SAFE SPACE,

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Cruel.. maybe he was cruel, maybe he was selfish. That was Damon to a T and apparently that didn’t change for anyone. It wasn’t all about him, he put others first, he put his life between their own so they didn’t get hurt.. and he was.. and would always be..

The bad guy.

He wants to.. desperately lean into her touch, to let her touch him in that way but he knows it’s wrong. Knows that she’s just being as cruel even as she mentions to not hating him.

Taking a step back away from her touch, he shakes his head “you can’t keep doing that Elena, touching me, looking at me with those eyes.. ” He glances away

“I’m not trying to be cruel, but do you realise what you’re doing when you do that?”

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Her hand drops when he seems to be adverse to her affection. She doesn’t think he’s the bad guy, not really, not when he has shown her glimpses of who he is deep down. But she doesn’t know how to make him believe it, doesn’t know how to handle this.

She’s supposed to be in love with Stefan but with each passing day, she finds herself caring more and more for Damon. Is this love? She doesn’t know.

Damon would feel bad if he melted into her touch- it would be selfish of him to keep wanting that - to cherish a moment like that even if he longed for it. Longed for being the right guy- the first choice.. over his brother. As much as he loved Stefan- there was still a part of respect there, even if he had fallen completely head over heels for her..

There was denying how he felt- he couldn’t hide that from her now even if he did so in the past. All he wants is her- all he wants is to be hers... and he risks it all each day by showing her that he can be trusted - even if he has to make the difficult choices.

“No.. I” his lips purse together- where was she supposed to be looking? those beautiful dark pools... damnit, a frustrated groan escapes him “it’s so hard Elena, to not to do exactly what I want around you”

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Offering comfort wasn’t Steve’s speciality, but he would at least try- for Eddie he would. There was something broken in each of them - that led them on a long and winding path of what seemed like death and supernatural events that couldn’t even begin to be explained. There wasn’t many in that loop; Steve had somewhat stumbled upon it when he went to Byers and found Nance and Jonathan ready to face against one of those things that could have easily ripped them to pieces. Like the dogs with the rest of the party.. yet Steve never gave it a second thought to put himself in the way- to get everyone else to safety first… because that was Steve to a T. 

Others came first before him….

Glancing over to where he’s looking which lead to the staircase and the upstairs room - even if the others came back; at least there was some peace and quiet as they started to set up, for battle. A battle he had hope they’d win even if hope was looking slim against a being that could rip every strain of you apart by mind control. “Upstairs” he gave a soft smile, nodding his head. Fingers slowly lace with the others before he stood - following him down the hall and towards the staircase, ascending to the top of the landing, his words catching him off guard for a moment.

“Oh uh- I guess the kids…” he replied, he had a bad feeling about all of this.. “but we can do this…” he nodded, trying to assure himself also as he steps into the bedroom with him “I’ve got your back Eddie..”

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Eddie pulls himself from the couch, following Steve by hand up the stairs and then leading him into Rick’s bedroom. Tugging off his shoes while he walks over to the window, it faced the lake. He pulls it open and sits down against the window seal edge. Breathing in the fresh air while he could. Closing his eyes while resting his head back against the wall. 

“Yeah? They’re a stubborn bunch.. I kind of wish they would just let us handle it. But, I feel like one of them would raise hell if we told them to go home.” Chuckling a little with a soft sigh escaping his lips. “So.. ya’ll are monster hunters. Talk about bringing DnD to life..” Murmuring while opening his eyes, looking up at Steve. “I’m definitely going to help where I can.. might as well put myself to good use before the police find me.” Commenting as he knew that he was a goner anyways with what the town believed him of. So, why not do what he could to protect the kiddos and Steve’s friends. 

An amused smile for a split second to his words; those darkened hues following him over to the window where it overlooked the lake and the darkening skies. There was a lot that still needed to be done- a plan to finish going over, finding the right weapons and striking together on point until the death of this Clock maker Vecna thing. Steve followed closely- leaning onto the wall beside him “they wouldn’t let us do it alone because in some way - they’re used to every horrors that the Upside Down has to offer them” - they had been through this before, many times and still they remain in a path of danger that didn’t seem to want to go away.

“I’ve never played DnD but the kids definitely have good names for these creatures” he wondered if they all had the same abilities, he knew a little of what it was about but it wasn’t something Steve had been interested in - though he might give it a try in the near future, so that he could name the next monster if he doesn’t get killed in action trying to go up against it. Especially this Vecna with his all hidden psychic abilities to break a person.

