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Same Old Hawkins, Or Not | Part Two

PART TWO | Drama, Freaks and a... What?

Summary: Reader immersed herself to small town drama. She didn't expect that there are drama's that should have left unsaid. But what can she do? She's cousin with Steve Harrington. It's bound to happen.

Warnings: Brief mention of violence, drug use and alchoholism. Cursing and innuendos (Should it be a warning?).

Words: 9.2k+

Note: This is what I tell you when I got carried away but SUPRISE. Decided to post the second part because I felt the first part didn't give any Eddie at all but I think this is my longest part out of everything else. I fleshed it out more because I felt like everything is abrupt? Hope you like this guys!

Part One | Series Masterlist Cross posted in Ao3. Just search the series name. :)

As much as you dreaded the first day and predicted it to be shitty. It was quite tame, at least on a level that you think its tame. You did become an eye candy but not much. Thank God for being born in the town. People are more curious about how much you have changed since you and your father left.

You have grown taller that you are sure and you decided to never let your hair be cut above your shoulders. Despite how irritating it was to maintain. You hated the bob cut. It was your mom’s favorite haircut on you, you don't even remember why and because of that you just hated it. You don’t want any reminders about your mom. She clearly don't want anything to do with you, why not do the same right?

Despite Steve’s warnings of staying away from Billy Hargrove, he did come for you but you made sure that he would fuck off. ("What does a pretty little thing like you doing in this town?" -Silence- "You don't talk much?" "Oh. I'm taught not to talk to strangers," "Well, I'm Billy--" "Oh shoot, I'm also taught not to talk with assholes.") It was a spectacle to some as whispered ‘oohs and aahs’ were heard during the exchange. You knew you just created your worst enemy, at least at the moment.

Maybe being Billy Hargrove’s number one enemy isn’t good if you want a boring year but you’ll take it instead of being the object of his fixation. With him down, you managed to get through the day until Lunch. Clearly, Highschool is so lame for having designated seats for certain groups.

You had a fast run down of it thanks to Steve who brought you to the “popular” kids table. He even introduced people who lead the factions. There are the artsy kids, the band kids, the preppy kids, the athletes which are separated of course (“We have the soccer heads, tracks then the cheer team and us.” “The jocks?” “The basketball team, Squirt.” “It's the Jocks.” “We are not Jocks–” “If you want me to be specific, asshole, shit heads, playboys and then Jerks.” “May I remind you, you are sitting with us.” “No Steve, I'm sitting with you,”)

All throughout that introduction you just don’t see yourself fitting in to anyone at school, not until Steve introduced the last table.

“You see that table near the end,” Steve mumbled to you as he pointed at it discreetly. You looked over as you scanned a series of people wearing the same shirts with different variations. Some wore it over flannels, others wore it as it is and then…. Your eyes landed on the one who is wearing it with a leather jacket and denim vest over that jacket. The familiar logo of DIO on the back of the vest he is wearing faced you. You just nodded at Steve as the man your eyes landed on was talking a bit animatedly earning a few laughs in the group.

“That is the Hellfire club–”

“The freaks,” Tommy who was apparently listened through your conversation butted in. Steve offered a sarcastic thanks before he glared at him. You just raised a brow at Tommy, irritated at the interruption and kept your face stoic. That made him shut his mouth as he was about to say more and turned away.

“The freaks?” You finally turned to Steve after staring Tommy down. You can’t help but be irritated by another stereotypical term. God, Steve really needs new friends. He is too involved in gossips and he is conforming a lot to the society's fucked up system. Steve cringed at your tone.

“Not exactly, it's just that they are a group who likes metal bands and D&D,” He told you and you straightened a bit about that with a raised brow.

“They play dungeons and dragons?” You mused as you looked over at them. This time you see that man with the leather jacket moved towards the head of the table where he sat back down. His face was covered by his curly black hair and you can’t help but want to take a peak.

“Yes, it's supposed to be a devil’s game ,” Steve supplied using the air quotes action like you did when you both saw each other for the first time. This time you looked away from the man and looked over at Steve with a glare. Steve stared back and then blinked as you continue to stare.

“It’s not a devil’s game,” you deadpanned and Steve just looked at you confused.

“You play?” Steve asked and you shrugged as you looked back at the table. Not quite done staring or rather admiring the leather clad man.

“Yes I do, back in U-U– back where I came from,” You stuttered a bit, cursing yourself why can’t you say the name of the damn place. Steve, who was focused on the knowledge about his cousin, didn’t notice. Thank God for that. “And if you believe that it was a devil’s game. You have a cousin involved. Just so you know,” You told him. At that Steve rolled his eyes, hearing the mocking tone in your voice. Something he has to get used to.

“I’m not scared of you, Squirt.” Steve said and then you slowly looked back at him. You make sure your eyes are void of any emotion and slowly bring the corner of your lips up. Making sure Steve is staring at you as you deliver your most sinister smile. His eyes widened and then his hand covered your face to get it out of the view. “Stop that,” He exclaimed followed by your name as you tried to make him look. You dissolved into chuckles after that while Steve just looked at you in disbelief.

“By the way, you might recognize the leader of the group. Eddie Munson,” with the mention of the name, your brows raised up at the information. Eddie Munson? The kid with the buzz cut and cutest smile. Your brain supplied. You looked at Steve as he pointed over to the guy you were eyeing before and when your eyes landed on him. He was already staring back at you.

