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harringtonstilinski · 14 days

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Always The Babysitter - Chapter Twenty-Five: The Battle of Starcourt

Author: @harringtonstilinski Characters: Steve Harrington x Olivia Henderson(OC) Word Count: 9,951 Warnings: buckle up, we got a lot - angst, fluff, el's leg, canon violence with the mind flayer, small intentional car accident (no one gets hurt), singing, liv being sleep deprived, main character deaths Smut: no | yes; you're welcome oral (f+m receiving), fingering, protected m+f A/N: Hi, friends! As stated above... you're welcome. If you like this chapter, please do not hesitate to reblog and give some feedback, whether it be in the reblogs, comments, or my inbox. As always, read at your own risk and enjoy 😊

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I felt two arms go around me as I cried, watching El scream and sob in pain from her leg. I knew it was Steve because anytime I cried, he wrapped me in his arms like he was protecting me from whatever it was that caused tears to stream down my face.

“What is that?” Erica asked.

It sounded like El’s flesh was about to burst into flames as Mike said, “There’s something in there.”

I moved from Steve’s arms as El yelled out “No!”, sitting on my knees at her head, brushing her hair down on her head.

“Jesus Christ,” Dustin said, looking at her leg still.

I think everyone’s eyes were glued to El’s leg as we just watched as something moved under it.

“Keep her talking,” Jonathan said, standing up. “Keep her awake, okay?”

El closed her eyes, whimpering just a little.

“El, baby, keep your eyes open,” I said. “You gotta stay awake, baby, okay?”

“Let’s get on this side, on this side,” Mike said.

“Just lean her up on me,” I said, putting my arms under hers.

“Easy, easy, easy, easy,” Steve said, helping me pull her up in between my legs as I kicked them out.

Robin’s voice rang out as she said, “It’s, uhh… ya’know, it’s actually not that bad. There was a… the goalie on my soccer team, Beth Wildfire, this other girl slid into her leg, and like, the whole bone came out of her knee, six inches or something, it was insane.”

“Robin,” Steve and I said.

“Yeah?”

“You’re not helping.”

“I’m sorry.”

Jonathan’s footfalls had me turning my head in his direction, the boy stopping right in front of El, saying, “Alright, El? This is gonna hurt like hell, okay?”

She sobbed out an “Okay.”

“Liv, I need you to help keep her real still.”

“Okay,” I said, gripping onto her a little tighter, feeling her hands doing the same on my arms.

Jonathan put on some gloves and handed me a wooden spoon, saying, “Here. You’re gonna wanna bite down on this.”

I put the handle between her teeth, the young teen biting down on it. Watching him pull out a knife, I said, “Holy shit, Byers!”

Jonathan looked at everyone before Mike said, “Do it.” He plunged the knife into her skin, her grip on my arms tightening tremendously. It hurt, but I didn’t care as she screamed in pain.

He dropped the knife before plunging his fingers into her leg, her grip once again increasing, her screams coming out more painfully. He felt around as Nancy was saying his name, him telling no one in general to stop talking, tossing out a “goddamn it!” in frustration.

“No!” El screamed, dropping the spoon from in between her teeth. “Stop it! Stop! Stop!” She let out a little sob, saying, “I can do it.”

“El,” I said as she sat up from my lap.

“I can do it,” she repeated, sitting up more, feeling for my hand. I scooted closer to her, my hands resting on the outside of my thighs, watching her as she reached out with her right hand, pulling whatever was stuck in her leg out with her psychokentic skill.

She screamed and the glass behind us shattered as she pulled whatever was in her leg out, suspending it for a moment before pushing it away. It started crawling as she leaned back against my chest, but it didn’t get very far before a foot stomped on it. That foot belonging to the one and only, Jim Hopper.

After we had picked El up and moved her to a bench, I wrapped her leg up before she laid on Hop while Joyce sat beside her, everyone else standing around.

Mike began explaining, “The Mind Flayer, it built this monster in Hawkins, to stop El, to kill her and pave a way into our world.”

“And it almost did,” Nancy added. “That was just one tiny piece of it.”

I sighed, and turned towards Steve, his arms going around me as he walked a few steps forward, taking me with him.

“How big is this thing?” Hopper asked.

Jonathan replied, “It’s big. Thirty feet at least.”

“Oh, sweet shit,” I whispered.

“Yeah,” Lucas said, looking at Hop. “It sorta destroyed your cabin. Sorry.”

Steve had moved us to stand by Max… well, I was standing by Max, he was on the other side of me. “Okay, so, just to be clear,” Steve said. “This big fleshy spider thing that hurt El, it’s some kind of gigantic… weapon?”

“Yes,” Nancy said, sounding annoyed.

“But, instead of, like, screws and metal, the Mind Flayer made its weapon… with melted people?”

“Yes, exactly.”

“Yeah, okay. I– yeah, I’m just making sure.”

Grabbing his attention, I said loud enough for only him to hear, “Do not let her make you feel small, okay?”

“What was that?” Nancy asked.

“No need to act all annoyed and shit just because someone’s asking a question to fully understand what we’re about to go up against.”

“Well maybe some people shouldn’t ask questions about what this thing is made of.”

Stepping forward, I said, “You wanna go, Wheeler?”

“Olivia,” Hopper said, gaining my attention. “Station?”

Groaning, I stepped back in between Steve and Max, saying, “Someone’s gonna have to teach her a freaking lesson on how to not be in control all the time.”

“Are we sure this thing is still out there, still alive?” Joyce asked.

“El beat the shit out of it, but yeah, it’s still alive,” Max said.

“But if we close the gate again–” Will said.

“We cut the brain off from the body.”

“And kill it,” Lucas added. “Theoretically.”

I jumped at the sound of Murray’s voice saying, “Yoo-hoo!” while waving some papers around. Looking back at Hop, I said, “Really, Jim? Murray?”

“Since when do you call me Jim?” Hop asked.

Murray walked over to us, saying, “Hello, Olivia,” before he set the papers down on a table, saying, “This is what Alexi called the hub,” while pointing to a spot on the papers. “Now, the hub takes us to the vault room.”

“Okay, where’s the gate?” Hop asked.

Pointing to another spot, Murray said, “Right here. I don’t know the scale on this, but I think it’s fairly close to the vault room, maybe 50 feet or so.”

“More like 500,” Erica said, walking towards the table. “What, you’re just gonna waltz in there like it’s commie Disneyland or something?”

“I’m sorry, who are you?”

With all the sass she could muster, Erica said, “Erica Sinclair, who are you?”

“Murray… Bauman.”

“Listen here, Mr. Bunman, I’m not trying to tell you how to do things, but I’ve been down in that shithole for 24 hours. And with all due respect, you do what this man tells you, you’re all gonna die.”

I started laughing during her spiel, not sure if it was from lack of sleep or because she was doing what I had been dying to do since last year. “She’s got a point.”

“I’m sorry, why is this four year old speaking to me?” Murray asked.

“I’m ten, you bald bastard,” Erica said.

Laughing, I said, “Oh, my god, this is great!”

“Erica!” Lucas said.

“Just the facts!” Erica said.

“She’s right, though,” I said, my laughter dying down. “You’re all gonna die.” Walking forward, I continued, “But you don’t have to.” Looking at Murray, I smiled. “May I?”

“Please,” he said, smiling.

I sat down, feeling Dustin coming up behind me. Turning towards Dustin, I said, “You got a pencil on you?” Once he handed me his pencil, I said my thanks and moved the paper, marking where I needed to as I explained, “You see this room? Storage facility. There’s some sort of hatch that leads into their underground ventilation system. That will somehow lead you to the base of this massive weapon that I almost died from. It’s a fucking maze down there, but between these two-” I pointed to Erica and Dustin. “-they can get you through.”

