Jim Hopper - Blog Posts

They know what we want

Vol 2 be like:

And don't say it's not true

i love the ‘hopper is okay with will being gay and dating a guy but hates that it’s mike’ trope but the better trope is ‘hopper is okay with will being gay and dating a guy but hates that it’s mike until he sees this total change in mike’. unlike how mike was with el, mike and will are not constantly making out and sneaking off to suck face somewhere. instead, they talk, draw together, actually DO things together instead of just kissing which was what hopper solely saw el and mike doing. he notes that mike seems happier and more like himself and that he makes will happy and he treats him with respect and love. then he starts to like mike a little bit.

all in all, i think that hopper’s problem with mike is that he knew that milkdud was super toxic and he blamed it on mike.

(Eleven and Hopper eating dinner)

Eleven: What is 'gay'?

Hopper: It means...

Hopper: Happy?

Eleven: oh.

(the next day)

Eleven: Mike makes me gay.

Will: Me too, El. Me too.

Eleven:

Lucas:

Dustin:

Max:

Will:

Papa:

Demogorgon:

Demodog:

the Mind Flayer:

the Upside Down:

Pennywise hours away:

Mike:

Mike: What the fuck.

Dustin: You're definitely a mom.

Steve: I'm not.

Dustin: *sigh*

Dustin: Mike and Will are throwing Eggos at each other, Lucas is fighting with Erica, and Max is cutting Eleven's hair with a knife while El trying to pouring water on your head with her mind.

Steve: CHILDREN!!!

Steve: Wait, on my head?

Steve: (turns around)

(splash)

Eleven, Max, Mike, Will, Lucas and Erica: SORRY MOM

Steve:

Dustin:

Steve: Shut up

Steve: Alright, Robin. I have a good news and a bad one. What do want first?

Robin: The bad one.

Steve: My kids made a mess so i need you to help me clean it up.

Robin: Steve… You don’t have kids.

Steve: Well that’s the good news. I’m the single mom of seven middle school kids.

Mike: El, I love you

Eleven: Sorry Mike, the train of love already stopped at the Max station

Max: Choo choo bitch

Eleven: Mike, spell ‘perfect’

Mike: E-L-E-V-E-N

Lucas: Aww that’s sweet

Lucas: Max, spell ‘perfect’

Max: M-A-X

•| A not so stolen youth |•

Stranger things / chapter 3

Summary: Everything in life seemed limited to walls of whites and rainbows. Caged within the confines of the lab. But an accident that involved a group of teenagers and the upside down world finally let him free. In a funny turn of events he found himself hiding in a step sibling's shed. A redhead that loves video games and a blond that spends his time making sure to keep his good looks.

Character: Male child OC

Warnings: Possible to descriptive scenes, child abuse, use of drugs and bad language.

A/N: I ask you to take into account that I lack experience writing in English and there'll be some grammatical mistakes because my native language is Spanish.

Prev part - Masterlist - Next part

It was early in the morning, every kid was either at school or at home because they’re sick. All except for one.

Thirteen walked with tranquility through the groups of trees scattered all over the town. He found that the only onces that walked there were a few really young kids, other than that, the coast is completely clear.

But what is not completely clear is his mind. The day before he saw something that brought back awful memories. He found out, his father is not the only man like that in the world and he isn’t the only one like him out there. He would like to say that he doesn’t understand Billy completely, but he does.

The teenage has moments of calmness when he usually keeps to himself or even glances at him as if inspecting his soul, and moments of complete chaos when he is hostile against anything and anyone near him.

Billy was angry at his father, that much was evident, but he couldn’t do a thing because he knew it was useless. That was a feeling he could relate a little bit to well.

It happened too often to him in the lab. Loosing his papa’s respect brought a lot of punishment with it and answering it only left him in pain. His only solution was to hold back and resist. But that led to future explosions where he sent his guards flying or breaking an entire room with a scream.

He was labeled as dangerous and forced to stay isolated.

He was thinking of ways to help make him feel better but nothing came to mind other than a present.

But what?

Or maybe, some company? That’s what he wanted when he was in the lab. Maybe that’s what Billy needs at home.

Before he could think about other options, his senses detected something. He heard a pair of soft footsteps quite some distance further in front of him but instead of dreading to find the person a familiar feeling made itself present in the back of his mind. He waited.

As silent as ever, he walked cautiously towards the sound.

Both kids that found themselves in front of one another gasped in surprise. They know each other.

The curly haired girl smiled at the boy receiving a smile in return.

“Eleven.” Whispered the boy, walking closer to her.

“Thirteen.” Once close enough they engulfed each other in a big hug, giggling, happy to realize they both basically survived.

The kids pulled away, still connected by their arms, smiling like no other day.

They had so much to talk about.

“-and then, she taught how to skateboard.” Commented the boy with glee.

They have been talking for about an hour about what’s happened the last year after escaping the lab and getting in contact with the upside down. So far, everything’s been peaceful.

He was happy to know that she was also taken care off by a good guy, even though she puts a kind of weird expression when she mentions him, she stills seems to trust him a lot too.

“But…” he made a pause and sunk in the log they were both seating at the reminder of what happened a few hours ago. “Her papa…” he turned his eyes from his joined hands to the attentive look of eleven. “He is like our papa.”

Eleven gasped softly at the revelation.

“She and Billy hide me.” His lips curved a little at the sides. He always gets a warm and fluffy feeling in his chest at the reminder of people that care about his safety. “She gave me clothes.” He gripped the fabric of the blue hoodie in his chest. The same that keeps his body heat from escaping. “And a name. Magnus.”

Eleven gave him a close-lipped smile. They don’t know each other as well as she would like too because they were separated in the lab. They met only after the rest of the kids disappeared and their father needed more power to connect with the unknown world. But couldn’t interact that much in a friendly way under the scrutinizing eyes of their handlers. He always wore a frown accompanied with tired eyes. So she is happy to see him finally smile, even in the slightest.

“And you?” He asked, giving her the opportunity to express something that might be bothering her.

“Hopper is good.” She nodded. “But he lies.” The kid raised his eyebrows in surprise. “He says, one day I’ll leave to see my friends but that never happens. He promised soon, but soon never comes.”

Thirteen lowered his head in sadness. He knows that feeling, or he knew, before living with his only friend.

“He says it’s dangerous, that it’s for my protection.” The kid wrapped an arm around her in a side hug to comfort her.

In moments like that he wished he was more like magneto and fight for their freedom.

But he couldn’t, he was just a kid after all. All he could do was make her aware that she’s not alone.

A certain blonde haired teenage boy was currently tightening a screw on the engine of his blue baby Camaro.

He was finishing changing the air filter. After what happened the day before with his father he has been looking for ways to release some pent-up pressure. He already said goodbye to his last hook up an hour ago, he doesn’t know where Max is because she was late and he left her to skate home alone and he already worked out in the living room but nothing seemed to make his anger decrease.

Billy huffed once he was finished, cleaning the sweat in his forehead with the back of his dirtied hand. It wasn’t enough but that’ll have to do.

“Jesus.” Exclaimed the blond once he turned around and found the boy behind him, startling him. Weirdly attentive to what he was doing. “What the hell are you doing there? Are you a creep?” He asked with annoyance. He had almost sent the tool in his hand flying.

The kid just kept looking at him and the car with his big blue eyes and shrugged. He didn’t know what ‘creep’ means.

Billy raised a brow at the look of wonder in the kids face. He has seen it a few times before, directed to him, like trying to figure him out, which makes him edgy, but this time it was directed more to his car. “Never seen a car before?” He asked mockingly.

Unknown to him, the first time the boy saw a car was when he escaped from the lab. Ever since that day, the younger one has been greatly interested in the weird machines that roll faster than any adult he has ever seen runs.

Billy furrowed his brows when the only answer he got was the kid leaning his head to the side, still looking at the car.

Was he really that stupid? No, he couldn’t be. They would have already found him if that was the case, but he would have to live under a rock to not know what a car is.

“What, cat got your tongue, brat?” Thirteen shook his head and stick his tongue out to demostrarte it was still there making Billy huffed and turned to his car.

What a weird kid.

He grabbed the car’s hood and slam it shut to make sure it was closed.

“Cool.” Alluded the boy walking closer to the drivers side.

“What?” Thirteen glanced at Billy for a moment before returning to the inside of the vehicle repeating his word.

“Cool.” He is not completely sure if his using correctly the word Max taught him. ‘A word to describe something that’s better than amazing.’ Is what she said, and that is exactly what he thinks about the car.

“Huh, at least you have taste.” Said Billy as he wiped his hands in a towel he had hanging from his short’s waistband. Until he got an idea. Something that would help him destress and he used to do it a lot in California. “Hey brat.”

Thirteen turned towards Billy, not knowing what ‘brat’ means but understanding he wanted his attention. He blinked a few times, watching the weird look in the teenager’s eyes. He had an idea.

Billy would never in his life know what led him to do what he did, but the next thing he knows, he is driving top speed in one of the many lonely roads in the outer sides of Hawkins with the kid in the copilot seat. He loves to use the backroads.

He thought the kid would be scared shitless, however, the kid was grasping the seatbelt like his life depends on it (because it does) with the biggest smile Billy has ever seen.

But he doesn’t care that the kid didn’t get scared he was too concentrated in the adrenaline coursing through his veins at the speed to actually pay attention. He didn’t even light the cigarette between his lips because it wasn’t needed.

Billy whooped in ecstasy and bobbed along the surprisingly not so loud music. It was more important the roar of the engine than the beat coming from the stereo.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” Cheered Billy with his always sharp smile.

But that wasn’t the best part, he was waiting for the right moment to put his car modifications to the test. In a way he couldn’t in the crowded city of California.

His smile widened when he saw what he was looking for. A wide straight doble lane road.

It’s show time.

He stepped on the break and pulled the hand brake simultaneously, then turned the wheel completely to one side in a second. The car instantly followed the action, turning with so much force skidding the tires in the street. Making a U turn by drifting.

Billy laughed loudly while the kid beside him screamed for his life. The wheels scraped the floor until the vehicle came to a stop in the other side of the road. Facing the opposite direction.

Not waiting for anything, he pushed the hand break back down and step on the gas. The wheels screeched against the ground, leaving marks, before moving at full speed back to the house.

At the speed he was driving it only took him 10 minutes to arrive.

He got out of the car after killing the engine and lit the cigarette between his lips, taking a drag as if it was pure oxygen he was inhaling. Finally he felt a little bit better.

So lost in his relief he didn’t pay attention to the passenger in his car. He only turned his head back when he heard a thud. He found the passenger seat empty and the door opened. He huffed thinking the kid just left without closing the door but he stop when he went around the car and found the kid basically face planted in the dirt while giggling.

Billy scoffed a laugh almost sending the cigarette in mouth flying. He was positive the kid was high with adrenaline. He saw the kid try to stand up in his jelly legs only to fall on his side.

“What the hell?” Billy didn’t need to turn around to know who that was. He merely rolled his eyes when the redhead rushed by him to get to the kid. “What did you do to him?” She asked when the kid tried to stand up again with her help but stumbled to the side like he was drunk. She got even more confused when she heard him giggle.

“I fixed your damn brat.” He grumbled taking a drag of his cigarette before throwing it to the ground and returning to the house. He wanted to take a shower.

Max looked between the retreating back of her step brother and the kid seating in the dirt with a big smile in his face.

Could it be possible that Billy changed his mind?

No, that is not something Billy could ever do.

But either way, she was relieved that he was at least tolerating the kid’s presence.

If Max thought they had made a progress with Billy after the ride he had with Magnus. She was wrong.

The very next day his anger returned when he saw her talking to Lucas. There was no problem with that, she didn’t plan to be part of their club of hypocrites anyway.

Well, that was her plan, until the very next day she wanted to go to the arcade to play dig dug and forget everything only to be tricked in to the breakroom by Lucas himself. They argued about the veracity of the fanciful story Lucas told her ensuring that it was the truth.

Leaving the arcade Billy saw him at the door. At first he acted eerily calm while accusing her of disobeying and lying. But a silent threat was made evident later in the afternoon when Billy broke her skateboard when reversing in his car.

It was his way of telling her he could ‘accidentally’ break something without a problem.

He became a ticking time bomb and she didn’t want to be there to see it explode because she would be the collateral damage, and possibly with her, Magnus too. Even though he has mostly ignored the kid in the last days, it was obvious the anger he was holding in.

Taking every posible outcome Max took a decision. She’ll go back to Cali to her father and she’ll take Magnus with her.

The kid already had a new name, and no one will be looking for a kid in another city, miles away from were he was.

That’s how she found herself in this position. Fidgeting with her fingers inside her hoodie pockets, feeling the money between her fingers and watching attentively at Magnus sitting in her bed and messing with her Walkman.

She got the money by telling her mother that she wanted to buy a new shirt but she wanted the money to buy it herself and avoid any kind of harsh comments from Neil if she went with them to the mall in the neighboring town. Her mother, illusioned with the possibility of her daughter buying something more feminine, gladly gave her double the money she needed to buy the shirt. She thanked the heavens her mother did because she forgot the amount of money it’ll cost to buy two bus tickets.

She forgot a slight detail. The distance between her and her father was much more now that she is in Hawkins than when she was in Cali, and the tickets would be more expensive.

She already prepared two bags with things for her and Magnus. In that precise moment she has the perfect opportunity to leave with him. Her parents aren’t home and they’ll come back until night and Billy was too busy working on his muscles for his next hook up of the night to notice.

Gaining some courage Max sat next to the kid in her bed. She took a breath and spoke. “Mag-“

She was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell, someone calling at the door.

The kid raised his head, looking between Max and the bedroom’s closed door. He was to concentrated on the Walkman that he didn’t pay attention to the footsteps at the front door. It’s not like Billy’s blasting music trough the house helped at all.

He was already used to the volume of the music, but hearing it with the door open still hurt his head. At least the wood helps to drown out the sound. But he was still relieved that it’s not as loud as the alarms in the lab. That was a real headache.

He jumped from the bed when doorbell sounded again. He needed to hide. He turned to the window but stopped, if the person in the door somehow comes to the backside of the house he’ll be screwed. He turned to the bed. He doesn’t fit under it. As his last and only option, the kid threw himself inside the closet and closed the door, always leaving a crack to let the light come inside.

Max pressed her lips together trying to suppress a laugh. For a moment he looked like a headless chicken.

Her poorly covered smile disappeared when she heard her stepbrother yell at the next ring. “Max, are you getting that or what?”

Exasperated with him she yelled her answered “Okay.” She opened stood up stomping her way out of the room, closing the door behind her

“I swear to God Max.” Fumed the blond getting an eye roll and a glare from his sister when she walked by him. He just proceeded to lift the weights again.

From the closet, Magnus could slightly hear the door opening and closing over the music, along with Max’s voice from the other side of the door, indicating that now she was outside with whoever was at the door. He couldn’t tell what they were talking about because the music muffled their voices.

He waited for a moment, relieved that Max at least sounded like she knew the person outside. He was also aware that it wasn’t Neil, he could have heard his truck parking or his gruff voice booming in the house.

He waited a little while until she finally came back, closing the door behind her. She turned to Magnus watching the window in wariness. She knew why. Lucas was outside of the window. “Magnus.” She called for his attention.

He turned to her, blinking a few times.

“I… ammm.” She fidget in her place looking for the words to say. She didn’t know why she was so nervous, she just made up her mind and decided she’ll find out what’s really happening with Lucas and his group because deep down she still wishes to have friends. “I’ll live with the stalker for a few hours. He says he has proof or something.”

“Where?” Came the silent question from the kid. Max almost didn’t hear it with Billy’s blasting music coming through the door.

“To the old junkyard.” Magnus lifted a brown and tilted his head slightly to the side. There was nothing in there other than trash and forgotten stuff. Nevertheless, he nodded, understanding that she is going there like really few other teenagers do. “Okay, then. I’ll be back.” She said, making the reference of the terminator movie even though Magnus didn’t catch it.

She turned to one of the two opened windows. The one closest to the bed. She stepped on the woodshed outside before stopping and turning to Magnus who was seating in her closet.

“Don’t talk with Billy if he doesn’t talk to you, by the way. He’s not in the mood and can get cranky.” Magnus smiled at the thought but nodded again.

Don’t talk to Billy. Copy.

Max said a soft goodbye before exiting when she heard the boy outside telling her to speed up. He even heard her commenting that whatever they were doing better be worth it.

Minutes later after she left, Magnus stayed in her closet. He was to engrossed in the Walkman she borrowed him.

The interest came when he returned from the store he likes to visit (steal from) with a cassette tape he found behind the garbage dump.

He put on the headphones and changed the tapes the way Max instructed him to. He pressed play instantly jumping in his place and accidentally trowing the headphones. The volume was too high. Even with the headphones in the floor he could hear it clearly.

He decreased the volume to the minimum before putting the headphones back on. The rhythm of the music was somewhat similar to the songs Billy hears when exercising but not as scandalous. He turned the Walkman over to see the tape through the see through cover. The letters in the side said ‘Call Me by blondie’ and something else he couldn’t read due to the blurred sharpie. He likes it though.

He bobbed his head to the rhythm of the music, not caring that he could hear Billy’s music through the headphones. He liked it. He found his taste in music.

Still moving his head to the beat, he stood up and walked to the window farthest from the bed. He sat on the window sill dangling his feet for a couple of second before jumping out. He looked at the full woodshed beside him before returning to the shed. Walkman in hand.

He’ll wait for Max in there.

It’s been a few hours and Max still hasn’t retuned. Magnus got bored since he doesn’t know where Max’s tapes are and he can’t read so well, so he decided to steal an apple from the Hargroves’ fridge.

Meanwhile, the blond teenager was done exercising, taking a shower and currently sharpening his look before his date (hook up). He sprayed hair product in the hair locks that fell on his forehead. Turning over the bottle of colon, he spread a few drops of the liquid in his wrist, even going as far as to spread a little bit in the southern area.

He turned and posed in front of the mirror, smiling with satisfaction at the result. Taking a drag from his previously lit cigarette he leaned forward and blew the smoke against his reflexión, winking. Yep, he was ready.

His smile was erased once he heard someone calling at the door. He noticed the rush in the knock even over his blasting music. “Billy?” He knew that voice. The reason for witch his father decided it was a good idea to move.

Kind of.

“Yeah, I’m a little bit busy in here, Susan.” He answered uninterestedly.

“Open the door. Right now.” He mentally cursed when he heard his father’s commanding voice in the other side. There was no way around this.

Genuinely curious he finally opened the door finding his father frowning face and the always present worried face of Susan shielding herself behind the man.

“What’s wrong?” He cut to the chase.

Neil wasn’t at all impressed by his son’s bluntness. “Why don’t you tell us?”

“Because I don’t know.” He answered with obviousness in his tone. They just appeared in his door insinuating something that he isn’t aware of and yet, he is not surprised. Everything that goes wrong for Neil is always somehow his fault. No matter what.

“We can’t find Maxine-” Said Susan.

“And her window’s open.” Interrupted the man like the boss that he believes himself. Billy faltered for a second, looking in another direction before regaining himself. Even he was surprised. She was in her room with the brat a few hours ago. “Where is she?” Commanded Neil.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” Scoffed the Man like his son was the worst dumbass in the world, annoying the younger.

“Look, I’m sure she just, I don’t know, went to the arcade or something.” Explained Billy, still not finding the force in his voice, kicking himself for it, and panicking internally. To avoid looking at the rising anger in his father eyes he went to the closet to retrieve his previously selected leather jacket. “I’m sure she is fine.”

Nike wasn’t having any of it. “You were supposed to watch her.” He commented, like he was just making an obvious observation.

Billy could clearly hear the covered anger under those words. But he couldn’t stop himself from arguing. He was getting annoyed.

He sighed. “I know dad. I was. It’s just you guys were three hours late, and, well, I have a date.” He slipped on the jacket and turned towards the man ready to face it and just leave. “I’m sorry, okay?”

