Chapter 1: Egg
Notes:
Chapter name is a reference to Djo’s song “Egg” ✌️
Chapter Text
He was, without a shadow of a doubt, a loser.
On the inside at least.
You knew Steve somewhat well, but never well enough to be one of the many girls he managed to date. Just someone who watched him from the sidelines. Sometimes participating in a few projects with him (you having done most of the work). Short conversations about homework or jabs at the teachers. He even stood up for you on some occasions. Telling someone to “knock it off” or a quiet, “sorry” after a kid or two made fun of you. His friends never let up messing with you; having been the butt of the “we’re friends, right?” joke that all the popular kids seemed to pull against quiet kids.
You didn’t care though honestly. Any chance to get Steve around you, or to talk to you was enough.
Yes, you admired him. Liked him even.
It was an embarrassing thought.
What was impossibly more embarrassing was how you acted when you managed to get invited to one of his parties in that big, empty house of his.
Giddy, apologetic, wearing that stupid smile you hated so much.
Tommy muttered something and rolled his eyes as he walked away with a subtle shake of his head.
Was that reaction worrying to you? Of course it was. Did you care? Of course you did! But this wasn’t the time to be acting that way. You just got invited.. To a party. Steve’s party.
Parties were never your thing. They were too loud. Crowded. All that touching.. It sent shivers up your spine. You’d much rather spend your time at home in the safety of your room. Listening to music or practicing a hobby.
You enjoyed your own time too much. So much that your parents chided you, begging that you get out of the house.
But you were never confident enough to follow through with their demands.
Until now.
There were a number of people attending this time around, a party to kick off the start of the year. Surprising to many, popular kids and unpopular kids were invited alike.
When you arrived, your hands subconsciously tugged nervously at your outfit and hair. Feeling perpetually out of place as you waded through crowds of popular kids.
They gave uneasy glances towards you, eyebrows raising but ultimately returning to their own conversations. It didn’t fail to make you anxious though. Stomach threatening to twist into knots if you didn’t find solitude.
The house wasn’t any better. The music blared louder and free spaces became few and far between. Some people drank, some were kissing, some were getting too rowdy, all too much for your liking.. But maybe–
You could get used to it.
That was what you thought until you found yourself standing uncomfortably in the corner. Strained smile gracing your lips while accompanied by the furrow of your brows. Retreating inwards as you always did, the once steady beat of your heart picking up its pace.
You scolded yourself inwardly, mind cursing itself, pleading for your body to move.
To mingle.
To laugh.
And to not cry.
“Hey.”
You froze.
Steve leaned against the wall, a lopsided grin unfurling from his lips.
Oh.
You had no idea what to say.
This being his house, you assumed you’d see him around. Joking with friends, making out with a girl.. Yet here he was. Leaning against the wall, outfit clean, hair fluffed to perfection– Talking to you.
Instinctively you glanced around for his friends, Tommy, Carol maybe. Or just anyone, really. Was this some cruel joke or did the Steve Harrington really want to talk to you?
“Drink?” Steve offered a plastic cup forward, red liquid sloshing about, “This one's not spiked,” He assured, “I got it before they dumped the alcohol in.” His brown hues drifted towards the group of teens crowding at the punch bowl, all scrambling to get to the last of it.
“Mm- I’m alright,” You lower your head apologetically, shifting from leg to leg, hand coming to tuck a tress of hair behind your ear, “Thanks though.” In his presence you felt more nervous, subconsciously more worried about your appearance. You’d honestly be lying if that was just it. Suddenly every facet of your being was being scrutinized by your brain.
Steve nodded, taking the cup to his own lips for a sip. He hums, “Waiting on someone?”
He is still talking to you. Wow. Not that you minded!- But it was just… Odd, “Nah.. Not really.” You shrug, “I was.. Uh. Going to leave soon actually.”
You were hardly prepared for the pout that Steve wore, brown eyes big and searching, “What? Why?” He was getting nervous now. Was it wrong for him to invite you? Is he making you want to leave? Has he misread every situation between you two so far???? Steve pushed himself off the wall, running a hand through his hair.
“I.. I’m not too big on parties, y’know? And I don’t really know anyone here.”
“..You know me.”
Eyes return to him, nearly as wide as his were moments earlier. It’s true, you knew him.. Sort of. But you were worried that this was: A joke. A sick joke. And also that if you stayed you’d surely embarrass yourself in front of him. That’s something you couldn’t handle happening. Not trusting your tongue to convey the right message without saying something stupid, you mumbled, “Mmm,” with a subtle nod of your head.
This was awkward. Terribly, unequivocally, awkward.
Steve opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out, his brows pushing together, creases forming. Before he can actually say anything the music gets turned up a smidge.
It’s loud.
Music rumbling through the floor and up into you, bones vibrating with the harsh beats of the song. You grit your teeth, inhaling a quick breath between them.
Steve looks frustrated, and he turns to you to say, “Do you want–”
Only to be abruptly cut off by Tommy H slamming into him, hands grabbing his shoulders in a playfully aggressive manner.
“Dude!” Steve huffed, exasperated.
“Hey man, what’s up? Haven’t seen you all party,” Tommy laughed, hand coming to ruffle Steve’s hair before his hand slapped it away.
All you could do was watch as panic rose in your chest.
He didn’t seem to notice you yet so you took the chance to push yourself off the wall and through the sea of people, managing to reach the door to the outside (ignoring the call of your name distantly behind you, followed by teasing and laughing).
When you arrive to see nobody outdoors you scoff. You figured there’d be at least someone swimming, or people wanting some privacy out of the house. But no, there was nobody.
Letting out a sigh of relief, breathing in the cool September air as you shut the door behind you.
Moments pass and you find a spot to sit by the pool. Resting on cool concrete you rest back on your palms, eyes staring wistfully out at the clear blue pool.
You wished you knew how to talk to people.
To socialize.
That’s one reason why you were obsessed with Steve.
That confidence was something to be envied. You were sure if you got to spend more time around him, that charisma would soon seep into you.
You were such a loser.
You couldn’t even last more than 10 minutes in that house before needing fresh air.
What was wrong with you?
It made your heart hurt knowing how little of a chance you had.
Not just that, but the fright that Steve is about to give you arguably made your heart hurt more.
“Hey,” He spoke from behind you (sounding slightly out of breath), lighter clicking in his hands while a cigarette dangled precariously from his lips. It was a nasty addiction he picked up while trying to play cool for his “friends”.
“Shit!-” You sit up, face flushed, “Uhhh.. Hey..” Same situation, different location.
Steve looked around, finally getting his cigarette to light; that allowed him to take a quick drag before exhaling it as he talked, “I’m sorry Tommy butted in, I told him to back off.”
“It’s.. Fine.” You were sure your heart was ready to leap out of your chest, hand coming to paw at your chest, gripping the fabric of your shirt.
That (unfortunately) didn’t go unnoticed by Steve, his usually charming persona faltering, “You alright? Do you want me to leave?” He offered, and by your standards, that was uncharacteristically nice of him. Hidden behind the niceties were insecurities. Deeply worried about pushing boundaries.
“No!” You say, head turning and eyes wide as your hands move to hover midair, waving no. Though you said that a little too quickly for your liking, so you clear your throat, “No.. Uh. I’m fine. Don’t want you giving everyone else second hand smoke.” You jest, returning your gaze to the water; knees moving up and arms coming to clutch them close.
He laughed.
Oh my god. He laughed. At your joke??? It wasn’t even a joke, it was more of a jab! Yet he still laughed. The sound made your heart squeeze against your ribs.
Steve grinned, nodding, “Right, right.” He found himself walking closer, and soon he sat down right next to you. One knee up, arm resting casually against it while the other between each other.
You watch him out of the corner of your eye and you can feel your nerves going haywire. Why isn’t he leaving? Wait, I just told him to stay.. But he could’ve gone anywhere else!- Why me.. You whine mentally, though deep down you were secretly overjoyed at the events transpiring.
Silence enveloped you two for some time. The breeze ruffling the trees, the low hum of the music muffled from being played indoors.
“I didn’t think you were going to come.” Steve hummed, taking the cigarette from his lips, having it now resting between two fingers. His eyes trailed to you momentarily, though they drifted not a moment later.
“Huh?” You glance over to him just briefly missing his gaze, “Oh. Uh. Yeah I didn’t think I was going to either.” You let out an awkward laugh. “But y’know.. My parents want me out of the house.” You shrug, and you mentally facepalm yourself. Giving too much away– Be casual!
“Not out much?” He questioned next, fighting a groan at his stupidity. Of course you weren’t out much. He rarely saw you, but knew you just enough to know the type of person you were. He was totally blowing this.
Too nervous to respond with words, you offer another shrug and a ‘mhm’.
That reinforced the notion that he was failing miserably at this. In an effort to smooth tensions he offered you his cigarette.
“Oh I–” You almost turned it down, but you didn’t want to seem like an even bigger loser, so you took it from his hand (not without the brush of his fingers against yours. God your stomach was doing flips). Pressing it to your lips you tried to mimic what you saw on tv, having never smoked before. Only to hand it back after a drag leaving you coughing, eyes brimming with tears.
That made him laugh again, brows knitting together as a small smile tugged on his lips, “You could’ve said no, I don’t care.”
I don’t care.
Was this really Steve Harrington?
The water still welled in your eyes, face twisting in disbelief. Your image of him completely shattered in just three words. He was a douche, that much you knew. But this? This was far more different than what you could’ve imagined. That cocky, jerky persona that he wore seemingly reduced to something soft. Something quiet. Down to earth even.
He caught your gaze that time, a flash of worry flickering within those big brown eyes of his, “Is there something on my face?” He spoke, a hint of nervousness slipping through each word.
“Is this a dare?”
“What?”
You said that without thinking, already looking around for the gaggle of teens ready to make fun of you, “Did Tommy dare you to talk to me?” It was the only conclusion you could come up with. You two were so very different, never in your wildest dreams would you have been able to imagine this happening under normal circumstances.
“No– Why would you think that?” Steve asked, seemingly oblivious but genuinely.. painfully obtuse.
“Because..” You mutter, already moving to get up, heart practically racing. Some of those tears from your coughing fit were starting to finally fall, though they were now motivated by the sudden fear that coming to this party was a huge mistake. “Why would you have any other reason to talk to me??” You question, jaw clenching.
He stood up with you, hand coming to run uneasily through his hair, voice wavering, “Maybe because I want to.. Talk. To you.” He mumbled.
This was getting weirder and weirder by the second.
“Me.” You repeated. “You sure you're not thinking of some other person?”
Steve was fumbling this horribly. He didn’t realize he came off that way, arms crossing over his chest as he looked for words he didn’t know how to say.
Just when he found the courage to speak again, Tommy and Carol barged through the door behind him shouting. They paused upon seeing you, hushed murmurs soon turning into loud comments, “Ooo”s and kissing sounds.
Steve groaned, face morphing into something not quite short of mortified. It would be nearly impossible to convince you now that he had no ulterior motive for talking to you.
You scoff, shaking your head. “I knew it was too good to be true.” You wipe a lingering tear from your cheek and turn heel, “You’re a jerk, Steve Harrington.”
“Wait!-” He turned to grab your wrist but missed it narrowly, face bright red as Tommy and Carol mocked him from the sidelines.
You shoved your way past the two and back inside, weaving through groups of people to head out the front door. Unbeknownst to you, Steve wasn’t far behind. Having stormed past his “friends” to make it to you, face distraught. This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go.
Once outside you picked up the pace, bounding down the walkway to his house to get to your car. Just before reaching it you heard the familiar voice calling your name again.
You don’t turn.
“I’m sorry. It- They- They weren’t supposed to..” Was he ashamed of you? It was a feeling he was avoiding acknowledging.
“See?” You finish.
“Yeah.” He shrugged.
“I.. Had Tommy invite you because I wanted to.. Get to know you. Find a quiet moment to chat.” Oh my god he wanted to kill himself. Luckily it was dark, dark enough so that the light dust of pink on his cheeks was hidden from prying eyes.
“You couldn’t ask me yourself?” You mutter, finally turning to look at him, voice cracking.
Steve bit his lip, “I..” His voice trailed off.
