#mrshipsmcgee

5:07 AM

Faint tapping clicks against the glass of John Logan’s bedroom window, the quiet slaps wake him before sleepily standing up from his bed, tired eyes scanning his surroundings as he squints to make out the time on a digital clock in the corner of the room. 

“The fuck?” His voice is deep, scratchy as he rubs his eyes and grabs his glasses from his bedside table before sleepily stepping towards the window. 

Just as he pulls back the casement’s curtains, his bedroom door swings open, the knob slamming loudly against the wall as Dean and Tuck storm into the dark quarters.  

“Sorry to wake you up like this, man-,” Tuck apologizes before flipping on the lightswitch beside the doorframe. “-But it’s important.”

“Pretty sure MU is fucking with our house,” A shirtless Dean wields a hockey stick, gripping it tightly in his hands. “They think they're slick coming here at five in the morning to fuck with our shit, but jokes on them, cause I don’t sleep.” His eyes are a little wild as they shift to the window of John’s bedroom. “We need to get down there now.”

Logan slips on his glasses before raking through his wild hair, his brows furrow seeing no sign of, “Garrett? Where is he?”

Tuck gives his friend a wary look before saying, “I fear he’s already outside.”

“Shit,” John grits his teeth, quickly stepping into his gray sweats laying beside the bed. “We need to get out there before G kills somebody.” 

The guys practically fly down the stairs. Logan leads the pack, quickly grabbing the largest ratchet he owns out of his tool bag laid out on the kitchen island as he heads towards the commotion coming from the back yard.

Tucker flips on the flood lights, revealing three men pummeling Garrett, who was now on the grass, his arms cradling his head to block the stranger’s beatings. Graham throws violent punches in between the miscreants' brutal blows. 

“Back the fuck up!” Dean bellows as he blows through the doorframe and rushes the men, striking one of the strangers with his hockey stick, “Get away from him, you dumb motherfuckers!” 

Tuck’s fists are at the ready as another one of the brutes turns towards him, tackling him to the dewy grass. The two men grunt as they viciously wrestle on the ground.

John freezes as his eyes land on the face of one of Minnesota’s starting line hockey players, who happened to be kicking Garrett in the ribs. 

“Yeah, her case didn’t even make it to court, which is insane because of what she accused them of doing to her.”

Without another thought, Logan charges the assailant, dodging each attempted punch before ultimately striking him in the back with the steel ratchet he brandished. “I know what you did, you sick motherfucker!” His voice cracks as he screams, hitting the man with the tool again, this time in the thigh. 

“You’re fucking crazy!” The stranger curses, terrified as John rears back to hit him once more. “Lets get out of here!” He yells out to the two other men, who follow his instructions and start to run, slipping on the damp lawn while they try to escape.

Logan, Tuck and Dean chase the strangers into the front yard, their attempts futile as the three men hop into a black Tahoe and peel away from the home, tires screeching loudly with their exit. 

“Stupid motherfuckers,” Dean breathes, his chest rising and falling as his nostrils flair. He tosses the hockey stick to the ground. “I’m fucking their shit up tonight.”

“Assholes,” Logan murmurs through grit teeth, his heart racing as he tries to calm his erratic breathing. 

“Guys..” Tucker’s voice is almost a whisper, gaining his friend’s attention as they both turn towards him, cursing as they see their shared home. Eggs are splattered all over the exterior of the house, toilet paper is strewn everywhere. 

A white bed sheet hangs on the front porch, displaying a message written in red paint:

FUCK THE HAWKS

“What did I say?” Dean motions towards the chaos of their front lawn. He shakes his head, "Pretentious, entitled assholes.. I need to go check on Garrett.”

John’s fists can’t seem to stop shaking, still gripping the ratchet as he tries to swallow back the rage boiling in his gut. 

“You good, man?” Tuck’s palm rests on Logan’s bare shoulder as his chest heaves.

John clears his throat, trying to shake himself free from his growing anxiety, “I need to go.”

He takes off running into the house and grabs his car keys before heading back outside and jumping into his vehicle before driving away into the early morning dusk.

___

Hurried knocking startles you awake. 

Your head turns towards the clock in your bedroom.

5:45 AM 

Your feet hit the ground as you get out of your warm bed and slowly creep towards the front door of your apartment.

Who the hell is at your door at 5 in the morning?

Heart racing, your thoughts wander to the worst imaginable outcomes. 

Your shaking fingers wrap around the handle of the bat you keep by the entrance of the apartment. Toes crack as you slip closer to the door and try to muster up the courage to peer through the peep hole; dreading what you would see in the hallway.

Instantly, you open the door, meeting the heavy-lidded gaze of, “John? What’s wrong?”

He looks like a man undone, his brown eyes full of anger; his voice raspy as he murmurs, “They fucked with our house.” 

Your eyes shift to the silver ratchet he clutched tightly in his shaking fist before scanning back up to meet his hardened gaze, “John, is everything okay with the house?”

“I don’t give a fuck about the house..” his breath shakes as he stares you down. “Are you okay?”

He looks petrified. 

Your fingers gently wrap around his white-knuckled, shaking fist, instantly softening his hardened grip as you slowly take the tool from him, “I’m okay, John.” You nod, the ratchet dings as you place it on a cluttered shelf beside the front door.

Tears gloss over his doe eyes as he gazes at you, “I am so sorry for showing up like this.. I was scared they would somehow find you, and-.” his voice falters before his arms fly around you; his glasses creak as he buries his face into your neck. 

Your fingers instinctually run through his dark locks before gently rubbing your palm on his bare back. “I’m okay, and so are you.”

He nods, sinking deeper into your embrace as he quietly holds you close, his racing heart calms alongside his breathing. “Thank you,” he exhales. 

“What for?” You ask as he pulls away, his head tilts down towards you. His mahogany gaze melts your soul. 

“Bringing me back down to earth,” a small smile spreads across his handsome face.

Your cheeks burn, “Oh, well - you’re welcome, Johnny.”

Like usual, Logan’s heart flips hearing you say his name. He loves the way the corners of your mouth curve into a smile to say it.

“You need to get back to sleep,” he says, pulling out his phone to look at the time. “Morning Stake isn’t for another few hours. Do you need me to come back and get you?”

Trying not to seem needy, you shake your head and smile, “No, sir. I actually need to run by the football locker room to grab some KT tape to wrap Tuck’s hamstring before he busts it again like he did last week.”

Logan twirls his car keys on his pointer finger before catching them in his palm, “Well, I guess I’ll see you in a few hours, Stretch.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” you reply as John walks away, turning back to sneak a quick glance your way before disappearing as he rounds the corner. 

You shut the door, slinking down to the ground of your apartment like a fool in love, unable to drop the ridiculous smile plastered on your face. 

____

9:12 AM 

“Unless you have physical documentation of the three players actually being at the house, I cannot reprimand them,” The Minnesota Frost’s Coach says as he leisurely scrolls through his phone. “If there is a real issue, let them figure it out like men on the ice tonight.”

Coach Jensen shifts in his chair, his eyes glance over to where The Briar Hawks logo was painted on the wall of his office. His tongue clicks before clearing his throat, “Tom, not only did three of your guys ransack my starting line’s house, but they also jumped our Captain, who just so happens to be our best forward.” His forehead is creased, agitation adorns his face, “I can’t help but to feel like this was all intentional, considering Garrett Graham is to the point of needing to sit on the bench tonight so he doesn’t break his already fractured ribs.” 

“Chad, look - have you considered that your boys did this to themselves to make MU look bad?” The man finally looks up from his phone.

“That’s absurd, and you know it,” Coach is calm as he stands from his chair and crosses his arms over his chest. “Why would my guys need to make yours look worse than they already do?” 

The Frost’s Coach turns red as he shoots out of his chair, his shaking finger pointing at Coach Jensen, “You and your sissy boys are gonna lose tonight.”

“See you at 6, Tommy,” Chad gives a small wave towards the man as he watches him storm out of his office. 

——

10:03 AM

“Alright, Sweet Tuck - you’re all set,” you announce, dusting your palms off on your pants before turning to the other players waiting for mending in the treatment room you inhabit across the hallway from The Hawks locker room. “Who’s next?”

Dean makes quick work of jumping onto the treatment table and points to his right shoulder, “I whooped someone’s ass this morning and now my shoulder hurts.” He pokes out his bottom lip. 

“Oh no, whatever shall we do?” You tease as you put on gloves and dip into a jar of CBD cream. Dean hisses as your knuckle rubs into the meaty part of his shoulder and into his peck, trying to stretch the tired muscles. “Jesus, Stretch!” he hisses.

“You’ll be okay, Di Laurentis,” You laugh as you take off your latex gloves and toss them into the trashcan before grabbing the kinesiology tape out of your go-bag. “Tape time, lil baby,” the tape makes a ripping sound as you tear off a long piece of the cotton strip, placing it strategically on Dean’s shoulder, before placing another strip, ensuring his musculature is correctly supported. 

You brush your hands together before you stand, "Onward, my good sir.” You salute as Dean hops off of the table and rolls his shoulder in a few circles before straightening up his posture and saluting back. 

You both release your overly dramatic salutes before bursting out laughing. 

“Thanks, Stretch!” He walks towards the locker room. “See you at Malone’s?” 

“You better believe it,” you say as he saunters out of the room. 

You turn towards the remaining players waiting for treatment, a devious smile spreads across your face. “Who shall be my next victim?” You give your best Transylvanian accent. 

One player shoves the others out of the way, pointing at his thigh, “I fucked up my quads real bad. I need the massage gun stat, Stretch.” 

“Say less,” you begin to tend to the athlete. “What did I say about overdoing it, Matty? You only have one set of legs, dude.” He groans out a “Sorry, Stretch,” as you extend his long leg and assess his musculature, then wrap the kinesiology tape across the problem area. 

Before the morning is over, three more players get wrapped, iced, stretched and taped; each one thanking you before eventually filtering out of your treatment room and onto the ice. 

“And then there were two,” you turn, smiling ridiculously as you see John Logan standing in the doorway, clad in his practice hockey pads and stakes covered with rubber guards. “I’m bad off,” he jokes as his large palm cups his face before he says, “My cheek’s hurting so bad. What can you do to help me, Stretch?”

The smile spreading across your face hurts as you try to contain a love-struck giggle, motioning towards your treatment table, “Come into my office, Mr. Logan.” 

His brown eyes roll, unable to hide his growing smile before starting towards your table, halting as commotion rings out from down the hallway.

“Get out of our stadium!” Dean’s voice booms “-You disrespectful pricks!”

“Fuck,” John turns towards the ruckus and stalks out into the hallway. You follow closely behind, knowing it’s not good for anyone when Dean Di Laurentis is angry.

You are brought to a stand still as you see the men that have haunted your dreams standing mere yards away with their fingers pointed in your friend’s faces as the other athletes attempt to hold their fellow players back from a full-on brawl. 

John abruptly steps in front of you to shield your view just as an audible gasp escapes your lips. 

In his skates, Logan seems to tower over you as he blocks you from the scene, his right hand reaching behind him to hold your shaking hand.

Your wide eyes stare blankly at John’s back, trying to focus on the blue and black padding he wore in some small attempt to ground yourself. It feels like your heart is going to drum out of your chest as tingling pricks at the flesh of your face. Your shallow breathing slowly becomes erratic, shifting into hyperventilation.

John turns towards you, trying to keep you from seeing the men’s faces as he begins quietly walking you backwards, out of the hallway and into your treatment room.

The breath in your lungs sticks like melted tar as you gasp for air, holding your aching chest as you begin to slink to the ground as your panicked eyes keep darting towards the door, terrified that the men would come in and find you.

Logan’s strong arms seamlessly scoop you up, carrying you with ease to the treatment table in the back corner of the room. “I’m right here,” he breathes, gently sitting you on the blue padded table as his strong arms keep you upright, “It’s just you and me now.”

He takes your face into his wide hands and levels his chocolate eyes with your line of vision. His warm thumbs stroke the flesh of your cheeks as he whispers your name, “I need you to look at me.”

You nod between chest heaves as your eyes finally meet his loving gaze before hot tears stream down your face and hit the padded table as you begin to sob, “I’m so sorry.”

“Please, don’t apologize,” his head shakes, brows furrowed with confusion as he wipes the tears from your cheeks, “There is absolutely no need for you to be apologizing to me.”

“I’m crazy,” tears stain the thighs of your pants as you continue to cry.

“What?” His voice cracks as his hands drop from your face to brace on his hips, “Who the hell told you that you’re crazy?"

You still can’t look at him, “Everyone back home.”

His arms cross over his padded chest, towering over you as he scowls, “Fuck everyone, Stretch.” He points towards the door, his nostrils flaring as he says, “Those bastards outside hurt you..” He swallows back the building rage flowing through his body before rubbing the bridge of his nose, “I can’t stand to see you cry..”

“I’m sorry for crying,” you cover your face with your trembling hands.

“Please.. Please, don’t apologize to me.." His hands rake through his hair as he tries to speak, ultimately squeezing his fists in agitation. “I don’t think you get it,” he points towards the door again, “I want those motherfuckers to pay for what they did to you. They don’t get to get off scot-free anymore, I won’t have it. I-I can’t have it.” 

“Please, don’t do something that could jeopardize your future because of me,” you wrap your hand around his. “Promise me, Johnny.”

“I can’t make any promises, Stretch,” his thumb rubs the fresh tears on your cheek. 

“Hey, Coach needs us- Oh… Shit..” Tuck’s voice comes from the doorway. He smiles widely and gives a charismatic thumbs up before walking towards the rink. 

You both let out breathless laughs as Tucker leaves. John stands up a little straighter and holds his hands out to you, helping you off of the treatment table. 

He’s chest to chest with you, looking down at you as he whispers, “I’ve got to get to the rink.. Do you wanna come and sit in there while we practice?”

“Hannah and Allie both work today, so I think I’ll go ahead and head over to Malone’s before you guys are done with practice,” you look around at the state at which you left your treatment room. “I’ll clean up here and then go.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” John smiles before giving you a tender kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you there, Stretch.”

