Just Like Heaven

by LilFluffyBunBun

Summary:

Steve was the most awarded angel for so many years, one of the most bravest warriors when it came to defending heaven during the war between heaven and hell. But after a grave mistake that caused them to strip his title, he was shunned. To try to restore his reputation, he decides to become one of the guardian angels that goes down to earth, disguising as a human and trying to do good with the people he was assigned. While doing his assignment, he bumps into a demon in disguise, spending too much time with the kid he’s supposed to help. Its leads to them bumping halos and horns with one another. But sooner or later, they will realize, the are not so different despite working for opposite sides.

Chapter 1

Summary:

Steve begs for another chance after being stripped of his title.

Notes:

Finally able to start this 😇❤️😈AU!

This doesn't follow anything religious. This is just that I like the idea of angels and demons using Steddie.

Hope you enjoy!

“As a consequence of your reckless behavior during these challenging times, you will be stripped of your highest titles as a Powers. You will no longer hold the esteemed position of one of our warrior angels and will be relegated to spending time among the lower ranks.” A loud voice echoes across a large crowd of angelic beings. From the lowest ranks to the highest leaders, they all watch as one of their own faces judgment.

 

Steve presents himself confidently, dressed in a crisp all-white jacket, tailored pants, and a neatly tucked-in white polo. His hair is well-groomed, and his feathers are impeccably arranged as he looks up at the esteemed leader above him. His polished appearance reflects a sense of propriety, strangely suited for the darkest occasion.

 

“You will be spending significantly more time with the lowest angels. Bidding to whatever they say and causing less harm to those around you, do you understand?”

 

Steve gazes intently at the celestial surroundings, taking in the shimmering golden light that bathes the ethereal realm. The other angels, their wings glistening like polished silver, huddle in small clusters, their soft voices creating a melodic hum that fills the air. Their expressions range from curious to contemplative as they engage in quiet conversations, occasionally glancing in Steve's direction, their eyes bright with intrigue and wonder. The atmosphere is charged with an inexplicable energy, as if the very essence of their divine existence is alive with possibilities. Exhibiting a complete lack of remorse, the individual engages in malicious gossip about the angel, facing the painful process of losing everything he holds dear. This heartless behavior continues despite witnessing the profound distress and turmoil that their words are inflicting on someone already vulnerable and in a precarious situation.

 

“Is that clear, Stephanus?”

 

Steve pivoted slowly, his shoulders slumping as he faced the source of the assertive voice. A deep, resigned sigh escaped his lips, thick with the weight of defeat, echoing the struggle he carried within. “Crystal…”

 

“Good. Meeting adjourned!” As the process concluded, the angels gradually departed to resume their responsibilities in serving the heavenly realm.

 

Feeling the weight of the day pressing down on him, Steve was gently ushered out of the courthouse by his former acquaintances. They navigated through the sprawling halls, trying to avoid the prying eyes of curious onlookers. The whispers of the spectators, reminiscent of distant murmurs in a crowded room, seemed to echo against the stark walls. As they flutter away, the late afternoon sun streamed through the high windows, casting long shadows on the polished floor, starkly contrasting the lingering tension in Steve's mind.

 

“Oof, Dominion Evangeline was not happy in there. What did you even do that made her so angry?” Thomas spoke in low tones.

 

“Did you catch wind of what transpired? It spread like wildfire among the heavens… our valiant warrior, once revered, had tragically lost his celestial sword to the clutches of demons! With that weapon in their possession, they unleashed chaos, decimating our ranks with a fury we couldn't withstand. It took sheer might to vanquish the monstrous fiend, but the damage was done, leaving us battered and retreating in sorrow,” spoke Nathanial in a poetic manner.

 

“It was an accident! You and everyone else were not there!” Steve tried to defend, feeling guilt and frustration eat him whole.

 

“You have brought shame into the heavens, Stephanus….” Nathanial concluded as they continued into a designated section where the busy lower-class angels cluster.

 

Steve gazes in awe at the angels as they move gracefully among themselves, their luminous forms shimmering in the ethereal light of heaven. They collaborate effortlessly, their wings fluttering like the pages of a gently turning book, creating new worlds filled with vibrant colors and enchanting melodies. Laughter bubbles up from their celestial gatherings, a sound so pure and joyful that it fills the air around them, echoing like a sweet symphony. Each angel appears to radiate happiness, their faces glowing with delight as they play and interact with one another, truly reveling in the bliss of their heavenly existence. It’s a scene that exudes warmth and joy, clarifying that their time in heaven is as much about connection and fun as creation and inspiration.