Your eyes connected and both of you froze. Recognition settled on both your faces. You took him in as memories of the talent show you attended back at Middle School came to you. You remembered a kid with a buzz cut and doe eyes holding on to his guitar. Excited about performing while you are backstage just finished dancing with your team.

“Nice routine, you looked very pretty up there.” That was the first time you remembered being called pretty since that ugly bob cut. You blushed at that and now that you remembered it you can’t help but feel the familiar heat crawling up your cheeks.

Now looking at him, he now sported a full head of hair as long as yours. His doe eyes are still the same. It has the same sparkle it has when he complimented you but clearly puberty must hit him, he looks good. He looks… fucking good. Oddly enough, he reminds you of Ozzy Osbourne who you had a chance to see in a concert back at Utah, which you sneaked in of course with a few “friends” back then.

“Yeah, I remember him,” you mumbled to Steve as you offered Eddie a smile. That broke him out of his frozen state as he tilted his head. Recognition swarming in those eyes before his eyes flickered beside you then back to you. He raised a brow before he offered his own, then taking a small bow as a greeting.

Steve was oblivious to the exchange as he tucked in with his sandwich. “Well, he’s not the same kid as before back in middle school. He is very different. He do things on the side—”

“Like what?” You asked abruptly about Steve’s gossip for the first time since he started to introduce everything in the highschool. He stopped mid chew as he looked at you surprised by your interest. He swallowed before answering.

“He sells weed among other things.” Steve said and you raised a brow at that. The image of the innocent boy coming back to you and then the image of the man now. He does look like some one who sells those things since that would be the exact image of a drug dealer the people think about. Gosh, its starting to sound like these people are living inside a fucking television.

“So?” You looked at him confused. “Back where I came from, weed is a staple.” you told him as you remembered your “friends” selling blunts at 16 and they don't exactly look like that.

“You smoked before?” Steve can’t help but ask. You shook your head. You were never influenced by them, since your father smoke for the both of you already. Though if asked about drinking? That would be a different topic all together.

“Nah, Papa smokes enough for the both of us,” You told him as you picked up your food and took a bite of it. “Going back to Eddie Munson, does he still live with his parents back in Daffodils?” You asked as you remembered that it was two streets over from where you formerly lived. Steve shook his head.

“Ummm, his mother is just like yours, left” Steve told you and you don’t know if you want to point out how much of a gossiper Steve was or question how the hell he knows this information. You decided not to bother. Though your heart ached a little at the knowledge of shared history with Eddie Munson out of all people. “Though his old man lives but is currently in Jail. He lives with his uncle now.That is all I know,” Steve told you. You looked back at their table as you heard a laugh. His laugh.

“And you say they are devil worshippers—”

“Others say not me, Squirt.” Steve corrected you and you just waved him away as your eyes remained on the group.

“There is nothing wrong with selling weed and playing fantasy games. It’s what they like. They shouldn’t be defined as freaks or devil worshippers,” You mumbled as you picked up your food. If there are people who are called that, those would be the ones you encountered back then. You can’t help but think, subconsciously rubbing your hand over your stomach as you did. Thank God that cut lip you had started to heal nicely and didn’t hurt anymore. You tried to bury it down and got ready to eat more when another voice, this time a shrilly one interrupted.

“I heard his club is not really a club but a cult. They always listened to that god awful metal music—””

“Well, you listen to Madonna and I’m not calling you a slut,” You interjected and that shut her up immediately. You looked towards Carrie? Or is it Cammy? not noticing that you had garnered attention. You kind of raised your voice a bit. You even caught the attention of the table where Eddie Munson resides. “Also, you guys gossip around and I’m not calling you loudmouths. So if I were you, stop with your bullshit and eat your lunch,”

You turned and saw Steve looking back down at you and then to the girl. He just looked at her with the ‘you asked for it’ expression. Clearly he had enough of his “friends” too.

You stood up after that and picked up your food tray. Having enough of your conversation with your cousin being interrupted. You decided to make the move today.

“I’m imposing the same warning with Billy with him,” Steve offered before you can leave. You stopped and looked back at him.

“I’m imposing the same warning with Billy with him,” Steve offered and just looked at him.

“I did say I want boring Hawkins but I suppose I should find some interest if I want to survive the year,” You told him. “Id’ rather spend time with the so called freaks than with stock up people who can’t leave other people’s businesses.” You emphasized as you glanced at Tommy and the girl. Gosh you did forget her name when Steve introduced you to them.

You didn’t wait for his response as you moved towards where Eddie Munson is. The chatter suddenly quieted down as you reached them. All eyes are on you as you offer a smile.

“Hey, you don’t mind if I join you guys?” You asked them. Your eyes try to find familiar faces and you did as you saw Gareth and Jeff. Two people you also knew back then who offered small smiles. You remember them, they were the quiet kids back at middle school. You also shared a few classes with them. Then your eyes settle on Eddie who is looking at you with an unreadable face.

“Why should we grant you access?” Eddie spoke up after a beat of staring. He was mid-bite on his own food and he continued as he spoke. You shrugged.

