"'Cause if I'm gonna learn how to love you
I need to unlearn how to love too
Need to unlearn how to run when it feels right"
max mayfield x fem!oc
[SEASON TWO-FIVE]
cover by @hellfiresoulss
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The Byers' house was unnervingly quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos they had endured just hours before. Julianna sat curled up on the faded couch, her knees pulled tightly to her chest. Her eyes remained fixed on Will's unconscious form next to her, his face pale and still. The room felt heavy with worry and exhaustion as everyone else moved around, their voices muted in the background. Julianna stayed silent, lost in her own thoughts, until Joey's voice broke through.
"Jules," he said softly, crouching beside her. His tone was careful, almost hesitant, and when she looked up, she saw the tension written all over his face. "Can we talk?"
Julianna blinked, her expression unreadable, but she nodded. Talking wasn't her thing, but something in Joey's voice made her pause.
Joey glanced around the room, clearly uneasy with the others nearby. "Somewhere alone," he added, standing up and gesturing toward the front door.
Confused but curious, Julianna followed him outside. The cool night air enveloped her as they stepped onto the wooden porch. The world outside felt distant, quiet except for the occasional chirp of crickets. Joey leaned against the railing, his posture stiff and his hands gripping the wood tightly.
Julianna watched him, concern flickering in her usually stoic eyes. "JQ," she said softly, crossing her arms against the chill. "What's wrong?"
Joey exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Jules," he began, his voice unsteady. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while." He paused, glancing at her nervously before continuing. "I'm your dad. Your real dad."
The words hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. Julianna froze, her eyes widening as she tried to process what he had just said.
"Really?" she whispered after a moment, her voice barely audible.
Joey nodded, his expression a mix of guilt and determination. "Yeah. I knew you were my kid the moment I saw you. That's why I... I lied and got a job at the lab. I wanted to get you out of there. To protect you."
Julianna's mind raced, memories flashing back-little moments when Joey had stepped in to protect her, when he had seemed to know her in ways that didn't make sense. Slowly, a smile crept onto her face, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"You saved me," she said, her voice trembling but filled with emotion.
Joey's breath hitched, and before he could say anything, Julianna stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. The hug was tight, unspoken words exchanged in the quiet embrace. Joey held her just as fiercely, his hand gently resting on the back of her head.
