Zero - A Steve Harrington X Reader

Chapter 2

                                               California, 1985

      I ran downstairs and grabbed an eggo waffle from the freezer. I popped it in the toaster and got everything else out. By the time I had everything else ready, the waffle popped up. 
      "Good morning Y/N" Mr. Darlin said. Y/N. I had heard the name on the TV one day at Dad's. I liked it. So I said that was my name. It sounded better than Zero. 
      "Good morning Mr. Darlin." I replied. "I have to get to school early." I said, taking the last bite of my waffle. I hugged Mr. Darlin goodbye and grabbed my bad and skateboard. I could drive since I was 17, but I preferred to skate.
       I started skating to school. Something felt off. I was thinking about going back to Hawkins. I hadn't done that in months. I liked California, and as much as I loved Hopper, I couldn't leave Mr. Darlin alone.
      The feeling I had to go back to Hawkins wouldn't leave me alone. I couldn't ignore it anymore. I skipped 3rd period and went home. I wrote Mr. Darlin a note, saying where I had gone. I told him I didn't know when I'd be back. I grabbed my keys, a bag of clothes I always had ready, and left.
      It took about 2 days to get to Hawkins. When I arrived, I parked in front of the sheriffs office. I walked in through the door to see a lady sitting at a desk.
      "Is Hopper in?" I asked. She nodded her head and pointed down the hall. She didn't say a word. I walked down the hallway and knocked on the door that said 'Jim Hopper'.
      "Come in." he said. I walked through the door. His desk was a mess, he had a bottle of alcohol sitting out.
      "That's not a very good look for the sheriff." I said. He looked up. His face was angry at first, then it settled.
      "Zero...?" He said.
      "Hey Dad.." I replied. He stood up and gave me a bear hug.
      "I thought I'd never see you again." he said, pulling away. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"
      "I don't know. I just felt like I needed to come."

      We went out for lunch. We caught up on everything and he said I could stay in the cabin. He took in another girl. He didn't say her name though. She was staying the night at her friends house, so I could sleep in her room. I said thank you, and told him I was going to look around town. He paid the bill, even though I said I could, and went to the station after telling me to meet him there at 8pm.
      I found myself at the 'Starcourt mall'. I walked around, and found an ice cream store called Scoops Ahoy. I walked in and ordered 2 scoops of Chocolate ice cream on a cone. I paid the girl, who's nametag said Robin.
      "Thank you!" I said.
      "Come again soon." Robin replied.
      At that moment, a boy walked out. I made eye contact. He was much older, but I recognized him. 
      "Harrington? Is that you?" I asked.
      "Zero..." he came out from behind the thing and gave me a hug. I stood in shock. I never thought I'd see him again. My arms squeezed him after coming out of shock. He backed off and I looked at him.
      "I like the outfit. It suits you." I said. He looked embarrassed.
      "Ha ha." He grabbed my hand. "Do you have plans at about... right now?" I laughed and shook my head. He dragged me into the back room, and sat in a chair. "What happened to you? The day you went missing. I was really worried."
      "Papa showed up at your door. I didn't know what else to do so I ran into the woods and got lost. CPS ended up getting me and I've been in California ever since."
      "I'm just happy you're safe." he said, ruffling my hair. In the four months we knew each other, we were close. Very close. One time he tried to kiss me but I didn't really know what he was doing so it just kinda got awkward on his part. 
      "So what are you doing back in Hawkins?" he asked.
      "I'm not entirely sure. I just felt like something was... wrong? I don't know."
      "I'm sure everything will be fine." 

      Whilst we were talking, the bell rang about a hundred times. Steve groaned in response. He opened the little window to talk to the girl who had served me ice cream.
      "Robin! It's your turn to serve her." he whisper shouted. 
      "I seem to remember it's your turn." she replied. Steve apologized then walked out. I heard the yells of an angry 10 year old when he told her she couldn't have anymore free samples. 
      I checked the time. It was 7:50. I had to go meet Hopper. Steve came back.
      "Hey, sorry about that." He said. 
      "It's fine, hey uh I have to go. Maybe we could meet up again tomorrow?"
      "Yeah. I get off earlier tomorrow so maybe we could go around town, or just hang out, maybe you could meet the 'party'" 
      "What's the 'party'?"
      "It's a group of kids that play DnD, and have also saved the world a few times."
      "What? Saved the world from what?"
      "We can talk about this tomorrow. Get home, get well rested, and I'll see you tomorrow." He had gotten really close. So close I had to look up at him. He looked like he wanted to do something, then he turned away. "Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow." 
      "Bye Steve." I said.
      "Bye." I replied.