Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Bella walks into her bedroom that is painted black providing her comfort as she sighs laying back on the bed annoyed. She was strange like her family that's for sure but- she weirdly got her fathers passion. It made her a bit less freaky then the rest of her family according to the 'normal' people in town.

But the girl still had quite odd tendencies just the same, it's just at times you could see flickers of a normal teen.

Only flickers of her spirit.

"GET OUT HERE NOW ADDAMS! OR WE WILL BURN YOU ALL!" A person screams outside as an angry mob had formed.

"A good old fashioned mob. How endearing." Bella swoons going to the window to see most of the towns people had home made molotavs.  A simply bottle of liquor, cloth and a lighter ready to light it up. Some even had gasoline.

"Come darling. We must depart." Morticia sighs as Bella pouts. "But- mother they were just about to light them." Bella says with a stomp of her foot making her mother smile graciously to her eldest daughter.

"Yes truly tragic but your father insists." Morticia says while helping the young girl pack her wardrobe and lead her down stairs.

"They are such a pathetic mob. Waiting for us to leave. Why not do it now and bring us the pleasure?" Wednesday huffs with crossed arms next to a suitcase as Lurch grabs the valuables.

"My point exactly dearest sister." Bella sighs crossing her arms just like the younger girl to show her disappointment.

"Come my little vipers time for us to flee." Gomez sighs sadly knowing he too wished for the arson to be committed but he did want his family to live as well.

They weren't complete freaks.

"Where will we go?" Pugsley asks with a sad look as he looks around his childhood home. "Uncle Festers of course. I've already rang him to let him know." Gomez says in an excited tone as Bella groans loudly.

"They even gave you enough time to call uncle fester? This mob truly is a disappointment." Bella scoffs grabbing her suitcase and storming outside where the 'mob' waited patiently for them all to exit.

"THROW THEM NOW!" The mayor yells the second all of the Addams are out and people light and throw the Molotov's making the Addams watch the flames.

"Now get your freak family out of here!" A woman yells in the crowd but they all watch the flame spread.

With smiles of delight.

"I do love the good smell of arson." Bella smiles sweetly as she sniffs the air closing her eyes to experience the aroma.

"GET OUT OF HERE!"

"LEAVE!"

"GO TO HELL!"

Families randomly yell as the Addams load up in their car which is a remodeled hearse to fit them all in.

"I was just making a good toe stew too." Grandmama complains making Bella groan more. That was her favorite dish.

"Where does Uncle Fester live?" Pugsley asks since his uncle had only moved a month prior out of their home. "A cemetery in Hawkins Indiana." Gomez says the cemetery part with excitement but the Hawkins Indiana came out unsure.

"Do they have an arcade? Movie theater? Ice cream shops? Parks?" Bella asks in a panic as her parents sadly nod.

"How repulsive." Wednesday says with a scrunched nose.

"Disgusting." Bella agrees with her sister as Pugsley shrugs. "I don't know. The ice cream won't be so bad." He smiles as Bella lifts a brow. "They don't have frogs breath ice cream they have something called..... chocolate." The girl shivers as she tells her brother this making him gap and nearly faint.

This Hawkins really didn't seem too appealing yet but that because they had already struggled to find the perfect home. They had moved place to place trying to find a place that was theirs and for their esthetic.

As their hearse drove for hours Bella dose off sitting straight up until her sister woke her.

"We're here. And it's worse then we thought." Wednesday dead pans making the eldest look and scream.

The people were wearing bright pastels and knee length skirts. Their skin tan and natural color to their hair rather then the non stop party animals of New Jersey. It was a party state where most people didn't wake up until late day. The clothes trashy but this- this was disturbing to the Addams family clan.

"I am utterly appalled." Bella mutters as they drive past people earning looks at the unknown weird car.

"This must be what heaven looks like- ...despicable." Gomez says in shock and disgust.

The only saving Grace was the fact Uncle Fester had his house in the cemetery. It was actually much larger then their old home and it clearly had just been freshly painted black.

As the Addams exited the car one by one they took a deep smell of the air before sighing in content.

"The fresh scent of death." Grandmama says with a lick of her old dry lips as she spots a freshly placed grave the soil barely settled. "Guess we can have some welcome home dead man's toe stew after all." The older woman says beginning to claw at the dirt with her bare hands.

Bella followed her parents and lurch to the front door, thing perched on her shoulder comfortably.

The Addams hit the door bell and a bunch of screams chorus out as the doorbells rings making them sigh pleasantly. "COMING!" Fester yells with excitement on the other side of the door swinging it open and smiling holding his arms out.

"FAMILY!" He calls hugging them each one by one before gathering them for a cramped group hug.

"Uncle Fester." Bella greets making the man smile and hug her one more time.

He definitely had a favorite.

"Come children. Let me show you to your rooms. I've been preparing them." Fester says with excitement leading each one to their room.

Pugsley had a guillotine in his making him rush in with an excited smile. Ready to cut someone's head from their body.

Wednesdays had an Iron Maiden with freshly bloody needles making Bella touch it and place the blood in her mouth before smiling. It was like a coffin and when it closed needles would pierce it's victim.

Bella's room was definitely the best in her opinion as she had her very own rack. The rack was a medieval torturing device that pulled apart the person. The Addams liked to use it for pleasure however, they loved that torturous pull in their bodies.

Sometimes it could be used sexually too.

"How splendid. Her first rack." Morticia says with contempt and a proud smile as she pet her daughters straight black hair down.

"I don't know Cara Mia isn't she-... too young for that?" Gomez asks protectively making Morticia give him a look. "She's quite old enough darling. I had my own rack at 13." Morticia says while he huffs and agrees he too had one when he was a lot younger but- this was his baby girl.

"Fine. But I must know if it is a boy who's being tortured deal?" Gomez says with his hand outstretched that his daughter shook.

They were a very close family.

"Where's grandmama?" Fester asks as the woman's cackling could be heard over the banister. "Dead man's toe stew coming right up." She yells making fester rub his hands together in delight.

"We shall leave you to unpack darling. Make sure you are prepared for school tomorrow." Morticia says sweetly scratching under daughters chin as if she were an animal.

"Yes mother." Bella says sweetly unpacking her things before rubbing the rack with a wicked smirk.

"I cannot wait to find my first victim.... I do love to tease." She smiles thinking of the endeavors she could do with this thing. Murder was definitely higher then sex.

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"What is this yellow- contraption?" Bella asks as Wednesday and Pugsley look at it with mistrust. "Hopefully it's painful." Wednesday says while stepping into the bus her siblings following closely behind staring in wonder.

They definitely stuck out as they wore all black and large hats to keep the sun from burning their pale sensitive skin.

All the kids on the bus mouths dropped open as the three looked around in disgust.

They soon all sat in the back making kids move noticeably away as they eyed the freaky family. Once school came into view and the bus stopped everyone got off as two schools stood side by side. One with high school and one for elementary and middle school.

"I shall meet you both later. Let me know if someone give you a hard time. I'm trying to find a rack victim." Bella smiles wickedly as the other nod saying dittos despite her being older.

They wanted to use their gifts from Fester too.

Wednesday was entering 7th grade as Pugsley entered 8th. He got held back a year.

Throwing her shoulders back Belladonna walks through the school parking lot gathering a lot of attention with her strange attire. As she enters the school she looks around stoically for the office before seeing it and slipping inside.

"Ah- um....... Miss Addams I take it?" The secretary says fearfully looking at the girl who's academic file rested in her hands.

Surely the girl committing arson and torturing students had to be false.... Right?

"Indeed." The girl says blankly as the woman scatters grabbing her time sheet, locker number, and map.

"Alright here you are I'm uh- hoping you can find your way around with those." The secretary says fearfully because truth be told she was usually the one who took the new students to their locker and then first class but- she was too scared of the girl.

"Im sure I'll suffer. It will be delightful." The girl says with a smirk before turning around and following the map to her locker. People parted like the Red Sea as she strut through the hall her dark eyes weaving around looking for something unseen.

She finally finds it and opens the locker before putting her hat inside and grabbing just a mere notebook. If it wasn't illegal she would not attend school, she was already well educated but- the last sheriff in New Jersey  threatened to take the kids away if they didn't attend school.

Plus Gomez liked his alone time with Morticia.

As the black haired girl begins walking to her next class she takes a whiff of the air and moans in delight. Making a u turn she turns around and begins looking for the person that wields this aroma. Something rather rare to find in high school as teens were horny deviants.

Two girls wearing pastels and are leaned on the lockers one with a dreamy smile and one teasing her.

Bella walks up to them with a giant smile that looked unhinged as she smells the air again. "Your the ones that smell so delicious." She purrs in delight as the girl look weirded out lifting a brow.

"I'm sorry?" The one with glasses asks like she is clueless the other looks Bella up and down with pinched eyebrows.

"I followed the sweet scent of virgin blood and it led me to you. Both of you. Have you ever considered donating?" The girl questions being deadly serious as a girl with poofy hair laughs with her arm around a freckled boy.

They had been eavesdropping.

"The new girls already teasing you guys for being virgins. She can just smell it on you." The girl cackles with the guy beside her making Bella blink slowly smelling the air again as something more foul came around.

"Your blood is anything but pure. It smells like bile, and not the good kind." Belladonna says with distaste putting some distance between her and the girl who gaped.

A hall guy who appeared to be friends with the smelly girl steps in between the girls as the girl tries to charge at Bella.

"You fucking bitch." She seethed still trying as the freckled guy helped hold his girlfriend back.

"You started it Carol.... Kind of." The girl with glasses says flickering her eyes to Bella who looks confused. "Have I offended you?" She asks the two girls who meekly nod as she looks to pout.

"My sincerest apologies. I meant it as a compliment, your blood is quite rare and enticing for your age. Hence wanting to put you on my rack." Bella says it nonchalantly as the freckled guy laughs and the one with big hair scrunches his nose.

"She's a dyke. Hence why she wants your girl Stevie boy." The freckled one laughs as the other guy gives the girl an obvious look up and down.

Belladonna felt this weird burning sensation brewing in her chest as his eyes flicked over her. The cold look and the face of disgust he wore- it screamed the passion of hatred.

THUMP

THUMP

THUMP

Bella holds a hand to her chest as a weird beating hurts her chest making her love the pain but scared at what this was. Never had she heard her heart beat- it was actually unsettling for it to do so.

"Come on let's leave. She's just a freak anyway." Steve huffs pushing Carol into Tommy's arms before smiling at the small girl behind Bella. Making Bella blink slowly as her face of confusion turned to one of emotionless.

Slowly turning around she faced the pastel wearing girls with pinched eyebrows.

"I take it your new here. I'm uh- I'm Barb and this is Nancy." The girl with glasses says making Bella roll back her shoulders pushing away these weird new emotions she's never felt before. She holds her hand out in a weird way palm up as she smiles at the girls looking unhinged. She didn't smile often.

Nancy takes the girls hand first unsure what she was doing until the girl brought her lips to her hand. A kiss on the knuckles before doing the same to Barb both girls blushing madly.

"It's a pleasure. New.... Friends would you happen to know where the class of History is." The girl speaks funny making the two girls nod leading her there.

"Thank you." Bella says with a final goodbye before entering the class and looking around.

The teacher had her back to the class as she wrote something on the board. Bella sneaks up on her standing weirdly close so when the teacher turns she can't help but scream fearfully at the girls sudden arrival.

"Y-you scared me. Um....... You must be Belladonna." The teacher stutters as the girl nods with a blank stare.

"Alright then. Class this is Belladonna Addams. Treat her nicely." The teacher says giving the girl weary looks as she stares amongst the room for an empty seat. She sees one next to a short haired blonde girl who once again has that sweet virgin smell.

Belladonna just might like this town after all.

Bella practically bee lines for the girl before plopping down and smiling wickedly. The girl blushes looking away at the intense stare.

As the lesson went on Belladonna simply drew calming pictures of murder while the teacher droned on and on.

After that class Bella had English and tapped the blonde girl softly before smirking at her. "Hello, you are yet another sweet virgin. Tell me is there many of your kind here?" Bella asks with that unhinged smile making the blonde blink trying to process if this girl was making fun of her or not.

"Um..... depends where you look. In band, newspaper, and Hellfire club yeah." The girl says meekly embarrassed but she did find the way this black haired beauty spoke to be amusing in a weird way.

"A hellfire club? What happens there human sacrifice? Torture?..... both?" Bella asks as if it was a dream come true making the blonde laugh shaking her head before looking away from the dark haired beauty's intense stare.

"They just role play dungeons and dragons." She informs making Bella deflate and look unimpressed.

"Oh." She says in a bored tone before gathering her stuff they were going to be late to their next class.

"What is your name?" Bella asks and the girl shyly tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm Robin." She says with a small smile and blush Belladonna taking her hand and kissing her knuckles making the girl go wide eyed and blush.

"Tell me Robin. Where is the class of English?" Bella says while showing her class sheet making Robin smile excited. "It's actually where I'm heading next. You can follow me." Robin says sweetly making the Addams girl finally smile a genuine smile.

Weird new emotions.

"Splendid thank you." Bella says while walking side by side with Robin. The blonde immediately noticed how the crowd parted ways fearfully and it made her duck her head as her band friends looked utterly confused.

As they walked in the teacher already had assign seats sitting Bella in the middle of the classroom a little ways away from Robin.

The seat beside her was empty making Belladonna simply shrug unbothered.

In the middle of class however that Stevie boy from earlier snuck in rather loudly. But he didn't seem apologetic about it either, he had a bagel that was leaving a mess in its wake.

Bella was practically swooning as he entered and she grew oddly stiff as he came and sat right next to her.

He looked displeased by it.

"Stevie was it?" She mutters with an oblivious smile as Steve looks weirded out by her talking to him.

"Steve. We're not friends you don't get to call me that." He spat bitterly at her making the pale girl bite her lip and rest her head on her hand as he had her sole focus.

"I'm Belladonna. Like the poisonous plant." Bella says as if he had asked making his nose scrunch more a weird name for a weird girl he supposed.

"Steve Harrington is there something you and Miss Addams would like to share?" The teacher asks as Steve stutters for an excuse making Bella whip around with that unhinged smile. It had to be damn near what a serial killer would look like....

"I was telling him how your lesson is quite boring. I'm sorry but if we must speak of poetry why not the ones of forlorn and pain. That is where most passion lies does it not?" Bella says blinking slowly making the teacher gulp and turn slight red with her anger.

"Miss Addams.... I'll let this slide once but don't become a problem child for me I'm too old for that." The teacher huffs turning away as Bella looks unbothered.

Steve was taking her in though. Her weirdly pale skin, her strange clothes, and her freaky personality.

His nose scrunched as he knew what word described her.

He and his new butt buddies would call her The Mutant.

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After English Robin seemed to disappear making Bella pout with disappointment. She found a new person to ask where her classes were however. Bella walked right up to him and smiled devilishly as her eyes took in his shirt. It had a devil on fire on it.

"I like your shirt, very close adaptation of satan if I do say so myself." The girl says with that blank creepy stare as the guy seems to take her in.

"Belladonna Addams I take it. I've already heard quite a bit about you, all good things I assure." The guy says with a giant kind smile as the girl narrows her eyes at him.

"Your kind. It makes me sick." She says monotonous as the guy chuckles looking at her with a weird form of interest.

"I'm Eddie Munson. I'm the leader of Hellfire club." He greets sticking his hand out making Bella put her hand on top of his waiting for him to kiss her knuckles in greetings.

He seemed to pick up on it and did as she wanted making her smirk at him before pulling her hand away.

She felt watched.

Steve Harrington, Tommy and Carol all watched with looks of disgust as the girl talked with Eddie Munson.

"Two freaks together. How fitting." Carol snakily says with a cackle as Steve's eyes narrow watching Eddie Munson kiss the girls knuckles.

According to kids in the hall she did this to Nancy and Barb too, some said she did it to a girl from band. But not him? Was he not good enough to do such things? he thought bitterly.

"Nah her nicknames going to be the mutant." Steve announces to his friends making them snicker. Eddie was 'The Freak' Munson. Johnathan Byers 'The Mute' due to his lack in talking with anyone. And now Belladonna Addams 'The Mutant.'

"That's perfect cuz she looks like a damn mutant like seriously it's gross." Carol snickers as Steve laughs despite the slight guilt he feels but- being an asshole was his thing these were his friends.

"So Edward where can I find the math class of algebra." Belladonna asks making Eddie laugh and show her the way. "It's just Eddie." He corrects as the girl purses her lips but if that's what he wanted to be called that's what she would call him.

"You may call me Bella then. I only allow friends this opportunity." Belladonna informs making the boy smile boldly.

"Am I the first one allowed this- opportunity in Hawkins?" He asks and she nods making him clap his hands together. "I'm honored." He jokes with a hand rested on his chest as he vows to her.

Truth be told she would probably be swooning for him if she had not already met Steve. She felt this pulling sensation with the Harrington boy, a longing.

"Look at the freak and the mutant." Tommy says pushing in between the pair making Belladonna blink processing her new nickname. A confused look on her face as Eddie looks angry for the girl.

"How did he know?" She asks genuinely curious making Eddie stop mid defending her and laugh. He just thought she was playing into it.

"Your a fresh breath of air Miss Addams. Fresh breath." Eddie says as he takes her to the door for math making the girl look disgusted. "Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?" She asks as he looks befuddled. "A compliment." He says unsure as she nods and looks up at him.

"Well- it was a pleasure. Eddie." She says his name softly before walking into the class this time scaring a middle aged man who jumps and looks weary of the girl.

The staff had been speaking of her.

"Miss Addams. You may sit next to uh- Byers." He says with a point to a boy wearing a camera hunched over his desk as he tried to make himself look small as people snickered at him.

Belladonna struts right to her seat sniffing the air before moaning with delight.

So many virgins just ready for the picking.

"Hello. I'm Belladonna." She says putting her palm out and Johnathan looks uncomfortable before grabbing it to shake but she flips their hands so he could kiss her knuckles. He too had heard the rumors, he may not speak but he sure did listen.

"Johnathan." He says dryly others glancing at them that's usually all you could get from the boy.

He anxiously kisses her knuckles rather quick not trying to linger as she smiles at his blushing form.

After that the class just went on as normal until lunch came and Belladonna arose from her seat and went to her locker grabbing her lunch money.

She was very hungry.

Entering the cafeteria she looked at the food and scrunched her nose with disgust. The food looked- decent.

"This will not do." She mutters walking herself into the kitchen unnoticed digging around for something when she finds a bottle of bleach cleaner. "Oh this will be splendid." She smiles grabbing it and a straw.

Looking for food she huffs before finding a sandwich with a foul smell shoved into the back of a fridge making her mouth water as she giggles grabbing it and walking to the cafeteria cashier.

"Just these." She says making the older woman look at her like she was messing with her.

"Sweetheart I'm too old for this get real food and come back through." The woman sighs as Belladonna blinks looking down at her lunch.

"Are you saying I do not need to pay for these?" She asks and the woman looks annoyed and grossed out. "Is it food?" She sarcastically points to the food for students making Belladonna smile broadly.

"Splendid thank you." She says scurrying with the bleach bottle and looking for a seat.

So many options.

Bella's eyes land on Barb first and knowing Steve was close with her friend Nancy made the girl bee line for her. She wanted to get closer to Steve although it appeared he already had his sights set on Nancy. Belladonna believed she could change that. He made her heart pound she needed him to herself.

"Is this seat taken?" Bella asks making Barb look up wide eyed shaking her head.

"So where is your friend Nancy?" Bella asks as Barb spins and points to her sitting with Steve, Tommy and Carol. Steve's arm placed behind her effortlessly as Belladonna glares at his limb.

"She just ditched you like that?" Belladonna asks making the girl look away and then up at her. "I just- I don't feel comfortable sitting with his friends. Their mean." Barb informs making Bella sip her bleach making Barb notice it and panic. "ARE YOU OKAY?" She asks wide eyed grabbing the container making Bella furrow her brows snatching it right back.

"Yes I'm fine I was just thirsty." She says confused sipping it more as people now stare at their table over the commotion.

"You can't drink that." Barb insists trying to take it away as Bella blinks and shakes her head.

"Why not?" She asks making Barb look at her like she's insane. "It's bleach. Chemicals. That could kill you." Barb says in a panic as the girl sips more up sighing sadly. "I'm afraid this will not do the trick. Us Addams only die to old age or an excellent murder. This is more of a pleasant burn the wonderfully torturous kind." The girl moans with delight before eating her sand which that makes Barb scrunch her nose.

"Your- different." Barb says weirded out as the Addams girl smiles at the compliment.

"So Barb.... How long has your friend been dating Steve?" Bella asks her eyes longingly on the boy who can feel her stare at glances at her staring right back.

"They've been flirting for a week now. He hasn't asked her to be his girlfriend yet." Barb informs making Bella sit straighter. "You mean he's still single then? How wonderful." Bella says her eyes lighting up as Barb finally seems to be picking up on what Bella meant.

"You- like Steve?" Barb asks like it must be a mistake surely Belladonna would like someone... more like herself.

"Oh yes. He has this cold look in his eye yet- something deeply enriched like loneliness and depression. It's alluring. I wish to see his tortured soul closer." Belladonna says with a look to Steve again who kept glancing at her weirded out by her constant staring.

"I'm sorry to tell you- he and Nance are pretty much dating." Barb says lightly but Belladonna shakes her head.

"Until she has the title he is available." That makes Barb gap but hold her hands up in surrender. She just didn't want Belladonna getting hurt. Barb didn't want to know how scary she could be when she was angry.

Belladonna kept drinking her bleach once her sandwich was gone earning lots of stares and whispers. One of the lunch aids even called the nurse who tried to fuss over the Addams girl getting shooed away.

"I knew she was a mutant." Carol laughs as they pass the girl Steve laughs too as Bella watches him walk by, his cologne wafting to her.

Nancy looked guilty at their comments but Bella gave her a quick glance before her eyes were back on Steve.

She didn't know how to place this emotion she felt for him.

Walking to the payphone outside Belladonna decided to call her parents about this weird anomaly.

"Father- something strange is happening. My chest is thumping- I think it's my heart pumping. Over a boy." Belladonna whines into the phone making her father gasp and call for his wife.

"It is happening. Our daughter has been bewitched by a boy- much like you did to me Cara Mia." He told Morticia in an intimate voice.

"Father- does this mean he is the one? He has another in his sights he does not notice me." Bella mutters softly making her father sigh sadly.

"He has not noticed your true potential yet is all my little poisonous flower. Give him time." Gomez advises making the girl sigh and nod despite them not being able to see it.

And just like that Belladonna threw her shoulders back and began to strut the halls to gym class. This she did see on her way around school earlier and didn't need a guide. She still clung to her bleach as she hands the teacher a note excusing her from the activities of gym.

"You can't just sit and read Miss Addams. We are playing dodgeball. Here's the gym uniform change." He huffs tossing the prepared uniform at her.

"But sir- it is for everyone safety that I don't play." She tries to warn as the man laughs. "Yeah whatever... freaking mutant." He mutters making Belladonna shrug.

He would have to learn the hard way.

Belladonna felt like a freak as she walked out in the school gym uniform everyone taking her in as she looked on the verge of vomiting.

"Woah- she's actually curvy for a freak." Tommy says elbowing Steve who stares at her pale smooth legs. "Whatever. She's still the mutant." He scoffs trying to act like he hadn't been staring.

Belladonna stands awaiting to be picked for teams of course she's last just getting placed onto Team Steve. She didn't mind it like he did.

"Just- give me all the balls Addams and try not to get out." He says with distaste as the girl smiles sickly sweet.

Her father did say to show her potential. She could get two birds with one stone right now.

As the game begins Bella rushes to the line and grabs a ball Steve holds his hands up but the girl throws it hard making it hit a wall.

"I told you to-" before he can scold her the ball bounces off the wall hitting poor Tommy square in the back of the head making him face plant onto the gym floor with a groan.

"Holy shit." Steve says a bit impressed and a bit fearful. He watches as the girl winds up her arm with another ball hitting someone once again in the face making them fall to the floor painfully.

As a ball goes to hit Steve Belladonna steps in the way catching it.

She runs her fingers down his cheek adoringly before once again throwing the ball so it does a weird curve hitting someone on the complete opposite side of where she had thrown it.

The gym teacher was telling her to calm down but she kept pelting them. At one point someone tried to run but that was the wrong move as Bella loved a good chase.

She chased them down the school hall making the oddly silent gym hear a loud thud as someone hit the floor painfully.

"Jesus Christ she really is a freak." Tommy groans walking past Steve who has his hands on his hips watching her walk back in. The way her hand had stroked him made his face burn. The way he would catch her staring at him made him feel like his chest could explode.

"Told you." Steve simply says to Tommy who groans and keeps walking to a bench.

"ADDAMS- YOUR OUT JUST SIT!" The teacher yells making Bella smirk as she goes to the bench all her victims moving away from her.

Her whole team was still intact and the other side had only two left. Steve's team easily winning all thanks to the weird Addams girl.

The rest of gym class Belladonna was banned from participating making her just watch Steve. He wore the short shorts he was sweating, his poofy hair somehow stayed in its form. He looked magnificent, Bella just couldn't help but picture how beautiful he would look in red and blue flashing lights.

The way he would look strapped to her rack.

Oh the things she would do to him.

After gym let out it was time for study hall, none of Bella's other.... Friends were around. So with a deep breath and warm smile she approached Tommy and Steve.

"Hello Cara Mia, Tommy." She says to the two boys making them both look confused at whatever nickname she had used for Steve.

"What does Cara Mia mean?" Steve asks clearly offended as the girls smile broadens and she shrugs.

"Would either of you be able to tell me where Mr. Daniel's study hall is?" She asks kindly making Tommy look to Steve before a smile comes to his face. "Yeah let me show you." He says leading the way glancing back to make sure Steve is following.

They lead the girl all the way across the school but she didn't complain once thinking they were taking her to her study hall.

"It will be right through that door." Tommy says with a giant fake smile as Steve looks to snicker. "Thank you. I appreciate the help." Belladonna says cluelessly before walking through the door.

But instead of the study hall she is in a stairway that leads up to the roof. Pursing her lips the girl turns around and tries pushing the door to ask the boys if it was upstairs but the door appeared to be locked.

"Tommy? Steve?" The girl calls hearing their laughter on the other side making her furrow her brows confused.

What was so funny about this?

"Guess your going to have to jump off the roof freak!" Tommy laughs walking away as Steve looks at him a little upset about the roof comment.

"Come on man are we going? Or are you going to let your mutant little girlfriend out?" Tommy asks as Bella pushes her ear to the door wondering what Steve would say.

"Yeah right- let's get out of here." He laughs and Bella feels her chest constrict a bit.

This pain- it is not like the usual pleasant pain oh no..... it is a pain that brings no joy.

The girl begins slamming her hand on the door waiting for someone to let her out when the door opens almost thirty minutes later when the bell was about to ring.

"Belladonna? Are you okay?" Barb asks as the girls head is aimed downward her gaze locked on her combat boots.

"I am fine. Thank you for releasing me." She mutters lowly walking past Barb who suddenly feels bad for the girl.

She runs up to walk along side her.

"W-who locked you in?" Barb asks in a stutter scared the girl would unleash some form of anger on her about it. But- belladonna wasn't mad.

She was sad.

"Tommy and Steve. I asked them to take me to study hall and they locked me in there." Belladonna admits making Barb grumble about Tommy being an ass. "I'm sorry they did that." Barb says gently making Belladonna throw her shoulders back trying to act unbothered.

"It's quite alright. I've had worse done to me then that. Although-.... I expected more from Steve. My heart must be mistaken on taking a liking to him." Belladonna says gently while Barb smiles sadly at her.

"I'm sure you could find someone else worth your time..... listen Nancy is hanging out with Steve after school today which- leaves me with no plans. Would you-..... would you want to hang out with me?" Barb asks as Bella blinks slowly processing.

"I would be delighted." She says with that unhinged smile just imagining the trouble they could get into.

"Do you like to watch movies?" Barb asks unsure what the girl likes but she nods enthusiastically. "Horror ones." Bella comments making Barb smile softly and nod. "I hear they are playing cujo tonight at the theater. Would you like to go with me?" She asks and Belladonna nods and claps her hands.

The last class of the day was chemistry for Belladonna. Walking into the classroom her short lived smile drops at the sight of Steve, Tommy and Carol all laughing together at one station.

Belladonnas head stays down as she takes an empty seat clasping her hands on the table as she can feel Steve and Tommy staring at her back. Tommy loudly telling Carol what they had done to the girl making her stiffen and not face them as they snickered more.

"Poor mutant. I bet she cried." Carol laughs making Belladonna pick at her red nail polish as the couple laugh but Steve stays silent. She could almost feel his stare more on her.

Maybe because he knew he'd hurt her feelings.

He kind of felt like an asshole as he remembered how she stroked his face in gym, how she smiled at him so friendly. She helped him win the game and he repaid her by locking her in a fire scape to the roof.

"Alright class. Today we will be trying to make a chemical reaction from this blue beaker. Whoever succeeds first shall get an extra A added to their testing categories. I'm gonna need one of you three to pair up with our new student Belladonna." Mr Verro says to the trio of friends making Tommy and Carol look pointedly at Steve.

"Fantastic." Steve mutters with annoyance making Tommy and Carol laugh more as Belladonna stiffens having heard him.

It made Steve wince.

"Alright goggles on and begin." The teacher says making the groups talk on possible solutions. "So- uh.... What do you think it is?" Steve asks and the girl looks to him before smelling the chemicals and grabbing a yellow beaker putting a pinch of salt in it before dumping it in without a word.

Instantly their blue beaker practically becomes a volcano making Mr Verro swoon rushing over.

"OUTSTANDING MISS ADDAMS. You have a knack for Chemistry." He gushes knowing Steve had no help in it. Although he now was getting a grade for absolutely nothing but- the teacher had said it was a team effort.

"Thank you Mr Verro." The girl says blandly and as the beaker stops fizzing she grabs the chemicals and begins drinking it making the teacher panic and dial the nurse.

"ARE YOU INSANE THAT HAS ACID IN IT!" The teacher yells as the girl licks her lips shrugging. "It burns nicely on the way down." The girl simply says making the teacher faint as she shrugs acting unbothered not even looking at Steve who rubs the back of his neck guilty feeling. While also staring at her freaked out- he wondered if she would just die right there.

Would she haunt him for being such an asshole?

"Look- .... I shouldn't have let Tommy do that." He sighs making Bella look at him intrigued.

"Why did you?" She asks making him shrug looking disappointed with himself. "I just- ... he's my best friend. I take my popularity here seriously." He says nonchalantly as the girl blinks looking confused.

"Your popular?" She asks making him look at her with narrowed eyes thinking she was mocking him but rather she was curious. She hadn't noticed as she was too busy gawking at him from afar.

"Yes. They call me King Steve." Steve's response a bit snarky but the girl didn't notice as she smile looks away from him still not meeting his gaze.

Can he not feel the burning need for each other?

"That doesn't explain why you let him do that." She adds making him look around to make sure no one was noticing the pair of them talking together.

"It means- sometimes I fall to peer pressure. But I'm sorry." Steve huffs making the girl slowly smile at him making his breath catch in his throat. "I love peer pressuring people. Perhaps you would allow me to do it to you one day." She says making the boy look at her weird but mutter a "Sure someday" making her smile so big it had to hurt.

She really was beautiful.

And that had Steve shaking his head, Belladonna the mutant was not beautiful he just had- been mistaken briefly.

He couldn't be associated with a freak.

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Belladonnas first week was pretty- normal after that, as normal as it could be for an Addams. She grew rather close to Barb as Nancy kept having plans with Steve..... oh Steve. No matter how much Bella tried to force her feelings away for him they just grew stronger and stronger.

One day she saw him sitting in the library trying to study but- he looked to be struggling. She sauntered up to him ready to offer her help but at the sight of her approach he gathered his things up to leave.

Bella tried to ask why he was suddenly in a hurry but he said something about basketball practice.

The pain constricts Belladonnas heart as she knew it was a lie to avoid her, something he kept doing. He even had kids switch seats with him in all their shared classes, he wouldn't even meet her gaze.

But Belladonna of course still watched him with adoration none the less, pain but still adoration.

So here Bella was in her room staring out her window with a pout, the moon was nice and full. Fester was howling to it like most nights but- Bella still felt like a piece was missing.

"Satan. I humble myself before you asking- to let me have a chance to win my mocher. I just- I know if I had a chance.... I could do make him feel this burn I feel for him. He is the bane of my existence. I crave for him- please satan." The girl pleads to the full moon before sighing and going to her bed.

Her pleas being answered.

That Monday morning Belladonna stood with her siblings for the bus as Wednesday looked annoyed.

"What is wrong sister? Wake up on the right side of the bed this morning?" Belladonna asks making Wednesday huff angrily. "All week these- children have been trying to induct me into their cult. Not the fun kind." She deadpans making Bella hum as Pugsley pouts.

"At least you've made friends. Everyone in my grade is just uptight." He scoffs as the girls nod. This town certainly had its downs.

"What about Steve? Has he come around?" Wednesday asks as her sister shrugs. "I plead with satan last night so we shall see." Bella informs making the girl nod in approval.

The bus ride was the same where everyone sat as far from the Addams family as humanly possible.

"I shall see you both after school." Belladonna sighs before walking through the parking lot to Barb who is standing by Nancy for once.

"Look what the cats dragged in." Belladonna states with amusement a small smirk on her lips as Nancy give her a dirty look at the insinuation. "Nance you uh- remember Belladonna. Bella this is Nancy." Barb reintroduced the girls since they didn't see much of each other.

With Steve avoiding Bella it made Nancy unknowingly avoid her as well.

"Always a- pleasure." Bella mutters with an edge before strutting down the hall making the crowd part ways for the trio. Babe was beginning to like not having to shove their ways through anymore.

"So what did you and Steve do last night?" Barb asks to get it out of the way instantly making Bella glare at nothing as Nancy smiles all chipper and in dream land.

"We just-... made out a couple times." Nancy says softly while Bella fake vomited making Nancy shoot her a glare as Barb mocked her words.

"Nance seriously. You're gonna be so cool now, it's ridiculous. Did he ask you out to be his girlfriend yet?" Barb asks and Nancy nods and a hole felt like it had been punched in her chest again.

"Thanks a lot for the help." Bella whispers harshly to no one around but Satan. "I'm not gonna be popular though. I'm still the same me." Nancy says casually but Barb shakes her head.

"You better still hang out with me, that's all I'm saying. If you become friends with Tommy H. Or Carol-" Barb starts to say making Nancy interrupt. "That's gross." She says making Bella agree she didn't appear to be speaking much as she assessed Nancy.

She could still smell her virgin blood.

A note in Nancy's locker sticks out and Nancy grabs it reading it. It was a note from Steve saying to meet in the bathroom.

"A romantic place to kiss." Barb lies through her teeth as Bella scrunches her face in jealousy. She wished she could kiss Steve next to a toilet.... Or just kiss Steve in general.

"Yes romantic." Bella seethes as Nancy and Barb give her a subtle side eye seeing her annoyance. Barb knew why and Nancy- Nancy wasn't sure what Belladonnas issue was.

Nancy leaves and Barb looks to Bella with a sad knowing smile.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry." Barb says with a wince having asked about Steve right in front of her but Bella shrugs forcing a smile. "They are temporary I am sure. My Cara Mia will realize his mistake soon and come crawling for me-.... And I shall tease him and then crawl back." Belladonna says with a bite of her lip as Barb slowly nods looking weirded out.

She was beginning to notice that- this wasn't an act this was Belladonna. She may be a lot to handle but one thing Barb just had to admire was her confidence and passion.

Again the day went by normally except Johnathan was missing. Yes he didn't speak much but Bella greeted him every time she came to class. Yet- he was missing today.

Call it an Addams sixth sense but Belladonna just knew something was wrong.

She could smell the pleasant scent of caos with the situation.

"There's a missing child." Wednesday informs Bella as they wait for the bus making Bella lift a brow and hum. "Pugsley?" She asks hopefully but her brother comes running over in that moment making her sigh sadly.

"Will Byers." Wednesday says simply making Bella eye her funny before looking away. Now she knew why Johnathan didn't show up.

"How peculiar..... is this satan fulfilling my plead?" Bella asks in delight as Wednesday nods. She truly believed satan could answer anyone's prayers, except if they used the actual term prayers.

"Where is your lover boy?" Wednesday asks blandly not having seen the boy yet. Bella looks across the lot and her eyes stick to Steve who is kissing Nancy. Her jaw clenched and the strings on her heart tighten more as she looks away pained by the sight.

"Over there." She says in a grave voice pouting making her sister and brother spot the couple making out. It made them narrow their eyes.

"Maybe we should poison them." Pugsley says unbothered making Bella consider the poison before shaking her head with a sigh. "Maybe her but not him. Plus I take it if I murder her he will not give me a chance at all. Plus I'd be a high suspect I have made it quite known what I want." Bella huffs as Wednesday gives her a brash pat that was meant to be comforting. It looked more like a push.

"Thank you. I needed that." Bella says with relief as Wednesday nods eyeing the girl Steve is kissing.

She met her last night when the kids from school dragged her to their DND game night.

That night Belladonna was perched in her window as she watched some guys from the search party looking through the graveyard. One of them the chief of police. He was making his way to the door.

The screaming doorbell is heard and Lurch answers it making Belladonna eaves drop as Hopper questions Lurch who just brings. He could answer but he usually stuck with the grunting.

"I'll handle this one." Gomez says patting the butler who grumbles walking away. Hopper eyes him wearily, he looked a lot like Frankenstein.

"We have a missing child. We are asking for volunteers to help search the woods." The chief says as Gomez nods slowly listening to him.

"My daughter Wednesday is out searching. She is friends with will at school. Pugsley is helping as well. But I'm sure my wife and I can be of some assistance." Gomez says before slamming the door in the cops face and going to Morticia.

Belladonna rooms her eyes and flops on her bed, her parents wouldn't be helping Addams don't help. But- Wednesday and Pugsley going out made Bella feel weird being the only one staying home.

Plus she did ask satan to help her with Steve so maybe this was her sign.

Belladonna leaves the house as rain begins to pour and goes the opposite way of the search party. She doesn't call out for the boy she has no need to do that as she listens for any strange noises instead.

The harsh winds bite at her bare arms and legs as she wore a tight fitting dress with a white collar. Unlike Wednesdays the black is made of a lacy material, Bella loved lace.

She didn't even know how far she was walking until she got a street. Bella  felt her black hair sticking to her back and arms as she walks in the middle of the street the rain still beating down on her.

As Belladonna rounds the street corner a car hits its breaks as it nearly hits her swerving away.

Bella watches the car pass her and stop, the driver stays seated for awhile not moving.

Bella believed they were cussing and angry in their car at her so she shrugged it off and kept walking as if nothing had happened. Suddenly she could hear the car creeping up behind her and someone called out.

"BELLA!?" The person yelled as if they were unsure who it was but they knew. It's what took them so long to decide if they should let her in the car.

Turning to see the the owner of the voice Bella felt her throat close at the sight of Steve Harrington staring at her with curiosity.

"What the hell are you doing walking in the road in the middle of the night. In the rain." He spat at her like she was crazy making Bella flinch and look down before us at him through her lashes.

"I was helping look for Will Byers. Got lost." She admits making him sigh and reach over unlocking the passenger door. "Get in." He says making the girl not even hesitate she hid the smirk on her face as she climbs in and relaxes into the seat.

"What are you doing driving around this late?" Bella asks as he stares out the windshield with a tense jaw.

"Well- I was going to see Nancy but.... Now I'm taking you home." He spat as if he's rather be doing anything else. The small smile on Bella's face dropped and she says a soft oh.

"I apologize for the inconvenience. I shall find my own way home." She states opening the door and beginning to climb out as Steve looks at her like she's crazy.

"Get back in the Bella." He sighs following the girl as she kept walking the way she had been going originally.

"I do not want to make you uncomfortable or upset with my presence.... I'll be fine you can go see Nancy." Belladonna says softly continuing to walk as the rain started to come down harder.

"Bella- BELLA! GET IN THE CAR!" He yells making her ignore his yells and keep walking.

Grumbling Steve pulls the car over and climbs out walking up to her and blocking her path. "Can you please get in the car?" He asks nicely as the girl stares at him funny. "Why? I thought it was inconveniencing you?" She asks cluelessly making him sigh and shake his head.

"That kid just went missing- it's not safe for you out here okay? Can you- can you please get in the car?" He asks kindly making Belladonna try to smother a smile but she couldn't help it. Oh how it hurt cheeks but it was worth it.

He was admitting he was worried for her well being, she was swooning for him once again.

With a nod Belladonna gets back in the car as Steve steps in turning up the heat and shivering. How had the girl been doing this for however long? He had only been out in it a few minutes and he could already feel the hypothermia wanting to set in.

The two sat there in silence one comfortable and one uncertain and awkward.

"So- where do you live?" Steve asks and Bella gives him directions making him gap as the mansion came into view. It was a lot larger then his house, but it also was painted black. It fit Belladonna but Steve just thought she was a goth girl with a normal family.

"Oh how wrong he was.

As they pull up to the front door Steve still stares at the house before his eyes go to the large graveyard that surrounds it.

"Doesn't it freak you out being so close to these graves?" He asks fearfully eyeing all the plots as Bella shakes her head.

"We love the fresh scent of death. Plus it gives us all the pickings for Dead man's toe stew." She says nonchalantly but Steve paused slowly turning to her waiting for a laugh. Or her to just say it was a joke but she just stared back at him with that longing look in her eyes.

Steve felt that hammer coming back to his chest as he saw her staring at him like that. Her eyes drift to his lips and for a second Steve actually finds himself considering kissing Belladonna.

He blames it on being a hormonal teen.

"Well uh- I better get going. I'm going to be late getting to Nancy's." He says clearing his throat making Belladonna look away with a tense jaw and slow nod.

"Yes. My apologies for keeping you. Thank for the ride." Bella says coldly making Steve wince as he tried to get a glance of her expression but she was already out of the car going to the front door where a tall butler could be spotted letting her in with a towel in hand.

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The three girls walk down the hallway as Nancy tries to study for the stupid chemistry quiz making Bella grumble lowly to herself. Of course her competition had to be smart and beautiful, but could she get away with murder? Probably not.

"When alpha particles go through gold foil, they become...?" Barb asks as Nancy answers making Bella roll her eyes annoyed she got it right again.

"A molecule that can-" Barb begins to read the next one when someone swipes the cards away making Bella glare ready to snatch the cards back for her friend. But she stops short seeing Steve holding g the stack.

"Heyyy." Nancy calls going after Steve as Tommy goes to poke Barbs head but Belladonna smacks his hand away harshly a scowl on her face as the boy flinched away fearfully.

"I think you've studied enough Nance." Steve says confidently making Bella hold her arms tightly against herself for the comfort she longed to be the boys arms.

She had it bad.

She loved him, he had bewitched her like her father had said. For most it was probably crazy to be in love so soon but- Belladonna was in love.

"I'm telling you, you know, you got this. Don't worry. Now on to more important matters. My dad has left town on a conference and my moms gone with him, cause you know she doesn't trust him." Steve rambles while Tommy agrees on the not trusting him part making Bella loathe Steve parents in that moment.

How can you not trust your partner? Her parents would rather die then look at another let alone touch one.

"So are you in?" Steve asks Nancy who looks confused.

"In for what?" She asks as Bella is curious too Carol looking at the trio like they are stupid. "No parents? Big house?" Carol says while eyeing Bella who stares in that longing way to an oblivious Steve.

All his attention is on Nancy.

"A party?" Nancy asks and they makes noises that she had gotten it as Belladonna holds her arms against herself tighter. She knew already that it was probably just going to be a couples thing.

"It's Tuesday." Nancy says as an excuse.

"It's Tuesday." Tommy mocks making Bella quirk a small smile as Steve's friends teased Nancy.

"It'll be low key. It'll just be us. What do you say? Are you in or are you out?" Steve asks his sole attention on Nancy as Bella looks away her eyes catching Johnathan.

She feels that pain in her chest a gain accept it's.... Guilt? She felt bad pleading for satan to do something and it took his brother and didn't even give her what she'd wished for.

"Oh god look." Carol says noticing the Addams girls staring at something and spotting the mute boy.

"Oh god that's depressing." Steve says with disgust making Bella look to him again in want before looking away and back to her friend. "Should say something?" Nancy asks but Belladonna is already leaving the group and approaching Johnathan with a smile.

"Hello Johnathan. I am truly sorry about your brother. I am sure he will turn up with a heartbeat and no marks on his body." Belladonna says in a soft voice making Johnathan laugh short and dry at her weird way of giving condolences.

But he appreciated it.

"Thank you. That's more then anyone had said to me." He mutters his eyes flick tk the group behind Bella and he catches eyes with Steve who glares at him.

Resting her hand in his arms and stroking it the girl smiles at him with comfort. "I know if it was either of my siblings I would be tearing this town apart. Killing anyone in my path- I may say that I want them dead but I never mean it...,. Most of the time." Bella jokes sarcastically making Johnathan smile grimly and grab her hand squeezing it.

A set of eyes burns into Belladonna as she kisses Johnathans cheek and faces her audience. Tommy and Carol snicker, Nancy smiles happy to see Bella was normal deep down. And Barb gives her friend a smile as well she knew the girl had good in her.

And Steve?

He looked pissed. His eyes burned into her with utter hatred making Belladonna want to swoon at the bruins passion in that look. But- knowing it was of hatred and not longing made her hold in her words of pleasure.

As she walks past the group Nancy goes to speak with Johnathan too. But Steve doesn't even bay an eye at her instead his eyes follow Belladonna who walks to the lunchroom.

He felt a burning in his chest as he saw her touching and speaking with Johnathan. Staring at him like she was..... he hated it.

During chemistry the w period of the day for Belladonna Steve sits beside her forced to be her partner again. They are done before everyone else since Bella had a weird.... Fascination for chemicals. And drinking them which was disturbing for Steve but- she seemed used to it never even batting an eye.

"So- are you coming to my house tonight for that party?" He asks trying to look discreet like he wasn't speaking with her.

"I'm invited?" Bella asks with shock as the boy scoffs. "Of course you are I literally invited you this morning." he says with disbelief as the girl narrows her eyes at him. "You invited Nancy. You never asked me." Belladonna points out making him huff with annoyance before looking at her like he despised her.

"Well- then I'm asking you now do you want to come?" he asks and the girl smiles at him boldly. Her hand lays on top of his a blush on her cheeks as she is thrilled to be invited. Plus Nancy seemed uncertain of going so- maybe this would be her chance to have the boy alone. To show him that sensation of love she has felt since they had met eyes.

"I would love to attend your party cara mia." The girl says with an accent making Steve's face redden and his jeans to tighten at the phrase. He didn't even know what it meant but the way she said it he knew now it was an endearing nickname of some sort.

Pulling his hand away in realization Steve forever a smile looking away from her as Bella's smile twitches at the loss of contact.

But- she was getting him all to herself tonight.

Or so she believed.

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When she got home Belladonna looked for an outfit for the party with her mothers help. Her parents were excited for her to go especially hearing it was this mysterious boy she liked. Finally her mother helped her find a shiny black one piece that dipped low showing her cleavage. The bottoms were simply leggings with black heels.

As Belladonna was about to go have Lurch drive her to the address the house phone rang. Lurch answering it before handing it off to Bella.

She had only given her number to Barb.

"Hello." Bella says softly as the girl in the other line sounds annoyed. "Nancy's dragging me to Steve's stupid party so I'm bringing you so I don't have to third wheel alone." Barb groans shuffling to get ready to lie to her parents.

Bella's smile falls as she hears these words meaning she now wouldn't be alone with Steve.

"Ah- well I shall get dressed now." Bella says in a sad tone that goes unnoticed. "Alright what's your address I'll drive us all there." Barb says nonchalantly but when Bella says the cemetery Barb goes rigid.

"That's- are you..... okay I'll see you there." Barb was going to accuse the girl for joking but realized that wasn't really Bella's style and knew she probably did live in a cemetery.

Explaining it to her family they all gave her advice before the regular car pulled up outside the dark mansion. Both Nancy and Barb gap from outside as Belladonna struts her way to the car. Her outfit much more- exposing then usual and different from the girls normal clothes.

"Your wearing that?" Nancy asks with a scrunched nose as Bella eyes her with a glare.

"Yes. Your wearing that?" Bella says with a slight sneer making Nancy glare at her. "You look great belladonna." Barb says making Bella smile at her and compliment her as well.

Barb knew she was doing this for Steve and knowing the hormonal boy there was a slight chance it worked.

"Park here." Nancy says in the middle of nowhere no house in sight.

"What are we doing here? His house is three blocks away." Barb asks cluelessly as Belladonna smiles ready for her heels to dig into her feet.

"We can't park in the driveway." Nancy says like it's obvious making Bella glare at her. Honestly Bella probably like Nancy if it wasn't for the whole Steve thing. She was bitter.

"Are you serious?" Barb asks with amusement as Nancy has a reason for everything. "Yeah the neighbors might see." Nancy says making Barb groan.

"This is so stupid. I'm just gonna drop you off. And then me and bella can- I don't even know go to the movies." Barb says trying to wiggle out of it but Bella wanted to see Steve's house. She may or may not have brought something to slip into his room to make him dream of her.

May or may not have.

"Calm down Barb come on. You promised that you would go and I let you invite Belladonna." Nancy whines making Bella glare from the back seat.

"Actually Steve invited me during chemistry. But- Barb we should go. Maybe we can make Carol fall into the pool, she will look like a wet cat." Bella says with a sickly sweet smile making Barb look at her and laugh.

"Fine. Only because Bella sold me on it." Barb huffs climbing out as Nancy shoots Bella a dirty look.

Knocking on the door Belladonna tries to contain her excitement as Barb looks anxious and Nancy looks excited, but not as much as Bella.

The double doors swung open and Belladonna feels her breath catch as Steve stands there with a smile directed at all of them. Even at Bella.

"Hello ladies." He says casually before his eyes flick to bella and he takes in her outfit right in front of her. "You all look great." He says breathlessly his eye straying more to Bella then anyone else as he says it.

He's never seen her show so much skin.

"Thank you. You look handsome as well." Bella says confidently making Barb lift her brows with a small smile as Nancy scowls at the girl.

Steve blushes and says a thank you before kissing Nancy in greeting making Belladonna glare at her as Barb touches her arm in a sympathetic way.

The party is held by the pool Tommy and Carol eye Bella with looks of approval on her outfit. "You actually look good. Unlike your virgin company." Carol teases as Bella does a bow.

She sits down on a pool chair, the pool gives this blue tint to everyone's skin. Of course Bella looked to Steve and she felt herself purr at the sight of the blue on his skin. He looked good. If only she could see it with a flashing red as well.

Tommy begins threatening to throw Carol in and as Bella cheers for him to do it he stops making Carols swat him and causes Bella to pout.

Barb gives her a smile whispering it'll happen eventually making Belladonna smile that unhinged smile nodding. "I'll be the one to do it if need be." Bella whispers making Barb laugh out.

Steve shotguns a beer and Belladonna watches him with all her heart, as he finishes he looks around catching eyes with her. Belladonna gives him a clap as he does an amused bow at her making her heart swoon more and more for this boy.

He was impossible not to love.

"Was that supposed to impress me?" Nancy cuts in making Bella's smile falter as she stares at Steve a cigarette between his lips. Belladonna stands up slowly, he just lights it before going to answer Nancy.

"Your not?" He asks as Bella then plucks the cigarette from his lips sucking on it while making eye contact before handing it back.

The boy watches her walk away and stand over the pools edge.

Funny enough Belladonna didn't know how to swim.

"You are a cliche you do realize that?" Nancy says to Steve trying to tease the boy she likes. "Your the cliche with your ... your grades and your band practice." He mocks Nancy back making Bella's heart hurt having to watch them be all couple like and flirting.

"Okay party girl. Why don't you just, uh show us how it's done then?" Steve says while handing her a beer. He begins it tucking her in how to do it and Belladonna watches hoping the girl would choke.

She was sadly let down.

Everyone but Barb and Bella cheer Nancy on saying "Chug, Chug, Chug." While Bella mutters lowly to herself, "Choke, Choke, Choke." Carol caught it at the end snickering to Bella who smirks.

They could be a decent pair when they wanted to be.

"Belladonna." She greets hand out ready as Carol lifts a brow. She was getting the warm welcome now? None the less Carols hands her hand over tipsy giggling as Bella kisses her knuckles. Steve glares at Bella now.

"Okay how come everyone else gets to do that and not Tommy? Or me?" He asks making Belladonna smirk.

"Your right. It's not fair...... Tommy?" The girl calls and immediately the freckled boy is there and she rests her hand in his making him lift her hand to kiss her knuckles. Her eyes staring him down sensually as he does before looking to Steve.

She walks up to him slowly a smirk on her lips as she sticks her hand out. Grabbing her hand a little rough Steve takes it and give the quickest of pecks to her hand making Bella raise an eyebrow. "I expected more.... How disappointing." She lies because- even with that gentle quick touch of his lips a tingle shot up her arm.

Steve grabs her hand again and this time leaves a lingering kiss on her knuckles making the girls face redden as she smiles at him softly. With eyes staring at him with so much love and adoration that everyone could see.

Even Nancy this time.

"Barb you wanna try?" Nancy asks Barb who didn't look to pleased being there. She also wanted to take Steve's eyes off of Belladonna Addams.

"What? No." Barb says making Belladonna stiffen as Nancy continues to peer pressure her. Belladonna loved to peer pressure people with certain things, she wanted to do it to Steve. But- she didn't like how uncomfortable Barb looked about it.

"Nancy she doesn't want to so leave her be." Bella snaps and the air in the atmosphere gets prickly as Belladonna glares angrily at Nancy.

None of them had seen her angry before

"Just- try it." Nancy says handing the knife and beer to Barb making Belladonna glare Nancy down until Steve stood up and in between the two girls. Like he could possibly stop Belladonna.

As she goes to cut the beer Barb stabs herself making Belladonnas eyes go from a glare at Nancy to one look of ecstasy at the smell and sight of virgin blood.

Almost immediately her eyes darkened and she stepped forward grabbing Barbs hand. "Does it hurt? Tell me it hurts?" She begs making Barb eye her funny ripping her hand away.

"I'm fine." She says weirded out as the other too give Bella weird looks but ask Barb if she's okay. She storms away to the bathroom as Belladonna watches her walk away.

"I should check on her." Bella says while going after the girl but she's grabbed and tossed into the pool.

Laughing can be heard as Bella sinks to the bottom not even trying to flail around.

Then Carol was thrown in and then Tommy jumped in. Nancy was thrown in by Steve who then jumped in. Steve and the group having fun not noticing the lack of Belladonna at first.

They all played around as Steve chased Nancy he stops, his smile dropping looking around in a panic.

"Where's Bella?" He asks noticing she wasn't around.

"Did she ever even come back up?" Carol asks and almost immediately Steve dived under the water spotting the girl calmly sitting in the pool floor with a blank stare. He immediately uses his old lifeguard skills to dive in and grab the girl around the waist making her eyes stare at his under the water with that look again.

Steve's eyes drift to her lips before he once again shakes his head swimming to the surface with Belladonna. Who breathes normally despite clinging to Steve's body.

"Were you faking?" Carols shrill voice screeches as Bella shakes her head. "I don't know how to swim. But- I can hold my breath for an hour so I figured someone would notice before then." She shrugs still clung to Steve her legs around his waist as he stares at her looking for signs of distress.

But this is Belladonna.

Someone takes pictures of the group in the pool, and in that moment he captures a picture of how Belladonna looks to Steve and how Steve looks to Belladonna. Always when the other person wasn't looking.

And Nancy. She now stands off the side watching her boyfriend hold up Belladonna and she can't help but wonder if she really was lying about being able to swim.

Finally everyone climbs out and circles a small fire pit. Barbra comes back out looking at everyone who is damp, belladonna telling her excitedly what happened.

"I nearly drowned. But I can hold my breath for an hour so I just waited for Steve to save me.... If only he hadn't noticed then maybe I would be with Satan in his bed chamber." Bella sighs making everyone eye her. She was a strange character.

"Alright- let's play a game." Tommy smirks and others groan as Belladonna can sense something good with this game...

She really wanted to play.

"Truth or dare." Tommy says excitedly as Barbra seems to get an idea. She was tired of Nancy acting like different person to seem cool.

"I don't know man it's cold." Steve tries to say but Tommy does what he does best peer pressuring his best friend.

"Fine- only for a bit." Steve huffs and the game begins.

"Hmmmm first victim- Nancy. Truth or dare?" Tommy asks. "Truth." The girl picks making Carol snort a figures. "Do you- do you actually like Bella? Or is she only barbs friend?" Tommy asks and Nancy's tipsy eyes shoot to Bella who stares stoically.

"She's okay," Nancy shrugs making Tommy waggle a finger. "Nope only yes or no." He says with a smile making Nancy look to Bella who stares blankly.

"Yes. I like her." Nancy says making Bella quip a smirk not sure if she really believed the girl.

"Now Nancy's turn." Tommy explains the rules making Nancy smile and look to Steve. "Steve truth or dare?" She asks and he obviously chooses dare to seem cool.

"I dare you to kiss me." Nancy says quickly making belladonna glare at the girl.

Steve eagerly does this before his eyes search the group landing on Barb. "Truth or dare Barb?" He asks and the girl obviously chooses truth.

"What do you- who is your celebrity crush?" He asks and the girl blushes but laughs happy it was an easy one. "Matt Dillon." She answers making Belladonna tilt her head in confusion having no clue who that is. She only watched horror movies.

"Alright Barb. Pick an easy one to give to someone." Carol retorts annoyed as Barb eyes around her eyes landing on Belladonna.

"Truth or Dare Belladonna?" Barb asks anxiously making the girl smirk wickedly. "Dare." She says confidently ready to do whatever it was. Hell she'd jump in the pool again despite not knowing how to swim.

"I dare you- to play seven minutes in heaven with Steve." Barb says softly and Belladonna felt like she could kiss Barb in that moment.

"Hold up-" Steve says in disbelief as Belladonna stands up trying to smother her excited smile. "Dude- it's a free kiss take it. Wheeler you understand it's for a dare right?" Tommy asks and the girl meekly nods tipsy and still easy to peer pressure. Steve was easy to pressure too.

With Tommy giving him shit Steve finally grabbed Belladonna and dragged her to a closet when a timer was started.

"Look- I know you probably don't want-" Steve begins to say but he doesn't get to finish as Bella practically jumps him literally legs wrapped around his waist.

Steve couldn't process fast enough what was happening before Bella's lips were on his. Her lipstick smearing all over he didn't even care as this weird burning seemed to grow between them. His hands slid dangerously low as she continued to kiss him feverishly, Steve's hand wound in her hair.

Bella had her hand on his face tilting him up so she had easier access. Their tongues battled each other making Steve groan in surprise he didn't expect much from the girl.

"cara mia." The girl whispers in his ear sensually making him shiver as she grinded her hips against his.

Soon her lips trailed down his neck eagerly making Steve tilt away to give her better access. She even left a hickey on his neck not caring of the fact everyone would see it. In fact she wanted them to.

Then they'd know who he belonged to.

By the time the seven minutes were up Steve looked absolutely disheveled as Belladonna looked completely normal and unphased somehow. Her cheeks only a bit pink due to her weirdly pale skin.

Tommy looked flabbergasted as Steve stepped out looking a mess.

"Was she a freak man?" He asks lowly and Steve could only nod making Tommy watch the girl go sit with a jealous pout.

Nancy stares at Steve and then Bella in shock.

"You- I'm fucking leaving. We're done Steve." Nancy spat storming away but she stops and points at Barb who flinched away. "And screw you Barb, you did that on purpose- my boyfriend and Bella really?" She yells before storming away as Bella smiles to herself fixing her lipstick.

"Well- I think the games over." Carol says with a look making Belladonna raise her hand. "Carol- last one of the night truth or dare?" Bella asks and Carol shrugs every one else besides her and Tommy did one how bad could it be?

"Truth." She says lamely scared what Bella could possibly dare her to do.

"How many people have you slept with?" Bella asks genuinely getting a middle finger aimed at her. "I was simply curious why your blood smells so foul." She says like it's no big deal making Barb want to laugh but she felt like a bad friends at the moment.

"Okay games over." Steve huffs angrily after being dumped despite him not doing anything.

He was forced.

He didn't enjoy it.