—-

12:25 PM

The bells tied to the door ring out as some of the hockey players file into Malone’s, taking up most of the booths as you look up from where you sit at the edge of the bar across from where Hannah and Allie work, hoping to catch a glimpse of John Logan.

“So, when do you have to get back to the stadium tonight?” Allie asks as she pours a few mimosas. “We get off at one. Would you like to come get ready with us before the game? Well, before you need to be back, at least.”

“Allie is wanting to look cute for a nameless someone,” Hannah bounces her eyebrows at you.

“Is it a hockey player?” You ask. “Davenport is always creepily staring at you. He’s creepy, right? Or, is that mean to say?”

Hannah and Allie exchange the same look before both cackling.

“What?” You ask as a smile spreads across your confused face. “Oh god, please don’t tell him I said that..”

“No! No, you’re fine. It’s just.. an entire story in itself,” Hannah’s brows raise, her eyes widen. “Allie and Hunter have a bit of a past.”

“And it’s in the past,” Allie insists, shaking her head while she places the mimosa filled glasses onto a black serving tray. Hannah cleans the bar top with a damp cloth as another group files into Malone’s.

Your vision remains on Allie’s apprehensive expression as her eyes shift over to the hockey players across the restaurant.

Dean Di Laurentis stares back longingly, his eyes completely locked in on your friend. 

Dean’s vision shifts, feeling your gaze. 

Your wide eyes quickly shift to Allie, who is now looking at you. 

Your mouth is agape remembering Allie’s strange looks last night at the Hawk House, and how Dean had walked away when you and Allie got to where he stood at the kitchen island. 

It all made sense.

Allie’s eyes shift back to Dean, who looked absolutely mortified. His green eyes glance towards you once more before your eyes shift from his to Allie’s gaze. 

Hannah is across the room getting the new group’s order as you and Allie stare at one another. 

Her brown eyes well with tears, “Please, don’t-”

“-I didn’t get to answer you earlier,” you interrupt, confusing Allie before you say, “I have to be back in my treatment room by four this afternoon.” You give her a small smile before your eyes shift towards Dean and give him a quick nod before you turn back to Allie. “I would love to get ready with you guys before I have to be back at the stadium.”

You and Allie sit in silence as she finishes garnishing the drinks before she turns to you, her deep eyes search yours, as if she is saying ‘thank you’ before she squeezes your hand and walks away with the mimosas. 

The bells ring out again as you turn towards the front door, seeing Garrett Graham and John Logan walking into Malone’s, clad in their Briar U Hockey warm-up suits.

Hannah walks over to the bar, Graham and Logan follow. John’s eyes remain on you as he grows closer and gives you a shy smile before Hannah and Garrett step in front of your line of vision to give each other a kiss. 

“Long practice?” Hannah asks, pulling away from her boyfriend.

Their physical gap allows you to return a smile Logan’s way. 

“I’m moving slow..” Garrett points at his ribs. “Those assholes from this morning got me good.”

“I still can’t believe they didn’t get reprimanded at all,” Hannah’s palm touches his ribs. “Do you need ice or anything?” 

“You can ice me when we get home, Wellsy” he says, bouncing his eyebrows at his girlfriend. 

“Jesus, get a room!” Logan’s face twists in disgust. 

“Honestly, it’s abuse at this point,” Allie jokes as she walks behind the bar and sits the black serving tray down. 

The couple share another sweet kiss before both laughing at you, John and Allie jokingly gagging and crying.

Once more, the ringing from the front door grabs your attention.

“Oh my god,” you choke out.

“What’s wrong?” Hannah asks as she and Garrett turn towards the diner’s entrance.

Logan curses under his breath and steps in front of where you sit at the edge of the bar, quickly whispering under his breath, “We can go right now. There’s an exit in the back of the kitchen.”

The anxiety rushing through your body is debilitating as the wooden bar seems to stretch on for miles in front of you. You try to feel for John’s warm hand, but you can’t seem to move.

Garrett tenses up and pushes Hannah behind him.

John is angry, “Those assholes just keep showing up.”

The three men walk towards where you all crowded around the bar.

“This day just keeps getting better and better,” The tallest man says as he and Garrett step closer to one another. “How’s your ribs, Graham?”

Garrett’s shaking hands curl into tight fists as he lets out an exhausted exhale.

Dean and Tucker stand and immediately make their way over to the scene.

“What did I say, motherfucker?” Dean growls, bumping his chest against one of the players. “None of you are welcome here.” He points to the door, “Now, get the fuck out.”

“Last time I checked, this was a restaurant,” the man shrugs and looks around at the people now staring. “And we are patrons at this fine establishment. So..”

“Get out,” Garrett says plainly, almost chest to chest with the rival hockey player. 

“Guys, please - save this for the ice,” Tuck tries to intervene.

“You know, I think we’ll actually sit right here,” the three men sit only one seat away from where you were at the edge of the bar.

The Captain looks directly at you, blinking wildly before a devilish smile spreads across his face. “Oh, this day really does keep getting better,” he slaps his friend’s arm.

You swallow back the tears brimming in your eyes as you stare back at the man, completely immobilized by fear.

This has to be a nightmare.

“Hello, beautiful,” the other player says. “I didn’t know we would be getting such a pleasant surprise today.”

“You boys didn’t tell us you had such a beautiful Physical Therapist,” the man furthest away says, almost laughing as he looks at his friends. 

“We didn’t say she was our Physical Therapist,” Garrett’s forehead creases in confusion.

The tension in the air is thick enough to cut with a knife as the men ogle at you. Logan leans in front of you to block you as Dean steps behind you, guarding access to both you and Allie as he and John glower at the men. 

“Oh, I see what’s happening here,” the Captain leans towards you, his look diabolical as he eyes the hockey players standing around you. He bounces his brows as he says, “She’s lots of fun, isn’t she?” 

The room erupts as Logan and Dean immediately dive for the men.

Dean shouts, “Fuck you!”

“Get the fuck out of here!” Logan’s eyes are wild. Tucker and Graham hold him and Dean back as the rival players smile and slowly get up from their stools.

“We’ll see you tonight, beautiful,” The Captain winks at you before they walk out the front door. 

It takes two more hockey players to keep John Logan from going after the strangers. 

The bell rings as the door shuts behind the men.

The restaurant is quiet, other than a Prince song playing quietly over the speakers. 

John’s chest heaves. 

“Breathe, Logan. Breathe,” Garrett locks eyes with John, who was only seeing red at this point. “This is exactly what they want. They want us off our game, angry.. We can’t let them win.”

Logan nods and rubs the bridge of his nose, “You’re right, G..”

Garrett turns to where you all were gathered around the bar, “Okay, what the fuck just happened? And what the hell were they talking about?”

You sit in silence, paralyzed as you begin to dissociate, staring at the bartop and getting lost in the lines of its wood. The world grows quiet, other than a dull ringing echoing throughout your brain, which feels like it’s on fire.

Your friend’s voices are muffled as they talk around you.

Garrett’s hands fly to his head, raking through his curly hair as he grows more angry. Hannah’s face is that of devastation. Allie stands behind the bar, her sad eyes stare at where you sit in silence, holding back tears.

“I’m sorry, what?” Garrett’s voice is deep, angry as his fingers rub a halo around his lips. “Those assholes did what to her?”

“It’s heavy shit, man,” Tucker exhales and turns towards you, not knowing what to say as you sit in silence.

The green stool squeaks beneath Logan as he sits down at the bar beside you, his fingers gently wrap around your idle hands, sitting with you in shared silence as the group continues to talk.

“Why aren’t those assholes in jail?” Allie is fuming as she motions over to where you sit. “Look at what they did to her by just speaking to her.”

John’s thumb rubbing your flesh is the first normal sensation you can feel.  He murmurs your name, “I need you to look at me.”

You swallow before your sorrowful gaze slowly meets his. 

“I need to go home,” you murmur.

“Whatever you want,” he nods before his worried eyes shift to his friends as they all watch you stand and hesitate at the bar. 

“I’m.. scared to go home,” you whisper.

“Do you want to come to the boy’s house with us?” Allie asks as she walks over and places her hand on your shoulder. “We can watch a movie! Whatever you want.”

“-I can make an appetizer before my pre-game nap!” Tucker says excitedly. “Do you like cheese?”

“I have been wanting to watch Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part Two,” Dean shrugs. 

“Dean, we’ve talked about this before. You don’t have to say the entire title,” Hannah laughs. 

“It’s too long. You wouldn’t have enough time to watch it and take a pre-game nap before we have to be back to the stadium at four,” Garrett says, matter of fact.

“How do you know that?” Tucker asks, confused.

“I know ball,” Garrett says confidently as he shrugs. “Stephanie Meyer is a trailblazing visionary.”

The group stares at their friend in silence before bursting out in laughter.

“You just keep surprising me,” Hannah smiles.

“Who knew Garrett Graham was a Twihard?” Allie snorts, which makes you laugh louder. 

Logan’s smile grows bigger the louder you laugh grows. 

“We’re actually called Rats, thank you very much,” Garrett goes on as everyone continues to cackle at their friend’s seemingly unending knowledge of the Twilight franchise.

Your friends’ roaring laughter is like balm for your soul, reminding you that bad things can, and will happen; but the people you surround yourself with can quickly remind you that there is still so much good left in the world.

—

A/N: Okaaaaayyyy, so - what did you think?? I have to know! Tell me everything lol

<3 - Cait

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“Daughter?” The unfamiliar word slips from your lips as you gawk at the stranger standing in front of you, clad in a brown three piece wool suit. You stand across from him in a large hallway next to a grand staircase.

The man’s blue eyes gaze at you through his brown rimmed glasses. His dirty blonde hair lay perfectly quaffed on his head. He seems to tower in front of you with his hands firmly clasped in front of him.

He smiles, “At long last.”

“Who are you?” Dread washes over you as you take a step away from the stranger; the swollen ankle you thought you had sustained just a few minutes ago was somehow gone. Eddie’s ripped Hellfire shirt and the blue jeans you were wearing were replaced by an ornate plum dress, something looking right out of 1950.

The stranger stands unmoving with a soft smile still spread across his face. “I- am Henry.”

“Henry.. “ you try to swallow down the dismay you feel. “Where are my friends?”

“Your friends are completely fine,” he says. “You can trust me.” He steps towards you.

You mirror his movements, carefully aligning your strides towards the front door of the home as you slowly back away from the man, “Henry.. I’m scared, please- what’s going on?”

“All is well,” his hands fly up in surrender. “There is no need to be frightened.” He takes another step towards you. “I have simply brought you home.” He reaches out to you and gently strokes your cheek - “Finally.”

“I don’t understand,” your body recoils, face sharply jerking away from the stranger’s touch as you stare at him wide-eyed.

“I can explain everything,” he pauses and motions towards the sitting room, “Please, let me ease your worries. Come, sit with me.”

Your gradual steps backwards lead you towards the stained glass front door of the house as the person calling himself Henry matches every step you take, deliberately backing you into the door as he comes chest to chest with you.

The glass of the door is cold against the backs of your arms as your hand fumbles around for the doorknob.  

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Henry growls as his strong hand wraps around your wrist, violently yanking you from the door and forcefully pinning you against the wall. Fleshy vines quickly snake around your wrist, creeping up your arm and trailing up your neck, forcing you to look at the man in the brown suit.

A scream tears from your throat as you come face to face with the monster that has haunted you for days.

Vecna.

“Why must you make things so difficult?” The creature’s deep voice booms.

Parasitic tendrils wrap around your leg, inching up around your torso with a flick of the entity’s marred hand. “After everything I have done.. For you.. For the future- our future.. This is how you choose to treat me? By running from my safety?”

The black vines restrict you even tighter as you fight against the villain’s constraints. “Let me go!”

“Never,” it growls.“They took you from me,” Vecna’s charred fingers caress your cheek. “They had no right to keep you from me in the first place… To keep a father from his child..” The monster seems to study you. “No one will ever take you from me again.”

“Please, I don’t- I don’t understand,” you whimper as another vine snakes around you, pulling you even closer to the grotesque monster.

“You will," long fingers spread above you as the creature’s clouded eyes roll to the back of its head, letting out a distorted growl that seemed to shake the ground.

“Please..” Your eyes squeeze closed as you brace for what Vecna would do to you.

Has your time finally come?

Blood-curdling screams ring out from all around as your eyes snap open.

Fluorescent lights twinkle from above as you stand in an empty hallway, white tiles seem to go on forever as you follow the haunting shrieks.

An empty nurse’s desk sits in the middle of an intersection of sterile hallways, a calendar on the desk reads: Tuesday, January 25th 1966

“Please, please - don’t do this! I don’t know what you’re talking about!” A nurse’s desperate pleading startles you. She’s petrified as she looks right at you - no, right past you.

You turn sharply, flinching as Henry stands directly behind you, staring right through you as he glares at the nurse.

“Don’t lie to me!” He screams as he motions his hand, snapping the nurse’s neck.

Your scream is drowned out by the wailing of the nurse still sitting behind the desk as the lifeless body of her coworker slams against the tiled ground with a thud.

“Where is the baby?” The man turns towards the remaining nurse, his wild eyes bloodshot as he gawks at her. “Answer me!“

Her body heaves as she sobs, now cowering behind the desk where she had sat, “I- I- don't know..”

“Liar!” He roars. “Where is she?!”

“D- Doctor Brenner keeps her on the fourth floor, west wing. Please, please don’t-“ With a nod of his head the woman's neck twists violently before her limp body falls to the floor.

Henry stalks towards the dark hallway leading to the staircase as you whirl around, screaming at him, “I don’t understand!”

Henry growls as he continues down the dark hallway leading to the staircase.

Frantic whispering faintly echoes down the hallway to your right, drawing you attention towards the scarlett glow in the distance.

The voices beckon you to a small room; a nursery with no windows, illuminated only by the red glow of the exit sign above the door to the hallway.

The shadows of two nurses dance across the floor as they move around the room hurriedly grabbing diapers and a blanket.