“They can show us the way?” Hop asked.

“Don’t worry, Hop, you can be all macho man and do the brunt work, and they will just be your navigators.”

“No.”

“Hopper,” I groaned.

Shaking his head, he shrugged once and said, “Nope.”

~~~

“He can be such a jerk sometimes,” I said, getting whatever supplies we needed.

“Who?” Steve asked.

“Freaking Hopper,” I exclaimed. “He won’t let Dustin and Erica help them through the vent system when we’ve spent the last like–” I looked at the nonexistent watch on my left wrist. “–12 or so hours down there!”

“Eh, just let him take control for a little bit,” he said, passing in front of me.

Taken aback, I said, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He sighed, placing whatever he had in his hands down. “Babe, it means you can’t always be in control.”

Sighing, I retorted, “You know why I have to try and be… especially for Dustin.”

“I know,” Steve breathed. “But just… take a step back and breathe for a little bit.”

Closing my eyes, I hung my head forward, my chin meeting the dip in my collarbone. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

I breathed his scent in as he put his arms around my shoulders, my own going around his middle. “It’s okay,” he said.

“Hey, if you two could stop being all cute and shit and grab some stuff we need, that’d be great,” Robin said.

“I should go check on Dustin,” I said, looking up at Steve’s chin. He looked down at me, saying, “I can see him, he’s fine.”

“I’m being protective now. A sister. Plus, I can sense they’re about to start talking shit and I want to get in on that action.”

Steve chuckled, looking down at me. “Alright, beautiful. Go be a shittalking big sister.”

I smiled at the new nickname, kissing his chin before he looked down at me. “Okay, handsome.”

He smiled, leaning down to place a sweet kiss to my lips. I pulled my lips back into a smile, slowly pulling my body away from his as I backed myself up to the counter to jump over it, making my way over to Dustin and his group of friends.

“Well, that settles it,” Erica said. “He’s gonna die. They’re gonna die.”

“Yeah, most likely,” I said, walking down the small ramp to the fountain they were standing at.

“You guys survived,” Lucas said.

“Barely,” Dustin said, after turning to face Lucas.

“Call it luck,” I said.

“We could have really used you guys down there.”

“Could’ve used you up here, too,” Mike said. “Especially Liv’s protective side.”

“Yeah, well, I probably would’ve knocked your sister out in the process,” I breathed.

“We miss you, dude,” Lucas said, looking at my brother.

I put my arm around my brother’s shoulders, seeing a ghost of a smile on his face. “See? They missed you. I knew it all along.”

“Big-time,” Will said.

The four younger boys I adored all huddled together in a hug. I tried to get out of it, but Will pulled me in, saying, “You’re a part of this party, too, Liv.”

“Honorary member,” I chuckled, causing them to laugh as well.

“Please, don’t cry, nerds,” Erica said.

Turning around to face her, I laughed, “Shall we tell them the little discovery we made about you in that vent system?”

“Erica,” Lucas said, stepping forward.

“Keep saying my name,” she sassed. “See what happens.”

“Ohh!” I breathed out.

“Hey, heads up,” Hopper said. “You can navigate, just from someplace safe.”

Shrugging with a frown on my face, I said, “Looks like you won’t die after all,” before smiling wickedly. “But it’s not that simple.”

“The signal won’t reach,” Erica added.

“Not with this,” Dustin said. “You need something with a high enough frequency band to relay with the Russian’s radio tower. But for that to work, you need someone who has both seen their comms room and has access to a super-powered handcrafted radio tower, one preferably already situated at the highest point in Hawkins. Oh, wait. That’s me. If you want us to navigate, you got us. But we need a head start.”

I held my breath the entire time Dustin spoke to Hopper, releasing it once he was done. “Holy shit, I thought he’d never stop talking.” Looking at Hopper, I watched as his brows quickly rose up before Dustin looked at Erica then back at him saying, “And a car.”

Hop looked over at me, my lips scrunching to the side as I shrugged. “He’s right.” I put my hand out, saying, “Fork ‘em over.”

He turned to the side a little, yelling Steve’s name, said teen making his way over. Hopper put the keys in Steve’s hand, telling him to take us where Dustin told him to take us. I gawked at Hopper, who just shrugged and raised his brows like he couldn’t care less.

Letting out a groan, I tiled my head back, turning around and walking towards the front of the mall. Steve and the rest of our group followed behind a few moments later, until Steve got in front of me to open the doors.

“Oh, man, now this,” he said, tossing the keys a few inches out of his hand before they fell back into his hand. “This is what I’m talkin’ about.”

“Toddfather?” Robin and I asked.

“Oh, screw, Todd! Steve’s her daddy now.”

“Please don’t ever say that again,” I said, climbing into the front seat.

“Did you just talk about yourself in the third person?” Robin asked.

“Did he just call himself daddy?” Erica asked.

As the three of them - Robin, Erica and Dustin - all climbed into the back, Steve asked, “Alright, where are we going?”

“Weathertop,” Dustin answered.

“Weather-what?”

“Drive,” I said.

“Okay. Jesus.” Steve turned on the car and put it in reverse, sitting up to see behind him as he backed out, putting it in drive to start us forward on our newest mission.

I sat with my arms crossed, looking to my right at the scenery passing by. I was jealous that Steve got to drive, okay? I could hear the smile in his voice as Steve asked, “Baby, are you jealous?”

“Can you please stop calling her baby in front of me?” Dustin asked. “It’s gross.”

“Dustin, hush,” I said. “Steve, yes. I am. Now let me wallow.”

He chuckled, putting his hand on my elbow to drag my arm away from me, sliding his fingers between mine and kissing the back of my hand.

We drove for what felt like two states before I asked, “Sweet shit, Dustin, how far is this place?”

“Relax, dear sister, we’re almost there,” Dustin replied.

“This girl better be fucking special, Dusty. I mean, because of the fact that you went to camp, met her, built this radio and put it in the middle of nowhere just to stay in communication with her.”

“Nobody’s scientifically perfect, but Suzie’s about as close to being perfect as any human could possibly be.”

Looking at Steve, who never let go of my hand, I smiled and said, “I know someone.”

“You two are gross,” Erica said. “And this girl sound made-up to me. What about you?”

Steve and I looked at each other before Dustin said, “Why are you two hesitating?”

“I’m-I’m-I’m not! I’m not,” Steve said. “I think she sounds real. Ya’know, totally, absolutely real.”

“Left, turn left,” Dustin said.

“There’s not a road here.”

“Turn left now!”

“Jesus. Hang on!”

I couldn’t help but scream as Steve made the sharpest turn in the history of sharp turns, hitting a wooden fence, the car’s tires meeting nothing but grass.

“Whoa! Henderson, where are we going?!” Steve yelled, both hands now on the wheel.

“Up!” Dustin said.

“We’re definitely gonna die!” I yelled, the car bumping against the grass.

“We’re not gonna make it!” Robin and I yelled.

“Yes, we are,” Steve said. “Come on, baby. Come on, baby!” He pressed the gas to accelerate us up this stupid hill, being unsuccessful as the car struggled to get more up. “Come on!"

“I guess the Toddfather has its limitations,” Robin said.

“In other words, we’re stuck,” I said, resting my elbow on the part the window’s at, letting my fingers rest on my forehead.

Steve breathed heavily before I heard him get out of the car, the rest of the group following, aside from me.

“Liv!” Dustin called. “Come on!”

“Nope, I’m waiting for the Mind Flayer to come and eat me,” I deadpanned. A moment later, a body was leaning against the door, the backs of their fingers gently rubbing up and down my arm.

“What’s up, babe?” Steve asked, gently.

I sighed. “Guess I’m just wallowing.” I looked up at him, placing my hand on his cheek, careful not to rub my thumb over his bruised eye. “Even with a black eye… you’re still perfect.”

He chuckled lightly, turning his head in my hand, pressing his lips to my palm. “I’m glad someone thinks so.” Locking his eyes on mine, he whispered, “I love you.”

“I love you,” I whispered back, smiling.

“Come on,” he whispered, backing away from the car to open the door.

I sighed and got out, taking his hand after he closed the door, Dustin complaining about Steve and I taking forever, which in reality it was more like a minute.