 

Steve couldn’t shake the feeling that what he was experiencing was more of a blessing than a punishment. However, that sentiment shifted dramatically when he was ushered into a sterile office starkly contrasted to the vibrant scenes he had witnessed outside. Inside this room, a group of radiant angels buzzed with purpose, their wings glimmering softly in the gentle light. They were engaged in rigorous training, diligently preparing themselves to take on the vital role of guardian angels.

 

The air was filled with determination as they practiced their skills, honing their abilities to descend into the mortal realm. Each angel focused intently, sharing knowledge and strategies to guide those on Earth toward virtuous paths and away from darkness. Steve could see how much this mission meant to them. Each angel was not just preparing for their own journey but also for the responsibility of mentoring future souls, instilling in them the importance of doing good and resisting the allure of evil. The atmosphere was charged with hope and purpose, leaving Steve both awed and inspired.

 

“What are they doing?” Steve asks, not taking his eyes off them.

 

“They’re guardian angels.” An angel appears out of the office, “Dedicated to the protection of humanity, we are committed to assisting individuals on Earth in cultivating goodness, thereby enabling their potential for ascension to higher realms upon the conclusion of their earthly journey.”

 

“Is that what I’m going to be doing?” Steve gazes at the train of angels, feeling that the experience is as intense as stepping into the unknown.

 

He remembers vivid images of the ancient clash between demons and angels centuries ago, when the fierce combat of celestial beings darkened the sky. Ethereal wings clashed against twisted, shadowy forms, and the air crackled with the energy of their otherworldly powers. The angels, radiant in their luminescent splendor, fought valiantly to uphold righteousness, while the demons, born from darkness, unleashed chaos and destruction. This epic battle, marked by valor and despair, echoes through the ages, a haunting reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil.

 

“Oh, heavens no, child.” The angel lets out a derisive chuckle aimed squarely at Steve, its voice a mocking melody that drips with condescension. With shimmering wings unfurled, it hovers just above him, its radiant presence contrasting sharply with the disdain in its expression. “An angel like yourself molding a young human mind? Terribly sorry, but this is not the same as fighting in a war!”

 

Steve feels embarrassment rise to his cheeks as the sound echoes around him, like a taunt hanging in the air, lingering long enough to pierce his defenses.

 

“Dominion Evangeline has sent over your new duties…follow me, Stephanus.”

 

The guards released Steve as the angel followed the archangel in front of him towards the back, into a small desk with a large stack of scripts piled up.

 

“Uh….I don’t understand.” Steve questions.

 

The archangel chuckles, “Evangeline believes someone like you must take on a more valuable role—filing scrolls, assisting angels in locating documents, and serving as a scribe for all of heaven.”

 

“A scribe…” Steve repeats, “But I was a warrior. I know how to fight and protect!”

 

“Well, you should have fought and protected your kind then, huh?” The archangel maintained his patronizing smile without a hint of faltering. “Now, get used to your new role. Look at everything and organize those sitting around for thousands of years.”

 

Steve glides over to his new desk, his eyes scanning the towering pile of scrolls that looms like a small mountain before him. From glances, they date back to the early development of humans.

 

The angel sighs, This is going to take centuries to complete…

 

---

Steve gazed around the recording room, a sense of frustration washing over him. Piles of papers were strewn across the tables and floor, each a testament to his chaotic attempt to develop a more efficient document organization system. He couldn't quite recall how many hours had slipped away since he started this project, but one thing was clear: the room was now in even worse disarray than when he had first arrived. The once tidy space was cluttered with assorted files, shiny notes stuck on the walls, and half-opened folders, creating an overwhelming confusion that overshadowed his initial intentions. Clearly, the method he was trying to concoct had become a tangled web of his own making.

 

It’s overwhelming for him to think about this… it feels impossible to endure for so long.

 

The angel poked his head out of the record room, glancing around the office before heading into a training room where he noticed a couple of guardian angels practicing their combat skills. Picking up a weapon, he goofs off, pretending to fight with it, mocking how angels could use this to mold human minds.

 

Steve startles at the sound of a booming voice and floats toward the source of the noise.

