#stranger things season 4 volume 2 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sagewritings · 2 years

Text

Staying Alive - Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader

pairing: steve harrington x female reader

synopsis: the fight is still not over. you and max are still cursed, eddie is wanted, and vecna is gaining strength rapidly. time is ticking, and your group needs to act fast to save hawkins. in the midst of all chaos and trouble, you need to find fortitude in yourself, your friends, and steve.

word count: 7.6k

warnings: season 4 volume 2 spoilers, angst, one mention of [tw: su1cid3] and death of a family member, trauma, violence, guns and knives, curse words

a/n: hello everyone! here’s part 2 to more than a woman :) i’m sorry that it took so long to post because the fight scene is hard to write, especially with the shifts in scenes and settings. i initially planned to follow the main plot of volume 2, but i’m a sucker for happy endings so i changed the story a bit. also, similar to the first part, the title doesn’t have a connection to the story. i just named it after another bee gees song lol :3 [connor davidson is a character that i made up on my own. feel free to imagine him in any way you like]

if you’d like to check out my other works, you can check the pinned post in my blog :>

part 3 (night fever) is also posted!

i hope you’ll like this fic! happy reading!

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ꕥ

If you close your eyes and forget what has happened in the past days, you could pretend that this is just a normal get-together between your group.

After leaving the upside down and your escape from Vecna last night, Max directed all of you to her house, saying that her mom won’t be home until late afternoon. It wasn’t safe to stay at Eddie’s trailer, not when there were still some police and detectives going in every once in a while.

Despite all of you being desperate for some rest, no one could fall asleep. You spot the bruises, dried blood, and dirt that covered your bodies as you sat around Max’s living room, and it was enough to remind you that the fight isn't over yet.

“Henry, One, Vecna….” Nancy muttered to herself, replaying what you told them as she paced in front of the couch where you sat between Steve and Eddie.

You stared ahead, leaning against Steve while you repeatedly listened to More Than A Woman. You had been trying to piece everything together for the past minutes, remembering every scene and expression that Vecna has shown you. Then you recalled what Dustin told you, how a gate is opened every time Vecna attacks, and something sparked in your mind.

“What if he, somehow, intended to let me go?” You spoke quietly, lifting your head from Steve’s shoulder and pushing away one side of your headphones so you can simultaneously listen to the song and your friends. “I mean, he looked mad when I ran away from him, but I don’t think that he’ll show me those flashbacks just because he knows we’re looking for him.”

“What do you mean?” Dustin asked, not catching up to what you were saying.

“You said that he’s trying to open as many gates as he could by killing, right?” You asked him, continuing after he nodded. “But I was in the upside down when he tried to kill me. It would be pointless. And if he knew that we’re after him, then he must also know that I know how to escape him.”

“I’m not getting it,” Steve said from beside you.

You sighed. “He was warning me. Us.”

“Warning us of what?” Lucas asked.

“His takeover on Hawkins,” Nancy spoke up, her brilliant mind immediately comprehending what you’re saying.

“How will he do that exactly?” Eddie questioned.

“The gates. He’ll send creatures… monsters across our town through the gates.” Nancy replied slowly.

The moment after she said those words were silent, all of your minds running through what it would look like if Vecna succeeds. The images of your friends and families who had no idea what is going on at this moment made you fearful.

“Even if that’s the case, we don’t know how many more gates he needs to open,” Dustin said.

“Maybe we do.” Your eyes widened, mind snapping to where Vecna had you stuck. “He brought me to the same place he tried to kill Max. And there were pillars for his victims… four pillars.”

Max’s head shot up, remembering the figures of Chrissy and Fred before she spoke. “Four chimes.”

“I’m confused,” Erica said after a while.

“The visions. Vecna’s clock, it always chimes four times.” Max explained. “He’s been telling us his plan this whole time.”

“Four kills. Four gates.” Lucas gasped.

“If that’s true, he’s only one kill away.” Dustin pointed out.

“No. Try them again.” Steve shook his head, pointing to the telephone beside where Max stood.

Max followed him, disappointedly sighing as she put the phone down after a few seconds. “Same shit.”

“How is that possible?” Lucas disbelievingly wondered.

“I told you, Joyce has this telemarketer job. She’s always on the phone.” Dustin explained.

“Okay, yeah, but this phone's been busy for, what, three days now? That’s not Joyce.” Max said. “No way, something’s wrong.”

“She’s right. It can’t be just a coincidence.” Nancy spoke again. “Whatever’s happening in Lenora is connected to all of this. But Vecna can’t hurt them. Not if he’s dead.”

You gulped at the girl’s last sentence. “Nance…”

“We have to go back in there. Back to the upside down.” Nancy confirmed your thoughts.

A series of disagreements from your other friends filled the air, and Steve stood up from his place beside you protectively.

“Let’s think this through,” Steve said.

“What is there to think through?” Nancy persisted.

“We barely made it out there in one piece,” Steve exclaimed.