We started walking up the hill, finally making it to Dustin’s man-made radio, my brother picking up the mouthpiece, pressing the button on it and saying, “Bald Eagle, do you copy? Bald Eagle, I repeat, this is Scoops Troop, do you copy?”

Standing with Steve a few feet away, I said, “I’m gonna be repeating radio talk in my head for the next two years.”

“Yes, I copy,” Murray responded.

We all chuckled before Dustin asked, “Call sign?”

We had assigned everyone group names and call signs before we left… or at least Dustin did while I was walking away from everyone to get in the car. In case you were wondering, call signs are as follows;

Griswold Family; El, Max, Lucas, Mike, Will, Jonathan and Nancy.

Eagles Nest; Murray, Joyce and Hop.

Scoops Troop; Robin, Erica, Dustin, Steve and myself.

“Bald Eagle,” Murray responded.

“Please repeat,” Dustin said.

Without missing a beat, Murray came back with “Bald Eagle! This is Bald Eagle!” before Dustin said with a smile, “Copy that. Good to hear your voice, Bald Eagle. What’s your 20?”

“We reached the vent. I’ll contact you when I need you. Until then, silence.”

“Roger that, Bald Eagle. This is Scoops Troop, going radio silent. 10-10 over.”

I decided to lay on the wet grass a little while later, bored out of my mind. “Ya’know, I have a slight fear of space, but I find it fascinating. I especially love looking up at the stars. This angle suits you.” I chuckled, shifting my eyes from the stars to Steve as he came into view, his head tilted down, looking at me.

“Why are you laying on the wet grass?” he asked.

Shrugging, I said, “My legs were getting tired. And I’m tired. I haven’t slept in over 24 hours.”

“Scoops Troop, this is… hm… Bald Eagle. I’ve reached another junction.”

“This is what?” Dustin asked.

“The fourth junction,” Erica said.

“Alright, so, if memory serves–”

“Right after the nerd epiphany,” I said, turning on my side a little.

“We went left, so he has to go right,” Erica said.

“Fly right, Bald Eagle,” Dustin said. “Fly. Right.”

“Roger that, flying right,” Murray confirmed.

“What’s the nerd epiphany?” Robin asked.

I noticed Steve walk away a few feet, looking out at Hawkins from our view. I got up, brushing myself off, and walked towards him, wrapping my arms around his middle, pressing forehead in between his shoulder blades. “What’cha doing?”

“Look,” he said.

I looked around him, seeing the mall’s lights flickering. “Uhh, guys!” A few seconds later, Erica, Dustin and Robin walked over to us before I turned to face Dustin, telling him, “Get your ass back over there right the hell now!”

The five of us rushed back to the radio, Dustin picking up the mic, saying into it, “Griswold Family, this is Scoops Troop! Do you copy? Over! Griswold Family, I repeat, this is Scoops Troop! Do you co–” The radio went staticy, Dustin asking once again, “Griswold Family, do you copy?”

Grabbing the mic from him, I pressed the button and yelled, “Do you copy?!” before hearing a roaring sound that shook me to my core. “Griswold Family, this is Scoops Troop! Please, for the love of God, confirm your fucking safety! Griswold Family, please confirm your safety! Are you on your way to Bald Eagle?” I sighed before whispering to myself, “Goddamn it.” Pressing the button again, I repeated my words to Griswold Family.

Dustin grabbed the mic from me, telling them that someone needed to answer to confirm their safety.

“Why aren’t they answering?” I asked.

Dustin repeated “Griswold Family, do you copy?” over and over again. I had to stand up, feeling suddenly overwhelmed by everything going on, so I did what I felt the need to do; run. I ran past the group, hearing Erica ask not a second later, “Where are you going?”

“To get them the hell out of there!” Steve answered. “Stay here! Contact the others!”

I looked back, seeing him gaining speed as he caught up with me, Robin following his lead until we got back to the car, Steve putting it reverse and tearing out of the grass and back onto the main road, speeding like a bat out of hell.

“Steve,” I said. “Faster.”

“I’m already going–”

“Steve! Those kids are in danger! Faster!”

I watched his face as the car gained more speed, the trees zipping by us like the speed of light. Before we knew it, he was slowing down, turning somewhat carefully as to not flip the car and kill us all.

I saw a car headed for Griswold Family’s, so I patted Steve rapidly on the shoulder. “Baby, crash the car into Billy’s.”

“What?”

“He’s gonna kill Griswold! Crash the car!”

Right before Billy’s car went to make an impact, Steve yelled, “Hang on!!” before he t-boned Billy’s beautiful Camaro, both cars spinning 90 degrees before coming to a stop. A few seconds and heavy breathing from all three of us later, Steve asked, “You guys okay?”

“Ask me tomorrow?” Robin answered.

“Babe?”

Looking from somewhere in front of me to Steve, I said, “That was terrifying, but exhilarating! I have so much adrenaline right now, I could beat that motherfucker to a pulp.” Looking up, I said, “Holy fucking shit.” I stood up, resting my arm on the top of the windshield, watching as the Mind Flayer stomped its way up onto the roof of Starcourt Mall before it roared.

“Let the Battle of Starcourt begin,” I breathed. Hearing a horn honk, I looked to my right, seeing Mrs. Wheeler’s new car beside us.

I jumped out as Nancy said, “Get in!”, going to the very back of the stationwagon. I sat against the back of the seats in front of me, Steve right next to me by the door with Robin across from us.

“Byers, drive!” I said, looking at the 90 foot monster about to chase us as it descended from the building. I repeated, “Oh my god” about thirty times in a whisper, watching this thing chase us down the road.

Steve put his arm around my leg, breathing heavily, my own arms going around his. The radio in Robin’s hand, that Dustin had apparently given her, went off.

“Dusty-bun, you copy?”

“I copy, Suzie-poo. It sounds much better now, thanks.”

I looked at Steve before looking at Robin, all three of us saying Suzie’s name.

“Okay, so, listen, do you know Planck's Constant?” Dustin asked.

“Do you know the Earth orbits the Sun?” Suzie countered.

“Okay, so I know it starts with two sixes, and then a… w-what is it?”

“Okay, so let me just be clear on this. I haven’t heard from you in a week, and now you want a mathematical equation that you should know so you can… save the world?”

“Suzie-poo, I promise I will make it up to you as soon as possible.”

“You can make it up to me now.”

“What?”

“I want to hear it,” Suzie said, bribing my little brother.

“What?”

“I want to hear it,” she repeated.

With fear in his voice, Dustin said, “Not right now.”

Sternly, Suzie came back with, “Yes, now, Dusty-bun.”

“Suzie-poo, this is urgent.”

“Yes, yes, you’re saving the world, I heard you the first time, but Ged is also saving Earthsea and he’s about to confront the shadow, so this is Suzie signing off.”

“Wait, wait, wait! Okay,” Dustin said. “Okay. Okay.” Even from here, I could hear him say, “Shit.” What came next had me groaning the same word, my forehead meeting Steve’s shoulder. “Turn around, look at what you see. In her face, the mirror of your dreams.”

I picked my head, grimacing as Steve looked confused. He looked down at me as I joined in, “Make believe I’m everywhere, given in the light. Written on the pages is the answer to our never-ending story.” Insert vocal run here.

“Reach the stars, fly a fantasy. Dream a dream, and what you see will be. Rhymes that keep their secrets will unfold behind the clouds, and there upon a rainbow is the answer to our never-ending story.” Insert second vocal run. “Story!” Last vocal run.

“Plancks’ Constant is 6.62607004,” Suzie said.

“You just saved the world,” Dustin said, super proud of his girl.

“Gosh, I miss you, Dusty-bun.”

“I miss you more, Suzie-poo.”

“I miss you more, multiplied by all the stars in our galaxy.”

Grabbing the walkie from Steve, who had taken it from Robin, I pressed the button as soon as Dustin started talking again, saying into the mouth-piece, “Enough, Dustin!” Looking between Robin and Steve, plus Lucas and Will who had turned around to look at me, I breathed, “Shut up,” before looking back behind us, seeing the monster stopping.

“It’s turning around!” Steve said.

“What?” Nancy said.

“It’s turning around!” I exasperated.

“Maybe we wore it out,” Lucas said.

“I don’t think so,” Jonathan said. “Hold on.” He made the sharpest and quickest u-turn in the history of– oh, sweet shit, you get it!

I yelled out, feeling my body lurch forward towards Robin, who held her hands out to stop me. Once I was sitting right again, I turned my head to the front saying, “Never do that again, eldest Byers!”