“Maybe I want to join your club,” You told them. “Besides, I’m the new girl. Isn't it kind of mandatory to take in new Sheep?”

“Not really new,’ Gareth offered as he mentioned your name. You just shrugged again and looked at Eddie. He was looking over at you. His eyes suddenly unreadable before he tilted his head to the side. He looked over at where you were seated previously.

“You are a Harrington though. Aren’t they supposed to be born from greatness and not associate with the freaks?” Eddie said and you snorted at that.

“You are talking to the wrong one,” You supplied before you laid your tray of food to the table. You leaned down a bit to meet his stare head on. “Besides, my level 12 gloom stalker ranger elf needs a new party. My Lyn is itching for a new fight,”

WIth that information, a gasp was heard from the group and they started to whisper at each other. You smirked as you crossed your arms on your chest and you can’t help but be elated as Eddie eyed your movement. Then slowly he stood up and then walked towards you until he stood beside you.

You two stared at each other. The cafeteria oddly became a bit quiet. Watching the exchange between the not-so-new girl and the freak. Then slowly Eddie smiled and bowed down.

“Welcome to Hellfire m’lady,”

You smirked. You might want the same old hawkins but having a bit of fun isn’t bad right?

Well, you had your old boring hawkins with a side of fun. For at least a few weeks, you settled in quite nicely when you started to hang out with the Hellfire Club and it's not bad that their leader is a pure eye candy for you.

Despite Steve’s warning (“I just told you to stay away from him!” “You and I both know that telling me what not to do would just make me want to do it!” “You had no problem with Billy?!” “He’s a playboy and an asshole. Eddie is different!”), you did get close to Eddie. Though at first it was through the club then the deal breaker for the both of you to cross the threshold for being acquaintances to friends came in a few days after your first day of school and hanging out with the Hellfire club.

You decide to ride out a bit since Harold and Miriam are out again for a business trip and Steve is quite busy with Nancy or whatever the hell is going on between them. (“Your relationship sounds rocky to me, Jerk.” “It's just a phase. All couples have that.” “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”) You are in one of those funky days, wherein your mind keeps on drifting towards what happened back there.

That unfortunate night that made you hightail for Hawkins as soon as you can. It was a good thing the bruises have healed and it's only the scars underneath your shirt that is the evidence of the shit show. Though it's hard not to show the side effects it gave you. How skittish you are and how easily you jumped at unknown sounds. You are even having trouble saying the name of the goddamn place. You are struggling not to let it show when you are inside the house. It helps that it's always almost empty except for Steve’s presence but even then, the house felt stifling.

The only thing that calms you now is the rush of the ride. The wind spattering against your skin as you revved up your bike. The one thing you had in Utah that wasn’t filled with bad memories.

Your mind started to drift towards the first time you got the bike. It was a present to yourself after you got your driver’s license. You saved up enough to buy it. Your dad helped at least, one of the good things he did back then but the bike is all on you. It was the fruit of having part time jobs and taking up as many summer jobs as you can for two years.

You never felt that kind of happiness, not since that talent’s show in middle school wherein you snagged a runner up and encountered one of the most interesting kids you know in Hawkins. So when the shit show happened, the bike was one of the main things you secured. It actually saved your life.

Though you had to use some of the money your father left you to change the upholstery of the seat. It was soaked in blood and you had to make sure that it was scrubbed clean before you used it to drive all the way to Hawkins. The memory of your wounds made you wince and reach for your stomach.

Shit. I’m just going in circles with this. You thought as your mind absentmindedly started to go back to the memories you try to forget. You shook your head and tried to look at where you drove off to. After a minute, you realize you are no longer on the main road but instead on a trail. You slowed down just enough for you to hear your surroundings instead of the roar of your motorbike.

Then you hear the splashes of water and as you take a final turn on the trail, you hit the brakes to see that you have arrived at Lover’s Lake. At least the part where the public is allowed to be.

You looked around before you shrugged and turned the bike towards what looks to be a parking lot. You ride your motorbike and parked it horizontally so the front wasn’t facing the lake but the sides of it.

You removed your gloves and next your helmet. You can’t help but notice the scratches on it and you dusted it off before you placed it on the handle bars.Then you lifted your thigh to sit on the bike facing the lake. You adjusted your skirt as the wind blew by making you pull your leather jacket around your body. You observed and marveled at how much the lovers' lake changed a bit. You remembered this wasn’t really a public park before, it was a clearing just like where you are parked and no benches around it. You remembered riding your bikes with Steve here and playing with the water or climbing the trees. Now almost a decade has passed and it's apparently a new attraction now.

You reach out for the can of beer you manage to sneak in from Steve’s hidden stash which he showed you one night when Harold and Miriam are asleep. (“You just became my favorite cousin Steve.” “I’m your only cousin Squirt,”) You pulled it out from the compartment behind your bike that is where you stashed your helmet but instead decided to use it as an ice box.

You were just about to pop it open when you heard a rustling. You straightened immediately and jumped down the bike. Your right hand clenched over the cold beer, ready to use it as a weapon. You scanned the area and remained quiet.

You heard it again and this time it's right in front of the bushes you are parked at. You hold the can tighter ready to throw it towards whatever is coming at you. You strained your eyes a bit to see but nothing still pops out. Your breathing started to grow heavy and your hearts started to race.