“We have to go..” The taller nurse whispers. “I don’t hear him anymore, he must have gone looking for her elsewhere.” He says, pulling his mask down as he approaches the nurse standing beside a clear bassinet.

You almost choke as you see the man’s face. “Grandpa?”

He looked so young.

“What if they find us?” The woman retorts, “They will kill us, Howard. You know they will kill us! She has his blood running through her veins, and if they find out she survived.. Howard-” the nurse pulls her mask down, “You and I both know that they will hunt us down...”

“Grandma?” Hot tears form in your eyes. You can’t remember the last time you heard your grandparent’s voices.

“When are we going to have a chance like this again, Lois?” Howard asks, gently picking up a small baby from the crib, cradling the tiny piece of perfection in his large hands. “We have to do something right for once. We can protect her from all of this.. From Brenner.. From him..”

“Howard, you and I both know that Martin will never stop trying to recreate him,” tears stream down her face, “He will just start a new program with new subjects.”

“I know.. but we can save her. We can try in some small way to make this right,” they both look at the baby before gazing at one another. “We can be happy. You, me and-“ The two pull apart as commotion is heard from the hallway.

“Go, Lois!” Howard urges as the three quickly slip past you and out of the room, the entire vision turning to black as you come face to face with the blonde man again.

Tears fall from your burning eyes as you stand in the black void, just you and Henry.

“It was a shame that I had to kill them… But, they took you from me,” Henry scowls as he adjusts his button up shirt and brown vest. “Dr. Brenner tried to make me feel crazy. He told me over and over how I should have no reason to believe I had a child..” His nostrils flared, head shaking violently as he grimaced, “He said that the entire trial died during birth. Even the mothers.. But I knew you had to exist. I felt you.” The look on his face is wild as he points to his head. “I felt you in here.. My own flesh and blood..” He reaches out to stroke your face, “My child.”

The knots in your gut tie even tighter, feeling nauseous as you continue to cry. “You can’t be my father, you’re a monster.. you’re lying!”

“No, my dear daughter - I would not lie about such a thing,” his scowling quickly morphs into a pained smile. “You and I will be happy together.” He wipes the tears from your face. “We can create a new world together just you and I.”

“I just want to go home,” your voice trembles. “Please..”

Henry’s palms rest on top of your shoulders as he peers down at you, “You’re home with me now.”

“My home is in Hawkins..” stinging radiates from your ankle as you step away from Henry’s touch. “My home is with Max..” you choke out. “And Eddie.. and Steve and Dustin..” Your shaking hands wipe the tears from your face. “I have a family... And they are going to find me.”

Henry’s smile fades as his palms slam down on the tops of your shoulders. “Do you not get it?” He flashes a psychotic smile, “You are home."

Your heart beats violently against your chest, as you shove away from the man, “Don’t touch me.”

“If you do not stay, I will kill every single person you hold dear,” he threatens. “I will pick them off one by one, and you will be there to watch each of their deaths.”

“Shut up..” you choke out.

“Maybe I will start with the ones you care for most..” He smiles maniacally. “ I’ve been in that head of yours, dear daughter, and I know who to go for first. How fortuitous that she happens to be number one on my to-do list.”

“Fuck- you..” The low humming that has haunted you for days reverberates throughout your cranium as Henry continues, “Do I kill the babysitter or the dungeon master once I’ve killed Maxine? I don’t think you could decide if I made you choose.”

The humming in your head rages, roaring into a tortuous ringing. Your jaw tightens as you wince.

The man calling himself Henry pauses, cocking his head to the side as he watches you, noticing the all too familiar look of pain he had experienced long ago. “Embrace that pain.. There is so much power on the other side of your pain.” He smiles, stroking your cheek - “See? If you stay with me I can teach you how to harness your abilities. I can show you who you really are.”

“No,” you shove away from Henry. “Leave me alone.”

He grimaces, “You will join me.”Fleshy onyx tendrils creep from Henry’s palms, climbing towards you.

The incessant ringing throughout your head grows, bringing you to your knees as your hands tightly cover your ears.

Henry tsks, a sickeningly sweet smile spreads across his face as he watches you cower below him, “My poor girl.. you are in so much pain.” He kneels down, taking your chin in his hand. “Stay with me and let me guide you..”

“Please -“ You try to stand, but Henry’s grip grows tighter. “You’re hurting me..” you inhale sharply. “Let me go.”

“Either you join me on your own accord, or I will have no choice but to force your hand.” his voice booms.

“I will never join you,” you hiss.

"Fine,” he growls, shoving your face from his grip as you remain on the ground.. “You want to do things the hard way.” He begins rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. “We can do things the hard way.” Henry’s hand begins to morph into a monstrously haggard claw as his blue eyes roll upwards.

An agonizing prickling sensation radiates all over your body as you begin to levitate. Your heart races as you brace for Henry’s killing blow. You exhale as your eyes close, just as a small, “ahem” causes your eyes to snap open, surprisingly meeting Steve’s chocolatey gaze as he flashes you a tired smile from across the coffee table.

Crickets chirp outside as the two of you sit in silence on the carpeted floor of your living room.

Steve’s head nods towards the couch to where Eddie slept, sprawled out and peacefully snoring. Both of you giggle.

You scan the room, watching your sleeping friend’s chests rise and fall.

Max sits at the kitchen table, focused on writing her notes. You smile because you know that at this moment everyone is safe. Safe with you.. And you felt safety too. For the first time in years, you could rest.

The painful ringing calms into a humming energy, emanating across your entire body. The prickling sensation from before feels like a warm tingling now as you open your eyes.

Your smile quickly fades as you realize the familiar painted brick walls of Hawkins Middle School surround you. “Every Breath You Take” hauntingly echoes down the dark, empty hallway where you stand, finally back in the clothes you were wearing earlier.

“Trippy..” the sound of the music leads you towards the gymnasium.

The double doors squeak together as you push through them. Blue and silver streamers hang alongside string lights from the rafters of the dimly lit gymnasium, a painted paper banner placed above an empty DJ booth reads: Hawkins Middle Snow Ball 1984.

“What the..” you stop dead in your tracks as you see Max sitting alone at a table. “Max?!”

“Wha- How are you here?” Max’s eyes are wide as she runs to you, her arms wrap around you as she buries her face into your neck. “Where have you been? Steve, Robin, Nancy and Eddie searched all over the Upside Down for you.. We thought.. We thought you were dead..”

“What do you mean?” your brows lace together as the two of you pull apart. Your finger moves stray hair behind Max’s ear before cupping her cheek.

“Vecna took you three days ago.. He dragged you into The Munson’s trailer and we haven’t seen you since,” she says as she puts her hand on yours. “But it’s okay now. You’re here.. Seriously, though, how are you here?”

“I- I don’t know,” your head shakes. “I was with Henry one second and the next, I’m here.”

“Wait- You were with Henry?” Your eyes dart away from Max’s gaze, “Yes..”

“What’s wrong?” She asks, her hand grabs yours. “Did he hurt you?”

“He didn’t hurt me..” Shame is all you feel as you muster up the courage to murmur, “He says that he’s my father.”

Max stares at you, gobsmacked, “What!?”

Suddenly, one of the balloons on the table beside you and Max bursts open - blood spurts everywhere.

A second blood-filled balloon pops, oozing off of the table and dripping onto the wooden gymnasium floor.

Then another pops.

And another.

Every single balloon sprays crimson blood.

The two of you back towards the DJ booth. The sounds of The Police morph into Ella Fitzgerald’s “Dream a Little Dream of Me”, just like during your vision of the Creel House. Streamers begin to fall from the ceiling and the flowers on the table quickly wilt. A cool breeze wafts through the room as white particles begin to float around you.

Lightning strikes as you both stare at each other. “We need to barricade the doors,” you stalk towards one of the tables, quickly grabbing a folding chair and walking it over to the double doors to the gymnasium. “We gotta be quick.”

Lightning continues as the two of you stack chairs in front of the doors. Max stops dead in her tracks as she sees the stained glass door from the Creel House now where the gym doors were.

The wooden door slowly opens.

“You can’t hide from me, Max” the familiar grizzly voice echoes off of the walls of the gymnasium.

Instinctively, you shove Max behind you, keeping her as close to you as possible as you stare at the door. Max closes her eyes as you stand protectively in front of her, your hands balled up into fists of rage.

“You don’t think I see what you’re doing?” He says slowly “-What both of you are doing?”

You step backwards, gripping Max to keep her close behind you.

“You think I don’t see everything?” Vecna growls. “You thought you could trick me.. You thought your friends could stop me?”

You can hear Max gulp as the villain continues. “I see them… I see your friends just as clearly as I see you.”

“I can feel them.. I can feel them dying,” you both stand frozen as Vecna growls out. “It's time, Max.”

“Stay behind me,” you whisper as you see the humanoid creature appear from the shadows. “If you want her, you’re going to have to go through me,”

Vecna gawks at you. “Come on, Henry.”

“Okay,” he shrugs as he flicks his hand, throwing you across the gymnasium. Your body hits the ground with a thud.

“You can no longer run from me, Max,” Vecna motions his charred hand again, this time throwing Max against the back wall of the gym. She cries out in pain, whimpering as her arms remain pinned against the wall.

The monster slowly makes his way towards Max, his heavy feet slap against the ground with every sluggish step he takes, stalking her like a predator would its prey. “You are brave, Maxine. Much braver than your brother. But in the end… you are weak and fragile just like him.. Just like the rest of them. And you. Will. Break,” He says as his clawed hand raises above her head. His ghastly eyes roll to the back of his head, Max’s eyes follow suit.

Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion as you see Max struggle under Vecna’s spell. She wasn’t going to make it if you didn’t do something.

Just as Max’s bones begin to crack, Vecna is quickly thrown across the room by some invisible force as Max hits the gymnasium floor. The villain levitates mid air, his body contorting as if someone had him bound.

His body rotates slowly, facing him towards a girl with a buzzed haircut standing with her arm stretched towards Vecna, holding her open palm out as she seemed to be the force holding the villain in the air.

“You,” Vecna growls.

“Hi,” she says plainly before she moves her arm to the right, violently throwing Vecna across the room and into the wooden bleachers.

Eleven.

Her nose was bleeding just as The Party had described. She really was incredible.

Before Vecna could make a next move, you’re on your feet, scrambling to get to where Max laid on the floor. Eleven makes her way across the gymnasium as you help Max to her feet.

“Max, are you okay?” Eleven asks as she cups her friend’s face. Her brown eyes meet your gaze. The two of you exchange quick smiles before her attention is back on Max.

“Huh?” Max is stunned as she touches Eleven’s head, then her cheek and her chin.

“Are you okay?” She repeats.

“Yeah,” Max nods, “Are- are you real? Did I make you?”

“I’m real,” Eleven sweetly takes Max by the hands and holds them to her beating heart.

“How?” She shakes her head. “I piggy-backed from a pizza dough freezer,” Eleven says. Max trades a puzzled look with you before turning back to Eleven, “What?!”

Wood creaks, cutting Eleven and Max’s reunion short as Vecna emerges from the wooden rubble of the bleachers, growling as he stands, bracing on the seats below him. He cracks his neck before walking towards the three of you.

Eleven stands protectively in front of both you and Max, “Stay back.” She glares at the monster as she starts towards him, their pace matching as they slowly approach one another. The air is thick with anticipation waiting to see who would strike first.

“If you touch her again, I will kill you again,” she says as they slowly circle each other.

“Is that what you did? Hmm?” It almost sounds like he wants to laugh. “Did you kill me?”

Eleven snarls, the blood seeping from her nose touches her top lip.

“I am so glad you are here, Eleven. This.. is going to be beautiful.. So beautiful,” Vecna raises his arms, summoning large pieces of broken wood from the bleachers to levitate behind him. “-And it’s all thanks to you.” He throws his arms forward, the wood chips zoom towards Eleven. She shields her face before throwing her arm, redirecting the wood across the room and piercing the bleachers on the other side of the gymnasium.

Venca pushes his flat palm out towards Eleven, throwing her across the room. Her body hits the DJ table before violently crashing to the ground. He nods, dragging Eleven across before her body is thrown through the air and hurled onto a table.

You and Max stand frozen, watching helplessly as Eleven gets thrown across the room again, this time colliding with a wooden prop, breaking it apart.

Vecna slinks towards Eleven, wet feet slapping against the floor with his hand at the ready as he grows closer to the wreckage where she lay.

Suddenly, his slow steps halt, his heavy feet make a quick squeak against the gymnasium floor as his body is pulled backwards, ever so slightly.

The villain stands frozen as Eleven rises from the wreckage, her brows lace together inquisitively as Vecna’s stiff body slowly rotates away from her, gaining a growl from the beast as his line of sight falls upon you.

Your shaking hands are spread wide with arms extended out in front of you as you direct all of your energy across the gymnasium. Your wrists twist, turning your palms inward towards you as Vecna’s body fully rotates, now facing where you stand.

Your eyes remain on the villain as a small smile spreads across your face, the blood running from your nose takes like copper in your mouth.

Your eyes quickly glance Eleven’s way as you give her a small nod. She returns the gesture before her arm raises, hurling Vecna across the room with ease. She makes quick work of running over to where the two of you stand.

The creature rises as Eleven steps back in front of you and Max. His head tilts, suddenly throwing Max across the gym again. Her body hits the brick wall, rendering her unconscious as her body hits the ground..

Eleven’s arm raises in retaliation, her efforts falter as Vecna’s arm raises too. Her head is pulled back as her body stiffens. You can hear her bones beginning to crack as she starts to levitate.

With a twist of his wrist, Vecna brings Eleven towards him.

Hearing Eleven’s whimpers made your skin crawl.

Your arms extend out in front of you as you try to muster up the energy you tapped into before. But Vecna was too quick. His opposite arm quickly stretches towards you, flinging you across the room.

Vecna is now face to face with Eleven, he leans even closer and says “Before I kill you.. I want you to watch.” He throws Eleven towards a glowing red portal before he begins walking towards where Max lays.

