Work Text:
"Want to trade that milk for these?"
"I have to finish my assignment before the bell rings again."
I was sitting at a table in the cafeteria alone, not talking to anyone because of all the homework and late assignments I had to hand out before the semester ends, which is in a few days. I should've been able to do this a long time ago but I took a few months off of school due to the traumatic I had two summers ago.
Sighing to myself I continued to scribble down what was left of an essay and thankfully I was more than halfway.
"There goes the freak again." Someone mentioned which made me glance to my right as I saw a tall guy standing on a table, long messy hair and denim vest, chains on his jeans.
I shook my head frowning and continued with the work while I continued to listen to what he began to say at the basketball team, making fun of them. I noticed Lucas was sitting with the basket team while Dustin and Mike were with the Hellfire Club.
They've been begging me to join, well, Dustin has. Since he knows claims I look and dress almost the same as their group. He never specified what the club is about but I assume it must be into heavy metal music and such.
It's been a year since I lost motivation in doing anything, I left school for a few months, was and am still extremely depressed that I even gave up on dyeing my hair different crazy colors. Due to my lack of attending school and such I had to repeat a year, it not I would've graduated by now.
I was lot in my own thoughts until the bell rang and I started closing up my books, I felt a presence next to me and I saw Mike to my left and Dustin to my right who had wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
"(Y/N)! My buddy how's life treating you?" He began to joke, I hummed and fought back a smile.
"Does your Mom need me to babysit you again?" I joked back making Mike laugh but quickly shut his mouth when Dustin told him so.
"Pff no besides I have my own personal babysitter who's the best."
"So you admit you still need one?" Mike smirks knowing he won the conversation versus Dustin.
I needed money way back then so their parents would pay me to take care of them, then Steve came along and "stole my job" I like to tease him about that. I watched these kids grow up and now they are weird teenagers.
Steve and I didn't get along from the start until we got to knew each other. I also started to get along with the rest like Eleven, Max and Billy. Unfortunately after the fire at the mall two years ago everything changed for me and all of us.
I began to stand up from where I was sitting and felt Dustin and Mike following me. "So uhh what are you gonna do later?"
"Finish handing these homeworks to the teachers and hopefully praying anyways who's above to let me pass the grade."
"Haha you're so funny, (Y/N)." Mike said trying his best to hide whatever they are after.
I stopped in my tracks and turned to face both boys. "What do you need? And don't tell me you want to try drinking beer again, that thing was expensive and you threw it all up."
The boys turned to look at each other then at me. "We need someone else to join our club." Both of them said at the exact same time.
I raised an eyebrow staring at them, "The club you have begged me to join but never tell me what it's about-"
"It's about something we enjoyed doing together!" Mike quickly said before I could leave.
He gave Dustin a look who began to agree with him. "Y-Yeah what Mike said."
I continued to frown and rubbed my tired eyes. "When is this meeting happening?"
"Later today! So if you were planning to see the basketball game-
"I wasn't-"
"Then you should come with us." They interrupted me again and smiled.
I frowned loudly and tiredly rubbed my eyes again, "I'll see what I can do. That wasn't enough to convince me, tell your weird ass captain of the teams to convince me and we'll make a deal on it."
"Really?!" Both said again. I nodded my head and Dustin reached out to grab my shoulder again, making me stare at him weirdly.
"You're such a great friend, (Y/N)."
Mike began to pull on Dustin to follow him, claiming they needed someone else on the team. "Don't be such a sourpuss!" Dustin shouted before leaving.
Who even used that word anymore?! Slowly I started making my way to the remaining classes I had for the day.
*****************
By the end of classes I gave our all my assignments and hoped for all of them to be received with an A or maybe a C- which is passable. I continued walking down the lockers once mostly everyone had left, I waited since it gets very crowded outside.
I passed by the lockers and stared at one, one that belonged to my best friend.
"(Y/N)!" I stopped and nearly had a a heart attack when I was met with Eddie, the weird heavy metal lover who is Dustin and Mike's friend.