“You didn’t want to be seen talking to me?” You guess. You’d say you were perfect together with how you kept finishing his sentences, only if it was in a sweeter context.
I was scared. That’s what he wanted to say.
“No.” Maybe he’d tell you one day, but not now, “It’s.. Unrelated. But not at all what I wanted to say. I really do want to get to know you. But we share so few classes.. And you’re never out.” He pinched his nose bridge, “There was never a good enough chance for me to really just ask you.” Steve danced around what he really wanted to say, free hand resting against his hip.
You listen quietly, sniffling. “This a dare too?”
“No.” Steve spoke firmly, taking a step forward. “Let me make it up to you.” His voice lowered, “Stay until after the party's over. I’ll make sure nobody’s around to interrupt,” he paused, “I really just want to talk.”
This was his way of asking you on a “date”. He knew you weren’t sociable, so somewhere public was out of the question. Inviting just you out the gate felt wrong to him too, so this was the best alternative he could conjure.
And you stayed.
Much to both of your disbeliefs.
Hiding out away in his backyard on a lawn chair until most of the party died out, blanket tugging closer over your frame to combat the cold. You insisted on waiting outside away from people (the other option was his bedroom and you nearly thought you were going to faint the moment he suggested that).
It wasn’t long until Steve pushed the door open to the outside, spotting you sitting at the far corner of the pool, “Most of everyone's left!- We’re just cleaning up.”
Your head snaps up, fear twisting in the muscle fibers of your legs as you will yourself to join him inside, legs barely acquiescing.
Walking in you’re greeted with drunken teens scrambling out the front door, cheering and swinging themselves about without a care in the world. Steve sighed, hands positioned at his hips, “Downsides of having a big house is that everyone has the party at your place.” Additionally, no guardian in sight.
No parents.
Big house.
Empty, lonely nights.
He found himself cleaning off the counter, muttering something under his breath before turning to you, “Uh, make yourself comfortable.” Steve blinks. “If you can find any spot that isn’t a mess,” He scoffed.
“You sure you don’t want my help..?” You ask, already beginning to pick up trash from the floor.
He nearly flings himself at you to stop you, “You don’t have to help– You’re a guest.”
“I mean, yeah,” Stuffing the garbage full and unfurling the bag from the bin, “But I feel bad.” You shrug. It was instinctive. Wanting to feel useful. Capable. Especially in Steve’s presence no less. That amped up your nature tenfold.
Steve can’t bring himself to argue, secretly thankful that you decided to help out. Crouching to get under the sink cabinet he grabs a cleaner, setting it on the counter. Spraying and wiping it down to rid the smooth countertops of any sticky residue while you tidied up the floor.
“Ever seen it this bad?” You swallowed thickly, trying to make smalltalk was never your thing but you figured you’d at least give it a shot.
“Pfft– I’ve seen it worse.” He looks like he appreciates the conversation, face less mopey now.
“Really? I find that hard to believe.” You snort, “Then again, I've never actually been to a real party before.” Your voice trails off nearing the last half of your sentence, eyes catching his for a mere moment.
His look prodded elaboration, one eyebrow raising inquisitively.
“Ah. Uhm.” You bite your lip, “I.. I’ve been invited to them before.” That wasn’t an attempt at looking cool, you really did, but.. “I’ve just. Declined.” You bend down to pick up a wrapper or two, crumpling it between your palms. “I used to be confident. I used to want to go to parties. I just lost my edge after..” You roll your eyes, “Elementary.”
“Elementary? C’mon,” He didn’t seem convinced, “I’ve seen you. You’re.. Cool.” Steve set down the cleaning supplies, walking around the island to get to you.
You turn, face flushed at the proximity, “Me? Cool? You’re just saying that,”
“I’m not,” He shoves his hands into his pockets, leaning back. “In all honesty, I’m kind of jealous. You’re so..” He gestures vaguely, “Unbothered.”
“Oh, I am far from that,” You laugh at the insinuation.
His face softens a fraction.
“I find that hard to believe. Then again.. I’ve never actually seen the real you.” He uses your own words, eyebrows raising playfully, that signature smirk tugging at his lips again. Confidence regained against all odds.
You weren’t surprised to learn he was sleeping with Nancy Wheeler.
Chapter 2: Out Of the Loop.
Summary:
Will is lowkey presumed dead and you are lowkey highkey pissed at Steve (but then you almost get ur ass killed and he happens to save you)
Notes:
Flying through s1 I know but Steve is hardly relevant or around as much in s1 😭 This chapter goes from 2-5, ending just short of 5 before Nancy and Jonathan go into the upside down through that tree or smth.
Also, enjoy direct dialogue and scenes from the actual show. I physically cannot write something based on the episodes without being completely accurate— So if the dialogue feels familiar it’s literally because I was watching the show while writing 🥹✌️
I also decided to work on this instead of doing my math final packet which I genuinely need to do but im just gonna make up some random excuse tomorrow as to why it’s not done
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, Tommy,” Nancy hummed, “When you left, did you see Barb?”
You recall the name, stuffing a bit of food in your mouth.
Being the quiet kid had its perks, you knew them well. People would talk loudly around you as if you weren't there, and if they did care, you had acute hearing. Always able to hear the quietest murmur of a joke that people were too scared to shout your way. Also, being alone automatically made you an eavesdropper, life boring enough to care what other people were going through. So you tuned into the conversation behind you with ease.
“What?” Tommy glanced up, clearly disinterested.
“Barbara,” Nancy reiterated, “She’s not here today,”
“I seriously have no idea what you’re talking about.” He snorted.
Were you upset at Nancy for stealing Steve’s affections? A little. If you wanted to be honest. But truly, could you blame him? She was everything you weren’t. Even still, it hurt hearing his voice perk up,
“Come on, don’t be an ass, man. Did you– Did you see her leave last night or not?” He sounded frustrated.
“No, she was gone when we left,” Tommy mumbled.
Steve was right. What an ass.
You roll your eyes, getting up to throw away your food when Tommy and Carol start moaning, shoving the table back and forth– thankful you were already walking away when that started.
When you look back you can see that smug grin on Steve’s stupid (handsome) face and you bite a sigh.
Was it ever meant to be?
Prolly not.
On your way outdoors you notice Nancy using the phone, brows furrowed, tone hushed.
Walking past casually you hear– “I meant, did she come home this morning..?- Sorry to bother you.”
You heard the briefest moments of her conversation with who you presumed was one of Barbara’s parents. You didn’t know her well, but she was quiet like you. Seeing her get picked on, and her sudden disappearance was worrisome to say the very least. If anything, it made you paranoid. Wasn’t there a little kid missing too? You best hope that kid is nothing like either of you. Pleading and begging that kid might be extroverted and positive– Maybe then Steve would go missing. Good lord, what were you thinking??
Shaking your head free of fears, you walk past aiming to get to your car, only to see Steve sitting leisurely against the hood of the car parked next to yours.
You debate walking away and coming back when he leaves when yet another quiet kid strolls up– Jonathan.
You recognize the face.
Unable to fight a scowl seeing Steve’s posse of friends beside him, watching as Tommy stepped up to grab Jonathan’s bag, yanking it from him with force.
You didn’t pay attention to the whole encounter, reaching into your car to grab spare school supplies; when you look back up he’s crouched on the ground. And so is… Nancy??
You quirk your brow at the sight, she’s helping him.. But she quickly gets up and runs off to catch up with Steve.
Fighting the instinct to run, to acknowledge that this is a fact of quiet kids lives, you walk up to him, “Jonathan?”
He looks up, eyes wide and honestly fearful if not furious, hands full of the scraps of papers that once formed a picture. If anything that look made you worry that you had completely botched his name.
“Woah, I’m not here to start anything.” Deciding to not look at the photos scattered about for his privacy, “Sorry about Steve. He’s a dick.” You extend a hand, face apologetic. You knew all too well how much of a douche he was. Most of the less popular kids did.
Jonathan doesn’t respond but he grabs your hand, hoisting himself up with a quiet, ‘thanks’.
“Don’t let him get to you.” You feel more confident talking to people you know who suffered the same issues as yourself. Feeling the nagging, involuntary need to console other victims of the high school food chain.
“Right.” He nods slowly, clutching ripped pieces close to his chest, he seems unsure.
Things click slowly the more you look at him, and instant embarrassment washes over you. Crap.. “Are you.. The brother of the kid that’s missing?” You ask tentatively, and immediately regret the word choice. Though, you had zero idea if there was any other way of asking such a question.
“Yeah,” He responded with a shrug, stuffing things back into his backpack.
You cringe at yourself, “Shit. I’m sorry.. I hope you find him. I mean.. I don’t know him well, but if he’s related to you.. I’m sure he’s fine.” Unsure of what you were really trying to insinuate there you laugh awkwardly. Wrong time to laugh but whatever. You genuinely couldn’t help it.
He looks somewhat comforted by those words, and offers you a sad smile, “Thanks.”
You watched him as he left and you couldn’t help but feel like shit.
You ought to teach Steve a lesson… Or something.
The next morning the missing posters were gone.
They found him alright.
Dead or Alive.
And because Jonathan was nowhere to be seen you assume the former.
Your own stomach twisting uncomfortably.
You should mind your own business. You really should. But your heart ached to do something.
You pull up to the Byers house. Or where you hoped it was, having got the information off some random kid.
Turning off the car you walked up to the house (not without having to give yourself a pep talk before doing so), knuckles rapping against the wood door. Seriously debating turning around before–
An older woman opened the door halfway, hair wild and bags deep under her eyes. She looked like Jonathan. Well, Jonathan looked like her.
“Uhm. Mrs. Byers?” You assume, lips tugging into an awkward smile.
Her eyes are foggy, brows upturned, “Uh.. Friend of Jonathans?” Her voice wavers.
You pause, biting your lip as you stuff your hands into your jacket, “Sort of? He’s in a few classes of mine.”
“Oh.” She nods in understanding, “Joyce,” her name.
“Cool. Joyce.. Uhm.. I was worried about Jonathan.” You mumbled tentatively, “I heard about your missing son, and Jonathan wasn’t here today so..” Hoping that your silence would fill in the blanks.
Joyce’s eyes soften, “He’s at the funeral home if you’re looking for him.”
Funeral home.
You honestly weren’t prepared to comfort someone about a dead family member. Sounds mean, I know. But you could barely handle your own family, let alone someone else's. What would you say? What is the most appropriate thing to say? Hell if you knew. Social cues were not your thing.
“Are you also friends with Nancy?”
The name pulls you out of your head, “Nancy?”
“She came by earlier looking for Jonathan, I figured you knew her.” She crossed her arms, carding a hand through her hair.
“I know her.. She went to see him?”
Joyce nods.
“Alright. Noted.” You suck a sharp breath through your teeth and turn, “Thanks Mrs. By- Joyce.” You corrected yourself.
She gives you something of a smile as you make your way back to your car, pulling it out of the driveway and back onto the road.
It was probably nice hearing that her older son has some friends, not bothering to correct her back there.
Stopping your car on the side of the road you let out a loud, over dramatized groan; slamming your head against the steering wheel, the piercing ring of the horn blaring from the vehicle.
Change of plans.
Nancy could handle Jonathan.
The least you could do was take care of Steve.
Or try to.
You pull back up to the school, putting the car in park.
Last you recall, there was a swim meet today. And Steve, ever the athlete, was on the swim team. Family and friends could tune in as they liked, so you decided to pay him a visit. Taking the keys out of the car you walk up to the building (not without stating why you’re there), and make your way to the pool room. The strong smell of chlorine hitting you all the way down the hall before actually entering the room. Why were you doing this again?
It’s full of people, students swimming and friends or family chatting on the bleachers. You make your way over, finding a spot higher up to watch out for Steve because good god it was hard to spot him without his ridiculously tall hair. Man you were envious of those locks of his.
Fortunately, you manage, having spotted him off to the far right shaking out his soggy hair. Strands sticking to his forehead, back hunched as he stood leaned over, hands on his knees. He was looking around (for Nancy no doubt), but that's when he saw you in the way back.
It was hard to tell the expression he was making from afar, but it had to be nothing short of confused. His fling attending his swim meet?
You two had the same train of thought. Really, why were you here? To get back at Steve for dumping you? Deep down that was the true reason. But.. Altruistically– it was also for Jonathan. The kid you didn’t know at all but still felt extreme amounts of empathy for.
