before, so she asks him for advice helping Steve adjust.

Maybe Steve and Eddie getting to be close friends? Bonus points for little brother Dustin!

Thank you so much for the request! I love it and have been thinking about it nonstop.

CW: mentions of divorce, previous child neglect/abuse, C-PTSD, mention of minor character death (murder), swearing

I’m not sure what happened here exactly. I just know that I like it.

1953 words.

Claudia Henderson had always wanted two boys, a fact that almost everyone in Hawkins knew about. So, it really shouldn’t have come as a surprise to her that Jim Hopper was standing on her doorstep. He was holding his hat in front of him and the look on his face proved that he knew he was probably going to ask too much. Again.

“How can I help you, Chief?” She asked as though she couldn’t see Steve Harrington sitting in Hop’s car and looking straight ahead.

He cleared his throat. “I need to watch over the kid for a few days. Maybe a week while we try to get ahold of some relatives.”

Jim never was one to beat around the bush, but neither was Claudia. “Why?”

“His father is… going away for a while.” He seemed uncomfortable.

“Why?” She repeated, subconsciously crossing her arms when she had to press for more answers. He came to her for a favor, she had every reason to demand answers.

“He killed his wife and the kid has nowhere else to go in the meantime. I don’t want to have to hold him in a cell just because we don’t have a child services division in this small town.”

“Sorry we aren’t New York, Chief.” She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. That poor kid. Did he see what happened? Was she going to have to take him into the station to answer questions in the morning? “Does he have anything with him?”

“Just some clothes. He didn’t really want anything out of that house.”

She sighed again at that. “Bring him, then.”

Tomorrow, she was going to see if he wanted to go to the store and get anything. Probably best to keep him busy if he was willing. Besides, she needed to take Dustin to go pick out a new coloring book anyway.

Claudia looked out through the darkness and gave herself a moment to mourn, though not to cry. Steve’s mother had been her friend, even if they had drifted apart after Claudia’s divorce had gone through. Tonight couldn’t be about her. Not when her best friend’s son needed someone to take care of him.

“Thank you, Ms Henderson,” Hop said as he passed the backpack over to her and Steve stood on her doorstep.

He was so skinny. And was that bruising or shadows on his tiny face? That was a question she’d leave for the morning. Right now, he looked like he was about to collapse.

“I’m not doing it for you,” she replied before kneeling down to Steve’s level.

Hop took the opportunity to leave. The young male looked to him the same way a terrified boy would look for his father and Claudia made a note to reprimand the police chief later.

“Hi, Steve. I know this isn’t your home, but I want you to be comfortable here. Do you want to stay in the spare room tonight, or my room?”

He looked at her, wide eyed, as if she had a second head. “I get to choose?” He asked so softly and it broke her heart.

“You always have a choice here, Steve. As long as you stay safe and don’t hurt anyone.”

He chewed his lip and winced. It made Claudia lean more towards bruises than shadows, but it was hard to tell in the lighting and she wasn’t going to push. He had been through a lot.

“Spare room please,” Steve eventually decided.

Claudia made sure to show him where the kitchen and the bathroom were in case he needed anything. She also pointed out her own room being right across the hall before opening the door to the spare room for him. She did her best to make sure that he was as settled and comfortable as he was going to be under the circumstances. She stood in the door frame for a few seconds, holding on to it gently. She didn’t want to leave him, but he had requested to be alone.

“Anything you need, Steve. Just let me know. And Dustin might pester you in the morning if he wakes up before I do.”

“Okay,” he said simply.

Claudia went back to bed, leaving her door open. She really was going to have to call Wayne in the morning.

If Steve snuck into her room and laid on the floor beside her bed, she pretended not to notice.

—

“Wayne?” She was speaking a little lower than normal, but she did have two sleeping boys in her house and she was doing her best to keep it that way. “How did you help Eddie cope when he had to move in with you?”

“Why are you asking Claudia?” His voice was rough, but she knew him well enough to know that it was because he was tired.

“Have you heard about what happened at the Harrington’s yet?”

“You mean the murder?”

“I have Steve. Hop brought him to me last night,” she said in a rush before looking down the hall to make sure neither boy was going to sneak in on this conversation.

“Just make sure he feels safe and knows that things are going to happen at his speed, as much as possible. Have your limits and stick to them. Don’t let him push you over just because you know the hell he’s been through. And most important? Don’t try and be his Mama unless he asks you to.”

“Don’t have to worry about that last one. Hop said it should hopefully only be a week until they find some family willing to take him.” There was a tiny sniffle behind her. “Shit, Wayne. I gotta go. I’ll call you back tonight.”

When Claudia turned around, Steve was already disappearing back into the spare bedroom. The door closed with a soft click.

Shit.

“Mom, what’s for breakfast?” Dustin demanded as he walked out of his room and straight to the kitchen.

She’d check in on Steve soon. He probably needed a minute anyway.

“Pancakes sound good to you, Dusty?”

His toothless grin made her heart hurt.

How could anyone look at their child and feel anything but love?

—

It had been a few months and it seemed like Steve was staying. No one wanted to step up and take Steve. Honestly? Claudia wasn’t heartbroken about it. The longer he stayed, the more she loved him. She wasn’t fully convinced that she would let anyone take him away from her at this point. She wasn’t sure when she started looking at Steve as a son exactly, just that it happened quickly. Even Dustin, spoiled as he was, was excited to have an older kid in the house to hang out with. He said it made him seem cool to his friends that he suddenly found himself spending a lot more time with a Harrington. Whatever that meant.

She was just happy they were getting along. Happy that Steve was getting more comfortable with them. He was back up to a healthy weight, all the bruises were gone, and his injuries had turned to faded scars. Steve was safe. Most importantly, he was happy and loved. Claudia tried to not let it get to her that those were new feelings for the boy who previously only knew neglect or abuse at the hands of his biological parents.

—

Claudia woke up in the middle of the night, her heart pounding. What was that? A second thud had her throwing her covers back and running to the kitchen. The sight that greeted her would have made her laugh if Steve didn’t look so terrified.

Both boys were covered in flour. Honestly, the fact that most of the kitchen also had at least a thin dusting of the stuff was kind of impressive.

“What’s happening in here?” She asked with a smile.

Steve flinched and she tried to not let it get to her. He had to know by now that she would never hurt him, but the past doesn’t just go away like that.

“We were trying to make you a cake, but you put the flour too high and Steve wasn’t going to crawl on the counter. So I had to do it.” Dustin supplied after looking at the older kid and realizing that he wasn’t going to talk.

It happened a lot, Steve suddenly not talking. He also tended to leave the room a lot and hide in what had become his room. At least he felt safe enough to walk away now. He wasn’t walking away this time.

“It’s your birthday,” Steve said so softly. “It’s your birthday and you deserve a cake. I never got a cake.” His words got quieter as he kept talking, the last part of what he said barely audible.

“Oh, Steve,” Claudia’s heart was breaking. Shattering, really. “That’s really thoughtful of you, sweetheart. How about this? We clean up this mess and try again together? Yeah? Then I’ll move some stuff around so you can reach all the food in this kitchen.”

His eyes were shiny with unshed tears as the fear on his face gave way to a shy smile. “Okay,” he said simply.

And that was that.

—

Claudia was flustered.

She had been talking to Wayne a lot lately because he could relate to what she was going through. Taking in a kid who had nowhere else to go.

Somehow, that translated into them going out for dinner or lunch a few times to talk in person. To complain about the hardships and brag about the worthy things respectively.

That turned into her actually asking him on a date. Even more surprisingly, he agreed! Even though she knew he wouldn’t care, she was dressed in her absolute best and even took the time to tame her wild hair.

When there was a knock on the door, she was quick to answer it before Steve or Dustin had a chance. What she saw took her breath away. Wayne had put an effort in as well, and he was even holding a bouquet of flowers. Her cheeks heated and she smiled widely.

“They’re beautiful,” she breathed.

“You’re beautiful,” Wayne replied.

“Come in, come in,” she insisted as she stepped out of the way. When she saw Eddie, she smiled at him as well. “Thank you for agreeing to babysit my kiddos for me.”

Eddie grinned. “Uncle Wayne said he’d get me an Iron Maiden cassette.” Then he was running off to Dustin’s room, following the sound of laughter.

Claudia laughed softly before returning her attention to Wayne.

He shrugged. “Flattery and bribery get you everywhere with that boy,” he joked before going to grab a vase to put the flowers in.

Obviously he had been around the house a few times and paid attention to where she put things. Briefly, Claudia pictured Wayne and Eddie moving in - in the future.

It wasn’t a bad thought.

—

When they got back, Claudia was greeted by an adorable sight. Dustin was asleep, spread across the couch. Eddie and Steve were cuddled up in the recliner. Of course Dustin would claim the couch for himself and make two people share the smaller seat.

“Let’s not wake them just yet,” she said softly after a moment. “I’ve never seen Steve look so relaxed.”

Wayne had no objections. “Let’s put a note on the coffee table and then head to the backyard?”

Claudia had no objections, either. She scrawled out something on a piece of paper that was on the table already before leading the way outside. They sat on the outside loveseat, their knees touching.

Everyone was going to be spending a lot more time together. She just knew it.