Slowly leaning off the wall - he crosses the room to the nightstand, rummaging into the top drawer as he mentions the blunt. Fingertips clinging around the end of one that was neatly tucked behind a stack of books and in the wedge of the corner of the drawer. “What a fatty” he grinned at the blunt, holding it where eyes meet “I don’t mind sharing” he walks back towards him, handing him it as he makes room onto the bed, getting himself comfortable. If this helped Eddie, who was he to tell him no and it wasn’t like Steve hadn’t smoked a joint before?

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“The kids did. They had a connection with it first when Will Byers was taken” he replied, he could tell there was a mild impatience within him. How he carried himself as they stopped at the car, he leans against one as he looks over the mess of a man who looked obviously dishelved to what he had witnessed. Former King talking to Former King since he looked a shell of himself and confidence, well - where the hell was that?

Resting his hands on his hips he slowly shook his head “every time we think we get rid of it, it comes back bigger, stronger and takes more people with it. I’d say get out of Hawkins but I’m pretty sure this shit is following us” all of them.. not just Billy. But what were they to do now with El and her super powers?

“What are you seeing Billy?” He had to wonder, if it was the tingle that Will had gotten each time they faced it or whenever it was around, if he was connected to the upside down in another way.

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Yeah, so maybe he’s a little impatient, and mildly annoyed right now but can anyone blame him? PTSD is a bitch and it makes him more irritable than usual, which is saying something considering his usual irritable mood. 

Even if someone told him to get out of Hawkins, he wouldn’t. This thing had taken all semblance of free will from him and had nearly killed him (or did and he’s somehow back, he doesn’t know), he’s out for blood, out for revenge, he wants to destroy this fucking thing.

Even if they were to escape Hawkins - this shit would be worldwide if no-one thought against it. Besides most people were oblivious, and others - well they made it what it is which didn’t given them the answers they were looking for especially when it came to defending Hawkins, friends and families that lived there. With what happened to Billy and before that. Hawkins continued to be cursed, a living Hell, offering death in its wake.

“I don’t think you’re going crazy. Will - The Byers kid, he was in the Upside Down for a long time... and now whenever one of the creatures is near, he feels it - like his body reacts to it” he paused - at least that’s what he’s told and they had one way of stopping any of it - but El... she lost her powers

“he described it as looking at Hawkins - only a different version of it”

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Dumbass.. he was one to talk - and Steve had insisted on him getting out - he’d be right behind him… if he tried. If all went to plan. This plan of theirs was up shit creek and there was nowhere left to run and at any given second they’d be dust if they didn’t fucking move.

“Look, you need to get out of here now. I’ll be fucking behind you..” fuck- fuck— if he wasn’t more careful the hive mind would know they were there. That toxic atmosphere leaking through the scarf he had wrapped around his nose and mouth, making his words more muffled than expected.

What was next? more of the dogs? he had already caught three of them offguard with his trusty nail bolted bat that he swung heavily clouting the flower headed creatures in the face sending them off in another direction. The two of them working together before they were knees deep with russian fucks that created most of this mess to begin with.

Though the shrieks up ahead was discouraging if anything - now he wish he had something to fucking bomb them with.

“Just make sure those vines stay away from our legs, then we’re out of here okay Hargrove”

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How was it possible that Steve Harrington was still annoying as shit even when they were in a dire situation? Billy would never know but he he really, really didn’t have time to think about it at the moment. They needed to get the hell out of here before those things came back. Steve had taken out a couple of them with the nail bat but too many and he’d be overpowered. They would be overpowered. “Chill out,” he groused. “I’ve managed to survive here so far.” He was not going to let this opportunity slip between his fingers. No fucking way.

“Let’s go this way.” Billy stepped over the vines carefully so as not to disturb them, knowing if they were agitated he and Steve were going to be in trouble. Since being in the Upside Down, he’d mapped it out in his head and learned a few things about the habits of the weird ass bats and dogs that roamed this place: they didn’t notice him after awhile.

Whether it was because Billy had become part of the landscape, or because they’d simply lost interest he couldn’t be sure. Regardless, that was just fine with him. And he could always tell when they were near by the way the hair on the back of his neck stood up and the goose bumps that formed over his skin. When that happened, he got the fuck out of dodge.

