#lost hope

“I got it! I’m officially a Library Associate!” you grinned, barely containing your excitement.

The two of you grabbed each other’s hands and bounced in place.

“I’m so proud of you! What will she do next? Next stop: librarian world domination!” Robin beamed.

You laughed, breathless from the excitement. “Honestly, this is such a relief. Like… maybe I really can make it on my own someday.”

Robin gave your arms a reassuring rub. “You will. No ‘maybe’ about it.”

You pulled her into a hug. “Thanks, Robs. You’re the bestest friend a girl could ask for.”

She snorted. “Finally! I can rub that in Steve’s smug face.”

You shook your head, laughing. “Speaking of- when does he expect us over tonight?”

Robin checked her phone. “Uh… he said ‘7-ish.’ So basically whenever.”

“Wanna stop at the store first and grab some snacks?”

She nodded. “Absolutely.”

A few hours later, you finished getting dressed, going with black leggings, a random band tee, and a black zip-up hoodie. You and Robin headed out, swinging by the store to grab your usual go to snacks- some popcorn, chips, candy, drinks- just in case Steve lacked on your favorites.

Pulling up to his house, the two of you waddled up to the front door, arms overloaded with bags. Steve opened the front door just in time, eyes widening at the sight.

“Help,” Robin grunted dramatically.

He rushed forward, grabbing a few bags with a grin. “I got it, I got it.”

Inside, the music was playing low. Nancy, Jonathan, Dustin, and Eddie were already sitting around, talking and snacking on whatever Steve had had out.

Robin dropped her remaining bags onto the coffee table, throwing her arms up for attention. “Alright, everyone- pause for celebration! Because someone here just landed her first big girl job at the Hawkins Library!”

She pointed at you dramatically.

Your face heated instantly as everyone turned to you- but then the cheers broke out.

Steve pulled you into a side hug. “Knew you’d get it! Congrats, y/n!”

“That’s amazing,” Nancy added with a smile. “I’ve always thought that place looks so peaceful to work at.”

Dustin came over, already scheming. “Okay, I know we barely know each other, but any chance you’d hold some comics under my name?”

Before you could respond, Eddie reached over and smacked the back of Dustin’s head gently, dragging him away by the forehead.

“Smooth, Henderson. Real heartfelt,” Eddie teased, glancing at you with a warm smile.

You laughed, shaking your head.

“I meant, congratulations!” Dustin muttered sheepishly.

You smiled at the group. “Thanks, guys. I’m just glad I can walk there for now while I work on my next goal- getting my own decent vehicle that won’t break down on me at any given moment.”

“Hey, you know you can always use my car too if I’m not working.” Robin made sure you knew before unpacking the bags of snacks.

Most of the group had moved on to popping popcorn, putting chips and candy into bowls and making drinks, but Eddie, Steve, and Dustin hung back near you.

Eddie rubbed the back of his neck. “Hey… I don’t know if you knew, but I work at the mechanic shop in town. Just finished fixing up this little Toyota as a side project. Promise, runs perfectly fine. You can have it if you want.”

Your eyes widened. “Wait- how much are you asking?”

He hesitated a little. “Oh, no- free of charge. No catch. I just… I dunno, I wanna help.”

Steve remained quiet, watching how this was going to pan out.

You stared at him, floored. “Eddie, that’s so generous, but I can’t accept that. It’s… it’s a car. That’s a lot. Let me save up a bit and buy it off you properly, okay? But seriously- thank you. That means a lot.”

Eddie gave a half shrug, playing it cool even though he could feel the tops of his ears turning red. “No worries. Offer’s always there.”

Robin came over, tugging on your sleeve. “C’mon, help me make this ridiculous mixed drink I found online.”

You gave Eddie one more grateful smile before following her to the kitchen.

Left standing there, Eddie looked like he was rethinking everything. Dustin elbowed him, grinning.

“You offered her a whole ass car, dude. What’s next, your soul?”

Eddie groaned. “Shut up, Henderson. It’s not like that.”

Dustin laughed so hard he nearly fell into a bean bag. Eddie rolled his eyes and muttered, “I’m going out for a smoke,” already heading for the door.

———————————————————————————

As Eddie took the first drag of his freshly lit cigarette, the back door creaked open behind him. Steve stepped outside.