#stranger things #eddie munson #steve harrington #eddie stranger things #steve stranger things #steve x eddie #steddie fanfiction #claudia henderson #wayne munson #dustin henderson #Claudia Henderson is an amazing mom #I take requests #requested fic #pre steddie #early Steddie #slowandsteddie

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steddie-fanfic-recs · 6 months

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The Pretty Ugly

by writersagainstwritersblock

Rating: Mature Archive Warning: Rape/Non-Con Relationship: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington/Other(s) Character: Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley, Nancy Wheeler, Jonathan Byers, Argyle (Stranger Things), Chrissy Cunningham, Maxine "Max" Mayfield, Dustin Henderson, Eleven | Jane Hopper, Will Byers, Lucas Sinclair, Mike Wheeler, Jim "Chief" Hopper, Joyce Byers Additional Tags: Hurt Steve Harrington, Protective Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington Whump, Steve Harrington Needs a Hug, Steve Harrington Needs Love, Eddie Munson Loves Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington Needs Therapy, Non-Graphic Rape/Non-Con, (rape/non-con elements are mostly off screen), Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Steve Harrington Has Absent Parents, Steve Harrington Has PTSD, Eddie Munson Calls Steve Harrington Pet Names, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Rockstar!Eddie Munson, Prostitute!Steve Harrington, Minor Character Death, Alternate Universe - No Powers, Eventual Happy Ending Words: 182,356 Chapters: 44/44

Summary

Rockstar Eddie Munson needs a fake boyfriend after a scandal; enter high end escort Steve Harrington. Unfortunately Eddie's heart didn't get the memo on the 'fake' part of the deal, while the more time he spends with Steve the deeper he falls, the closer he gets to something that looks a whole lot darker than a college student just trying to pay off his student loans. “For you, your highness.” Eddie bent at the waist as he offered the cheap stuffed animal. Steve’s eyes went wide, but he accepted the little stuffed animal, holding it up for inspection. Some of the stitches were visible and his eyes were lopsided, but it didn’t change the way Eddie’s heart stuttered as Steve very gently touched its nose against his own, holding it like it were an actual small creature and not cotton and thread. “What’s his name?” “Bernard,” Steve said with such confidence that Eddie couldn’t help laughing. “What?” Steve said, looking mildly affronted. Eddie grinned. “No, it’s a great name, Bernard the Bat. Berry for short even.” Steve crossed his arms, but with the stuffed animal it looked more like he was hugging it to his chest. “Slushies?” Eddie said before he could do anything stupid.

#steddie #steddie fic rec #multi-chaptered #100-200k #hurt/comfort #angst with a happy ending #au modern #rockstar eddie #sex worker steve #au no upside down

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inkheartedwanderer · 2 years

Text

fast car || s.h.

you got a fast car, is it fast enough so we can fly away?

steve x reader

content: fluff, mutual pining, mentions of canon violence, post-S3 pre-S4, some PTSD?

word count: 3.8k

The end of summer has brought along a chilly breeze that shakes the perfectly manicured bushes of your garden. The full moon casts a silver glow on the empty streets. It’s too cold for family barbecues, and teenagers have already exchanged their night escapades in favour of indoor parties. Hawkins is almost completely silent at this time of the night. Cicadas are singing. A cat meows in the distance. But the town, bustling with people and life during the day, is asleep.

You, however, are wide awake, a common occurrence since what happened in July. The mornings are easy. You keep yourself busy with work, trivial errands, and friends. You get out of the house, try to socialise. But in bed, when you close your eyes, flashbacks of blood and fire, and the smell of burnt flesh pop up in your brain, a cruel, constant reminder of all you and your friends had lost, of a night you’d rather forget.

The grass is damp, cold against your bare feet as you sit down on the stairs of your back porch. You haven’t even bothered changing into your pajamas, knowing that sleep won’t come to you anytime soon. The low hum of a car engine fades somewhere in the background. You like nights like this, when the world seems to stop and it’s just you and the stars.

“You’re gonna catch a cold” the voice is soft, warm and familiar, and floats towards you through the moonlit darkness like a whisper from somewhere behind you. You turn around to see Steve, sweet Steve, walking gingerly from your front lawn in your direction.

“Hey” you say with a small smile, feeling your heart speeding up inside your chest as Steve sits down next to you.

A few months ago, you would’ve never thought you would become friends with Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington, of all people. To your prior knowledge, he was a jerk; a popular jock that wouldn’t waste his time by talking, much less befriending a wallflower like you. But accidentally getting caught up with him -and Robin Buckley, Dustin Henderson and Erica Sinclair, in a Russian elevator, making it out badly beaten but alive, and fighting an interdimensional monster brings people together, and now, Steve and Robin were the closest thing to best friends you’ve ever had.

“Hi” he answered with a small smile on his lips, looking intently at you. “I was hoping you would be awake tonight.”

“Tonight, and every other night, it seems.” You look to the ground and answer without meeting his eye, thankful for the darkness that hides the blush that’s tinted your cheeks. Because that was another issue that kept you up at night -the light, fluttery feeling that has taken root in your heart and makes it hard to think straight whenever Steve is around.

You’re not sure when it started. One day you found yourself staring at Steve’s face when he wasn’t looking, analysing his every freckle and laughter line, counting the shades of brown of his irises -dark when he is focused, chocolate when he smiles, caramel when the light hits them just right. Then, he made his way into your daydreams, however scarce they are, and the butterflies in your stomach now go into a frenzy whenever he’s around.

A hint of concern flashes through his eyes. “Still having trouble with sleeping?”

You give him an almost apologetic smile and shrug, but don’t answer. The silence that follows almost is comfortable, but you can feel your skin prickling, with what, you don’t know. Anticipation? Nerves? You are not sure.

“What are you doing here?” you ask, quietly.

It’s him who stays quiet now. You can feel his eyes burning on you, and when you finally give in and look his way, a grin makes its way into his face, and even in the dim light you can see the glint in his eyes. “I want to go for a drive. Care to join me?”

A few minutes later, you’ve put on your sneakers and slip into the passenger seat of Steve’s car. A song from a decade ago starts playing on the radio when he turns the engine on, soft and low, for only your ears to hear, breaking the silence as he drives away from your street.

Steve can’t help the excited smile that tugs at his lips. There’s a rush of energy running through his veins, a sparkling electricity that he hasn’t felt in years, but he does now, because you’re sitting next to him. He looks over at you, and his heart skips a beat. You’re resting your head against the side window, your eyes closed and lips mouthing the lyrics to the song.

The last two years haven’t been particularly easy for Steve. Everything he’d ever known as true crumbled in front of his eyes. He’s been hurt physically and mentally, and while the cuts and bruises have healed just fine, for the longest time he felt a gaping wound in his heart, each pulsation reminding him of the pain of heartbreak and the fear of losing those he cared about.

And then, last summer, he met you.

You worked at Sam Goody, the music retailer two stores down from Scoops Ahoy. The weather that June was unbearable, a sticky kind of heat that made you feel sweaty and gross in spite of Starcourt Mall’s AC system and, hadn’t you needed the money, you would’ve headed straight to the local swimming pool every morning.

One day, during your break, desperate for something to do and for a way to cool down, you wandered out of the store and into the ice cream parlour everyone seemed to be talking about. Steve was working the counter, and his uniform was so ridiculous you had trouble recognising him at first.

The boy had no idea who you were, but when he looked up and his eyes met yours, he instantly knew he was a goner. Rendered speechless by your eyes, and your hair, which looked so soft, and the timid smile that graced your lips, he could only stare at you. And then Robin stuck her head out the backroom window and said she recognised you from school. Your cheeks turned apple red, and you waved at them and bashfully said hi, yes, you shared a few classes with her.

It took a little bit of time, and a lot of Robin’s talking, for you to finally open up to them, but both Steve and Robin liked your company, and you eventually developed a friendship -and Steve’s crush only grew bigger as he got to know you. You were shy, sweet and soft spoken and so, so pretty.

Steve knew you didn’t trust him at first, and he couldn’t really blame you. He didn’t remember you from high school, but you did remember him and his friends, and for a few weeks you only spoke to him in monosyllables. So, he tried his best to make you laugh, he always gave you extra big ice cream cups and sometimes he even let you try new flavours for free. And one day, you smiled at him, and asked him about his weekend. Steve knew right then and there that he was head over heels for you, and that you didn’t hate him. He didn’t know that his silly jokes, and his free ice cream, and the way he behaved with his -many- younger friends had started to make your heart flutter and your legs tremble.

Sometimes, they would visit you and the three of you would eat lunch together, crammed behind the counter; and you’d leave the mall together after closing. Robin and you started hanging out on your free days too, and for the first time in your life, you were finally starting to feel like you belonged somewhere.

What really brought you all together though, were the events of July 4th. What had started out as a stupid spy-like adventure ended up with you and Robin tied up side by side while Steve took a brutal beating. You still weren’t sure how Dustin and Erica had managed to get you out of that one. The following events are a blur of blood, fire and screams that plague your nightmares to this day; the empty, bloodshot eyes of Billy Hargrove and the rotten smell of burnt flesh carved in your brain.

But you’ve found solace in the small family they had built, the bunch of nerdy misfits that welcomed you in, no questions asked. Since that fateful night, you have seen Steve and Robin every day. You eat lunch together, take turns looking after the kids and driving them around town. You console each other when the world gets too heavy on your shoulders.

And you have made your way into Steve’s heart, and now he harbours feelings for you that are too big, too scary, too new, and too familiar for him to put into words. Tonight, looking at you, those feelings are bubbling in his chest, burning and healing his scarred heart at the same time.

Steve drives the car past the last houses, past the Forest Hill trailer park and into the back roads that lead away from Hawkins. The streets are empty, only illuminated by the headlights when the car drives by. A chill runs down your spine, and you fix your gaze on your shoes, trying to stop yourself from seeing shadows behind each corner and tree, trying to breathe and calm your racing heart.

A moment goes by.

Another song starts.

Then, finally, “Where are we going?” you ask, soft-spoken as ever.

Steve gives you a lopsided smile, one that makes his boyish features stand out and a small dimple appear on his cheek. You wonder what it would feel like to poke it. “I found the coolest place right by Lake Jordan.” He can’t look at you, his eyes focused on the road ahead, but you see him lean towards you a little bit. “I really think you’ll like it.”

Your cheeks are burning, and you try to hide the smile that graces your lips with your hair. It’s hard not to let the butterflies go amok in your stomach when he talks to you like that, with his voice sweet like honey, like he’s telling you a secret.