He thought that but whenever his eyes went to Belladonna he blushed as he remembered the nickname and the way she pounced on him. Steve never had a girl throw herself at him like that, he's never felt the chase of someone wanting solely him right from the get go.

Yes girls would flirt but they always made him do the first moves. Something told him Belladonna was a different story.

"I'm uh- gonna sit out here and then go try and take Nancy home. I'll see you at school tomorrow okay?" Barb states as Bella Donna smiles and waved a dismissive hand. "I'll be fine. I'll be sleeping over." Belladonna says before kissing the girls cheeks in farewell following the other three inside the house as Steve hands out more towels to dry off.

"Isn't your outfit itchy?" Carol asks and Belladonna smiles with a broad smile. "Yes, it's so pleasant." She moans happily as she continues to dry her hair making Carol eye her funny before looking to Tommy who shakes his head.

"His moms room has a fireplace." The couple whisper before running to a room as Steve yells they'll clean the sheets. He looks absolutely pissed off and then looks to Bella his face heating up as he looks away from her intense gaze.

"I'll- I'll give you dry clothes." He insists leading the way as a chipper Belladonna follows. Walking up the stairs with her behind him had Steve having a cold chill run up his spine.

He felt like he was being watched by a predator.

It was just Belladonna.

They walk into his room and Belladonna looks around mesmerizing everything as Steve goes looking for clothes to give her.

The room strongly smelled of him, he had half nude woman on the walls. His bed looked soft which definitely made Belladonna intrigued as her bed was the usual hard slab.

She'd have to keep this in mind for when they got married that he liked soft gentle things rather then the harsh stuff she did.

"Um-" Steve says holding clothes out he'd been trying to get her attention awhile.

"Thank you Cara Mia." Belladonna says with a slight purr taking the clothes from his outstretched hand. He blushed again and stared her down as she lifted a brow.

If he wouldn't leave she would just change in front of him but he sadly caught the gist clearing his throat and leaving with apologies. Belladonna stripped off her shirt when she could have sworn she heard a distant camera click that had her pause on removing her bra.

With determined eyes she looked out into the woods with a glare but- whoever took the photo had ducked down.

"IM SORRY!" Steve suddenly yells making Belladonna whip around to se she had entered the room as she still wore her soaked pants and bra.

"It's quite alright Cara mia no need to freak out." Bella laughs as he goes to leave but stops glaring at her. He was tired of the unknown pet name he wanted to know it's meaning, he didn't like how his body physically reacted to it each time.

"What does Cara Mia mean? Like seriously I can't take it anymore just tell me." Steve's sighs with exasperation as Belladonna smiles as if it is no big deal.

"It's Italian it means my beloved." Bella explains it causally as Steve blinks trying to process the fact she was calling him that the entire time. "Uh- why are you..... why would you say that to me?" He asks cluelessly as Belladonna smiles at him adoringly like she always did. Except now he finally seemed to notice it.

"Since the moment I laid my eyes on you in that hallway I was bewitched by you." Belladonna says with a gentle smile as he stares at her with furrowed brows. "I just- I don't get you Addams." He sighs as Belladonna looks to think before nodding.

"I wish to kiss you again. If that is alright?" She asks and Steve looks at her like he gobsmacked but- he was still sad that Nancy dumped him for seemingly nothing. And Bella.... She looked good as he opened the door, he remembered the panic as he thought she drowned, and how her hands and lips had felt on him in the closet he wanted it again.

⚠️TW SEXUAL ACTIVITY SKIP AHEAD IF UNCOMFORTABLE⚠️

He didn't even answer as he leaned in and kissed Bella who hummed and pulled him flush against her by his jeans making him gasp in some surprise.

Steve's hands slowly slid from her cheeks down her body, he forgot she was shirtless and felt how warm her skin was despite the cold night air and pool incident.

Slowly he backs Belladonna up until she hits his mattress falling back on it with him on top of her. Bella's hands slide up into his hair and give a tug making him groan against her lips that had her panting more.

The pair kiss heatedly until finally Steve's lips trail to her neck making Bella arch against him and cause friction against his dick that makes him groan out loudly again.

He latched onto her neck leaving a hickey liek she had done to him earlier. Belladonna pleasantly mews against him she was absolutely ecstatic to have Steve Harrington all to herself.

At one point Steve tried to trail his lips down Bella's body but she shoves him off and he lands on his back making him blink slowly. Before he could apologize thinking he was pushing her too far Bella was straddling his waist and kissing him deeply again. Her lips trailing to his ear as he felt like complete mush beneath her.

"I want to make you feel good Cara Mia." She whispers her lips intentionally rubbing against the shell of his ear making him shiver pleasantly.

Her lips trail down his body leaving all sort of bites and marks on the way down. Even as she removed his jeans she left marks on his pelvic area.

Bella's lips trail to the top of his dick and Steve tenses as she toys with him a slight kick here and there intentionally teasing him. "Beg me." Belladonna whispers and Steve felt his cheeks flushed as he looked down at her.

She was already staring at him expectantly and Steve felt his body shake at the mere sight of her. "Please- belladonna-" before he could even finish she took his dick in her mouth deep throating it instantly making the boy groan out in shock and pleasure as she sucks him.

Steve felt his head go back before he stared at her, the sight of Bella doing this to him alone had him close and he actually felt his chest beginning to heave when she finally unlatched her mouth.

"Not yet mi amor.... I'm not finished with you yet." She whispers before kissing him deeply again making him grab at her clothes tossing them aside. He flips them over he would willingly return the favor.

Belladonna even let him take charge this time as she pleasantly smiles against his lips. His lips too leave mark and bites on the way down some even matching which Bella would say making him smile against her skin slightly.

When he kissed her inner thighs Belladonnas eyes could be seen flickering closed as he now teased her. He kept hovering not kicking or sucking where she wanted him most.

"Is this your form of torture mi amor? It's quite exquisite." Bella whispers lovingly as he smiles at her confidently. "You started it." He says before doing exactly as she had and not easing as he clamps down on her clit lapping at her folds.

Belladonna monk g from beneath him had Steve actually questioning his own sanity. How had he gotten here? With the mutant Belladonna of all people?

Worst of all- he was enjoying it.,... this was the best sex he ever had. Girls usually didn't come into him much or even speak. Bella was different as she tangled her fingers in his hair pulling him closer against her body as he continued to lick and suck at her folds.

As her legs began to shake slightly and her mains grew louder Steve sucked and licked faster and harder.

"Cara mia!" She moaned as she came all on his tongue and mouth.

Slowly Steve crawled up her body once again before kissing her deeply to have her taste herself in his tongue. Again she merely pleasantly moaned and pulled him more flush against her.

Steve's dick slowly brushed against her clit and Steve pulled away to ask one question.

"Are- are you'd urge you want to do this? If not it's ok-" before he could finish Belladonna with no warning pulled him full inside her and moaned as he gasped in shock and groaned out at the same time.

"Jesus...." He mutters and Belladonnas eyes practically roll to the back of her head at the phrase alone. "Yes- say his name such Cole actions." She pleasantly says while Steve just stares at her funny.

She was definitely a weirdo.

Steve slowly thrusts in and out as Belladonna maims his back with her nails. She was leaving no part of his body untouched.

As his pace grew faster Bella's moans grew louder, so she decided to kiss him again to muffle her own sounds. He gladly obliged and kissed her back with fever. His ti hue exploring every inch of her mouth as the girl could be felt unraveling around his dick.

Both grew close to cumming and- Steve knew he didn't mean it when he said but..... he wanted to say it in such an experience knowing it would bring her some joy.

As the girls legs began to shake again signaling the rise of her high Steve brought his lips to her ear she'll and whispers lowly intentionally. "Cum for me Cara mia." And that's all it took.

The pair finishing as Steve pants against her forehead and Belladonna looked dazed. Not because of sex but because of the nickname he called her.

⚠️ITS OVER⚠️

In that moment.... Whether he knew it or not Steve Harrington belonged to Belladonnas heart.

And he would break it.

Chapter Text

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When Belladonna awoke her body felt slightly stiff and so she stretched out and squinted against the light evading her eyes from the open window. Something was pinning her down and it's uncomfortableness made her sigh happily leaning into the body that made her overly warm.

Turning around to peak there was Steve Harrington sleeping sound fully and snoring lightly while clutching Bella close to him.

The pale girl smiles so big it looks psychotic as her heart hammered harder then usual even. He was hers. He called her Cara Mia. He cared for her and that made Bella's burning passion for him burn even more brutally.

She loved him. And she truly believed he must nearly love her after a nights Hared like that.

Bella looked at the time and sadly removed herself from Steve as she found her clothes from the night before. She didn't put them on, instead she stole one of Steve's shirts and pants hugging them to her and sniffing them. They smelled strongly of his familiar cologne and scent.

Bella changed and grabbed a sticky note from his desk writing a quick and short message basically telling him to call her when he awoke. That she needed to head home to get ready for school.

Bella sticks the note to his book bag and begins her long painful yet exciting walk home.

By the time she made it to the graveyard her feet had blissful blisters. Belladonna went straight to her room and grabbed a beautiful short plaid red dress for school. As she gets ready Morticia knocks and looks at her daughter with joy.

"Did you have fun?" Morticia asks while running a brush through her daughters hair. She had a knowing smile.

"Indeed. Steve and his girlfriend broke up, which gave me the chance to steal his heart." Belladonna brags as Morticia smiles even wider. "That's my girl. Was it painful for her?" She asks and her daughter nods and smiles even more.

"It was excruciating for her." Bella says with joy as her mother smiles and finally stops toying with her hair. "You should bring him here for dinner soon. We can have nail polish remover and frogs heart for dinner." Morticia says with a glint as her daughter immediately nods.

"Of course. I just hope he likes it...." Bella says softly as Morticia rubs her back staring back at her through the mirror. "If he doesn't that's okay. Love is love..... even if he is mundane if he makes you happy then- we will also get pizza." Morticia offers and Bella nods turns to face her mother in person.

"Thank you mother." She says before hugging the older Addams woman.

Bella and the other two children limbed into the bus like normal after breakfast. Belladonna looked so excited to get to school, she just wanted the chance to talk to Steve after what they'd done. Her heart just felt like it couldn't rest, funny how it went 17 years without beating yet now it wouldn't cease.

Bella waited for Barb in the parking lot like normal but- there was no sign of the nerdy girl which Bella found odd but shook it off. Steve and his clique didn't stand around in the lot either they were weirdly already inside.

There hadn't been any sign of Nancy yet either but that just made Belladonna feel smug. She hoped the girl was home and heart broken.

But she wasn't....

Belladonna walked into the school hallway her hair blocking her hickey being in a down do. Her eyes search like ones of a predator for that famous head of hair in the crowds but she still came up short.

With an annoyed huff Bella went to the rest room and went to go into a stall and right as she did she heard two voices enter.

One male and one female. Both familiar.

Steve and Nancy.

"Please Nance just listen okay?" Steve pleads as Nancy sighs but gives him a look to speak. Belladonna lifts her feet up so they are not visible, she wants to eavesdrop at what Steve would need to say to Nancy.

She can't see them but- she could hear every word.

"It was just a dare okay? She kissed me. There- is nothing going on between me and Belladonna Addams. Never will be. She's- she's a mutant.... A freak like Byers and Munson. I only even invited her last night because she's your friend. Plus I knew maybe Barb would want someone there to not feel like a third wheel." Steve rambles and Belladonna feels her eyes glaze over her chin clenching.

That heartbeat she felt in the hallway her first day, that had hammered all morning long repeatedly?

It stopped.

The emotions of pain and sadness slowly slipped from Belladonna face the glaze in her eyes gone.

"I saw how you looked at her. At the pool. Can you swear to me that- it really means nothing? And nothing happened after I left?" Nancy asks and- he didn't even hesitate to lie.

"I swear nothing happened okay. And nothing EVER will. Trust me Nance okay? Me and Belladonna? That's like..... you and Johnathan Byers okay? Never going to happen because we are on two different social levels. I love you and only you." Steve says with certainty as Belladonna slowly lowers her feet.

"Okay I believe you..... and I love you too." Nancy says with a small smile before pecking his lips. Before the two could insinuate a makeout Belladonna leaves her stall loudly before washing her hands.

She didn't look at them,

They looked at her.

Belladonna slowly dries her hands as they wait for something anything. But when she finally does face their direction it's as if she doesn't even see them. A dead look to her eyes as she passes by them like it's nothing.

As she entered the hallway Belladonna went straight to her history class.

With no emotion she walked to class before slowly sitting in her usual seat. She took her usual notes but- she felt so numb and cold. She could feel Robin glancing at her funny as usually Bella would greet her. But today- nothing.

Belladonna knew Steve had English. She knew she sat beside him so she specifically asked the teacher to switch seats. Of course she had to be put more in the front but somehow that felt better knowing she couldn't stare at him in agony.

He came late like usual except he didn't have any food, he didn't have anything he usually did. He looked pale and guilty. His eyes immediately went to look where Bella usually sits as he walks in but- some guy named Harry was there instead.

Steve's eyes immediately and quickly find Bella sat in the front corner farthest from him as her head is downcast taking diligent notes.

The entire period Bella could feel his gaze on her but right as the bell rang she sprung from her desk and left in a hurry. His calls could be heard behind her but Bella kept her quick pace until she was sat in her math class.

Johnathan wasn't there but if he had been even he would have been freaked out since she wouldn't have given him the usual greeting.

Math seemed to fly by and- it was time for lunch. Belladonna did not want to be cornered by either Steve or Nancy so- she didn't even go to lunch to eat. Instead she went to the chemistry class and drank chemicals for lunch.

Next was gym.... With Steve.

Belladonna wanted to skip but she planned to go to a high end college to get a job speaking with serial killers. Maybe as a therapist to hear all the gruesome details of the committed murders.

Bella didn't participate in gym due to the incident her first day but she still had to come and sit on the bleachers for attendance. Belladonna walked straight to the top bleacher and didn't look out at her peers as she pulled out a book and began to read.

Soon student filled the gym and there speaking filled the silence but Belladonna and already zoned out into her book. She could feel Steve glancing at her as Tommy talked animatedly about something Steve wasn't even listening to.

His sole focus was on Bella. Even when he wasn't looking at her he was thinking of her and how terrible he felt. He wanted to say sorry and some excuse but she was avoiding him and understandably.

"HEY BELLA!" Tommy yells and the girl stiffens and slowly looks up at him as he rushes over to the bleachers Steve slowly following.

"Cops are coming later. You going to tell about the party?" He asks as Steve glances between the two. He hadn't even thought of the possibility that she would tell the cops as a way of revenge on him and Nancy.

"No. I don't snitch to cops." Bella says simply before looking back at her book. Her tone had been cold and emotionless making Tommy look surprised he thought they all grew closer at the party. Yet she was giving them the cold shoulder for some reason.

"Something wrong Addams?" He asks with some genuine concern as the girl tightened her hold the book. ".......No." she says without glancing at them as Tommy looks to Steve but he stares at her waiting for her to flip on him or anything.

She couldn't even look at him.

"Uh- okay if you say so." Tommy says with a laugh before running back to play in gym as Steve stares at Belladonna trying to think of what to say.

"Look- Bella-...... I just wanted to say I'm sorry." He says with a look of guilt again.

Belladonna slowly looked at him, her face remaining impassive. "....... I don't need your pity Harrington." She says coldly before standing up and slamming her book closed. Screw the grade she'd make it up next year if she really fell behind.

Steve stood there a second his chest hurting as she referred to him as Harrington. It was cold and unusual as usually she said his name adoringly or called him Cara Mia..... she wouldn't call him or anyone that for a long time.

Bella went bounding down the bleachers and left the gym altogether before making her way to the photo lab.

Johnathan was inside the red room developing his film so Bella waited for him outside the class door. Nicole the ginger girl seemed to leave in a hurry heading to her next class's direction as Bella scrunched her nose but shrugged it off.

When Johnathan left the class he stared at Bella before blushing and looking away saying a meek hello.

"It was you last night taking photos right?" Belladonna asks knowingly as he gulps and tries to lie but she gives him a look. "I was looking for my brother." He says with a sad sigh as Bella slowly nods. "It's okay. I just wanted to see if you'd like me to model sometime. I have better lingerie at home as well as a better set up." Bella state's monotonous as he gulps and shakes his head.

"Oh well. Thought I might ask...... any signs of your brother?" Bella asks as the pair walk down the hall together. Johnathan shakes his head and Bella sucks her lips and nods slowly.

"I am truly sorry. I shall keep my eye out. Or if you'd like help after school I would gladly join you." Bella says with a smile as Johnathan slowly looks at her. He must have seen something so he agreed she could join him after school to search.

"I'd appreciate it." He says softly as Bella nods and smiles broadly, it felt nice to have plans. Barb didn't show up so that left her with no one at school that day given the circumstances.

Johnathan as Steve said was a freak like her. She wanted freak friends because- they seemed to be the only ones nice to her and being genuine.

The bell rings and Bella sighs and rubs Johnathans arm softly before turning away to go to the chemistry room. Before she can sit down the teacher tells her she's needed in the principals office. Now she knew it was probably for the cops.

Belladonna walks into the office to see Tommy, Carol, Steve, and Nancy there with one parent. But both of Belladonnas parents were there plus lurch since he drove them there.

It took one look at Bella Donna for her parents to see something had changed form that morning. Instantly they questioned her in Italian for privacy sake and she told them everything. Every grueling detail.

Her parents didn't react but she could see the anger in their eyes. Her father wanted to know which was Steve to glare and say something to him but Bella pleaded for him not to.

"Addams." The cop says calling her last name as her father and mother guided her forward.

The others were obviously gawking at her mothers scandalous clothes. And her parents strange appearance, Belladonna actually looked normal to them. And the butler lurch- he looked scary and made Carol and her mother shrivel up in fear.

"Come my poison flower." Her father says gently giving the other kids a dirty look before guiding her to the cops.

The talk with them was filled with questions on Barb..... she never made it home.

Belladonna usually routed for murder and death but- Barb? Barb was her friend surely there had to be a mistake. The news made Bella feel even more numb. She answered the cop's questions leaving out the alcohol like she told Tommy she would.

After that- she was back to needing to go to class.

Chemistry was a block period so she still had the other half of class. As she watched the presentation the class door opened and she hoped it was anyone but Steve.

Of course she was shit out of luck.

"Hey." He says softly and casual as if they were long time friends. He even smiled at Bella but she just looked away from him blankly. "Look- Bella seriously okay I'm sorry I'm a dick I just- I just say stuff without thinking. Plus I really do love nance okay I knew if she knew what happened she would never forgive me." Steve says with exasperation as Belladonna slowly looks at him.

"It is okay. You do not owe me anything. It is not like we were friends or lovers. We screwed. You took my virginity, and  it meant nothing for you. And since it meant nothing-..... we can go back to how we were before.... nothing." Belladonna states as the bell rings and she stands leaving him there staring after her.

He didn't know it had been her first time..... he felt like an even bigger jerk.

True to her word Belladonna met up with Johnathan after class and they walked to his car in the lot when she noticed a rather large group in the lot. Steve, Tommy, Carol, and that girl Nicole glared in there direction.

As Belladonna lifts her gaze to see them she catches eyes with Steve who looks annoyed seeing her.

Unbeknownst it was due to who she was with.

"Hey man." Steve says jumping off the car he sat on as he approaches Johnathan and Belladonna who both look confused and annoyed.

"Whats going on?" Johnathan asks looking at them as they smirk at him knowingly with slight disgust.

"Nicole here was telling us about your work." Steve says with an edge as Johnathan stiffens and glances at Belladonna. He knew she knew but he didn't think she'd want everyone seeing them.

The peanut gallery agree and Steve looks like a dick as he stares at Johnathan. Belladonna would have swooned before but- she felt dead inside now.

"We'd just love to take a look, as uh- connoisseurs of art." Steve says with a superior tone as Belladonna slowly crosses her arms.

"I don't know what your talking about." Johnathan says before grabbing Bella and trying to pass the group. This makes Steve's jaw clench and for him to grab Johnathan and Tommy grabs the bag from Johnathans hands.

Johnathan tries to grab it and begs for it back as Tommy throws it to  Steve catches it and opens it. "Oh man he is totally trembling he must have something to hide." Steve says as Belladonna scowls.

Steve pulls out a pile of photos and begins leading through them. Steve gives his friends the photos he's already checked as he looks for any evidence of him and Bella. He found it.

A picture of the two kissing in the wi Dow with Belladonnas top half nude it found. Steve looks furious as his eyes flick to Johnathan.

"Stop just give his stuff back." Belladonna spat as Carol laughs. "Are you sure about that? Your his lonely leading lady. He was probably saving this one for later." Carol says as Nancy walks up. A half nude photo of Belladonna in the window is shown but she's alone and looking at the camera.

"Just give it back. I saw the flash I knew he was there I don't care. I've even offered to pair for him personally so- nothing about this upsets me." Belladonna says while roughly snatching the photo.

Steve looked annoyed hearing the part of offering to model for the freak.

"What's going on?" Nancy asks confused as Carol tells her how Johnathan spies on them. Showing the scandalous photos of Bella to Nancy.

Nancy looks surprised but Bella didn't even look upset about it. Nancy wanted to say an apology for the morning but this kind of distracted her.

"See- you can tell all that he knows it was wrong but-... that's the thing about perverts. It's hardwired I to them they just can't- help themselves." Steve says before ripping the photo evidence of him and Bella to shreds.

"So we'll just have to take away his toy." Steve says while going to Johnathans camera. Belladonna immediately steps forward and pokes a solid finger into the boys chest.

"I'm warning you Harrington... if you do that-" Belladonna seethes but the boy just snorts and looks at her as if she was the one who had hurt him. "You'll what Addams? You'll hurt me..... you'll snitch?" He asks with an underlying meaning.

"I told you. I don't snitch. But- you will be dead me...... you..... and your friends. You will all be nothing but the dirt under my shoe until I graduate from here and move as far as possible away from the likes of you. You do not want to be on an Addams bad side Harrington." Bella seethes and it was a warning one he should have listened to but Steve simply snorted.

Tommy pushes Bella and Johnathan away as Steve holds the camera out now. "Hey hey hey- Tommy Tommy.... Let them go. It's okay." Steve says and for a second Belladonna wants to believe that Steve has seen the error of his ways.

"Here you go man." Steve says holding it out kindly.

Right as Johnathans about to touch it Steve drops the camera and the shattering of the lens make Bella slowly look down at the damage before up at him with a cold blank stare.

Belladonna steps up to Steve a little closer then necessary and for a second he finds himself staring at her lipstick coated lips. But-

Her hand slaps him square across the face with enough force his head turns to the side and his cheek already turns bright red. Slowly Steve looks at Belladonna in shock as she slowly turns away from him with disappointment as she bends down and grabs pieces of her friends camera.

Steve still stands there in shock and- so is everyone else. They all knew Belladonna had a crush on Steve she always made it so obvious but now.... It was like they were strangers and she never felt anything.

Steve shakes his head and leaves but- he still couldn't get that look she gave him out of his head.

And he'd be seeing it again soon.

Chapter Text

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That night when Belladonna got home after searching with Johnathan she didn't eat again. Instead she stood in her window leaning on its sill staring out at the night sky with glazed over eyes once again.

Barb was missing, Will Byers was missing, and Steve Harrington had ripped her heart out.

It all just felt like too much. Yes she always loved the poems of torturous love but- she didn't think it could feel like this. Addams love pain they crave it yet-..... Bella just wanted the ache in her chest to stop.

Her heart yearned to beat again but now it just felt dead inside, a former shell.

That night Bella didn't dream she tossed and turned and barely got any sleep. She had bags under her eyes and huffed before giving up on sleep altogether. Instead she left her room, left the house and stood outside staring out at the graveyard.

"Can't sleep?" Uncle Fester asks knowingly as Bella sighs and looks at him sadly. "......Do you ever get lonely uncle fester?" Belladonna asks sympathetically as her uncle shuffles to stand right beside his niece.

"Sometimes...... helps being around the family. Around my favorite Addams child." He nudges with a smile as Bella's lip quirks but it doesn't meet her eyes.

"This boy- he will know what he lost soon enough Belladonna I swear on satan to you. Nothing can beat the love of an Addams." Fester says with determination as Bella looks at her feet and shrugs.

"I don't think he will. He's a mundane human and I'm- ...a mutant.... A freak. He doesn't see me like that other girl uncle." Bella whispers and her uncle sighs and pats her back.

"Not yet. Who knows- maybe maybe someone else will come along. Your still young you have so much time." He assures as his niece slowly nods.

"Do you- do you think mother and father would allow me to have my betrothal ball next year for my birthday?" Bella asks as her uncle looks to nod slowly. It was an Addams tradition many years ago to hold a ball and invite all eligible bachelors to a young 18+ Addams girl's birthday.

Sometimes they'd get instantly engaged, others just made a list of suitors to fight for their attention and love. Others..... found true love.

"We haven't held one of those in a long time..... I'm sure Gomez would love the idea. You know him and love." uncle fester teases as Bella nods she knew too how good it felt. But this pain afterward? It felt almost unbearable and she just wanted it to stop. The ball usually took some planning anyway so the earlier they began the better.

"Your young Belladonna..... you'll find someone who loves you for you." Uncle fester says while gripping her hand tightly making the girl smile softly.

He leaves her there to stare out her amongst the graveyard longingly.

Love was excruciating. And not the good type of pain.

The rest of the night Belladonna had her usual pleasant nightmares before getting ready for school. Her siblings and her still treated funny by the kids on the bus. They acted like sitting near the Addams would make them weird like them.

Like another glorious plague to spread.

When the school parking lot came into view Belladonna walked right off the bus and strutted into school. With no Barb.... She had no one to distract her so she just wanted to go straight to class.

Stopping at her locker first someone eagerly calls her name making her furrow her brows and look. Nancy Wheeler.

She was breathless and stops in front of the pale girl looking weary and unsure. She didn't think she said anything hurtful about Bella in the bathroom it had all been Steve. But for Bella even seeing the wheeler girl hurt because it was a reminder of what happened.

"What do you want Wheeler?" Bella drawls in a bland cold voice and the human girl swallows harshly.

"I went to Steve's yesterday-" Nancy begins making Bella roll her eyes and scoff. "Figures." Belladonna whispers wanting to make a comment how he couldn't even wait for the bed to be cold of her presence before bringing the virgin into his house.

She knew Nancy was still a virgin because of her smell but that didn't mean they didn't possibly do other things.

"I went searching for signs of Barb." Nancy clarified making Belladonna side eye her a little curious. "Did you find something?" She asks with a bit more emotion making Nancy relax a little that she wasn't completely cold.

"I saw- I saw this...... look we were both friends with Barb and- maybe we didn't get along before but- we need to find her together. I saw........ a man....... Or a- a thing. In the woods. It had no face." Nancy whispers fearfully which her fear was delightful for Bella who smirks.

"So you believe she is dead." Belladonna says casually and Nancy gapes at her in horror. "I don't- I don't know I don't think so. It's just- I wanted to go looking for more signs today and- I was wondering if you'd come with me?" Nancy asks and Belladonna narrows her eyes and sighs in thought.

"I think- I know a better way to know if somethings out there." Bella says with a slow creeping smile that unsettles Nancy greatly but- a lead is a lead.

"Maybe..... someone else got evidence of this thing without trying. Someone- who was there..... in the woods that night. With his camera." Bella says with a smirk and Nancy looks at her with glee.

"Oh my- your a genius. LETS GO FIND HIM." Nancy immediately says grabbing Belladonnas wrist and dragging her down the hall.

Where they run into Steve Harrington himself.

"Where's the fire?" Tommy tresses as Carol scoffs. "More like where's the nerd parade." She laughs as Belladonna just stares at her feet. She didn't want to look at Steve.

He didn't deserve to see the light she once had in her eyes being missing.

"Where uh- where are you guys going in such a rush?" Steve asks with curiosity to both girls but- Belladonna didn't jump to answer him like normal. She couldn't even look at him and it was really starting to hurt his chest.

Nancy and him had gotten in a fight the day prior as well, she was worried for Barb and he was worried about his dad discovering the alcohol at the party.

"We uh- we are gonna go see barbs family. Thought maybe they'd appreciate some company." Nancy lies easily as the others nod looking unsure. They didn't want Nancy snitching any more details about the party. Steve's dad already gave him a hard time.

"Gone mute mutant?" Carol badgers Belladonna who surprisingly looks at her completely avoiding locking her eyes on Steve entirely.

"Actually I only speak when I'm speaking with people with at least an average IQ. Otherwise I lose brain cells trying to render their inability to hold mature conversation." Belladonna says blandly making Nancy snort and look away. Tommy and Carol look offended as Steve tries to capture her gaze.

He couldn't because she kept looking anywhere else.

"Well we better get going before a teacher catches us skipping." Nancy says before pulling Belladonna along once again. Bella allowed herself to be dragged and even made a weird moan noise as Nancy gave a more painful tug.

She loved the pain.

"First- let's go to my house. I have the picture of Barb by the pool." Nancy explains dragging the girl into her house. Belladonna scrunches her home at the mundane decor. At least Steve's house had a cold untouched vibe to it. This was just sickening.

Nancy grabs the photo and begins taping it together as Belladonna picks through her room with a snort. All the pink was making her nauseous.

Then- she found Nancy's diary.

Grabbing the small personal book Belladonna immediately begins to read Nancy's words. She had some joy seeing Steve and her had argued about the party since unlike Bella the girl had snitched.

She couldn't help but find it as instant and well deserved karma.

"Oh my god- Bella look at this- ARE HOU READING MY DIARY?" Nancy says with disbelief as Belladonna just stares at her and smiles broadly. "Yes. Mostly quite boring beside the juicy dark secrets." Bella teases as Nancy snatches the book and holds the photo up instead.

"Do you see the silhouette? We need- we need to find Johnathan and see if he can make it brighter or bigger somehow." Nancy states while hiding her diary under her bed.

"And where are we supposed to find him? He hasn't been to school." Bella states casually as Nancy looks a little unnerved.

"They found his brothers body last night. So- he's probably home with his mom." Nancy states as Bella nods slowly. She didn't know his brothers body had been found, it was a little sad knowing the pain he must be feeling but Bella was also intrigued on what had happened.

She loved murders.

Nancy drove them to Johnathans house and Belladonna sniffs the air before shaking her head as they approach his house. "He's not here right now." Bella states and Nancy gives her a weird look.

"How do you know?" She asks not believing the Addams girl who shrugs like it's self explanatory. "His virgin scent can be smelled briefly out.... Probably left not too long ago. Plus his cars not here." Belladonna stares casually as Nancy looks completely weirded out but knocks on the door anyway.

A commotion on the other side of the door ensues before Mrs Byers opens the door looking extremely disheveled.

"Hi uh- Nancy..... what uh..... what can I help you girls with." The woman asks looking a little surprised to see the girls there. She hoped it was someone with answers to why her son had a fake body in the morgue.

"We were actually looking for Johnathan. Oh and uh- this is Belladonna Addams she's new to town." Nancy explains as the pale girl smiles and sticks her hand out with lighting quick reflexes.

Mrs Byers shakes it and nods slowly. Something kind of felt off with the new girl but she didn't comment.

"He's actually out right now..... he went to the funeral home...... starting to make preparations." The woman says making Belladonna smile with some excitement.

She loved funerals. Especially the fresh smell of death and a freshly dug up grave.

"Okay we'll- we're just gonna go then we kind of wanted to see how he's doing. Sorry for your loss." Nancy whispers before spinning away and strutting to her car. Belladonna does a weird curtesy before following the mundane girl to her car.

"Told you he wasn't here. You virgins have a deliciously mouth water scent." Bella brags as Nancy makes a look of disgust. Surely the girl only noticed the car thing, who in their right mind could actually smell virgin blood?

As they arrive at the funeral home Nancy looks awkward as Belladonna looks to be staring at everything with a dazzling smile. She even picked up a book with all the names of past funeral and began look g through it pleasantly until the old woman funeral assistant snapped it out of her hands.

Belladonna then went to the coffins that were lined up and ran her hand on them before smelling them. Sadly they smelled fresh and h sued making her nose scrunch.

"Bella." Nancy groans as her and Johnathan had been saying awkward hellos until the funeral director asked they controlled their freaky friend.

Bella moves swiftly to them with a giant smile still smelling the air. "Johnathan." She greets unfazed by his sad look unlike his mother he believed that Will was dead. That that was his brothers body in the morgue.

"Bella. So- what are you guys doing here?" Johnathan finally asks and both girls share a look before pulling out the photo.

They find a hallway with chairs and sit while staring at the photo. "It looks like it could be some kind of perspective distortion, but I wasn't using the wide angel. I don't n ow what it is. It's weird." Johnathan states as Bella shakes her head with certainty.

"It's a person. Or a thing. I can tell it gives me the pleasant creepy shivers." She says dreamily as Nancy rolls her eyes tired of the strange girls psychotic behavior.

"And your sure you didn't see anyone else out there?" Nancy asks Johnathan ignoring Belladonna who doesn't even look remotely bothered by being ignored.

Truth be told she was also glad to be out of school at the moment. She would have class with Steve right now if she was there.

Being around Steve Harrington made her feel sick and she just wanted some time away from it.

"She was there one second and then... gone. I figured she bolted." Johnathan explains as Belladonna slowly takes the photo from them looking at Barb sat by the pool side.

"The cops think she ran away. But they don't know Barb. And I went back to Steve's.... And I thought I.... Saw something. Some. Weird man or- I don't know what it was." Nancy trails off making Belladonna roll her eyes at the dramatics.

Surely it wasn't that unsettling, although Belladonna was curious to see it for herself.

"We shouldn't have come here today. I'm... I'm so sorry." Nancy says packing her stuff up and
Waiting for Bella to follow who does so begrudgingly she didn't want to leave yet.

"What'd he look like?" Johnathan asks and Nancy stops dragging Bella away and looks back with interest. "What?" She asks and he pushes her to speak of the man in the woods.

"I don't know. It was almost like he... he didn't have a-..." Nancy starts to say and Johnathan finishes it. "Like he didn't have a face?" He says and Belladonna looks to think of something.

"How did you know that?" Nancy asks ast the same time Belladonna mutters. "I really hope it isn't cousin Jaundice." Bella casually mentions and both Johnathan and Nancy look at her funny.

"Why would it be your cousin? Does your family normally lurk in the woods or- never mind." Nancy began to ask but stopped short remembering who exactly she was speaking to.

Except it wasn't Jaundice Addams..... it was a real monster.

___________________________________

Belladonna separated from the pair after they started flirting unintentionally making her feel like a third wheel. Plus being trapped with them in a photo lab while they did this sounded like a type of torture even Belladonna Addams couldn't endure.

But Nancy promised to call early morning before the Byers funeral and tell the girl of their findings, mostly to see if it was this cousin Jaundice she spoke of or not.

"Where have you been my little poison flower?" Gomez asks perched in his living room chair with the newspaper in front of him and a cigar lazily dangling from his lips.

"Out with friends, there's a funeral tomorrow." Bella states making her father look to nod with excitement. All Addams loved funerals.

"But I meant why did you skip school?" He asks as if disappointed but it was all a facade he knew her grades were fine. He just worried for his eldest daughter who he knew was going through a rough time.

"Went to the funeral home, I'm friends with the copses brother." Bella says while sitting on the uncomfortable couch with a sigh of relief as her body went rigid from its discomfort.

"Ah a boy." He says with some distaste making Bella roll her eye with a knowing smile. "No need to worry father, he is just a friend...... besides- I was wondering if I could speak to you about a proposition." Belladonna states with a strained smile.

"Anything in the world you want I will get for you darling. Nothing is too much for my family." Gomez says with confidence.

"I would like to hold a betrothal ball on my 18th birthday." Bella states and his paper slams shut. "Except for that. Sweet heart don't you think maybe- maybe you should take a century break form the idea of love? This heartbreak it is strong and-" Gomez tries to make excuses as his daughter smiles fondly.

"Gomez." Morticia says with a knowing g tone appearing from the darkness. "But Cara Mia-." Gomez says to his wife completely unbothered by her arrival or eavesdropping.

"She's old enough." Morticia states moving to the couch with her daughter sitting straight and holding her hand gently.

"But- b- but..... oh ........ okay." Gomez agrees finally making Belladonna smile and hug them. "I promise father.... No instant engagements just- looking for a boyfriend. And they have to have your approval or they won't even get a chance with me." Bella assures and he nods and smiles slowly.

"My flowers all grown up." He whimpers about to cry making Morticia send Bella to her room with that fond knowing smile of Gomez's dramatics.

Belladonna entered her room and slowly laid down in her bed. She should be happy she was getting the betrothal ball after all.

But her heart began to ache once again....

It yearned for Steve Harrington.

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Belladonna paced by the old fashioned rotary phone that hung the wall. While staring at the creepy coo coo clock on the wall as she waited for Nancy to call with an update.

She was about to cuss the prim girl out and leave with her family to the funeral when the phone finally rang. Instantly Bella grabbed it and said her greetings. "Addams residence Belladonna speaking."

"Bella it's Nancy." Nancy says in a rush clearly remembering last second the promise she had made to call Belladonna.

"Johnathan definitely caught a photo of that-.... Thing. We plan after the funeral to hunt it down and find out where Barb is so bring clothes for the woods." Nancy says while Belladonna looks at the painful heels she's wearing. This outfit would do just fine, she loved the blisters these shoes gave.

"Alright..... and would the pair of you like to get weapons from my house? I have plenty to choose from." Bella offers sweetly making Nancy agree for after the funeral.

After that the girls hung up and Belladonna walked with her family to the new opened plot in the graveyard.

A lot of the towns people came to show their support meaning Steve was there with his parents but he didn't stray from them. He had to keep the image up of the perfect son.

Throughout the entire funeral he stared longingly at Belladonna waiting for her to even so much as glance his way.

But she didn't.

Instead her and her family spoke lowly of how the casket didn't smell right. It didn't reek of death. Belladonna didn't inform her family of what she truly planned to do that day but did tell them she was 'hanging out' with Nancy and Johnathan.

When the funeral finished up Bella led the two towards her house where her strange family awaited. Both Johnathan and Nancy looked freaked out at the large house. Nancy had seen it at night with Barb when they went to Steve's party.

But for some reason it was even more creepy looking in the sunlight.

"Welcome." Bella says warmly excited, this was the first time she'd ever brought friends over.

Willingly.

Johnathan and Nancy glance at each other funny when Lurch opens the door. Both gulping fearfully walking past him as Belladonna greeted him nonchalantly. "Alright I'll take you to my room you'll be safe there." Bella says casually making Nancy look freaked out.

"Safe from what?" She asks wearily when a bowling ball comes falling a mere foot away going through the wood floor missing its intended target.

Nancy.

"PUGSLEY!" Bella yells with annoyance but no surprise evident in her tone. Her brother comes down the stairs pouting.

"How could I miss?" He says dejectedly and Johnathan and Nancy can be heard gasping with surprise that it really had been intentional.

"Their friends no more trying to murder them." Bella says while grabbing the two teens wrists and rushing them to her room. Pugsley could be heard mumbling but Nancy just rushed to be pressed closer to Belladonna.

"Alright this is my room." Bella says while opening the door to let them enter first. Which both teens rushed to do a little scared someone else would try to kill them as well.

The teens looked at Bella's room gobsmacked.

She had prepared possible weapons that laid on her bed casually. Her torture device had also been freshly cleaned and dusted. She wanted to make a good first impression.

"You guys just- have these laying around." Nancy asks picking up a weapon that looked like a miniature crossbow.

"I picked out the best ones.... The ones that cause the most bodily harm." Belladonna says while picking up a weapon that has a spiky ball at the end of a small chain. She begins whirling it around expertly but Johnathan nicely asked to put it down which she did but she did look sad to do so.

"Do you have anything.... A little less dangerous for us to hold?" Nancy asks looking at some of the weapons she had never heard or seen of that looked dangerous to even have the user try to wield.

"I think we have a bat in the garage...." Belladonna states casually as Nancy nods enthusiastically.

"We used it for the Addams trial games." Belladonan states casually going for the bedroom door as Johnathan and Nancy look interested.

The Addams didn't seem like the type to play sports games.

"Your family likes baseball?" Johnathan asks kindly and Bella nods causally her back to them as she says a quick and easy, "Yeah we tie someone up and have a baseball throwing machine fire at us as we try and bat the ball at them to bludgeon them. Whoever gets the kill shot wins." Bella says as she opens and shuts the door leaving her two friends to stare after her mouth agape.

Julia goes into the garage and opens the garage door to let some unfortunate sun light in so she can see.

It takes awhile for Bella to dig through all the many strange things the family garage holds in order to find it but she does manage. Right as she grabs the bag she toylingly swings it before stopping last second nearly hitting Steve Harrington.

"That's not to use on me right?" Steve asks with a laugh but Belladonna doesn't even crack a smile as she rests the equipment on her shoulder.

"What are you doing here Harrington?" She asks in a cold detached tone that makes the boy flinch noticeably away. He was so used to her saying his name or Nick names of endearment.

He didn't like her calling him that.

"Look- I came by to say.... I'm sorry. Okay I'm an asshole and I totally deserve everything you say or do to me but....... Would it be crazy if I said I actually missed your- strange behavior." Steve says the last part in a soft needy tone that for a brief moment makes Bella want to forgive him. She almost felt her heartbeat again.

Instead it ached more.

"Crazy indeed. I don't know why you even came here Steve, you made it clear that you hate my mere presence.... Except when I'm itching a scratch you have." She says with lifted brows before eyeing his manhood then staring back into his eyes with a heated glare.

Truth be told Steve didn't know why having Belladonna accept his apology was so important but- it was.

He would do anything for her forgiveness.

"I'll do anything you want for you to forgive me." Steve says with certainty that made Bella lift a brow and for a smile like smirk to come to her face as she gave his body an up and down look.

"Anything?" She asks sweetly taking a step toward him and Steve felt his cheeks heat up at the longing stare she was giving him.

"Not anything that is technically cheating on Nance but- anything other than that..... yeah I'll do it." He says awkwardly knowing bring up Nancy probably wasn't smart but he didn't want to be labeled a cheater.

But Bella's smirk didn't even waiver as she shook her head with a look of pure excitement rotten all over her face.

"I want to tie you to my rack." She says boldly as Steve blinks processing the word of being tied up.

He couldn't help but wonder if it was some weird bdsm stuff and even worse.... He hated how it kind of thrilled him to hear her say it.

"Uh what's that?" He asks still blushing deeply as Belladonna takes another step forward like she was drawn to him. "It's a tool used to stretch people out.... Like back in medieval times." Belladonna says innocently and Steve wasn't exactly smart when it came to history.

He just thought it was something to help fix a stiff back.

"Oh- okay yeah that seems easy." He says with some surprise as Belladonna laughs lowly making him double think that.

Nothing about Bella was normal or easy.

"So uh- should we do it now?" He asks about to walk into her house but Bella stops him with a soft pout. "I can't right now since I have plans with Nancy and Johnathan but- if your free later tonight or tomorrow...." She asks softly and he nods slowly.

Johnathan..... she was hanging out with Johnathan again? And of course Nancy....

"W-what are you guys doing?" Steve asks trying to act nonchalant but Bella dimply shrugs easily telling the truth that no one would possibly believe especially Steve Harrington.

"Monster hunting." Bella says confidently making Steve blink and stare at her waiting for the truth but she adds nothing more not even a laugh or teasing look.... He couldn't tell if she was being serious.

"Riiight well um- I'll stop by later tonight then... which rooms yours?" He asks and Bella tells him with a soft blush wanting to form on her cheeks.

Climbing through someone's window late at night truly felt so romantic to the Addams girl.

"Steve what are you doing here?" Nancy asks subtly noting the close proximity that her boyfriend and close friend stand at nearly toe to toe.

"I'm kind of doing an apology tour at the moment." Steve laughs awkwardly looking at Bella with pleading eyes that go unnoticed by Nancy as the goth looking girl nods before turning on her heel to leave the pair alone.

Steve watched her walk away.... And for some reason talking with Nancy didn't feel like it used to.

___________________________________

The three teens walk through the woods to target practice with the gun Johnathan had supplied. Bella had a strange obsession with the as she kept sniffing it and rubbing it lovingly.

As the teens took turns Johnathan sucked, Bella was weirdly a little too good at shooting it and Nancy was surprisingly a great shot as well.

"You should use it your better than me." Nancy explains holding the gun out to Bella who waves a dismissive hand. "No thanks I prefer close contact weapons, usually means more blood splatter." She shrugs nonchalantly as Nancy and Johnathan look freaked out but continue to brush it off as all talk.

They were truly beginning to think Bella was mentally unstable but- they still liked her hidden kindness so they ignored it.

Instead she holds a creepy medieval sword and walk brazenly ahead of the two behind her who begin to talk about normal stuff.

Until things that probably should have stayed unsaid were brought up making even Bella tense as Johnathan knew something that Nancy didn't.

"You never said what we were saying." Nancy says to Johnathan who looks confused. "What?" He asks but it somewhat dawns on him what she might mean and he hopes he's wrong.

"The other day. You said that we were saying something and that's why you took our pictures." Nancy says while turning to face Johnathan who can be felt glancing at Bella but she ignores it and just prays to Satan that he doesn't say what he truthfully saw that night.

"Oh uh... I don't know. My guess.... I saw this girl you know trying to be someone else but for that moment... it was like you were alone in the pool and like you could be yourself because no one was looking at you." Johnathan explains and Bella feel hers heart pull she could definitely see he was the tortured artist poet type.

"That is such bullshit." Nancy says at the same time that Bella says a delighted, "That's beautiful."

"W-what?" Johnathan asks offended by Nancy's criticism but blushes at Bellasonnas words of praise. "I am not trying to be someone else. Just because I'm dating Steve and you don't like him-" Nancy begins to rant making Johnathan actually pass even Bella trying get away from her as he now looks annoyed.

"You know what forget it. I just thought it was a good picture." Johnathan says bitterly making Nancy shake her head and chase after him so now Bella slowly follows them looking a little uneasy.

"And what did you see in Bella's photo huh?" Nancy spat making Johnathan stop briefly to look at the pale girl who shakes her head.

"Just- a girl having fun." He says with a clear lie in his voice that makes Nancy scoff and shake her head as if amused.

"See you just spout nonsense and bullshit. Steve is actually a good guy." Nancy says with certainty once again missing the knowing look Johnathan yet again throws Bella who glares at him in warning...

"Okay." Johnathan says still clearly lying which makes Nancy grow even more agitated by the minute.

"Yesterday with the camera... he's not like that at all. He was just being protective." Nancy says like it's no big deal but Johnathan doesn't even look at Bella this time but his jaw tenses and it looks like he fights to not look at her.

"Yeah that's one word for it." He says instead walking away once again but Nancy couldn't seem to just drop it.

"So I guess what you did was okay?" Nancy asks with annoyance that makes Bella roll her eyes getting fed up with their bickering. "The worst photos were of me and I don't really care so can't we just drop all this?" Bella spat as Nancy ignores her entirely.

Johnathan stiffens guiltily knowing what he had down was wrong but Bella had been pretty unconcerned with the whole situation. She had even offered to model for him again in the future.

"I never said that what I did was okay..." Johnathan says walking away again and as Nancy once again tries to say how good Steve is Johnathan finally seemed to have enough.

"He had every right to be pissed-" Nancy begins to say and Johnathan interrupts her just trying to get to stop campaigning Steve to him.

"Okay all right does that mean I have to like him?" Johnathan asks whirling around to confront Nancy face to face. She even looks taken back by the sudden personality change.

Bella could be spotted licking her own lips with appreciation and surprise.

"No." Nancy says with apprehension making Johnathan continue much to Bella's delight. "Listen don't take it so personally okay? I don't like most people. He's in the vast majority." Johnathan explains and to Bella it's very rational she even says as much.

"So poetic Johnathan honestly had I met you before Steve maybe-" Bella teases with suggestion but truth be told it probably still would have been Steve.

It was something in his cold surprisingly lonely eyes that had dragged her in. Plus his tone he had used in the hallway her very first day.

Steve Harrington had layers to him that Bella really wanted to discover herself.... And maybe if he did commit to being tied to her rack she could forgive him and get back to trying to figure him out.

Nancy gives Bella a jealous look that makes the black haired girl raise her hands in mock surrender before toying with her medieval swords jewels.

Although Bella was trying refrain from asking which Nancy was more jealous of Johnathan or Steve.

The air really felt tense with a strong sexual chemistry type of energy.

It made Bella smirk with amusement but that went unnoticed by the two teens who went back to their pointless bickering,

"You know I was actually starting to think you were okay." Nancy says like it's an insult and Johnathan stops her again.

"If we keep stopping like this we will never kill the monster and-" Bella begins to say but the two just keep at it making her sigh and walk ahead through the leaves her in her high heels that were leaving painfully great blisters.

"Yeah?" Johnathan asks making Nancy continue. "Yeah. Yeah I was thinking, Johnathan Byers, maybe he's not the pretentious creep everyone says he is." Nancy says while following Belladonna not wanting to lose sight of her friend.

"Well I was just starting to think you were okay." Johnathan says repeating Nancy's words back and it clearly had more of an effect on her than it had him.

"I was thinking Nancy Wheeler, she's not just another suburban girl who thinks she's rebelling by doing exactly what every other suburban girl does... until that phase passes and they marry some boring one time jock that has more feelings for her friend than he does her but doesn't publicallh act on it because her friend isn't considered to be socially acceptable. With same said jock who now works sales and they live out a perfectly boring little life at the end of a culdesac. Exactly like their parents who they thought were so depressing, but now her, they get it." Johnathan scoffs at the end but stops facing Bella and Nancy one last time.

"Another thing I saw in one of your photos was jealousy.... Why don't you ask Bella what Steve was really protecting from being seen on those photos." Johnathan says with a huff before trudging forward.

Bella had been in awe until the last part, now she looks stiff and weary as Nancy slowly turns to her curious.

"What is he talking about?" She asks softly and unsure but one look at Bella... she felt like deep down she knew. Her mind racing back to Steve saying he was apologizing to Bella, how cold Bella had been to the pair of them after the party especially Steve who she acted lovey dovey with the night prior even as Nancy was leaving.

"Bella.... Did you and Steve.... You did." She states with a pained look that Bella actually felt bad about usually she wouldn't.

Maybe this is what it felt like to have real friends.

"I am deeply sorry Nancy. If it makes you feel any better he treated me like a piece of gum on his shoe the following day. And not in the good way." Bella admits making Nancy shake her head slowly.

"Is it bad.... That I'm not surprised. It hurts don't get me wrong but- I don't know with Barb missing Steve and regular high school stuff feels like pointless bullshit." Nancy says while the two walk the direction Johnathan left in.

"I'm still sorry" Bella says softly as Nancy nods slowly and after that they just walked in silence.

Things could only get better and less dramatic.... right?

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It was now pitch black outside.

Belladonna happily walks through the creepy woods with a pep in her step as Johnathan and Nancy trail behind her nervously.

It was funny how there seemed to be a lack in any sort of animal or insect noises almost as if they sensed a predator amongst their group...

In fact the teens hadn't so much as spoken since the earlier conflict so it was almost eerie how long they had been surrounded by the tense silence.

Them a pained whimper is heard from somewhere around them and Belladonna excitedly goes bee lineing for it as Nancy tries to decipher what it is she was even hearing.

"What are you tired?" Johnathan asks keeping an eye on Bella who is still walking away from them.

"BELLA WAIT!" Johnathan yells impatiently after the strange girl not wanting to leave Nancy by herself.

"Shut up...I heard something." Nancy says before her eyes follow Bella who is going towards the weird noise.

"Come on." Nancy says in a right panic running after the dark haired beauty who seems to have too much of a pep in her step.

They actually almost lost sight of Belladonna but when they do find her she is crouched over an injured deer with her back to them. Unbeknownst to them she wears a smile close to a psychotic serial killers.

"Oh god." Nancy says with both disgust and distaste as Bella nods appreciatively.

Even Johnathan sighs with sadness as he and Nancy sit beside Bella her hair perfectly blocking her face from them.

"It's been hit by a car. Its suffering..." Nancy says with with a sad look to Johnathan that turns to one of fear as Belladonna finally speaks for the first time in hours.

"I know.... Isn't it beautiful I'm so jealous." The girl says with a slight pout now as both of her friends slowly turn to her maybe expecting her to be joking or something but they could tell she was serious.

Nancy and Johnathan slowly turn to each other shaking their heads to brush off her strange comments but it definitely had them a bit on edge despite knowing she'd never do anything to them.

Nancy pulls out the pistol to end the deers pain and Bella watches as Johnathan holds a hand out offering to do it. "I'll do it." He assures Nancy who looks unsure.

"I thought you said-" Nancy begins to say but the boy cuts her off before she could share whatever private story he had told her.

"I'm not nine anymore." He says while taking the gun and looking unsure of doing it as Bella holds her hand out wiggling her fingers for the gun.

"I can do it. I've been killing animals since I was a child.... Completely normal for us Addams it helps with our future endeavors." Bella says it sweetly but again it's something so insane it makes her friends sigh and shake their heads at her antics and words.

"Unless you'd rather I bludgeon it.... Prolong its pain just a little longer." Bella says dreamily and that's when Nancy finally gives her a look to stop speaking.

They soon stand up leaving an annoyed Belladonna to follow suit crossing her arms and pouting as if throwing a tantrum.

Johnathan noticeably hesitates making Bella grumble more and more to herself.

After too long a wait Belladonna tightens her hold on her spiked weapon and steps forward to start beating the creature in the head for a slow mercy. Before Nancy or Johnathan could voice their comments to try and stop the girl the body is suddenly ripped away making two of three teens jump.

"What was that?" Nancy asks softly as she pants from the fright.

"Let's find out." Belladonna says with hidden excitement following the blood trail as her two friends follow staying closer than ever before.

"Where'd it go?" Nancy asks as the blood trail disappears. Johnathan walks one direction and Nancy is about to walk another way when she notices Belladonna smelling and walking in a straight line towards something.

Belladonna leads the pair to a tree that makes a dripping sound, Nancy uses her flash light to look at it. Bella had turned down carrying one.... Nancy nearly asked her if she had night vision but that felt ridiculous.

Belladonna just had really strong instincts and good senses.

A low threatening growl can be heard coming from the tree and the Addams girl did not hesitate to approach the strange tree. And as she slowly disappeared Nancy couldn't believe her eyes because Bella was seemingly gone after entering....

So she followed suit.

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As the two girls now stand in a strange place that looks similar to the one they left behind they hear what sounds like a gnawing sound. Belladonna doesn't even hesitate to take the lead as she guides the two of them towards the noise.

The closer they get to the sounds Nancy clasps her her hand on Bella's arm digging her nails in unintentionally.

She nearly released the Addams girl when she made a strange aroused noise due to the action but Nancy's fear was stronger than for the unknown location and noises.

Nancy bumped into Belladonna as the pale girl seemingly stopped out of no where her eyes wide and unblinking at something unseen ahead of them.

The flash light flickers as Nancy turns it on.

Slowly she lifts the flickering beam until lands on what Belladonna had been staring at.... A creature on all fours devouring the deer they had just tried to mercy kill.

Nancy slowly pulls on Bella's arm to get her to follow and leave.

She didn't want the creature spotting them and eating them.

Belladonna followed slowly keeping her wide eyed gaze on the monster. She wasn't afraid... well not so much for herself but Nancy.

And she also felt sad wondering if Barb had met a similar gruesome fate as this deer with same carnivorous creature.

As the two girls retreat Nancy accidentally steps on a twig making a creaking sound that immediately makes the monster turn around and bellow out a roar.

Nancy lets out a terrified scream that captures Johnathan's attention on the other side in the normal realm of Hawkins forest.

Both girls take off running from the direction they had come from. Bella's heart deliciously raced from the terror that she could pleasantly sense coming from Nancy. But her own heart also raced at the feeling of possibly perishing a painful death.... It definitely would be a beautiful way to die in Bella's opinion but she needed to avenge Barb before she wanted to die.

Nancy follows Bella who now drags her painfully by the wrist while sniffing the air. She almost looked like a blood hound with a scent... a scent for dried deer blood that had led them there.

The entire time they run Nancy screams for Johnathan and Johnathan does the same back for the girl.

Bella continues used to lead the way until they were finally back at the tree portal. She begins shoving Nancy into the hole as her eyes look around herself frantically for the monster that hunts them.

Bella pushes as Johnathan pulls the Wheeler girl through the portal. Once Nancy was fully through it was Bella's turn and both her friends ya know her through and she collapses down on the forest floor. Nancy soon lays beside her panting hard from running.

Bella didn't even seem remotely winded.

Nancy starts uncontrollably sobbing as Bella stares up at the night sky with focus. Johnathan consoles Nancy and he flicks his eyes occasionally to Bella but she doesn't move so much as an inch.

Belladonna slowly sits up after awhile brushing herself off with an annoyed huff.

She had her weapon in hand now and slowly began to walk away. Her friends scampering to follow her as she guides them towards her house.

"You guys can stay the night if you want? Nothing gets past an Addams let alone all of us." Bella assures casually and for once.... The two normal teens were grateful to be surrounded by Bella's peculiar family.

Bella showered first in her attached restroom before Nancy followed suit.

Bella slowly sat on her bed beside Johnathan who  slowly looks at her looking uneasy. As he asks her to retell what had happened in the woods the girl pleasantly does so while using very descriptive words of what she considered to be a both enthralling and terrifying scene.

Johnathan more terrified as Bella was more enthralled by it.

Johnathan over come with emotions hugs the strange girl who goes stiff before slowly hugging back.

Unbeknownst to the pair Steve Harrington watches from the window with a look of hurt and confusion.

He had come for Belladonna to use the rack on him like she wanted and he found her with Johnathan Byers? It was confusing because Steve didn't know why it hurt to see her in such an embrace with a different boy. It made him feel.... A twinge of anger yet sadness.

Feeling watched Bella pulls away from Johnathan and looks at her window but nothing is there now making her eye brows furrow but she brushes it off.

And an angry Steve Harrington goes back to his car driving to Tommy and Carole who had invited him out but he had lied saying he was going to see Nancy.

"I shall take the rack and you too can share my bed." Belladonna says casually as she walks to her torture device with a pep to her step as Nancy and Johnathan stare at her like she's gone utterly insane.

"You can't sleep on that thing.... We can take the floor Bella." Nancy tries to offer but the pale girl waves a hand looking at them with a giant smile of excitement.

"I've been waiting to break it in anyway. I just need help putting the straps on and- if one of you could tighten it two notches that would be fantastic." Belladonna says while getting on the rack and waiting excitedly for one of them to do it.

Nancy decides to do it since it seems to be a weird pleasurable thing for Belladonna and Johnathan didn't feel comfortable doing it.

As Nancy puts the straps on Bella's wrists the girls demands the wheeler girl to put them on so tight that they will definitely leave strange marks on her wrists.

And when Nancy slowly turns the wheel that stretches the person out Belladonna lets out a sigh of contempt as the machine stretches her out painfully.

"Goodnight.... Don't let the bed bugs bite." Bella says casually before closing her eyes but both Johnathan and Nancy look at the bed uncertain before slowly climbing inside it.

After the night they had bed bugs was on the bottom of their worries anyway.

And that's how the trio slept.

One enjoying the nightmares as the other two toss and turn fearfully. Nancy hadn't even slept much but when she did all she could do was picture that monster over and over again.

Having left her book bag there the night before she pulls out homework getting it done ahead of time.

Bella wakes up next and lets out an appreciative noise as she stretches against the racks restraints.

"Want me to let you out? Your wrists are rubbed raw." Nancy says with a now knowing tone since Bella seemed to like these weird things and she wasn't wrong as Bella shakes her head and moves her arms around making the leather binds rub at her wrists even more.

Johnathan was the last to wake up and by the time he did Belladonna begrudgingly was free and fetching breakfast.

She had options just in case the two didn't like what she was bringing. Admittedly she had made her family buy some regular people food for in case Steve had wanted to come over.... That was before what had happened between them though.

As Bella enters the room with a tray she stops in her tracks before smiling devilishly at her friends who appear close and don't notice her presence.

"Should I leave you two to consummate?" She asks coyly making the pair pull apart with blushing faces and avoiding eye contact.

The Addams girl didn't mean to intentionally cock block.

"Now- I have bear liver oatmeal, or pancakes take your pick." Bella says casually and both teens grab the regular pancakes noses scrunched at the awful smelling oatmeal. Bella doesn't take any offense and happily eats all the oatmeal herself even licking the spoon she enjoyed it so much.