Exhaling slowly, Eddie glanced over. “What’s up? Movie starting?”

Steve shook his head, “Nah, not yet.”

Eddie cocked an eyebrow, “You good?”

Steve hesitated, then asked sincerely, “You like her, don’t you?”

“Why do you say that?” He asked as he took a drag from the cigarette between his fingers.

Steve deadpanned, “I really have to explain this?”

Eddie shrugged, “I don’t know, maybe. We’re only just becoming somewhat friends.. but would it be a crime if I did?”

Steve let out a quiet sigh, “Look- I’m not saying you can’t like y/n. But she’s still working through a lot. She may not still have feelings for the guy, but he did a number on her mentally. It was bad, man. There’s a lot you don’t know. Just, don’t.. don’t make it more complicated for her.”

“I know that. I’m not trying to push anything, Steve. It was a stupid offer, but I just wanted to help her out.” Eddie continues trying to persuade him to understand his side, “What if I—“

“Eddie. Just back off a bit.”

“Alright, alright. I won’t offer up any more free cars.” He chuckles.

Steve rolled his eyes, “Just take it slow. Gonna freak her out.”

Eddie nodded, as he took another drag of his cigarette, and Steve headed back inside.

Once everyone had settled onto the couches and random bean bags, Steve stood up and clapped his hands together, getting everyone’s attention.

“Alright! As you all know, I took everyone’s movie preferences into account- some classics, horror, comedy…”

Dustin groaned loudly. “Please just get on with it.”

Steve shot him a look, hands on his hips. “So impatient,” he muttered. “Okay- tonight’s pick is the first Scream.”

There were a few shrugs and mumbled approvals, but Robin raised a brow. “How did any of our options lead to Scream?”

As Steve started up the movie, he shrugged. “They didn’t. I just really wanted to rewatch this one.”

Before Robin could argue, he hit play. “Too late! Everyone get comfy!”

You were sandwiched between Robin and Eddie on one of the couches when Robin leaned toward you with a smug grin. “Well, I know one person who won’t have any complaints.”

You shifted slightly, acting innocent, “I have no idea what you’re going on about.”

Robin scoffed. “Oh, you forgot telling me about your little mask ki—”

You slapped a hand over her mouth. “Please, why not just say it louder?”

Too late. The room erupted in laughter. You sank further into the couch, feeling your face burn up again.

You started to laugh through the embarrassment, stuttering, “Okay, I don’t have a mask kink! I just- Matthew Lillard is unfairly handsome, and Ghostface is… just iconic!”

Eddie snickered beside you, and Nancy chimed in, “Hey, I get it. The voice changer, the mystery of it all- it works.”

Jonathan let out a loud, “What?!” as he laughed along with everyone else.

As the opening scene of the movie began, the room slowly quieted. You nestled deeper into the couch, unintentionally ending up even closer to Eddie- your knees brushing now and then.

The longer the movie played, the harder it became for Eddie to get comfortable without getting too comfortable. He avoided looking your way, but every time the Ghostface mask appeared on-screen, a small grin tugged at his lips. Or when you went to grab a handful of popcorn from the bowl sitting in his lap, his whole body would go stiff.

He tried to keep his distance, but his body seemed to keep leaning toward yours anyway. It was subtle, but constant.

And you weren’t exactly pulling away when the space between you both disappeared. He wanted to believe it meant something- that you liked being close to him. But he didn’t let himself go there.

Instead, he told himself it was just the couch. Just too soft. Just shifting naturally.

Nothing more than that… right?

———————————————————————————

By the time the movies end credits started to roll, half the room had already drifted off into a comfortable silence. Robin was curled up on into the side of the couch, blanket pulled up to her nose. Jonathan and Nancy were on the other couch, lost in a low, whispered conversation. Dustin was completely knocked out, mouth open and snoring on a beanbag. Steve stretched with a yawn and wandered into the kitchen.

You stretched your legs out, letting out a soft sigh as your knee bumped a little too firmly into Eddie’s.

“Sorry,” you whispered, quickly pulling back.

Eddie shook his head, voice low, “You’re good.”

The glow from the TV lit up your face as you stared ahead. For the first time that night, he allowed himself a full glance your way. You looked relaxed- warm and cozy- still wearing the ghost of a smile from earlier.

Steve returned from the kitchen, holding a bottle of water and eyeing the living room like a tired babysitter looking over his unruly group of kids.