~~~

We made it back to the mall in record time, quickly making our way to the second floor. Griswold Family apparently picked up some fireworks from a store they broke into the first time they cared for El’s leg.

Seeing El on the ground, scared, made me angry and concerned all in one. Grabbing a firework, I lit it before tossing it at the Mind Flayer, the firework exploding once it hit. I lit another one before Lucas and I both yelled out, “Flay this, you ugly piece of shit!” before launching our fireworks at it, Lucas’ landing in the Flayers mouth.

One by one, we all lit the fireworks, tossing them at the Mind Flayer, trying to either kill it or keep it distracted enough to not kill El.

“Hey, asshole!” Steve said. “Over here!” He tossed his firework at the monster, Robin tossing hers after, Billy going down with each hit.

With all the fireworks going off with our throws of them, you’d think we were having our own firework show in the middle of the mall.

“Shit, we’re almost out!” I yelled.

“Dustin,” Steve said into the walkie. “We’re outta time!”

“Hurry!” Dustin said. “Close it now! Close it!”

One last firework went off before I went to the railing, putting my hands on it, looking out Billy and El, the former leaning over her, still as can be before he turned his head towards the Mind Flayer, standing up before El started scooting back.

“What’s he doing?” I asked, to no one in particular. Just seeing him stand there, I wanted to make my way to El, and started to when two arms went around me. “Let me go, Steve. I need to get to El.”

“You’ll die if you,” he said. “She’ll be okay.”

Before I knew it, I was jumping in surprise in Steve’s arms, watching as Billy reached his hands out as the Flayer’s tongue, tentacle… thing reached out, Billy’s hands grabbing onto it as he said, “No!”

Color me surprised when I felt the protective side of him come out as he walked forward, yelling out to try and keep El from being attacked. Two tentacle-like arms came out of the Mind Flayer, digging themselves into Billy’s sides, him screaming out in pain.

It was very well known that I wasn’t the biggest fan of Billy after what he did to Lucas and Steve a few months ago, but I couldn’t help the tears that began to form at my waterline, knowing he was gonna die protecting Eleven.

Four more tentacles came out, grabbing onto him from all sides, hoisting him in the air as the teenager screamed out in pain. The creature brought Billy to his knees, who had black blood coming out of his mouth as he screamed at the creature roaring at him.

I screamed in horror as the creature’s mouth tentacle came rushing out, piercing itself into Billy’s sternum, Max screaming out his name.

The creature’s tentacles retreated, Billy dropping to the ground with blood coating his white tank top.

“Oh, my god,” I said, covering my mouth with my hand.

All of a sudden, the creature started writhing, tossing itself around. Steve pulled us back as it made its way towards us, crashing into the railing before landing on the floor, hopefully dead.

Making my way back to the part of the railing it didn’t destroy, I leaned over it, looking at the monster, feeling Steve and Robin all around me, fire all around the creature.

Watching Max lean over Billy’s body immediately had me looking around for Dustin, wanting to do nothing but hold him as tightly as I could.

“I’m sorry,” Billy choked out before letting out his final breath.

I moved from Steve and Robin, quickly making my way to Max, sliding onto my knees and wrapping her in a hug that I knew she needed in that moment. She grabbed onto me, sobbing into my shoulder at the loss of her big brother.

“I’m so sorry,” I cried. “I’m so sorry.” I sniffled. “It’s okay. It’s okay.” Feeling two hands on me, I looked to see El, our eyes locking before she rested her head on my shoulder.

Before we knew it, we were being brought to our feet by our military, the soldiers rushing us out of the mall before the fire could get any worse. There were soldiers, paramedics and firefighters everywhere when we got outside.

A paramedic went to grab at me first to check me over but I ushered Max forward first, letting them check her. A blanket was wrapped around my shoulders as I looked around to see if Dustin was gonna show up. When he didn’t pop up, fear took hold of me. “Where’s Dustin?”

“What?” a paramedic asked.

“My little brother,” I said, looking into her eyes. “Where is he?”

“Ma’am–”

“H-he’s got curly brown hair, like mine. He’s wearing a-a Roast Beef t-shirt–”

“Babe,” I heard Steve’s voice. I looked at him as he made his way towards me, a blanket around his own shoulders.

“Oh, thank god,” I breathed, hopping down from the ambulance to rush to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Thank fuck you’re okay!” I pulled back to look at him, crashing my lips to his not a second later. Pulling my lips away from his, I said, “I love you. Holy shit, do I love you! I’m so in love with you, it’s ridiculous!”

He smiled before it faltered a bit, his face slightly scrunching up at the pain in his lip. “You heard that?”

“Every single word.”

We smiled at each other before he kissed me again, our lips moving in sync for a moment before he pulled away, grimacing. I touched the bottom of the cut, saying my apologies before he shook his head, saying we should go check on our friends.

Dustin showed up a few minutes later, Erica right on his heels. I ran over to them, wrapping my brother in the biggest hug I think I’ve ever given him since his birth. A couple minutes later, I pulled away, keeping my hands on his shoulders. “From now on, we’re never separating again, do you hear me?”