Billy looked over his shoulder to make sure Steve was following him. “Keep up, Stevie,” he said tauntingly. “If we miss the chance to get out of this place I’m gonna kick your ass again.”

He wasn’t. Not really. Billy was far beyond the childish bullying he’d participated in before he’d supposedly died. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to keep up a front with Steve.

What could be alarming right here? - all of it- the shrieking, the fluttering noises - anything that seemed completely abnormal to them. This was really... causing his chest to tighten. Seemingly forgetting just how long Billy had survived here - which in fact- how the hell did he survive here? with those things and what about food? it was all these questions in Steve’s mind but he already knew there was no chance in hell he was going to stop and have a chat with Hargrove when they needed to get the fuck out of here.

That way? Steve stops dead in his tracks- why would he go that way? if Billy had spent half his time here - what made that way any easier to get out? would they get stuck? his brows knit together more tightly as he let out a huff before following after him - stepping over the vines and watching his footing “what makes this way any better than the other? I know where the gates are” he murmurs mainly under his breath.

“I’m stronger now - I can kick your ass” it’s a comeback that’s once again said under his breath and he’s following. Getting out of the wake of the vines “you know if we went that way- we’d be half way there” and more than likely out in the open - where the hell was there another gate?

“What did you have in mind?” 

Another fight; and what he didn’t understand was that Elena had changed from the girl she was before. So much pain, hurt and loss was coursing through her and it wasn’t just going to be ignored. Instead, she had pretended to be alright, that the tablets she was medicated with was working and yet she had stopped taking them months ago after the accident had happened. Elena wasn’t going to be okay overnight, neither would she be okay months down the line but one thing for certain was that no-one could understand how she felt inside and with that brave smile she continued to say that she was okay and that she was ‘fine’. However, this was a part that struck the chord. That feelings had changed and they had done way before the accident, just something within her made her realise it now that they would always just be friends and no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t replicate the feelings back.

Elena found herself wandering the road back towards home but not too far from the bonfire, she had just been on the phone to her Bonnie about the nights events, only ending the call minutes later only to realise another’s presence caught her off guard. Tilting her head, dark doe orbs met that of another. Someone she hadn’t seen before. How did he know she had been in a fight? maybe he had overheard her speaking? however she paid no attention to that little detail. Her brows furrow as she stared at him, a smile slowly spreading “Well how do you know that all consuming love is what I want, Mr stranger who has all the answers?” she asked as she took a step closer “not to be rude but it’s kind of creepy that you’re out here in the middle of nowhere” her eyes widened slightly.

It wasn’t said to be offended by, and only now did she realise that he wasn’t the only one that was venturing out in the middle of the night. Then again this was Mystic Falls, nothing bad ever happens here..

Curious eyes wandered over the young woman in front of her. She had a quiet presence about her, unlike Katherine who boasted into a room and demanded attention. Damon could see the reservation and watching her the last few days; he could see the sadness in her eyes. Damon had the same look in eyes shortly before he was turned into a monster. He was the evil brother now, the one everyone would speak of Damon would often act on impulse, and he had regrets. Damon carried more guilt than his younger brother if that was possible, but he didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. He hadn’t in over a century.

“That’s what everyone wants. That romantic love. The one that erases all of those before. The kind of love that makes you stop breathing, just for a second whenever you see that person.” Damon stayed where he was and tilted his head slightly. “You are out here as well. I could have just been on my way to the party.” Damon found those parties boring, but there was always some sort of drama at a high school party. “It could be dangerous out here you know…”

Damon wasn’t sure what to think about the doe-eyed young woman in front of him. She looked almost scared of him, but he could tell there was a part that was curious. Damon walked closer to her. “My family is from here, and I am visiting. Even if my brother despises me.” Not that Damon blamed him, but deep down he misses his brother. Stefan was all the family he had left. Damon had burned every bridge that leads back to Mystic Falls. But Elena was here, and Damon wanted to meet her before Stefan. Stefan was always the chosen one, and he always got the girl. Not that Damon had any other interests in love besides Katherine, but he couldn’t deny the attraction.

Elena was cautious - but something told her that this stranger in the dead of night - amongst the woodland party goers that he was the one to be out on the road whilst she waited for her parents to come and get her - was nothing but. There was a unexpected drawing from him - something she didn’t see coming, that made her question everything even as she questioned him about his beliefs and what he saw for her. This stranger made her heart beat a thousand beats a second and she swore he could hear it.. could hear her.

