Runner
KC Foster is new to Hawkins and has attracted the attention of one Steve Harrington. But as the two get closer, Steve learns that KC perhaps has just as many secrets as he does.
Genre: Angst, fluff, hurt, comfort, Steve Harrington x OC x Jonathon Byers
Content Warnings: alcohol, drugs, self harm, sexual assault
Masterlist
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Chapter One - Love and Hate Decide
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Life had always been, well just kind of shit. Everything was one shitty thing after another and another and I was just kind of used to it at this point. Moving to Hawkins a few months ago to live with my nan had been a strange adjustment after living in different foster homes for the last few years. But it came with a sort of anonymity that I welcomed. No one knew me here and nobody really cared to.
I kept to myself, working most weekdays after school to make money for when I turned 18 and would be out on my own. I spent my weekends smoking and relaxing, spending time recovering from the exhaustion of the week. School was the worst part of the whole ordeal but again, I kept to myself, didn’t bother anyone enough for them to bother about me.
It wasn’t great but it was the most peace I’d had my entire life. And I was so close to making it out of this shitty town in peace with only 4 months until graduation and 3 months until I turned 18. I was scraping by a pass and saving a good amount and things were looking good.
That is until a huge disruption to my peace came in the form of none other than the King of Hawkins High himself, Steve Harrington.
Steve was the most popular guy in school, a basketball legend and every girl’s wet fucking dream but he was also a huge dick. Granted, I had heard that he was worse last year before becoming friends with some of the losers and outcasts of the school. But he was still an absolute dick to me. And it was infuriating. Always taunting me in class, coming by my locker just to antagonise me. He was always somewhere waiting to make a jab at me and he didn’t seem at all phased when I bit back. It was maddening. I didn’t understand what his fascination with winding me up was.
I blame this whole thing on Mr Jenkins, the stick in the mud English teacher that has had it out for me since I got here. He didn’t like my opinions and so he treated me like shit. And so it was unsurprising when my whole life turned upside down all because of a stupid oral presentation that Mr Jenkins decided would be with randomly selected partners.. I mean it doesn’t get much more evil than that.
“Kacie Foster, you will be partnered with…” Mr Jenkins said, pausing to pull a slip of paper out of the bowl in front of him. “Steve Harrington.”
I tried not to outwardly react as others ooh’d and Steve turned to look at me from his seat, cocky grin on his face that seemed to be a permanent feature.
I tried to reason with Mr Jenkins after the lesson but he certainly wasn’t going to be doing me any favours.
“What’s done is done, Foster, if I give you a new partner then we’ll have to change everyone’s.” He drawled, barely looking at me as he began looking through papers on his desk.
“I mean, you don’t have to-“ I began but he cut me off.
“This is not up for debate, Miss Foster, now leave my classroom.” He said finally, motioning to the door.
I sighed as I left the room before looking up in shock as I came face to face with Steve who seemed to have been waiting for me. “Sooo, Foster, about this whole presentation thing.” He began, walking beside me as I started walking down the corridor.
“Yeah I’m not thrilled either. I am crawling my way towards a solid C, Harrington and I will not let you mess it up.” I said, shaking my head as he continued to walk with me.
“Well then I have the perfect solution. You write the presentation and I’ll do the presenting, you don’t have to talk in front of the class, and I don’t bring your grade down.” He relented, smirk still on his face as if he was so proud of his idea.
“You know, Steve, if you put half as much effort into your work as you do these little schemes, you wouldn’t need them.” I said, coming to a stop by my locker and turning to face him.
“That doesn’t answer my question.” He smirked. “So, how about it?”
“Fine, you’ve got a deal.” I agreed. “And the less time I have to spend with you the better.” I added quietly.
“Oh come on now, I know you really find me charming.” Steve insisted, leaning in to invade my personal space.
“You don’t wanna know what I think about you, Harrington. Now see you on Friday for the presentation.” I said, not letting him get another word in as I closed my locker and walked away, headphones on and skateboard in hand as I headed out of the building.
