Chapter Text
You had just hung up the phone with Chrissy Cunningham. The two of you ran through your practice History exam for Mr. Douglas’ class, feeling confident that the test tomorrow would be a breeze. She had been one of your study partners since sophomore year. Seemed weird to think this was one of the last semesters you’d likely study with her since you were both on track to graduate this May.
You rolled from your study position of your stomach to your back and let out a sigh, taking in your various shades of gray room. The ceiling, bedding, walls, furniture, you name it & it’s gray. They had always said, when you find love, you will see color and beauty in everything. Until then, your world was gray. You felt a little hopeless knowing you hadn’t experienced colors yet but that some of your friends had. Tommy and Carol, Chrissy and Jason, Billy and his girlfriend Heather. Heck, even Lucas and Max had seen colors and they were both freshmen. A sudden chime of your doorbell sprang you up, and made your descent down the stairs to open the door.
Throwing it open to see Steve, he was still wearing his Family Video uniform. As he leaned in your doorway, “The swingers told me I’d be alone this weekend, what about you?” Yours and Steve’s parents were just as close as you and Steve. Mostly due to the fact that both your fathers worked for the same company, it was constantly dinners, trips and sometimes you all took family vacations together. Because of the bond between both sets of parents, you and Steve would joke that your parents were swingers. After chuckling at his question, you started, “Yeah, they told me this morning that they were going to Chicago for the weekend with your parents. They are leaving me with $100 for ‘allowance.’ What did they give you?” Steven flashes a smile, “$150 since I mowed the lawn this week. Sounds like they won’t be back until Sunday night. But you know what this means?” He raised his eyebrows and gave you a look that could only mean one thing, in unison you both sang, “Harrington Rager!”
As you finally allow Steve in the house, the two go up to your room to plot and plan. Your standard duties were to invite all the mutual friends. Steve would handle the booze and snacks. And after school tomorrow, you would help yourself to the Harrington house and hide all the breakables or high end pieces. While you make the standard list of invited friends (and assume extras will show), Steve sees you write ‘HellFire’. He clears his throat, “uhh Y/N, why are YOU inviting the HellFire boys?” “Oh, I’m not. Dustin had asked me after the last party. Thought you were okay with his new HellFire friends, or are you jealous?” You poked at Steve waiting for his answer. He huffs, “No, it’s fine. I’m glad Henderson has new friends. I just hope the freaks don’t scare off everyone else.” You smacked his shoulder, “Steve, you don’t have to talk about them like that. Do you forget I go to school with Eddie, Gareth and Jeff too? The boys are harmless, and all of your children like them.” He chuckled and you wrapped up your strategy for tomorrow's party.
-
At school the next day, you invited everyone on the list. Cheerleaders and Jocks (including Lucas since he had joined the basketball team), Robin, Nancy, Jonathan, El, Max, Billy and Heather. Once you told the usuals, you knew word would get out and half the school would show up wanting to join in the fun. As you skimmed down the list, all that was left was the boys of Hellfire. You found them during lunch, the usuals waved as you got closer. Their leader had his face buried in a magazine until he heard Mike, Will, and Dustin speaking to one another. Over his magazine, “Something to say peasants?” The boys turned to look in their fearless leader’s direction. Dustin had the courage to speak up, “Well, Y/N is on her way over here.” Quickly Eddie puts down his magazine, sure enough here you come in your all gray attire. Eddie Munson had also not found his other half yet, making his world feel gloomy. It helped him write songs for his band, and fit well with his brooding attitude. The thought of you caused heat to creep up his neck, let alone you approaching his lunch table. He looked back down to his magazine, trying to hide his frustration. ‘As if the Princess would even see me more than a second babysitter. Isn’t she with Harrington?’, he thought to himself.