“And where’s Robin?”

Steve snorts. “She was having a movie night with Vickie.”

“Oh.”

“So it’s just the two of us tonight. Sorry.” You can hear the smile in his voice. He’s not sorry. He knew Robin would be busy, so he took his chance and drove to your house, in hopes you would still be awake. When he saw you in the garden, he thought maybe the universe was on his side, for once.

A giggle brings him back to the car. “It’s good. I-” you take a deep breath and swallow the knot in your throat. “I like spending time with you.”

Steve breathes in, blood running hot in his veins, pink dusting his cheeks. He looks at you and finds your eyes already on him. Your mouth quirks up at the corners, your blush matching his. He can’t find his voice to reply. He doesn’t have to.

As Steve predicted, the lookout is empty. It’s a small clearing in the woods, right at the top of a mountain. In the distance, the streetlights of Hawkins glow orange, like fireflies against a black canvas. From up there, it almost seems placid, normal, as if there weren’t dormant monsters underneath, waiting to attack.

Steve parks the car haphazardly and turns the engine off. You wait for him to get out of the car, and follow suit, feeling the cold night breeze biting at your bare legs, and you hug yourself, trying to keep warm. Above you, stars scintillate, barely illuminating the irregular gravel ground. The silence is almost eerie, so Steve reaches through the open window and turns the radio on again. Patti Smith’s voice floats through the air over a haunting piano melody. “I love this song,” you mutter to yourself as you make your way around the car and sit down on the hood.

“I like it, too.” The boy agrees, taking a spot next to you. Your shoulders touch, your knees are an inch apart. You can’t look at him in the eye and your heart is beating so fast you fear Steve can hear it over the music. “What do you think? Cool, uh?”

“Uh huh. I never thought Hawkins could look pretty.”

“Or peaceful and normal.” A hint of bitterness is evident in Steve’s voice.

His brows are furrowed when you turn to look at him, his eyes fixed on the scene in front of you. The freckles across his skin mirror the constellations that adorn the sky above, and his pupils are clouded, you can tell, with the same ghosts that haunt your mind sometimes. You reach out with your hand and rub his forehead, right between his eyebrows, soothing the worry away. His lips twitch slightly as he looks at you, confusion and adoration replacing the fog in his eyes.

Satisfied, you let your head rest on Steve’s shoulder, and you can feel his woodsy scent invade your senses. Your hair tickles his cheek as he slides his hand across your back and settles it on your waist. You sigh, content, and close your eyes, revelling in the feeling of his soft cotton shirt against your cheek and his body heat enveloping you. Your breathing slows down, and if Steve doesn’t mind, you could fall asleep like that, cuddled up against him.

“I wish time would stop right now.”

Steve scrunches his nose, trying and failing to hide a smile which you can’t see. “Really? You would be stuck with me forever.”

“Doesn’t sound too bad.”

His breath hitches in his throat again, and Steve can feel the blood rushing to his cheeks and his pulse, heavy like a bass against his eardrums. Every inch of his body that’s touching yours feels like it’s on fire. He wonders what would happen if he told you how he feels, how he’s felt for a while. How he’s dreamed about holding you like this dozens of times before, only not just like this, only he’s also dreamed about kissing you and crawling next to you in bed to chase the nightmares away.

“What if- what if we don’t go back?” Your voice is barely a whisper over the music.

Steve chuckled, trying to hide his confusion by looking the other way and messing with hair. “What?”

A gust of wind makes you shuffle closer to Steve, your bare leg pressing against his jeans, melting into his side. The boy notices you’re picking at your nail polish, chipping it, a nervous tick he’s seen in you many times before.

“When we drive down the mountain, we could turn right.” You shrug. “We could get jobs in Indianapolis and start again. Away from the dakness.”

Steve sighs, a sad smile on his lips. He understands. He’s thought about it before -packing up and running away from the place that only brings death and pain. He is tired of monsters and fighting, too. But he also knows he’d never forgive himself if he left. And he can tell that you wouldn’t forgive yourself, either; not when you’d thrown yourself in front of Dustin and Erica to protect them from the Russians, not when you’d held Robin’s hand in the back of an ambulance as if her life depended on it, just a few weeks ago. It’s just wishful thinking.

So Steve plays along, allowing himself to dream with you. “Robin would kill us. We’d have to bring her with us.”

“Of course we would. Rent is super expensive, and we’d need a big house.”

“Would we?”

“Yeah, so the kids can come over.”

The kids. Steve feels a wave of affection for you, so strong he could cry. He considers those kids his -annoying, very annoying- little siblings. He’d risked his life for them many times before, and he’d do it again if he had to. And there’s no possible version of his future without the kids in it. And as of lately, not without you in it, either.

The boy swallows the knot in his throat and answers, voice raspy with emotion. “That would be great.”

Your hand falls on his thigh and you draw lines with your fingertip on his jeans. “And we could go see the ocean, all of us. I’ve always wanted to see the ocean.”

“That’s a very long drive. Too many hours in a car with those little shits.” His words ooze affection.

“We’ll need a super-fast car, then.” You chuckle.

Steve laughs heartfeltly, a youthful sound that resonates in his chest. It has been a while since he’s laughed like that. You like the sound. You like that you’re the reason why he’s laughing. “Yeah. Yeah, I’d like that.”

“Yeah?” You let yourself believe these are all plans, and not just a fleeting reverie you’ve allowed yourself to have.

“Sure thing.” Steve’s fingers trace your waist over your jacket. Then, a chuckle. “Indianapolis, though?”

“Any place is better than Hawkins.” You can’t help the small pout that makes its way to your lips

“It won’t last forever.” He says softly, soothing, his fingers steady on their path across your side. “One day, it will all be over, for good.” Tentatively, he lets his hand slide under the hem of your jacket, and his skin feels warm against yours as he draws circles on it. Your heart beats like a drum against your ribs at the touch, his fingertips calloused but gentle. “And then we’ll go see the ocean together. Hell, we can even find a nice city near the sea. That’s better than Indianapolis, surely.”

You laugh, and Steve rests his cheek against the top of your head, satisfied. He hasn’t missed the unvoluntary earnestness laced with his words. ‘Cause he wouldn’t mind leaving Hawkins if it meant building a future with you, and with Robin and the kids. He wouldn’t mind trading Lover’s Lake for a view of the ocean. And he wouldn’t mind doing all of that being more than friends with you, but he wouldn’t tell you that.

A new, soft tune floats from inside the car and breaks the silence between Steve and you, as you both remain quiet, staring at the darkness ahead -a darkness that, you realise, doesn’t seem too scary tonight.

You tilt your head up and look at Steve from under your lashes, taking in his profile, the curve of his nose and the subtle pout of his lips, his beauty marks, a shadow of stubble. When he moves his face towards you, you feel the warmth of his breath, and your mouths are so close they’re almost touching.

His eyes lower to your lips for a millisecond before locking with yours. A new shade of brown for you to remember, you think -umber, and gleaming as they look at you with devotion. His fingers curl against your skin, still under the fabric of your sweatshirt, bringing you closer to him.

You’re not sure who leans in first, but in the blink of an eye his lips are pressed against yours and time seems to stop. The kiss is tentative at first, slow and clumsy, all chapped lips and noses colliding. He inhales sharply and brings his free hand to your jaw in a solid grasp that makes you shiver and pulls your face away. You open your eyes, but before you can complain, he tilts his head and tries again, this time finding your lips with confidence and expertise. He’s warm and soft against you. Your hands travel to his nape and tug gently at his hair, making the boy groan.

His hand leaves your waist to cup your chin, his thumb pulling at your lower lip. Both of you smile into each other, Steve sighs with pleasure and you giggle, breaking the kiss to rub your nose against his. He dips in again, giving you a peck, and then another, and another one. The giggle turns into a joyous laugh that flutters from your throat and into his heart.

Steve swears you’re a vision in the argent moonlight, radiant and ethereal, apple-pink cheeks and eyelashes kissing at the corners of your eyes. Your skin burns under his gaze, so you hide your face in the crook of his neck, smiling wider. He smells woodsy and fresh, familiar.

“I have wanted to do that since the day we met.” Steve chuckles to hide his self-doubts, momentarily scared that the kiss doesn’t mean to you what it means to him. But you shake your head against his neck, pressing feathery kisses to his soft, freckled skin, and the boy relaxes at your tender touch.

“You can do it again if you want to.” You press your forehead against his, wishing you could take a picture with your eyes of the boy in front of you, right at this moment, flustered, hair messy from your hands, beautiful.

He’s already pulling you in when he asks, “Is that right?” And he kisses you again and again, until you’re both dizzy and kiss drunk and high on serotonin. It’s everything either of you could’ve dreamed of, and both of you have, many times before. The unspoken promise of something more, something for you two only, to share and care for together, lingers in your tongues.

When you finally get back in the car, smoky clouds threaten rain in the sky. You pull your feet on the seat, letting the leathery scent envelope you. Steve can feel his smile etched on his face, indelible, wide and youthful. As soon as the engine is on, he reaches over the console and laces his fingers through yours. Your heart skips a beat for the millionth time tonight, and that can’t be healthy, but you’re so happy that it can’t possibly be bad.

The gravel crunches under the tires as the car makes a stop at the intersection. Steve and you look at each other, hands intertwined, both thinking the same thing. To your right, the naïve dream of a new life, of quiet nights and salty ocean mornings, of a normal and uneventful life. To your left, Hawkins, home to monsters and danger, fire and blood; and also home to Robin, Dustin and Erica and the rest of the party, your chosen family. Home to Steve, and you.

Steve squeezes your hand and you both smile as the car swerves left. It wasn’t a hard choice to make.

🌷 🌷 🌷

a/n: Hi :) I started writing this almost a month ago, and I’ve finally managed to finish it! It’s been a while since I wrote a full story, and I know I’m rusty, but I hope you like this one. I’ve loved Stranger Things since season 1 and I have some ideas that I can’t wait to put into words.