You inhaled sharply as it rustled again and held your breath as the bushes moved hastily. This time as if it's threatening to come out. It did not register to you that it was accompanied by grumbles and curses you were too focused on protecting yourself. You just threw the damn beer at it.

“Fucking hell– woah!” It took you a few blinks before you realized that the beer can was caught by someone and that someone is staring right back at you. Familiar brown doe eyes that you try not to stare at for the past few weeks since you returned to Hawkins centered your vision.

“Jesus Christ Eddie!” You exclaimed as you breathed out in relief. Eddie offered a sheepish smile as he waved with a hand that was not holding the beer can you threw.

“Hi, didn’t mean to scare you,” He mumbled as you just rolled your eyes at him. He then looked down at the beer can and raised both of his brows. “Where did you get this?” He asked, trying to divert the topic but you are too caught up with him appearing out of nowhere.

“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be at Gareth's?” You can’t help but ask. Eddie raised a brow at that and when he did. You realized that it wasn’t really common knowledge that on Wednesday nights Eddie goes to Gareth’s house to practice and write songs for their band Corroded Coffin. Unless you have interest in the metal head and listened closely whenever he talks with someone in the group that isn’t you. Didn't you just advocate at your very first day about minding your own business? Well shit.

“Are you aware of my schedule sweetheart?” He asked and you cleared your throat as you turned towards the ice box and retrieved another can. Not wanting to show the effect of that damn pet name. He started calling you after the first campaign you joined in.

“Just overheard since you don’t know how to talk quietly.” You pointed out and Eddie mockingly looked offended before he chuckled. “Anyway, what the fuck are you doing behind the bushes?” You asked irritated as you finally popped the can open. You finally took a sip of it as you waited for him to answer. “You doing that is just doing justice to what they tell about you,”

Eddie in the process, motioned if he can have the beer and you just nodded. He carefully popped it open, knowing that it was shaken from the throw. It fizzled a lot and overflowed but he managed as he hastily took a drink of it.

“I have to make a deal,” He started as he moved towards you after drinking the beer. “It was in a private area near here. Had to cancel the practice.” He continued to tell you as you turned around and leaned on your bike instead. “During that, I heard a loud grunt of machinery. Had to check out who the hell would be coming here on a Wednesday night.”

You snickered at that. “You just want gossip.” You mused and this time it was Eddie who snickered as he finally stood beside you. You patted your bike indicating for him to freely lean on it which he did. “You snoop around for couples who are not supposed to be here.”

“Maybe, maybe not. It's a dealer’s occupational hazard you can say. We live for the drama,”

This time you laughed and took another sip of the beer. “I think its just, you live for the drama Eddie,”

“That is true,” He agreed with a nod as he took another sip of the beer. “Well, my alibi is taken care of. What are you doing here and how the hell did you manage to get some six-pack?”

You carefully took another sip of the beer as you tried to form a reason on why you are really out there. You can’t say you are trying to forget something, it would just cause a lot of more questions. You are not yet ready to tell it to anyone. Instead you have gone on the teasing route.

“Maybe I am trying to snoop out some gossip too,” You offered and Eddie snorted at that.

“You? Oh please, if I was talking to Harrington, I would believe that,”

You turned to him with a raised brow. “I am Harrington” you told him as if he was missing the point and Eddie shook his head as he turned to look at you.

“I know that, but you are not really like the Harrington. You are different from him,”

You raised a brow as you glanced at him before you turned your gaze back to the lake. “How do you say so? The last time we saw each other was in middle school and I just got here,”

Eddie was quiet for a while after the question and you can’t help but turn to look at him. He was already looking back at you but with a thoughtful gaze.

“The girl I knew back then might be different from now but you are always different to me,” Eddie offered quietly. You felt your back straightened a bit as the atmosphere changed into something. “You might be a spitfire now after the tearing down you brought Billy Hargrove on your first day of school and the way you just brought down Tommy and Carol—”

“Oh, that was her name. I thought it was Cammy or Carrie,” You mused loudly and Eddie snorted at that.

“--But sometimes I see the girl I knew back in middle school. The one who never really cares about others lives as long as they stay out of yours. You never really meddle and you respect others' space. Just like you did mine a minute ago. You didn’t even ask anything about the deal I made which is my conclusion makes you different,”

“It's none of my business anyway Eddie,” You told him as you took a sip. “Besides, back at where I came from, it’s totally normal.”

“Really?” He asked as he finally leaned back again to the bike facing the lake.

“Yeah, I do hang around with dealers, they are my friends there,” You shared as you looked at him. “Though before you ask if I smoke or not. I don’t. I hate it. I was only there for the booze and D&D,” You added and Eddie nodded. You let the silence enveloped the two of you after that. Not wanting to say anything at all after that.

You rolled Eddie’s words inside your head as to preoccupy you not to spill out the real reason you were there. Until it stopped as if a record scratch can be heard as you turned towards him.

“Wait, you still remember me back in middle school?” You asked surprised as Eddie nodded while he took a sip of his beer.

“Yes, how could I forget? You stole my runner up,” He quipped and you looked at him dumbfounded by that statement.

“I did not!” you started to protest as you pointed at him with one of the fingers still holding the can. “I won that fair and square jackass,”

Eddie laughed at your expression as he lifted his hands in an act of surrender.