I placed my hand over my chest and tried to knock us him out due to his scare. The guy known as Eddie had his arm extended to the locker behind me almost trapping me, until he noticed the position he was in, quickly and awkwardly he stood back up.
"You are Mike's and Dustin's friend, right?" His tone is a lot different than the one he used when he was making fun of the basketball team earlier.
"Duh of course... Clearly you've seen me sitting alone right across from the table you and your club always sit that."
I really don't want to deal with him right now.
"Did Mike and Dustin send you again?! And no I'm not interested in drugs." I said already annoyed by his presence. Eddie seemed surprised by my sudden question so he quickly shook his head and hunched down a bit, hiding his hands inside his pockets.
"Umm they didn't..and I'm not here to offer you that. Look, I know you must be busy and all but the boys could really use your help."
Still unsure of him I continue to listen to him, "The boys and I will be at the club discussing a serious matter. Don't do this for me but for them."
I hummed still not sure whether to trust him but I gave in and shrugged my shoulders, "You're lucky I finished my homework on time, I'm heading to that stupid club of yours but because of my friends nothing more."
I added and began to walk away from him and heard him behind me.
"S-Sure I'll see you then!"
****************
It was late and almost half of the school were at the gym witnessing the boring and stupid basketball team playing against another school, I on the other hand was being dragged by Mike and Dustin to the club I swore to go.
"Will you please tell me what this club is all about? And why did you being Erica too?!"
I've noticed all of them wearing similar t-shirts, it is maybe some motorcycle gang or they are all practicing for a band?
"You haven't told her yet?" Lucas's sassy little sister asked both both who began dragging me by my wrist.
"No and you better not tell her!"
I was dragged down further until we reached a pitch black room with candles and a table between two other members and Eddie up front. I stared around surprised that the guys would join such a club, "Welcome to The Hellfire Club!"
"You guys joined a cult club...?" The last word dragged on which turned into a question when I saw a board game on the table with a bunch of figurines, cards and a dice.
"But..this is D&D." I told them disappointed. Both guys up ahead began to laugh and Eddie smirked.
"It wasn't what you expected, huh?"
I turned around to glare at Dustin and Mike who hid behind Erica. "And who is the kid behind you?" Eddie stood up and walked past me to question the girl who left him speechless.
"See? We're not that much of freaks, just s few who like fantasy games!" Eddie cheerful said making me stare at him confused.
And here everyone including I thought they were cultists. I have been proven completely wrong.. it's kinda shame they aren't.
"I thought you were all a motorcycle game secretly hanging around causing chaos." I also began to tell them.
"Nah that sound uninteresting, we like the adrenaline that comes with this!" Eddie pointed at the board game and came to rest his hand on my shoulder.
"You see, (Y/N). Life isn't about having those types of thrills or being all sweaty chasing a ball." I hummed and moved away so he wouldn't touch me.
"Let's give these weirdos a piece of our mind." I heard Erica say.
"I don't even know how to play that, oh well I should leave." I faked a smile and began to turn around till Mike stopped me.
"But we used to play together!"
"You were young and never figured out that I was the one letting you all win because I never understood the weird ass rules." I defended myself.
"Ahh so lame!" I heard the chubby guy said behind me.
"She wasted our time then, she should leave then-"
"But she isn't leaving." Eddie said making us all turn to look at him. He stood up straight and seemed to hide his face when he took a few strands of hair to hide him, "She can stay if she wants and maybe we can offer her a tutorial later on?"
I was surprised to see him acting like this. The other older guys smirked at one another but said nothing.
We were sitting all together with the boardgame between us all, I boredly began to listen and didn't make much sense on what they were all talking. I felt like dozing off but Eddie who was right next to me began to explain some powers and other things I didn't understand.
I awkwardly remained silent and would see the others cheer like maniacs or curse whenever something was wrong.
"Guys! Time out!" Dustin shouted making the others form a circle a bit far from us.
"This is so stupid." I murdered under my breath.
I should have hung out with Steve and Robin...