“Yeah, because we weren’t prepared.” Nancy continued, obviously not taking no as an answer. “But this time, we will be. We’ll get weapons and protection. We’ll go through the gate, we’ll find his lair, and we’ll kill him.”

“Or he’ll kill us.” You said unsurely. “He’s not scared of us.”

“And for good reason.” You all turned your attention to Robin as she stood up, speaking for the first time since she sat on the floor. “We were wrong about Vecna slash Henry slash One. But we learned something new about him. He’s like Eleven, only a sick, evil, male, child-murdering version of her with really bad skin. But my point is, he’s super powerful. He can turn us inside out with a snap of his fingers. It’s not a fair fight.”

“So then why fight fair?” Dustin remarked, realization drawing on his face. “You’re right, he’s like Eleven. But that gives us an upper hand. We know Eleven’s strengths, and weaknesses.”

“Weaknesses?” Erica asked.

“When El remote-travels, she goes into this sort of trance-like state. I bet the same is true for Vecna.”

Lucas’ eyes widened. ”That would explain what he was doing in that attic.”

“Exactly,” Dustin replied happily. “When he attacks his next victim, I’ll bet you he’s back in that attic, physical body defenseless.”

“Defenseless, yeah? What about the army of bats?” Steve added, pointing at the bruise marks on his neck.

“Then we’ll have to find a way past them. Distract them, somehow.” Dustin suggested.

“And, uh, how do we do that, exactly?” Eddie sighed, putting his face in his hands.

“No idea. But once they’re gone, he doesn't stand a chance.” Dustin shrugged. “It’ll be like slaying a sleeping Dracula in his coffin.”

“That all sounds good in theory but there is no pattern in Vecna’s killings.” Robin cut them off. “At least, not one that I can decipher. We don’t know when he’s going to attack next. We don’t even know who he’s going to attack.”

“Yeah, we do,” Max said anxiously, looking at you. “I can still feel him. I’m still marked. We’re still marked.”

Your heartbeat quickened. “She’s right. Once we ditch these music players, we’ll draw his attention back.”

Steve sat back down beside you, quickly shaking his head. “No, Y/n. Whatever you’re thinking, absolutely not.”

Lucas worriedly looked at Max. “He’ll kill you both.”

“Not us both.” You started, looking back and forth between Max and Steve. “I’ll do it.”

“Y/n–” Max uttered, but Steve’s voice was louder than hers.

“Nope, absolutely not. We can go to the counselor's office again–” He started, but you quickly dismissed him.

“And then what? Go through each file to see who’s experiencing trauma?” Steve stopped talking, his body filled with worry but even he knew that his idea wasn't promising. “We don’t have the time. Besides, we can’t just risk a stranger’s life, not when they don’t know who they’re up against.”

“So you’ll risk yours?” He clashed back, not caring that your other friends can clearly hear and see the two of you.

“Yes!” You grumbled in your seat. “I’m not trying to be a hero, Steve. But you do realize that I only got my visions after Max escaped him. And now that I’ve escaped him too, he’ll just torment another person. I survived, okay? I know what to do.”

Steve massaged his forehead, having a headache from both the night’s events and your stubbornness. He tried to think of another way, but he couldn’t. And he knew that it would be nonsense to argue with you.

You grabbed his hand and squeezed it softly. You exhaled when he met your eyes, seeing the sadness behind them. Your attention was ripped from him when Nancy spoke gently.

“Let’s start with the plan.”

===================

Eddie slammed a magazine on a table as you all surrounded him, pointing to one of the pages where the words ‘War Zone’ is imprinted. While he was explaining what you could find in the shop, Max silently pulled your hand and led you to the kitchen.

“Look, Y/n, if you’re having second thoughts, I could do it.” She said, keeping her voice low.

You sighed as you looked at the younger girl. “I’m not having second thoughts, Max. I’d rather have you safe.”

“But who’s going to keep you safe?” Max pointed out.

“You will. All of you will.” You patted a hand on her shoulder, eyes softening when you saw her genuine concern. “He won’t take me.”

Max wanted to say something, to keep on arguing until you agree to switch places. She already lost her brother, and she didn’t want to think about losing the person she treated as her sister.

“Fine, but I’ll have Nancy put us in the same group.”

“Deal.”

“Hey, Red.” Eddie’s voice captured both of your attention, his eyes looking at Max. “You got a ski mask or a bandana, or something like that?”

===================

You never thought that you would be an accomplice in stealing a car and a house at the same time. After your chaotic escape from the owners of this mobile home, you wouldn’t be surprised if all of you are on the wanted list tomorrow.

Steve was in charge of driving, with you sitting quietly in the passenger seat with your headphones on as you looked at the road. Nancy was seated with Robin, Eddie, and Dustin, whispering, and writing occasionally to complete their plan. Lucas, Erica, and Max were having their own conversation at the back.

“How is it?” You turned to look at Steve, eyeing the van.