-
The bowling alley where I worked was closer to school than to home so I go straight there after school, the shifts were mostly boring and mildly annoying with my perv boss constantly making passes but mostly it was just cleaning up drinks and vomit which was gross but boring.
It was always dark by the time I got back to the trailer park where I lived but there were always people about, smoking outside their homes or chatting with neighbours. It was fairly lively but there was only one other person in this place I cared about.
As I got off my board, walking through the different trailers, I was happy to see the familiar van parked in the trailer behind mine. Eddie was in. And I had just been paid for the week so with the new cash burning a hole in my pocket, I made a b-line for Eddie’s trailer, knocking on the door and smiling as the smell of weed hit me.
“KC, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Eddie greeted me with a grin, always so on with his customers.
“Payday.” I grinned as I stepped inside, shutting the door behind me and pulling out the cash. “You got my usual?” I asked hopefully.
“You know I do.” He grinned, opening a box that was stored in one of the cupboards. “You wanna hang and finish this one with me?” He asked as he handed me the bag.
“Thanks but it’s been a long day, need some alone time.” I admitted, handing him the cash.
“No worries, maybe next time.” He said coolly, not put off at all. He often offered, I figured he was just being polite and usually declined. But there was something comforting about seeing his van and seeing the lights on, knowing someone I trusted to an extent was nearby.
-
The week felt like it went on forever but finally Friday rolled around and I had written up what I hoped was a pretty decent presentation, ready for my part of the work to be over and done with. Steve met me at lunch to look over the script and he seemed pretty confident so when English rolled around final period I was a lot more relaxed than I usually was before an oral exam.
When it was our turn to present, Steve took to the front of the room while I coaxed him from my seat. I had thought it had gone really well, and I suppose I was half right.
“Wow, I am impressed, Mr Harrington, some really deep insights there, very interesting.” Mr Jenkins praised as Steve took his seat and he took to the front of the room. “I think that will be an A for you, Steve.” I barely had time to smile before he added, “Unfortunately for Miss Foster I am afraid I am unable to give you a mark as you did not present, you fail.”
“What?” I retorted, unable to help myself. “I wrote like the whole presentation you can’t fail me!”
“It was an oral presentation, Miss Foster, since you did not present, I cannot pass you.” He drawled, already uninterested in whatever I had to say.
“But Steve didn’t even do anything, I wrote the whole thing!” I argued, I needed this grade to graduate, I could not be stuck in this stupid school for another year.
“Is this true, Mr Harrington?” Jenkins asked, turning to Steve.
“No way, I definitely helped.” Steve said, not even looking back at me.
“Liar!” I accused, and it was as people starting giggling and whispering that I realised I was crashing out. “Whatever, fuck this class.” I muttered as I grabbed my bag and left the room, breathing hard and trying not to think too hard about the consequences.
It wasn’t until I stopped to breathe and think that I realised someone had followed me and turned to see none other than Steve running after me. “What the hell was that, Foster, you totally threw me under the bus back there?” Steve questioned and I laughed.
“Are you serious?” I questioned, shaking my head. “I failed the one class I really couldn’t afford to fail, you get an A and somehow I’m the bad guy?”
“Just calm down, you were just embarrassing yourself back there, it’s not that big of a deal.” He insisted, eyebrows drawn in confusion as he looked at me in my frazzled state.
“It might not be a big deal to you but for people like me who can’t just rely on my parents wealth, it is a big fucking deal you idiot.” I seethed.
I expected him to argue back but I was surprised a little when his features softened. “I didn’t know, okay, I’m sorry.”
“What?” I was caught off guard by his apology, it wasn’t like him and it seemed strange.
“I’m sorry, I’ll try and talk to Jenkins, see if he’ll change his mind.” He offered, taking a step towards me.
I shook my head. “It’s no use, he hates me.” I said, forcing a laugh. “I should have dropped his class for business weeks ago but what can I say, I like books.” I shrugged.