Heart pounding, you waited for the swim meet to be over, walking down the bleacher to wait out in the hall. In casual fashion you shoved your hands back into your coat pockets, feigning a nonchalant look while in reality you looked like you were going to shit your pants. What were you thinking, standing up to King Steve??? You had no idea how to stand up to anyone, that was completely out of the question for you.
Yet here you were.
And there he was.
He threw his head back, smoothing out his hair before his eyes found you, calling your name, “What’s up?”
You deadpan.
“What’s up?”
“Yeah.” He shrugs.
No way.
Genuinely no way.
You knew he was mean, but this? This was beyond that. Acting so relaxed and ignorant to any of the pain he caused you. Not even a, “hey sorry I broke your heart!”. Well, you weren’t expecting that but oh boy did you wish he said it.
“Dude, what is your problem?”
“Huh?” He’s taken aback, fully facing you now, brows pinching together.
“First me, all the other less popular kids, the girls after me– Jonathan!” You ramble, taking a step forward and pointing an accusatory finger at him, “Don’t even get me started on Nancy.”
Steve takes a step back, grimacing, “What are you on about?”
“The other day.. You and your friends were ganging up against Jonathan?” You pull back, unsure of where all this anger is coming from. Well, you knew, but the reason why you were letting it slip was beyond you.
“Look, he deserved that. He was being a creep to Nance.” He insisted, “And you? C’mon, you knew we weren’t going to last.”
That hurt, you had to admit.
Stuttering, “Okay- Well–” Maybe you should’ve gotten the full story before coming here. “Lay off Jonathan. I don’t care what he did” you were honestly curious now.. “But he just lost his brother.”
Steve’s expression falters for a moment, but it’s quickly hidden behind his usual demeanor, “So? He was still being a creep.”
“I don't even know why I ever bothered with you.” You huff, turning around, hands on your hips (an action you’d never admit that you got from Steve).
“Yeah, likewise.” So uncaring.
“Fuck off. Stay away from Jonathan, stay away from the other “uncool” kids,” You made air quotes, rolling your eyes, “and most importantly, leave Nancy be.” You snap at him, heart pounding in your ears by now, “She deserves to be with someone who isn’t such a jerk.” You, in your final act of spontaneous confidence, flip the bird at him before storming out the building and back to your car.
He stood dumbfounded, but honestly, he couldn’t lie when he thought that was sort of attractive.
Here you were, in all black, standing out under the cool autumn's sun and the even cooler breeze that ruffled your hair.
You didn’t even know them that well, the Byers, yet.. You stood amongst the crowd as they tossed flowers atop Will Byers casket.
Joyce insisted you came, fully under the impression you were a close friend of Jonathan's. Again, not correcting her out of the pain you felt for her situation, and also because after your stunt with Steve you genuinely couldn’t take anymore forms of confrontation.
That didn’t stop you from feeling immensely uncomfortable at being there, though.
You stood off to the side as people found places to sit, talking with family, overhearing fond stories of Will.
Eyes trailing to the table with a.. Teacher and a group of kids. Will’s friends? You overhear a bit of their conversation, and all you can tell is that you are severely out of the loop. Dimensions? Upside down? Something was up. You just didn’t know what.
You had gone to the Byer’s house, no Jonathan. So you were now trying the Wheelers.
Pulling up to the curb you turn the car off, seeing that the garage is open. Stepping out you walk up awkwardly– After all this was over you were going to need some serious you time –calling with uncertainty, “Nancy?”
Her eyes flick about frantically before seeing you, bat freezing in hand.
“Uh. Hey.” You shrug.
She says your name, brows furrowing, “What’re you doing here?”
“What are you doing?” You ask, sounding a little more incredulous than you would’ve liked.
“Uhmm..” She looked more nervous than you, “Nothing. I was just.. Thinking about joining softball.”
She rolls her shoulders, gnawing her lip.
“Oh.” You rock back and forth on your heels, “Right.. Er. Odd question, but is Jonathan with you?”
That catches her offguard, eyeing you cautiously, “Jonathan? Why would he be with me?”
“I saw you two together after the funeral.. I was at the funeral by the way.. And I’ve seen you two together before so I just.. Assumed?” Always assuming. You know your mom would scold you, saying “assuming makes an ass out of you and who?”— Frowning at the cold memory you continue, “I’m just. Worried for him. After.. Steve. And his brother..” You continue slowly, gauging her reaction.
“Steve.. Oh! From-” She finally caught on, recalling when Steve smashed Jonathan's camera and all, “Right, uhm, he’s doing..” She pauses, “Okay. He’s doing okay.”
You sigh, tongue poking cheek, “Right. That’s good.” Clearing your throat briefly, you ask, “Do you have a brother? ‘Round Will’s age?” You were trying to connect the dots.
“Yeah, I do. Mike.” She looked a little calmer now that the subject has shifted.
You nod, opening your mouth to speak again before hearing that annoying voice calling, ‘Nance!’, and the only thing you could think to do is duck and cover behind the car.
Steve rounded the corner moments later, startling Nancy. “What are you doing here?”
You roll your eyes.
Of course he’d be here.
“I hope that's not meant for me.” He pointed towards the bat, eyebrows raised.
“What?” She glanced down, grip tight on the bat, “No. Oh, no, I was just..” Her eyes flickered to you for a moment before giving Steve the same excuse, “thinking about joining softball.” She smiled, nodding.
“Well uh..” Steve walked over to lean against the car, head low, “Listen, I’m really sorry.”
Doing this right after you told him to stay away from her.. Well you didn’t really have a say in their relationship— Wait. Sorry?? You were seriously missing pieces of this story.
“I mean, even before you threatened me with a baseball bat.” He forced out a laugh, “I panicked.. I mean, I was a total dick.”
Stole the words right out of your mouth.
Nancy nodded again, “Yeah, you were.” She sighed, passing another fleeting glance your way, “Did you get in trouble with your parents?” Her voice was soft, curious.
“Totally,” Steve responded, and you almost cringed at how quick he was to say that, “You know, who cares? Screw ‘em.” His eyes searched Nancy’s for a moment, narrowing, “Any news about Barbara?”
So she is missing.. You concluded, wracking your brain around everything. Thank god your parents didn’t give a rats ass about you or else they’d be worried sick with all your snooping around.
“Parents heard from her? Or..” Steve blinks. His voice grew quieter, almost scared to ask.
“No.”
The air feels tense, it only feels worse when Steve suggests, “Hey, listen. Why don’t we, uh, why don’t we catch a movie tonight, y’know?”
Those words tug at your heart. You were over him, you swore, but god did you wish he was saying that to you. But honestly those dreams were far gone, especially after you had yelled at him.
“Just kinda pretend everything's normal for a few hours.” He pushes himself off the car, “All the Right Moves is still playing.” Steve sounds happier and somewhat hopeful, it’s something to be pitied.
“You know, with your lover boy from Risky Business?” He chuckles, “You know, Carol thinks I actually kinda look like him.” You can practically hear the smile in his words, “What do you think? Huh?”
You nearly burst out laughing when he starts singing, biting your lip to keep yourself from burying yourself deeper into this mess.
“I just, I..” She pauses, “I don’t think I can– I’ve been really busy with this whole funeral thing and..” a beat, “with my brother..!” She sounds thankful for a good excuse, “It’s been really hard on him.”
Steve doesn’t sound like he took that too well, “Yeah, sure. Yeah.”
“Soo..” Nancy’s voice trails off.
“I should go.”
Yes, please go- You plead in your head.
“Sorry.”
Don’t feel sorry!- Ugh.. If you were going to be bluebeard's wife you’d prefer it if you were the last.
“I’ll call you later!- Is that okay?” She offers, and that seems to settle things for Steve.
You watch his shoes as he walks away, thankful to get up. Stretching, you scoff, “I prompted him to do that.”
“What?” Nancy glances your way, having nearly forgotten you were there.
“Him apologizing.. Well, not really, but sort of. I kinda yelled at him, called him out.. And yadda yadda. Not the point.” You were rambling.. “Uhm. Watch out for Jonathan for me. Some weird shit has been going down and I don’t exactly feel too good about having people like me and him running around.”
Nancy’s eyes narrow at your final words, but she doesn’t press, “I will.” She assures.
“Cool. See you later Nance.” The nickname slipped, and ew, you felt like Steve, “Nancy- Sorry.” You corrected yourself, palm connecting to forehead. Waving to her, you jogged down the driveway and back into your car.. It feels like you’re spending way too much time out and about. More than you would’ve ever liked. So you supposed it was time to head home.
You pull into your perpetually empty driveway, shutting the car off and hopping out.
As you walk up the walkway you don’t fail to notice as the car lights flash on and off abruptly.
“Did you guys see that?” You say to absolutely no one in particular, doing a comically loud gulp while tugging at your shirt collar. Laughing awkwardly you walk away to your front door, grabbing your keys from your coat pocket. By the time you get the door open the lights are turned off fully. Chalking it up to a malfunction you step inside, shutting the door behind you with a click.
Home (soon to be not) sweet home.
Running to the kitchen you open the fridge, eagerly searching for something to eat after the long day you had.
Not moments later and the overhead light in the fridge starts flickering on and off, making you take a hesitant step back. “The hell?” You reach to the back and hit the light a few times, and it fixes itself eventually but it's still weird.
And suddenly you get this sinking feeling in your chest.
Impending doom.
Is that normal?
Crash.
There's a sound outside the front door, you can hear it from where you are in the kitchen. A few more thuds? You know, you’re kinda busy this week, could we schedule you dying some other time? Shutting the door with uncertainty, you walk out of the kitchen and into the foyer, peeping through the blinds.
There was nothing.
Outside looked.. Quiet. The sun was nearly set now, just peeking behind the trees. Streams of light painting themselves onto your porch. Frighteningly out of the corner of your eye you spot a suspiciously large figure moving between the trees.
No face.
No face?
It, whatever it is, snaps its head your way, making you hurriedly step back from the blinds.
Heart picking up a fraction. Or two. Or three.
“What. The. Fuck.” Now, you were no crybaby, but you could feel tears pricking at the corners of your eyes.
Maybe it was nothing.
It was totally nothing.
This is what you get for snooping around, huh?
Without thinking you scramble to the far end of the house, opening your door and slamming it behind you.
Thud.
At your window this time.
Right then the lights overhead started flickering wildly, and you couldn't even begin to explain the panic racing through your veins. This was worse than public speaking. Actually public speaking might be worse– A large shadow out the window.
Crack.
“Fuck.”
It was soon to become your new favorite word.
Your window cracked again, and a bang against the wall shook everything in your room.
Ding.
The doorbell????
Glancing between the window and your door you book it, hoping that whatever was at your front door was less malicious than the thing pounding at your window.
To your surprise, you see a figure you know all too well between the blinds.
Steve.
Racing forward and unlocking the door just as a loud crash sounds from your room– Steve starts, “Hey, I wanted to ask why your car was at Nannn..” He paused, “Uh. Bad time?”
“Move. Steve- Move!-” You practically shove him to the ground trying to get past him, hand gripping him roughly as you tug him down the pathway to your house.
Steve stammered, brown eyes wide, “Woah!-- Hey stop pulling–” He’s terribly confused, but soon shares your concern when he hears tumultuous sounds ringing from your house, “What the hell?”
“Steve– Drive.” You usher him to his side of the car, thankful he left his vehicle running.
“Uh-” His head whips around from the door to you, “Why?? What’s happening?”
“Someone is trying to fucking kill me!-” You spat, opening the side door and sliding into the passenger seat. You don’t bother with a seat belt, nor did you care who you happened to be stuck with– Eyes clinging to your house.
“Calm down!- Just explain to me–”
“Steve there is no fucking time– Drive!-”
Steve jolts, head coming up to see what the noise is. It broke through your wall, it was tall– And it had no face. That got Steve into overdrive, quickly getting in and shifting the car into drive, stepping forcefully on the gas pedal.
“Oh fuck, fuck, fuck–” Told you. Favorite word.
“What is that!-”
“I don’t know!-” You whine, hand reaching out to grab his shoulder. Thank god Steve was an amazing driver, but fuck god because whatever that thing was it just happened to be faster than the car.