“Not half bad, considering that this is a house.” He laughed. “I thought that by the time I drive something like this, I’ll be with my own family.”

You smiled, not saying anything to let him continue.

“It’s silly, but I always had this dream that I’d have this really, really big family. I’m talking, like, uh, full brood of Harringtons. Like five, six kids.”

“Six?!” You exclaimed with wide eyes.

“Yeah, six little nuggets. Three girls, three boys.” Steve continued. “And every summer, I figured all of us Harringtons would pack into something like this and just see the country. You know, the Rockies, Grand Canyon, California beach.”

You tilted your head back to relax as you listened to him, imagining all the places he just listed. After the upsetting events in the past few days, you were grateful to have a conversation that doesn’t involve the upside down. “That sounds nice.”

“Yeah?” Steve took a quick glance at you, admiring your relaxed state.

“Yeah.” You said when you met his eyes, smiling playfully. “Well, uh, except for the six-kids part. That sounds like a total nightmare.”

“If I only had some practice.” He dramatically sighed, and you realized that he was pertaining to Dustin’s friend group.

You shifted sideways in your seat, giving you the chance to fully face Steve. You take in his tired and bruised image before looking at the rest of your friends, eyes landing on Max who was whispering silently with Lucas.

Steve followed your sight through the rear-view mirror. “She admires you so much.” He said softly.

“Hm?” You faced him again.

“Max.” Steve looked at you. “Ever since what happened to Billy, I’ve only seen her smile around you and Sinclair.”

You smiled to yourself, but it quickly disappeared before you spoke again. “I just figured that, if I was the bait and things go wrong, at least she’ll still be able to live. After everything, she deserves to be happy again.”

“Hey,” Steve grabbed your hand, leaving the other on the steering wheel. “Things won’t go wrong.”

You didn’t reply, knowing that you don’t fully believe it.

Steve noticed the doubt on your face and tried to lighten the mood. “Besides, I’m not letting you leave without going on a date with me.”

You laughed. “Is that your way of asking me out, Harrington?”

“Maybe,” Steve answered cheekily, but he took a brief glimpse at your entwined hands and his tone became softer. “If you’ll allow me, I’d like to take you out on a date after all of this. We could go anywhere, it’s up to you.”

You didn’t hesitate to answer. Hell, you didn’t even think. It seemed the most unlikely scenario to get asked out, but it gave you something to look forward to.

“I’d love that.”

===================

“Alright, get what you need as fast as possible.” Nancy reminded all of you as you stepped inside the crowded War Zone. “Let’s meet at the teller in ten minutes.”

The rest of you nodded, separating into groups to work faster. You grabbed a cart and walked with Steve and Robin, going over to the clothing section first. Steve picked up a jacket and you reached for some vests.

“These are flammable right?” Robin asked as she pointed to the gallons of kerosine oil.

“Yeah.” You answered, transferring the vests and jackets from your arms to the cart.

She immediately grabbed a few, but you noticed her hand faltering in movement.

“Robin?” You called her, your confusion turning into realization as you followed her eyesight. “Oh.”

You spot a familiar girl standing in front of a keychain rack ahead of you. You know her for two reasons: you two were in the same grade, and Robin wouldn’t stop talking about her for the past three weeks. Vickie’s hair was almost as red as Max’s, and her light aura stood out among the weapons in her background.

You gazed back at your friend, amused at her awed expression.

“What’s going on?” Steve walked closer to you as he put on the jacket he picked up, wondering why you were smirking at Robin. When you turned to him and pointed at Vickie, he smiled too.

“Go.” You urged your friend who looked like she just got out of a trance.

“What?” Robin asked with squinting eyes.

“Go talk to her.” You said.

“N-no, no. Not now.” She dismissed you, turning around to pick up more kerosine oil.

“Robin, our town is currently on the verge of an attack from a supernatural villain. You never know when you’ll get to see her again.” You explained to her, sounding more like a scolding mother than a friend.

“I don’t even know what to say.” She groaned.

“You are the most talkative person I know. I’m pretty sure you can come up with something.” Steve joined, smiling innocently when Robin glared at him.

“Go. Just don’t take too long, okay?” You placed your hands on Robin’s lower back, lightly pushing her away.

Robin was cursing under her breath as she took small steps towards the girl, both annoyed and grateful for your encouragement.

You and Steve were smiling while you watched Robin call out Vickie’s name. The latter turned around, her expression was initially shocked but it turned into a soft smile when she recognized your friend.

“Cute.” You whispered to yourself.

“I know I am, thanks,” Steve answered, and you let out a snort.

“I’m gonna go there quickly.” You said, pointing towards the display of daggers.

“I’ll go with you.” He suggested but you already shook your head.

“We only have ten minutes, remember? Grab more oil and bottles. Oh, and ropes too.” You ordered him.

“So bossy,” Steve whispered under his breath but he was smiling warmly as he watched you walk away.

