Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Steve, if I die from the blood loss, promise me you’ll burn my drug stash okay?” “Shut up idiot, you’re not going to die.”

Steve Harrington was in a van with Edward Munson, bleeding all over him. Dustin Henderson was at his side, holding a much needed (and very unorganized) first aid kit. Will Byers was next to him, giving comforting words and handing items to Steve as needed. Nancy Wheeler and Robin Buckley were in the front seats, Nancy driving. Robin was trying not to look at the bloody sight before her, but she also was trying not to cry.

Max Mayfield and Lucas Sinclair were in the van but shielding their eyes to not see the blood. So were Mike Wheeler, Nancy’s younger brother, and Eleven Hopper. They were too caught up in the sight outside to help.

“Eddie, your so goddamn lucky this isn’t a very deep cut,” Steve said as he wrapped the other’s waist in bandages. Eddie chuckled, leaning his head on the side of the van. “Hey, I’m alive arent I?” “Yes, but you could’ve died. The Demogorgon isn’t something to mess with.” “Neither is the mind flayer.” “Or Vecna!” yelled Dustin.

Nancy let out a sigh of frustration as she drove. “Stop bickering you guys. We don’t have any time to fight right now. We have to develop a plan and find the safe house. Will? You still know the way?” Will nodded. “It’s just my old house. I think you remember where that is right?” “Yes, I do. We’ll be there shortly everyone, so don’t get too comfortable.”

“Mike. Look.” Eleven said, pointing out the window. A bunch of demonic-looking bats, dragging some poor person away. “Demobats,” Steve said, shivering with the memory of those satanic creatures. “Is that the monster you saw? When you were in the upside-down?” Max asked. “Yeah, it is,” he said as he leaned back. A heavy sigh escaped his throat, closing his eyes.

How the fuck did this all happen?
——————————————————
3 hours earlier…

“Oh my god will you all get a room? I’m trying to watch Grease.” It was their annual movie night. The movie night where Steve and Robin babysit a bunch of 15-year-olds. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just that teenagers like to love on one another, hence why Steve is annoyed. Robin also brought her girlfriend to this particular one, so it was a little more annoying this time.

Robin snickered as she pressed another kiss to her girlfriend, Vickie’s face. “Steve you would be doing the same thing if your girlfriend was here.” Steve rolled his eyes as he eyed Eleven and Mike, who were currently holding hands as they watched the movie. “So she changed herself, for him.” El said, pointing at the tv. “That’s bullshit!” Lucas said as he held Max’s hand. “Why’d she change herself?” Max yelled, throwing popcorn at the tv.

“HE'S NOT WORTH IT,” Will shouted, as he leaned on the striped couch. “Exactly! What’s wrong with her!” Dustin said in frustration. Steve rolled his eyes as he stood up. “Alright children, I'm getting more popcorn. Who all wants some?” All 8 hands rose. “Got it.” He said, grabbing the big metal popcorn bowl and taking it to the kitchen.

Steve reached to grab the half opened bag of popcorn kernels when he heard a knock from the kitchen window. He froze as a chill went up his spine, waiting a good minute before continuing his task. Getting popcorn for the ungrateful little-

Knock knock knock knock

Steve let out a sigh of frustration as he looked at the window. Nothing. Nobody was there. Not a single speck. Mr. Harrington turned to leave until-

“Hey good looking!”

“JESUS!-“ Steve stumbled back as he grabbed his chest, and the counter. It was Eddie Munson, Dustin’s other babysitter and recently, Steve’s friend. Or acquaintance, as Steve would say.

“Sorry didn’t mean to scare you! But this is urgent! Can I come inside?” Steve rose an eyebrow at the dark-haired man. “Why should I do that? I’m kinda in the middle of something right now and you scared me half to death!” Eddie frowned. “Oh please!! I’ll do anything Mister Harrington.“ He said with a small pout. Steve chuckled as he pointed towards the sliding door. “Over here, come on.”

He made his way over and opened the door, giving Eddie a look. The man hadn’t moved but, he was standing on a bucket, on his tiptoes just to look through the window. “What? You have a window in a very awkward spot.” Steve snickered. “Come inside. It’s starting to rain.” Eddie wasted no time making his way indoors.