“Alright, movie’s over. Crash here or head out- it’s up to you. But no more Ghostface confessions after midnight,” he said with a smirk in your direction.

You groaned, “Just let it die already, Harrington.”

Robin popped her head out of the blanket. “She says let it die, but her heart says, ‘Oh Mr. Ghostface, I’ll be your hopeless victim—’”

Laughter erupted around the room again as you shook your head and lobbed a pillow at her.

Nancy and Jonathan started getting their shoes on and grabbing their jackets, while Robin joined Steve in picking up the snack mess. Dustin, miraculously, still hadn’t stirred. You and Eddie stayed where you were, stuck in a comfortable stillness that didn’t require anything more.

“You guys staying?” Eddie asked quietly, glancing your way.

You shook your head. “Nah. Robin’s got this thing where she can’t sleep through the night unless it’s in her own bed.”

He chuckled softly, stretching his arms above his head. “I’ll probably knock out here on the couch.”

You gave a small nod, then rose from your spot, gathering the unopened snacks to bring into the kitchen. At the door, Jonathan and Nancy called out goodbyes, already heading into the night.

Robin looked over at you. “We ready?”

“Yes, ma’am,” you said, slipping on your shoes.

Steve and Eddie stood by the door to see you both out.

“Drive safe,” Steve said. “Text when you get home if you remember.”

“Watch out for Mr. Ghostface- though I guess y/n wouldn’t mind that,” Eddie teased.

Robin and Steve laughed softly. You nudged him with your elbow.

“I don’t have a mask kink!”

Eddie smirked. “Mhmm.”

“I don’t!” you insisted, standing your ground.

“Oh yeah? So if I showed up in a black robe, mask on, voice all deep and creepy—”

“I’d pepper spray you.”

He laughed, shaking his head and holding his hands up. “Alright, fair enough.”

Steve gave both of you hugs goodbye then headed over to the kitchen to continue cleaning, and Robin stepped outside towards the car. You were about to follow when Eddie caught your arm. He instantly cringed at himself, knowing he was probably doing the complete opposite of what Steve warned him about.

You turned, glancing at Robin heading for the driver’s seat. “What’s up?”

“I, uh… realized I never actually congratulated you on the new job. That’s a pretty sick gig, seriously,” he said, voice a little rougher now.

You smiled softly. “Don’t worry about it. But thanks- I’m really excited to start Monday. I didn’t think I’d get it.”

Eddie frowned, brows furrowing. “Why not?”

You hesitated. “Because… I think for a long time I stopped believing I was capable of doing anything on my own. He kind of drilled that into me. That I needed him. And after so many rejections during these interviews the past few weeks, it just… stuck in my head. His voice kept playing on a loop.”

Eddie’s jaw tensed, but he stayed quiet.

“I know it’s dumb,” you added quickly. “It wasn’t true, obviously. I’m doing better than I thought I would at this point, at life that is.. But when someone tells you something enough… you start to believe it.”

He leaned against the wall beside the open door, eyes on the night sky. “It’s not dumb.”

You watched him.

He shrugged, still not looking back at you. “People like that… they don’t leave bruises you can see. But they still mess you up. I’ve known that kind of bullshit. Not from someone I dated, but family. Teachers. They get in your head and don’t leave.”

You looked down. “Yeah. Exactly.”

Finally, he turned his gaze back to you. “So don’t downplay what you’ve accomplished. Every win matters. You took a step- and that’s badass.”

You smiled, a little caught off guard. “You’re kind of a softie, huh? I never would’ve guessed that back in school.”

He narrowed his eyes playfully. “Hey, I did offer you a car. I guess that would make me an official softie. A slightly ridiculous one, but still.”

You squinted at him. “You’re too nice. It’s suspicious.”

He laughed. “I’ve been called a lot of things, but ‘too nice’ is a first. And I’m only ‘too nice’ to those who deserve it.”

Before you could say anything else, the abrupt honk of a car horn made you jump.

“Shit. Robin,” you muttered. “I shouldn’t keep her waiting. Have a good night, Eddie!”

He lingered in the doorway as you stepped outside. “Night, y/n.”

He watched until you disappeared into the dark, catching one last glimpse of you as you walked through the glow of Robin’s headlights.

