Zero: A Stranger Things Fanfiction

Chapter 012

Every hour that passed by in that claustrophobic house was an aching expanse of clutter and dark.

Nancy had long since given up the pacing, instead resting uncomfortably on the dirtied floral couch cushions. Jonathan was seated beside her per usual, toying restlessly with the lighter. In between the clicking of the lighter's metal, silence was the group's main companion.

Jenna and Steve had positioned themselves across from each other at the table. There wasn't any awkwardness or nervous eye contact; taking down a slimy, freakishly tall man-thing from the Upside Down removed any uncomfortable pretense.

Jenna's right arm sat in a makeshift sling (known better as Jonathan's jacket). She occasionally traced her bandaged hand over her shoulder, praying that it hadn't broken. A dislocated shoulder would probably be a bit more obvious. That's what she told herself, at least.

She glanced furtively out the window, wishing for any kind of sun. Every nerve in her body screamed to leave this goddamn house, to hijack Jonathan's car and race to the school. But sheer determination and loyalty to the others forced her back down into her seat. If they had wounded the Demogorgon like she hoped, it probably wouldn't have attacked the kids. They were safe. They were okay.

Conflict whirled in Jenna's chest as her gaze flickered towards Nancy. The other girl's entire face was creased in folds of concern, Mike undoubtedly on her mind. How long would they have to wait in this godforsaken house?

Jenna shifted towards Steve, narrowing her eyes and taking him in. He had the sense to remain quiet now, at least. She leaned closer so that her whispered words wouldn't be audible to the couple on the couch.

"I know this is technically none of my business, but if I left you boys here alone, would you still feel obligated to tear his face off?"

The way Steve glanced up at her made it feel like he had forgotten she was there entirely. After a moment, his guilty hazel eyes pointed back down.

"No. No, uh... we'd be... good."

She nodded, doubting the good part, but relatively solid in that neither Steve nor Jonathan would die at the other's hand. Steve had saved all their asses, anyways.

"You can keep the bat," she muttered grudgingly, leaning back in her chair and keeping her stare firmly off of Steve.

"What?"

"The baseball bat. With the nails. I think you kind of own it now." The responding exhale from Steve might have been reminiscent of a chuckle, but Jenna was too tired to tell. When she turned to Nancy this time, she found those strikingly elegant eyes focused on her too.

A heartbeat passed between them, a silent moment of desperate communication. Jenna sighed grimly, standing suddenly and letting her chair screech backwards on the wood floor. All eyes on her, she crossed the short distance between the couch and table.

"Jonathan, I'm gonna need your keys."

The puzzlement on his face faded quickly, answered by the steely protectiveness in her eyes. He nodded and grimaced, fishing the keys out of his pocket and placing them in her hand. She strode to the door, allowing Nancy a few seconds to speak to Jonathan, likely making him swear not to murder Steve.

Jenna, stepping out into the crisp November chill, inhaled unsteadily and forced unbidden images of injured kids out of her mind. She focused her attention on unlocking the car, coming to the dreadful realization that she might be stuck driving one handed. She swung the drivers seat door open triumphantly as Nancy made her appearance, marching from the house swiftly.

They both tucked themselves into the Ford, Jenna moving gingerly to protect her injured shoulder.

"I can... help, if you want," Nancy said quietly, gesturing vaguely at the Jonathan-made sling holding Jenna's arm. Jenna's ghost of a smile was sour in response.