came across this pic on pinterest and absolutely couldn’t resist Steddie-ifying it. Plus some punk Steve, as a treat.

HoH Steve Harrington headcanons because I love him (ft a lot of Steddie)

He slowly developed hearing issues in his teens and early adolescence but didn't notice at first. He learnt how to lip read by accident because he just realised it was easier to understand people when he was doing it. He didn't know it was an actual thing.

He secretly loves that Dustin calls him a cool cyborg for having hearing aids

Going to Eddie's gigs and not giving a shit about not knowing any of the lyrics to any of the songs because he can't understand them anyway. He loves the way he can feel the loud music through his entire body.

"I can't see what you're saying!" When Eddie gets distracted and covers his mouth or turns away from Steve while they're talking.

Early mornings when he doesn't have his hearing aids in and Eddie tells him to stop stomping around so much but Steve doesn't even realise he's doing it and so Eddie calls him a dinosaur and Steve tackles him whenever he makes little t-rex arms

Absolute fucking bliss of taking his hearing aids out at night and letting the noise of the world disappear.

He can't hear those annoying cicadas everyone complains about during summer nights.

Eddie buys him an ASL book but he gives up after learning literally 3 words in ASL. He learnt enough just so he can communicate with Eddie across a noisy bar (The words are "drunk," "bathroom," and "let's go") and he never uses it anywhere else.

He loves when people see his hearing aids and assume he obviously knows sign language because he always replies with "of course" and flips them off 🖕

Saying "I can't hear you 🤷‍♂️ sorry" or "hearing aids broke this morning" when he can very clearly hear the kids but he doesn't want to listen to them

Family Video having the biggest stock of subtitled movies because Robin keeps secretly ordering them for Steve

After he gets his hearing aids he realises he really likes movies more now that he can understand the characters and follow dialogue and pick up on the musical cues

Calling out Eddie for gossiping about him across a room because even though they're not within earshot, he can clearly lipread that Eddie said his name.

Having the radio absolutely cranked in his car and it startles Robin every single time which makes Steve laugh. She'll learn to turn the volume down before turning it on eventually.

"Oh my god where are my ears" when he can't find his hearing aids in the morning and Eddie says "on the sides of your head" to which Steve shouts "Shut up!" its such a frequent occurrence that Eddie doesn't even have to say it anymore but Steve still tells him to shut up

Wayne got a bit annoyed at the boys having the TV up so loud but after Eddie explains he has to because Steve can't hear so well, he never complained about it again.

He absolutely loves that Robin and Eddie talk with their entire bodies and are so expressive and have good annunciation (which they probably picked up from doing drama in school) because he can understand them really well.

Dustin constantly trying to sneak up behind Steve to scare him but because he's so used to being extra aware of his visual surroundings it never works.

Robin learning to perfectly imitate the way he says "Huh?" every time he can't hear her from across the store

Eddie knowing immediately when Steve didn't understand what someone said because he always does the same "Yeah, totally!" nod and smile.

Steve constantly bugging Eddie to wear hearing protection at gigs and go for a hearing test.

Complicated, I Guess

Fandom: Stranger Things Summary: Robin's always going to be there for her soulmate, no matter what their discussion is about or reveals. Warnings: Period typical homophobia/transphobia and mentions of being broken because of asexuality/aromanticism Word Count: 807 Ship(s): Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington

Archive link!

A/N: Am I projecting all of my identity onto Steve because he's my favorite character? Absolutely! I hope that you all enjoy this and please don't take anything here said as gospel because everything that Steve talks about concerning his gender/sexuality is just what I've been speculating about. Stay sissy and bitchy everyone <3

“I don’t know if I’ve ever really been in love.”

Evie was laying on the bed with her arm draped dramatically over her eyes. She was wearing one of Robin’s skirts, the flowy navy one with white spots but still in her own yellow polo because she felt that those were more comfortable. Her hair was hanging loose and unstyled around her face, one singular braid still in tact from their earlier activities. The other girl suspected that the only reason for that was because the strands were so close to Evie’s hearing aide, where she was used to feeling pressure and rubbing so didn’t pay attention to the sensations there.

Robin pulled herself up from the ground and flopped down onto the single bed, folding her arms underneath her so that they were supporting her face. “You really expect me to believe that?” she asked with a little giggle.

“Why wouldn’t you?” Evie pouted.

“Evie Harrington, sex master extraordinaire and Queen of High school, who had more girlfriends than anyone could count and even a couple of secret boyfriends, has never been in love? It’s a tough pill for anyone to swallow,” Robin replied. She made sure to replace the parts of the title that didn’t fit with her friend’s current gender. 

The last time that they had been like this, tucked away in the privacy of Robin’s room to escape the Indiana summer heat, Evie had explained that she didn’t always feel like as much of a boy as she was supposed to. That had resulted in them asking each other a lot of questions, stealing away to ask Joyce (who seemed to know a little bit about everything), and then figuring things out. It had been a slow process what with all of the Upside Down nonsense that had interrupted them before and after the Byers moved away. They had figured out that Evie felt like a boy sometimes, which was when Robin would call her by the name and pronouns that she had gone by her entire life, but sometimes she felt like a girl. Those days were harder and it resulted in Robin having to avoid the topic of her Platonic soulmate entirely to avoid misgendering Evie.

“I don’t know if that was actual love or if I was just making it up because people were telling me that I was in love,” Evie replied as she turned her head so that she could look at her best friend a little bit easier.

“Like… convinced yourself to feel feelings that didn’t exist?” Robin asked. She had tried to do that with a couple of guys when she was younger, around the time when everyone else in her middle school class claimed to be developing crushes.

“Yeah. But sometimes the feelings would be so real that I convinced myself they had been there the entire time. After a while they would fade and I thought it was just the relationship fizzling out but I was thinking the other day and I don’t know if I ever had feelings for anyone before I found out that they liked me. It’s almost as if every time I learned that someone had a crush on me, I was so used to thinking that I had to reciprocate that kind of thing that I just… made myself develop feelings for them,” Evie explained all in a rush. “I never wanted to have sex with them either, I just did it because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do.”

Robin blinked a few times as she processed all of that information. “You never wanted to date or have sex with any of the people that you got with? Even Nancy?”

The other girl shook her head. “I desperately wanted to be friends with Nancy. Like, she was so cool and perfect and pretty. I wanted to look like her and be like her. And I think I kind of told myself that was a crush. Which is why our relationship ended so badly and would have even without all of the Upside Down stuff,” Evie explained. 

The room went quiet for a while as they both lay on the bed, thinking about everything that had been placed into the open air. Evie sniffled and asked, “Does… does that make me broken?”

Robin immediately shook her head. “No. Even if you are broken, I’m also broken for liking girls when I should be liking guys. So we can be broken together, okay?”

She moved her hand down so that her fingers were interwoven with Evie’s. It was an affectionate move that they had gotten more and more comfortable doing as time passed and their boundaries decreased around each other. They cuddled up on Robin’s bed, hidden away in a place where they could be broken and different.

The Fight

 Request/ Prompt: so basically, I was tagged in the prompt in December by @1998--js​ and I knew I had to do it!

 Character A tilting Character B’s chin up to get a better look at their face and the evidence of the fight. A delicately thumbs away the streak of blood by B’s mouth, saying nothing as they examine it. After a brief pause, B’s heart skips a nervous beat as A looks them dead in the eyes. Their voice is quiet and tense, their anger barely restrained.

“Who did this to you?”

-  @whumpster-dumpster​

Summary: Rumors are spreading about you and Billy which leads to you both fighting. You have it out with the people who started it and Billy has to pick up the pieces.

Warnings: A bit of violence, lots of angst and fluff!

Words: 3416

A/N: So, I’ve been working on this for the past week or so and I am super happy with how it turned out. Thanks to @1995--js for tagging me in this prompt I loved it so much. Right now, things are very crazy since I’m back at college but requests are back open now for a limited time so if you have anything in mind send me an ask! I also want to thank everyone for 400 followers and for all the love on my shitty fics! Hope you enjoy this. Likes, reblogs and comments are all welcomed! Let me know if you would be interested in a part 2 of this!

 The Hargrove’s had moved in across the road almost a year ago and you still weren’t sure what to make of the California natives. You remember meeting the family for the first time and feeling very uneasy around Neil Hargrove. You would come to learn that you should follow your intuition a bit more.

Billy hadn’t left you alone since that day they turned up on your doorstep. Every day he would drop you home and you would talk about stupid stuff until you were both laughing at nothing. Of course, being friends with Billy had its up’s and downs. The first few weeks of your friendship a rumour spread around school that you were hooking up together which was far from the truth.

You both usually ended up arguing about a rumour every now and then and today was no different. You had brought up a rumour you heard being spread about you and Billy which made him snap at you about it like it was your fault it was being spread.

“Maybe if you weren’t such a fucking player you wouldn’t have rumours following you everywhere you go Hargrove but you seem to like that kind of attention so why would you even care” You hated that rumours followed the both of you just because you were friends. You both knew that Billy loved that kind of attention, but you didn’t enjoy it.

“So fucking what? Do you know how much trouble you cause me? I have been turned down by more girls around here because of you so I suggest you keep your mouth shut!” You were stunned by what he said but you were even more stunned that he was raising his voice.

“Pull over” You ask in a calm, steady voice.

“What?”

“Stop the fucking car Billy. I’m not putting up with you and your fucking shit anymore. If you want better chances with girls here it is. Don’t fucking talk to me until you respect me as a friend” As soon as the car came to a stop you get out slamming the door and walking down the path. You hear Billy’s car door open as you continue to walk away.

“Seriously Y/N? Get back in the car and stop being stubborn!” You walked towards your street throwing up the middle fingers at him as you left him standing beside his car.

You managed to get into your house before he passed you and once you were home you could finally let the emotions flow. Tears slipped down your face at a steady pace quickly but soon your sadness turned into anger as you paced around your room. Billy was one of your only friends except for Robin and so hearing him say things like that to you really hurt. You suddenly remember the party Billy had mentioned and you walk straight for the phone.

“Hey Robin! I’m going to that party tonight will you come please?...great come over here when your done…great see you in awhile!” You put down the phone and started to get ready waiting for Robin.  

After about an hour there is a knock on your bedroom door and Robins head peaks through the crack.

“Hey! Have you been crying?” Robin walks in placing her jacket on your bed.

“I had a massive fight with Billy over those fucking rumours going around about us. He said I get in the way of his hooking up!” You say dramatically as you apply some mascara to your lashes.

“Wow I mean that’s such a contradiction of what I saw today. He was with Tommy and Carol and he was having a pretty big fight with Tommy about spreading those rumours. I’m sure I heard him say that if he heard any more rumours about you that he would kill Tommy personally” You look up out of surprise almost blinding yourself with the mascara wand.

“Really?” You couldn’t believe it. Was Billy really going to lie about it all just to reclaim as much masculinity as possible?

“Yeah I mean it was pretty badass of him. I was going to call you later after work to tell you! It’s weird that he would lie though don’t you think?” Robin looked at you concerned as you cleaned up the mascara on the bridge of your nose.

“Yes, I do Robin but that’s Billy for you!”

You both finish up and walk to the party since it was only a few streets away. As soon as you get in all eyes are on you. You tug at the bottom of your dress suddenly feeling self-conscience. You spot Billy at the back of the room before Robin pulls you towards the kitchen to do shots.

You are on your fourth or fifth shot when you hear Tommy come into the kitchen.

“Well if it isn’t Billy’s little bitch!” You slam your shot glass down on the table hard smashing it in the process.

“What the fuck did you call me?” Robin is instantly trying to keep you back as you walk towards Tommy who’s suddenly looking very scared.

“It was a joke Y/N” Tommy tries to defend himself as you walk closer to him Robin still struggling to hold you back. Before you know it, you have hit Tommy straight in the face connecting with the side of nose. Before you can think Carol is on top of you trying to pull at your hair and a fight breaks out between you both. You manage to get Carol to the ground straddling her and punching her in the face but before you could get anymore in you are being dragged away by Steve Harrington.

“Let go of me Harrington! I swear to God I will…” Before you can finish your sentence, Billy comes into view. As he looks up, he locks eyes with you seeing the mess you are in as Steve drags you away from the kitchen. You suddenly begin to feel pain in your face as Steve lets go of you and walks away mumbling something about an icepack.

Billy walks through the living room to where you are sitting on the sofa and without saying anything, he sits beside you. He tilts your chin up getting a better look at your face and the evidence of the fight. He delicately thumbs away the streak of blood on your bottom lip, saying nothing as he examines you. After a brief pause, your heart skips a nervous beat as Billy looks you dead in the eyes. His voice is quiet and tense, his anger barely restrained.

“Who did this to you?”

You couldn’t look at Billy you felt so stupid for getting so angry over what Tommy said. You didn’t think you just did which you never do. You always think about things before doing them. You did the thing that you were always telling Billy off for doing when he turned up at your window with blood all over his face.

“I may have punched Tommy for calling me your bitch and then Carol attacked me I just got so angry and since I was already angry it just happened which is so hypocritical of me because I’m always telling you to think before you punch someone and now instead of me picking up the pieces it’s you which it shouldn’t be because I’m still mad at you” It was clear to Billy that you were going into shock and adrenaline was the only thing keeping you from feeling the intense pain of your face.

By the time you had stopped talking Steve returned with a bag of ice and a shot of vodka to “help the pain levels”. You take them both graciously thanking him.

“I can’t tell if you are stupid or a real badass” You feel Billy stiffen beside you as you half-heartedly laugh at Steve’s joke. Robin comes up behind him with a first aid kit handing it to Billy without saying anything.

“I ruined your night, didn’t I ?” You look at Robin who has a slight smirk on her face

“No, it’s about time you stuck up for yourself. It was going to happen to them eventually it was just a countdown to see who it would turn out to be. Clean her up before bringing her home please!” Billy nods in agreement and you say goodbye to Steve and Robin. You are both left in silence as they walk away. Neither of you knowing what to say to each other.

“You’re very quiet Billy. Are you okay?” You look up at Billy who refuses to even acknowledge you are talking. He quickly stands up causing you to get a little dizzy. The realisation of a probable concussion setting in.

