Chapter Text
November 6, 1983
Something was… off.
He couldn’t place it. He woke up from a nap reliving childhood trauma he didn’t want to have on repeat.
It was dark out and he hadn’t meant to nap that long, shit. Something was off. Something was wrong in the universe, what? He wasn’t sure. The power definitely surged and he felt a mix of sickness and fear crawl into his skin.
Whatever was going on there was one thing for certain: Steve Harrington was going to have to deal with it. His phone startled him, grabbing it off the hook.
“Hello?”
“Steve? Are you okay?” Nancy…. That’s Nancy.
“Hey, sorry Nance, you woke me up is all.”
“I’m sorry!”
“No, no don’t be. Had to get up anyway.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Positive. What’s up?”
“No Dustin! I don’t want pizza!” Annoyance, but that lovely amusement Nancy always waved off could be heard through the phone.
“What?”
“Sorry, my brothers friends offered me pizza.”
“Oooo a pizza date.” He teased lightly, he could picture her. He bet she twirled her phone cord and blushed the entire time. He could check if he wanted too, but part of him like the mystery.
“If you could call it that. They were playing dungeons and dragons all day.”
“All day? How?”
“It’s a game. You know playing all day with your friends.”
“We never played that. Do you like it?”
“It’s like fantasy, but no. I never got in to it.” He can hear the lie tease her tongue, he’d like it go for now.
“How is everything else besides annoying little brothers?” His heart ached, he had younger siblings once upon a time. He wished he knew if they were annoying, were the older ones always assholes? He’d never know.
“Good. I’m just thinking out loud here, but I think I would like to go to the movies again next weekend?” He smiled some, he didn’t know what the pit of his stomach was feeling, but he smiled none the less.
“Sounds good.” Steve smiles more full, picturing her smile as well.
“I can’t wait. Ugh my moms calling me for dinner. I have to go.”
“Okay, talk to you tomorrow Nance?”
“Sounds good. Can't wait. Good night Steve.”
“Night Nancy.” He hangs up and panic consumes him, he can’t think of one thing to make him feel this way.
“Get it together Harrington.”
“But Seven, something is wrong? Tell papa.” He can hear Papa’s voice float in his ears. “Fuck you.” He grits out his teeth, it’s in his head he knows it, but it’s intense.
“Such a failure.” He hears that taunting voice again. “Shit.” He whispered out loud, the sinking feeling not feeling even as he stares where his watch band sits, protecting a number he wishes he could forget.
He doesn’t sleep well that night. He can hear some song on repeat, he’s numbly singing along even, and his entire body is filled with dread. He can’t explain why. Keep it together. Keep it together. Keep. It. Together. “Help me.” Is whimpered by a voice he can’t place. Even if he wanted too, he’s useless.