"We're gonna kill that thing Bella." Nancy says with determination as they eat and Bella raises her eyebrows but nods with agreement.

"We shall make its death slow and painful.... Maybe...... we should burn it alive." Belladonna offers and Nancy slowly nods.

"That could work.... But how would we stop it from attacking us first?" She asks the question aloud and Johnathan looks tk have an idea that makes Belladonna shiver from the pleasurable word alone.

"We set a trap. Something that keeps it from running." He says with certainty and Belladonna tries to suppress her excitement but miserably fails as she jumps to her feet clapping her hands together as she goes to her closet for a change in attire.

" I know just the place to get the supplies we will need." She informs and the teens make a plan....

But something or more like someone was going to slow them down.

Steve Harrington.

Chapter Text

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Belladonna looked like a kid in a candy shop as she bounces on the balls of her feet with excitement as she moves through the stores aisles grabbing random weapons.

She even grabbed a throwing axe which Nancy told her to put back making the pale girl pout. It actually made Nancy laugh at the girls weird antics but-..... she also started to see what Barb had seen in the Addams girl.

Yes she was weird.

Yes she was scary.

But she was also being so helpful, she was protective, and she had good intentions just and execution at times.

"Guys come look." Bella says excitedly holding up a betray that was made of pure metal or steel. If had to weigh a ton but Bella holds it up effortlessly with a giant beaming smile.

And this one was actually approved.... Compared to the many she had been turned down.

Bella excitedly places it on the counter following the rest of their supplies and the shop owner even struggled to pick the damn thing up and it made him look at Bella with a freaked out expression since she hadn't batted an eye.

"And I'll have four boxes of the .38's." Johnathan says nervously as the guy behind the counter looks at them funny.

"What are you kids doing with this stuff anyways?" He asks and without missing a beat Belladonna answers truthfully as her friends looked at each to her trying to think of a lie.

"Monster hunting." The girl says while biting her lip still trying and failing to hide her excitement.

The shop owner looks at her with a scrunched nose before shrugging a profit was a profit. He just scoffed at her answer and continued to ring up their items.

The three teens leave the store with their arms full Johnathan and Nancy were laughing at Belladonna saying they were monster hunting. They found it more amusing than she did because in her eyes that's what they were doing and she had just merely been truthful.

"You know last week... I was shopping for a new top I thought Steve might like. It took Barb, and I all weekend. It seemed like life or death you know? And.... And now..." Nancy trails off not wanting to say something offensive.

"You're shopping for bear traps with Johnathan Byers and Belladonna Addams?" Johnathan interrupts knowingly but he too was amused.

Belladonna smiles fondly at the two, the previous nights events really brought them all closer especially Nancy and Johnathan.

"Yeah..." Nancy says in disbelief as Johnathan still jokes with her. "What's the weirdest part? Me or the bear traps?" He asks and Nancy immediately cracks a smile.

"You. It's definitely you." Nancy says and Bella could see something blossoming between the two and admittedly her mind thought of Steve.

She wasn't worried about his feelings on Nancy and Johnathan or of Nancy breaking up with him  and breaking his heart. No.... She selfishly began to wonder if Nancy did dump him if he would ever consider dating Belladonna.

As Belladonna thinks deeply about this a random car honks pulling all three teens to look at two boys from their school who smirk and give belladonna a weird look up and down her body.

"Hey mutant!" That let Bella know they were definitely talking about her since that was the mean nickname Steve and his friends had given her. Clearly the mean name had started traveling around school and encouraged others to use it.

"Can't wait to see your movie." One of the boys says and Belladonna feels herself looking even more confused. At first she was confused why these boys she's never met before were talking to her and now they were saying something about her having a movie?

"What the hell was that?" Johnathan asks also confused as Nancy looks both confused and weary. "I don't know." Nancy says before looking at Bella who still looks surprised.

With an idea coming to mind she starts her way to the theater not sure what she could possibly see there.

The pale girl leads the way as her two friends try and keep up with her purposeful strides.

Belladonna feels herself go numb as she crossses the intersection of cars not even looking if anything was coming and could possibly hit her. Instead her stoic gaze is locked on the movie theater sign.

All the right moves starring Bella the slut Addams.

Bella usually wouldn't care about such things considering she's been bullied at other schools before. But something about this made her feel more grave than normal and not in the good way.

"Jesus." Johnathan says as Nancy sighs shaking her head in disbelief at the sign.

"Bella..." Nancy says before trailing off unsure what to say to the girl who looks almost scary with how she shows no emotion at all.

A spray can is heard hissing followed by Tommy's immature laughter and instantly Belladonna starts striding in the direction with a cold harsh glare on her face ready to pummel the boy.

"Wait guys..." Johnathan calls for the two girls who leave him.

"Tommy, you write like a three year old." Carol can be heard saying in the alleyway and the entire time Belladonna is praying to Satan that- he's not there.

Of course her pleas to Satan are unheard as she rounds the corner and spots not only Tommy, Carol and Nicole but- Steve.

"Shut up!" Tommy says to Carol as Nicole starts hounding on him about how she didn't know he could even spell trying to impress Steve who stands amongst them silently.

Before Nancy can try and stop Bella the girl begins to storm forward with nothing less of pure malice in her eyes. They are set on Steve who hasn't noticed her quite yet and she feels her fists balling up at her sides hoping he had just been peer pressured again.... That he didn't actively do this to her....

Her heart wouldn't be able to take it...

"Aw hey there mutant!" Carol calls with a sneer as Tommy stops spraying the paint and mocks fear at the sight of Bella although... maybe he truly did fear her a bit. And for good reason.

"Uh oh she looks upset." He says with a chuckle as Belladonna stands toe to toe with Steve who glares back at her like she is the one who had wronged him.

Nancy looks to her boyfriend uneasily and with annoyance. She was beginning to wonder if dating him was really worth it anymore considering the signs she had been seeing and ignoring.

Belladonna stares at Steve for any signs of guilt like when he and Tommy had locked her in the staircase her first day. That would let her know if he intended for this or not, but as she looks at him for any sign of it she's stiller with a cold dejected glare.

He didn't care that his friends were being mean to her.....

Belladonnas heart had previously stopped beating for Steve the moment she heard him say he loved Nancy in the bathroom. But now..... she felt a pain much deeper....

It felt like her heart was being stabbed over and over again and she had to fight back tears. For a second Steve saw them and he actually looked upset but he immediately blinked and washed his face of any emotion other than anger once again.

Bella lifts her hand and smacks him across the face with full force making his head whip to the side as the sound rings out.

His little cheer section lets out noises of shock and they even flinch since belladonna was a scary girl.

"You just gonna let her hit your man like that Wheeler?" Tommy asks with surprise but Nancy doesn't even spare him a glance as she too glares at Steve.

"What is wrong with you?" Belladonna asks still wanting answers on why he did this. Why did he think this was justified?

"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you? I was worried about you.... I can't believe that I was actually worried about you." He scoffs remembering how when he first tried coming over last night she hadn't been home and it was already late.

When he spotted her with Johnathan it was nearly two a.m.

"What are you talking about?" Bella asks softly in a slightly dejected tone. Yes she knew sometimes she didn't think like others.... But she really couldn't understand what he was even speaking about.

"I wouldn't lie if I were you. You don't want to be known as the lying slut now do you?" Carol asks and Belladonna looks at her with a scoff giving her an up and down look as if to say it was funny for her to be slit shaming of all people.

But Bella couldn't think of anything she had done to be called such a rude name.

"Speak of the devil." Tommy says looking at someone behind Bella making her turn to face Johnathan before looking at her peers for something that slowly seems to be dawning on her.

"You came by last night?" Bella asks finally remembering she had invited the boy to use her rack in but she had forgotten due to the nights long events.

"Ding ding ding does she get a prize?" Carol asks making Belladonna do a fake out longer at her which made the red head flinch anyway.

"Look- I don't know what you think you saw last night but it wanna like that..... even if it was..... you don't have any right to be upset." Bella says with a relaxing posture.

He was jealous.

It made her heart want to beat again but it was strained since she also knew he was the one that had allowed or even influenced his friends to do the paint at the theater.

"What you just let him into your room to what... use your rack?" He asks and of course the others took rack to mean boobs since they all were academically challenged so they made hooting laughs as Bella narrows her eyes at Steve trying to keep her composure but-....

He looked like he loathed her and not in the good way.

"Or for another pervy photo session." Tommy laughs while putting his arm around Carol so Bella wouldn't try and scare her again.

"We were just-" Bella goes to say the truth but Steve cuts her off being impatient for an answer.

"You weee just what? Finish that sentence." Steve interrupts before stepping toward Belladonna and looming over her. And Bella felt her face wanting to flush at the close proximity, if his words weren't cold and actually held some passion she would have probably already tried to kiss him.

"Finish the sentence." Steve says and Bella stares into his eyes long and hard.... She felt conflicted because she could easily see the pain and hurt that no one else did not even his won friends.

But-...... he tried and was actively trying to hurt hers right now.

And he didn't even have the right.... He was the one that had pushed her away after their night together to resume things with Nancy. Well more so she she gave him space he hadn't seemed to want to have despite his own actions.

As Bella fights a war in her head debating on whether she should intentionally hurt Steve or not he grows tired of her lack in answers and scoffs.

"Go to hell Bella." He says lowly stepping away from her and Belladonna feels whatever love she still held for Steve in her heart shrivel up bitterly.

Yes going to hell would be a pleasurable thing for her, but she knew that's not how he meant it. He was still trying to hurt her..... she allowed him to do things she never would have allowed before.

He had hurt her more than any past bullies in her old town and she had willingly let him thinking he had a lonely type of passion hidden in his eyes waiting to be released by her. But he proved that-.... He would never see her as an equal like his peers.

They probably didn't even know why Steve was so mad about her and Johnathan possibly hooking up.

So- she would only make it fair.

"I didn't sleep with him.... I didn't kiss him or do anything with him. Nancy was there the entire time last night because we were all just having a get together.... But you assumed. You assumed and you have once again hurt me Cara Mia.... And it's because I keep letting you......" Belladonna's brown eyes immediately fill with tears as the word Cara Mia comes out choked up from pure emotion. And Steve looked at her with concern as her tears fell freely and the pain was evident in her voice.

But she wasn't done.

"You're the one who didn't want me not the other way around. I have loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you in that hallway on my first day..... but you showed and told me time and time again that you never wanted me that same way I wanted you. Even after we made love you made sure to let others know how.... Ludicrous it was for us to ever possibly be together...... so you don't get to be jealous even if I did want to be with someone else." Belladonna reveals that they slept together and immediately his friends make noises of surprise and begin to say things to him but he doesn't even glance at them as he continues to stare at Belladonna with unease wondering if he really had over reacted over nothing.

But- he knew what he saw.

"Come on Belladonna let's just leave." Johnathan says while grabbing Bella's arm to guide her away.

Steve glances at the hand his jaw clenching before his eyes look at Nancy realizing she now also knew the truth but she didn't look shocked she simply shook her head with disappointment as she turned to leave too.

Johnathan places his arm around Bella's shoulders to both lead and comfort the girl who is crying softly.

But that's the final straw for Steve witnessing the Byers boy putting his full arm around Belladonna so casually.

"You know what's Byers? I'm actually kind of impressed. I always took you for a queer but I guess you're just a little screw up like your father." Steve says while pushing at Johnathan to push him subtly away from Belladonna who looks to bite her lip and squeeze her fists at her sides to refrain from punching the boy she once loved.

"Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah that house is full of screw ups. You know I guess I shouldn't really be surprised. A bunch of screw ups in your family. I seen your mom..." Steve continues to rant and Johnathan freezes as both Bella and Nancy try and get him to leave it and ignore the boys harsh words.

"I'm not even surprised what happened to your brother. I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you, but the Byers their family it's a disgrace to the entire- " Steve continues to physically push Johnathan as he says all this and finally Johnathan has had enough and turns around punching Steve.

As the two boys fight Belladonna sighs with defeat as she watches the inevitable battle that had been brewing for awhile now as Nancy yells for them to stop.

Johnathan seems to just start wailing on Steve at some point and at one point despite everything Bella actually fears for Steve and pulls Johnathan off a lot easier than anyone else who had tried.

The boy is ripped from her arms by two cops as Tommy, Carol, Nicole and Steve run away.

"You kids are coming with us down to the station." One of the officers says and Bella didn't feel the excitement she usually would have felt. Instead she slowly turns around once again making eye contact with Steve who stares at her with a bloodied face and a pained expression.

But his pain wasn't just physically.... Emotionally and mentally too.

After hearing what she had to say he finally looked a little guilty and the old Belladonna would have swooned over his wounds. The old Bella would have made weird comments about his blood and wanting to collect some or she would have been worried for him.

Instead Bella stared at him with so much pain of her own she slowly shakes her head dejectedly before facing away from him and climbing into the cop car.

Steve knew it was far too late especially after just losing a fight with Johnathan.... But he realized...

Belladonna Addams had been telling the truth... he had been jealous. He over reacted and now.... Now he's possibly pushed her to far to ever even consider forgiving him.

And for some reason it made him feel sick to his stomach to know he had upset her so much.

But he kept thinking he wasn't jealous because he had feelings for her that were as deep as his ones for Nancy. He just- had weird feelings due to them having had sex....

But maybe even he knew he was in denial.

Chapter Text

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The police station smelled of coffee and dust making Belladonna sigh with annoyance. Small town stations really did lack the scent of bloodthirsty, homicidal, rage filled killers.

The dark haired girl looks stone cold as she sits stiffly in a spinning chair glaring at a clock in the wall,

Nancy and Johnathan kept sharing worried looks for the girl while they had been in the back of the police car but she just ignored them. Even now in the station she couldn't meet their worried gazes.

"One of you girls want to make an ice pack for the boy?" An old woman asks and Nancy volunteers as Bella mumbles something under her breathe about the pain probably being euphoric.

Right now she craved physical pain over the mental and emotional ones she was suffering all due to Steve Harrington.

As Nancy goes to the break room to get the self made ice pack from the woman she begins asking about their stay trying to figure out how soon they could leave and finish trapping the monster they had planned to catch originally.

"Do you think we'll be out of here soon?" Nancy asks sweetly to the old woman to come off harmless.

Maybe she could get the three of them out of there if she could convince the police that they were just some innocent kids that got too involved too fast with a bad situation.

"You and your friend yes the boy no. He assaulted a police officer." The woman said like it was obvious but Nancy knew it had been a simple mistake as Johnathan was just trying to get back to punching Steve.

"Well how long are you gonna keep him?" Nancy asks with worry and the woman just stares at her blankly.

"You and your boyfriend have big plans do you?" The woman asks casually and Nancy laughs at the wrong assumption.

"He's not my boyfriend." Nancy says while crossing her arms defensively and the woman looks surprised.

"He's saying that other girl then?" She asks but Nancy again shakes her head no feeling a weird sensation at the mention of Bella and Johnathan dating.

"Well then you might want to tell him that dear..... he hasn't taken his eyes off you since you walked through that door..... At least it's better than what that other boy did for your friend... young love." The older woman rolls her eyes when saying young love and Nancy freezes looking at her wide eyed.

"No- Steve doesn't like her like that it was just.... A misunderstanding." Nancy says uneasily as the woman lets out a humorless laugh to show she didn't believe that for one second.

"Only love makes you that crazy, sweetheart. And that damn stupid...,, that goes for both of those boys." She whispers the last part softly and Nancy still stares at the woman like she has three heads.

Johnathan love her? Steve love Bella? It was like this woman had taken crazy pills.

Slowly taking the ice pack no longer wanting to deny the lady's delusions Nancy walks back to Johnathan and Belladonna who both look down.

Johnathan takes the ice pack his eyes continued to flick to Bella with worry as the girl just looked shit down. She almost appeared paler than normal.

"I found some ice." Nancy says to Johnathan who allows her to rest it on his sore face.

"Everything okay?" Johnathan who asks Nancy she also looked like she was beginning to get lost in thought. She brushes it off but her eyes peer at Bella who still avoids even looking at them. Her silence was almost more terrifying than the strange things she would usually say.

"Bella- are you okay?" Nancy asks gently thinking it would fall on deaf ears again but Bella numbly nods before sighing and finally looking at them.

Her eyes were still red from all the crying she had done not even an hour ago.

"I'm fine...... it was pointless to get worked up over." Bella says in a tone that actually makes both Nancy and Johnathan feel the hairs on their necks stand up at. Bella didn't seem like her usual self.

It's because..... love had done this.

Love had killed the passion Belladonna usually held and replaced it with a coldness that reached her soul.

She was heartbroken.

"I'm sorry..... about what Steve did-" Nancy says anyway but a laugh escapes Bella that sounds closer to being deranged as she shakes her head biting her lip as if she feared the words she wanted to say herself.

With a deep breathe she finally responded and it left both Nancy and Johnathan more concerned for the weird girl.

"It was stupid of me to think-.... that for even one second he wanted me as bad as I wanted him. He told me time and time again. He showed me. I ignored it because.... I thought I saw something hidden in his eyes but-... I was wrong." She whispers painfully as her eyes still don't blink and stare at the clock with disappointment.

Before Nancy could try and cheer Bella up the doors to the station burst open making all three teens turn with surprise.

Johnathan's mom walks in with the chief of police on her tail.

"Johnathan? Jesus what... what happened?" Joyce asks in a panic and the cops that had arrested them walk closer to inform her of her son's delinquent acts.

"Why is he wearing handcuffs?" She asks staring pointedly at the cop who approached first. Bella couldn't help but quirk a slight brow at the woman's aura and stance that screamed violence.

'Finally some action in this dump.' Bella thought with excitement as she now watched the exchange with pique interest.

"Well your boy assaulted a police officer that's why." The cop informs Joyce who doesn't even look remotely upset with Johnathan but at the cop that arrested him.

"Take them off." She demands and Bella licks her lips looking between the exchange and the wide eyes.

"I am afraid i cannot do that." The cop says and Bella practically bounces in her seat as Joyce yells at him to take them off again. This time the police chief even backs her up making a manic laugh bubble up from Bella's throat which her earned her a look from both Nancy and Johnathan.

They were happy to see some of the Bella they knew coming forward but the timing certainly wasn't the best.

"Chief I get everyone's emotional here but there's something you need to see." The cop says before leading the chief outside. Bella's amusement dies out as the tension slowly disappears.

She grows thirsty and goes searching the police break room for chemicals which she easily finds under the sink. She sips the bleach straight from the bottle with a sigh of relief.

The burn was definitely helping her to relax.

Chugging the bottle earnestly she slowly goes back to her seat whipping her face as some of the chemical goes down her chin.

Nancy, and Johnathan were used to the girls antics from school. But they seemed to forget it wasn't normal to others until the lady who had given ice to Nancy let out a blood curdling scream as she watched the girl take another swing of the bottle.

"OH MY GOD I GOTTA CALL 911!" She screams in a panic before making face realizing she in fact was 911. She immediately gets her radio about to dial for paramedics but once she said the name into the phone of who was doing it the emergency people waved it off and said it normal.

They had unfortunately been informed of the girls and family's strange behavior after many eye witnesses kept calling about strange dangerous things that family did that should result in injury.

For example when Uncle Fester had fallen off a building in town while chasing a rat he intended to bring home for dinner. A bunch of people witnessed the fall but when paramedics got there he happily waved them off without even so much as a scratch.

And just a few days ago Morticia was at the local store with Lurch in the cleaning section of the store eagerly smelling them and even sip testing a few to find just the right burn.

People had called 911 and once again the weird family member of the Addams family was completely fine.

So paramedics began to realize wasting time on the Addams was a waste of time so they were on a sort of ban list.

The old woman looked absolutely astonished as the paramedics told her of the ban list before hanging up. She tried to take measures into her own hands and rip the bottle away from belladonna.

But the girl kept a grasp of steel on the container and fought the old woman over it.

Joyce the entire time had her mouth open and looked frantic but frozen in place as this all goes down.

The three cops who had been outside return with a box full of the stuff they had in Johnathan's car for the trap. But all three men freeze taking in the scene in front of them as their poor receptionist and secretary fights with a teen girl over a bottle of bleach.

"LET GO!" Belladonna yells trying to pry the old brittle ginger dog the bottle but the woman just keeps her hold on it while trying to slap the girls hands of fit.

"What the hells going on in here?" Hopper asks with confusion making the old woman finally let go and the girl to hold the bottle to her chest dearly.

"She's drinking bleach and the paramedics refuse to give her medical attention." The old woman says in a panic making the three cops look at the girl who chugs the bottle without even a hint of pain or discomfort.

"Here you can take it back." Bella says politely but as the woman grabs the bottle she realizes it is in fact empty now.

"You’re a part of that weird family that moved in arnt you?” Hopper says with a sigh having had many reports of the strange family enter his office as well.

People in Hawkins kept making claims that couldn’t be proven but- hopper had a feeling the dead bodies that were going missing in the cemetery by their house was in fact their doing. But he had been to preoccupied with Wills disappearance to check it out.

“Belladonna Addams. You know… like the poisonous flower?” She says with a casual grin making the chief shake his head with exasperation.

He didn’t have time for this so he just throws the box down while keeping a close eye on the pale girl for any poisoning symptoms.

“What is this?” Joyce asks going through the box as Johnathan and Nancy look to sulk while Belladonna still looks nonchalant about the whole thing.

“Why don’t you ask your son? We found it in his car.” Hopper says with no emotion which makes Joyce whip around and look at her son with surprise.

“Why are you going through my car?” Johnathan asks with annoyance. “Is that really the question you should be asking right now? I wanna see you in my office.” Hopper says while leaning close and then away from Johnathan.

Something in his eyes makes Bella look curious.

He had a hidden pain there, something so dark as it had festered for years.

“You won’t believe me.” Johnathan says knowingly but once again hopped leans close. “Why don’t you give me a try?” His eyes also held…. Understanding.

Almost like he knew exactly what the kids were trying to catch wasn’t normal….

Inside the office the kids explain everything to the adults both looking fearful of the creature the teens describe.

“You say blood draws this thing?” Hopper asks while staring at the photo evidence they had.

“We don’t know.” Johnathan says at the same time Belladonna says a very confident yes. But Nancy looks between the two before sighing, “it’s just a theory.”

Johnathan and Joyce go to share a private moment alone as Bella and Nancy sit in silence. Hopper still just staring at the image they had of the monster breaking havoc on Hawkins.

Raised voices could be heard in the lobby and Hopper immediately leaves to go see the commotion. And he finally finds the ‘little boy’ he has been looking for is in fact a bald girl. And he also discovers who she hangs around with….

Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, and… Wednesday Addams.

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Steve sits on the back of his car with a bloody face and scowl as he stares out at nothing.

He kept thinking of Belladonna crying in front of him…. Truthfully it made her seem more human to him. He couldn’t imagine her ever crying until now and…,. Now it haunted him.

It felt like such an unnatural sight. And he had caused it….

Tommy and Carol leave the store throwing some aspirin at Steve who catches it before eagerly opening the pills to get some pain relief form his throbbing head wound.

Tommy and Carol seem somewhat off as they stare at him like he’s not the same Steve anymore… and that’s because he’s not.

“Don’t worry he’ll need more than aspirin when we’re done with him.” Tommy says with no emotion still staring at Steve who avoids all eye contact with his friend.

Carol doesn’t notice the rising tension as she smiles at Tommy with amusement. “Yeah if the creep ever get out. The cops should just kick him up forever. Did you see the look on his face? Oh.” Carol says before mockingly hitting Tommy while making a weird face making her boyfriend laugh.

Steve doesn’t even look at the couple as he groans softly to himself in pain still staring out at the road blankly.

“He probably had that same look whenever he killed his brother right?” Tommy asks while slapping Steve on the shoulder for a reaction still not getting one.

“Oh god I just got an image of him making that face while he and Belladonna are screwing.” Carol begins to laugh and so does Tommy but it’s cut short as Steve still not looking at them as he speaks.

“Carol for once in your life shut your damn mouth!” Steve snaps and immediately the pair stop laughing and look at him with surprise.

“What?” Carol asks with confusion and slight hurt. “Heys what’s your problem man?” Tommy asks also unsure why his friend was suddenly so angry at them.

Slowly Steve faces them with a look of pure loathing as he stares at them with a glare. “You’re both assholes. That’s my problem.” Steve says while getting of the trunk of his car and lightly pushing Tommy.

“Are you serious right now man?” Tommy asks still shocked as Steve pushes at him again. “Yeah I’m serious. You shouldn’t have done that.” Steve says walking past the couple as. To the drivers side of his car.

“Done what?” Tommy asks but he had an idea.

“You know what.” Steve says about to get in his car but Tommy stops him as he starts badmouthing the same girl he couldn’t stop guiltily thinking about.

“You mean call that freaking mutant out for what she really is? Oh that’s funny because I don’t remember you asking me to stop.” Tommy asks making Steve turn around to stand toe to toe with his best friend.

“I should’ve put that pray paint right down your throat.” Steve seethes as Carol looks confused once again unsure why he even gave a rats ass about someone as freaky as Belladonna Addams.

“What the hell Steve?” Carol asks with surprise as Steve looks at them with a shake of his head.

“You know neither of you ever cared about her. You never even liked her because she’s not mean and miserable like you two. She may act a little strange sometimes but she still cares about other people unlike you two.” Steve spat at the pair making Carol scoff with a wry smile.

“The slutty mutant with a heart of gold.” Carol mocks and instantly Steve points an accusing finger in her face having enough of that stupid nickname.

He never should have made it in the first place.

“I told you to watch your mouth!” He yells at Carol making Tommy push him and his back hits his car. His gaze going to his friend who he was starting to question their actual friendship.

“Hey! I don’t know what’s gotten into man- maybe that feels put a spell on you or something but you don’t talk to her that way.” Tommy scolds Steve getting up in the taller boys face.

“Get out of my face.” Steve says before pushing Tommy once again except this time Tommy pushes back even harder pinning Steve against his car by grabbing his shirt.

“Or what? You gonna fight me now, too huh? You gonna fight me now too? Because you couldn’t take Johnathan Byers… so I wouldn’t recommend that.” Tommy says lowly to Steve before letting him go.

Tommy gives Steve space and after looking at his now ex close friends Steve opens his car door knowing he needed to find Belladonna and apologize. He could surely explain himself to Nancy and fix things there as well but Belladonna as the bigger priority at the moment.

“Here let me get the door for you buddy.” Tommy says mockingly as he then slams the car door once Steve is in the drivers seat.

Even as Tommy yelled at hole Steve drove off his mind kept reeling as he had to think of what he could possibly say to the girl to make her forgive him.

But he was not ready for what he was about to become apart of when he found her.

Chapter Text

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After hearing about Nancy's brother and Bella's sister hanging out with some strange girl with powers they go searching at the Wheeler residence.

But they didn't make it that far as the entire house was surrounded by government looking officials.

"I have to go home." Nancy says in disbelief as Belladonna leans against the car with a blank face. Yes her sister was in danger but she's an Addams so Bella wasn't too worried.

"No you can't." Hopper tells Nancy while using binoculars to peer out at the men in suits loading up their cars with Mike Wheelers belongings.

"My mom... my dad are there." Nancy says as Hopper yet again ignores her worries.

"They're gonna be okay." Hopper says making Nancy feel invalidated so she begins to storm towards the house as Bella lazily grabs Nancy by the back of her jacket stopping her in a slightly harsh manner.

Bella didn't even move an inch as Nancy pulled away from her to get towards her house.

"Hey hey hey hey hey." Hopper says to get Nancy's attention getting in front of her as Bella holds her in place. "Let me go." Nancy saying whipping around trying to pry her friends hand off of her.

"Listen to me. Listen to me. The last thing in the world we need is them knowing you're mixed up in all this." Hopper tells Nancy who looks pleadingly at Belladonna who smiles but keeps her loose hold on the girl.

That's right she was barely trying to keep Nancy in place.

"They haven't found him.... Trust me when the authorities find the one they are looking for they interrogate right then and there if they are not considered too dangerous. These people are taking his belongings to try and find some sort of clue to where they are..... I've been interrogated a lot." Belladonna says the last part with a happy sigh earning her pointed looks from everyone at how she knew so much on the topic.

"She's right okay look they haven't found them yet at least." Hopper says while pointing to a helicopter that's searching form the sky for the small group of children.

"For Mike?" Nancy asks like it's insane how much effort the authorities are putting in to finding her brother.

"Come on get in the car." Hopper says ushering the teens to get in the car. Belladonna finally releases Nancy who shoots her a slightly aggravated look. She fixes the placement of her jacket as she climbs into the back seat sandwiched between Johnathan and Belladonna.

"Look we need to find them before they do. Do either of you two have any idea where they might have gone?" Hopper asks and Bella looks to think about it as Nancy is quick to say a panicked no.

"Do you have a morgue? Or a meat slaughter house?" Bella asks genuinely getting everyone in the car to look at her before slowly turning back to Nancy.

"I need you to think Nancy." Hopper says making belladonna shrug that she at least tried. Clearly they didn't think the supposed cult her sister was forced to join was at either location she had named.

"I don't know we haven't talked a lot. I mean lately...." Nancy trails off awkwardly.

"Is there any place that your... your parents don't know about that he might go?" Joyce asks and Nancy is still adamant that she has no clue. "I might." Johnathan says with realization as everyone now looks to him with some surprise exempt bella who now looks bored to be there.

"I don't know where he is, but I think I know how to ask him." Johnathan says as they drive to the Byers residence very high above the speed limit.

As they enter the Byers's home that is in complete disarray with Christmas lights hanging everywhere and a large hole in the wall Bella smiles politely.

"Whoa." Nancy says with disbelief and concern at the state of the house. But belladonna nods with wonder and excitement, "You have a lovely home." Her voice is genuine as Joyce nods slowly muttering a thank you.

As they enter wills room Johnathan starts throwing things in search of the walkie talkie they need. But Joyce finds it under the bed and holds it out to Nancy.

Taking it timidly under everyone's intense gazes Nancy takes a shaky breath before speaking into the walkie with uncertainty.

"Mike, are you there? Mike? Can you guys hear me? Mike, it's me Nancy. Mike are you there? Answer. Mike we need you to answer. This is an emergency Mike. Do you copy? I need you to answer..." Nancy leads still receiving nothing.

"We need to know that your there Mike?" Nancy says with impatience Bella slowly takes the walkie from Nancy before pressing the button and saying her own pleas.

"Wednesday it's me your favorite sibling belladonna. You know I wouldn't turn you in to anybody so please answer..... if you don't then I'll replace all of your wardrobe with the dreaded pastels." Belladonna threatens and not even a moment later her sister's voice drawers over the frequency with a monotone voice.

"Don't even think about it." She huffs making belladonna smile proudly that her sister answered. Maybe because of being threatened but it was better than nothing.

Hopper swipes the walkie away after hearing the voice ensuring the kids were in fact listening. "Listen kids this is the chief. We know your in trouble and we know about the girl. We can protect you, we can help you, but you gotta tell us where to find you. Over." Hopper says and waits for a reply.

And it's silent for so long that hopper sighs setting the walkie down believing the group wasn't going to say anything or had turned theirs off.

"Anybody else have any ideas?" He asks right as a voice answers his previous questions. "This is Mike..... we are at the junkyard..... please don't betray us..." he says with a soft fearful voice. He needed their help if they wanted to get out of their current situation.

But he wasn't completely sure he trusted the scenario given the circumstances.

__________________________

The children wait on the boss with unease as Dustin paces back and forth rubbing his neck anxiously. Wednesday watches him with wide creepy eyes as he goes back and forth and back and forth consistently.

"Will you stop pacing?" Mike asks with annoyance as Wednesday stays silent still positive that the only reason she hangs out with these people is because she has been forced to do so.

"It's been way too long. Do you know what? Maybe you're right. Maybe this is all a trap and the bad men are coming to get us right now!" Dustin yells his fear growing more and more by the second letting Wednesday smell it casually and quirk her lips up with satisfaction.

But her eyes looking at the boy who constantly claimed to be her friend made her sigh before trying to dispel his fears..... no matter how good they smelled.

"It's not a trap. My sister would never betray me. Addams protect Addams." Wednesday says with certainty as Dustin looked to her for any signs of deceit.

Truth be told he probably would believe her I matter what because he actually really liked Wednesday. He liked her as more then and a friend....

"She right why would the chief or Belladonna want to set us up? Nancy maybe .... But the chief?" Lucas asks making mild look slightly offended that his sister would be considered the rat more then Wednesdays sister.

"Lando Calrissian." Austin says for an example before continuing to pace once again feeling uneasy.

"Would you shut up about Lando?" Lucas snaps as Dustin comes to a stop in front of him. "I don't feel good about this. I don't feel good about this!" Dustin yells in Lucas's face making Wednesday smirk and let out a very quiet subtle noise of amusement.

"When do you feel good about anything?!" Lucas yells back as Dustin points at Wednesday who lifts a brow with surprise.

"I felt good about her when she first moved here despite you guys saying she was weird and would kill us and now look at her. She helped us find this stupid bus to hide in while we are being HUNTED!" Dustin yells before stopping as they hear vehicles approaching.

The kids go to the windshield and look outside to see two cars pull up with men in suits exiting it.

"LANDO!" Dustin whispers as they all panic and try to hide in the bus behind old worn and torn seats. The kids whisper fearfully to each other as Wednesday casually pulls out a dagger and holds it in her hand.

The bus door creaks open before a this is heard making the kids look confused as they can hear what sounds like fighting outside of the bus.

The door creak again this time fully opened and the chief of police climbs on to the bus with Belladonna directly behind him looking at the kids with weirdly intense eyes. Her face had a blood splatter on it from where she just punched a guy in the nose.

"All right let's go." Hopper says to the kids who stare at him and Bella with surprise not moving at all. "LETS GO!" Hopper yells impatiently making the kids rush off the bus and into the cars the that awaited them.

Once again they are at the Byers residence this time all together.

"Mike oh my god Mike!" Nancy yells running and hugging her brother with relief as Johnathan looks at Bella's face that's covered in blood.

"You okay bells? You uh got some uh-" he points to his face and the girl just smiles at him with pure joy as she nods. "I'm very well thank you. Don't worry this isn't the first time I've gotten a man's blood on me." Belladonna says casually as Hopper gives her a look.

"That's so badass." Dustin whispers loudly making Belladonna look at him with adoring smile.

It was quite clear he had a crush on her sister and it's funny.... Wednesday actually seemed to have some light in her eyes for the boy as well. But when Bella tried to whisper asking about the passion Wednesday secretly had for the boy she immediately threatened to have her throat slit.

That nearly made her ask more but she bit her tongue for now. She still had some unfinished business with a boy of her own..... she needed to get revenge on Steve Harrington.

Once inside the kids started to explain what they knew about the upside down and will.

"Okay so in this example we're the acrobat. Will and Barbra and that monster there this flea. And this is the house down where Will is hiding." Mike says while showing his drawn diagram. Joyce looks confused but Belladonna looks like she understands entirely as she eagerly nods along with mikes explanation.

"Mr Clarke said the only way to get there is through a rip of time and space." Mike explains as Dustin adds, "A gate." And Lucas adds, "that we tracked to Hawkins Lab."

Dustin explains they found it with their compasses but that makes everyone look confused except Belladonna. She was really smart when it came to weird stuff.

"Okay so the gate has a really strong electromagnetic field, and that can change the directions of a compass needle." Dustin explains as Hopper looks at the kids like he already knew where they were describing.

"Is this gate underground?" He asks and eleven says, "Yes." She maintains eye contact as the cop stares at her with unwavering confidence. "Near a large water tank?" He asks making the small bald girl nod, "Yes." She says once again.

"How do you know all that?" Dustin asks with a slight stutter but Mike looks to already know how the chief knows so much. "Because he's seen it." He says while staring at the coffee table.

"Is there anyway that you could... that you could reach will? That you could talk to him in this-..." Joyce trails off as Wleven finishes her statement. "The upside down." Wleven says finally looking away from hopper who she was basically having a stare off with.

"Down. Yeah." Joyce says with hope for her son that only gets stronger as Eleven nods to confirm she can do this.

"And our friend Barb can you find her too?" Nancy asks grabbing a hold of Bella's arm to contain her own hope and yearning. And once again eleven nods.

Which led to the group sitting at the table staring intensely at eleven who uses a walkies static and a picture of Barb to try and call out to the two missing.

Th e light flickers making Dustin jump slightly at the suddenness of it bumping into Belladonna who gives off a protective presence. She doesn't do it  intentionally so as the boy lingers Bella looks down at him with a lifted brow that he doesn't see as he instead grabs ahold of Wednesdays hand anxiously.

Wednesday looks at him with her usual hardly blinking wide eyes before she looks over his head at her sister who once again raises a brow and smirks with amusement.

Wednesday rolls her eyes but still keeps a tight hold on Dustin's hand as Eleven continues to try and connect with Barb and will.

After a few moments of flickering light her eyes open as she looks at Joyce sadly. "I'm sorry." Eleven whispers making Joyce immediately fear the worst.

"What? What's wrong? What happened?" She asks unsure she could hear of her son's untimely demise after all this hope she's had of finding him.

"I can't find them." Eleven says with her voice breaking sadly as she looks sad and slowly leaves from around the table to the restroom.

The kids immediately fill in the group on why eleven was struggling to find will and Barb. "Whenever she issues her powers she gets weak." Wednesday says in her creepy monotonous voice that makes Nancy and Johnathan shiver from how creepy it was.

"The more energy she uses the more tired she gets." Dustin continues where the pale girl left off before Lucas continues for Dustin. "Like she flipped the van earlier."

"It was awesome." Dustin says with excitement as Mike continues, "but she's drained."

"Like a bad battery." Lucas explains before a short silence settles amongst the group. "Well... how do we make her better?" Joyce asks with some impatience knowing Will was in immediate danger of the monster inside the upside down.

"We don't. We just have to wait and try again." Mike explains as Nancy is now the one to grow impatient. "Well how long?" She asks with a slight attitude as Mike looks down dejected. "I don't know." He says softly.

"The bath." Eleven says making everyone but Wednesday and Bella jump at her sudden appearance.

"What?" Joyce asks confused at the words as Eleven slowly looks around at all the faces staring at her with focus. "I can find them. In the bath" the girl says making everyone look around confused before the boys described the type of bath she meant.

"She will need a sensory deprivation tank." Bella says as they try their best to explain it making the boys point excitedly to Belladonna who looks to stare at them in wonder.

Of course she found these things interesting she had only ever heard of such a thing. She had always wondered what it would be to torture someone with such a device....

It was a life long dream of hers to do this to someone.

She wouldn't put torment on the young girl but she would certainly be taking notes for future endeavors.

Dustin immediately grabs the phone and dials the phone number of his science teacher. And after some convincing he helps give the boy instructions and what supplies he will need for such an experiment.

Belladonna writing down what Dustin does with a psychotic smile. The group besides her sister kept going her looks of concern but she ignored them not wanting to miss a single thing Dustin wrote.

"Do you still have that kiddie pool we bobbed for apples in?" Dustin asks Joyce the second he's off the phone. Belladonna securely tucks her paper into her bra for safety as she now bounce son the balls do her feet looking at Joyce who looks confused by the sudden question.

"I think so. Yeah." She says making Dustin look relieved. "Good then we just need salt. Lots of it." Dustin says while pointing his pencil at the woman. "How much is lots?" Hopper asks making Dustin look down before looking up. "1,500 pounds." Dustin says confidently despite the number.

"Well where are we gonna get that much salt?" Nancy asks making Belladonna quirk a finger up getting everyone attention on her.

"The school has some in their storage..... I found it when I was looking for the bleach supplies they hid from me for lunch one day." Wednesday explains as the kids all nod knowingly their eyes looking between her and Belladonna who licks her lips at just the mention of the chemicals.

Apparently drinking dangerous chemicals was a familiar ordeal.

And that's how the group found themselves traveling to the middle school in the middle of the night to the gym. Belladonna watches the boys closely as they assemble the homemade sensory tank. Wednesday helping them out while also looking a bit excited to be doing this.

When it was finally set up and ready to go eleven climbs in and lays on top of the water. The gym lights flicker before turning off completely, the girl continues to float as everyone is surrounded in darkness.

"Is Barb okay?" Nancy asks as eleven begins to breath heavy and suddenly Belladonna finds herself not being so happy about the tank and her future endeavors.

Especially when Eleven starts to quietly says the word, "Gone, gone, gone." Over and over again she feels her heart pulsate with pain.

Barb really was dead....

(A bit of a boring filler chapter but wait for next one with Steve yall ain't ready 😂)

Chapter Text

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Steve Harrington goes searching for Belladonna Addams the second he has finished cleaning the theater sign.

He needed to say sorry.... for some reason he felt terrible even worse than when she had overheard him talking to Nancy.

So he first tries to go to her house which... felt like a challenge in itself especially doing it alone.

Steve rings the doorbell that creepily sounds like people screaming bloody murder as it rings. When the screams finally stop the door opens and the man Steve saw in the school office stands there looking even more intimidating then he did then.

"I'm uh- I'm here looking for Belladonna?" Steve says with an awkward throat clearing noise as he thinks of the girl who probably hates his guys right now.

The man slowly nods and takes a step back allowing Steve to step inside. The boy does so assuming that means that the brunette beauty was there but oh no.... She wasn't Lurch had simply been told if this specific boy were to stop by to allow him inside.

The butler slowly leaves  Steve standing there to shift foot to foot anxiously as his eyes dart around the foyer walls.

The walls are painted pitch black so even with the lights the house appeared dark inside. The walls have painted pictures of long dead family members.

As Steve's eyes look around wearily he hears a strange scattering sound.

At first he brushed it off as mice or maybe even a pet act or something until the scattering seemed to be growing closer and closer.

His eyes dart fearfully around as he gets the sensation he's being watched. As he whips around he feels something crawl up his leg and lets out a frightened yell expecting to see a rat or something crawl up his leg.

Instead he sees a hand.

A hand attached to nothing which makes the boy let out a scream and to fall on his butt as the hand rests on his shoulder. It grasps his shoulder tightly as he tries to fling it off in a panic.

"What- WHAT THE HELL!" Steve yells as the hand sticks to him finally he gives up as it's clear the hand isn't going to let go easily. And once he's finally stopped thrashing the hand lessens its grip to one of relaxation as it looks at him and moves around like it's saying something.

"I don't- I don't understand." Steve says timidly and the hand looks exasperated before pointing at something behind the boy among him slowly turn to see a man staring at him.

He remembered him briefly from his encounter at school when he came with his wife to see the cops along with Belladonna. This is her father.

"What are you doing here?" The man asks with furrowed brows as Steve feels his tongue go numb as he begins stuttering out his reasoning but it sounds like gibberish.

"I uh- I came to see Bella." Steve says finally after a struggle as the man now stares at him long and hard with uncertainty.

"Why?" He asks as he approaches slowly with his hands in his pants pockets a cigar loosely hanging from the side of his mouth with ease. But the man's question makes Steve gulp knowing her dad wasn't going to be fond of his reasoning.

But he couldn't lie that would make things worse especially if he were to discover his deceit.

"I came here to apologize to her...." Steve trails off as Gomez seems to stop and narrow his eyes even more. "You wouldn't have had something to do with that awful movie theater would you?@ he asks gravely as his eyes flick to the dried paint on Steve's clothes.

"NO! Well yes.... I didn't paint it.... But I didn't stop it from happening either but.... I cleaned it up and I just.... I wanted to tell her I was sorry." Steve admits with a sigh as Bella's father stares at him like he's trying to see something.

Hearing that Steve had something to do with the painting at the theater the detached hand flipped him off and jumped down before scurrying to the stair banister to watch as Gomez stares at the boy long and hard.

"I see." The man says as he sees something he likes it would appear as his hard expression slowly turns to a sociable smile. He walks forward and hold his hand out to the boy who looks sheepish but takes it shaking it.

"Gomez. Gomez Addams." The man introduces himself before turning away from Steve who nods slowly.

He wanted to be polite but his head was still throbbing and he really just wanted to see Bella.

"Steve Harrington." The boys says politely but Gomez just waves a hand with a knowing look. "Oh I've already heard all about you from my precious little poison flower." He assures making Steve's lips quirk at the phrase before he shakes his head and the smile disappears.

"Please follow me as I show you around." Gomez says with excitement. Steve follows a little slower then desired which leads Gomez to warn him on staying close.

"You might want to walk a little faster it's a bit.... Dangerous here to be wandering so slow." Gomez informs and before Steve could ask a small portable canon shoots directly at him.

Thankfully with good relflexes Steve ducks and the ball shoots a hole in the wall where it would have hit his chest probably putting him in cardiac arrest if it didn't completely go through him.

"Pugsley this is Steven." Gomez says with a look that says it should explain why the boy shouldn't try to kill him.

Pugsley nods looking like eh would rather keep trying to kill the boy he hadn't recognized at first.

"If my sister didn't love you I'd try and shoot you again." Pugsley says with a sigh before going to his room leaving Steve gobsmacked but Gomez just degas him along.

"This is the kitchen.... And this is Grandmama." Gomez introduces an old lady that looks insane as her wild grey hair is all over the place. She looked like something out of horror movies.

"He's a little too skinny for the soup." She says poking his stomach with a look of distaste. "He's not for cooking this- this is Steven Harrington. Bella's lover." Gomez introduces the boy once again mentioning Bella's love once again.

They threw the word around so casually taht it made Steve wonder just how much Bella spoke of him.

After her he was introduced to Fester Bella's uncle, that showed him a cool trick that he could put a lightbulb in his mouth and it would actually light up.

Last but certainly not least was Morticia Addams.

She was in the houses built in green house, it had dangerous plants all over the place and different colored roses. Morticia is spotted trimming a giant plants poison sack when they pair find her.

"Now Steven this- this is the woman who owns my heart and soul. She is my reason for living, my inspiration my muse. Morticia." Gomez says breathlessly as he moves to the tall woman's side kissing up her arm from her wrist as she stares at Steve with a find smile.

"Belladonna has told us much about you. I can see what she means about your eyes.... They do hold something.... Beautifully dark yet passionate." Morticia says knowingly as her husband now keeps kissing her ring finger non stop.

Steve blushes at the constant show of affection and he can't help but wonder if Bella would be the same when in a relationship.

"I'm uh- I'm looking for Bella to apologize." Steve says with a bit of an awkward stammer as Morticia finally calls Gomez off. "Cara Mia have you seen her?" Gomez asks while quickly placing another kiss on her hand his full undivided attention on his wife as if looking away for even a second would pain him.

"I don't believe she's here actually." Morticia says while eyeing Steve who doesn't hide his disappointment.

"Oh- then I'm sorry to have bothered you guys.... I'm gonna-.... I'm gonna go now.... I'm going to look for her." Steve explains and the couple nod allowing him to leave on his own in a hurry.

"You saw it too right?" Gomez asks Morticia who looks away from the door that Steve left from to her husband with pure admiration. "The passion he holds? It was hard to miss mi amor. He loves her." Morticia says with a smile as her husband kisses her and rests his head on her.

Unbeknownst to them.... Steve didn't even know how he felt about Bella yet.... And he wouldn't for a long time.

____________________________

After eleven got Joyce in contact with Will over the walkie her and hopper left. That left the kids and the teens to slowly wander around the abandoned school with some hope and others with sadness.

Nancy and Belladonna were leaned on a wall sitting on the floor thinking of Barb.

"I can't believe she's gone." Nancy whispers and Belladonna somelmely nods in agreement. "I usually find death quite peaceful and alluring.... But I am actually quite sad...." Bella says softly to Nancy who looks at the strange girl noting how her face is stoic yet her eyes look glazed over with tears that will not fall.

"She really liked you, you know. I'm actually jealous of you.... You got to spend the most time with her at the.... The end." Nancy whispers the last part painfully as Bella quirks her lip before looking at Nancy with her own envy in her eyes.

"But you got to know her the longest. We both have our desires that we're not met due to her sudden death..... but one good thing came of this.... It helped us get closer.... I just wish it were under better circumstances." Bella says with a sad look before her head turns to Johnathan who slowly enters the hallway looking at the pair uneasily.

His brother was alive but their friend was dead.

Feeling a little uncomfortable Johnathan sits on Nancy's other side in the same position as the girl who stare at the wall across from them with depressed expressions.

"We have to go back to the station." Nancy says to John than who looks confused. "What?" He asks and she doesn't even look at him as she continues to explain.

"Your mom and hopped are just walking in there like bait. That thing is still in there. And we can't just sit here and let it get them too." Nancy says with determination as Belladonna sits up more relapsing what she was implying they do.

"She's right. We have to kill it." Bella says with a nod pushing herself up to a stand more than ready to go exactly revenge on the monster.

"I wanna finish what we started." Nancy says in agreement with what Bella has said but both girls look to Johnathan for his confirmation. And they get it with one firm head nod.

"Let's break into a police station." Bella says with a giant manic smile as she tugs the pair to their feet by their hands with minimal effort.

Johnathan drives them to the station and Bella has the two help her get as far as they can before she slips into the chiefs office with them on watch for her.

She easily grabs the heavy box and as she leads the two to the back fire exit Nancy grabs a fire extinguisher preparing for the trap they planned to set.

With their supplies once again in their possession  the teens drive to the Byers house. They grab everything from the trunk and bring it inside the house. They put the light bulbs back into the Christmas light strings and Johnathan hammers nails into Bella's bat.

It was an update her family was sure to not mind, she would just have to get them a new bat for their favorite game of hitting the ball to make someone unconscious or kill them.

Nancy pours the gas on the carpet since they pair didn't fully trust Bella not to get out of control and pour more gas then needed.

It was a valid concern.

Bella holds her spiked weapon swinging it with ease as she practice swings a bit. Truthfully she probably didn't need to much practice since Addams were naturally good with all weapon types but she was trying to curb how blood thirsty she was for the creature.

She couldn't wait to beat its brains out of its head.

Bella was in charge of setting the actual bear trap as she does it effortlessly not even raising any more confusion from her friends. They now knew this is just- belladonna. It's what she does.

"We're gonna bait." Bella says once it's set. They would need something to draw the monster to them and all three knew what did that.

Johnathan grabs three knives and brings them to the girls one looking nervous as the other looks eager.

"All right. You guys ready?" Johnathan asks sounding breathless as he too was nervous.

"Ready." Nancy says as they bring the knives to their palms. "I'm more than ready." Bella says with excitement cutting herself deeply before the other two even flinch to do so.

Her blood begins to pour immediately and the girl smiles bigger and bigger as she processes the pleasant sting it leaves on her hand.

The other two shake their heads and count down from three before doing the same cutting themselves much more shallow than their friend.

Belladonna couldn't help but smell and moan at the scents of their pure virgin blood. She really needed to get them to donate some to her.

The three teens allow the carpet soak up their blood before trying to stop the bleeding and tend to their wounds.

Well- Johnathan and Nancy bandage theirs as Belladonna continues to reopen the wound every time it starts to shut due to her blood clotting on the scratch.

Belladonna notes th tension between the pair and slowly begins walking away from them to give them a moment. But right as she goes to leave the room someone bangs on the door making the three teens go wide eyed and look amongst each other.

"JOHNATHAN! Are you there man? It's.... It's Steve! Listen I just want to talk!" Steve yells through the door and at first no one moves to answer.

Belladonna felt her heart drop relapsing the monster would be coming here and Steve would be put into danger. No matter how mad she wa sat him she didn't want to see the man shelve  loved die.

Belladonan swings the door open only a crack so Steve couldn't see their trap and stares at him with determination as he seems taken back by the fact she's there.

"Steve listen to me." Bella says and Steve looks hurt at her calling him by name... it was weird considering how used to he was of her calling him Cara Mia. But it was still better then her calling him Harrington like the last time she was upset with him.

"Hey Bella, what-" Steve starts about to ask why she's there despite having no right to do.

"You need to leave." Bella says making the boy look to slightly flinch. "I'm not trying to start anything okay?" He asks and the tone of his voice makes Belladonan hesitate but- she did kind of want to hear what he wanted because he didn't seem like he was there to fight Johnathan again.

But it was too dangerous...

"I don't care about that, you need to leave." Bella says again making Steve look at her sadly.

"No no no listen I messed up okay? I messed... I messed up. Okay? Really please. I just want to make things right. Okay? please please...." He begs and admittedly the sounds of his desperate pleas make Bella's chest hurt almost like it wanted to beat for him again.

His desperation alone was delightful but his desperation for her forgiveness was delicious.

Distracted by her thought Bella's doesn't notice how his voice trails off or how his eyes look to her bleeding hand.

"Hey what happened to your hand? Is that blood."  Steve asks with concern grabbing her wrist making Bella want to swoon from his concern but it was more so like reality hit her as she remembered why she was bleeding.

"Nothing. It was an accident." Belladonan tries to say it casually but she wasn't one to typically lie so immediately Steve picks up on it and grows even more concerned.

"Yeah what's going on?" He asks pushing her to tell him the truth but the pale brunette shakes her head trying to think of another lie.

"Nothing. " Bella says with a grimace that makes Steve look at her hand that he still has grasped in his hand before up at her with not so well hidden fury.

"Wait a sec. Did he do this to you?" Steve asks staring at Bella who truthfully goes and says no but Steve doesn't hear or see the truth as his anger and jealousy form earlier are fueled up once again.

"Bella let me in!" Steve says before pushing his way in looking around at the scene in front of him with confusion.

"What is.... What the..." he stammers as Johnathan now walks up to him with determination.

"You need to get out of here." He says strongly but Steve still looks around in disbelief and concern wondering what the hell the three teens were up to that they needed weapons casually laying around as well as a bear trap.

"Whoa what is all..." he trails off looking around as Bella and Johnathan try to convince the boy to leave.

"Is that.... Is that gasoline?" Steve asks smelling the strong odor but Nancy cocking the piton stops Bella from trying to explain or get him to leave.

Nancy has the gun aimed at Steve.

"Steve get out!" Nancy yells at her boyfriend who looks even more confused. Belladonan immediately stands between Steve and the gun with a look aimed at Nancy who tries to pout it around Bella but the girl keeps stepping in the way.

"Wait. What? What is going on?" Steve asks in a yell as Nancy gives him a time limit to get out.

"You have five seconds to get out of here. Bella move." She demands and Bella keeps her spot despite Steve trying to grab her and put her out of the harms way.

"Okay is this a joke? Stop out the gun down. You're gonna get someone hurt like Bella or me-" Steve starts to rant to convince Nancy to put the gun down but the girl looks pained as she shakes her head.

"I'm doing this for you." Nancy says her eyes pleading for the boy to leave as he continues to grapple with Bella to get her behind him.

He can't even get the pale girl to move an inch as she has her feet planted in front of him blocking the guns aim.

"Nancy." Johnathan says quietly as he notices the flickering lights but the girl is so focused on Steve that she begins her countdown as Steve stammers and pleads for her to stop.

"NANCY THE LIGHTS." Johnathan yells finally getting her and Bella to notice the monster is in fact coming. Bella leaves her post from in front of Steve to grab her old medieval weapon but shortly returns to continue standing in front of him protectively.

"It's here," Nancy said making Steve look concerned as he saw everyone including Belladonna start to panic.

"Wait what's here?" He asks watching as the three teens look around in a panic for something as the lights flicker consistently. "Where is it?" Nancy asks as Johnathan says he doesn't know.

"Why couldn't you just listen and leave." Bella says to Steve in a panic as her eyes scan around the room less hectic than the other twos.

"Because you're obviously in danger of something here and I'm not just gonna leave you-" Steve starts to say when the roof begins to break from something smashing through.

Nancy starts shooting as the monster comes through but once it's completely fallen onto the floor Johnathan pulls her to use the trap as Bella does the same with Steve making sure she tells him to jump as they leap over the trap set.

Steve yells fearfully as he follows Bella down the hallway still in shock at what he's just seen.

The four teens stand in the bedroom waiting to hear their trap go off but hear nothing. Instead the house is filled with an eerie silence and the lights stop flickering.

As they look in the hallway their trap is empty but the creature is also no where in sight.

Checking the living room the teens realize the monster completely left and that they would have to try again but Steve begins muttering to himself lowly still in shock.

If only he knew it was about to get a whole lot worse...

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"This is crazy. This is crazy. This is crazy." Steve says in a panic grabbing the phone and beginning to dial 911. Belladonna snatches the phone from his hand and tosses it across the room.

"What are you do- what you are you doing? Are you insane?" Steve asks the Addams girl who stares back at him with a monotonous stare. She needed him to leave this wasn't safe for him.

Nancy gets up in Steve's face, "ITS GOING TO COME BACK! So you need to leave. Right now." Nancy is the one persistent that Steve leaves as Belladonna looks to be struggling to find a words that could convince the boy to leave.

But hearing that the monster was coming back appeared to be all he needed to hear as he goes to run out the door but stops looking back at Bella who watches him leave with some relief.

The relief is short lived as he rushes up to her and tries to physically drag her out of the house with him.

"What are you doing? Steve?" Belladonna asks confused and he finally stops trying to drag her and gives her a look like she's the insane one doing something crazy.

"You heard her that thing is coming back and we need to get out of here." He says like it's simple once again trying to drag her but the Addams girl is strangely rooted in place.

"Steve I need to- STEVE!" Bella screams as the boy lifts her with ease and starts to run for the door. The only thing stopping him from taking her outside is Bella herself. She grabs the door frame stopping his momentum and keeping him from moving any further.

"BELLA- let go we need to go." He says to her putting her down with some reluctance but the abnormal girl slowly shakes her head looking at him sadly as she runs a tentative hand down his face.

"I need to kill this thing.... I appreciate your concern but-.... You need to go." Bella mutter pushing him softly at first away from the house before roughly shoving him harder towards his car.

"I SAID GO." She yells putting all of her anger for the past week into one shout that sends the boy scrambling to his car.

Bella sighs with relief seeing him rush to open his car, before turning her attention to the lights flickering once again. Grabbing her weapon she holds it tightly and looks around for any sign of the beast.

"Where is it?" Nancy asks fearfully but no one spots it yet as the light keeps flickering and there's a strange tense silence in the house.

"Come on. Come on you son of a bitch." Johnathan says trying to muster some confidence as they await for any signs of the creature.

Belladonna stays silent instead readying her stance for a fight as her eyes move around the room eerily almost looking similar to the horror movie Carrie.

"You guys see it?" Johnathan asks and both girls say brisk no's still not seeing any sign of the monster anywhere.

Johnathan kept trying to egg the beast on with his shouts but nothing appears not until the lights completely go out surrounding the three teens in darkness.

A low growling is heard and immediately Bella's eyes land on the monster as it slowly appears behind Johnathan. Nancy spots it a second later and yells for the boy in warning at the same time that Bella does.

The bat is flung away from Johnathan as the beast pounces on him. Nancy keeps yelling for Johnathan as the creature now opens its mouth ready to bite his head off. But Nancy finally comes out of her daze shooting the monster as Belladonna rushes to attack it from the side.

Nancy's bullets only seem to anger it more and it goes to dash for her when Belladonna hits it with her spiked medieval weapon. The creature lets out a screeching roar at the pain and back hands the girl making her back hit the wall.

Bella couldn't help but let out a scream of surprise at the action her body sore as her back hits the wall and her head bounces off it.

Oh how marvelous the pain was.

The creature slowly starts walking towards belladonna threateningly and the girl realizes this was about to be it.... She was going to know the sweet relief of death.

But-....

She still had somethings she wished she could have experienced first, like a mutual love and to have gotten to say goodbye to her family.

As the creature lifts its clawed hand up to attack the girl Steve Harrington is suddenly standing in front of her with the bat of nails Johnathan had dropped.

"Steve?" Bella says in disbelief and slight adoration as the boy starts swinging the bat making the creature retreat backwards away from them.

"It's in the trap!" Steve yells and Belladonna can see Johnathan searching for his lighter but coming up empty so she pulls out her own flicking it at the carpet that was soaked in gasoline.

The monster screeched with pain as it burned alive. They teens let it burn a good bit before Johnathan was putting the flames out with a fire extinguisher.

Bella looked disappointed. She loved arson.

Plus she kind of wanted the monster to suffer a bit longer for what it had done to Barb. Plus.... Torture was just delightful.

As smoke filled the house everyone but Belladonna coughed at intensity of the smoke. She was subtly taking even deeper breaths in that went unnoticed as the others eyes were watering and the smoke made it hard to see for the first couple moments.

When the smoke cleared all of the teens slowly look to the trap that is now empty surrounded by burnt carpet.

As the teens inspect the trap the Christmas lights that hang on the ceiling light up one by one coming down the hallway towards them.