It bounded up behind you two, slamming claws down the back of Steve’s car, but it ultimately let go when the car’s speed didn’t let up. Narrowly escaping death Steve sped down the road to your house, eyes wide and terrified, hair entirely messed up now.
“This is crazy!- So– Shit-” He stammered, words failing him and his charisma plummeted.
You were both breathing hard, chests heaving and Steve’s knuckles were pure white. Once far enough away (really, what is far enough? You’d rather he drove you out to sea to get away from whatever that was) he parked the car against the curb, head turning to look at you.
His mouth opened to say something but he was truly out of words to say other than “Oh my god”.
You had zero clue what to say either, hand still gripping him tightly. Though once noticing that your hand retracts automatically.
Sitting in uncomfortable silence for at least a minute before Steve’s voice cracked, “What was that?”
“Does it look like I know?” You retorted, “It tried to kill me–” instinctually your hand came to grasp the fabric at your chest, feeling the rapid beat of your heart against your ribcage.
His brows lift, “Why you?” What else could he say? He had just come to ask why your car had been at Nancy’s, instead arrives to get chased by something that was definitely not human.
“I don't know!-” You hide your face in your hands, shoulders shaking as you try to get yourself under control– Which was nearly impossible to do.
The gentle thrum of the car was the only noise that protruded the space for a while.
Steve looked worse for wear and you were a modicum away from breaking down.
“What do we do..?”
You don’t respond.
“My place..?”
Notes:
I feel like this is going too quick but then again I don’t want reader to be like.. “I’m related to (one of the kids) and am filled in on everything that’s happening already!” Because I don’t know I just don’t like it 😞 I wanted them to be like Steve levels out of the loop (for the first season anyways).
Also I hope readers not too cringey
They’re largely based on myself, weird.. social outcast yknow. Same goes for the piss poor family life, that’s inspired by my own (it also gives reader a chance to lowkey relate to Steve cuz his family life sucks too ❤️🩹)
Er hope u guys enjoyed (I hope to improve on my writing the more I write, sorry if this sucks 🥀)
Chapter 3: Please Tell Me That Things Get Easier (I’m Not So Sure)
Summary:
Fighting.. fighting… getting punched in the face.. Steve is a huge jerk
This spans over episodes 6-7(funny numbers I know) of season 1 !
Title is a lyric from Djo’s song “T. Rex Is Loud”
Notes:
Ah.. this is like 5,300 words.. Took me 3 days to write because I kept losing motivation.
I hope you guys don’t mind the ridiculously long chapters by the way like so far my first two are like 3,500 and 4,000.. And now this one 😭
Also, I love music. Music is a huge inspiration for everything I do and it’s at the very core of my being, so I’ve decided to include the songs I listened to when writing certain sections.
Songs used/inspired by:
This Night Has Opened My Eyes — The Smiths
How Soon Is Now? — The Smiths
Never Let Me Down Again — Depeche Mode
Love Can’t Break The Spell — DjoI’m gonna try to stick to 80s songs but sometimes you can’t help it when inspiration strikes
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Your place.”
You wouldn’t even dream of going anywhere near your house until you were sure that creature was gone.
Steve shared the sentiment, car roaring to life again as he started up the route to his house.
His elbow rested against the ledge to the window, hand smoothing itself against his forehead while his other hand flexed at the wheel. He glanced at you briefly, seeing you look the way you did— So scared. That tugged at something deep within him (that something would soon be fully realized by the time he meets a certain bright eyed genius; begging for his help because a “monster ate my cat!”).
Taking his own disposition into account, he wills himself to look a little tougher. Strong, steady, completely and utterly (afraid) cool. For you, if not more for himself. He would not live it down if he let it slip that he was afraid. He almost did that once with you , and that was already enough.
You barely notice, leg bouncing and teeth puncturing your lip.
This is what you get.
Isn’t it?
Blank eyes, a metallic taste seeping onto your tongue.
Steve sighs, pulling into his driveway. His hands settled in his lap for a moment, face tensing as he wracked his brain on what to say.
“C’mon.” He starts, getting out of the car to walk to your side, opening the door and offering a hand.
You’re supposed to hate him.
Grabbing his hand to pull yourself up, but the contact was short lived, letting go to brush your palm against your coat.
Steve doesn’t comment on it, muttering something under his breath as he led you up the way to his front door. Tugging keys from his back pocket and unlocking the door, nearly falling flat on his face as you shoved him in, slamming the door behind you both.
“Calm down–” He yelps, moving to placate you.
Though you weren’t one to be soothed, not now. Frantically you back away from him, scrambling to reach the landline. Dialing 911 instinctively right as Steve slams the phone back to the wall, “You think they’re seriously going to believe what you have to say?”
Mm.. Good point, good point..
“They won’t do jack.” He breathes in sharply, “Just.. Calm down.” He repeats the phrase, though you start to question if he’s telling you that or himself.
He ambled off to the kitchen, flipping the lights on, “Something was up with Nancy before I left– I need to go check on her.. And I promised I would pick Tommy and Carol up.” Steve sighed, rifling through kitchen drawers. “And they don’t like you very much.. Well I don’t know about Nancy but Tommy and Carol won’t be happy,” he rambled.
“You’re just going to leave me?”
“You’ve shown me that you can handle it.” He bit back unexpectedly, referring to how you chewed him out after his swim meet.
“Well someone here clearly can't..” You mock, pouting.
“What?”
“Huh? Nothing- I was just..”
“No, no– Say it again.”
“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.” You recall your mother’s words, voice laced with condescension.
Steve’s blood was damn near boiling by now. Only you knew just how to tick him off.
“Y'know- I’m– In your own words,” Steve reared up, hand midair- biting his lip like he was going to regret saying it, “fuck off.”
What could you say to that? Honestly.
He grabbed his keys off the counter and stormed out, floor nearly shaking from the force he used to close the door.
Empty house.
You and him were accustomed to it.
There was this deafening silence that encompassed the surrounding area. It wasn’t the kind you’d want after being attacked, but what could you ask of the house that had “silent dinners?”
Making yourself at home, or, as home as you could feel in your ex's house- you wander around. Too antsy to lie in wait for Steve (or the monster) to get back.
Absentminded steps led you up the stairs, eyes trailing over the pictures on the wall. An older couple exceptionally dressed, you recall meeting them once, Mrs. and Mr. Harrington. They looked happy.
The next one, not so much.
Eyes lost their shine, Mrs. Harrington cradling a bundle of cloth in her arms. Mr. Harrington didn’t look any more (happy) than her, face taut and clearly showing its age.
The next was a large family portrait. Harringtons gathered for a family get together, an event only the children looked excited to attend.
Right smack dab in the middle of the group was Steve, undoubtedly. Hair wild, eyes bright. Blissfully unaware of his parents' disappointed glare at the camera.
It went on like that for a while. New photo, same expressions- the only time they looked remotely proud to have a son was in the ones with Steve winning awards.
“At least he has pictures” was your initial thought, but you scolded yourself.
You had no room to talk.
Fingers pressing against glass, brows furrowing as you thought to caress the picture of his face as if that would solve his problems.
A gentle embrace.
You used to think that could solve all of your problems.
Unbeknownst to you, the only way that would ever work would be if you loved yourself too.
♪ – This Night Has Opened My Eyes – ♪
“Hey.”
So lost in thought you failed to hear Steve bounding up the steps behind you.
If the monster were to have been here now, no doubt you would have just died. What a time to be sad and out of your mind.
Dèjá vu, “Ah- Steve- When did you..?”
“Just now.” His answer is curt, and in the dim light you could see his jaw clench and his hands were fists. He stomps into his room—
Thud.
You jolt.
“That was me!-“ Steve groaned, a growl hiding in the undercurrents of his usually smooth voice.
You ease just a bit.
Tentatively you follow him in, pausing awkwardly at his doorway, “Was Nancy okay..?” You ask, eyes narrowing to eye Steve. His shoulders were square, and he stood facing away from you until he whipped around.
“Oh- She was more than okay!”
You flinch instinctively, hands tightening against the doorframe.
“That..” He pantomimes, shoulders raised and lips drawn tight, “Creep!- Jonathan.”
So she met up with Jonathan after you talked with her in the garage..
“He was with her in her room.“ His hands didn't take long to find his hair, fingers threading between strands to tug them harshly then deftly moving to fix the hair he messed up.
Here you were hoping the drive (and time away from you) would’ve calmed him down but you were sorely mistaken.
“Did you put her up to that?”
“Me??”
“You were at Nancy’s place earlier,”
“Because I was looking for Jonathan,” as the words leave your mouth you can already feel his next words, knowing you’d only dug yourself deeper.
“Why would he be with her?”
Clever excuse time. “Why would I know?” Okay not helping.
Steve turns and something resembling a whine escapes his lips, “Why did I even bother with you?”
You recognize the words and your breathing hitches.
You tried to conjure up the confidence you’d been feeling these past few days- But it was nonexistent by now, unwilling to bring yourself to speak, to defend what little honor you had.
You two used to be so sweet on each other.
“I’m over you.”
There was a lowness to his voice you didn’t like.
It wasn’t threatening, but something cruel all the same.
Matter-of-fact.
It left little room to argue.
No chance at changing his mind.
Back and forth those words got tossed around.
Over and over.
The past days have been you two dancing around each other, using similar statements– Mocking one another.
Seriously, how did you two even end up together in the first place?
“Anything to say?” Steve sounds like he’s searching for an answer. An admission.
You were over him.
Someone needs to knock him down a peg for acting so vain.
But that someone wouldn’t be you.
“I’ll be out of your hair in the morning.” You mutter.
His brows raise and he looks uncomfortable for a moment. A part of him expecting– wanting – you to explode on him, yell, scream– Say something. Well, something more than that.
Uncertainty coated the air thickly, so many words left unsaid.
“Take the bed.” He waved you off, defeated. “I’ll be in the next room over.”
“But-” You begin.
Your name.
You take that as a sign to drop it.
The sun caresses the horizon and you still feel the lull of sleep evading you, eyebags dark.
Blink once, 5 minutes go by.
Blink twice, another 5.
Blink thrice? Your heart nearly leaps out of your chest.
Steve being the reason. As he seems to be as of late.
His hand was placed at your shoulder, gently shaking you to wake up.. Gently being as far from the emotion you portrayed.
Hair wild, chest heaving, you sit up ready to run–
“Jeez, settle down would you?” Steve is already dressed and ready, his eyes narrowing in the dark room. “School.”
After yesterday, you had the faintest idea that you would be going to school, “What..?” Brain still foggy.
“Here,” Steve grabbed some clothes from the top of his dresser, throwing them your way. “Some of your clothes.”
[You catch them narrowly, brows lifting, “From when.. Why didn’t you just throw them away? It’s kinda weird to keep another person's clothes while dating someone else.” You mumble, though you’re sure he’s already thought of that because he doesn't answer.
He steps out of the room and you get dressed quietly. Last night was still fresh in your mind like an open wound.
Festering.
It was only a matter of time before it became infected.
You open the door, smoothing a hand under your eyes as they adjust to the light.
No words are exchanged on the way out to the car and on the drive to school. Going separate ways even before entering the building, he’s ashamed to be seen with you.
You get it.
You really do.
You wouldn’t want to be seen around you either.
School ends, and all you want to do is go home. Throwing your backpack over your shoulder you trudge out the back doors, eyes searching. When you spot Steve you reluctantly walk over to his car, forcing a weary smile.
“Can I.. Get a ride back to my place?” You ask, thankful Tommy nor Carol was around.
Steve revs the engine, glancing at you through the mirror.
“Steve?”
“I told you. I’m over you.”
“I have no car, Steve. I live like 30 minutes away from school–”
Seemingly out of thin air Tommy and Carol appeared behind you, Tommy’s hand resting against your shoulder, “You heard him, freak.”
Carol giggled beside him, tossing her hair back, that gleam in her eyes, “Yeah, freak.”
Could she at least be original?
Tommy hit you with his shoulder as he passed and Carol waved with a wink as her and Tommy slid into Steve’s car.
You kind of expect Steve to step in, say something, but he doesn’t respond; he doesn’t even look your way.