 

“This is impossible, Azrael! The children down there are a lost cause! They’ve spent so much time with demons that I see no hope for change. They've even resorted to humiliating me, treating me like I’m just a common human, which is completely unacceptable.”

 

“We need to try, Jason…we can’t give up. Not on anyone…” The Archangel responds, making Jason huff.

 

“They have already succumbed to corruption! Engaging in enchantments and similar practices, they gather praise for the Demon Edward!”

 

“Just find ways to get rid of the demon…” Azrael sighs in annoyance.

 

Steve pokes his head into the room to chime in, “Sounds like you need an angel more skillful with a sword for this job!”

 

“Stephanus…please. Return to your work!” Archangel Azrael looks at him, more annoyed.

 

“Please, archangel! Give me this assignment!” Steve begs. “Maybe I can help them!”

 

“Absolutely not, Stephanus! You have strict orders from Evangeline.”

 

“Look, I made one mistake that is costing me dearly! I want to prove that I can be trusted! Send me down to the humans to complete this task. If I’m wrong and messed it all up, then you can keep me as a scribe for eternity. But if I prove myself right, I also want my old titles back and my position!”

 

“You cannot be serious! Those humans will destroy you!” Jason looks appalled at Steve.

 

“I’ll take my chances, " Steve says, turning to Azrael. “Do we have a deal?”

 

Archangel Azrael stands in quiet contemplation, his luminous wings shimmering like the dawn, as he gazes down upon the fallen form of what was once a magnificent Warrior Angel—inspecting all the possible outcomes and whether this will end negatively.

 

 A plus side to this would be the absence of this troublesome angel roaming the heavens for a while.

 

“Very well, Stephanus. You have yourself a deal.”

Notes:

Side note: If you noticed, my writing style has changed a little. This project is mostly use to try to exercise using bigger words and trying to expand my vocabulary. If the wording is too much to understand, please let me know. I think I spent more time using a Thesaurus than about writing 😅

Find me on Bsky, X, and Tumblr: LilFluffyBunBun

Chapter 2

Summary:

Steve begins his assignment on earth, but it’s not as easy as he assumed.

Notes:

Thanks for coming back to find out what happens! :3

Hope you enjoy!

Steve leans precariously near the edge of the shimmering clouds, the soft, fluffy white expanse billowing around him like a gentle sea. With curiosity dancing in his eyes, he tips his body forward, peering down into the vast abyss below. His heart races as he spots the familiar escalators, carved from glistening stone and bathed in golden light, descending gracefully into the mortal realm.

 

“Stephanus, remember this: Fail, and everything you love will be lost to you forever.” The final words spoken by Azrael linger in his thoughts as he gazes at the stairway leading to Earth.

 

The angel underwent a short training session with another guardian angel to enhance its skills and knowledge in fulfilling its duties. Inspire him to be patient and to embody poise and kindness, reflecting the angelic spirit within him. He plans to have an alias when he goes to spend time in a small town called “Hawkins.”

 

Taking a deep breath, Steve takes a step on the escalator and descends into the beam of light.

 

Here goes nothing…

 

---

The angel surveyed his eerie surroundings, enveloped in a shroud of darkness and swirling fog that clung to the ground like a dense blanket. He found himself standing in the center of an empty road, where the stillness of the night was only broken by the occasional rustle of leaves. The nearby homes sat in complete silence, their windows darkened and lights extinguished, suggesting that the inhabitants were nestled in the depths of slumber.

 

With a flicker of determination, Steve unfurled his magnificent wings, each feather catching glimmers of moonlight. He began to flap them gently, lifting himself into the night sky. As he ascended, a soft, radiant glow radiated from his form, illuminating the foggy air around him and casting a warm light on the desolate street below. The shimmering aura he exuded painted the night with hints of gold and silver, creating a stark contrast against the muted tones of the world asleep beneath him.

 

As Steve scanned his surroundings, his gaze fell upon an imposing mansion that loomed in the distance. Its weathered facade, with ivy creeping up the stone walls and ornate gables jutting into the sky, gave off an aura of long-forgotten grandeur. The windows, dark and still, seemed to hold secrets within, while the overgrown gardens surrounding the estate hinted at years of neglect. A chilling silence enveloped the place, amplifying his uneasy feeling as he sensed an absence of human life within those walls. One perfect place to borrow while doing this mission.