“Don’t touch her,” you growl as you stand, shoving your palm out towards the creature. A force slightly pushes him, causing him to falter from his path towards Max.

The creature grumbles before lazily flicking its wrist towards you, sending you falling through what felt like layers of energy.

You scream as your eyes screw closed, your arms shield your head as your body finally hits a solid wall.

Wait.. Is this a floor?

Immediately, you recognize the carpeted floor of the Munson’s trailer… Or some decaying version of Eddie and Wayne’s trailer.

Your eyes follow the fleshy vines that have grown up the walls of the mobile home, every black tendril seems to lead up to the same crimson tear you had gotten dragged through before; positioned on the ceiling right above you. White spores float through the air as shrill shrieks come from outside, startling you.

Is this real?

Someone utters your name from the shadows. You turn, expecting the worst and seeing, “Dustin?!”

He was standing in the door frame of the trailer, wearing some kind of bushy camouflage suit as he gaped at you. Tears fall down his face as he quickly limps towards you, his arms flying around you as he hugs you tightly, “We thought you were dead…” he sobs before abruptly pulling away. His eyes are wide as he blinks out large tears, “Eddie… We have to go after him..”

“What do you mean?” your voice shakes as you watch Dustin panic.

“We need to go right now,” he urges as he pulls you towards the door and out into a horrifically warped version of the trailer park you called home. The shrill sounds from before echo, stopping you in your tracks as a swarm of what looked like bats fly off into the distance. Red illuminates the sky above, a flash of electricity branches out in the heavens as a deep rumble shakes the ground.

“Eddie!” Dustin’s voice cracks as he wails, trying to hobble faster towards something laying on the ground a few yards away.

You run after him, almost tripping over black vines on the ground as you near the scene.

The breath is knocked out of your lungs as you see Eddie lying on the ground, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of otherworldly creatures. Another strike of lightning spreads across the red sky above you.

This has to be a nightmare.

You can see Dustin’s shoulders heave through gasping sobs as he struggles to help Eddie up from the ground, his attempts futile as he cradles his friend’s broken body in his arms.

The knot in your stomach tightens the closer you get to your friends.

Blood is.. Everywhere.

Ruby liquid pours from Eddie’s mouth as he smiles through tears, choking as he asks, “Bad, huh?”

Your knees hit the ground first before releasing a pained cry, tears hit leather as your hands ghost over the bloody gashes covering Eddie’s body. “Eds, wha-what happened to you?” your wide eyes burn as you continue to sob, trying to assess the lacerations.

This is far too much blood..

Eddie’s warm palm covers your shaking hands. His teeth are bloody as he smiles weakly, his doe eyes crinkling as he breathes, “Hey, Princess.”

Hitching gasps rack your body as you grab his hand and cradle his handsome face in your other palm, “Eds - I-I need you to get up, okay? We can.. We can get you to a doctor..”

His quivering hand points at your chest as he lets out a breathless giggle, “You’re wearing my shirt… Hot.” Somehow, even in this moment, Eddie Munson made you laugh through sobs. You nod, “Y- yeah, It’s gotten me through.”

“I knew.. I knew you weren’t dead,” a tear falls from the far corner of his chestnut eyes as his attention turns to Dustin, who was a sniffling mess. “You’re gonna have to look after those little sheep for me, okay?”

“No, you’re gonna do that yourself,” Dustin cries.

“Nah, man,” Eddie chokes. “Say ‘I’m gonna look after them’... Say it..”

“I’m..” he blubbers. “I’m gonna look after them.”

“Good..” He gives Dustin a knowing look. “-’Cause I’m actually gonna graduate.” He chuckles weakly. Tears brim in his tired eyes, “I think it’s finally my year..” Eddie struggles to speak, “I love you, man.”

Dustin blinks through tears as he holds Eddie, “I love you, too..”

Between rattling breaths, Eddie’s eyes lock onto you, “You… are the best thing.. that has ever happened to me.” His blood soaked hand raises, holding your wet cheek in his palm. “I’m s-sorry I won’t get to take you on that date.” He lets out an exhausted breath as he chokes on the blood pooling in his throat.

All you can do is cry as you lay your head on Eddie’s chest, “P-please stay with me.” You sob as you feel the rhythmic beating in his chest slow. “I love you so much, Eddie.” His breathing becomes more shallow, “I- I love you more.”

A final breath escapes Eddie’s parted lips as he drifts off into the cosmos.

Dustin’s fingertips gently close Eddie’s eyelids before he sits back in disbelief, still tightly holding onto his friend’s lifeless body.

Your continued weeping is all that is heard throughout the desolate plain as you cling to your lost love. Dustin’s quivering hand begins to stroke your hair.

“Please… Please don’t leave me..” You plead between violent sobs. “Please.. Please wake up..”

Dustin’s sniffling ceases as he murmurs, “What the fuck..” He whispers your name, gaining your attention as you slowly sit up and see him staring wide-eyed at something in the distance. “We need to move right now,” his eyes remain transfixed as the ground begins to rumble.

Your head whips towards the sound of loud cracking, The Muson’s trailer slowly rips in two as the earth falls into itself, glowing red as the tear begins to grow towards where you sit.

Dustin is on his feet first, pulling at your Hellfire shirt as he begs you to stand, “Please, we will all die if we don’t move right now!

You take your friend’s clammy hand as you clumsily stand to the ground. “Dustin, I can't leave him here.”

“Good,” he grunts as he begins to pull Eddie’s body away from the cracking earth, “That was never the plan. Grab his feet..”

The two of you struggle to drag the fallen paladin to the tree line of Forest Hills before both stumbling to the ground, panting as you watch the tear in the earth continue to rip its way towards the heart of downtown Hawkins, demolishing everything it touches.

“Wait,” Dustin stares at the cracked earth, “Oh my god..” his tearful eyes meet yours.

“What is it?” your stomach drops as you begin to panic. “Wha- What’s happened?”

Dustin gulps as he stares at you, he lets out a shaking exhale, “If, uh… If the gate is open..” he shakes his head, his eyes close as his fingers massage the bridge of his nose. He can’t seem to look at you as he whispers, “He won.”

“What do you mean?” Your heartbeat pounds in your ears.

Dustin’s brows furrow as his eyes close again. “Vecna,” he murmurs. “He needed the fourth gate to open in order to create a dimensional barrier from here to Hawkins.” His eyes finally meet yours as he says -

“If Vecna won.. Max is dead.”

“What?” Your hands roll into tight fists as rage begins festering in your gut. If your jaw was clenched any tighter, you’d crack all of your teeth. You stare at Eddie’s body, frozen, as angry tears begin to fall to the ground.

Dustin’s walkie-talkie goes off, Steve’s voice comes over the line “Henderson.. Henderson- Come in Henderson. Shit has gone sideways.. We’re almost to Mirkwood - Over.”

“This is.. Dustin…” he clears his throat. “We’re at the tree line. Over.”

Dustin yanks off the ghillie suit he wore before tenderly placing it over Eddie’s body. The both of you share the same horrified expression as you sit in silence.

“Oh my god, they found her!” You can hear Robin’s muffled voice as your ears begin to ring. The rage that was rotting in your stomach feels like bile coming up your throat as you continue to stare at the form under the ghillie suit.

This was all your fault.

Max is dead. Eleven is probably dead.. Your grandparents, Hopper.. Now Eddie…

His bloody smile and tired eyes haunt you. You try to make the thoughts stop, try to calm yourself - but there is nothing left. No solid ground to stand on.

Ringing ricochets off of your skull as pins and needles prick your skin. Your vision becomes hazy and the ground feels like it could swallow you whole. You try to stand, but your legs are too weak. You can hear the muffled voices of your panicked friends as the ringing bellows, you try to reach out for help-

And then it all goes black.

—

You wake up gasping as you sit up, wide eyes hurriedly scanning your surroundings as your vision lands on the warm eyes of Steve Harrington. He sits on a couch in a living room you had never seen before. It was empty for the most part, other than two lamps, the couch where you lay, and the couch where Steve sat; Robin sleeps sprawled out beside him.

“Is this real?” you ask, swallowing hard as you continue to scan the living room, crickets chirp outside as your eyes land back on Steve’s gaze. “Are you real?”

“Yes ma’am,” he nods. He looks so sad as his tired eyes linger on you.

“Where am I?” Your voice is small. Is this another one of Henry’s mind games? “My parents' house. Well.. technically, now my house since they decided to leave Hawkins,” he breathes as his hands rake through his chestnut locks.

“How the hell did we get out of The Upside Down?”

“Well.. you passed out after we found you guys.. So, I carried you…” he shrugs slightly.

“Where is everyone else?” you panic.

“Nance is with her family.. Henderson is- well, Dustin is at Hopper’s cabin,” his eyes scan the carpeted floor of the living room, illuminated by the two lamps, glowing amber in the dark home.

“Why would he be there?” your brows furrow.

“Well..” he blinks, lips pursed together as he says, “He’s.. he’s with Eddie. We, uh- we decided it would be for the best to bury him out at Hopper’s cabin… He’ll be safe there.” His tone is gentle as his chocolate eyes look back at you. “I can take you there if you want. We can go right now.”

Eddie’s bloody smile flashes in your thoughts, bringing you right back to The Upside Down. Brimming tears burn your eyes. And then it hits you.

“Oh my god…” your stomach drops as your hand slowly covers your mouth. Silent tears fall, dripping off of your hand as you remember Dustin’s words as The Upside Down tore apart; “If Vecna won, Max is dead.”

“Max…” your voice breaks as you let out a breathless sob, trying to keep quiet so you don’t wake Robin.

Steve is up immediately, making his way over to you and dropping to his knees as he breathes your name. “I need you to look at me, please,” he says as his warm palm lays on top of your shaking hand. “Max is alive. She’s really hurt, but she’s somehow still alive. But, I need you to know..” he sighs, his chocolate eyes linger on his hand that covers your arm, “You need to know that the Doctors think that Max is brain dead..”

“What?” you choke as your hand drops.

“The Doctors don’t know if she will wake up. They’ve never seen anything like this before,” he shakes his head.

You let out an exhausted sigh before your tears turn into sobs. “He did this because of me,” your shoulders heave as you hold your hands tightly covering your mouth to muffle your cries.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Steve breathes your name again, his thumb rubbing against the skin of your forearm. “None of this was your fault. Hey, look at me,” he croons as your tearful eyes meet his affectionate gaze, “Absolutely none of this was your fault. I need you to know that. Max and Eddie are dead because of Vecna and no one else.”

Your arms fly around Steve as your face buries into the dip of his shoulder to stifle your sobbing. “It’s all my fault, Steve.”

“Why on earth would you think that?” His hands hesitate, hovering at the small of your back as you sit up to take a breath between heaving cries.

“Because.. He’s…” you can’t even bring yourself to say it.

“What happened?” Steve’s voice is laced with concern. “Did that motherfucker hurt you?”

You shake your head as you swallow back your tears. You can’t even look Steve in the eyes as you murmur, “Henry says that he’s my father.”

“No,” Steve makes a face as he barely shakes his head. “There is absolutely no way Henry Creel is your father.”

Your eyes remain on the carpeted floor, “He’s convinced me.”

Steve inhales slowly before he says, “That’s okay.” He bends his body to let his eyes meet yours, “Okay, so who cares if you’re an evil villain’s daughter? You’re still you.” A small, tired smile spreads across his handsome face as he continues, “You are the kindest, most beautiful, most loving person that I have ever met. You could be a direct descendant of Satan himself and I couldn’t care less.”

A small, breathless giggle escapes your lips before your hand slaps back over your mouth as you stare at Steve, who shared your same horrified look before you both let out a chuckle.

God, it felt so wrong to laugh right now.

You both sit in awkward silence, your eyes fall to the ground again.

“Steve,” Hearing you say his name made him weak. “I… I don’t know if I can do it right now.. I don’t know if I can see Max without falling apart and I.. I can’t fall apart right now. I- I really just need to go home, if that's okay. Could you drive me? I have gas money at my trailer.”you stand, hissing as your bruised ankle bends.

Steve’s sturdy arms catch you before you can fall, helping you stand as he looks down at you, his eyes weak. “You can’t..” he sighs, his head shakes. “I am so sorry.. Forest Hills is gone.. Vecna destroyed it, and half of Hawkins when he opened the Gate.”

“What?” you breathe, feeling light headed as you reach down for the couch cushion. “Wha- Where am I supposed to go? I have no home..” your head shakes as reality sets in. “I have no one..”

“You have me,” his voice is gentle as he sits you down on the couch. “Uh- and- and you have Robin, too.” He stumbles over his words as he looks down at his hand that was holding yours, retracting his touch as he clears his throat. “I- I was actually kind of wondering if you would want to live here with me.. And with Robin. Her family skipped town, too. This house is far too big for just Robin and me.”

“You’d take me in, just like that?” you ask, your tearful eyes meet his.

“I mean, of course I would.. I love you,” he says, his eyes grow wide as realization washes over him. “I- uh, I meant I would love to have you here.. With me, and Robin.”

You nod, still unsure if all of this is real or if it was another one of Henry’s mind games. Your eyes scan over the room, looking for some small sign that he had crafted this moment together and he had entered your mind yet again.

Steve notices your panicked expression, his warm palm lays on your forearm. Your watery eyes blink out searing tears as you look at Steve.

His voice is soft as he brings your hand to his beating heart, “I’m going to keep you safe.” He swallows as he wraps his other hand around yours, “No one is going to hurt you while I’m around.”

“What if he comes back?” you ask, your tired eyes focus on Steve’s warm gaze.

“Who? Vecna?” he scoffs. “He has to go through me in order to get to you,” he flashes a small smile at you.

Steve’s confidence made you smile, though you knew Henry was capable of atrocious things.

“I’ll stay,” you say as you and Steve sit in the amber glow of the empty living room, the crickets chirp outside.

A small smile spreads across Steve’s striking face as he glances over to where Robin lays sleeping on the other couch, “Okay.” His brown eyes meet yours, “Roomies?”

