#thing idk

I dunno if they count as ficlets, I just have a lot of vague ideas for long multi-chapter type fics that I never get around to writing. I have a folder with like 20 of them asdfgfdsa

But in terms of werewolf Steve, the idea I'm having;

At some point in the tunnels in season 2, he's infected with Upside Down gunk. Probably through one of his cuts or something? Maybe he has a scrape on his hand. Somehow it gets in his system though, which is how he's infected. And it's not until season 3 that he actually mutates into a werewolf.

It would lead to him and Robin ending up soulmate bonded that way instead, just because she's the one always around him and, even with the teasing, I think she would try to take care of him if she thought something was wrong. She'd be the first person his instincts would decide is part of his pack (it'd be why she's the one he's most attached to, making the whole Russian ordeal a lot worse for him).

But by the time Vecna rolls around, he'd have quickly and completely learnt to control any and all instincts he has. He'd even have learnt to control himself during full moons. The kids would be in the know and no one in the group would bat an eye any time he lets go of his control to relax and does something... well, dog.

AKA his likes to rub his cheek on things, likes to be pet and will growl if provoked. The only instincts he doesn't relax with are the biting ones- he isn't sure if it's affectionate biting or wanting to turn his pack into an actual pack of werewolves but he isn't going to risk it.

So when Eddie throws him against the boathouse wall, reeking of fear and desperation, Steve is surprised that none of his instincts really kick up. He doesn't have any aggressive urges, only protective ones. Like, he took one look at Eddie and decided; yes, this one, I must keep him safe.

He wouldn't go with Nancy and Robin. His instincts go haywire at the idea of leaving Eddie in danger. It's almost painful to even think of leaving him there, in the direct line of fire. And he's a werewolf, he could kill demobats pretty easily.

But his overwhelming protect, protect, protect instincts about Eddie wouldn't go away once it's over. And he'd finally find out why he wants to bite- it would be so much more overwhelming. It isn't to turn anyone. He doesn't even end up breaking skin. It's just affectionate.