He nodded in agreement, pulling me back into a hug. I let all the tears slide down my cheeks, happy that I had my brother, but sad for Max, as she lost hers.

~~~

Three Months Later

I sat in the front seat of Steve’s BMW, he in the driver's seat, Robin in the backseat. “Okay, so what are we doing?” I asked.

“Steve and I are going to see about getting a job at–” Robin said, handing me the classifieds. “Family Video.”

“The movie rental store?” I asked. “You two should get the job! I mean, Steve and I spend a shit ton of time there weekly.”

Steve had asked me to basically move in with him since his parents weren’t home a lot of the time. I had asked my mom and she practically cried as she said yes, saying how much she’d miss me. I had told her that Steve and I worked out a plan that when his parents come back, I’d be back home until they left.

So, Steve and I had movie nights pretty much every single night, although I fell asleep during every single movie we rented.

When we pulled up and Steve put the car in park, the three of us got out as Robin asked, “You put your mom down as a reference?”

“Yeah, why not?” Steve said, standing at the front of the car, hand held out for me to take. “She’s, like, super-well respected.” He opened the door, lifting his arm for me to walk under, Robin walking in behind me saying, “You’re such a dingus.”

Seeing Keith behind the counter eating Cheeto Puffs, I turned to Robin and said, “One of you might get a job.”

Keith, Robin and Steve chatted for a minute before Robin corrected Keith’s words of them getting fired. “Uh, just to be clear, we weren’t fired, ya’know. The mall burned down and, like, killed a bunch of people.”

Keith dropped their resumes, deadpanning, “Thanks for sharing. Didn’t know.”

I scoffed, “Please.

He snapped his fingers, pointing at Robin, asking, “Three favorite movies, go.”

“Uh,” she said. “The Apartment, Hidden Fortress… Children of Paradise.”

“Liv, go,” Keith said.

Confused, I said, “Uh… Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, The Breakfast Club.”

He scoffed. “Typical. John Hughes.” Snapping and pointing at Steve, he said, “You, go.”

“Favorite movies?” Steve asked.

“Did I stutter?”

I facepalmed as Steve replied, “Uh… Animal House, for sure. Uh…”

Keith snapped at him again, using two fingers to point to his eyes as he said, “Eyes on me, Harrington.”

“Yeah, uh… Star Wars.”

Pressing my forehead against Robin’s shoulder, I muttered, “Oh my god.”

“A New Hope?”

“A New what-now?”

“Which Star Wars?”

“The one with the teddy bears,” Steve said. “Duh.”

“They’re called Ewoks,” I whispered. Steve then proceeded to make noises like an Ewok.

“No? Uh… oh, the one that just came out. The movie that just came out. Babe, we saw it, remember? The one with the DeLorean and Alex P. Keaton, and he’s trying to bang his mom.” Steve chuckled as I closed my eyes and sighed. “The time… yeah, those are my top three. Classics.”

Point between Robin and I, Keith said, “You two start Monday.”

“Wait, what?” I said. “I didn’t even apply! I’m just here for moral support.”

“Monday,” Keith enunciated. Look at Steve, he said, “You start never.”

Steve looked at me, annoyance in his eyes. I rested my forehead on his shoulder, upset for him. He’d been at this all day.

Feeling a hand on my back, I turned head to face Robin as she said, “Steve, will you, uhm… give Liv and I a moment with Keith? Will you just give us a minute?”

“Why?” Steve asked.

She whispered his name as I picked my head up, looking up at him as he turned his eyes to our best friend before downcasting them to me. I leaned up just as he was leaning down, his bottom lip captured between my own.

We pulled apart just as he was reaching for his resume, sliding it along the counter as he started backing away.

“Alright, Keith, you gotta understand,” I said.

“His taste is a bit pedestrian,” Robin said. “But the dingus has other qualities.”

“He’s a douchebag of the highest order, girls,” Keith said.

“Eh, not anymore,” I defended. “I mean, to be fair, he was a bit of a prick to everyone in high school, myself included, but he’s–”

“A total chick magnet,” Robin interrupted.

I cleared my throat, looking at her with raised brows.

“Yeah, okay, and this is relevant to me, how?” Keith asked. “Besides, he’s with Henderson here.”

“Earth to Keith,” Robin enunciated. “The ladies will come in just to see him. They’ll come in in droves.”

“Quit prostituting my boyfriend,” I said.

Ignoring me, Robin continued, “We sold so much ice cream, they had to get a second shipment from Michigan. Goddamn Michigan, Keith. And these ladies–” She inhaled sharply. Yes, I know about her being gay. “These ladies are hot. They’re so very hot.”

“Okay, calm down.”

“And there are too many of them for little Steve. He needs assistance. He needs your assistance, Keith.”

Munching on a Cheeto Puff, Keith asked, “What’s in it for you? What’s in it for Olivia since she’s dating the douchebag?”

I quickly turned my head to look at the commotion behind me, watching Steve pick up a cardboard cutout of Phoebe Cates from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

“Goddammit,” Steve said. “This is–” He tried putting the stand back in place, his resume between his lips.

“We’re just friends,” Robin said.

Turning back to her, I said, “I’m not prostituting my boyfriend. Again.”

“Oh,” Steve said, causing me to look back at him again. “Fast Times. Fast Times. Ever heard of it? Top three for me, Keith.”

Robin and I laughed at him before I went over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck after taking the paper from his mouth. Pressing a kiss to his lips, I brought a hand to his cheek, feeling his hands grip my waist.

Pulling away, I whispered, “I love you. And I think Robin just got you a job.”

“Really?” he whispered back.

“Yeah,” I smiled. “But I have to prostitute you out for sales again. Oh! I need you to take me to the Byers. They’re packing up and I want to be there to send them off.”

~~~

I got to the Byers’ house as soon as Nancy and Jonathan were bringing a mattress out to put in the U-Haul truck that was backed up to their front door. After I greeted them, I went inside, Max’s face lighting up as she saw me.

“Liv!” she said, standing up to give me a hug. Ever since the 4th of July, she’s been by my side, almost like a shadow that I welcomed. Her mom and stepdad weren’t doing so well, so I told her that I’d be there for her. She’s turned into the little sister I’ve always wanted. I’m grateful for Dustin, do not get me wrong. He’s my little buddy, and I love him.

Max guided me to a box that Dustin was sitting at, asking me to help him pack it and tape it up. I wasn’t there for five minutes before her and Lucas started singing, “Turn around, look at what you see.”

I laughed and joined in, “In her face, the mirror of your dreams.” As I looked at Dustin’s profile, the three of us continued, “Rhymes that keep their secrets will unfold behind the clouds.”

“Wait, did we get that verse right?” Max asked.

“It is ‘unfold behind the clouds,’ right?” I asked.

Turning his head to lock our eyes, he said, “Yeah, you should know it. But all three of you are butchering it, so could you please stop?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I said. “I think we sound pretty good.”

“Yeah, join in, Dusty-bun,” Lucas said, dreamy like before blowing a couple kisses at him.

I laughed, “Yeah, Dusty-bun, join us!” as I put my arm around his shoulder.

Looking at me, Dustin said, “You’re so funny, you should be on Carson.”

“Can we hear it again?” I asked, smiling.

“No.”

“Please?”

“No, Liv. It’s reserved for Suzie’s ears and Suzie’s ears alone.”

I looked at Lucas and Max, still smiling as they shifted their eyes to mine, all three of us starting to sing again. “Turn around, looking at what you see!” Looking at Dustin, I started laughing while continuing my singing as he flipped all three of us his middle finger. Resting my head on his shoulder while looking at Lucas and Max, I laughed harder than I have in the last three months.

Of course, Steve and I have shared laughs like this in the last three months, but I haven’t shared a good laugh with my kiddos.

Yes. I consider the party my kids, as well as Dustin. I used to call him my baby when we were little.

Will packed up some things in the donation box they had set up as Jonathan and Nancy came back in the house, I’m assuming going to his room. Joyce came out with a box in her arms, her face lighting up when our eyes met.

I smiled at her, standing up and giving her a hug once she set the box down, giving me her thanks for coming to help, even though the majority of everything was already done. “I’m just here for moral support,” I told her.

She picked her box back up and went outside to put in the moving truck. I grabbed a box that the kids had packed and taped, bringing it out to the truck and setting in an open space. Tears streamed down my face as I hugged the Byers family, El included.

“You’ll call me, right?” I asked her, sniffling.

She nodded her head. “Yes.”

“I want to hear every single detail of everything you experience, okay?”

She chuckled. “Okay.”

“Okay,” I whispered. I gave her another big hug, whispering, “I love you, El.”

“I love you, too, Liv.”

Giving Joyce one last hug, she said to me, “You be good… and careful.”

I nodded, the tears flowing once again. “I will.”

Pulling out of the hug, she said, “You take care of yourself. And be safe.” She gave me knowing eyes that I chuckled at, wiping a tear away.

“We’re not there yet, but once we are, we will be.”

She nodded her head, giving me one last hug before moving to the driver’s seat of the moving truck, Jonathan and Will getting into his truck. Joyce’s car was being towed on the back of the moving truck.