“Well, I’ll try anyway.” Steve said, seeming nervous. “Look, I really didn’t realise it would be that big a deal. I’m having a house party tonight, why don’t you swing by and drown your sorrows.”
“I work after school.” I said, shrugging. “And I don’t really do social events.”
“Well, come after, we’ll be going til late.” He said. “I promise I’ll make it up to you, you’ll have a good night.”
“Will there be weed?” I asked, not being able to help but be tempted by his smooth offer.
“Of course.” He grinned. “So, will I see you there?” He asked as the bell rang, students beginning to file into the hall.
“Maybe.” I offered, rolling my eyes at his fist pump.
“I’m taking that as a yes.”
-
Skating up to Steve’s house at nearly midnight was already terrifying enough on its own but seeing his house and the sheer size of it was incredibly intimidating. There were a lot of people roaming around outside and it seemed even more were inside if the noise was any indication. I thought about turning around to leave when a familiar mop of black hair walked past, joint hanging out of his mouth and beer in hand.
“KC?” He questioned as he saw me. “Surprised to see you here.”
“Yeah, I’m considering turning around.” I admitted, grip tight on my board as I eyed the hoards of teenagers roaming around the pool.
“Nah, you came all this way, at least come have a smoke with me.” He insisted, swinging an arm around my shoulders and beginning to walk through the Harrington’s garden patio with me.
“Can’t hurt.” I shrugged in agreement, following him towards a quieter part of the garden where a few people were sat on garden chairs talking quietly.
“Got a new addition to the party.” Eddie grinned as he sat with them, pulling me into the chair next to him.
“Welcome!” The girl opposite me grinned. “You look nervous? Are you nervous? Cos I am, this is not really my thing.” She rambled and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Yeah, me neither.” I admitted. “Steve invited me and I didn’t want to be rude but.. there’s a lot of people here.”
“Tell me about it.” The guy next to Eddie sighed. “Partying with a bunch of highschoolers isn’t my idea of a fun Friday night.”
“You don’t go to Hawkins High?” I questioned.
“Nah, graduated last year, I’m working for the Hawkins Post at the moment.” He said. “I’m Jonathon by the way.”
“How rude of me I forgot introductions!” Eddie exclaimed, shaking his head at himself. “Everyone, this is KC, one of my best clientele, and KC, this is Gareth, Robin and Jonathon.” He introduced, pointing to each person in turn.
“I think we’re both in Miss Sherman’s algebra class.” The girl, Robin piped up.
“Oh yeah, sorry, I’m used to looking at the back of your head.” I said.
Robin laughed awkwardly. “That’s okay, hopefully the front isn’t too disappointing.”
“No, definitely not.” I laughed in return.
“Foster, you made it!” A new voice called and I turned to see Steve stumbling his way over to us. “And I see you’ve found the cool kids table.”
“Well if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t have made it past the driveway.” I said honestly.
“You’re welcome, Harrington.” Eddie winked dramatically at Steve.
“Well I’m glad you came.” He said, leaning close to me in his drunken state. “You want a drink? We should get you a drink, come on.”
I rolled my eyes but if I was going to stay at this party any longer, which I was now a little more interested in with these new faces, I was going to need a drink. “Go on then.” I caved, getting up from my chair and following Steve through the crowded house towards the kitchen.
I couldn’t help but feel slightly self-conscious around the scantily clad high schoolers filling the house. And I noticed the judgy stares I was getting as I followed Steve. I had changed after work but still chose to wear something comfortable. A baggy pair of cargo pants with an oversized top. People didn’t pay this look much mind at school, if anything it helped me blend in but I guess at a party it did the opposite.
“KC?” Steve’s voice rang in my ears and I realised he was asking me about drinks.
“Um, I don’t know, whatever you recommend.” I said, just needing something to ease the anxiety that had started crawling in.
“Coming up.” He said. I watched carefully as he poured a fair helping of vodka into the cup before adding cherry soda, giving it a quick stir before handing it to me.
“You drink like a 14 year old.” I commented with a laugh as I took the drink from him, taking a sip and noting that it was both strong and sweet.