You nod, “Roomies.”

—

Your heart races as your palm grips cold metal as you push the hospital door open. Steve gives you a small nod as he stands at the threshold of Max’s hospital room.

Your feet lightly tap against the linoleum floor as you near the bed where your friend lays motionless; bandages and casts cover her body. Your skin crawls as you try to hold back your rage.

“I’m going to kill him,” you say, matter of fact as your hand gently lays on Max’s head, your fingers instinctively stroke her orange locks. “He said that he was going to kill everyone I loved.. But, he has another thing coming if he thinks I’m going to let him win.”

The monitors beep, Max’s heart rate is slow. “I am going to find him, Max. And when I do, I’m going to make him wish that he never touched you…” your eyes fall to the floor. “-Or.. Or, Eddie.” Your head shakes as your thumb strokes Max’s forehead, “I love you.. I’m- I’m going to figure out how to find you, Max. I know you’re in there still. I know you’re a scrapper. You’re in there somewhere..”

The door opens as a nurse walks in, stopping in her tracks as she sees you, “Oh, hi there, I’m Rita, Maxine’s night shift nurse. May I ask who you are in relation to the patient?”

You choke before clearing your throat, your hand falls to your side, “Well, I’m..” your eyes look at Max, studying her features as she sleeps peacefully. “I’m her sister.”

“Well, it's nice to meet you. I am so sorry to be meeting you under these circumstances, but I am so happy Maxine has another person to be here for her,” the nurse smiles. “Please let me know if you need anything. Just press this button right- here.” She points to the bed, turning on her heels as she heads towards the door.

“Um, Nurse Rita?” “Yes?” She turns back to you, eyebrows raised inquisitively. “Who else visits Max?”

“Her little boyfriend. He is precious. I want to say his name is Luke? No, no, no.. Lucas. Sweet kid. I’m actually shocked you missed him and his sister, they were just here.” she gives a small smile. “Any other questions?”

You shake your head. “No, ma’am. Thank you.”

—

Leaves crunch under your feet as you, Robin and Steve make your way deep into the forests of Hawkins. The sun perfectly placed in the sky shone golden beams through the trees as you traverse into the woods.

You stop dead in your tracks as you see a figure in the distance. Your heart begins to race, wondering if Henry had found you again.

“Steve.. He still hasn’t gone home?” Robin sighs, shaking her head. “Do we even know the last time he’s eaten anything?”

“Look, we have all tried to get him to go home,” Steve says. “He refuses to leave.”

“Let me talk to him,” you say, gaining both Steve and Robin’s attention. They both nod, staying behind as you walk towards where Dustin sat, slumped over beside the fresh dirt of Eddie’s grave, still wearing the clothes he had on in The Upside Down.

“Hey,” you breathe as you awkwardly step beside where Dustin sits. “I- uh, I hope it’s okay to be here with you. I.. I just, please tell me if I need to leave.”

Dustin looks up at you, the sun reflects off of his glossy eyes. “It’s- it’s okay.”

“Okay,” you nod as you slowly sit beside your friend. “Thank you for letting me be here.”

“You’re- you’re welcome,” all of the sudden, Dustin’s arms fly around you as he begins to wail.

Your hands wrap around Dustin, bringing him close to you as your fingers try to run through his tangled curls. “It’s okay, Dustin. I’m right here, I’m not going anywhere.”

“He loved you, you know,” Dustin says between sobs.

“I know,” you whisper as you rub Dustin’s heaving back. “And, he loved you, Dustin… so, so much.”

He sobs. “Why did he have to go and be so stupid? Why- why did he have to go and get himself killed!?”

You try not to cry, but you can’t help but to join in on Dustin’s sobs before you pull away, looking him in the eyes. “I don’t know.. I don’t know why he would do that.. I wish I did. I really do, because to me.. To me, trying to fight off demobats by yourself sounds like a death sentence.”

You and Dustin share the same look as your eyes fall to the fresh dirt on the ground.

“I hope Eddie knows how much we love him,” you breathe. “I hope he knows that he was my best friend and that I cherish every moment I spent with him.”

“All I have ever wanted to be is like him,” Dustin says. “He took us sheep in.. He cared.”

A sniffle comes from behind where you sat, you and Dustin both turn, seeing a tall boy with black hair crying, "Eddie Munson was the best of us.."

Dustin stands immediately, throwing his arms around the boy, “Mike! Mike.. you’re alive.. Thank god you’re alive.” Another boy with a bowl cut steps out from behind the boy called Mike, “Will!” Dustin hugs him, “What are you doing in Hawkins!?”

“We came back home.. We.. Hawkins needs us,” Will says, stumbling over his words.

“What happened?” Mike sniffles as he eyes the grave.

“It’s a long story,” Dustin shakes his head.

Squeaky breaks are heard in the distance, “Who the hell is that?” Mike says as he starts towards the sound.

“Wait,” Dustin grabs his arm. “Let me go with you.” The two start off towards the cabin Steve had parked his beamer in front of.

The boy named Will turns towards you, giving you an awkward smile, “Hi.”

“Hi,” you say with a smile, introducing yourself with a hand extended the boys way. As he takes your hand flashes of memories fire off in your mind.

A little boy is pinned against a wall, black vines wrapped all around his body, even going down his throat. You can see Vecna standing in front of him, eyes rolled towards the back of his head as particles leave the vines and enter the child’s body.

You can feel his fear as he sits in a hospital room, surrounded by medical personnel. But you could feel him.. Feel him lurking in the shadows of Will’s mind.

You quickly pull your hand away, looking wide-eyed at Will. “You can still feel him, can’t you?” you ask.

“What?” he chokes as his hand palms the back of his neck.

“I feel him too,” you say. Will’s eyes snap to your gaze. “He’s still alive, creeping around somewhere. I don’t know where, I've tried to find him… but I know without a shadow of a doubt that he is still alive.”

Will looks up to the sky as black smoke billows.The familiar particles from The Upside Down begin to float in the air.

“What the fuck..” you turn to see Steve and Robin approaching where you and Will stand. “We need to get out of here right now. I don’t know what’s going on,” Steve says as he motions towards where he parked his car.

A loud rumble grabs your attention as your head whips around towards the noise.

“None of this can be safe to breathe in,” Robin says, panicked as she grabs your hand. “We should really get out of here.”

“What the hell is the rumbling about,” you begin towards the noise again, your feet picking up the pace as you start running towards the continued booming in the distance; Steve follows closely behind.

The tree line ends as you find yourself standing on the side of a grassy hill overlooking the destruction of Hawkins.

A familiar silhouette stands at the edge of where the luscious grass begins to decay.

“Eleven?” you breathe, brows furrowed as you take another step towards the girl.

She turns, her eyes widen as she begins your way. The two of you embrace as you both begin to cry.

Eleven pulls away, looking you in the eyes as she says, “I- I can’t find Max anywhere when I look for her.. I.. She can’t be dead..”

Your head shakes, “Max Mayfield doesn’t die that easily. I believe she’s still there, somewhere.. We’ll find her.” You grab Eleven’s hand, “You and me.”

She nods as a familiar voice says, “Hey, kid.” Your stomach drops as you turn, meeting the face of “Hopper!?” Your arms wrap around him, “You’re alive.. How are you alive?” You cry.

“It’s a long story,” he smiles, his hand rubbing the top of your head. “How in the world have you gotten wrapped up in all of this with all of us?"

You give him a weak smile before glancing at Steve who stands a few yards away with Robin, “It’s a long story.”

“Well, we will have time to share our long stories,” he smiles as his arm wraps around Joyce Byers. You beam at their embrace. “Yes sir,” you nod before turning back to Eleven.

“We’re gonna find him,” you say to Eleven as you look to the sky. “And when we find him, we’re gonna kill him.”

She snarls as she bends down to touch a wilting flower, a perfect example of the destruction Henry has caused all of you.

Peter slowly backs away from the manor, scouring over the outer parts of the ivy covered estate, desperately hoping to spot his bride. He turns towards the babbling creek, squinting as his eyes adjust to the darkness surrounding the distant waterline.

He is frozen as he watches on, swallowing hard as he sees a large figure moving by the oak trees next to the creek.

“You there!” Peter’s voice echoes through the field between him and the waterway, causing the shadow to pause for a moment. “Have you seen the Duchess!?”

The figure hurriedly dodges into the tree line, seemingly wading directly into the raging creek.

Peter’s stomach drops as the hair on the back of his neck stands straight.

Without another thought, he takes off in a full sprint, racing through the flower covered field towards the figure. The closer he grows to the stranger, the deeper they seem to stumble into the rushing current.

The moonlight illuminates the creek, now displaying the figure in full view.

Peter quickly recognized the face of Sir Fredrick, who was braced against a large oak tree laid along the embankment of the creek, clinging to the Duchess, still thrown over his wide shoulder - her ornate indigo ball gown twinkles against the moon’s beams, falling like liquid into the rushing water.

His feet cannot seem to move fast enough as soles of his black shoes slap against the grassy meadow, watching on as Fredrick turns away from the tree and begins wading deeper into the water. Peter’s blood boils as he sees the Duchess’ limp body swaying with every move Fredrick made.

Peter reaches the creek’s embankment, lunging towards his fiancé’s captor, almost super human-like as he flies through the air. His body collides with Sir Fredrick, knocking the Duchess from his grip.

“No!” The large man turns towards Peter, huffing while he tries to pull the unconscious Duchess back into his clutch.

“Pete!” Anthony screams breathlessly as he and Benedict quickly approach the creek’s embankment.

Peter’s bound fist meets Fredrick’s cheek with a dull crack, his opposite hand lands another punch to the man’s jaw, knocking him away from the Duchess; causing her to begin to sink into the rushing tributary.

Peter lunges for his Bluebell, his large hand wraps around her wrist, bringing her into his gentle embrace. The rushing water slaps against him as he clings to his bride.

Sir Fredrick brings his wide hand to his spilt and bleeding cheek before his angry eyes meet Peter’s, “I will kill you for that, Parker.”

“You can try,” Peter grits his teeth, holding tight to the Duchess as he fights the deluge of water.

Anthony and Benedict jump into the current after their friends.

“I would not come closer if I were you, Fredrick,” Peter hisses, now backed against the stream side as his flat palm spreads protectively across his Bluebell’s spine, clinging to her limp body as the water rages around them. “Truly, I say - I shall kill you if you come any closer to me or my wife.”

Peter’s once perfectly quaffed hair is now wild as his dark eyes remain fixated on Fredrick, now looming closer to him. He clings to his fiancé as Benedict and Anthony swim over, putting themselves between their friends and the assailant.

“Do not dare move, Fredrick,” Anthony’s voice booms as he and Benedict apprehend the captor; a brawl ensues between the men as Peter slowly pulls himself and the Duchess from the rushing water and onto the dewy moss.

Peter’s voice trembles as he drops to his knees, “Sweetheart..” his trembling hands ghost over the body of his betrothed.

“I- I must- I..” Peter’s vision is too hazy from the tears filling his eyes to see as his shivering fingers brush against the freezing cold flesh of his fiancé’s exposed neck, hoping to find a pulse.

Hot tears run down his handsome face as he slowly cradles his beloved’s body in his arms “Stay with me- stay with me… Please,” he begs as he caresses her face. “Please.. Please stay. Do not leave me.”

He brings the Duchess closer to his chest as he sobs violently, feeling like a scared child as he cradles his best friend in his arms.

“Peter, go,” Benedict yells to Peter as he and Anthony seem to tie Sir Fredrick to a tree by the creek. “Get her to safety!” He cries.

Peter looks up at his friends, the men share the same petrified look, like terrified little boys staring silently at one another as the sound of the river rages behind the trio.

“Pete.. you have to go..” tears fall down Anthony’s cheeks as nods towards the manor in the distance. “Go!”

Peter nods wildly, still in shock as he slowly stands, clinging to his bride as he walks towards the distant glow of the soiree.

Time seems frozen as he approaches the manor, the amber light of the candelabras illuminated he and the Duchess as they step across the threshold of the busy ballroom.

The five string quartet comes to an unharmonious halt as shocked guests gasp at the sight before them.

The vast ballroom grows quiet as Peter slowly makes his way through the crowd, his eyes remain transfixed on his beautiful bride as they ascend up the flower-lined staircase, glowing candelabras guide Peter’s path to the Duchess’ room.

Hurried staff come running as Peter gently lays the Duchess on her neatly made bed. He stands protectively over her as Sarah and Lady May rush over to him.

They are saying something, but he cannot hear, for his thoughts are muffled, they are only of his Bluebell. She looked like an angel illuminated by the single candle stick glowing by her bedside.

He swallows hard as hot tears continue to fall down his cheeks, unmoving as he watches the staff work around the Duchess. A footman kindles a raging fire in the hearth as maids grab sheets and towels.

“We must undress the Duchess,” a maid whispers to Sarah. She turns to Peter, “My Lord, you must leave the room. We must undress the Duchess from these wet clothes so we can warm her.”

Peter’s chocolate eyes remain on his unconscious bride.

“Peter,” Lady May whispers. “It is indecent of you to stay.”

“I will not be leaving her side,” he mutters, his already bruising fists remained clenched tightly by his side as silent tears fall, hitting the ground along with the water dripping off of his wet clothes.

“Peter,” Sarah coos. “You must leav-“

“I will do no such thing!” Peter explodes as he turns to Sarah, his tearful gaze like daggers as he stares her down. “I cannot leave her, Sarah,” his voice breaks, his chest heaves.

Sarah swallows back burning tears.

The room is quiet other than the crackling of the fireplace and Peter’s trembling breathing. The staff is frozen as they await approval from Sarah. She lets out an exhausted sigh before she nods. The room erupts as the staff begin to slowly strip both the Duchess and Lord Parker from their soiled clothes.

“Peter, honey,” May whispers as she rubs Peter’s bare shoulder. “What on earth happened?”

All Peter can do is cry as he turns to May, bending his tall frame to bury his face into her neck as he continues to sob. May runs her long nails through Peter’s damp hair.