 

With a graceful flick of his finger, the door clicks open, inviting the angel to step inside. However, as he glides forward, he quickly realizes that his magnificent, outstretched wings are too grand to fit through the entrance. He pauses, caught between the wonder of the space before him and the awkward predicament of being ensnared by his own celestial splendor.

 

“Oh, heaven sakes…” he groans.

 

With a snap of his fingers, his wings shimmer and dissolve into a surge of light, retreating into the angel’s back as if folding into a hidden dimension. He expertly dims his celestial glow, the halo above his head fading away like a whisper in the wind. As he steps inside, a sense of purpose fills the air; the door swings shut behind him with a mere flick of his finger, sealing his entry into the room.

 

As Steve strolled down the grand hallway, he couldn't help but notice the layers of dust clinging to the walls and furniture, as if the mansion were shyly hiding its true charm. The opulence of the place whispered of past elegance, muffled by neglect. With a graceful flick of his wrist, the angel transformed the scene before him—dust vanished, soft light flooded the space, and the hum of electricity began to dance through the air, breathing new life into the once-forgotten beauty of the home.

 

As he stepped into the kitchen, he was struck by its elegant design, pristine and beautiful. Yet, despite its visual allure, there was an unmistakable absence of warmth in the air. Sensing the chill, the angel snapped his fingers, unleashing a wave of warmth that enveloped the room. Instantly, the kitchen transformed, radiating a cozy charm that invited anyone to linger a little longer.

 

The living room is draped in tarps, with designs that aren’t too shabby, but they just don't resonate with the angel's refined taste. Another wave of miracles and the home begins to form into the angel’s likings.

 

---

As the sun begins to rise, casting a golden glow across the sleepy town of Hawkins, an angel embarks on a sacred mission. In a burst of divine creativity, he crafts a new identity – Steve Harrington, an eager new student stepping into the whirlwind of his senior year at Hawkins High School.

 

But Steve has his work cut out for him; he must seek out a group of kids known as the “Hellfire Club,” where a spirited young boy named Dustin lies at the heart of their adventures. The angel's mission? To gently coax Dustin away from the clutches of this ragtag crew, all while keeping a wary eye on a sinister demon named Edward, a notorious figure sent to disrupt their lives, as warned by the guardian angel Jason.

 

Yet, this celestial warrior is not one to shy away from a challenge. Armed with determination and a heart full of hope, he sets out to navigate the complex world of high school, ready to face whatever perils await. After all, he’s fought battles far greater than this one—how hard could it be?

 

As Steve stood before the mirror, he scrutinized his reflection, piecing together an outfit suitable for the school day ahead. He slipped on a soft, cream-colored pullover sweater, its cozy texture wrapping around him like a warm hug, perfectly complemented by a pair of light-washed jeans that hugged his frame just right. His white Nike shoes, gleaming and fresh, added a touch of sporty flair to his ensemble.

 

With a hint of determination, he began to style his hair, inspired by the glossy magazines strewn across the bathroom counter. He deftly pushed his hair to the side, allowing a cascade of strands to fall gracefully, while the longer mullet in the back added an edgy twist. He stepped back to assess his look, hoping to blend in effortlessly with his peers as he prepared to face the day.

 

Glancing at the clock, he steps outside, a sense of anticipation building within him. With a wave of his hand, a sleek vehicle materializes, perfectly suited to his taste and befitting the modern age. After a brief exchange for directions, he sets off towards the school, the thrill of adventure sparking in his veins.

 

---

As Steve stepped through the bustling entrance of the high school, an immediate wave of attention washed over him. Students paused mid-conversation, their eyes flicking towards him with a mix of curiosity and disdain. Exchanging whispers that floated through the air like sharp whispers of gossip. Each sidelong glance felt like a spotlight, amplifying the sense of unease that settled in Steve’s chest.

 

“Oh my gosh, look at that cutie straight ahead” whispers one girl to her friends.

 

“Oh, look at that ass” another bites her lips as the angel passes by.

 

“Looks like we have fresh meat this school year.” With a mischievous grin, one guy leaned closer to his friends, their eyes all glued to Steve. In a split second, he cleverly swung his leg out, sending the unsuspecting angel tumbling to the ground in a humorous twist. A chorus of laughter erupts from a nearby group of students, their amusement echoing off the walls. The vibrant chatter of the student body momentarily pauses as they take in the comical scene, some jostling each other to catch a better view of the spectacle.