The kind that made her stop breathing- because she swore something within her was drawn to every inch of someone that questioned her. An impact she could have sworn that once in her life - she hadn’t had. “I’m waiting on my parents” she finally announced, tilting her head back in his direction. “The party isn’t that entertaining, you might be wasting your time” she chuckled softly before pausing “it could be- but it could be dangerous for you...” she paused “Elena” she finally announced realising they hadn’t introduced themselves.

“Now why would your brother despise you Mysterious stranger that has all the answers” her lips perk a little as she smiles.  @bloodandbourbxn

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Safe, since when has Elena ever felt safe in her life? maybe before the accident at Wickery bridge, but after that? after that was a living Hell. Where everything could seep out of the woodworks and cause a life sentence of misery for the angel of death. Elena had witnessed those closest to her die, more than a teenager ever should in a life time and now? now there was just more around each corner, there was no escape. Especially with the dangers of both vampires and werewolves, and whatever other supernatural creatures there was that would find their way to Mystic Falls.

Now that Elena was a vampire; she found it more difficult to control her urges - her statement in college had been one that was desperately trying not to fly off the handle and that was just the transition date when you could look around.

Elena and Stiles were the same age, a similar type of tragedy held in each of theirs lives and if she was to trust anyone, or feel safe with anyone… it was him.

“I’m not pretending” those deep does met his, hand gently resting against his own as she reaches out “We all have our starting points.. this happens to yours. I’m not exactly the greatest vampire” she chuckled softly “I’m terrible at it..”

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It was a strange feeling to be someone that another person trusted. Generally, Stiles was a nuisance to most people. He was nervous and sometimes paranoid. He twitched a lot and his mind bounced around through several different topics sometimes in one conversation. Even though he was now a heretic it did nothing to change the affliction had been born with. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would fuck this up somehow. Stiles only hoped when that happened he didn’t end up in a box in the bottom of the ocean somewhere. 

He looked down to the ring on his middle finger, the lapis lazuli stone glinting in the sunlight. The daylight ring that made it possible for him to exist in the sun felt like a lifeline. Stiles laughed softly, though it was slightly mirthless. “I guess we both suck at this vampire thing. Guess we’ll have to learn together huh?” 

So far he’d been existing on blood bags filched from the hospital but Stiles knew it wasn’t nearly as satisfying as drinking blood straight from the vein. The problem was he was too afraid of killing people because he was still such a new vampire. 

On impulse, Stiles reached over and took Elena’s hand in his own, lacing their fingers together. “I’ll lean on you if you lean on me. Deal?”

Learn together - where she would be incredibly useless in knowing what to do- she feared that she would become like Stefan, uncontrollable- a ripper, a vampire that couldn’t control a blood thirst that would simply take over every natural trait of knowing what’s right and wrong - the biggest downfall of one’s life would be losing who you were entirely whilst losing everyone else you sunk your fangs into. Now her and Stiles were quite similar - there was a bond there, a trust that the other would catch the other before they fully fell into the depths of crashing waves and an open ocean.

“Do you trust me?” though her gaze softened once hand met hers and fingers slowly lace- that reassurance that was needed and pleaded upon without actually voicing. Those orbs she could get lost in met hers as she slowly nods her head - a small smile spread “Deal” she whispered- squeezing his hand with hers gently.

“I’ll catch you if you fall in too deep” because she knew it would come- at least for her, holding onto his hand and never wanting to let go “tonights going to be one hell of a Halloween party and fake blood, do you think tonights the night to get a taste?”

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Promises.. promises that she couldn’t keep? Well she couldn’t promise she could keep him alive, given she had been on this thread long enough that at some point it might break. Barb was gone, even if she would continue fighting for her, trying to bring justice to a girl that didn’t just disappear, the horrors of what could have happened coursing through her mind like a rage.

“I’m not going to leave you” she replied as her blues met his “I’m going to tell you what on earth is going on, and you’re going to help us okay. No running…” she wondered if he would run at this point. Nancy wouldn’t be surprised if he did.. who wanted to face creatures like those and the town of Hawkins was just getting worse..