“Stay here. Don’t move I’ll be back to help you clean-up” With that Billy storms off towards the kitchen probably to see the lack of injuries on Carol and Tommy. You were never a big fighter, but you had learned how to defend yourself at a young age. That kind of thing never really leaves you and so you instinctually knew where and when to punch. You lay your head against the back of the sofa closing your eyes and slightly grunting at the sudden pain searing through the left-hand side of your face.

You wanted to access the damage but knew better than to get up without Billy. You could feel blood dripping down your face potentially from your eyebrow. Your scalp was beginning to tingle as your adrenaline wears off. From the way Carol had a grip on your hair you wouldn’t be surprised if you had a few bald patches.

“You really got them good!” You open your eyes to find Billy standing over you with an impressed look on his face.

“Probably not as good as Carol got me though my head is killing me” Billy chuckles deeply as you wince in pain.

“No seriously Carol has a split lip, a bloody nose which might be broken and two very swollen and bruised eyes and Tommy…well his nose is broken and is bleeding everywhere…it looks like a murder scene in there.” You can’t help but feel like Billy is exaggerating but you knew better than that. Billy would never exaggerate about the results of a fight.

“I just want to go to bed. Can you help me clean up first?” You try to stand up but almost fall back down. Billy instinctually wraps an arm around your waist before you have the chance to fall back onto the sofa. He carefully helps you up the stairs, first aid kit in hand. This wasn’t something Billy was used to. He was usually the one with cuts and bruises littering his face not you. He wasn’t even sure if he knew how to patch you up properly. You were the one with all that knowledge.

Once in the bathroom he helped you sit down on the edge of the bath while he opened the first aid kit to see what he could do to help you. You watched as he opened the green box confusion written all over his face.

“You need help, don’t you?” You asked as you tried to get comfortable on the side of the tub.

“No let me figure it out. You do this for me all the time it’s the least I can do for you this time round” You laugh as he pulls things out to inspect them before placing them back in the box.

“Billy I would rather not be sitting here all night. I promise this isn’t some sort of defeat on your half just let me talk you through it” Billy sighs nodding his head as he places the first aid kit on the windowsill above the toilet.

“Okay first get a facecloth and soak it in warm water so we can clean the blood off, then you will  need some sort of alcohol or antiseptic if there isn’t any get a bottle of vodka from downstairs.” With instructions in hand Billy begins to move quickly around the bathroom. He sits on the toilet in front of you and starts to clean your face gently trying not to hurt you.

Billy reaches behind him to look for the alcohol but realises there is none so has to go downstairs for some vodka. When he goes downstairs you decide you want to get a good look at the damage done. You stand up from the edge of the tub and steady yourself on the wall. You carefully walk to the mirror hanging over the sink. You begin to survey the cuts and bruises on your face carefully. You check to see if you have any bald spots but luckily it seems Carol didn’t pull too much out.

“Are you sure this will work?” You jump glancing behind you at Billy who is standing in the door of the bathroom holding a full bottle of vodka.

“Well if it doesn’t, I’m sure if I down half the bottle it will have a desired effect” You sit back on the edge of the tub while Billy soaks some cotton wool in the vodka. Sitting back on the toilet he brings the soaked cotton wool to the large cut on your bottom lip. Gently he presses it against the cut soaking it. Your reach up to Billy’s hand and pull it away slightly as you feel the effect of the alcohol.

“Sorry” You mumble as you take your hand away from his.

“It’s alright at least we know it’s working. Here…for moral support” Billy offers you his other hand and you graciously take it as he continues to gently dab at the few deep cuts on your face. Once Billy feels like your face is sufficiently soaked in vodka, he throws the cotton wool in the bin behind him.

“Now what?” he asks turning around looking at you for further instructions.

“I think they should be fine until I get home. Thanks.” You look up to find Billy’s blue eyes focused on you. Your heart skips a little as he raises his hand and tucks a strand of hair behind your ear.

“That’s alright princess. Come on lets get you home” Billy helps you up for the tub and you both walk to his car. As you walk past the kitchen you catch a glimpse of Tommy and Carol who are looking worse for wear than you.

“I did tell you that you got them good. Here I was thinking you were incapable of punching anything!” You feel Billy’s grip on your waist get a little tighter as both Carol and Tommy look up at you both. Despite the fact that you just got beaten up you feel safe. Safe because of the arm around your waist.

As you both walk to Billy’s car you begin to laugh. The realisation of the seriousness of the situation setting in. You knew it was the mixture of drink and adrenaline causing you to feel this way, but you felt on top of the world. Was this how Billy felt after he got into fights? You slide down into the front seat of the Camaro feeling the pain creeping in.

“Why did you lie to me this afternoon? You acted like I was such a bother to you which I probably am, but Robin told me she saw you fighting with Tommy earlier and warning him about spreading rumours about me…us. If you really thought I was that much of a nuisance, why would you even bother saying anything to them in the first place. I’m just really confused about it all Billy.” You slouch down in your seat as you hear Billy sigh from his side of the car.

“Fuck…fine okay you’re not a problem you never have been. It was easier to make you think that than tell you the actual truth okay!” You watch Billy’s hands tighten on the steering wheel his knuckles turning white. Without warning he pulls over and turns the engine off.

“I don’t want you to say anything okay. I just need you to listen to what I’m going to tell you because everything is fucked anyways so might as well tell you. If you don’t like what you hear I will bring you home and you will never have to talk to me again…Y/N Y/L/N…I like you a lot and I didn’t want to tell you because there is no way a girl like you wants to date a mess like me and plus I really like our friendship and I don’t want to ruin that. You hate me, now don’t you?” You couldn’t wrap you head around what Billy had said so you stay silent looking through the windscreen in front of you. After a few minutes of silence, the engine starts again, and Billy is driving towards your house.

“I don’t hate you. I just…I think I have a mild concussion and so I’m not sure what to say” You glance over at Billy who has turned very pale.

“Fine” Billy huffs as you pull up outside your house. He refuses to look at you as you turn towards him. You reach out and place a finger on his jaw turning his head towards you.

“I like you Billy, but I’m concussed and need time to think so less of the mood. Can you help me inside?” Billy nods jumping out of the car quickly running over to your side to help you out. He helps you up and wraps an arm around your waist steading you.

“I like your arm around my waist it makes me feel safe” The concussion really starting to take effect. Billy walks you towards your front door as he listens to you.

“I also really like that you came over to me as soon as you saw I was hurt and how you brushed your finger over my bottom lip that was really nice Billy. I like this side of you. I like to call it soft Billy.” Billy hums in approval as you both stop at the front door. You fish your keys out of your denim jacket and hand them to Billy who pushed them into the door opening it wide so you can both get in without it being awkward.

“Soft Billy? I kinda like that princess. Need help getting upstairs?” You nod as you rest your head against Billy’s shoulder. You both make it upstairs without any further injury. You remain quiet well aware you have said plenty. Billy walks you into your room and helps you sit on the edge of your bed.

“You okay now? Need anything else?” You shake your head as you take you denim jacket off and throw it on the ground beside your bed refusing to change before getting into bed. You pull the covers back and slip into bed awkwardly.

“I’m going to get some pain killers and water for the morning princess. I’ll be back in a few” Tiredness hits you hard and you close your eyes as Billy leaves your room. He knows your house like his own and so it takes him less than a minute to find some pain killers and a glass of water. By the time he gets back upstairs he finds you fast asleep. He places the glass of water on your bedside table along with the pills. He notices that your blanket isn’t all the way up and so he pulls it up over your shoulders and tucks you in. Placing a small kiss on your forehead.

“Night princess”

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Read Part Two Here!

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  @an-antisocial-writer @charmed-asylum @takemepedropascal​ @technolilly​ @multifandomgirl16​ @dreamin-of-dacre​ @1998--js​

Heyheyhey I just read your thing about Billy being adopted by Hopper and having a panic attack. It was- uuhmazing ?? tysm for writing that gorgeous piece !! I was just wondering how Hop eventually finds out about Billy and Steve being a *thing* thanks again!

So @okaybutlikeimagine has SO MANY amazing works about Dad Hopper, including one about Hopper walking in on Steve and Billy having sex and Billy panics because he thinks that Hopper is gonna kick him out it’s WONDERFUL.

So in the effort to not copy an already incredible piece, here’s this one.

Read on ao3

Hop wasn’t as blind as everyone apparently figured.

He noticed how Steve stayed over almost every night. The way he and Billy would look at each other, the way they were always touching.

That and, well the walls in the cabin were thin. Hop had heard some stuff, some late at night stuff. He knew way more about Steve Harrington’s asshole, then he ever needed to.

He was kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place though. He wanted to talk to Billy, let him know he didn’t care, that he could see how happy Steve made him, that that was all he cared about anyway. But at the same time, he didn’t want to back him into a corner, make him panic.

He started making little comments, wanted Billy to feel supported. Went off while watching the ten o'clock news, complaining about Reagan isn’t doing SHIT about AIDS, letting good people DIE, started talking about his second cousin in San Fransisco, how he’s lived with the same man for fifteen years. Would loudly explain to El that people were hateful towards gay people because they saw it as unnatural, but there’s nothing unnatural about love, El.

Billy would just give him odd looks, nodding slowly, eyebrows drawn.

He had gotten closer with Billy. Could tell the kid trusted him more and more. He really didn’t mind being with Steve, but he wanted to set some rules, some boundaries.

He finally cracked one evening.

Steve had been there for the whole week, and Hop was tense, thinking about one of his kids, doing, doing stuff under his roof.

El had long been sent to bed, Hopper had spent the last couple of hours turning the t.v. up louder and louder over the fucking moans coming from his son’s room. When they finally surfaced, Steve was wearing a fucking Metallica t-shirt like he had ever listened to Metallica.

“Can you two come sit down?”

They took the couch, sitting pressed against one another. Steve looked nervous, Billy had laughter in his eyes.

“So I wanted to, to have this talk with you both. I wanted to, set some boundaries.” He took a deep breath. “I know you two are together. And before you get scared, I don’t care that you’re, y’know gay or what have you, but I, this house has rules. And you two need to resp-follow them.” Billy was lounged back into the couch, one eyebrow raised at Hop. Steve was sitting ramrod straight, periodically wiping his sweaty palms on his legs until Billy reached out and took one of his hands.

“And what are these rules?”

“Same as El’s. When Steve is over, your door has to stay open at least three inches.” Billy huffed. “And he can’t be over more than two days in a row.”

“Wait, Mike is here all the tim-”

“And he goes home every night and doesn’t come over every three days.”

“Yeah but the brats can go on dates and shit. We” he gestured wildly between himself and Steve “can’t be together in public.”

“El still isn’t safe outside period. It’s not like she’s going on dates either. And that’s beside the point, Steve never goes home.”

“Yeah, because his parents are shitty!”

“Bill, it’s fine, it’s really-”

“No, you can stay here if you want.” He looked at Hop, a challenge in his eye. “Right? He can stay here.” Hopper took a few deep breaths. He’s been really working on keeping his anger in check, not giving Billy a reason to be scared, but sometimes he pushed.

“Steve, are you safe at home?”

“Yes! It’s not, they’re just kind of, bummers.”

“They’re not ‘kind of bummers’, Steve they-”

“But bottom line. kid, you’re safe at home, right?”

“Yes! I don’t mind going home, Chief it’s really, it’s okay.” Billy crossed his arms over his chest.

“What if I need him here. He has to be here in case I panic or something.” Hop scoffed.

“You’re really playing that card right now? Seriously?” Billy was smiling, smug as can be, nodding slowly at him. Hop turned to Steve.

“Billy’s grounded. You can’t come back for a week.”

“What?” Billy looked appalled. “Grounded? Am I fucking five?”

“Yeah, well you’re acting like it. No Steve for a week.” Billy stood up, storming to his room and slamming the door. After a second he opened it, stomping out to Steve, taking him by the face and kissing him deeply, looking defiantly at Hopper when he came back up, stomping into his room again.

Hopper was left sitting awkwardly with Steve.

“So a week?” His face was bright red as got up, fidgeting with his keys. “That’s, seems fair.” He gave Hop a two-finger salute as he hurried to the door. “Well, uh, goodnight.” He turned back to Hopper. “But if he, if he does panic, or, or something, just, call me.” He smiled again and left, Hop got up to watch him pull out of the spot in front of the cabin.

Billy stepped back out of his room, stomping like a child to pour himself a glass of juice. Hop had to hold back a laugh as he drank orange juice angrily. He looked like a toddler.

“Can’t believe you fuckin’ grounded me.” He put the glass in the sink. “No Steve for a week do you hate me?”

“You can go without your boyfriend for a week.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know, because I’ve never had to go without him.”

“And that’s not healthy kid. You two should have breaks from one another sometimes.”

“What if I don’t want a break? What if I like it when Steve’s around?”

“Because I’m sick of hearing you two through the walls.” Billy went still.

“You can, you can hear us?” A blush was creeping up his neck. “Like, clearly?”

“Much clearer than I wanted to hear you, kid.” Billy choked out a laugh.

“Oh God. I’m so sorry.” He was giggling, his checks red. “And that was Steve being quiet.”

“Jesus, he sounds like a damn cat.” Billy just kept laughing. It was kind of, sweet.

“God, I’m gonna have to call him.” He went off to his bedroom.

That night when Hopper went to bed, he could hear Billy laughing to Steve saying my dad heard all your fucking NOISES, Stevie. He said you sound like a CAT. Apparently the walls are REAL thin.

Hopper just chuckled to himself, the a warm feeling settling in his gut at Billy saying my dad.

Only Joking (Steve Harrington x Reader)

Summary: After breaking out of Hawkins Lab, Y/N finds herself in the care of none other than Steve Harrington.

Warnings: Violence (mentioned) & Fluff

Word Count: 1495

Requested By: Free Write :)

A/U: Hey guys! You may have noticed a little bit of activity on our page the past couple of days, which may or may not be because our unexpected hiatus has come to an end?? At least, for now it has, and it feels good to be back. I’ve been swamped with school and work, but now I’m bored and stuck at home, so here’s a Steve Harrington xreader that no one asked for. Enjoy!

~ 🐺

        Thorns scraped at your legs and sticks tore into the bottoms of your feet, but still you pushed onward. You’d been running blindly through the thick forest for what felt like an eternity, stumbling through the underbrush and keeping to the shadows. You’d fallen several times already, and your hands were caked with dried blood from where you’d attempted to catch yourself. Despite all of this, you were like a wild animal, driven by fear, and you would not stop to rest until you knew that you were safe, no matter what it took.