 

 The angel was confused. According to those magazines, he’s supposed to be fitting in- right?

 

A teen boy approaches him with a girl trailing behind with her schoolbooks. He helps him up, a flicker of curiosity in their eyes, hinting at unspoken questions that linger in the air.

 

 “You’re new, right?” the boy asks softly.

 

Steve's gaze locked onto him, and he blinked rapidly, caught off guard. A mix of confusion and contemplation danced in his eyes as he struggled to find the words to respond. “Oh, uh, yes I am.”

 

“I figured. You sort of scream new with how lost you look.” The teen boy explains.

 

“Never been to school before” Steve gave a sheepish smile to the boy.

 

 “Homeschooled?” the girl asks.

 

 “In a way” Steve shrugs.

 

“I’m Jonathan. This is Nancy” the teen boy introduces.

 

“Steve” the angel responds.

 

“So, Steve, have you gotten your schedule? Or know what classes you have?” Nancy curiously tilts her head and asks him.

 

“Oh…uh…” Steve glanced at the duo, a frown creasing his brow. He had thought this assignment would be a straightforward path to reclaiming his title, but it quickly dawned on him that it would be far more challenging than he ever anticipated. What he had envisioned as an easy win was turning into a formidable test of his skills and resolve.

 

“Thought so. Come on, we’ll help” Nancy responds.

 

Steve observes the humans in front of him and decides to follow their lead.

Notes:

Find me on X, Tumblr, Bsky: LilFluffyBunBun

Chapter 3

Summary:

Steve meets Eddie and the Hellfire Club

Notes:

Welcome back to the next chapter.

Hope you enjoy!

As Steve navigates the whirlwind of high school alongside Nancy and Jonathan, he quickly discovers that the chaos he faced on the battlefield has found its way into the hallways. He witnesses the fierce clashes between teens, similar to the angel’s experience at the demonic battlegrounds. Their confrontations remind him of the adrenaline-fueled moments when he threw himself against fearsome creatures and beasts, equally intense and unpredictable. High school, it seems, is just another type of battlefield.

 

In his classes, he realized that being immortal made it easy to answer all the questions. All angelic beings knew the answers to everything about history, mathematics, and science.

 

Unfortunately, it puts him in the same group as the lower forms harassed in school. By midday, he found himself in a similar situation, face pressed against the cold porcelain of a toilet bowl, enduring kicks and shoves as he struggled to maintain his composure. Despite the relentless bullying, he remembered the principles he stood by: as an angel, his strength was not meant for retaliation but for a higher purpose. His battles were reserved for confronting demons, not for fighting back against those who sought to bring him down. When the circumstances allow, Steve presents himself in a polished manner, appearing as if he is in excellent condition, and continues to engage in his responsibilities throughout the school day.

-

When the final bell rang on his first day of school, he trailed behind Jonathan and Nancy, his footsteps echoing their confident strides. It felt like he was a lost puppy, eager to find his pack in a world that suddenly seemed vast and unfamiliar. He felt a deep joy in discovering so much about these two young individuals who had chosen to call him their friend.

 

He discovered that Jonathan is truly captivated by photography! It’s exhilarating to see his sheer enthusiasm for capturing moments, transforming a simple click into a stunning visual story. Watching him immersed in creating images with his camera is nothing short of inspiring. Every time his picture is snapped, an enchanting, luminous aura surrounds him, leaving the young man both astonished and frustrated. He can’t help but wonder if the camera is somehow overexposing the shot, but deep down, there's a thrill in knowing he’s radiating such vibrant energy. He shares a cozy, tiny home with his mom and younger brother, whom he loves and looks out for with all his heart. Now that their dad's out of the picture, Steve doesn’t know if he should feel sad or relieved. The way he tenses up when talking about his father makes it seem like it’s probably for the best that he’s not around anymore.

 

Nancy excitedly shares her deep passion for journalism, her eyes sparkling as she describes the thrill of uncovering stories and giving a voice to the voiceless. She dreams of breaking free from traditional roles and being recognized for her potential beyond the expectations of being just a simple girl in the kitchen or a housewife. She yearns to achieve more and make a meaningful impact because she believes that women are capable of much more than society often allows them to be. Steve had never thought about it that way—that women could be so much more than just one thing. He usually notices how some men act as if a woman’s only role is to please them, focusing solely on having children and fulfilling their needs. It’s refreshing to see a young person with such a bright mind, pushing boundaries and achieving so much more than many men combined. Nancy shares her experiences of living with her mom and dad, and it’s always an adventure being the big sister to her younger brother and sister. The angel could never truly understand the warmth and complexity of sibling relationships. He exists in a realm of solitude created from pure light eons ago alongside the other angels. Though he reasons that the other angels might resemble siblings, he deeply longs for the bonds and shared experiences of having a true family.