“I was joking, I knew that you were really great,” He told you as you leaned back on the bike and took a sip of your beer. “Besides, who would not forget the only person who looked good with a bob cut,”

“I actually did not recognize you until Steve pointed it out. All I remember about you is the buzzcut.” You offered to him ignoring the compliment and laughed as he clutched his heart dramatically as if hurt.

“Ouch, that wasn’t a good thing to be remembered by,”

“I also remember you rocking it out at the talent show. It's a shame they didn't appreciate metal back then,” You just said to him and he smiled at that.

“They might not like it but I think someday their kids would,” He mumbled and you nodded in agreement. “You listened to them?”

“I dabble,” You told him. “You might have recommendations for me?” You asked and Eddie nodded.

“I have some, remind me to give them to you the next time we see each other.” Eddie said and you hummed. Silence enveloped the both of you as the two of you took leisurely sips of the beer.

“So, you got the rundown of the School’s hierarchy by the King himself,”

You snorted at that. “Apparently, he was dethroned– yup, you heard that right it was his words by the way— by Billy Hargrove,”

Eddie recoiled a bit at the mention of the name. You raised a brow at the expression. “Why did you make a face like that?”

“I might have a gossip or two about him,” He mumbled and your eyes widened at that. A smirk appeared on your face as you turned to Eddie. He saw that and he couldn't help but laugh. “You are one for gossip now?”

“Well, you are the one who thinks I'm not all for it. I do mind my business but if it's from someone I hate. I don’t mind having a fuel of my own against him,” You told him and he can’t help but laugh at that. “Now tell me,” you demanded as you waited eagerly.

Eddie looked over at you taking his time to examine your face. Though when you noticed you felt the heat creeping up to your face before you cleared your throat and wiggled your brows at him. He laughed before he took the final sip of his beer and crushed it in his hand. “Maybe next time,”

You groaned. “Oh come on! You can’t just leave me like that,”

Eddie chuckled as he fished out what looked to be keys from his front pocket. “I already stayed long enough. I was supposed to do some grocery shopping for me and Wayne,” he told you as he started to walk backwards slowly. “Besides, it's a good conversation starter for next time.”

“For next time?’ You told him as you followed him with your eyes.

“Yes, next time you need a friend to talk to. Get you out of your head,” He said as he stopped walking. You stared at him a bit stunned as he looked at you with a soft smile. “I already saw you before I made my appearance. I know the look you have. I have that too, when you face crazy on a daily basis. You sometimes need to get yourself out of your head.”

You just stared at him stunned at how much he was able to read you despite the hard work you put on putting a strong front. Then his words are processed and you can’t help but tilt your head at him.

“Friend?” You mumbled and Eddie nodded as he offered a little bit of a confused expression but with a smile.

“Aren’t we?” He asked and you just blinked before chuckling. You nodded your head.

“Yeah we are,” you confirmed and Eddie bowed dramatically.

“Well then, my friend, I shall keep going.” He said and you nodded. He waved one last time as he turned back around. Probably walked back to his van but you can’t help but call out his name as you watched him.

He stopped and turned back to you. You stared back at him before you offered a small smile.

“Thank you, for not asking too much,” You told him and he nodded.

“No problem sweetheart,”

Despite the threshold being walked over, you can’t help but feel a lot more than friendly feelings when the metal head is involved. It wasn’t really forgotten that you had a little crush on him back at middle school that no one knows about. You were that good at hiding things.

You relish the high of being friends and at least having people to be with in Hawkins but still it's the same Old Hawkins. Though Hawkins isn’t really the same without any small town drama that is apparently what Eddie thrives on and oddly Steve too.

You were quite shocked at how much you knew whatever was going around in Hawkins for the few weeks of your stay. You just got back and you already knew what happened inside the Whedon’s house (“I tell you Squirt, Jerry Whedon is cheating on his wife.” “How the hell can you even tell that Steve?” “Jerry just screams cheating, everytime he comes home late.” “You are spying on them Steve? Don’t you have anything better to do?”) when you have Steve Harrington, King of Hawkins as a cousin and Eddie “The Freak” Munson as a friend. (“Did you know that there is a girl who apparently haunts the woods. It was the talk of the town the same time when Will Byers disappeared.” “A girl, around these woods?” “Yes, surprisingly she was described walking around with a dress and a buzz cut.” “Just like you did back in middle school?” “you know what? Gareth is still a virgin.” “i know that already, Eds”)

The two people that had started to worm their way under your skin are just full of them and it helps you forget what you are trying to forget. Steve unknowingly becomes your rock as you try to recover from the “Shit Show”. You don’t know but you were thankful for him for that to the point when Harold and Miriam are out. You decided to treat him to a dinner spread. You pulled out your cookbook and made the only thing you know how to make. Lasagna which Steve devoured the minute it was given to him.

“Not going to rain on your parade, Squirt but what is this for?” Steve asked after he chowed down two servings and looked to be reaching for his third while you were just trying to finish your first serving. You looked at him, shocked that he picked up that you have another intention of serving the lasagna. Steve must have seen your expression as he looked at you slightly offended. “I might be a Jerk and quite dense. I do have a brain underneath all this hair.” He mumbled.

You can’t help but snort at that. “Good thing you have a brain underneath that. It's a waste of genes if nothing is underneath that.”