“I mean I’m more of a beer guy myself.” He admitted. And yet he was already making another of the same drink. “But sometimes you just need something a little sweeter.”
He tilted his cup towards me. I rolled my eyes before knocking my cup against his. “Cheers.”
-
I found myself mostly in the garden with the cool kids as Steve had described them. But when Jonathon and Robin both headed home, I decided it was probably time to call it a night. Eddie and I ventured into the house to find Steve and let him know we were off, especially as he had spent a fair amount of time with us despite the volume of guests in the house.
As we were in the kitchen, someone said he was in his room and so Eddie offered to go get him while I waited in the kitchen.
“Not exactly dressed for the occasion, are we princess?” I was shocked when I realised I was the one being addressed by the guy, who I didn’t even recognise, who had just approached the drinks table with a few of his friends.
“Well I’m leaving now so doesn’t matter.” I said, rolling my eyes at him.
“Ah no, the party is just getting started!” He cheered as he came to stand beside me. “I’m Jack by the way.” He held his hand out to me.
I shook it hesitantly. “KC.” I offered.
“You’re the skater right?” He asked.
“Nah she’s the stoner chick always out by the bleachers man.” One of the other guys said.
“I’m both.” I said, shaking my head.
“Well it’s nice to see you out, KC.” Jack said, raising his cup before realising I didn’t have one. “Damn, let me get you a drink, what’s your poison?” He asked.
“No I’m okay, I’m literally just waiting for my friend then I’m going.” I told him.
“Come on, just one before you hit the road.” He coaxed.
That sentence was hard to hear as an ex addict. Not a life I liked to dwell on. Well, still an addict just a much more functional, healthier one. I had worked hard to get here but one more drink can’t hurt. I had been so sensible all night and I would be leaving any minute.
“Sure, just one.”
-
I don’t know what was taking Eddie so long but I was over halfway through my drink, still talking with the boys, Jake, Sam and Max, when I was starting to feel a little lightheaded. “Hey, I’m gonna go look for my friend.” I said, putting my drink down and blinking fast to try and concentrate.
“He’s only been like ten minutes, I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” Jake said, placing a hand on my arm to try and stop me from going.
I brushed him off, about to walk away when my legs began to feel like jelly and I stumbled forwards to the counter in front of me.
“Hey, just chill.” Jake’s voice suddenly sounded in my ear and he was guiding me up to lean back on the counter behind me.
“What the fuck did you do?” I demanded, vision blurring as I attempted to glare at him.
“Just trying to loosen you up, princess.” He smirked and my stomach lurched. And then he was pulling at my top, pulling it off over my head. Thankfully I had a long tee on underneath but it was tight and low cut and that was already enough to get them riled. “Damn, you’ve been hiding a huge rack under those shirts, let the girls breathe.”
It was when he reached to grope me, the crowd around us already laughing at the little display, that something snapped. Pushing him off of me as hard as I could, I stumbled through the house as fast as I could.
“Oh fuck.” I muttered to myself as I got outside, my head swimming but filled with the adrenaline of get the fuck out, I didn’t know what to do.
When I saw my board outside the front door, it was like I was on autopilot, grabbing it and setting off. I had barely made it five feet when my stomach lurched and I was stumbling to the curb side to throw up.
“KC!” Steve’s voice called, running up to me with my shirt in hand. “KC, wait up, what happened?”
“What happened?” I repeated, wiping the spit from my face as I sat on the concrete below. “One of your fucking asshole friends drugged me.”
“What? Who was it?” He questioned but my ears were ringing and my insides felt like they were exploding.
“Fuck, some Jake asshole, I don’t care right now I just need to get home now.” I said, squeezing my eyes shut and trying to compose myself enough to get up again.
“Eddie’s just coming.” Steve said, I couldn’t see his expression but I could hear the nerves in his voice. “KC, believe me whoever did this is not my friend, I’m so sorry.”