“So that’s why you’ve been staring at yourself in the mirror like some faggot instead of watching your sister?”

That did it.

“I have been looking after her all week, dad. Okay?” He snapped. “She wants to run off, then that’s her problem, all right?” Neil licked the interior of his cheek, concealing his anger with an eerie façade. “She’s 13 years old. She shouldn’t need a full-time babysitter. And she is not my sister.” He turned to the radio. Stopping the music abruptly only to feel his heart drop to his stomach when Neil grabbed him by the colar of his shirt and slammed him against the shelves beside the closet.

“What did we talk about?” Asked Neil in a condescending tone. Practically whispering it in Billy’s face.

The teenager panted in anger and fear. He couldn’t answer fast enough when Neil slapped him in his left cheek, making him groan.

Susan, who once again couldn’t leave the scenario only looked the other way, feeling guilty for putting him in that situation but not doing anything fearing she could be in his position.

Neil grabbed Billy’s chin to force him to look at him before pointing with the same hand. “What. Did. We… talked about?” He made emphasis in each word.

“Respect and responsibility.”

“That is right.” Answered the man, pleased to have him under control once again. “Now, apologies to Susan.”

There was silence for a few seconds. Neil waiting for Billy while the blonde swallowed his pride and fear. “I’m sorry, Susan.” He said, never tacking his eyes from his father’s.

“It’s okay, Neil, really-“ she was interrupted when the man once again rises his voice.

“No, it’s not okay. Nothing about his behavior is okay. But he’s gonna make up for it.” He grumbled the last part. He finally stepped back to turn to look at Susan. “He’s gonna call whatever whore he’s seeing tonight and cancel their date.” He said as if it was the most normal thing to say. “And then he’s gonna go find his sister. Like the good, kind, respecting brother that he is.” He turned once again to his son, already finished with the humiliation. “Isn’t that right, Billy?”

Billy looked at his father with watery eyes hiding all that hate and anger he harbors towards the man. If only he could make him pay or just leave.

“It’s that right?” Yelled Neil when his first answer was only silence.

“Yes, sir.” He said softly.

Neil sighted in annoyance, leaning closer to his son. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you.”

“Yes. Sir.” He repeated. This time with more courage.

“Find max.” Demanded Neil with finality turning around and leaving the room, intimidating Susan enough for her to step away from his way.

Billy finally let the tears spill once the door was slammed close and hit the wall beside him. He hated him with all his being. He wanted to fight back, punch him or something, but the last time he tried to do it didn’t end well for him.

Sucking his feelings up and drying his tears, he left his room to the back of the house. He thanked the heavens he parked the car in the back really close to were he needs to go. The shed.

Faster than he thought, Billy reached the wooden door and gentler than he wanted to, he opened the door (still slamming it open). “Hey, brat.” He grumbled once inside.

Magnus raised his head looking at him with wide eyes. He knew it was Billy the one walking (stomping) towards the shed. But it still surprised him when the teenage barged in the shed and called for his attention, loudly.

Billy opened his mouth about to yell but stopped. He didn’t want to scare the kid that looked like a frightened rabbit ready to bolt and end up running around like a headless chicken looking for Max for scaring him, or for his father to find him hiding a kid in the shed and get his butt kicked.

Instead he took a breath before talking. “Where’s Max?”

The answer he got was the kid blinking in bewilderment hugging a comic to his chest.

“Ugh, for fucks…” he mumbled under his breath. “Do you know where is Max?” He repeated in a gentler voice, clearly containing his annoyance.

Magnus nodded his head slowly. Max told him to not talk to Billy if he didn’t speak to him first, she didn’t say anything about not telling him where she is.

Billy raised his eyebrows expectantly. “Okay, and?”

“The old junkyard.” He answered softly.

Damn. Now he is in trouble. He doesn’t know where that is. He slightly fidgeted in his place. “Do you know how to get there?”

Magnus nodded a slowly, still with the comic in his hands.

“Okay, then get in the car.”

Magnus instantly light up. He didn’t care that Billy used a commanding voice, he was just happy to get a raid again.

The kid quickly rushed out of the shed as silent as a mouse with an annoyed teenager following him.

Billy was already donde for the night, but unfortunately and unknown for him, it would be the longest and most eventful life of his entire life.

Hope you like the new rout I’m taking with this story.

•| A not so stolen youth |•

Stranger things / chapter 2

Summary: Everything in life seemed limited to walls of whites and rainbows. Caged within the confines of the lab. But an accident that involved a group of teenagers and the upside down world finally let him free. In a funny turn of events he found himself hiding in a step sibling's shed. A redhead that loves video games and a blond that spends his time making sure to keep his good looks.

Character: Male child OC

Warnings: Possible to descriptive scenes, child abuse, use of drugs and bad language.

A/N: I ask you to take into account that I lack experience writing in English and there'll be some grammatical mistakes because my native language is Spanish.

Prev part - Masterlist - Next part

To say that Billy was surprised is an understatement. A whole week came and went without any inconvenience.

The asshole he has as a father isn’t even suspicious that there’s basically a fifth person living with them. In the shed, but still under their roof.

He is never, ever, going to say it out loud but he admires the guts Max has to look at Neil during diners and give no hint of any other emotion than the hate and forced respect she already harbors towards the man.

He became a silent witness of her plan. Watching her pretend to be tired earlier in the nights and leave to her room to rest only to jump through her window the next second to hang out with the boy in the shed.

And talking about the boy. The only way Billy could describe him is, strange. The boy is as silent as a mouse. He appears and disappears without making a noise. Which is creepy in the most part but thankfully helpful.

The asshole of his father has been busy recreating his righteous façade in front of everyone in Hawkins to actually pay attention to any mistake or misbehavior he does.

He could even bet that it has been the best week he’s had in years.

As for Thirteen, he’s living the best three weeks of his entire life.

Clean clothes instead of a gown, a roof to protect him, outside of the lab, learning to read comics and with a real friend.

Max even brought him to the arcade once, in the night and when it was about to close. It didn’t end that well as she thought it would. That night she found out the boy has a sensitive hearing after he bolted out of the place. ‘Too much noise’ is what he said. Since the arcade wasn’t an option anymore she came up with another idea. She would teach him how to skate.

Fortunately, she had her skateboard with her.

It was to be expected that Thirteen would fall a few times, it was his first time in his life doing a physical activity and didn’t have any kind of coordination with his feet.

When they went back to the house, Thirteen was covered in dirt, a couple of bruises and scratches but he had such a big smile in his face that only by looking at it Max couldn’t help but do the same.

Little by little Thirteen has started to open more to Max and vice versa, making it obvious that he is comfortable with her. He likes to hear about her day in the school with the other kids, the way she tells the story of a group of stalkers reminds him of the way she reads the comics. And she likes that she can openly talk about whatever she wants without the fear o being judge.

Things are working better than they both expected.

Until the day everything would change finally arrived.

Halloween.

Max loves Halloween and she’s made it clear every time she tells him stories of what she did back in Cali. She wanted him to come with her this year but after what happened in the arcade he is a little uneasy.

Besides, the only reason he wanted to be part of a big group of kids was to make a friend. He was looking for someone to help him stop being alone, and now that he has Max there’s no reason to go out there that much. Now the fear of being found is the only thing that remains in his mind.

“Still don’t want to go with me?” Asked Max to the kid seating in her closet.

The boy smiled and shook his head.

“You could use a sheet to cover yourself completely like in the E.T. movie I showed you. The group of stalkers will be there…” at least, she hopes they’ll be there after her step brother almost ran over them with the car after school. “We’ll meet in the street for trick or treat.”Thirteen frowned a little, considering the pros and cons in his head but the worry was still evident in his face. “Still don’t want to?”

The boy pressed his lips together before shaking his head.

Max was internally disappointed but she understood his fear. She already tried running away to her biological father when she found out they were moving from Cali to Hawkins. She was just as paranoid and worried. She only lasted a few hours away from her house, and she doesn’t how log has the kid been hiding.

“Are we still up for sweets and comics, though?” She asked getting an instant nod from the boy with a big smile.

She was confused for a second when she saw his smile fall and glance at the door. The boy slide the door of the closet almost completely, avoiding being engulf by total darkness, just in time when her mother opened her bedroom door.

“Sweetie, do you have your costume yet?” She asked in her always flowery and nervous tone. Max still doesn’t get why she is so jittery with her own daughter.

“Yeah, this.” Max rose the mask of Michael Myers and fake knife she had in her hands. She already had her black coverall that belonged to her father on. The measures were changed to fit by Susan herself a year ago and fits perfectly.

Her mother gave her a little forced smile. “Are you sure? I could try to make something with the things in the closet. There’s still time.” She recommended, pointing at the closet in the hallway.

Max pressed her lips in a thin line. Comments like that are common from her mother. She knows that Susan would like to have a more feminine daughter. One that prefers to use make up. One that has girls as friends to go shopping with instead of boys to skateboard with in the neighborhood. One that likes princesses and romance instead of monsters and assassins.

But she wasn’t like that and she’s didn’t want to be like that.

“No. This is fine.” She said.

Her mother nodded with the forced smile still in her face. “Okay then. Am. Have fun.” Not knowing what else to say she turned back and closed the door behind her.

Max let out the breath she was holding. Why everything in her life has to be weird?

She turned to the closet when she heard it slide open. The boy looked at her with his brows furrowed in worry. She looked upset.

Max understood the look. Her friends used to look at her the same way back in Cali. “It’s just-“ She pointed at the door with her thumb but didn’t know what to say or to explain. “I-“ she was interrupted when Billy passed by the door saying her name in a singsong tone.

“Max~” Even though it sounded like he was happy Max could still identify the dangerous threat deep down.

“Just a minute.” She yelled when she heard his footsteps going further in the hall. She turned back to the kid as she walked backwards to the door. “Comics and sweets when I return?”

The boy nodded.

“Max. I’m leaving.” Shouted Billy from the front door, his singsong tone completely gone.

Feed up with him she opened the door and yelled her answers rushing down the hall. “I’m coming.”

Thirteen blinked a few times, watching in curiosity at the opened door. He still doesn’t understand their bond. They seem to care and know about the other but act so hostile.

Max closed the front door behind her, already out of the house, finding Billy leaning against his car with a lit cigarette in his mouth. He was invited to a costume party and yet, his costume was a leather jacket covering his shirtless torso, fingerless black gloves, dark jeans and his usual boots. That wasn’t even a costume, but when you have the popularity Billy does, nobody gives a shit.

“What, the rat is not coming to be a looser with you?” He asked taking the cigarette out of his mouth, taking a final drag and throwing it in the floor before opening the car’s door.

Max threw him a side glance, not at all agreeing with the way he speaks.

“He is a boy and no. He wants to stay.” Billy turned to his stepsister, looking at her over the car.

“The brat better not blow the cover because I swear to god Max.” He threatened.

Max rolled her eyes as she got in the passenger sit. As if she didn’t know what could happen if Neil finds the boy. “I already told you, nobody’ll know he is there.”

“Hey.” scolded the older boy once inside. “Watch. Your attitude.” He threatened, making a pause to be sure Max understand he is being serious.

She understood. Max looked at the front, avoiding the glare Billy threw at her.

He huffed in annoyance turning on the engine and driving out.

But he couldn’t help the question that lingered in his mind.

What kind of monster is that guy for the kid to rather stay in a strangers house than to go back home?

He slightly tightened his hold in the wheel.

He shouldn’t be thinking about it. It’s not like it’s his problem. Why should he care about a coward?

Unknown to the step-siblings on their way to celebrate halloween, Thirteen was still in Max’s room searching through the box full of comics a few that he could take to the shed.

Even though he can’t read that well he loves to watch the colorful pictures of the stories. Even more when those are telling Magneto’s story.

He feels like he can identify himself with him a little. Their powers are similar, they both can control things with their minds but magneto only controls metals while thirteen controls any kind of material.

But his story is the most intriguing. He sees magneto as someone really brave, confronting the masses for the opportunity to free himself and those who are like him. And he is feared for his capabilities, just like it happened to him in the lab.

The day he finally unleashed his powers was to protect himself from the people who tasered him on his father’s orders. He screamed and sent flying everyone in the room against the walls, breaking the white tiles. They feared him that day.

He just wants to be as brave as Magneto to confront those who wronged him.

He was in his voyage when he heard the always heavy footsteps of Neil. He knew both him and Susan were in the house due to the sounds they make, but Neil was getting to close to comfort, and the door of the room was open.

He grabbed the two comics he already found and jumped trough the open window, squatting down once he landed to reduce the noise to the minimum.

He acted in the right moment because once he was out Neil stoped at the door when he caught something moving in his peripheral vision.

The man furrowed his eye brows as he entered the room. It was a mess by his standards, just like Billy’s. But the place looked empty of any presence.

No one could fit under the bed and the closet had only clothes, the only option left was the open window that let the autumn wind enter.

The boy outside was tiptoeing along the backside of the house without making a single sound, still crouched. He turned around the corner and pressed his back to the wall just before the adult stuck his head out of the window. He waited patiently, keeping his breathing even. He could still hear him breathing heavily by the window, inspecting the surroundings.

Assured that everything was in order the man grunted an went back inside, not before closing the window and locking it from the inside. It’s not like that would stop Thirteen but the man didn’t know.

The boy waited some more time, just to be sure. He heard his footsteps reach the living room and take a seat in the old couch that creaked under his weight accompanied by Susan’s voice.

When the coast was clear he walked calmly back to the shed with the comics in hand ready to wait for Max to come back with the sweets she promised.

Coming back home wasn’t as easy or peaceful as the teenagers thought it would be.

Max waited for Billy for an hour before she realized that he was never going to pick her up, so she ended up walking all the way home.

The situation got worse when she found Neil and her mother waiting for them awake and in the living room.

Neil was fuming, already assuming and getting it right about why she came back home alone.

Max tried to lie about Billy dropping her at the front door and leaving to droop one of his friends and that he would be back soon. But the lie flew out of the window when said teenager appeared stumbling and staggering through the front door two minutes later.

When his father asked him why he was late Billy made the excuse that he had a flat tire.

Those simple words left both teenagers as liars and idiots. And yet, Neil’s anger was solely directed to his excuse of a son.

Max left to her room before everything started, she already knew what was coming. Neil beating the shit out of his son, Billy not having the courage to fight back and her mother watching, to much of a coward to either live the scene or stop her husband.

Max stayed in her room imagining she was in another place, in another world, pretending she didn’t know Billy enough to care about him. But actually, it was the opposite.

They’ve had a few moment between them in which they manage to understand each other silently. Without having to mention they’re main problem. Neil and Susan’s uncomfortable relationships that put they’re lives upside down.

But while she was creating walls to protect herself from her powerlessness, Thirteen had come out of the shed a few minutes ago. When he heard Max walking to and opening the front door to be exact.

He sneaked into her room, unlocking the window with his powers, waiting for her in her closet. But when she took longer than normally and he heard Neil’s voice grow more and more dangerous, he went back outside to see the living room trough the window.

He saw and heard everything that happened. He even witnessed Neil hitting Billy and beating him to the ground.

That man was like papa, it’s what he thought.

Watching Billy get beat made Thirteen’s blood boil so much he didn’t realize his powers where starting to act up.

The shelf beside them fell loudly startling a scream out of Susan and distracting Neil. The sudden pause at least got him to calm down and see his son seating in the floor, beaten and drunk. He thought that was enough, he didn’t want to leave a mark of obvious evidence in him, he didn’t need someone coming to ask questions.

Thirteen went back to Max’s room. He knocked on the window, getting her attention. She turned towards the boy, taking the mask off.

Once he was inside, he instinctively sat down beside her and gave her a hug.

Oh how much Max wanted to cry right there. But she hates crying. She didn’t let any tears come out but she leaned in to the boy’s hug.

The world doesn’t deserve someone like Thirteen, is what came to her mind. So young and so aware of the bad things and yet, he remains with a heart of gold.

They stayed like that for what felt like hours until everything calmed down. They waited when everyone was back in they’re room, and even a few minutes after that.

They sat in the girl’s bed, getting more comfortable.

Max dumped the bag full of candys in her bed between them. She had skittles, 3 musketeers, nerds, fireballs, monchitos, tunos and a lot more she didn’t know existed.

She was obviously trying to change the atmosphere and thankfully it was working.

“You know, I’ve been thinking…” mumbled Max with her mouth stuffed with whoppers, making sure to speak softly. She didn’t want anyone coming to knock on her door when she should be asleep. “Do you remember when magneto choose another name when he was on the run?” she asked the kid. Thirteen nodded, still munching in a bar of the three musketeers. “I was thinking. What if you do the same? Having a number as a name easily raises suspicions. But if you have another name…” she left the idea hanging, already noticing the understanding in the kids expression.

The boy opened his eyes wide, nodding a few times in happiness.

“Wanna choose a name?” She asked after she swallowed the chocolate.

With the most innocent eyes and without hesitation he said. “Magneto.”

Max laughed a bit and shook her head. The kid was to innocent for his own good. “Magneto is not a name for a person. That’s his title as a villain.” She explained.

Thirteen deflated a little bit. He wanted a name from magneto.

He thought for a moment under Max’s attentive eyes. Until he came with an idea. “Magnus.” He said in a dreamy tone of voice.

Max repeated the name in her head and in a whisper, testing how it sounds before nodding. “Magnus. I like that.” She extended her hand, expecting the kid to do the same.

Thirteen looked at her hand for a second, not getting the memo, but he trusts her so he raised his hand, blinking a few times when she grabbed it and shook it.

She smiled at him. “Nice to meet you, Magnus.” She said

Thirteen felt cheeks warming and a smile spreading in his face. He likes how it sounds. “Nice to meet you.” He whispered.

He now has a name, a friend and a place to stay. He has everything he ever wanted, and he’ll do everything in his power to protect it.

Any comment or constructive criticism are appreciated.

•| A not so stolen youth |•

Stranger things / Chapter 1

Summary: Everything in life seemed limited to walls of whites and rainbows. Caged within the confines of the lab. But an accident that involved a group of teenagers and the upside down world finally let him free. In a funny turn of events he found himself hiding in a step sibling's shed. A redhead that loves video games and a blond that spends his time making sure to keep his good looks.

Character: Male child OC

Warnings: Possible to descriptive scenes, child abuse, use of drugs and bad language.

A/N: I ask you to take into account that I lack experience writing in English and there'll be some grammatical mistakes because my native language is Spanish.

Prev part - Masterlist - Next part

“What does it say here?” Sounded the voice of the teenage redhead in the shed. She pointed to one of the dialog bubbles in the comic.

Thirteen tilted his head in a vain attempt to read better. The comic was in his own hands and moving it wasn’t as helpful as he thought. “Mmm… final… v… victory?” He stutter. He felt he chest warm when he saw the look of pride in Max face while she nodded.

“Yeah. You’re getting better.” She said excitedly. A big smile was formed in the kids face.

It’s been two weeks since they met. And everything’s going good so far.

The day after Max let him stay, with the condition of being careful no to be seen, she went to check on him only to have heart attack when she didn’t find him.

The blankets she gave him were folded and there was no trace of him.

She spent the whole morning of school wondering where he could have gone. It’s not like she paid attention to the classes before.

And after an uncomfortable ride home with her stepbrother she went straight to the shed getting an insult of how weird she was behaving from the blond and disappointment from finding nothing.

She stayed on her room thinking the few things she knew about him while her brother worked out in the living room. She thought about the limited vocabulary of the kid and that she had to read the comics she showed him because he couldn’t.

There were no visible signs of physical abuse but she got a glimpse of a tattoo in his left wrist when he rubbed his eyes after yawning.

The kid is only ten, what kind of tattoo would a kid his age want?

He is dirty and his clothe doesn’t fit him, obviously not his. But still, none of it gives her a hint from where he comes from or how to find him.