 

The fun ended when Jonathan said he planned to take his brother home after school and then head to work for a shift.

 

“I’ll come with you, Jon. I have to pick up Mike from their stupid club. What’s it called again?” Nancy cheerfully walks alongside him, taking her time to farewell the angel warmly.

 

“The Hellfire Club. Run by Munson and his friends.” Jonathan informs them.

 

“He’s still around? I thought he’d graduated already!” Nancy questions, rolling her eyes a bit.

 

Jonathan shrugs, “He would if he actually went to class.”

 

Steve's heart races at the mention of the club. Could this be the thrilling twist his mission has been waiting for?

 

“What is this hellfire club?” the angel asks, his curiosity crossing his face.

 

“Oh, it’s a club that our brothers play with a bunch of their friends, and it involves demons, monsters, and such,” Nancy informs him.

 

“Demons? Monsters? There are such beasts here at a high school?” Steve gazes at them with a fierce protective intensity, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he’s silently measuring the potential threats around his young companions. The teens exchange puzzled glances, unsure of what to make of his watchful demeanor, their carefree banter stalling under the weight of his scrutiny.

 

“It’s a game. Pure fantasy,” Jonathan chuckles, making the angel relax. “It can be fun if you sorta understand the rules.

 

“Although, based on how the parents and school behave, they will probably ban the game eventually.” Nancy sighs.

 

“Aw, Will is going to be bummed if they do…” Jonathan furrows his brows, pouts a little.

 

“Can I come to see this hellfire?” The angel begs.

 

“I guess so. Come on. They are probably in the theater.” Nancy leads.

 

---

Approaching the theater from behind, the angel sensed a demonic aura behind the door. If it weren’t for the fact that humans surround him, he would have already changed into his angelic form, preparing himself to take down the satanic forms.

 

With a soft knock on the door, Nancy stood poised, her heart racing in anticipation. Suddenly, a voice called out from within, echoing through the stillness and heightening the suspense.

 

“Enter if you please.” The voice attempts to convey authority and dignity.

 

As the teenager opened the door, a strong smell hit Steve, making him slightly uneasy. He followed Nancy and Jonathan inside and found ten people gathered around a table. At the far end of the table sat a person with long black hair and wide, expressive eyes. He was wearing a shirt that said “Hellfire Club” and featured some graphic designs. He appeared calm and self-assured as he lifted his gaze toward the door.

 

“Ah! Madam Wheeler! Mister Byers! What joy to see you two! We were just about to conclude our adventures for today.” The figure begins to speak in a notably formal manner.

 

“Awwwww, come on, Eddie!!!!! Just a little more?!” A boy wearing a cap is expressing dissatisfaction, displaying a tendency to whine. He has long curls that appear to mimic the style of his leader.

 

“No can-do, Henderson. We can continue next week! You will have to be patient like the rest of us.” Eddie gently pats the top of the boy's head, a warm smile playing on his lips as the child playfully swats back at him with small, enthusiastic hands. The laughter of their companions fills the air, a chorus of delight that enhances the lighthearted atmosphere surrounding them.

 

“That’s bullshit!” one of the other teens chimes in.

 

“Language!” Steve appears to be saying out of habit, as being angelic, triggering everyone in the room to look in his direction.

 

“And you might be….?” Eddie's gaze bore into him, a shadowed intensity flickering behind his eyes, as if veiled secrets and unspoken thoughts were swirling within.

 

“I’m Steve.” The angel introduces himself.

 

“He’s new to Hawkins High,” Jonathan informs.

 

Eddie gazes into the angel’s eyes before giving him a smirk. “Welcome, then, Stevie. To the school of hell. Home to the town of Hell, as is Hawkins.”

 

Laughter erupts, mingling with excited chatter and cheers that fill the air. But amidst the merriment, Steve can't help but furrow his brows in concern. Something is unsettling about Eddie—no, it can't be just Eddie; he's definitely the demon Edward. The air around him is thick with an unmistakable demonic aura, a scent that sends shivers down Steve's spine.