I looked up at him, finding nothing but sincerity on his face. He held a hand out to me. “Let me help you get home, please, the least I can do.”
I took his hand, letting him help me up and immediately leaning into him for support as my vision blurred again.
As we reached Eddie’s van, he came round to help me get in before turning to Steve. “Hey man, I got work in the morning, I can’t stay up looking after her.” He said, as if I wasn’t even there. “And her nan is like bedbound or something.”
“I can come by in a bit and check on her, gonna shut this thing down anyway.” Steve said. “Forest Hills, right?” He questioned.
“Yeah man, that’d be good.” Eddie responded.
“Umm, I think I can take care of myself thank you very much.” I interrupted from where I sat in the van.
“If you were drunk, maybe, but drugged, definitely not.” Steve said pointedly.
“Not my first rodeo, cowboy.” I hissed back but he didn’t take much notice of it.
“Either way, I’ll swing by in a bit, take care man.” Steve said, pulling Eddie in for a side hug before heading back towards the house.
Eddie was quick to get in the driver’s seat, rummaging in the glovebox for a moment before handing me a plastic bag that definitely used to contain weed at some point. “I’ll drive slow but if you need to hurl use this please.” He laughed.
“Thank you.”
-
Eddie got me back safely, I pretty much passed out as soon as he got me to the bedroom. I don’t know how long I was out but I was woken by the need to throw up again, stumbling to the bathroom to throw up once again. It was ten minutes in when I heard the door knock but I was in no position to get up and answer it.
I was surprised a moment later when I heard a voice. “KC? Hey, your door was unlocked!” Steve called.
“In here!” I called back, kicking the bathroom door open with my foot while my head was still over the toilet bowl.
“Oh shit, you okay?” Steve asked.
“Do I look-“ I didn’t even get to finish my retort as my stomach lurched and I was leaning over the toilet bowl once again. Steve was next to me this time, pulling my (admittedly gross and sweaty) hair back with one hand and the other rubbing soothing circles over my back.
It was a while before I sat back down, leaning against the wall with exhaustion and Steve sat opposite me, concern all over his face.
“How long have you been at this?” He asked.
“A while.” I admitted, eyes fluttering shut.
“Should we take you to the hospital? Call someone?” He asked, trying to remain calm but I could hear the panic in his tone.
“No, it’s okay, this is normal.” I said, shaking my head lightly.
“This is definitely not normal, Kace.” He sighed.
“It is for me.” I opened my eyes to try and convince him more. “This is what happens when you give an ex junkie an unexpected hit.”
His brow furrowed. “Ex junkie?” He questioned.
“We all have a past, Harrington.” I rolled my eyes. “And I’m over that shit now, I drink sensible, I only smoke weed, don’t touch anything harder but can’t plan for being drugged.”
Steve was quiet for a moment. “I’m so sorry.” He finally said.
“Look it’s not your fault, I should’ve been more careful.” I sighed.
“I’m still sorry.” He said, shrugging a little.
-
After sitting in the bathroom for a while, eventually I started to feel like falling asleep and Steve helped me to the bedroom, emptying my waste basket and putting it by my bed and bringing me a glass of water before sitting at the desk chair in my room.
“You just gonna sit there and watch me like a creep?” I asked, eyes fighting to stay open.
“I don’t wanna leave you on your own.” He said nervously.
“I’m fine on my own, trust me.” I replied.
“Still, don’t want you to die in your sleep.” He chuckled.
“Well if you’re gonna stay at least come cuddle me.” I said.
“What?” Steve seemed taken aback.
“Come on, Harrington, I’m not asking you to fuck me.” I rolled my eyes. “But I feel shit and if you’re gonna stay you might as well make yourself useful.” I teased.
He breathed a laugh before I heard him moving and felt the bed dip behind me. He was hesitant as he wrapped an arm around me and so I pulled him closer. “Alright, alright.” He laughed quietly, scooting closer and holding me properly. “That better?”
“Perfect.” I sighed. “You’re a real one, Harrington.”
“Anytime, Kace.”