“Hey! You are trying to divert the topic by insulting me. What’s going on?” He asked and you sighed as you looked up at him as you took a sip of the iced tea he made. Steve looked over at you with raised brows and when he noticed your hesitation to share. His expression softened. “You okay? You know you can talk to me right?”

“Yes, I'm okay Steve. I am just—” you stopped as you moved the last bit of the lasagna around your plate. “Grateful, to you. Despite your protest in the first day—”

“---I’m sorry about that okay—”

“--- I know as I was saying, I was just grateful to you. You have been someone constant here in Hawkins for me. I was half expecting you to ignore me after that spectacle in the cafeteria but you didn’t. So, thank you.”

Steve looked at you for a while before he offered a smile.

“It’s nothing Squirt. You are my one and only cousin. Also, you kind of made this house less lonely.” He said and the both of you are quiet for a while before you scrunch your nose.

“It's kind of unsettling to talk about feelings with you,” You told him and Steve rolled his eyes.

“I don’t even know if that was an insult or not but thank you for the Lasagna.” Steve mumbled and you just offered a smirk at him. You two ate for a while before he spoke again. “But if you want to talk about feelings or just about anything to me. You can, you know that right?” He said and looked at you pointedly.

You sighed. “Yes mom”

Then there is Eddie, despite being portrayed as oblivious and too loud enough not to notice the lives of everyone around him. He is quite in tuned to the people he said he considered close friends. You were happy that despite the short time that you both spent with each other after being away for so long. He considered you one of his friends. Well, you might want to be more than friends with him at times but nah. You are fucked up as it is now. You don’t want to add up in his fucked up life — his words not yours.

He becomes your constant person too. The Wednesday meetings at the lover’s lake became your thing with him. He even goes there without a deal knowing you would be there nursing some beer. Sometimes he would bring his own drink. He offered you a smoke but you didn't do that and refused. Though you don’t stop him from taking some.

“Ohh, spitfire! Nice to meet you here,” Eddie said as he walked over to you after he slammed the Van’s door closed. He waved the six pack on his hand while you waved the take out burgers from the diner.

“As if you don’t know I am already here,” you mused and Eddie just shrugged. He motioned for you and you walked towards the back of his Van. He opened it to reveal a cozy set up. It was carpeted and the seats are up. In the middle are blankets and pillows. You raised a brow at that.

“This is cozy, do you usually do this with other people?” You asked. Slightly unnerved by the idea he does this with other girls. Not that you should be unnerved or you don’t know… jealous? You were just friends, after all. When you turned to look at Eddie he was looking at you with a smile at his face and his cheeks, reddened?

“Not really, this is newly installed. Thought I could have the Van a makeover,” He told you and you raised a brow at him. He climbed in and settled down on it. He removed his shoes while he looked back at you. “Aren’t you coming?”

You smiled and sat on the edge of the door. “Just need to remove these combat boots,” you told him and Eddie smiled. You heard him shuffled around and then the sound of Black Sabbath’s song was played on low. When you finally removed it, you climbed up as you gave him the food while you settled the boots near the opened doors. You settled beside him as you dusted your jeans off.

Eddie wordlessly opened a bottle for you and you opened a container for him. The two of you exchanged silent thanks and the two dug in without another word. The Van is facing the lake and the two are cozy.

“Are any of your thoughts bothering you today?” Eddie asked as he took his second beer. You were on your third already. You looked over at him before you gave a small smile.

“On a daily basis, it's just quieter today,” You told him as you looked back out. “Maybe these Wednesday outings helps,”

Eddie hummed. “If you are ready to share those thoughts, you know you can tell me?” He said and that made you look back at him. A feeling of dejavu ran over you as you swore you heard Steve say the same words. The difference is, the feeling it gave you. While Steve offered acceptance, to Eddie it felt like he was offering shelter. Somewhere you are protected and safe. Security. Something you struggled with ever since Utah.

“You sound like Steve,” you told him, trying to tamper your feelings. Eddie scrunched his nose at that.

“Out of all the people you compare me with, it's your cousin? It's like saying I'm like your brother,” Eddie told you, the indignation and disbelief clear in his voice and that made you laugh.

“You don’t want me to be my brother?” you mused as you laughed.

“No,” that abruptly stopped your laugh as you looked at him. The conviction and the finality of that word made something in your stomach flip. Eddie is looking at you with something unreadable in his eyes before it turns playful. “Not a brother, more like your sexy friend,”

That made you roll your eyes at him. “Sexy? Really? Oh gosh Eddie Munson. If they could hear how cocky you are, they would think twice about calling you a freak. You should be called a jerk instead.”

“Why do you think I have that nickname sweetheart? Me being the freak is not just about what I like to do but also what I do behind closed doors,”

You gasped and couldn't help but throw a napkin at him. The image of Eddie in bed, doing things to a partner or specifically you is not something you don’t need right now. Gosh, it would just fuel the fantasies you have at night. Eddie laughed at your reddening face.

“Gosh, that is such a perverted thing to say.” You huffed out as Eddie finally stopped laughing and you ran out of things to throw at him.