Steve gets into a fighting stance in front of everyone as the light stop directly above them. Everyone holds their breath waiting for something to happen but the light just continue to light up in a straight path.

"Mom." Johnathan whispers in realization before yelling out to the unseen women. "Is that you?" But nothing happens to show if it was her or if she could even hear them.

The teens walk outside and watch as even a street lamp flickers.

"Where's it going?" Nancy asks as they watch from the porch. Belladonna can't help but glance at Steve. He doesn't feel it or notice but she watches him with that same adoration she once felt.

At least for that brief moment.

He came and saved her. Her.

"Let's get back to the school. Check on the children." Bella whispers as she drags her eyes away from Steve with some difficulty.

The others agreed even Steve because he wanted to be filled in on what happened so they all carpool in Steve's car there. Nancy tells him confidently as Johnathan chimes in at times the entire time Bella just stares longingly out the window.

As they pull up to the scene everyone is in a panic seeing ambulances and official looking people tying off the scene. Nancy and Johnathan beeline for Mike and the boys.

Belladonna slowly makes her way to Wednesday who stares at the caps with satisfaction but also a twinge of sadness in her eyes.

"Elevens dead. The demagorgan tried to kill us so she killed it which killed her." Wednesday says casually as Bella nods slowly her eyes sweeping the scene avoiding to look at Steve who now stares at her.

"It nearly killed me too. Steve saved me." Bella whispers softly as she can see her strange family approaching them having been called by the paramedics or officials.

"Oh my beautiful daughters what happened?" Gomez asks with excitement as he hugs his daughters to him. Wednesday explains as Bella slowly looks over her shoulder catching eyes with Steve who stares back.

She had been right.... He did look good in red and blue flashing lights. "Darling does it hurt?" Morticia asks grabbing the cut hand used in previously as bait making Belladonna smile and nod vigorously.

"Splendid." Morticia says with joy before wrapping an arm around her oldest and leading her to their hearse.

Bella looked back at Steve one more time to see him approaching Nancy and Johnathan. Before the Addams could leave Dustin runs up to the pale family smiling brightly as all eyes go to him.

"We are going to the hospital to see Will he's okay." He says with tears of joy wanting to fall from his eyes but he wanted to appear cool in front of his crush so he sniffles to hold them back.

"Would you guys want to see him? I know it would mean a lot if you did." Dustin assures and both girls look to each other before their parents who nod.

The Addams would never decline an invitation to go to the hospital.

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The Addams picked up some roses along the way from their own greenhouse. The bright red flowers contrasted against their black clothes and pale skin noticeably.

"Awe you brought flowers." Nancy says softly looking a little awkward as Steve is sat stiffly beside her father.

"They're not prepared quite yet." Belladonna explains as her mother suddenly pulls out a pair of scissors from her breasts and begins to cut the flower off leaving only stems and roses.

Nancy's parents looked freaked out by them and all the kids except Mike and Wednesday were asleep.

Soon everyone was sat down and Hopper was introducing himself to Gomez and Morticia. He was finally getting around to meeting the strange family he had heard so many stories of.

Bella tried to keep her gaze off Steve but- it almost felt impossible. Especially when he caught eyes with her and nods for them to go speak in the hallway.

The pair stand one awkward and one awaiting what they knew was coming and she wasn't disappointed as he slowly looks at her sheepishly.

"I'm sorry about what Tommy did.... I just got so- I don't know. I hope maybe me saving you tonight can count towards showing you I'm not gonna be that guy anymore. I don't care if people know we're friends Bella." Steve says it so casually as it feels like a stake has pierced Bella's heart.

He was friend zoning her...

She had been expecting it but actually hearing it was far worse.

"You warned me once that you fall to peer pressure so it's okay." Bella teases with a smirk trying to mask her pain and it seems to work as Steve smiles at her kindly.

"Thank you for saving me Steve." Bella says with a sigh sounding closer to a swoon as she slowly lifts her hand to brush some of his famous hair away from his face. Her face so full of adoration as she bites her lip pulling her hand away.

"Nancy is a lucky girl. I wish you two nothing but happiness, because- that means you'll be happy." Bella explains as Steve stares at her slowly nodding.

He kind of expected her to slap him again but she didn't.

His chest hurt as she slowly turns away from him and back towards the waiting room with her family.

Wednesday and the kids missing to speak with Will as Bella sits beside her father. "Father-.... Next year for my birthday I would like to have the betrothal ball." Bella says with certainty as her father looks surprised.

"Are you sure my poison flower? Most Addams girls wait a few more years before they do the ball." Gomez asks in a panic but his daughter shows no hesitation.

She may be young but she wanted to find love.

She wasn't as cold as her siblings and mother, she held a passionate spirit like her father.

"She's certain mi amor." Morticia whispers lovingly in his ear while staring at her daughter proudly. She could see pure determination in her daughter's eyes, Bella truly was ready.

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ONE MONTH LATER

School had been crueler for Bella.

Now she had no barb and Nancy was once again all over Steve. The pair stuck together like glue hardly acknowledging Bella's presence at times.

Bella tried to stick close to Johnathan but they didn't share much classes.

There were still times Bella would feel Steve staring at her but she avoided even looking at him anymore.

Bella still got the three presents and Nancy gave her a few bottles of bleach and a new black sweater. Johnathan got her a weapon they had spotted at the hunting store that they hadn't let Bella buy despite her pleas.

She loved the gifts.

She gave Nancy a sweater along with a rose stem. Johnathan an old fashioned camera with film.

For Steve she got him a nice white button up shirt, a basketball, and a watch. She definitely got him the most but she couldn't give it to him face to face so she wrapped them and left them under his Christmas tree.... In the middle of the night the day before Christmas Eve.

No one knows how she got inside his locked house but Steve wasn't as scared as his parents.

It was just a belladonna Addams sort of thing.

On Christmas Eve belladonna is doing her usual tradition of throwing snowballs at Christmas carolers when a familiar car pulls up.

Bella threw a snowball as she saw a males lean figure walking to the door but stopped snickering when she recognized the voice that yelled out in surprise.

"Steve?" Bella ask rushing to him as he lays on his back staring up at her and the night sky.

"Hey uh- I was just.... I was um bringing you your Christmas gift." Steve says softly staring at her still from the ground.

Bella yanks him up by the hand easily and he brushes himself off as she stares at him intensely. She wasn't sure she even expected anything from him.

"Here um- turn around." He says while reaching into his front pocket.

Bella turns away from him and closes her eyes.

"If you're going to strangle me i would love to see your face as you do it." Bella admits making a choked noise come from the boy as he chokes on spit.

"No it's- just one sec." He says with a slight shake to his voice. A cold sensation of metal hits Bella's neck and she feels her eyes open as she looks down to see a beautiful pure black diamond necklace.

It was beautiful....

"I asked the sales person and they said it's called the death pendant.... I was hoping it would be something you'd like." Steve says awkwardly waiting for a response since she still has her back to him.

"It is beautiful Cara Mia." Bella says absentmindedly as she toys with the pendent before turning to face him with a giant smile.

"Thank you." Bella says while hugging him pulling away quickly despite wanting to linger.

He was not hers.

She couldn't do to him what she really wanted to in that moment.

"..... it's- it's no problem. You're my-.... Friend." Steve says breathlessly staring at Bella who still stares at him like he is the greatest thing she's ever seen.

Steve went home that night.... And for an entire year he stayed in his relationship with Nancy. But-....

He couldn't stop thinking about a certain Addams girl and he didn't know why.... Not until Hawkins was under attack once again.

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One Year Later

Belladonna eyes the necklace Steve gave her before putting on a nice white pearl one instead. It contrasts against her black dress that hugs her curves generously. Similar to her mothers except the v cut down the chest is only a little less drastic.

The Addams weirdness was becoming a regular thing in Hawkins but that didn't mean they still didn't get off stares or a select few who still yelled out nasty remarks.

Funnily enough there were some people who didn't treat them bad that you would think would. For example Tommy was actually really nice to Belladonna despite everything that had happened the previous year. Although she did wonder if it was due to ulterior motives since Carol dumped him.

"Are you driving us today?" Wednesday asks boredom in her tone as she sighs leaning in Belladonnas bedroom door frame.

"Yes I have to pass out the invitations today." Belladonna states casually as her sister scrunches her face with disgust. She most certainly would not be having a betrothal ball when she came of age. To Wednesday love is nothing but a distraction for what she truly wanted.

To become a homicidal serial killer.

"I'm ready let's go." Bella says with a pep to her step that looked forced but Wednesday wouldn't comment on it because she would just be met with denial.

"PUGLSEY!" Bella screams loudly as they wait at the front door for her younger brother who is no where in sight making the Addams girls both narrow their eyes suspiciously.

It's quiet.

Too quiet.

Suddenly a chill runs up Bella's spine and she side steps just in time as a weird nasty mixture spills where her and Wednesday had been standing seconds prior. Wednesday barely stepped out of the way as well.

When the disappointed boy rounds the corner with a pout both his sisters cross their arms and lift brows with annoyance as the boy looks unapologetic.

"So close." He says with a sigh as both sister roll their eyes.

"Get out in the car we are already late." Bella huffs with annoyance since she needed enough time to pass out her elegant invitations. They were black with a cursive shiny gold and gold trim.

Pugsley tries to shoulder check his sister as he passes but she remains stiff and immovable as she slowly turns her head with a blank stare.

Pugsley rushed to the car after that.

Belladonna had become a bit more.... Violent in the past year. And somehow being more violent then normal for an Addams was even scarier.

When the Addams pulled into the school parking lot they arrive in Belladonnas black hearse that's similar to her family's except the seats are a white leather on the inside instead of black.

As they reach the parking lot Wednesday goes to head to her school and meet with her friends as Pugsley tries to scurry away but Bella grabs the collar of his shirt yanking him back with ease.

"Not so fast." Bella says with ease no struggle in her voice despite her brother flailing to escape her grasp.

"Oh come on." He grunts trying to pry her finger off his collar to no avail.

"You're helping me or else I'll punish you for this morning." Bella says coldly making the younger boy gulp before nodding with a sigh. Bella plops a pile of invitations into his arms and forces him to walk behind her. If even tried to leave she would be ready to grab him so he didn't even try.

Belladonnas eyes search the parking lot for who to give an invitation first but stops dead in her tracks when her eyes land on Steve Harringtons car.

To make matters worse Nancy and him were giving lovey dovey eyes and leaning in to share a kiss.

Bella hasty looks away and starts passing her invites to everyone she sees.

Everyone.

Even cheerleaders, jocks, nerds, and band geeks there was no one off limits.

Bella was just handing about to give Tommy his invitation last so she could scurry away from him and into the school when an engines loud approach makes the girl turn her head along with everyone else to the unfamiliar car.

It approaches Fay's and whips into a parking spot making Bella's eyebrows lift with both surprise and amusement.

The second the boy stepped out of his car Bella could practically hear every girl in the parking lot swoon. Bella was almost no better as she stares at him with pique interest but-.... She still didn't feel her heart beat for him the way it had Steve.

It probably never would beat for anyone else.

The boy cockily smirks and looks around the lot before meeting Belladonnas gaze out of everyone there. Belladonna wanted to think she was crazy as he begins to strut her way.

She hadn't met a single guy that would willingly approach her.

"Oh brother." Pugsley groans trying to slip away now that his sister seemed distracted by the handsome stranger but she absent mindedly grabs him without removing her eyes from the boy who now is standing in front of her with a confident smirk.

"Hey I'm uh looking for the office.... You mind showing me?" He asks his eyes trailing to her exposed legs despite the crisp October cold.

"It would be my honor. Belladonna Addams." The girl says with her hand in the position to have her knuckles kissed similar to how she did when she first arrived at school.

Billy didn't even hesitate to grab her hand and linger a kiss to her knuckle making the girl smile coyly at him as he does maintaining eye contact with him.

"Billy. Billy Hargrove." He says with a charming smile as he finally removes his lips from her knuckle.

The pale girl begins to lead the way and Pugsley follows begrudgingly. Belladonna doesn't even feel the intense stare coming from across the parking lot as she smiles at Billy handing him an invite to her party that he gladly accepts.

The pair talk briefly considering the office is right at the entrance but Billy did inform her of being from California which made the girls nose scrunch in disgust mentioning too much sun.

Rather then be offended he laughed giving her an obvious once over that made Belladonna flush a little but still-..... yes he was attractive but it still didn't meet her heart.

So once again Bella passed out invites to everyone even Eddie Munson and his hellfire club. Eddie accepted it graciously as all his friends snorted seeing formal wear was required.

Safe to say they probably wouldn't want to attend.

Handing Tommy his after being distracted in the parking lot proved to be a blunder as he tries to woo her leaning against the locker and staring at her with a seductive smile that makes Bella want to gag aggressively.

Her only saving grace was one that made her look grim. Steve and Nancy were walking down the hall hand and hand still smiling at each other in an overly affectionate way that made Bella bite her tongue to the point it bled giving her some pleasure and to power through what she was about to do.

"Sorry Tommy I gotta give invites to Steve and Nancy still." She says with a forced smile that didn't meet her dead eyes.

Before the freckled boy could answer her she scurried to Steve and Nancy blocking their path down the hall smiling civilly as the pair stare at her with surprise blinking slowly to process she was even looking or speaking with them.

She hadn't spoken to them in nearly seven months.... She couldn't stomach being around the kissing and loving words they would share so she started avoiding them but- they didn't even seem to notice lost in their own little bubble.

It seemed they only noticed in awkward times like this where they were forced to be face to face with her.

"Uh- hey Bella how are you?" Nancy asks first as Bella keeps her eyes on her not even glancing to Steve. She didn't want to look at him and the clear look of being in love.... And not with her.

"Im splendid Nancy I just wanted to invite you both to my birthday this year.... It's going to also be my betrothal ball." Bella says with a grimace handing an invite to Nancy before looking to Steve for the first time handing him his.

He looked confused and couldn't stop himself for some reason from asking what it was.

"What's a uh- a bet- betrothal ball?" He asks confused as he sees the shock on Nancy's face at the word.

"Betrothal means engaged to be married..... are you engaged?" Nancy asks wide eyed in a panic but Bella waves a dismissive hand. With a kind smile for her old friend but again she avoids looking at Steve. If she had she would have noticed the gobsmacked expression he wore turning to one of annoyance.

"I'm not engaged.... Yet. It's a ball to help me find my future betrothed. We invite all the locals and then all the available gentlemen that family and family friends know to attend as well." Bella explains casually as Nancy nods slowly still looking a bit taken back by this revelation.

Bella seemed far too young to be getting married.

"Your getting married?" Steve asks and his voice as taken on a weird sharp tone of disbelief as Bella once again meets his gaze this time with her shoulders back to betray confidence.... A confidence she doesn't actually feel.

"Not yet but yes." Bella says with certainty meeting his gaze he looks at her with an emotion she can't describe.

"Well uh- I guess congratulations are in order then." Nancy says awkwardly as she looks between Bella and Steve who continue to maintain eye contact.

"I hope to see you both there." Bella says with a breathless softness in her tone as she unknowingly stares at Steve with desperation of a sort that he stares back similarly.

But Bella's the first to walk away as she has to keep passing out invitations especially to her friends like Johnathan, Robin, and even Carol gets an invite. She was one of the few in school that still said nasty things here and there to the Addams girl in passing.

And it would appear she would get an invite back to another party. Bella's party wasn't until November 13 it happened to land on a Friday like the day of her actual birth. So she could attend this one although it was a costume party and she didn't know what she'd wear she was unsure she even wanted to go.

"BELLA WAIT UP!" A voice screams through the crowd making the Addams girl slowly come to a stop and as Nancy Wheeler surprisingly approaches Bella blinks in surprise.

"Hello Nancy." Bella says with a cold demeanor as the girl who once had been her friend smiles sheepishly at her.

"I know- I know things got weird this past year between us..... but I'm visiting barbs parents and i wanted to see if you'd be interested.... Going with me and Steve." Nancy says awkwardly as Bella blinks slowly trying to process the invite.

"You wish for me to accompany you?" Bella repeats still confused why Nancy was asking her to basically third wheel when they haven't spoken except in passing for months almost a whole year.

"Well Steve just thought maybe you'd like to join us...... we could check on barbs parents ya know? It's been a year since- and it's what Barb would have done and wanted for us." Nancy says solemnly and Bella sighs looking away with disinterest but unlike her siblings she had her father's passion.

She sympathizes for Barb. Only because she was a friend.

And she wouldn't admit hearing Steve was the one to think of her made her want to blush and feel her heart beat again but it didn't. She made sure her face remained neutral despite the fact her chest hurt with an ache.

"I suppose I could attend." Belladonna says with an obvious sigh but Nancy looks relieved.

She knew the interaction would be awkward but bringing Bella would maybe help with the silence and bring a form of comfort.... Hopefully.

Belladonna turns away and finally she grabs the remaining invites for her party from Pugsley and shoo's him away with a flick of her wrist and an eye roll.

He doesn't hesitate to run off to the freshman classroom's.

Bella goes to her first period class which is English and easily spots Steve in peripheral sitting in his usual spot. Usually he avoids even looking at her as he spoke to basketball players he was friends with from the team.

Instead he has an empty seat next to him appears to be looking around with some anxiety before his eyes meet Belladonnas.

She hadn't thought anything of his strange behavior other than it being strange. So belladonna goes to sit in her usual spot but Steve calls to her and grabs her pale thin wrist in his hand.

Belladonna couldn't help but notice how his much larger hand completely wrapped around her wrist effortlessly.

Swallowing harshly Bella lifts her eyes from the hold to his eyes. He does a subtle head nod for her to sit next to him in the empty chair.

It's obvious he doesn't want to catch too much attention to the fact he's talking to her.

Belladonna the mutant.

Bella wants to rip away from his grasp and ignore his invite but her curiosity is too high. The boy hadn't willingly spoke to her in so long she couldn't think of why he would even want to talk to her now.

Bella sits down and crosses her legs before looking to Steve with a lifted brow in question as he looks around to make sure no one was noticing.

But everyone was too busy talking about the party that was happening that week to notice the weird exchanged between the pair.

"Why the hell are you getting engaged?" Steve whispers lowly looking at her with some exasperation.

Bella looks at him with some curiosity wondering why he cared wondering if he was jealous but-.... She knew better.

"It was an old tradition for my family. When we turn 18 we try to find a possible suitor or try to find a connection." Belladonna states simply as Steve shakes his head like he's hearing something absolutely insane.

"You can't do it. You- you've barely experience anything. You haven't even had a boyfriend, you should experience more with someone before settling down." Steve says in a ramble as Bella shrugs like it's simple.

"Addams tend to do all that with the person that- catches our attention. We allow them to consume our very being and then we just-.... We live for them." Belladonna says softly because she had thought she found that with him. But it hadn't been reciprocated.

"Your family can't force you to do this. You'll be 18 you could-" Steve continues to ramble thinking he would need to save her from this fate.

"Steve.... I'm the one who asked for this. I asked to continue the tradition." Bella whispers and Steve stops and goes slack jawed and looks at her with disbelief as he stutters for what he could possible say.

"W-why would- you can't. Call it off then." He pleads and Bella looks at him sadly realizing he was trying to be a friend and stop something he didn't understand.

"I can't. I don't want to. I want love Steve. I want someone who- loves me for me. Every last part of me. I want someone who's willing to throw themselves on the dagger for me. Who's willing to the blame and try to sacrifice themselves for me when I've done wrong. I want someone.... Who's proud to say they're with me." Bella had kept her gaze off him for the most part except that final part of being proud.

It's something he would have never been able to give her.

She would drag his social standing down and it's clearly something he can't live with.

"But Bella-" Steve tries to plead again but the teacher starts writing on the board after a shrill ring of the bell.

Bella begins to take notes but she can feel Steve's intense gaze on her and she can't even bring herself to look at him.

She couldn't fall for him again.

She wouldn't allow herself to fall again.

As Bella writes the door to the classroom creaks open eerily soothing her. Her eyes flick up briefly before returning to her notes before freezing and her eyes immediately looking back up in a double take.

The new student from that morning Billy Hargrove has entered confidently looking at his peers before his eyes meet Bella's.

He smirks and winks at her making the Addams girl smirk back with some intrigue.

"Oh students this is our new student William Hargrove." The teacher announces and Bella feels herself wanting to swoon at the name William. It reminded her of William Joseph Pierce Jr. a serial killer that had murdered 9 people.

"Just Billy please." Billy says with a charming smile to the teacher who smiles back not noticing the dark flash of annoyance in Billy's eyes like Bella did.

"You can take the seat next to Belladonna." The teacher instructs looking weary as the strange girl is known for being weird and probably wouldn't give the best first impression.

But hearing the familiar name Billy's smile grows and he saunters to his seat before plopping down and man spreading casually before looking at Bella with a smirk.

"Small world huh? You get an invite to this shit?" He whispers to Bella showing the invite for the Halloween party that Bella had also shockingly received an invite for.

"Yes..... are you planning to attend?" Bella whispers back and the teacher doesn't dare say anything about her whispers because-.... Quite frankly she scared him too much to say anything.

"I was considering it- would you want to go with me? I think I'd love to be around someone else who doesn't wear pastels." He says while biting his bottom lip at the dig he makes about their peers that goes unheard.

Belladonna practically felt herself wishing for her heart to beat for Billy because he had so much she previously would have loved before Steve. A cynical look in his eyes, a hatred for the towns constant pasty colored clothing, and he clearly wanted her.

But- she feels nothing.

"I would be delighted. What costume should we wear?" Bella asks trying to force herself to feel something by maybe spending more time with the boy.

"Something- sexy yet.... Dark. Something tells me you like dark stuff." He snickers subtly and Bella nods excitedly she could find something like that surely.

"Could you two keep it down I'm trying to focus." Steve suddenly butts in with a scowl making Belladonna look at him before clenching her jaw and continuing to write notes.

Billy however didn't move on and settled Steve with an unnoticed glare.

He didn't like this guy.... And unbeknownst to him it was about to get worse and he was about to set sights on ruining Steve Harringtons life.

And he had something already that was irking the boy.

Belladonnas undivided attention.

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Belladonna drove herself to Barbs house, she knew where it was from the many times she picked her friend up to go to the movies. But she never met Barbs parents and she definitely wasn't going to enjoy being stuck around Steve and Nancy. She was going to need a possible quick getaway.

Bella steps out of her hearse and looks around with a sigh, she beat the 'loving couple'.

She could wait for them and enjoy the nice chilly air but instead she strode to the front door and nodded before plastering a faint smile on her face. This was for Barb.

A woman wearing pastels and looking the average woman opens the door and blinks with surprise. Belladonnas skin is sickly pale and her black clothes cling to her.

Both were stark differences from each other.

"Uh- hello can I help you?" The woman asks and Belladonna sticks her hand out for a casual shake instead of her knuckle routine. She was adapting to some normal greetings.... Some.

"I'm Belladonna Addams. Nancy invited me to your dinner I hope that is okay?" Bella asks kindly but hearing the name the woman smiles strangely at the girl. She avoids Belladonnas outstretched hand as she continue to stare at the brunette.

"Barb used to talk a lot about you.... Right before she disappeared...." She trails off her eyes cold and looking Bella up and down with obvious distrust.

"We were friends." Bella says with a shrug of her shoulders at the woman doesn't invite her in and just continues to stare at her. Bella slowly lowers her hand realizing the woman wasn't going to shake hers.

Long enough that Steve and Nancy come pulling up parking right behind Belladonnas car on the street curb. Steve smiles broadly at the woman his eyes slowly trailing to Bella but she quickly looks away not wanting to be charmed.

Nancy looks between Bella and Barbs mother and senses a strange one sided tension.

She greets the older strict looking woman with a hug and whispers that the pair try to hide from its subject. Belladonna.

So rather than eavesdrop on the conversation Bella takes a daring look at Steve who is staring intensely at her. "What?" She asks bluntly and he blinks before looking away rubbing the back of his neck as his face begins to go a little pink.

"You changed." He states as his eyes look at the nice black sweater dress she wears. It goes to her mid thigh and then she is wearing black stocking along with black leather boots that go to her knees.

"You look nice." He clarifies making Belladonna avoid blushing and nod. "Thank you. You look.... Nice as well." She says clearing her throat mid compliment.

Truly she found him more than just nice looking.

"Come in kids." Suddenly barbs mom says with a forced smile as her eyes keep flickering to Bella who acts to not notice. Nancy looks uncomfortable and Steve tries to ask why and she whispers back how she will tell him later.

Bella just ignores them and looks around the house with a disgusted scrunched nose.

Definitely not her style.

The wallpaper has flowers on it and is a nasty bright yellow, her gaze sweeps the room before falling on Steve and Nancy who share a short brief kiss. Somehow that was worse than the wallpaper.

The smell of fried food fills the house and Belladonna walks to the dining room a man a bit in the heavy side helping set the table for his wife. Bella smiles warmly again despite the coldness his wife had treated her with. No matter what she always tried to be a respectable guest.

"Mr Holland. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Bella says formally sticking her hand out for a shake despite the fact his wife hadn't shook her hand earlier.

The burly man smiles kindly at her and shakes her hand looking confused. "Seems you know me but I don't know you. Were you one of barbs friends?" He asks noticing her strange attire and his face goes grim as he comes to a possible conclusion on who she might be.

"I am Belladonna Addams. I was friends with Barb." Bella says with certainty as Barbs father stares at her with similar disgust that Mrs. Holland had.

When Steve and Nancy entered behind Bella the man's face lit up a little and his stressed and disgusted look turned a bit gleeful.

"Nancy. Long time no see I'm happy to see you." Mr Holland says wrapping her in a welcoming hug before shaking Steve's hand looking to know him too. "And I see you brought your boyfriend, I've been hearing good things about your basketball season Harrington." Barbs father says shaking the boys hand.

But despite the fact he had more energy than his wife there was a certain sadness that seemed to constantly weigh on him.

Catching sight of the shrine of photos they had built for Barb was explanation enough.

"Dinner is served everyone sit." Barbs mother says entering the room with a forced smile her eyes looking to Bella again making her smile twitch before she sat down.

It was quite obvious Bella wasn't truly welcomed.

Nonetheless she sat down beside Nancy who gave her a reassuring hand squeeze but Bella just stared stoically at the gesture before pulling her hand away.

"I'm so sorry I didn't get to cook. I was gonna make that baked ziti you guys like so much. But I just forgot about the time and before you know it, "Oh my god it's five o clock"." Mrs. Holland says with a forced awkward laugh.

"It's fine. It's great." Nancy says just as awkwardly and Steve agrees with Nancy instantly. "Right. I love KFC." He says with a charming smile aimed at the Hollands as Bella just stays silent getting the feeling these people wouldn't like if she agreed.

"So I noticed a for sale sign out in your yard. Is that the neighbors... or-" Nancy's trails off as barbs parents share a look.

"You wanna tell them? Especially in front of-..."Mrs Holland asks while flicking her eyes in Bella's direction clearly indicating she wasn't too sure given Bella's attendance.

"Go ahead." Mr holland assures his eyes piercing Bella with suspicion ready to watch her face for any tells.

"We hired a man named Murray Batman. Have either of you heard of him?" Mrs. Holland asks and the way she words the phrase it's clear she is only directing the question at Steve and Nancy who both say no.

Steve looks tense as he begins to notice how Barbs parents are excluding Belladonna. At first he thought it was just the same awkwardness that he and Nancy were going through eating with the couple but the tension is much stronger. Especially when he heard the way they indicated talking about this subject in front of Bella might not be a good idea.

"He was an investigative journalist for the Chicago sun times." Mrs holland explains as Barbs dad pulls out a card handing it to Steve and Nancy as Belladonna continues to eat her chicken giving her undivided attention to the couple to appear like she isn't ignoring them.

"Anyway he's freelance now and he agreed to take the case." Barbs mom says with excitement as Nancy goes to pass the card to Bella Mrs Holland makes a noise and shakes her head.

"That's great. That's really great right?" Steve asks Nancy trying to play it off that he knows the truth of Barb while getting Nancy to do the same but she looks unsure.

"It is a very good idea." Bella agrees with the boy as Nancy stays quiet a beat to long. The hollands look at her with more unease but Nancy interrupts what they seem to be about to Taya to the pale girl.

"Uh what exactly does that mean?" Nancy asks with hesitation that goes unnoticed. Mr holland seems fired up with the topic and answers with certainty. "Means he's gonna do what that lazy son of a bitch Jim Hop-"

He is cut off as his wife lays a reassuring hand on his arm making him utter an apology.

"What the Hawkins police haven't been capable of doing. Means we have a real detective on the case." Mr holland continues in an even voice but Mrs Holland seems excited as she jumps into the conversation. "It means- we're going to find our barb." She says before her eyes once again flick to Belladonna.

Steve notices this and tenses.

"If anyone can find her it this man. He is also going to find out why she left.... Who might have influenced her. He already has leads. By god he's worth every last penny." Mr holland says his glare on Bella makes Steve grit his teeth together as he realizes that Barbs parents think Bella is the one who influenced Barb to 'run away'.

What would they think when it's discovered Barb is actually dead? Would they blame her then too?

"Is that why you're selling the house?" Nancy asks completely clueless to the treatment Bella was secretly enduring.

Bella- just sat in her seat staring blankly at the couple. Feeling watched her eyes meets Steve's from over Nancy's head since the pair are taller then her. Bella not by much but enough to see the pity in Steve's eyes for her.

She didn't need that. She didn't need anything from him.

"Don't worry sweetie. We're fine. More than fine. For the first time in a long time we're hopeful." Mrs. Holland says with confidence her gaze snapping to Bella's once more going ignored as Steve tightens his hold on his food.

"Excuse me I'll be right back." Nancy says with a quick scurry out of the room that leaves Steve and Bella in a tense silence.

Everyone chews noisily as Bella just pushes the food around her plate.

"It's finger licking good." Steve says with a smile making the hollands hum and nod in agreement.

Bella sniffs the air subtly before slowly standing up both the hollands staring at her with that mistrust yet again.

"I'm going to go check on Nancy then take my leave. It was a pleasure to meet you both. I do wish you well on finding Barb." Belladonnas voice doesn't even waiver as she goes to leave but Steve grabs her wrist as she passes making her look to him with a sigh.

Being in his presence hurt and not in the pleasurable way.

"Uh- I'll walk you to your car after you say bye to Nance. It's dark out.... Don't want anything happening you know." He says awkwardly under the intense stare of the Hollands as Bella smiles coyly at the boy.

"You and I both know I'm scarier than anything or anyone outside. But it's a sweet offer... I'll be fine." Belladonnas voice doesn't says softly rubbing his hand that grasps her wrist still. He slowly lets go looking like he wants to say more but instead he turns back to his food eating.

Bella goes to the bathroom door smelling the saltiness of fresh tears. Knocking timidly before calling out to Nancy not wanting her to think anyone is rushing her.

"Nancy it's me Bella.... I just- wanted to let you know I will be taking my leave. And I wanted to say.... I'm sorry." Bella mumbles the last part before leaving as she doesn't get a response back.

As she walks past the dining room she hears a clatter and multiple apologies before Steve is standing right behind her ready to walk her out. He is out of breath from rushing and he clearly made a mess in the progress making Bella smirk.

"I told you I'll be fine." Bella assures as they step out onto the porch walking a little slower then normal.

"Yeah well- I just didn't want the risk right. Plus it's a bit awkward in there with Nancy MIA." Steve teases and hearing Nancy's name bursts whatever happy bubble belladonna had temporarily been in her smile falling as she agrees softly.

As they walk in silence Steve breaks it by huffing with a sudden annoyance that takes Bella by surprise. She didn't think she did anything to deserve such a sudden act but soon realized it wasn't directed at her.

"I'm sorry for the way they were treating you. They were acting like-..." he trails off not wanting to say his suspicions but Bella just leans on her car with a knowing smile.

"Like I had something to do with Barb 'running away'. Yeah it wasn't hard to miss even for me." Bella laugh with self deprivation that makes Steve smirk before it falls and he shakes his head.

"It wasn't  oil of them and-.... Before we leave I'll make sure to say something." He assures and Bella shrugs and shakes her head.

"No need. It's not exactly the first time I've gotten strange looks or accused of committing a crime. Only difference this time is I actually didn't do it." Bella says with a slight laugh at the irony as Steve snorts with amusement.

"Well-... either way you deserve better then to be treated like that." Steve says subconsciously moving a step closer as Bella holds her breath at his close proximity.

"Don't do that. Please." Bella says stepping away as Steve blinks confuse. "Do what?" He asks and she waves a hand at him before shaking her head going to open her car door and say a brisk goodbye but he blocks her from opening it.

"No do what? I'm not doing anything." Steve states with confusion as Bella looks at him with pleading eyes that go ignored.

"Stop being you." Bella says with desperation as Steve looks taken back and a little offended. "Oh.... Sorry." He trails off a bit glum and Bella sighs shaking her head before meeting his eyes with a determined look.

"It's not meant in a bad way Steve it's just.... I just got over you. And you being nice to me and suddenly talking to me again it's not going to help with me trying to move on. I have my betrothal ball on November 13th and- I can't risk getting cold feet by..... being reeled in by you again." Bella explains and he looks relieved before tense hearing her mention the betrothal ball.

"Bella-...." Steve goes to ask her to cancel it but something in her eyes makes him stop. Her brown orbs are begging him to not say whatever he is about to say.

"Goodnight." He goes for instead and lets out a relieved sigh before nodding muttering a goodbye before driving off leaving Steve standing in the road to ponder his thoughts.

Why was he so concerned about her getting engaged? He needed to focus on Nancy.... Just Nancy.

As Steve heads back inside Nancy is still the restroom as he sits back in his seat. The Hollands look a bit more at ease and it slowly dawns on him it's because Belladonna left.

"I don't know how Nancy is friends with that- .... That freak." Mrs Holland scoff while stabbing at her potatoes aggressively leaving Steve to gape for a second at the sudden use of the word to describe Bella.

Yes he had said worse in the past but he regretted that now knowing the odd girl.

"We are certain her or her family have something to do with Barbs disappearance. They either coaxed her to run or threatened her maybe even scared her we are sure of it." Mr Holland says with confidence that's makes a deep burning full Steve.

"She's actually a pretty good person once you get to know her." Steve explains calmly but barbs parents look to not believe him and shake their heads.

"Her and her.... Family are best thing but a bad omen that came to this town. First the boy Will goes missing then our Barb? I don't know what that family is doing but Mr Batman will find out." Mr Holland says with no room for argument but- Steve wants to argue on this. Because belladonna is innocent and she hadn't done anything to waiver such animosity.

"But she and Barb were friends they were close.-" Steve goes to explain but is cut off again by Mrs Holland who shakes her head with a disapproving laugh.

"A mistake on our part for not knowing what our daughter was doing. If we knew she was befriending that freaky mutant girl we would have stopped it." Mrs holland says and finally Steve has enough not noticing Nancy about to enter the room.

"That 'freaky mutant' was a friend of your daughters. And believe it or not right before Barb... ran off Bella was the one being there for her. And your daughter would be disgusted and disappointed if she knew what you just did to Belladonna. Yes Bella's strange but she's loyal and.... She would have tried to convince Barb to stay if she could have." Steve scoots standing up to leave his eyes catch Nancy's who looks away and clears her throat.

"I think we should leave. I'm sorry- that dinners is ending so short but it's been hard for everyone involved." Nancy says with a look to Steve to say he's had it hard too.

Barbs parents nod slowly looking guilty but Steve didn't spare them another look as he and Nancy go outside. He storms to the car and as they sit in silence Nancy finally breaks it by looking at him with some disappointment.

"What happened in there? When I was.... What happened?" Nancy asks and Steve sighs hanging his head before looking back up at the road with a solemn expression.

"They were being mean to Bella all night, making it clear they thought she had something to do with Barb..... then after she left they finally voiced it aloud and I just.... I don't know." Steve trails off and Nancy stares at him long and hard before nodding slowly.

"It's okay I understand. Let's just go." Nancy says dorky looking lost in thought and Steve agrees driving to drop her off and the entire time he can't stop thinking of belladonna.

She was starting to drive him crazy and he didn't even understand why.

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It's Halloween.

The one day out of the entire year that dressing and acting like an Addams isn't considered weird or freaky. If a tourist from out of town came they'd think it was an act with a costume nothing more.

Belladonna loved to celebrate the holiday of treats and tricks... especially the tricks.

This year however Billy had invited her to be his date to the Halloween party. So Bella couldn't do her usual tricks like passing out candy with toe jam imbedded in the middle to look like jelly but tastes like a nasty bitter sweet.

When Belladonna pulled into the school parking lot her eyes search for Billy to talk about her costume to make sure it was appropriate but she catches Steve staring at her from across the lot.

With an awkward grimace she waves before scanning the lot again happy to see Billy's car pull in with rock music blasting at full volume.

His red headed sister is quick jump out and skateboard away as Billy shoots her an annoyed glare muttering something about a brat. As he turns his head he smirks seeing Bella confidently striding up to him with a smirk of her own.

"William.... How are you?" Bella asks softly as Billy gives her a look for using his first formal name. "I'm good Addams how are you excited for tonight?" He asks leaning on his car hood flexing his muscles casually much to Bella's delight.

"Very. I just wanted to make sure my costume would be okay?" Bella asks telling him of the black one piece she planned to wear with slicked hair while makeup making it look like she'd been bit by a shark.

"Sounds perfect. I'll need your help with my costume." Billy says with a sly smile making Bella bite her lil like she had to even think about it. "Depends on what you need." She teases as he explains he wants to be covered in lipstick kisses all the way down his neck and over his bare stomach down to his paint line.

"Oh William- I would be honored." Bella flirts seamlessly making the boy chuckle looking her up and down right in front of her with approval. "You're the only person I will let get away with calling me that. I love how you say it." He admits taking a step towards her crowing her space a bit but Bella just meets his gaze head on not even a bit intimidated.

Bella smiles coyly stepping close but instead circles his body before walking towards the school. She stops smirking over shoulder at him, "Until tonight Tesoro." Bella says fluidly the Italian endearment for darling.

Billy lifts his brows at the foreign word but senses it's something good and smiles back.

As Bella enters the school she feels watched and seconds later Steve Harrington is walking beside her trying to look like it's a coincidence.

Like he couldn't be seen talking to her.

"What do you want Steve?" Bella sighs with annoyance knowing whatever he had to say would irk her.

"What's going on with you and Hargrove?" He asks keeping his eyes forward not even having the decency to look at her. Which only added fuel to the fire.

"That is not your concern." Bella huff's continuing her walk as Steve looks to her before looking away hoping noticed the small shared look.

"He isn't a good guy Bella. He's a player okay? I don't want to see you get hurt." Steve says it like it's simple but Bella scoffs rolling her eyes at him.

"I don't think you're the best person to be throwing stones Harrington especially with a glass house of your own." Bella spat bitter making the boy look confused.

"My house isn't glass though." Steve says with confusion making Bella shake her head and round him shoving an aggressive finger into his chest. People stop to stare and Steve looks at them all wearily.

"It means don't be a fucking hypocrite Steve. You're not exactly a saint yourself when it comes to toying with women. Also if you can't even be caught so much as looking at me then don't speak to me either." Bella spat before poking him in the chest and walking away.

Forgetting the lingering stares Steve watches the brunette walk away with a weird pain in his chest.

And it didn't help that during his study hall period with Nancy in the library later that day that his girlfriend was starting to lose it. Ever since meeting up with Barbs parents she had been consumed by her guilt.

Steve just wanted a night where they could take a break from the doom and gloom and just be reckless kids.

He really thought that once he got to the party and let loose everything would finally feel better. Even if it was just temporary.

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Steve arrives at the party wearing a very simplistic costume of Nancy's celebrity crush. His eyes scan the crowd as he and Nancy lean on a random wall.

His eyes find Billy storming towards him and widen as he notices a whole group of guys are following including his ex friend Tommy.

Belladonna is hidden behind Billy as they approach and Steve hasn't seen her or her costume yet. But he doesn't miss the fact Billy has lips trailing down his stomach and the shade is a little too familiar for his liking.

"We have a new keg king Harrington." The group begins to taunt him but his eyes stay on Bella who slowly comes out from behind Billy with an awkward smile aimed at Nancy and a glare at Steve.

Her legs are exposed as she wears nothing but a one piece swim suit with a fake shark bite mark in her leg with fake blood. Her cleavage is also on the display even though it is October and chilly out.

The cold doesn't affect her like normal people though.

Steve feels his mouth go dry as he scans her noticing making Billy's eyes narrow before his jaw sets. Steve meets the intense stare and the two boys get into a stare down making Bella roll her eyes.

"A dick measuring contest. Fun." Bella says with a roll of her eyes heading to the drink bowl Nancy following suit neither of their dates noticing at first.

"What's in this?" Nancy asks as a guy by the bowl chugs it. "PURE FUEL! PURE FUEL!" He shouts continuing to chug it. Nancy and Bella both get cups and Nancy winces at how strong it is as Bella looks disappointed.

Being in the kitchen she goes to the cupboard under the sink and finds bleach.

"Here we go the real strong stuff want some?" Bella asks pouring some in her glass as Nancy shakes her head before pounding her drink back with a hiss.

Bella didn't even notice Steve until he started to tell Nancy to take it easy as she swallows the contents in her cup. Feeling nothing yet Bella gets a second cup with bleach poured in that as well. Steve could be felt glancing at her with worry as well.

"Hey Bella maybe you should slow down too?" Steve says when Nancy scolds him about some deal they made about being dumb teenager. But Bella simply flips him off and goes for a third cup.

After another cup full Nancy goes to the dance floor and Bella goes to get a fourth cup but Steve grabs her wrist. "That's enough okay Bells? I already gotta babysit Nancy I can't watch both of you." Steve pleads but clearly his words only fueled the girl as she scoffed and got a fourth cup not even watering it down with the bleach this time.

"I don't need a babysitter Harrington. Especially not you." Bella sneers grabbing the cup and going the opposite way Nancy did towards the staircase where Billy flirts with Carol.

It should bother her but Bella didn't really care as she walks up to the pair with an eye roll.

"Hi Carol." Bella says pleasantly as Carol looks perturbed by her presence. They weren't exactly friends in fact Carol kind of slandered Bella's name especially after finding out Tommy her ex had a new thing for the girl. Even though that was completely one sided.

"Bella.... Sorry I'm trying to steal him tomorrow night for a date. You don't mind right?" Carol asks as Bella scoffs rolling her eyes.

"Go ahead. Add him to the list of boys that makes your blood smell so foul." Bella says innocently as Billy snorts and Carol rushes away with a blush.

"Didn't take you as the jealous type." Billy flirts leaning close as Bella furrows her brows. She wasn't being sarcastic she really didn't care if the two screwed. This date with Billy didn't even feel like a real date.

Bella craved romance and a party full of drunk teenagers kind of lacked the intimacy she wanted.

"Depends on the guy I guess." Bella says with her thoughts straying to a year ago and how jealous she was about Steve and Nancy.

"Wanna head upstairs?" Billy asks leaning into her ear and before Bella can politely decline a commotion starts at the punch bowl and she and Billy look just in time to see Steve accidentally spill the red punch all over Nancy's white sweater.

Nancy beelines for the bathroom as Billy laughs at the misfortune. Admittedly Bella snickered a little before looking for a new way out of Billy's earlier proposal.

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Steve follows Nancy into the bathroom where she helplessly scrubs at her blouse. He tries to apologize but the drunk girl ignores him. He even offers to drive her home but his girlfriend continues to slur on how he wanted this.

"Told you stop drinking." He says while grabbing her arms gently ready to guide her to his car but she pulls away. "Bullshit." Nancy chants over and over as the boy tries to deter her cusses.

"No it's not bullshit Nancy." Steve assures but Nancy looks to him with drunk rage. "No you you're bullshit." Nancy slurs making Steve freeze and stare at her with a hurt expression.

"What?" He asks softly almost in disbelief.

"You're pretending like everything is okay. You know like- we didn't..... like we didn't kill Barb. Like it's great. Like we're in love and we're partying. Yeah let's party huh? Party. We're partying. This is bullshit." Nancy slurs as Steve stares at her trying to hold back the pain he feels due to her words.

"Like we're in love?" He asks repeating her question trying to make her say sorry or assure him she didn't mean it.

She doesn't. She adds to it.

"It's bullshit." Nancy says while Steve shakes his head, "you don't love me?" He asks for even more clarity and this time he gets a little more then he bargained for.

"It's bullshit....... You- you don't love me either. I've seen it." Nancy drunk confession sounds so certain and Steve looks even more confused.

"Seen what? Of course I love you Nance....." Steve asks confused and she laughs in his face before her face goes back to that drunk blank deadpanned expression.

"The way you look at her. Bella. How you stood up for her at Barbs and-.... How you and Billy were dick measuring...... the way you looked at her when she walked up...... how upset you were hearing about her betrothal ball..... you don't love me because you love her." Nancy sounds certain and Steve gapes his mouth moving but no words leave him.

"It's bullshit." Nancy says turning away from him to rub the punch out of her blouse more. Steve's eyes burn as he shakes his head one last time before leaving. Nancy's words in his head as he storms through the party on the verge of possibly crying when he goes deathly still.

Dancing in the middle of the dance floor is Billy and Bella. Her body is practically molded to the boy her ass pressed flush up against the boys junk who smiles giddily.

Bella's eyes flick up out of no where and catch Steve's that look like they are glassy from tears. He quickly looks away and begins pushing through the crowd.

Bella freezes and immediately starts running after him ignoring Billy's yells as she roughly shoves people out of her way. Steve had still managed to be polite but Bella was full blown throwing people to the floor and wall to hurry through them.

Even Carol was tossed like a rag doll smacking her nose off the wall letting out a loud wail.

As the night air hits Bella's skin it feels nice as the house had been stuffy. Making the girl grimace missing that uncomfortable heat but she still chases after Steve making her heels dig pleasurably into her feet.

"STEVE!" Bella tells and the boy stiffens definitely hearing her but he continues to storm his way to his car.

Before he pulls away from the curb Bella opens the door and clamors in with a smile on her face until she notices the tears falling down Steve's face.

"What happened? Are you okay? Do you need me to go kick Tommy in the dick? I could kill him you know I have a new machete I've been meaning to use for dismemberment." Bella says in a panic as the boy begins driving a deprecating laugh leaves him making her eye him funny.

Seeing him so sad somehow made her heart worse then anytime he'd wronged her. And she knew why..... but she ignored it because she couldn't love him like that again.

"Nancy...." Steve starts to say but it's cut off by a sob making Bella stare at him completely wide eyed and freaked out at his strong emotions.

She really had a thing for passionate men.

"What did she do? Did she cheat on you?" Bella asks with surprise but Steve shakes his head driving towards his house not even thinking he should probably take her home first. He just wanted to go home and wallow in his bed.

"She uh- she said she didn't love me." He says like it's the most painful thing he's had to admit. Bella looks stunned before annoyed.

"She's stupid for that Steve. She was probably just drunk." Bella tries to excuse but Steve shakes his head with another self deprecating laugh.

"Drunk words sober thoughts fight? And apparently I'm also bullshit. I'm so stupid" He cries as they pull into his driveway. Steve slams his forehead against his steering wheel and Bella reaches out stopping his head from making contact again.

"You're not bullshit, and you're not stupid Steve. She's bullshit okay? And she is stupid. Steve Harrington I can assure you she is stupid to not realize how good she has it okay? Being loved by you-..... that would be the greatest feeling anyone else would have appreciated to experience. I know I would have." Bella whispers the last apart her heart hurting as she thinks of how happy Steve loving her would have made her feel just a year ago.

Steve slowly leans off her hand that blocks him from slamming his forehead on the steering wheel and stares at her for any signs of deceit or mockery.

But she stares at him with an intense stare that shows she means every word she's said.

"Don't look at me like that Cara Mia." Bella says sadly as his eyes flick to her lips before her eyes. He looks away ashamed before he looks back at her with a sad smile.

"Haven't heard you call me that in a long time." He admits softly and Bella stiffens realizing what she had subconsciously called him by mistake.

"I'm sorry it slipped." Bella explains looking away from him as Steve continues to look at her funny.

"Let's- let's get inside and sleep. We got school tomorrow." Steve says with a huff turning his running car off and opening his door before guiding Bella to his empty house.

As they step inside he points to the phone, "If you want to call your parents and tell them you're staying here or need a ride go ahead." He offers but Bella just waves a dismissive hand.

"They know I can handle myself. Like I've told you before I am probably scarier than anything out there and my parents know that." Bella teases as she watches him get them both water.

"My parents are out of town but they might be back by morning so you'll have to stay in my room. I'll take the floor." He assures as Bella shrugs to seem unbothered.

"We can share the bed Steve it's not like we haven't before. It's just this time we won't be making love." Bella says it like it's so simple but Steve chokes on his water as she harshly hits his back to relieve the pain only forming bruises on his back and hurting him more.

"Uh are you sure? cus I can take the floor." Steve offers again as Bella smiles at him broadly her eyes unknowingly staring at him full of admiration.

"Such a gentlemen. But I'm sure." She smiles as he leads her up the stairs and into his room. It almost feels like Deja vu as he hands her clothes to change into before leaving the room.

This time Bella is quick to change and gets comfortable on her side of the bed and when a timid knock sounds she calls for him to enter and he does with his hand covering his face just in case.

He didn't need a repeat of last time at the moment.

"It's safe. And don't worry I don't bite except on Thursdays." Bella taunts as Steve's face goes red knowing it is in fact a Thursday.

Steve clamors into bed and tries to stay to his side but he tosses and turns all night as Bella faces her back to him. After seemingly hours of tossing and turning his eyes stare at Bella's back.

Slowly he wraps his arms around her curling into her back and sighing with relief as he finally feels comfortable.

He easily falls asleep and misses as Bella's breathing goes heavy.... She never fell asleep kept awake by his constant thrashing around.

There's an intense pounding in her chest once more.

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When Steve woke up that following morning the bed felt warm but empty. His hand subconsciously moves around searching for something or other someone but comes up empty.

Sitting up Steve looks around and notices Bella and her shoes are gone. The clothes he loaned her are placed nicely folded on the desk but her scent is still in the room.

She must have just been there just mere moments ago.

Steve sits there pondering for a second looking out the window to see the sun has barely begun to rise. He moves to the window and looks out towards the driveway to see Belladonna walking in her costume down the path leisurely like it's no big deal.

"What the hell?" Steve groans rushing to put shoes on nearly tumbling down the stairs in the process trying to rush to the front door.

He even dropped his car keys a few times as he tried to get ready to go after her. Having not grabbed a jacket the second he steps foot outside he feels the cold stabbing his bare arms making him hiss and rub them but he rushes to his car anyway.

Cranking the heat up Steve drives down his long driveway just as Belladonna goes to turn onto the actual road. Steve honks after her and Bella turns around with eyebrows raised with surprise.

Steve waves for her to come over and she slowly does still looking at him in pure disbelief that slowly goes away back to a stoic expression.

"What the hell are you doing walking home like that it's freezing?" Steve asks rolling the window causing her to lean into it to stare at him and hear better. Her chest visible due to the angle makes him look away and clear his throat.

"You could have borrowed my clothes and gave them back later or just wait for me to take you home." Steve says casually as Bella turns her head to an angle before shrugging not seeing the big deal.

"I keep telling you that I'm scarier than anything that can possibly be put in these woods. I will be fine." She assures him but Steve shakes his head leaning over the seat to pop the door open for her anyway.

"I'll take you home. It's the least I can do after-.... You know." Steve offers referring to her coming to comfort him.

Belladonna looks like she's debating the offer before shrugging and getting inside his car. Her bare legs look smooth not a single goosebump in sight it makes Steve smile to himself.

Not being cold in this weather is such a strange Bella thing.

He also noticed she had nice legs but that isn't something he'd voice either. Instead he turns his head and begins driving to her house a silence settled between them.

There were so many times Steve wanted to say something but then stopped himself short like he couldn't think of what to say.

Bella didn't act to notice and when her house came into view Steve tried to work up something but instead he sighs to himself. "Here we are." He says lamely pulling to a slow stop in front of her house.

"Thank you for the ride. I'll see you at school." Bella says with a small casual smile opening her door and elegantly climbing out and walking to the door. Steve just watches her walk away with a frown unsure what he was feeling in that moment.

He kinda wished they could have cuddled longer....

Belladonna walks into the Addams home with a sigh shaking her head as she goes to her room muttering how stupid she was. How could she stay with him like that? Why was she allowing herself to set up to get hurt again?

Her betrothal ball would be coming and sure enough Steve would be nothing but a faint memory.

Yet she couldn't stop thinking of how nice it felt being wrapped in his arms. At one point she was even big spooning him which he seemed to like as he relaxed into her touch.

And then when he came after her? She truly thought he had gone completely insane, not that she would judge if he did. But she couldn't stop thinking smelling the awkward tension coming off him in waves the entire drive so she didn't speak.

She thought maybe he was regretting the whole thing despite his words of thanks.

Surely when she got back to school things would go back to normal. Steve and Nancy would be openly ogling each other and Bella would be ignored and unseen by them.

How wrong she would be.

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Belladonna confidently walks down the hallway despite the looks and snickers she can hear about her amongst her peers. They had grown used to the girl and stopped doing the mocking routine but it appears something's sparked it up again.

Bella found it odd but ignored it.

"Addams!" A voice shouts making Bella furrow her brows and turn around to see a smug Tommy approaching her. Bella really didn't want to speak with him but it was better to get it over with.

"So you and Harrington huh?" Tommy ask walking to stand with her by the wall so they weren't blocking the hallway.

"What about Steve and me?" Bella ask confused as Tommy laughs biting his lip and peering at her like he was looking for something.

"Everyone saw you leave with him and then Nancy with Johnathan.... Just makes people wonder who did what you know? And knowing you and Steve got it on once before leads everyone except me to believe you guys are doing it. Did like a switch thing for the night. Not me though you want to know what I think?" Tommy sneers and Belladonna stares at him with wide unblinking eyes ready to hurt him as his voice holds insinuation.

"I think maybe you guys secretly never stopped doing it. That would explain why you kept turning me down and why you left the party with him. So tell me am I right Addams?" Tommy asks with a smirk thinking he really was on something or maybe he noticed how angry she was getting.

She was giving him some sort of reaction he wanted.

"I was trying to comfort an old friend with an ear to listen to his problems. You wouldn't know anything about that because you're a shit person let alone a shit friend." Bella says in a monotone voice that makes Tommy's look of smug satisfaction turn deadly.

"Addams.... If you're smart you keep being nice to me or your last year of high school can be a lot more shitty. I'm the only reason kids don't treat you or your mutant brother like the freaks you are. Don't make me target the pair of you from here on out, especially when your brother still has 3 more years of school to get through." Tommy sneers lowly stepping up to Belladonna whose fists are clenched at her sides.

The air in the hallway shifts and all eyes go to Tommy and Bella with looks of concern.

Because they could suddenly sense a predator amongst them.

"You can threaten me all you want I welcome it pleasantly but I draw the line at my family. You do anything or say anything to Pugsley or get any of your friends to do it I'll make your life a living hell. You'll have to leave Hawkins before the year is even up." Bella says in a low threatening tone that has Tommy gulping and struggling to maintain a casual facade.

"Whatever Addams." Tommy scoffs even going as far as shoulder checking her when he passes.

This proved to be a mistake as he gasps at the sheer force his shoulder certain to bruise. Bella slowly turns watching him walk away and throw frightened glances at her over his shoulder.

"What was that about?" A voice asks and Bella goes tense slowly looking back at the place Tommy once stood to see Steve staring at the direction his old best friend walked away to.

"Just- stupid high school gossip...., what are you doing here?" Bella asks like he's insane looking around to see everyone is subtly staring and whispering.

"Well I was walking to class when I saw him standing over you like that and- I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Steve says like it's obvious making Bella blink slowly but then nod.

"I'm fine. Thanks for checking on me..." Bella says still sounding confused as he nods before walking away like he never was there. He never spoke to her publicly. Hell he never spoke to her where everyone could see either.

It seems like everyone is off their meds today.

The rest of her classes were full of the same whispering bullshit and looks but Bella ignored it and focused on her school work.

Billy didn't say anything to Bella about her leaving the party early or the fact she left with Steve. She knew he probably got with another girl at the party and brushed it off as something he wasn't too hurt by.

When gym class started Bella was on one side with the girl class as the boys stayed on their side. The female coach was telling them how to stretch and stuff before playing a game of volleyball.

Bella always joined in on the stretches but after that she was expected to sit out. Apparently spiking the ball in everyone's faces including your own teammates was very frowned on.

Bella pulls out her book ready to read like she usually does when she hears a commotion on the boys side. Looking over she sees Billy and Steve staring each other down while Steve dribbles the ball. Billy is shirtless and it is not an unpleasant view making the Addams girl smirk remembering when she kissed his abs for the costume.

The her eyes trail to Steve her breath catching as she sees the slight sweat coming off him, short shorts that make her stare a little too long to be considered casual. But what she likes most of all? The look of determination and annoyance in his stare.

She'd seen that same look the first day she met him, the first time she met him.

Soon she sees Billy trying to get the ball from Steve who now faces her but not Billy. Billy is at his back talking to him lowly as Steve continues to dribble the ball trying to think of his next move but is getting distracted by whatever Billy is saying to him.

Billy is smirking before his eyes flick to Bella over Steve shoulder a slow cocky smile grows on his face as he whispers to Steve something that Bella can't make out. But what she does notice is how Steve looks to her as well his jaw set and his eyes piercing.

He looks livid.

Unbeknownst to her Billy was telling Steve how he plans to take everything from him. His title, his old friends, his whole school reputation would be in the trash while he took over as the king of Hawkins. Then his eyes found Bella since none of those other things got to Steve who pretended not to care.

"I'm even going to take your girl. Look she's looking at me right now, hasn't taken her eyes off me this entire time. Maybe she remembers exactly what we did for my costume yesterday.... Her lips on my abs was just-" Billy couldn't finish before Steve whispering harshly for him to shut up and pushing back against him to try and shove him away.

While Steve was distracted Billy steals the ball and trips Steve onto the floor. Bella frowns her jaw tightening shut as she stares at the altercation with curiosity and annoyance.

As Billy makes a basket and makes a show of hanging off the rim of the hoop he falls to the ground on his feet. His eyes find Belladonna blankly staring at him and he licks his lips with a big smile flexing his muscles in the process.

Bella slowly looks to Steve to see him looking a bit defeated. "Steve?" Nancy calls out and the puffy haired boy looks over to his girlfriend and tenses up.

He follows her outside and Bella knows she should leave them be but she also wonders if she should be there as a friend to Steve to describe that they truly did nothing like the rumors say.

Steve and Nancy face each other between buildings one angry and one looking defeated.

"What are you doing here?" Steve asks sounding bored when really the memories from last night eat him up. But more so after what happened with Nancy not that he would tell her that.

"What do you think?" Nancy asks with an offended look.

"Where were you this morning? I missed first period." Nancy asks with annoyance as Steve stares at her blankly not even looking angry or upset anymore.

"I figured Johnathan would take you." Steve answers honestly as Nancy looks surprised at the statement. "Wha- what are you talking about?" It comes out shocked and a bit of a stutter showing her cards a bit. That the thought of Johnathan taking her to school sounded pleasant.

"Jesus, you really can't handle your alcohol." Steve scoffs rolling his eyes at the fact she doesn't remember anything.

"Uh... you remember going to Tina's party last night right?" Steve asks and Nancy says "yes" with a bit of attitude thinking back on the night. "And then what?" Steve asks staring at her waiting for a response as Nancy looks pleasantly unaware of her previous actions.

"I remember dancing, and... spilling some punch. You got mad at me because I was drunk... and then you took me home." Nancy says casually but Steve scoffs and looks away in disbelief.

"No see that's where your mind gets a little bit fuzzy. That was your other boyfriend. That was... that was Johnathan." Steve says while keeping his eyes on the ground but Nancy looks confused.

"I don't understand." She voices as Steve shakes his head with his eyes till not on her. "It's pretty simple Nancy. You were just telling it like it is." He mumbles the last part as his mind drifts to what she said about him and Bella.

"What?" Nancy asks still confused and just wanting a straight answer from the boy instead of his indirect approach.

"Uh... apparently uh... we killed Barb and I don't care cause I'm bullshit... and our whole... our whole relationship is bullshit and- I mean pretty much everything is just bullshit bullshit bullshit. Oh yeah also you don't love me and you think I'm madly in love with Belladonna instead." Steve tries to say the last part casually but his face goes beat red.

