#refiwrites

“Look at this, seems like they’re close.” The man monitoring both you and Spider said as they watched from the cameras.

The two of you were now sat against the glass beside each other, talking.

Quaritch hummed before sipping on his mug. He could see the way how Spider looked at you.

If he was right, he would say the boy was in love. And it was hella radiating off you too.

“Quaritch, bring them out for questioning.” Commanded Ardmore.

He nods. “Bring them out.”

°。°。°。°。°。

“Spider!” You shouted as your hands were cuffed as you were let out the room. You heard the other room open and soon enough Spider was also let out, his hands linked together as well. “(Y/N)!”

“Do you guys ever shut up?” One of the security officers say, tugging you and Spider somewhere.

You were led to a room where there was an intimidating looking device in the middle. There were also people in lab coats working, typing away in their monitors. You paused in walking, trying to back away. But you were pushed forward as you yelped. “Hey, stop that!” Spider screamed at the man who was handling you.

“Well, if it isn’t the two lovebirds.” The two of you looked to see Quaritch.

“Listen. Either one of you has to go and lay down on that little machine there, if you want it the hard way, of course. But- we can also do this the easy way, just answer the questions we have for you.” Quaritch said.

You stayed silent, glaring at him. Spider also glared at him.

“Okay we’re doing this the hard way, my workers, my rules. Strap him up first.” Ardmore walked in, pointing at Spider. Your eyes widened as Spider was dragged up to the machine.

“Spider! No!” You fought against your restraints. “Get away from him!”

Then it began.

At first it started out slow, the green lights glowed as Spider was laid on the board. Then it began to spin faster, and faster, and faster. Your heart broke as you began to hear Spider struggle. You looked to see a hologram of what looked like his brain be observed by those in lab coats.

“Where is Jake Sully?” The woman questioned.

“I don’t know!” His voice strained as you frowned, trying to move to him but you were held on tightly. “We know that you know.” She pressed on.

“I don’t know!” He repeated.

“Stop it, please!” You begged, you looked at Quaritch to see him watching intently, his arm propped against the glass. The woman kept asking questions.

“Again, I don’t know! Let me out of here! I don’t know!” Hearing Spider’s scream tore your heart.

“Which clans would be harboring him?” Ardmore repeated.

“I don’t know! You’re going to have to kill me!”

It went on for a few more seconds as you begged anyone to stop it. Finally, Quaritch seemed to have had enough as he walked towards the general before smashing the red button to halt the machine.

You watched Spider as his body shook as his breathing was ragged.

“Spider! Spider, are you alright?!” You asked. You saw his nose started bleeding, making you more anxious. You struggled but then you managed to break free from the guard holding you. You rushed over to Spider, inspecting his face. “Spider… Spider talk to me.” You spoke. “(Y/N)?” He said.

You turned around to see Quaritch talking to the general and then her eyes shifted over to you. “Have her ready.”

°。°。°。°。°。

Spider only regained his consciousness when he was back in his cell, he opted to sit in the corner, hugging his knees to his chest as he still tried to catch his breath.

Then the sound of the door opening was heard as his eyes shifted over to it. To his surprise, it was you who was pushed into his cell.

He immediately wastes no time to scramble over to your body that was on the floor, unconscious, your nose bleeding.

“(Y/N), hey.. (Y/N)..” Spider whispered, placing your upper half on his lap as he cradled your head. He wipes off the blood from your nose as you began to open your eyes.

“Spider?” You respond, looking up at him, raising your hand to cup his cheek, then moving it to his chest, feeling his heartbeat. “It’s me, I’m here.”

You sit up, before hugging him, burying your face in his chest. You feel Spider’s lips rest on your temple.

“I’m here. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” He whispered. “They’re going to have to kill me first.”

“You skxawng.” You comment, closing your eyes.

As the space between you diminished, he wraps his arms around you, pulling you in flush against him, nestling his face in your neck as you laid your cheek against his chest, hearing his heartbeat. “Steve…” You mumble, slowly finding the courage to hug him back. “You’re okay.” He spoke, his voice almost cracking that made your heart ache.

The feeling of Steve’s arms around you led you to hug him even tighter, wanting nothing more than to stay in his arms in this moment. You’ve almost forgotten how it felt. His familiar warmth enveloping you completely. “You’re alive.” You sighed in relief, his breath fanning your neck. Pulling away, Steve held you by the arms, squeezing as he reluctantly lets you go. You could see tears in his eyes as you looked at him.