“So why exactly are you here? Do you need money for drugs? Need someone to test a drug? Need me to see new DND dice? What’s up?” Eddie chuckled, looking up at Steve. “I just want to hang out is all. Since we are now buddy-pals, we might as well hang out.” Steve crossed his arms, a stern expression plastered on his face. “Aaand also my uncle got drunk and I don’t want to deal with that right now so I decided to come to hang out with you.”

“There it is,” Steve said with a sigh. “My folks had their fair share of alcohol, so I get going to someone else’s house for a bit. Sure we can ‘hang.’” He said, sending the other a smile. Eddie smiled back him, his eyes staring into Steve’s. Woah, had they always been chocolate brown? And has Eddie always had great eyebrows? And-

“STEVE. GET THE FUCK OVER HERE NOW.”

Steve immediately stopped his thoughts, and ran towards the living room, to the distress. His mother babysitter side came out immediately. “What? What’s wrong? Who do I have to murder?” Nothing was said. All that Steve could see was Robin comforting a scared Vickie, Lucas, Dustin, and Max were holding the curtains, Mike was trying to comfort El and Will was touching the back of his neck.

“What the did you guys break this time?” “No we didn’t-“ Are you guys goofing me again?” “Steve.” “Listen this shit isn’t funny okay? I only ask for you guys to-“ “Steve!” Dustin yelled, giving his best friend a serious face. “Just take a second. Look.” Steve’s face changed from anger to horror in half a second as the curtain was unveiled.

Outside, everything was red. Was it like that when Eddie was outside? The sky was red but also dark. Wasn’t the sky just blue? Things seemed to be rotting down. Like they were old and abandoned. But these houses were just built?

“Is..what is this?” Vickie asked. “Vecna.” Steve said, as Max closed the curtains. “Vecna, he’s…he’s-“ “It’s nearby,” Will said, causing everyone to look at him. “I don’t know what it is, and I don’t know how but, I can like, sense him. Like I could with the mind flayer. He’s..He’s close.” A look of horror was plastered on everyone’s faces. “Okay. Okay, this is- shit.” Eddie put his hands on his neck, worrying with frustration. “Cool it, Eddie.” Steve said. Babysitter Steve to the rescue! “Alright. Okay.” Steve thought for second before clapping his hands. “I think I have a plan. Okay first, we are going to-“

BANG

Demobats suddenly emerged from the living room floor. Everyone screamed in horror and started running away. Steve ran into Max, Lucas and Mike were in each other’s space, and Will was freaking out. El started yelling, trying to use her renewed powers on the window. The demobats were crowding the whole ceiling, attacking most of the furniture. She finally finally got it open, and they all flew out immediately, out into the world.

Silence reigned over the group, no one made a single sound for a few minutes. No one really could process what just happened. Mike cleared his throat and spoke after a couple more minutes of silence “Let me ask this, what the fuck was that?!” Max was the one who spoke next. “We need to get the fuck out of here.” She said, immediately grabbing Lucas’ hand and trying to drag him out. “Yes but where are we gonna go? The sky is red and demobats are flying everywhere.” “Demobats?” Eleven questioned. “We’ll explain later,” Eddie said.

Everyone was speaking at once, trying to decide where and what they were going to do. They didn’t know if they should try to call their parents or stay put. Pure chaos. Steve didn’t even know what to think. He was just letting in his new acquaintance and now demobats were everywhere and Vecna is here? Cool cool. Anything else before-

“Hey! Guys! I know a safe house we could use.” Will said, perking everyone’s attention. “It wasn’t too far from my old house. It was sort of like a safe house for a tornado if that ever happened. We could probably find it and stay there.” He looked at the group, who all either shrugged or nodded. “Then everyone! Pile into my car!” Steve said, grabbing his keys. “Woah woah woah, not everyone is going to fit into your car Harrington,” Vickie said with a chuckle. “Then I’ll call Nancy and tell her to bring the van,” Mike said, grabbing the house phone and quickly dialing his sister’s number. “Nancy drives a van?“ “No, but I know where she can get one!”