“He tried to kill her, May. He was going to kill her. He has done something to her to paralyze her..” he explains.

“Who did, Peter?” Sarah chimes in.

“Sir Fredrick,” Anthony replies as he and Benedict walk into the room, quickly averting their eyes as they see the Duchess in such a state. “Please, Lady May.. Sarah. Let us speak in a different room.” The pair oblige, following the two Bridgerton brothers out of the room, leaving Peter and the Duchess behind as the staff continue tending to them.

“Lord Parker,” a maid whispers, motioning Peter towards the raging fireplace. “You must continue shedding your clothing. We do not need to have you catching a chill, my Lord.”

He nods, stepping backwards towards the flames. His eyes remain on his motionless bride as silent tears fall down his cheeks “Will she be okay?”

“I do not know, my Lord,” the maid sighs. “The best we can do is keep her warm and safe, Your Grace..”

“Please,” he turns towards the woman. “-Call me Peter.”

She nods, her wrinkled eyes smile as she murmurs, “Peter.. we will do best we can to keep Your Grace warm and comfortable. The Doctor should be here soon enough.”

The maid gives Peter a sad smile as she unfolds a beautiful quilt, “Here, this will keep you warm.” Peter bows towards the maid, letting her wrap the heavy blanket around his shoulders, “I did not get your name.”

“Lizbeth, sir,” she smiles, then turns to the footman. Her wrinkled finger points towards a chair in the corner of the room, “Patrick, please be a dear and move that besides the Duchess’ bed for Peter so he can watch over her comfortably.”

“I can stand,” Peter says, pulling the quilt a little tighter around his bare shoulders.

“You will sit,” Lizbeth retorts as she guides Peter towards the chair. “You may not have to rest your mind, but you do need to rest your body. The Duchess can be seen from this chair just as well as she can be seen if you were standing.”

Peter nods before ultimately sitting in the large chair beside his fiancé’s bed. The silent tears turn to violent sobs as Peter lays himself over her body, burying his face in the covers in hopes of muffling his pained cries, “I-I am so- so sorry.. I failed you too.”

A firm hand pats Peter on the back, “Pete.”

Anthony.

“Pete, he is insisting on only speaking to you,” Benedict sighs. “He refuses to say anything besides how he “finally bested the Watsons once and for all”. He will not explain a thing to us. He is truly mad.”

Peter sits up and turns towards his friends. “He said what?” He asks with jaws clenched.

Anthony repeats what Benedict said, “Fredrick keeps going on about how he has ‘finally bested to Watsons once and for all’. It simply does not make sense, Pete.”

“Bring him to me,” Peter says plainly.

-

Peter stands in the middle of the threshold going into The Duchess’ bed chamber, standing guard as he waits for the Bridgerton’s return with Sir Fredrick. His bare chest heaves as he tries to exhale out his rage. His clenched fists shake at his sides as tries to calm his angry heart. He closes his eyes, memories of seeing his Bluebell’s limp body thrown over Fredrick’s shoulder flood Peter’s thoughts. He shakes his head, trying to shake away the horrible memories.

His head snaps up towards the sound of multiple sets of foot steps approaching him. His eyes lock in on those of his fiancé’s abductor.

Before he can think, Peter lunges towards the tall man, tackling him to the floor of the hallway; landing a few vicious blows to his body before Benedict and Anthony pull the men apart.

Peter’s angry eyes remained on Fredrick, who had a smug grin plastered across his face, “What is the matter, Parker?”

“What do you mean when you say you finally bested the Watsons?” Peter asks. Anthony keeps a firm hand wrapped around Peter’s arm.

Sir Fredrick let out a low chuckle, “I thought you were supposed to be some kind of a genius, Parker.”

“Peter,” Benedict interjects. “We can take him away whenever you would like.”

“It’s fine, Ben,” Peter looks at the freckled man in front of him, “Tell me what you mean. Now.”

He tries to step closer to Peter, but Benedict holds his arms tightly behind his back. Fredrick huffs before smiling slightly - his eyes locked in on Peter.

“Once upon a time there was a beautiful woman who fell in love with a common man. Their love was passionate, a summer love, blossoming under secrecy. They had promised themselves to one another, bound forever - for eternity.. or so the common man thought.”

Fredrick’s face drops.

“The beautiful woman left the commoner for a man of status - a Duke. The common man spent years mourning the loss of his potential love, watching on from a distance as she married the Duke and sired two children - a girl and a boy,” Fredrick continues to tell his story.

“The commoner went mad watching idly as his love flourished in life without him, reminding him of how he was nothing without her,” Fredrick paused, smirking slightly, “However, one day, the common man hatched a plan.. one that he was convinced would work. He would set the Duke’s home on fire, sneak into the blaze to save his love and then begin a life with her after her family had perished.”

Peter watched on, confused by Fredrick’s story, “I do not understand.”

“You see, Lord Parker - the commoner’s plan was that of a fool’s… for when he set the home on fire he did kill the other family members, even the staff. But, when he had arrived at his lost love’s side, she too had perished due to the smoke inhalation,” Sir Fredrick let out an exhausted sigh before shaking his head. “The man thought that with his lost love and her family gone that he could finally move on after all of these years.”

Benedict and Anthony eye one another, fear washed over their faces as they start to piece things together.

“Unfortunately, the man simply was unable to move on in view of the fact that he did not kill all of his lost love’s family… One remained unscathed-” Fredrick’s eyes darken as he stared Peter down, “One family member was left to remind my father of what he had done.”

Peter’s heart sank. Anthony and Benedict's eyes widen.

“ A daughter. A fortunate Duchess - Mary Jane Watson.” Benedict and Anthony grow white. Peter thought he was going to be sick.

“My father was a stupid man. He died a stupid man. But what I am not is stupid. I was going to end what he could not. Her face. Her presence.. She is the reason my father was mad. Her face was that of her mother’s. I could no longer live knowing she was alive and my father was not.”

The men stood in silence. Peter looks at Benedict and gives him a small nod before turning towards his fiancé’s bed chamber and walking over to the bed. Benedict and Anthony take Sir Fredrick to the police waiting down the stairs.

Peter slowly sits down beside the bed, wrapping his bare shoulders with the quilt from before. He sits silently, his gaze locked on the beautiful woman laying peacefully in the bed.

“Mary Jane,” he whispers through silent tears. “I love you. Please wake up, baby.”

He lays his head onto her chest, his hand wraps around her hand as he slowly drifts to sleep to the most peaceful sound he knows; the beat of Mary Jane Watson’s heart.

——

Welp, there it is yall - it’s been… a while. My bad. Life has been whooping my ass in so many different ways. I doubt that a lot of people will even read this!! If you have read this far, I really am so sorry for such a long wait, I hope this makes up for my absence? I love you I love you I love you - Cait <3

A Lord & A Lady Taglist: @loserbee14 @fk12b @todaywasafairytale07 @bellestalesoffiction @nayspy @splintered-emotions @dark-night-sky-99 @dxmerons @jeezlouiisee @tenaciousperfectionunknown @spiidergirlsworld @lovelyweepingrebel

You walked into your apartment after a late shift to find Peter halfway undressed, clad in tiny navy blue briefs and the upper half of his newly designed Spiderman costume stuck over the top half of his body. He struggled, grunting and moaning loudly before he stopped - sensing someone in the room along with him.

You gulp, eyes darting to the gigantic bulge in his briefs - feeling awful that you even looked in the first place. “Uh, do you uh - need some help?” You shyly ask, looking at the ceiling and gripping your forearm in your hand.

“I am so sorry,” Peter’s voice is muffled underneath the fabric over his face. “I don’t really know how exactly I’ve gotten this stuck on me. Would you pull the torso of the suit and I’ll try to pull against you?”

As he speaks your eyes dart back down to the bulge - your stomach ties in knots. “Uh - okay, yeah,” you nod to yourself, pulling you from your thoughts as you approach where Peter stood.

Why were you shaking so badly?

Your fingers hook underneath the torso of the suit, Peter’s skin warm against yours as you start to pull towards yourself. Peter digs his heels into the floor as you finally pull the suit off, falling to the floor with a thud.

Peter stands only in his navy briefs - his handsome face turning into a blushing smile as the two of you start to laugh simultaneously. “I think I just traumatized you and possibly bruised your ass and you’ve been home for like three minutes,” he laughs, starting to walk over to where you sat on the floor still clinging to his suit. “Let me help you up.”

You look up to Peter, desperately trying to not make eye contact with the bulge above you. Peter’s hands reached down towards you, grunting as he stands you up. “Thanks,” you sputter, trying to not stare at his chest as you gulped. God, he was so fucking hot.

“Atta girl,” Peter says with a smirk, brown eyes staring into yours. “There’s no telling how long I would have been stuck. Thank you so much. You really always know how to come in and save the day - which is funny all things considered.”

Peter’s eyes trail down to your lips before quickly snapping back up to your gaze. He takes a deep inhale, swallowing loudly as his breath started to pick up - chest puffing as he stared you down.

He had shifted, his eyes growing dark - brows furrowing as he simply asks, “Are you turned on right now?”

You just stare at him, wide eyed, “W-What?”

His brown eyes trailed down to your chest, lingering for a small moment before shifting lower - almost as if he could see something that you couldn’t.

“Peter, what are you talking about?” You say hurriedly with a gulp. He steps closer towards you - his chest bumping into yours, his eyes remaining locked onto yours as he says, “I can smell you.”

You’re speechless.

“I can smell your arousal, Y/N. I can hear your heart racing,” he whispers. “I - I can’t even imagine how wet you are. It smells like it’s a lot. Is it just for me?” He steps closer towards you, you step away. “I can normally handle it, but this - this is..” he trails off, taking another deep inhale - eyes fluttering as he takes in your aroma.

“P-Peter?” You ask, almost convinced this was yet another wet dream about Peter. This would be the third one this week.

All you can do is stare, trying to rub your thighs together with each step away from Peter in hopes up rubbing your damp clit against the hem of your pants.

“Maybe it’s because I’m standing in front of you in underwear…” he’s backed you against the bathroom door, almost is if he were stalking you. “Maybe it’s because I can’t keep lying to myself about how I feel about you…”

“I - I feel for you,” you whisper. “I - Peter..” your eyes trail down his chest to his now rock hard cock pressing against his underwear. You gulp again, looking back to Peter’s dark eyes. “I’m so sorry, that was disrespectful. I didn’t-.”

“Believe me, Y/N - you couldn’t deny that you want to fuck me even if you tried,” Peter growled, looking you dead in the eyes. “I know you think of me whenever you touch yourself because I can fucking hear you whispering my name. And then you’ll come into the living room afterwards and it’s all over you - and you just smell so fucking incredible.” He paused, his fingertips touch yours. “And every time I want to ask to lick it off your fingers before you’ve had the chance to wash your hands.”

You’re just stunned at this point, allowing Peter to continue to speak.

“I ask to do the laundry so I can jerk off in your underwear,” he’s breathless, pushing his forehead against yours. “I’m - I can’t stand to not be with you anymore.”

Peter’s warm pink lips envelop yours in perfect embrace as his large hands wrap around the small of your back - pulling you into him.

Peter leans his hips into yours, picking you up with ease as he leans against you - pressing you against the wall and deepening your kiss.

He ruts his hips into yours, moaning into your kiss as his right hand wraps into your hair, his left hand presses your hips into his as he starts to walk the two of you to the couch.

“I want it,” he growls, laying you down and immediately getting onto his knees on the floor.

“You want what?” You ask, still breathless from his passionate kisses.

Peter grips the waistline of your pants, smirking as you realized what he meant. Your heart seemed to drop into your stomach as he tugged on your pants, “These need to go.”

Before you know it your pants are on the floor, Peter had somehow shed your underwear, too. And god did you have your thighs shoved together tightly.

His hands rub up and down your thighs slowly before dipping underneath your thighs and yanking you down - opening up your legs to Peter. He growls as he pulls out his cock, beginning to palm it as he looks up into your eyes, “Would you be a good girl and let me eat your pussy?”

“Please?” you beg - stomach fluttering hearing him calling you a good girl.

He doesn’t hesitate going in with a flat-tongued lick up your dripping wet slick. Peter lets out a breathless moan, not even touching himself - both of his hands on your ass cheeks, gripping them in his clutch as he slowly massages them. He goes in, again - lapping up the juices with much oblige. Peter was a natural, rocking his tongue back and forth on your clit before flicking it and sucking it between his lips, repeating over and over until he had you beginning to shake.

Peter grinned as he ate you out on the couch, still on his knees as he adjusted - seeming to pull you as close as possible as he continued to suck on your clit. He slid one of his long fingers inside of you - slowly getting you adjusted to it before slipping another one in.

He fucks you with his fingers until you’re moaning loudly, flat tongue flicking your clit quickly.

Peter looks up and gives you a devilish smile, saying, “Now you need to be a good girl and take this cock as well as you just took my mouth and my fingers, okay? I need to know how it feels inside of your delicious pussy.”

You nod as Peter adjusts the two of you on the couch, you couldn’t lie - you loved that he was manhandling you.

He’s pulled your ass to the edge of the couch, on your back as he lines himself up with your entrance. He’s already kicked his underwear off, his throbbing cock bouncing onto your thigh.

He takes his member and rubs the tip against your damp and swollen lips, dipping inside of your sensitive cunt with ease. “Oh my fucking god,” he moans into the crook of your neck, dipping out of you before rolling his hips back into you - dipping in further this time.

The both of you moan as Peter goes to palm your breast in his large hand, licking your nipple before beginning to suck on it harshly as he continued to thrust into you - the sensation of sucking on your nipple sending him over the edge.

Peter starts to pound into you as his mouth finds its way to your other breasts - sucking on your nipple as his hand finds its way to your clit.

“I want to touch everything but I can’t,” he groans as he continues to thrust into you. “I should web you to the bed and then fill all of your holes up. My fingers, my mouth, my cock. I want every fucking inch of you.”