Before anyone could say anything else, there was a loud booming noise, familiar to a clock chime. Vecna.

All of you looked at each other, this could only mean three things.

Vecna got Max. Four deaths. The last gate has been opened.

The ground beneath you rumbled as you braced yourself. “What the hell is happening now?!” Eddie exclaimed. “Get away, look!” Nancy said as bleaks of red through Eddie’s trailer glowed, his trailer cracked, the ground separating.

Before you could even react, Steve was already tugging you towards him, shielding your head with his hand as his other arm wrapped around you as the two of you kneeled in the process as the ground shook.

Robin held onto Nancy while Eddie pulled Dustin towards safety. A few moments later, it ceased.

You were still nuzzled against Steve as he slowly pulls himself and you up, letting you go carefully. “You okay?” He asked you first, you nod. “Everyone alright?” Steve asks loudly this time, everybody replied with either a yes or a thumbs up.

“Guys… that doesn’t look too good.” Robin said, pointing at the reason for the earthquake. It stretched as far as all of you could see. No doubt it had already caused a massive damage in Hawkins.

“Oh man.” Dustin said.

The rest planned on how to get out of here now that there were massive gates connected to each other. You suddenly felt overwhelmed with what happened earlier with Steve. How he held you protectively, how his voice broke along with the feeling of relief in knowing you were okay. You breathe out, stepping away from the scene, walking a few feet away. It dawned on you that all of you weren’t going to be experiencing things the same way now that the gates were complete.

Steve watched as you walked away. Then he got a nudge on the shoulder from Robin, jerking her head towards your direction. “Not too late to fix things, Steve.”

Robin was right. He had to act fast, he couldn’t afford to lose you, he couldn’t lose you, not without trying.

She gives him a pat on the back, a sign for good luck as Steve sighs in preparation. Without wasting any second, he stands up.

You look down as you inspected your wound on your stomach, the gauze was already leaked through with blood. You went closer with your hand, carefully caressing it, but such simple movement made you wince, letting it go and letting your shirt drop to cover it again.

“What happened?”

You froze. “It’s nothing… just a scratch- technically a bite.” You reply as the figure of Steve came close to you, spotting the bloodstain on your shirt. He would’ve laughed at your reply, but his brows knit together.

“You’re hurt.”

“It’s nothing, the sooner we get out of here the better.” You say, looking at him, but quickly averting your gaze down. There was a wafting sense of awkwardness between the two of you, as you stood there together. It was almost suffocating that it made you want to go back to the group.

Turning around, you were stopped by Steve’s hand on your wrist, a gentle but firm hold, making you stare at him with a questionable look.

Steve stares at you for a moment, not saying a word until you called his name out softly.

“I was hoping I could talk to you, (N/N).” Steve thought, saying your nickname as if everything was alright between the two of you.

You pursed your lips, grabbing his hand and slowly pulling it away from you. “Not now, Steve.” You wanted to walk away but as you gaze into those eyes of his, fuck, you never thought it would be this hard to say no.

Nancy sighs in relief once her eyes caught the two of you, hoping that this time Steve would make things right with you, to focus on the things that mattered to him, to forget what was once in the past. Eddie watched, an unfamiliar ache in his chest settled, but it faded as Dustin speaking caught his attention.

You stood, planting your feet firmly on the ground and shifting your weight to the other leg, sighing.

“Okay- since we’re already here, I’m giving you a chance to explain yourself, Steve.”

Steve nods, hoping he’d get to say everything now. “I know I’m in the wrong with this, and I’m sorry, (Y/N) I hadn’t realized I was pushing you away. Guess- I guess seeing her again made me thought of what we had back then.”

Those words certainly ached as he explained. “Nancy and I- we talked earlier. It made me realize how different you are from her. You know everything about me than Nancy ever did, (Y/N). And I’m stupid enough to destroy our relationship that we built within just a week of talking to her. It made me see that- me and Nancy- weren’t really meant to be. And if I had the chance to spend the rest of my life with someone,” Steve walks towards you, holding your hand. “I knew it would be you, (Y/N).”

As he talked, your eyes tried to look everywhere, trying to prevent the tears from coming, yet letting yourself be swayed at Steve’s words, along with his tender voice as he reached closer to you. You opened your mouth, looking at him. “H-how do I know if you’re saying the truth, Steve? Like you’re not just going to forget about me the second you take another look at her?”