She didn’t even know why she wanted to finde him so bad. Or more like, she pretended not to know.

She’s always thought of herself as independent, which was accurate for the most part, but didn’t mean she liked being alone.

Before moving to Hawkins, in California, she made her life outside of the awkward environment of her house. She spent most of her time with her two best friends and going to her biological fathers house. Even when her mother met Neil and his son, she did it.

But now, she is stuck in a place she doesn’t know with her awkwardly nervous mother, an asshole who controls the house and everyone in it and calls himself her father just to have an excuse to “educate” her and a stepbrother that gives cero shit about her.

The kid was like her hope for something better. His innocent soul hasn’t been taught how to be an though (asshole) to confront the live out there. He was a little piece of the remaining good things of the world.

Fortunately, before she could exit and give her stepbrother an excuse to leave the house she was startled out of her thoughts by a knock on her window.

There he was peeking over the edge of the window and lifting a hand with three bags of chips to share with her.

Since then it became a routine that they manage to hold for a week. While Max goes to school and avoids as much interaction with her current family as she could, thirteen sneaks out to explore more. He already knows most of the place like the back of his hands but he still finds interesting the things that people do, even tho he is to scared to get close.

Those are the moments too bitersweet to him. He loves watching others have fun and imagine himself enjoying with them, having a life where he didn’t have to keep hiding, but before he can get a step closer to the kids in the park the fear of returning to the lab and being punished for leaving in the first place stops him.

That’s why he always goes back to the shed. To a place where he knows he is not alone anymore. At least the fear of being found didn’t bother him for the first week, but at the beginning of the second something that neither he or Max could have thought happened.

It was a normal day for them until the girl came back from school and went to her room like usual. But her heart fell once she saw Billy walking out of the house with a grey tank top and a pair of shorts he only uses when he knows his going to get dirty. Which means he is going thinker with his car, which means, he needs his tolls that are in the shed.

She took a shortcut jumping through her window. She run to catch her stepbrother and walked as normal as posible beside him.

“What are you doing?” She asked, trying to act normal.

He threw her a a momentary look, easily realizing her act. “To mind my business.” He answers bluntly.

She put herself in front of him walking backwards, only making the situation even weirder to Billy. “Don’t you have a date? With the… that blonde girl. What was her name?” She tried to remember almost stumbling with a rock.

Billy rolled his eyes in exasperation. “I don’t know and I don’t care. That was yesterday. Now move.” He pushed her effortlessly to the side once they reached the shed.

Max almost face planted in the floor but that wasn’t her priority. She turned to Billy only to witness him stop in his place with the door open.

“What the fuck?” He mumbled.

Max rammed her body against the door and closed it staying between it and her stepbrother. “It’s not what it looks like.” She defended.

Billy rose a brown in incredulity. “Really? Because it looks like you’re keeping a stray in Neil’s shed.”

“He’s not a dog, he’s a kid.” She defended, actually offended. “A really scared kid.”

“And I don’t give a shit. You’ve been keeping him there in a shed that doesn’t belong to you.” Max knew that what he said was true, but she couldn’t let him to his own with the possibility of returning to an abusive home. “What could a kid of his age be scared of? A monster under his bed?” He shook his head. It was ridiculous. “He needs to go.” He said with finality.

Max pressed her back even harder against the door and shook her head.

Billy got closer to her, using his height to tower over her in an intimidating way. “Get him out before Neil finds out or I’ll do it.” He threatened in a gruff voice.

Max genuinely felt scared. She knew what he was capable of, but she bets that the kid is even more scared than she is right now. And she was right, the boy was shaking inside the shed, hugging to his chest one of the comics Max left for him. His favorite comics. One of x-men’s.

“No.” She said with all the confidence she could in front of her intimidating brother.

The blond grabbed her arm in a painfully strong grip and dragged her a few steps away from the shed before throwing her, ignoring her yelp when she fell on her side. “Then I’m gonna get rid of the scaredy cat myself.” He conclude walking with heavy steps towards the shed.

Max panicked. She let out something that she knew could affect him. “He’s scared of his father, okay?” She screamed.

She felt a small relief when Billy stopped in his actions with his hand in the door’s handle.

His hesitation brought some confidence to the girl. “He hurts him.” She explained in hopes of changing his mindset. “I’m not asking you to take care of him. Just don’t tell anyone. You won’t even notice he is here.” She pleaded a little calmer now but still seating in the floor. “You won’t even notice he is here.” She repeated in a soft voice.

Billy bit the inside of his cheek in thought. He doesn't know how long the kid’s been there but if it weren't for the fact that he personally went to the shed he wouldn't know of his existence.

Almost reluctantly, Billy opened the shed again. He stayed in his place but he took his time to actually take a look at the kid. Scared and dirty, the boy stayed in the very back of the wooden place, shaking. Those blue innocent eyes were looking at him, waiting for the worst.

For a second, a small flash, he saw himself in the boy. When he was recently abandoned by his mother and left with his abusive father. He moved slowly to one of the shelves close to the door to grab the box of tools, keeping an eye on the kid.

Once he was out he looked at the surprised redhead in the floor as he closed the door behind him.

He stepped in front of his sister with his always present frown in his face. “If Neil finds out I let you hide a kid in the shed I’m gonna drag you under the bus with me. Do you understand?” He concluded.

Max was stunned for a few seconds but nodded slowly.

Billy scoffed, proceeding with his plans on tinkering in his car but made a las comment. “And wash that filthy kid. His gonna become a charcoal by the weekend.”

Max blinked a few times. She sat there for a moment, processing what just happened until she heard the door creaked open and a pair of eyes accompanied by a dirty fur (at least that’s what it looks like) peeked out of the place. She gave him a toothed smile that soon became a laugh that turned into a cackle that had her almost rolling on the floor.

The boy came out of the shed smiling, visibly confused but smiling. If Max was happy that means good news.

And it did.

Now that she didn’t have to actually hide the boy it became easier to change places between her room and the shed, they go through her bedroom’s window though.

She did what Billy said. She gave him a bath. She took his clothes and left him in his underwear covering it with a towel and sat him in the bathtub. She was horrified when the water changed color almost instantly and she had to change it for more clean water.

She knew he got dirty through the week but not that much.

She was surprised once again when she gave him the bottle of her brother’s shampoo and he only looked at it in wonder.

The kid didn’t know how to use a shampoo, much less the conditioner. He now has hair long enough to go a little below his ears when wet but that’s new to him, he’s always had a buzz cut since he was a kid. He never needed anything more than soap for his whole body, like the rest of the kids in the lab.

Knowing the kid was never taught how to use a shampoo put another knot in Max’s heart. Through how much has the kid gone?

She end up teaching him how to use the shampoo and conditioner. He needed a little help to get some knots out of his hair but it was easy.

Surprise surprise. Under those old rags and all the dirt was a beautiful kid with light brown hair. It was formerly a way darker color.

Even Billy who was just on his way to his room did a doble take to the boy standing patiently in the hall. He scoffed and continued on his way. Who could have thought?

Meanwhile Max was practically buried in the main closet of the house, it was more like a storage room with all the unpacked boxes, looking for clothe that would fit him. More specifically, clothes her stepbrother used, but there was nothing. She already looked for in the unpacked boxes around the house and the closet was her last option.

She debated if she should ask Billy personally. It wasn’t the best of her ideas but it was the only one. The probability of Billy slamming the door in her face where high.

She sigh. It was her only option for now.

Reluctantly, she made her way to her stepbrothers bedroom where he was gathering clean clothes to take to the bathroom. His towel was already in his shoulder.

She knocked on the doorframe a little shy.

“What?” He grumbled without looking at her.

“Can you lend me some of your old clothes. The kid doesn’t have any.” She said in a small voice.

He huffed as he grabbed a blue tank top from his closet. “Why is that my problem? He should have thought about it before running away.” He said in a low voice with a hint of annoyance.

“Come on Billy. You can’t let him freeze to death in the autumn weather. Winter is already close.” She answered with a little bit of annoyance in her own voice.

Billy slammed the door of his closet shut and turned to Max. He already had what he needed. He pointed at her with his free hand. “You said he isn’t my problem and I wouldn’t even notice him. This doesn’t seem like it.” He had a point. “Give him some of your old clothes.” He recommended walking to the door. “You dress like a boy anyway.” He insult on his way out, bumping with Max’s shoulder on purpose.

Thirteen, still in the hallway, looked at Billy in curiosity when he walked by him, even when the teenage was obviously ignoring his presence.

Max huffed at him. Well she didn’t have that much expectations in him anyway.

She guided Thirteen back to her room and sat him down on her bed.

She looked for her own old clothes through the many unpacked boxes in her room, grumbling every time something fell out of the boxes for the lack of space needed.

It took a long time but finally, she found her clothes. she organized it into tree divisions. The too small for the 10 year old kid, the clothes that fits and the clothes that will fit. All of that, after selecting the ones that looked boyish.

By the end of it thirteen already had his hair sticking out in every direction, full of static. He put on and took off everything to measure.

While they were both doing their own things, Billy was back in his room. He discarded the dirty clothes in the laundry basket and dried his hair with harsh movements of the towel. Once satisfied he threw the towel to wherever the hell it flew, he just wanted to fall on his bed and blast some music, but he was stopped when he heard a commotion at the feet of his bed.

He huffed. The towel fell on top a stack of books placed on an unpacked box and caused everything to fall.

He grabbed the towel with annoyance only to freeze when he saw the box slightly opened. The item wasn’t hidden but wasn’t visible either from the door, that’s why Max didn’t see it when she came to ask. The light left a cloth visible inside the box. The box was filled with the clothes Max was looking for and some other things of his childhood.

Memories of the few good times. When his mother was still with him and he was happy.

He hasn’t been able to get rid of the things. To sentimental. But he doesn’t want to be reminded of the past and keeps everything hidden. Just like his feelings.

Agitated, Billy grabbed the box of things, slammed his closet’s door open, threw the box inside and slammed it back shut. He walked to his nightstand and grabbed the box of cigarettes. He lighted one up with hands trembling in bottled fury and disgust towards himself and the world.

The relief of breathing nicotine and filling his lungs with the smoke was almost instant. He held his breath for a few seconds, calming himself first then letting it out just like the bad feelings.

The past is in the past, he cannot be weak anymore. He doesn’t have that chance.

To drown every remaining of that bad taste in his mouth he blasted his noisy music so loud that he couldn’t hear his own thoughts anymore.

Thirteen, still in Max’s room frowned when the music reached his ears. Billy’s door was close and so was Max’s, yet, he could still hear the music very clear. He didn’t like how it sounds.

A little thing he hasn’t told Max yet is one of his rare capabilities. Everyone in the lab new it was a possibility to gain enhanced senses once some of the kids started showing signs of it. More specifically, hearing and smell.

Whatever they did to expand the limits of their minds also better enabled the senses limited by mental capacity.

9 of the 15 kids they had developed the enhanced senses along with telepathy and psychokinetic powers. Thirteen was one of them. He only got the hearing though.

But he never got to interact enough with them because he was separated from the rest of the kids when his father found out he was a late bloomer. He was left in isolation for many hours with the excuse that it was to help him concentrate. He was raised in the east side of the lab while the rest were held in the west.

But still, he ended up better than his father ever anticipated and now he has some resemblance of freedom.

Uncomfortable with the music rumbling in his head he rubbed his ears for a moment. The security alarms in the lab were still worse so it wasn’t that much of a problem.

“Here” cheered Max grabbing jeans, a pair of socks, a navy-blue t-shirt with long sleeves and a red hoodie that has less color than when it was new for the many times it’s been washed.

Happy to cover his chilling skinny body he quickly put on the clothes. Max helped him when he managed to get his head stuck in one of the long sleeves.

At last, when he was done, he had a big innocent smile in his face that was reflected in Max’s own. The clothes fitted perfectly.

“Looking good, uh?” she said rising and lowering her eyebrows consecutively. The smile in the boy’s face widened with joy. “Now you can blend in with the others if you need.” Thirteen nodded in agreement. “Wanna read a comic now?” She asked, getting another nod as an answer.

“Magneto?” asked the boy in hope.

Max laughed a little, already grabbing an x-men comic. She knows that the boy’s favorite character is Magneto. She doesn’t know why but she likes how he thinks outside of the box. Most of the kids like a hero, but Thirteen likes a villain, just like she likes monsters. In some way, they are similar.

That’s how the first two weeks of knowing the stepsiblings went. Enjoying a little bit of liberty and not lonely anymore.

But Halloween is close, and so are other things in the dark he thought he would never see again.

Fortunately, this time he won’t be alone.

What do you think?

Any comment or constructive criticism are appreciated.

•|A not so stolen youth|•

Stranger things / Prologue

Summary: Everything in life seemed limited to walls of whites and rainbows. Caged within the confines of the lab. But an accident that involved a group of teenagers and the upside down world finally let him free. In a funny turn of events he found himself hiding in a step sibling's shed. A redhead that loves video games and a blond that spends his time making sure to keep his good looks.

Character: Male child OC

Warnings: Possible to descriptive scenes, child abuse, use of drugs and bad language.

A/N: I ask you to take into account that I lack experience writing in English and there'll be some grammatical mistakes.

Masterlist - Next part

Tic

Tac

Tic

Tac

Tic

Tac

Sounded the clock in the wall. The most pronounced sound in the room of four withe walls.

The breath of the little boy seating in the chair came erratic. His whole attention was directed to the can in the table in front of him. Nothing more.

He didn’t pay attention to the man in a lab coat in the corner or how his nose stared to bleed due to the exertion. All he wanted to do was crush the empty can in front of him. Maybe move it an inch at least, but nothing happened.

Giving up, the boy let out a breath he has been holding since an amount of time he can’t deduce.

His eyes opened wide while fear stared crawling in all his body. The can didn’t change nor move an inch. That wasn’t good news.

He looked at the man in the corner, his arms were crossed and an expressionless façade was kept in his face. Oh, but that disappointment and annoyance was more than evident in his eyes.

The result of his failure was being dragged by the arms by two guards while he screamed for his father.

“Papa. No please.” He begged in distress. He knew what was about to come and he didn’t like it. “Please. I can do it.” Pleaded the 7 years old boy. Tears cascading from his beautiful blue eyes with pain. Not physical pain.

At the end of the corridor he was, almost, through inside a dark room. Instantly backing up until his back was against a wall. His knees lifted to his chest.

A shiver ran down his spine at the sight before him. The man he knows as his father holding the door at the entrance, looking at him with disappointment. “P-Papa.” He whispered.

The man’s expression changed to one of pain. Real or fake, he didn’t know. “This is for your own good thirteen.” Said the man. “I promise this will change.” The man grabbed the heavy door with force closing it even when the boys cries grew louder.

“No papa. Please. Don’t leave me.”

His pleads were futile. The man didn’t listen. He would never.

The darkness grew and grew until finally.

Clank.

The boy woke up startled and panting.

It happened again. He’s been out of the lab for almost a year now but the memories of what happens in there kept coming every night. Almost like a reminder that he’ll never be actually free.

He checked his surroundings, making sure that everything was in its place.

After running away from the lab during the chaos he found himself living in the junkyard of the city. Too afraid to go to far but staying in a place secluded enough to not be found. He has had to hide in other places sometimes because the teens of the neighborhood decide it’s a good place to hang out.

But luck is in his side.

At the moment.

He hasn’t been disturbed in almost a month and had manage to steal food without being noticed.

Talking about it. The kid of now 10 years old got out of the least wreaked car that has worked as his hiding place, patting the dust of his oversized hoodie. One that he may or may not have stolen. Just like his pants.

And shoes.

Either way.

He was ready to start another day.

He sat crisscross and happily munching on a bag of cereal at the back side of one of the stores in the town. One of his favorites.

The guy at the counter spends most of his time with weird things covering his ears and that seemed to nullify any sound on his surroundings. His eyes were occupied by a weird book with drawings in it.

It was so easy to stay outside and use his psychokinetic powers to sneak products out the store. The guy still haven’t found out.

He sniffed the boogers produced by the cold weather and passed the back side of his hand under his nose, cleaning the almost dried blood that he forgot to clean. It was getting colder and colder each day and the thin material of his hoodie wasn’t enough any more. And he has a slight idea of where he could hide.

Satisfied with his meal he rolled the wrap to save the remaining for later. It could be his dinner, because he woke up late it became his brunch.

He stud up ready for the journey. He made sure to stay away from de preying eyes of the curious people. Always keeping himself between the trees to make it easy to hide.

It took him some hours, already in the afternoon, to reach the neighborhood he was looking for, but finally his efforts weren’t in vain.

He let out a sigh once he identified the house. The house that has been unused for the months he’s been out of the lab. But the main house wasn’t his goal. His attention was in the small house on the back. The shed.

He doesn’t understand the purpose of a smaller house behind the big house but he wasn’t complaining. It was small and made of wood. Perfect refuge for the cold weather, just like last year.

He grabbed the handle of the door and pulled. He froze. It wasn’t empty like last year. It was loaded with boxes filled to the brim. This wasn’t part of his plans.

He took cautious steps inside, ready to use his powers in case. But when he entered, walking around some boxes to avoid falling he found nothing more.

He let his shoulders relax and decided to inspect the content of the boxes.

Curiously, most of it were metal scraps or what looked like metal scraps for him, some wooden furnitures and clothing fabrics. Not something he would expect to find in a place like that but he could put it to good use.

He turned, ready to go back to the junkyard and eliminate all evidence of his stay in the place, but he end up tripping with a metal pole which caused him and some boxes to fall and creat a ruckus in the small place.

A certain redhead that was formerly enjoying the peace and quiet on her new house, no parents, no annoying brother nor his noisy music coming from his bedroom, it was disturbed when she heard the commotion coming from behind the house.

“Ugh, not again.” Grunted the teenage.

She and her family have been in the house for only 3 days and that was the second time she has to take care of the raccoon.

She left her skate board, that she was formerly painting, and took the bat in the closet. Ready to kick some raccoons ass.

She frowned when she got close to the shed and the noise increased. It must be something really big to cause that noise. She tightened her hold in the bat, just in case.

The door was slightly ajar, letting the light of the outside enter.

The teen grabbed the door with caution and with a quick move, she opened it.

She froze in her place when she saw someone squeak in fright and crawl backwards until their back was against the wall.

“What the-“ she exclaimed.

It was a kid.

A really frightened kid. She could see it clear as the sky those big eyes looking at her like expecting to be beaten to death or something like that.

“Ammm” she started, unsure of what she should say. “Hello?”

The boy kept quiet, the only evident movement was the blinking. He even seemed like holding his breath.

Feeling bad for scaring him like that she lowered the bat and left it leaning in the door frame to show that she didn’t mean harm.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.” She reassured, but the kids demeanor didn’t change. “What’s your name?”

Once again the kid kept quiet. Obviously she wasn’t doing a good at appearing not threatening or the kid was to distrustful.

“Are you lost? I could… call someone if you like.” she recommended, but the fright in his eyes rose considerably.

“No, please. No.” He begged, stopping her before she could go back to the house. “Bad people can hear.”

The teenage blinked a few times. Bad people? Was the kid just playing hide and seek?

“Bad people?” She asked for confirmation.

Thirteen nodded once. “Papa.”

The redhead opened her eyes wide. She prays she misunderstood. Did that mean the kid was hurt by his dad? It’s not that imposible since she sees it happen in front of her every once in a a while in her own house so she could understand the fear.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to call anyone.” She reassured squatting in front of him to make herself look less threatening. And for a moment, she saw something other than fear in his eyes. “I’m max. What’s your name?”

The boy opened and closed his mouth, still doubting if he should give more information. But if she actually planed to hurt him she would have already done it, no?

“I’m thirteen.” He said in a small voice.

Max tilted her head. That wasn’t something she was expecting. “Thirteen? Like the number?” She asked again for confirmation, getting another nod from the kid. She bit her bottom lip in doubt. She needed more information to know what to do, but she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. “Thirteen…” she got his attention. “Are you hiding from your father?”