Peter moans, “I’m gonna fill you up right now and then you’ll be fucking dripping with my cum all night long. I’m not - I’m not worried about it because I know you’re on birth control. And then I’m just going to keep filling you up. I’m not going to be done with you anytime soon.”

You’re vibrating as Peter starts to suck on your nipples again, slowly dipping his hips further into yours and bottoming out with every thrust.

“Now be a good girl and take all of my cum,” he whispers in your ear with a raspy and breathless groan as he cums inside of you, thrusting deep into you and rubbing himself in you. “Yeah, that’s my good girl - my baby taking my cum so good.”

You’re breathless as you lay there, Peter stands up giving you his hand. “Let’s get you some water, you’re going to need it.”

-

You’re welcome, you hoes (I say that in the most endearing way)

Wow - imma go to bed now and act like I didn’t just write this lol

Anyways, I love you <3 I hope ur hot and bothered <3

- Cait

“I’m a freshman,” Dustin says with an annoyed shrug. “You douche,” he murmurs.

Tommy’s windbreaker swishes as he crosses his arm, “Where did you end up going for college, Harrington?”

Steve hesitates, looking down at the off white tiled floor before looking over at Dustin, “I uh-“ his eyes glance over to Tommy, “I didn't.”

“So, you didn’t go to college, and now you babysit freshman?” Tommy’s brows furrowed, smiling widely. “What happened, King Steve?”

“He also has a job,” Dustin chimes in. “He works at Family Video.”

“The movie rental place?” Tommy laughs, shaking his head before he looks back at Steve. “Oh, Stevie boy, what has happened to you? Where did King Steve go? You babysit, you work at family video.. I feel sorry for you, man.”

Steve is silent, his face is trapped somewhere between an awkward smile and a grimace before he says, “Well, Tommy - it’s been great seeing you man, but we gotta get going.”

Tommy’s palm smacks flatly on Steve’s sweatshirt covered shoulder as he looks into his eyes, “ Hey, I’m throwing a party tonight, you should come. Bring King Steve, see if he’s still there.. somewhere deep inside of you. It’ll be fun. Hot girls, drinks - who knows what we could get into, Harrington. Or who we could get into.”

Steve rolls his eyes, “I’ll think about it.”

“Good,” Tommy gets close to Steve, placing his palm onto his cheek before giving it a light smack, “Cause I’m sure you miss King Steve, too.”

“Steve, let’s go,” Dustin says.

Tommy’s eyes remain on Steve’s, dropping his palm from his shoulder, “Yeah, Steve - go babysit. I’ll see you tonight.”

“See ya,” Steve says flatly, walking away from Tommy and heading towards the next item on the grocery list, ”Alright, we need celery.”

“Steve, you’re not actually going to that party, are you? We could hang out,” Dustin says, following beside Steve as he grabs celery, “You, me, maybe Mike? Is Robin working?”

“I’m still cool, right Henderson?” Steve’s voice is small as he inspects the celery before throwing it into the grocery cart.

“I mean, you mainly hang out with me and Robin nowadays, but I still think you’re pretty cool,” Dustin shrugs. “Screw what Tommy Hagan says.”

“Yeah,” he breathes, looking at Dustin. “Thanks, Henderson.”

-

Steve made his way through the busy front lawn of the Hagan residence, dodging drunk teenagers as he reached the opened front door - the music from inside booming loudly as he stepped through the threshold. He could feel the burning of eyes on him from all around as he traversed through the familiar living room, directly to the punch sitting on the kitchen counter, scooping a bit from the large bowl and it into a small cup.

“King Steve!” Tommy exclaimed, throwing his arms up in the air as he approached Steve. “I thought you weren’t gonna come! Figured you’d be babysitting, or selling movie rentals to hicks.” Tommy leans towards Steve, the smell of alcohol wafting into Steve’s face as Tommy whispers, ”Did ya leave a kid in the car, Harrington?”

Steve is quiet, eyeing Tommy and knocking back the entirety of the small cup of punch in his grip. “I’m kidding!” Tommy yells, before letting out a loud, and quite obnoxious belly laugh, slapping Steve’s arm as his face quickly drops, eyes squinting as he scans the room, pointing at the crowd, “You can have any bitch you want, which one will it be, King Steve?”

“I, uh- I need to pee,” Steve says quickly, tossing the empty cup into the trash can as he makes his way down the hallway.

He enters the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Propping his large palms on the bathroom vanity, as he stared at himself in the mirror - one hand brushes through his thick locks as he shakes his head, letting out a long exhale. “Jesus,” he murmurs to himself, studying his features in the reflection - “Get it the hell together, Steve.”

He blinks - brows furrowing as he looks past himself in the reflection, over to the moving shower curtain to the right of him. He swallows, turning and gently stepping towards the shower, fingertips carding the side of the curtain before he throws it open, seeing a woman sitting in the tub - her wide eyes making direct eye contact with Steve.

“Hi,” she whispers, eyes darting to the bathtub before reluctantly scanning back up to Steve’s warm gaze .

“Hi,” he says with a small wave, furrowing his brows as he looks down, noticing the stranger’s tear-stained cheeks gleaming off of the bathroom lights. “Are you okay?”

Her arms wrapped around her chest, clutching something in her hand, “Yes, uh - I was trying to find a sliver of solace from this awful party here in this bathroom, but got clotheslined by somebody holding a cup of punch on the way in here. I was just trying to wash my shirt when you came in and… I’m sorry. Uh.. I just need to-“ she stands and Steve panics, realizing she’s shirtless. Slapping his palm over his eyes, he quickly turns on the heel of his foot, away from the beautiful stranger. “Do you, uh.. would you- Do you need my sweatshirt?” He scrunches his face, embarrassed by his fumbling of words.

“Wait, really?” He hears her step out of the tub - “I think I could wash my shirt in the sink. It’s really no big deal-.”

“-It’s totally a big deal,” Steve’s hand remained over his eyes - “It’s way too cold tonight for you to be in a wet shirt.” His hand grabs the back of his collar, pulling the fabric over his head quickly - his fluffy hair bouncing as it recoils - “Here, take my sweatshirt.”

Steve stands in an olive green long sleeve shirt, his right arm extended behind him as the shirtless woman grabs the sweatshirt, pulling herself into the fabric, wrapping her arms back around her chest.

“Thank you so much.” She smiles, looking at the back of Steve’s head, “You can turn around now.”

He slowly turns back to the girl, shyly smiling at her before his chocolate eyes scan back down to the tiled floor, “You can keep that if you need to.”

“Your sweatshirt? No! God no - I could throw my top into the dryer and it would be fine! Do you have thirty minutes to spare?” She asks.

”If that means you won’t be wearing a wet shirt the rest of the night - sure” - he nods, extending his right arm out to her, “I’m Steve, by the way.”

She lets out a small chuckle, taking his large hand into hers - “Oh, I know.”

Steve lets out a mimicking laugh, giving her an inquisitive face - licking his bottom lip before he smiles, saying - “You already know me? That must not be good.” He scrunches his face, “Should I go ahead and apologize? I used to be a real jerk.”

“No! No - I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh,” she shuts her eyes as she shakes her head, still smiling widely as she says - “It’s just - you’re Steve Harrington. Of course I know who you are.. We graduated together. You’re the King of Hawkins High School,” She scrunches her nose, “Also - you stole my babysitting gig.” His head cocks to the side, studying her gorgeous face, continuing to grasp her hand in his, thumb caressing the webbing of her thumb and pointer finger.

And then it hits him.

He remembers her.

How the summer sun’s rays shone down on her, making her look like an angel as she laid on a yellow blanket on the perfectly green grass. Her thick thighs oiled up with sunscreen, her head shoved into a book.

“Hey!” Dustin yells, getting Steve’s attention as he throws a soapy rag at him.

“What?!” Steve turns, lazily spraying Dustin with the water hose.

“I’m just gonna go ahead and let you know that she’s way out of your league,” Dustin’s brows raise as a smile spreads across his face, nodding his head towards the yard over - suds dripping off of his mom’s car as he continues to scrub the sides.

Steve sprays the roof of the car - “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Henderson.”

Dustin lets out an exhausted huff - “She’s as smart as she is pretty. And she’s funny,” Dustin says. “And she was kind of like my sister growing up.”

“So that means I can’t even look at her?” Steve scoffs, turning back to glance at Dustin’s neighbor. “She is really pretty.”

“I knew it!” Dustin takes the soapy bucket in front of him, grasping it in his hands, tossing the liquid at Steve, “She isn’t just someone to date, Steve. She’s the kind of girl you want to settle down with. Hawkins’ own Princess Leia. So, not your type.”

Steve wipes water from his eyes, taking one last glance at the angelic woman reading on the lawn. “She could be my type, you never know.”

“Princess Leia,” Steve murmurs.

“What was that?” She cocks her head to the side, her brows coming together in an inquisitive furrow.

Steve clears his throat, “You should be happy to know that Dustin Henderson speaks very highly of you,” Steve smiles at her, his eyes glancing down at his hand still wrapped around hers and quickly drops it to his side. His chocolate eyes scan back up to her sweet gaze. “He says you’re smart and funny. He says you’re Hawkins’ own Princess Leia, actually.”

“Well, that’s incredibly sweet of Dustin to say,” she sighs. “I miss the hell out of that kid. How is he? I never get to see him anymore.. Not since he got this really cool babysitter,” she eyes Steve, smirking at him.

He blushes, smiling widely as his fingers rake through his thick locks, “Yeah.. Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay, Steve.”

God, he loved how she said his name. He loved how her mouth had to curl into a small smile whenever she said it.

“-I understand. Dustin thinks you’re way cooler than me, which isn’t true at all. He’ll come to realize that one day,” she bounces her brows at him. “After all, I am the person that introduced him to Dungeons and Dragons.”

He scoffs, “Hey now - we can both be cool. I mean, I am extremely cool - but since Dustin Henderson thinks so highly of you, I’d say we might be neck and neck on the coolness scale.” He’s unable to contain his wide smile as he looks back at the girl. “We should dry this shirt of yours before it gets too late.”

She wraps her arms back around herself, shutting her eyes as she cuddles herself into Steve’s sweatshirt, inhaling slowly, “But what if I want to keep wearing your sweatshirt? I mean - it smells incredible. And it’s so warm.”

Steve’s cheeks flush, grinning ear to ear as he watches her cuddle into the fabric, looking perfect in his clothes - “I mean - you can keep wearing it if you’d like. You could give it back to me tomorrow or- or really whenever you’d like. I think I’m gonna get out of here, though. Parties like this aren’t my scene anymore.”

Her hand reaches out and gently grabs Steve’s, “Would you please drop me off at my parent’s house? My friend that dragged me here left about forty minutes ago with some girl and I don’t have a ride. Please don't leave me here, Steve. This party is awful. If I hear Tommy Hagan’s stupid voice one more time I might explode.”

Steve’s fingers wrap around hers, “Of course. Let’s go right now.” He turns, still holding her hand as he opens the bathroom door - the house packed wall to wall with drunken teens dancing to music. “It’s a little crazy in here, stay close to me,” he turns, gently pushing her in front of him, his hand on her mid-back as the other keeps a protective shield in front of her as they make their way through the crowd.

Just as they near the door, Tommy H.’s voice rings out, “King Steve got the prettiest bitch in the pond!” He hops off of the table he’s on, drunkenly waltzing over to where the two stood, just feet from the door.

“The Drum Major graduates and gets hot. Who knew?” Tommy slurs, shrugging as he smacks his palm onto Steve’s shoulder. “I knew you were in there, King Steve. I knew I could drag you out of this old, tired version of yourself.” His breath wafts in both of their faces. Tommy’s mischievous eyes scan down to her’s, villainously smiling as he looks her up and down, “You gonna let King Steve treat you real good, yeah? What - are you a virgin? No! No - you band kids fuck like rabbits, don’t you - band girl?”

Tommy’s hand reaches up to grab Steve’s collar, his gaze turning as he breathes - “I wonder how many rounds she’ll last you, huh - King Steve? Four? Five?”

Steve grits his teeth together, his arm remains protectively wrapped around her waist as he looks down at Tommy, “We gotta go before it gets too late. Thanks for the invite, man.”

Tommy’s eyes glance back down to Her, “Wait a second.. hold your horses, you two-“ his fingers point to her chest, noticing Steve’s sweatshirt - “This is his.” Tommy’s fingers point to Steve, “You’re naughty, King Steve. You really had me fooled.” Tommy leans down to the woman, inches away from her face as he asks, “Tell me, beautiful. Where did you take it? In your mouth or in your a-“

Tommy is shoved back with force by Steve - the crowd gasping and whispering, forming an open circle at the entrance of the home as the two men stalk towards one another.

“Oh, Stevie-boy! Did I hurt your feelings?” Tommy laughs, jumping up and down a bit as he holds his fists in front of his face - back curled inward as he starts to rock back and forth on the balls of his feet. “What? Ya gonna hit me, King Steve? Come on!”

Steve is silent, staring at Tommy through his long lashes - his hair fallen in his face as his chest slowly rises and falls.

“Do you even know how to fight anymore? Oh wait - you’ve never won a fight in your life, have you?” Tommy mocks, nearing Steve and throwing a punch his way.

Steve dodges the punch, retracting his body before his arm flies towards Tommy’s face, his fist knocking Tommy directly in his freckled nose. Tommy steps back dramatically, grabbing his face before he lunges at Steve again - arms flying around his thighs trying to throw him to the ground.

Steve’s thumbs dig into Tommy’s traps, shoving him away as he rolls up his sleeves, “Like I said, we need to leave. It’s getting late.” Tommy charges Steve again, punching him in the gut this time before he lands another punch to Steve’s nose - blood immediately pouring from his left nostril as he’s pushed back.

“Stop!” The girl yells, stepping herself in between Steve and Tommy - Tommy’s fist hitting her left cheek as she falls to the ground, letting out a small whimper as she holds her face in her palm.