The Wheeler’s, Lucas, Max, Dustin and myself stood in their driveway, watching as they drove off for the very last time. The kids got on their bikes while Nancy and I got into her mom’s car, offering me a ride to Steve’s house.

Over the last few months, Nancy and I have been on okay terms. She told me that she didn’t care that I was with Steve, she was just upset that he and I got together as quickly as we did after they broke up.

I told her the same thing, just with Jonathan, who was like a brother to me. I told her that I didn’t want to see him get hurt, but I could tell she loved Jonathan a hell of a lot more than she ever did with Steve.

When we made it to Steve's, I thanked her and got out of the car, making my way to the front door, where I let myself in with the key that he had made for me. I smiled as I took my shoes off, setting my keys down on the table by the front door. The smell of popcorn filling the air.

Steve and I walked into the living room around the same time, a handful of popcorn up at his mouth as he stared at me. “You’re home early,” he said around that handful.

“They pretty much had everything packed and loaded on the truck when I got there,” I said, walking towards him, taking my own handful of popcorn, dropping a couple of pieces into my mouth at a time.

He nodded his head, pointing to the couch with the popcorn bowl. “I was about to watch a movie.”

“Ooooh, which one?” I asked, turning on my toes to walk to the couch, plopping down on it.

“Police Academy.”

Nodding my head with an impressed look, I said, “Nice. Can I join?”

He chuckled. “Of course.” He sat down next to me, the bowl of popcorn on his lap, no sound coming from either one of us.

As the movie played, Steve and I cuddled, the popcorn long gone, and before I knew it, the movie was long forgotten about, my back to the cushions, our lips in hungry kisses.

***

Steve was slotted between my legs as he pulled my shirt up to just below my breasts, his hand resting on my ribs, lightly.

“Take it off,�� I breathed. I knew he knew what I was referring to, but the look in his eyes had me say the material I meant. “My shirt. Take it off.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

We’ve only ever made out, clothes staying on the entire time. I knew I wanted to go there with Steve, give him all of me, and I knew he wanted to give me all of him as well, but we never got there. No time ever felt like the right time.

Sure, I’ve had sex with two other guys in high school, but they never made me feel that good. The rumor mill in school said that Steve was the best and he cared for his partners, wanting to make them feel just as good as he did.

So, as I looked him in the eyes, running my hands through the sides of his head, I nodded my head. “Yes.”

“It could lead to… other things.”

“I know,” I said, softly. “I want it. I want you… again.”

Without a moment's hesitation, he leaned down, saying, “I want you again, too,” before connecting our lips in a kiss that I felt every emotion, all the love and care in. Pulling me up gently, he grabbed the sides of my shirt, lifting it over my head. He stood off the couch, taking my hands in his, lifting me to my feet. He placed his hands on my hips, telling me to jump, which I did, my legs wrapping around his hips.

As he walked towards the stairs, he checked to make sure the front door was locked. It was because I had locked it before taking off my shoes just an hour before. Taking careful steps, he walked us up the stairs, over the landing and to his room, my face buried in his neck the whole time.

I felt my back on the mattress, Steve still hovering over me. “Our first time as a couple shouldn’t be some couch fuck,” he said. “It should be special… like you.” I smiled, threading my fingers through his hair as he leaned down once more to kiss my lips, both of us breathing in deep.

It’s funny how connected you can feel to someone just by kissing them, or being around them. I’ve always felt connected with Steve, ever since we were kids. Before my dad left, he would bring me over to Steve’s, him and I swimming in his pool while his parents and my dad talked inside. When my dad walked out of his and Mom’s bedroom with his suitcase was the last time I saw him before I snuck out, Steve letting me stay over that night.

I felt Steve pull back, our eyes locking, as he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Shaking my head, I said, “Nothing. I just… love you. So much.”

He smiled, cupping my cheek with his hand. “I love you, too.” He kissed me again, the hand cupping my cheek making its way down my neck and the middle of my breasts before moving more south towards the button of my jeans. I watched him pop it open with one hand, a smile on my face as he did so.

“Look at you, Mr. I-Can-Do-Shit-With-One-Hand,” I mused.

He chuckled, looking down at my stomach. “That’s not all I could do with one hand.”

Flood gates opened at my entrance, my panties becoming wet with my arousal. “Fuck me,” I whispered. “Damn, Harrington. You have a way with words.”

“You bet, babe,” he smiled, kissing me again.

I swear, if a Demogorgon came and killed me, I would want to die right here in Steve’s arms with his lips on mine.

He moved his lips from mine to my cheek, down to my neck where he left a lovely bruise that I would have to cover tomorrow when I go to do my errands, before moving to the valley of my breasts.

They aren’t big, a low B cup, but they’re just big enough to fit into Steve’s hands after he removed my bra from my chest, tossing the material to the side of the bed, a small thud sounding on the floor as he did. I watched as he admired my breasts, looking me in the eyes after a moment.

“So perfect,” he whispered, before taking his lips to my left nipple, a gasp sounding from me.

“Oh… my god,” I breathed, carding my left hand through the back of his hair as he lapped and sucked and licked and kissed my nipple and breast. He moved the other, showing the same amount of attention as he did my left.

No eye contact was made as I watched him kiss his way down my stomach to the tops of my jeans. He sat up and looked at me before wrapping his fingers around the material hugging my hips, pulling them down slowly before dropping them to the pile that’s being started on the side of the bed.

I could tell he was straining behind his own pair of jeans, so I sat up and cupped him lightly, hearing him let out a sharp breath. “Don’t worry,” I mused. “I’ll get to him next.”

“Fuuuuuuuuuck,” he breathed as I popped the button on his jeans, bringing down his zipper to help give him more room. He laid me back down, hand resting on my stomach. “Next time, you can take care of me. This time, our first, I want to take care of you.”

All I could was smile at his words as he looked down at the center of my panties. His eyes widening for just a moment before he looked at me.

“Goddamn, babe,” he said. “All that for me?” He lightly ran a finger over my clothed core, a hiss sounding from me at the anticipation I was having.

“Yes,” I nodded. “All for you, Stevie.” There’s only a few people in the world that could call him Stevie. His mother, Robin and myself. His mother because… that’s his mother. Robin because he decided to deal with it, and me because I called him that once when we were in middle school and he said I could call him Stevie anytime.

He pulled my panties to the side, dragging his finger through my folds from my entrance to my clit, where he drew light and small circles, my back arching a little as I moaned. “That all you got for me?” he asked, drawing faster circles.

“Do other things and I’ll give you more,” I panted.

“Oh?” he asked, arching a brow. “And what else can I give you?”

“Your mouth.”

Putting my panties back in place, he said, “What do you want, Liv? What do you want me to do?”

“Eat me,” I said, hooking my thumbs into the sides of my panties, taking them off and spreading my legs. “Eat me like I’m your last meal.”

He laid on his stomach, wrapping his arms around my thighs, kissing each one carefully while making his way up, his face eventually meeting my core. Looking at me, he asked, “Are you sure?”

I nodded my head almost too eagerly. “Yes. I’m sure.”

Without missing a beat, he licked a long stripe from my entrance to my clit, just like he did with his finger. Letting out a long moan, my head went further into the pillow, my right hand grasping at the sheets while my left went for his hair.

I had also heard in that rumor mill that Steve liked his hair pulled roughly, which I didn’t believe. He would always come to school with a headache or stay home with a headache that I would ask him about the next day.

Steve wrapped his lips around my clit, sucking lightly. There were also rumors about me in the sex department at school, saying that I liked it super rough, but I didn’t. I liked a little bit of roughness when done correctly, not the kind that would have me sore all over the next day, and not the good kind of sore either.

I didn’t believe any sex rumors about Steve, and I don’t think he believed any about me, which is a really good thing. I looked down at Steve as he worked magic on my core, his tongue diving into me as his nose brushed my bud that was growing sensitive. “Steve,” I moaned out.