“Hey Y/N”, Mike started as you finally made it to their HellFire table, “What’s up?” Smiling brilliantly, “Well Dustin asked me for a favor. Just wanted to let you know I got the babysitter’s approval.” Eddie’s ears perk up, curious what you’re going on about. Dustin’s eyes get wide, “No way Y/N! For real? He said yes?” You giggle, “Well he didn’t say yes, it was more like ‘fine’ and then he huffed. So I got my way.” Dustin sprung to give you a hug, then cleared his throat and turned to Eddie. You nodded at Dustin for him to share the news with the HellFire table. “Y/N has invited us ALL to a Harrington Rager!” Eddie practically snapped his neck looking up, he didn’t believe the words he just heard, “you’re full of shit, Henderson! You think the Princess and her boyfriend really invited all of us?” Dustin turned his head in confusion at Eddie, “Well Y/N and Steve aren’t dating- they are closer to siblings” you made a disgusting face at the idea of you and Steve being anything romantic. Dustin was right, Steve was practically a brother. Dustin continued, “But why would them dating matter, Eddie?” He paused and all eyes turned to the head of the table where Eddie perched himself, “It doesn’t matter Henderson, just didn’t think Harrington would want HellFire in his house.” Dustin knit his brows at Eddie and slowly started again, “well anyway, Y/N is the best and SHE got all of us invited.” Dustin turns to you, his curls springing with his movements, and hugs you again, “Thank you! We will ALL be there around the usual time.” You nod and excuse yourself to finish your own lunch before your next class. Departing, you can hear the entire HellFire table rumble and buzz with excitement.
The bell had rung, the weekend had finally begun. You and Chrissy took a leisurely stroll to your car, discussing the History exam, and plans of what to wear tonight for the ‘Harrington Rager’. Chrissy started talking about specific colors as ‘purples’ and ‘reds’ of what she was planning to adorn herself in, she quickly caught herself and turned to you. “I’m so sorry Y/N. I forgot-” You cut her off, “It’s fine, please don’t apologize. I’m just happy you and Jason get to experience them. I’ll get my turn one day!” You were always so kind, but deep down it did hurt. If so many people liked you, why hadn’t you connected with anyone. Yeah, the world was a big place, but you had known so many people who had found their forever right here in Hawkins. With a quick shake from your thoughts, you said goodbyes to Chrissy and approached your vehicle. Waiting at your car was El and Max. The two girls had stopped you earlier in the halls to ask if they could come help you and get ready at your place for the party. As the three of you loaded up, you cranked your radio and started peeling out of the high school parking lot.
Unbeknown to you a set of eyes was watching you from across the lot in his van, he waited for all the HellFire boys to load up. He usually dropped the freshmen off at the Wheeler residence, and the other two, Gareth and Jeff, would go with Eddie to band practice, but today was different. Tonight HellFire Club would make their first appearance at a Harrington rager. Being lost in thought, his van door slides open and startles him, letting out “Son of a Bitch!”. The previous conversation of the club members stops as they realize they caught him deep in thought. Will gently asks, “Eddie, you okay man?” Eddie shakes his head and tries to move his eyes anywhere else to hopefully avert attention from the person he had been watching. Mike recognizes this, “W-were you watching Y/N?” Here comes the heat up Eddie’s neck again. “What? No”, he turns to glare at Mike. Dustin laughs, “Holy shit! You were! You were watching Y/N!” Eddie is now getting flustered, “No! No I wasn't. I saw two of your little girlfriends and wasn’t sure who they were waiting for”, he did his best to look as innocent as possible, “have to make sure they don’t get kidnapped or whatever.” Eddie huffed at them, “now shut up. Or all of you can walk home.” They all climbed in, as the van started and they took off, Eddie could hear all of his passengers snickering.
After stopping by the Mayfield and Hopper homes for overnight bags, the three of you arrived at your place. Just as you placed stuff in your room and let the girls get comfy in some of the guest bedrooms of your own home, you heard Steve’s car pull in. You wrangle El and Max and made your way over to the Harrington House. Both girls were used to the parties but never did prep with you and Steve before, nor had they ever gotten ready with you at your house. Usually they’d be shuttled to the party and eventually the kids would scatter between yours and the Harrington House at the end of the night.
You showed the girls how to determine what needed to be stored away, loading all bathrooms with toilet paper & paper towels, and finally how to make your famous punch bowl drinks. Steve had placed all your usual ingredients out and the three of you had made two different types of punch. Steve prepped snack bowls, and stocked the spare fridge in his garage with beer, sodas and water. Steve liked to be able to offer non alcoholic options to anyone who wasn’t comfortable with drinking, or who was a designated driver. Once the drink situation was finished, you called into the local pizza shop and ordered 6 pizzas to be delivered right at 7:30pm and the party would start at 8pm. This would be enough for the starting crowd, and you had arrangements for Robin to bring about 10 more pizzas when she was done with her shift at Family Video tonight. The girls helped steady Steve as he hung lights and tested all the sound systems. While you were doing a final walk around and tally of things that needed to be removed pre- party or needed just a quick clean.