        The screams still rang in your ears as did the gunshots. The lab had been an awful place to live. You grew up there, under the watchful eyes of scientists, however it wasn’t the caring sort of watchful eyes, like those of a protective parent. Rather, you grew up like a lab rat in a box with a glass wall through which they could watch as you were poked and prodded. “Progress,” they would say, “is never without pain.” They wanted to see how powerful you were, and so they pushed you past your limits, claiming that someone like you had no such thing. But you did. It had taken every last bit of strength you’d had to get away, and the energy you had left was quickly draining.

        Up ahead, a gap in the trees became visible. At last, you emerged from the woods. Directly across from you, the never-ending trees began again, but between you and it stretched a wide section of hard ground—asphalt. The road carried on in either direction for as far as your eyes could see in the dim moonlight. Hesitantly, you stepped out into the open. The concrete was hot beneath your bare feet, and the small pebbles poked against the fresh cuts in your flesh.

        There came the sudden rumbling of an engine and a bright flash of light, and a car barreled around a curve in the road. Planting your feet, you fixed your eyes on the vehicle with determination, and it came to a screeching halt merely feet away from you, smoke pouring from beneath all four tires. Blood trickled from your left nostril, and your vision became blurry. A voice yelled, “Hey, are you okay?” but you were unable to identify the source of it, because it was then that you collapsed onto the pavement in exhaustion.

        When you came to, you were slung over someone’s shoulder and being carried across a grassy lawn. You were too weak to do any real damage, but you started to kick and flail about in an attempt to get down.

        “Woah, woah, woah,” came the voice again. “You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?” And with that, you were set down on the front steps of a large house, coming face-to-face with a teenage boy who looked to be around the same age as you.

        “I’m not gonna hurt you,” he said. “Can you tell me your name, or where you came from? Anything?”

        You sat in silence, studying him. He didn’t seem threatening. As his dark eyes stared at you, you saw something in them that you weren’t familiar with—concern, maybe.

        At last, you nodded. You held out your wrist to him, pointing at the number on your wrist written in black ink—010. “Me,” you said.

        Steve looked from the number to you. “Ten? You mean, your name’s ten?”     Again, you nodded. “Hawkins Lab. Bad people. Ran away. Must hide.”

        The boy knit his eyebrows together. “Well, you’re safe now,” he said. Then he added with a smile, “I’m Steve.” He grabbed your hand, and gave it a hearty shake, but your arm flopped limply as you stared at him with confusion. He laughed. “It’s a handshake,” he explained. “It’s what you do when you meet someone new.”

        “Handshake,” you repeated, looking down at your clasping hands. You copied what he’d done, pumping his hand up and down.

        “Yeah,” Steve said, grinning. Then, his tone changed. “Do you wanna go inside?” he asked. “I can get you some clean clothes and,” he paused, examining your many scrapes, “maybe some band-aids.”

        You nodded eagerly.  

        Steve got to his feet. “You’re gonna have to be quiet,” he warned. “My parents are home and they’ll totally freak if they find out I’ve brought a strange girl home.”  

        You followed Steve through the front door and looked around as he shut the door behind you. The house was very big, and although Hawkins Lab was big, it was like a maze. Steve’s house was different—it was open and inviting.  

        In your amazement, you forgot to look where you were going and backed into a light switch. The bulb above you turned on, and you jumped, bumping into a small table beside you, atop which sat a vase. The vase wobbled, but before it could fall, Steve swept in and caught it. “Jesus,” he said, turning the light back off. “Are you trying to wake the whole house up?”

        You shook your head, cowering a bit.

        “Oh, no, no, no,” Steve said. “It’s okay. I was joking. You know, a joke?”

        You tilted your head to the side. “Joke?”

        “Yeah, a joke.” He glanced around like he was searching for the right words to say. “It’s something you say to be funny, to make other people laugh.” 

        “Oh.”

        Steve looked at you for a moment more, then said, “This way,” and led you into an adjoining room—the kitchen. Steve opened and closed drawers muttering about how, “It’s here somewhere,” when at last he produced a small, red plastic box. He started to open it when he stopped himself and said, “Wait here.”

        When Steve reappeared, he held a damp cloth in his hands. “I have to clean the blood off,” he explained.

        He pulled up a chair and instructed you to sit down, then squatted down on the floor in front of you. He took your hand in his and began gingerly wiping away the dried blood. You winced. “No,” you said, pulling your hand away.

        “I know it burns,” he said, “but we have to clean them. They’ll get all gross and infected if we don’t.”

        You frowned, hesitantly offering your hand back to him.

        Getting all of your wounds cleaned proved to be a difficult task as you kept jerking away from him, complaining that it hurt. Steve, on the other hand, complained just as much about how you were making it harder than it had to be on both of you, but despite his irritation, he was nothing but gentle.

        At last, Steve stepped back, inspecting his work. “Okay, I think that was the last of it. See, now, that wasn’t so bad was it?”

        You pouted and crossed your arms. Steve rolled his eyes, grabbing the plastic box from the counter. He opened it up and produced another, smaller box from within. From this he pulled what looked to be a strip of paper but inside was a plastic bandage. “You know what band-aids are, right?” he asked.

        You nodded, held your arm out for him to put the bandage on. It was brightly colored and had a cartoon mouse on it. “Everyone loves Mickey Mouse, right?” Steve said with a laugh.

        “Mickey Mouse?”

        “Jesus, I’ve got a lot to teach you.” Steve grabbed the bloody wash cloth and tossed you the box of band-aids. “Put these on,” he said, “while I go find you something to wear.”

        Steve wasn’t gone for long, but by the time he came back, you had already used up nearly the entire box of bandages in order to cover your many wounds, but a few extra had been added just because you liked them, like the one in the middle of your forehead.

        When Steve saw you, he chuckled. “Got a little carried away, huh? Mickey Mouse band-aids will do that to you.”

        You smiled up at him. “Good joke,” you said.

        Steve grinned back at you, running a hand through his hair. “Thanks,” he replied. Stepping forward, he handed you a wad of folded up clothes. “You can put these on in there,” he said, pointing to an open door down the hall. You took the clothes and walked off in the direction he’d indicated.

        Once the door was closed, you were more than happy to change out of your ripped hospital-gown-like attire and into the warm sweats he’d given you. They were a bit too big, but they were soft, and that was enough to make you happy.

        When you returned to the kitchen, Steve was attempting to pick up all of the bandage wrappers from the floor. Upon hearing your footsteps, he looked up. Now that you were all cleaned up and wearing normal clothes, you looked a lot different. Pretty, even.

        Steve stood up. “You look better in those than I do,” he said with a smile.

        “I know.”

        Steve raised his eyebrows.

        The corners of your mouth turned upwards. “Joking,” you said.

i love you, steve harrington || s.h

↬ pairing(s): Steve Harrington x Henderson!reader

↬ genre/warnings: fluff, best friends to lovers!au, mentions of blood & injury

↬ word count: 2.1k

↬ synopsis: after the battle of Starcourt, best friend’s Steve and (y/n) share their intimate feelings with one another

↬ a/n: this is based off the request the lovely @annabeth-parker got and I wrote to it too because I thought it was so cute!! their ask box is opened to ships and requests currently btw! and yes, I couldn’t decide which gif to use out of the two. no, I am not ashamed.

“Dustin!” your shouts are weighed with relief as you saw his head of curls through the crowd. He spun around, eyes searching the sea of people before meeting yours, and you hop out of the back of the ambulance with a limp in your step as you sprint towards him. Your body ached in pain but it immediately subsided as you held your younger brother in your arms, his whole body shaking with sobs as he squeezed you harder than he ever had before.

Your eyes fluttered open one at a time, glimmering with watery tears as you see your best friend, Steve, staring back at you. He looks worse for wear, but the smile he sends you nearly stops your heart, and despite his beaten face, he still looks beautiful. You swipe your tears away as Dustin finally pulls away from you, but the urge to cry is still there as you make way towards Steve while your brother reunited with his friends.

There are no words, and as soon as you’re close enough, Steve is embracing you with such a force it was like he was trying to break you, and you were letting him with the certainty that he would put you back together. His shoulders are shuttering as if he were crying, and you gasp and pull back to see his face, but rather than tears he has a large, toothy grin on his face.

You quirk an eyebrow up at him, questioning his sudden laughter. His eyes travel the length of your body, and through a laugh he said, “girl, you look like shit. Not like, the shit, but like shitty. Like dog shit.”

“Thanks, Harrington.” you roll your eyes with pursed lips. The mood is still lighthearted, though, because Steve knows that just behind those pursed lips was a smile waiting to be tempted out. “We almost die and that is the first thing you say to me? And it’s not like half your face isn’t swelled up like a balloon, so I don’t want to hear it.”

He snickered and said, “let’s sit you down.” he hooked an arm around your waist, pulling your body flush against his as he guided you to a nearby ambulance.

You both plopped down into the back of one of the many red vans with heavy sighs. You had already received medical attention to at least the fracture in your leg, but going off Steve’s blood stained face, he hadn’t had any. You pulled the first-aid kit off the wall of the ambulance and began rummaging through it before Steve joked, “are you licensed for this?”

“Maybe,” you paused for a moment, “well, no, but I do the same thing for animals. How different could it be?”

“Very?” Steve said, laughter falling into sync with his words. “(Y/n), you’re a veterinary intern; you patch up animals, and the last I checked I wasn’t a dog.”

You rolled your eyes, looking at him expectantly. His eyes bounced from yours to the bottle of alcohol and gauze in your hands before breathing out a sigh of defeat. There was no use for him to try railing against you, because no matter how hard he did, you were too stubborn anyway. He slid closer to you where his bare thigh was pressed against yours, but you ignored the skin contact and focused on not spilling alcohol everywhere.

“Thank you,” you drawled out your vowels, bringing the alcohol-soaked gauze to his chin, hovering over the cut. “This is going to sting like a bitch, Harrington. Just know it’s okay to scream.”

Steve scoffed. “As if I would- God dammit, (Y/n)!” he exclaimed, lurching away from you.

“I told you.”

After disinfecting the first cut, Steve was resolutely unreactive for the remainder of the time spent at his aid. You had finished when you began repacking the first-aid kit, but was stopped when Steve caught your wrist in his hand. Your eyes asking a handful of questions dashed towards his allowing your eyes to make blissful contact. You thought on how despite how annoying Steve was, how he complained or at best always looked bored, his moronic obsession with his hair, that you were madly, hilariously in love with him. And he’s just staring back at you, lips parted just enough to entice you.

The atmosphere is palpable and your ears buzz, and suddenly it only feels like it’s you and Steve in the parking lot. His eyes are warm and inviting, baiting you, and it’s like a hook around your neck reeling you in before logic asserts dominance over your mind once again. Steve was your best friend, just your best friend, and you were painfully aware of that.

You could see his lips moving as he said something, but it didn’t quite register in your brain until he broke eye contact and released your wrist, grabbing the gauze pads back from where you put them away and held them out in front of you. You shook your head as to clear it like an etch-a-sketch. “It’s my turn to play doctor,” he said, his words uncertain from the blank staring he got the first time he said it, “you know, clean up your face.”

Heat spread from your chest to the tips of your ears as you nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

As he applied the alcohol wipe to a cut above your eyebrow, you squeezed your eyes shut, bottom lip pulled between your teeth to stifle any yelps of pain. Steve chuckled to himself as he pulled the gauze away and blew cool air to the cut. After he was sure it didn’t sting for you anymore, he stopped and said, “I’m so lucky to have you, (Y/n). I’m so glad you’re alive and safe.”

His admission caught you mildly off guard, but you kept the surprise to yourself as to not scare him away. It wasn’t often that you and Steve had intimate conversations about your relationship, or that Steve opened up his feelings to you at all, so when he did you treated the situation delicately.

“I honest to God don’t know what I would do without you.” he stopped as his hands fell to rest in his lap. You opened your eyes to see his head hanging as he fiddled with the gauze in his hand. You made to reply when he took a deep breath and continued, “I care about you so much, (Y/n), so much that I don’t even know what to do with myself. You drive me insane. If I’d lost you tonight, (Y/n).. if I’d lost you tonight, I-I-”

His voice began to shake, and you reached out to cup his large hands. “Steve…” you started slowly. His gaze flickered up to meet your eyes, and he swore he saw his entire world staring back at him. “Are you trying to tell me you’re in love with me? Me?”

“I… I think so.” a pause, then he declared with more confidence, “I think I am. I’m in love with you, (Y/n).”

You stare unblinkingly back at Steve, mouth slightly agape. It’s surreal hearing those words fall from Steve lips, and it’s all too good to be true that for a fraction of a second you think if this is all a dream. You almost pinch yourself, but you don’t, because if this is a dream you’d rather not wake up at the best part. You can physically see how anxious Steve had become with the silence following his confession, and though your heart is crying a word vomit of cheesy responses, it’s like you’ve been left breathless with the inability to exhale, inhale or do anything.

“Say something, please, so I know I’m not making a fool of myself.”

“Kiss me.”

“Kiss you?” he parroted, shock striking his features in accordance to your straightforward response.

You hesitated for a brief moment. This moment was going to be the turning point of your relationship, and some of your surrounding relationships. Nancy was a good friend to you, and also Steve’s ex-girlfriend. Jonathan had been a dear friend of yours since you could remember, and Steve was his bully in high school. The only reason you weren’t guilty to be Steve’s friend was because you promised yourself a friend was all that would come out of him. Dustin. Your own brother looked up to Steve as his role model and his best friend. What would he think of this?

But then looking at Steve’s slightly pouty lips, it seems idiotic to deprive yourself of him. All logic flew out the window and you’re driven solely on emotion and instinct, and before you know what you’re doing all you can feel is his lips against yours, swollen yet soft, and your body melting into his. His hand cupped the back of your neck and his thumb brushed the exposed sliver of skin at your hip where your shirt had ridden up. His mouth moves meticulously, warm and steady against yours, a dizzy breath fleeing your lips from his intoxicating touch.