"Hey! If I may interject, gentlemen, Lady Applejack. While I respect the passion you'd be wise to take Gareth's the great concern to heart. There's no shame in running. Don't try to don't try to be heroes. Not today, 'kay?" Eddie said with a small and cute smile?
I shook that thought aside when I found myself staring at him for too long. No! He's completely weird and goofy, something I definitely never expected from him.
"One sec." Dustin and the rest of the group remained silent for a couple seconds before we grouping again.
I remained silent and hugged myself while I watched the guys playing the last part of the game, Erica threw the dice and they won. Everyone began to cheer and I felt Dustin shaking my shoulder and hugging me when all I did was watch.
After the game we all began to walk outside and seeing the other dumb students walking out of the basketball game. I remained behind and heard a soft cough and glanced over to see Eddie again.
I rolled my eyes and looked away from him "...So, that was a great game, huh?"
"Aha." I mindedly said not paying attention to him at all. I closed my eyes and internally groaned when he continued the conversation.
"Would you like for me to give you a private class on D&D?"
I weirdly turned my face to look at him and his eyes widened when he realized what he said. "S-Shit! I didn't mean it like that." He began to stutter again, "Know what I'll shut up now." He said mostly to himself and I watched him beginning to retreat back to where we were.
I shook my head and noticed Dustin that was behind us, he smiled at me sympathetically. "There's no need to be cold and distant, (Y/N). Eddie's a great guy, give him a chance, yeah?"
I knew what Dustin meant by that. All I did was force a smile on my face and I told the boys goodnight as I began to walk alone to my home.
**************
I absentmindedly began to read the song titles again on the vinyl I cherished given by my best friend, I wasn't much of a Scorpions fan until I was given the album. Rock You Like A Hurricane, No One Like You, and When You Came Into My Life being my favorites.
I placed the album to my side and stared at the ceiling up ahead. I hate the feeling of emptiness.
"(Y/N), I'll be going out now there's dinner in the fridge." I heard my mom say before I heard her leave the house. I said nothing and turned to my side and started to remember that awful memory.
Just a few days ago police informed the news that they are searching for Eddie Munson, saying that he murdered a classmate, Chrissy. The guy is a goof and kindhearted despite acting like a child, he would never kill someone.
I do not know him much but I know he is incapable of that.
Dustin, Max and Steve along with Robin called me to be ready in five minutes to go search for him. I can't be all mopey, this is my chance to save people, I can't let anyone else I know die. Quickly, I began to pack my backpack with things and I patiently waited outside until they arrived.
The four is us went to the woods almost in the middle of nowhere. We noticed a shady ass place up ahead, "Yup we're definitely not gonna get murdered at night." I sarcastically told them.
"Will you quiet down! I swear Robin has been a bad influence for you." Steve joked which earned a smack on the head by her when we entered the small shack.
We all screamed when someone grabbed Steve and pinned him to the wall. "Whoa! Eddie it's me. It's Dustin."
The boy said trying for the guy to calm down while the rest remained quiet. "He's not gonna hurt you right, Steve?"
"What are you doing here?"
"We're looking for you."
"We're here to help."
"Eddie, these are my friends. You knew Robin, from band. This is my friend Max the one who never wants to play D& D, and (Y/N) who joined us at D&D and is awful at it. We're on your side. I swear on my mother, right guys?!"
"Yes. Yes. We swear."
"On Dustin's mother."
I slowly took a step forward when Eddie kept a broken bottle on Steve's neck. "We all believe that you didn't murder Chrissy. So, don't hurt him.."
Eddie turned to face me then Steve again, he slowly let's go if it and went to sit down. I hummed and started to genuinely feel bad for him.
"We just want to talk."
Soon enough Eddie began to tell us the truth while we patiently listened to him. What we knew all along he never murdered Chrissy, something bad is happening at Hawkins again. After so many incidents I hoped the last one would be the last.
"I didn't know what to do..I left her. You all think I'm crazy." He scoffed looking away.
"We don't think you are." Dustin replied.