“Where do you want to go?” Maybe a safe place away from prying ears and eyes. Nancy Wheeler and Billy Hargrove wasn’t exactly a talk of the school.

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“What if I don’t want to help, huh?” Despite his words though, he does want to help. If only out of a need for revenge. Not to mention, for El. He’s made a connection with that girl and somehow, he’s protective of her. Clearly, she’s not going to give up fighting, so why would he? 

The last thing he needs is rumors about him and Nancy, resident good girl, flying around. While it may be amusing for such rumors to float around, he doesn’t want to deal with it right now. So, going somewhere else was a good idea.

Nancy was strong willed - she hadn’t realised that she had forced Billy into such a position especially when she mentioned him helping them. Realising after a moment by his reaction alone- maybe he didn’t, maybe he wanted to run as far away as possible like every normal person would. Nancy couldn’t expect him to stay - and she didn’t... even if her words said otherwise. Though she would give him the answers to any question he might have- even if she only knew so much, she wanted to stop this being watered down- stop Hawkins from becoming Hell, because it wasn’t... it was just unlucky..

“I don’t expect you to help. Sorry Billy, I just ---” it frustrated her - that no-one knew the truth and anyone else would just look at them or her, like she was crazy. No words formed and instead she followed. Towards his car as she climbs into the passenger side, buckling up - having heard stories from Max about his driving.

“Where are we going?” her brows furrow deeply but her pale blue hues glance out of the window- the paths that were usually laced with students- now empty. She knew they’d arrive there before long and she’d be telling the story she had longed to tell to the public- however words wouldn’t come easy and she wasn’t leaving his side.

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Nancy continued to tease; but not in an awful way to poke fun, it was more amusing than anything because it seemed to her that Robin revealed way too much in a dream, like a bedtime story. Only Nancy was trying to get her own head down during this time and had barely caught any that night. She was surprised that Robin hadn’t woken herself up, but honestly Nancy wasn’t surprised by the fact that she slept talked. It was typical Robin behaviour after getting to know the brunette quite well over time, they had a clear connection and understanding and Nancy hadn’t had a female friendship like that in a long time.. since Barb.

Now the whole world was falling apart and they…. they were still in Hawkins despite this earthquake, that clearly ripped into the earth- though they both knew, many of them knew that it was more than just that… that what had happened, wasn’t something that could be easily controlled or contain and Nancy barely slept a wink because her mind was always on what she was shown by Vecna.. of her family and victims. Lips press together in thought before her thoughts were slowly pulled out from the back of her head which was working like a movie reel.

“You’re not too bad, and you’re definitely not sleeping in the basement. Robin, here is okay” she pats the bedding as she sits up; bed hair of curls now bushing out. “Dunkin Donuts is still open? Bullshit…” she laughed “well if it’s still there, you can treat me” flashing her a playful grin. Slowly climbing out of the other side of the bed, she crossed the room to her wardrobe. Taking out a skirt and baggy tshirt which she would tuck in and a jean jacket if she got too cold, cardigan included.

“I’m coming.. besides I’m working a story that will hopefully bring in more volunteers.. However I don’t think bringing people in from the outside, into Hawkins is a good idea, but the school is pressing on it” how was that to help? adding more victims onto the platter

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HONESTLY   ROBIN   WAS   RELIEVED   WHEN   Nancy   said   she   didn’t   have   to   sleep   in   the   basement   despite   her   apparent   snoring   and   talking   in   her   sleep.   The   basement   of   the   Wheelers’   home   was   where   the   boys   dwelled   usually,   and   there   was   something   distinctly   boyish   about   it   that   made   her   shudder.   The   subject   was   quickly   changed;   however,   when   she   mentioned   Dunkin’   Donuts   and   she   nodded.   ❝   Totally   is.   I   guess   they   figure   people   still   needed   coffee   to   get   going   in   the   morning.   ❞   Not   every   place   in   Hawkins   had   been   affected   by   the   ‘earthquake’   and   people   still   had   to   work   to   provide   for   their   families.   

Robin   gathered   her   clothes   and   toothbrush   and   left   the   room   to   slip   into   the   bathroom   to   get   ready   for   the   day   after   Nancy   stated   she   was   working   on   a   story   for   recruiting.   That   was   good.   There   were   way   more   people   in   need   than   there   were   volunteers.   She   dressed   quickly   and   brushed   her   teeth,   then   returned   to   the   room   to   brush   her   hair.   She   didn’t   bother   with   makeup   this   time   since   it   was   just   going   to   sweat   off   anyway.   Not   that   Robin   ever   wore   a   lot   of   it.   