He put one finger in me to start, looking at me. “Yeah, baby?”

“Need you.”

Chuckling, he placed a kiss on my bud before licking it again, adding another finger to my entrance. Moaning again, I lightly pulled his hair, hearing and feeling a satisfied groan from him.

Just as my orgasm was climbing to its peak, he pulled his fingers from me, climbing up my body. “What… the… fuck… did you just do? I was gonna cum in the next five seconds!”

He chucked, kissing me to stop my unnecessary whining. “You’ll cum, don’t worry,” he said, reaching into his nightstand. He stood from the bed, shedding his jeans and boxers as I sat up quickly, getting to my knees in front of him.

“You’re getting a blow job whether you like it or not,” I said, kissing the head of his penis while wrapping my hand around his shaft. I don’t really like giving guys head because of my experience with other guys being extremely rough. But with Steve, I want to. His cock is like a drug at this very moment for me as I take the head and put him into my mouth, hearing him moan above me.

I slowly take more of him in, going as far as I can to not set my gag reflexes off. Starting my bobbing rhythm, I jerk off what’s not in my mouth. When I look up through my lashes, I see his head is tilted back. Moaning around him, I close my eyes for a moment before feeling him tap my cheek.

Pulling back, I let go of him with a small pop before kissing his shaft and standing up. Steve places his lips on mine as I hear the tearing of a foil packet, Joyce’s words sounding in my head. “Be safe.”

I can’t help but smile through the kiss, breaking apart momentarily to look down, watching as Steve rolls the rubber onto his glistening shaft.

“What’s with the smile?” he asked. “Not that I’m happy to see it.”

Shaking my head, I said, “Nothing. Just something that Joyce said earlier. No biggie.”

“What’d she say?”

“She said to be safe.” I grabbed his hand in mine, crawling backwards on the bed until my head met the pillow again, Steve hovering over me before he pulled back up again, pulling the sheets back.

“Personal preference?” I asked.

He shook his head, bringing the covers over us after I laid back down. “No. Just wanna feel closer to you, that’s all.”

I smiled at that, threading my fingers through his hair once last time before letting out a moan as he carefully and slowly slid his cock inside me. “Fuck, Steve.”

“Damn, you feel good,” he groaned.

We stayed like that for a moment, Steve letting me adjust to his size again. He’s the biggest I’ve ever had. I could cum just from this alone, his head already reaching that spot inside me that my own fingers can’t reach.

“I’m gonna move now,” he said, kissing my cheek.

All I could do was nod my head, basking in this moment. He started moving his hips back and forth at a slow, but good pace, letting me continue getting used to him. When that no longer did anything, I bucked my hips, letting him know he could go a little faster.

Resting his forearms beside my head, he looked me in my eyes and I knew he was going to say what he told the other girls, but what came out of his mouth shocked me. “You’re out of this world beautiful.” Well, I wasn’t expecting that.

Cupping his cheek, I whispered, “And you’re out of this world handsome.”

He kissed me stupid after that, both of us cumming at the same time.

After he disposed of the condom and carefully helped to clean and dress me, we laid in his bed, his arm around me as I cuddled into his side. He ran his fingers up and down my arm as I closed my eyes, content in this moment with him.

***

“I love you,” I whispered, tears coming to my eyes.

“I love you, too,” he whispered back.

“No, like…” I sniffled, sitting up. “I love you. Like, I wanna marry you one day, have your babies, grow old with you kind of love.”

He cupped my cheek for what felt like the millionth time tonight, wiping away a tear that had fallen from my waterline. “Is that why you’re crying?”

I nodded, leaning into his touch.

Smiling, he said, “Well, it’s the same for me, baby. Always has been.”

“Aside from–”

“Even with Nance. I think I loved her because I felt like I couldn’t have you.”

Another tear fell, and another wipe with his thumb. I leaned down, capturing his bottom lip between mine before laying back down, my head on his shoulder. I sighed, closing my eyes, ready for sleep.

“I love you, Stevie.”

“I love you, Livvie.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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~~~

A/N 2: hi, friends! pls be kind and reblog! it really helps us content creators out <3