-
STEVE’S POV
KC was out cold when I woke up and so I left her a note with my number before heading over to the garage where Eddie worked.
There was a lot going on last night and despite all the chaos of the party, there was only one thing I couldn’t stop thinking about.
“Steve, what are you doing here?” Eddie asked as he saw me approaching, throwing aside the wrench he had been using and straightening up to greet me.
“I’m concerned about KC, man.” I admitted.
“She okay?” He questioned.
“Yeah, well kinda, I just think something is off.” I said. “You said she lives with her nan, right?”
“Yeah, Valerie, she’s like super old but she’s nice.” He said.
“So you know her?” I asked.
“Kind of, what’s this about?” He questioned, confusion across his features.
“Have you seen her recently?” I asked, not wanting to air my suspicions if they were wrong.
“Yeah like, last week, or maybe a couple of weeks ago.” He said, still seeming confused.
“So you haven’t seen her in like a couple weeks?” I asked.
“No but she doesn’t go out much.” He said.
“It’s just, when I was there last night, there was no sign of her. And KC was throwing up pretty loudly but she never came out.” I said.
“And?” Eddie coaxed.
“And the kitchen, there’s no way two people are using that kitchen, it barely looks like one person is.” I paused, things all starting to click in my head. “And there was this smell.”
“Smell? What like weed?” He questioned.
“No, no, it was like covered by the weed but it smelt, off, like I don’t know.” I sighed, running my hands over my face. “I just worry something’s going on there, I don’t want her to be in danger.”
“Look, man, if you’re that worried, go check with Hop, Valerie is supposed to have health check ins anyway, just go request one.” Eddie suggested. There was a level of understanding in his tone. He knew that my fears were not based in fantasy. If KC had been through anything like we had, she wouldn’t have anyone to talk to about it.
“Right, yeah, I’ll do that.”
-
KC POV
And that, good folks of Hawkins, is how Steve Harrington changed everything. Unbeknownst to me at the time but something I would ultimately come to thank him for in the future.
But as I was escorted out of my home by Chief Hopper and put into handcuffs in front of all my neighbours, including Steve Harrington who had been at Eddie’s that day, I didn’t feel quite so thankful.
The paramedics carrying a body bag out of the trailer after me and placing it into an ambulance didn’t help either.
“Hey, Hop, what’s going on here?” Steve asked as he jogged over to us. I wanted the ground to swallow me up.
“Can’t discuss that right now, kid.” Hopper said, helping me into his truck.
“Why is KC in handcuffs?” He asked, more direct.
“Look, kid, just meet us down at the station.” Hopper sighed before getting in the truck with me and beginning to drive away.
-
That is how I found myself sat in the Chief of Police’s office, nervously sat in front of Hopper, not entirely sure how to explain myself.
“So, do you want to explain to me what happened?” He started, tone firm and steady.
“I can explain, honestly I don’t think it’s as bad as it looks.” I started. “My nan, she was always in bed and I’m not entirely sure when it happened but a couple of weeks ago she just didn’t wake up and I was going to call someone, I was but I knew I would be moved to another foster family again and I had finally started to see the end, I thought maybe I could just wait until I turned 18-“
“You thought you could hide a dead body for 3 months?” Hopper interrupted, eyebrows raised.
“I don’t know!” I sighed in frustration, tears stinging my eyes as the whole situation unravelled. “I don’t know, okay. I am just so close to getting out of the system and I’ve been sober so long, relocating again this late in the game would just ruin everything.”
Hopper was quiet for a moment as he took in my now crying and frustrated state. “How were you planning to get by on your own?” He eventually asked.
The question confused me enough to calm down a beat. “I have a job.” I said after a moment, wiping at my eyes. “I don’t earn a lot but live cheap and save good, I’ve even got rent sorted for next week already but they won’t accept it from a minor.”
“Park rules?” He questioned.
I nodded. “Without nan, I can’t live there and I can’t afford to live anywhere else but going back into the system for only 3 months, having to relocate and start again and lose what I have here? It’s not worth it.”