Bringing anyone from the outside of Hawkins would surely become an all you can eat buffet especially if the creatures of the upside down came pouring into reality. Now the cracks had pushed through the earth sending a rip right through the four corners of Hawkins - everyone either made a run for it - or stuck around long enough to know where the dangers were. If that - it was taking care of those who had been injured. It wasn’t on peoples radars that this was dangerous - that what was about to happen was just the beginning on this town you’d call Hell.

Nancy was trying to bring in volunteers - though the difficulty being that those flashes of images that Vecna riddled her head with, was still something she couldn’t break from her mind. Family, friends.. those that got caught in the crossfire - it was all coming down to one final battle, a war that would either destroy Vecna and the Upside Down once and for all- or something that would leave them all for dead.

Climbing into her car after making herself look at least a little more presentable, with a number of clips holding her wavy hair back. Nancy drove to Dunkins where the bagels and coffee was purchased to give them a good start. Holding the bagel in her mouth as she drove she finally settled outside the Gym where everyone else had been relocated. “I--” she paused, now taking the bagel out of her mouth.

“Do you think it’s wise to have construction being worked on over a town that’s falling apart?” what if there would be more loss in that battle to construct homes. It made her feel bad for even thinking it - there was so many lives here that had lost homes and people they loved. “Maybe we could get them further out of town and homes made out of Hawkins?” though there was still news on the earthquake - no-one had gone near enough to get melted in half yet...

“it’s still dangerous where the four corners are”

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Oh yes- she had heard it. All of it- those loud snores that came from Robins mouth and she was so desperately trying not to pin her nose and stuff a sock in her mouth. For most of the night Nancy had slept with her pillow over her head and quilt tucked over that. Sharing a room with Robin hadn’t gone fantastic - but this was the girl that didn’t know how to run properly and wouldn’t stop talking even when it was time to. Not that Nancy minded at all, she had gotten strangely attached to the girl - even if their starting point hadn’t exactly gone…great. Nancy being judgemental and all.. That and.. this P for platonic really made her curiosity peak.

“and– and you sleep talk” it amused her the way her face seemed to fall - a faked offense and short another gasp as her recover format was to blame it on her sinuses. A snort came out of Nancy’s mouth as she shook her head “Great excuse..” she’s of course teasing “you kept me awake all night long Robin, I couldn’t hear myself breathe let alone over those mumbles you make” The sleep talking- christ.. “Besides, what were you dreaming about anyway?”

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Robin felt the blood drain from her face the moment Nancy brought up talking in her sleep. Oh fuck. What had she said? What did Nancy think she’d heard? She really hoped it was nothing too embarrassing. The last thing she needed was for Nancy to know the dream she’d been having was about her, specifically about kissing Nancy. She had no idea why her subconscious had given her such a dream. She’d never been interested in Nancy. Of course, Nancy was beautiful and now that they were friends she was kind and compassionate. Still, it was not an endeavor she was about to take. That would just end terribly. 

“Can’t remember,” she mumbled, kicking the blanket back from her body. “I’m sorry, Nance. I didn’t know my snoring was so bad. I’ll sleep in the basement tonight.” Or she could go home, of course, but home felt so lonely anymore. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and glanced at the girl next to her. “Can I make it up to you with coffee? We can go to the Dunkin’ Donuts that just opened up. I think it’s still open despite the ‘earthquake’.” Robin used air quotes with her fingers. 

She slipped out of the bed and rummaged through the overnight bag she’d brought with her to find clean clothes. “Are you coming with me to the school to volunteer?” Robin extracted a pair of jeans and a t-shirt from the bag to change into. She contemplated if she ought to shower now or wait until she was done at the school since she’d likely get sweaty and have to shower again anyway.

Nancy continued to tease; but not in an awful way to poke fun, it was more amusing than anything because it seemed to her that Robin revealed way too much in a dream, like a bedtime story. Only Nancy was trying to get her own head down during this time and had barely caught any that night. She was surprised that Robin hadn’t woken herself up, but honestly Nancy wasn’t surprised by the fact that she slept talked. It was typical Robin behaviour after getting to know the brunette quite well over time, they had a clear connection and understanding and Nancy hadn’t had a female friendship like that in a long time.. since Barb.

