Second Chances (ON HOLD)

Chapter Thirteen

Steve hesitated as he approached the cabin door, not sure if he was ready to face the heat. He knew everyone was going to be mad he had kept things from them and he knew Nancy and Dustin were probably going to be on him the second he walked through the door, furious with him for keeping secrets.

"I'm right here, Steve. I've got you." Robin whispered as she stepped closer and gave his shoulder a squeeze. Steve reached up to give her hand a squeeze, letting her know that he knew.

Steve took a deep breath in before entering the cabin. As he entered he scanned everyone's face, seeing looks of confusion or concern instead of anger and disappointment. His eyes landed on Eddie who was sat on the floor next to Dustin, looking down and fiddling with the sleeves of the hoodie he was wearing.

Dustin stood up and came to stand in front of Steve, seeming a little hesitant to ask. "Is it true? Is Billy actually alive?"

Steve briefly looked back to Eddie, catching his eye this time and tried to give him a questioning look with his eyes. Thankfully Eddie seemed to understand and he shook his head slightly, just enough for Steve to see. Eddie hadn't told them everything and Steve felt instant relief.

"Yeah, man. He is." Turning his attention back to Dustin whose face instantly dropped.

"Please tell me you aren't thinking of working with that monster!" Lucas exclaimed, jumping out of his seat, unable to control himself. "Someone needs to take me to Max now! She isn't safe!"

"Lucas, honey..." Joyce started, getting up to try and comfort him only to be cut off. Hopper took her hand in his and pulled her close as if telling her to leave the boy be.

"No! He almost killed us all last year! He hates Max! He is dangerous and we can't trust him." Lucas shouted, his temper rising by the second.

"Enough! You need to calm down, son." Hopper stepped in, breaking away from Joyce and going to place a hand on Lucas's shoulder. Lucas released a big sigh but went back to sit next to El. "Let Steve speak before you get worked up."

Steve gulped as all eyes turned to him once again. He glanced to his left and saw Robin out of the corner of his eye, standing close to him, her presence reassuring him.

"Robin and Dustin already told us about Eddie's new found strength and the voices he has been hearing. Eddie just told us about your meeting with Hargrove. Harrington, is there anything else we need to know?" Hopper asked, giving him an expectant look. "Anything at all?"

"No sir, sounds like they covered everything." Steve replied, keeping a straight face and hoping he sounded convincing.

Hopper nodded and went back over to Joyce, as if satisfied by his answer. Steve was surprised no one else was speaking up or asking questions but it seemed like they were all just trying to process the new information.

"If he is coming back here tomorrow we need to leave and set up somewhere else. He will bring Vecna here!" Nancy piped up suddenly, no longer able to keep quiet.

"Good! It's time I finished him off!" El exclaimed, clenching her fists. Mike reached over and took both of her hands in his to try and calm her down.

"Nance, I get why you think that. Billy was a total asshole but you didn't see him. I don't trust him. Not one bit! But I do believe he wants to be free of Vecna. We all have a common goal here!" Steve replied, not liking the disapproving look Nancy was giving him.

Robin stepped forward so she was right next to Steve and crossed her arms. "I never interacted with Billy personally but if Steve believes he wants to take down Vecna as well then I trust Steve."