“Bye.” He muttered your name, shifting the car into gear and driving off without another word.
You stood, waving your hand in front of your mouth to wave away the dust from Steve’s car. Coughing into a fist you frowned, face red.
♪ – How Soon Is Now? – ♪
Hands in your pockets, hair messed up from the cold wind. You kick a rock further down the sidewalk, nose scrunched and brows pinched together. You were stupid for thinking that he’d still help you. And now here you are.. Walking home.
Reaching the intersection you stop at the edge of the sidewalk to look for cars when you spot the theater from afar.
“Nancy the Slut..”
Oh.
You could take the bullying from Steve. But bullying others? Nancy? Sure you didn’t know her well but.. You felt guilty. You thought he was better than that.
Looking around for Steve and his posse, silently hoping Nancy hasn’t seen this yet. Maybe you could get him to take it down before she saw it.
You jog across the street without looking both ways, careless, you know– But you hear a familiar bitchy voice coming from the alleyway.
“I didn’t know you could spell.” Nicole.
Laughter.
You round the corner, shoes hitting the ground hard as you march towards them and stopping dead in front of Steve.
“Aw, hey there princess!” Carol coos.
“Uh-oh! Someone’s pissed,” Tommy snickers.
“This is for Nancy–” You punctuate your sentence with a firm slap to Steve’s cheek.
Uproar sounded from the gaggle of idiots next to you, hands covering their mouths, Tommy adorning a shit eating grin.
Steve recoiled, fingers touching his cheek, heat radiating from the spot you hit.
“What is wrong with you?”
“What’s wrong with me?- What’s wrong with you?” Steve towers over you, a little too much, you question if he’s standing on his tip-toes to look more menacing.
“I was worried about Nancy– I helped you! And I get repaid with both of your shitty attitudes- I can’t believe I cared about either of you.” He scoffed.
“Me, I understand. Fucking yell at me all you want, I can take it–” You point a finger out at him, “But Nancy? Pick on someone who isn’t better than you,”
Carol pouted, her bottom lip sticking out, “It’s not Steve’s fault Nancy’s a slut. And it’s not his fault you’re a freak.”
Someone found a new word.
Your blood was red hot, but so were the tears brewing in your ducts. That was one of your many flaws. You had so much anger built up, but when you let it out it all came out as tears.
“Speak of the devil.” Tommy’s head nods up, causing you to turn.
Fuck.
Nancy and Jonathan.
“Hey, you’re speaking to me right now-” You step in Tommy’s way,
“Steve- What is your problem?” Her face was a tad red, frustrated clearly.
“Oh you know.. I know he does,” Steve nods to Jonathan.
Nancy catches on right away, “You came by last night?” she questions, face clouded in disbelief.
“Ding! Ding! Ding! Does she get a prize?” Carol muses, stepping beside Tommy to glare at you.
Steve’s attention is pinned to Nancy, eyes dark.
“Look, I don’t know what you think you saw, but it wasn’t like that.” Nancy’s voice wavers just barely.
“What, you just let him into your room to.. Study?” Steve’s sentence ends with a stifled laugh, head tipping to the side.
You glance back at Jonathan briefly, then to Nancy. You honestly couldn’t care less about cheating.. sort of.. But if that meant Nancy would leave Steve then you were more than okay with it.
“Or for another pervy photo session?” Tommy has turned his attention from you back to Nancy and Steve, slinging his arm around Carol.
“We were just–”
“You were just what?”
There was that look again. The same look Steve had given you the night before.
“Finish that sentence.” He took a towering step closer to Nancy, “Finish.. The sentence.” His words drew onwards, slow and threatening.
She stammers, falling quiet.
“Go to hell Nancy.” Steve tilted his head up, glaring down at Nancy before drawing back.
“Nancy– You and Jonathan should just go–” You turn away from Tommy, chest tight. Back to them you soon freeze upon hearing him.
“Pussy.” Tommy scoffs, tugging Carol closer.
“Hey– Shut. Up.” You turn back around, keeping distance.
“Why? S’true. You like it, so that makes you one, no?” He laughed and you mentally tried to wrap your head around why that made any sense at all (it didn’t, but you knew what he was getting at).
Jonathan ushered Nancy in front of him, pausing.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Your voice comes out a little higher than you were hoping, quickly trying to stifle that with a sharp inhale but unable to hide the red that pooled in your cheeks.
“Why else would someone fumble Steve that badly,” He let go of Carol, stepping forward towards you, shoulders square.
“Hey– Ignore him.” Jonathan tries to tug you back.
“No, that goes for both of you.” Steve interjects, looking from you to Jonathan, “I always took you for a queer, but I guess you’re just a little screw-up like your father,”
“And don’t get me started on you–” He casted a disgusted glance your way.
You step forward to get in Steve’s face, to yell– But Tommy slides between you two, using both hands to shove you back harshly.
Jonathan manages to catch you, Nancy too coming to your aid. You stand up yourself, walking backwards, Jonathan, Nancy and you.
“Oh, yeah. Yeah– His house is full of screw-ups. And yours is occupied by one big fuck up.” Steve jeered at the both of you, “You know, I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised. Family full of freaks– I mean, Jonathan, your mom!— You.” That was his final jab at you, turning his full attention to Jonathan. “I’m not even surprised at what happened to your brother,”
“Steve!- Leave it–” Nancy pleaded, grabbing you by the arm to tug you back, missing Jonathan.
“I’m sorry I have to be the one to tell you,” Steve put his hands out, pushing Jonathan back, “but the Byers? Their family, it’s a disgrace to the entire– “ His voice only raised, eyebrows arched and jaw tight.
That’s when Jonathan swung, hitting Steve straight in the jaw.
Steve, the ass he is, gets right back up and rams himself into Jonathan, knocking them both to the ground. He throws Jonathan down to the ground and lands hard punches square in his face.
“Kick his ass, man!” Tommy cheers,
“Get off! Stop!” Carol calls.
They roll around for a bit, both parties screaming stop (except for Tommy).
“Jonathan, stop! You’re going to hurt him–” Nancy wails, looking to you for support.
“Maybe he deserves it” You spit, but you shy away at the sideways glance she gives you.
Jonathan doesn’t stop and beats his fist into Steve’s face, rearing back to hit a powerful blow when the sirens blared. The cops are here now, and they’re both getting out of their car and racing into the alleyway.
Eyes flickering everywhere but where they need to be. Jonathan is still beating Steve, Steve’s face is beaten bloody by now, the police are seconds away from catching you all and everyone around you is stood still as it all happens. That’s when you get the bright idea to do the one thing you should’ve done from the very start.
Run.
God, you have to get out of here.
You were messing things up.
Tommy and the girls grab Steve and run from the cop, Nancy and Jonathan are left. Jonathan is soon shoved against the car, Nancy looks frightened. You turn tail and run, chest heaving as you scramble around the corner to avoid the police.
You hear the click of cuffs and commanding voices from where you ran, booking it to a safer location.
♪ – Never Let Me Down Again – ♪
You round the corner, out of breath. You’d run impossibly far away by now, aiming to head to a gas station to get a drink and some ibuprofen.
Slinking close to the shadows you make your way to the closest one you recall, heart racing and gaze wild. People ought to assume you're crazy with how shaken up you look.
It doesn't take long to stumble across one of the only gas stations in the area, but to your dismay it seems the others already had that idea.
Steve looks.. Terrible.
Tommy and Carol unscathed.
Forget Steve.
You try to make it past them, maybe they’d ignore you as you neared the gas station entrance but Tommy notices you unfairly quick. He calls your name, ending with the title, “the freak”. You freeze in your tracks, unsure if he’d let you get away.
“Cops didn’t catch you?” He’s grinning.
Carol eyes you but Steve doesn’t bother glancing your way.
Taking a chance you turn around to keep walking like you didn’t just hear him, but he jogs up to you, gripping your shoulder. He spins you around, pushing you against the car, caging you in. That seems to get Steve’s attention because he’s staring now.
“Can you imagine Jonathan and them together instead?” Carol shoves Tommy playfully, “Oh god, I just got an image of him making that face while he screws–”
Steve snaps, “Carol, for once in your life, shut your damn mouth!— And you- Get out of here.” He presses the cola back to his face, groaning quietly.
“What?” Carol laughs awkwardly.
“Hey, what’s your problem man?” Tommy’s voice hardens as he shifts to look at Steve.
“You’re both assholes. That’s my problem.” Steve exclaims.
“Are you serious right now, man?” Tommy looks pissed.
“Yeah, I’m serious.” Steve growls. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Done what?”
“You know what.” Steve snaps.
“You mean call them out for what they really are?” Tommy points to you just as you were backing away, “Oh, that’s funny, because I don’t remember you asking me to stop.” Tommy gets up in his face, looking up at him.
“I should’ve put that spray paint right down your throat.”
“What the hell, Steve?” Carol shrugs, upper lip drawing back to form a scowl.
“You know, neither of you ever cared about them. You guys never even liked them. Nancy you tolerate because she's pretty.” Steve looks to you briefly, your name, “Never got that privilege.. Because they’re not miserable like you two.”
Where was this energy when Tommy was calling you a freak earlier?
“They actually care about other people.”
“Slut with a heart of gold, and a freak who’s good for nothing!-”
You don’t know what made you do it but you blinked and your fist connected with her jaw, “Fucking watch your mouth!” You could feel the tears pricking your eyes again, fighting to keep your voice steady.
“Hey!-” Tommy yanks you back by your collar, twisting you around to land a punch square against your nose and upper lip, reeling back for another punch as you stumble back against the ground “You don’t talk to her that way!”
“Tommy!-” Steve grabs his arm, yanking him back from you.
Tommy whips around and clutches Steve’s collar, pinning him to his car. “Or what? You gonna fight me now, too? Huh?” He yelled in Steve’s face, manic. “Because you couldn’t take Jonathan Byers..”
You pressed your fingers underneath your nose, blood spilling over your fingers and a stinging feeling in your lip.
Tommy lets go of Steve, and casts you a look before throwing an arm around Carol.
Steve pushes past him to help you up, a flicker of concern crossing his face as he mutters, “get in the car–” Moving to open the door to the driver's seat, prepared to get the hell out of there.
“Here, let me get the door for you, buddy.” Tommy rams Steve in, hands pushing his shoulders.
“That’s right. Run away, Stevie boy!” He shouts at him through the window.
You got in on the other side, buckling and hoping that the blood would stop.
“Run away! Just like you always do!” He snaps, “That Nancy’s turned you into a little pussy!” Tommy hits the hood of the car as Steve backs up, wheels screeching as he speeds off.
“That’s right, Harrington! Run away with the freak!- Run away!’
Red painted the swirls of your fingertips, drying a deep burgundy while Steve’s knuckles were pure white.
“You okay?”
You scoff.
“What, am I not allowed to ask?” His shoulders raised, defensive.
“Maybe apologize for what happened in the alleyway first.”
Steve’s ears went red.
The blood started to slow and eventually stopped, face warm underneath your skin, radiating an uncomfortable heat.
Steve sighs, “Here.” He tosses you the cola he was previously nursing against his face, and you catch it gratefully.
Pressing it to your upper lip you sigh at the cooling sensation, holding your hand out.
Steve peers over at you, “What?”
“Pills. I know you got ‘em.”
He rolls his eyes, reaching into his pocket. Steve flips the lid off, shaking two ibuprofen into your palm.
Tipping your head back as you toss them into the back of your throat, you swallow dryly, feeling the pills stick to your throat. To remedy this you open the cola, taking a swig while Steve groans, “Hey I was going to use that..”
“Yeah well I’m drinking it.” You were pissed at him, that was something you weren’t going to hide.
He shakes his head, mumbling something or another and returns his attention back to the road.
…
“You’re stupid, you know that right?”
“I know.” You murmur.
“You shouldn’t have punched Carol.. And I could’ve handled Tommy were you not there.”
“Mm.. After Jonathan beat your ass I don’t believe that for a second.”
Steve slams on the breaks and you lurch forward, soda spilling over and onto your fingers and pants, “Steve!-”
“Gimme a minute.” He puts the car in park, getting out and walking up to.. The theater. Upon realizing the location you get out of the car, moving to stand awkwardly behind Steve.