Now the whole world was falling apart and they.... they were still in Hawkins despite this earthquake, that clearly ripped into the earth- though they both knew, many of them knew that it was more than just that... that what had happened, wasn’t something that could be easily controlled or contain and Nancy barely slept a wink because her mind was always on what she was shown by Vecna.. of her family and victims. Lips press together in thought before her thoughts were slowly pulled out from the back of her head which was working like a movie reel.

“You’re not too bad, and you’re definitely not sleeping in the basement. Robin, here is okay” she pats the bedding as she sits up; bed hair of curls now bushing out. “Dunkin Donuts is still open? Bullshit...” she laughed “well if it’s still there, you can treat me” flashing her a playful grin. Slowly climbing out of the other side of the bed, she crossed the room to her wardrobe. Taking out a skirt and baggy tshirt which she would tuck in and a jean jacket if she got too cold, cardigan included.

“I’m coming.. besides I’m working a story that will hopefully bring in more volunteers.. However I don’t think bringing people in from the outside, into Hawkins is a good idea, but the school is pressing on it” how was that to help? adding more victims onto the platter

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Gentle hands ease along his back - in a slow motion gliding back and forth. Steve had never seen Eddie in this state before, granted he had seen him scared, threatening and all the above, this was a fairly new stage to their relationship as he finds himself slowly coming undone. It made his heart sink, knowing how bad this had gotten, knowing that over the years even fighting against those things hadn’t done much at all. Though that wouldn’t stop him from continuing on to fight. Even until his last breath.

They were alone now, the others had either gone home to sleep, or went for supplies because there was little all else to do until they were all together in one place just to come up with their next plan. Though Steve’s mind wasn’t on that right now- even with racing thoughts it was on his boyfriend and what he might be feeling which in turn came the answer. Chrissy’s death had been like a film reel, and even with Nancy being so close.. he could only imagine what he saw. The way their bodies were described, to each time he witnessed yet another victim and another gate opening.

“It’s okay, hey..” He spoke softly, moving one hand along his arm, gently caressing his skin “it doesn’t matter if you woke me or not.. I’m here, for you” it was reassurance even if Steve wasn’t very good at that, or his words didn’t exactly hit the same way, but with Eddie it was different. “Come, let’s go lay down together and we can talk, yeah?”

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An exasperated sigh escapes Eddie, he wished that he could forget. Half tempted to see if there was anything in Rick’s house that could get him buzzed enough. Just to make his mind shut up for awhile. Though he wasn’t sure how his boyfriend would feel of him wanting to self medicate. Resting against Steve, his closeness and the body heat was comforting. 

“Hm? I guess we could go chill out in the bedroom. Rick has a tv in there. He won’t mind.. As long as this place gets cleaned up before he comes home within the next year. He took a plea for a shorter sentence..” Mentioning as there was a part of his mind that was still rationally functioning. Camping out in his supplier’s house while said supplier was locked away in prison wasn’t in Eddie’s original stack of cards. But, it was the safest place for him right now. The police hadn’t bothered to check because it would have been too obvious. So, the abandon house was actually safe. 

Offering comfort wasn’t Steve’s speciality, but he would at least try- for Eddie he would. There was something broken in each of them - that led them on a long and winding path of what seemed like death and supernatural events that couldn’t even begin to be explained. There wasn’t many in that loop; Steve had somewhat stumbled upon it when he went to Byers and found Nance and Jonathan ready to face against one of those things that could have easily ripped them to pieces. Like the dogs with the rest of the party.. yet Steve never gave it a second thought to put himself in the way- to get everyone else to safety first... because that was Steve to a T. 

Others came first before him....

Glancing over to where he’s looking which lead to the staircase and the upstairs room - even if the others came back; at least there was some peace and quiet as they started to set up, for battle. A battle he had hope they’d win even if hope was looking slim against a being that could rip every strain of you apart by mind control. “Upstairs” he gave a soft smile, nodding his head. Fingers slowly lace with the others before he stood - following him down the hall and towards the staircase, ascending to the top of the landing, his words catching him off guard for a moment.

“Oh uh- I guess the kids...” he replied, he had a bad feeling about all of this.. “but we can do this...” he nodded, trying to assure himself also as he steps into the bedroom with him “I’ve got your back Eddie..”