“Because I love you, and I’m going to make it up to you,” He spoke. Steve grabbed both of your hands as he joined it together to press a soft kiss to it. “I’m willing to wait until you trust me again, (Y/N). I’m sorry, I might as well be the dumbest boyfriend alive but I want to prove to you that what I’m saying now is true.”

His hands felt rough against yours, his thumb caressing the back of your hand, a habit he does when he was sincerely apologizing after a fight you two often had.

“Do you promise?” You softly asked.

“With my life. I want to be the best for you, (Y/N).”

You slowly looked at him before firmly nodding. “Okay.”

Steve looked dumbfounded. “What again?”

His cluelessness at times made you want to hit him with a stick but this time you let it slide.

“I said okay, I’ll give you a chance, Steve. This isn’t easy for me, I hope you understand that.”

“Thank you, thank you, sweetheart.” He muttered, pressing another kiss to your knuckles, resting his forehead against it. Letting go, you spot him wipe at his eyes.

“Make it up to me when we get back to Hawkins, okay? First priority is getting out of here.” You said, feeling a sense of relief and sort of weirdness at how it was so easy to feel at home whenever you were with him. Maybe, you just truly loved him.

Even if its in the Upside Down or Hawkins, Steve swore he would cherish and protect you, even at the cost of his own life. He had never loved someone like you, nor he had someone love him so much like you did.

You look up at him and his eyes flickered to you. You smiled and went back to drawing. “Well, not just any flower,” you say, slightly frowning as you rubbed a little stray ink away. Jonathan raises his eyebrow. “It’s a honeysuckle.” You answered.

“Ah, it looks cool.” Jonathan noted. “Actually,” You swallowed, “Did you know that honeysuckles symbolize affection? Pure happiness even.” You finish.

Jonathan nods, processing the information. “No, I didn’t.”

“Done.” You say smiling up at him, finally letting go of his arm. Jonathan frowned at the loss of contact but it faded as you held his arm again and slowly inched it to his face so he could see the full drawing. It was amazing, it looked almost like a tattoo.

“Since they symbolize happiness and love, I thought it’d be nice to put it on you… since you make me happy and these vines,” You shy, taking your finger and carefully going over the vines you’ve drawn on him. “They say it also symbolizes the form of a lover’s embrace.”

Jonathan could notice how the vines almost clung and wrapped around each other, before looking at you.

“Since like I said, the symbol of love… I think it fits because…” You muttered, you’ve probably said the phrase probably a thousand times before but every time you felt yourself uttering it out loud your heart always skipped a beat, and Jonathan could feel the same.

“Because I love you.”

Jonathan had his hand acting on its own as it carefully held your neck, pulling you towards him to capture your lips in a sweet kiss.

“I love you too.”

Then there was a night where all the gang were gathered at Mike’s house for a little hang out in the basement or as Dustin dubbed it as “Movie Night with the Gang”

You and Jonathan were on the left side of the couch, while Nancy and Steve were arguing about the plot of the movies about to be watched, while Dustin and Mike were setting up the TV. Lucas and Max were too busy with each other, Will was reading the back of the case that held the tape for the movie and Eleven was curiously watching Dustin and Mike.

After everything had been set, including blankets and food being passed around, it was time to watch the movie.

You were halfway through when Jonathan nuzzled up next to you, his head resting on your shoulder as you comfortably wrapped an arm around him to nudge him closer to you whilst the two of you shared the blanket. Your hands started playing with the collar of his shirt, then it slowly travelled to his hair. It was soft and you found yourself twirling a strand before running your fingers through his scalp.

Jonathan let out a small hum which sounded more like a soft groan. Your eyes switched from the movie to him. “Something wrong?” You whispered in order not to distract the others.

“Mm, no. If you keep doing that, I’ll miss the movie and fall asleep.” He slightly chuckled which made you laugh.

“Hey lovebirds! We’ve still got a movie to watch!” Steve said which made all eyes turn to the pair of you.

“Shut it Harrington, we’re watching!” You replied. “You better be!” He retorted.

Few months passed and now you were in the forest.

You felt his gaze on you followed by the clicking and snapping of the camera. “You trying to spy on me, Byers?” You teased him, turning around to meet him face to face. He rolled his eyes, smiling as he set the camera down. “I don’t know, you make a pretty good candid.” He said.

