Hidden Feelings ~ STEDDIE

29-Return from Roadtrip ~ Steddie

Let's just say, a lot of things happened on that roadtrip. No monsters, no wars, no fights. The blue skies were blue every day, and away from Hawkins was a wish come true for everyone. The world has never been better, but returning to Hawkins was not. 

It's like seeing an old friend you haven't talked to in years. 

The farther you've been apart, the more suffocating it gets trying to reconnect a broken friendship.

In a year, Steve will graduate, and a lot has changed. He is not sure how to handle it all. The changes, some good and some bad. Steve hasn't been at his house in a while, afraid to ever go back. He just stood for a while some days, waiting for his dad to come out and...

Eddie and him has been more than great yet difficult. The more they were together, the harder it was to keep a secret. Steve's heart wants Eddie more than anything, but the hopeless feeling he's gonna screw it up doesn't leave him, like a parasite.

Summer break is coming up, and Steve has been job hunting, not sleeping most nights, afraid of financial situations that weigh on him. He's never had to worry like this before, and it's more stressful every day.

The nightmares continue to persist, not helping his issues at all. Steve had relaxed a bit during the roadtrip, let his muscles rest in deep sleep next to Eddie, watching him sleep, breathing carefully and steadily, scared he would stop in his sleep, helping him a little, banishing the nightmares temporarily, only to come back the next night.

"Steve. You alright, son?" Eddie's uncle, Wayne asked, patting him on the shoulder. It's 2 AM, so Wayne is just getting in. 

"Yeah. Just can't sleep...and I appreciate you letting me stay here, temporarily." 

"No problem. Actually, having you around has created a better atmosphere."

Steve nodded, not believing a single word of that. Wayne went to his room, closing the door, and Steve held the mug, taking sips of the bitter coffee, hoping to stay awake to get away from the nightmares and voices lingering that he was ruining everyone's lives. It wasn't.

Eddie was out like a light. When he's out, he doesn't wake up till noon. 

Steve washed the mug, setting it back in the cupboard quietly, opening Eddie's door, watching him breathe, and closing it again. He went to the living room, writing a note for Eddie.

"Went out job searching. Be back later." 

The big splotchy letters looked discombobulated in the darkness, looking like little drawn monsters when he looked more closely. He put his shoes on, grabbed the keys, and shut the door behind him. Not sure where he's going, or if he will come back. The sweet air hit his face, letting him understand everything that had happened. 

That maybe it was for some cosmic reason, or it was all for nothing.

Steve wasn't sure if he was scared to sleep or scared to not be fighting for his life. 

The car hinge creaked and banged when closing it, igniting the engine, and he drove into the abyss of darkness where he hoped a monster was lurking.

Author's Note:

Hello! I am back. I don't for how long to be honest, and this chapter might be edited if I actually get the courage to read the other chapters, haha. I still find it hard to believe people read this fanfic after all these years, but thank you! <3

Happy Holidays!

Also, Free Palestine, Congo, Sudan, and other oppressed nations!! And fuck ICE! :)