Additional Note: S4 COMING NEXT WEEK!! also, if y'all want a backstory on the "again" comment before they do the smexy time, let me know!!

~~~

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~~~

*Please don’t post my writing anywhere else without my consent. The author of this work will always and forever be @harringtonstilinski.

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Posted on April 16, 2024

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daily-hayley568 · 2 years

Text

Good 4 U|Billy Hargrove

[track one]

Pairings: billy hargrove x fem!reader

Summary: this track of Hayley’s CD, in which the reader finds herself watching Billy move on while she’s trying to pick up the pieces

Warnings: swearing, angst, mention of sexual content, smoking,

[hayleys CD]/ [navigation] / [masterlist]

Well, good for you I guess you moved on really easily.

Found a new girl and it only took a couple weeks.

You and Billy was an unlikely couple. The head cheerleader head over Pom poms for the rebel. Billy seemed so sweet at first just a little rough around the edges.

You fell into his charms, you fell in love with him. The first date was to a drive-in movie of Back To The Future. Handholding, sharing a soda and popcorn was went on that night.

He drove you home and kissed him goodnight.

Billy was good with girls like that. It was like he analyzed girls and charmed them, reeling them in like a fish.

You were a fish. Hook, line, sinker.

You were perfect until the fighting. A year in, you and him started fighting a lot more. It started when you stuck up for Max after he broke her skateboard. You gave him an earful and he screamed until you were leaving, slamming the doors rattling in your bones.

One night after a date that ended in fighting instead of kissing.

“I’m tired of this. We’re done.” Shocked. You got out of the car and walked into your house.

You were moping, trying to pick up your heart. Your best friend Steve wanted to choke Hargrove but he wouldn’t, for your sake.

After a couple weeks after the breakup, Billy had his arm around a new cheerleader. You spent that lunch crying in a room you’d never been in before.

That room was Hellfire club, and Eddie Munson sat thoughtfully listening to you.

Remember when you said you wanted to give me the world?

[a month prior]

The wind blew picking up your skirt you tried to hold down. Billy was laying next to you on the blanket smoking a cigarette. Billy tugged your hand, giggling you sat down next to him, peppering kisses. He looked at you with loving eyes swiping his thumb over your cheek.

“I want to give you the world. I promise to give you the world. After highschool we’re taking it baby.”

Helpless fool, you were. If you had your wits you maybe could figure he wasn’t going to keep it.

And good for you, I guess that you’ve been working on yourself

I guess that therapist I found for you she really helped

Now you can be a better man for your brand new girl

You knew about Billy’s abusive father and you were so honored to know he cared about you that much.

You helped Billy, trying to calm his emotions even suggested the school counselor for therapy. He looked at you as if you had grown two heads, but he did it for you.

I guess she helped him. He seemed happier, freer. Things he didn’t seem with you. He brought his new girl flowers every day to her locker, which was right across from yours. Lucky you.

Billy would glance at you, you’d never notice trying to put your notebooks back in your locker. He was learning to be a better boyfriend, you were just glad to help.

Well good for you, you look happy, healthy

Not me if you ever cared to ask

Billy was happier, not bonded to you anymore. He hung out with his friends, new girlfriend. Or that’s what you saw.

He just looked so happy and a new person without you.

You weren’t. With Steve and your new friend Eddie you weren’t either of those. You were moping around, not eating as much, closing yourself off from everyone.

It’s not like Billy cared, you thought.

Good for you, you’re doing great out there without me baby

God, I wish I could do that

How could he just move on? Move on from your late nights cuddling in your bed? Move on from him sneaking into your room at night? Move on from the I love yous? Move on from the stolen kisses?

He moved on, got a new girlfriend. He was great without you.

But without him? You were piecing yourself back together like a stack of cards willing to fall with one wrong move.

You wished it was that easy.

Eddie was a huge help. He said song-writing was a good cure. So that’s what you spent doing. It helped express your emotions.

“Look at him.” You sighed, turning to Steve at lunch.

“He’s- he’s ok.” You added broken, stabbing at the disgusting potatoes.

Steve didn’t know what to say but he hated watching his best friend so upset over a douche like Billy Hargrove.

I’ve lost mind, I’ve spent the night crying on the floor of my bathroom

After you ran away from the breakup, crime scene. You called Steve crying and he was busting into your room in ten minutes, when he lived twenty.

That night you clung to Steve on the white tile next to porcelain sinks. Your sobs echoing in the space.

“Was.. was I just not good enough for him? Maybe if I was more rebellious; smoked when he offered? Would that have made him stay?” You choked on your sobs.

Steve shook his head wiping the tears with his thumb, “No, sweetheart, you were more than enough for him. You’re perfect, don’t change for that boy or any boy.”

You continued to cry wanting answers. Those answers would come another time you thought as you laid your head on Steve’s shoulder and fell asleep.

But you’re so unaffected, I don’t get it

But I guess good for you

Once you bumped into Billy at a party. You throat bobbing, palms sweating and heart racing. Maybe he was going to-

“Sorry, Y/L/N.” He chuckled, “didn’t see you there? Are you alright?”

A cigarette loosely hanging from his lips and you were shocked again. He didn’t even fucking care. He acted as if you were a peer and not your lover. You sighed, trying to recover.

“I’m alright.” Lie. “Are you alright?”

“Splendid.”

“Oh, good for you.” You gave a gentle grin before walking away

Well, good for you I guess you’re getting everything you want

Bought a new car and your career is really taking off

Billy bought a new blue car. Shamelessly, showing it off by pulling into Hawkins high, with his girlfriend and Max Mayfield piling out.

You sighed hiding your face in your locker.

Eddie’s song therapy was really helping. You were getting your new song ready for you to preform with his band.

You were coping with it. Still bitter, but getting better.

It’s like we never even happened

Baby, what the fuck is up with that?

Billy was turn to you in class; ask for a pencil or a homework answer. The first time you asked your heart was racing maybe you would rekindle.

Wrong.

“L/N, what’s number five?”

“25.” You answered promptly, finishing the worksheet.

“Thanks, Doll.”

You rolled your eyes.

—

“Hey, cheerleader.” You didn’t think he was talking to you until a shadow was blocking the sun. You sighed, rolling your shoulders back and plastering a fake smile.

“Yes?”

“Really cool flip out there.” You nodded, a tight smile present

“Thank you, but I really need to get back to practice.”

Remember when you swore to God that I was the only person who got you?

Well screw that and screw you.

Tonight was a summer evening with lips pressed upon other lips and empty promises that will never be fulfilled.

Billy told you he loved you tonight and you eagerly reciprocated the words back to him.

He told you about his father, only because you kept having to patch him up.

“I swear to God baby,” he muttered peppering kisses, “your the only person that gets me. No one else understands you like you understand me. It’s like it was written in the stars.”

Total bullshit.

Does that new girl understand you like you did? Does that new girl know more? It’s interesting, really. Because she didnt know billy like you did.

You will never have to hurt the way you know that I do

Steve sighed watching you stab your rotten food from the cafeteria.

“It’s like he’s so perfectly fine.” You muttered.

“Maybe he hurts, and he’s coping this way.”

You both knew that wasn’t true.

Your song was finished by this point and you were going to be singing with corroded coffin at a party Steve was hosting.

As you adjusted your mic, Eddie gave you a gentle smile and you knew you were going to be okay.

When it was time to go after corroded opened, Eddie chuckled,

“I might be the freak you all hate. But there’s got to be one girl think that, and there is. She’s here to preform a special song tonight, give it up for Y/N L/N!”

The crowd was shocked but cheered once you entered the stage, taking your mic.

“Thanks, Eds, you’re so sweet, but I think it’s time that we start jamming.”

The chorus was on now, and you hopped off the stage taking the mic with you.

“Well, good for you, happy, healthy,

Not me if you ever cared to ask.

Good for you, you’re doing great out there without me, baby

God I wish I could do that.”

That’s when you saw him, staring at you. He was in the front, you grinned hoping he got the message.

You kept eye contact for the rest of your singing.

“I’ve lost my mind, crying on the floor of my bathroom

But you’re so unaffected, I really don’t get it”

Billy was so close to you now, you could smell the smoke and his cologne.

Keep it together now. You were so close.

The bridge was now here and you grabbed Billy’s chin making him look into your eyes.

“Maybe I’m too emotional

But, your apathy is like a wound in salt.

Maybe im too emotional,

But maybe you never cared at all.”

You spoke like it was a secret, between you two.

“Maybe I’m to emotional

But your apathy is like a wound in salt.”

Your voice grew and your nails were gripping into his jawline having to make him look at you. You let go the nail imprints there walking back onto the stage

“Maybe I’m too emotional

Or maybe you never cared at all.”

Billy was watching you and something in him was fighting to break to the surface. You were singing but about what? His car crashed a few weeks before your breakup but he couldn’t remember anything since the car crash.

Why did you seem upset? Who did he need to hurt to make sure you were feeling better. Something was controlling Billy in his mind and he was acting out.

He needed to beat the shit out of this thing and win you back.

The mindflayer was controlling Billy and you needed to beat the mindflayer before you lost your boy forever. You only knew about the upside down because of your best friend Steve.

“Well, good for you, you look happy healthy

Not me if you ever cared to ask

Good for you, you’re doing great out there without me baby

Like a damn sociopath!

I’ve lost my mind, crying on the floor of my bathroom

But you’re so unaffected, I really don’t get it

But I guess good for you”

You took a breath, turning around to make eye contact with your ex lover as the words you sang struck through his heart.

“Good for you, I guess you moved on really easily.”

After the song, adrenaline pumping. You jumped into Eddie’s arms when you made it to a secluded place with your friends.

“That was so fucking sick!” Eddie grinned, picking you up and twirling around.

You giggled, but as soon as he put you down. A man cleared his throat, making you turn.

“Y/N, can we, uh, talk?” Billy was leaning against the doorframe. He looked disheveled so you agreed.

He led you out to gravel outside, you kicking a loose pebble under your converse.

“What’s up?”

“I need your help.”

Your eyebrows rose, hands on hips, and your head was tilted to the right.

“With what, Hargrove?”

“Right after our anniversary I got in a car crash and I remember nothing after that.”

“Nothing? You don’t remember us breaking up? You have a new girlfriend now? Bullshit. You’re lying.”

“I’m not lying.” His voice raised, but he regretted, pinching the bridge of his nose letting out air through his nostrils. “Look, babe.”

“Billy, I’m not your babe anymore.”

You were almost over him.

Almost.

The universe hates you.

His heart broke a little at your words, “Help me fight this controller. He speaks to me. He tells me things; like, like he likes it cold.”

Your eyes widened. Will had said the exact same thing which all pointed to the mindflayer. You grabbed his wrist and grabbed Steve’s shoving them in a tiny bathroom and locking the door

“I’m not into threesomes Y/N-“

(That’s not what the Eddie x Steve x reader fanfics say. Anyway)

“Steve, shut up.” You explained the situation to him and he nodded.

“Oh. Oh shit.”

The next night you were in the mall of Starcourt and finally destroying the mind flayer. Billy tried to sacrifice himself and you tackled him out of the way before he could. Dustin was screaming at Joyce to close the gate and she did.

You and Billy got back together. The fights never there and you would go to the pool and reserve a spot next to the lifeguard so you could talk to your boyfriend.

Good for you, you got your boy back.

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