He's staring up at the older gentleman scrubbing the spray paint off of the board.
“Need a hand?”
“Did you two have something to do with this?” He gestures towards you both, making Steve look back over to you before shaking his head.
“I just.. I wanna help.”
That answer seems to do it for the man because he lowers himself down the ladder, handing Steve the rag, “All yours.”
Steve smiles, a small smile, but it's there. He strips his coat off and hands it to you, climbing up the ladder to get to work.
The man crosses his arms, stepping into line with you, “You’re not Nancy, are ya?”
“No.”
You’d honestly preferred to be called a slut.
At least you knew that insult had no chance at being true.
Steve doesn’t take long and you two end up back in his car.
“Drive me back home?”
He looks confused, “But-”
“I’d like to try and fix the hole in the wall before my parents get home.” Your mouth stretches thin, crossing one leg over the other, leaning away from the console.
Steve doesn’t argue, acquiescing wordlessly.
♪ – Love Can’t Break The Spell – ♪
When you arrive back home the hole in the wall is visible even before reaching the driveway, “I really wish monsters were polite enough to use the door.” You joke, exiting the vehicle and sauntering up to your front door. “How much trouble do you think I’ll be in?” You muse, but not to Steve in particular.
Steve walks in behind you, eyes trailing around as he assesses the damage.. Of your face, “You should get cleaned up.”
“Look who’s talking.”
“No, seriously.”
“I think my parents would want their house to be cleaned up first,” You’re already picking up trash from the floor and bits and pieces of the wall beneath the gaping hole to your living room.
He frowns and walks up beside you, grasping your wrist and dragging you off to your bathroom despite your protests, “I wasn’t kidding,” He insists, dragging you in and sitting you down on the toilet lid. Steve crouches to open up the sink cabinets, squinting, “Where’s the first aid?”
“In the back.” You don’t have the strength to tell him off anymore. Admittedly the only thing you wanted to do at the moment was lay in your bed and cry.
He finds it, standing with a loud crack to his knees.
“Careful there gramps,”
“Watch it.” He holds up a finger, warning you with less bite than an angry chihuahua.
He opened the kit, taking out a few items and preparing them to clean your face. He was about to grab the hydrogen peroxide when you stopped him, “Woah, woah- Do not put that on my face.”
“What? I’ve always used this..” He flips the bottle over to read the ingredients.
“Well stop. It’s not meant for cuts.. Just use warm water and soap. Don’t get it directly in the cut but around it.. The soap.” You clarify, clearing your throat.
He seems amused, brows lifting as he lets out a soft snort, “Where would I be without you..”
You bite back the answer to that question.
He grabs a rag and runs some water over it, turning to press it to your face. He dabs it against your skin, other hand coming to grip your jaw. Thumb resting against your chin as he tilted your head up and to the side.
Squirming just slightly you shut your eyes, “Gonna let me do this to you?”
“As if I’d let you mess up my face any further..” Steve mumbles, reaching over to grab some soap to drizzle it on the cloth. He draws the surface around the cuts of your lip and nose with the same gentleness he used in your relationship back when.
Steve got you cleaned up and put a bandage over the bridge of your nose, “All done.”
Tongue forming to say ‘thank you’ right before you catch it, deciding that politeness was used for people who didn’t just say nasty shit about you hours prior.
When your eyes lift they meet his staring right back, but that’s only for a few seconds before he backs off at the sound of the phone ringing.
“Shit– It’s probably my parents,” You get up and push past him, running to grab the phone. You hold it up to your face, brows furrowing as you listen. “Mhm.. No. No.. I– Later?” You nod along with what's being said, teeth coming to gnaw at your lip again.
Steve’s hands find his hips as he stares at you from the bathroom, hip popping out a bit and shoulders slouching as he looks more relaxed.
“Now? You’re both on your way.. Now.” You confirm, casting a panicked look Steve’s way.
His brows raise briefly before he gets the message, jogging out the bathroom to scramble about, picking up trash and moving furniture.
After the call ends you join Steve in the living room, hand pressed against your temple, “They’re.. Uh. Like. 30 minutes away from home.” There was no way you could hide the hole in the wall, or fix the paint– Or deal with these stupid feelings before they came back to ruin your life.
Steve stops his feverish cleaning spree, “Okay. That’s.. Enough time. Right?” He looks around, grimacing.
“Not if you want to apologize to Nancy before midnight..” You shrug.
“Huh?”
“You heard me..” Your hand finds your neck, scratching roughly at the skin there to distract yourself from your nerves, “Go apologize to Nancy. I can take care of..” You make a vague motion towards the hole, “This.”
He looks offended for a moment, “I can help–” I feel bad. Is what he wants to say, but his mouth can’t form the words.
“No. The drive here was an apology enough,” You have a feeling about why he’s offering, and you shut it down immediately. “She’s who you need to say sorry to.”
Steve blinks.
“And Jonathan. Please, apologize to him.”
He wants to protest, he really does, but if he knows you at all, he knows you won't back down, so he switches tactics, “Come with me.”
You fight a groan.
“It’s better than staying here and getting yelled at. Trust me.”
He has a point.. “Fine. But I might as well just not come back,” You cross your arms over your chest.
“Alright then, c’mon.”
If you loved him you’d help him get back with the love of his life, right?
Notes:
Lonnggg chapter.. s1 is just kinda build up for deeper relationships in the next season/chapters.
More backstory, more scenes between them.. yadda yadda
ALSO kinda implied female reader in this chapter. Some things you can just omit from the narrative and it would make sense for a guy. If I ever do smut (little nervous about that) I’ll make like two chapters catering towards each sex
Chapter 4: Get Back To Your Heart (Only If You Give It Back Again)
Summary:
This chapter takes place within Season 1 Episode 8.
The final face off with the Demogorgon leaves you in need of hospital care 🥹✌️
Song title is a lyric from Djo’s song, “Crux”
Notes:
Not too long of a chapter (like 3,700 words??) but it’s interesting all the same. This chapter (because it’s based on the season finale) is really based on the show, like it barely deviates so I hope that’s alr
And as always..Songs used/Inspired by:
M — The Cure
Staring At The Sun — TV On The Radio
Surrender — Suicide
Crux — Djo(Also, when it’s stated in the fic, it’s sort of intended for you to look up the song and listen to it while reading. It helps evoke the feelings I want to convey.. But I mean you don’t have to but it definitely makes it feel more immersive)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
You and Steve are at the Byers residence now.
“I’m telling you Steve, she’s gonna be here.” You two had already tried the wheelers, but Nancy wasn’t there. So here you guys were.
Steve tossed you a dirty look, not wanting to believe that Nancy was here (even though he had a feeling she was here too).
“Jonathan, you in there man?” His voice wavers looking back at you for support again, “You think he’ll accept my apology?”
“I wouldn’t if I were him, so be prepared to make it up to ‘em” You shrug, arms firmly crossed across your chest.
Steve groaned, scowling before calling again, “It’s- It’s Steve! Listen.. I just wanna talk.” He knocks against the door some more, freezing when it opens.
It’s Nancy and her face is pale, gaze wide, “Steve, listen to me-“ She pauses upon seeing you all bandaged up, and you offer a shrug and an awkward smile.
“Told you she was here.” You tell Steve, and he whispers-yells “shut up!” Before looking at Nancy again, “Hey Nance-“
“You guys need to leave,” she insists, the door barely open.
“No- I’m not trying to start anything, okay? Right?” He asks you pleadingly.
“He’s not lying.. Surprisingly. Give him a chance.” You felt so charitable.
He stutters, tripping over his words, “Listen, I messed up, okay?” He whines, lower lip forming a pout, “I messed up!- I messed up. Really.. I just want to make things right.. Please-“ His eyes trail over Nancy to gauge her reaction, but he spots the bandages, “Wait- What happened to your hand? Is that blood? Are you-“
Okay now you were confused. Nudging Steve out of the way to make room for you, “Oh yeah- Crap- What happened?”
“Wait a sec.. Did he do this to you?” Steve immediately accuses Jonathan.
♪ – M – ♪
“I doubt that- Hey!” Steve is currently trying to push you and the door aside, panic radiating from him, “We said we weren’t going to do this-“ you and Nancy try to hold him back but he shoves himself through the door and past you both.
“No- Steve!” Nancy reaches forward, leaving you to walk in behind her.
Jonathan whips around, shoulders tense.
Once inside you can feel your mouth run dry. So this was why they were keeping the door shut.. Letters on the walls, trash lining the floor.. What was that smell? Gasoline?
“You need to get out of here,” Jonathan pleads, moving to usher him out, “Listen to me. I’m not asking you,” his voice was urgent, but it barely got through to Steve.
Steve is freaking out, stammering, “What is this? Why— Ah-“ this was way out of his field. Maybe he shouldn’t have come to apologize.
“Steve— Steve we should leave-“ Your eyes trail up to the lights, a small flicker. This was what you saw back at your place. You reach out to grab his arm but he jolts away from you.
“No I-“ His chest heaves
“Steve, get out!” Nancy pulls a gun out of her pocket, cocking it and pointing it at the two of you, “Get him out!” She asks you, titling the barrel your way.
Oh my god. You know you knew you and Nancy weren’t on the best of terms but you would’ve never imagined her pointing a gun straight at you (at least her anger is directed at Steve).
“Wait- What? What is going on?” Steve yells.
“You have five seconds to get out of here!"
“Steve!” You call him but he’s barely listening.
“Okay, is this a joke? Stop- Put the gun down-“ his hands fly up in a placating manner.
“I’m doing this for you-“
Flicker.
Were you seeing things or did the lights just flicker?
You found yourself by Jonathan’s side, “hey uhm.. Are you guys planning to kill the thing with no face by any chance..?”
“What?” Jonathan turns to you, surprised.
“Because it’s about to break through the wall—“ you notice the Christmas lights going off and on first, chest tightening with the same fear you had just a day prior.
“Nancy-“ Jonathan doesn’t have time to question how you know what they’re after, trying to get Nancy’s attention.
“Three!- Two!-“ she’s counting down, Steve is screaming his head off and Jonathan finally gets through to her.
“Nancy- The lights!” Jonathan braces an arm over you, “grab the bat-“
You lean over to grab the nailed bat, handing it to Jonathan, “It’s here-“
“Do you know what it is?” Nancy moves to get in front of Steve, breathing uneven and hair a mess.
“It tore through my wall!"
“What’s here! Fuck, can someone fill me in? Hello!”
The lights are flickering on and off wildly all around the house and you find your back against Jonathan and Nancy finds herself in front of Steve. You all take defensive stances, though you and Steve were practically useless with no weapon.
“Where is it!”
“I don’t see it!”
Crack.
The ceiling splits and a slime spills from the opening, an arm reaching through. It had long limbs, lanky and grey in color. Nancy raises the gun, pulling the trigger repeatedly as whatever it is falls to the ground, clicking and chittering, mouth opening like a flower. Each petal decorated with thousands of little teeth. This was something you figured you’d only ever see in your nightmares (or a dnd campaign)
Jonathan shouted- “Run, go, go!” He grabbed Nancy and you, hoping Steve would follow as he led you two back into the hall, “Jump!”
“Fuck fuck—“ You whine, scrambling to get the furthest away from that thing.
“Oh my god, oh my god!” Steve repeated a phrase of his own.
Sometimes it scared you how much you and Steve were alike.
You all make it into Jonathan’s room, slamming the door behind everyone.
“Jesus! Jesus- What the hell was what?”
You were out of breath, hands on your knees, “you should’ve seen it when it broke through my wall!” You were never going to let that go.
Simultaneously Jonathan and Nancy shouted, “Shut up!”
You both got real quiet, cowering behind the two.
It screeched from outside, everyone bracing for it to come barreling through the door.
“What’s it doing?” Jonathan whispered, clicking his lighter on as he held it outwards.
“I don’t know-“ Nancy muttered.
“It’s getting bored.” You whisper, and they look back from the door to you. “It almost got me and Steve but it..” You pause, teeth tugging your lip between your lips briefly before you clicked your tongue, “Lost interest. “
Gradually the lights stopped flickering and returned to normal, and Jonathan clicked his lighter shut, “Do you hear anything?”
“No.”