Steve’s worried eyes snap over to where she had fallen beside him, swallowing as his heart raced - drumming hard in his ears as he felt his body burn with an animalistic rage seeing tears streaming down her beautiful face. His nostrils flare, grimacing as he stands - “You’re a pathetic piece of shit, Hagan. If you ever touch her again, I will kill you.”

“Fuck you, Harrington,” Tommy spits at him.

Steve rears back, punching Tommy in the nose once more - this time knocking him unconscious, hitting the ground with a loud thud. A few of Tommy’s friends gather around him and Steve turns, helping the beautiful woman up, “Come on. Let’s get you out of here.”

_

“Dustin was right,” Steve smiled. “That was very Princess Leia of you back there.”

The woman dabs Steve’s bloody nose, standing between his thighs where he sat on the kitchen counter, holding up a bag of frozen peas to her cheek -“What? Getting punched in the face?”

“No. Stepping in to help. It was very Princess Leia of you,” he smiles, his upper lips moving as the wet cloth wipes away the crimson stain. “You were a badass.”

She rolls her eyes, “You’re far too nice, Steve. You’re the one that was a badass back there. You beat Tommy’s ass.”

“He’s had it coming for years now,” he watches her concentrated face as she wipes the last bit of blood from his nose. “Is it bad to say that it kind of felt good?”

“No, I don’t think so - I think you had a real Han Solo moment back there,” she smiled, laying the wet rag beside Steve. “I was hoping to get the chance to call you a stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder.. But as it turns out, you're quite the opposite, Steve Harrington.”

“Wait, who’s Han in the movies again?” He hops down from the counter, now chest to chest with her - his warm eyes gazing at her.

“He’s a real scoundrel. A smuggler. But he ends up being one of the Rebel Alliance's greatest leaders. He’s a real hero,” her shy gaze falls to the ground.

“And what about Leia?” He leans closer to her, “What happens between them? Sorry that I need so much refreshing. Dustin insisted that I watch episodes four, five and six last Christmas break, but it's all a little blurry for me.”

“Han and Leia?”

“Yeah, what happens to them?” He asks, intrigued.

“Well, even though they want to wring each other’s throat sometimes, they fall in love,” she explains.

“Do they get married and have babies?” Steve asks. His tone is almost eager as his chest remains pressed against hers. “What about the hairy thing?”

“Chewbacca?” She asks.

“Yes! Yes - That’s Dustin,” he smiles.

She lets out a belly laugh, smacking her hand over her mouth, “I’m sorry for laughing!”

“What? Why? It’s true!” He laughs. “Now tell me, what happened to Chewbacca? What happens to Han and Leia?”

“Well, in Return of the Jedi - where Luke burns up Vader’s helmet at the ewok camp in the final scene,” she says - “Everyone is happy and celebrating. They’re all there together.”

“That’s a really good scene,” Steve whispers, his nose practically touching hers just as a low rolling of thunder shakes the house, rain starting to pour on the roof of the home. Lightning strikes, followed by another rolling of thunder.

“Jesus, I didn’t realize it was supposed to storm tonight,” she whispers, turning and walking away from Steve - opening up a drawer and grabbing a large black flashlight from it, turning back to Steve, “Just in case! The power is shitty here.”

“Do you want me to leave?” He asks, going to grab his car keys from the kitchen counter.

“No! Please stay. It isn’t safe to drive right now.. And honestly, I’m a little freaked out by being alone with it storming so badly,” she makes a face. “I’m kind of a sissy.”

“You are not a sissy,” Steve chuckles, dropping his keys back onto the counter and resting his hip on it, crossing his arms over his chest - “I’m a little scared of storms too. It’s something about control for me, I think. That storm is a hell of a lot stronger than I could ever be, and I can’t control its strength, therefore it’s easy to be scared of it. Ya know?”

“That was deep,” she says.

“Shocker, Steve Harrington can be deep,” he waves his fingers, playfully rolling his eyes at her.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just crazy that King Steve Harrington is more than just a pretty face,” she smiles. “You see a gorgeous human - like a ridiculously gorgeous human, and you just automatically assume ‘this person’s gonna be an asshole.’ But you’re not. You’re wonderful,” she says.

Steve’s cheeks burn, smirking - “You think I’m ridiculously gorgeous?” His voice is raspy, stepping towards her, humming - “Huh, Princess?”

“Well, I just…” she shrugs, looking away from Steve before she shakes her head, “Fine.” Her eyes flash back to him, pointing the flashlight to his chest, “I think you’re ridiculously gorgeous, Steve Harrington. Happy?”

Steve brings his hand up to hers, wrapping his gentle fingers around the flashlight and taking it from her grasp, putting it in his back pocket. “Well, yeah-” His hands reach up, gently grasping her hand, “Because I think you’re ridiculously gorgeous..”

She looks confused, blinking a few times, “Is this really happening?”

“What?” He whispers, a small chuckle escaping from his throat.

“Steve Harrington finds me attractive?” She asks.

“And witty, and smart,” he adds with a nod, his left hand grasping hers while his right lazily rubs his thumb along the webbing of her hand. “Do you want to know what else Dustin said about you?”

She nods, her body melting into his touch as he continues, “He said I wasn’t even allowed to look at you because you’re out of my league. He says that you’re not someone just to date.. that you’re someone worth settling down with.”

“Is that really what he said?” She asks, her voice small. Steve nods. She smiles, “Well, that is very sweet of Dustin to say. What do you say?”

Steve chokes out a raspy, “What?”

“Now that you’ve met me, and we’ve spent- uh…” she looks past Steve to the clock above the fireplace in her family’s living room. “-Ya know, the last three, almost four hours together.. What do you say?”

Steve’s stomach drops, staring at the beautiful woman - “I would say that-“

Lightning strikes, the room goes dark, “Shit! We lost power? Come on!”

“You’re trembling,” Steve whispers, holding her hand a little tighter in his, his long fingers rubbing the webbing in between her thumb and pointer finger - bringing her a bit closer to his chest. The two are only inches away, standing in the middle of the kitchen - “Are you scared, Princess? You don’t have to be, I’m here.”

“My hands still have some of your blood on them, I’m sorry if they’re dirty,” she mutters - now close enough to Steve that her breath hits his neck.

“It’s okay - my hands are dirty, too,” his Nike covered toe hits hers. “But you’re still shaking.. So what are you afraid of, Princess?”

“Afraid? I’m not afraid,” she says. “If anything, I think you’re afraid.”

“Of what? The storm?” Steve retorts, his eyes adjusting to the darkness, now able to see the shape of her gorgeous face.

“Me,” she says.

His head shakes, “No - no, I’m not scared of you. Why would you say that?”

“Because you’re the one that’s trembling,” she whispers, taking her free hand and wrapping it around Steve’s. Her touch makes his heart swell, his knees grow weak as he swallows, realizing he is the one that’s been trembling this whole time. “What are you so scared of, Steve?”

“I- I don’t know.. I..” he exhales - his handsome face drops, warm eyes blinking - “I just get this feeling whenever I look at you. Whenever you’re near me.. I just- I want to be close to you. It feels like something is drawing me towards you like a magnet. It’s a little scary.. I’ve never really felt this way before.”

He can hear her swallow, her heart drums against her chest “Y-yeah?”

Steve nods, his nose brushes against hers, “Yes ma’am.”

“Why’s that? This magnetism between us?” She asks.

“Because you are someone worth settling down for. I look at you, and I can see my future staring back at me,” one of his hands comes up and cups her cheek, “I don’t mean to be so forward.. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“What kind of future do you see?” She asks.

“Whatever you want,” he says. “A future where you’re the happiest.”

“What if I said I wanted my future to have at least four kids in it?” She murmurs.

Steve pauses, smiling wide - so wide his eyes screw shut, “Then I guess I would need to go ahead and tell you my future involves six little nuggets.”

“Domesticated Steve Harrington? I’m in,” she laughs. “I like the thought of it. Steve with kids hanging all over him?”

“It’s the dream,” he nods. “Family vacations, only the best of the best for the holidays.. even changing diapers. It’s my dream.”

She’s quiet.

“Too much? I went too far, didn’t I?” He inhales sharply. “I’m so sorry. It was the future talk. I’m sorry..” he turns away, starting to walk towards his car keys.

Her hand grasps his, gently tugging him back towards her - their chests clumsily bumping together as her hand spreads, cupping his face. “You’re not too much for me, Steve.”

“I’m not? He whispers, swallowing back his nerves feeling the nearness of her.

She barely shakes her head, putting her hand on his drumming chest, “Never. Also, It’s gonna take a hell of a lot more than talking about babies and vacations to run me off, Steve Harrington.”

His anxieties wash away as his arm wraps around her waist, his palm cupping the nape of her neck. Steve’s warm lips brush against hers delicately, his body relaxing into her warmth - melting into her touch. Just the simple brush of flesh seemed to intoxicate Steve as his lips crashed into hers, feeling as if his knees could come out from underneath him as her fingers ran through his hair.

She breathlessly moans into the passionate kiss as Steve wraps her up closer, pressing his hips into hers as his tongue traces her bottom lip. Their tongues collide as Steve’s thigh presses against her pelvis - her legs spreading a bit as he starts to walk the two of them back, running into the kitchen table in the process.

They part, both laughing, “Are you okay, Princess?”

“Yeah, yeah - but I'm gonna have to stop you before you seduce me into making kid number one already. At least take me on a date first,” she mocks, her nose brushing against Steve’s.

He sighs, “I’ll take you on a date. Wherever you want to go, I’ll take you.”

“How about you take me to your favorite place?” She suggests, still wrapped up in his arms.

He inhaled sharply - “Well - my favorite place is with Dustin Henderson… who is going to murder us, especially me whenever he finds out about me kissing you,” Steve groans.

“Oh god.. Dustin is going to kill us.. I am not looking forward to his wrath.. like, at all,” she sighs. “Maybe we won't tell him for right now?”

“No, that’ll make it way worse,” Steve shakes his head. “What do we do?”

“I have an idea. What about a DND game? I’ll host it tomorrow, it’s Sunday tomorrow - no one should have anything to do. It’ll be fine,” she says.

“Are you saying that for me or for you?” Steve asks. “Because I feel like that was kinda for both of us.” He laughs.

“Wait-“ she looks at him, he can see her brows laced together with concern, “What if you wake up tomorrow and you don’t feel the same way as you do tonight?” She asks.

Steve’s hands cup her warm face, leaving a gentle kiss on the top of her nose, “These feelings aren’t going anywhere.” Steve smiles, wrapping his arms around her. “You’re stuck with me now.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

————

You gasped, starting to back up from the two men fighting. Before you know it, you fall to the ground - hands harshly meeting the alley’s trash clad cement ground, letting out a hiss.

The terrifying floating man’s head whipped towards your hiss, his deep and empty eyes met your gaze - sending chills up your spine. He zoomed towards you. As he did, you realized he was a man you had heard of when you were in late high school.

The Green Goblin.

You screamed as he approached you on his glider, viciously smiling. Too frozen to move, you shut your eyes and let out a faint yell. You felt your body lift off the cement and into the air.

“Harry!” Spider-Man yelled, shooting a web and flying beside the two of you on the glider. The villainous man clung to your body, his nails digging into your ribs. You let out a hushed whimper, looking directly at the stranger you know as Spider-Man. “She doesn’t have anything to do with this, Harry. It’s been 10 years-“

“Shut up!” The Green Goblin screamed, “I don’t care how long it’s been. I will never be done with you.” He snarled and threw a bomb at Spider-man. As it exploded, the man cackled and tossed you while zooming away.

Falling was like you were in slow motion, wondering how in the world you ended up here so quickly. You stared at the stars wondering what happens once you hit the ground. You start to fly.

You start to fly.

Blinking away from your starry gaze, your head turns to see the red and blue masked hero holding you in his arms as he swings through the bright and crowded city.

Your arms wrapped tightly around Spider-Man as he swings lower and lower, finally dropping you back to the alley way where this all started.

He was panting as he asked, “Are you okay?”

Spider-Man was so tall. You stepped towards him with a whispered, “I think.” You were finally feeling the aftershock of what had just happened.

“Thank you for saving me, sir.” You said with shaky legs.

The hero cocked his head to the side, “Sir? Please - please call me Spider-man.” He reached his gloved hand out and shook your hand.

“I’m MJ,” you smiled, looking down at his large hands.

MJ?

The MJ that Peter 1 from the other universe had?

“Is it possible?” He thought to himself, studying your beautiful face, taking in every detail.

You didn’t look like Peter 1’s MJ.

“Could I ever repay you?” You ask, realizing he had never stopped shaking your hand.

His MJ.

“Spider-Man?” You asked, finally getting his attention.

“Sorry!” He stood up straight, “Post fight jitters get to best of me. Would you - do you need a walk home?”

You smiled looking up at the man in the mask, “I would really like that after what just happened.”

“Would you like to walk or swing?” He asked, pointing in the direction you were walking earlier.

“Would walking be okay for now?” You asked with a small awkward chuckle.

He nodded, walking beside you until the two of you reached your apartment. “Here I am,” you sighed, rocking back on your heels, “ Thank you so much. Could I ever possibly repay you Spiderman?”

Standing up straighter he looked down towards you, wishing he could take off his mask and tell you how you are star-crossed and meant to be. How he has yearned for you since he found out he could possibly have an MJ in this world. How you didn’t ever have to repay him because you were his MJ and that was enough. You being alive was enough.

“Nah,” he laughed it off, rocking back on his heels too, “Maybe I will catch you around the city sometime and maybe you can save me,” he joked.

“Well, you’re totally my friend now Spider-Man, and I still owe you big time; so let me know if you need me,” you smiled, pointing back at your apartment,” I doubt you need saving. You know where to find me!”

“Yes I do!” He laughed, starting to slowly back up from your door step, “And if you need me, just hang around more alley ways.”

“Bye Spiderman,” you said with a smile, “I really do hope I see you again soon.”

You gazed at him, trying to take him in as much as you could take in a masked man.

“I do too,” he said quickly as he shot a web, looking back at you while he perched on the brick wall.

You smiled as you watched him swing away from the brick wall and disappear in the night.