He pulled away, the both of you breathless, shyly staring into each other’s eyes while soft pants filled the silence. A smile upturned his lips, more to the right than left, and you know with that smirk he’s fit to make a brainless remark. “That’s what I was missing out on?! How the hell did you get to be such a good kisser? You’ve only had like one boyfriend!”

You burst into a fit of giggles with a shrug. “I guess Jonathan taught me well.”

“Byers?” he gasped incredulously. You nodded, holding back a second round of laughter. “You dated Byers?”

“No,” you corrected, “him and I used to goof around in middle school; use each other as practice for when we got into real relationships.” you shrugged again, reliving the silly memories of unsure lips and bruised noses from accidents. “I guess it all paid off for both of us.”

Steve followed your gaze to see Nancy and Jonathan under a shared blanket in the back of another ambulance, lips locked. His eyes flickered back to yours, and a beautiful grin overtook his face. “C’mere.” he beckoned you to him, eyes fluttering shut as you both leaned in to close the distance.

“Harrington, what the hell!”

You sprung away from Steve like he was diseased, eyes blown wide and staring ahead of you at your younger brother with his friends gathered in a line behind him. He was absolutely smoldering, eyes narrowed and beaming angrily at your boyfriend. You almost smiled. Boyfriend. Steve Harrington was your boyfriend.

“And you!” Dustin shouted, and you visibly flinched at the loudness of his voice. “What’re you doing with him?!”

You crossed your arms over your chest and gave your brother an eye roll. “Quit being so dramatic.” you told him with a sigh, only to backtrack when you saw the look of complete outrage on his face. “Or don’t…”

He redirected his anger back to your boyfriend. “Harrington, what’re you doing sucking faces with my sister?”

“Dude, calm down.” Steve said, hopping onto ground level in front of Dustin. “I don’t know what’s going through your head right now, but I need you to understand that your sister is everything to me. I would never hurt her and I’d do anything to protect her.” by the end of Steve’s admission, Dustin’s expression had notably relaxed. Though Steve didn’t stop there. “And just because I’m dating your sister, our dynamic isn’t going to change. This,” he gestured between them, “won’t change.”

You could see the smile Dustin was stowing away behind his tightly pressed lips. Steve reassured him of everything he wanted to hear, and after that initial shock and rage, you knew Dustin would be happy for your relationship. He played it off cooly, waving his hand around as he told Steve, “don’t make me regret this.” and stalked away with his friends, muttering something about being ready to go home.

As the crew wondered further off, Steve rejoined you at your side, hand reaching around your shoulders to pull you into him. You rested your head on his shoulder, heartbeat slowing as his breathing carried you towards comfort. “You know,” he voiced suddenly, “I told you that I loved you, and you never said it back.”

You both laughed quietly at his joke, and you snuggled further into his chest and he pressed a kiss to the top of your head as you whispered, “I love you,” testing the words on your lips and nodding to yourself. He hummed quizzically, and you found yourself getting more and more drowsy as the day finally caught up with you. You said softly, “I love you. I said that I love you, Steve Harrington.”

↬ a/n: if you liked this, you should check out my other Steve fics on my masterlist!

hi!! for the Angst/fluff Prompt List could you do #85 for harringrove?? i love your writing so much!! you’re so talented!!! thank you (:

This is going to be a little post-S2, early relationship setting because that’s what I’m feeling!!!

that brutal youthsteve harrington/billy hargrove + “don’t lie to me.”(fic requests open)

Something is wrong with Billy. 

It’s something Steve has been told over and over again, and over and over again he is told what that something is. The list, so far, reads: 1) he stood up Carol for a date; 3) he cursed out a clerk at the drug store for refusing to sell him cigarettes; 3) he gets into too many fights, some of which have caused lasting damage to parents’ properties that come out of allowance money and whole teenage cashier paychecks of kids too afraid to out the new town badass as the culprit. These, however, are not the things that concern Steve- or, rather, they are not his primary concern. No, Steve doesn't care much about how all the things Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers and the merry band of misfit kids he’s accidentally adopted say about Billy. These are the things that Steve takes in stride, the things he hears Billy’s take on (he had to go find his sister- stepsister -who had snuck out had scared their parents half to death, he had a bad day, people piss him off, so on and so forth). The thing that’s wrong goes far beyond all of Billy’s usual transgressions.

It’s the split lip that Billy swears is from a fight with Tommy H. at last weekend’s “no parents, let’s get wasted” bash. It’s the bruised knuckles that crack and bleed when he holds the steering wheel. It’s the way he sometimes leans on the door for support when he gets out of the car, or winces when Steve touches him unexpectedly, or how he shows up to school in yesterday’s clothes all crinkled and slept-in. 

Today in particular, Steve is worried of the black-eye that has bloomed over the right side of his face. It is the most obvious injury that Steve has ever seen on him- worse than the bruising that sometimes speckles his chest or broken nose he swore was a keg party badge of honor; worse than the mild limp he sported for a week when he said that Jason Miller had blown it out during a pick-up basketball game. Billy cannot hide this one. He can’t throw a shirt over it; he can't ice it better or milk it for sympathy. It is partnered with a gnarly scab slashed through his eyebrow, puckered and swollen. 

“What the hell happened?” Steve asks when he finally sees. Billy has avoided him all day, has ducked away and dodged him in the halls, has skipped classes, even tried to book it out of the parking lot before his sister (stepsister, he’d always correct) made it to the car. 

“It’s nothing,” Billy says. 

“Nothing?” Steve asks. He is standing on the street outside the drug store where a different, younger clerk had forgone an ID check to sell Billy a pack of Marlboros. An unlit cigarette dangles between Billy’s lips and his hand is fishing in his pocket for his lighter. He stilled when Steve approached him, a deer caught in headlights, and now he flicks the lighter on. The little flame dances, but it’s shadows are not enough to obscure the deep purple surrounding Billy’s eye. 

“Yeah,” Billy repeats. He lights the cigarette and inhales, then blows a puff of smoke toward Steve. “Nothing.” 

“I haven’t seen you all day,” Steve says.

“I was busy,” Billy says. 

“You were avoiding me,” Steve says. Billy’s silence is all the answer he needs. “Am I seeing you tonight?”

Billy looks up and down the street. It is a Wednesday afternoon. There is a Girl Scout troops selling cookies outside the grocery store and an elderly man walking his dog around the far corner. A group of kids on skateboards practice kick flips down the road from the drug store. Billy pinches his cigarette between his fingers and lets the smoke swirl up in the wind. He sighs. “Fine.” 

They are discreet when they are together. They find quiet places, like back parking lots and the city limits. Tonight, Steve's father is away on business, and his mother has trailed along. Instead of a party, he kept his plans open for Billy. He paces by the back door, watching the Billy’s headlights in the window. They never go anywhere together- not in a way that they can be seen. Billy circles nearby blocks to avoid being obvious, then parks two streets over and takes short cuts to Steve’s backyard. Steve hates the secrecy more than he will admit, but he won’t fight it. Billy won’t have it any other way. 

In the evening light, Billy’s eye somehow looks worse. Steve tries to control his reaction as he opens the sliding glass door to let Billy inside. 

“There’s beer in the fridge,” he says, though Billy is already beelining toward it. He takes out two cans and leaves one on the counter. He cracks open the other and drinks the whole damn thing in one fell swoop. Steve hands the second beer to him and takes a third out for himself. He follows Billy into the living room, where Billy does not sit but instead paces as he sips moderately at the second beer. 

“So,” Steve says eventually. He leans against the doorframe, one hand holding a can of Miller’s and the other stuffed in his pocket. “Are you going to tell me about that?”

“About what?” Billy asks. 

“That,” Steve says, motioning toward his own eye. Billy shakes his head so that his hair falls over his face and he carries on his pacing. “Tommy H. again?” Steve asks. “Or maybe it was Jason? Or someone new this time?”

“What the fuck do you mean?” Billy snaps.

“Just that you tried to hide a black eye from me all day.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Billy says. “Our paths not crossing does not mean I was fucking avoiding you.”

“Okay,” Steve says. “But still. That looks nasty.”

“It’s fine.”

“Are you sure it’s not infected?” Steve asks, and when Billy pauses to glare at him he points to his own brow. “That cut. Right there. It doesn’t look good.”

“I can leave if you're so disgusted,” Billy snarls.

“Woah, hey,” Steve says. His tone softens and he holds out his hand defensively. “I didn’t mean it like that. Just that, y’know, if that hurts, I can maybe try to help. I mean, I don’t know jackshit about patching people up, but I know my way around a first aid kit. Generally.”

“What, you wanna play nurse?” Billy teases.

“I’m being serious,” Steve says, exasperated. Billy says nothing. He downs the rest of his beer and sets the can on the coffee table as he collapses onto the couch. Steve hesitates before approaching him, and he tries not to react to the way Billy flinches when Steve sits beside him. “What’s really going on?” Steve asks.

“What do you mean?”

“Come on, asshole,” Steve says. “The black eye. The bloody knuckles. The bruises. It’s not all fights.” Billy doesn’t look at him, but Steve studies his profile. His jaw is set. His head is down. He’s listening- he’s thinking. “I’m at all the same parties. I know shit in this town. I know that there was no pick-up game.” Billy stiffens, and he turns his head away so that Billy can no longer see his face. “I know there was no fight with Tommy H.”

“Fuck off,” Billy grumbles, voice low and sounding somewhere between guilty and furious. 

“Billy,” Steve says, and Billy’s head snaps toward him. “Don’t lie to me.” 

“Why do you even care?” Billy demands. “We’re not dating. There’s no feelings here.”

“Maybe there could be,” Steve says. 

“For you,” Billy says flatly.

“Yeah, for me,” Steve says. “Whatever. Even if it’s one-way, I fucking care about you, and you’re fucking worrying me. Okay? I care about you. So why don’t you just cut the shit and tell the damn truth?”

"That’s what you want, huh?” Billy says. He jumps to his feet, towering over Steve as he remains perched on the overstuffed couch cushions. He starts to pace again, in a shorter field this time, and Steve watches him carefully. “That’s what you want?” Billy says. “A fucking sob story? You want me to, like, share my fucking feelings? Spill out some dark secrets?”

“I want to know why you’re always hurt,” Steve says. He jumps up, too, as he says it and the suddenness startles them both. Billy stills. Steve hesitates, questioning himself, then square off his shoulders and moves toward Billy. “I want to know what this is all about,” he says, and he gently cups Billy’s cheek in his hand. Billy tears himself away, but his own hand reaches up where Steve’s had been.

“What if I told you?” he asks. “What if I tell that my old rails on me, huh? That he gets drunk and he gets mad and sometimes I get a fist to the face? What then, Harrington? Is that what you want to hear? That I don’t know when the next hit’s coming? That he knocked me out? What’s it matter to you?”

It takes a moment for Billy’s words to set in, but when they do, Steve’s heard sinks. 

“Billy,” he says, but Billy is shaking his head and moving for the door.

“I’m leaving.”

“Wait,” Steve says. He catches Billy’s wrist as Billy tries to get past him. 

“What?” he snarls. 

“Is it true?” Steve asks. His fingertips touch the edge of Billy’s bruise and while Billy flinches, this time he doesn’t pull away. 

“Just let it fucking go,” Billy says.“Does your dad hurt you?” Steve asks. 

“Why do you care so much?” Billy asks.“I just-” Steve stumbles, because what he is supposed to say? Nothing is official between them. They’ve never so much as said I love you. They don’t wear labels. They aren’t anything, formally, to one another. But Steve knows that he cares for Billy, and that seeing Billy hurt makes him hurt, too. He knows that he wants Billy safe. “I don’t like being lied to.” 

He cups Billy’s cheek and Billy lets him. Billy lets Steve’s thumb graze over the outline of his darkened bruise. He jerks his head back when Steve touches the angry wound across Billy’s brow. “At least let me clean this?” he asks. “Seriously, Hargrove. I don’t need you toting diseases around.”

This gets the smallest smile out of Billy, and it is enough to relax Steve at least slightly. Billy’s shoulders sag. “Fine,” he relents. “That’s fine.” 

Stranger Things Fic

Genderswap Steve Harrington --> Stephanie “Stevie” Harrington 

This is an unedited rough draft, but a certain someone said I should post it anyways. ;)

Dust Off Your Highest Hopes

Stevie Harrington’s parents always wanted a boy

In fact they thought she WAS going to be a boy

Her room is painted blue and while she doesn’t have anything against the color, at home it’s a reminder that her parents will always be disappointed

But she tries any way - she can’t not

She plays softball and track and swim team

She’s lean and wiry from all the sports and dresses like a tomboy - still fashionable, but she doesn’t wear skirts or dresses unless forced

Despite always wanting a boy, the Harrington’s still have. A lot of ideas of what’s Proper for a girl

Stevie doesn’t fit those either

She flirts, and makes out with a lot of guys to keep her Queen Stevie reputation

Stevie meets Nancy Wheeler and She’s fascinated

Nancy is prim and proper and dainty and delicate

She’s everything Stevie could never be

She’s the prettiest girl Stevie has ever seen

She doesn’t know how to handle these sudden butterflies

Barely understands what it means, and whatever inkling she has is shoved deep down

And yet

Her eyes follow Nancy

Stevie eventually can’t stay away, and approaches her after class

She has a stumbled excuse about asking for help in English class

Nancy looks a little surprised at first, but she tucks a strand of long hair behind her eye while clutching her books, and her big blue eyes look up at Stevie and smiles and Stevie beams

They meet in the library at lunch and Nancy really does help Stevie because she wasn’t lying about her essay but they talk too

Stevie finds herself giggling a lot more than usual but she chalks it up to the surprisingly sharp wit from Nancy

She looks picture perfect but there’s strength behind her eyes and Stevie wants to follow her anywhere

They meet up a few more times before Carol and Tommy start to get suspicious

Stevie invites Nancy to sit with them at lunch and she surprisingly accepts

It’s a little awkward at first, because Stevie suddenly realizes has been acting differently with Nancy than she does with tommy and Carol

But Nancy rallies, and Tommy and Carol tease Stevie about her suddenly caring about her grades and suddenly she’s back

She finishes the essay with Nancy’s help, and gets a better grade than she’s expecting.