The scene was so tense you thought you could hear the music crescendoing, but now all your brain zeroed on was silence. That creature had given up after all by the lack of noise. Even still, you weren’t about to catch yourself being the first one to venture out there.
Thankfully, Jonathan led the group forward step by step, bat ready in hand. Stepping clear of the trap and into the empty living room. Which to Steve was a clear sign to scream like an idiot.
He’s mumbling rapidly, hands lost and eagerly waving about trying to find something to do “This is crazy- This is crazy-” Each time he says it he says it with more confirmation than the last. Frantically, he jumps forward to grab the phone, shaky digits hastily trying to press the numbers “911”.
Just like he had done to you not even a day earlier, you storm forward and grab the phone out of his hands, slamming it to the ground.
“What are you do- What are you doing? Are you insane?” He whimpered, adorning a pathetic expression that was only amplified by his busted up complexion. If only he’d have let you fix up his face before coming here.
“Yeah, tell the police.. Like they’ll believe you..” You roll your eyes, “It’s going to come back, Steve. So you need to leave, like.. Now.” Your brows raise, smoothing a hand over your hair, drawing it down your face, “Nancy- I can’t let you guys do this alone. Let me help. I’ve seen this thing before so-“
You had no clue where this feeling of wanting to help came from. Maybe it was because you knew you had nothing left to lose. Shitty family life, even worse social life, truly, would anyone miss you if you were gone? You might as well go out swinging against an inter-dimensional monster because why the hell not.
Jonathan looks towards you warily, “We could use the help,” he doesn't seem fully on board, especially not when he looks towards Steve who looks like you had just said the most outrageous thing ever.
Nancy doesn’t look convinced either, conflicted, but she soon nods.
“Are you crazy? Nancy is giving us the chance to leave– We can leave– You can leave-” Steve whines, exasperated.
“I can. But I’m not going to.” You gently began ushering him out of the house, much to his dismay. Now he’s standing outside, your hand on the door. “You can go. I know what I’m doing.”
“Dont be a hero-”
You shut the door in his face, turning around, “Bat,”
Jonathan nods, grabbing the bat off the floor and tossing it your way.
You catch it somewhat effortlessly, swinging it around in your hand as you walk over to join them in the middle of the room.
“You don’t have to stay,” Nancy murmurs.
“I want to.” There's a look on your face that you suspect that you wouldn’t be able to place. A multitude of emotions waging war on each other to win control of the nervous system: And courage was winning. If you wanted to be dark, you’d say self-sacrifice was winning, but you wanted to be optimistic if this was to be your untimely death.
The lights start up again, flashing uncontrollably and shaking throughout the house.
Nancy braces herself, gaze rapidly searching for the creature's next entrance, “Where is it?”
Jonathan spins around, lighter flicking on, “Come on.. Come on, you son of a bitch.” Jonathan hisses.
“You see it?” You ask, brows knit together and shoulders square.
“No. Where–” Nancy’s voice breaks.
“Come on..” Jonathan pleads.
Your backs were pressed tightly against each other by now, all ready to meet your makers. That was when it went dark.
Pitch black.
♪ – Staring at the Sun – ♪
You went stiff, eyes wide then narrowing as you tried to see in the room that was once adorned with lights now devoid of the very thing.
Low growling.
In times like these you prayed it was just your stomach.
Nancy sees it first, “Jonathan!”
It lunges forward, hitting Jonathan and smacking him to the ground, his weapon slipping and falling out of his hands. It leaned over him, drooling as its mouth opened. Jonathan lay beneath it, head twisting out of the way as ooze poured down on him.
Heart pounding, you reel back and swing the bat right into its torso. It sank a great deal, but it barely damaged the thing. Attempting to pull back to get a better hit you find that you can't, and that your actions drew it onto you. Right as you move to back away it lashes out an arm, the move unsticking the bat from its hardened flesh, leaving it to fall to the floor. Claws digging into your arm, it yanks you into the air and sends you flying to the wall.
Your head hits the wall first, and you twist to sink to the ground, slumping against the wall as blood trickles down your forehead and around your eye. You could’ve sworn you heard a crack when you collided with the wall, but was now really the time? Where was the bat? You barely notice that it’s in your face now, petals open and flaring. Its large claws reach forward to latch themselves into your calf, eliciting a groan of pain from you as it drags you closer to its maw.
Nancy cocks her gun, firing bullets at it to distract it from you but it’s tanking every single one. She wails your name but you’re already too out of it to register anything other than the thought:
“Huh. So this is it.”
Blood was beginning to pool at your leg, and it didn’t cease as it seeped from the wound on your head. Now all you could hope for is that this thing gets the final blow because then you’d really be a loser if after all this you simply died from blood loss.
As you shut your eyes and embrace your fate you can hear.. Steve. You hear Steve. Even in death he still manages to get on your nerves.
The next time you open your eyes you are wholeheartedly expecting the pearly gates. When you finally do, you see three figures and a whole lot of fire. So hell is real? Damn.. You close your eyes again.
A beat.
You open them again and the figures are standing closer now, and they turn out to be non other than Nancy, Jonathan and Steve. Nancy is tearing some fabric apart and pressing it to your leg, Jonathan is pressing a hand against your forehead and Steve is antsy because he’s unsure of what to do.
“Fuck.. Everyone died?” Were the first words you spoke.
Jonathan shakes his head, “You’re not dead,”
Nancy nods in confirmation, focused on stopping the bleeding from your leg.
Steve is standing now, one hand on his hip and the other running nervously though his hair.
“Jonathan,” Nancy calls to get his attention, “Do you have a first aid kit?”
He stands, “Y-Yeah. Hold on.” He runs past Steve, jumping to avoid the things that littered the ground onto the way to the bathroom.
While he does that Nancy keeps steady pressure on the puncture wounds that decorated your leg, blood still pouring profusely from the wound. Your eyes open a bit more, adjusting to the room's orientation, eyes flitting from corner to corner. No monster.. Nancy is dressing a wound.. And Steve? Good god he looks pissed.
“What were you thinking?”
“Can you like.. Chew me out later..” You groan, eyes squeezing together in pain again as Nancy increases pressure on your leg.
“No because–”
“Steve.” Nancy commands, and he shuts up. Jonathan soon returns and he hands the first aid kid to Nancy, and she bandages up your leg. Though as her hands move to clean up the wound on your head she mutters, “We need to go to the hospital. No doubt you got a concussion from that,” She stops to peer into your eyes, frowning.
“Is that really the most important thing right now..?” You try to sit up, “Because.. I could be wrong.. But I think lights flickering means the big bad is right around the corner.” You raise a weak arm, pointing past Nancy.
All three of them snap their heads up, following where you pointed. The Christmas lights turn on one by one, a low hum accompanied by each as they were brought to life. Jonathan helps you up, moving to draw one arm over his shoulder to keep you steady. Steve wields the bat now, holding it firmly in his hands as he leads the group towards the lights.
“Mom, is that you..?” Jonathan asks.
“Are you sure that you’re not concussed..?” You mumble, fingers coming to press against your forehead.
You all follow the lights outside and onto the porch, eyes trailing towards the lamppost.
“Where is it going..?” Nancy murmurs.
“I don’t think that’s the monster.” Jonathan whispers.
“Yeah.. No shit. That’s a lamppost.”
“Okay, hospital time.” Steve slides between you and Jonathan, whisking you away and dragging you off to his car.
♪ – Surrender – ♪
Nancy and Jonathan join, bounding up to his car behind you two. Nancy gets in the passenger seat, and Steve passes you to Jonathan, helping you get into the backseat. Steve is in the front, turning on the car, eager to get you somewhere safer.
Once inside, you fall limply against the car door, face smooshed against glass. Jonathan leans forward to drag you to him, feeling a gentle pull to lay down. He lays your head down on his lap, adjusting you to accommodate your injuries. It gives you a decent view of Nancy and Steve in the front of the car. They’re talking, but you can barely hear over the radio. Or was that the ringing in your ears? Either way, you were paying little attention.
Head twisting to look up at Jonathan, whose eyes were only on Nancy. He looked just as sick as you, if you had to guess. This was the bravest thing you’d ever see him do. That’s sort of what spurred you on. And maybe Steve. Right, Steve.
He came back, saved all of your lives. It was a stark contrast to the Steve you once knew. Downright cowardly to.. This.
Your eyes find him, tracing the contours of his face as it shifted from looking out at the road to Nancy. You bet you’re missing out on a pretty sick explanation about now.
Though that’s all you have the chance to think because you can feel your eyes shutting.
“Jonathan– Keep her awake.” Nancy spots you drifting off, nerves spiked again.
He looks down at you, hand finding your cheek, “Hey- Hey- Stay with us,” Jonathan urges you to open your eyes, but his worried tone does little to help Steve.
He’s glancing back at you two, face twisting in intense anxiety, “What’s happening?”
“She’s-”
♪ – Crux – ♪
You wake up in the hospital.
Okay so they clearly didn’t wake you up.
You adjust to the room slowly, the overhead fluorescent lights doing nothing to ease the throbbing in your skull. When you fully come to you recognize the prominent brown locks of Steve “The Hair” Harrington sitting in the corner of your room. He’s sleeping with a coat drawn over him, face pressed against an uncomfortable looking pillow.
He’s not asleep for long because you guess he can sense that you’re awake, eyes snapping open the moment you shift in bed. Steve’s scrambling out of the chair and kneeling by your side, hands clasping around yours, “I thought you were never going to wake up!”
“It was a concussion, Steve.” You barely stifle a laugh, but your hand comes to press against your side at the movement, “and apparently a broken rib..” You groan.
“Hey, take it easy.” Steve chides, rising to stand.
You nod, swallowing to rid the dryness from.. Everything. How long were you out? Where was Nancy and Jonathan?
It’s like Steve can feel your confusion, because he says, “They found Will. Jonathan’s with him.”
Your eyes go wide, “Will. As in the kid who they found dead in the lake?”
“Yeah.. It’s.. A lot. So, that creature we fought..”
It’s Christmas now.
You’re grounded, and not allowed to go to school. Forced to get a job to help pay for the damage you caused to the house. It was nonnegotiable.. Given that you told them you threw a party, that’s why there was a hole and that’s why the house was trashed.
The hole is covered up temporarily while you scrounge money together to fix it, parents still traveling in and out of town to make money. To help get more you’ve found yourself at the Byers house more and more. Stopping by to help with grocery runs or offering to babysit Will. Jonathan enjoys the company of someone his own age, and Joyce likes knowing that he isn’t alone. And you were a good kid. She tells you that after every little thing.
In fact, she’s doing that now.
Your parents were out of town again, leaving the house empty for Christmas. So the only logical solution was to spend it over at the one place you knew you were welcome at.
You grab a dish out of the oven, “Mrs. Byers? Should I set this on the table?”
“Joyce!” She calls her name out to you, and you sigh.
“Joyce.. Should I set this on the table?” You can’t help but smile. It was endearing how welcoming she was.
Satisfied, she gestures to the table with her head, “Just set it in the middle!”
You nod, walking over to the dining room table to set the dish down when you hear the click of a camera, “What are you.. What are you doing?” You laugh nervously, eyes raising to meet Jonathans.
He’s wearing a goofy grin, “documenting..”
“Why?” You can’t fight the giddy feeling this gives you, raising an arm to block your face.
“Because..” Jonathan chuckles, “It looks great.” He nods to the food.
“Mm.. It’s- Overcooked. And the potatoes are runny.. That’s probably my fault.” You groan.
Joyce peeks her head into the dining room, face lighting up at the two of you. Jonathan rounds the table, hand resting on your shoulder for a moment, giving it a squeeze. He smiles at you, but flushes once he notices Joyce staring all-knowingly at you both.
You pull out a chair for yourself as Will comes running into the room, “It’s definitely an Atari.” He chimes.
“An a-what-i?” Joyce laughs as she officially enters the room, sitting herself down at the head of the table.
Jonathan sits next to you, casting you a shy glance as Will continues, “I felt Dustin’s today, it’s the same exact weight.”
You lean over to Jonathan to whisper, “Which one is Dustin?”
He chuckles, “short curly hair.. Usually wearing a hat?”
You hum like you know now, thumb and finger caressing your chin, “Right.. Right.”