If you made it this far, thank you ♡

#steve harrington fanfic #steve harrington x reader #stranger things fanfiction #steve harrington x y/n #steve harrington imagine #stranger things imagine #steve harrington one shot #stranger things one shot #fluff #steve harrington x reader fluff #steve harrington fluff

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salamandergoo · 1 month

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Let's Leave Nothing Unsaid

My fic for the @strangerthingsreversebigbang is here!

Word Count: 23,012

Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Rating: Mature

Pairing(s): Robin Arellano & Finney Blake, Robin Arellano & Steve Harrington, Robin Arellano & Eddie Munson, Robin Arellano & Robin Buckley, Steve Harrington & Robin Buckley

Characters: Robin Arellano, Finney Blake, Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, Gwen Blake, Dustin Henderson, Jeff, Gareth, Eddie Munson

Tags: Robin Arellano Lives, Robin Arellano has PTSD, Gay Robin Arellano, Finney Blake is Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington has PTSD, Pre-Relationship Robin Arellano/Finney Blake, Season/Series 03, Steve Harrington's Scoops Ahoy Uniform, Implied/Referenced Past Sexual Assault

Summary: Robin Arellano thought that if they could just get out of the basement of their kidnapper, he and Finney would be okay. They’d return to their normal lives. But normal was different, and years later he finds himself in Hawkins, Indiana on a desperate search to find his best friend. And then two days later, he’s searching again. Why can they not catch a break?

Beta Reader: My lovely partner Alexa ❤️

Art Link: Here! This wonderful masterpiece is by the ever-incredible @alduade-art

Fic Link: Here! It was such a joy to work on this :)

#stranger things #the black phone #steve harrington is finney blake #steve harrington #robin arellano #rinney

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loveinhawkins · 1 year

Text

Part 1

Eddie’s coming home from the hospital today, and Steve is quietly singing along to love songs like they’re on the radio, but they’re not; they must be just in his head.

Dustin wants to enjoy it, wants to simply look forward to calling the others; they have an ongoing list of songs Steve has sung unconsciously, ranked according to various degrees of embarrassment, the current winner being his butchering of German in Rock Me Amadeus.

But he can’t. He can’t enjoy any of it.

There’s a window open in the car.

Steve keeps it down unless it’s crazy bad rain, ever since he found out that Erica can get motion sick sometimes.

Dustin grips onto his knees.

He’d tried to convince himself it was all centred around the hospital. That he could contain it.

But now he’s in Steve’s car (Steve’s car! Familiar and safe, where there’s still that streak of mud along the inside of the door from Dustin’s sneakers); he’s in Steve’s car trying not to breathe, because every time he does, he sees those damn particles floating in front of him.

“Okay, what?” Steve says, sounding both amused and resigned.

Dustin sucks in the slightest amount of air that he can manage. “Hmm?”

“Dude, I know you. Whenever you’re this quiet, you want something from me.”

“That’s an erroneous conclusion,” Dustin says.

Steve is meant to say something like oh yeah, erroneous, blah, blah, blah.

But Dustin knows his delivery is off when Steve just gives him a sideways glance while they’re stuck in traffic—knows that Steve misinterprets whatever look is on his face, because the driver window is being quickly wound down, too.

“Hey, do you feel sick? I can pull over.”

“I’m good,” Dustin says, only just managing to suppress a shiver as more cold wind seeps inside.

Steve doesn’t seem particularly happy with that answer, but the traffic starts moving again, leaving him with no choice but to drive on.

“Okay, just—we’ll be five minutes tops, all right? Just look at the, uh, horizon.”

Dustin looks ahead.

Doesn’t mention that all he can see is what the sky looked like from the trailer roof.

There’s a stack of books at the end of Eddie’s hospital bed—Steve’s gone back to the car to get a cardboard box for them. Dustin spots Nancy’s copy of Little Women on the top of the pile.

(During a visit where Nancy had driven him over, Eddie had made them wait in the corridor for a full five minutes before telling them they could come in, and when they did he was clutching the book with red-rimmed eyes, staring at Nancy so accusingly that Dustin couldn’t help but laugh.

“Beth?” Nancy had said, fighting a smile at Eddie’s melodramatic sigh.

Eddie mimed throwing the book at her, careful not to actually damage it. “Fucking Beth.”)

Another book’s in danger of slipping off the edge of the bed; Dustin catches it before it can fall. Peter Pan. He flicks it open, sees a childishly crooked Property of Steve written in pencil on the title page.

Eddie’s pressing some folded clothes into a bag on the other side of the bed. He looks up.

And Dustin suspects that when he went to the bathroom, Steve and Eddie must’ve had some sort of conversation about him, because Eddie says, “Go sit down, I’ve got this,” like Dustin’s the one who’s been recovering in hospital.

“What, scared I’ll rip your books?” Dustin asks, and this time he knows he’s hit just the right tone of normality, just the right mixture of teasing and petulant, because Eddie snorts.

“Shuddup,” he says, and then he lunges for Dustin, ruffling his hair. His hand lingers for a second, tilting so the back of it touches Dustin’s forehead.

“What the hell?” Dustin says, shoving him off playfully.

Eddie’s still grinning from their tussle, but it fades a bit as he gives Dustin a once-over.

“Thought you looked a little peaked,” he says with a shrug.

Dustin forces an eye roll. “I’m fine.”

Eddie seems to accept that, but he pours an extra glass of water and leaves it on the table; and when Dustin takes it, his mouth opens, and Dustin silently pleads inside his head don’t ask me, don’t ask me, and—

Steve’s voice echoes down the corridor, soft and lilting: Islands in the Stream.

Eddie chuckles. “That’s another one for the list,” he tells Dustin, but his eyes glitter like he doesn’t find it embarrassing at all, and when he’s bundling up the books, his fingers trace the front cover of Peter Pan like it’s a rare gem.

Oh, Dustin thinks. Then: You’re so happy.

Steve enters the room with the cardboard box held aloft like it’s a trophy, and Eddie laughs, makes a quip: “Jesus Christ, we’re not at one of your basketball games, Steve.”

Steve grins, briefly bends his knees as if on the basketball court. “You wish.”

Eddie rolls his eyes, shoots Dustin a look as if to say who does this guy think he is?

But his eyes are saying something else.

He passes the books over to Steve, chatting easily about whatever chapter he’d got up to, and their hands touch with such casual intimacy. There should be no space for them to worry here, Dustin decides—and so, for the rest of the day, commits to being the most carefree, boisterous version of himself he can manage.

It gets to the point where the window in his room is permanently shut.

Where he suddenly has this awful feeling of doubt—that this is something he should’ve called a code red over long ago.

He calls Will, twisting the phone cord around his fingers over and over, so tightly that it hurts.

“Will, you know when. Your—your episodes. The Mindflayer. What. What did it feel like?”

The ensuing silence makes shame run down his spine, cold as ice.

But when Will speaks, he doesn’t sound hurt, or even the slightest bit frightened.

“Why?” he asks.

“It.” Dustin grits his teeth. “I’m worried it might. Might be happening again.”

Another silence, and then Will says, very gently, “Dustin, it’s all closed off. I can’t feel anything anymore.”

“Okay.” Dustin blinks back the sudden burning in his eyes. “Okay.”

“You… you know you can talk to me, right?” Will says, tentative and kind, too kind, because Will is the kid who disappeared, who’s had to deal with all this shit for years, stuff that Dustin could never—

“Yeah,” Dustin says.

“My mom, she’ll be home soon,” Will says, rushed suddenly, like he can sense Dustin’s about to hang up, “if you wanna—”

“Yeah, thanks, I’ve gotta go,” Dustin says all in one breath, and ends the call.

And he realises something—kind of hates himself for it. That if The Upside Down was really back, he would’ve felt terrified, sure, but also…

Relieved.

Because the alternative is that the problem is him.

#dustin henderson has ptsd #dustin henderson fic #steddie with dustin’s pov #steddie #steddie fic #steddie ficlet #eddie and dustin #steve and dustin #henderfam #dustin henderson #steve harrington #eddie munson #steve x eddie #dustin and will

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steddiebang · 6 months

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At the Start of the End of the World | Teen | 45K

Author: InsaneJuliann / marvelingjules Artist: mc-i-r

Eddie survived the Demobats (if only barely), Max is in a coma, and the Upside Down is seeping slowly into Hawkins. Steve’s doing what he can, looking out for the people he cares about - but who takes care of him? Eddie, who’s cleared of murder charges but only technically, figures he’s got the time and the interest in taking that job on. And maybe, there’s more to the friendship growing between them than just Platonic feelings. But as the Upside Down grows stronger in Hawkins, becoming harder to ignore, and old enemies and allies make themselves known, Steve and Eddie’s growing feelings for each other may have to wait - indefinitely.

Fic | Art

Pairings: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Characters: Robin Buckley, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, Will Byers, Eleven | Jane Hopper, Maxine “Max” Mayfield,Wayne Munson, Jim “Chief” Hopper, Joyce Byers, Kali Prasad Tags: post-season four, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Eddie Munson Lives, Developing Relationship, Steve Harrington Has PTSD, Soft Eddie Munson, Nightmares, The usual Upside Down shenanigans

#steddiebang23 #steddiebang23 masterposts

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katytheinspiredworkaholic · 10 months

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WIP Wednesday

Subconscious (Steve's Story)

Summary: Steddie Canon compliant/fix-it fic paired with a corresponding story in Eddie's POV, each chapter happens in tandem with the other. No matter what he does, no matter who he is with or what is happening in the aftermath of their failed battle with Vecna – Steve Harrington can't stop thinking about Eddie Munson. He's even begun to see him in his dreams…

(unbeta'd snippet from Chapter 01. Steve has taken it upon himself to keep track of all of the members of their group as they recover in the aftermath of Vecna, but Dustin is the one that really needs him. He's taking it the hardest out of all of them, and trying to hide it in a way that isn't quite working. After Eddie's death he can usually only be found at his house, in his basement, which at least means Steve always knows where to find him. But it's getting to the point that there needs to be an intervention.)