She grins at the grade but her stomach is sinking

She realizes she doesn’t want Nancy to leave

She wants her to stick around, to be her friend, even though the word friend doesn’t feel quite right

She comes up with the brilliant idea to have a girls night at her house since her parents are away (again)

(It’s something she’s always secretly wanted but never knew how to ask for)

She invites Carol, and Nancy, and Nancy asks if she can bring her friend Barb, and Stevie shrugs as says “the more the merrier”

Inviting Carol was a mistake, or maybe she just never specified it was a girls only night, but Carol brings Tommy

Which.

Tommy is Stevie’s best friend but she had plans for tonight to include all the stupid things girls do at sleepovers on tv

(She hadn’t specifically planned for it to be a sleepover but she kinda hoped it turned into one)

Whatever. No one said Stevie couldn’t adapt and roll with the punches

So she breaks out the beer and sets them up on the pool deck with the radio playing in the background

Nancy and Barb show up shortly afterwards

Barb looks a little uncomfortable to be hear but Nancy smiles and Stevie pushes through the awkwardness

She also apologizes for Tommy on their way out to the pool

Nancy laughs and tucks away a strand of hair and says it’s fine

They all end up sitting by the pool chatting for a little bit before Tommy starts getting restless.

He shotguns a beer, and Carol does the same and then they both look expectantly at Stevie

She follows through without looking at Nancy, unsure what she’ll think

Except as she’s finishing the beer, Tommy is challenging Nancy and before Stevie can say anything about how she doesn’t have to Nancy is grabbing the pocket knife and gulping down the beer

Stevie stares slack jawed and feels a flush crawling up her face

She hopes its covered by the dim lights and alcohol but she can’t take that chance so she shoves Tommy into the pool and falls in after

The water is cool on her heated face and she stays under a moment longer before pushing back to the surface

Nancy is laughing when she emerges and Stevie beams, even as Tommy splashes her as he moves to the side

Carol is also laughing as she reaches down to help Tommy up but Stevie can see the split second Tommy changes his mind and yanks back, pulling Carol in too

Carol shrieks and flails into the pool and the two of them are splashing and wrestling in the water

Stevie knows they have a couple minutes before they tune back in, so she pulls herself out and playfully shakes her dripping hair at Nancy

Stevie notices that Barb is still sitting stiffly in the lounge chair, and offers her a beer and the knife

(She doesn’t know Barb that well, but she’s Nancy’s friend and Stevie has a burning need for Nancy to like her)

Barb takes them hesitantly, looking between Nancy and Stevie as Nancy says she doesn’t have to

Stevie nods too, bc she’s not going to force her to drink but she drapes herself over Nancy dripping water and Nancy laughs and squirms and twists away but she’s already wet

A look of determination slips over Barbs face, and she attempts to shotgun the beer too except the knife slips and Barb lets out a hiss of pain

Stevie lets out an oh shit and Nancy rushes over to her friend

There’s blood dripping on the concrete but it doesn’t look stitches bad

Stevie runs to get the first aid kit and meets them at the door she shows them to the down stairs bathroom

She starts to goes back out to tell Carol and Tommy but they’ve made their dripping way inside already, making out and stumbling towards the stairs

They break apart just long enough to tell Stevie they’re going to be borrowing a guest room for the night, don’t wait up and then they’re gone up the stairs

Stevie chews on her nails, a habit that her parent s hate, but she can’t help the sinking feeling that the night is ruined

But then Nancy comes out of the bathroom and smiles shyly at Stevie and maybe not all is lost

Stevie abruptly realizes she’s still dripping water all over, and Nancy is damp and has blood on her shirt

She offers that Nancy can borrow some clothes since she needs to change anyway and her heart is beating a million miles a minute when Nancy nods and tells Barb to wait down here, she’ll be right back

They head up to her room and for the first time she loves the color blue as Nancy’s eyes sparkle the exact same shade

Stevie roots around in her drawers, trying to find something that Nancy will like

And then she turns around to ask a question and Nancy is right there, smiling and the question does on her lips because suddenly the butterflies are back and she knows what they are this time and before she can think through her actions she leans forward and kisses Nancy on the lips

(Stevie is not usually one to think first and act second but for one second before the panic kicks in she wishes sh was a different person)

She jerks back and her eyes go wide and she starts to stutter out an apology

Nancy is blushing but she’s not leaving and Stevie trails off as she smiles

“I’m just gonna go tell Barb she can head home, if ...that’s alright?”

Stevie nods and smiles, and she’s almost certainly blushing hard but for once she doesn’t mind

Nancy leaves the room and Stevie stands there stupidly grinning for a moment before she remembers she’s still soaked and scrambles to pull on pajamas (which end up being a soft tee and shorts because she doesn’t own much else in the way of pjs)

Stevie flops back on the bed and covers her face with her hands trying to wipe the stupid grin off her face

She might actually get to kiss Nancy Wheeler again, for real, and she understands that she was always hoping for this

She hears the distant sound of the front door closing and she can’t help how she bounces in anticipation and panics for a minute about how to act natural before shaking her head

Nancy hasn’t judged her yet.

She waits eagerly for Nancy to come back through the door.

And waits.

And waits.

The smile starts to slip off her face. The butterflies have turned into stone and her stomach is sinking with them.

Stevie gets up from the bed and heads down the stairs, hoping that maybe Nancy just stoped for a drink or a snack or something

The kitchen is empty and quiet.

Stevie heads back to the sliding doors and walks out to the pool hoping hoping hoping Nancy decided she wanted to swim after all and she didn’t just disappear, leaving her waiting behind

But the pool is quiet.

There’s nothing there except for the empty cans and the blood drops from Barb’s hand.

Stevie claps a hand over her mouth when a sob escapes involuntarily

Her chest feels tight, and she angrily kicks away one of the empty cans

It skitters across the concert and splashes into the pool and Stevie sinks down onto a lounge chair, hand muffling her sobs and she can’t keep them in, tears trailing down her face

She had really really gotten her hope up, higher than she even realized, and the come down now that Nancy essentially stood her up is hard

But she’s Stevie Freaking Harrington. It’s just as well, she thinks angrily. It’s not like she could actually date Nancy in the open. Her parents certainly wouldn’t approve, and Hawkins isn’t known for being open minded.

She angrily swipes the tears away and storms back into the house, grabbing one of her fathers whiskey bottles on her way back to her room.

She’s had enough of tonight and drowns her feelings in alcohol and if she cries into her pillow no one will know.

(Jonathon is out in the woods looking for his brother. He knows there’s something going on and he knows sometimes the camera sees more than the eye.

So he’s wandering the woods when he hears shrieking and just as he gets close he hears it turn into laughter

He heartbeat settles slightly but he still raises his camera to his eye

He doesn’t know yet what happened to Will so right now he’s documenting everything. Even if he’s pretty sure Stevie Harrington had nothing to do with it

He is a little surprised to see Nancy Wheeler and Barbra Holland hanging out with Stevie and her crowd

Not that he keeps up with the school gossip but he’s pretty sure Nancy and Barb don’t run in the same circles as Stevie Harrington

He snaps pictures almost automatically as he watches Carol and Tommy wrestle in the pool and Barb cut her finger on a beer can. Stevie, Nancy, and Barb go inside, and Carol and Tommy follow shortly, obliviously making out.

Jonathon sighs, frustrated with everything as he checks the settings on his camera again

He not sure what he’s hoping for out here but he can’t not do anything  

When he looks back up, Barb is sitting by the pool, alone, one hand pressed to the other

He raises the camera and takes another photo to test the settings

Movement catches his eye on the upper level and he moves his lens to follow it

He sees Stevie and Nancy smiling at each other in the window and snaps a picture out of habit

In the next second he sees Stevie lean forward and kiss Nancy and Jonathon goes red and fumbles his camera in his embarrassment and shock.

He picks it up and retrains it back toward the house just in time to see Barb giving Nancy a quick hug and heading back into the house.

Nancy stays by the pool and smiles at nothing and Jonathon sees a blush rising on her cheeks

Jonathon is suddenly struck by how beautiful she is, with the pool lights dancing along her flushed face, and snaps another picture before he suddenly remembers all over again that Will is missing and he doesn’t have time for this

When he looks up again Nancy is gone.)

(He hasn’t left yet, the realization that taking photos in the woods was a stupid idea to find his brother rooting him to the spot.

He flinches and sinks lower into the shadows when he hears the skittering of a can and looks up to see Stevie Harrington sitting  on the pool chair in shorts and a T-shirt and starts when he realizes she’s crying

He’s never seen Stevie Harrington cry before, and his jaw goes a little slack as he watches her sobbing into her hand.

He’s just about to awkwardly convince himself that he should go see if she’s okay (he may not particularly like her, but she’s sobbing ) when she stands sharply up, swiping her face angrily and storming back into the house.

Jonathon lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and moves carefully away from the house. He still wants to develop the photos he took, even if they’re almost guaranteed to be useless. He’s can’t stop thinking that if there is something, he has to try. )

Stevie wakes up hung over, but it’s a Wednesday and she’s an old hat at disguising it

She covers up the bags under her eyes, brushes her teeth, fixes her hair and grabs her sunglasses on her way out the door

She still feels like her stomach is filled with stones, but no one else has any reason to suspect that so she pastes a smile on her face and plays up the party girl image

Stevie isn’t sure what she’s going to say when she sees Nancy but she lucks out and doesn’t see her in the halls at all

She does see Barb, alone, and something niggles at her but she pushes it aside, even if Barb gives her an impressive side eye

Turns out she should have paid more attention because Barb pulls her aside into an empty classroom on her way to lunch

Stevie pulls her hand away and scowls at her - Barb is one of the only people who might have an idea why Stevie is in a foul mood, and she drops the personable party girl act

Barb is scowling back, and starts talking before Stevie can come back with something cutting

“I don’t know exactly what happened last night, but you need to apologize to Nancy-“

“What did I do!?” Except she knows what she did and guilt is curling around her chest to tangle with the hurt

“I don’t know, but she sent me home, and now she’s not in school and she won’t even answer my calls, so obviously you must have done something after I left!”

Confusion stops her panic cold.

“What are you talking about”

“You know exactly what I’m-“

Stevie interrupts her, “No, I know, I mean... I thought she left with you.“

Barb stares at her.

“What?”

“I don’t know what you’re trying to pull here...” but even as Barb says it, she trails off, unsure, something on Stevie’s face giving away her sincere confusion.

“I — she left. I thought with you. You’re saying she didn’t go home with you last night?”

“No.”

Stevie stares at her. Barb stares back.

“She didn’t stay with me — I mean at my place. I just assumed she left when you did. She didn’t exactly tell me when she did.” Stevie mutters the last part, looking away as her face flushes, but it’s just her and Barb in an empty classroom so of course she sees it.

“Nancy doesn’t have a car. “

Stevie looks back at the non-sequitur, temporarily relieved that Barb is choosing to ignore anything Stevie gave away.

Stevie quirks an eyebrow. “So?”

Barb sighs. “So, I drove her to your house last night. And she told me she was going to stay the night. So I left. Alone. “

“She, uh—“ Stevie takes a breath and holds it for a second, letting it out in one big rush. “She just said she was going to tell you to head home. And then... then she never came back up.” Stevie looks down at her feet. “I assumed she changed her mind or something and just left with you.”

Barb looks a little worried now.

“That’s not like Nancy.”

“Maybe she walked? Or got another ride? I don’t know.” Stevie is rapidly approaching her limit for this conversation. She was already feeling raw from last night, and rehashing it all with Barb makes her feel uncomfortably vulnerable.

“Look.” Stevie points her finger at Barb. “I don’t know what Nancy did. All I know is she didn’t hang around my place last night, so maybe she bailed on both of us.” Stevie shakes her head. “And I don’t care. Nancy’s a big girl, she can do whatever she wants.” The lie tastes sour on her tongue, but she spins around and stalks to the door, and stops, hesitating with her hand on the handle.

“When you do see her...” Stevie doesn’t turn around, doesn’t want to see whatever is on Barb’s face right now, “Tell her I’m sorry.”

With that, she yanks open the door and exits, flipping her sunglasses back over her eyes. They can hide more than bags and light sensitivity, and no one has to see Stevie Harrington pull herself back together.

TBC...

That Was.. Wow

Requested: No

Word Count: 1637

Summary: Steve stopped talking to you after he started dating Nancy. Now he’s back in your life.

Steve Harrington. The one and only person who understood all of your problems at school within the last year. To be fair, it wasn’t Steve’s fault that these things happened. SATs in junior year are bound to stress anyone out. But it was his fault that he distanced himself from you.

Math class, senior year. You had started the year assuming that everything would be a breeze. After all, Will was safe, everything was seemingly back to normal. You were quite happy with your life. You weren’t head cheerleader or anything, but you were popular enough that people could recognize you in the halls and out in public. Former ‘King Steve’ sat right next to you in math. The same King Steve that had dropped you for Nancy.

To be fair, you’re still good friends with Nance. Even after her breakup with Steve, you two remained close, partly because Steve shut you out, but mostly because Nancy Wheeler is one hell of a good friend. She had always been there for you in the past, so it was only fair that you were there for her.

Even when she started dating Jonathan a few weeks after she dumped Steve. Which left the boy heartbroken yet again. Only this time, Steve wanted to talk to you about what had happened.

Which is why you’re currently sitting next to him on the hood of his car in the middle of the night, out in the middle of nowhere, gazing up at the stars. Wearing his jacket.

“It’s just, I thought she really loved me. I thought she was the one, Y/N.” Steve said quietly, as if there was someone other than you that would hear him in this rare moment of weakness.

“Look, Harrington. I know this doesn’t mean much coming from me, but I think you’re an amazing guy and Nance was lucky to have you.” You said, matching his quiet tone.

Steve looked at you, causing you to look over at him as well. You expected to see sadness shining in his eyes, but instead you were met with wonder and interest. It was almost as if he couldn't believe you thought of him that way. You smiled softly, nudging his side gently.

“You're a catch, Steve Harrington.” You said, laughing slightly.

“That means a lot coming from you, Y/N. You’re the Queen of Hawkins High.” Steve said simply, smiling as if you'd just told him he'd won a million dollars.

“Me? The queen of Hawkins? No way, Harrington. You're crazy.” You replied, laughing. There was no way that people actually held you that high in their heads. You were lying to Billy when you had said that.