By 5:30pm, everything was in place. All four of you wanted to get ready, you walked the girls across the street back to your house and Steve waited until you all made it safely into the (Y/ LN) Household before closing his own front door. As you stepped inside, you went over a few rules with the girls. Most importantly, no one is to return to this house without your supervision, it was one thing for Steve to throw parties and allow everyone to crash there. You were a little more particular, truly living up to the princess title. You showed the girls where you kept your house key on party nights. Next you had the girls eat a small snack and drink a glass of water before getting ready, can’t be cranky and dehydrated before the event begins. You cranked up some music on the stereo in your room and began getting ready.
Max and El were in one of the spare rooms giggling and going through the clothes they brought, you felt a heaviness in your chest. Everything felt fun, but was so gray. Everything looked more gray than it had before. You stared at your closet lost in thought of which shade of gray you should wear. Max had poked her head in, “Y/n! That color will look great on you!” You tilted your head, confused at the sweet girl. Then you recalled, “oh, right. I forgot you can see them!” You tried to provide a playful tone. Max picked out your outfit to compliment you and your skin tone, although you wouldn’t be able to enjoy it, you were grateful for her help. You helped the girls zip into their dresses and fix their hair, in turn they helped you. Finally the clock said 7:30pm. You wrangled the two ladies from the guest bedrooms and pranced over to Steve’s. “Ladies!”, he threw the door open and welcomed the three of you. Within about 10 minutes, others started to arrive.
It was just after 8pm, Eddie was picking up all HellFire members, including Lucas. Usually he’d ride with Jason, but Chrissy and Jason wanted to go on a date before the party. Luckily the fresh-meat had met back at the Wheeler’s, making it an easy pick up. After securing all the passengers, they were off. Dustin rode shotgun to give instructions to Steve’s. Dustin turned to Eddie, Gareth & Jeff, “hey, so I know you haven’t been to a Harrington Rager before.” The thought of that hurt Eddie’s feelings, but he was glad they were finally going to get to be a part of it. Dustin continued, “there are a few rules for his parties. 1) If you drink, you aren’t driving. So either have a designated driver (DD) or you're crashing there. 2) if you throw up or break anything, you will be sent home. Again, a DD will take you. 3) No fights. In the Harrington Rager spirit, there is no bad blood or bad moods allowed.” Dustin smiled and turned back into his seat. All three of the boys nodded. This was all of their senior years, Eddie’s 2nd senior year, and none of them wanted a reason to not be invited back. Rounding the corner into the cul de sac, there were two houses perched across from one another. One was dark on the right, and the other on the left had people flowing out of it. It was clear which the party was at. Eddie parked where other vehicles were, and everyone unloaded. “This is it, your first party where you aren’t just here to sell drugs. You were actually invited”, he thought to himself. With an exhale to release all of his insecurities, he threw on a smile and strode in with the rest of the group.
The house felt massive, people could flow through the front door, through the garage, or around the back where the pool was and come through the kitchen. Music poured out of every entrance. The younger boys took off looking for their other friends. The three senior boys were in awe. Even without seeing colors, Eddie knew the lights were vibrant, and everyone was radiant and glowing in their own ways. The three of them turned into one another to have a quick meeting, “Okay, we are going to be on our best behavior,” Eddie started, “we can do this, and still get invited for the rest of the year!” All encouraging one another, they split to slowly find other people they knew and were chummy with. Gareth ran into Ali, who was his lab partner this year, they fell into a pleasant chatter and he offered to get a drink with her. Jeff found Hector, who was in AV and would sometimes help Jeff with tech stuff before a Corroded Coffin show. Hector shared information about a new powerbox of some kind that could power the amps and guitar and bass without blowing a fuse. Eddie smirked that the two of them fell into comfortable places, rather than feeling like outcasts as they tended to at school.