As the car pulled out of the driveway and out of view, Eddie quietly closed the door, the soft click of the door echoed louder than expected. He stood still for a moment, staring at the grain of the wood like it might give him answers.

“Damn it. If Steve heard any of that… I just know I’m gonna get another lecture.”

He ran a hand through his curls, exhaling hard through his nose. “Too much,” he muttered to himself. ”Of course she’s gonna think I’m being suspiciously nice. Who ends a scary movie night with a heartfelt monologue? Apparently I do now.”

He walked quietly back to the living room, careful not to wake Dustin, who had shifted only slightly in his beanbag coma, someone having draped a blanket over him. Steve was back in the kitchen, rinsing out a cup like the water was the only thing keeping him grounded.

Eddie flopped onto the couch, hands over his face, staring at the ceiling through the spaces of his fingers. He could still hear your voice- soft, uncertain, but honest.

“I stopped thinking I was capable of doing anything on my own…”

He felt his chest tighten, just the thought of anyone making you feel like that- like you weren’t enough. Like you couldn’t stand on your own. It pissed him off. Not just in a ‘punch the guy’ kind of way, but something deeper. A protective heat that settled somewhere in his ribs and wouldn’t go away.

But even more dangerous than that heat, was the growing part of him that didn’t just want to protect you- he wanted to know you. Really know you. And that… that was uncharted territory. Steve made that very clear. He couldn’t even excuse it as just trying to be friendly anymore now that Steve figured him out.

He groaned and rubbed his hands over his face. “Jesus, Munson. What are you even doing?”

From the kitchen, Steve called out without looking, “You always talk to yourself after flirting, or is this a new thing you’re trying out?”

Eddie peeked out from under his hands. “I wasn’t flirting.”

Steve turned around slowly, a knowing smirk on his face. “Uh-huh. First, offering her a car- okay, sure you could say that was just trying to help. But then a heartfelt speech at the door? No, yeah, that’s totally platonic.”

Eddie sat up with a scowl. “I was just trying to help. That’s it.”

Steve raised an eyebrow. “I told you—”

“Yeah. I know. Remember we just had a similar chat a few hours ago? I’m not trying to get her to fall in love with me on the damn porch, Harrington.”

Steve leaned back against the counter, arms folded. “Good, I’m glad you remember that too. Because she’s finally in a good place. Starting something new. Building herself back up.”

Eddie didn’t answer right away. He looked down at his hands, fingers tapping against his jeans. “I’m not trying to take that away from her.”

“I’m not saying you are. I’m just saying don’t…” Steve became quieter, “If you care about her, actually care, you’ll let her come to you. When and if she wants to.”

Eddie’s jaw worked silently, and for once, he didn’t have a snarky comeback. Just a quiet, “Yeah. I get it.”

Steve studied him for a second longer, then nodded once and disappeared into the hallway to his room. Eddie leaned his head back against the couch cushion and stared at the ceiling again.

Let her come to you. Just back off. You can do that. You’ve waited for dumber things.

The drive home was quiet at first, the kind of quiet due to tiredness after a night filled with laughter and too many snacks. Music playing low throughout the car- some indie band Robin’s been obsessed with lately.

Your mind was drifting elsewhere, but it didn’t take long for her to break the silence.

“So..” she started, not even trying to hide the smirk pointed towards you, “what took you so long back there? You were right behind me at the door.”

You looked out the window of the passenger side, a soft smile tugging at your lips, “Eddie was just congratulating me on the library job, since he technically didn’t earlier in the night, I guess.”

“That’s it?” Robin teased, throwing a sideways glance your way. “Just a friendly ‘good job, champ’?”

You rolled your eyes looking over at her, “Yes, that’s it. He was just being nice.”

Robin hummed skeptically. “Right. ‘Just nice.’ The same guy who offered you a free car?”

You shrugged, “I don’t know- this is what, like my fifth interaction with the dude ever? I didn’t know him in school- yeah I kind of figured he was gonna be more abrasive but I also figured he’d just grown up since then?”

Robin hummed again,

“What?”

“I don’t know.. just seems like-“ she paused, shifting her hands on the wheel, “it just seems like, yeah Eddie is way calmer and nicer than I ever thought- but with you?” She glanced over at you again, “It’s like he cranks up the niceness to an eleven.”