"Don't bullshit me, man! I know how this sounds."
"We're not bullshitting you." Max told him.
"Look, what we're about to tell you might be a little difficult to take. You know how people say Hawkins is cursed? Well, they're not wrong." I sat across from him and quietly spoke now looking at Dustin who continued.
There's another world. A world hidden Hawkins. Sometimes it bleeds into ours."
"Like ghosts and shit?"
"There are some things worse than ghosts."
We took our long time and explained to Eddie all that has been going on in this town. It might be hard to understand but he must already know the truth or he'll convince himself that he's gone insane. We all exchanged looks and decided to spend a bit more time feeling sorry for him.
***************
It was the next day when we visited Eddie again this time bringing snacks and I brought him the chips I always see him eating whenever he's around doing nothing and just eating. "You coming, (Y/N)?" Dustin asked
We had been in here again for about fifteen minutes but we needed to leave to find more information on what is going on.
I felt immense sorry for judging Eddie so badly do I offered to stay. "You should all go ahead. I'll stay here for a bit."
"Stay safe, (Y/N)" Steve said messing up to hair and Robin trying to stop him. I chuckled and punched his shoulder lightly.
"That bat with barbed wire could come in handy here."
This made Steve chuckle back and wave at me, "Maybe I'll lend it to you next time. We'll be back as soon as we can."
I said my goodbyes to the rest and watched them leave. I threw my backpack aside and began to try and move a heavy table to block the door just in case.
"I could really use some help here." I blunts said but noticed Eddie rummaging through my belongings, "Hey don't touch my things!" I shouted when I saw him holding the Scorpions album I have.
"This is awesome, don't you have any Ozzy or-"
"Of course I do, and please be careful with my album." I said not minding him touching my things since I knew he wouldn't stop.
I managed to move the table and I sat down across from him on the wooden floor, i started looking at the lake up ahead.
"I do love a girl who has great tastes." I smirked to myself since he went back to his regular self. I blushed a bit but shook the thought aside, I hugged my legs to my chest and continued looking out.
"You know..I'm sorry I treated you like shit."
I noticed in the corner of my eye Eddie shrug his shoulders. "Some people can find me charm hard to process." I hummed and try to not show him my smile. I could feel his dark eyes on me when I began to talk.
"Do you remember of the mall incident a few years back?"
"Yeah, that was crazy. Why?"
I rested my head on my knees and tried to not choke on my words. "My..boyfriend died there, Billy Hargrove."
"Had no idea you were with him." Eddie truthfully said, "I'm sorry I didn't-"
"What we explained to you yesterday, Hawkins is the reason why he died. He died protecting me and his sister, I couldn't do anything back. I was so scared.." tears began to fall down my face and I found myself sniffing, trying to hardest to hide it but failed.
Just by the small intersections and horrible jokes he does when he's with me let's me know of his true feelings for me. I find it flattering and a bit cute but I'm afraid...
Few seconds went by in silence until I spoke again. "Before he passed away we would listen to that album together. Max, gave it to me when she noticed Billy's father gathering hid belongings before moving away. That's why I cherish the album so much."
I felt the wooden floor beneath me creak a bit and I felt Eddie sitting next to me. "I guess I don't want anyone close to me to die again..I'm again sorry for ignoring you. With Billy gone I've found it hard to live on."
My breath hitched when I felt his arm around me, Eddie quickly stopped and retreated his hand until I warmly smiled at him and he continued, now with his arm wrapped around me.
"I didn't know, (Y/N). I'm genuinely sorry you had to see all of that. I'm sure you'll learn how to live on, it's gonna be rough but you'll learn, we all will."
I felt my lips tremble alone with my hands turning cold. With my sleeve I wiped my tears and turned to look back at Eddie's tired face.
"Can we start again then?"
Eddie softly chuckled and nodded his head, now extending his hands. "I'm Eddie Munson."
I raised my hand up and grabbed his warm hand, "I'm (Y/N). I'm sure we'll be great friends."
I genuinely smiled and reassured him that we would be friends from now on.