You, on the other hand, had your eyes dead set on the daggers. There were so many variations in length and material, but every tip shines with sharpness and threat.

A particular one caught your attention. It looked magical, with its green leather handle and gold engravings, and the blade was the perfect shade of silver. You pulled it out of its leather case, and your eyes widened when you saw the price. Still, you admired the dagger, memorizing how it feels in your hand.

“Y/l/n?”

You flinched when you heard an unfamiliar voice from your left, making you look up. You gulped when you recognize the person. You didn’t even need to look at his jersey jacket to know that it was Connor Davidson, a senior in Hawkins High and co-captain of the basketball team.

“Y/n Y/l/n, right?” Connor looked just as shocked as you were, but his face formed a smirk when he saw the dagger in your hand.

“Uh, yeah, that’s me.” You replied coolly. “And you’re Connor Davidson.”

He nodded. “What are you doing here?”

If you didn’t know the boy, you would say that he is polite. But you’ve seen him around school, observed how he acted as if he’s above everyone else. Everyone on the team acts the same, besides Lucas.

“Oh, you know, it’s pretty alarming in Hawkins right now.” You faked a chuckle, turning back to the display.

“Ah, I understand.” Connor moved closer to you, pretending to inspect the daggers as well. “Have you seen Henderson anywhere?”

His question made your breath hitch, though you tried not to release any reaction. It was only then that you realize that if Connor was here, then so must be the rest of the team. And from what you’ve heard from Lucas, every member of Hellfire Club is being hunted.

You couldn’t help but feel worried for Dustin and Eddie back at the trailer, and quickly put on a confused face. “Henderson? The freshman kid? No.”

Connor nodded, but you noticed the swift twitch in his upper lip. “Well, I just thought that you’d know where he is because you two are neighbors.”

You suddenly turned to look at him, maintaining a calm face despite feeling irritated on the inside. “You know where I live?”

“Yep.” He shrugged, turning to face you as well. His smirk and taunting expression made you uncomfortable. “And I also know that you two are friends.”

Before you could reply, Steve appeared beside you with his cart. If he was being honest, he wasn’t able to get the things you told him to pick up. Instead, he observed the entirety of your interaction with Connor. Even while watching from afar, he knew your expressions very well, and he didn’t hesitate to come near when he saw your first sign of discomfort.

“Hey, is everything fine?” Steve casually asked, placing a hand on your back as he looked at Connor.

“Steve Harrington.” The boy greeted, immediately recognizing Steve from being popular in school years prior. “I’m Connor Davidson.”

“Yeah, okay,” Steve replied uninterestedly which made Connor annoyed. The high school senior huffed before his brows furrowed after looking at Steve’s dirty and injured form.

“What the hell happened to you?”

“It’s none of your business.” He answered, and you let out a small laugh. The sound caught Steve’s attention, and his eyes brightened as he put all his attention on you. “Are you done choosing?”

You nodded your head, grabbing one of the plain daggers and returning the green one with a heavy heart.

“Are you two together?” Connor spoke again, and you heard Steve grumble from beside you.

“None of your business.” He grumbled, thumb moving up and down from its place on your back for some comfort. He was becoming annoyed with the boy, too. Mostly because of how close he stood to you, but also since he could see through his facade and knew what kind of a person he is.

You wanted to laugh aloud from the angered expression on Connor’s face, but you didn’t want to push his buttons too far, not when you had already spotted his fellow teammates around the store.

“Sorry.” You said with a flat tone, showing an insincere smile. “We have to get going.”

“Right. Oh, and Y/n,” Connor’s displeased look returned to a smirk. “Careful with that dagger, you might hurt yourself.”

Steve scoffed at his sarcastic and obnoxious tone, ready to respond but you’ve had enough of the boy’s egotistic face and it was your turn to answer.

“Don’t worry.” You shrugged carelessly, rotating the dagger effortlessly in your hand while you watched his smile drop slowly. “I’ve had more than enough practice with people.”

You smiled, pulling out two more daggers from the display before you walked past him, taking the cart from Steve’s hand. Connor glared at your moving figure.

Steve followed you, his hands falling from your back as he stared at you. “Uh, Y/n?”

“Hm?” You replied, walking towards the shelves of baseball bats.

“What do you mean you’ve had practice with other people?” Steve asked nervously, feeling amused yet scared at the same time. “Have you stabbed anyone?”

You laughed at his bewildered face. “No. I just said that to get rid of him.”

“Oh.” He said, relieved.

“But I can use this very well.” You continued, and you chuckled when his eyes widened again. “Relax. I haven’t used this on people. My dad taught me how to strike and aim from distances when I was younger so I could protect myself. You know, since I’m his only daughter.”

“And I’m only finding out about this now?” Steve said, picking up one of the bats. “Why did you get three?”

“I’m sharing them with others.” You stated, but when your eyes accidentally landed on Nancy and Jason at the gun section, your eyes widened. “Shit. We need to go.”