The kid lowered his head in slight embarrassment. That sound like he was a bad kid. But he end up nodding too while playing with his fingers and the sleeves of the oversized hoodie in an attempt to make himself less nervous.

Max noticed the discomfort in the kid and tried to better change the subject. Unconsciously she made a decision. She’ll help the kid the way no one helped her brother. “Hey, do you like comics?” She asked lightheartedly.

The kid looked up at her, not knowing what a comic was. “Comics?” He said.

Max nodded. “Yeah, like books with drawings that help tell the story.” She noticed the way the kids expression was filled with more confusion instead of the contrary. “You don’t know what a comic is?” The boy shook his head.

She stood up, kind of exited to show her new comics. “Okay. Wait here. I’ll be back.” She walked slowly backwards but once she was outside she ran to her room, leaving the kid blinking at her.

He has been worried for a whole year that the bad people might find him, the first posibilite that always came to his mind once he made contact with someone was that he was going to be sent back to the lab straightaway. Not this.

But she looked kind, unlike the people in the lab. Her long read hair and her smile with crooked teeth made a comforting combination. Maybe the reason he didn’t disappear once she left him in there was because he believed her. Or maybe it was just because he was tired of hiding.

Whatever it was. He didn’t expect what this meeting would unleash for the future.

two slow dancers is hopper and joyce's song i don't make the rules

Hopper: I’m sorry, but I’m gonna have to fine you kids for having three people on a motorcycle.

Nancy: Three?

Eddie: FÜCK!

Robin: STEVE FELL OFF!!!

The Dating Odyssey: Jonathan

Eddie Munson/Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington/Jim Hopper/Jonathan Byers x fem!reader

1.6k word count

fluff, idiot reader, reader who can't say no, choose your own adventure-ish

Part 1 / Steves Ending / Eddies Ending / Jims Ending / Billy's Ending

Authors note: And so we reach the final part. I hope you have all enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Butterflies fluttered in your stomach as you waited for Jonathan. He called you a few days after your date his shyness amplified over the phone. "Would you like to go on another date? I'd love to, uh, capture you, I mean, take your picture, in different settings."

It was endearingly awkward, and you couldn't help but agree. Here he was, looking even more nervous than on your first date, clutching an old camera with a worn leather strap. "Hi," he mumbled, a faint blush creeping up his neck.

"Hey, Jonathan," You smiled. "Ready to unleash your inner paparazzo?"

He chuckled, a dry, self-deprecating sound. "Something like that. But more... artistic, I hope."

You started at a nearby park. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, dappling the path with golden light. Jonathan fumbled a bit, muttering under his breath about focus and aperture, but when he finally looked up, his eyes held a quiet intensity. "There," he said, a shy smile gracing his lips. "You look... radiant."

There was something magical about seeing yourself through his lens. In the photos, the park wasn't just a park anymore; it was a scene from a dream, and you, the unexpected protagonist.

Next, you wandered through a quirky antique store. Jonathan captured you amidst dusty gramophones and chipped porcelain dolls, a playful glint in your eyes. He even snapped a candid shot of you trying on a feather boa, the laughter lines around your eyes crinkling joyously.

His shyness seemed to melt away with each click of the shutter. He talked about his passion for photography, the way light and shadow could tell a story, the fleeting beauty he found in the everyday. With the last of the photos taken Jonathan had spoken off heading home to his home-made photo processing lab to develop the photos. It didn’t take much pressing on your end to convince him to take you with him to see the photos develop. The drive out to his house was extremely quiet. Jonathan spared a few awkward glances to you during the drive, it was evident by the look on his face that he was nervous about having someone watch him develop his photographs.

The silence in the dimly lit photo lab was broken only by the sound of music playing in the background. Jonathan, his brow furrowed in concentration, meticulously hung the film canisters from a rack, a faint blush creeping up his neck as he caught you watching.

"You sure about this?" he mumbled, his voice barely audible above the music.

"Positive," You grinned, leaning against the counter. "I can't wait to see how they turned out."

He offered a shy smile back. "Me neither, to be honest. It's one thing taking the pictures, another entirely seeing them come to life."

The photo lab was a far cry from the bustling coffee shops and sun-drenched parks where your dates usually unfolded. But here, with the pungent smell of chemicals hanging in the air, a different kind of intimacy blossomed. You were sharing a secret, a peek into the process behind the magic of capturing a moment.

Jonathan, usually so reserved, transformed into a focused maestro. He explained the steps in hushed tones, a gentle pride radiating from him as he spoke about the dance of light and dark on the film. He described the anticipation of waiting for the image to appear in the developer bath, a baptism into reality for the fleeting moments he'd captured.

As the minutes ticked by, you watched in fascination. The nervous fumbling you'd witnessed the first time he held his camera had vanished, replaced by a quiet confidence. He moved with an almost ritualistic grace, his movements practiced yet imbued with a reverence for the process.

Finally, the first print emerged from the fixer bath, dripping with a clear, pearlescent sheen. Jonathan held it up to the dim light, his breath catching in his throat.

"There you are," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

It was the picture from the park, the one bathed in golden sunlight. But seeing it here, fresh from the developer, held a different kind of magic. The light seemed to glow from within, your smile radiating a newfound serenity.

He met your eyes, a shy smile gracing his lips. "Not bad, huh?"

"It's incredible," You breathed, reaching out to touch the wet paper. "It's like seeing myself through your eyes."

The next few minutes became a blur of anticipation and awe. Each photograph emerged from the chemical bath, a story revealed in silver and light. The playful chaos of the antique store, the quiet intimacy of the bookstore, the city skyline transformed into a canvas of dreams under the starlit night – each image brought back a flood of memories, enhanced by Jonathan's unique perspective.

When the last print emerged, shimmering wet in the dim light, a comfortable silence settled between you. You stood there for a moment, surrounded by the hum of music and the faint scent of chemicals, a connection forged in the shared experience of giving birth to these memories.

Finally, Jonathan turned to you, his eyes filled with a quiet intensity. "So," he asked, his voice barely a whisper. "What do you think?"

You smiled, your heart brimming with a warmth that had nothing to do with the chemical baths. "I think," You said, stepping closer, "we have a lot more stories to tell together."

Stepping out of the photo lab, the crisp night air felt like a welcome slap after the chemical haze inside. The streetlights cast a warm glow on Jonathan's face, his smile brighter than any neon sign. "Ready?" he asked, holding out the manila envelope filled with your memories.

You nodded, taking the envelope from him. Its weight felt significant now, a tangible record of the day. A day you didn’t want to end. You walked in comfortable silence to his car, a quiet understanding hanging between you. The drive to your apartment was filled with stolen glances. Each time your glances met, a shy smile would bloom on his face, mirrored by yours.

The radio played a slow ballad, the melody weaving itself into the comfortable silence. Jonathan seemed lost in his thoughts, a contemplative smile playing on his lips. You couldn't help but take a closer look at him in the soft glow of the dashboard lights. He looked different somehow – more confident, perhaps, with a spark of pride in his eyes.

Suddenly, he caught you staring. A blush crept up his neck as he quickly looked away, muttering something about taking a wrong turn. You let out a soft laugh, the sound breaking the tense silence.

"It's okay," You teased, nudging him playfully with your shoulder. "I like this detour."

He chuckled, then finally stopped at a red light, turning to face you. "Me too," he confessed, his voice barely a whisper.

His eyes held a depth you hadn't seen before, an unspoken question lurking beneath the surface. You felt your cheeks burning, a delicious mix of anticipation and nerves swirling in your stomach. Leaning forward, you brushed a stray strand of hair off his forehead.

"You're amazing," You whispered, surprising even yourself with the boldness.

He stared at you for a moment, his gaze so intense it stole your breath away. Then, a slow smile spread across his face, a smile that spoke volumes more than any words could.

The light turned green, and Jonathan pulled back into traffic. But the quiet magic of the moment lingered. You talked in snippets, about the pictures, about your shared dreams, about anything and everything that came to mind. Yet, the silences felt comfortable, filled with a new understanding that transcended words.

Finally, you pulled up in front of your apartment building. The engine hummed softly, neither of you wanting the night to end. He looked at you, his eyes filled with a question he didn't dare voice.

You reached over, your fingers brushing against his as you turned off the radio. "Would you like to see the pictures again?" you asked, offering the envelope.

A grin spread across his face, chasing away the nervousness. "I thought you'd never ask."

We walked up to your apartment, hand in hand, the weight of the envelope feeling lighter now, replaced by the warmth of connection. Stepping inside, you flicked on the lights, casting the room in a soft glow. He pulled out the pictures, and you spent the next hour reliving your adventure through Jonathan's lens. The pictures weren't just photographs anymore; they were keys that unlocked a treasure trove of shared memories, each one etched not just on film, but on your hearts.

As you sat staring at the photographs in the comfort of your apartment, he confessed, "You inspire me, you know? You make me see the world differently."

"Your greatest muse, huh?" You teased, remembering the phone call.

His blush deepened. "Well," he stammered, "maybe it's a bit too soon to say that, but..." he trailed off, then took a deep breath. "There's something about you. You light up a room, even with just a smile."

Walking him back to his car, the weight of his camera a comforting reminder of the afternoon, you realized it wasn't just him who'd been inspired. Jonathan, with his quiet passion and shy observations, had opened your eyes to the beauty in the ordinary.

As you reached his car, he handed me a small, worn print – one from our first date of you trying to take a photo of a lone flower. "For your inspiration," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

You took the picture, the warmth of a blush echoing in your cheeks. "Thank you, Jonathan," you said, your voice thick with emotion. "You're my muse too." It felt true. In his own unique way, Jonathan had shown you the beauty of being seen, truly seen, and you couldn't wait to see where this shy photographer and his camera would take you next.

The Dating Odyssey: Billy

Eddie Munson/Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington/Jim Hopper/Jonathan Byers x fem!reader

1.7k word count

fluff, idiot reader, reader who can't say no, choose your own adventure-ish

Part 1 / Steve's Ending / Eddie's Ending / Jim's Ending / Jonathan's Ending

Underneath the sapphire sky, you hesitated at the entrance to Hawkins Pool. You hadn't seen Billy since your first pool date a week ago. After a whirlwind of emotions, you decided to take a breather, avoiding him and the others to clear your thoughts. You had felt sure of your decision to pick Billy 4 days ago. You felt sure of your decision every day since. Now, standing there, you wondered if you had made the right decision to meet him again. Would it just stir up more confusion?

You had originally gone to Billys trailer hoping to run into him somewhere a bit more private. You’d stood knocking for almost 15 minutes when Eddie Munsons stepped out of the trailer across the road. He was dressed in nothing but a pair of boxers clearly not long out of bed. He pulled a cigarette from behind his ear, lighting it and smiling across at you.

“If your looking for Hargrove his at work” Eddie called across the road.

“Oh thanks Eddie I guess I’ll head there then” You smiled and tried to make a quick exit.

“Wow, hay there, what’s the rush? What do you want with Billy anyway?” Eddies smile never fell from his face.

“Well honestly Eddie I went on a date with Billy last weekend” You choose to tell him the truth. Eddie deserved that much.

“Oh wow well uh I guess it’s not like we were exclusive or anything” Eddie scratched the back of his neck.

“Sorry Eds, your super sweet and any girl would be lucky to have you but I love Billy” You were honest with him and yourself.

“If you were saying that to high school Eddie I would have told you to run that Billy is bad news but he has changed since high school so if you think he is the one for you then go for it” You could hear the sadness in Eddies voice

“Thank you Eddie, um, maybe you should go for some clothes” You motioned to his boxers.

“Oh this is nothing you should ask Billy about the day he saw my pale naked ass run past his bedroom window” Eddie chuckled.

You shook your laughing at Eddie as he waved and ran back to his trailer. You climbed back into your car and headed towards the Hawkins Community Pool. This brings you to your current predicament. You stood in the parking lot looking at the entrance. Your nerves had hit you all at once. Your thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind you.

"Hey, y/n”

You turned to see Billy, his grin as bright as the sun reflecting off the water. His presence sent a flurry of butterflies into your stomach.

"Hey, Billy," you replied, forcing a smile.

He approached you, his steps confident. "I've been trying to catch you all week. I was starting to think you were avoiding me."

Your cheeks flushed with guilt. "I...I needed some time to think."

Billy nodded understandingly. "I get it. But hey, I'm glad you're here now. Ready for round two?"

“Uh yeah actually  I thought you might like to go for another date this weekend? Maybe make us something a little more official?”

“I would love that” Billy had the brightest smile on his face making your heart skip a beat. “I actually have somewhere I would love to take you but you’d need to be ready early Saturday morning, say around 5am”

“I’ll be ready” You smiled

“Great I need to get back to work, make sure to wear something light that you don’t mind getting wet” Billy gave you a quick kiss on the cheek and jogged back into the pool.

Your stomach was doing leaps and a smile plastered it’s self on your face and you didn’t know if you would ever get it to leave. Billy, you were confident, was the only guy you believed could do that to you. Saturday, just two days to wait and you would have your next date with Billy.

Thursday and Friday flew by. You smiled through the days and Friday night you couldn’t sleep. The nervous energy kept you awake. You planned your outfit out and laid everything out ready for you to grab and put on the next morning. You went to bed at 7pm exactly knowing you need to be up at 4am to be ready on time. You tossed and turned constantly looking at the bedside clock. At some point you had fallen asleep though and you were woken by the alarm clock at 4am. You thought last night that if you didn’t get enough sleep, you would be too tired when you woke up to do anything. Instead, you were full of endless nervous energy. You jumped out of bed and raced into your bathroom. You took a quick shower and got dressed into a simple pair on denim shorts and a white tank top with a bikini underneath. You then rushed into the kitchen fearing you were going to be late, grabbed the pop tarts you had left out the night before quick access and tossed them into the toaster while also flipping on the kettle. You already had your coffee mug out with instant coffee and sugar in it ready for hot water because you were so anxious about being ready on time the night before. As you munched on your pop tarts and waited for the kettle to boil you looked at the clock on the wall. 4:25. Your eyes almost bulged out of your head. How had so little time passed? It just left you more time to panic. The kettle clicked off bringing you back to your breakfast. You poured the hot water into your mug and stirred it before getting the milk from the fridge to add to the cup. You sat at the kitchen bench and sipped at your coffee while waiting for time to pass willing it to move faster. By the time the clock struck 4:55 the coffee mug was empty and had been washed up. You bag was packed for the day ahead. You took a deep breath and made your way to the street below your apartment. You hadn’t even been on the side walk for 5 minutes when the familiar roar of a Camaro engine graced your ears. A smile broke out on your face and you bounced excitedly on your heels. Billy’s blue Camaro came to a stop in front of you and Billy was quick to jumped out and open up the passenger side for you. Once you were seated in the Camaros Billy closed the door and ran back around to the drivers side. He put the Camaro back in gears and began driving out of Hawkins.

“We have about a 3 hour trip ahead of us just so you know” Billy smiled across at you.

“I’m sure we’ll find ways to keep ourselves entertained” You laughed

Billy blasted the music and placed a hand on your knee as he drove. It was as if he had driven this same road many, many times. You took a chance to take in Eddies outfit. He was wearing a pair of black shorts and a white singlet. He had his normal necklace on and sunglasses. He had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. He seemed at peace on the road compared to how you had seen him around town. You laid back and closed your eyes allowing the sun coming in to heat your skin. You must have dozed off at some point because you were woken by Billy shaking you.

“We’re here sleepy head” He chuckled.

“The beach?” You sat up and looked around.

“Yep welcome to Chicago, it’s no California but hay it’s a beach” Billy smiled.

He laced his fingers with yours and guided you down towards the ocean. It was perfect beach weather, warm and sunny. You looked out at the water as Billy pulled you onto the beach and began to walk along the waters edge.

“So California huh? Born there or holiday spot?” You asked.

“I was born there, use to go surfing with my Mom, basically lived on the beach” Billy smiled looking out at the water.

“Then why the move to Hawkins?” You asked confused.

“My mom, she…well she left us and my Dad remarried Max’s Mom and he thought after Max tried to run away a few times that it would be best for us to move away. I don’t blame Max at all….well maybe in the beginning but not now” Billy had a look of regret on his face.

“I’m sorry that’s clearly a sore topic for you” You regretted asking.

“No, it’s fine you deserve to know, my dads dead now anyway so it’s not like it matters” Billy shrugged. “Anyway what about you, I know your not local to Hawkins either”

“New York City born and raised. Couldn’t stand city life and needed to go somewhere quite” You smiled up at him.

“Well I for one am glad you made that choice” Billy chuckled

“Me too” You nodded.

Billy quickly swept you up in his arms before running off into the water. You screamed begging him to place you down only to be met with him saying no over and over again. At just the right depth Billy tossed you in. You got to your feet and began splashing at him. Soon you were both surrounded by laughter and love. Everyone else on the beach cease to exist to the two of you. You got so wrapped up in each other to failed to see time getting away from you. Before you knew it the crowds had begun to go home for the day. You and Billy had become quiet as he swum up behind you wrapping his arms around your waist.

"I'm glad you came back," Billy said quietly, breaking the silence.

You turned to him, your heart somersaulting in your chest. "Me too."

Your eyes locked, and in that moment, you knew you had made the right decision. Sometimes, all it took was a leap of faith to find something worth holding onto.

As you emerged from the ocean, the sun sinking below the horizon painted the sky in hues of pink and gold. Hand in hand, You and Billy walked away from the beach, your hearts lighter than they had been in days, ready to face whatever the future held, together.

The Dating Odyssey: Jim

Eddie Munson/Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington/Jim Hopper/Jonathan Byers x fem!reader

2.7k word count

fluff, idiot reader, reader who can't say no, choose your own adventure-ish

Part 1 / Steve's Ending / Eddie's Ending / Billy's Ending / Jonathan's Ending

Out of all the dates you'd been on one stood out to you. You knew Jim was older then you. 25 years your senior but something felt right. After the romantic dinner, every moment feels overshadowed by the memory of that evening. The restaurant had been perfect, a quiet, dimly lit corner of the world that seemed to exist solely for the two of you. There was something about the way the candlelight flickered in his eyes, casting a warm glow that made him seem almost ethereal. The conversation flowed as smoothly as the wine, with laughter punctuating the night, creating a melody that you wish could play on repeat.

Now, days later, you find yourself unable to shake the memory of that dinner from your mind. It's in the quiet moments, when the world slows down, that your thoughts drift back to Jim. You replay conversations, dissecting every word, every glance, and every smile, as if trying to decode a deeper meaning. The taste of the wine, the sound of his laughter, the warmth of his gaze—it all haunts you in the most bittersweet way.

You try to focus on daily tasks, but mundane moments become filled with flashes of that night. A song on the radio brings you back to the moment he mentioned his favourite band, and suddenly you're standing in the restaurant again, hanging on his every word. The scent of your morning coffee reminds you of the way they described his love for espresso, and you're left wondering if Jim's thinking of you too.

The realisation hits you in waves—the way your heart seems to beat a little faster when you remember the softness of his voice, or how a simple memory can bring an involuntary smile to your face. You find yourself picking up your phone more often than usual, half hoping, half fearing he might reach out. Or any of your dates for that matter.

It's not just the memory of the dinner that captivates you; it's the possibility of what might come next. The uncertainty is thrilling yet terrifying, a delicate balance between wanting to dive headfirst into this budding connection and the fear of rushing into the unknown.

You start to notice how the anticipation of seeing Jim again fills you with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The thought of replicating the magic of that night, of finding new ways to connect and deepen your understanding of one another, becomes a constant companion in your thoughts.

As you lie awake at night, replaying the events of the dinner in your mind, you realize that this is more than just a lingering memory—it's the beginning of something profound. The realization that you're perhaps on the precipice of falling deeply for someone based on one night of shared laughter, confessions, and connection is both exhilarating and daunting.

