Even Stranger Things

Trust Is A Tricky Thing

It's been almost two hours since Steve brought One to Mike's house. Eleven kept walking over to One asleep on the couch, but no one else knew what to do. The person most on edge was Steve. He couldn't stop thinking about how he felt like all of this was his fault.

"I hope you're not still blaming yourself," El whispered as she sat next to Steve who was currently sitting on the ground, facing One.

"How can I not be?" Steve scoffed. "I left her alone. I left and this is what happened."

He reached forward and gently moved a piece of hair out of One's face.

"This had nothing to do with you."

"It didn't?" Steve said, his voice slightly rising. "Because earlier you told me that she didn't have a weakness until she met me. I admit, One and I have been spending a lot of time together. Part of me likes how much time we've been spending with each other, but the other part of me knows that it's my fault."

"Steve. . ." El tried to reassure him but he kept going.

"They must have found out that she's been spending more time with me," he stuttered. "And when they found out that I was not only spending time with her but became her weakness. . . They punished her."

"You're right," Eleven sighed. "But think of it this way: she let you in."

"Eleven," Steve sighed.

"Steve," she cut him off. "One is a very guarded girl. She never let anyone see her break, cry, or be weak. She hides everything from everyone. Even me. Not you, though."

Steve looked towards One as she continued. "One let you in, Steve. Don't take that lightly."

* * * * *

The kids eventually got bored and started playing D&D while Steve and Eleven kept a close eye on One. It was currently Steve's turn to sit in the room with One. He was drowsing off when she slowly started to wake up. He sat up straighter and sat closer.

She started muttering under her breath. At first, Steve couldn't understand her but when he did, it broke his heart.

"No. . . Please don't. . . Don't hurt him. . . Steve. . ."

"One," Steve said, trying to wake her up. "It's okay. You're safe."

Suddenly, she jumped awake. She was breathing heavily as she looked around the room.

"One," Steve said gently to get her attention. She snapped her head over and her eyes filled with tears as she took in Steve's worried expression.

"Steve?"

He reached forward and gently moved some hair out of her face. She surprised him by wrapping her arms around him. Steve smiled as he wrapped his arms around her.

"You're safe," he whispered. He felt her take a shaky breath as she tightened her arms around him.

One broke out of the hug, her face burning with embarrassment. She looked down at the blanket that was covering her. Steve reached forward and gently lifted her chin.

"I'm happy you're okay," he whispered.

"Steve?"

"Yes?"

"I don't understand what happened."

Steve leaned back and studied One's expression. "Wait," he said slowly. "You don't remember what happened?"

"I mean," One stuttered, "I sorta remember. . . I was. . . The doctors. . ."

When tears started streaming down her face, Steve sat next to her on the couch and pulled her into his chest. He rubbed her back as they relaxed into the couch cushions.