" I was drunk Steve. I don't remember any of that." Nancy tries to excuse but that takes Steve out of the strange bubble his head went to after saying the part about belladonna. It pisse him off.

"So that makes everything you said... it's what? Just bullshit too?" Steve asks like he doesn't believe that for a second but Nancy says yes like it's obvious.

"Well then tell me." Steve pleads and Nancy has the audacity to smile in his face and even looks amused. "Tell you what?" She asks cluelessly still smiling at him as he looks genuinely sad. "You love me." Steve says like it's simple.

"Really?" She asks like he's joking but he stares at her with obvious hurt. A kid from his gym class comes running out distracting him briefly from the pain of the unreciprocated love.

"HARRINGTON! Dude we need you man that douchebags killing us let's go!" The kid yells and Steve waves him off staring at Nancy who no longer looks amused but like she's questioning everything herself.

Steve realizing she is t going to answer him walks away calling over his shoulder, "Let's just call it what it is Nancy. It's over because I think that you're bullshit." Steve says while rushing back to class.

Nancy stays out there for a bit before leaving to find and speak with Johnathan. She doesn't go  through the gym so that leaves Bella to just ask Steve if he's okay.

He spares her a small glance his face red from what she assumes is anger or embarrassment before he runs back on the court due to his teammates demands.

Once gym class is over and Steve's team loses everyone walks to the locker rooms to change but Bella patiently waits for Steve after class by sitting on the bench outside the boys locker room.

Lots of boys leave and some even go in being in the next class before Steve finally exits the locker room with wet styled hair and slightly red eyes.

"Hey...." He says surprised to see Bella waited all this time for him. Or waited for him at all.

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay.... You looked upset when you came back earlier. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay." Belladonna says it casually but Steve is just staring at her like he's mesmerized by something.

"Steve?" Bella asks as he continues to stare at her and not say anything. Her saying his name makes him blink and look away with a reddening face once again.

"Sorry yeah.... Yeah I'm okay just.... I broke up with Nancy." He states while staring at Bella like he's expecting something.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I know you loved her, and getting your heart broken is painful and not the pleasant kind." Belladonna says while smiling but both of them know he's the one that broke her heart so it's makes a weird tension form between them.

But it wasn't completely uncomfortable there was something subtly there as well...... a sense of longing.

"Yeah it does.... I'm sorry.... That I put you through this, this is my first time being on the receiving end and now I get how it feels." Steve says but he doesn't know if he truly does understand it because Ed heard when you get your heart broken it physically makes your chest hurt, makes you unable to eat, makes it so you can't stop crying but he's not doing any of those things.

Even when he gets home he doesn't think he will do those things....

"Well- I'm here if you ever want to talk or if you'd ever like to just.... Hangout and enjoy someone else's presence.... As a friend I'm here." Bella says while smiling softly and rubbing his arm to comfort him before going to walk away unaware how he stares after her form.

"Yeah.... A friend." He says softly unsure what he was feeling in that moment.

It was disappointment.

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Belladonna sighs with pleasure as a seamstress needle pricks her for the hundredth time. Her mother and her grandmama seeing her betrothal ball dress to fit her figure before school.

"Last one. Make it count." Morticia says with joy as both her and grandmama stab Bella one final time as hard as they can. Her blood soaking into the dress, which is actually part of the tradition. It helps waft the Addams scent to attract potential suitors.

"You look beautiful." Grandmama praises as she slowly circles Belladonna who smiles happily as the stings in her body slowly fade so does her smile.

"I'll possibly be engaged in less than a month." Belladonna says while running a hand down the bodice as she stares into a mirror at her reflection.

She looked stunning as the black gown hugged her figure tightly, the top a black lace corset and the bottom having a slit that goes all the way up to her hip.

"If you are-..... having second thoughts daughter it is quite alright we could still-" her mother begins to say in a monotone voice but her eyes show the passion behind her words.

She would cancel the ball right now if that's what her daughter wanted. But belladonna shakes her head forcing a smile so big it had to hurt.

"No. I want this. I need this." She corrects as her mother slowly nods.

"She doesn't have a choice do you know how many spiders I have been catching around town even with my brittle bones. We need them to make the cobweb statue of you for the ball and they've been working real hard." Grandmama tsks making Bella smile fondly at the older woman's work.

Most people have ice sculptures. Addams had spider weaved statues instead.

"I better get going. I have an intuition something big is happening today." Belladonna admits and her mother and grandmama look excited because when an Addams feels something big coming it's usually a pleasantly beautiful disaster approaching.

How right the feeling was.

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Belladonna proudly shows off the stab marks on her legs from her fitting as she walks down the school hallway. Her eyes flick around noticing she hasn't seen Johnathan or Nancy since yesterday morning.

She of course notices her 'friends' being missing but even weirder she notices something strange with Steve Harrington.

As she walks past him in the hallway his eyes stay glued on her as she passes him. She doesn't directly look at him but can sense his stare and see it briefly in her peripheral vision.

It's odd.

It feels like everyone is getting weird and she is being her normal self just going through the motions of high school. It's pretty ironic.

Even weirder when first period comes which she has with Steve he saves her a seat and Belladonna cannot help but look at him like he's a strange specimen and not the good kind.

"Bella here I saved you a seat." He had said and Bella just stood there in shock staring at him with wide eyes. "You want me to sit next to you?" She asks like there's some catch even looking around to see if any of his jock friends were snickering secretly because she couldn't fathom him wanting her close. Hell she was confused why he was suddenly even talking to her where anyone could see.

"Yeah." He says with a bit of sass like it should be obvious but Bella eyes him wearily checking her surroundings one more time before slowly sitting beside him.

Steve looks victorious and she doesn't know why.

Unbeknownst to Bella Steve saved her that specific seat because no other ones around it were free so Billy couldn't sit next to her. He didn't like the comments Billy made in gym class the other day.

Definitely not just because he wanted to sit by her. Nope.

Steve doesn't even speak to Bella after that at first and the girl looks more confused why he wants her to sit there if it's not to say anything specific.

But when Billy walks in she notices how stiff Steve's body goes as he shoots her side glances. Bella being confused ignores the looks and smiles brightly at Billy.

"Addams we getting dinner tonight?" Billy asks not even sparing Steve a glance at first and Bella smiles coyly at Billy.

"When and where?" She asks without a second of hesitation and he leans on her desk being only a few inches away from her face as he confidently smirks and shrugs.

"I'm new in town so how about you pick something and then... I'll find us something to do after." He flirts effortlessly and Steve can barely be heard scoffing in the background as Bella smirks even more.

"Alright I'll make us a picnic that we can enjoy at my families cemetery. It's a full moon...... makes it more romantic that way." She says nonchalantly as Steve can be heard making yet another noise of displeasure that goes unnoticed by the pair.

"I look forward to it." Billy smirks not even put off by the fact she said a graveyard.

He saunters to a seat across the room and Bella forces a smile that she doesn't really feel. She knows she doesn't really feel too much romantic feelings for Billy but- she wanted to try and be a normal teen. Try to date like a normal one before possibly getting engaged.

Feeling Steve's state Bella finally look at him and see him looking absolutely gobsmacked as he looks at her like she's insane.

"Are you out of your mind? Why the hell would you go out with that prick?" Steve mutters bitterly as Bella looks at him with confusion and shrugs like it's obvious.

"He's hot, he has inner turmoil, plus- before my betrothal ball I figured I should go on at least one date before possibly being engaged." Bella explains like it's normal and Steve still look at her like she's off her rocker.

"You think he's hot?..... and you don't have to do it with that asshole he's already slept with most of the cheer team. Don't you want someone who's committed to only you?" He asks and he flinches as he thinks of the fact she did want that from him once. And he had broke her heart.

"Do I even have to answer the second part of that c-.... Steve. Yes he's attractive and yes I know what he's doing with other girls he smells almost as could as your old friend Carol. But I want to experience a normal date with a normal boy before everything gets settled for me." She says with a monotone voice her near slip up of calling him the old nickname she once used made her nearly choke.

He wasn't her Cara Mia...... he never wanted to be and she had to deal with that.

"Bella if you-" before Steve could finish his statement the teacher walked in and shushed the class making Bella look away from him to pay attention to the board.

Why was he so gutted about her going on a date with Billy? Surely...... no. Nope. Not possible. He does not have a crush on Belladonna Addams nope.

And yet when he thinks this his gaze slowly sweeps towards her and he feels his heart constrict as he watches her tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her dark eyes watch the teachers notes with precision and she writes notes gracefully.

She even draws a stick figure getting his head cut off by a guillotine on the side using red pen to draw blood splatters. And- she looks good to him.

Has she always looked this good? And then he thinks of all the times she flirted with him in the past, how she endearingly stroked his face at times. He even thinks back to the night they had sex and feels his face go hot.

She had been his best sexual partner, Nancy was once but it didn't give him the thrill he had with Bella.

Dear god...... Steve Harrington realised he had a crush on Belladonna. And what's worse?

He doesn't know just how long he's felt this way.

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When gym class rolls around Steve wouldn't be proud to admit that when he notices the girls doing their pre class stretches his eyes immediately take in Bella.

He definitely wouldn't admit to looking her up and down and having concern when spotting cuts all over her legs. He also would never admit that he may or may not have stared at her ass when she touched her toes in a stretch.

Definitely not.

To make matters worse he notices Billy staring at the girl and he even wolf whistles drawing her attention from her gym coach to him. "NICE FORM ADDAMS." He taunts with a smirk and rather then tell him off like Steve wished she would she smiles and winks at him before doing the stretch again

This whole interaction immediately put Steve into a bad mood and his glare sets on Billy who looks unbothered by the harsh look.

The entire class Steve is a bit more aggressive while playing basketball. He doesn't look at Bella instead focusing all his frustration out on Billy who yet again floats in his face while his team is already getting their asses handed to them.

"All right! All right! All right! King Steve. King Steve, everyone. I like it. Playing tough today." Billy compliments Steve but Steve with everything seemingly going wrong with his life at the moment especially with Nancy and Bella now Billy bullying him he immediately snaps rather then ignore the usual insults.

"Jesus! Do you ever stop talking? Come on!" Steve yells still tense and in position to try and get the ball from Billy who looks relaxed and unbothered by the dig.

"What? You afraid the coach is gonna bench you now that I'm here? Huh?" Billy asks before roughly pushing Steve making the pale boy fall to the floor.

Belladonna who had been watching the whole thing stiffens in her seat. For a brief second her nonchalant demeanor turned rigid and her eyes darkened with murderous intent but- Steve isn't hers to protect like that.

She looks away as she can see Steve about to peer in her direction still on the floor in slight pain.

A hand suddenly comes in his face and looking uneasy Steve grabs it but Billy doesn't pull him the whole way up. He pulls him close enough to his face that he can lowly tell him something without anyone over hearing.

"You were moving your feet. Plant them next time, draw a charge." Billy lowly tells him before pushing Steve back down and yet again Bella sees this and her jaw clenches.

Steve was her friend..... she could say something for a friend. Yup she would do that.

When gym class finally ends the boys go to shower and due to not actually participating Bella just changes back into her black short dress. She waits outside leaned on the wall unaware of yet another conflict happening between the two boys inside the locker room.

Steve stands under the spray, the hot water doesn't help release any of his stress. Especially when in his peripheral he can see Billy staring him down with that cocky smirk still on his face.

"Don't sweat it Harrington. Today's just not your day man." Billy taunts as he shuts his water off and grabs his towel. Of course Tommy was there and just had to jump in as well.

"Yeah not your week. You and the princess break up for one day, she's running off with the freaks brother." Tommy adds while laughing and notices that Steve didn't know this and then he looks even more chipper.

"Oh shit you don't know. Johnathan and the princess skipped yesterday. Still haven't shown. But that must just be a coincidence right?" Tommy laughs obnoxiously again before making one last dig at Steve that makes him ready to punch Tommy.

"And the mutant? You hear her and Billy got a date tonight? Guess whatever you did on Halloween with her just left her unsatisfied huh?" Tommy laugh and Steve glares at him. "Shut your mouth. Don't fucking call her that." Steve seethes as Tommy scoffs and looks at him like he has audacity to say that to him.

"You're the one that started that nickname douche don't try and act like the martyr now." Tommy scoffs turning his water off and leaving Billy and Steve in the showers.

"Don't take it too hard man. A pretty boy like you has got nothing to worry about. Plenty of bitches in the sea." Billy says before turning Steve's water off, the boy just put shampoo in his hair and clearly still needed the water but that only fueled Billy's ego.

"Am I right?" He asks before smacking Steve's back and walking away but just short of leaving eh turns back one last time to stare at Steve with stoic expression.

"But that new bitch isn't going to be Belladonna. We clear on that? She's mine, and she deserves a hell of a lot better than you. Better than me too probably but- I'll take what I can get." Billy says with some suggestion on the last part that makes Steve huff with slight annoyance.

He turns the water on and aggressively scrubs at his hair getting angrier by the second. He even slaps the shower with anger before sighing and focusing on finishing up.

When Billy leaves the locker on with Tommy he's pleasantly shocked to see Bella leaned on the opposite wall waiting.

"You go on without me." Billy says with a smile that says he's gonna flirt but once Tommy's out of ear shot he slowly walks to Bella and smiles at her but his face goes stoic as he's met with a blunt glare.

"What's up Addams? You look livid." He clarifys as the girl shifts from foot to foot glancing anxiously at the showers.

She didn't want Steve to overhear her and think she was obsessed with him once again. She was simply scolding one friend about harassing her other guy friend.

"Stop being so mean to Steve. I saw you shove him on the floor in gym. You've been attacking him consistently and if it were anyone else I would cheer you on but not him. He's my friend." Bella says with finality that makes Billy look her up and down with furrowed brows.

"You're doing this all over a friend huh?" He asks with a slight accusatory edge that makes belladonna cross her arms and her glare to grow colder.

"Whatever you're trying to imply it's not like that.  He is just a friend and he saved me once..... I owe him for that." Bella explains as Billy nods slowly still not looking fully convinced.

"I've heard the rumors Addams. I may not have been here last year but from what I hear him and his prudey pastel girlfriend treated you like shit. I just think you deserve better friends than that." Billy explains as Bella stiffens and narrows her eyes.

"By rumors you mean the bullshit information Tommy feeds you." Bella says with some heat and Billy rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "Not just him. A lot of people talk about how smitten you were for him. About how you guys had sex when he was on a brief pause from Nancy that lasted for not even a full 24 hours. He treated you like a quick and easy piece of ass." Billy sneers getting up in her face because he was trying to just be honest with her like a friend.

He learned that tough love was better then no love and if he had to be the one to break it to her that Steve Harrington was just trying to do the same thing again so be it.

"He used your feelings took what he wanted and let the town smear you as a slut. You deserve better. I saw how you looked when chasing him on Halloween and he doesn't deserve it. He doesn't deserve you." Billy says lowly and Bella feels her anger slowly diminishing as she looks Billy in the eyes.

She always thought no one really noticed the whole scenario for what it was and right now... Billy is telling her something she already knew and felt.

Steve had used her, he had never actually liked her that way and he never would. She would always be the girl he could have when him and Nancy were on breaks like they are now.

"I'm gonna go." Bella whispers suddenly feeling her heart constricting once again. As if she were reliving the whole thing again with Steve when he had ripped her heart out.

Bella slowly walks around Billy and she walks down the hall but she doesn't turn towards the hall that leads to her classroom instead she beelines for the door. As she gets to the parking lot she wipes at her face wiping away the tears from her old heartbreak that still hurts.

Because she did want Steve then.... And now.

She wouldn't fall prey again though. She wasn't just some bed warmer for a guy while he and his girlfriend have issues. Billy's as right. She deserved something better.

Her heart that had stopped beating a year ago? It was beating now loud and annoying letting her know it never stopped loving Steve Harrington. Not for one second. But it could never be reciprocated and that made her beating heart hurt but it just kept beating.

Like it was fighting to keep the love for him alive.....

Even if it hurt it wanted her to know he was the one she loved and right now it feels like he will be the only one she will ever love. That she may never get to marry for love, it might need to be a future marriage of convenience.

And she would just need to settle for that.

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It felt like such a strange Saturday morning for Belladonna.

She sighs as she stares up at her ceiling from her position of lying on her rack. Shes not strapped in since she didn't have anyone to help her do it. Instead she pleasantly allows the uncomfortable machine to dig into her back as she blankly stares at nothing.

Her 'date' with Billy went okay but it definitely felt more like friends hanging out than an actual date.

Not by Billy's lack of trying but after a few failed attempts it became quite clear the two were better off friends.

And admittedly.... The whole time Bella thought of Steve.

What would a date have been like with him? What would he have planned? Would he have been as okay coming to the graveyard as Billy had?

All things she would never get to experience or know but she needed to come to terms with it. She could possibly be engaged in less than two weeks.

Today the nagging sensation that something bad was coming kept filling her senses. And not the usual happy type doom either, it's the kind that actually has the girl a bit worried for her friends.

A loud banging on the front door makes Bella sit up a bit creepily (imagine the undertaker)

She immediately bounds to the stairs along with Wednesday who came rushing at the same moment. It would appear both sisters had similar sensations.

Lurch opens the door to a red in the face Dustin who doesn't notice the monster looking man until he catches his breathe removing his hands from his knees looking up and up until he sees the butlers face.

A scream leaves Dustin before he gathers his marbles looking determined but still weary.

"Is Wednesday here? Or Belladonna?" He asks in a panic and lurch makes a noise of affirmation before moving out of the way and showing the two girls who descend the staircase with curiosity.

"Oh thank god." Dustin says with relief making the Addams women clutch their pearls and look mortified at the prayer.

"WHO JUST PRAISED GOD?!?" An old woman screeches from somewhere in the house making Dustin's face pale in worry.

"S-sorry my bad I forgot." He says looking at Wednesday with a grimace her eyes staring at him wide and unblinking in horror. Belladonna puts herself together quickly and rushes to the door telling Lurch she has it making the big man slowly walk away.

"You have approximately one minute to explain why you're here and saying such nonsense before grandmama comes to investigate." Wednesday says in a bland voice her eyes flicking towards the kitchen to ensure the old woman wasn't coming to attack the person who had prayed in the Addams residence.

"I need your guys help. I- I found dart." Dustin says to Wednesday who looks a little surprised before narrowing her eyes at him with annoyance.

"And why are you here?" She asks like she has something better to be doing but Belladonna notes the tone her sister uses and smirks to herself.

Wednesday has a crush.

"No one else in the party is answering their walkies. Nancy and Johnathan have been gone for days and I just- I need help. Please?" He asks and Wednesday looks to consider his words.

"No." She says before slamming the door in his face and going to walk upstairs away from the door. But Bella grabs her matching dress collar and pulls her sister back into place with a teasing look before opening the door.

A dejected Dustin stands in the front porch but perks up when he sees Bella smiling at him.

"What is a dart and- we would love to help you. Your smell of desperation is quite pleasing, I wish they made candles with such a depressing scent." Bella stares casually making dustin blink slowly before explaining dart.

"A blood thirsty beast?" Bella says with excitement and the second Dustin nods she grabs her sisters arm and drags her out the door.

"Count us in. I will go grab us some weapons." Bella says with a squeal of excitement before rushing inside staring at their massive collection of murderous weapons.

She picks up a dagger before shaking her head since she would need something a little more long distant.

She unfortunately would not be able to kill her opponent closely to feel the life drain from their bodies this time.

"Oooooo you look new." She says with glee while holding up a pair of dual swords. Both from medieval times and both heavy for most normal people. But of course not too heavy for an Addams.

"And where are you off to my poison flower?" Her father suddenly says entering the room not even looking the least bit concerned with the fact his daughter was holding two of their families precious heirlooms.

"Going to kill something." She answers with a big smile and Gomez stares at her before smiling proudly and giving her a brief hug.

"Ah do well and shed a lot of blood." He tells her while pulling away and the girl just nods enthusiastically before running back outside holding her dual swords casually in both hands.

She smiles at Dustin before flinching noticing Steve Harrington standing with the two children while holding a bouquet of black roses with extra thorns.

"Ah- hey uh- Bella I got these for you." Steve says who holds them out making Dustin groan.

He had just gone on a whole lecture on why they didn't have time for him to give some stupid flowers to the eldest Addams daughter.

"Thank you. Why?" Bella asks with confusion while sheathing one of the swords in its holster. She slowly takes the flowers and purposefully stabs her hands on the thorns.

"Well uh- that kind of what I needed to talk to you about... I-" Steve goes to say but Dustin interrupts with a loud groan.

"We can discuss your love lives later right now we need to go and deal with something more important. Steve do you still have the bat?" Dustin asks going to the trunk of Steve's car and putting his bike in while the older boy watches the child struggle not offering any help.

"Bat what bat?" He asks completely forgetting what he had just been about to admit to Belladonna.

"The one with all the nails?" Dustin asks like Steve's stupid and Steve slowly says why making the boy nod before pointing at Bella's flowers.

"You might want to leave those with the big guy we don't have time." And then he has the audacity to sit in the car without further explaining himself to anyone else.

With an eye roll Bella gives the roses to lurch who takes them easily before shutting the door.

Both Addams girls climb into to Steve's car. And the drive starts off quiet and tense as the awkwardness from whatever Steve had planned to say to belladonna had been interrupted.

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Everyone in that car knew what he was planning to do and say except for Belladonna herself. The entire time she wondered why he possibly would want to give her such a gift.

Steve had to go get his nail bat from his house garage so it took awhile to go from his house. Since it's fall/winter time the sun sets much quicker and so it is already pitch black outside before the group even gets to Dustin's,

Dustin explains to the entire car how big Dart grew and it leaves the car silent. Belladonna lifting a brow as she sees him doing hand gestures on the size of the beast.

She does everything she can to keep her eyes from assessing Steve and asking why he had tried to bring her a bouquet of black roses.

"Wait how big? Steve's asks having a harder time seeing the way Dustin spreads his hands. So Dustin leans in between the two older teens seats showing it once again for Steve to see as Wednesday can be heard grumbling since Dustin's butt is in her face.

"First it was like that. Now he's like this." He shows and Steve scoffs like it's a lie clearly thinking the young boy had to be pulling a quick one on them all.

"I swear to god man it's just some little lizard, okay?" Steve grumbles making Dustin look at the two girls wondering why when he had mentioned god it had been a big deal.

They would have to explain to him later that thank a holy entity was different then swearing on them. Because swearing on them could mean misfortune and Addams approved of that.

"It's not a lizard." Dustin assures with sass making Steve look at him with an eye roll. "How do you know?" Steve asks and Dustin gets fed up with being doubted and continues to sass the older boy as both girls snort at their constant bickering.

"How do I know if it's not?" Dustin asks sarcastically as Steve continues to doubt him. "How do you know it's not just a lizard?" Steve asks again and Dustin immediately snaps back with something that makes Belladonna and Wednesday oooo with excitement.

"Because his face opened up and he ate my cat." And this time Steve goes silent hearing that the creature supposedly ate a cat. Dustin goes to the back and begins to whisper not so subtly to Wednesday how annoying Steve is.

Steve continues to roll his eyes and mutter on how annoying Dustin is . Bella smiles and laughs looking away from him with slightly flushed cheeks.

The pure distain and annoyed energy radiating off of him reminds her of the very first time she met him.

How she instantly fell in love with those eyes that also held a deep sense of loneliness and anguish.

It doesn't take long that they pull into Dustin's driveway. Steve popping the trunk to retrieve his bat and Bella's dual swords.

The two older teens lead the front and Wednesday tries to take one of Bella's swords but the older girl takes it away with a sharp glare.

"I'm better with a blade." Wednesday says while crossing her arms staring at her older sister with a look that could put anyone 6 feet under.... All except an Addams.

"And you forget I'm the one who taught you. Kids stay up here adults go down." Bella explains as Wednesday scoffs muttering bitterly to Dustin that the two teens are too childish to be considered adults.

Steve having been staring at the doors that lead to dart looks back at belladonna with a head shake. "I'm going down your staying here with them." He commands and Bella just lifts a brow knowing she wouldn't be listening to him and doing as she pleased.

Especially if Steve thought he was going to face some sort of monster without her help. It would be over her dead body.

"Although I don't hear shit." Steve accuses keeping his eyes on the doors as Dustin assures that Dart is in there.

Steve hits the door repeatedly to get Dart to show his presence but nothing comes. Bella purses her lisp trying to hear even the smallest of sounds but hears nothing.

Almost like Darr isn't even there.

"All right listen kid. I swear if this is some sort of Halloween prank, - you're dead. All right?" Steve says with his flashlight blinding Dustin who squints against it.

"It's not a prank. Get it out of my face." Dustin asks while Steve keeps the light blinding him out of spite.

He was a bit annoyed the kid had interrupted his grand gesture of telling Belladonna Addams that he likes her. He was going to vow to be everything she ever wanted him to be but he didn't get that chance yet.

"You got a key for this thing?" Steve asks before unlocking it and opening it. "Let me see that." Steve commands Dustin who hands over the flashlight.

The group stares into the dark trying to spot anything. Even with her amazing sight Bella sees absolutely nothing pursing her lips again. She was starting to wonder if this thing got out somehow

"He must be further down there. Well stay up here in case he tries to escape." Dustin says fearfully while scooting close to Wednesday.

She sidesteps away from him still staring into such a creepy way it somehow freaks Steve out more than the possible monster in the cellar.

Steve begins telling Dustin and Wednesday how they are to stay put, probably belladonna too but she manages to slip past him and descend the stairs unnoticed.

"And you don't come down no matter what you hear. If I yell run to the house and call 911 or something got it?" Steve commands and Dustin slowly nods before pointing to the open doors.

"You do realize Bella already went down right?" He asks and Steve immediately whips around looking for Bella before rushing down the stairs two at a time.

"Bella?" He whispers in a hiss nearly dropping his bat when he finally spots the girl casually touching something that looks like snake skin with her bare hands.

"Don't scare me like that I told you to wait upstairs." Steve seethes into her ear trying to be quiet as he looks for the monster that left such a mess behind but she merely stares at him with a lifted a brow.

"How many times do I have to tell you I'm scarier than most things in this world? Besides.... I don't have to listen to you. You're my friend not my lover." Bella sasses before grabbing his hand that holds the flashlight aiming it at a giant hole that's been dug into the side of the wall.

"It's already escaped anyway." She states knowingly not even looking where the flashlight shines almost like she has night vision and saw the hole without any help.

She slowly lets go of his hand and grabs the light string that he hadn't noticed lighting up the entire room showing the creature was truly gone gone.

"Bella- about that...." Steve goes to say but Dustin calling down for them stops him from yet again continuing what he wanted to tell her.

"Steve? Bella? Guys what's going on down there?" Dustin asks before jumping as Steve flashlight so yet again aimed in his face making him jump at the sudden appearance.

Wednesday just continued to look unimpressed and even rolled her eyes at how scared the boy got over something so simple.

"Get down here." Steve instructs and both kids come down and see the nasty skin Bella had been holding now stuck to Steve's bat to show the kids.

"Oh shit." Dustin says seeing the skin but then when Steve points to the hole in the wall Dustin cusses even louder. "Oh shit! No way. No way." He keeps mumbling as he sees the deep tunnel dart dug in order to escape.

Yeah.... It's gonna be a long night.

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"WOAH YOUR HOUSE IS HUGE! And it's so clean." Dustin says with excitement grabbing a random looking decoration from the shelf by the door as they enter Steve's house that looks like a rich man's wet dream.

"Yeah and keep it that way or my mom will freak the fuck out on me." Steve sasses back taking the decoration away from Dustin and putting it back in place carefully.

"So-..... I guess we should talk sleeping areas huh?" Dustin asks Steve doing a weird look at the boy who looks confused at Dustin.

"Do you have something in your eye why are you winking at me?" Steve asks making Dustin slap himself in the forehead pointing from himself to Wednesday making Steve snort.

"Yeah no not gonna happen we can all just stay in the living room or something. Or we have enough beds upstairs for everyone to have their own." Steve explains making Dustin roll his eyes but run upstairs to call dibs on one of the rooms.

Wednesday huffs slowly following leaving the two older teens to remove their shoes at the front door.

"Are you hungry? I can order pizza? Or Chinese?" Steve asks and Belladonna looks to think about it. "Do you have canned worms to add to either?" She asks and Steve looks at her horrified.

"Uh- no." He says with a scrunched nose making the girl shrug. "I'll just take any bleach you have and use it as sauce on either or something. My sister will do the same." Bella says making him nod and go to the phone to order.

Rather then going to find a room like the other kids Bella takes her time looking at the photos on Steve's house walls.

She smiles softly when she finds one hidden behind a bunch of his parents and him looking spiffy.

His hair has no product and he looks like an awkward middle schooler no older then Dustin. He proudly smiles at the camera while being covered in sweat and wearing some basketball uniform that looks baggy on his scrawny frame.

"That's from my first ever basket ball game. My mom was so proud I was the only kid to make two baskets that day." Steve speaks up from behind her and Bella drops her smile to look at him like she should look at a friend.

"It's a nice photo. You look so happy here." Bella notes not seeing any of the darkness in it that he now beholds. Even when he's happy she can see this- put deep in his brown eyes.

"Yeah that was back when my parents actually came to my games. Back before my dad cheated on my mom so- she always goes with him on his business trips now so neither really comes anymore." He mumbles slowly putting the picture back where it's mostly hidden.

"It's basketball season right now right?" Bella suddenly asks and Steve looks at her before slowly nodding.

"My first game is in a few weeks. First we practice and then we schedule most of our games in December until like February or March that's when trading for spring sports start." He explains and Bella nods before looking determined.

"Then I shall go to all your future games." Bella assures and he blinks in surprise before smiling at the girl softly.

"You want to come to my games?" He asks surprised as the girl nods smiling at him so big it looked like it had to hurt. The expression she saw on his face was reason enough to go even if she wasn't interested in sports much.

"Of course..... as long as my future betrothed doesn't get upset by it." Bella suddenly says with some disappointment realizing she would have to be considering another person during that time.

"You should just cancel that ball." Steve tells her taking a step towards her with pleading eyes as Bella looks at him with confusion. She takes a step back as she voices her confusion aloud to him.

"Why?" Bella asks with surprise and Steve looks down at his feet before up at her with determination once again.

"Bella- I.... I don't want you to go out with anyone else." He states with certainty as Bella looks more confused on the matter. "Why not?" She asks and Steve looks pained as he licks his lips rubbing the back of his neck.

"Because-.... I don't want you dating anyone who's not..." he trails off again his face bright red making Bella narrow her eyes at him still confused just wanting a straight answer from him.

"Not what Steve?" She asks and he finally loooks up at her sadly.

"I don't want you dating anyone who's not me." He states and all the air feels like it's been drowned from Bella's lungs and not in the pleasant way.

She can't help but flinch looking even more confused before it slowly dawns on her why he brought her flowers today.

"No. No. That's just cruel Steve." Bella says with pain evident in her tone making him look confused now as he takes a step towards her and she takes another back.

"You did this to me once and- I cannot.... I will not do it again. Once Nancy gets back the two of you will get back together and you'll forget about this lapse in judgment." Bella says with a nod sounding certain as Steve shakes his head.

"I don't want to be with her anymore Bella- I shouldn't have even taken her back the first time. Ever since she dumped me and maybe even before that I felt like I was...... doing something wrong that I needed something else.... Someone else. I need you. And I'm sorry it took so long for me to notice okay? I'm sorry." He apologizes and Bella's eyes fill with tears that will never fall as she stares at him with disbelief.

"..... I'm sorry but- I can't do this with you Steve. As sweet as your words are I can't trust you to mean them. Not after last time.... You kept hurting me over and over again. You've hardly even spoken to me since last year. You were embarrassed to even be seen around me as a friend.... Can you look me in the eye right now and say we wouldn't have to hide we were dating from anybody?" Bella asks and he looks away ashamed but Bella takes that as the confirmation she needs.

"That's what I thought..... I'm going to bed I've suddenly lost my appetite." Bella says before rushing to the stairs going up them and rushing into what must be his parents room.

She locks the door and flops onto the bed burrowing her face into her hands and sighing.

Belladonna truly thought he hadn't meant it. He couldn't possibly like her he just wanted to get back at Nancy for ditching with Johnathan or while he's yet again on a temporary break he wanted to use Bella again.

Soon she would learn...... he meant it more than she even knew.

Chapter Text

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Steve didn't sleep that entire night.

Instead he grilled Dustin on things related to Dart, needing to keep his mind preoccupied. Wednesday looked very suspicious on where Bella was but when Dustin asked and Steve got weird she knew something was up.

She left the two 'idiot flesh bags' to go and see her sister leaving Dustin confused and Steve grimacing.

Soon even the kids went to bed for the night but Steve kept busy. He made sure to find the stuff he would need for Dustin's plan, his mom's rubber sink gloves, buckets, and a gallon of gasoline.

He even started getting meat from his parents deep freezer to start thawing but it still didn't seem like it was enough for a monster.

Soon he started looking up butcher shop phone numbers in the phone book to call as soon as opening time came around.

By the time the others woke up Steve was slumped on the counter tapping fingers sluggishly while on the phone. Admittedly it made Bella feel bad noticing the dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep.

They actually made him look even hotter if possible.

But she brushed it off not wanting to think of his previous confessions from the night before any longer.

It had given her hope but- she knew his true intentions behind his words would crush it. He didn't really want her he just wanted to stop the pain Nancy had left him in. Or worse he just wanted to get even with his ex using her for nothing but sex again.

"Yeah I'm sure I need 30 pounds of fresh diced raw meat. It can even be a mixture of pork, chicken, and beef just- whatever you have." Steve sighs into the phone his eyes finally noticing his audience and lingering longer than necessary on Bella who avoids even looking at him now.

Even after sleeping she still looked beautiful, her hair still styled in its usual dark waves. And her lips bright red against her contrasting pale white skin.

"Uh Um- yeah I was hoping I could pick it up in like an hour?" Steve asks with hope before slamming the phone against his head.

"I know it's a bit last second on a weekend but- I'm willing to pay extra for the rush order." He offers and finally looks relieved nodding before looking a bit gobsmacked by whatever price they said.

Rolling his eyes and staring pointedly at Dustin he agrees to the price before slamming the phone down in annoyance.

"I just had to use the rest of the money my parents left me while they're gone on your stupid plan so it better work." Steve huffs rubbing his aching temples feeling like he could suddenly fall  sleep at any second.

"It will work." Dustin sasses while going in search of food inside Steve's fridge but wrinkling his nose he looks mortified at the weird options inside.

"Okay I get that rich people like nasty stuff but why is that all that's here? Don't you have something to simply make sandwiches we can pack for later or some eggs for breakfast?" Dustin asks making Steve shrug looking unbothered his eyes continuously looking to Belladonna who slowly goes to the cupboards in search of something.

"Just eat the left overs dude except what I got Bella." Steve says standing and reaching into the fridge grabbing a platter of Chinese food. He walks up and sticks it out to Bella who finally makes eye contact with him but she immediately looks away and at the food he's offering instead.

"He can eat it if he wants." Bella offers but Steve shakes his head and makes her take it.

"I already poured some chemicals on it. I didn't know which ones you liked so- I did them all." He explains while blushing making Dustin groan loudly.

"And now you've ruined the only edible thing in here. Don't you have cereal? Pancake mix? Something?" Dustin bags making Steve spin around with his hands on his hips.

"Just eat some of the weird leftovers." Steve groans and Dustin pulls out a dish made mostly of spinach and boiled eggs.

"This smells like putrid farts do you really want me to eat this and upset my stomach before we all pile into your car?" Dustin asks and Steve huffs going to the deep freezer finding a box of freezer burnt eggos.

"Here. And eat fast we gotta get going if we want to get this stupid hunt for your freakish lizard over with." Steve sighs and Dustin grabs the eggos mumbling under his breath about a sassy bat wielding diva.

"Thank you." Bella interrupts as she can see the two boys about to start bickering again. Steve blushes and says a soft your welcome before going upstairs claiming he needed something important to do.

Bella shares her food with Wednesday, both also shared a bottle of multi purpose cleaner to drink.

When Steve returned he smelled a little fresher having reapplied deodorant but also some sort of cologne. Bella loved the scent... others didn't feel the same.

"OH MY GOD STEVE! Did you bathe in that shit Jesus it's making my waffles taste like a urinal cake." Dustin snaps and Steve and him start bickering as the two girls watch.

"It's going to be a long day." Wednesday sighs as Bella does the same. "On the bright side I can already feel a mind numbing head ache approaching." Bella says casually making Wednesday look hopeful.

She could only hope to experience the same pleasurable pain as her older sister. We

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When the group went to the butcher shop to pick up the order Belladonna and Wednesday excitedly went inside with the boys. But as the two boys paid they noticed the girls missing.

A worker at the shop had to come and ask them to get their 'strange' friends out of the back where the butchering happens.

When Steve found Bella she was holding a bone saw with awe in her eyes. A male worker around their age smiling brightly at her and allowing his gaze to look her up and down much to Steve's displeasure.

To make matters worse as Steve dragged Bella out of there she gave the guy a betrothal ball invitation that she somehow still was carrying somewhere on her body.

The whole drive back to the road they selected to park on originally was tense. Steve had his teeth clenching so hard at random times his jaw would make a popping sound.

Wednesday was found by Dustin watching a cow being brutally grinded up. It's blood splattering the window she sat behind making Dustin throw up in his mouth as she smiled devilishly.

"Alright let's get this over with." Steve huffs parking the car and popping the trunk making everyone climb out and rear the car to the trunk.

First they pull out the four large meat buckets that they just got from the shop. And then Steve hands out gloves and starts grabbing the weapons and gasoline when Dustin's radio finally starts going off.

"Well well well look who it is." Dustin says into the mic making Lucas apologize for not answering sooner.

Wednesday and Dustin walk a little ways away to answer Lucas as Steve and Bella grab their weapons. "Here let me help." Steve offers helping Bella strap the dual sword holster onto her body.

As he straps the leather around her torso his hands linger a little then necessary on her back as he tries to assure it was on her tight enough.

"Steve? Is it good?" Bella asks with a slight edge and Steve clears his throat and pulls his hands away a bit rashly. "Uh yeah it's- it's good." He says while not looking at her and instead acting to be focusing on Dustin who stands a little bit aways from them.

"Bella.... I just wanted to say sorry for last night. I didn't mean to upset you." Steve says lowly to the girl who slowly looks at him as if waiting to see something.

She wanted to see if he was going to admit she was right and he just wanted to use her but he doesn't say anything more. Thinking he still doesn't understand why she is fully upset Bella looks away pursing her lips in annoyance to stop herself from snapping at him.

"It's fine. Let's just focus on getting this over with." Bella states coldly making Steve grimace knowing he probably upset her more rather than his intended intention of making things less awkward between them.

"All right. Let's go." Steve says after a beat of silence between them. He grabs a bucket and starts leading the way making the kids rush to follow him.

Bella decided to take the rear both for safety precautions for the kids and also to keep as much space between her and Steve Harrington as possible.

The silence amongst the four didn't last long as they throw chunks of meat down onto the train tracks.

"All right so let me get this straight. You kept something you knew was probably dangerous in order to impress a girl who... who you just met?" Steve asks a couple feet in front of Bella.

He subtly let Dustin and Wednesday take the lead and hearing his question makes Wednesday glare at Dustin bitterly. She had been jealous at the time but Dustin assured her that he only wanted to impress max as a friend. In fact he more so thought Dart would impress Wednesday more then anyone else.... And he had.

"All right, that's greatly oversimplifying things." Dustin sasses with a roll of his eyes but Steve continues to ask questions since he had only asked for details on dart not why Dustin had kept him as a pet.

"I mean why would a girl like some nasty slug anyway?" Steve asks and both Wednesday and Bellaadonna chime in.

"I thought it was interesting." Wednesday says at the same time her older sister also states, "It sounds pretty amazing."

Steve looks back At Bella who shrugs nonchalantly before chucking a meat glob harsher on the ground then she probably needed to.

"An interdemensional slug? Because it's awesome." Dustin says like it's obvious and hearing Wednesday and her cool older sister agreeing with him only makes Dustin feel more confident in himself on the matter.

But Steve still seems unconvinced.

"Well even if she thought it was cool which she didn't I.... I just... I don't know I just feel like you're trying way too hard man." Steve says while glancing at Belladonna from the corner of his eye hoping she wasn't going to take what he says the wrong way.

"Well not everyone can have your perfect hair all right?" Dustin sasses back but it seems Steve has decided to give Dustin some unwanted girl advice that an older brother would probably tell his younger brother.

"It's not about the hair, man. The key with girls is just... just acting like you don't care." Steve explains and Belladonna snorts loudly shaking her head with disbelief.

"That's the worse advice I've ever heard about love. When you like someone you do whatever you can to get their attention. Including personalized gifts, grand gestures, and treating them like they're the only one for you..... although that didn't exactly work out for me so..... maybe take his advice instead." Bella says with a sad smile and shrug as Steve looks back at her for awhile not noticing how Dustin stares at Wednesday.

He wanted this advice for her not Max. Max really is nothing but a friend. But finding a possible way to impress and get Wednesdays to like him back feels worth it to get Steve's advice.

Even if the girl is within hearing distance.

"Even if you do? Care I mean?" Dustin asks and Wednesday looks at him with surprise that he's actually listening to love advice from Steve of all people.

She had opinions on Steve's love life and they weren't too positive.

"Yeah exactly. It drives them nuts." Steve says sounding so sure and Dustin slows his walk so now Wednesday leads the group and the two boys are side by side in the middle.

"Then what?" Dustin asks with curiosity while staring at Steve like he has all the answers.

"You just wait until uh.... Until you feel it." Steve states awkwardly while glancing back at Belladonna for a solid moment. The strange girl misses the interaction but Dustin notices and nods slowly.

"Feel what?" Dustin asks making Steve look at Bella again before accidentally catching eyes with Wednesday who looked back at him with a slight glare.

Avoiding her persistent stare Steve stares down at his feet before continuing his advice on girls. Wednesdays stare was somehow more unsettling then anything Steve has experienced.... Including a monstrous demigorgan.

She was somehow scarier.

"It's like before it's gonna storm, you know? You can't see it but you can feel it, like this, uh... electricity you know?" Steve tries to explain but Dustin takes it more literally than Steve intended.

"Oh like in the electromagnetic field when the clouds in the atmosphere-" Dustin goes to say making Steve immediately shut it down.

"No, no, no, no, no. Like a.... Like a sexual electricity." Steve says making Belladonna look at him briefly before looking away with a frown.

His advice wasn't completely off. She had felt that for him since the moment she met him. The only problem was it clearly was only ever one sided.

"You feel that and then you make your move." Steve explains and Dustin immediately jumps to kissing once again making Steve scold him to slow it down.

"Whoa whoa whoa slow down Romeo." Steve says with a look of exasperation making Dustin apologize and look down in shame at the tracks.

"Sure okay some girls yeah. They want you to be aggressive. You know strong, hot and heavy like a... I don't know like a lion. But others you gotta be slow, you gotta be stealthy like a.... Like a ninja." Steve explains and Wednesday bites her tongue even harder just wanting to snap at either boy.

She didn't like Steve giving love advice. Especially when it was directed at someone who isn't her. Yes she may act clueless at time to Dustin's devotion but- she liked him. He was always nice to her even when she would say something mean to him.

"What type was Nancy?" Dustin asks and Steve nearly stumbles as he stops looking at his feet to stare at Dustin incredulously.

"Nancy was a bit different maybe a mixture of the two." Steve says awkwardly glancing at Bella who had put a bit more distance between them not wanting to over hear anything more.

After hearing Nancy's name she just slowed down her pace.

"What about Belladonna? What type is she?" Dustin asks and Steve glances back before looking at Wednesday who pretends to not be eavesdropping.

"Bella's different. She's different than other girls. Like she said you know.... She likes grand gestures and.... Stuff like that." Steve says in thought making Dustin nod before glancing at Wednesday.

"Yeah she seems pretty special I guess." Dustin says with his eyes still on Wednesday but Steve doesn't notice it. "Yeah. Yeah she is." Steve says with a thoughtful smile.

"But this girl I like.... She's special too you know. It's just.... Like something about her." Dustin says lowly to keep it private so Wednesday couldn't hear it. But of course Steve missing that Dustin wanted to keep it low key loudly says, "WHOA whoa whoa whoa hey hey hey." To make sure he has Dustin's attention on him fully.

"What?" Dustin asks cluelessly to why Steve is suddenly feeling out.

"You're not falling in love with this girl are you?" Steve asks and Dustin and him both cease walking so Bella nearly runs into them.

"Uh no no." Dustin assures Steve as Bella rounds them taking the lead with her sister so she can put distance between herself and the boys again. This time however Wednesday follows her lead no longer wanting to hear what the boys have to say because-..,. It makes her feel sad.

"Okay good don't." Steve informs making Dustin I agree that he won't despite maybe already being that far gone.

"She's only gonna break your heart, and you're way too young for that shit." Steve says with certainty but Dustin has one last question despite looking sad as is.

"But- your in love with Bella right? Even though she's not your girlfriend?" Dustin asks and Steve scoffs shaking his head. "No. Nope. Not in love. That's absolutely out of the question I just- I just like her that's all. Love- that comes after you really get to know someone. After you've been with them for who knows how long ya know?" Steve asks but Dustin still looks uncertain.

"Yeahhhhh sure keep telling yourself that." Dustin mumbles lowly.

"I heard she fell in love with you at first sight..... so maybe for her and her family it comes a little quicker. " Dustin calmly says making Steve stare at Bella who looks tense maybe feeling his eyes on her. Dustin watches this and immediately smiles to himself knowing something it seems even the older boy doesn't about himself.

Steve doesn't say anything more because he truly doesn't know what to say. Looking at Dustin he can see that his earlier blunt cold words have made the boy look sad and a little troubled. So he decides to try and cheer him up with a private fact no one knows.

"Fabergé." Steve says suddenly making Dustin look up at him confused at the sudden word. "What?" Dustin asks and Steve points to his hair looking embarrassed.

"It's fabergé organics. Use the shampoo and conditioner, and when your hairs damp... it's not wet okay? When it's damp... you do four puffs of the Farrah fawcett spray." Steve explains as Dustin takes it all in before giggling.

"Farrah fawcett spray?" He asks laughing and Steve immediately looks at the boy who laughs at him. "Yeah Farrah Fawcett. You tell anyone I just told you that and your ass is grass. You're dead, Henderson, do you understand?" Steve says with a finger pointing in Dustin's face.

Both boys have stopped walking once again due to their conversation and Wednesday can't take it anymore.

"Are you dingalings gonna help us or should we just do it ourselves." Wednesday asks calling to the boys who look at her wide eyed before running to catch up.

She's really intimidating.

______________________________

When they arrive to the junkyard the group looks around at the wide space and look confident in their plan for the first time all day. "Oh yeah. Yeah this will do. This will do just fine. Good call dude." Steve praises Dustin making the younger boy smile proudly at the compliment.

It only gets bigger when Belladonna adds to it, "Yes a very good plan Dustin. You'd make an excellent addition to our family, we like people who know how to trap things." She says with a smile before walking away as Wednesday looks embarrassed.

"It was a nice idea." She mumbles before shuffling away wide eyed making the small boy do a celebratory fist pump.

The four continue to leave a trail of meat leading to the center of the junkyard. They then dump their buckets into a giant puddle when a yell makes them all look up to spot Lucas.... And a red headed girl approaching.

"I SAID MEDIUM WELL!" Lucas tells waving before he and the red head start walking up to them. The girl looking familiar to Bella until she remembers seeing Billy drop her off at school a few times.

Max. Billy's step sister.

"Who's that?" Steve asks and then looks to Dustin and seeing the look on the boys face he assumes it because that's the girl he likes arriving with another guy.

But no Dustin is more annoyed that Lucas went and told max the secret without getting the party's approval.

So as Steve, Bella, Wednesday, and Max start setting up the junkyard the two boys go whisper behind a junk car to bicker on the matter.

Bella grabs a giant sheet of sheet metal effortlessly but Steve suddenly appears wrapping his arms around her to help her. "Here let me help you this thing is heavy." Steve says while helping her lower it in place.

"I can handle it myself." She says with a sigh but he just stays silent and continues to help her.

"Bella-...." Steve starts to say but she pulls away once the metal is placed and walks far away from him to keep distance between them making him sigh. His eyes finding the hiding boys making him grab a metal chair and slam it next to them on the car.

Probably a little harder than necessary due to his frustration about Bella.

"Hey dickheads! How come the only ones helping me out are the girls and this random chick? We lose light in 40 minutes. Let's go. Let's go I said!" Steve sneers out his frustrations making the two boys cuss him out before coming to help out.

And soon their much larger group has piles and piles of metal ready. They now start taking some inside the bus they plan to hide out in.

They even pour gasoline leading to the meat trail from the bus so that they can hopefully kill dart and keep him from eating anybody.

Bella was more than happy to take the lighter and offer to light the gas. Steve holds onto it for now though wanting something to do so he flicks the lighter cap open and shut repeatedly.

Arson did tend to be one of her favorite hobbies.

Once the bus was finally secured everyone climbed in and huddled somewhat close due to the dark. Sometimes the kids took turns taking watch on the roof but Steve and Bella stayed inside awkwardly sitting by each other.

It didn't matter how mad she may be at Steve Bella didn't want him getting hurt.

And she wasn't against sacrificing others except maybe her sister in order to keep him safe..... a bit dark but do you expect from an Addams.

For now the only sound is the light cap flicking on and off in Steve's hand. There hasn't been a single sight of Dart.

But the night is still young.

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Everyone sits in silence waiting still for any sign of Dart but it's been hours. Belladonna enjoys the dull ache in her butt from sitting on the bus floor but she is annoyed at how bored she is other wise.

She keeps sighing and stares at the opposite bus wall where Steve sits flicking his lighter.

Watching him do this while casually holding a  fire starter makes her feel a cold pleasant chill go up her spine. Bella really does have a thing for arson and seeing Steve with a lighter he plans to let her use once the monster arrives?

It's like a wet dream come true for Belladonna Addams.

"So you guys have really fought one of these things before?" Max asks seemingly out of no where but Bella doesn't even glance at her still enchanted by Steve who nods before looking back at the lighter.

He can feel Bella's intense stare lingering on him. Steve doesn't want to make her stop by showing he notices so he doesn't look at her even though he's dying to see her reaction.

"And you're like totally 100% sure it wasn't a bear?" Max asks and Dustin being simply irked that she doesn't believe them still snaps.

"Shit. Don't be an idiot. Okay? It wasn't a bear. Why are you even here if you don't believe us? Just go home." Dustin asks and Steve suddenly stares at the interaction with intrigue.

Admittedly Wednesday looks surprised from her position on the floor her eyes wide impressed. Her mouth slightly agape at the harsh tone and her very pale face goes very faintly pink in a blush.

"Geesh someone's cranky. Past your bedtime?" Max says with some exasperation before going up the ladder to join Lucas on lookout.

"That's good. Just show her you don't care." Steve says with approval making Dustin look at him with some confusion but also still irritated since Max still doesn't believe him or his friends.

"I don't." He says side eyeing Wednesday who's look of awe is replaced by a heated scowl.

Steve still not catching the many hints that Dustin likes Wednesday proceeds to wink. "Why are you winking Steve? Stop." Dustin tells the older boy who acts clueless before flicking the lighter again.

Bella watches him still entranced.

Bella slowly taps his foot with her foot when she notices Dustin whispering lowly with Wednesday. She figured maybe she should inform Steve about who Dustin really likes so her sister won't end up strangling him.

But right as Bella's foot touches Steve's he had flicked the lighter on and stares at her with some surprise.

The look on his face plus the fire makes Bella's brain short circuit for a good second. Her eyes confidently looking him up and down with approval right in front of him shamelessly.

"He likes my sister." Bella states breathless after a pause that lasted far too long to be considered casual. But somehow she recollected herself before doing anything stupid.

"What?" Steve asks confused his eyes had been sweeping her right back. When he looked up from the lighter to see what she wanted he looked at her in surprise.

Even more so when he could obviously tell she was checking him out.

"My sister. That's who Dustin likes." Bella explains coming to her senses and looking away as the lighter cap extinguishes the tiny fire in his hands.

Steve noticing that she is now avoiding looking at him mumbles lowly but looks over to see Dustin and her sister talking to each other quietly. "Oh-.." he says softly noticing the way Dustin's face goes red as he stares at Wednesday with a giant smile.

"I don't want you to keep making her jealous by mentioning Max anymore. I would rather my sister not murder you." Bella explains with a casual shrug making Steve look scared for a brief second before he tilts his head with intrigue.

"Why not? I mean-..... no offense I know death is something you like and all..... plus you hate me at the moment so why not just let her?" Steve asks softly and Bella looks at him and slowly blinks before pursing her lips slightly.

"I don't hate you. Plus- she would make it slow and painful.... And I enjoy pain and inflicting it but..... I would never want to see you that way.... Unless I was the one inflicting it." Bella admits with a casualness but Steve can physically feel his heart beating faster as he looks at her with hope.

"I thought you wanted to strap me to your rack though? Didn't you want to hurt me a little then?" Steve asks and Bella smirks at him confidently and he feels himself swallowing his own spit to stop himself from choking at the sultry look.

"The type of pain I would have inflicted on you was more along the lines of..... teasing and suffering. Plus I know my family is special in actually enjoying pain compared to others..... the principle gave me a lecture during school after the spring formal poisoning incident." Bella explains with a shrug making Steve snort and shake his head.

Some things just never change.... And talking with her again feels good. Maybe even better than just simply good....

Especially as he slowly pieces together what she meant by teasing type of suffering. His face went bright red and his eyes hungrily took her in. Steve's pants tightening at the imagery that filled his head.

"Bella-" Steve goes to say something but a monster roars in the distance making their entire group go serious and remember where and why they are in the junkyard.

Instantly everyone is serious and everyone inside the bus is pressed against the wall peaking out to try and catch a glimpse of Dart.

"You see him?" Dustin asks and Steve is quick to say no his eyes searching but the dark and fog don't make it easy. Bella with her better sight even struggles to see past the fog and it would appear Wednesday is having the same problem.

"Lucas what's going on?" Dustin yells up. "HOLD ON!" Lucas yells back making Bella narrow her eyes. Even if she can't see what's out there something is giving her a bad feeling.

A predator can recognize another predator's presence. Evil senses evil.

"I've got eyes! Ten o clock! Ten o'clock!" Lucas yells and immediately everyone but Steve looks in the correct position.

"There?" Steve asks and Bella slowly reaches up grabbing his chin in a firm grasp before turning his head more to the left. Her thumb strokes his jawline before coming back down to her side.

"Oh- thanks... uh there he is." Steve says pointing to the weird shape moving inside the fog. "What's he doing?" Dustin asks and Steve quickly says, "I don't know."

The entire time Bella and Wednesday watch with unwavering focus. Even when Bella moved Steve to look the right way she hadn't looked at him.

"He's not taking the bait. Why is he not taking the bait?" Steve asks looking at Dustin with unease before subtly moving closer to Belladonna who narrows her eyes at the beasts circling.

"Maybe he's not hungry?" Dustin offers as Belladonna tilts her head before voicing her opinion. "Somethings not right. If he's hunting the pattern he's walking in isn't correct.... Almost like-....." Bella trails off looking more confused.

"Almost like what?" Dustin asks with some of his hidden fear becoming apparent.

"Like it's not allowed to just go straight for it. When animals hunt in packs they tend to survey the surrounding area while also circling their food. Are you sure Darts the only one of his kind?" Bella asks while clenching her hands itching for a fight.

"He's the only one I've ever seen.... Plus I think Hawkins would have noticed if a bunch of these things were running around." Dustin says with shrug like it's impossible so Bella drops it.... For now.

"Maybe he's just sick of cow." Dustin offers but Steve seems to get an idea. He backs away from the window and grabs his bat with nails before heading for the door.

Bella having her focus looking out doesn't look until she hears Dustin freaking out. "Steve? Steve, what are you doing?" The small boy asks and immediately Bella's full attention is on Steve who holds the lighter up pointing it at them.

"Just get ready. And Bella- protect the kids." He says before tossing her the lighter and opening the bus door.

"Steve-" Belladonna goes to stop him but Dustin immediately shuts the door after the older boy. "He's got this." Dustin assures but Belladonna sighs shaking her head and looking out the window in awe at Steve's blatant bravery.

He even starts whistling like the thing is a dog to gets its attention making Bella just want to swoon.

"What's he doing?" Max asks while coming down the ladder and looking out the window. A little too close for Wednesdays liking so she 'subtly' steps in between the pair..... by roughly shouldering herself in between.

"Expanding the menu." Dustin explains not even noticing the rough treatment Wednesday just gave to the red head.

"He's insane." Max states watching with slight anticipation still wondering if it's just some animal or not. "He's awesome." Dustin says with awe in his voice. "He's a moron." Wednesday sighs shaking her head.

"He's very brave, and handsome." Belladonna adds lastly and all three children slowly turn to look at her stoically as she smiles so big it looks like it's gotta hurt.

"STEVE WATCH OUT! Three o'clock three o'clock!" Lucas yells and just like Bella had theorized Dart indeed is part of a pack.... A pack that's currently hunting Steve.

"Steve!" Dustin yells opening the bus door and without a second of hesitation Bella runs outside pulling both swords from their holster. She runs out as Dustin continues to yell for the older boy and now Bella as well.

"STEVE ABORT ABORT! BELLA WAIT-" Dustin yells but Belladonna continues to run until she is only a few feet behind Steve. Of course that's when all the monsters decide to attack and all go for Steve.

Apparently Belladonna was a little too intimidating for the creatures and they decided to go for who they sensed to be the easier target.

Steve is batting them away as Bella runs up and beheads one that goes running up from behind. Steve goes darting to the side and Bella tries to get to the monsters but they keep bee lining for Steve.

He manages to roll over the hood of a car to escape from a beast. Still unaware Bella is even there as he fights his way towards the bus. Bella following him when he starts running for the bus and as he falls flinging himself inside he finally notices her as she sheaths her swords falling on top of him.

She immediately lifts herself off him enough to grab a piece of sheet metal to hold against the door. Steve helps her and the kids besides Wednesday are screaming messes.

One of the creatures manages to stick a piece of its arm in and it claws around wildly. Its claws scratch Bella's leg making her gasp with delight as Steve grits his teeth swinging more violently. He completely obliterates the limb with his bat in retaliation for Belladonna who finds the action endearing.

Dustin pulls out his radio signalling for help as Max and Lucas sit beside him fearful of the beasts outside. Wednesday stands close to Dustin prepared to kill anything with her bare hands if need be.

When a creature claws the bus right between Wednesday and Lucas the kids scatter away from the spot.

The creatures finally break down the door and Bella hisses at the closest one before jabbing her sword into its neck. The monster whimpers and pulls away as more take its place.

But once again the teens reset the door panel to try and keep the beasts out. And with perfect timing because Max suddenly screams as one of the monsters is staring down at her from the emergency window on the roof of the bus.

"Out of the way! Out of the way! You want some? Come get this!" Steve yells preparing to fight and jab the weird monstrous beast with bat full of nails but a roar on the distance makes the beasts slowly pull back and leave.

Their growls and roars grow distant as they leave and everyone on the bus besides Wednesday and Bella stay tense.

Being brave Steve goes back to the bus door and opens it, it creaks loudly making him flinch but continue to walk out of the safety of the bus. Bella swooning as she watches him, she slowly inches out behind him.

"What happened?" Lucas asks as Max and Wednesday shrug. One unbothered and one uncertain, "I don't know." Max says fearfully as Dustin offers a solution. "Steve scared them off?" He offers but Wednesday loudly snorts at that making the tense boy shoot her an offended look.

"No. No way. They're going somewhere." Steve says with certainty his eyes sweeping the kids before stopping on Bella his eyes immediately take in her injured leg and he rushes to have her sit on the hood of a car.

Ripping a piece of his shirt off Steve begins to wrap the wound of putting pressure to stop the bleeding. But the tightness of the cloth only makes Bella moan with delight.

Steve's face went beat red, at the sound. "I know I'm probably asking a pointless question but- are you okay? Should I carry you back to my car and take you to the hospital or something?" Steve asks and Bella shakes her head with a small little smirk.

He knows her well enough to know that in fact is a dumb question but of course he worries too much to not ask it.

"I'm perfectly fine. The pain is- searingly delicious." Bella whispers lovingly to the wound stroking the spot that has freshly been covered with a rough manner.