An hour passed and the group was on high alert. Everyone had at least one item with them, preparing for the fight. Eleven had eggos, Mike had a knife, Dustin had his radios, Max and Lucas had tapes and tape recorders, Steve and Robin had guns, Eddie had his DND dice, Will had a first aid kit, and Vickie had an spear. None one knew where she got it from but nobody was going to question her. They were all sitting and waiting, in the kitchen.

“Can you sense where Vecna is Will?” Mike asked. Will shook his head. “I told you, it’s just a feeling that comes and goes. It’s sudden and unpredictable.” Mike nodded as Vickie let out a sound of worry. “What‘s going on Robin?” “I’m unsure, I mean I know what it is, but why is the real question.” She trailed off. Vickie pressed her nose to Robin’s, kissing her. “I love you, you know?” “I love you too Vick.” She said, brushing her fingers through her lover’s hair.

“Hey, guys. She’s here.” Mike said, jumping off the counter. “Hey if we survive this your cleaning that first thing this shit is over with I spent months getting that cleaned.” “Okay whatever mom let's go-“ Everyone started to make their way outside. It was somehow an insane discomforting temperature for the spring. Way too hot but at the same time, too cold. Everyone saw Nancy in the truck, honking the horn so that they would get in. About half of the group was in until Vickie stopped. “Guys! I see some more people!” Everyone either poked their heads out or took a look ahead.

Sure enough, a group of about 4 were walking towards them. But they were very staggered and seemed to be very slow. Vickie got out of the car and waved at them “Hello! Are you guys okay?” Robin grabbed Vickie. “Vick, what the hell are you doing?” Trying to help.“ “They could hijack us!” “Oh, it’ll be fine.” She said, the people coming closer. Robin watched with nervousness as her girlfriend approached the strangers.

“Are you guys okay? You look a little sick.” Sick is putting it lightly. These guys looked horrible. From far away, they just looked tired. But as they got closer, Vickie could see a black stream of…something running through their veins. The redhead took a step back, chucking a bit. “My bad, it seems you don’t need help.” She turned away, but the people didn’t back off. Vickie gave a nervous chuckle before looking back at the van to her girlfriend. Robin was watching, her face full of worry. “Vickie! Dear they don’t look good I think you should-“ Robin trailed off as she saw one, about to sneak attack. “Vickie! Turn around! Get him!”

But it was too late.

Vickie let out a scream of agony as Robin ran out of the car. Steve looked towards Vickie and muttered. “Shit. Nancy!” The woman looked toward him. “Make sure no one gets out of the car. Vickie just got attacked. Will hand me the first aid kit.” Byers threw it at Steve and he ran towards Vickie and Robin.

Robin was currently shooting the three people in the faces. Vickie lay on the ground, writhing in pain. Steve kneeled, opening the first aid kit. “Was she stabbed?” “I don’t know Steve! I didn’t see it! I just heard a scream and..she was on the floor.” Robin wiped her suddenly watery eyes as she kneeled by Vickie. “Hey, Vick. It’s okay. Steve and I are going to fix you up. It’s going to be fine it-“ She froze. “Steve.” “I’m kinda busy trying to find the wound Robin I-“ “No Steve. Look.”

Steve looked where Robin was pointing. It was Vickie’s veins, or what looked to be. They were black. Slowly turning black. Steve traced the veins down, to where a black bite mark was placed on Vickie’s shoulder. “Was this a result from those- people?” “I-I think so? I’m unsure..” Steve stood up, walking toward the three strangers. “Robin. Look at this.” She was hesitant but gave her girlfriend a forehead kiss before getting up. “Holy shit.”

In front of them, lay a woman. She had blonde hair that was pretty long. She had a long black dress on, with shimmers and shines all over it. Of course, her veins were black with a bite mark on her arm. Black drool was also admitted from her mouth. “What the fuck is this? It’s like Vecna but…zombie-like.” “Vecna zombies?” The two stared at each other. “Vombies?”

Suddenly, there was a growl from the ground. Steve and Robin looked down as they saw Vickie, slowly sitting up. She stood up fully before looking at the two best friends. Said friends were shocked and stunned as they stared back. Vickie looked just like them. Dark veins, black drool, a dangerous look in her eye. Robin and Steve froze as they stared back into the lifeless eyes of Robin’s girlfriend.