You scoffed, leaning your head back against the seat, “I did tell him he was almost being too nice- but he said he’s only ‘too nice’ to those who deserve it?”

Robin let out a loud laugh, causing you to jerk your head to look at her.

She cleared her throat, “Sorry, sorry,” she chuckled again, “then I guess no one has ever deserved it since I’ve known him. He’s never been that way towards anyone since he started hanging around. Until you, anyway.”

You couldn't come up with a good response to that, so you stayed quiet, staring out the window as familiar streets passed by.

Robin noticed. “Hey,” she said, her voice softer now. “I’m not trying to push anything or make you overthink this. I just… think it’s a good thing. You deserve more of that energy in your life, that’s all.”

You barely looked over, giving her a tired smile, “Thanks.”

When you guys arrived home, as you both were about to part ways, Robin gave your hand a gentle squeeze before heading into her room.

As soon as you entered yours, you changed into a big t-shirt and slipped into bed. Pulling up the covers to your neck, but even in the comfort of your own bed, sleep wasn’t coming easily.

You rolled over to your side, staring at the wall covered in posters and slowly- his voice crept in univited.

Jeremy.

“You have no plans since school ended, no ambition to do anything more.”

“You never think anything through.”

“You’re the most selfish person I know.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to think of anything else. But his words just kept coming back, stacking up one after another like bricks. Weighing you down.

“You’ll never get anywhere without me.”

It never mattered if you worked full time just like him, that you kept showing up even when you were drained. That you put yourself through school, alone- and finished, while trying to also be present for him. Even while still trying to grieve the loss of your parents only a few years prior when you moved in with each other.

“You cry too much.”

“You’re impossible to talk to.”

You pulled the blanket over your head, jaw clench. It didn’t even sound like your own voice anymore, just sounded like his echo, like it somehow weaseled its way into your brain and stayed.

And then only for a moment did you get a break, Eddie’s voice coming to the surface instead.

“So don’t downplay what you’ve accomplished. Every win matters. You took a step- and that’s badass.”

The weight of Jeremy’s words started to fade away a bit. Just enough to take a deep breath.

Like you told Robin, you didn’t truly know Eddie like they all did. Atleast, not yet.

Her voice played back in your head, “With you- it’s like he cranks up the niceness up to an eleven.”

You never thought about Eddie like that. Never during school, only having shared a couple classes together and a few hallway glances. He was loud and dramatic, all black clothes and unapologetic personality.

But now?

Now he offered help that he didn’t need to, hyped up your accomplishments. And now thinking about it,, he actually listened. Like really listened- to you.

You pushed the thought aside. He’s just being nice. He just seemed like that kind of person to you. The kind of person that took people in easily like you heard he did with Dustin and his group of friends.

But something about him made the past voices quieter. Not gone completely, but not so loud anymore.

And that was enough for tonight.

All you remembered from last night was tossing and turning- and then, suddenly for your rude awakening, your alarm going off.

Still waking up, you tugged on a sweatshirt and pajama shorts before shuffling into the kitchen. Robin was sit up on the counter, legs swinging to the music she put on as she sipped from a mug of coffee.

“Morning, Sleeping Beauty,” she said with a grin.

You made your way to the coffee pot. “Pretty sure I look like I got hit by a car.”

She raised a brow. “Maybe- if the car was named Emotional Trauma.”

You shot her a look, but it lacked any real sting. “Didn’t sleep much last night.”

“I figured,” she said, taking another sip. “You started to get real quiet towards the end there.”

Leaning against the counter, you stared down at your coffee. “Do you ever get stuck in old versions of yourself? Like, no matter how much better things are- or how much better you know they will be- some part of you still believes all the worst stuff someone once said about you? Even if… even if none of it was really true?”

Robin’s expression shifted, first with concern, then something softer- understanding.

“Yeah.. sometimes,” she said quietly.

You nodded, letting the silence settle between you, filled only by the hum of music and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

It was quiet. But it felt safe.

Taglist: @kellsck @joyfulllittlething @ali-r3n @bl0ssomanddie @emxxblog @animechick555 @guineveresghost @iitsmandii @the-unforgivenn @mugloversonly @streamafterlaughter @littlemissholy @kelsiegrin @micheledawn1975 @sammybrrr

Ty @strangergraphics @cyberangel-graphics & @thecutestgrotto for the dividers 🖤