"Figured you'd say that." Steve says with an exasperated smile standing up from where he had kneeled to apply the cloth to her calf.

He now unintentionally stands over her, staring down at her with a gentle smile. When her eyes look up at him he feels rooted in place at that moment.

The two just stare at each other with a weird tension brewing between them.

"Come on. We need to plan for what's next." Bella suddenly says as if she's come to her senses. She stands and slowly walks around Steve who stays in place staring at where she had just been sitting mere moments ago.

He has really wanted to kiss her.

____________________

The group walks in the dark heading into the direction of Steve's car. They once again walk on the railroad this time with flashlights waving around in order to see in the dark.

Except for the Addams girls of course. They strangely had very good eye sight even in the dark.

"You're positive that was dart?" Lucas asks for what feels like the millionth time. He is clearly in disbelief at the sheer size the creature that had once been hand size had grown to in such a short amount of time.

"Yes. He had the same exact yellow pattern in his butt." Dustin assures as Max still looks unsure, but Wednesday instantly believes Dustin. He hadn't been wrong much in her eyes and she seemed to trust him more than the others.

"He was tiny two days ago." Max adds making Dustin shrug nonchalantly. "He's molted three times already." Dustin explains as Steve looks confused with furrowed brows moving his gaze from Bella to Dustin.

"Malted?" Steve asks and Dustin corrects him before explaining the molting process in detail. Hearing the process makes Steve's nose scrunch and for him to shake his head looking away and searching for signs of danger.... Before proceeding in checking out belladonna.

"When is he gonna molt again?" Max asks and Dustin immediately answers, "It's gotta be soon. When he does he'll be fully grown, or close to it. And so will his friends." Dustin says with a worried expression.

"Yeah and he's gonna eat a lot more than just cats." Steve says casually unaware that he had just thrown Dustin under the bus. Lucas immediately catches on and grabs Dustin making the group halt in their walking.

"Wait a cat? Dart ate a cat?" Lucas asks Dustin who looks worriedly between his friend and Wednesday as if the girl could help him out of his sticky situation but she just creepily stares at him with wide unblinking eyes.

"No, what? No." Dustin lies poorly and Steve still not catching the vibe continues to out Dustin's lies to the group.

"What are you talking about? He ate Mews." Steve says casually and Belladonna sighs and grabs his arm shaking her head at him but the damage had already been done.

"Mews? Who's news?" Max asks and Steve continues to explain making Dustin look at him with a sense of betrayal.

"It's Dustin's cat." Steve says nonchalantly making Dustin yell at him as a way to stop him but Lucas immediately knows why Dustin didn't want them to know such details and grabs his friend and shakes him as if trying shake the truth out of him.

"I knew it! You kept him!" Lucas accuses and Dustin weakly shouts no but- it comes off weak.

"No! No. No I.... no I.... He missed me. He wanted to come home." Dustin finally gives in as everyone stares at him and feeling the pressure he can no longer lie and Steve still looks confused.

"Bullshit!" Lucas accuses loudly making Wednesday shoot him a nasty look while stepping between the boys so Lucas could no longer grab Dustin harshly.

"I didn't know he was a demogorgon okay?" Dustin yells back guilty looking. And despite the youngest Addams standing between them Lucas steps forward as if he's ready to strangle Dustin's neck.

"Oh so now you admit it?" Lucas sneers back annoyed at his friend for lying as Dustin continues to look guilty and a bit upset with himself.

"Guys who cares we have to go." Max interrupts to try and deescalate the situation but it doesn't work as Lucas is too angry to calm down.

"I care! You put the party In jeopardy! You broke the rule of law!" Lucas accuses making Dustin's patience wear thin and he finally snaps. "So did you!" He yells and Bella hearing a noise in the trees slowly walks away from the group that is focused on the drama.

"What?" Lucas can be heard asking before Bella times them out listening for the noise she had heard moments prior.

It sounds like animals screeching in the distance.

Bella didn't notice that Steve had heard it too and followed her both staring in the direction of the noise. Bella narrows her eyes with unease before slowly placing a hand on Steve's arm. Almost like she needed to be ready to protect him in a moments notice.

"Hey guys?" Steve calls to the kids but it goes ignored. Finally having enough of the bickering Belladonna whips around snapping at the kids catching all their attentions. "HEY!" She shouts and the kids immediately stop and stare at her wide eyes as her gaze pierces them.

The screeches continue and instinctively Steve and Bella begin to lead the way and the others follow. Max tries to ask why they'd head towards the ominous noises but goes on to be ignored.

The group enters a clearing but can't see anything due to the dark and fog. Bella and Wednesday however both step forward simultaneously narrowing their eyes.

"It's the lab." Bella explains making the other slowly look at her a little freaked out at the fact she could see anything in their conditions.

"They were going back home." Lucas suddenly says with a realization that makes the group look weary.

Bella didn't even want to tell them that she could scent a lot of blood in the air. And it seems even Wednesday didn't want to tell her friends about the revelation.

Something really bad happened in Hawkins lab and a lot of people were dead because of it.

Chapter Text

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Belladonna despite her injury leads the entire group as she takes a protective position in the front of everyone. Wednesday much to the dismay of Dustin trails at the back in a similar manner.

Steve keeps trying to walk beside Bella but she keeps increasing her speed to make sure she is the one that will fight first and not him.

An Addams can endure a lot.

"Bella slow down...." Steve insists and with a huff Bella makes her pace match his but her eyes continue to scan the forest ready to push him aside if necessary.

"Bella what I said earlier- and every stupid thing I've done up until now.... I'm sorry. I'm just- stupid. And I really never wanted to hurt you." Steve explains lowly so the kids don't eavesdrop and Bella sighs again biting her lip before slowly looking at him with some acceptance.

"I know you didn't Steve. But-..... I can't let you in any more no matter how much I want to. Because you've shown me time and time again that I was never your first choice. I love pain, I love suffering, but-..... the way I felt after you chose Nancy time and time again? I never wanted to feel that way again Steve. That pain was unbearable." Bella explains gently and Steve looks ashamed as he looks away shaking his head.

"You are also not stupid." Bella adds softly and his eyes immediately look up at her with pure awe.

"I know I screwed this up Bella..... and I'm going to prove to you that I mean it this time okay? I don't want Nancy.... I don't want anyone but you. And I was a coward-..... because I was scared what it would do to my reputation but.... I've started to realize High School isn't as important as I used to think." Steve admits and Bella smiles at him while shaking her head.

Because up ahead at the entrance of the lab gate she can sense Nancy and Johnathan. Bella knows he will run to Nancy the second he spots the Wheeler girl.

"I'm sorry Steve..... but I just can't do it." Bella whispers once again at coming up her speed and leaving Steve to watch her walk away from him.

Steve raises a flashlight as they start to break from the tree line promptly blinding Nancy and Johnathan who squint in confusion until they process the group in front of them.

"Steve!?" Johnathan and Nancy say in unison as Steve looks just as confused to see them. "Nancy?" Steve states while Dustin says Johnathan's name with relief.

"What are you doing here? And- Bella?" Nancy asks confused just now noticing the dark haired beauty that stands at the front of the group with her stoic expression.

"What are you doing here?" Steve asks with concern and confusion making Bella scratch her nails into her arms as she crosses them.

"We're looking for Mike and Will." Nancy explains her eyes flicking between Steve and Belladonna with surprise and uncertainty.

"They're not in there are they?" Dustin asks fearfully as the other two teens sense a dark vibe coming from the group in front of them at the mention of the two boys being inside the lab.

"We're not sure." Nancy says as Johnathan hesitantly asks, "Why?"

With perfect timing a monster screeches and everyone but the Addams girls gasp with surprise and spin to look at the lab with unease.

"That's why." Bella says casually making Nancy look at her with a sigh before looking to Johnathan for a plan. Bella simply shrugs and walks over to the gate inspecting it before looking around for any possible ways to enter.

To her surprise Steve sticks close to her rather than Nancy.

The group begins talking at once trying to come up with ideas when the power clicks on. No one notices since the entire group is chatting even Steve doesn't notice since he has his back to the lab while standing close to Belladonna.

"Powers back on." Bella announces and instantly Johnathan rushes to the guard station hitting the button to open the gate but nothing happens.

Soon Dustin is shoving his way in there demanding to push the same button. He even pushes Johnathan back as he proceeds to push it making the older boy look briefly annoyed like you would at a younger brother.

Out of no where the gate opens making the other's start to blocker on who would drive up and who would stay put. This kids mostly wanting to go to the lab in order to save Mike and Will but much to their dismay Nancy and Johnathan decide to drive up alone leaving Bella and Steve to baby sit the kids once again.

"You know you kind of remind me of an uptight mom." Max says casually to Steve who slowly looks at her with an offended look on his face.

"Please.... Everyone knows I'm totally the fun dad." He scoffs making the girl lift a brow and snort instantly wiping the confident look on his face away.

"Bella's the fun dad and you're the uptight mom. It's just straight facts." Max explains like it's common sense but Steve still makes a high pitched noise to show he very much disagrees with the statement.

"Also I'm just curious about one more thing...." Max asks with a teasing smile that has her friends looking intrigued as Steve sighs and looks annoyed.

"Which is?" He asks with an attitude making the girl slowly smirk in his face.

"Are you the bottom? Billy says men can be bottoms." Max asks while explaining how she knows such a graphic thing at a young age making Steve look absolutely gobsmacked as the other kids laugh in his face.

Even Bella can be seen smirking a couple feet away except hers is more knowing.

"NO- you know what let's sit in silence. Also you're too young for such topics so.... Talk about something else." Steve huffs and Max just laugh at his expense again.

"Ok mom." She says before walking away making the boy face palm his forehead aggressively.

"Someone needs to teach these kids to respect their elders okay." Steve complains to Bella who comes to stand beside him with a giant teasing smile.

"Sure thing sweetheart." She mocks elbowing him but he doesn't seem to think it's a joke as he looks at her funny.

"He's totally whipped." Dustin's voice can be heard saying and once again the pairs tension is broken and Steve begins to scold the kids as Bella just watches fondly.

"Guys." Max says to get everyone attention and Steve grumbles thinking she's gonna make another joke. Instead everyone perks up and things go from light to tense as two cars come speeding out of the lab.

The group had to dive out of the way to not get hit, and Steve had to pull Bella away since she stayed rooted in place wanting to be run over.

A police cruiser parking right in front of them driven by Jim Hopper. "Let's go!" He commands and everyone rushes to get in the truck. With the lack of room Belladonna is forced to sit on Steve's lap.

Something she both enjoyed and felt uneasy about.

He smelled nice despite all the things they'd gone through in just one day. His cologne he had practically poured on himself still had a little fragrance and his natural musk was coming through due to all the exertion.

At times.... Bella could feel him smelling her hair even though he was trying to act subtle about it.

Being on Steve's lap Bella kept shifting not even thinking of what could happen. Something kept poking her in the rear and it created an uncomfortable yet pleasurable sensation.

Bella kept brushing into it until Steve grabbed her tightly on the waist and whispered in her ear so no one else could hear him.

"I'm gonna need you to stop moving." Steve says with a low rough voice that makes Bella feel a warm tingling in her chest.

"Why?" She's asks confused not knowing what she had been doing that entire time. She even spins around to try and see his expression but doing so meant rubbing against the object more.

A low grunt leaves Steve as she now looks at him with a lifted brow. "If you keep doing that.... I'm going to ruin these jeans." He emphasized looking down and Bella finally caught on and smiled coyly at him.

It all had been unintentional but it still filled her with a certain thrill to know she could cause such a reaction while barely even touching him.

"I always did love how reactive you were." Bella says with pure sultry in her tone. And since she's now sitting on his lap side ways she reaches her arm around his head and leans her back against the car door.

The entire time making eye contact with Steve.

Her fingers knot into his hair and she gives it a slight tug, and the way Steve looks at her only has her craving to do more.

With no one looking Bella pulls his head back exposing his neck more to her. She stares intensely like his Adam's apple is the greatest things she's ever seen.

"Vorrei solo potermi chinare e lasciare il mio segno su di te, cara mia ." Bella whispers lowly into his ear in Italian and instantly Steve feels his breath disappear at the familiar endearment.

(i wish i could just lean over and leave my mark all over you my dearest.)

But Belladonna finds enough sanity to pull away and attempt at avoiding eye contact in order to avoid the temptation. But Steve kept trying to get her to look at him, he didn't care who saw he really wanted to kiss her. L

Despite his constant whispers and lingering touches Bella would not look at him.

When the Byers residence came into view Bella jumped out of the truck before it even stopped moving. Which got her scolded by Jim Hopper.... That just went in one ear and out the other though.

________________________

"I love what you've done with the place. The hectic energy is very appealing." Bella says with a sigh to Johnathan who smiles fondly at her. The place is an utter mess, with drawings covering practically every surface even the floor.

One thing that will never change is how strange Bella Addams is but he actually finds comfort in it.

"So..... finally lost your virginity huh?" Bella asks casually and Johnathan once calm demeanor goes tense and he begins coughing awkwardly praying Steve didn't hear what the girl had said.

"How did you-" he begins to ask but she simply points at her nose like that's explanation enough.

"You lost that sweet smell only a virgin has...... it was with Nancy right?" Bella asks with a gentle smile. She had no hidden agenda because for all she knew the two were just friends and Nancy had done to him what Steve had done to her.

"Don't- tell Steve. I don't want to deal with that right now." Johnathan sighs with embarrassment but Bella shakes her head. "I wouldn't tell anyone. You're my friend. I'm very loyal to my friends.... Plus- I would never be  a snitch." Bella says with a kind smile before rubbing his arm as a form of comfort.

Of course in that exact moment Steve had to notice the touch and clenched his jaw bitterly.

"You should talk to Will. I know he seems unresponsive right now but.... Maybe he will hear you." Bella offers before standing to give him space to do just that.

Hopper can be heard getting annoyed into the phone and so Bella looks around to find something or someone else to bother.

Unluckily she meets the gaze of Steve who stares at her with an edge.

"I'm sorry about before.... I didn't mean to tease you. I just- got carried away." Bella explains avoiding eye contact as the boy stares at her with hyper focus.

"It didn't bother me... except how we left off I guess." Steve says with his eyes looking her up and down with no shame.

Bella feels herself smile before it turns to a grimace. Why couldn't he have been like this when she first came here? He says he wants more but- she just wants proof plus with her betrothal ball coming so soon she can't just cancel it for a possibility that doesn't work out once again.

It's not like he was making it publicly known that he likes her. In fact ever since Nancy and the other joined the group he had been keeping his voice low and hadn't been as talkative as he had been when it was just them and the kids.

"I'm uh- gonna make a call." Bella excuses herself feeling awkward on what to say since she didn't know where she really stood with him in that moment. Hopper was consoling Joyce as Bella dialed her families phone.

"Father. It is me Belladonna." The girl says into the phone making the man on the other end call to his wife.

"Where are you my little poison flower? You didn't come home last night and neither did your sister. Have you been causing trouble? Please tell me?" He pleads with excitement and Bella explains everything to him.

"Your just gonna tell your parents everything ? There's no way they are gonna believe you." Mike scoffs making Bella narrow her eyes at him and making her point a finger in his face.

It was a warning. One he certainly listened to.

"And you were hurt? Darling tell me it hurts?" Morticia can be heard asking into the phone and when Bella assures her that it does her mother sigh happily for her.

"Is Steven there?" Gomez suddenly asks and Bella goes stiff before muttering a low yes.

"Let me speak with him." Gomez demands and Bella hesitates a second unsure what her father could possibly want to say to Steve. But nonetheless she looks to the boy who had been staring at her and points the phone at him.

Steve immediately looks intimidated as he takes the phone and puts it to his ear.

"Uh- this is Steve." Steve awkwardly informs while leaning on the wall beside the phone trying to feign nonchalance. It doesn't look to work as something the Gomez man says makes Steve go rigid.

"Of course I will....... I don't-....... of course sir I would never-..... thank you." Steve mumbles into the phone at one point something Gomez said made Steve go unbelievably stiff as he looked at Belladonna funny. (We will eventually get back to what he told Steve later on in the book)

Steve slowly hands Wednesday the phone as he looks like he's seen a ghost.

"Did he threaten you? You look pale." Bella says with worry while grabbing Steve and pulling him to a free chair. The whole time he stares at her with precise focus as if he's trying to see something that's hidden.

"Something like that." He mutters staring at her with such intensity it makes her have to look away her face wanting to turn a bright pink.

When an Addams truly blushes it's so noticeable with their pale skin that of course Steve noticed it.

It gave him a semblance of hope that.... Things between them would get settled eventually. He just had to play the long game, and show Bella just how serious he was about her.

__________________

As the adrenaline from the night slowly died out, the house became solemn. Everyone thinking of this Bob guy that Bella hadn't met but judging by how hard it was hitting everyone he was important or just a good person.

The entire house was silent and tense as everyone grieved the man.

"Did you guys know that Bob was the original founder of Hawkins AV?" Mike suddenly asks as Bella slowly peels her eyes off a still somewhat shell shocked Steve to look at him.

"Really?" Lucas asks as Mike Carrie's in some weird blue cube.

"He petitioned the school to start it and everything. Then he had a fundraiser for equipment. Mr Clarke learned everything from him. Pretty awesome right?" Mike asks as he slowly sets the cube on the table while the group replies with soft agreements.

"We can't let him die in vain." Mike says with certainty even as his own friends don't feel as motivated on the manner. Because someone died.... It made things more real than they ever had been before.

Well except maybe when eleven had died.....

"What do you want to do Mike? The chiefs right on this. We can't stop those demo dogs on our own." Dustin says with some exasperation.

"Demo dogs?" Max asks with some hidden judgement that didn't seem to fly with Wednesday who immediately agreed with Dustin on the name while glaring a little too strongly at Max to be considered her usual eerie wide eyed stare.

"Demogorgon dogs. Demo dogs." Dustin continues to explain completely clueless thinking the girl hadn't understood what he meant and maybe she didn't but Wednesday just hadn't liked her tone.

"It's like a compound. It's like a play on words- you know." Dustin continues to explain since the red head had kept staring at him he thought she didn't understand.

"Okay." Max says with some exasperation as she finally understood what he meant after he had originally said the full name the first time. Again the tone of her voice didn't settle well with Wednesday.

The dark haired girls head was tilted at an angle and her eyes still glared into Max's soul. Max kept avoiding the intense stare but Dustin had to grab Wednesdays arm to get her to calm down.

He appreciated her being mad on his behalf.

"I mean when it was just Dart maybe...." Dustin continues on but Lucas finishes his thought also trying to dispel the growing tension in the room.

"But there's an army now." Lucas says in agreement as Dustin nods. "Precisely." Dustin affirms but a certain word one of the boys used makes Mike look to get excited.... Like he's figured something out.

"His army." Mike says like that answers all but everyone looks at him more confused.

"What do you mean?" Steve asks having been listening the entire time. "His army." Mike repeats as an answer but everyone still stares with confusion not picking up what he's trying to imply.

"Maybe if we stop him, we can stop his army too." Mike explains before rushing out of the kitchen and towards Will's bedroom.

Slowly the group follows with Dustin, Lucas, Max, and Wednesday in a lined order following mikes lead. But before they leave the kitchen with Bella and Steve taking the rear Wednesday grabs Max's arm stopping her very briefly from following.

"I just wanted to inform you... if you ever speak like that to Dustin again I'll use your spine as a candle holder." Wednesday says with no hesitation before walking to follow the boys leaving a stunned Max behind.

"I'd heed her words..... her collection of candles is starting to be overflowing. Even for me." Bella adds nonchalantly before waving for the girl to follow the other children. Which she does but she looks mortified and a bit impressed.

"Do you collect anything?" Steve asks subtly but he looks a bit fearful of the answer.

"Don't worry I don't collect bones..... my hobby is creating voodoo dolls of those that have wronged me." Bella says casually and Steve nods happy to hear she doesn't collect bones but his relief is short.

"What that?" He asks with some surprise that she collects something as normal as dolls.

"They are a doll that contains an item from the victim it portrays. Like- say if I had one of Carol it would maybe.... Have a lock of her hair sewed to its head." Bella explains a little too quickly making Steve side eye her.

"Then a ritual is done to link the doll with the person you wish to make the doll of. And then a the person will feel whatever you do to the doll." Bella says with a big creepy smile that makes the hairs on the back of Steve's neck stick up.

"And what uh- do you do with them?" He asks and belladonna lifts an eyebrow before walking away making the boy question. "What does she do with them? And-..... is it what caused Carol to be missing from school for a month for a sudden surgery last May.

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"The mind flayer." Dustin says with confidence as he slams a book onto the dining table surrounded by everyone including the older teens, and Hopper.

"What the hell is that?" Hopper asks with doubt very evident in his voice. It sounds like pure make believe.

"It's a monster from an unknown dimension. It's so ancient that it doesn't even know it's true home. Okay it enslaves races of other dimensions by taking over their brains using its highly developed sonic powers." Dustin explains with his tiny lisp very apparent.

Bella shifts from one foot to the other trying to look unbothered but she can feel Steve's presence very close to her. If she so much as leaned to the right even the slightest bit she would be touching him.

"Oh my god none of this is real. This is a kids game." Hopper sighs with frustration as Bella snorts like he's the one saying the most ridiculous thing she's heard.

"Tell that to the demo dogs." Bella says before winking at Dustin because she used the nickname he had given the beasts.

"Bella gets it." Dustin mutters with some victory in his tone before going back to sassing Hopper and anyone else who dares to question his logic and theory.

"No it's a manual. And it's not for kids. And unless you know something that we don't, this is the best metaphor-" Dustin goes to rant but Lucas cuts him off and corrects him making Wednesday look more annoyed by the second that people keep interrupting Dustin.

Who cares about specifics? Either way most of what he said was true.

"Analogy." Lucas had said making Dustin snap also getting annoyed with the constant interruptions.

"Analogy? That's what you're worried about? Fine! An analogy for understanding whatever the hell this is." Dustin says while looking at the others but when Nancy mispronounces the beasts name he sasses her too.

He was just tired of everyone doubting him except for Steve.... Most of the time. And the Addams sisters who seemed to put their full trust in him.

"Okay so this mind flamer thing-" Nancy had said making Dustin correct her with annoyance.

"What does it want?" Nancy asks and Bella wanted to be snarky as to her it was obvious. But- Addams tended to pick up things that were dark a lot quicker then most people so Bella just bit her tongue instead.

"To conquer us basically. It believes it's the master race." Dustin explains and Steve having been listening the whole time decides to give what he thinks is a good example.

"Like the Germans." Steve says with confidence as all eyes slowly look at him with confusion and slight disappointment.

"Uh the Nazis?" Dustin asks and Bella winces as she gives Steve a soft pat on the arm to say 'you tried'. Immediately Steve blushes under everyone's scrutinizing gaze and repeatedly looks away as he agrees with Dustin.

"Uh- if the nazis were from another dimension totally. Uh- it views other races like us as inferior to itself." Dustin finishes his explanation as he also mumbles about Steve and his nazi comment with a grimace.

"It wants to spread take over other dimensions." Mike says and Bella can't help but give her own example of spreading to take over but hers is much more gruesome and disturbing.

"Kind of like scabies. Infect one and slowly spread it until there's no one left and then slowly kill them off with things like bacteria or sepsis." Bella says with a sadistic smile that makes everyone but Wednesday, Dustin and Steve subtly shuffle away.

"Uh yeah yeah okay I think we get it with the examples." Mike mumbles with a look of unease aimed at Bella. She really intimidates him.

"We are talking about the destruction of our world as we know it." Lucas further explains as Wednesday and Bella look a little excited by such an idea as the others grow more frantic.

"That's great. That's greats that's great, that's really great Jesus." Steve sighs before passing back and forth running a hand through his hair due to the stress.

Feeling watched Steve glances at Bella to see her staring at him with her lip between her teeth. He suddenly remembers what she mentioned about him being hot while saying Jesus during their-... intimate moment last year.

He immediately straightens practically preening under her intense gaze but Nancy loudly clearing her throat before speaking pulls Bella's attention away. Much to the dismay of Steve.

"Okay so if this thing is like a brain that's controlling everything, then if we kill it...." Nancy trials off for some reassurance on her theory making Mike finish her sentence confidently.

"We kill everything it controls." Mike agrees as Dustin assures that they would win but Lucas mentions how it's all theoretical.

Bella's eyes slowly shift in the direction that will still probe body lays. If this is all true then-..... that would mean the young boy would be dead.

"Great so how do you kill this thing? Shoot it with fireballs or something?" Hopper asks mockingly and not sensing the sarcasm Dustin smiles like what he's hearing is amusing.

"No. No no fire- no fireballs. Uh you summon an undead army, uh because.... Because zombies you know they don't have brains, and the mind flayer it.... It.... It likes brains. It's just a game. It's a game." Dustin finally trails off as hopper continues to stare him down in utter disbelief.

Wednesday slowly steps between the two staring Hopper down with wide unblinking eyes that make him grimace and take a step back.

Making Hopper think to himself how there is seriously wrong with that Addams family.

"What the hell are we doing here." Hopper mutters throwing the book down and putting more distance between him and Dustin as the youngest Addams girl still stares at him with that freaky look.

"I thought we were waiting for your military backup." Dustin asks making Hopper turn back around, "We are!" He emphasizes making all the kids still doubt him.

No military could do what their old friend eleven could have done....

"How are they gonna stop this? You can't just shoot this with guns." Mike states with certainty making Hopper doubt him even though they've all seen how futile guns work against these monsters.

"You don't know that! We don't know anything!" Hopper snaps due to frustration but Mike doesn't back down making Bella roll her eyes at their useless back and forth. If she were in charge she'd just run in with a flamethrower and light the mind flayer up.

"We know it's already killed everybody in that lab." Mike says with confidence as Lucas joins in with another fact they all know. "We know the monsters are gonna molt again."

And then Dustin adds another fact showing just how much the kids are informed on the situation. "We know that it's only a matter of time before those tunnels reach this town." Dustin states before a croaky woman's voice agrees.

A visibly distressed and emotional Joyce slowly enters the room having been listening in.

"We have to kill it. I want to kill it." Joyce seethes as hopper slowly approaches her trying to keep the peace still.

"But how do we do that? We don't exactly know what we're dealing with here." Hopper tries to calmly explain to her but Wednesday finally speaks up.

"No. But Will does." Wednesday adds very brief and to the point as everyone slowly looks at her before towards Will.

"She's right.... If anyone knows how to destroy this thing it's Will. He's connected to it. He'll know its weakness." Mike agrees as Max looks uncertain.

"I thought we couldn't trust him anymore. That he's a spy for the mind flayer now." Max says with her arms crossed and an uneasy expression on her face.

"Yeah but he cant spy if he doesn't know where he is." Mike states before telling everyone about his plan of disguising Wills surroundings in the shed so he cant tell that he's home.

"Wait- are we doing white room torture?" Bella asks with excitement practically bouncing on the balls of her feet as everyone looks at her funny.

"What the hell is that?" Dustin asks with some unease as Bella smiles gleefully telling them all.

"It's when you psychologically torture someone by putting them in an all white room with no windows and nothing inside. It can cause sensory deprivation q do the feeling of isolation." Belladonna says with a giant smile as everyone gives her the same look of disbelief and worry.

"Somewhat but- ...we're not torturing him." Hopper says it like it's insane and Bella pouts but shrugs.

"I'm still gonna help build it for future victi-.... Endeavors." Bella says before shrugging and walking outside to start helping build the shed into the room.

Bella is carrying random stuff from the shed outside when in her peripheral she notices Steve and Nancy talking.

A pig forms in her stomach and a familiar pain aches her heart as she sees that she was right. Steve would go back to Nancy.... And once again she had unknowingly been getting her hopes up that he was actually serious about liking her...... she should have known better.

With a subtle sigh Bella walks in trying to find a good chair to tie the boy down to. He didn't look too strong so she chose one of the kitchens wooden chairs and began dragging it outside.

She completely avoided looking at Steve and Nancy who she could feel both staring at her.

_________________________

(Meanwhile in that same moment.)

Steve and Nancy coincidentally get put on the same job detail for preparing the shed having to tape the black sheets on the walls. The atmosphere is awkward and tense.

Steve keeps checking on Bella who seems happy as she throws random junk out of the shed, clearly. Excited for the room they are building.

"Hey. What you did, um, helping the kids... that was.... Really cool." Nancy awkwardly says before smiling at Steve making him stare at her for a moment.

He waits for any semblance of missing Nancy but-..... he feels nothing. The only girl that makes his heart swoon is Belladonna Addams.

Because he has a crush on her.... Yup.... That's all it is...

"Yeah. Those little shits are real trouble you know?" Steve tries to joke and Nancy smiles going back to helping as he takes his focus off of her.

"Believe me I know...." She said it so fondly and then another thought crosses her mind as she side eyes Steve before clearing her throat and adding something else.

"And-...... you also spent the day with Belladonna. How was that?" Nancy asks as Steve nearly stumbles as he had been reaching to staple the sheet down.

"What uh- what do you mean?" Steve asks not wanting to rub anything in Nancy's face that could upset her. But Nancy gives him a knowing look as he looks away sighing.

"Nothing happened Nance. I mean-...... you were.... Right. I do like her. A lot. And I tried to tell her as much and given what's happened before she doesn't trust me. She's still- adamant on having her stupid betrothal ball." Steve says while aggressively stapling the wall.

"Well-.... You can't exactly blame her." Nancy muttered a thinking back to a year ago and the treatment Bella went through.

"I know. I also know- it is completely selfish of me to want to move past that and just..... be happy with her..... she has every right to hate me." Steve huffs dejectedly before going to staple the bottom of the sheet but Nancy giving him a look of disbelief makes him freeze.

"Your joking right? She doesn't hate you Steve. In fact- I'd say it's quite the opposite..... you really don't see how she looks at you?" Nancy asks with surprise as both of them slowly look to Bella who tries to look unbothered by their close proximity but her body posture says other wise.

"She'll come around." Nancy assures and for the first time in a while the pair smile genuinely happy before getting back to work.

_______________________

The kids except Mike, Nancy, Steve and Belladonna wait inside the house for any updates. Steve practice swinging his bat as he continuously glances at Bella hoping to catch her eyes and see what Nancy meant first hand.

But Belladonna keeps her arms crossed and glares out the window with a pout.

She wanted to be inside the shed while the interrogation went down but for some reason Hopper didn't want her there. Something about her being 'unsettling'.

When the group comes rushing in from outside Bella perks up and rushes with the others to surround the group and see what's going on.

"What happened?" Dustin asks at the same time Bella asks one sounding panicked and the other curious with excitement that makes her get down dirty looks.

"I think he's talking, just not with words." Hopper explains writing down morse code dots. Everyone looks hopeful and new duties are past on to everyone. Hopper hits the radio to get the code across while the group that had been inside previously wrote it down while also translating what is being said.

Right as Nancy writes the final letter the phone begins to ring and without any hesitation Bella grabs the entire phone off the wall before throwing it to the floor. For good measure she stomps on it breaking the receiver into pieces.

"Do you think he heard that?" Max asks as everyone looks a little nervous.

"It's just a phone. It could be anywhere. Right?" Steve asks but deep down everyone knew they were probably screwed. And as soon as they heard the monsters roaring in the distance their fates felt sealed.

"That's not good." Dustin says with a shaky voice making Wednesday move to his side and silently touch his hand with hers. She wanted to comfort his fear.... Only she could make him feel like that.

The group that had been in the shed comes rushing inside while carrying a now limp Will. Hopper follows after but carry's two guns, making Bella grab her swords to prepare for a fight.

"Get away from the windows!" He instructs as he approaches and the kids rush away from them and towards the teens and adults there to protect them.

"Do you know how to use this?" Hopper asks Johnathan who looks at him like a deer in headlights. "What?" He asks uneasy making Hopper ask him an again before Nancy took the firearm instead.

Hopper, Nancy, Steve, and Belladonna stand in front of the others all wielding weapons.

Steve subtly shifts a little closer to Bella. He wants her close so he can protect her.... Bella doesn't mind his close proximity because it will help her keep him safe.

"Where are they?" Max asks as they can all hear the screeching and growling of the monsters from there.

Mike stands next to Nancy wielding a random heavy candle holder he found. Lucas has his slingshot ready while standing in front of Max. Joyce clings to Johnathan ready to shove her son behind her if need be. And Wednesday slowly shoves Austin behind her while wielding some throwing daggers.

A big commotion can be heard outside confusing the group but they keep their guards up.

Suddenly it goes silent outside before a demo dog  goes through the glass making everyone but the Addams scream and prepare for a fight but- the demo dog is already dead.

Everyone breathes heavy at the surprise of the creature being flung inside. All inching closer to see if it's really dead or not."Holy shit." Dustin says with relief yet confusion.

"Is it dead?" Max asks as everyone continues to move closer. Hopper slowly reaches his leg out and kicks the beast in the head but it stays completely limp.

A sudden creak makes everyone whip around in a frenzy weapons raised once again. The door begins to unlock itself, the chain visibly being moved by some invisible force.

The door creaks open.....

Eleven. Eleven stands before them wearing dark eyeliner, her hair slicked back and wearing a baggy black top. Everyone slowly lowers their weapons and stare at her with disbelief.

Her nose begins to bleed yet a smile graces her face.

Eleven had returned.

Chapter Text

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Everyone remains silent at first with all their focus on the girl that quite literally just saved the day. Mike walks forwards still staring at her with disbelief.

They hug with Eleven gasping from the adrenaline and emotion of finally getting to see Mike.

"Is that..." Max trails off as she sees how everyone stares at Eleven with both surprise and adoration. Proving this is in fact the girl she had heard so much about.

"I never gave up on you. I called you every night. Every night for—" Mike begins to say and Steve glances at Bella from the corner of his eye to see a genuine smile on her lips as she watches the two kids in love embrace.

"353 days. I heard." Eleven finishes for him, Mike looks a little hurt to know she had been listening that entire time but hadn't said anything.

"Why didn't you tell me you were there? That you were okay?" Mike asks sadly until hopper pipes in making the surprises just continue to pile up.

"Because ai wouldn't let her. The hell is this? Where you been?" Hopper asks finally lowering his weapon as he approaches her. Mike stares flabbergasted especially when Hopper hugs Eleven showing how close they are.

He had known the entire time where she was and hadn't said anything.

"You've been hiding her. You've been hiding her this whole time!" Mike angrily spat before pushing Hoppers back making the man whip around and put a hand out to stop him.

"Hey! Let talk. Alone." Hopper snaps grabbing Mike and taking him to another room as everyone else swarms eleven yelling her how they missed her. Of course the kids began rattling off a bunch of questions like kids do.

It started with Lucas and Dustin hugging her at the same time. Her eyes were closed pulling them close because it all just felt unreal. "We missed you." Lucas admits making eleven tell them how she had missed them too.

"We talked about you pretty much every day." Dustin tells her as he pulls away and the girl puts her hand to his mouth rubbing his lips.

"Teeth." Eleven says making Dustin look confused at first. "What?" He asks and eleven reiterates again. "You have teeth." She says making him smile widely glancing at Lucas and Wednesday happily before back to Eleven.

"Oh you like these pearls?" Dustin asks before doing a strange purr that makes Steve shake his head and pinch the bridge of his nose as Belladonna smiles fondly before giving Steve a teasing look.

"What's the matter Steve? Never had anyone pure for you?" Bella asks quietly making him look shocked wondering if she was flirting with him like he believed she was. It didn't help she winked after before looking back at the kids making him swallow harshly and clear his throat.

"It is good to see you." Wednesday says next stepping up to the girl stiffly very clearly her body language screams 'don't touch' but that doesn't stop eleven from wrapping her arms around the pale girl and squeezing her tightly.

"I missed you too." Eleven mutter to the Addams girl making her pale cheeks Tony pink with embarrassment. She patted the other girls back before shifting away awkwardly very much overstimulated by the affection shown to her.

"Eleven?" Max asks and immediately Bella can sense the shift of joy Eleven shows switch to something darker like annoyance.

"Hey um I'm max. I've heard a lot about you." Max says while outstretching her hand but Eleven just walks right past the girl and up to Bella who smirks at the cold exchange.

"Long time no see. I thoroughly enjoy your makeup and the outfit choice. I find it very appealing in color." Belladonna says before the small girl hugs her too a little briefer then she had with Wednesday but Bella didn't seem as taken back by the exchange.

Then next Eleven goes to Joyce. The two share a very passionate hug that makes Wednesday scrunch her nose and say a quiet ew. She was very glad their hug hadn't been that lovey dovey.

Eleven is soon brought to will after that and Bella  and the others just watch them go.

Max looks a little hurt and confused why Eleven snubbed her. The boys try and comfort her saying she's just shy with stranger but Bella and Wednesday could smell the obvious scent of envy and jealousy.

Eleven has some uncertainty involving the redhead it would seem.

When Joyce and Eleven return to the kitchen to look at the note Will had given them through Morse code hope begins to fill the air again.

"You opened this gate before, right?" Joyce asks eleven who says a timid yes her nose still being bloody.

"Do you think if we got you back there that you could close it?" Joyce ask with hope and eleven just looks at her before away. She looks confident but- it's easy to see she still feels uneasy about it.

The group rebuttals in the kitchen with Hopper and Mike there now as well. Discussing a game plan to yet again save Hopkins and possibly the world from these things.

"It's not like it was before. It's grown. A lot. I mean that's considering we can get in there.the place is crawling with those dogs." Hopper says with intensity trying to show just how serious this is when Dustin interrupts him.

"Demo dogs." He adds casually making Hopper sigh and look at him with some exasperation.

"I'm sorry what?" He asks with c infusion as Dustin explains again. "I said uh Demo dogs. Like Demogorgon and dogs. You put them together it sounds pretty badass- " Dustin trials off having the same conversation he had with max previously.

"How is this important right now?" Hopper asks with some sass making Dustin apologize feeling a bit deterred and that immediately makes Wednesday stand between the two doing the creepy stare at Hoppsr who stares back for a while even as eleven starts talking he keeps having a stare down with Wednesday.

One he certainly wouldn't win.

"I can do it." Eleven had said pulling Hoppers attention away from the strange Addams girl. Lucky too because he had a reason to look away and not seem like he was retreating.

He subconsciously was because that girl terrifies him.

"You're not hearing me." Hopper says with annoyance but Eleven looks confident. "I'm hearing you. I can do it." She assures.

"Something I've been thinking this whole time and I haven't heard anyone mention this yet..... if the brain dies it will kill everything it's connected to. Everything." Bella suddenly interrupts making Max look confused.

"Isn't that the whole point?" She asks and all eyes go to Bella as she looks towards the other room at Will.

"She's saying if we are really right about this then.... If El closes the gate and kills the mind flayer army..." Mike trails off as Lucas finishes what both Belladonna and Mike are telling them.

"Will a part of that army." He says with panic as Mike looks even more conflicted now.

"Closing the gate will kill him." Mike finally says the cruel words allowed and Joyce looks horrified as Johnathan does too.

Joyce soon leads everyone to Wills prone body. Her eyes slowly move to the window she left open due to her son having a thing with any warmth.

"He likes it cold." She mumbles making Hopper ask her to repeat herself. "It's what will kept saying to me. He likes it cold. We keep giving it what it wants." Joyce says while slamming the window closed.

"If this is a virus and wills the host then..." Nancy trials off as Johnathan finishes her sentence. "Then we need to make the host uninhabitable." He finishes making Bella smirk having a sense they were going to need to make this thing uncomfortable.

"He likes it cold. Let's burn it out of him." Bella smiles sadistically clearly exited making the others look weary briefly but know she has a point.

"I'll do it." Bella offers and begins to approach his still body but Steve immediately wraps his arms around her waist pulling her away as all the normal people in the room aka everyone but Wednesday shout a loud panicked no.

"We have to do it somewhere he doesn't know this time." Mike tries to explain as Bella still looks confused with a pout.

Why couldn't she be involved with any torture today?

"Somewhere far away." Dustin adds trying to deescalate the situation as he can tell the Addams sisters are getting a little frustrated not being allowed to do anything dangerous or reckless.

"I got a place." Hopper says before giving direction to his cabin in the woods.

He helps carry Will out to the car telling Joyce and Johnathan the directions as Bella sighs with boredom before pulling away from Steve's arms not noticing how he hadn't let her go.

"We got placed babysitting again." Bella pouts as Steve doesn't look upset about it at all. He would once again be alone with just Bella..... and the kids.

"It won't be too bad. Plus who knows...., maybe more demo dogs will come here for you to.... Kill and... maim." Steve tries to comfort her and it somewhat works but Bella definitely still looks disappointed.

"I um- I'm gonna talk to Nance real quick I'll be right back." Steve explains before going outside to tell Nancy she needs to go with Johnathan.

Bella's usually perfectly straight posture immediate slouches and she peeks out the window toying on the pair with perfect stealth.

Both teens outside immediately feel a chill run up their spines but strangely enough..,. It's familiar and they both immediately have an idea on who it is.

"You should go with him." Steve says making Nancy look up confused at first as they dig through the pile of junk that came from the shed looking for space heaters.

"With Johnathan " Steve says like it's simple and Nancy scoffs not sure she's hearing what she is at first.

"No im.... I'm not just gonna leave Mike." She says avoiding eye contact but Steve looks at her completely unbothered. "No one's leaving anyone." He says making her glance at him with some caution.

"I may be a pretty shitty boyfriend but... turns out I'm actually a pretty damn good babysitter." Steve says with a self deprecating laugh before handing Nancy the space heater he found. The pair stand close Steve smiling at Nancy as she looks guilty.

"Steve..." she starts to say but trials off wanting to apologize since the way their relationship ended had been so bad and full of unnecessary drama.

They both were ignoring true feelings they had each for someone else.

"It's okay Nance. It's okay." He assures before walking away as she goes to apologize. But he didn't want her apologies, he just wanted her to know it was okay to chase the love she deserves and carves.....

Just like he plans to do.

_____________________

“All right. It should fit now.” Dustin says with a sigh exhausted from emptying the Byers fridge to make room for a dead Demo dogs corpse.

Steve cradles the beats bridal style while it’s covered in a blankets “is this really necessary?” He asks with a tired panting of his own since the creature is a lot heavier then it looks.

“Yes it is okay? This is a ground breaking scientific discovery. We can’t just bury it like some common mammal okay? It’s not a dog.” Dustin says with exasperation as Steve rolls his eyes approaching the fridge. “Alright, alright, alright.” He mumbles before turning to Dustin with a serious look.

“But you’re explaining this to Mrs. Byers, alright?” He sasses making Dustin look unbothered certain the woman would understand the seriousness of this.

Steve not so gracefully starts stuffing the body in but eh struggles making him look to Dustin and call out for his help.

Soon both boys are trying to shove the dead carcass into the fridge as Bella and Wednesday watch with judgmental looks.

“That’s not how you stuff a body into a fridge.” Bella voices making boys look at her and then back at the demo dog then back to her.

“What do you mean?” Steve asks confused as Bella shrugs walks up and easily takes the monster from his arms. She shoves the creature in with one push and shuts the fridge door before smiling at the boys mockingly.

“Is this your first time? It gets easier I’m sure. Addams tend to be naturals though.” Bella taunts making Wednesday smirk a little as both boys look a little offended by being outdone by the girl.

“If we weren’t in a time crunch right now…. We would totally pull out and show you we had it handled.” Dustin tries to play it off and Steve joins him but as Bella goes to open the fridge and allow them to do it they stop her sheepishly.

Steve rests a hand on Dustin’s head and pats it before joining the other kids in cleaning the Byers residence. The place looked perfectly fine to Bella but apparently they wanted the house to look normal and boring so she decides to help out by cleaning some of the dishes from the group eating earlier.

Steve takes the dishes she cleans and dries them with a towel. He looks like he wants to say something but keeps stopping. Like eh doesn’t want to say the wrong thing again.

From the other room Mike can be heard trying to take charge and go to the lab. Or to at least help eleven fight the dogs.

“You weren’t there okay Lucas? That lab is swarming with hundreds of those dogs.” Mike explains making Dustin lead their group from the kitchen into the living room to see what’s going on. “DMEO DOGS!” He yells making Nike roll his eyes not thinking it’s the time for this.

“The chief will take care of her.” Lucas says like it’s simple as Max snorts. “Like she needs protection.”

“Listen dude if a coach calls a play in a game bottom line you execute it alright?” Steve tells Mike while drying his hands on the towel he had been using for the dishes. He looks at Mike with slight annoyance since to him the plan is clear.

“Okay first of all, this ain’t some stupid sports game. And second we’re not even in the game we’re on the bench.” Mike sasses making Steve stammer a reply.

“So my point is…. Right yeah we’re on the bench, so uh there’s nothing we can do.” Steve says while putting the dish towel over his shoulder.

It makes max snort and start mumbling how he once again looks like a stressed out mother. Both Addams girls struggle laugh as well making the boys all eye them suspiciously but not say anything about it.

“That’s not entirely true. I mean these demo dogs they have a hive mind. When they ran away from the bus they were called away.” Dustin explains making Mike look hopeful in helping eleven.

“If we get their attention…” Lucas trials off making Max jump in and finish the new plan that immediately irks Steve.

“Maybe we can draw them from the lab.” She says as he starts shaking his head. But no one notices except Bella but….. she too likes the sound of the children’s plans.

“Clear a path to the gate.” Mike says with excitement as Steve interrupts. “Yeah and then we all die.” He shouts to try and get point across but even Dustin seem to be on team demo dogs as he adds that it’s only one possible point of view.

“No that’s not a point of view man. That’s a fact.” Steve assures as Bella smirks at him. She likes when he gets sassy.

“I got it! This is where the chief dug his hole. This is our way into the tunnel. So…. Here right here. This is like a hub. So you got all the tunnels feeding in here. Maybe if we set this on fire….” Mile trials off making Steve interrupt this time unheard.

“Yeah that’s a no.” He says but is ignored as all the kids and Bella surround the map.

“The mind flayer would call away his army.” Dustin states making Lucas join in. “They’d all come to stop us.”

“Hey.” Steve calls from the background but goes unheard as the group hashes the new plan put. “We circle back to the exit. By the time they realize we’re gone—“ Mike says while looking at his friends.

“El would be at the gate.” Max finishes with a smile that quickly disappears when Steve starts clapping and yelling to get all eyes on him.

“HEY HEY HEY! This is not happening. No no no no. No buts. I promised I’d keep you shitheads safe and that’s exactly what I plan on. Bella I’m sure you agree with me?” Steve asks but Bella slowly looks at the map then him.

Then she looks at Mike.

“Am I allowed to light the fire?” She asks and the kids all assure her yes but Wednesday pouts. “I want to do it.” She snaps making Bella look at her with narrows eyes.

“No im committing arson. You got to do it last time.” Bella states with her hands on her hips referring to some previous time that makes Wednesday scoff. “I hardly count that…” she trials off making Bella look at her pointedly.

“The entire police prescient burned down and there were a few casualties….. that counts.” She snaps and finally Wednesday rolls her eyes muttering a what ever.

Bella’s victory is short lived by Steve scolding her as much as he scolds the kids.

“NO. N, O NO.” He says spelling out no before saying it making Bella narrow her eyes at him now. “You’re not the boss of me.” She scoffs while crossing her arms in protest.

“We are staying here on the bench. And we’re waiting for the starting team to do their job. Does everybody understand that?” Steve asks and he looks pointedly at Bella on the everyone.

She’d hate to admit…… he looks hot as hell when he’s bossing and trying to keep her tamed.

“This isn’t a stupid sports game. I said does everybody understand that? I need a yes.” Steve sasses and Bella smirks at him from her position crouching on the floor by the kids.

“Yes sir.” She flirts making the kids gag as Steve’s pupils blow wide both in disbelief and a little turned on….,, yeah….. she’s definitely flirting with him.

Before he can try and pull her aside and ask about it an engine revving catches everyone attention outside.

Max looking freaked out rushed to the window, “it’s my brother. He can’t know I’m here. He’ll kill me. He’ll kill us.” She says to Lucas as the headlights shine into the house.

The tires screech and Bella goes to walk outside and confront her friend but Steve grabs her shoulder stopping her from going and pushing her lightly towards the kids.

“Stay here. If things go south which- knowing this asshole they will I need you to protect the kids.” Steve pleads but Bella looks at him like he has grown a second head like her cousin Gauck.

“I can protect you too. How many times do I have to tell you I scare most things and it’s for a reason? You’re the one who should stay here….. besides he’s my friend i can probably talk him into leaving.” Bella shrugs but Steve looks annoyed that she has mentioned her friendship with the boy who made his high school life hell recently.

“Please just stay here. Please.” Steve asks and Bella looks unsure before sighing and biting her tongue enough to draw blood.

“Fine. But if he does hurt you or any of these kids I’ll be more violent then even you could possibly be prepared for. Friend or no friend no one hurts those I care about.” Bella seethes making Steve sigh with relief that she was staying put but-….. he did wonder how truly scary she could get.

Unbeknownst to him he wouldn’t see it just the kids would.

Chapter Text

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Steve walks outside to confront Billy and Belladonna immediately gets a bad vibe from it. Something bad is impending and this Addams sense for bad things tends to never be wrong.

"Stay away from the windows." Bella scolds the children as they try to peak out making them huff and move away from the window.

Bella looks out that same window but she does it in a stealthy way that no one would see her but maybe sense her intensity. It's the type of stare that sends a chill up anyone's spine.

Billy steps out of his car with a lit cigarette a mocking smile on his face.

"Am I dreaming or is that you Harrington?" Billy yells out making Belladonna glance at Steve who has his hands on his hips sassily.

"Yeah it's me don't cream your pants." Steve stares with annoyance making Bella snort a laugh and lift a brow.

He really did have a way with words.

Billy takes off his leather jacket while smoking. His red button up shirt isn't even half way buttoned meaning his abs are practically on full display.

Bella can look..... nothing wrong with that.

"What are you doing here amigo?" Steve asks making Bella hold a hand to her chest. Hearing him speak other languages just does something for her. Even though Bella swore to herself she would keep him as just a friend he had these moments where he just made her want to break that resolve.

Him standing toe to toe with Billy while being his sassy self? This was one of those said moments.

"I could ask you the same thing..... Amigo." Billy repeats mockingly as him and Steve meet halfway staring each other down with pure loathing.

"Looking for my step sister. A little birdie told me she was here." Billy says with his cigarette still hanging loosely between his lips. Steve's immediate answer makes Bella grimace as to her his lies were easy to notice.

"Huh that's weird. I don't know her." Steve's says not looking Billy in the eyes until he's done lying.

"Small? Redhead? Bit of a bitch." Billy asks staring at Steve intensely making Bella grow more antsy by the second. She felt like Billy had to know at this point.

"Doesn't ring a bell. Sorry buddy." Steve says still a little too quick to appear natural and Billy finally plucks the cigarette away while staring at the ground doing hand gestures that make Bella tense up not liking how close his hand is to Steve's face.

"You know I don't know this.... This whole situation Harrington, I don't know. It's giving me the heebie- jeebies." Billy says before glaring at Steve no longer playing along with the obvious lies.

"Oh yeah why's that?" Steve asks still trying to appear nonchalant.

"My 13 year old sister goes missing all day. And then I find her with you in a strangers house. And you lie to me about it." Billy actually looks perturbed as he says this but Steve just laughs in his face to keep up the ruse.

Bella not liking that Billy keeps side eyeing the house looks over at the other window.... Lo and behold the kids are all sat in it clearly visible.

"You dumbasses get down." Bella whispers harshly before looking back outside.

Right as Bella looked out she witnesses Billy pointing at the house making the kids jump down in a panic. Then she watches as Billy shoves Steve to the ground.

"I told you to plant your feet." Billy says while standing over Steve's body. He then sends a kick to the boys abdomen before walking past him and to the door. Bella looks at Steve on the ground from the window blinking slowly as she tries to calm herself down.

Billy's her friend.

She doesn't want to kill him....

She doesn't want to hurt him.....

But one of those is going to be inevitable tonight.

The door busts open and Billy's eyes are trained on Max and Lucas not even noticing Belladonna slowly creeping towards him. Her hands shake as she tries to restrain herself from strangling him right then and there.

"Well well well. Lucas Sinclair. What a surprise. I thought I told you to stay away from him Max." Billy says while continuing to walk up to the kids until he's hovering over them.

That only infuriates Bella more.

"Billy go away." Max tries to warn the boy as he looks almost soulless how he stares back at her with blank expression. He could almost pull off being an Addams with that look.

"You disobeyed me. And you know what happens when you disobey me." He says in a low even voice the entire time Bella creeps up on him trying to remain in control.

"I break things." He says before grabbing Lucas by the jacket collar and lifting him up. He just barely pushes the boy against a shelf when he's suddenly grabbed and pushed a few feet away.

Billy slides across the floor and blinks looking to see Bella. He had expected it to be Steve.

"Look Bells-". I'll tries to act like he didn't just threaten one of her kids in front of her. He wears that charming smile as he stands up dusting himself off. He looks back up and something in Bellas eyes making him hesitate.

Her eye pupils are blown wide and she's staring at him like she's about to rip his head off.

"Don't. Touch. Them." Bella says in a slow clear voice making Billy eye her before scoffing. He and Bella are friends but he also didn't want to appear afraid of the girl.

"Or what Addams? You gonna hurt me? Kill me? Do anything really?...... I'm starting to wonder if you Addams are all bark no bite." Billy sneers hovering over her so they standing toe to toe.

"What are you gonna do if I say im kicking that kids ass or better yet that, that kid is dead." Billy asks his sole attention on her and before she can answer or snap Billy is spun around.

"No you are." Steve says before punching Billy in the face. Admittedly Bella too was distracted by the sudden violence committed.

She stares wide eyed at Steve very impressed. Also she wanted to swoon a bit that he was trying to protect them and using violence to do so.

The kids started to cheer Steve on but Billy suddenly stood up laughing manically.

"Looks like you got some fire in you after all huh? I've been waiting to meet this king Steve everybody's been telling me so much about." Billy mocks all while his nose is bleeding from the punch.

"Get out." Steve says with confidence putting a hand to Billy's chest and lightly pushing him towards the door.

The two boys stare each other down when Billy swings and Steve ducks. Dodging the punch Steve then stands up and punches Billy across the face again.

If Bella had been melting before she was certainly in awe now. She watches with delight as Billy's nose begins to bleed more profusely.

Even Wednesday looks impressed and smiles as Dustin cheers the older boy on.

Soon all the kids are cheering.

Steve keeps punching Billy over and over again and Bella begins fanning herself as her heart beats erratically.

"STAB HIM!" Bella screams with pure joy...... what? People can survive a little stabbing if done correctly.

Steve gets Billy pressed up against the sink and Bella continues to smile until she notices Billy grabbing a plate and smashing it over Steve's head.

Billy punches Steve and the poor basketball player loses his balance tripling. Bella doesn't step in yet because she knows how some men get their masculinity all butt hurt if a woman has to interfere.

Plus having seen his moves Bella had faith in Steve. Until Billy started to wail on him....

"No one tell me what to do!" Billy sneers before head butting Steve and tossing him across the room.

What brief joy Bella had quickly fizzles out and that bloodlust from before comes creeping back. Especially once Billy climbs on top of Steve and begins hitting him over and over again.

Seeing how limp Steve was as the blows kept coming made Bella's pupils dilate once more. And before anyone could process what was happening she strode across the room and lifted Billy off of Steve with one hand on the back of his shirt.

Billy laughs a mocking laugh and goes to say something to the brunette beauty but-..... she was too far gone.

Bella suddenly head butts him with such force Billy immediately topples over blinking in confusion before looking at her with realization.

Still thinking the Addams were all talk Billy begins to gloat again about it but he's silence when Bella kicks him in the chin making his whole head snap back at the sheer force.

Then Bella's the one straddling him punching him across the face one way then the other.

Still remaining conscious Billy was gonna say to call a truce.... That's when Bella's slim yet strong finger wrap around his neck beginning to strangle the life out of him.

For a brief second Billy thought she just wanted to scare him from ever hurting Steve ever again. But then he saw that cold detached look in her eyes and knew...... she didn't plan on stopping with just scaring him.

She wanted him dead.

"I told you not to mess with my friends and especially not my Cara Mia." Bella seethes with pure malice while tightening her grip.

Billy's face turns purple and the kids begin yelling for Bella to stop that he's had enough since he looks worse than Steve. But the girl acts as if she can't hear them and only tightens her hold on his throat more.

Billy begins clawing at her arms to try and free himself but to avail. In that moment Belladonna reminded him of a snake because when he went to buck her off using what strength he had left in his body she tightened her hold on his throat even more somehow. And her thighs that straddled him tightened on his rib cage intentionally making it even harder to breathe.

Right as Billy lost consciousness something stabbed Bella making her moan in bliss before looking down at her arm to see Max had stabbed her with one of the sedatives they had been suing for Will.

Bella blinks slowly before falling off of Billy's body and onto the floor.

She was out.... For now.

____________________

The group is all crammed inside of Billy's car speeding down the roads. Steve is laid nicely acorss the kids laps while Bella lays curled up against him.

Steve groans peaking his open painfully glancing around as Dustin holds an eye pack to his head for him.

Slowly Steve looks at Wednesday and furrows his brows as if he's confused. "Bella?" He asks weakly and the youngest Addams girl looks at him with a glare before rolling her eyes at his nonsense.

Steve reaches up to touch his face that hurts when Dusting grabs his wrist stopping him. "No don't touch it. Hey buddy..." Dustin says to Steve who now looks at him funny.

"Wh-Where's Bella?" Steve asks noticing that the girl he thought had been Bella was in fact her sister. He goes to sit up but Dustin pushes him down lightly.

"She's literally right next to you. We had to sedate her so she didn't murder Billy back there. Shhhhhh it's okay you put up a good fight. He kicked your ass but you put up a fight..... don't worry Bella totally avenged you anyway so consider that a win." Dustin praises making Steve groan louder.

"Okay you're gonna keep straight for a half a mile, then make a left on Mount Sinai." Lucas imstraucts and Steve slowly looks from the navigator to the driver finally beginning to realize what's happening and who is driving making him freak out.

"What's going on?oh my god!" Steve starts to panic and Dustin tries to keep the older teen calm to no avail.

The kids begin to bicker as Steve continues to panic. "Oh my god! No! Whoa! Stop the car. Slow down." Steve starts yelling and soon the bickering starts again before everyone's screaming as Max nearly missed a turn making everyone whip around in the car.

Bella's unconscious face even bumps into Steve's making him groan in pain as she sighs with contempt.

Steve looks down at the sleeping girls face happy ti see she looks completely unscathed.

Slowly his hands look at her knuckles to see dried blood on them and he feels a lump form in his throat. Before he can run his finger against them to comfort the raised skin max once again makes the car jerk and he painfully groans and starts yelling once again but it is ignored.

"HELLO!" Steve yells as they come to a screeching halt at last making him sigh with relief.

"I told you. Zoomer." Max floats as the kids rush out of the car and to the trunk grabbing what they will need to set the fire. Steve slowly slides Bella off of him and goes to stop the kids.

He stumbles out of the car and takes a concerned look back at Bella who's till looks unconscious.

"How long is she gonna be like that for?" Steve asks and Mike shrugs. "Probably an at the least maybe more... m that's how long Will was out with just one." Mike explains making Steve sigh and rub at his aching head again.

"Guys. Oh no. Guys. Hey where do you think you're going? What are you deaf? Hello? We are not going down there right now. I made myself clear. Hey. There is no chance we're going to that hole, all right? This ends right now!" Steve slurs before yelling at the end as the kids continue to completely ignore him.

"Steve, you're upset I get it. Especially with your girl out of commission. But the bottom line is, a party member requires assistance. It is our duty to provide that assistance. Now I k ow you promised Nance that you would keep us safe. So keep us safe." Dustin says while offering Steve his bag and bat with nails.

Steve sigh and stares at the big a long time before grabbing the bag.

"If it's any consolation.... Bella was really giving you the eyes while you fought Billy." Dustin tells Steve as they enter the hole closing the car doors so nothing attacked Belladonna while she is unconscious.

"Really? You think she was impressed?" Steve asks lowly and Dustin nods and laughs. "Oohhhh yeah I'd say she was more than impressed. That's electricity was in the air. Plus she called you that name her dad calls her mom. Cara something?" Dustin says with confusion making Steve grab his shirt stopping him briefly as the kids continue pouring gas in the hole as they walk.