“What? Why?” He picked up on your panicked tone and helped you push the cart.

“The entire basketball team is here. Go to the counter now. I’ll find Robin.”

Steve followed your instructions and took off until he reached Erica, the younger girl already looking concerned and tense.

You walk towards where you last saw Robin, finding her still talking with Vickie.

“Hi!” You awkwardly said and the two looked at you.

“Y/n, right?” Vickie warmly asked you.

You nodded, sending her a kind smile. “I’m so sorry to interrupt but Robin and I need to leave.”

“What’s going on?” Robin was confused, eyes scanning the store for your friends.

“The basketball team knows we’re here.” You whispered to her.

“Oh, shit.” Robin’s eyes widened, nervously chuckling as she face Vickie. “Uh, w-well I’ll see you around?”

“Of course.” Vickie nodded, shooting her one more smile.

You waved at her as you pulled Robin behind you. “Come on. And tell me everything later.”

===================

After leaving War Zone, Dustin initiated that you make a stop at a field, the same field that used to be the location of his radio tower a few months ago. It was a perfect choice if you admit. The area was open and windy and covered with enough trees to hide your group from the rest of the town.

You look around as you observe your friends. Dustin and Eddie were piercing garbage can covers with nails. Robin was helping Nancy trim the tip of her shotgun. Max, Erica, and Lucas were tying knives at the edges of several rods.

You and Steve stayed near the trailer, filling empty glass bottles with kerosine oil and covering it with a cloth.

“We’re crazy,” Steve said lowly.

“What?”

“This. Us. What we’re doing. It’s crazy.” He spoke.

You sighed as different emotions flooded your brain. “I know. But if we don’t do this, then who will?”

Steve’s eyes softened when he looked at you directly. He was terrified of what was about to happen, and if he could take you away from here and lock you up in your room, he would. But he knew that you were right. No matter how tiring it is to fight monsters, he would do anything to keep everyone safe, especially you.

“How about you?” He asked. “Are you still okay with this?”

You nodded, knowing that you are willing to go through whatever danger for your friends and family.

“Guys! Come!” You heard Nancy call for all of you.

You and Steve carefully placed the bottles down and steadily aligned them before huddling with your friends.

“Alright, so this is the plan. We’ll go in three groups. Max, Y/n, Lucas, and Erica, you’ll cover the Creel House here. Dustin and Eddie, you take care of Eddie’s trailer in the upside down. Steve, Robin, and I will take care of Vecna. Is everyone okay with that?”

“Wait, no. I’ll go with Y/n.” Steve said suddenly. He knew that you would disagree when you abruptly looked at him with warning eyes. “I’m not leaving your side.”

Nancy waited for you to nod before she continued, grouping Steve with you. While the girl was talking, Steve grabbed your hand and squeezed it, both in comfort and in fear.

It is only a matter of hours before you find out the fate of your lives.

===================

Steve pulled up the trailer in front of the Creel’s house, Eddie preparing to take his place as the driver.

Your group was wearing your usual clothes, but everyone else wore the jackets and vests that you picked up from the store earlier.

“You guys ready?” Nancy nervously asked, eyeing the house.

“Of course.” You smiled at her. “Hey, Nance?”

“Yeah?”

“Go for his head, alright?” You smirked at your friend.

“Will do.” Nancy’s nervousness was replaced with a proud smile, clutching her gun closer.

Steve opened the door, letting you and the kids go out before him. You took a deep breath when the air around you turned colder.

“Are you okay?” Steve placed a comforting hand on your back.

“No.” You honestly answered.

All of you went inside the house, and you heard the car take off behind you.

You observed the house, remembering the last time you were here. It was just as eerie and quiet, but you still showcased a brave face for the sake of your friends. You led them into the living room, gesturing for all of them to sit down. None of you can’t really speak, or else Vecna might sense your presence.

Meanwhile, Eddie drove away with a nervous feeling, barely hearing Nancy when she relayed the plan. All he wanted was to finish everything.

Their group entered Eddie’s trailer, plunging through the gate one by one. Immediately after Nancy and Robin took off towards Vecna’s lair, Eddie and Dustin began to strengthen the walls of the trailer, gathering every steel they could find.

Ten minutes after your arrival, Erica stood up and grabbed her flashlight, remembering Nancy’s order for her to stand guard at the playground. You were still sitting comfortably, quietly listening to your song with your head leaned against Steve’s shoulder to avoid interfering with Max and Lucas’ conversation.

You played with your dagger, and you couldn’t help but admire how the blade glistens despite being in a dark area. You kept one for yourself, of course, but gave the other two to Max and Dustin.

Cinema. Friday? Steve wrote on one of the notepads he brought.

You took both pad and pen from him, writing your response. Can I bring Robin?

You placed a hand on your mouth to let out a silent laugh when he looked at you incredulously.

Sorry. Friday it is.