 

“Thanks. It’s been okay so far. Nothing Hellish about it.” The angel remarks, tension heard in his voice.

 

“Only in time, Sweetheart.” Eddie winks at him, making the angel frown some more.

 

Jonathan clears his throat, hoping to ease the tension, “Anyways, I’m here to pick up Will.”

 

“Same with Mike,” Nancy chimes in.

 

“Guys, you are dismissed. Henderson, Sinclair. You guys have rides?” Eddie smiles while asking the teens.

 

“My mom should be coming soon; she’ll give Dustin and me a ride.” One of the boys chimes in.

 

“See ya around then, guys!” One of the girls bid goodbye, waving with such a bubbly smile.

 

The moment every human being teen leaves the room, everything begins to darken along with the aura. Steve stands transfixed as he witnesses the remaining six members, their eyes igniting with a crimson glow, each intensifying the air around them. Their expressions twist into fierce scowls, directed menacingly toward the angel, who appears almost ethereal in contrast. The tension is palpable, as the atmosphere crackles with unspoken fury and defiance, setting the stage for an impending clash.

 

They’re all demons.

 

“What is an angel like yourself doing here in Hawkins?” As Eddie stands, a breathtaking transformation unfolds around him. Dark, curling horns erupt from the crown of his head, while massive red and black wings unfurl majestically at his back. A matching tail swishes behind him, embodying a fearsome elegance. One by one, the others join him in this eerie metamorphosis, each showcasing their own unique forms. Some sprout jagged horns, others wield sleek tails, their bodies adorned with vibrant feathers and haunting markings that amplify their terrifying beauty. The air crackles with an electric tension as they embrace their nightmarish appearances, a chilling display of power and otherworldliness.

 

“Dustin. And those kids. What is your intention with them?!” As he draws closer to the menacing leader of the group, majestic wings unfurl from the angel's back, shimmering with a celestial light.

 

“Nothing of your concern, Angel!” Eddie expresses his frustration with a low growl.

 

“Nothing evil, if that is what your prissy self thinks!” One of them speaks up, appearing more anxious than confrontational.

 

“Shhh…it’s ok, Birdy,” one of the demons softly coos, finding comfort and connection in the presence of another.

 

“Ugh. Lovebirds, now is not the time when we have the enemy right here.” With a frustrated sigh, Eddie vents his annoyance, only to be met with a cheeky middle finger from one of the group, adding fuel to the fire of his irritation. “Seriously, Chrissy. Robin…”

 

Steve observes their interactions. They don’t appear harmful—nothing aggressive or threatening is happening.

 

“Just fuck off, Angel! We’re not doing anything to those children other than becoming friends and letting them be part of our crew!” one of the other demons chimes in.

 

“Absolutely not! You keep your demonic ways away from innocent minds!” Steve declares.

 

“Hey! Watch it, Angel, before you end up paying the price!” another growls out.

 

“Now, Gare-bear. Everyone, go back down. I’ll meet you there.” Eddie calls out to his group.

 

One by one, the demonic figures vanished into the floor, swallowed by the darkness, until only Eddie remained, facing Steve. The remaining demon lunged forward, seizing Steve's pullover and slamming him against the nearest wall. A low, menacing growl rumbled from deep within, its intensity aimed squarely at the angel before him, a stark reminder of the clash between light and shadow.

 

“You and your kind need to mind your own fucking business. I’m not going anywhere when it comes to those kids. And I seem to have a big head start compared to you, Angel.” Eddie lets out a deep growl, trying to intimidate the angel.

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll catch up.” Steve says with determination.

 

“Oh…will you now?” Eddie smirks.

 

The angel sends the demon sprawling to the ground with a powerful kick. “Yes. I will not stop until those kids see the hate within you and your demonic friends. You are all the same. Spreading evil and chaos wherever you go, making it harder for souls to find their way into heaven.”

 

“Tell me. Do you think being in heaven is all it’s cracked up to be? Don’t you think they would rather have some excitement? Like being in hell?” Eddie growls in the angel’s direction.

 

Steve stays locked onto the demon as he sinks through the floor, leaving the angel behind.

 

This will not be the first and only time he will bump into those demons if it means having to get near Dustin and his friends.

Notes:

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