“We’ll have to see, won't we..” Joyce hums, picking up her fork, but pauses, reaching for Will as he sits up, “Hey, no more snooping.
“I forgot to wash my hands, I’ll be right back!” He disappears down the hall, and you quirk a brow.
“He’s washing his hands..?” Joyce mutters, rolling her eyes as she moves to grab the spoon to the dish of corn.
“Young boys and hygiene..” You snicker, and Jonathan elbows you playfully.
This was the most at home you’ve ever felt, and it wasn’t even at your own home. Were you crying? God you hoped you weren’t. That’d be embarrassing.
But could you really blame yourself?
This is what you deserve.
To be sat at a table with a family that truly loved each other, sharing a warm meal and laughing the night away.
You could get used to this. You really could.
Notes:
AHH SEASON 1 IS FINISHED
I’ve already started working on s2 and I promise there will be more chapters than 4 and some off story.. things. Like stuff that doesn’t happen in the series. The first 4 chapters of s1 are really just meant to build story 🥀
Also woahh Jonathan reader love story brewing?
Nah they’re just good friends.
Chapter 5: Oh, I’m Looking For Affection In All The Wrong Places
Summary:
This is based on Episode 1 of Season 2 !
Reader is back to school after being away for about a year.. You catch up and hear about Tina’s party and yadda yadda
Chapter title is a lyric from BETWEEN FRIENDS song, “affection” !
Notes:
REALLY short. Like not even 2000 words.
I’m super busy with finals atm so I wanted to post something little to kick off s2 (also because I fear I might not post for a bit.. but who knows!)
Songs used/Inspired by:
Whip it — DEVO
Talking In Your Sleep — The Romantics
Heart Of Glass — Blondie
The Passenger — Iggy Pop
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
♪ – Whip It – ♪
Life was.. Less than savory for you after that week in November. You spent a day or two in the hospital the day you arrived, sleeping during the lot of it. Well, trying to sleep. It was nearly impossible since fighting that creature, nightmares wracking their way through your brain like a freight train. That didn’t keep you safe from parents scolding though. Being poor, they were naturally furious as the hole in the wall (and the medical bill). And to help pay.. They took you out of school to get a full time job whilst homeschooling you.
Your last day at school was like any other. You told no one. Not even the friends you had come to know— So they were extremely confused when you just weren’t there anymore. No car, no phone, and almost no one knew where you lived. And if they did, they were too busy to stop by and visit.
That left you utterly miserable. Waking up, learning jack shit, leaving to work at a dead end job over at some retail store. Since working there you never thought you’d ever think the words “I miss school”, but here you were. Missing every single thing.
The cramped hallways.
Skipping classes.
Piles of homework.. Actually you don’t miss that.
You even caught yourself missing the people. Or at least having the option to ignore people. At work it was mandatory to talk to someone once, whether it be answering a stupid question or helping decide what outfit looked better on them. It was alright until you bumped into Jonathan of all people, and boy was he surprised.
Christmas was when everyone scrambled to the stores, flocking like geese to get in to find anything they can. Jonathan was holding a bag with a toy or two and a shirt, clearly too small to fit him so you assume he’s shopping for Will.
Before you can ask him if he needs any help like the good store clerk you were, he cuts you off by asking a million questions. “Where have you been, why haven’t you been to school, since when did you work here?” The list goes on.
You reluctantly answer all of his questions, being uncomfortably honest with him about your situation. You knew his homelife, so you figured he’d understand. And that he did.
Since then you’ve spent most of your days hanging around the Byers residence. Jonathan offered to help teach you, giving you homework to review from school or quizzing you on a topic you’d be learning if you were in school. Aside from that, he was just a friend. Staying up late with you, letting you vent about your parents or a customer from work.
To your surprise, which you don’t know why you were, Joyce loved having you around. It soon became a part of her daily routine to come home and see you in her living room, making yourself at home. That’s why you spent Christmas over there.
Parents still choosing to be not around allowed for lots of free time, time that could be spent with people who cared.
Being a staple in the household now, you share responsibilities with Jonathan. Being Will’s baby sitter when he had things to do.. And you didn’t mind.
Not one bit.
♪ – Talking In Your Sleep – ♪
That was then, and this is now.
The school year is starting up again, having made enough money to repay your parents and for them to allow you to attend school again.
Junior year had to be your year.. You were determined to make it go as smoothly as possible.
Which was virtually impossible the moment you sat on the bus. Being banned from the car made you get used to public transport, and that was one thing you were hoping to be rid of soon. The bus ride was rowdy, teens hoping over seats, pushing and shoving friends playfully while groaning about summer being over. Backpack nestled in your lap, arms curling around it as you watch the world go by outside the window.
When it arrived at the school you could feel yourself freeze. That was a lot of people.
Unfortunately for you, months with lack of social interaction was quite literally one of the worst things to ever happen to you (yes, worse than the Demogorgon attack.) That confidence you gained from fighting off monsters and talking to the most popular guy in school completely faded by now. All of your skill points reset to zero the moment you saw a group of kids your age.
Forcing your legs to get up and get off the bus only to pause again outside. How did this work again? God you must look like such an idiot right about now.
Teens chatted with one another, resting under the shade of a few nearby trees as the sun beat down harshly against everything in its reach. You recognize a multitude of familiar faces for better or for worse. Seeing Nicole at a distance alongside Carol, and was that Tina? Cautiously tugging your hood a bit higher to avoid being noticed.
Head down as you walk closer to the school you stop near where you used to park, reminiscing about your car. That’s when you see someone else’s, brain forgetting to remember who it belonged to until you saw the people inside separate for air. Your face flushed immediately once you realized who it was. You’d nearly forgotten about Steve entirely until now.
Thankfully for you, a distraction was revving their engine not far behind you.
The car that pulled into the parking lot was a striking blue, expensive no doubt.
Out of natural curiosity you stuck around to see who was going to leave the car, tons of people around you getting the same idea.
Two people exited the vehicle, a young girl with bright, fiery red hair and a douchebag clad in denim. He looked like an even bigger jerk than Steve was last year.. It’s totally because of the mustache. Deciding that this was a waste of time you turn to leave but not before locking eyes with Nancy.
You spin around quickly, jaw clenching as a grimace formed on your face. Your fate was sealed because you could hear footsteps rapidly approaching, Nancy’s voice calling your name.
Forcing an awkward smile over your lips you turn around to see her, “Nancy!- Steve.. Hey…” Your eyes flit between them, brows knitting together as you searched away to skip this dialogue.
“Where have you been?” She exclaims, arms crossing her chest.
“Yeah,” Steve chimes in, hands stuffing themselves in his pockets in an effort to look cool.
“Oh you know.. I’ve been.” You pause, “around…”
Nancy scoffs, "Seriously, we were worried about you.”
We? Your gaze shoots to Steve where you find him nodding along eagerly.
“Ah. Uhm.” You rock back and forth on your heels, hand coming to scratch awkwardly at the back of your neck, “It’s kind of a lot, catch you up later?” You offer.
Nancy sighs, “Alright, but I’m holding you to it.” She tips her head forward, a warm, inviting smile tugging at her lips.
Steve adorns a similar one, eyes bright and grin cocky. Good to know he hasn’t lost his swagger..
The bell could be heard distantly, kids running to get inside and to class.
“Crap.. We should go.” Steve loops an arm around Nancy’s, casting you a glance before nodding, “Don’t be a stranger.”
He walked Nancy up the front doors, leaving you with your brain practically fried. He was being uncharacteristically nice. Has he really learnt his lesson? You don’t want to get your hopes up.
♪ – Heart Of Glass – ♪
Classes went by with minimal disruption. Though math was a bit of a struggle. You barely understood it before, and you were a fool to think you’d understand it any better after missing half of sophomore year.
Some people asked about your absence and you made up a different lie each time, keep them on their toes.. When in reality it’s because you were nervous. You’d never had so many people talk to you in one day before, it was scaring you. Did people really care that you were gone?
You went a whole day answering questions, and now you were silently hoping Tina had no intentions on handing you an invite to her party. She handed them to nearly everyone who walked through the door, and you, foolishly, thought that maybe she was going to give you one. Like an idiot you rush past and push your way through the line to avoid even looking at the neon orange paper.
Breathing a sigh of relief as you avoided (not) getting a flyer, only to have one shoved into your hands moments later.
It was.. Steve. Of course.
You groan, “Party at Tina’s..”
“You should come,” he nudges you with an elbow, “Get to know people now that you’re back.”
“Ehh…” You shrug, eyes narrowing as you read the flyer.
“Me and Nance are going, I’m sure she’d like you there,” he would too, honestly, “Mm.. Speak of my angel,” the pet name slides out effortlessly, gaze traveling from you to Nancy who was rummaging through her locker.
Swiftly, he runs forward and grabs her from behind, soon being the one pressed against the locker, her lips pressed tightly against his.
That was your cue to leave.. face lighting up as you notice Jonathan down the hall, immensely thankful to get an opportunity to bugger off. You leave Steve to his thing, catching up with Jonathan.
He greets you enthusiastically, grin forming quickly on his face.
“I haven’t seen you all day dude,” You scoff, “Where’ve you been?”
“I guess we don’t share any classes.. So far.”
You hum, “Well, where are you heading right now?”
Jonathan quirks a brow, “Lunch, you?”
Your eyes light up immediately, “Oh sweet I have lunch next too!”
He waves you along with him, and you turn to follow– But not without spotting Nancy looking over at you two. Her gaze is.. Wistful. Steve is looking at her like she hung the stars while she’s looking at.. Your eyes follow hers to land on Jonathan. Ough. This could get dicey.
♪ – The Passenger – ♪
You shovel a bit of food into your mouth, washing it down with a carton of milk before continuing, “Yeah, that’s what happened.” Fork dangling between two fingers, hands pantomiming along with your story.
You were telling Jonathan about your first day back and he was nodding along, brows lifted half way into his hairline by now. “Nancy invited me too,”
“Really?”
“Mhm.”
“And are you going?”
Jonathan snorts, “Nah. I’m gonna go trick or treating with Will.” He pauses, “And what about you? Are you going?” returning the question.
“Just say you barely know me– Of course I’m not going..” You fall quiet for a minute, tongue dragging over teeth as you contemplated, “Actually.. Would you guys mind if I tagged along?”
That got a chuckle out of Jonathan, “You want to trick or treat with us?”
“Ehh.. Why not.” You shrug, “It’s better than being home..” Shuddering at the thought, “And I'll be there to keep you company.”
Jonathan gives you a faux look like he’s mulling it over, but you know he’s already thought of bringing you along. “Y’know what? Sure. I’m sure mom would’ve been asking for you if you didn’t come,” He laughs.
You scoff, “Right, right.” You finish off what’s left of your meal and get up to toss it, and by the time you come back to the table to sit the bell is already ringing. “Ugh.. I forgot how short lunch is.” You groan.
“You’ll get used to it again,” Jonathan laughs.
You two bid farewell and head off to your respective classes.
Time to get through the rest of the day.
Notes:
Told you it was short. But it’s also because next chapter should be a long one.. I plan to have it span over just episode 2 but I’m expanding and adding scenes. That might have to come after finals though.. 😓
aesthekuromi on Chapter 1 Mon 08 Dec 2025 02:21AM UTC
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jayisnotafeather on Chapter 1 Mon 08 Dec 2025 04:46AM UTC
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Iv_Brisa on Chapter 1 Sat 13 Dec 2025 07:57AM UTC
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jayisnotafeather on Chapter 1 Mon 15 Dec 2025 07:24AM UTC
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jayisnotafeather on Chapter 3 Sat 13 Dec 2025 03:21AM UTC
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Flora bell (Guest) on Chapter 3 Mon 15 Dec 2025 04:01PM UTC
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jayisnotafeather on Chapter 3 Tue 16 Dec 2025 05:33AM UTC
Last Edited Tue 16 Dec 2025 05:35AM UTC
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Iv_Brisa on Chapter 4 Mon 15 Dec 2025 08:00AM UTC
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jayisnotafeather on Chapter 4 Mon 15 Dec 2025 08:12AM UTC
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Iv_Brisa on Chapter 5 Tue 16 Dec 2025 08:28AM UTC
Last Edited Tue 16 Dec 2025 08:32AM UTC
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