He nudged your shoulder playfully, but a flickering light through the window caught your attention, heart hammering nervously in your chest when realization drew on you.

The signal. Nancy and Robin arrived at the Creel House in the upside down.

Max looked at you when she saw the lights too, and Lucas grabbed his flashlight to send another signal to Erica.

“You ready?” Max mouthed to you.

You nodded your head as Steve helped you stand up while you picked up one of the lamps and slowly walked upstairs, careful not to make too much noise. He didn’t let go of your hand all the way to the attic. Your other hand was clutching your cassette, not wanting to let go of the object.

Gathering up as much strength as you can, you stopped the music. If your life wasn’t in danger, you would be thankful for the first moment of silence that you have experienced in the last twenty-four hours.

Steve slowly let you go. He, Max, and Lucas walked towards the side of the attic while you crossed your legs to sit on the floor, placing your music player on one of the boxes. Sighing, you began to speak.

“I thought about what you said, about how I killed my mom. It was an accident, but I know I’m still to blame. My dad tried to convince me too. But sometimes I’ll catch him looking at me sadly and I knew he was thinking about her,” You paused, trying your best to keep your voice steady. “I couldn’t blame him. She was the smartest and kindest person I knew. And everywhere I look, I remember her. And then we moved, but the nightmares still followed. It took almost a year before they stopped... I wanted to end it so badly. Then I met my friends and I felt the most genuine happiness again after a long time.”

Steve and the kids were staring at you while you confess, wanting to engulf you in a hug after hearing all of these for the first time. But you weren’t done. You needed Vecna to see how wrecked you are.

“But it wasn’t constant. There were times when I thought of ending it all because at least I’ll get to tell her how sorry I am. So if you want to take me, then take me. We’ll both get what we want.”

“You killed your mother?” You heard Lucas, and your eyes snapped to him in a warning. It was clear that only you would speak until you got hold of Vecna, so you ignored the jab in his question to stop her.

“We weren’t enough to make you happy?” Max spoke too as the three of them walked towards you slowly.

You were panicking, triggered by their questions but also wondering why they were talking. “What? Guys, no—“

“You don’t trust us, don’t you? That’s why you kept all of these from us.” You stood up when your friends tauntingly looked at you, and you didn’t miss Steve’s sneer when he spoke.

You realized what was happening when you saw their eyes change in color, both flashing red.

“Stay the hell away from me.” You spoke as you kicked Steve’s leg and pushed Max with as much force as you can, making her stumble backward and hit Lucas. It pained you a little when you did that, but you knew that these weren’t your friends.

You took the opportunity to run away downstairs to the main door, but what you saw made you stop in fear. The scene in front of you was the same as your third vision. The wet road, flashing blue and red lights, a destroyed car.

“Y/n, do you think I don’t know what you’re doing?” Vecna’s voice echoed.

You slammed the door closed, realizing that the house has more spaces to hide. You turned around and ran to the living room, but when you heard heavy steps on the stairs, you knew you couldn’t hide there.

You were aware that Vecna holds his victim’s mind, but that’s a hole in his plan. He might be able to show you your darkest memories, but the upper hand is not his. It’s yours. And so you closed your eyes tightly, recalling every happy moment in your life until you finally decided on one.

You let out a huge sigh of relief when you opened your eyes, immediately recognizing the scene in front of you.

Your most recent birthday. It was simple because you insisted on celebrating at home instead of somewhere grand. You remembered how your kitchen was decorated with balloons, with Max and Dustin fighting over the banner design, your father pulling out the cake that he baked from the fridge. Even El and the Byers visited that day.

But as you took in the surroundings, there was no one else with you. That was the least of your concern though, preferring to be alone rather than being in the same room as Vecna.

You sat on one of the chairs and placed your arms on top of the dining table, silently praying that your friends are safe and already halfway in killing Vecna.

Unfortunately, your friends were having trouble.

Max and Lucas were watchful of you. They weren’t able to hear your last sentence, and Max gasped in fear when she looked at your glazed eyes. She immediately gestured at Lucas to let Erica know, who then forwarded a signal to Nancy’s group.

Robin and Nancy waited for a while, making sure that there was no sign of any creature before entering the Creel house. But the vines had secretly made their way around their feet, and trapped them against the wall before they could free each other.

Eddie and Dustin were desperately trying to hide from the demobats. They were certain that their reinforcements on the trailer were enough, but when they saw the sharp teeth of the creatures piercing through the steel, they began doubting.

The arrival of Jason’s group wasn’t helping either. Connor was outside, running after Erica and grasping her arms tightly when he caught her. But the girl’s small figure allowed her to slip away easily, throwing a kick and a slap at Connor.

Jason found the rest of you in the attic, eyes wide when he saw your unmoving state.

“What the hell is going on here?” He gritted.

“Man, just stay away alright?” Steve stood in front of Max and Lucas, trying to keep his voice kind after spotting Jason’s bloodshot eyes.