“At least it made you not think too much,” Eddie offered and you just shook your head as you finished off your beer. You stretched a bit after that as Eddie finally opened the last beer. You winced a bit as you felt a slight pain over your stomach. A brief flash of what happened to you making you wince. Eddie noticed it too apparently.

“Hey you okay?” You looked at him as you rubbed your stomach.

“Oh, I’m just too full,” you lied and Eddie stared at you before he nodded. You rubbed it trying to quell it.

“If you say so, anyway, I do have a new gossip,” Eddie mumbled and you looked over at him waiting to tell you who it was about. “Its about Billy Hargrove guess who he tried to seduce this time?”

“Who?”

“Jerry Whedon’s wife,”

“Oh fuck! No way?!”

With that effectively drowned out your thoughts as he regaled you again with the gossip he managed to get from other people.

Though, the things you try to bury, loom over you. You swore everytime Steve or Eddie spill out gossip or even just tell you about their day or previous experience. They know you are spiraling inside your head again. Steve being ever the nosy one asked a lot of questions until you jokingly insult him and successfully diverts the topic he would stop. Eddie would not ask unless you permitted him to ask you. Which you appreciate from the metal head. If he is not laying out gossip about Billy Hargrove or any other person that you might find interested in Hawkins. He even shares some stories about Wayne, his band or some of his campaign ideas. (“Aren’t you supposed to keep some of it a secret from me? I play in your campaigns Eds,” “I can make exceptions just for you sweetheart.”)

You successfully immersed yourself in drama and other things, at least enough not to get involved but of course. It's inevitable for drama to finally come to you when you are related to Steve Harrington.

On the day of the said party, Steve and Nancy had a fall out. Fortunately, you were there to drive the two of you home. You weren’t keen on taking your bike and decided to ride with Steve. Being the great cousin that you are, you let him rant about him and Nancy. Finally getting the details of what the hell is going on with them.

Apparently, there is a third party and something happened a few months back before you came that he is not allowed to talk about. You did not bother to ask, too occupied with driving since it has been long since you drove a car. You have been driving around with your motorbike since you are sixteen.

Finally, when the both of you reached the house and he was still in the middle of the rant.

“---So I left her there at the bathroom—” You stopped the car abruptly making Steve stop mid rant and nearly flew towards the dashboard. Steve exclaimed your name in the process as he settled back. You turned towards him in a huff.

“You left her? Drunk? Are you fucking kidding me right now, Steve?”

“Yes I did leave her there– ouch! What was that for?”

“You left her there! I think even if you are angry and you claim to love the girl. At least you could have fucking taken her home, Steven!” You exclaimed and this time Steve cursed. You rolled your eyes at him before stepping out of the car. Steve stared at you confused as you rolled your eyes at him. “Drive you asshole!”

He hastily moved towards the Driver seat and sped up after that, though the next day he informed you that someone took her home already then he was off to another rant. This time a guy named Jonathan, popped out of nowhere and it sounded familiar because the next thing you know. It has been two days since it happened and you had enough.

“---I don’t even know anymore—”

“Oh for the love of all that is holy, SHUT UP!” You exclaimed and Steve immediately went silent. You took a deep breath before you turned towards him. You pointed a finger at his chest.

“Do you love Nancy?”

“Yes,” he said without any hesitation.

“Then you haul your ass up and go there to her now. Apologize for leaving her behind and TALK,” You told him as Steve stared at you. When he didn’t move, you rolled your eyes before you clutched the lapels of his jacket and hauled his app. Surprising him with your strength as you took the keys to his car.

“Where are we going?!”

“I’ll make sure you go to Nancy, Jerk and before that we have to buy her some flowers. Then you will grovel your ass,” You stopped right in front of his car and you turned towards him. “Are we clear?”

Steve stared at you before he nodded.

“Okay, yes, okay.” You just threw him the key while you opened the door and sat inside it. The two of you made quick work with the flowers. (“Is this—” “No.” “how about—” “That’s for a funeral, Jerk. Just settle for the roses,”)

As the two of you stopped right in front of the house, you failed to notice a bike thrown on the ground and a young boy with a cap calling out to someone in the house.

“Now, you take this—” You shoved the rose to his chest, “-- and grovel your ass off.”

Steve didn’t talk as he nodded and walked, fixing his hair. You watched amused as he muttered to himself but was stopped short by a young kid with what looks to be a walkie talkie on his hip.

You didn’t hear some of what they were talking about but the young kid was asking him about something as he walked towards the car.

“--- you still have that bat?” The kid asked and Steve looked at him shocked.

“Ugh, yes?”

“Then let’s go! It's an emergency— wait, who are you?” The kid stopped short as he saw you on the passenger seat. You raised a brow at him.

“Who are you?” You asked him back.

“That is why I tell you it's not the time Dustin. She’s my cousin—”

“Well, we will explain everything to her on the way.” Dustin, the kid shooed him and went towards the back door and slid in. Steve just stared dumbfounded and that seemed to irritate the kid. “What are you standing there, come on! This is a matter of life and death!”

That spurred Steve on as he hastily went back to the driver’s seat while you stared confused.

“What the hell is going–”

“We are trying to find what could possibly be a baby demogorgon,” Your eyes widened at that.

“Excuse me, what now?” You asked as you turned to look at the boy. Trying to process if you heard him right.