“I’m just glad you’re here with me instead of being somewhere on a date with Billy.” Steve said, his voice becoming quiet once more, “He doesn't deserve you.”

“He's an asshole and a total flirt, Steve.” You said, sighing, “Do you honestly think I’d go for someone like that?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Steve said, nodding as he looked back up at the sky, “Do you still think I’m an asshole like you did last year?”

“No.” You said simply. It was a brief and quick answer, but it was true.

Steve had changed. He was no longer the flirt of the school, or a heartless asshole. He babysits the young boys of the party. Mike, Dustin, Will, Lucas, they all love him. Dustin especially.

Steve had taken Dustin under his wing, and Dustin had immediately accepted Steve as his older brother/father figure in a way. He helped him with demodogs as well as the Snowball. He had even given Dustin tips on how to do his hair. It was adorable.

Steve Harrington had an interesting personality. He was hard to read at times, but at other times, he was an open book. His eyes showed so much emotion when he truly cared deeply about something.

Which is why when you see the way his eyes light up when you answer his question, your heart skips a beat or two.

Wait, when did your heart start doing that flippy over thing when Steve looked at you?

You look away from Steve and back at the sky, trying to fight the heat rising to your cheeks. It is November, so you could blame it on the cold weather, but Steve would see right through that facade.

“You know, Y/N, I never thanked you for what you did.” Steve broke the silence, glancing at you for a brief moment.

“Stay away from my kids.” You said, glaring daggers into Billy, “And stay the hell away from Steve.”

“Oh, now Harrington has to have his little girlfriend stand up for him? Did Nancy Wheeler really knock him that far away from his throne?” Billy spat, crossing his arms.

“Steve was never on the throne.” You said, crossing your arms in return, “I was, and I still am. You don't run this school, Hargrove. I do. Stay the hell away from all of us, or it won't be just your pretty little car that gets hurt next time.”

“It was nothing.” You replied quietly, pulling Steve's jacket closer to your body, “He tried to kill the kids, and he beat the shit out of you. I couldn't let him get away with that.”

Steve nodded, smiling softly, thinking about how he had shown up at your door, his face a bloody mess after Billy had gotten to him.

You opened the door, only to be met with a bruised and bloody Steve Harrington.

“Steve, what the fuck happened?” You asked, quickly pulling him inside and dragging him to the bathroom.

“Oh, you know, just me being clumsy.” Steve said, laughing slightly before wincing at the pain in his side.

You frowned, sitting him down on the side of the bathtub, rushing to grab the first aid kit from the cabinet.

“I don't believe you.” You said quietly, moving over to him to clean the cuts on his face, “Your lip is split.”

“Really? I didn't notice.” Steve said, flinching when you cleaned the cuts.

“Yeah, shut up, Harrington.” You said, pulling him up after wiping all the blood away, “Follow me.”

Steve followed you down to the kitchen, sitting at the table once you got there. He caught the bag of frozen peas you tossed him, holding it to his eye.

“Any special instructions, Nurse Y/N?” Steve asked, smiling softly.

“No kissing anyone until that lip heals.” You said, grinning, “Oh, and clean the cuts on your face every day.”

“Got it.” Steve said, nodding and standing up, walking over to you, hugging you tightly, “Thank you.”

“Y/N, can I ask you something?” Steve said, looking over at you.

“Yeah, of course. What is it?” You asked, looking at him as well, noticing how the moonlight shined onto his face.

“Why are you here with me right now when you could be literally anywhere else?” Steve asked quietly, swallowing slightly.

“Because I care about you, Steve. I don't want you to go through anything alone. You don't deserve that.” You replied, matching his tone.

“Well, yeah I guess, but why? I don't deserve you as a friend or anything more.” Steve said, looking down at the ground.

“Can I ask you a question?” You said, looking down at the ground as well, thinking for a moment.

“Go for it.” Steve mumbled, low enough that you wouldn't have heard him if it weren't for being in the middle of nowhere.

“Why are we out here? We could be at my place watching a movie or something.” You replied, looking up at the sky again.

“I like the quiet sometimes, Y/N.” Steve teased, nudging your side, “Especially when I'm with my favorite girl.”

“I’m your favorite girl?” You asked, looking over at him. Surely he was kidding? You hadn't helped him that much tonight.

“Well, duh.” Steve said, looking at you, grinning, “You're honestly my favorite person. You make me feel like I can be myself.”

“Man, of course you can be yourself. You're a special guy, Steve.” You said, smiling at him.

“Can I ask another question?” Steve said after a moment, looking at the sky again.

“You just did, Harrington.” You replied, laughing slightly as you looked back up.

“Oh shut up, Y/L/N. I was trying to be serious.” Steve said, laughing as you did. He turned back to you, playfully rolling his eyes.

“Okay okay. Ask away.” You said, nodding and looking over at him.

“Can I kiss you?” Steve questioned breathlessly, licking his lips.

You nodded, not trusting your voice at the moment. He leant over, pressing his lips to yours, causing you to immediately melt into the kiss.

You moved closer to him, wrapping your arms around his neck and experimentally tugged on his hair, causing him to groan slightly into the kiss and wrap his arms around your waist.

You both pulled away after several moments, leaving both of you breathless. You smiled, laughing and resting your head in the crook of his neck.

“That was..” Steve started, holding you close to his chest.

“Wow.” You finished for him, pressing a small kiss to his neck before pulling away.

“Exactly. That was wow. I’m so glad I did that.” Steve said, grinning as he brushed a piece of hair out of your face.

“Well, Steve Harrington, would you do me the honor of being my King?” You asked, feeling your heart skip a beat when he looked up at you with major heart eyes.

“Oh my god, yes, of course.” Steve said quickly, jumping off the hood of the car. He grabbed your hand, pulling you off the hood as well before kissing you softly and hugging you tightly.

Jury selection begins in Derek Chauvin's trial in the death of George Floyd. Here's what to expect

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/jury-selection-begins-in-derek-chauvins-trial-in-the-death-of-george-floyd-heres-what-to-expect/

Jury selection begins in Derek Chauvin's trial in the death of George Floyd. Here's what to expect

Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. In addition, a charge of third-degree murder that was dismissed in October is now in limbo after an appeals court ruled the trial judge should reconsider a motion to reinstate it, which could lead to a delay in the start of the trial.

Jury selection in the trial began Tuesday at the Hennepin County Government Center and is expected to last about three weeks. Opening statements are expected to start no earlier than March 29, followed by testimony over the next two to four weeks.

As of Tuesday afternoon, one man and one woman have been selected to serve as jurors during the trial.

How jury selection goes

In a case with so much media attention, it may be impossible to find a jury that hasn’t heard about Floyd’s death. But the goal is not to find ignorant people; it’s to find jurors who can be impartial and are open to hearing the evidence and the law.

“No matter what a potential juror has seen or heard, can they set that aside and base their decision on evidence in court and the law the judge gives them?” said Mary Moriarty, the former chief Hennepin County public defender.

In December, prospective jurors were sent a 16-page questionnaire asking for their thoughts on Black Lives Matter protests, their views on policing and their personal interactions with police.

Starting Tuesday, prospective jurors who completed the questionnaire were questioned one-by-one in court in a process known as voir dire. The juror’s name, address and other information is kept anonymous.

The judge first asks questions of the prospective juror, followed by the defense and then the prosecution. If the defense or prosecution believes the person cannot be impartial in the case, they can ask the court to dismiss the person for cause. Each side has unlimited challenges for cause.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys can also move to dismiss prospective jurors without cause using what’s called a peremptory challenge. Chauvin’s team has 15 of these challenges and the prosecution has nine, according to the court. These peremptory challenges can themselves be challenged, though, if they are based on race, ethnicity or sex — known as a Batson challenge.

The process continues until the court decides on up to 16 people, split into 12 jurors and up to four alternates.

Who’s who in the trial

George Floyd, 46, was born in North Carolina and raised in Houston and moved to Minnesota as an adult for a fresh start, working as security at a restaurant.

On May 25, 2020, police were called about a man who had used a $20 counterfeit bill at a Minneapolis store. Officers were directed to a parked car with Floyd in the driver’s seat, and they handcuffed him and moved to put him into the back of a police car, according to the amended complaint.

Two other officers, including Chauvin, then responded to the scene and struggled to get Floyd into the vehicle, the complaint states. Chauvin allegedly pulled Floyd to the ground in a prone position and placed his knee on Floyd’s neck and head. His knee remained there even as Floyd pleaded, “I can’t breathe,” said “I’m about to die” and ultimately stopped breathing, the complaint says. He was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s autopsy listed the cause of death as heart failure “complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression,” and ruled it a homicide. The medical examiner also noted arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease; fentanyl intoxication; and recent methamphetamine use as “other significant conditions.”

Medical examiners hired by Floyd’s family also ruled it a homicide but said Floyd died of “asphyxiation from sustained pressure” during the arrest.

Derek Chauvin, 44, had been an officer with the Minneapolis Police Department since 2001 until he was fired in the wake of Floyd’s death. He was the subject of at least 18 prior complaints, two of which were “closed with discipline,” according to a department internal affairs public summary.

A motion to dismiss the charges filed last August previewed his possible defense. In that filing, his attorney argued that Chauvin had no intent to harm Floyd while restraining him, that he was acting within police policy, and that Floyd’s cause of death was the result of a drug overdose and other existing health issues.

Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, all former Minneapolis Police officers, were also on scene with Chauvin and are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. They have pleaded not guilty.

Due to limits on courtroom space because of the pandemic, their joint trial was moved to this summer. They will not testify in Chauvin’s trial, but their names, statements and actions will be heavily featured.

Eric Nelson is Chauvin’s defense attorney and will represent him at trial. He is part of the Halberg Criminal Defense practice and has worked exclusively in criminal defense since being admitted to the bar, according to his online bio.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office says the three main presenting prosecution attorneys are Jerry Blackwell, Matthew Frank, and Steve Schleicher.

Peter Cahill is the Hennepin County judge overseeing the case. He was first appointed to the bench in 2007 and has been reelected to the position three times since, most recently last November.

An explanation of the charges

Chauvin is charged with second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The second-degree unintentional murder charge alleges that Chauvin killed Floyd “without intent” while he committed or attempted to commit felony third-degree assault, which is defined as inflicting “substantial” bodily harm. The charge is punishable by up to 40 years in prison.

The second-degree manslaughter charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd’s death by “his culpable negligence, creating an unreasonable risk and consciously took the chances of causing death or great bodily harm.” “Culpable negligence” is essentially a heightened form of ordinary negligence, Moriarty explained. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

An earlier charge of third-degree murder was dismissed in October as the judge ruled it did not apply to this case. The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the judge should reconsider the state’s motion to reinstate the third-degree murder charge. Chauvin’s defense has appealed that ruling.

On Monday, the state asked an appeals court to stop jury selection until the charges issue is resolved, but Judge Cahill said he would continue with jury selection unless otherwise told.

How the pandemic changed the trial

The possibility of a courtroom Covid-19 outbreak looms, so the court has taken a number of steps to prevent one.

Everyone who attends the Chauvin trial will be required to distance from others and wear a mask, although witnesses and attorneys may remove their masks during testimony and other court statements. Plexiglass has been installed around the courtroom as well.

In addition, the trial will be livestreamed for those not able to attend, a first for a Minnesota criminal trial.

Only one member of Floyd’s family and Chauvin’s family will be allowed to attend the trial because of the Covid-19 restrictions. For each family, a different family member can rotate through that in-court position with appropriate credentials, the judge ruled.

During the trial, the jurors will be partially sequestered during the day but will be allowed to return to their homes at night. They will be fully sequestered during deliberations.

How police are preparing

Given the unrest and looting that ensued when Floyd died, local and state authorities are taking major security measures. The Hennepin County Government Center is now surrounded by fencing and barricades, and the building will be empty aside from those participating in Chauvin’s trial and approved staff.

Mayor Jacob Frey said the city is preparing for potential unrest with “painstaking detail.” He said up to 2,000 National Guard members will be prepared to respond along with up to 1,100 law enforcement pooled from 12 other jurisdictions.

“Safety is a top priority through this very difficult time in our city,” Frey said last month. “There’s great frustration, there’s anxiety, and there’s trauma. We anticipate that trauma increasing as we get closer to jury deliberations.”

Minnesota law enforcement leaders last month outlined their plan to work together to provide security during the trial in what they called “Operation Safety Net.”

State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said the goal is to protect lawful protests and demonstrations while preventing violence, property damage, fires and looting.

“Planning for this operation occurred starting back in July,” Langer said. “It occurred in earnest all summer.”

Operation Safety Net is organized into four phases, according to Langer: (1) Planning and preparation, (2) jury selection; (3) closing arguments, deliberations and a verdict; and (4) demobilization.

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the unified command will help everyone stay on the same page.

“It will allow all of us to be able to respond metro and region wide, if needed, and it will allow great cooperation coordination and communication,” he said.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said last month the actions were all precautionary.

“As of right now, we do not have any current, actionable intelligence about groups planning to come here to disrupt the trial or to cause disorder,” Harrington said. “We are exercising this unified command out of caution.”

Appradab’s Chris Boyette, Aaron Cooper, Omar Jimenez and Brad Parks contributed to this report.