"Cara Mia? Did she call me Cara Mia?" Steve asks impatiently as Dustin nods not sure what it means. But judging by the dopey face on Steve it's good..... really good.

Steve could only bask in it for a few seconds before he had to stop Mike from taking the lead.

"Any of you little shots die down here I'm getting the blame got it dipshit? From here on out I'm leading the way. Come on let's go." Steve says making the kids follow him.

"A little hustle." He yells like they're his own little team making the kids scurry to keep up.

The group walks silently in the tunnels for awhile with Steve looking at the map and leading the way. Dustin begins to scream when a vine or something snags on his foot.

Wednesday comes running and the group soon follow her but she grabs ahold of Dustin looking for wounds as the boy keeps belligerently screaming.

"ITS IN MY MOUTH! Some got on my mouth! Shit!" Dustin says before coughing as everyone stares at him with blank expressions all looking unimpressed.

Wednesday sticks close to him now and keeps glancing at him from the side of her eye with brief annoyance.

The groups continues on until they find the hub, the group immediately gets to work on spreading the gas and getting ready to light it up.

Steve asks the kids if they're ready once all their stuff is gonna and poured all over.he grabs his lighter and hesitates remembering how Bella called dibs on lighting it.

"I am in such deep shit." Steve says with a sigh and right before he can light it a familiar yet ominous voice agrees with him. "Yeah you are I said I wanted to do it." Belladonna says suddenly appearing out of nowhere where grabbing the still lit lighter away.

All the kids and Steve scream at her sudden appearance except for Wednesday.

Bella doesn't even care that the lighter burned her a little. Instead she snatches it and immediately throws the lighter making a fire quickly begin to spread.

"Go go go go!" Steve yells and the kids go running with the two teens taking the rear.

"I thought you'd be out for at least another 30 minutes." Steve lands as he jogs following the group of kids out of the tunnels.

"It takes a horse tranquilizer to keep an Addams down for two hours. That measly thing isn't even enough to put grandmama to sleep and she's ancient." Bella says with no sign of being tired she doesn't pant or huff and puff as they run instead her face is blank.

And uncovered.

"Here take my mask you shouldn't breathe this stuff in." Steve says with worry trying to peel his off but Bella snorts. "Keep it on Cara Mia I'll be fine trust me." She giggles as if it's opposite Roy's for him to try and offer her such a thing.

Steve stumbles at the nickname and while his head to look at the pale girl.

He doesn't say anything about it for now since now ain't the time. But once they were out of harms way he was definitely going to ask her why she kept calling him that and he hoped it was because she was ready to accept his offer to go out.

Steve pushes past the kids once again leading the way. He takes the lead as Bella trails the back to keep the kids protected form any possible attacks from behind.

"Oh my god oh my good oh my god." Steve continues to say in a panic now as the initial adrenaline wears off and death seems a little too close for comfort.

"This way this way!" He continues to usher making the kids follow him with hurried steps.

Mike grunts falling down right in front of Bella. She nearly ran over him but stop whipping her swords out and cutting at the vines. The kids come grab Mike pulling him away as far as they can and Steve starts helping Bella bludgeon the vines that grab Mike.

As they free Mike a close creature growl makes the group look fearfully at a demo dog that's staring right at them.

"Dart?" Dustin asks and as he steps toward the familiar beast the entire group begins to tell him how it's a bad idea but he just shushes and ignores them inching closer to his once pet.

"It's me.... It's Dustin. You remember me? Will you let us pass?" Dustin asks and the creature roars at him making Dustin flinch only a little before nodding slowly.

"Okay okay I'm sorry. I'm sorry about the storm cellar. That was a pretty douche thing to do. You hungry? Yeah? I've got our favorite. See? Nougat." Dustin says while pulling out a candy bar.

Wednesday watches for any sign of Dart suddenly attacking but she's also visibly impressed at Dustin talks to the scary thing like it's no big deal.

"Look at that. Yummy. Here all right? Eat up buddy. Come on come on." Dustin whispers waving the group to pass the monster as it eats.

Quietly everyone rushes passed as Dustin continues to talk to Dart.

Finally he leaves the rest of the chocolate saying his goodbyes before following the group once again.

With Dart having slowed them down Steve now runs ahead with the kids close on his heels. The tunnels begin to shake and monsters roaring fills the silence making the group stop and look back.

"What's that?" Max asks and Bella immediately knows what's coming. "The demo dogs are coming." Bella states casually like it's no big deal but the kids and Steve start freaking out even more.

Everyone starts running again until they find the hole they had originally climbed in. Steve starts pushing the kids up the makeshift rope and Bella helps him.

All the kids are safely up the rope and calling down for Steve and Belladonna but there's no time. The monsters are too close plus Steve refuses to go first and so does Bella leaving them at a stalemate.

"Just go I'll be fine." Bella assures but Steve shakes his head. "Like hell am I leaving you down here just go!" He insists but Bella shakes her head.

"I am not leaving you down here alone. Either you go or we both stay there's no other option." She says with finality and Steve stares at her not saying anything before sighing and ripping his makeshift mask off.

"What are you-" Bella begins to ask but Steve grabs her by the waist and pulls her in for a deep passionate kiss.

If he's dying today he at least wanted one more kiss from the girl he likes.

Bella tenses at first and debates with herself before kissing him back. The sparks between them felt unreal and Bella pulls him closer by the shirt collar.

The pair didn't even notice the demo dogs running past them at first. Not until the kids started making comments from above having seen the whole thing.

"GROSS PUT IT AWAY STEVE!" One kid yells as another yells, "GET A ROOM NOWS NOT THE TIME!"

The pair slowly part looking at the demo dogs that run past before slowly looking at each other noticing they were completely unharmed. So Steve's confidence thinking they would be dead and she wouldn't be able to get mad at him for kissing her died out rather quick and harsh.

As the last of the demo dogs run past the pair still stare at each other not saying anything.

"We better go. Before ya know they come back or the fire catches up." Steve says awkwardly as Bella slowly nods waving a hand. "You first." She says causally but he goes to argue but when she gives him an impatient glare he sighs going first knowing she wasn't letting him win this one.

When the group all stands in the middle of the field and look around they notice a strange yet peaceful vibe surrounding them.

"It's gone..... for now." Bella states confidently and the group looks at her. "How do you know?" Mike asks and Wednesday is the one to answer for her sister.

"An Addams knows. We sense impending doom when it's close.... Whatever was here.... It's gone now." She explains and the kids all stare around before cheering and jumping around the field happily.

"Also that's so cool that you guys sense that stuff it so badass." Dustin's says to Wednesday who stares at him for a moment before smiling softly.

Dustin looked ready to keel over at the sight of her smiling at him.

"You were very brave down there. It was..... cool." Wednesday mutters the last word awkwardly as Dustin blushes and waves a dismissive hand.

"So...... now what?" Steve asks Bella as he tries to look cool leaning by her and Bella shrugs. "I guess things go back to normal again." She whispers softly looking out at the dark creepy woods.

Things weren't quite over yet.

Chapter Text

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A FEW WEEKS LATER // NOVEMBER FRIDAY THE 13th

The Addams house is filled with hundreds of guests and everyone wearing their fancy wear. It's almost comedic how it's a mixture of normal people next to Addams family relatives and family friends that all wear dark clothes or have freaky appearances.

Steve and Dustin walk in after showing their invitation to enter. Both having their hair done up, and Dustin planned to do the same hair do at his school dance tomorrow so this was like a test ride on if it looked good or not.

Steve kept assuring him it was very good and stylish but Dustin believed him to be biased.

"So- tell em why she's having this betrothal ball again? Didn't you two like make out in that hole a few weeks ago?" Dustin asks making Steve glare at him but also pout remembering the occasion.

"As I've told you three times already it's because.... She said she wants someone she knows is committed for life and she.... Doesn't thinks that's me." Steve mumbles awkwardly before looking freaked out as a man who looks like a giant wig walks past speaking some language he doesn't understand.

Definitely someone from out of town.

Another thing he bitterly notices is all the single bachelor men walking around that look like they could be Bella's type. All with slicked back hair and some even have similar mustaches as her father.

"I think- she just wants you to prove you want her Steve. And not just when it's convenient for you. Do you remember what you told me on the train tracks?" Dustin's ska and Steve looks to sigh before shrugging.

"I said act like you don't care." He says thinking it's that but Dustin practically wants to scream hearing that dumb advice.

"And how's that working out for you?" He asks sassily making Steve glare and cross his arms. He had been looking through the crowd trying to catch a glimpse of the birthday girl but she wasn't in sight.

She probably had a grand entrance planned.

"You told me she likes grand gestures and what's the perfect place to do that? Here in front of everyone." Dustin says like it's simple but Steve looks around at all the people there. It felt like a bit of pressure but-.... Maybe Dustin had a point.

"I don't know..... what if I make myself look like a total idiot in front of everyone? That will ruin my reputation not only at school but in town." Steve grimaces and Dustin groans loudly this time not containing it.

"Fine. Stand here and do nothing Steve. But don't come crying to me when one of these suave guys goes in there and swipes her out from right under your nose." Dustin snaps and he begins to walk away having spotted the friend group but stops looking at Steve one last time.

"If you actually like her as much as you say you do.... You wouldn't even hesitate. Go big or go home." Dustin says with finality before walking away leaving Steve there to debate if he should leave.

Bella has turned down his advances so many time in the past should he even keep pursuing her? He wants her. More than he's wanted anyone ever yet she has turned him down every time he's tried asking her out.

"NOW ANNOUNCING THE BIRTHDAY GIRL AND LEADING LADY OF THE BETROTHAL BALL! BELLADONNA AMARE ADDAMS!" An announcer voice says as the light cut out spot light highlighting the grand staircase.

At first a pale bare leg is all that is shown before another comes into view. Steve feels his entire mouth go dry as Bella fully emerges from behind a pillar at the top of the stairs.

She wears a low cut v neck dress made of lace. The leg slit on her right leg goes all the way up to her hip as the other leg is almost completely covered by the same black lace material.

Her makeup is flawless and her eyes have black eye shadow and black mascara somehow making her eyes look even more beautiful then normal. Her lipstick instead of being its familiar vibrant red is a dark maroon color that makes her skin look even paler and more flawless.

Bella looks around with a blank expression as she slowly descends the stairs. Steve could have sworn she looked directly at him. And she seemed to immediately look away and down at someone who waits to guide her to the dance floor.

Gomez Addams.

He looks so proud and smiles at his eldest daughter like she is the definition of beauty.

Steve had to agree.

There isn't an exact word that can describe Ben begin to describe just how stunning Bella looks in that moment. In fact it leaves Steve completely wordless and breathless.

Bella grabs her fathers outstretched hand and allows him to glide her towards the dance floor. They dance they do keeps all eyes on them, the father and daughter duo do all the moves effortlessly.

The two do a simple yet elegant dance that leaves the normal people gobsmacked and the freaks proud and happy.

When their dance ends Gomez grabs a mic and stand with his daughter's hand still lifted up as if he's about to take her to dance again. Instead he gives a speech that makes Steve's stomach drop.

"As this....womans father I have had the opportunity of having the first dance. My baby girl is officially a grown woman..... and you all know what that means. She can officially go to prison instead of juvie!" He states proudly the normal people laugh thinking it's a joke but- it's not.

"Now- it is with difficulty I must give her away possibly tonight. Only those that I deem worthy shall ask her for a dance. And for the first contender I have chosen. Flagartberg!" Gomez says while passing Bella's hand to a teen that look like he's from some scary movie.

The boy immediately whisks Bella away into a tango and Steve's face goes red with annoyance.

His teeth grinding together as he watches Bella being danced with. The other boys ah da lingering a little too low on her back from Steve's liking.

"Enjoying the party Steven?" Gomez suddenly asks standing beside Steve not realizing he was standing and staring in a very obvious manner.

The crowd had back away to give the birthday girl and her dance partner space but Steve had stayed rooted in place just staring them down. So of course Gomez noticed him and beelined to him.

"Not this part." Steve admits watching as the boy spins Bella effortlessly making her jaw clench as she smiles brightly at the boy. The two whispering lowly to each other making him bite his tongue whenever they grew a little too close for comfort.

"Understandable. Love can make one do crazy things.... And it can also hurt when ignored." Gomez says it casually but Steve chokes on his own spit at the word love.

"It's not-.... I just....." Steve stops trailing off as Gomez stares at him blankly.

"Do you remember what I said to you on that phone call Steven? Addams know love when we see it. And the day I saw you standing in the entrance with Thing I could practically smell it on you." Gomez admits and Steve slowly looks from Gomez to the dance floor watching as Bella presses closer to the boy they slowly move to a slow dance.

Other couples slowly go to the floor and block his view of the pair. But it doesn't ease the pain Steve feels in his chest.

"I messed up with her. She deserves better." Steve mutter but Gomez shakes his head looking a little frustrated. "She deserves to be happy..... her mother and I have seen it for months now.... She's not happy. Even right now doing this ball she's not happy. She was happy when she thought she had you. Look at her Steven...... does she look happy to you?" Gomez asks and Steve looks at Bella with concentration.

If you didn't know her she looked beyond happy but in her eyes they lack that familiar spark Steve had grown to love.

Love.

Steve loves her. With all of his being.

"I love her." Steve says with surprise yet certain making Gomez pay his shoulder and sigh with relief. "Thank goodness you finally noticed I was thinking I'd have to hit you with a mallet or something to jog your memory." The man laughs before smiling fondly at his daughter who bows to show the dance is over.

"It is Addams custom you ask the father to have a dance with the birthday girl. No one else has asked me yet sooooo...." Gomez trails off looking pointedly at Steve who bods with determination.

"Mr Addams can I have your daughter's next dance?" Steve asks and Gomez smiles proudly.

"Of course Steven. I would be honored if you would dance with my little poison flower. And remember.... If you dance with her for more than one song..... it claims she is no longer available tot he others..... just I've heard said heads up." Gomez laughs before walking away.

Taking a deep breath Steve strides across the dance floor heading straight to Bella who goes to her mother thinking she father will be close by to tell her the next boy she is to dance with.

Gomez just gets to his wife's side as Bella arrives looking annoyed. "Who's next? That last one was good but not for me." Bella sighs.

"Well- I think you'll really like the next one I've chosen for you sweetheart. Steven." Gomez says while staring at Steve making Bella tense before turning to looney the boy who smiles awkwardly at the Addams girl.

"Steve-" Bella goes to scold him but a tree be grabs her hand. "Come on just- let's talk and dance.... Please?" Steve asks and Bella looks at him long and hard and for a second Steve thinks she's going to refuse him again.

Instead she huffs and follows as if it's a chore.

"What are you doing?" Bella immediately asks as the pair slow dance to the song. Steve swallows harshly but maintains eye contact with her to show her just how serious he is.

"Remember when I told you how I liked you a month ago?" Steve asks and Bella sighs looking away with a grimace.

"Don't do this Steve." Bella's voice cracks knowing her resolve was failing. He was weaseling his way in and she didn't want to get hurt again.

"No please just- listen okay? Do you temper when I said I liked you? I was wrong-" Steve begins and Bella scoffs shaking her head with a scowl.

"I knew you would realize that but why do we need to discuss it now if all time-" Bella begins to snap but Steve cuts her off again.

"I was wrong because I don't just.... like you Bella. I love you. I think I've always loved you..... since the moment I saw you in that hallway..... I know I messed up and I always had a weird way of showing it but- I love you. I will grab the microphone and tell everyone here and now that if you want." Steve rambles and Bella blinks slowly as if she can't fathom what he's admitting but he continues not letting her question it yet.

"I get jealous all the time, I watching other guys talk to you or even just looking at you. I want you all to myself. I'm in love with you Bella, and it's only you for me.... I love you." Steve says with a pleasing expression.

The song they dance to will end soon... it's Elvis Presley's Can't Help falling in Love.

"Steve...." Bella says with pain evident but he shakes his head. "No Bella. I mean it I love you and-..... I'm gonna dance with you all night. I don't want to see another guy even try to touch you tonight. Because- you're mine and I'm yours. Forever. I promise and I'm sorry it took me so long to notice." Steve admits making Bella's face go pink her heart beating faster and louder just like it did the first day she met him.

"Please- go out with me. Give me a chance to show you how much I love you and how sorry I am." Steve pleads silently.

Bella looks at him with slight distrust but a bigger part of her wants this. It always wanted this. Him. It wanted him.

"Okay....., I'll give you one chance. But if you hurt me again I'll kill you. Because I would rather mourn you than feel not good enough for you." Bella whispers and despite the threat in his life Steve's smiles so big its likes win the jack pot.

"Deal. Now- am I allowed to kiss you or will this old tradition get me in trouble if I do?" Steve asks and Bella smirks.

"I guess you're just going to have to try and find out." She mocks and Steve wastes no time leaning in and kissing her. The crowd cheers and some look disappointed that the very beautiful girl was clearly claimed and no longer available.

"WOOOOOO YEAH STEVE!" Dustin tells clapping loudly with a giant smile. The other kids join the claps and yell as well.

"You look beautiful tonight by the way.... That doesn't feel like a good enough compliment for just how amazing you look by the way but I can't think of anything better. You took my breath away." Steve admits and Bella blushes again and kisses him tenderly before pulling away with a small smile.

"Thank you Cara Mia.... But careful with your words..... get me to excited and we might just have to sneak away to my room. I'll have you strapped to my rack and a safe word in place before you can even understand what's happening." Bella says with a straight face and unbeknownst to Steve she's being completely honest.

She really does have plans to strap him in and her self control to not do it already is bending.

"Doesn't sound like a threat to me.... Cara Mia." He whispers the name in her ear and the girl grabs his arm and begins to drag him to the stair case.

But it's completely blocked off with guests talking so Bella drags him to the down stairs library instead.

⚠️ SMUT WARNING AHEAD SKIP IF UNCOMFORTABLE ⚠️

The second the library door shuts and locks Bella is on Steve before he can even try and flirt with her more. She's kissing him and biting his lips as she backs him up to the table that's in the room.

As his ass hits the table edge Bella roughly shoves Steve back making him lay flat on the wood table.

Steve stares at her wide eyed while also looking turned on by the rough gesture. Bella slowly climbs him and straddles her hips against his own.

"Le cose che ti farò, amore mio. Non conoscerai mai un piacere migliore di questo." (The things im going to do to you my love. You will never know pleasure better then this. ) Bella says feverishly before placing another rough kiss on his lips making the boy groan as her hand slides down his chest unbuttoning his shirt buttons seeamlessly.

"I have no clue what you said but I can tell it's hot." Steve admits before grabbing her by the beach of the neck and smashing his lips to hers before trailing them down her neck.

He slides her dress straps down and reaches behind her slowly unzipping her dress making sure not to rip the fragile lace.

"I was telling you that I am about to make sure you never feel pleasure the same again. Because the things I plan to do to you....." Bella trails off as her hand cups him over the pants making him groan and buck into her hand.

"It's your birthday let me focus on you." Steve tries to offer and sit up but Bella roughly shoves him back down onto the table with a small smirk as she slides down his body leaving kiss and bite marks everywhere.

"Believe me Cara Mia.... We will have all night for that. But first I have other plans." Bella whispers as she pulls his dick free from his pants.

The purely desperate noise that leaves his throat as she begins to suck his dick would forever be engraved into her mind.

"Bella wait-" Steve tries to say but the girl just deep throat's him over and over again at a brutal pace that would surely give her a pre throat the following day but- Addams enjoy discomfort so she looked forwards to it.

"No. No more waiting." Bella rasps pulling her dress the rest of the way off showing her bare breasts and black thong she had been wearing beneath.

After pulling off her underwear Bella climbs onto the table once again and straddles Steve's hips again this time with intention.

"Wait- Bella let me prep you at lea- OH!" Steve groans throwing his head back as Bella impales herself on his dick with no hesitation. The burn of being unexpectedly stretched makes Bella moan pleasurably.

Steve can hardly catch his breath before she starts bouncing on him in a way it would put porn magazine girls to shame.

"Jesus Christ." Steve says through clenched teeth trying not to cum already but hearing him use that phrase in such a predicament again has Bella moaning louder and bouncing more making the boy claw to slow her pace.

He wasn't going to last at the rate. Especially when he feels her body clench around him in a fast yet enjoyable orgasm.

"I'm gonna-" Steve begins to say and Bella quickly gets off him far enough that when he shoot ships load it lands on her body that still hovers above his own.

"Round one complete..... get ready for round two Cara Mia. I plan to keep you up all night." She brags and Steve lets out a pant of disbelief but a smile on his lips despite his aching body.

"I love you Bella." He whispers and Bella smiles fondly down at him with pure love and adoration.

"I love you too." She says before kissing him again but this time he flips them so he's on top of her. His kisses trailing down her body and going to eat her out.

She had been right. It was going to be a long night.

Chapter Text

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Wednesday sighs regretfully while standing outside of Bella's room. She lifts her hand to knock but drops it multiple times looking disgusted.

"Quit your lurking and enter already." Bella calls casually from inside making Wednesday push her way through still looking as stoic as ever.

"Dear sister to what do I owe the pleasure." Bella asks with slight surprise, it was rare her sister willingly came to her room. She actually thought it was possibly Pugsley getting ready to set up some other dumb pranking contraption.

"I..... need your help with something." Wednesday says regretfully wincing as Bella's interest is immediately peeked.

"Go on." Bella says while setting her rag down, she was sanitizing her rack to use with Steve later. She wanted to make sure it was nice and clean so she wouldn't scare him with the dried blood that was on it from..... totally not the missing dead hitch hiker from the county over.

Yeah definitely not.

"Well- there's a school dance tonight." Wednesday mumbles avoiding eye contact making Bella slowly smirk.

"Ah yes. Steve told me he's helping Dustin get ready for it." Bella notes and watches for a reaction to Dustin's name which is only a very faint blush.

"I was wondering- since I'm not good with makeup or hair...... if you would- help me." Wednesday says it through gritted teeth showing just how much it physically pains her to ask Bella for help.

Bella on the other hand puts a hand to her chest and smiles brightly practically resembling her father. "I would be honored. Sit. Sit. Sit." Bella ushers the girl to her makeup table and pushes her by her shoulders to sit her down on the soft black stool.

"And I can do whatever I want?" Bella asks with a smirk as Wednesday now gives her the usual death glare. "Decent. Make me look decent." Wednesday instructs as Bella rolls her eyes muttering about a bossy child under her breath.

"Alright- let's do this." Bella says with a gaunt smile as she holds up a tube of foundation and begins to apply it to Wednesdays face who groans at the gross sticky sensation.

"Do you plan to ask anyone to dance?" Bella asks casually but Wednesday glares at her again easily knowing that she's referring to Dustin.

"No. I am merely going to 'hang out' with the group." Wednesday stares while sassily crossing her arms over her chest. Bella hums with a noise that clearly shows she doesn't believe her younger sister.

"Dustin is a sweet kid. Not nauseating type of sweet either he's rather funny when he snaps. And he holds such aggressive passion.... I just think maybe should dance with him. If you want my opinion." Bella says it softly as she pins her sister's hair for her with a Bobby pin.

"I didn't ask for it." Wednesday snaps but her face shows she is thinking about it. Bella does the finishing touches on Wednesdays hair and makeup before spinning her around to face the mirror.

Wednesday sits in front of Bella's rooms black framed mirror with a stiff straight back and stares blankly at her own reflection. Her hair that is usually in its long braids are now in an updo where the braids form a design around her head. Held together with Bobby pins that cause a delightful sting to her scalp.

Her black dress she had on before perfectly match her dark makeup that Bella applied. The makeup doesn't feel caked on instead it brings out her eyes and lips beautifully.

She looked beautiful.

"You look stunning." Bella assures as she walks to put her stuff away in its rightful places. She didn't expect anything so she practically snaps her own neck to whip around and look at her sister when she hears a- "Thank you.... I appreciate your help. But if you tell anyone about this I'll end you fast and painlessly." Wednesday mumbled before leaving the room in a rush.

She didn't want her parents knowing of the dance or her going.

As she tries to sneak away her father and mother catch sight of her and immediately bombard her. More so Gomez than Morticia.

"You are wearing makeup? And a fancy dress? Where are you going?" Gomez asks with a dramatic hand to his chest as if he cannot bear the sight before him.

"I'm going....... To a school dance." Wednesday sighs with annoyance as her mother softly smirks at her.

"You look amazing my darling but- are you not to young for such activities? Maybe you can go in five years." Gomez states with finality but Morticia simply smiles at her husband and rubs his arm.

"Gomez. She is ready now." Morticia says with a small smile that makes Gomez sputter for some reason to say on why his youngest cannot go. But he has no valid reason and with his wife giving him the look he solemnly agrees.

"At least let us drive you there. And pictures! We need pictures." Gomez shouts running to dings his camera calling for Lurch and Festers help. Only drawing even more attention to Wednesday making her roll her eyes and purse her lips.

"You do look wonderful darling." Morticia says before kissing both her daughter's cheeks faintly. Wednesday couldn't think her embarrassment would get any worse until the doorbell rang. Lurch who had been helping Gomez slowly trekked to the door with thing running behind him.

He was helping look for the camera as well.

Steve enters after Lurch opens the door he still looks at the tall man behind the door wearily before he looks to stop staring at both Wednesday and Morticia who just stand there staring at him blankly.

"Oh uh- I'm here for Bella?" He asks confused making Morticia smirk as she calls for her oldest child.

Bella comes bounding down the stairs expecting his arrival. She beelines for him and kisses him passionately despite her family's presence. Addams were not as prudey as most families but Wednesday still scrunched her nose with disgust as Steve pulled away with a red face looking unsure at Morticia wondering if she'd say anything about the inappropriate position.

"Oh wow you look great Wednesday." Steve says suddenly as if surprised to see her dressed up. Even at Bella's birthday ball she had the same hair do, and no makeup and a simple black dress.

"I'm leaving." Wednesday huffs going for the door even as Gomez comes bounding yelling about having the camera.

Wednesday ignores her father persistently calling for her and goes to walk to the dance but stops in her tracks as she sees someone sitting in the front seat of Steve's car.

With an impatient sigh Dustin looks to the house ready to yell for Steve to hurry up but stops as he spots Wednesday staring at him wide eyed.

His hair looks ridiculous and clearly is trying to mimic Steve but nonetheless Wednesday finds her self speechless. The same goes for Dustin as his mouth feels like it's gone completely dry from the sight of her alone.

"Woah you look- you know.... You look amazing." Dustin assures and for the first time all night hearing the compliment makes Wednesdays face go red and for a small smile to form.

"Thank you...... you look handsome." Wednesday compliments as Dustin smiles widely at the compliment his own face going beat red.

"Thank you Steve helped with his stupid Farrah- something woman's hair spray." Dustin mocks the older boy making Wednesday let out a soft faint chuckle.

"Hey-" Steve suddenly yells and Wednesday and Dustin slowly look to the front porch to see not only Steve and Bella on the porch but the entire Addams family as well. Even thing can be seen doing a thumbs up for Dustin who smiles but looks embarrassed.

"Picture time. Get out here and take pictures with my daughter young man." Gomez instructs stiffly until Morticia once again rubs his back to comfort him.

The two children stand side by side not touching as several photos are taken. Dustin smiling happily as Wednesday just baldly stares into the lens with wide unblinking eyes.

"One more and this time Dustin wrap an arm around her." Bella instructs as Steve snickers from beside her at Wednesdays mortified expression. Dustin however blushes and does as told somehow smiling even wider.

Seeing his face Wednesday softly smiles as the last photo is taken.

"Alright let's get going before we are late." Steve instructs going to the driver seat but opening the passenger door for Bella who smiles giving him an obvious once over with a clear promise in her stare.

The entire drive is a tense silence as the awkward energy in the backseat with the children continues to suffocate the whole car.

When the school comes into view Steve pulls to a stop saying quick goodbyes but neither Dustin or Wednesday move both staring at the school with unease.

"Hey- you guys got this. It's just a dance okay? And if it's totally lame you can just call us and we will come get you alright?" Steve says like it's simple but Bella whips around and glares at the children.

"You will not call us and you shall sit here and suffer until the dance ends at promptly 11 o clock. We will be too busy to come get you any sooner than that." Bella snaps showing how serious she is and Wednesday only rolls her eyes as Dustin nods looking scared.

"Let's just get this over with." Wednesday sighs getting out of the car as Dustin immediately follows suit. Steve giving him a look that says he gots this.

"So what are we doing until they're done?" Steve asks cluelessly as Bella smiles at him coyly.

"You will be busy strapped to my rack, besides..... lurch will be picking them up later. I have too many plans for you tonight." Bella says with a smirk that makes Steve gulp audibly.

"That sounds like very good plan." Steve quickly replies rushing to put the car in drive and head to the Addams residence.

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Wednesday and the kids all planned to meet met together at the dance.

As Dustin and Wednesday approach the others as  Dustin does a spin to show off his new look to the others. Wednesday just walks stiffly next to him with her usual wide eyes stoic expression that tends to freak most people out but the group had gotten used to it by now.

"Holy shit what happed to you?" Mike asks looking at Dustin incredulously and Dustin's smile immediately fell making Wednesday glare a bit at Mike in warning.

"What do you mean what happened?" Dustin asks cluelessly as Mike ignores Wednesdays pointed look and still stares at Dustin in disbelief. "What?" Mike asks like it's insane.

"Dude." Lucas says with a smile ready to tease his friend as even Max joins in. "Your hair." She says with a slight laugh and Wednesday can feel her gaze getting harsher but it is still being ignored.

"Is there a bird nesting in there?" Lucas asks going to touch it but Dustin shoves his hands away.

"What do you mean, 'What's wrong?' There's no bird nesting in here asshole. Okay? I worked hard." Dustin snaps making Wednesdays lips quirk a little bit before she notices a slow song starting.

Watching their classmates couple up on the dance floor makes her nose scrunch with distaste. So Wednesday decides in that very moment to excuse herself and go to the restroom.

"I'm going to go bleach my eye sockets." She informs monotonously before walking away at a quick speed.

Lucas then asks Max. Some random girl asks Will. At first leaving both Mike and Dustin alone.

Dustin decides to ask a girl to dance since Wednesday left and she had made it very clear she didn't want to dance that night. He didn't even want to dance with anyone else but he wanted to be able to say he at least slow danced with one girl at his winter dance.

So he approaches Stacy first. And sticks his hand out trying to act confident like Steve had advised him to do. "Shall we?" Dustin asks and Stacy says a quick no while laughing. Her friends join in laughing at the boys misfortune.

Dustin goes to try again but the next set of girls practically run the second they see him coming to ask them.

Dustin takes one long look around and feels his eyes beginning to burn so he goes to hide on the bleachers. His sadness is mostly covered by streamers and decorations but of course an Addams would easily be able to spot him.

Wednesday gags as she leaves the bathroom to see everyone still slow dancing. Her eyes red from the bleach that had failed to blind her.

Her eyes look around the gym looking for a certain familiar face but she doesn't spot him right away. She looks confused until she smells the hint of salty tears in the air and looks in the direction of Dustin. She immediately beelines to the bleachers and spotting him crying she blinks slowly as if to process the sight before going back to her usual stoic expression.

"Hello." Wednesday says in a cold brisk tone making Dustin wipe away his tears with embarrassment as he says a gentle greeting back. "Oh H-hey." He says while sniffling and wiping more at his face.

"Would you share a dance with me?" Wednesday asks while staring him down and Dustin slowly looks at her with disbelief. "What?" He asks thinking he misheard but Wednesday sigh before grabbing his hand and proceeding to drag him to the dance floor no longer waiting for him to agree or decline.

Wednesday even grabs his hands placing them on her waist which immediately has him staring at her wide eyed as she goes a little pink in the cheeks.

"You can stand closer. I won't bite..... much." Wednesday mumbles the last part but Dustin knows she wouldn't actually hurt him so he does as she says shuffling closer while still staring at her in pure awe.

The two start slowly swaying to the music and Wednesday can practically feel her heart wanting to beat out of her chest.

"You know..... out of all of our friends....  You're my favorite." Wednesday admits with no emotion in her voice but Dustin still smiles at her brightly.  "Really?" He asks with a giant smile and Wednesday nods with a little smile before giving him a pointed look.

"But don't tell anyone that I'm nice. I prefer their fear over their kindness." She states with certainty and he just nods with a knowing smile.

Stacy who Dustin and asked to dance prior stares at the pair with a scowl and Wednesday doesn't know why she looks pissed and shrugs it off.

"I asked her to dance. Not because- not because I wanted to but I didn't want to bother you. You said you didn't want to dance with anyone.... But you're the only one I really wanted to dance with tonight." Dustin rambles making Wednesday stiffen at first before relaxing once again.

"You're the only one here I would allow this honor...... because you're the only one I like here." She admits and he looks estatic as the girl smiles softly at him.

An Addams smile is something hard to earn when they are not causing pain, suffering or murdering. So it felt like a big deal and that made Dustin smile even bigger.

The pair danced the night away....

And when a fast song came on and Wednesday confidently started dancing in a weird way Dustin joined her. He no longer cared about how his fellow classmates gawked at them.

Because he was having an absolute blast with the girl of his dreams.

Everything in the moment felt right.....

And it would until Summer.

END OF SEASON 2

Chapter Text

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School had just let out for the summer not even 5 hours ago and all of the group were hanging out at the Addams household. It was like a small going away get together since Dustin would be leaving for the next month.

Steve was being forced to get a job for the summer by his strict dad. He wasn't too happy with Steve's final grades and lack of future plans.

.... Or his relationship with one of the freaky members of the Addams Family. Word got around pretty quick after the betrothal ball, and Steve's dad called from his work trip to scream at him.

Bella didn't take too kindly to that and was going to teach his father a lesson until Steve pleaded for her not to..... it took a lot of pleading.

Steve had just managed to get a job at the new mall last Saturday.... At Scoops Ahoy.

Steve even told Belladonna wasn't allowed to come and visit him at work for some reason. He claimed it was because she wouldn't like the mall with it having nothing but pastel clothing, and normal food. Which yes repulsed her but she wanted to support him unknowing he was embarrassed of his work uniform.

"Well- maybe we can meet up after shifts and stuff." Steve assures but Bella pouts as the kids get rowdy while playing a strange game of dungeons and dragons.

"Why not during?" Bella asks and Steve looks away embarrassed with pink cheeks. The Addams girl has her legs thrown across his on the couch opposite of her parents who watch the kids play their strange game.

They liked whenever someone faced a sudden brutal death.

"My uniform is..... it's lame." Steve says with a sigh looking at her with a wince. Surely Bella would get the ick from his uniform and maybe even consider dumping him considering her fashion tastes.

"I wouldn't judge you. Even if it's..... pastels." Bella whispers the last word with disgust a visible shiver going through her entire body.

"DUDE COULD YOU TWO STOP WHISPERING SWEET NOTHINGS AND HELP ME FIGHT THIS DUNGEON TROLL?" Dustin suddenly screams from the floor next to Wednesday while giving Steve the dnd dice.

"Dude I told you I barely even understand this game." Steve groans but Dustin narrows his eyes at him.

"I spent the last two months teaching you so just- roll a 15 or higher for the love of god." Dustin says with sass making Steve mimic him before throwing the dice and getting a 20.

"YESSSSS SEE HES LICKY!" Dustin yells happily as the group cheers their success as Mike looks a little stumped as the dungeon master.

Eleven rubs his arm and he smiles relaxing while looking at her with pure adoration.

"Attention everyone I have some marvelous news..... I'm going to have a baby...... right now." Morticia suddenly announces making the entire room go silent.

Immediately everyone but the Addams start screaming with panic. The Addams act like this is completely normal as they all to the Addams family car to rush Morticia to the hospital.

"Wait how is your mom pregnant and having a baby so fast?!?" Steve asks incredulously since Morticia didn't even have a baby bump. And despite being in labor she wears a completely stoic expression. And Gomez is completely doting on her kissing her hands non stop.

"Addams are very fertile. That's why there's so many of us." Gomez answers without taking his eyes off his wife who returns his loving gaze.

Steve slowly looks at Bella then her stomach then back up to her eyes. "Are you pregnant?" Steve whispers fearfully since they are not ready to be parents yet.

Bella just smiles at him before kissing his lips not answering him. "Right?!?" Steve asks again with a slight panic now making Bella roll here eyes but she doesn't look offended in the slightest.

"Of course not Cara Mia your pull out game is too strong." Bella says with a kiss to his wrist making all the kids fake gag.

As the group rushes into the hospital minus eleven who had to go home for curfew / to not be in public too much. The rest of the kids run while animatedly shouting in disbelief.

"THIS IS THE BEST LAST DAY BEFORE CAMP EVER!" Dustin yells while they follow Morticia who is placed on a gurney by drs to get to the delivery room.

"You all need to wait here except for the father." A nurse says with a scowl making the group wait in the waiting room.

Thing continues running leading the gurney to the delivery room.

A little blonde girl awaits in the same delivery room with a relative as her parents are also having their baby. She begins to tell all the group where her parents told her baby's come from.

"And then mommy kissed daddy and the angel told the stork and the stork flew down from heaven and left a diamond under a leaf in the cabbage patch and the diamond turned into a baby." The child finally finishes innocently as Pugsley looks at his sisters like he's hearing something unbelievable.

"Our parents are having a baby too." Pugsley says and without missing a beat Wednesday stoically adds. "They had sex." Making the other woman in the delivery room gasp before covering the little girls ears.

She then looks at Fester, Lurch, and grandmama with fear as she stands and drags the small child away.

"It's a boy!" Pugsley says making Wednesday and stoically say back, "It's a girl". The group was even taking bets on what it would be.

"What do you think it'll be?" Steve asks Bella who shrugs. "As long as they come out normal and not annoying I'll be fine with either..... but women are better serial killers than men." Bella says with a small smirk that would intimidate anyone but not Steve. Not anymore.

After a 20 minute wait Gomez comes in with an excited wide eyed look. "It's an Addams!" He says with excitement and everyone looks confused except for the Addams who celebrate.

"What are you going to name him?" Lucas asks excitedly as they crowd Morticia who holds a.... Strange looking newborn in her arms.

He has a little mustache similar to Gomez, even his hair has the familiar black color in it. His skin a sickly pale white color similar to the other Addams family members.

"We went with something..... sophisticated and Addams name worthy.... Pubert." Gomez brags proudly as the kids quickly catch on to what its short for and make faces of disgust.

Steve however sees how the kids react but doesn't catch on to what they have. "Am I missing something?" Steve whispers to Dustin afraid to hurt Bella's feelings. The younger boy groans to himself before whispering in Steve's ear.

He grimaces but forces a smile nodding slowly.

He definitely planned on a different tradition with Bella and his future kid names.

Soon after the kids had to head home for their curfews. Steve is the last to leave with Dustin as the two boys say their goodbyes to the two girls they like.

"Shall I see you tomorrow Cara Mia?" Bella asks while kissing up his arm in a similar fashion that he's witnessed her father do to her mother.

Addams were definitely romantic and passionate. But Steve loved it especially compared to his past relationship with Nancy where he now realizes that he was trying to force something that was never there. With Bella it all comes naturally.

"Sure I'd love to take you to the mall before I start working there and get sick of it. I'll plan us a whole date there... Amore Mio." Steve assures confidently about the date but the pet name comes out clumsy. He's been trying to learn to say my love in Italian but feels insecure on his pronunciations.

Bella's pupils immediately dilate and she practically pounces on him on her front porch.

"No, no, no we don't have time for that I gotta get home I leave for camp tomorrow." Dustin shrilly tries to interrupt the couple since on multiple occasions this ends with the two leaving him to be driven home by Lurch who kind of freaks him out since he doesn't speak much and just grunts.

"Interrupting an Addams during..... such disgusting displays of affection can be quite dangerous." Wednesday stoically warns as Dustin sighs watching Bella practically drag Steve through the front door rushing for the steps to her bedroom.

"They're worse than rabbits it's gross." Dustin huffs with annoyance making Wednesdays lips quirk almost unseeable to the naked eye but he catches it.

"I shall get Lurch to prepare the car and ride along to take you home." Wednesday says back to her face that shows no emotion but Dustin smiles at her brightly unaffected by the cold demeanor.

"P-perfect. Yeah that sounds great just- you and me." Dustin says with a bright blush.

He was excited for summer camp but- he was going to miss Wednesday. Out of his entire friend group she was the only one who seemed to pick up on when he was upset or feeling a little left out.

Plus she would help him when he was unintentionally third wheeling with Steve and Bella. It made him feel less awkward even if she did ignore him sometimes or made faces of disgust.

He couldn't wait to both go and come back home already....

________________________

"Pugsley the baby weighs 10 pounds and the cannonball weighs pounds. Which will hit the stone walkway first?" Wednesday asks Pugsley while the pair stand on the roof of the Addams house.

She holds their baby brother as Pugsley holds a cannon ball over the edge.

The baby had hardly been there one day and the two youngest were really having a hard time coping with it.

"Uh- the cannonball?" Pugsley asks unsure if he's even right.

"Correct but which one will bounce?" Wednesday asks still staring at her brother with no facial expression.

"Uh..... the baby?" Pugsley guess again but that when a brief evil smirk comes to Wednesdays face. "There's only one way to find out." She says in her usual detached cold tone before holding the baby out over the edge.

"On the count of three." She instructs and Pugsley follows suit holding the ball over the ledge at equal height as the baby.

"1, 2-" Wednesday begins to count when someone begins to frantically scream at the bottom below.

"NO NO NO PUT THE BABY DOWN!" Steve shouts as Bella slowly exits his car looking completely unbothered by the fact her siblings were quite literally dangling her baby brother off the roof.

"3." Wednesday says completely ignoring Steve and her and piglets let go at the same time making both the baby and ball fall at a fast speed.

"OH MY GOD!" Steve yells running to try and catch the baby but by chance Gomez Addams opens a window and catches Pubert at just the right moment.

The cannonball lands and bounces off of Lurch's head but he doesn't even notice and continues to spray bleach on the flowers that have begun to grow against the side of the house killing them.

"THEY JUST- THEY JUST TRIED TO KILL THE BABY!" Steve says in a panic holding a hand to his chest as he gasps for air staring in disbelief at Gomez pulling his son to safety.

"Oh don't worry Cara Mia it's quite normal for Addams to try get rid of their siblings as they are born. Even years later..." Bella's voice trails off as if she's thinking of a specific fond memory.

Which she was.

She once tried to throw a toaster in the tub with Pugsley, and tried to put her sister's head in the guillotine.

"I'm going to have grey hair before I'm even 20." Steve huffs finally calming down as Bella rubs his back to soothe him.

"Please tell me they grow out of it at some point?" Steve asks looking at Bella but she nonchalantly avoids his gaze with a little smirk.

"Oh boy." He mutters walking into the Addams family home where now finds Wednesday and Pugsley sitting in the steps with their arms crossed.

"Mom and dad are talking of getting us a nanny." Pugsley pouts rolling his eyes as he huffs in annoyance.

"They said after the guillotine incident this morning and the roof just now we need supervision." Wednesday add looking angry.

Steve's mouth is agape hearing this wasn't even the first attempt of the day.

"Well it probably doesn't help that we tried to shoot him earlier either." Bella Sara's casually as Steve looks at her with his mouth wide open in pure shock once again.

He loves Bella but he hadn't realized just how crazy her and her family actually were. This doesn't deter him from dating her or anything but he was suddenly thinking back to all the times he had thought she'd been joking about having killed people for fun...,.

Maybe she hadn't been joking.

"We are going to my room don't bother us." Bella says before dragging Steve to her bedroom and locking the door behind her looking ready to pounce any second but Steve still looked to be in shock.

"Have I upset you Cara Mia?" Bella asks noting his unusual facial expression and tense posture.

"N-no it's just..... a lot to process how different your family is, is all." He explains sighing and resting his head in his hands as he sits on the edge of her bed with his elbows on his knees thinking back to her old remarks still.

"Does it bother you?" Bella asks with a head tilt that would creep most out but Steve doesn't even flinch and shakes his head instantly.

"No it's just- going to take some getting used to is all. Believe me I love how different you are Belladonna, you're the first person in my life that actually made me feel important." Steve admits with a faint smile as Bella slowly comes to stand in between his legs lifting his face up to look at her by grabbing his face gently.

"You are important. And I'll always be obsessed with you so that should be something to look forward to in the future. I will never let you leave and if you try..... let's just say you won't get far Cara Mia." Bella giggles before pecking his lips beforeing going to her rack to prep it for him.

"Yeah.... Gonna take some getting used to." Steve says to himself as he tries to think of what sinister way Bella would stop him from leaving..... most of them involving him suffering a scary long torturous death.

But Steve didn't plan on leaving Bella.

In fact...... he was startingnn no to think of taking the next step already and seeing if once he gets a well enough paying job if she would want to move in with him. They could have their own place and privacy.

Only he wouldn't have his job at the mall for long....

Chapter Text

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Steve had been working at Scoops Ahoy for a week and hated every second of it. He felt like a loser since anytime his old classmates came in for food and asked where he was going to college he had to try and act like not going for a year was intentional.

Plus kids laughed at his ridiculous uniform.

And Erica Sinclair constantly came and dinged the bell to get free samples. Or the group of kids would come to heckle Steve to get them into movies for free.

The only upside was when Steve finished his shifts. He would immediately change his outfit in the mall restroom and then drive to the Addams house to spend time with Belladonna.

It wasn't just sex either.

Sometimes they would curl up and watch horror movies on VHS much to Bella's excitement. Or sometimes she would take him for a romantic stroll through her families graveyard.

Bella kept grumbling lately though on how her parents were trying to find a nanny for her and her siblings. Apparently she and her siblings were trying to.... Get rid of the baby a little too often even for an Addams.

But so far Morticia and Gomez were not successful in finding someone who could handle the Addams special.... Personalities.

Steve was working along side Robin when he felt the prickling sensation of being watched. At first he tried to play it off as being a random customer considering he had a line out the door. But as the sensation grew stronger it also seemed familiar.

With a look of utter horror Steve looked around until he caught eyes with Belladonna who leans against the wall staring stoically at him.

Luckily the counter covers the ridiculous shorts but it was far too late to hide the ridiculous hate and shirt. With a groan Steve continued to help Robin serve customers until the final one left to sit.

With no more customers waiting in line Steve excused himself with a red face. Robin looked annoyed until her eyes followed where he was going and spotted Bella.

Bella had been staring at the pair stoically but smiled at Robin with a little wave. Robins face went redder then Steve's and she awkwardly smiled and waved back before scurrying to go to the back bumping into things along the way.

When Steve rounds the counter Bella's eyes go from Robin straight to his legs. Her eyes look him up and down once again wearing that stoic expression that makes even Steve feel unsure.

"Hello…. Amore mio.” Steve says awkwardly even the pet name he has learned to say comes out shakier then usual.

“This is the uniform you wished for me not to see?” Bella asks trailing her hand softly down his arm staring at the uniform with intense focus.

“Yeah it’s- it’s lame I’m sorry you had to see me like this.” Steve groans grabbing the hat off his head and running a hand through his hair due to the embarrassment.

“It’s not so bad.” Bella defends wrapping her arms around his neck while still looking at his uniform with sheer focus.

“Yes it is. I look like some- loser sailor captain.” Steve sighs placing his hands on her waist.

“Pastels are far worse than this and besides Cara Mia…. I actually quite like it on you.” Bella admits biting her lip and running her hands down his chest suggestively not caring that many customers and Robin could see her wandering hands.

“Really?” Steve asks finally looking her in the eyes with some hope yet confusion.

“Mmmhhmmm I might need to take you to bed in this one. I’ll even call you Captain.” Bella teases kissing his neck tenderly. And Steve allowed it for a moment before regretfully pushing her away.

He couldn’t lose this job due to PDA or his dad would really strangle him.

“Then I’ll come by your place after work. Wearing this.” Steve whispers bashfully his face red once again as Bella smiles at him so big it makes his heart hammer in his chest.

To be looked at the way Belladonna looks at him is something truly amazing. Anyone in the world would feel as lucky as him if they could feel it.

“Being the hat too. And I’ll get rope and-“ Bella goes to list things but when a mom walks up with her hands on her hips and a disapproving look Steve apologizes to the customer before whispering his goodbyes to Bella.

She simply smirks unbothered that the women caught them being so lovey dovey. Instead she goes home to plan her night with Steve.

But come home to a very unpleasant surprise.

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When Bella walked through the front door she froze in place as a blonde wearing white had her back to her. “How revolting.” Bella says loudly making the women spin around and smile at her a little too big for Bella’s liking.

“Ah there she is the final Addams child. I have just been waiting for you to come home so I could introduce myself. I’m Debbie. Your new Nanny.” The woman says with that unsettling giant smile making Bella look at her with utter disgust.

“….. I see. Pleasure to meet you…. Debbie.” Bella says with clear distain her face screwed up with a scowl.

“I am Belladonna, like the poisonous flower.” Bella says with her hand outstretched not wanting to kiss this woman’s hand but knowing she was raised to be a lady.

Her kiss doesn’t linger like it did with her classmates in fact she does it as quick as possible to get it over with.

“What a lady. Now how about you go to your room and do some homework or something.” Debbie says with that fake persona Bella can sense.

“It’s summer. There is no homework.” Bella says while crossing her arms staring at the woman suspiciously on why she wants her stuck in her room.

“Oh- then how about a book. I brought this as a housewarming gift.” Debbie casually says while pulling out a black notebook. Bella takes it and peaks at the front but doesn’t see a book name. It’s only when she opens it that her mouth drops and she looks happy for the first time since coming home.

“The notebook of that black widow woman who’s been in the newspapers!” Bella says with excitement as she reads the first page with excitement.

“Yup now take it to your room like a good Addams girl now. Go on.” Debbie ushers the teen upstairs and this time Bella goes willingly completely unaware how said nanny was trying to seduce her uncle because she was the black widow killing men for the money. And all for a good reason.

When Steve came knocking on the door Debbie huffs because she had just been trying to casually flirt with Fester. It didn’t go well since the bald man could t even speak in her presence.

Debbie swings the door open and her fake smile that’s reserved for the Addams is gone as she at Steve’s uniform then his face with a look of annoyance and slight amusement.

“I’m sorry but we are not buying anything you’re selling.” Debbie says overly sweet before slamming the door in Steve’s face. She takes three steps away from the door but the doorbell is pushed and the screaming ring goes again making her huff and swing the door open with a glare.

“I’m here for Belladonna…… I’m here boyfriend Steve Harrington.” Steve explains looking at the woman with some sass since she had just literally slammed the door in his face.

“You’re dating that fr- Come on in I had no idea Bella was dating anyone. I’m her nanny Debbie.” The woman says with that fake smile she had done earlier.

Steve stares at her with distrust and looks at the interior of the house with some disbelief. Usually when he arrived Bella would practically pounce on him before he got in the door.

“Where is Bella?” Steve asks not returning the pleasantries since the women had just been so rude. She definitely notices and purses her lips to remain calm.

“Upstairs in her room. Reading about a woman who kills her husbands for money.” Debbie says with a shrug but that catches Steve’s attention as he looks a little uneasy before shaking his head. Bella would never hurt him let alone kill him. He knew death simply fascinated the girl although he found it strange how the nanny told him this.

“Well uh- I’m gonna go up there then….. bye.” Steve says with a look thrown over his shoulder before he rushes up to his girlfriend’s room.

Debbie’s smile falters and bites her bottom lip to refrain from snapping. She needed to keep her cool until her wedding night. Then she could move on to the next geezer with money.

Steve walks into Bella’s room without knocking and the girl doesn’t even flinch at his sudden arrival. Instead her nose is practically buried in the notebook staring with pure awe as she reads how the woman took an axe to one of her many husbands.

“Uh- Bella?” Steve calls out and finally the dark haired beauty pulls her gaze from her book to look at him.

“Oh Cara Mia! Is it already 10?” Bella asks with disbelief closing the book and crossing her room to hug and kiss him. Steve barely gets to tell her yes before her lips lock onto his in an intense major session that soon has him pinned to the rack in her room.

⚠️SEXXXUAL WARNING AGEAD I FIGURED YALL SHOULD KNOW WHAT SHE DOES TO HIM ON THE RACK!!!⚠️⚠️⚠️

Her lips and teeth trail his neck expertly finding his pulse points easily leaving hickeys he would need to cover with makeup… again.

“Bella-“ Steve tries to get her attention but the girl was already consumed with her lust for him that she wasn’t focusing on anything but that.

Being strapped in meant Steve couldn’t stop Bella from immediately pulling his shorts down and taking him down her throat. The groan that left him was loud and clear only adding fuel to the fire as she hummed back more than half to give him pleasure.

“Bella. Cara Mia.” He pants the nickname he reserved for sex coming out a lot more fluid compared to when he tried to say the nickname he had chosen for her,

Bella simply takes him deeper and faster hearing the name her eyes focused on him with such intensity it has him already so close.

“Bella I’m Gonna—“ Steve starts to say but the girl immediately stops leaving him close yet unfulfilled. The pained groan that leaves him makes a smile come to her face as she slowly undresses herself.

“Not yet Cara Mia. I still wish to toy with you.” Bella explains casually nipping around his body and leaving visible bite marks all over to show her claim on him.

Steve practically bucks his hips whenever her mouth comes hear his dick and a noise like a whimper leaves him desperate looking.

But instead of taking him in her throat again Bella simply undresses before climbing the rack and straddling him. She doesn’t impale herself right away. Instead she rubs herself on him at a slow pace that will keep him on the edge.

“Bella please.” Steve begs and of course that instantly has Bella inserting the dick inside her before bouncing on him at a violently brutal pace.

Steve’s back arches pushing him deeper inside the Addams girl who moans just as enthusiastically. Her head thrown back as her pleasure comes quick due to the nice stinging pain of suddenly being stretched by Steve.

Moments later Steve is thrusting up to the best of his ability while Bella bounces on his dick. Her hand loosely choking him enough to only cause pleasure and no pain or fear.

Steve likes to be dominate at times but he also didn’t mind when Bella took charge. It felt nice to have a girl who made her pure interest in him clear. No one would ever compare to Bella.

“I love you.” He pants close to the edge and Bella can see this but she doesn’t get off of him. Instead she continues to bounce and ride him until he shoots inside of her.

At first Steve didn’t process what just happened his focus having been on the pure euphoria sensation of being able to cum inside her warm yet wet body. When he finally started coming back to reality he looked at Bella horrified.

“Sh-shit I just came inside you.” Steve recounts the sensation and looks at her with wide eyes as the girl squeezes around him having met her high at that exact same moment.

“Do not worry Cara Mia. I am now on the birth control pills.” Bella explains and Steve deflates with relief but his eyes still trail to her stomach.

It’s something he definitely would want one day. Just not anytime soon.

“So— we can keep doing that?” Steve asks with realization and Bella smirks before kissing him deeply ready to go for round two already.

But— the first part of their summer would be spent apart. All thanks to the new nanny.

Time spent away only makes the heart grow fonder though.

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The first few days of Debbie's arrival Bella was admittedly a little too preoccupied to notice the women strange behavior. She did constantly note with horror the pastels and bright whites she continuously wore in passing however.

Bella spent most of her free time reading the black widows journal. And the rest fantasizing and visiting Steve at work.

Sometimes she would simply watch him from a booth in the corner for hours.

Steve didn't mind one bit. He truly loved how much Belladonna loved him. He too couldn't get enough of her presence.

Today was supposed to be like any other day of doing just that, watching him at work. But Wednesday interrupted Bella as she was getting ready to go out.

"I don't like the nanny." Wednesday says with her usual stoic expression making Bella shrug. "She's not too bad. Look she gave me this journal written by the black widow on her past victims. It's brutally detailed in such a glorious way." Bella says with pure fascination and Wednesday did briefly look a little excited before shaking her head and getting back down to business.

"That woman is more worried about seducing our uncle than taking care of the baby." Wednesday says confidently and Bella purses her lips before looking at her sister with a serious expression.

“If you are so worried about it…. I shall go take a look for myself.” Bella offers doing the finishing touches on her makeup before confidently striding to the baby room where Debbie spent a lot of time due to the baby.

Wednesday is hot on her sister’s heel when they both hear Debbie annoyed and grumbling about the very baby she is supposed to care for.

“Hold still you little brat.” The woman grits out annoyance evident in her voice making Bella’s footsteps go faster yet still quiet to surprise her unsuspecting victim.

“He’s not a brat.” Wednesday says in her usual emotionless tone. Belladonna doesn’t say anything but her stare alone scares even Debbie.

“Of course not. He’s an adorable little baby.” Debbie says with a big fake smile that makes Bella grit her teeth together so hard they make a loud grinding sound.

“Fine rub it in.” Wednesday says with a glare. Her and Pugsley were trying to kill the baby due to their jealousy so this didn’t help much.

“We’re getting him all ready for a nice little walk. Would the two of you like to join us?” Debbie asks overly sweet and this time it is Bella who speaks.

“Are you really a nanny?” She asks with a cold scary detached voice that hardly sounds like herself. Debbie can practically feel her body breaking out in goosebumps due to the fear.

“What a question.” Debbie states while looking a little annoyed even though she still tries to fake a smile.

“Why did you come here?” Bella asks the accusation clear in her tone making Debbie scoff softly as if still confused why she is being interrogated so much.

“Why to take care of you, all of you.” She says walking forward while forcing an innocent voice and look that Bella squints at suspiciously.

“Especially our uncle?” Wednesday asks and Debbie’s face twitches quick to the naked eye before both girls walk away. Except Bella stops as Wednesday continues to walk away stiffly.

“Careful Debbie. If you’re smart you’ll be careful.” Bella says eerily before walking away and to leave the house and go Steve at work like her usual routine.

Once both girls walk away Debbie’s facade falls and her face twists into a scowl.

She would need to get the Addams children out of the picture if she wanted to succeed on bagging Fester. And she had been researching just how to do that. So soon a wicked smile comparable to the grinch takes her features.

________________________

When Morticia and Gomez returned from their date they immediately went to check on the baby and Debbie to see how things had went.

Debbie faked looking guilty as she told them how she needed to tell them a secret the kids had told her.

“I shouldn’t be telling you this they swore me to secrecy.” Debbie sighs as if she feels bad for betraying the kids trust. But really the Addams children were completely unaware of what the black widow herself was doing.

“The little angels. But they want to go it’s all they talked about all night. They’re just afraid to ask you. They’re afraid you’ll think that they don’t love you.” Debbie says with a sad look and Morticia looks away with a frown.

“The poor things.” Morticia says with a look to her husband to see he shares similar feelings on the matter. Uncertain.

“It is bizarre request.” Morticia says with some panic in her eyes confused why her children would want to do such a horrid thing.

“It’s horrifying.” Flgez agrees with Morticia and Debbie knowing she needs to sell it continues her lie effortlessly.

“They and their hearts set on it. I knew you’d want to know as concerned caring parents.” Debbie lays it on thick and it seems to work as Morticia grabs Gomez’s hand and looks concerned.

“Oh Gomez. What should we do?” Morticia asks not looking at him at first still in shock at what she had even told.

“How can we say no?” Gomez says as he and his wife make intense eye contact.

“Don’t even mention it to them. Just do it. I’m sure they’ll deny everything. But they wanna go. God love them.” Debbie says with fake adoration as Morticia and Gomez look at each other still in disbelief.

“Summer camp.” They say at the same time with horror evident in their tones.

But they did as Debbie suggested and put the kids on the list to attend. When they told the Addams children they were met with a lot of protest. Even Steve was there since he had been with Bella in her room when the family meeting was called.

He too was begging for the kids not to go. More so Bella than the others.

All their pleas were ignored and the following week Lurch drove the hearse to the summer camp the kids would be attending. Bella kept gagging as she noticed all the perky blondes around. There was literally no dark haired girls or boys anywhere in sight.

And…… the girls were wearing a disgusting color…… pastel pink.

“It’s inhumane.” Bella whispers in horror as Stev rubs her arm comforting his girlfriend. She even started gagging as she spotted the camp counselors smiling and their wretched colored uniforms.

All the Addams slowly pile out of the car staring in pure horror around them. Steve wasn’t bothered by the sights but was sad to know his girlfriend would be gone for at least a month.

Without Dustin and now no Bella he knew he was going to be feeling extra lonely.

“Fresh air….. the scent of pine….” Gomez says with disgust his cigar hanging from his lips trying to fill the air with some sort of chemical or rna of smell.

“Wednesday, Bella. Look at all the other children. Their freckles, their bright little eyes, their eco friendly smiles….” Morticia says as Gomez hands both Pugsley and Steve cigars to also help fill the air with any sort of smell other than the fresh air he currently breaths.