Two months and nine days after they tried and failed to kill Vecna, Steve Harrington found himself waving marrily to Ms. Henderson as he dragged her son out of their house by his ear. There was lots of loud complaining from the high school sophomore (or soon to be, after this summer. Ask Steve again how old he feels?) so they didn’t get to exchange words of parting. Dustin had that covered in spades.

“Steve! SteveSteve sonofabitch that hurts STEVE! Let me go!” He only obliges after he’s opened the car door and deposited the surly teenager in the passenger seat of his BMW.

“You can scowl at me all you want, but family dinner means family dinner so you’re going,” he reprimands, pointing at him through the window before rounding the vehicle and sliding back behind the wheel. “Next time it would have been Hop coming to drag your ass out of your basement, not me.” And no one wanted that.

Joyce Byers was hosting frequent dinners where all the kids could be in one place, and the newer adults, as well as themselves. All the people who understand what’s really going on in town. It was just as much to keep tabs on the situation as well as making sure everyone in their inner circle still has their head above water. Vecna/Henry/One is not dead. Steve has wrapped his head around this fact, despite the elaborate backstory of how Vecna came to be. He got his four sacrifices, even though Max lived through the ordeal, and the portal was open. The Upside Down was spilling into their own world. But other than that, there have been no moves made. No creatures hunting Hawkins townspeople in the dead of night. (Yet.) But they were not going to be caught unaware, not this time.

However, wrangling a bunch of teenagers who are possibly presenting signs of early onset PTSD was a whole other ballgame that needed addressing. The group as a whole was a mess at the best of times, but they were able to band together and felt stronger when all in the same location. So if Steve’s sole job today was to get Dustin within shouting distance of his friends, albeit against his will, then by God he was going to do it.

The mere fact he had to drag Dustin to the Byer’s place was in and of itself a red flag. It wasn’t like him in the slightest.

He’d left Robin with Joyce to help get things set up, for this very reason. Steve and Dustin needed to talk. They’ve done a lot of talking over the past two months, but this was starting to reach a worrying level of solitude.

“Dude, you have to talk to me,” Steve tells him, after five minutes of straight silence. Not even the radio on in the background. “You can’t keep doing this. Trust me.” He puts emphasis in his tone and in the solid hand on his shoulder that he can relate, that he’s been here before, through slightly different circumstances. “If you keep ignoring your friends, eventually… they stop calling.” For him, it had been on purpose. Leaving Tommy and Carol and ‘King Steve’ in the dusty halls of Hawkins High where they belonged. But Dustin was doing it out of grief, and he needed those other knuckleheads. They needed each other.

“They wouldn’t do that,” Dustin mumbles, but his threat had gotten the kid’s attention.

Steve sighs. “No, they wouldn’t, and I wouldn’t let them. But hiding in your room listening to metal and not talking to your friends is not how you’re going to get through this.”

“That’s not all I’m doing,” he defends.

“Oh really?” Steve challenges. Drawing Dustin out of his shell with baited words like it was his day job, it worked every time. “What, pray tell, is there to do in that basement besides ruin your eardrums and make illegal spy radios?”

“Hey, we’re going to need those radio frequencies! Someone has to get them set up and ready before –”

The car goes quiet, and Steve finds it suddenly hard to swallow. And Dustin, never one to leave the unspoken alone, finishes his sentence with a dead-like tone that breaks Steve’s heart to fucking pieces.

“ – before next time.”

Because of course there will be a next time, this isn’t over. They all know it.

God damn it all. These kids shouldn’t be living their lives with the next battle constantly hanging over their heads. It isn’t fair. Steve leans his elbow against the open car window and rubs at the blossoming headache behind his eyes. They are kids… just fucking kids. They shouldn’t be mourning dead friends and preparing for war. It isn’t right.

“Steve?” Dustin breaks the quiet, because even when he is trying to be the adult Steve still can’t get his shit together. “I’m trying. I am.”

“I know you are, buddy,” he says quietly, and the sentiment reflects in his own voice. They’re all trying.

“I just can’t pretend that we aren’t waiting for the other shoe to drop. Vecna is still out there, the portal is still open.” He’s looking down at his knees instead of out the window. From pretty much anywhere in Hawkins they could see the eerie glow of downtown, hear the helicopters in the distance, taste the stale air as the dark particles drift further and further on the wind with each passing day. “And… I still miss him.”

Eddie.

Dustin had watched Eddie die. A friend and person he looked up to, a hero in his eyes before he ever became one in that field, and he’d died right there next to him. Even without the threat of the next big one coming at them – that isn’t an easy thing to forget. It’s not something he can just shake off.

And Steve wouldn’t ask it of him, no one had any right to.

“I do, too.” It’s the first time he’s even admitted it to himself, and this time when he reaches over and puts a hand on Dustin’s shoulder the quiet isn’t so tense or full of resentment. “I really do.”

Not in the same way; they had all built different friendships, and seen different sides of each other, during the days they fought Vecna’s curse. But those few days felt the length of a lifetime, and Steve mourns the loss of the people that should be there with them every time Joyce hosts dinner. As if he'd actually known them all his life.

Maybe that’s why Dustin doesn’t want to go.

“We aren’t the only ones,” Steve tells him, assures and holds tight to the fact it’s true. It should be true. He and Dustin aren’t the only ones that miss Eddie. Sure, it’s hard with Max in a coma and the pure relief at seeing Hopper alive after having a fucking funeral for him the year prior. It’s a tangled web of feelings that Steve isn’t the best at navigating, but he’s good at being there. He’s good at standing in one place and holding anyone up that can’t seem to find their footing. Like now. “Talk to them tonight. You’ll see.”

“Will hadn’t even met Eddie before,” Dustin reminds him, sadly.

“Will would have loved Eddie.” Steve gives him a look when it’s safe to do so, a long stretch of road that’s a mere block from the Byer’s house. “I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to listen.” And that gets a small smile out of the kid beside him, thinking about all the stories that would catch Will’s attention and remind the others of the good times. That’s what they should be remembering about Eddie, their dumb Dungeons and Dragons games. Not the demobats. Not the wanted posters. All the trash people say to this day. That wasn’t the Eddie Munson they knew.

His memory deserves better than that.

tbc

Series Snippets: - Dreamwalker (Eddie’s Story) (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) - Subconscious (Steve’s Story) (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)

#st spoilers for season 04 #wip wednesday #dreamwalker subconscious series #this is just a snippet #snippets no one asked for #steddie #eventually I promise #cw grief #cw character death mentioned #ptsd steve in the house #katyswriting #there's a lot of cursing in these two stories. They use profanity like adjectives

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jtoneswrites · 2 years

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I Think We're Alone Now - Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader

Summary: Steve Harrington has been your best friend for years and only your boyfriend for two. He thinks he's learned everything about you to know, but there's more to you than meets the eye. - Song title and lyrics based off of "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany. And yes I know the song didn't come out until a year after season 4 was featured but let's ignore it for the sake of the plot!

Warnings: angst, fluff, language. Contains flashbacks and scenes of an abusive father. Reader has PTSD.

A/N: coming from somebody who has struggled severely with PTSD since I was a little girl, especially with issues of abusive family members, I sometimes channel that experience into writing. This is my first time writing it into a fic and sharing it for other people to read, and possibly relate to.

Requests are open!

"What the fuck is he doing here?"

You spat the words like venom as you and your brother, Dustin, stood in the doorway, staring at your mother and an unannounced visitor who sat at your dinner table in the kitchen. The words startled the couple, both of them whipping their heads to reveal wide eyes and hands entwined. The sight enraged you even further as you stared into the dark eyes of a man you'd never thought you'd see again.

Your father. Arthur Henderson.

The room was filled with terse silence. You glanced back at your brother, whose jaw was slack. He had only been a few years old when your father had left, but not before he made one of his typical, drunken screaming rages. That was a surefire way enough to stay stuck in a kid's brain, no matter how old. He looked over at you, and as much as he could see the defiance and anger on your face, he could see the fear. The terror. The mix between love and hate.

Your mother broke the silence as she stood up from the table, putting on a fake happy tone. "Oh my goodness, Y/N! Dusty Bun! I wasn't expecting you home so early. I thought your gaming club didn't end until 9:00!"

"It was an easy night." You moved away from the door to shut it behind you and your brother, but only slightly, not daring to get any closer to Arthur than you already were. "It was a good night, too. Until we came home, that is." You narrowed your eyes at the man.

He looked back at your mother, who shook her head slightly. He looked back at you, and put on a wide (fake) smile. "Well, oh my God! Y/N! You've gotten so tall- I didn't think that was ever possible." He looked back at Dustin, who swallowed and took a small step backwards as your dad stepped one step closer. "And look at you, little buddy! Your teeth have all come in! You look great!" He looks at the two of you, grinning widely. It's a Grinch smile. He takes another step.

"No." You say sharply, taking a step back. "You need to step back. Now."

Your father stops. Looks confused, and a bit lost. You almost want to laugh. Was he seriously this fucking dense? "What do you mean, step back, kiddo?"

"Are you serious?" You look at him. "Do you not remember the last fucking time you were here? Do you not remember what happened before you left us?"

A flash hit your dad's eyes, and you tightened the grip on the inside of your sweater sleeve. You resisted the urge to scratch at your wrist, to tug at your hair, to ball your hand into a fist and hit the side of your thigh until it was numb. These were all tactics you used when you were nervous, but they were clear signs that you were nervous. It was what they predators used to single out their prey.

You were the prey, and you wouldn't be caught.