Jury selection begins in Derek Chauvin's trial in the death of George Floyd. Here's what to expect Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. In addition, a charge of third-degree murder that was dismissed in October is now in limbo after an appeals court ruled the trial judge should reconsider a motion to reinstate it, which could lead to a delay in the start of the trial. Jury selection in the trial began Tuesday at the Hennepin County Government Center and is expected to last about three weeks. Opening statements are expected to start no earlier than March 29, followed by testimony over the next two to four weeks. As of midday Tuesday, one prospective juror has been selected to serve during the trial. How jury selection will go In a case with so much media attention, it may be impossible to find a jury that hasn’t heard about Floyd’s death. But the goal is not to find ignorant people; it’s to find jurors who can be impartial and are open to hearing the evidence and the law. “No matter what a potential juror has seen or heard, can they set that aside and base their decision on evidence in court and the law the judge gives them?” said Mary Moriarty, the former chief Hennepin County public defender. In December, prospective jurors were sent a 16-page questionnaire asking for their thoughts on Black Lives Matter protests, their views on policing and their personal interactions with police. Starting Tuesday, some prospective jurors who completed the questionnaire will be questioned one-by-one in court in a process known as voir dire. The juror’s name, address and other information will be kept anonymous. The judge will first ask questions of the prospective juror, followed by the defense and then the prosecution. If the defense or prosecution believes the person cannot be impartial in the case, they can ask the court to dismiss the person for cause. Each side has unlimited challenges for cause. Prosecutors and defense attorneys can also move to dismiss prospective jurors without cause using what’s called a peremptory challenge. Chauvin’s team has 15 of these challenges and the prosecution has nine, according to the court. These peremptory challenges can themselves be challenged, though, if they are based on race, ethnicity or sex — known as a Batson challenge. The process continues until the court decides on up to 16 people, split into 12 jurors and up to four alternates. Who’s who in the trial George Floyd, 46, was born in North Carolina and raised in Houston and moved to Minnesota as an adult for a fresh start, working as security at a restaurant. On May 25, 2020, police were called about a man who had used a $20 counterfeit bill at a Minneapolis store. Officers were directed to a parked car with Floyd in the driver’s seat, and they handcuffed him and moved to put him into the back of a police car, according to the amended complaint. Two other officers, including Chauvin, then responded to the scene and struggled to get Floyd into the vehicle, the complaint states. Chauvin allegedly pulled Floyd to the ground in a prone position and placed his knee on Floyd’s neck and head. His knee remained there even as Floyd pleaded, “I can’t breathe,” said “I’m about to die” and ultimately stopped breathing, the complaint says. He was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s autopsy listed the cause of death as heart failure “complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression,” and ruled it a homicide. The medical examiner also noted arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease; fentanyl intoxication; and recent methamphetamine use as “other significant conditions.” Medical examiners hired by Floyd’s family also ruled it a homicide but said Floyd died of “asphyxiation from sustained pressure” during the arrest. Derek Chauvin, 44, had been an officer with the Minneapolis Police Department since 2001 until he was fired in the wake of Floyd’s death. He was the subject of at least 18 prior complaints, two of which were “closed with discipline,” according to a department internal affairs public summary. A motion to dismiss the charges filed last August previewed his possible defense. In that filing, his attorney argued that Chauvin had no intent to harm Floyd while restraining him, that he was acting within police policy, and that Floyd’s cause of death was the result of a drug overdose and other existing health issues. Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, all former Minneapolis Police officers, were also on scene with Chauvin and are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. They have pleaded not guilty. Due to limits on courtroom space because of the pandemic, their joint trial was moved to this summer. They will not testify in Chauvin’s trial, but their names, statements and actions will be heavily featured. Eric Nelson is Chauvin’s defense attorney and will represent him at trial. He is part of the Halberg Criminal Defense practice and has worked exclusively in criminal defense since being admitted to the bar, according to his online bio. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office says the three main presenting prosecution attorneys are Jerry Blackwell, Matthew Frank, and Steve Schleicher. Peter Cahill is the Hennepin County judge overseeing the case. He was first appointed to the bench in 2007 and has been reelected to the position three times since, most recently last November. An explanation of the charges Chauvin is charged with second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter. The second-degree unintentional murder charge alleges that Chauvin killed Floyd “without intent” while he committed or attempted to commit felony third-degree assault, which is defined as inflicting “substantial” bodily harm. The charge is punishable by up to 40 years in prison. The second-degree manslaughter charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd’s death by “his culpable negligence, creating an unreasonable risk and consciously took the chances of causing death or great bodily harm.” “Culpable negligence” is essentially a heightened form of ordinary negligence, Moriarty explained. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. An earlier charge of third-degree murder was dismissed in October as the judge ruled it did not apply to this case. The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the judge should reconsider the state’s motion to reinstate the third-degree murder charge. Chauvin’s defense has appealed that ruling. On Monday, the state asked an appeals court to stop jury selection until the charges issue is resolved, but Judge Cahill said he would continue with jury selection unless otherwise told. How the pandemic changed the trial The possibility of a courtroom Covid-19 outbreak looms, so the court has taken a number of steps to prevent one. Everyone who attends the Chauvin trial will be required to distance from others and wear a mask, although witnesses and attorneys may remove their masks during testimony and other court statements. Plexiglass has been installed around the courtroom as well. In addition, the trial will be livestreamed for those not able to attend, a first for a Minnesota criminal trial. Only one member of Floyd’s family and Chauvin’s family will be allowed to attend the trial because of the Covid-19 restrictions. For each family, a different family member can rotate through that in-court position with appropriate credentials, the judge ruled. During the trial, the jurors will be partially sequestered during the day but will be allowed to return to their homes at night. They will be fully sequestered during deliberations. How police are preparing Given the unrest and looting that ensued when Floyd died, local and state authorities are taking major security measures. The Hennepin County Government Center is now surrounded by fencing and barricades, and the building will be empty aside from those participating in Chauvin’s trial and approved staff. Mayor Jacob Frey said the city is preparing for potential unrest with “painstaking detail.” He said up to 2,000 National Guard members will be prepared to respond along with up to 1,100 law enforcement pooled from 12 other jurisdictions. “Safety is a top priority through this very difficult time in our city,” Frey said last month. “There’s great frustration, there’s anxiety, and there’s trauma. We anticipate that trauma increasing as we get closer to jury deliberations.” Minnesota law enforcement leaders last month outlined their plan to work together to provide security during the trial in what they called “Operation Safety Net.” State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said the goal is to protect lawful protests and demonstrations while preventing violence, property damage, fires and looting. “Planning for this operation occurred starting back in July,” Langer said. “It occurred in earnest all summer.” Operation Safety Net is organized into four phases, according to Langer: (1) Planning and preparation, (2) jury selection; (3) closing arguments, deliberations and a verdict; and (4) demobilization. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the unified command will help everyone stay on the same page. “It will allow all of us to be able to respond metro and region wide, if needed, and it will allow great cooperation coordination and communication,” he said. Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said last month the actions were all precautionary. “As of right now, we do not have any current, actionable intelligence about groups planning to come here to disrupt the trial or to cause disorder,” Harrington said. “We are exercising this unified command out of caution.” CNN’s Chris Boyette, Aaron Cooper, Omar Jimenez and Brad Parks contributed to this report. Source link Orbem News #Begins #Chauvins #Death #Derek #Expect #Floyd #George #Heres #jury #selection #trial

Can’t Fight This Feeling | Part 1

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Henderson(technically)!Reader (Eventually) Warnings: Parent loss, parent being terminally ill. Summary: Dustin’s cousin is forced to visit Hawkins, by her terminally ill mother, to take a break from looking after her. How does the young adult react to a new country, and more importantly, how does she react to the craziness that is Hawkins? A/N: Sorry for the long wait, working on a big ass project with @aseasyasdeanspie , but part 1 is hereeee, so enjoy! If you want to be tagged, just ask! Word Count: 1219

MASTERLIST

INTRO | 

I wasn’t really used to being woken up by the sound of children shouting, but might as well get used to it now eh? I looked at the wall clock, 9:06, only slept like 2 hours. My eyes were sore and my head was pounding, I wasn’t very happy, let's just leave it at that. I got out of bed, ignoring what I looked like and basically stormed out of my room. I arrived at the hallway and was greeted by Dustin and his friends playing twister, I cleared my throat out, and Dustin turned around with his chubby grin which makes my day brighter every time I see it, he hasn’t changed at all…

“You feeling okay Y/N/N? You look a bit rough…” I turned to look into the mirror which was placed on the wall. I wish he was wrong, but sadly he was right, I looked like shit, in front of a cute guy… WHY LORD WHY?!

“Thanks, Dusty, thank you so much…”

“I think you look great…” I turned to the guy with nice hair, why not introduce myself in the worst state possible. I held out my hand and he shook it, when his hand touched mine I felt something shoot through me, I felt warm, safe even, and I could tell he felt it too.

“Y/N, Y/N Henderson, and you are?”

“Steve, Steve Harrington, at your service.” The first kid introduced themselves as Mike, then Lucas, Jane, Will and Max, Dustin did as a joke, I saw a skateboard lying against the door frame.

“Whose skateboard is that?” I walked over to it, pulling my hair up into a ponytail.

“Mine,” Max said. I smiled slightly before getting an idea. I into my room again, unzipping my suitcase, I picked up my longboard, which leads to my packed clothes. I ran my finger across the side of it before smiling to myself. I walked into the living room, and the kids and Steve turned around. Max’s eyes lit up quickly, “I know it’s dark and all, but wanna go for a skate?”

---

The thing I love about skating is how free you feel. You feel as though you can do anything. I mean, you can’t, but you can always dream. I had Max next to me, the kids on their bikes behind me, Steve decided to drive behind us, because he needed to look after the kids. He is such a mum. I felt the wind through my hair and for a second, I forgot all my problems. I forgot about England. I forgot about everything. It wasn’t until I was blinded by two headlights in front of me I became unbalanced and fell off my board. I heard the sounds of wheels screeching, bikes landing on the floor and multiple footsteps running towards me. I felt a sting on my arm, head and leg. I took quite a tumble. The car door opened, I could hear Steve’s voice behind me and I felt two arms lift me up. I looked over and it was Steve.

“Look where the fuck you’re going.” That’s a new voice. I looked over slightly, still slightly out of it, and took in the new character. He was wearing a denim jacket, all of the buttons were undone, he had a blonde mullet, disgusting, and he was sneering. I tapped Steve’s shoulder and he lowered me to the ground. I cried out in pain from my ankle. It looked sprained, I’ve had worse injuries. I saw slight remorse in the man’s eyes. I hobbled over to him, I was pretty pissed. Who the fuck does he think he is, talking to anybody like that. I felt a hand on my shoulder, my nostrils flared as I turned to stare Steve in the eyes. He calmed me down slightly, just by looking at me. I stared at the asshole in question. The kids ran behind Steve.

“And who the fuck do you think you are to talk to me like that. You may have almost run me over. But I can easily beat your small brains to a pulp. Call it my speciality.” The guy was taken aback, I held my stance and injured arm.

“And what’s your name your highness.” Oh, how fucking original.

“Henderson. Y/N Henderson. And how about you. Or are you just known as a mullet wearing prick.” I heard multiple ‘Ooos’ coming from the kids. The boy stared at them, glaring, they stopped. I moved slowly in front of them. His attention went back towards me. I was infuriated. This dick has ruined my night.

“Billy. Billy Hargrove.” He was trying to seduce me. Wanker. He held his hand out, I ignored it, hobbled over to my longboard, I picked it up and finished by flipping Hargrove off and getting into Steve’s car. Realising it as the driver’s side, the kids and Steve chuckled. I’m not used to the seating arrangements yet, so I just got back out and sat on the passenger side. The kids decided that they were going home. Found out Billy was Max’s stepbrother, so he took her home, Dustin went in the car with Steve so Steve took us home.

Once we got home Dustin ran inside to get the first aid kit and Steve put his arm around me and helped me into the house. He sat me down on the sofa, Dustin came in holding the bag of peas and the first aid kit.

“Go to bed Dusty, it’s getting late.” I winced as Steve put the peas on my sprained ankle. Dusty nodded and went to his room.

“Thank you, Steve, for looking after Dusty.” He just shrugged and smiled, putting disinfectant on some cotton before placing it on my cut, located on my forehead. I hissed.

“Sorry, I forgot to warn you it would hurt.” I chuckled.

“My mum is going to kill me…” His face was really close to mine.

“Why?” He asked.

“She’s gonna think I got into another fight.” He tilted his head slightly and proceeded to place plasters on my forehead.

“Did you get into a lot?” I nodded.

“Back in school, I was bullied a lot. I had a short temper. I still do. People used to pick fights with me because they knew I would react. When mum got ill, it got worse. I used to blame myself. So, I stopped fighting back. I felt like I deserved it. It got so bad that the last time it happened I was unrecognisable. Mum decided that enough was enough, so, despite her condition she homeschooled me, and I went to boxing lessons to help with my short temper.”

He listened intently. “Where’s your dad?” By the look on my face, I think he regretted it instantly.

“He passed away when I was young. It’s okay to ask. I don’t mind.”

“I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

And I believed him.

TAGGED;

@aseasyasdeanspie @the--real-wombat @thekidsofneibolt @nighttwingg @strange-ist-things

Hold on Loosely

  Pairings: Steve Harrington x OC (Slow burn) 

  Warnings: Swearing, underage drinking, smoking. 

Word count: 1.8 K

A/N: So wow, can’t believe I posted this. I haven’t done much writing, let alone posted any writing in years. But I binged stranger things and can safely say Steve Harrington has stolen my heart, ugh! This is the first part in a multi chapter fic I have been writing for fun. If there is enough interest I will continue to update as I write. Hopefully I’m not too rusty and bear with me as I work out the kinks. Also I noticed most fics on here are in reader format. I have never written that way, and have always stuck with original characters. However, if there is serious interest I would be willing to give it a try.