Eddie made his way into the kitchen, he stopped in his tracks when he saw you. You were talking to Chrissy and giggling as you poured drinks of the concoctions you made earlier with Max & El. Your laugh caused warmth in his cheeks, suddenly Lucas came up behind him, “Eddie! Wai-Wait, are you blushing?!” “Shut up Sinclair, it’s just hot in here”, Eddie was quick to make the excuse. “Dude, your cheeks are pink”, Lucas carried on. But the bickering between the two caught your attention. Seeing Eddie at a party hit you a little differently than you thought it would. Even in black and white, he looked good. This was the first time you could think of since starting high school where he wasn’t wearing his HellFire shirt, but rather a Def Leppard shirt under his leather jacket. Suddenly a voice in your ear, “Earth to Y/N!” You snapped and looked back at Chrissy. Her eyes widened, “whoa, your cheeks are red.” You looked down, you could feel the heat in your cheeks sure, but the fact that Chrissy could see was less than ideal. Chrissy looked where your eyes had been, on Eddie, then back to you. Her brows knit together, “Oh my god! You like him!” You shhh’d her louder than you had hoped and quickly dragged her out of the kitchen. You took her to a bathroom and shut the door abruptly. It was written all over your face, “Chrissy, please don’t tell him!” She looked at you in awe, “Y/N, I- I would never. I just think it’s cute. I’ve never seen you blush like this.” You put your head in your hands and sigh. In a brief moment, Chrissy decides to risk it all and tell you, “He was blushing too.” You look at Chrissy in disbelief and she continues, “I watched him walk in and stop at the sight of you. At first, I thought something was wrong. Until Lucas called him out, and I saw he was blushing almost as bad as you. I think he’s liked you for a while Y/N.” You sigh, “I- I don’t have the courage to talk to him alone.” The sweet cheerleader hugged you, “it’s okay, Y/N. Let’s focus on the party and we can deal with this later.” Her words were understanding and encouraging. She would never push you but wanted you to be happy. You took one more deep breath and the two of you returned to the party.
The party was loud and fun! Robin had just arrived with the additional food, and a girl holding her hand. You gave a thumbs up to Robin and when she spotted you, she made her way over, dragging this extra body with her. “Y/N! This is Melanie”, the girl looked familiar but you couldn't place her. Melanie shook your hand and leaned in so you could hear, “we had Calc together last year.” With a dazzling smile, “Oh Melanie! Of course, I’m so sorry. It’s great to see you again. Thanks for coming.” Melanie looked to Robin and then back to you, “You’re a sweet host Y/N. The party looks great, thank you for having us! You and Steve are such a great couple.” Robin quickly interjected, “Oh no- you see-” But you laughed, “Thank you. But Steve and I are practically siblings.” Robin coughed, “Oh and one more thing Y/N. I can see colors now. And you have never looked more beautiful.” Your eyes were pricked with tears, you were so happy Robin had found her soulmate in Melanie. And she chose to share that news with you! You hugged them both and let them carry on with their night as you called after them, "Come find me if you need anything!"
About 10 minutes later El came to find you, she gently tapped your shoulder. You looked to her, “Hey El, is everything okay?” “Oh yes”, she chirped, “Mike asked me to come and get you, all of them want a group photo.” You held out your hand, El grabbed it and she led the way to the backyard. “Y/N”, Dustin erupted, “we thought we lost you!” “Nope, I’m right here. Tell me where to go oh powerful one”, using a playful tone. You had noticed all of HellFire was also going to be in the photo with you. You gave a gentle wave to all of the new faces. Dustin directed you to stand on an end, until Lucas walked to Dustin and whispered something into his ear. “Y/N”, Dustin called, “I need you in the middle. Your pretty face should be in the center.” “Aww”, you called to him. You followed instruction, suddenly it felt like you were surrounded by all of the males in the friend group. You felt safe and protected. Showing off your radiant smile. Dustin set the timer and jumped in. With a flash of the camera, it disoriented all of you. The party had been darkish, so the flash was brighter white than anticipated. You had stumbled into a few of the guys who helped rebalance you.
As your vision came into focus again, your jaw was practically on the floor. Something wasn’t right, and you started to panic. You bolted into the house looking for Chrissy. After looking almost everywhere, you spot her. She was sitting in Jason's lap laughing. With tears in your eyes you tugged on her arm. She could sense something was right. Jason also noticed, and was ready to beat up whoever made you cry, "Y/N, just tell me which one of them laid a hand on you-" That made you laugh and you wiped the tears from your face, "it's not like that Jason, but can I borrow Chrissy?" He nodded and the two of you went into the same bathroom as before. Jason watched from a distance. Before closing the bathroom door, Chrissy gave Jason a thumbs up. He relaxed and settled back down into his seat. As much as he could be an ass, he loved Chrissy. Which meant he cared for you by the association.