The romantic dinner has become a turning point, a before and after in your life, marking the moment you became utterly captivated by someone who now occupies your every thought. And as you navigate through this haze of longing and anticipation, you can't help but wonder if his feeling the same way, if you're as unforgettable to him as he is to you.

Driving past the Police Station became part of your daily routine. Yet you never dared to enter the station for fear of Jim having changed his mind about you. You had already told the others you weren't interested in any further dates with them which was met with both anger and sadness. Still you couldn't bring yourself to walk through the Police Station stairs.

After driving past the station today you decided to go check out Benny's burgers. For all the time you'd spent in Hawkins you were yet to check out the burger place. Apparently it had the best burger around or at least that it was Jim had said on your date. Actually Eddie and Steve had said the same thing.

You step into Benny's Burgers, the scent of sizzling beef and melted cheese enveloping you as you take in the cozy atmosphere of the diner. Red vinyl booths line the walls, each illuminated by the soft glow of pendant lamps hanging overhead. The sound of classic rock tunes fills the air, adding to the nostalgic charm of the place.

Making your way through the bustling crowd of patrons, you find solace in a booth tucked away in the far corner. The worn leather upholstery invites you to sink into its embrace as you peruse the menu, each item tempting you with promises of savoury delights.

Caught in the throes of indecision, you're suddenly interrupted by the unmistakable presence of the sheriff. His imposing figure cuts through the crowd with confidence, his eyes locking onto yours with a knowing glint. With a nod of recognition, he makes his way over to your booth, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Mind if I join you?" he asks, already sliding into the seat across from you before you can muster a response. "I couldn't help but notice you're struggling with the menu. Let me make a recommendation."

Before you can protest, he's already flagging down a waitress and ordering Benny's Famous Beef Burger and two large milkshakes without missing a beat. "Trust me," he says with a wink, "it's the best in the country."

As you wait for your meal, the sheriff engages you in conversation, effortlessly steering the topic towards the romantic dinner you had recently. His words are laced with genuine warmth as he reminisces about the evening, recounting moments shared and laughter exchanged.

Despite the unexpectedness of his presence and the surrealness of the situation, you find yourself drawn in by his easy charm and genuine interest. In the dimly lit booth of Benny's Burgers, surrounded by the comforting hum of conversation and the tantalising aroma of food, you realise that sometimes the most memorable moments happen when you least expect them.

As the waitress sets down the burgers in front of you, the enticing aroma of grilled beef and melted cheese fills the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. You take a moment to admire the masterpiece before you, the golden-brown bun glistening with condensation, the lettuce and tomato peeking out from beneath the perfectly cooked patty.

With a sense of eager anticipation, you take a bite, and the flavors explode on your taste buds in a symphony of deliciousness. The beef is juicy and flavorful, the cheese oozing out with each bite, and the fresh toppings adding a delightful crunch. It's everything the sheriff promised and more—a culinary masterpiece that leaves you speechless.

Glancing up at the sheriff, you find him watching you with a satisfied grin, as if he knew all along that you would be blown away by Benny's Famous Beef Burger. "Well?" he prompts, raising an eyebrow in amusement.

"It's amazing," you admit, unable to suppress a smile of pure delight. "You were right, Hop. This burger is truly something else."

He nods in satisfaction, taking a bite of his own burger with evident relish. "Told you," he says between mouthfuls. "Benny's never disappoints."

As you both savour the delicious meal, the conversation flows effortlessly between you. It's as if the shared enjoyment of the burgers has forged a bond between you, breaking down barriers and allowing for genuine connection. In the warmth of the diner booth, surrounded by the comforting presence of good food and good company, you can't help but feel grateful for this unexpected moment of camaraderie with the sheriff.

And as you continue to enjoy the meal together, you realise that sometimes the best experiences in life are the ones that catch you off guard, the ones that remind you to savour the simple pleasures and appreciate the people who make them possible. With each bite of the delicious burger, you find yourself feeling more at ease, more content, and more grateful for the serendipitous twists and turns that life has to offer.

“So does this count as a second date?” You hesitantly asked Jim

“Only if you want it to” Jim smiled at you

You take a moment to study his features, the lines etched around his eyes hinting at a lifetime of experience, while the warmth in his gaze speaks of a youthful spirit that refuses to be tamed by time.

"Can I ask you something, Sheriff?" you venture, your voice laced with curiosity.

He arches an eyebrow, a silent invitation for you to continue.

"It's about... us," you begin, gesturing vaguely between the two of you. "The age difference, I mean. Does it... bother you?"

The sheriff's expression softens, and he sets down his burger, his gaze meeting yours with unwavering sincerity. "Honestly? At first, maybe a little. But then I realised something." He pauses, as if carefully considering his words. "Age is just a number. What really matters is the connection we share, the understanding, the... chemistry, if you will."

You nod slowly, digesting his words. "I suppose you're right. It's just... unconventional, you know? People might talk."

He chuckles softly, a sound that resonates with warmth and reassurance. "Let them talk. What we have is special, and anyone who can't see that... well, that's their loss."

There's a quiet determination in his voice that leaves you feeling oddly comforted. It's as if he's offering you a lifeline, a reminder that love knows no boundaries, no rules, no constraints. In that moment, you realise that age is just one small facet of the complex tapestry that makes up your connection with the sheriff—a connection that transcends time and defies societal norms.

And as you sit there, enveloped in the cozy ambience of Benny's Burgers, surrounded by the lingering scent of grilled beef and the soft hum of conversation, you find yourself grateful for this unexpected bond that has blossomed between you and the sheriff. It's a reminder that love knows no age, no limits, no boundaries—a truth that you're more than willing to embrace.

As the conversation flows between you and the sheriff, a shadow of uncertainty crosses your mind. What would his ex-girlfriend, Joyce, think of his burgeoning relationship with someone much younger? The thought lingers, unspoken yet palpable in the air between you.

"I can't help but wonder... what would Joyce think?" you venture cautiously, your voice tinged with apprehension.

The sheriff's expression shifts, his features softening with a hint of nostalgia. "Joyce..." he murmurs, trailing off as memories of their past together surface.

"She's a strong woman," he continues after a moment, his tone tinged with fondness. "We may not always see eye to eye, but I'd like to think she wants me to be happy."

You nod, understanding dawning in your eyes. "And does she know about us?" you ask, unable to suppress a note of curiosity.

The sheriff hesitates, his gaze dropping momentarily before meeting yours once more. "Not yet," he admits, his voice tinged with reluctance. "I wanted to be sure... before telling her."

You nod in understanding, sensing the complexity of the situation. Joyce had been a significant part of his life, and breaking the news of his new relationship would undoubtedly be a delicate matter.

"It's... complicated," he continues, his words heavy with unspoken emotions. "But ultimately, what matters is how we feel about each other."

There's a quiet resolve in his voice, a sense of determination that leaves you feeling reassured. Despite the potential challenges that lay ahead, you find solace in the sheriff's unwavering belief in the connection you share.

And as you sit there, surrounded by the warmth of Benny's Burgers and the comforting presence of the sheriff by your side, you realise that whatever the future may hold, you're ready to face it together. With each passing moment, your bond grows stronger, fortified by trust, understanding, and the unshakeable belief that love knows no bounds.

You decide that now is a good a time as any to tell Jim about the other dates. The confession hangs heavy in the air, the weight of your words palpable as you reveal the truth to the sheriff. His expression remains unreadable, a mask of stoicism that belies the storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface.

"You... went on dates with Steve, Billy, Eddie, and Jonathan?" he repeats, his voice betraying a hint of disbelief.

You nod, your gaze fixed on the table as you struggle to meet his eyes. "I know it sounds... complicated," you begin, your voice trembling slightly. "But I wanted to be honest with you, Jim. I didn't want to keep secrets, especially not from someone as important to me as you are."

The sheriff remains silent for a moment, his jaw clenched as he processes your words. When he finally speaks, his voice is calm yet tinged with a hint of sadness. "I appreciate your honesty," he says quietly, his eyes finally meeting yours. "But I won't lie, it's a lot to take in."

You nod in understanding, the weight of your confession hanging heavy between you. "I understand if you need time," you say softly, the words catching in your throat. "I just... I didn't want to hurt you, Jim. You mean so much to me, and I would never want to jeopardize what we have."

The sheriff's expression softens, a flicker of vulnerability shining through the facade of strength. "I know," he murmurs, reaching across the table to gently grasp your hand. "And I appreciate your honesty, I really do. It's just... a lot to process."

You squeeze his hand reassuringly, offering him a small smile of gratitude. "I'm here for you, Jim," you say earnestly. "Whatever you need, whatever you decide, I'll understand. And no matter what happens, I hope we can still be friends."

The sheriff returns your smile, a glimmer of warmth in his eyes. "Thank you," he says softly. "That means a lot to me."

And as you sit there, the weight of your confession hanging heavy in the air, you find solace in the knowledge that no matter what the future may hold, your bond with the sheriff runs deeper than any romantic entanglement. With honesty, understanding, and a shared sense of respect, you know that together, you can weather any storm that comes your way.

As the weight of the conversation begins to ease, you and the sheriff share a silent understanding, a mutual acknowledgement of the complexities of your situation. With a final squeeze of his hand, you both rise from the booth, the lingering scent of burgers and shared confessions lingering in the air.

Stepping out into the cool night air, you find comfort in the familiar surroundings of the parking lot. The neon glow of Benny's Burgers casts long shadows across the asphalt, illuminating the space with a soft, golden light. In the quiet solitude of the night, you and the sheriff stand side by side, the air crackling with unspoken tension.

With a gentle touch, the sheriff reaches out to brush a stray strand of hair from your face, his touch sending a shiver down your spine. Locking eyes with him, you find a silent understanding reflected in his gaze—a shared moment of vulnerability and connection that transcends words.

Without a word, he leans in, his lips meeting yours in a tender kiss that speaks volumes of the emotions swirling between you. In that fleeting moment, the world falls away, leaving only the two of you in a cocoon of shared intimacy and affection.

Pulling back slightly, the sheriff meets your gaze with a soft smile, his eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. "I'll meet you after my shift," he says, his voice a gentle promise. "We'll continue our conversation over drinks, if your up for it?"

You nod, a surge of anticipation coursing through your veins. "I'll be waiting," you reply, your voice filled with a quiet certainty.

With one final glance, you and the sheriff part ways, each step carrying you closer to the inevitable reunion that awaits. And as you walk away, you can't help but feel a sense of hope blossoming within you—a hope that, despite the challenges that lie ahead, love will always find a way to prevail.

The Dating Odyssey: Eddie

Eddie Munson/Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington/Jim Hopper/Jonathan Byers x fem!reader

3.5k word count

fluff, idiot reader, reader who can't say no, choose your own adventure-ish

Part 1 / Steve's Ending / Jim's Ending / Billy's Ending / Jonathan's Ending

That night you had a fitful sleep. You couldn’t stop thinking about who you would choose and how you were supposed to let the other guys know you weren’t interested. You gave up trying to get any decent sort of sleep at 4am. You instead choose to hop up and get ready for work. You showered, dressed, had breakfast and your morning coffee and waited for the time to roll around for you to go to work. When they time finally rolled around you collected all the essays Carol left you to mark and packed them into your bag. A smile playing on your face. You couldn't wait to see her reaction when all her students got A's it was also a great distraction to the current situation. You grinned as you made the quick walk from your apartment to your car. The whole drive to Hawkins High you kept glancing over your bag. If Eddies plan worked and this landed Carol in hot water you would have to find a way to thank him. When you reached the school you quickly grabbed your bag and hurried through the doors. You had not taken 5 steps inside when you were stopped by a voice behind you.

“Ah Miss y/l/n just who I wanted to see”

“Of Principle Higgins sir how can I help you?” You turned around facing him

“I need you to cover Miss Perkins English classes today she has come down sick and can't make it”

“Oh I would be delighted to sir” You smiled a little too excited

“Okay well her classes rotate with yours so you should be fine let me know if you need any help” Principle Higgins walked off towards his office

Taking Carols classes meant you weren't going to be leaving early today like a normal Monday but at least you could pull off Eddies plan without Carol knowing until it was way, way too late to change anything. You were so going to have to track him down after school let out to tell him though, he was going to freak out. You headed off to your classroom to begin setting up for the day. You knew you were going to need to use your time this morning as well as recces and some of lunch to make sure all the classes went smoothly. The bell rang at 8:30 and most of the students filled into your room. Actually it was almost all of the students except of course the usual suspects Lucas, Dustin, Mike, Will and Max. About 5 minutes into your lesson the classroom door slammed open and all 5 of them came crashing into the class tripping over each other, yelling and screaming.

“Oh hay y/n, uh sorry we're late we all kinda slept in” Dustin spoke up

“You all slept in? I find that hard to believe” You crossed your arms trying to be serious but at the same time wanted to laugh at them

“Yeah, we were playing DnD at Eddies trailer like all day yesterday and it got super late so Eddie let us stay because his a really nice guy like that and anyway as I said he let us stay overnight and we all really slept in and it's like extremely difficult to wake Eddie up cause he sleeps almost completely naked and none of us really wanted to go wake him so we had to flip a coin and Mike lost but he was way to much of a wuss to go into Eddies room so...”

“Dustin, Dustin, ssh just take a seat and see me after class, way to much information dude geez” it took all your strength not to laugh and the image of an almost naked Eddie wasn't helping either.

The party apologised and took their seats while you resumed the lesson. Today's lesson was a practical lesson. After you re-explained the instruction everyone broke off into their lab groups to do the experiment. Many of the other students where whispering amongst each other about Dustin using your first name and the casualness between the group and you. The obvious concern was if their all friends with the teacher does that mean the teacher will give them an easy pass. But just because they were your students and you guessed your friends doesn't mean they were going to get an easy pass. Senior science passed quickly but before you could move on to Eddies plan you needed to speak with Dustin and the others. The group remained seated and waited for all the other students to file out of the classroom before saying anything.

“Hay we're really sorry for being late to class it wont' happen again” Mike spoke up when the last student left the class

“I don't care about that” You said “Just try not to make me almost burst out laughing in front of my class again”

“We can do that” Lucas smiled

“Great whose class do you have next?”

“Carols english class” Dustin rolled his eyes

“Oh sweet so I'm teaching her class today so I won't have to write you guys a note, I just have one quick guestion”

“Sweet best teacher her” Max cheered

“Whats your question?” Mike asked

“Where does Eddie live?”

“He has the trailer across from Max out at the trailer park” Will spoke up

“We're headed out to Max's after school if you want us to show you?” Dustin offered

“Yeah sure I'll drive yous but uh someone may need to sit on the floor or the back seat will be very crowded”

“Oh Eddies going to pick us up so we can split between the cars” Dustin said

“I am so going with y/n I am not getting in the back of Eddies van again” Max said

The kids slung their bags over there shoulders and you all began walking in one large group to the next class room. Once they were seated you retrieved the large pile of essays from your bag. As you called the roll you had them come up and collect their essays. Whispers broke out all over the classroom as students started to realise they all got As. You had a small giggle at their excitement before calming them down and explain the class for the day. It was simple read the next few chapters in the book they had been reading and answer a simple question for homework or they could do it during class if they had time. When the recces bell range you were super excited about the rest of the day and how the rest of the students would react to their As. Recces was spent preparing for your next science lesson and picking chapters and questions for the next 2 English classes. The science lesson went by in a blur due to your excitement to get to the next English lesson. You may have been more excited and moved faster then your students when the bell rang to signal the end of class. Normally this is the point of the day where you would be headed to the staff room to finalize your paperwork for the day so you could leave at lunch time. But instead you had 3 more English classes all of which you decided to keep simple. Read the chapters answer the question. Most of Carols students wouldn't be taking home homework tonight if they worked fast enough. You took a seat at the teachers desk called for silence and began calling names and handing out essays. Just like before the As were met with excited whispers. Rinse and repeat until the last bell of the day sounded. A smirk broke out on your face as you raced to pack your bag and get out of there for the day. When you entered the hallway you were met with a commotion.

“Excuse me! Coming through! Move people move!” Dustin's voice rang out down the hall

Soon the group of misfit teens stood before you Dustin in the lead.

“You lot ready to go” You laughed

“Been ready to leave since I walked in this morning” Dustin threw him arms around in over exaggerated movements

“Great I just need to drop some stuff in the office and we'll be good to go if someone wants to go let Eddie know the plans” You looked between the kids

“I'll go” Dustin said running off

You shook your head at the boy and started towards the office with the others trailing behind you. They all apparently wanted to go in your car because they didn't trust Eddies driving, not to mention his van didn't have any seats in the back. You made your way quickly to the office, dropped all your paperwork on your desk and left before anyone could pull you up. You quickly made your way to the school parking lot the group still chatting away behind you. They always seemed to have something to chat about. You'd even noticed them passing letters in class but you never pulled them up on it because the always done there work and it didn't really seem like much of a distraction. You opened the doors to the parking lot to find Eddie conveniently parked next to your car. Dustin had already climbed into Eddies van and was impatiently yelling at you all out the window. You and the kids basically jogged over to your car. You opened up the car from them before quickly turning to Eddie who was standing patiently beside his van.

“Hay Munson” You smiled

“Hay y/l/n did the plan work?” Eddie had an evil smirk

“Thats for me to know and you to find out, now get in that death trap and lead the way” You laughed climbing into your car.

Eddie quickled climbed into his van and roared the engine to life. He speed out of the parking lot, leaving you to curse and try to speed to keep up with him. The last thing you needed was a speeding ticket or worse to be pulled over by the sheriff. But you made it to the trailer park without incident. Eddie brought his van to a stop outside what you guessed to be his trailer. You pulled up alongside the van. The teens immediately started falling over each other to get out of the car. Once out they ran screaming at each other to a trailer almost directly across from the one you were park outside of.

“I'm guessing that's Max's place?” You said to Eddie

“It sure is, and this is my castle” Eddie stretched his arms out while looking at his trailer “So sweetheart is there a reason you wanted to know where I lived?” Eddie smirked at you

“Oh well I wanted to come tell you how your plan worked out”

Eddie motioned to the front door of the trailer. He went first holding open the front door like a gentleman. Someone had really raised this man right. You stepped into Eddie trailer and couldn't help but look around. You found yourself stood in Eddies open lounge and kitchen area. The walls where decorated with mugs and caps. His uncle Wayne's he told you when he noticed you look. He guided you down the hallway that stood just off the kitchen. The hallway was small and had only two other doors in it. One lead to a tiny bathroom and the other was Eddie's room. And it was exactly what you thought Eddies room would look like. The guitar he played the other night hung on the wall next to a mirror that was almost covered in everything heavy metal. He had heavy metal band posters on the walls and a recorder player with a large pile of records and cassettes next to it. The room was a messy, the bed unmade. It truly matched the man that lived in it.

“I thought you said your Uncle lived here too?” You said

“Oh he sleeps on the couch, his never really home anyway his always working” Eddie shrugged “Now how did our plan go?”

You gave Eddie a big grin before jumping at him. Eddie despite being taken by surprise was able to react fast enough to catch you wrapped his arms under you butt to hold you up. You wrapped your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist.

“It worked perfectly Eds!” You giggled “And guess what Carol wasn't even there today so she had no idea what's just happened”

“Yeah Henderson wouldn't shut up about his A” Eddie chuckled

You stopped giggling and moved back from Eddie. He placed you gently on the floor but kept you in his arms. One of his hands came up to move a stray hair away from your face. Before you could react his lips where on yours. The kiss was full of love and passion. You found your hands moving back around Eddies neck and coming to a rest in his wild curly hair. His arms where wrapped around you waist holding you firmly against him. You never wanted that kiss to end. There was something in that kiss, something that seemed to make your decision for you. Your heart wanted Eddie but your brain was screaming at you that you couldn't go into a relationship with Eddie built on lies. You needed to tell him about the other dates. Steve was right they all deserved to know. You broke the kiss. You pulled back and looked up at Eddie.