Part 2

“Oh Fuck, I think I’m dying,” eye’s clenching tighter she hissed out a sharp, pained breath. With every slow intake of air a fresh wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm her.  “Scarlett, are you up yet? You’re going to be late, Scarlett!” with every pound of her step mother’s fist against the door Scarlett’s head recoiled in agony.  “Yes Trish, I’m up!” she yelled back, voice horse. God she was thirsty, where was her water? “Well hurry up! I want to talk to you before you go to school,” the teen in response groaned, but none the less grunted back an affirmative. After a moment she heard the wicked witch of the Midwest retreat back downstairs.  Taking a deep breath she ripped off the band-aid and sat straight up. The world spun, and with an ‘oh shit’ she lunged for the door. Stumbling across the hallway and into the bathroom she kicked the door shut behind her, collapsing before the porcelain throne.  The last of the previous nights celebrations emptied from her stomach she rocked back, dragging a handful of toilet paper across her mouth before flushing it and the foul contents.  “Fucking tequila” she hissed, getting to her feet with the help of the counter. Flicking the shower on she tugged off last nights crumpled outfit from her body, letting it fall to the floor. As steam began to fill the room she stepped under the water. A low moan escaped her lips body relaxing at the feel of the hot droplets gently massaging her pounding skull.  She could have stayed there all day if not for a pounding on the door, sending a sharp bolt of pain through her brain.  “Scarlett let’s go!” “I’m coming!” she barked back, slamming the water off “Fuck”. She made quick work of getting dried off and dressed, throwing on a pair of levi’s and a  plain blouse. Grabbing a can of hair spray off her dresser she plopped in front of her armoire. Running a brush through the damp hair she gave a couple generous puffs from the aerosol can, before dragging her fingers through to style it. With a light dusting of makeup she was heading for the bedroom door, slinging her back pack over her shoulder, and grabbing the keys off her dresser. Pausing in the door way she doubled back, snatching her ray bans off the dresser as well and depositing them over her eyes. The darkness they provided eased the dull ache of her head. At least the world had stopped spinning every time she turned her head.  Hopping off the last stair she bee-lined for the front door, ignoring the protests of her dehydrated body. She put on the brakes, mood plummeting as her step mom stepped into the hallway, arms crossed and blocking her escape route.  “Trish can’t we do this later, like you said I’m already late.” Scarlett grumbled, shifting her bag on her shoulder.  “Where were you last night?” The woman asked, voice tight.  “I was at a friends, we were studying and I lost track of time. It’s not a big deal, don’t you think your being a bit over dramatic?” As soon as the words were out she knew she had made a mistake, but it was too late now and she was going to stick to her guns.   “Over dramatic? You want to see over dramatic? Fine, because of your little stunt you have a new curfew. You are to be home by 5 P.M. sharp until further notice.”  “What? I told you, I was studying! Are you seriously going to punish me for broadening my educational horizons?” She argued and Trish raised a tired hand to pinch at the bridge of her nose, stress headache forming.  “Oh cut the shit Scarlett, we both know you weren’t studying last night. You reek of hangover!” Before the teen could retort a third voice joined the fray.  “Mommy said a bad word!” The two warring women turned to the right, where Sophie, Trish’s 3 year old and Scarlett’s Half-sister stood, naked.  “Nice, real great parenting. I’m late for school,” as she passed the wide eyed toddler Scarlett reached down, tousling the small child’s curly locks. “See you later kiddo.”  “Scarlett, this conversation isn’t over. When your father get’s home we-” The slam of the door cut off the end of her Step moms sentence. With quick strides she unlocked her car throwing her bag in the passenger seat. The front door swung open, an irate Trish with still naked Sophie in her arms.  “5 O’Clock Scarlett, I mean it!” She warned, and with a scoffed ‘whatever’ the teenager fell into the drivers seat. Slamming the door shut she peeled out of the driveway and headed towards school. Looking down at the clock as she pulled into the parking lot of Hawkins High Scarlett realized that first period was well underway already. Not letting it bother her she tugged on her jacket and grabbed her bag, before she headed towards the gym. Circling the building she pulled her jacket tighter around her shoulders, the crisp fall air biting into her once sun kissed skin.  “There she is! I told you she wasn’t skipping just because of a little hangover.” Jessica, the closest thing she had to a best friend since coming to this hell hole, waved her over the join the small group that sat huddled smoking against the back side of the gym. Plastering a smile on her face, Scarlett took an offered cigarette, getting a light from one of the guys.  “Hangover schmangover,” she joked, taking a long drag. The familiar feel of nicotine and menthol filling her lungs instantly relaxing the last of this mornings tension.  “So Tina, what’s the deal with this party of yours?” She asked, turning to the brunette, who lit up at the mention of her yearly booze fest.  Reaching into her bag the giddy teen grabbed a stack of orange flyers, handing them to Scarlett. Tired green eyes read over the obnoxiously colored paper, slim brow raising in amusement.  “Come get sheet faced?Classy,” she teased.  “Tina’s party is like the biggest event of the year,” Jessica gushed, taking a stack of flyers from said girl.  “How big are we talking?” Scarlett asked with a raised brow as yet another stack of flyers were handed out. Before Tina could reply the bell range signaling the end of first period. Dropping the last of her cigarette to the floor she stamped the glowing embers out. Holding the flyers to her chest she bid farewell to the quickly dispersing group, heading off towards second period, Jesssica in tow.  “So, are you going with anyone?” Her friend asked, hopeful for new gossip.  Scarlett rolled her eyes at the other girls eagerness to know.  “Probably not, I have never been one for dates to a party. I just want to have a good time and you can’t do that hanging off someone’s arm, y’know?” She explained, and Jessica’s mouth made an ‘O’ shape in understanding.  As they rounded the corner a solid wall of person collided with Scarlett, sending her toppling to the floor,  sunglasses and orange flyers scattering about the hall like confetti.  “Watch where your going dick head!” She spat, cheeks flared in a mix of anger and embarrassment. Already she could hear the low murmur and giggles of her peers who had seen her folly.  “Shit, I”m sorry.” A hand was offered out to her, and she followed it up to see just who her assailant had been. Warm brown eyes looked down on her with concern, lips tugged between a mixture of a grimace and a smile. She took the offered hand, swiping her ray bans off the floor with her free hand, before letting him pull her to her feet.  “Totally my bad, are you O.K.?” he asked, and Scarlett did a quick once over of herself, adjusting her outfit. While her back side protested painfully  and her pride was a bit bruised she was none the worse for wear.  “Yeah, I’m fine. That’s one way to hand out fliers.” She mused, a small smile tugging on her lips. Following her gaze he barked a laugh, nodding in agreement. The scattered fliers were quickly being scooped up by the waves of students filling the hallways as they made their way to their next class.  “I’m Scarlett, by the way. Sorry about the dick head comment,” She offered her hand with a shy smile and the boy took it, shaking it gently.  “Steve, and don’t worry about it. Rumor has it, I can in fact be quiet the dick head.” He offered, giving her a full blown grin and a wink. His eyes drifted past her, and his face lit up as he let go of her hand.  “Well it was nice to meet you Scarlett, sorry again about the whole assault thing. See you around?”  “Oh, yeah. Totally,” She responded, watching as Steve threw a wave over his shoulder, and flicked his sunglasses on, all while bee-lining for a petite brunette.  “Forget it, Herrington is totally off the market, and for what it’s worth he’s turned into quiet the pussy since he started dating that Wheeler girl.” Jessica drawled, stepping up to her friend and crossing her arms.  Scarlett gave a half-hearted noise in response, watching as the handsome boy scooped the girl up, swinging her around. She pursed her lips, turning away from the public display of affection.  “Seriously though, King Steve is old news.” Jessica continued on, and Scarlett couldn’t help the snort that escaped.  “King Steve?” She asked, unable to hide the humor in her voice. Small towns were such a trip. “Yeah, he used to rule this school,” the peppy girl continued, not picking up on the notes of mocking in Scarlett’s voice. “That is until he started dating that Wheeler girl. Now he’s all...Domestic.” She finished with a curled lip and Scarlett let out a peal of laughter.  “Oh no anything but that,” she teased and Jessica shoved her playfully.  “I’m serious. Forget about Harrington. If I were you I’d be setting my sights a little higher. Like that Hargrove kid for example.” she gushed, fanning herself slightly. “I mean, have you seen the ass on that boy?”  Part 2

Jury selection begins in Derek Chauvin's trial in the death of George Floyd. Here's what to expect Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. In addition, a charge of third-degree murder that was dismissed in October is now in limbo after an appeals court ruled the trial judge should reconsider a motion to reinstate it, which could lead to a delay in the start of the trial. Jury selection in the trial began Tuesday at the Hennepin County Government Center and is expected to last about three weeks. Opening statements are expected to start no earlier than March 29, followed by testimony over the next two to four weeks. As of midday Tuesday, one prospective juror has been selected to serve during the trial. How jury selection will go In a case with so much media attention, it may be impossible to find a jury that hasn’t heard about Floyd’s death. But the goal is not to find ignorant people; it’s to find jurors who can be impartial and are open to hearing the evidence and the law. “No matter what a potential juror has seen or heard, can they set that aside and base their decision on evidence in court and the law the judge gives them?” said Mary Moriarty, the former chief Hennepin County public defender. In December, prospective jurors were sent a 16-page questionnaire asking for their thoughts on Black Lives Matter protests, their views on policing and their personal interactions with police. Starting Tuesday, some prospective jurors who completed the questionnaire will be questioned one-by-one in court in a process known as voir dire. The juror’s name, address and other information will be kept anonymous. The judge will first ask questions of the prospective juror, followed by the defense and then the prosecution. If the defense or prosecution believes the person cannot be impartial in the case, they can ask the court to dismiss the person for cause. Each side has unlimited challenges for cause. Prosecutors and defense attorneys can also move to dismiss prospective jurors without cause using what’s called a peremptory challenge. Chauvin’s team has 15 of these challenges and the prosecution has nine, according to the court. These peremptory challenges can themselves be challenged, though, if they are based on race, ethnicity or sex — known as a Batson challenge. The process continues until the court decides on up to 16 people, split into 12 jurors and up to four alternates. Who’s who in the trial George Floyd, 46, was born in North Carolina and raised in Houston and moved to Minnesota as an adult for a fresh start, working as security at a restaurant. On May 25, 2020, police were called about a man who had used a $20 counterfeit bill at a Minneapolis store. Officers were directed to a parked car with Floyd in the driver’s seat, and they handcuffed him and moved to put him into the back of a police car, according to the amended complaint. Two other officers, including Chauvin, then responded to the scene and struggled to get Floyd into the vehicle, the complaint states. Chauvin allegedly pulled Floyd to the ground in a prone position and placed his knee on Floyd’s neck and head. His knee remained there even as Floyd pleaded, “I can’t breathe,” said “I’m about to die” and ultimately stopped breathing, the complaint says. He was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s autopsy listed the cause of death as heart failure “complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression,” and ruled it a homicide. The medical examiner also noted arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease; fentanyl intoxication; and recent methamphetamine use as “other significant conditions.” Medical examiners hired by Floyd’s family also ruled it a homicide but said Floyd died of “asphyxiation from sustained pressure” during the arrest. Derek Chauvin, 44, had been an officer with the Minneapolis Police Department since 2001 until he was fired in the wake of Floyd’s death. He was the subject of at least 18 prior complaints, two of which were “closed with discipline,” according to a department internal affairs public summary. A motion to dismiss the charges filed last August previewed his possible defense. In that filing, his attorney argued that Chauvin had no intent to harm Floyd while restraining him, that he was acting within police policy, and that Floyd’s cause of death was the result of a drug overdose and other existing health issues. Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, all former Minneapolis Police officers, were also on scene with Chauvin and are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. They have pleaded not guilty. Due to limits on courtroom space because of the pandemic, their joint trial was moved to this summer. They will not testify in Chauvin’s trial, but their names, statements and actions will be heavily featured. Eric Nelson is Chauvin’s defense attorney and will represent him at trial. He is part of the Halberg Criminal Defense practice and has worked exclusively in criminal defense since being admitted to the bar, according to his online bio. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office says the three main presenting prosecution attorneys are Jerry Blackwell, Matthew Frank, and Steve Schleicher. Peter Cahill is the Hennepin County judge overseeing the case. He was first appointed to the bench in 2007 and has been reelected to the position three times since, most recently last November. An explanation of the charges Chauvin is charged with second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter. The second-degree unintentional murder charge alleges that Chauvin killed Floyd “without intent” while he committed or attempted to commit felony third-degree assault, which is defined as inflicting “substantial” bodily harm. The charge is punishable by up to 40 years in prison. The second-degree manslaughter charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd’s death by “his culpable negligence, creating an unreasonable risk and consciously took the chances of causing death or great bodily harm.” “Culpable negligence” is essentially a heightened form of ordinary negligence, Moriarty explained. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. An earlier charge of third-degree murder was dismissed in October as the judge ruled it did not apply to this case. The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the judge should reconsider the state’s motion to reinstate the third-degree murder charge. Chauvin’s defense has appealed that ruling. On Monday, the state asked an appeals court to stop jury selection until the charges issue is resolved, but Judge Cahill said he would continue with jury selection unless otherwise told. How the pandemic changed the trial The possibility of a courtroom Covid-19 outbreak looms, so the court has taken a number of steps to prevent one. Everyone who attends the Chauvin trial will be required to distance from others and wear a mask, although witnesses and attorneys may remove their masks during testimony and other court statements. Plexiglass has been installed around the courtroom as well. In addition, the trial will be livestreamed for those not able to attend, a first for a Minnesota criminal trial. Only one member of Floyd’s family and Chauvin’s family will be allowed to attend the trial because of the Covid-19 restrictions. For each family, a different family member can rotate through that in-court position with appropriate credentials, the judge ruled. During the trial, the jurors will be partially sequestered during the day but will be allowed to return to their homes at night. They will be fully sequestered during deliberations. How police are preparing Given the unrest and looting that ensued when Floyd died, local and state authorities are taking major security measures. The Hennepin County Government Center is now surrounded by fencing and barricades, and the building will be empty aside from those participating in Chauvin’s trial and approved staff. Mayor Jacob Frey said the city is preparing for potential unrest with “painstaking detail.” He said up to 2,000 National Guard members will be prepared to respond along with up to 1,100 law enforcement pooled from 12 other jurisdictions. “Safety is a top priority through this very difficult time in our city,” Frey said last month. “There’s great frustration, there’s anxiety, and there’s trauma. We anticipate that trauma increasing as we get closer to jury deliberations.” Minnesota law enforcement leaders last month outlined their plan to work together to provide security during the trial in what they called “Operation Safety Net.” State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said the goal is to protect lawful protests and demonstrations while preventing violence, property damage, fires and looting. “Planning for this operation occurred starting back in July,” Langer said. “It occurred in earnest all summer.” Operation Safety Net is organized into four phases, according to Langer: (1) Planning and preparation, (2) jury selection; (3) closing arguments, deliberations and a verdict; and (4) demobilization. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the unified command will help everyone stay on the same page. “It will allow all of us to be able to respond metro and region wide, if needed, and it will allow great cooperation coordination and communication,” he said. Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said last month the actions were all precautionary. “As of right now, we do not have any current, actionable intelligence about groups planning to come here to disrupt the trial or to cause disorder,” Harrington said. “We are exercising this unified command out of caution.” CNN’s Chris Boyette, Aaron Cooper, Omar Jimenez and Brad Parks contributed to this report. Source link Orbem News #Begins #Chauvins #Death #Derek #Expect #Floyd #George #Heres #jury #selection #trial