Eddie had been confused about his eyesight but kept quiet. He hadn’t known if his seeing colors was delayed or if he somehow bumped into his other half during the photo. There were so many people in Harrington's house that he wasn't sure who he may have unknowingly tapped hands against or bumped elbows with. He tried thinking about when he noticed this change. Just then you walked by the staircase he was sitting on. He saw tears dripping down your cheek. He felt his chest burn with the idea of anyone having hurt you. As he was about to get up, the bathroom door closed and the lock clicked. He had just noticed so much about you, the color of your hair, the brightness of your eyes, and the outfit you had on. Whatever color it was, it was made for you. Gareth came to find him, "There you are! What's up with you?" Eddie looked up, "wow", he thought, "these colors were so new to him, everything had a shade of its own." Gareth started waving his hand in front of Eddie's eyes to pull him from the trance he was in, "Dude! Henderson wants more photos." Eddie chuckled and pushed himself off his knees, "Henderson just knows I'm handsome and wants to document it." The two of them grabbed fresh drinks and went to find the rest of the HellFire crew.
Behind the bathroom door you were sobbing. Chrissy rubbed your back until you could settle down. Finally looking at her, "I-I think something is wrong." Chrissy looked at you, eyes wide, "what is wrong?" Her tone more worried than before. With a deep breath in and a slow exhale, "I'm seeing things." You bit your lip, "my vision, it's no longer black and white and gray." Tears forming in your eyes again, and Chrissy is silent. In the silence, you take in all the new colors around you in this small powder room. Chrissy's mouth agape, "WHAT?! WHEN? HERE? TELL ME EVERYTHING!" You shhh'd her, "I don't know! I was outside and getting in a photo, the flash went off and-" Chrissy is smirking, "Okay, so who was next to you." It had been hours into the party, you had been drinking, there were so many people. "I genuinely don't remember. But Dustin captured who I was near." Chrissy creaked the bathroom door open to make sure the two of you weren't holding up anyone from using the bathroom, then closed it again. "Well we need to find that camera and get the photos developed." You nodded, "yeah I can do that." Chrissy was quick to respond, "but until anything else happens, stay quiet about it. Don't want you to blurt it out and someone lie saying they're your soulmate." She grabbed your face and kissed your forehead, "Now, wipe your eyes and get your ass back out there." Like a soldier, you obeyed your friend. When you emerged from the bathroom, it was like nothing had happened while you were gone.
Hours later, the party was winding down, Steve's house was full of more guests than anticipated who would be staying the night. You collected the kiddos and walked them to your house to crash for the night. On the short walk Dustin had mentioned he wanted to get his photos processed tomorrow but they had a DND campaign. It was moved so Lucas could participate in this one since he inspired Eddie to write it. You perked up, "Oh, I can do that for you! I was going to offer to take the girls for mani pedis. We can drop it off on our way and I’ll bring them to school." Max and El looked up at you nodding to say, "yes please" in response to your offer of mani pedi day. Dustin chirped, "Y/N, that would be so great", he handed the camera to you as they all piled into your house, "this is why you're my favorite. Please don't tell Steve or Eddie I said that though." You chuckled, "alright everyone. You know the drill, go find spots to camp out. And if you're going to have sex", your eyes look to the couples, "wrap it up. Condoms are in the upstairs bathroom." With that you gave a faint wave and carried yourself to your room.
As you got to your room and closed the door, you kicked off your shoes. You caught your reflection in your vanity. Stunned by the colors you saw. You were a natural beauty in the black, white, gray and mundane. But now you had color. Your hair shimmered, your eyes were gorgeous, and your outfit that Max picked out was the most complimenting color on you. "Oh shit Max was right", you said a little too loud. A knock on your bedroom door made you jump, on the other side was Max, "I was right about what?" You walk to your door and crack it, "You were right abo-", you paused unsure if you should tell her, "about how good my hair looked in this style. Seems super easy. Thank you." Max smiled and backed away from your door, "I just wanted to thank you. For including me and El. The boys sometimes leave us behind. We are both excited to spend some time with you tomorrow." "It is my pleasure, us girls gotta stick together", you sleepily replied. Max walked into the guest room and waved to you from the door hinting at a good night.
You closed your door, your mind still racing trying to solve who you had brushed against to give you the gift of color. You finished getting undone from the party and flopped on your bed. Your eyes felt heavy, but you didn't want to stop seeing these new shades and pigments. Within moments you were asleep, and that night you dreamt in color.