“Try me.” You say with a laugh, trying to pose for the photo. Jonathan smiled wider and wasted no time bringing the camera up to take a picture of you.

It went on for about a while, Jonathan taking pictures of nature and you. Only you noticed he hasn’t taken any pictures of himself. “Hey, babe?” You ask as he takes another snap at the sky with the trees.

“Hm, yeah?” He replied.

“I just noticed; you take pictures of everything but yourself.” You said, stepping towards him. “And?” He looks at you. “Why don’t you take any?”

“Apart from I have only two hands, I don’t find a reason to.” He joked.

“Why not? And hey, you have me!” You gestured to yourself. “I can take a picture of you.”

“Nah, it’s fine, never really liked looking at myself in pictures anyways.” Jonathan responded.

“Jonathan, as much as I love seeing your pictures come to life, I would also love to see the creator of these beautiful portraits with them.” You walked closer towards him, placing your hands on his that held the camera.

“I know what you’re doing (Y/N), it’s not gonna work on me.” Jonathan said, trying to avoid you but the smile he was failing at hiding said otherwise.

You laughed and your hands made its way to his face, making him look at you. “Please? You never know how handsome you look.” You pleaded.

Jonathan closed his eyes and shakes his head. “Nope, not going to work.”

“Just one- or how about, every picture I take of you… you get a kiss?”

Jonathan’s eyes suddenly opened, looking at you. “Hm? Come again?”

“You heard me.” You pursed your lips teasingly.

Jonathan stares at you for a moment before sighing in defeat. “Alright, but- you do know how this works right?”

You gave him a mocked look of hurt. “Jonathan Byers, what am I? Born and raised yesterday? Of course, I know how to work a camera! Not to mention I have one hell of a photographer of a boyfriend.”

Jonathan blushes at your words with a shake of his head. “Just making sure.” Before he removes the sling off his shoulders, passing the camera to you.

“You won’t regret this, I promise!” You said, putting on the sling over your shoulder and handling the camera carefully.

You set it up, then pointed the camera at Jonathan. “So, uh, what am I just going to stand- or-?” He asks unsure. “How about you act like I’m not here and walk around okay? Feel everything that’s surrounding you.”

Jonathan did what he was told, and you couldn’t believe the number of pictures you took.

But your most favorite one was where he was looking straight at the camera with that smile of his.

“Alright that’s enough, missy.” He says laughing, going over to you, and covering the camera.

“I was just starting to have fun!” You jokingly complained. Jonathan shook his head. “We had a deal, remember?”

“What deal was it again?” You teased.

“One picture equals to a kiss if I heard that right?” Jonathan teased back.

You tilt your head as you start to walk back as a devious smile set on your face.

“That is if you can catch me, Jonathan Byers.” Was the last thing you said before you raced towards the car.

"Ms. (l/n)! I will not be tolerating this kind of behaviour, meet me in detention later."

Eleven looked at the teacher and back at you, you gave a shrug and Eleven had the chance to continue her presentation

Now after class, and after freshly getting out of detention, you saw the girl or rather "Jane" as you could recall, walking towards a bench and sitting on it, placing her project on her lap.

It was the great time to approach

"Hey, I haven't seen you before... You're not from around here, aren't you?" You casually say after walking through the sea of students towards her.

Eleven tensed, but once she looked up to spot you, she felt herself calm down just a little bit

She shakes her head no, and you nod. You offered your hand and introduced yourself. "(Y/N) (L/N), you?"

Eleven looked at your hand and back at you

"I promise you I'm not like Angela, and I apologize for her behaviour, you know how animals act when they get out of their cage." You joked and that made Eleven audibly laugh

She shook your hand, uttering her name

"Jane, Jane Hopper."

"Well Jane Hopper, can I be your friend?"