“A demogorgon, it's a D&D–”

“Yeah, I know what a demogorgon is. The prince of demons, I fought against it too many times in the campaigns I’m in, it's sickening,” you told him and Dustin seemed to be shocked about that. He turned to Steve then to you.

“Are you sure you are related to him?” He asked and Steve rolled his eyes before the two of you got into any discussion Steve interrupted.

“Are you really going to tell her something that we promised not to tell?” You looked even more confused and taken aback at the information overload you are receiving.

“We have to, she’s here and we do not have time to hide things when a demogorgon baby is out there!”

“She’s my cousin! I don’t want her involved in any of this! She already came out from something bad back at her—”

“Wait a fucking minute!” You exclaimed. “Can someone please explain to me what the hell is going on and where we are going anyway!”

That seemed to recenter them as Steve sighed and looked over at Dustin at the rearview mirror. The kid ignored him and turned to you.

“First, we need supplies. Buckets, fresh meat and weapons.” Then he turned to you with a serious expression. “You might not believe what is going to come out of my mouth but it's the truth,” He started as he chanced a glance at Steve who in turn glanced at you.

You just watched them completely confused and bewildered but you saw the hesitation to share. Maybe they were right, you might not believe whatever is going to be said because for god's sake. The Demogorgon only exists in fantasy; it's impossible to exist in the real world.

It was supposed to be imagination for fuck sakes and this is Hawkins! Same old boring Hawkins or apparently is not fucking boring anymore.

“It's okay after what you are going to hear, you might not believe us and you want nothing to do with it but we swear it's the truth.” Dustin continued as he watched you.

You sighed as you just looked over at the both of them. Same fucking old boring Hawkins huh. Fuck it. “Try me then,”

“You asked for it,” Steve said and Dustin launched into the most bewildering story you could ever hear. About a girl named Eleven, their friend Will missing and a lab in Hawkins that is eerily familiar with the lab your father worked at in Utah. The mindflayer and now the demogorgon which was not exactly the prince of demon but a fucking contender which apparently, your cousin Steve together with Nancy and the boy he mentioned before Jonathan killed a few months back.

You sat there shell shocked at the revelation but the odd thing is, you fucking believed them because despite it was a kid who was telling the story. It was Steve’s face that gave it away. Now you recognize the face he makes when you always tell that it was the same old Hawkins, that whatever he is going through with Nancy can be fixed easily and why he goes into a tangent everytime they fight.

Silence filled the car as they reached the butcher shop and when you finally gathered your thoughts you spoke.

“Fuck, Same Old Hawkins they say, apparently its not so boring anymore.” you mumbled as you turned towards them. The two of you looked a bit confused at your statement. You sighed. “Fuck, I wanted to not believe you but part of me believes it.”

Then you turned towards Dustin, “Are you sure it's that demogorgon’s baby that you named Dart and nurtured into almost adulthood?” You asked him.

“Maybe it's just a lizard?” Steve offered and Dustin just looked at the both of you with irritation.

“Yes I'm sure because his face opened up and he ate my cat.” Dustin offered and Steve raised his brows at that while you just stared at him. When Dustin noticed that he added. “When it opens its face it becomes their mouth that could eat,”

“Well, fuck.” you said as you leaned back on your seat.

“Truly utterly fuck,” Steve glared at Dustin who just shrugged.

“In my defense, the guy was cute at first and I didn’t know!”

Knowing it's a lost cause to lecture Dustin, Steve turned towards you. “You sure you okay? You can walk out. I could drop you off at the house.”

“And what? Sit in the house and wait for someone to tell me that you are dead in some ditch?” You mused as you leaned back against the seats with a scoff. You have nowhere to go even if you hightailed it out of there. You thought. You can’t go anywhere and this is a better swap than the shit show. “I can’t walk out Steve. Not when one of the family members I left is in danger. I might as well keep your head in between your shoulders or anything intact. We still need the Harrington name to spread out.”

“I should be insulted with that last but I’m not,” Steve sighed as Dustin snorted. “Just so you know, I managed to kill an adult demodog with a bat,”

“Ugh, not really, I remember it was Nancy who killed it based on their stories,” Dustin interjected.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” You told him as he rolled his eyes at you. “Besides, if you say these creatures don't seem to be killed easily. I might have something that would help.” You said as you remembered one of your katanas that is also another thing you invested with has been shipped safely. It's a shame it came a day late to Utah. It could have been useful for the shit show. It's now hiding underneath your bed.

“You have something better than a bat with nails?” Steve asked, confused and you smirked.

“Yes,” you mused and Steve was about to ask for more when Dustin interrupted.

“I think we are spending too much time here, we need to go!”

“Okay! I’ll just get the raw meat and we will go by my house to get some pails,” Steve turned towards Dustin who smiled dreamily at you. Steve reached out and flicked his hat. “You better have a plan when I get back,Henderson.”

“Just go!” He exclaimed and he moved towards the Butcher grumbling. Dustin then turned towards you.

“Are you really sure you are related to him?” He asked one more time and this time you can’t help but laugh. Laugh not just at his question but at the absurdity of the situation. You were supposed to be there for a year but now it seems like you are in it for more. It's not bad having fun when you get involved with being friends with Eddie or hearing about gossip but being involved in a government and catastrophe level type of shit.

Well, this is giving Utah a run for its money. To be continued.

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