“What do you have here? Didn’t seem like much in that trailer that wouldn’t fit in a suitcase.” He commented, shrugging.
“It’s not the things, it’s the life I have here. I have a job and independence and a sort of peace that I never had growing up.”
“Peace in Hawkins?” Hopper questioned, amused.
“I know, it’s kind of chaotic here and there’s a weird energy but this is the only place I’ve been able to stay sober, the only place I’ve been able to look after myself.” I shrugged. “Maybe it’s nothing special but I’m not ready to leave yet.”
Hopper and I talked for a little while more before he left to make some calls while I anxiously waited for his return. Thankfully it wasn’t too much longer when he returned, expression unreadable.
“Well, kid, good news. The autopsy backs up your story, seems your nan died of a heart attack in her sleep a couple weeks ago, no bruising or intrusions, story checks out.” He reeled off as he took a seat. “As for your living situation, I think I have a plan that you might like. I just need to make a couple more calls but for now, you have some visitors waiting outside.”
“Visitors?” I questioned.
“Seems you’ve got more support here than you thought.” He mused. “I’ll come get you once I’ve got more information for you.”
Outside, I was mildly surprised to see Steve and Eddie sat on the bench outside the station, Eddie with a cigarette in hand and Steve talking expressively with his hands.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked, walking over to them.
Steve immediately moved up so that I could sit between them. “I mean, we saw what happened, we wanted to know what was going on, check you’re okay.” He said, a worried expression on his face.
“I mean you’re no longer in handcuffs so that’s a good sign.” Eddie taunted, pulling out a cigarette and handing it to me.
“What did happen then?” Steve asked.
I began to tell them everything that had happened, knowing with Hawkins and the amount of people who had witnessed my little arrest this morning, news was bound to travel fast. They were a lot more understanding and patient than I expected them to be. Steve even seemed relieved which was strange.
“So, you’re okay though?” Steve asked after I had finished recounting what had happened.
“Me? Yeah I’m okay.” I chuckled. “I mean I think maybe a little insane, the more I say what happened out loud the crazier it sounds.”
“No, it doesn’t sound crazy.” Eddie said, shaking his head. “You did what you thought was best for your survival, that’s understandable.”
“It was stupid.” I sighed, leaning back against the wall behind us. “I can’t move cities again.”
“Maybe you won’t have to, Hop said he was sorting something right?” Steve said.
“That’s what they all say.” I said honestly. “And they never come through, I know how this works.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Eddie said. “Hopper is.. surprising.”
“I’m a little surprised you of all people are close with the chief of police.” I said, raising an eyebrow at Eddie.
“Hey, he’s a good guy, saved my ass on several occasions.” Eddie said.
“Well, I’ve given up holding out hope for these things to work out.” I shrugged.
“Well, we can wait with you to find out.” Steve offered, slinging an arm around my shoulders.
I couldn’t help but smile slightly despite myself. “Why you being so friendly all of a sudden, Harrington?” I questioned.
“What do you mean?” He asked, confused all of a sudden.
“I mean you relentlessly antagonise me at school, I thought you hated me.” I said honestly, a little surprised at the shocked reaction he had.
“Wait what?” He spluttered, looking to Eddie for answers but he simply shrugged before returning his gaze to me. “Antagonising you… I thought, I thought..” He trailed off, suddenly nervous, one hand anxiously reaching for the back of his neck and the other tense on his knee.
“You thought what?” I asked, now confused myself.
“Yeah, what were you thinking, Steve?” Eddie taunted from behind me. I had almost forgotten he was there.
“I thought we were flirting.” He admitted softly, a rejected expression on his face that I had never seen before.
“Seriously?” I questioned in shock. “I thought you were being mean, why do you think I was so mean back?”
“Oh my god this is brilliant. He thought it was flirting!” Eddie laughed and I turned to slap his shoulder.
“Stay out of this, you.” I warned before turning back to Steve. “Is that really what you think flirting is?”