"Kid. Come on, now." Your dad forced another laugh, and took another step forwards. "You shouldn't use that language in front of your little brother. Don't you think I feel sorry for how I left you, guys Y/N? I just want to talk to you."

"You need to step back." You repeated. "Now. Please."

"Arthur." Your mother spoke. She rounded the table, and your heart began to beat faster. You willed her to step back, to use her words, anything but get near your father. It never ended well any of the other times. Her soft voice, her loving eyes, and her kind and encouraging nature, all for him, focused on him. He didn't deserve it, but here she was, falling into his trap again. "Come on, honey. Give them space."

"Claudia, I told you." Arthur snapped, and she shrank back a bit. Fuck. She was still scared of him. "They're our kids. And we've talked about this." He focused his look back onto you, and gave you and your brother a friendly look. "I know I messed up in the past, alright, guys? But I've gotten better. I've fixed it. I'm working towards it. I want you guys back."

Your eyes trailed behind your parents figures, and onto to the table. Onto to the glasses of wine and pack of rolled papers that certainly weren't cigarettes. "Really? Doesn't look like you've changed much to me."

"Well then, clearly you don't know anything." Your father finally began to lose his patience. "Wine isn't that big of a deal, Y/N. Neither is my... medicine. Marijuana is legal in Indiana, now, you know. I'm perfectly at my rights to partake in it."

"Right. And wasn't drugs what started you down this shitty-ass path anyways-"

"I told you not to use that language!" Your father snapped. He took a step towards you again, and this time, Dustin took a step too, not before grabbing your hand. You kept a tight hold on his hand, too, keeping your feet planted and your face firm, even though every part of you on the inside was begging you to run, to hide, to cover Dustin's body with your own in your closet, like the the two of you were little kids again.

"I'm not a kid anymore, Arthur." You said out loud. Every single bit of you was trembling on the inside. "And I told you to back the fuck up."

Your father finally broke, the dam inside splitting open and all the watery rage came spilling out. He pushed aside the dining room chair that was in his way and began striding towards you in hard, long steps. His eyes burned with fire, and only more so when your mother grabbed his arm. "Arthur, please-"

"Get off of me!" He yelled, wrenching your mother's hand off of him and twisting it back. She screamed in pain, clutching her hand, as he dug his fingernails into her hand.

"Hey!" You and Dustin screamed. "Get off of her!" You yelled.

"I told you, don't fucking touch me, bitch!" He ignored the two of you, pushing her back against the chairs, causing her to fall to the floor. He kicked the side of her legs, his smile twisting into a cruel, teethy wolf grin. "Still as weak as the day I met you, I see." He turned towards the two of you, laser eyes beaming into your souls and sadistic smile burning into your brains.

"Fuck you." Your voice quavered. "Get out of our house. Now."

"This is still our house." Your father hissed. "I raised you both here. I brought you home. My name is under this lease. I am your father, and you'll treat me like it."

"No way!" Dustin screamed, running forwards to his mom. As soon as you saw your father raise a hand towards your brother, you saw red. You knew what was coming and you'd never, ever, ever, let your brother go through what you did. Adrenaline pumped through your veins. You ran forwards and pushed your father away from your brother and mom.

Your father fell back, his back scraping the edge of the table as he went and he howled in pain. You snatched up the fire extinguisher in the kitchen and held it over your head, standing over your father, who was trying to get up, groaning about his bad back. He froze as he saw you with the extinguisher.

"You wouldn't." He whispered.

"Would I?" You whispered back, shaking as you held the red metal high up in the air, hands clutching it steadily. "Trust me, I would. I want nothing more than to bash this on your head a shitload of times until you die." It was true- the hatred you harbored for this man, no no matter who he was or what your relation to him was, was strong enough that you could kill him in the bloodiest of ways. You wanted him to feel the same pain he gave your mother for years, the pain he almost caused your brother, the pain he had given you.

"But I won't. I'm not going to prison over the likes of you." You lowered it slightly, testing the limits. "Now get the fuck out of our house. If you come near us again, you'll regret it. Do you understand?"

He glared at you. You brought the extinguisher down, hard, bashing it into the space next to his head. It made a dent into the floor. "I said, do you understand?" You screamed, spit flying from your mouth.

"I understand." Your father muttered quietly. He hobbled to his feet, gripping the edge of the table for support. He held up his hands in surrender as you held the red metal almost like a baseball bat. "I'm going, I'm going!" He stepped back and stumbled over to the door, shutting it quickly behind him. A few seconds later, you heard his car start up and drive away.

You dropped the fire extinguisher and turned to your mother and brother, who stared at you, shaking. Your mother's eyes were haunted, filled with fear. Your brother's eyes were filled with admiration and wonder. He had never seen his sister quite so angry. You had inherited your father's anger issues, for sure, but had never shown them, or let them go out so quickly, like that before. You fell to your knees and came to your mother.

"Come here, baby." Your mother opened her arms, and you fell into them. She held you tightly, as you and Dustin curled into her arms. It was silent for a few minutes, as you all tried to absorb what had just happened. She then spoke up. "He came back, to me. None of his family has wanted him around, his friends have all stopped talking to him, so he came to me. For money, for help. I thought if maybe I just tried to convince him to go to a therapist, to one of those clinics, he may just leave us alone. Get better. He's not the man I- not the man I once knew."

You knew what she really wanted to say. He wasn't the man she once loved. Or still loved, to be exact. And yes, you should be angry with her, for talking to him, for even considering letting him in the house after what he did to your family, but you couldn't. You could never be angry with her. She was just as torn apart and hurt. Besides, she had taken over as a mother completely, raising you and your brother almost completely by herself, and you couldn't forget that.

"I know, Mama." You hugged her tightly, your cheek squishing hers. Dustin laid his head on your knees, arm wrapped around your mom. It was a rather uncomfortable position, but all of you were together.

It was that night that the nightmares began, and it all began to get worse.

"Hey, earth to Y/N!"

You blinked and looked up from your shelf of movies you were restocking. Robin raised a brow at you. She was going to tease you, then saw the worrisome glint in your eye. "Is everything okay with you?"

You nodded quickly, putting on a convincingly bright smile. "Yup! Totally okay. Just got caught up thinking about something."

"Really? Whatever you were thinking about seemed pretty intense." Robin studied your face for any movements or difference in facial expression. Your smile was frozen a bit, but you continued to put on a cheerful facade. "What were you thinking about, Y/N?"

"Nothing. Just your mom's pants on my bedroom floor this morning." You winked at her. Robin scowled at you and flipped you off.

"I don't think Steve is going to like that, is he?" Robin snorted as she took a movie and put it on the shelf.

You glanced around, noticing the clock's time. 11:15. "Hey, where is he, anyways?"

"The dingus?" Robin shrugged. "Who knows. He's late almost every week. Surprised you hadn't noticed, or even blown up his house phone." She gathered an armful of movies for the horror section and carried them over, to begin shelving them. "Surprised Keith hasn't fired him yet."

"What, and only keep two of us?" You stocked your own shelf, smirking. "Like you told Keith, Steve's a total babe magnet. Or at least he used to be. Now he's my boyfriend, and nobody really flirts with him anymore."

"That, and he's a total dork."

You flung an empty case at Robin's head. "Hey!" She exclaimed right as the back employee entrance opened. Steve walked in to see you throw a case at Robin's head.

"What's going on?" He chuckled. The two of you whipped around to see Steve. Robin groaned and rolled her eyes, while you split into a wide smile. Steve smiled back.

"Is there any chance one of you could clock me in?" He asked, scratching his head awkwardly. "I'm, um, kind of late. I would do it myself, but Keith won't give me the override password."

Robin snickered at that. "Yeah, because Keith doesn't like you."

"He does too like me!" Steve defended himself. "He just... hasn't warmed up to me yet, is all."

"Dingus, you've worked here for eight months now. How has he warmed up to me and Y/N but not you?" As the two of them bickered back and forth, you shook your head and walked over behind the desk, tapping in the keys on the rickety computer before stepping back. "There you go, Stevie. You can clock in now."

"Thank you!" Steve exclaimed, hurriedly tapping in his digits. He grabbed your wrist as you started to walk off, making you let out a startled squeal as he pulled you over to him. "Good morning." He murmured as he brushed noses with you, and you looked up at him, smiling. You had spent the night with him last night, and had woken up before him. You had left for work, your shift starting an hour before his did.

"Good morning."

"Kiss?" He pouted like a child, head tilting to the side. You laughed. He really was a dork. You leaned in to kiss him. He kissed you back, keeping one hand on your waist and one cupping your cheek. He pulled you into him, and you sighed in content at the warmth of his body against yours. His tongue brushed your lips, and-

"Hey, shitbirds!"

Robin's annoyed voice broke into your little bubble, as you and Steve pulled back from each other. "What, Robin?" Steve sighed, touching his forehead to yours.

"What do you mean, what? You got here seventeen minutes late, and me and Y/N clocked in over an hour ago. It's your turn." Steve walked over to Robin, and she dumped the box of movies into his arms and pointed to the shelving cart. "You can start with those movies over there. This shit is boring."

Steve sighed as he began to stack the movies and you and Robin began on other tasks. This Friday morning in particular was boring and slow, probably the last slow morning you'd have in a while. Today was the last day of school before spring break, so most customers, especially the teenaged ones, would be busy.

You tramped over to the front of the store, checking the boxes on your "chore sheet" Keith left his employees every day. Next up was rearranging the display case to the newest movies, which was your favorite part of the job. You got to see the newest box of shipments in of the newest movies at the time. You began to stack the movies, glancing up as you noticed a shadow in front of the store. You went back to your movies, then froze, looking back up.

Your dad. You stumbled back and blinked. Your dad's face stared unblinkingly into yours. How had he found your goddamn place of work? He knew nothing about you! That specific Monday night, when he had come to your home a few nights ago, you had immediately called the police and placed a restraining order against him.