Now this was the start of a rollercoaster of a friendship

You were the one to give the tour of everything, including the latest talks and such

Eleven was a bit overwhelmed at first, but with your reassurance she began to grasp things a little bit better

She also learned that you had quite put the reputation for yourself

Because you were known as that easy-going, reckless, and the funny type of popular

You were chaotic at times, but some would say you're one of the good ones

Don't get me wrong, you were still getting good grades (hopefully) but you just rather want to live in the moment

Eleven would often watch you in awe as you made the class erupt with laughter again

Will knew about this friendship and you got to meet him too, Will thinks you're cool and Eleven very much agrees

Few weeks in and you were already closer than ever

Going to Rink-O-Mania with her and Will

Having the time of your lives

Lucky for her, you were an expert in these things

You dragging Jane around as she laughs, trying to hold onto you so she doesn't fall

Will following you and laughing along when the three of you accidentally bumped into each other and falling on your butts

Over all having a good time

Also bonus

Defending Jane from the bullies

Eleven couldn't be more grateful, even though she's been around for a few months, the anxiety still hadn't settled in

But then Eleven suddenly had the thought of you getting hurt because of her

If ever that happens, Eleven knows that she'll protect you no matter what

You were her friend, and you were the only one who took their time getting to know her without any malice, even showing her all the cool stuff she'd been missing out

And you were respectful when she decides to stay silent when you ask her about herself

She wouldn't let anything happen to you

Although if she wanted to protect you it'll come with a cost

It meant telling you everything that happened, everything. Even all that's happened in Hawkins.

This often plagued her mind at night, what if they come for you?

Ethan could also notice that she looked like she wasn’t part of the place, nor the Baker family with her civilian clothing all torn apart as he could see some cuts on her arms and legs.

“Hey.” Ethan spoke up, but the woman continued to hug her knees, violently trembling as she was shaking her head.

He says it a little louder, no response.

Ethan decides on approaching her completely, slowly placing a hand on her shoulder.

“He-“

“No! No! Stop, please get away from me!”

She suddenly flinched. Ethan immediately retracts his hand, placing both hands in the air as a sign of surrender.

In her attempt to escape, she backs up more into the wall, which did nothing as she cried, trying to claw her way out of there.

Ethan could feel her emotions reach him, he gulped. “Hey- okay, I’m not here to hurt you- I’m not one of them!” Ethan said clearly for her to hear.

She looks at him, fear in her eyes, blurry vision due to her tears welling.

Staring at the man in front of you, your chest ached as your vision blurred as you tried to regain your breathing.

“I’m not one of them, I’m not gonna hurt you, I promise, look- all I want is to get out of this fucking place and I’m sure you do too.” The man continued to speak in front of you.

“I’m Ethan. Ethan Winters.” The man, or Ethan, said.

“I- I- I.” You stumble upon your words as the panic attack is completely taking over you with the things you’ve seen and the creatures you managed to escape, ending up in this shack as a last resort. You didn’t even think you’d still had a fighting chance.

Ethan finally thinks of something to help you calm down. “Okay, you’re okay.” He spoke with his voice calm, firm.

That’s when you felt his warm hand on your shoulder, no, not like the other family that lived in this house, their hands was cold, rotten, unhuman like even if their appearance was.

Your chest still heaved as you tried to regain your composure, your hair matted to your face as cold sweat covered you.

You stared at him, still whether unsure to trust him.

“Here.” Ethan said, taking the jacket off his shoulders before wrapping it around yours instead, the immediate warmth of it making you close your eyes.

Ethan watched, he wasn’t exactly skilled in comforting someone through a panic attack but he’s trying his best, even if it’s a complete stranger.

“T-thank you.” You stammered, trying to thank Ethan. He was definitely your highlight ever since finding yourself here.

Ethan, who had been sitting, watching you, smiled, but it quickly fades as he noticed you still trembling.

“You’re still shaking...” Ethan commented, you look up at him, your vision still hazy.

Ethan, makes a bold decision to do something, but it was only for the sake of helping you. He scoots from his sitting position to sit beside you. You were free to push him off though. “Come here...”

His voice sounded close now. You glance, finding him next to you with an arm extended. Ethan could see how you hesitated, but then started scooting up in his arms.

He carefully wraps an arm around you, letting you lean on him as you laid your head on his chest, where you could hear the faint thumping of his heartbeat.

The sound almost eases your trembling figure, letting you close your eyes, letting yourself focus on his heartbeat.

Ethan decided to aid in this as his hand slowly rubbed your shoulder to ease you.

As your panic attack dissipated, Ethan slowly began to retract his arm around you, but your movement made him stop as you spoke.

“Just hold me...”

As soon as the words rung in his ears, Ethan was taken-aback, but he answered through his actions. He kept holding you.

As soon as his arm relaxed around you, you mumble a silent ‘thank you’ as you breathed out in relief, glad that the panic attack had stopped and also thankful that there was someone in this place willing to do whatever it takes to survive and get out of here.