“You’re in this too, Harrington?” Jason slowly walked toward the group. “Wake her up, now!”

“We can’t do that,” Max said from behind Steve.

“If we wake her up too soon, we’re all gonna die,” Lucas explained, and Jason’s head snapped towards the familiar voice.

“Well, well, well. Lucas Sinclair. Don’t think I haven’t forgotten your little trick at the cabin.”

“Just leave, dude, alright?” Steve tried to reason out.

“I am not going to leave!” They all gasped when Jason pulled out a gun, only standing several inches away from them. “Wake her up right now or I’ll shoot all of you.”

“What the fuck!” Steve exclaimed as he raised his hands on instinct. Catching Jason off guard, he lunged at him, gripping the gun away from Jason.

Max and Lucas took it as a sign to move away, positioning themselves beside you. Jason threw a punch at Steve, but the other had too much adrenaline on his body as well and shook it off easily.

He punched Jason harder, making him stumble over the boxes. He immediately regretted his action when your cassette player fell on the floor and Jason stepped directly over it.

“Shit,” Steve whispered to himself, eyes glued to your destroyed player and unaware that Jason is leaping towards him again.

Jason was more rapid in movement, but Steve’s fist was heavier.

Max, who was growing angry with the situation, took the dagger that you gave her from her pocket and slashed Jason’s leg. It wasn’t deep, but it was enough to make the boy tumble down. Steve took advantage of his moment of weakness and punched Jason across his left cheek, making him pass out.

“Are you two okay?” Steve asked Max and Lucas, panting. After the two nodded, he whispered a quick ‘thank you’ to the girl.

Steve scrambled to the floor towards your broken player, feeling relieved when he noticed that the tape inside is still fine.

“Isn’t she out long enough?” Lucas asked worriedly as they surrounded you.

Steve reached a hand out to your cheeks to assess your face. He wanted to borrow Max’s player and make you come back, but he knew that it would ruin the plan.

Meanwhile, your few minutes of peace were disturbed when the balloons exploded one by one, making you flinch from the noise. You stood up in a panic, noticing the banner falling down from the wall and the cake melting. The aura changed too, from the bright yellow and white light to a red hue.

You walked towards the front door to lock it, but as soon as you turned around, you came face to face with Vecna. He threw an arm out, and you were lifted with your back against the door.

“You are braver than your friends, Y/n. But like them, you are weak.” He taunts, moving forward until his face is right in front of yours.

He noticed as you struggled to speak against the invisible force that was holding you up, raising his fingers over your face.

You gasped, eyes turning at the back of your head until Vecna was suddenly pulled away from you, making you drop to the floor. You took a few moments to catch your breath before looking up. You noticed him floating in the air, the top of his head almost touching the ceiling of your house.

“El?” You whispered under your breath, eyes wide at the sight of Eleven in your living room. She was barefoot, her clothes stained lightly and her hair was shaved. Her right arm was aimed at Vecna before she threw him aggressively to the other side of the room.

“Y/n!” Eleven ran towards you.

“El, what are you doing here? D-did I make you?” You stuttered as you touched her face, confused whether she was part of the image you projected with your mind.

“I’m here. I piggybacked from a pizza dough freezer.” She smiled at you when she held your hand.

“What?” You looked at her as if she had two heads, your brain too fuzzy to even grasp what she just said.

Before she could explain further, Vecna appeared from behind her. You watched as they threw glares at each other, communicating about something you couldn’t really understand. But you knew that this wasn’t their first interaction. They were in the lab together.

Vecna eventually gained more control, tearing down the image of your house until you were back to a familiar place. The environment was filled with dark red clouds, with pieces of the Creel house floating in the air. Your eyes landed on the pillars once again, a chill running down your spine when you saw the corpses of your schoolmates.

Eleven shrieked when she was lifted and pressed against the front door. You tried to help her, but a vine wrapped around your foot and positioned you on one of the pillars.

Vecna walked towards Eleven, and you felt sorry for her when you saw that she was breathing heavily with tears. He whispered something to her, making her cry even harder.

You shuddered when he returned his focus on you, his eyes angrier than ever.

“You think you and your little friends can defeat me?” He said roughly. “I see everything.”

“Go to hell.” You managed to croak out despite the tightening grip of the vines around your body.

Vecna smiled evilly, dragging his hand over your face. You started to choke, feeling air escape from your lungs as your vision started to fade. You’ve never felt so much fear until that moment. This wasn’t how everything was supposed to end.

You didn’t have time to be confused when Vecna fell back, seemingly in pain when Eleven regained strength. You weren’t aware that Mike communicated with her through her mind, giving her enough amount of determination.

You laid motionless on the ground after the vines loosened their grip, still breathing but your vision was still spotted.

On the other end, Steve, Max, and Lucas were all panicking.

“Shit, shit, shit–” Steve was fumbling with the tape in his hands, inserting it inside Max’s player.