“I'm sorry I couldn't help myself” Eddie blushed

“No Eddie I'm sorry” You sighed looking down to the carpet not wanting to face the man in front of you. The man whose heart you were probably about to shatter.

“You've done nothing wrong” Eddie placed a finger under your chin forcing you to look up at him.

“I lied to you Eddie” Your eyes started to fill with tears.

“Lied? About what?” Eddie tried to chuckle

“I did go on a date with Jonathan” You said “And with Steve”

“Shit, shit, shit” Eddie put his hands on his head and turned away from you

“I'm sorry Eds, I also went on a date with Billy and Hop over the weekend too” Might as well give him the whole picture you thought

“4 other dates, Jesus Christ!” Eddie was trying to keep his voice down but he was now pacing his room “I...I need time to think”

Eddie took off out of his trailer leaving you alone. You heard his van roar to life. The sound tear your heart to shreds. You fought back the tears that were about to fall and left Eddies trailer. You walked across the road to Max's trailer. You could see the teens peeking out a window clearly interested in what was happening between you and Eddie. But when they seen him speed off and you come walking out on your own they quickly ducked away from the window clearly not wanting to get caught. You knocked on the door of Max's trailer and she was super quick to answer.

“Oh y/n your still here” Max tried to act like she hadn't just seen you walk across the road from Eddies

“Yeah, uh, I'm actually about to head off and just wanted to see if anyone here needed a lift home” You said trying to sound happy

“No we're good here, Steve and Nancy where going to give us all lifts home” Dustin called out

“No problems, see you at school tomorrow” You called back

You waved to Max and made your way back to your car. You made the drive back to your apartment slow. So slow in fact that you got pulled over by none other then the sheriff himself. You cursed silently to yourself and wiped at the tears that had stained your face. You pulled the car over safety, Hop pulling in close behind you. Hopped climbed out of his car and walked towards your face head down not paying attention writing something in a note book. He only looked up when he got to your car.

“You do realise you were driving way below the speed limit right?” He said looking up “y/n what are you doing all the way out here?”

“Breaking hearts apparently” You sniffled

“Oh hay honey what's the matter?” Hop opened your car door and kneeled down beside you

“I just told Eddie Munson that I went on dates with not only him but you and 3 other guys this weekend” You spilled out before you could stop your self.

“Oh well that's impressive” Hop chuckled

“Your not mad”

“Oh I'm fricken' furious” Hop stood up “But ain't much I can do about it, just try to go the speed limit” Hop slammed your door a little too hard before walking back to his patrol car.

You sat in silence for a few minutes gathering your thoughts before starting on your way back home. Just as you pulled into your parking spot out the front of your building it started to pour down. Just what you needed you thought. The weather was just as miserable as you. You sat in your car and watched the rain run down the windscreen. You left your umbrella inside and you really didn't feel like getting wet. The plan was to wait for a break in the rain then make a run for it. You sat in your car for almost an hour with no signs of the rain stopping. It was then that you spotted a familiar mop of curly hair. Except the usually wild bouncy curl's where now soaked and flat clinging to the face of their owner. Eddie Munson was running through the rain and right to your door. He didn't see you sitting in the car. Instead he ran straight past and under the small amount of cover the front awning of your building provided. He rang the buzzer for your apartment and waited. You sat in shock, your brain racing to process what your eyes were seeing. Eddie pressed your buzzer a few more times but when there came no answer he dropped his shoulders and walked back out into the rain. You couldn't let him leave, you needed to apologise for everything, you needed to try to make things right. In one swift movement you were out of the car and standing on the side walk. Eddie had his back to you, walking slowly away.

“Eddie!” You shouted

Eddie spun on his heels. He jogged back over to you while you stood frozen in the rain. It was like a scene from a sappy romantic movie.

“You didn't answer the door” Eddie said coming to a stop in front of you

“I was sitting in my car” You said pointing to your car

“Look y/n I'm so sorry for everything” Eddie grabbed your hands “I love you, you drive me crazy in all the best ways, I want to be with you, I want to be yours and only yours forever, I spoke to Steve, Jonathan and Billy, I told them what you did and I told them I wouldn't force you to pick and they shouldn't either. It should be up to you. I don't know why you choose to go on so many dates, I don't know if you even liked any of us to begin with, I don't know if you love me as much as I love you, or if you want to be with me or if you've chosen someone else. All I do know is I couldn't let you go without tell you exactly how I feel”

You didn't know how to responded to Eddies speech. You didn't think there was any words good enough to say to something like that, so you did the one thing you knew would get across what you were feeling. You wrapped your arms around Eddie neck and pulled him into a kiss. Something Eddie accepted without delay. He wrapped his arms around your waist pulling you flush against him. Your lips moved perfectly together like two pieces of a puzzle. You were both completely soaked by this point but neither of your cared. Anyone walking past would think you were trying to completely every romantic cliché ever invented. You eventually pulled apart trying to fill your lungs with much needed air. Eddie smiled down at you still holding you in his arms. This all felt so right. You knew you found the one for you.

“Do you want to come inside and have a hot shower?” You asked

“That would be wonderful it's freezing out here” Eddie laughed as you ran to the front door of youe apartment.

Thought it was about time I gave an update/schedule. I'm going away for a week over Christmas to see family but I'm hoping to post something New Year's Eve before I hit the town. I'm not going to give exact dates for when I'll post parts cause lord knows I will never stick to it lol. Also I'm working on a novel that I hope I'll actually finish this time and get published so we'll see how that goes I guess. So for now this is the plan:

Dec 2023:

Supernatural: Hunting, Living and Love (SHLL) Part 3

Dating Oddessy: Eddie

Jan 2024:

SHLL Part 4

Dating Oddessy: Jim

SHLL Part 5

Dating Oddessy: Billy

Feb 2024:

SHLL Part 6

Dating Oddessy: Jonathan

SHLL Part 7

I also have a bunch of other ideas that I may drop in here or there just to break it up a bit. If you have any requests let me know and I'll add those to my list too!

The Dating Odyssey: Steve

Eddie Munson/Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington/Jim Hopper/Jonathan Byers x fem!reader

2.8k word count

fluff, idiot reader, reader who can't say no, choose your own adventure-ish

Part 1 / Eddie's Ending / Jim's Ending / Billy's Ending / Jonathan's Ending

 Sleep that night was a stranger to you. You tossed and turned nodding off only to be jerked back awake by the consequences of your actions. Before long the first light of day was breaking through your window. You decided to abandon sleep and instead start getting ready for work. You showered, dressed and collected the large pile of assignments before loading them into your car and driving to the school. You made it through the day by drinking copious amounts of coffee and plastering on the best fake smile you could manage. Making it home that night you abandoned all thoughts of food and went straight to bed. Yet once again in your quite apartment you were meet with the thoughts of the decision looming over you. Maybe the best solution was to leave Hawkins. Move somewhere new and try again after all isn’t that why you moved here in the first place, for a fresh start. You quickly abandoned that idea, you didn’t have the money and it was hard enough landing the teaching job in Hawkins let alone looking elsewhere.

And so you went another night with very little sleep. Your week went by at a snail’s pace. You thought you were doing a good job hiding your inner turmoil but apparently one particular student had noticed something was a miss with you and decided he needed to check in.

“Hi Miss Y/L/N I was just wondering if your okay you seem very distracted this week, I mean normally you laugh at all my jokes but you haven’t even laughed at one, I’ll admit some weren’t that funny, but I thought a few were pretty good” Dustin rambled standing in the doorway of your classroom

“I’m fine Dustin just some adult drama you don’t need to worry about” You smiled at the curly haired boy

“Is it to do with Steve?” Dustin pushed “Cause his like my best friend I can talk to him if you like”

“No it’s not Steve, but thank you Dustin”

“Well the offers there, see you next week Miss” Dustin smiled walking away

“See you next week” You smiled

You finished packing up your desk glad it was Friday and walk out to your car. In the parking lot you found Dustin, Lucas, Will and Mike goofing around with Eddie who looked like he was picking the boys up from school probably to go play Dungeons and Dragons. You wanted to hurry to your car to avoid being spotted by him. But you stared in the boys direction just a little too long. Eddie looked up from loading the boys into the back of his van just long enough to see you watching. He said something to the boys that you were too far away to hear before jogging over to you. You froze in place, wanting to run but your feet not allowing you to.

“Hi” Eddie smiled coming to a stop in front of you

“Hi Eddie” You gave a small smile back

“Uh oh someones not happy, kids give you hell?” Eddie chuckled

“Eddie” You looked to the ground “I…”

“Y/n whats the matter?” Eddie became serious

“I’m so sorry” You whispered

“What was that?” Eddie asked placing a hand on your elbow “I didn’t quite catch that”

“I’m sorry” You looked up at him

“Sorry? For what?” Eddies face was filled with worry and concern

“Last weekend…I loved our date I really did but I also went on a few other dates and now I don’t know what to do, I messed up and I don’t know what I’m suppose to do, I’m so sorry Eddie” You rambled a few tears escaping to run down your face

“Jesus H. Christ” Eddie turned away from you running a hand through his hair “How many other dates?” Eddie asked still facing away from you eyes closed

“4”

“4!” Eddie shouted turning to face you as he did “4 fucking dates and you didn’t think to at least have the decency to tell me”

“I wanted to but I was scared of this” You said

“Look I’m sorry” Eddie tried to calm down “I just thought a girl finally might give Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson a chance, I guess not”

Eddie stormed off back to his van while you stood in the parking lot and sobbed. You really had fucked up. You needed someone to comfort you right in that moment but at the same time you didn’t really know anyone here. You hoped into your car and decided to go find the one person you had been honest with right from the start. You drove the busy after school streets all the way to Family Video knowing today being Friday that Steve would be working. You walked in the doors looking immediately to the counter for Steve. But he wasn’t there. You began looking down the aisles hoping Steve was just out the back and would be back out soon. A woman you knew to be Robin soon came from out the back having heard the door chime.

“If your looking for Steve his not here” Robin walked over placing a few DVDs on the shelf.

“Is he home sick?” You asked

“I honestly have no clue. Mr Perfect called to take the week off for family reasons” Robin scoffed “Like we all don’t know his parents are rarely ever home and his never mentioned any other family”

“Oh okay well thank you Robin I guess I’ll be going” You managed a smile heading for the door

“If you see the dingus tell him he owes me for working all his shifts” Robin said

“I will” you chuckled

You made your way back to your car and began driving mindlessly around town. You had no clue what to do, no idea where to go. A small piece of you wanted to drive to Steves but you didn’t want to be a burden on him. You drove and debated with yourself on if you should go to Steves or not. It would seem that your unconscious mind made that decision for you because before you could process where you were driving you found yourself in front of Steves. You would have kept driving if it wasn’t for the fact that Steve was sitting on the front step having a smoke. He stood up and waved at you. You silently cursed as you pulled up in front of Steves house. You braced yourself and climbed out of your car and walked towards Steve. At some point between your car and Steve you had begun to shake. By the time you got to Steve you were completely sobbing. Steve pulled you into his arms, gently shushing you and rubbing small circles into your back.

You stayed like that for quite a while before you were able to compose yourself enough to move away from Steve. He guided you into his house, leading you to his lounge room where he had you sit on the lounge while he fetched you something to drink. Part of him was glad you had come to him, yet part of him was scared you where only here to tell him you had picked someone else over him. He came back into the lounge room carrying a glass of water which he handed off to you. Steve sat silently by your side as you sipped at your glass of water waiting for you to speak when you were ready.

“I think I really fucked up” You said after a short but comfortable silence

“Well you don’t say” Steve gave a small smile “What happened?”

“I told Eddie everything” You sighed

“Only Eddie?” Steve questioned

“Yep and given how he reacted I’m not sure I could tell anyone else”

“How did he reacted?” Steve asked

“He snapped at me, he screamed at me, he was very angry”

“Honestly knowing Eddie I’m not at all surprised that that’s how he choose to act”

“What am I suppose to do Steve?” You asked

“I can’t answer that I’m afraid, it’s your choice” Steve sighed running a hand through his hair

“I can’t make a choice Steve, I don’t know even know what I want but it certainly wasn’t this”

You began to sob, dropping your head into your hands. Steve pulled you into his arms. You rested your head on his chest while he rested his chin gently on top of your head. He began to rock the both of you slowly. He truly felt bad for you but at the same time he wanted to be selfish and tell you not to worry about the others and just choose him. But he knew he couldn’t do that, it wasn’t his choice to make. During Steve’s inner turmoil he missed the slowing and evening out of your breathing and the occasional hiccups you made. It wasn’t until he went to ask you if you wanted him to cook you both some dinner that he realised you had fallen asleep. The stress and panic had finally worn you down and you had passed out in the safety of Steves arms. Not wanting to wake you Steve pulled you onto his lap and stood up. He carried you upstairs to his room and place you on his bed. As he went to stand up you clung to his shirt as if he was your life line, your safety net to the situation you found yourself in. Steve tried several times albeit not very hard to get away from you. When he realised he wasn’t getting away from you he moved you further across his bed before joining you. He made a silent prayer to whatever possessed him to wear sweatpants instead of his normal tight jeans before pulling you close to him and falling asleep himself.

The next morning you woke up when sunlight filtered though a nearby window hitting you in your face. You blinked taking in the plaid walls and matching plaid curtains. You started to internally panic, how had you ended up in Steves bed? If you fell asleep why didn’t he just wake you? Better yet why was Steve holding you in his arms. You tried to keep your breathing calm as you attempted to free yourself from Steves arms. You placed a hand on Steves wrist that was currently draped over your waist and tried to slowly lift his arm up. You managed to successfully move his arm from your waist but as you went to move his arm to the bed you lost your grip. Steves arm came down on the bed with a thump startling the man awake. He groaned and you froze. Steve brought his arm up to his face and rubbed his eyes before looking at you. He gave you a half awake smile. In that moment something happened you weren’t quite expecting. Your heart started to race and you couldn’t help but smiled back.

“Morning” Steve yawned

“Good morning, uh, why am I in your bed?”

“Well I didn’t want to wake you up or risk you trying to drive home with how upset you were” Steve shrugged

“Okay and why are you in your bed with me?”

“That would be your fault” Steve smirked poking your nose “You refused to let me go so I had no choice but to stay, I was going to be a gentle man sleep on the floor again”

You started laughing at the absurdity of it all and pulled Steve’s blankets over your face. Steve quickly pulled the entire blanket away from you wrapping himself up like a burrito in the process. He gave you a big goofy grin from inside his burrito causing you to laugh even harder at the man.

“And this is for being the worlds worst blanket hog” Steve got out between his own laughter

Steve unwrapped himself before holding out a hand to you. You gladly accepted it. Steve pulled you from his bed and guided you down stairs to the kitchen where you took a seat at the kitchen island. Steve began running around the kitchen making you both a simple breakfast of bacon and eggs. He poured you a glass of orange juice which you took with a thank you. You sat in relative silence and watched the man work hard on making you both what your sure from previous experience would be an excellent breakfast. At one point Steve spilt some oil on the floor, waved it off and then almost immediately slipped on it. He landed with a thud directly on his butt. You couldn’t help but laugh at him even if he did seem a little mean. Steve quickly stood up and gave you the most over exaggerated look of betrayal. You tried to apologise between laughs but Steve just waved his arm around while saying he would never be able to forgive you. All in good fun of course no actual feelings where hurt. You found yourself deep in thought as Steve finished cooking the bacon and plating breakfast. Steve placed the plate of now ready bacon eggs in front of you. He took a seat beside you and began eating his breakfast. This seemed to bring you out of your head and cause you to start eating for your own food in response.

“So I feel like we need to talk about this situation” Steve said after taking a bite of a piece of bacon and swinging it around in the air

“Uh we’re two adults eating breakfast what is there to discuss?” You tried to avoid what you knew was coming “No y/n I mean this situation you’ve found yourself in” Steve sighed

“I really don’t know what to do” You sighed

“You can’t just avoid everyone forever”

“I’m not avoiding you”

“Y/n no that’s” Steve groaned in frustration

“What do you expected me to do Steve I screwed myself over is that what you want to hear?” You sighed

“You can say that again” Steve sighed “Look I can’t tell you what to do or who to choose and yes I know its hard and it would be easier if I made the decision for you but it doesn’t work that way I’m afraid”

 “Can I just have today and then I’ll make my decision tomorrow?” You asked

“Sure but I’m going to subject you to the worst romantic comedies I can find” Steve smirked moving to put his plate in the sink

After breakfast was finished the two of you moved to the lounge room where Steve quickly picked out Grease as the first of your movies. You settled down on the lounge while Steve went to get snacks and drinks. By the time he came back Danny and Sandy where in the middle of singing about summer love. You had left some space between you and Steve so as not to create any awkward situations. As the movie played on you could feel Steve looking at you. You turned to look at him and he quickly looked away. You shrugged it off and went back to the movie. Several more times during the movie you could feel Steves eyes on you but anytime you looked to him he would be back looking at the movie. Steve even started singing along to the movie at some point. Then as the final number started Steve stood to dance around.

“Come on y/n join me” Steve smiled grabbing your hand pulling you up from the lounge

Steve spun you around while you laughed your way through the song. As the song and the movie came to its close you found yourself in Steves arms smiling from ear to ear and trying to catch your breath. This was the man you wanted to began with. The guy you had basically been crushing on since you got to Hawkins. Would you really be happy with someone else knowing you never gave him the chance? You didn’t want him to be the one who got away.

“Steve I made my choice” You said

“Really? I thought you were going to wait until tomorrow?” He said getting nervous

“I was but I changed my mind” You shrugged

“Okay well what have you decided”

Rather then giving Steve an answer you grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. He was shocked at first but soon settled into the kiss. He wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you flush against him. Your arms wrapped around his neck. You smiled into the kiss. He stole your breath away just like the first time you’d kissed. You pulled apart for air resting your forehead against his. This felt right. Steve felt right.

“So this mean your choosing me?” Steve asked

“No doy” you giggled

The Dating Odyssey pt.1 (Stranger Things Guys X Reader)

Eddie Munson/Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington/Jim Hopper/Jonathan Byers x fem!reader

8.8k word count (just a little carried away)

summary You moved to the little town of Hawkins, Indiana for a fresh start. What you didn't expect was to end up having 5 dates in one weekend.

fluff, idiot reader, reader who can't say no, choose your own adventure-ish

Steves Ending / Eddies Ending / Jims Ending / Billy's Ending / Jonathan's Ending

The guy in the video store, the metal head guitarist in the band, the photographer, the lifeguard and the chief of police. Hawkins just seemed to breed hot guys. It didn’t help that all five had asked you the pretty new girl in Hawkins on a date. And you in your bumbling awkwardness had agreed to the five dates. You now sat in your apartment having a meltdown trying to find a solution to your problem. You had never done anything like this before then again you hadn’t had this many guys hitting on you before. At least you had the sense to make all the dates on different days. But in such a small town the chances of the other guys finding out you had been on another date was super high. The best course of action at this point would just be the tell them all right? Be straight-up honest and hope for the best. You threw yourself onto your bed with a groan bringing your arm up to cover your eyes. All you had wanted to do was move to a small town where life was cheap, work as a teacher and travel during your spare time. Just you and your cat for the rest of your life. Mr. Fancy Paws was the only man you needed in your life. At least that is what you would have told yourself before moving to Hawkins. You sat up with a sigh and reached out for a notebook sitting on your nearby computer desk. You took the pen attached to the cover and opened it to a blank page. The video store guy's name was Steve and he wanted to have dinner and watch a movie at his place. The metalhead Eddie wanted you to go to his show Saturday night. Jim the chief of police wanted to take you out for a romantic dinner. The lifeguard Billy wanted you to join him for a private swim at the pool. And Jonathan the photographer wanted you to join him for a hike and photograph some animals and other nature shots. At the end of the day, it wasn’t like any of them had asked you to be their girlfriend so it shouldn’t be a problem if you had just one date with each of them. After that, you could decide if you liked any of them or wanted to go on an additional date with any of them. Steve's date was for Friday, Jim's was for Sunday night, Jonathan's Sunday day and Billy's today was Thursday. It was going to be a busy few days. You sighed and threw the notebook on the bed, before dragging yourself to your closet. You pulled out the only swimsuit you had. A plain black one-piece. You tossed it on your bed and went about getting ready. No makeup because duh, hair pulled back in a messy bun. You slipped on your old beat-up black Converse, grabbed your swimsuit from your bed and stuffed it into a bag adding in a towel with it. You grabbed your car keys and headed for the pool. You arrived 30 minutes after the pool closed just like Billy said to. He told you he would leave the light above the side door on and all you needed to do was knock on said door and he would let you in. You took a few deep breaths and approached the door. You knocked lightly and Billy opened the door. He stood before you shirtless with nothing but his red lifeguard shorts on.