“Well, kinda.” Steve admitted, looking nervous again. “Look, I’m not used to flirting with like good people, I didn’t realise it came off that way. I’m so sorry.”
I couldn’t help but laugh a little, the whole situation feeling a little hilarious to me. “Is that why you wanted me at your party?” I asked, teasing a little now.
His face went red. “Kinda. I didn’t think you’d actually show and my room was a mess so I went to tidy a bit so we could.. talk there.”
“Talk, sure.” Eddie laughed.
“Dude, do you have to be here for this?” Steve sneered.
“You drove me here Harrington and I’m way too high to be alone with all these cops around.” He grinned, looking way too pleased with himself.
“Just ignore him.” I said, drawing Steve’s attention back. “So you actually like what, like me?” I asked, still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing.
“Well, yeah.” He admitted with a small shrug. “Is that okay?” He asked awkwardly.
Now it was my turn to get a little nervous. “I mean, yeah, I think so.”
“This is going so well.” Eddie muttered to which Steve flipped him off.
“Things are just, you know, not ideal right now.” I said, gesturing to the police station behind us.
“No, no, I know and I don’t expect us to have to talk about it right now.” He was quick to add. “But I’d like to be here for you too.”
“That would be nice.” I said finally with a small smile.
“Aww.” Eddie cooed and I finally turned to punch him properly in the arm. “Ow, man, that hurt.” He whined, clutching at his arm dramatically.
“We told you to stay out of it.” I shrugged.
Just then Hopper came out of the building, motioning for me to come back inside.
“Good luck, kid.” Eddie called as I followed him inside.
Once in his office, Hopper still with that unreadable expression, he finally began to talk. “Okay, so I’ve made some calls. A good friend of mine, Joyce Byers has agreed for you to stay with her until you turn 18.”
“I told you I don’t want another foster family.” I sighed, disappointed.
“This is not a foster family. As I said, Joyce is a good friend of mine who lives here in Hawkins.” He iterated the end of his sentence, as if to prove that I had jumped the gun. And I guess he was right. “She has two boys, I don’t usually speak highly of teenagers but I like these ones. It is a nice home, lots of privacy and I know for a fact the older teen partakes in the same recreational activities you do.” He tilted his head suggestively at the end of his statement, a twinkle in his eye I hadn’t noticed before.
“Oh.” I said quietly, a little surprised. “That sounds pretty good.”
“It is.” He agreed, nodding. “And I have a plan to secure your trailer until you turn 18. It isn’t a guarantee, but I am working on it, okay?”
“Okay.” I agreed, realising that maybe Steve and Eddie had been onto something about this guy.
“Give me 10 minutes to sort some things out here and then I can drive you over to Joyce’s, deal?” He said.
“Deal. Thank you, Chief.” I said, offering a small smile before I left the room, heading straight over to Eddie and Steve who were stood waiting.
“So, what’s the verdict?” Eddie asked straight away.
“He said his friend, Joyce Byers agreed to take me in until I turn 18.” I said, still a little unsure of this news.
“Wait, really?” Steve asked, smiling all of a sudden.
“Yeah, do you know her?” I asked.
“Yes, and trust me you will be in such good hands.” He said earnestly.
“Her son is Jonathon, the one with us last night.” Eddie said.
“Oh wow, well he was cool. Maybe this won’t be so bad.” I said, still unsure but from their reactions, maybe this would be a good thing.
“It’s one of our frequent hangout spots actually, so I can antagonise you all the time now.” Steve teased carefully, eyes scanning my face to see how the joke would go down.
“Maybe I can show you how to actually flirt for real.” I teased back and he grinned.
“That sounds good to me.”
-
Chapter Two
author's note: Hey, I'm Kas! I used to write fanfics (mostly dan and phil) over 8 years ago but have decided to get back into the fanfic community and share some things I've been working on! This one I've been writing for nearly a year now and I'm quite proud of it. Chapters 1 to 5 have been written already so will be posting regularly and hopefully if you like it you'll stick around to read!
Sending love, Kas x