Chief Powell, the new chief of police after Hopper, had promised you it would be taken into effect immediately. You trusted Hopper, so you trusted him. Had he lied to you? What was your father doing here? Was he trying to ruin your life?

The sun's rays shone into your face, blocking out the face of your father. The clouds changed, and then your heart dropped. The face turned red for a minute, and then- and then turned out to be some random, middle-aged jogger. He was trying to fix his Walkman. He stared at you through the glass of the store, puzzled at your terrified facial expression at him.

You shook your head, clearing your thoughts and trying to relax. It was just some guy, you reassured yourself. Just some guy.

A hand landed on your shoulder, and you jumped. You looked over to see Steve. He looked worried. "Y/N. Are you okay?"

You stood there for a minute, contemplating an answer. Should you tell him? No, you didn't need him to worry on your behalf. Your father was officially, legally, out of your life, and not a bother to you anymore. Or so you thought.

You mustered the most convincing smile you could bring on. "I'm fine, Steve. Totally fine." You stood back, carefully placing the movie tapes back in the cardboard box. "I'm just a bit tired, is all. I'm going to go get more movies, okay?" He opened his mouth but before he could say anything or stop you, you were headed off to the back room, willing yourself to not break down in front of your boyfriend and best friend.

Steve glanced over at Robin and she shook her head sadly. "Let it be, Steve."

"But-"

"I know, dingus." Robin taped a new poster onto the walls, before climbing down off of the ladder and moving it to a different space. "Trust me, I know she's not doing well. But clearly she doesn't want to talk about it. Not at work. After work: we talk to her and let her know we're here. Okay?"

Steve nodded, though he didn't like the idea. They both knew something was up. The haunted look in your eyes and the dark circles underneath them. The way you seemed to be tuned in, but at the same time you were tuned out, your attention on something far away from here. The way you twitched at every sound nearby, and scratched repeatedly at your wrist, which was turning red and scrapes of flaky skin began to come off and stick under your nails.

"Okay."

In the back, you had locked the door behind you. You collapsed against it, sliding down until your butt hit the floor. You balled the sleeve of your sweater into a fist and bit into it, tears brimming at the corner of your eyes. "Fuck. Fuck, fuck fuck!"

You felt like you were going insane. Ever since Monday night, when you had seen your father again, it seemed like he brought back all the worst symptoms for you. Your anxiety had gotten worse. The headaches were constant. The nightmares, the flashbacks to your younger years when your father still lived with you, were there every. Single. Night. On a few occasions, you had woken up with a nosebleed or started one at work. You cursed your father for making you feel this way again.

What was wrong with you?

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

You stared out the window as you, Steve, Max, Dustin, and Lucas all drove back to town. Max had narrowly escaped the hands of Vecna, and you were scared for her. All of you urged her to keep the headphones on her head, for her own safety. And right now, you were more worried about her safety than your own. But now, it was confirmed.

You were seen by Vecna.

You didn't want to worry about it, not when Max had been so close to the same fate that had killed sweet Chrissy Cunningham. She was a little sister to you, the same fiery, loving little redhead who was friends with your brother and looked up to you, even if she made fun of Steve.

When all of you had been in the counselor's office and seen the files of the other students who had been killed, you didn't want to believe it. The symptoms of theirs and Max's were similar to yours, but everybody had trauma, right? That didn't in any way mean that some sentient humanoid demon from a completely different dimension was after you.

Could it?

Being the stubborn person you were, you couldn't worry about yourself right now. After all, for all you knew, Max seemed to be his main victim right now. You had to worry about Max, protect Max only. And so you kept your mouth shut, and didn't cut in about your symptoms.

For your own good. You settled into the front seat of Steve's car and tried to relax. You felt a finger tap your knuckles and looked up to see Steve giving you a small smile. You smiled back before allowing him to slide his hand into yours, giving it a small squeeze and resting your entwined grasp in the middle. For now, you'd relax and let the current time take you over.

Back at your house, all of you sat in the living room. Max sat on the couch next to you, drumming her fingers along her thigh. You could hear the faint lyrics of "Running Up That Hill" through her headphones and relaxed. She would be safe as long as she kept the song going.

Dustin came back from your hallway closet and dumped a huge pack of batteries in Max's lap. She looked at them, then him, her eyebrows raised. "For your protection." He gave her a thumbs up. "So, um, yeah. Just so your bones don't break into pieces and your eyes don't squish like grapes."

"Yes, that makes me feel so much better." Max said sarcastically, but you could tell she appreciated the gesture as she gripped the pack in her lap tightly. Your heart swelled as you looked at your little brother, who beamed back at the two of you.

"That's a good start, kiddo, but now we need to come up with a plan." Steve began. You liked that he called Dustin "kiddo". He really was like a dad/babysitter, wasn't he? "First off, what the hell is this thing? Vecna? I've never heard of anything like this before when we dealt with the other bullshit going on before this."

"Vecna's a new kind of creature." Lucas spoke up, looking up from the heavy book he had in his lap. The guide to Dungeons and Dragons, flipped open to a page towards the middle. "It's called Vecna's curse. Using his supernatural psychokinetic abilities, Vecna can probe and influence, overtake, the minds of others. Motivated by a cruel philosophy, Vecna targets particularly traumatized or mental individuals." Lucas's eyes slid down to the next paragraph. "Symptoms include headaches, nosebleeds, and nightmares regarding traumatic events the victim may have had in the past.

"Waking hallucinations and memories of the trauma may appear to the victim before death." Lucas finished the paragraph and looked up to Max. Her foot was bouncing in tune to the music as she stared off into space, but you could tell she heard every word Lucas had spoken.

"Max." You gently nudged her shoulder. She looked over at you, took a deep breath, and turned down her music slightly.

"Yeah, I had all that happen to me. Big deal. We already knew about it, you know."

"You didn't tell me." Lucas said softly, an expression of hurt in his face. "You didn't tell any of us." Max looked at her feet as the looks on your faces burned into her. It was too much.

"I'm sorry, alright?"

"You can't keep stuff like that from us, Max!" Dustin burst out. "What if you had died? You used to be our friend! Our friend, Max! And then you just... stopped."

Your hand landed on Dustin's shoulder as you stood up, and he looked up at you. He noticed the tiredness in your gaze and the fear. It had been there for a while now, so he let up a bit. You wanted to agree with Dustin and Lucas, but then you'd just be a hypocrite. You weren't telling them, either, but now your determination to keep it a secret was starting to let up. At the same time, however, Max's life was in danger, and so were others. You had to focus on them first.

"We're all here for you, Max." You murmured, letting your arms wrap around the girl. She immediately reciprocated the hug, leaning into your warm embrace. The rest of you came around, Dustin leaning into your side and Steve kissing the top of your head as Lucas squeezed Max.

You broke away, your eyes tearing up slightly. "I'm, um, gonna be right back. I need a minute." You walked away quickly, walking to your room. You took a deep breath.

You stared at the posters on your wall, taking in the differently colored ones along the wall. Steve always poked fun at you, comparing the differences between Dio and then Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen and then Joan Jett. You leaned up against your wall, staring into the window outside, the overgrown weeds starting to sprout and cover your view to the outside.

"Y/N?"

Dustin's voice cut into your reverie, and you looked up. He gave you a confused look. You mustered your best smile and walked over. "Hey, buddy. What's up?"

"Um... well, you kind of just disappeared on us."

You let out a nervous laugh. "Oh... right. Well, it's okay, Dusty. I'm alright. Just a bit overwhelmed. Nervous, you know? Max isn't doing so well, and it's all been a bit-"

"Liar."

You stopped talking, staring at Dustin, puzzled. "What?"

"I said, you're a liar." Dustin took a step forward and you stared at him, shocked. The tone of his voice was unlike him, as was the cold, hardened look in his eyes.

"Dustin- I-I don't understand-"

"You've been lying to me, Y/N. To Steve. To Mom. To Robin. Everyone around you, who you love, who you claim to care about-" he did finger quotes around care- "you're a LIAR!"

"Dustin, I'm not lying. Seriously, buddy, I'm okay. Don't worry about me, alright?" You tried to play it off like a joke, but the truth was, you were unnerved. This was not like the nature of your sweet, playful little brother.

"Do you think we're a joke?" Dustin asked you, taking a step forwards. You took a step back. "A pawn? Just a little blip in your world? You think you're so much better because you hide from everyone. You break yourself off and act like you're helping. You're not helping anybody. Maybe you think you're superior because you're helping Max by not telling anyone else."

"Dustin, stop."

Dustin paused, then a thought seemed to light up his head. "Or, you know what? Maybe it's for the best. That you die, that you leave us." He gestured to the other room, where your friends were all sitting and talking to Max. "After all, who are you helping anyways? I hear you every night, Y/N. Turning and tossing in your bed. Crying out. Begging for death and release. You're nothing but a goddamn COWARD!"

"STOP!" You screamed, pushing Dustin away. His hand reached out and caught yours. His hand morphed into something else, red and slimy and rough. You screamed as you looked up and the shape of your little brother turned into something else.

Vecna, the creature of nightmares. Something you thought only existed in your little brother and his friends' games. His face was horrifying to look at, so you tugged your hand away and attempted to run. The scenery around you had changed, no longer the comfort of your room, now a new place, filled with red, smelling like blood and metal, vines snaking around yourself. Blood dripped from the sky and you looked up.

In another place, in your room, you were still there. Your body was rigid, your eyes were closed tightly, and you were motionless. Dustin was screaming at you to wake up, shaking your shoulders and begging you to come back.

"Y/N! Please, please, I'm- oh shit, oh God, what the hell!" He cried, slapping your face in desperation to wake you up. "Goddammit, guys, get in here!"

Lucas, Max, and Steve rushed into the room. Steve yelled out as he saw you in the same state he had seen Max- recognizing the rigidness of your body, the unresponsiveness, the eyes tightly screwed up, not aware of the real world around you. He rushed over and copied after Dustin.

