Sowing The Seeds Of Love. (Eddie Munson)

The Night Before.

A BANGING HANGOVER AWOKE SALLY ON MONDAY MORNING. She'd stayed out late with Billy, the drinks flowing way too easily. Her mother hadn't been very happy, her stress levels still quite high, but she couldn't exactly blame them as she'd opened a bottle herself.

Because of the rocky weekend, she'd let them all stay home from school. She needed to talk to them about the changes that would now happen. Of course the bills were the biggest issue, she had it all to herself now, Billy and Sally had offered to help with that- immediately looking through a newspaper for going jobs.

The chief popped in late afternoon, keeping them updated on everything. It was most likely that Neil had left town, they wouldn't be surprised if he was on his way to California- having his equally miserable brothers there.

"Do you think he'd come back for Billy?" Max worriedly asked, still shaken from the night.

"We don't know kid, but it doesn't seem like he would" Hopper replied, knowing he wouldn't let it happen even if he tried. "If he steps foot near this house he'd be arrested"

Sally let out a sigh in relief, rubbing Max's back too reassure her. Her mother and the chief continued talking and filling out some paperwork that needed to be done whilst Sally made them all a coffee. It was the least she could do after Hoppers help, and maybe even a little sorry drink for being a nuisance out and about.

Setting the mugs down on the kitchen table where they sat, she heard the doorbell ring twice and then a rushed knock seconds later. Her heart dropped, he couldn't be back so soon.

Hopper stood up and walked towards the front door, instructing them to all stay back just in case. Opening the door and peering out a little, the chief sighed, moving the door fully open and moving back to the kitchen too continue.

"Jesus Sal, you scared me shitless!" Eddie walked through, engulfing her so tightly she felt she would asphyxiate.

"Uh, why?" She moved backwards, not understanding his concern.

"Well I came to pick you up after school and was told you hadn't come in or been answering the phone" He started as Sally guided him into her room to sit alone. "And then I drive here and see the chiefs van outside, which always means something bad has happened- so y'know, lost some marbles just then"

Her heart warmed, an adoring smile making its way too her face. "You really are a stress-head aren't you?" She chuckled, nudging him with her shoulder.

"Sorry for my concern, yet again" He scoffed, his smile immediately dropping as he saw the bruise on her forehead. "But what happened?" He moved her hair out of her face too examine the minor injury with a frown.

She sighed, immediately delving into the story- a lump in her throat at the sore memory of it. After she'd finished, she looked down to try and hide her face with her unkept hair.

"I'm sorry Sal" Eddie said quietly, the first time speaking up after she'd finished. "I didn't know that was happening"

She looked back up at him with tear brimmed eyes. "Because I didn't tell anyone, not even Steve and Robin, I kept it all bottled up and hoped that it would just go away"

He wiped away a stray tear, pulling her into his warm chest as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "It's okay, it's over now"

She pulled away, realising that it was becoming a pattern of her breaking down in front of him, something she wouldn't even do with her family. It was always a strong face she'd put on for everyone else's sake. "I'm being emotional, I'm just tired and hungover" She shook her head, finding herself wanting to be back in his comforting embrace.