“Hi Billy” you smiled

“Hi y/n” Billy looked you up and down while chewing on a piece of gum “Ready for a late-night swim?”

“Am I” You smirked

You followed Billy through the now-empty building to the pool. You took your swimsuit from your bag and ducked into the changing room briefly to change. When you came back out Billy was floating around in the pool. He seemed different to what you’d heard people say about him. You’d only been in town 3 weeks but you’d heard from all your female co-workers and plenty of others about how flirty he was, how he’d probably slept with all the girls in Hawkins. Yet the Billy you had met was different. He was sweet, a little flirty and seemed generally interested in you but maybe that was just how he pretended to be. Billy meanwhile was fighting his own internal battle. As he floated he thought, that when he first saw you walking out of the family video he saw you as another conquest the new hot-looking girl in town. Then the day you walked into the pool he saw his opportunity. As he stood by the pool, the warm sun shining down on his skin, he couldn't help but steal glances at you. The way you moved through the water, your effortless grace and confidence, was mesmerizing. It was at this moment he realised that you were more than just another conquest. He felt he may actually be falling for you.

Finally, he gathered the courage to approach you. "Hey," he said, his heart racing, it never raced before. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me sometime?"

Your eyes lit up, and a smile spread across your face. "I'd love to," you said, your voice soft and sweet. "How about we meet at the pool tomorrow evening and go for a swim together? And then we can see where the night takes us?"

His heart swelled with excitement and anticipation. "That sounds perfect," you said, feeling a surge of joy and hope. "I can't wait." And as he looked at you, he hoped that this was just the beginning of a beautiful romance, one that would be filled with laughter, adventure, and endless love.

You broke Billy from his thoughts when you swam up beside him. He brought himself upright in the pool and smiled at you. He quickly looked down to the water and scratched the back of his neck. For some reason, all of Billy's confidence was lost on you. He could normally flirt his way into any girl's pants but you were different. Good different. He didn’t feel the need to flirt with you. He didn’t want to just hit it and be done with you. He actually wanted to put effort into you. He wanted to keep you around but had no idea where to start.

“So Billy” You broke the silence. “Is it true what I have heard about you around town?”

“And what would that be?” Billy tried a flirt grin but it was probably more of a grimace

“That you just flirt and act nice to get in a girl's pants?” You smirked

“Oh so you heard all about that” Billy sighed “Look I won’t lie yeah all that’s true but you're different, I actually want to get to know you, Most of the girls here in Hawkins are shallow and easy for the 6 years I’ve been here I haven’t met one decent chick until you. You’re the kind of girl that I could picture the rest of my life with and I’ve probably just scared you away” Billy splashed a fist into the water

“You know you’re not like how they describe at all but your description of them is spot on. Like one of the girls I work with at Hawkins High Carol, she is the absolute worst. She’s the English teacher and she comes in dressed like she’s going to a fashion show, face full of makeup, with a mean girls I peaked in high school attitude”

“Oh my gosh, Carol Perkins works at Hawkins High? And here I thought she left to become an actress or something” Billy laughed “I mean not that I’m one to talk I’ve been working here since high school and if I’m not here I’m working in the local garage I don’t really have much else to do or any other life plans. I didn’t exactly pay attention in school you know”

“You know Carol? Oh god don’t tell me she's one of the girls you dated?” Not that I’m much better you thought.

“No way. She was literally one of the ones I turned down. Contrary to popular belief I haven’t slept with every girl in town” Billy smiled “You know this is probably the most honest conversation I have ever had with anyone”

“Well thank you for being honest with me” You smiled back.

You and Billy just floated for a little while enjoying each other's company in a comfortable silence. After a few minutes you glanced across to Billy, he seemed to be back deep in thought. You saw this as an opportunity. You sink beneath the surface of the water and sum up next to Billy who was still blissfully unaware. Once you were by his side you grabbed him quickly around the waist and dragged him under. Billy flailed and kicked clearly taken off guard. You quickly surfaced bursting into laughter while Billy wiped his hair from his face and caught his breath. His heart was racing but he wasn’t mad. He quickly scoped his hands through the water sending it flying into your face. You gasped and looked at him shocked before splashing back. Before long the pool was filled with the sounds of laughter and splashing water. Hours passed, and you felt like old friends, you were so comfortable with Billy. You really didn’t want the night to end but you knew if you didn’t you’d likely be too tired for your movie night with Steve the following night. The clock above the pool told you it was getting ready to tick over to 10:30. You looked into the water for a little while trying to work out how to end the date. With a sigh, you looked up just in time to see Billy dive from the diving board. You smiled and giggled.

“10 out of 10 perfect form” You clapped for Billy

“Thank you I only do that every day” Billy chuckled nervously

“As much as I love our date I need to get home” You sighed

“Really? It’s still early” Billy said

“I know but I’m meeting with a friend tomorrow for a movie marathon and the last thing I want is to fall asleep” You lied thinking on your feet

“Well your friend sucks but I should probably be getting the pool closed now anyway” Billy smiled as you continued to laugh and chat as you hopped out of the pool and walked towards the changing rooms. You showered and changed back into your clothes. You walked back to the side of the pool where Billy was pulling the cover over it. You waited patiently for him to be done. When he was done he walked you out to your car locking the door behind him.

“I really enjoyed tonight y/n Thank you” Billy smiled

“I should be thanking you, This is the most fun I have had in quite a while.” You smiled up at him

“Can we do this again?” Billy asked “I would really love to spend more time with you”

“Maybe we’ll see I’m busy over the next few days but I have your number so I will definitely give you a call okay” the smile never leaving your face

“Okay” Billy nodded opening my car door for you “Oh and y/n one last thing”

You turned to face Billy. He leaned in quickly capturing your lips in a soft sweet kiss. His calloused hands found their way to cup your face. You could feel his moustache tickling the top of your lips. You didn’t pull away rather you leaned into the kiss. The kiss seemed to go on for hours but was most likely no more than 5 minutes. Billy backed away dropping his head he gave you a goofy sideways smile and walked off towards his car. You stood and watched as he drove off. Your heart was beating a mile a minute. You still had 4 more dates to get through and yet you were hooked on Billy. This was going to be harder than you thought. You hopped in your car and drove home. Once safely back in your apartment, you let out a small squeal. You changed into your PJs and climbed into your bed. You curled up and replayed your date with Billy over and over. If all your dates went this well how would you ever be able to choose. It didn’t take long for you to fall asleep thankfully because you were super exhausted.

You woke up with your alarm at 6 a.m. You dragged yourself out of bed, showered and got ready for work. You got through the day by thinking about your date with Steve that night. You’d heard that he was an asshole during high school but then after a fistfight with Jonathan, he matured and had been a real gentleman ever since. Steve was the first guy to ask you out and you were so glad when he did. You had made it a weekly habit when you arrived to go to the video store to get a movie on a Friday night. Honestly, it was just so you could talk with Steve. Normally when you arrived the video store was a ghost town so you could have Steve all to yourself. You could ask movie questions, collect information on him and just enjoy this friendly acquaintance you made. You had plans to ask Steve out but you had chickened out when you’d walked into the video store last Friday. Steve thankfully had been thinking the same thing you were so he asked you out. If only you had known then what was to come. I mean you weren’t complaining they were all majorly attractive guys but going on a date with all of them on the one weekend was just pure madness. You wondered what Steve's house was like. Given that he was working at Family Video you assumed that he was living in a small unit after all what else could he afford with a job like that. And what movie would he pick for you to watch? Probably one of the latest blockbusters no doubt. The day quickly came to an end. You were in the staff room finishing off your paperwork for the weekend when Carol came up to your desk.

“So I heard you went on a date with Billy last night?” Carol smirked

“I may have why?” You asked

“Well does Steve know about your date? I mean your going on a date with him tonight right?” Carol's smirk got bigger

“How did you know that?” You asked worry taking over

“Well they are both old friends and I wouldn’t want either one to find out about this” Carol crossed her arms

“What do you want?” You asked getting grumpy

“Could you please mark all these essays for Monday?” Carol faked a sweet smile while dropping a pile of at least 100 essays in front of you

“S-sure” You looked wide-eyed at the large stack in front of you

“Thanks you such a good friend” Carol winked and walked away

You had literally worked overtime just to make sure your weekend would be empty and now you have gone and accepted this. There was no way you would be able to go through with your plans and do all these essays. You sighed grabbed the pile of paperwork and headed to your car. You tossed the paperwork on the passenger seat and started up the car. Once you were safely back at your apartment you took the pile of paperwork and dropped it on your kitchen bench. You sighed and moved into your bedroom to get ready for your date. You pulled out your most comfortable pair of jeans and a nice black blouse to wear and headed for the shower. Once you were freshly showered you grabbed your keys from the kitchen bench and took one more look at the pile of papers before heading out the door. You drove to Family Video where Steve said he would meet you at the end of his shift to pick out a movie and grab some snacks before heading back to his house. When you got to Family Video Steve still had 30 minutes on his shift. You sighed as you walked up and down the aisle trying to decide on a movie. Steve had already created a stockpile of snacks in his locker out back. He has apparently been working on the perfect movie night since he got to work that morning. Even his co-worker Robin had been impressed with his efforts to make your date perfect. She had never seen him so concentrated on any date before.  Robin signed out as you were walking in, it was Steve’s night to close and being that it was 8:30 the place was basically empty. The only other people there when you got there were a couple of high school seniors you had in your science class, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Mike. As soon as you walked in they started gloating to Steve about how amazing you were ‘the best science teacher ever’. Steve confidently gloated back about how he was having a date tonight with the best science teacher ever. Needless to say, the boys were awestruck. When they left you’d asked Steve how he knew them. Apparently, he was their unwitting babysitter and best friend. He’d known them since middle school and they were the closest thing he had to family.

At some point, you had gotten distracted from the movies coming to a stop in front of some random romantic comedies. You had started thinking about that pile of paperwork abandoned on your kitchen bench. You were never going to be able to complete it with all your dates and you knew if you tried to rearrange the dates you would most certainly get caught out. If you could somehow forgo sleep then maybe just maybe you could get the paperwork done. Each essay only appeared to be about 4 pages long so hopefully quick and easy.

“Beetlejuice? What’s that even doing in romantic comedies?” Steve’s sudden appearance made you jump “It’s a comedy. It’s pretty good too is that what you want to watch?”

“I, uh, I actually haven’t seen it so maybe” You shrugged

“Okay if there is one thing I know it’s a distraction and you are very clearly distracted so what’s the hold up? If it’s me and you don’t want to go on a date then just say so and we can go our separate ways” Steve gave a small smile

“No it’s not you, it’s nothing, it’s work-related” You smiled

“Anything I can help you with?” Steve asked

“No it can wait, so Beetlejuice so good is it?” You asked taking the movie from the shelf

“Well yeah it’s like borderline horror movie, creepy, weird, funny” Steve ran a hand through his hair

“Then let us get it” You smiled

“Okay great just let me check it out, grab my stuff and close up and we’ll get out of here” Steve took the movie and headed to the front.

“Sounds great to me” You gave a small smile

You made your way to the front of the store and went out to wait in the parking lot. As you waited a familiar van pulled up in front of the store. You had a small panic attack as the van came to a complete stop and Eddie hopped out followed by Dustin.

“Okay now hurry up, The Master must return to his dungeon” Eddie crossed his arms and leaned against the van

Dustin shouted out an okay before racing into the store. He said a rushed hi to you as he ran past leaving you alone in the parking lot with Eddie. You would have just gone to hide in your car but Eddie had already spotted you and was waving you over. You closed the 100-meter gap between you and joined Eddie beside his van.

“Hi sweetheart what brings you here?”

“Oh um I stopped in to get a movie like every Friday and I made the mistake of telling Steve I haven’t seen Beetlejuice yet so now he is forcing me to go to his house and watch Beetlejuice with him” Not completely a lie

“Really? Harrington? Did you tell him we’re dating so he keeps his hands off you?” Eddie smirked

“We’re not dating Eddie we’re simply going on a date tomorrow night, one date then I’ll decide if your worth” You smirked back “Although I may need to take a rain check on that” you sighed

“Why? What’s going on?” Eddie became concerned

I’m an idiot. You thought “I have somewhere near 100 essays to grade by Monday morning all because I didn’t have the balls to stand up to Carol over some stupid secret she thinks I’m hiding”

“Well, there is an easy solution. A way to get the essays graded, get revenge and still have our date” Eddie had a mischievous grin

“Well please don’t hold back” You crossed your arms and looked at him

“Mark the essays and give all the kids A’s, By the time she realises it’ll be too late to do anything without dobbing herself in” Eddie had the most evil grin

“You Mr Munson are an evil genius I love it” You smiled

“Anything to make sure our date goes ahead”

At that moment Dustin came back out of the store with Steve in tow. Steve paused to lock the door while Dustin hopped back into Eddie's van. Eddie gave you a small wave and headed back to the driver's side of his van. Eddie and Dustin drove out of the car park as Steve approached you.

“So are you going to follow me to my place?” Steve asked

“Yep lead the way,” You said jumping into your car

You followed Steve to his house. As you drove you noticed you were heading to a part of town that you had never been to before. The houses you drove past were large and expensive looking surely beyond the salary of the video store employee. Steve pulled into the driveway of one of these houses. You parked behind him and walked up to the front door where Steve stood waiting for you.

“There is no way you can afford to live here,” You said

“Yeah well, it’s my parent's house, They never home anyway so what’s the point in moving out if the people who own the place are never here and they don’t make you pay rent” The way Steve spoke made it clear his parents he would something he would rather not talk about.

“Sounds like the greatest hook-up ever wish I lived rent free” You tried to make a joke

“So you know Munson?” Steve changed the subject leading you into the lounge room

“Well yes and no,” You said “I met him at a bar a couple days after I got here, his a random acquaintance”

“He's not a bad guy, he keeps Dustin out of trouble and out of my hair” Steve smirked

“Oh yes your bestie Dustin, I want to hear all about that”

Steve motioned to a bar seat at the container in the kitchen. You took a seat and watched as Steve started removing pots and pans and many random ingredients from the assortment of cupboards around the kitchen. Steve began cooking what looked like his take on Spaghetti Bolognese while telling you the long tail of how he and Dustin became unlikely best friends. It was a little unbelievable at times but Steve showed you his scars and his story made sense for the scars you’d seen on Eddie's neck and arms, and why you’d seen Dustin walking around with a slight limp. Steve made you promise not to tell the others that he had told you. Apparently, it was an unspoken agreement to just pretend like none of it had happened. Steve sat down beside you and placed a plate of pasta in front of you.

“Spaghetti a la Harrington” Steve smiled at you

“Why thank you it looks amazing” You smiled

“I wonder how Dustin would react to us right now” Steve smirked

“Ah if that boy is anything outside of school like he is in school then he would be yelling at the top of his lungs and saying something like Are you kidding me right now”

“Yeah that sounds like the Henderson I know” Steve chuckled

“You know your no the asshole pretty boy I thought you would be” You bumped your shoulder against Steves

“Well you're not the boring school teacher I thought you’d be” Steve bumped you back

“Nice Harrington” You giggled

You continued to eat and talk. Steve told you about Billy, Eddie, Jonathan and Jim as well as several people they all knew. It was the definition of a small town. Steve had given you many things to panic about with this new information. They all knew each other so what if one of them said something to the other and they all turned on you. Or worse still what if someone said something to Joyce and she came screaming at you the school for going on a date with both her son and her ex. At some point, you must have stopped listening to Steve to follow your trail of thoughts. That was until Steve started snapping his fingers in front of your face with a highly freaked-out look on his face.

“Oh thank god you are still with me” Steve let out a sigh “What were you thinking?”

“Sorry, sorry I just had an internal panic” You blurted out before you could stop yourself

“Panic? About what?” Steve asked clearly concerned

“Promise not to get mad?” You asked moving slightly away from Steve

“Why would I?” Steve said confused

You took a deep breath and began to explain to Steve the mess you were in. At some point, Steve had stood up and began pacing the kitchen. One hand was constantly running through his hair while the other was sitting on his hip. Things were quiet for a few minutes before Steve placed his hands on the kitchen island counter and dropped his head.

“I’m glad your being honest with me but I would have liked to know all this before we started this date”

“I’m sorry” You whispered

“I’m not saying I want to end this date because it took me way too fricking long to work up the courage to ask you out but I gotta ask why? What in the world possessed you to say yes to all the dates?”

“I honestly have no idea, I was just caught so off guard with so many guys asking me I kinda just said yes without thinking then when it all did set in I couldn’t figure out how to back out of them all”  You dropped your head

“So do you even want to be on this date with me?” Steve asked sounding slightly annoyed

“Yes, you’re the only one I wanted to go on a date with and I was glad when you asked me out because I was too chicken to ask you out”

“Well at least I have that going for me right now” Steve smirked over at you “How about we start fresh, pretend none of this was ever said?”

“Fine by me”

You and Steve finished eating and continued to chat about the others and about Steve. Once you were done Steve took your plates, placed them into the sink then guided you out to the lounge room. He fiddled with the TV for a short while putting on the movie before settling down next to you on the lounge. He pulled you into his side allowing his hand to snake around your waste. You allowed yourself to curl into his side. Steve spoke excitedly all through Beetlejuice pointing out little details. He almost lost it when you pointed out that Lydia looked a lot like a younger version of Joyce. He even said he would have to point that out to Joyce. When the movie concluded you were way too tired to drive home. You voiced this to Steve who happily suggested you stay the night. He dragged you to his room before racing off. When he returned he was carrying pillows and blankets. He made a bed on the floor before turning to his cupboard. He stripped down to his boxers before pulling on a pair of sweatpants. He threw another pair at you along with one of his shirts before making himself comfortable on the floor. You turned away from Steve and quickly got changed into the clothes he provided for you. Once you were dressed you turned off the light. You tiptoed quietly over to Steve. Once you were by his side you crouched down and gave him a kiss on the cheek before quickly jumping into his bed. Steve sat upright and looked straight over at you as you giggled from your spot on the bed.

“What was that for?” Steve said

“Think of it as a thank you for everything tonight” You smiled at him

“You’re welcome”

Steve laid back down facing the bed. You lay down in the bed facing Steve. The two of you fell into a peaceful silence, looking at each other until you drifted off. Steve, however, stayed away a little longer unable to believe the beautiful girl whom he looked forward to seeing on a Friday night was here asleep in his bed. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little heartbroken by you agreeing to a bunch of dates but for tonight he had you and he enjoyed every minute of it. Steve drifted off staring at your peaceful sleeping face. He woke up before you the next morning. He hopped up and stretched from his night on the floor. He looked at you still sleeping on his bed and smiled. He crept over to you, bent down and kissed you on the head allowing his lips to linger for a few seconds. He stood and walked from the room making his way to the kitchen. He decided that even if you couldn’t be his forever he would make the time you did have together amazing. He moved quietly around the kitchen preparing breakfast for the two of you. Steve wanting to get everything right and not knowing what your favourite breakfast food is pulled out a selection of cereals, cooked-up pancakes, bacon and eggs, toast and baked beans. He brewed up a pot of coffee and poured a couple of glasses of orange juice. Steve was just finishing up the bacon when you walked into the kitchen rubbing your eyes. Steve took you in, his shirt hanging loosely from your shoulder, his sweatpants making you look like a toddler who wanted to play dress up in their parent's clothes. To Steve you were adorable.