“She’s too far up!” Max screamed when your body floated while Lucas went off to call Erica.

Everything seems going against the plan, but Nancy and Robin successfully arrive at Vecna’s lair, weapons in hand.

“Go for it,” Nancy whispered to Robin as they observed Vecna’s steady body, held up by his vines.

Robin nodded and took her lighter from her pocket, lighting the edge of the cloth that was attached to the kerosine-filled bottle. Without hesitation, she threw the bottle towards Vecna, making him conscious again.

The impact on his physical body discontinued his connection between you and Eleven, and you were suddenly gasping and falling back into the attic.

“Fuck!” Steve yelled in surprise when he heard you take a breath, immediately positioning himself near your body to catch you. You fell onto him, and he stroked the stray hair away from your face. “Holy shit. You’re fine. You’re okay. You’re here.”

He seems to be assuring himself more than you as he whispered, but you were too relieved as you wrapped your arms around him. “Oh, Steve.”

Steve held you close to him, one hand at the back of your head while the other rubs your back. “Never do that again, you hear me? No more sacrificing.”

You pulled away slightly. “El was there, in my head, she saved me.”

“Eleven?”

You nodded, eyes roaming over his bruised face. “What happened?”

He eyed Jason’s unconscious body near the stairs, and your face scrunched up when you grasp what might have happened.

Max went near the two of you, and you reached out to hold her hand. “Is it done?” She asked quietly.

“I-I don’t know.” You stuttered, realizing that only Nancy and Robin could truthfully answer her question.

But your two friends in the upside down were still battling Vecna.

Robin threw another flamed bottle at him, making the vines break off his body. Nancy raised her shotgun and shot at Vecna’s chest, but the villain just stumbled backward. As if her brain knew the motivation she needed, she started to remember the words you told her before you parted ways earlier tonight.

Go for his head.

With one swift move, Nancy raised her aim from Vecna’s chest to his head, eyeing the spot between his eyebrows. And as she pulled the trigger, making the monster drop in an instant on his back, she smiled. Nancy Wheeler’s aim is always perfect.

===================

Eleven, Mike, and the Byers went back to Hawkins with Murray and Hopper yesterday. You engulfed El in a big hug when your eyes landed on her, thanking her profusely. It was a bittersweet reunion for all of you after the events from three days ago.

After Nancy shot Vecna, she and Robin made sure that he was dead before regrouping with Eddie and Dustin. They initially feared the lives of the boys after seeing the ruined state of Eddie’s trailer, and even more when they saw some dead bats in the living room. But they were filled with relief when they found them hiding in Eddie’s bathroom safely. The thick steel door was able to protect them just in time before the bats could successfully pierce the material.

They stopped over to the Creel house to pick up your group, collectively agreeing to spend the night at Steve’s house to freshen up. Otherwise, your parents would have an attack for seeing the state of your face and clothes.

The day after that, Eddie came forward to the police, but not without Hopper’s advice. Hopper had successfully contacted Dr. Sam Owens beforehand, who said that he would send agents to clear Eddie’s name. No matter how Eddie feared the public’s judgments, he knew that it would be better than to hide forever. He knew he was innocent, and Hopper trusted Dr. Owens’ connections.

Jason and his teammates are under investigation after the police found out that their weapons are unregistered. The Sinclairs were also preparing to file a report against Connor after finding the bruises on Erica.

Your dad was more than relieved when you came home, and you almost cried when you greeted him with a hug. He was ecstatic when you asked for his permission to go out with Steve tonight, after which he revealed that he already knew how you and Steve felt for each other.

Steve was true to his word. At exactly seven o’clock this Friday, he picked you up in a very gentlemanly manner. Of course, your father secretly shot him a warning look before letting you leave.

“I can’t believe Robin asked her out already,” Steve said as he drove, one hand on the steering wheel and the other interlocked with yours.

“Right?” You laughed when you remembered yesterday.

You accompanied Robin and Steve as they attended to their shifts at Family Video when Vickie made an appearance. You and Steve pretended to go over the ‘New Release’ section, forcing Robin to check out her orders. You two were confused why they talked for a long time. It wasn’t until Vickie left that Robin squealed, stating that she managed to ask the girl out for a milkshake next week.

“I’m proud of her, though. I’ve never seen her so happy.” You said, leaning against the window to feel the night breeze better.

Steve nodded, squeezing your fingers every once in a while.

Moments like this sometimes make you forget all the dangers and troubles that you have faced in the other dimension under Hawkins. Still, you knew that you’d go through it over and over again if that meant keeping your loved ones safe.

You don’t know what tomorrow holds for you. But with Steve’s hand around yours, you know everything is well.

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington #stranger things #stranger things season 4 #stranger things season 4 volume 2 #st4 volume 2 #steve harrington imagines #steve harrington fic #steve harrington one shot #stranger things fic #steve harrington fanfiction #steve harrington season 4 #steve harrington x y/n

388 notes · View notes