“Vick, you got something on your face,” Robin said, trying to lighten up the mood. Vickie’s blank eyes stared at them before running full force. Steve’s only thoughts were thisistheendimgonnadiesinglewhatthefuckimgonnaduesingleatleastmyhairlooksgoodbutimgonnadie

And then-

BANG

BANG

BANG

Vickie dropped to the floor, as Eddie held the gun. “What are you two doing?! You were about to be murdered!” He walked closer to them, looking down at Vickie. “Why the fuck was she like that!” “Okay, don’t freak out. But-“ “Vecna apparently has zombies now they are called vombies and you can spot them because of their dark veins, black eyes, and black drool, and you can become a vombie through biting and Vickie got bit and now she’s a vombie trying to kill us all.”

Eddie stared at them in silence. “So you're telling me we are in the middle of a zombie-“ “Vombie.” “Fuck you, Steve. VOMBIE apocalypse?” Steve and Robin nodded. “Pretty fuckin much dude.” Eddie scoffed, throwing his hands up. “Great! Fucking great! This so fucking-“ There was a slice noise and Steve’s eyes widened. I guess they should’ve made sure Vickie was dead. Because she just shoved the spear into Eddie’s side.

“Oh. S-Shit.” Eddie said as the vombie Vickie snickered. She slowly tried to push it in more, but Robin kicked it away. She took the gun from the now fallen Eddie, shooting Vickie in the arm to stun her. She didn’t want to kill her girlfriend, what if there was a way for saving her you know?

Steve ran to Eddie, looking down at the wound. Lots and lots of blood were coming out. “Fuck fuck fuck. Eddie? Eddie, can you hear me?” “Harrington? Shit, how bad is it? Honestly.” Steve looked down. Eddie’s white shirt was stained. “Well uh, it’s not ALL over your shirt which is good.” “Steve. Steve. Steve, we have to go. I can see more of them coming this way. Vickie is gonna get up soon. Steve please I-“ Robin was pleading, trying to get Steve up. Steve sighed, standing up as he picked Eddie up “It’s okay we’ll fix you up in the van.” And the two ran straight inside the van.

“Step on it, Nance!” “Jesus fuck what happened-“ “Nance! Go!!” She rolled her eyes and stomped on the gas, speeding right through the new wave of vombies. “Robin, you grabbed the first aid kit right?” “I’m no dumbass.” “Throw it to me.” She threw the kit at Steve. “Henderson, Byers, you guys want to help me?” The two boys nodded.

Eddie coughed a bit, looking at Steve with weak eyes. “It’s okay Eddie, you’ll be okay.”

“Steve, if I die from the blood loss, promise me you’ll burn my drug stash okay?”
——————————————————
Present…

Steve opened his eyes to see everyone sleeping. Well, everyone except Nancy, was still driving. But she was playing music. Which was a good sign.

Steve sat up, brushing his fingers through his hair as he looked over the van. Robin was sleeping with her head on the window, Eleven, Will, and Mike were curled up in a small cuddle pile, Max was holding Lucas in her arms, and Dustin had seemingly fallen asleep while listening to his radio. Eddie was sleeping against the wall of the van, his shirt still stained with blood from the past hour, the bandages seemed the be holding up though which was a good sign.

Steve sighed as he turned to look at the dark red night sky. He could see the demobats flying around, he could see a few dead bodies on the ground as well. But he mainly could just see the lifeless faces of once Hawkins citizens. Those vombies are now infectious and dangerous. Steve wondered where Mrs. Byers and Hopper, his parents, everyone’s parents, where the hell are they?

A teardrop fell on Steve’s arm. Was he crying? No, no. Steve Harrington does not cry. No, he doesn’t. He doesn’t cry, especially about zombie apocalypses. That was a stupid thing to get sad over…right? If Nancy heard him crying, she better not say shit.

He wiped his teary eyes as he got a look at everyone in the car. He looked down at the gun on the floor, taking it and putting it in his pocket. “Don’t worry guys,” he whispered. “No matter what, I’ll keep you all safe.” He smiled. “I promise.”