"Oh no." Max whispered, catching you in the same state she had been. She wasn't the only one, and she felt even worse for not knowing- how had she not known, noticed the symptoms? You were following suit in her path.

There was no time to worry about that, however, as she shook herself out of her reverie and returned to her normal state, determined and fired up. "Guys!" She yelled, and they looked over at her. "Favorite song- now!" They scrambled into action.

Meanwhile, you were attempting to run as fast as you could from the demon. You didn't see a way out, but any way away from this Vecna creature was a good way. You yelped as you felt vines wrap around your feet, pulling you in, falling onto the floor and your chin hit the rough dirt. There was definitely a bruise to be formed. You dug your hands into the ground, caking dirt under your fingernails, digging your shoes into the ground for some type of semblance, some stability. There was no use as you were lifted into the air and your back slammed into a tree.

You struggled heavily, looking around yourself and your surroundings. You whimpered as you saw the other victims- Chrissy and Fred: their eye sockets black holes staring into the void, their limbs twisted and broken beyond repair, heads hanging limply. Was this the way you were going to die? You didn't like it very much.

"Don't be afraid, little one."

You struggled violently as you saw the face of the creature you had seen outside of Family Video the other day. The one who had replaced your monster of a father, revealed to be a monster himself. He had scaly, red skin, almost like it was an interior of a face, ripped away. Long, winding arms with sharp claws, and a long body that towered over yours.

He slithered closer to you. "I'm here to make all the bad things go away. I've seen it all inside your brain, you know." You struggled violently, and though you tried to squirm away, he reached out and touched your forehead with one of those long nails.

Memories and flashbacks hit your brain, but only the bad ones. The ones you tried to hide away from yourself and others.

"Get off of her, Daddy!" You cried, holding your teddy in one hand and your free hand attempting to tug your father's arm away from your mom. Eight years old, in elementary school, learning all your shapes and colors and numbers already, and here you were, knowing something most children your age didn't (or didn't need to) know. Self-defense.

Your father continued, spit flying from his mouth and his face contorted with anger as he spewed hatred at your mother with his words and fists. He landed a punch on the side of her face, hitting her cheek and hearing a small crack! Your mother let out a cry of pain and you let out an anguished wail.

"I said, stop it, Daddy!" You cried, pulling harder. Your father let out a growl of frustration, before leaning over, snatching your arm in a bruising grip, and flinging you away, hard. You were thrown across the room, your head hitting the opposite wall, immediately met with a splitting ache in your head and crying out. Your brother, Dustin, three years old at the time, let out another wail, too confused to know what was going on, just knowing he didn't like seeing his Mommy and Sissy being hurt.

You touched a hand to your head and brought it back out in front of your face. Blood. It stained across your hand. You took a look at your mother, who was trying to back away from your father as he balled his hands into fists, looking down at her, and your brother, clutching onto your leg for support and looking up at you, scared.

Your mother looked at you from between your father's legs, planted firmly apart and raising a hand again. She mouthed, GO.

You took your brother's hand and ran away, away from the chaos and the loud and the pain, and into your own domain- the closet in your room. It never quite blocked out the screams, or the sound of the cops breaking down the door.

It went on for a year, the same process every single time.

"Oh, yes, you never were that big a fighter, were you?" Vecna's voice, so much like a suffocating blanket and a rough wave of ocean water, discomforting and drowning, smoothed over your ears. The vines had slid across your face, roping over your mouth. You could do nothing but kick violently and let tears stream down your face.

"It's alright, Y/N." All of this will come to a close, just you wait." He began to raise his hand.

"Favorite song- oh shit, what's her favorite song?" Dustin wracked her brains. "It's- oh, shit, we dance to it all the time!"

"How do you not know it, then?" Lucas yelled as he dug through your drawers, desperately searching for more tapes. Steve and Dustin clawed through your box of music, tossing each one aside.

"Madonna, Blondie, Bowie, Beatles? Music, we need music!" Steve shouted. "It's all generic, man!"

"AH-HA!" Dustin shouted, startling the others. He dug the tape out and held it in the air triumphantly. "THIS! It's the one she's been obsessed with lately! It's called like, um, "Alone" or something-"

"I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany!" Steve snatched the tape from Dustin. "I remember!"

"Great, now load it up!" Max exclaimed, holding out your Walkman. Steve emptied the last tape that was in it and shoved the Tiffany's new album into it. He loaded up the song and shoved the headphones onto your head.

Vecna's hand had started to rise above your face and open, revealing the insides of his hand, blocking almost all of your view. And then you heard the beginning notes of a song. It was strange, and a bit random for the time you were in right now, but you recognized it.

The first time you had ever heard the song was a month ago right after it came out and it became a radio hit. You had driven to pick Dustin up from Hawkins High School. You knew it had been a bad day the moment he slid into the front seat of your car.

"Hey, bud!" You said cheerfully as he threw his backpack into your backseat, along with his DND things. "How was school today?"

"It sucked." He muttered, slumping into his seat and crossing his arms. You raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I could tell when you threw your stuff like it was worthless shit in my backseat. What happened?"

Dustin picked at his fingernails. Instead of answering the question, he asked; "Do you think I'm a loser?"

"What?" You exclaimed, as you pulled up to the exit and to the edge of the street, waiting on traffic to come through before you could. "Why? Who called you a loser?"

"Lots of people. Everyday." Dustin shrugged. "But today some asshole tripped me and I lost all my shit on the floor. I can't even find all of my pieces, either. It happens all the time, Y/N, and I don't know... maybe I should just give it up."

"Hey." You said sternly. Dustin looked over at you. "You don't give up, you hear me? Other people don't know what the fuck they're talking about. Nobody in this world is better than anybody else, no matter what they like to tell themselves. Other people are stupid, and..."

"We're not stupid." Dustin finished your sentence. The horn behind you honked impatiently as you huffed and turned onto the street.

"Yes. Exactly."

Just then, you heard the song on the radio. The beginning tunes, the catchy rhythm of your newest favorite by Tiffany.

Children, behave That's what they say when we're together

You gasped and turned up the radio quickly. Dustin looked at you like you were insane but couldn't help but smile as you began to move in your seat a bit in tune. "Dusty, look! It's your favorite song!"

"You mean, your favorite song," Dustin corrected but you waved him off. "Watch how you playyyyy," you sang out, "they don't understand-" at this lyric, you pointed to the back, flipping off the school you were driving away from, and Dustin rolled his eyes, a wide smile overtaking his face.

"And so we're, running just as fast as we can," Dustin started, and you grinned widely.

"Holding onto another one's hand-" and the two of you linked hands, and Dustin smiled the smile he had hated for years, and you loved..

The memory morphed into another.

"This is your favorite song right now?" Steve snorted as he watched you bop around your room, holding a hairbrush like it was a microphone. "The one where she just repeats the same lyric over and over again?"

"It's not just that, Stevie." You whined, dancing closer to him, and pointed to your radio. "It's the way she sings it! And how she sings it! And her audience, us, we get exactly what she's telling us."

"Oh really? What is she telling us then?" Steve watched as you sauntered over and leaned over him, giving him a mischievous smile.

"It's about forbidden love and running away together." You began. "But the cheekier side, the more saucy side, if you will, is about being alone and together... how you can be rebellious and as adventerous as you like." You traced a finger on his arm, and he shivered.

"What kind of rebellious are we talking here?" Steve smirked, leaning into to your face. You leaned in too, reaching a hand out to him. He took it without thinking, and you yanked him to his feet.

"The dancing kind!" You cheered on, as Steve groaned, having fallen into your trap. He obliged anyways.

Trying to get away into the night And then you put your arms around me And we tumble to the ground and then you say

"I think we're alone now," You sang, holding Steve's hand and laughing as he twirled you around and around. "Doesn't seem to be anyone around."

Maybe the song wasn't Steve's favorite, but what mattered is he put up with it for you. He loved you and he would do anything for you. Your eyes opened and you remembered where you were again- in Vecna's world.

You stretched your head slightly, and in the distance, you could slightly make out the shape of your figure, which had risen into the air, hovering above your friends. Steve, Dustin, Max, and Lucas tugged at your feet. Steve and Dustin were especially desperate as they cried out for you to come back to them.

A surge of anger and adrenaline coursed through your veins. You had to get out of this bullshit, now. You watched as Vecna's hand closed over your face, the action having him come closer as well. You reached out and yanked at his neck, closing onto a weak patch of skin and pulling.

The creature roared in pain and stumbled back. The vines weakened, as did the grip on you. You tumbled out of the veins, tearing out of them like bushes. You brushed debris off of you and took off running, seeing that space in the distance where you were in the air.

I think we're alone now The beating of our hearts is the only sound

You focused on the beat of the music, the soft instruments in the background, tuning it in with your feet. It was like it was guiding you in a way, as you ducked obstacles, running to your fate.

Look at the way we gotta hide what we're doin' 'Cause what would they say If they ever knew? And so we're-

Running and ducking up a hill, it was taking away your breath, wearing your feet down, but you leapt, stumbling slightly as rocks crashed down, one scraping your knee. You willed yourself to remember none of this real and your real, warm body was out there, on just the other side.

If only you could just reach it-

Running just as fast as we can Holding onto one another's hand Trying to get away into the night-

You leapt through the space and suddenly you were awake. You opened your eyes and gasped, your body falling through air and onto your friends below. Steve caught you, as you spread out in front of everyone, panting and crying and panicking. Dustin ripped the headphones off of your head, the music playing faintly around your neck, crying in relief as he noticed no physical damage to your body.

"Y/N, you're okay, you're fine." Steve soothed you, his voice like butter in your ear. He hugged you tightly to him, tightly enough you could feel the way his entire body shook. "You're okay."

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x fem!reader #steve harrington x henderson!reader #steve harrington x you #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things fic #steve harrington

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