“Morning sleeping beauty, didn’t know what you would like to eat so I made basically everything” Steve motioned with one hand while the other rested on his hip

“Good Morning, you really didn’t need to do all this through”

“But I wanted to” Steve motioned for you to take a seat on the bench.

Steve placed a plate in front of you and you began filing it with the stuff in front of you.

“Not really a cereal person I take it?” Steve smirked

“Not really, I guess it comes from my Mum forcing me to eat cornflakes every day,” You say screwing up your face at the memory

“Fair enough, so what's your plan for the day?” Steve asked

“I have about 100 essays to mark before I head out to watch Eddie’s band” You could audibly hear Steves's heartbreaking

“And how exactly are you going to mark that many essays in a day?” Steve tried to ignore the Eddie part of your day

“Well actually Eddie helped me with that one, you see They aren’t my essays to mark” You explain your situation to Steve and Eddie's solution to the problem

“You know that sounds just like Munson also sounds like he might be getting some person payback with that one too” Steve smirked

“Oh?”

“Carol used to bully Eddie when we were all at school together, when we graduated and he didn’t I know she got worse with the bullying” Steve sighed

“Wait I assumed you were older than Eddie given that you graduated in ’85 and Eddie in ‘87,” You said shocked

“Eddie redone senior year 3 times,” Steve said like it was public knowledge

“Wow poor Eddie”

Steve just nodded in agreement. You ate the rest of your breakfast changing subjects to music and movies. Once breakfast was done and dishes washed and put away you returned to Steve's room to get dressed. Part of you wanted to just call the other dates off you were already so torn between Billy and Steve and throwing the others in seemed like a bad idea. But at the same time, you didn’t want to have to admit what you’d done. No, instead you decided to suck it up and go through with the dates. You collected your things and went to say goodbye to Steve before heading home. As you reached the bottom of the stairs Steve stood waiting for you.

“Let me at least walk you to your car” Steve smiled sadly

“Thank you for everything Steve I had an amazing time” You smiled as you approached your car

When you reached the side of your car you turned to give Steve one last smile before hopping into your car. Steve quickly slipped his arms around your waist. He pulled you into his chest. His lips captured yours in a passionate kiss. Your fists balled up in his shirt. Your heart racing once more. If they were all going to take your breath away then however would you be able to choose just one of them. Steve stepped back dropping his head to look at the driveway.

“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have” Steve looked like he was about to cry

“No it’s fine” You smiled

You brushed your fingers down the side of Steve's face before hopping into your car and heading home. Steve stood in the drive long after you were out of sight. All he could do now was hope you came back to him.

Back in your unit, you began sorting through the pile of essays. It should be simple just take your red pen write an A in the corner, circle it and move on to the next. You took a deep breath and began marking. One thing was for certain if this blew up in your face Eddie Munson would be no more. It took you no more than 30 minutes to pretend to mark all the essays and put them back into your bag for Monday. With your now gained free time, you decided to outfit plan not only for tonight but for tomorrow with Jonathan and Jim. If you planned today that would leave you more time tomorrow to shower and recover between dates.

At around 4 you decided it would be a good idea to get ready to go on your date with Eddie. You had picked out a pair of fishnet stockings, a short black skirt, an old Judas Priest shirt, knee-high black boots and a black leather jacket. Remnants of your youth that you had wanted to throw away many times but never could. You changed before slipping out onto the street. The bar Eddie was playing at The Hideaway wasn’t all that far from your unit. You enjoyed the short walk to The hideout before making your way cautiously inside. Once inside you found yourself being called from the stage. Eddie stood on stage waving to you. You walked over waving back.

“There's my princess” Eddie jumped off the stage showing off “Hi Eddie” You rolled your eyes smiling

“Uh introductions” The guy on drums shook his drumsticks in the air

“Oh right, y/n meet Garath, Jeff and Sam the other members of Corroded Coffin” Eddie pointed to each man on the stage

“That is such a metal band name” You grinned

“Only the most metal name for the most metal band” Eddie bragged

“Oh that’s yet to be seen” You smirked crossing your arms

“By the time we’re done, you're going to be begging for more sweetheart”

Eddie leaned so close to you that could feel his breath on your face. The scent of cigarettes, mint and that awful cheap axe body spray filled your nose. You became intoxicated with so much so that when Eddie leaned back making his way back on the stage you almost immediately had withdrawals from it. You stood proudly in front of the stage waiting for them to begin playing. After half an hour of warm-ups, the real performance began. Eddie was amazing up on the stage, the whole band was. It was like they were born to be on stage. It was no surprise that Eddie had failed senior year as much as he had. It was clear that he never had an academic future he was also supposed to be an entertainer, a creative free soul. You enjoyed every second Corroded Coffin played and were sad when it had to end. The band wrapped up and started to pull apart their things. You climbed up on the stage in an attempt to help them.

“Anything I can do?” You asked

“Here go open my van for us princess” Eddie handed you his keys pointing to a stage door.

You went the direction he pointed finding his van with ease. You opened the back doors sat on the back and waited. As you waited a group of girls your age or a bit younger appeared from around the front of the van.

“Oh look girls another wants to be trying to steal our boys” One girl looked you up and down

“I’m sorry who are you?” You asked trying to be polite.

“That is none of your business,” another said

“Look I’m sorry but Eddie invited me out to watch Corroded Coffin play If I’m stepping on toes I don’t mean to” You slipped out of Eddie's van moving back towards the stage door

“Hay Sweetheart what's taking you so long” Eddie jogged up beside you he took one look at the girls and tensed “Are these girls giving you trouble babe” Eddie slipped an arm around your waist pulling you to his side

“We’re just talking Eds” The first girl spoke up again

“Well I think it’s time you leave, My girl here is tired and I’d like to get our stuff packed up and get home” Eddie fake smiled at them “Thanks for coming out though”

 “Oh come on Eds don’t be like that” The girl took a step towards you

“I’m asking you to leave” Eddie pushed you behind him

The girl came right up to Eddie practically pushing up against him. She walked her fingers up his chest, grabbed the collar of his shirt and tried to pull him in for a kiss. Eddie pushed her back. She shot you daggers before storming off. Something told you this wasn’t the first time she’d tried something like that.

“Sorry about that” Eddie turned smiling at you

“What was her problem?” You asked

“No idea All I know is she's a few dice short of a set” Eddie made a goofy face

You couldn’t help but giggle at Eddie. Eddie smiled proud of himself for making you laugh. Eddie took your hand and dragged you back into the Hideout. He kept you close by his side as they loaded their equipment into his van. Eddie then locked up before dragging you back inside.

“So did you enjoy the show” Eddie asked taking a seat at the bar

“Did I ever” You smiled “It was amazing Eddie”

“Told you most metal ever” Eddie wore a shit-eating grin

“Wipe that smile off your face Munson”

Eddie threw up his hands in defence. He ordered drinks and the two of you began talking. Despite appearances much like Steve had said Eddie was a great guy. He was sweet, charming, and funny but a bit rough around the edges. You came to learn that when Eddie wasn’t rocking out with his band he was working at a local mechanic which was quite surprising. He shared his dream to get out of Hawkins and travel the world with Corroded Coffin. Apparently, they had been discussing hitting the road for a few months. Touring the states and picking up gigs along the way to support their travels. What better way to get discovered Eddie had said. It sounded wonderful. Eddie asked you lots of questions about yourself like what had brought you to Hawkins. You were so mesmerised by Eddie that you completely forgot to keep an eye on the time. It wasn't until the bartender told you that it was the last call that you looked at the clock. 12:30. Shit.

“Eddie I have to go I should have been in bed by now,” You said

“Why got something important on in the morning?” Eddie questioned

“Well uh yes actually I’m supposed to be going on a photography trip with Jonathan Byers” You answered honestly

“As In a date,” Eddie suddenly seemed hurt

“No just as friends, Photography was something I had done before I came here and Jonathan said he knew a good spot for nature shots” You half-lied

“Oh okay sounds boring to me” Eddie's smile came back

“It's actually quite fun” You played hurt

“If you say so Princess” Eddie smirked downing the rest of his drink

Eddie offered you his hand pulling you to your feet. He opened the door and threw his arm out while bowing motioning for you to step out. Once outside he slid his arm around your waist and asked you to guide the way to your car. You told him you walked so he offered to walk you home. He held you by the waist all the way home. Once you reached your unit Eddie the gentleman, held your door open for you before kissing, bowing and taking his leave. You giggled and watched as he practically danced back down the street.  Eddie too had made your heart race. You made your way inside. Changed into your pyjamas and flopped onto your bed. You fell asleep thinking about Eddie and all the fun you could have on the road. No obligations to tie you down, chasing fame. It would be wonderful, a new town every night. Sleeping out of the van, exploring the places less travelled. You were ripped from your dream by your alarm going off at 6 a.m. You groaned as you ripped yourself from your nice warm bed. You walked into the kitchen and made yourself a coffee. You were going to need a lot of coffee to get through today. After pouring yourself a cup of coffee you began to brew the pot again to fill your thermos. You also filled up your drink bottle with cool water. You had an hour to be ready before Jonathan would be on your doorstep. He had organised to pick you up to save you from getting lost looking for the trailhead you’d be taking. You pulled out your camera gear and the outfit you had picked out for today. You jumped into the shower to remove as much of the alcohol and cigarette smoke smell from last night. Thankfully you weren’t hungover and you could thank Eddie and the never-ending conversation for that. You were dressed and packing your hiking bag when Jonathan knocked on your door. You finished stuffing your stuff into your bag and slung it over your shoulder before opening the door.

“Hay Jonathan” You smiled at him

“Hi” Jonathan smiled looking at the ground

So Steve was right when he said Jonathan was the shy, quiet guy you thought. You followed Jonathan to his car and climbed into the passenger seat. The trip to the trailhead was filled with awkward small talk. It was obvious that Jonathan was trying his best to make sure you were comfortable but it was also obvious that he didn’t have much experience with girls. It was kinda cute honestly. Jonathan finally got you to the trailhead. He offered to carry your bag. He pulled on your backpack before throwing his camera bag over his shoulder. He led the way into the trail. You were a complete beginner when it came to photography but Jonathan from what you had heard had been a photographer for a long time.

The air was crisp, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and leaves. Rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow on the forest floor.

As you walked side by side along a narrow path, your camera slung around your shoulder, and the tranquillity of the surroundings enveloped you. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds added to the serenity of the moment. Rays of sunlight gently kissed the vibrant foliage, creating a stunning interplay of colours that seemed almost surreal.

You paused by a tranquil stream, its crystal-clear waters meandering through the heart of the forest. It was the perfect spot to capture the delicate beauty of nature. Your date watched in awe as Jonathan set up his camera on a tripod, adjusting the settings with precision. With the press of a button, the shutter clicked, capturing the essence of the babbling brook, the sunlight glinting off the water like scattered diamonds.

"Wow, you're really talented," you exclaimed, admiration evident in your eyes.

Blushing, he smiled and gestured for you to join him. "Why don't you give it a try? Nature is the best subject to capture."

You took the camera hesitantly. You focused the lens on a delicate wildflower growing by the stream's edge. The soft petals seemed to beckon you closer, and you crouched down, framing the shot just right. A gentle breeze ruffled the flower's petals, and you snapped the photo, capturing a moment of perfect imperfection.

Laughing softly, you looked at each other. "I can see why you enjoy this so much," you said, your voice filled with wonder.

Encouraged by your enthusiasm, Jonathan continued your exploration, guiding you to hidden spots where the forest's beauty was magnified. The vibrant colours of a butterfly's wings, the intricate patterns of a spider's web glistening with dewdrops, and the grandeur of ancient trees stretching towards the sky – each moment was an opportunity to freeze time and capture nature's artistry.

As the morning turned into afternoon, you found yourselves perched on a moss-covered rock overlooking a tranquil meadow. A breathtaking backdrop for your final shots of the day.

"Thank you for this amazing experience," you whispered, your eyes fixed on the horizon. "I've never felt so connected to nature before."

Jonathan smiled, his heart swelling with contentment. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Nature has a way of bringing people closer together."

Soon you packed up your camera, cherishing the memories you had created together. The forest had been your canvas, and your shared moments were the masterpieces that adorned it. Your walk back to the car was spent chatting and getting to know each other a bit more. Jonathan was a really sweet guy but you could see how Steve found him to be an easy target in school. He was much like Eddie in that he was the odd guy out, the loner. Yet part of you wished that others had gotten to know him more. Jonathan told you about his and Steve's mutual ex Nancy. You’d seen Nancy around the school a few times picking up her brother Mike. How Jonathan ended up with Nancy you’ll never understand, She really didn’t deserve him or Steve. Once back in Jonathan's car, he drove you back to your apartment. He walked you to your door.

“Thank you for joining me today” Jonathan looked between you and the ground

“I loved every moment of it” You smiled at him

“Well I better be getting home” Jonathan smiled at you

He quickly leaned into you and kissed you on the cheek before waving awkwardly and walking away. You couldn’t help but stand at your door and giggle for a moment before making your way inside to shower and change. A small part of you was thankful your dates were coming to an end but you were also dreading the choice you would have to make when all was said and done. You pushed that thought to the back of your mind and began getting ready for dinner with Jim. He had told you that he was taking you out to a fancy restaurant so you needed to dress semi-formal. You chose your nice dress and a pair of nice heels. You sighed as you looked at yourself in the mirror. You opted to drive to the restaurant because heaven forbid you had to walk in those heels, especially after walking all day you might just die. Jim was waiting outside for you when you pulled up.

 Underneath the soft glow of candlelight, you found yourselves seated at a cozy corner table in a charming restaurant. The ambience was warm and inviting, the murmur of conversations and the gentle strains of a violin creating a soothing symphony in the background. The air was infused with the enticing aroma of delectable dishes being prepared with love and care.

As you looked across the table, the dim lighting played beautifully on Jim's features, casting a gentle halo around him. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation, and the soft smile on his lips made your heart flutter.

The waiter arrived, presenting you both with a menu of culinary delights that promised to tantalize your taste buds. You exchanged glances, sharing a playful moment of deliberation as you decided on your choices. The anticipation of the meal mirrored the excitement of your budding connection.

As you engaged in conversation, your words flowed effortlessly, each topic leading to another as you uncovered shared interests and experiences. Laughter punctuated the air as stories were exchanged, creating an intimate bubble where only the two of you existed, cocooned in the enchantment of the evening.

The first course arrived, a delicate symphony of flavours and textures artfully plated before you. You savoured each bite, your taste buds dancing in delight as you indulged in the culinary masterpiece. The conversation continued to flow, seamlessly weaving between lighthearted banter and more intimate exchanges, creating a bond between you.

As the main course was served, you noticed a brief pause in the conversation, a moment where your eyes locked and the world seemed to fade away.

Dessert arrived, a decadent conclusion to the evening's culinary journey. The sweet flavours danced on your palate, a perfect mirror to the sweetness of the moments you were sharing. The final bite was taken, and you both leaned back in your chairs, content and fulfilled.

As the evening drew to a close, the waiter discreetly presented the bill, and you both exchanged glances once more. With a gentle smile, your date reached across the table, their fingers brushing against yours in a tender gesture. "Thank you for such a wonderful evening," Jim said, his voice soft and sincere.

You smiled back, your heart warmed by his presence. "The pleasure was all mine," you replied, your voice carrying the weight of unspoken emotions.

As you left the restaurant, the night air felt crisper, more alive. The stars above twinkled as Jim walked you out to your car. You turned to smile at him when you reached your car.

“Well this is me” You smiled

“Thank you again, I haven’t had a night quite like this in some time” Jim smiled

“And again the pleasure was all mine” you smiled “It's good to know the sheriff isn’t such a bad guy”

“Well that depends on who you ask, Take Munson and Harrington for example, they probably think I’m the worst”

“They think you’re a hard ass I can tell you that much” you giggled

“Well it’s late and I don’t want to keep a pretty thing like yourself out in the dark” Jim moved slightly closer.

He kissed you softly on the cheek, told you to drive safely and walked back in the direction of the restaurant. You drove quietly home only completely panicking once you were safely inside your apartment. As soon as your heels were off and you flopped on your bed your head swarned with thoughts. The biggest being who do you choose?

Chaos Controlling Masterlist

All my works are link below so no need to scroll through my entire page to find what your looking for.

Want to request something?

I write for Stranger Things, Law and Order SVU, CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, 9-1-1, The Rookie, Criminal Minds and Supernatural. Happy to other shows, movies, musicians, actors and YouTubers assuming I know who they are.

Stranger Things

Eddie Munson

I Want To Ruin Our Friendship Part 1 / Part 2

Stranger Things Guys

The Dating Odyssey Part 1 / Steve / Eddie / Jim / Billy / Jonathan

Supernatural

Dean Winchester

Supernatural, Hunting, Living and Love (Revisited) (Complete)

(Most unserious banner for the most unserious show)

911

50 Ways to Say Goodbye

Evan 'Buck' Buckley

After the Fire

Edmundo 'Eddie' Diaz

Through the Dark

Criminal Minds

Spencer Reid

A Well Kept Secret Part 2 Part 3

Law and Order SVU

Rafael Barba

Objection!

Dominick 'Sonny' Carisi Jr.

Cannoli's and Carisi's

A tiny taste of my WIP!

The guy in the video store, the metal head guitarist in the band, the photographer, the lifeguard and the chief of police. Hawkins just seemed to breed hot guys. It didn’t help that all five had asked you the pretty new girl in Hawkins on a date. And you in your bumbling awkwardness had agreed to the five dates. You now sat in your apartment having a meltdown trying to find a solution to your problem.

This is me until season 5 airs. I will hold onto this theory with my LIFE!

jim hopper railing you on his office desk after everyone has left🫣

AAAH YES!!!! 🫣🫣🫣

all the lights in the building are out, nothing could be heard except the sounds of moaning and skin slapping. you’re bend over his desk while his hands are grabbing your hair and he’s slamming into from behind, making you a moaning mess. he was very against it when you first brought it up, scared to be caught but you eventually managed to convince him and it turned into a daily occurrence. he fucking loves it and the possibility of getting caught turns him on even more, “not even scared of someone walking in and seeing you getting fucked like the dirty slut you are, huh?”

ASDFGHJKL STOPPPP. 🥴🥴

He would just become wholly fucking obsessed with you too. Taking time out of workdays to have breakfast and lunch with you, checking on you multiple times a day. BRINGING YOU COFFEE FROM YOUR FAVORITE SHOP ugh. Literally so in love with this man it makes me SOB.

YES YES YES ALL THIS ++++ fucking you in his office during your breaks 🙄 he would be so caring and sweet but when he gets the chance he will pound into you and make you a moaning mess!! but of course, after that he will take you to your favorite restaurant for lunch like the gentleman he is 😌

Oh lawd could you imagine him finally coming to terms with the fact that he was in love with his secretary (AHEM YOU). Like every day he walks past you and you tell him “good morning chief” he just has to fuck his fist in his office before he can even say anything to you.

YES!!!! i love this 😮‍💨

but imagine catching him one day, walking into his office while his hand is around his dick, pumping it while quietly groaning your name, “chief, have you-“ you freeze in the door opening as your eyes widen at the sight in front of you. hopper quickly zips his pants back up in panic and apologizes over and over again, but when he looks back up at you, he sees you walking inside his office and slowly closing the door behind you while he looks at you with a puzzled expression. few minutes later you’re bend over his desk while he fucks you roughly from behind, finally feeling you around him instead of having to imagine it everyday