Steve chokes on how strong the cigar is due to usually only smoking cigarettes. And he had long quit those since he only used to smoke when Tommy peer pressured him to get into it to be cool.

Bella sometimes pressured him but it was rare since she claimed she needed his lungs healthy for….. special activities.

“Help them.” Morticia states looking at the children she had just been describing.

“Hi. I’m Amanda Buckman. Why’ are you dressed like that?” The blonde girl around Wednesday asks looking at Wednesdays dress with confusion.

“Like what?” Wednesday asks doing that unsettling stare that makes Steve grimace and pull Bella closer to him for a sense of protection.

“Like you’re going to a funeral. Why are you dressed like somebody died.” The girl explains and Wednesday narrows her eyes a bit.

“Wait.” Wednesday simply says clearly implying someone was going to die soon and it may or may not be Amanda Buckman.

“Hi. Don Buckman. Isn’t this place something else? Very exclusive” Amanda’s father says walking over and shaking Gomez’s hand using a voice that sounds similar to a car salesman’s.

“Really?” Gomez asked not knowing this and Don Buckman and his wife of course used that as an opportunity to brag.

“Oh yeah a kid has to be extra special to get in here. Gifted, exceptional. Our Amanda’s already skipped two grades. How about your boy? ” Don says while wrapping a loving arm around his daughter.

Gomes does a similar gesture as he wraps his arm around Pugsley proudly. “Probation.” He states with a smile making Don look scared and a little uneasy to know his daughter would be around a criminal.

“And your other son?” Don asks with grimace at least the other boy looked normal, he didn’t even look related to the weird pale bunch.

“Oh this is my daughter boyfriend Steven. He’s a captain at a place called scoops ahoy.” Gomez says just as proud patting Steve’s shoulder making the boy blush as the other parents look to nod slowly.

They had a scoops ahoy too in their town and knew it was an ice cream place so they found it to be a bit embarrassing.

“We just love Chippewa. Amanda couldn’t wait. It’s all she talked about. She got a whole new wardrobe. And these little ladies?” Ellen asks with a smile at the two daughters one smiles as the other remains neutral.

“Oh Wednesdays at that very special age when a girl only has one thing on her mind.” Morticia says proudly as the woman smiles and leans in knowingly. “Boys?” She asks as Wednesday doesn’t even blink at her rather close proximity.

“Homicide.” She says casually and the woman tears back with an uneasy look.

“And uh- I’m almost scared to ask but what about your eldest?” The woman asks fearfully and Belladonna smiles widely.

“Oh- I am Belladonna…. Like the poisonous flower? And on my mind is only one boy.” She says smiling at Steve with pure adoration and the woman finally looks to relax thinking she finally found one of the Addams that was actually normal.

“How sweet you must be in love then?” She asks with a knowing smile and Bella nods enthusiastically before looking back at Steve with a heated look.

“Oh yes it was love at first sight. I wish I could I pale myself on him 24/7. But that would leave no time in the day to think and daydream about the joys of death.” Bella states casually as Steve goes bright red in the face.

Bella and well most Addams are very blunt about sex. He wasn’t quite used to it even in front of her family let alone strangers.

The woman immediately grimaced and shuffled her family away from the freaky Addams.

A whistle blows and the counselors who wear the most hideous of uniforms get everyone’s attentions. “HEY LISTEN UP EVERYBODY! IM GARY GRNAGER!” The guy yells enthusiastically. Then the woman steps forward smiling even bigger somehow.

“AND IM BECKY MARTIN GRANGER!” She yells excitedly and people clap as the Addams look uncomfortable.

“WE’RE THE OWNERS ND DIRECTORS HERE AT CAMP CHIPPEWA- AMERICA FOREMOST FACILITY FOR- PRIVILEGED YOUNG ADULTS!” Gary continues to yell with joy as Bella begins to dry heave again at the disgusting emotion.

“AND WE’RE ALL HERE TO LEARN, TO GROW, AND TO JUST PLAIN HAVE FUN.” Becky yells just like her husband and Steve winces slowly looking at Bella before rubbing her back as he can see how disgusted she is.

“CAUSE THATS WHAT BEING PRIVILEGED IS ALL ABOUT!” Gary yells before he and Becky jump in place clapping obnoxiously to Bella’s horror.

The entire camp claps except for the Addams, even Steve softly does it but he looks concerned for Bella knowing this was about to be her worst nightmare.

Wednesday pulls out a bottle of poison and drinks a healthy sip before handing the bottle to Bella who take a deep sing as well.

It was going to be a long month.

Kids who had met previous year hug and greet each other screaming with joy as Bella scrunches her nose looking absolutely horrified. She clings to Steve and tries begging her parents one last time to let her leave with them.

They sadly decline and go to leave.

Steve lingers by Bella and sigh with disappointment. He kisses her gently but knowing she was about to go so long without see him Bella grabs him and begins to full blown make out with him.

Kids gagged around them as the camp counselors came rushing over trying to say such public displays were inappropriate.

Bella hissed at them out of no where and they jumped away in shock before continuing to try and gentle parent the pair to stop. It didn’t work and if anything it made Bella get a little more grabby until Steve reluctantly pulled away.

“Write or call me as soon as you can. I will do it once I know where to write to.” Steve says sadly making Bella pout and kiss him heatedly one more time much to the counselors dismay.

“I love you Cara Mia. I already long for when I see you in person again. I will write you every day, every hour.” Bella swoons before pecking hai lips repeatedly.

Soon Gomez had to help the counselors separate the pair. Bella had a white knuckled grip on Steve and he was definitely a little bruised by the time they were separated but he didn’t mind. It was physical reminder of her he could keep for a bit.

This was about to be the start of a boring summer for Steve….. at least until the day of the play when he could come to pick his girlfriend up.

The his summer would be the most chaotic he’s ever seen. Starting with said play.

Chapter Text

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Bella had been gone for two weeks.

Which probably doesn't seem long but to Steve it was pure torture. He no longer felt her stare while he worked, and he had to return home all alone while his parents were rarely there. Plus Dustin being gone, Steve's best friend.... and really only friend made it even more lonely.

Steve even started secretly wishing that the Addams would scare the other campers and counselors and get sent home early.

Unbeknownst to him... Bella was really trying to get sent home. She even tried to drown a kid her first week there but the counselors seemed set in there ways that they would reform the Addams.

Steve wrote and Bella did exchange a few letters so he eventually heard about it. He admitted how much he missed her but not how lonely he was feeling without her or Dustin around.

That made Bella try even harder to get kicked out to come home by blowing up the counselor cabin..... but the nutty couple that owns the camp brushed it off saying accidents happen.

Bella merely rolled her eyes and huffed realizing at this rate she'd probably be stuck there the full month.

"MAIL CALL!" The counselors yell walking into the cabin with a bunch of letters in their hands. "ADDAMS AND... ADDAMS!" Gary yells handing Bella her usual letter from Steve but also a letter from their parents.

Wednesday snatches the letter from their parents away from Bella who doesn't even blink at the rough gesture. Instead she rips open her letter and sniffs it deeply to catch even a whiff of Steve's usual cologne.

He always sprayed the letter for her to be able to smell him,

Bella is swooning while reading her letter but her sisters panicked (still monotone voice) catches her attention and she looks to see her sister looking horrified by the letters content.

"What is it?" Pugsley asks trying to look over Wednesdays shoulder.

"This is unspeakable." Wednesday says with a harsh stare practically searing the letter.

"Is something wrong Wednesday? Bad news?" Counselor Becky asks drawing even more attention to the Addams children.

"This is the worst thing that has ever happened in the history of human events. Uncle Fester is getting married." Wednesday says looking at her siblings and Bella immediately pieces together the only person that could move so quick into such a situation. Debbie.

He teeth clench and her eyes narrow suspiciously of the women. Something about her felt familiar....

"A wedding? That's Great news!" Gary the counselor says with a giant smile as Bella gags at his peppy tone and rolls her eyes.

"To who?" Amanda asks being nosey.

"The nanny." Wednesday informs making Amanda look distraught even though she has never met this uncle or nanny herself.

"Get OUT of the cabin. I mean- I'd kill myself! The help?" Amanda says with disgust and Bella would hate to admit she had similar feelings about the ordeal except she didn't care that her uncle was marrying someone of technical lower class. No she was more so upset due to the fact the same woman is the one who forced the kids to leave Hawkins.

Forced her to leave Steve all alone.

"I'm sure she's a very nice lady." Becky tries to say to encourage the children to be a little better about the news but the Addams look even more grossed out hearing this.

"She won't be when I'm done with her. No one comes between me and my Cara Mia." Bella seethes going to her bed and pulling out her whittling project.

It was a wooden shiv.

"I think that's disgusting. I think their whole family's like some weird medical experiment. I think they're like- circus people." Amanda says dramatically and Bella stops mid whittle to stare at her with a cold scary black look.

"What did you say?" Pugsley asks while taking a threatening step forward.

Sensing the brewing tension and danger both counselors immediately stood between the Addams and Amanda.

"CAMPERS! Group Hug." Becky calls out wrapping an arm around Amanda and all the campers in the cabin soon join all looking at the Addams with giant smiles. The three Addams children stare with disgust and take a noticeable step away.

"Bella.... Wednesday.... Pugsley.... Will a hug hurt us?" Gary asks walking over and resting a casual hand on Pugsley shoulder.

"We don't hug." Wednesday says with finality as Pugsley crosses his arms. Bella scrunches her nose as Becky comes and rests an arm around her shoulders.

"Ohhh they're just shy." Becky says with a fake pout to the other campers to act as if it's endearing.

"We are not shy. We are contagious....... And bite." Bella says with a pointed look at Becky's arm that lays across her shoulders. Both counselors immediately move away from the Addams children with unease but also determination still burning in their eyes.

They refused to kick the kids out... no matter what they said or did to do just that.

"I'm sensing some friction here. Something not quite Chippewa." Gary says with a funny voice that makes Bella snort and roll her eyes. Especially when all the campers agree with a hum that makes her just want to go on a full murdering spree. Everyone in that camps mere presence was starting to annoy her.

Plus her Steve withdrawals were not helping with her annoyance.

"Okay. No problemo. All they need are good friends, good fun, and..... a little time in the Harmony hut. " Gary says with a big smile as Bella scoffs thinking nothing could be worse then what she had already endured for the past two weeks.

She would be wrong..... very wrong.

______________________

The harmony hut is filled with positive vibe posters, stuffed animals, and cutesy white furniture. Bella immediately wants to burn it to the ground.

"How long do we have to stay in here?" Pugsley asks already bored as Wednesday crosses her arms. "Until we crack." She tells him honestly and Bella sighs pacing the tiny building from one wall to the other. "I thought I was a fan of torture..... but this is just diabolical." Bella whispers the last part as she glares at a poster that says, "God is always watching, so don't sin."

A kid is randomly shoved in by Gary, he too has dark hair and but instead of the fake vibes the Addams give off he just seems nerdy.

"Have fun." Gary says sweetly before shutting the door making the Addams stare down the newcomer. "What are you in for kid?" Bella sighs bored out of her mind.

"I wouldn't go horseback riding." He tells them honestly making Wednesday raise a brow. "That's all?" She asks expecting him to have a 'poor attitude' like the Addams had been told.

"And-.... I wouldn't make a birdhouse." The boy adds making Wednesday continue to interrogate him.

"Why not?" The youngest Addams child asks and the boy shows the book in his hands meekly. "I just wanted to read." He says with a nerdy voice.

The door immediately swings open Gary having been eavesdropping remembered he was supposed to confiscate said item. "Not on my time four eyes." He says before roughly snatching the book from the boys grasp.

He then wheeze laughs while shutting the door and Bella having enough of him throws a doll at the door making its head pop off.

The nerdy boy looks around the hut until his eyes land on a poster of Micheal Jackson. He begins screaming fearfully while throwing himself back against the hut wall dramatically.

When he finally stopped screaming he politely asked Bella to take the poster down. Which she did but only because she needed to create allys in camp to start planning a prison break.

"We're breaking out of this... summer camp if it's the last thing we do." Bella says with confidence staring at the children with her hands on her hips to show she meant business.

"H-h-how are we gonna do that?" The kid who Bella learned was named Joel asks and a wicked smirk graces her lips.

__________________________

That night in the pitch black the 3 Addams children run wearing all black and ski masks. They go to the wired gate that surrounds the camp. Bella and Pugsley immediately try to give the smallest Addams a boost over the fence.

"Wait!" Joel yells running up to the children in his usual attire but holding wire cutters.

"Be careful! Tetanus." He explains before trying to help but the fence unaware the infection sounded more like a prize then a scare tactic.

Bella begins to climb the fence anyway hoping to catch the infection but a siren begins to loudly wail and a spotlight of sorts is aimed at the children who look annoyed at having been caught.

"There they are. I saw them sneak out." Amanda snitches making Bella growl and storm forward. "That's it I'm gonna fix your over bite with one punch BUCKman." Bella sneers rushing forward fist at the ready but Gary and Becky stop her with looks of disappointment.

The Addams masks are ripped off my some of the boy camp mates and all attention is once again focused on them.

"Children. What do you think you're doing?" Gary asks with a sigh making Bella admit exactly what they are doing. "Escaping this hell hole." She spat as Wednesday says at the same time "We have to see our family. It's very important."

"More important than a summer of fun? More important than making new friends, more important than sharing?" Becky asks looking offended at Bella's he'll hole comment.

"And Joel Glicker. I'm surprised at you." Gary says with a pained expression even though he had just been tormenting the boy not even a few hours ago.

"I have to get out of here. I have allergies." Joel tries to explain but the counselors and callers looks humored by this.

"Oh? Your allergic? To sunshine? And archery, and crafts?" Becky asks mockingly but Joel immediately nods. "Yes." He says completely serious.

"I think they should be punished." Amanda says before starting a camp cheer, "PUNISHED! PUNISHED! PUNISHED!" All the campers chant in sync.

"No! No! No! We are not here to punish. We are here to inspire." Becky scolds and all the campers nod as the if they hadn't just been cheering for the Addams downfall.

"Campers. Do you know what I think our little ninja friends here need? Do you know what just might turn their sad and potentially wasted little lives right on around?" Gary asks and Joel immediately senses the impending doom.

"What" he asks going from foot to foot anxiously.

Gary out of not where pulls out a guitar and strums it. In sync the entire camp begins to sing Kumbaya my lord.

Bella finally reaching her breaking point clings to the fence preparing to climb over it anyway but Becky stops her and tries to pull her down. Bella swats at the woman who continues to pull and plead with her to come down.

Bella is quick and brisk with her attempt to escape but Becky continues to pull on her waist. Until finally she managers to pull Bella off the fence, with Gary and a few male campers help.

It took over five of them to pry her fingers off the wire fence....

_______________________

The only bright side to the wedding was getting to briefly leave camp during week 3. Bella wanted to surprise Steve so she didn't tell him about her return. Instead she had lurch pick her up and drive her straight to the Harrington house not even stopping home first.

His front door was locked but that didn't stop Belladonna Addams.

Climbing up the side of his house effortlessly Bella slides her self through his window that had been cracked due to the summer heat.

She then shuffles to stand over his body and stare down at him with pure adoration. Steve even in a deep sleep got a familiar sense...... he was being watched in his sleep.

Steve's eyes shot open immediately and instantly found the Addams girl standing over him with a giant unsettling smirk.

"BELLA!" Steve yells grabbing her hands and pulling her into a tight embrace. Truthfully he didn't know if this was real or another one of his cruel dreams that made him wake up disappointed.

But seeing her in his dreams was better than nothing at all.

"Oh Cara Mia I've missed you too." Bella swoons kissing all over his face. Steve sighs blissfully still half asleep at the gesture still thinking he was more likely asleep than awake.

"Without you or Dustin around I have been so.... sad and lonely. My parents are always gone most of the time but- I just got so used to you and Dustin being around that I forgot what it felt like to be alone." Steve admits with a laugh that held no humor. Usually he wouldn't admit such a thing, he always tried to keep a strong front for everyone else. But thinking it was a dream he admitted it with a casualness that made Bella go stiff in his arms.

"I really am sorry Cara Mia.... If you want I shall refuse to go back. Even my parents won't be able to drag me back there if that is what you wish." Bella says with a serious edge in her tone meaning every word.

Steve sleepily stares at her for a good long minute blinking slowly. He was waiting for the dream to shift like they usually did but- it wasn't.

"Bella?" He asks again trying to process that she was really there and this wasn't one of his usual dreams.

"Yes it's me." Bella says while running a hand through his hair to fix his bed head but she gave it a small yank to wake him up more and it seemed to work.

Steve's face went bright red as he realized what he had admitted to her.

He kissed her deeply hoping she would forget what he said. It didn't work , it would be something she always thought of now and she would constantly be thinking of ways to make sure after summer camp he would never feel again.

"Wait- how are you here?" Steve asks as the two pull apart now cuddled up in bed.

"My uncle is getting married...... to Debbie." Bella said the first part all normal but the second half came out a creepy sinister whisper that made Steve stiffen before relaxing. The tone wasn't directed at him but it still scared him a bit.... For Debbie.

"I hope you don't see me differently..... but I plan to eagerly slaughter her the second I see the opportunity." Bella admits making Steve look conflicted.

He wouldn't be scared of her or see her as anything other than his Bella but sometimes her nonchalant attitude to death and murder simply concerned him. What if she got arrested? What if she got locked away for life?

"I wouldn't see you differently. I just- don't want you to go to jail so..... if you could maybe refrain from it." Steve says with a grimace scared she would get angry at him.

"If that is what you wish then I shall not do it...... I just will give Wednesday a well built plan and have Pugsley assist her. They will get sent to juvie if anything." Bella says with some disappointment clearly wanting to kill Debbie herself.

But- Steve had a point. If she got arrested that would make his sad lonely feelings worse and nothing took more precedence than that.

"Will you be my date for the wedding?" Bella asks perching herself over Steve who smiles and nods.

Truth be told he didn't even want to let her leave his sights. He almost wanted to call out of work for the next 3 days of her stay so he could just be with her 24/7.

But his dad would kill him if he lost the lame job he currently had. Plus the paycheck was helping him save up for something he wanted to give Bella as a future anniversary gift.

So for now he just had enjoy having his arms around her, and maybe see if she would do her regular routine of coming to his work with him.

But 3 days just didn't feel like enough time.......

Chapter Text

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The wedding was set as any normal Addams family function. Within the grave yard with all their strange family members in attendance. And all of them wearing black.... It looked more like a funeral than a wedding in Steve's opinion but he was just happy to be there with Belladonna.

Admittedly it had him curious if this is what their future wedding would like. He didn't mind as long as he could invite the important people in his life...... aka Dustin and the kids.

Wednesday walks down the aisle throwing dead black flowers from her basket. Her stare blank and cold as per usual although she did throw one heated glare over her shoulder at the bride to be walking down the aisle.

Pugsley carry's Thing who holds the rings in his fingers. Bella was given the chance to be a bridesmaid but turned it down with venomous glare. She would rather sit with Steve than watch this scam of a woman marry her uncle from that close up.

Lurch who plays the music on his piano plays the song that shows the bride is coming. And there in all her glory is Debbie wearing a white wedding gown and a 'shy yet excited smile'.

It made Bella gag aggressively before facing the front not even wanting to stare at the woman longer than she needed to do so.

Steve in solidarity with his girlfriend followed suit and stared up at the alter avoiding looking at Debbie at all. He too was upset with the woman for getting his girlfriend sent away for a part of summer vacation.

Bella smiled genuinely at her uncle heater as she saw his excitement at seeing his beautiful bride. She loved seeing her uncle in love.

He deserves it but- she still felt like Debbie wasn't the one he should be doing it with. But he blinded to love and Bella knew how that felt so she could t even judge.

Cousin Itt stands between the bride and groom. He was the one marrying them and his high pitched voice starts squeaky loudly. Steve who had first seen this cousin at Bella's birthday party looks over at her with wide slightly unsure eyes. But she acts as if it is completely normal and doesn't look even the smallest bit concerned so he doesn't mention anything.

"I fester Addams here by do declare my unending love. I will worship you forever. I will devote my every waking moment to your happiness alone." Fester says with clear emotion in his tone before sobbing uncontrollably as Debbie looks both conflicted and uncomfortable.

"Henceforth I am your eternal and helpless slave." He says before taking a deep breath as Debbie nods slowly with a smile. "....nice. Ditto." Is all the woman says before the pair share a kiss much to Bella's disgust.

After that the couple is congratulated as they leave all the Addams cheering them on with mild excitement. Steve claps slowly along with Bella who still looks an outed but also suspicious as the couple prepare to leave.

Steve then notices tied to the back of the car is cans like usual but also..... a dead body? His eyes go wide and he points it out to Bella in concern and she just sighs happily before rubbing his arm.

"Don't worry Cara Mia that will be us too someday...... we can pick who ever you like." Bella says casually making Steve gape at her and then just continue clapping avoiding looking at the limp body of the poor victim.

Debbie tries to hurry into the car brushing off every bodies congratulations but Fester stops her.

"Oh darling let's see who the next happy bride is." Fester says and Debbie looks annoyed before aggressively tossing her bouquet.

All the women cheer excited to try and catch the flowers except Bella who had been looking annoyed and Wednesday that stood beside her with a matching expression.

But the flowers perfectly land into Bella arms and her annoyed expression quickly turns to a smirk as winks at Steve who blushes madly as all the attention goes to him instantly.

Bella immediately beelines for her boyfriend and kisses him passionately. She then drags him away to a random point in her families grave yard still holding the flowers as she pats a bench for him to join her on.

"Does this mean we are engaged already? It's not an Addams custom right?" Steve asks and Bella chuckles before shaking her head. "It is the same as yours just a little wedding game fun. Besides even if it was I would not wish to rush you." Bella states casually but Steve looks at her long and hard.

"But you- would be okay if it was a tradition and you caught them?" He asks and Bella shrugs with a small coy smirk but he knew that meant yes.

"I'm starting to wonder if you would be okay with it?" Bella asks with some unease wondering if this was his way of getting scared and possibly wanting to back out but it was quite the opposite.

"I actually would have been. But- I think I'd prefer getting to ask you myself someday." Steve admits and Bella practically swoons her heart races so fast and hard.

"I wish o could sit here with you forever." Bella admits laying her head on his shoulder as he stares at the full moon with a slight pout.

"You go back to camp tomorrow morning?" Steve asks already knowing the devastating answer.

"Unfortunately so Cara Mia. But camp is almost over. In a few weeks I am all yours once again, and if need be I will stitch myself to you so we won't spend even a moment apart." Bella states with her nose nuzzling into his neck.

Steve smiles sadly leaning his head against hers.

"At least I have that to look forward to." Steve mumbles sadly wrapping his arm tighter around her as if he didn't want her to just up and slip away.

"I love you Cara Mia...... if it really bothers you so I can protest to stay." Bella sincerely tells him and for a moment he considers being selfish and doing just that but-..... even if it's something she's being forced to do he has to let her live a little.

"I will be okay. As long as you're coming back to me- I will be okay." He assures and Bella smiles at him with pure adoration before kissing him.

That was her last calm night with him for a while.

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The first task back at camp was archery. Holding a weapon in her hands Bella actually felt a fleeting moment of joy at the torturous camp.

Amanda getting a bullseye her first try however had Bella grinding her teeth with annoyance.

As Joel stands in front of Bella he messily tries to put the arrow into the bows string but keeps clumsily dropping it.

"Dear Wednesday, Belladonna and Pugsley. I love you dearly but I can never see you again." Wednesday reads from their uncles letter making Bella grumble about Debbie and her uncle under her breath.

Joel giving up on shooting the arrow weakly tosses it. The counselors saying false congratulations for trying making the boy glare at them before walking away as the two adults look annoyed.

"When you are grown up and very lonely you will understand love uncle fester. He's a dead man." Wednesday finishes the letter before saying her thoughts as Belladonna aims her arrow with expertise.

She releases the string with a smile and it completely misses the target. Instead it flies through the camp and the camps nurse can be heard screaming from a distance away.

Becky snatches the bow from Bella and scolds her to stand with her back to them and to stare at the totem pole places near by.

Bella rolls her eyes and laughs when she hears her brother shoot a bird of some kind from the sky.

"It's an American bald eagle." Becky says with disbelief and sadness. "Any they extinct?" Gary asks as Wednesday coldly says, "They are now."

That once again got the Addams children sent to the harmony hut for punishment.

The Addams tend to spend a lot of time there and Joel joins them on quite a few occasions.

_____________________

"Heads up campers camporees only two weeks away and you know what that means! Clean cabins..." Gary trails off letting Becky continue where he left off.

"Creating with clay." Becky adds before the couple finish by speaking simultaneously.

"And canoes, canoes, canoes, CANOES!" They say with excitement as Bella, Wednesday, Pugsley and Joel all hide behind the camp bleachers.

"So we better get cracking huh? Because it's gonna be one bi-" Gary says but it goes completely unheard by the group that stares at his collection of serial killer cards.

"I got em! Schizo's and serial killers I have almost the whole series. I'm only missing Jack the Ripper and that zodiac guy. But look- the black widow." Joel shows a card that looks like Debbie with a different hair style.

Bella would hate to admit..., she was quite impressed to find out Debbie was a serial killer. Although after reading the journal Debbie had supplied she had suspicions but this felt like it was proven with facts.

"At least three rich husbands all dead." Joel says making Pugsley excitedly exclaim about trading the nerdier boy.

"For what?" Joel asks as Pugsley digs in his pocket. "Amy fisher." Pugsley says producing the card making Joel agree and switch.

The small group tuned out as the two head counselors loudly boasted about a play they planned to put on about thanksgiving.... During the summer.

They completely missed how Amanda and her little cronies got the lead roles for the pilgrims. Or how the other misfits at camp were all given roles as Indians.

Belladonna immediately heard her name though and popped out from behind her hiding spot as she heard.

"And as their leader in a secondary but still a compellingly written role of Pocahontas-..... guess who we have in mind? Our very own little brunette outcast..... Belladonna Addams." Becky says proudly as the Addams girl peeks her head over the bleachers with a wide fearful expression.

She was definitely going to write Steve about this audacity and next move of torture.

_____________________

Belladonna thought she the joys of pain. That is until she was forced to watch and learn-...... choreographed dances.

Belladonna and the kids were trying to steal a payphone call when Gary's jock boys found them and physically dragged them all back to the camp
Stage.

"We were calling the FBI." Wednesday says with annoyance at having been interrupted. "Their uncle is in trouble we were running a check." Joel tries to explain but the counselors are having none of it.

"And you're late for your fittings." Becky says like that's equally as bad.

"I don't want to be in the pageant ." Bella says with pure loathing making Gary and Becky look shocked to hear this development.

"Don't you want to help me realize my vision." Gary asks like it's some good deed the kids should be more than willing to do but Bella scoffs and wrinkles her nose with distaste.

"Your work is puerile and under dramatized. You lack any sense of structure, character, and the Astrototelien Unities." Wednesday says with a harsh but honest critique as Bella nods firmly.

"Your writings are child play my sister is correct you lack the basic principles to even consider this a play let alone a piece of literature." The oldest Addams helps ass the man and he grits his teeth and looks at the two girls with pure loathing.

"You two young ladies..... I am getting just a tad bit tired of your attitude problems." Gary says looking ready to snap so his wife immediately tried to calm the situation by clapping and getting everyone's attentions on them.

"Attention campers! I have a wonderful idea. The Addams children and Mr Glicker here. Well they never quite latched on to the Chippewa Spirit. Nor have some of their little comrades. Isn't that sad?" Becky asks before all the other 'normal' campers shout a in sync "YES!"

"Don't we just hate that?" Becky asks again in her usual loud cheery voice and once again all the campers scream their agreements.

"Don't we wish they would just die?!" Becky asks in a low yet loud voice and once again the campers shout "YES!"

"No we don't. But you know what we are gonna do to them? We are going to make an example. We are going to show that anyone no matter how odd or how pale or how miserable or chubby.... Can still have a darn good time." Becky announces going down the line starting with Joel, then Wednesday then Bella and ending with Pugsley and his weight.

"Whether they like it or not." Her voice says with some confidence that makes Bella look back the chipper woman with a scowl ready to gouge her eyes out of her head.

"What are you gonna do?" Joel asks and once again they are sent to the harmony hut but-.... With some upgrades.

"Yes indeed just the ticket." Gary says with joy as Becky holds a VHS tape with a weird happy smile. "Bambi, Lassie Come Home, The little mermaid." They list as Wednesday and Pugsley look horrified .

"Stop it." Bella practically snarls as Joel agrees with her. "Their only children!" He screeches as the two youngest Addams look confused and scared.

"Don't worry we are getting out of this." Bella says to her findings and Joel as the first movie is put in.

"But..... it's Disney..." Joel says like that should explains it. But Bella vowed to stay strong, she would not let them crack her with their torture chamber.

Hours.

That's how long their group sat and watched Disney movies.

When night finally fell the group slowly left the cabin and all the campers and the two counselors stared at them waiting to see if the plan had worked.

"Well good evening is there anything you'd like to say right now? To everyone." Gary says with a smile as everyone stares down at the ground but Bella stares at him with a blank face.

"Yes." Bella says with a false tone of approval as her siblings and Joel hide the fact they hadn't been sitting there watching the movies..... they had been planning something glorious and dangerous.

Bella was the only one who could keep her face straight and not get detected as lying so they decided she'd be the one to lead their conversation and future battle.

"And just what might that be?" Becky asks with some doubt but Bella steps forward and with a false sigh says, "I'm not perky."

Amanda scoffs and rolls her eyes, "That's for damn sure."

"But I want to be." Bella lies with still no change in her tone as her siblings hide their expressions still.

"You do?" Gary asks sounding surprised that the punishment has worked. He even seemed a little suspicious at first.

"I want to smile, sing and dance and be Pocahontas in Gary's vision." Bella says with a cold stone face still making her words sound crazy.

"Oh darling do you mean it?" Becky asks and Belladonna slowly starts trying to force a smile it looks like a painful grimace for a long moment but once she finally manages to smile (thinking about Steve and how she planned to destroy the camp.)

All the campers gasped with fright at the sight, something about it unsettled them all greatly.

"Isn't she pretty?" Becky asks as Amanda clings to her fearfully. "She's scaring me.0 she loudly admits but Bella's smile doesn't falter.

In fact it grows bigger and a bit more genuine hearing those words.

Gary and Becky smile and hug with excitement...... excitement Bella planned to kill.

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The day of the play arrived rather quickly. And Steve was just excited to finally see Bella again since it had been a long lonely three weeks. Although when he received her letter inviting him to watch he was surprised to learn she even had a lead role.

He expected it to be a murderer or maybe even getting to play as a dead body with a dramatic death.

Imagine his surprise when he steps out of Johnathan's car to see thanksgiving decorations all over the stage..... in the middle of summer?

"I'm sure she's gonna do great." Johnathan mumbles awkwardly to Steve who nods slowly. Something didn't feel right. And the feeling grew even worse when he saw Bella doing some weird smile to the other campers and counselors. When she spotted him though it became genuine and she beelined for him, Nancy and Johnathan in a rush.

"I'm so glad the three of you could come. It will be a show you surely wouldn't want to miss." Bella says with a smirk before kissing Steve passionately making Nancy and Johnathan look away awkwardly.

"Is this your costume?" Nancy asks with surprise since the Addams girl was wearing........ a modern pastel Sun dress.

"Oh no the girls all wanted to have a little makeover last night." Bella says with a weird peppy voice as a camp counselor wraps her arm around the girl while wearing a warm smile.

"Awe are these your little friends and boyfriend you were telling us about Bella? Hi I am counselor Becky, I am the one who inspired Bella's new change." The older woman gloats as Bella once again is doing that weird and scary forced smile.

Truthfully it didn't dawn on Steve at first that she wasn't wearing her usual clothes because he was just so excited to see her in general. But now he stares at her strange appearance with a bit of a scrunched nose.

Something felt off seeing her like this. It didn't feel...... real or genuine. He preferred her usual attire, this was just too unsettling.

"Well shows about to start you should all find your seats and Bella needs to get into costume." Becky says with a big smile before rubbing the teen girls arm and walking away.

"I hope you guys enjoy the show. Oh and one last thing. HEY!" Bella yells deeply catching some kids who are dressed as Indians attentions. She points to the three in front of her and shakes her head.

All of the kids who look like misfits nod in solidarity before they go back to lowly speaking with each other.

Yeah something bad was definitely about to happen.

"I love you Cara Mia." Bella whispers before kissing Steve one last time as he watches her saunter away completely speechless.

"Something bad is going to happen right?" Nancy asks and both teen boys agree with no hesitation.

And they were all right.

_____________________

"Each summer we take this occasion to celebrate a seminal event in American history." The male counselor says into the mic both he and his wife wearing giant smiles.

"This year we depict perhaps the most important day in our shared past, the first Thanksgiving!" Becky says with a cheer as the crowd awkwardly claps.

"It's weird they're doing a thanksgiving play in summer right?" Steve whispers to Johnathan and Nancy. She sits in the middle of the pair due to the awkward tension. Both teens mumble their agreements and Johnathan holds a video camera having promised the kids he would film the play for them since they all didn't get permission to leave from their parents.

"A day of maize, the Native American word for corn, a terrific turkey dinner, ANNNNND brotherhood! So white meat and dark meat, take it away!" Gary announces with over the top excitement.

Steve truly felt like an Addams in that moment since the couples weird overly joyed personalities was giving him an icky feeling.

"Oh god it's also a musical." Johnathan whispers in horror as a piano starts playing and kids dressed as vegetables and turkeys dance around the stage.

Nancy looks disgusted and Steve looks confused and almost fearful as well as his eyes scan for Bella. He still felt clueless on what role she could possibly be playing.

Pugsley Addams comes onto the stage looking annoyed but he does the choreography and sings along with his fellow cast mates.

The song.,... it was bad. It was really bad.

It was literally an entire song about food. That mostly consisted of "Eat us."

Steve felt his eyes go wide when a scene showed the Chippewa Indians first meeting the pilgrims. There was unease at first until the pilgrims promptly invited the Indians to their first thanksgiving dinner. But it was the sight of Belladonna wearing a Pocahontas costume, she wore that same giant fake smile that scared him.

But- nothing had gone terribly wrong yet.

The play or musical.... Whatever it was would be ending soon as the group of pilgrims sat at a table waiting for the Indians to arrive for the Thanksgiving meal.

I am so glad we invited the Chippewas to join us for this holiday meal. Remember these savages are our guests. We must not be surprised at any of their strange customs. After all, they have not had our advantages, such as fine school,libraries full of books, shampoo." Amanda says with an over exaggerated acting voice that makes Steve cringe every time she speaks.

"How. I am Pocahontas a Chippewa maiden." Bella says with a giant smile and wave directed at the audience. This time her smile appears genuine as she meets Steve's gaze form the stage.

"And I am running bear betrothed to Pocahontas. ..... in the play." Joel awkwardly says as his parents can be heard muttering about how they spent 20 grand to send him to this camp and for him to look like a Mr Woo Woo.

"We have brought a special gift for this holiday feast." Wednesday says in her usual flat tone as she too is an Indian but unlike Bella Wednesday doesn't smile.... But she did have a weird excited glint in her eye that let Steve know something was definitely coming sooner rather then later.

Pugsley once again crossed the stage in his turkey costume before looking at the audience. "I am a turkey. Kill me." He says with his wing outstretched making the crowd laugh.

"What a thoughtful gift!why you are as civilized as we, except we share shoes and have last names." Amanda says making the crowd laugh once again as Steve winces looking at Nancy with disbelief.

"The Indians are not gonna be happy about this." He says with a dead serious expression. Nancy slowly nodding still starting at the act with her mouth agape in shock. Johnathan can be heard whispering, "You can say that again."

"Welcome to our table our hew primitive friends." Amanda continues and Bella smiles at her even bigger. "Thank you Sarah Miller. You're the most beautiful person I've ever seen. Your hair is the color of the sun. Your skin is like fresh milk and everyone loves you." Bella practically gushes falsely as reads her lines.

Amanda still acting over the top as she says "Stoooop! sit." With a smile.

"Wait-" Bella suddenly says her smile dropping and replaced by a stoic expression. As her fellow Indians act as if they are going to sit but stop listening to her as if she is their fearless leader..... which she actually was.

"What?" Amanda asks confused since that wasn't part of the script.

"Welcome cannot break bread with you." Bella says making Amanda look even more confused glancing at Gary and Becky who also look unsure of what is suddenly happening.

"Becky what's going on?" Amanda asks the counselor who can be heard whispering. "BELLADONNA!" In a harsh low voice that goes ignored.

You have taken the land which is rightfully ours. Tears from now my people will be forced to live in mobile homes on reservations. Your people will wear cardigans and drink highballs. We will sell our bracelets by the roadsides. You will play golf and enjoy hot hors d'oeuvres. My people will have pain and degradation. Your people will have stock shifts. The gods in my tribe have spoken. They have said "Don't trust the pilgrims, especially Sarah Miller." Bella says with a straight face the whole time to the crowd who most still look like they believe it's part of the show.

"Gary she's changing the words." Amanda says with fear as Belladonna slowly turns to no longer face the audience but to look Amanda in the eyes.

"And for all these reason I have decided to scalp you. And burn your village to the ground." Bella says with finality and as if that was a cue of sorts her Indian co cast mates start doing Indian chants and noises as they begin to chase the pilgrims around the stage.

Some even came zip lining out of now where onto the stage as Bella stands back with a proud smile on her face.

Soon the children grab the fire torches that Gary had put for decoration and begin pruning the set to the ground. The counselors can be heard in the wooden booth under the stage trying to wrangle the kids but they go ignored.

Some of the kids even had fire arrows and were shooting the fake rooftops to set them on fire as well.

Steve, Nancy and Johnathan watch in pure disbelief as the kids continue to cause mayhem. They watch as Amanda gets tied to a pole with an apple in her mouth and gasoline poured at her feet.

The kids even shot arrows at Becky and Gary as revenge for all the nasty things they said during their stay at camp.

One girl gets flinched into the lake by a catapult that had been hidden on the stage. Johnathan literally films her through the air as she lands in the water.

"Should we try and stop this?" He asks with a perplexed expression as Nancy and Steve mumble incoherent, "I don't knows."

When Amanda's parents tried to stop their daughter from being lit on fire they got pies thrown in their faces.

Bella watches with glee at the arson and total chaos taking place. The kid in the wheelchair goes a rope around Amanda's body by circling around the pole while holding the rope.

The blondes screams are muffled by the apple in her mouth. Her eyes slowly find Bella who walks towards her at a slow steady pace. Her eyes widen as she sees Bella pull a match from her hair and her screams become even more loud and incessant.

Bella just smirks evily.

"Nope nope nope Bella No!" Steve says finally getting out of his seat and climbing onto the stage and stepping in between her and Amanda.

"Don't kill her? Could you maybe like- just hit her or something?" Steve asks and Bella blinks slowly before sighing. "What about just scaring her?" Bella tries to debate making the teen sigh and rub the bridge of his nose.

"You know what go for it." He says with a wave of his hand and Bella's smile grows even bigger as Amanda screams louder.

____________________

By the time Bella, Wednesday and Pugsley were in the car leaving with the three who came to watch the camp was set mostly ablaze and a lot of parents took their kids and ran.

Becky and Gary were put on a rotating stick over a fire with apples in their mouths to keep their screams silent.

Amanda got burned and it would leave the faintest of scars unfortunately but Bella was still happy Steve agreed to let her even do that. He was beginning to accept her and her weird customs.

"We need to hurry to my house." Bella says after kissing Steve for nearly five minutes in the back seat of Johnathan's car. Everyone in the car looked to gag (Wednesday and Pugsley) or awkwardly look away(Nancy and Johnathan).

"Why?" Nancy asks confused making Bella explain how Debbie is the homicidal Black Widow serial killer.

"Under any other circumstances she would have been my idol.,.. but- she sent me to this God awful summer camp...... and she wore pastels." Bella whispers in horror as Nancy and Johnathan soak in the info.

"But her trying to kill your uncle would be considered okay?" Nancy asks like she has to be wrong but Bella and her siblings shrug at the same time.

"That's just foreplay for an Addams." Bella says before smirking at Steve who suddenly chokes on his own spit.

"Steve why didn't you say anything if Bella's been writing you about it to Hopper?" Nancy asks and Steve scoffs and looks annoyed at that even being a question.

"I respect my girlfriend's privacy........ I also forgot." Steve adds the last part with a faint blush and awkward grimace.

The drive that usually took a few hours took almost half that as Johnathan sped to the Addams residence.

The children practically ran out of the car while it was still moving and Steve came barreling after them as Nancy and Johnathan parked and slowly hesitated to follow suit.

"But you belong to Debbie. You're Debbie's Love toy. You.... Are..... Mr. Debbie!" Gomez could be heard saying aloud as the children rush up the stairs to their parents room where the voices are coming from.

"I am an Addams!" Fester shouts back and Gomez excites voice can be heard saying his brother name as the children calmly walk into the room with their arms crossed staring at their uncle with slight betrayal.

Steve follows suit crossing his arms cus..... he does what Bella does. Plus it earned him a wink and his body to get an up and down appreciative look so he was more then happy with the results.

"Uncle Fester!" Pugsley yells before running to hug their uncle. Fester gave Bella look that portrayed his apologies and she soon joined in on the hug. Steve uncrossed his arms but didn't join the hug..... that felt a little too much even for him.

"You sent us to camp. They made us sing." Wednesday says with some of the betrayal she felt easy to pick up on. Fester looking like he could cry makes her finally run up and join the group hug.

"My own dear family..... And- Bella's friends and Beloved How I've missed you all." Fester says making Nancy and Johnathan do an awkward wave as Bella drags them all to stand with her family as they stare at her uncle.

"Our whole family, together at last. Three generation above ground." Morticia says with a sweet little smirk that quickly drops when a familiar voice shouts for attention.

"In laws!" She shouts before cocking the gun and Simon it at the family who slowly raises their hands in surrender.

"Today just got a whole lot worse." Johnathan mumbles as Steve slowly inches to stand in front of Bella to protect her.

"No let it pierce me Cara Maria I can handle far more pain then you. Your-..... delicate." Bella says  before roughly shoving him behind her instead as he gapes with an offended look.

"I'm not delicate not let me do this." Steve says before pushing his way forward. The two start a pushing match but that grows on Debbie's last nerve and she shouts at them to stop.

Aiming her gun at Bellas head she instructs everyone to the Attic. Where she then straps them down to the convenient electric chair collection the Addams family kept up there.

Yeah..... things had managed to get worse.

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Bella releases a soft sigh of pure bliss.

The electric chairs Debbie tied them to are unbearably uncomfortable....... The wood is definitely giving splinters into her butt and it's just amazing to the Addams girl and her family.

Steve, Nancy and Johnathan though....

"Ow! Why do your family just have these in your attic?" Nancy asks with a grimace as her butt gets another splinter from shifting a little but. Her back feels stiff and the chair alone is painful let alone the tight straps on her head.

"For when we torture the locals of course we haven't used them in Hawkins....... Yet." Bella says the first part casually but smirks as she says the yet.

"Enough with the chit chat. I don't want to hurt anybody. I don't enjoy hurting anybody. I don't like guns, or bombs or electric chairs. But sometimes people just won't listen and so I have to use persuasion.... And slides." Debbie that's before she turns on a projector that shows a happy couple on the very first slide.

"My parents Sharon and Dave. Generous, doting, or were they? All I ever wanted was a ballerina Barbie in her pretty pink tutu. My birthday." Debbie says before changing the slide to her as a kid happily opening presents.

"I was 10, and do you know what they got me? Malibu Barbie." Debbie says with annoyance even though it's many years later.

The Addams family all look at her with their usual blank stares but they actually sound remorseful at the mention of the Barbie.

"Malibu Barbie." Morticia says while shaking her head to the best of her ability as Gomez adds, "The nightmare." And Morticia adds another sympathetic word, "The nerve."

"I'm sorry this is all over a doll?" Johnathan asks lowly and Debbie whips around and points a finger at his prone body. "A doll? It wasn't just a doll?! It was about the principle!" Debbie shouts as Johnathan does a weird mocking of surrender making her clear her throat and push to the next slide. The slide shows a picture of her again as a child but throwing a tantrum.

"That's not what I wanted. That's not who I was. I was a ballerina. Graceful, delicate. They had to go."

"That's not what I wanted. That’s not who I was. I was a ballerina. Graceful, delicate.” Debbie yells while slamming her fist into her other palm for dramatic effect or to stop from doing anything rash too soon.

“They had to go.” Debbie all of sudden says casually and the next slide is her childhood home on fire.

“Jesus.” Johnathan mutters as Belladonna makes a swooning noise at the intense image.

“It’s- beautiful.” Bella whispers in awe as Nancy and Johnathan smile softly to themselves despite the situation because Belladonna really was something weird but also very special to them.

“I’ll find an abandoned house you can do that to.” Steve whispers to Bella and she slowly looks at him from the side of her eye since she can’t move to well.

“You do that Cara Mia and I will make love to you on its ashes.” Bella says with a giant smile as Steve immediately blushes since everyone’s attention has gone to them.

“Alright enough of your weird- sex fantasies you’ll be dead and won’t get to do that anyway.” Debbie grunts before pulling up the next slide of some old man.

“My first husband, the heart surgeon. All day long, coronaries, transplants.” Debbie lists as Bella and Grandmama look troubled by this information.

“What about your needs.” Grandmama says making Bella make a subtle noise of agreement as Debbie continues on.

“Sorry about dinner Deb. The Pope had a cold.” Debbie mocks what her first husband must have said to her. Before her face goes cold and she flicks to the next image which is the doctor screaming for his life as she holds an axe.

“An axe. That takes me back.” Grandmama says with glee as Bella can be heard sighing bliss again. Yeah Steve wasn’t gonna offer her to kill someone with an axe.

“Husband number two, the senator. He loved his state. He loved his country.” Debbie says with a pout and now Belladonna is the one so sympathize with the serial killer in their attic.

“What about Debbie?” Bella asks with a slight glare as grandmama nods in solidarity.

“Can you guys stop telling our possible killer that she has a right to be this way due to her greedy nature.” Nancy whispers to the two Addams who look tot think about it before attempting to shake their heads in the uncomfortable electric chair.

“Sorry Debbie.” Debbie interrupts with a little aggression due to the group not listening to her. Nancy’s eyes shoot back to the front along with Bella’s and Grandmama’s.

“No Mercedes this year. We have to set an example.” Debbie calmly mocks the deceased man before suddenly yelling. “oh yeah? SET THIS!”

The next image she shows is of her running her husband over and more than likely doing it in her Mercedes.

“My latest husband. My late husband, Fester.” Debbie says while showing an image of fester in bright colors sitting on a lawn mower.

The blood curdling screams the other Addams made at seeing Fester in a such a bright cheery yellow was almost comical. Steve jumped and looked panicked at first not catching on until Bella began hyperventilating, “It’s- bright…… and gross.” She whimpered weakly.

“The fool.” Heater says looking ashamed as his family stares at the phot of him with horror etched on their faces.

“The corpse.” Debbie corrects him before finally turning the projector off making the Addams slowly relax as the terrifying image was now gone.

“And his adorable family. You took me in. Accepted me. But did any of you love me? Really love me?” Debbie asks and no one makes a peep.

“Hands?” Gomez yells but not a single person lifts their hands up to say they did. Steve even made sure he gripped his chair harder that’s how much he despised Debbie.

“So I- I killed. So I maimed. So I destroy one innocent life after another. Aren’t I a human being? Don’t I yearn and ache and shop? Don’t I deserve love and jewelry.” Debbie asks and the Addams and Steve, Nancy, and Johnathan stare at her with some unease as she moves towards the electric chair lever.

“I love you Cara Mia, I hope you wind up in heaven and not where I am going.” Bella whispers to Steve so only he can hear it and Steve goes rigid. “I love you Bella. As long as I’m with you I don’t care where I am.” He admits reaching blindly to the side to try and touch her hand.

Bella’s parents have similar reactions as they hold hands whispering to each other in Italian.

“Debbie let them go. Take me and my money. For what I’ve done I deserve to die.” Fester begs but Debbie shakes her head and saying a quick brisk, “Sorry.” That holds no true remorse in it.

“Goodbye everybody. Wish me luck.” Debbie says with a giant smile as all the Addams in unison say, “Good luck.”

Nancy can be heard whispering underneath begging for her life clearly scared to die. Johnathan can’t help but laugh coldly to himself in amusement that the Addams actually wished their future killer luck.

Both were not ready to die and they soon grabbed hands too.

Steve held Bella’s hand as tight as he could. He meant what he said about being happy no matter where he ended up but- he did wish he could have spent more time with her doing normal couple things.

Debbie lowers the lever right as Pubert aka Bella’s baby brother lands inside the room from the ceiling randomly.

The electric current can be seen traveling down the wires and the innocent baby holds two cords with ripped ends. Debbie looks scared when he connects to the two cords and the electricity that was meant for the chairs reroutes itself.

Instead the current goes to the metal lever Debbie still holds and her entire body is electrocuted. Her hair stands up and sparks fly everywhere.

Pubert can be heard laughing as the Addams watch in awe and Nancy, Johnathan and Steve watch with disbelief. Belladonna certainly thought Debbie would turn to dust considering her hand still slid on the lever but the strong use of electricity cut the whole houses power.

A loud thud can be heard as Debbie’s body falls to the floor and the lights slowly return. Pubert continues to laugh as the group all sit in silence.

“I’m so glad I told my mom I’m here.” Nancy mutters knowing her mom would call 911 if she wasn’t home by curfew. But unfortunately for the small group in the attic they’d have to wait 3 hours still sitting in the chairs.

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“She’ll live.” Hopper informs the Addams and Steve who stands with his arms around Bella. Nancy and Johnathan left as soon as they could and their parents were not thrilled to hear why they were so late coming home.

“Are you sure?” Wednesday asks softly and Hopper nods thinking he’s giving good news but all the Addams groan with displeasure.

“Welp all really wanted to see the autopsy and how the electricity altered her corpse.” Bella explains as the chief looks confused by their disappointment. But after hearing the reason he shakes his head and sighs.

“Damn Addams Family.” Hopper mutters walking away from the strange family as the crime scene is slowly cleaned up for the night.

“Well- this has been a day to remember.” Steve says awkwardly as he and Bella go towards her bedroom in a non discreet manner.

It was more so Bella dragging him as he tried to keep up.

“Did you mean it?” Bella asks as they get into her room and she stares at him with a serious expression. Steve slowly smiles putting a strand of her hair behind her ear staring at her with so much love and adoration.

“Of course I meant it. Anywhere you go from now on I always wanna be there. Being apart from you this summer- I thought I knew what it felt like to be lonely until now.” Steve admits and Bella nods slowly while smiling back at him sweetly.

“I was talking about letting me commit arson on an abandoned house…… Because you don’t have to worry about being apart ever again I refuse to let you even leave my sights.” Bella says before kissing him deeply.

“Do I wanna know what that means?” Steve asks when they pull apart and Bella looks to think about it before shaking her head and kissing him again.

Steve allowed her to push him back onto her bed. She straddles him with ease and continues to kiss him while also leaving hickeys all over his body. Steve knew he should refuse them on his neck due to work but- he wanted them.

And he was definitely going to search for abandoned houses when he left.

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"Alrighty one scoop of chocolate that's a buck twenty five. Anything else?" Steve trails off reading the girls shirt as she pulls out cash for her ice cream.

"Oooh Purdue. Fancy." Steve says with a customer friendly forced smile he was suddenly feeling watched and he knew exactly why.

"Yeah I'm excited." The girl giggles making Belladonna who had just sauntered in glare from across the room before she loudly walks over to a table dragging a metal chair out so it creates an unpleasant screeching noise that gave her delighted body shivers.

The girls and Steve slowly look over as Belladonna then proceeds to sit down with her undivided attention on the girls.

"Yeah you know I uh considered it. Purdue, but then I was like you know what I really think I need some real life experience before I hit college see what it feels like kinda like uh- I don't know see what it's like to earn a working man's way. Plus my girlfriend over there and getting to spend as much time with her as I can. Uh - oh I'm sorry" Steve rambles as the machine starts beeping loudly.

"I think that's like really important." Steve says awkwardly as the girl and her friend snicker at his expense.

And there's only one person allowed to enjoy others misfortunes but especially her boyfriends.

"That's so lame." The one girl whispers to her friend as they turn to leave and as they walk past her Bella sticks her foot out tripping them and making them both get ice cream all over there shirts as they fall to the floor from the sheer force of it.

"What the hell?!" The one snaps as they stand and all Belladonna does is turn her head creepily and stare at the two with wide unblinking eyes.

"My boyfriend is many things but lame is not one of them. And you forgot to leave a tip." Bella says overly sweet before snatching the change from the one girls hand and pocketing it with that same scary look.

The girls scoffed but they looked scared enough that they just ran and didn't continue the confrontation and Steve can be heard loudly sighing from behind the ice cream counter.

"You can't do that to everyone who's mean Bella. We need customers." Steve says while holding the bridge of his nose with exasperation and Bella just shrugs.

"If this- shop closes from lack of customers I will support you with my family's fortune." Bella says with ease standing and putting the money in the tip jar Steve and Robin shared.

"That's..... very sweet of you but I need to prove to my dad that I'm not a total failure." Steve says lowly so only she can hear it and Bella stares at him long and hard before nodding slowly.

"Fine. I will terrorize them away from here so they have no clue it's connected then." Bella says with a giant smile due to her brilliant plan. Steve could have scolded her more but- honestly if she kept bringing him extra money every time like she usually does and it had no repercussions? It kind of seemed like a win win scenario for the both of them.

Steve got to save more money and Bella could enjoy her time making bullies suffer.

"And another one bites the dust. You are 0-6 Popeye. I thought you bragged on how you working here would have us rolling in tips from women?" Robin teases and Steve rolls his eyes before turning around to face her with an annoyed glare. He even had his arms crossed making Bella lean on the counter with a giant smile.

He looked good when he was angry.

"Yep I can read too." Steve sasses wondering why Bella wasn't coming to his defense like she usually did.

"Since when?" Robin asks with a giant smile making Steve feint before finding an excuse. "It's this stupid hat. I am telling you, it is totally blowing my best feature." Steve huffs as he moves closer to Robin still annoyed as she taunts him.

"Yeah company policy is a real drag. You know it's a crazy idea but have you considered.... Not mentioning your girlfriend while being honest on why you didn't actually go to college?" Robin says lowly making Steve scoff.

"Oh you mean, that I couldn't even get into Tech and my douchebag dad's trying to teach me a lesson, I make three bucks an hour and I have no better future employment probably coming my way anytime soon? That truth?....... Plus I think if they flirt too much and I don't mention I have girlfriend that Bella might actually kill them." Steve admits the last part with a slightly red face.

"I will and I will make it slow and painful." Bella swoons from the counter before she gives Steve one last heated look before making her way to her table once again and pulling out her book.

It was about future serial killers and what got them caught.... Things she was trying to prevent for herself.

"Hey 12 o clock." Robin says and a group of girls enter the ice cream shop and Steve mutters lowly to himself before. "I'm going in okay? And you know what?" He says before throwing the hat at Bella who doesn't even glance up from her book but catches it one handed with ease.

"Screw company policy." Steve says with a new sense of confidence as Robin pretends to look shocked. "Oh my god you're a whole new man." Robin teases as Steve nods. "Right? Ooohhh" he says before spinning around fast.

"Ahoy ladies! Didn't see you there." Steve says loudly scaring the girls with his sudden loudness making them noticeably flinch away.

"Would you guys like to set sail on this ocean of flavor with me? I'll be your captain. I'm Steve Harrington." He says the last part the calmest and some of the girls in the back of the red head start snickering making Bella sigh before putting her bookmark in and lowering her book to the table.

"Can I get you guys a little taste of the Cherries Jubilee? No? Anybody? Banana boat? Four people, four spoons? Share it in the booth? Anybody? It's hot out there." Steve tries his hardest as Robin looks mortified before going and adding another slash to the you suck side of the board.

And when those group of girls left snickering and leaving no tip Belladonna followed them outside and once they were a good distance away from the ice cream shop she casually grabbed one of the girls purses.

The girl screeched a loud, "HEY THATS MY BAG FREAK!" That honestly could probably be heard all the way from the parlor but so could the sound of a loud thud as the same purse was used to wack the girl unconscious.

Pulling out a five dollar bill Bella did a small smile and wave at the other girls before turning around and walking and weaving through the crowd back to scoops ahoy.

"And here you are." Bella says with a big smile adding the tip as Robin and Steve stare at her with knowing looks.

"You didn't actually kill her right? We could hear that noise form here?" Robin asks with concern as Bella waves a dismissive hand.

"Of course not my dear friend..... I know better than to get caught so publicly. I simply took her purse and walked her with it until she was merely unconscious." Bella says like it's simple before blowing a kiss at Steve who smiled and shook his head.

"Yup..... that's my girlfriend." He says with a proud smile as Robin looks at him with narrowed eyes before sighing and going to the back to clean a nonexistent mess.

The rest of the night scoops ahoy was less uneventful since it was mostly just nice local families that came in and knew Steve and his parents.

Although there had been one woman and man throwing a fit over the price for how much they get. And when the man stepped up to swing on Steve.... Let's just say his arm may or may not have been broken..... in two different places.

"Dustin came home today." Bella says sweetly to Steve as they walk out to Lurch who is waiting to open the door for the pair.

"Really are you sure?" Steve asks excitedly as Bella nods with a warm smile directed at him. "My sister was very adamant on looking good for his arrival.... Although she wouldn't say that's why but when Max called she gave me an inside scoop." Bella admits with a laugh as they climb into the car.

"Let's go to my house please Lurch Steve is spending the night again." Bella says confidently not even asking Steve if that were the case or not. His parents weren't home and she wanted him to continue spending time around the family so he could get used to their strange antics.

"That little shit didn't even stop by." Steve sounds depressed as he crosses his arms with a disappointed pout.

"Maybe tomorrow, he probably had a lot to tell the group." Bella excuses kissing up his arm once again. Steve had noticed her doing it here and there but since camp she started doing it everyday. It reminded him of Gomez and Morticia.

"You're right.... But if he doesn't stop by tomorrow I'm going by his house and kicking his ass." Steve says with certainty but Bella knew he wouldn't actually do anything like that to the younger boy. If anything his feelings would simple be hurt.

Which is why if Dustin didn't choose to stop by himself Bella would have to simply drag him to Steve herself.

________________________

Bella and Steve were making out in the back room much to Robins disgust and displeasure. And she was pretty sure it was breaking a bunch of health code policy's.

When a small boy wearing a baseball cap walks up to her smiling. "Hi." He says making Robins stare at him before saying a simple Hi back. Usually customers just started ordering rather than sharing pleasant hellos.

"I'm Dustin." The boy continues with a smile like she should know who he is. Robin stares at him because she hasn't heard his name before, "I'm Robin." She says back wanting to see what the strange kid wants.

"Pleasure to meet you. Uh- is..... is he here?" Dustin asks with excitement as Robin is still clueless.

"Is who here?" She asks before the door to the back swing open with force. A slightly disheveled Steve staring at Dustin with pure joy and excitement.

"Henderson. Henderson! He's back!" Steve yells doing a nerdy little jump as he rushes to the boy. A calm yet stoic Belladonna slowly slipping out from the back before a small smirk comes to her face.

They were mid kiss when she informed Steve that Dustin was outside asking for him. He kissed her a quick goodbye before he scampered out like he was in a hurry.

"I'm back! You got the job!" Dustin says excitedly as Steve yells back just as loud. "I got the job!" And then he begins to mimic playing a trumpet as he approaches Dustin and they do their little hand shake.

"How many children are you friends with?" Robin asks making Bella look at her with a giant smile. "A lot." She says proudly and Robin just blushes mumbling how it's cool before shuffling away.

Steve looks annoyed and points at Robin as if to say, 'This is what I deal with.'

Bella, Steve, and Dustin move to a booth after Steve gets Dustin a free sundae. Dustin doesn't waste a second digging into what Steve called the boys homecoming present.

Both Steve and Bella filled Dustin in on camp and what had happened while he was gone. He laughed a lot about the camp stuff and he demanded they have a group showing of the video later.

He was now telling the group about the new Girl who's a friend he made.

"No. No. No way. Hotter than Phoebe Cates? No." Steve says with disbelief and Bella doesn't look bothered with the way they describe the girl because Dustin was quick to assure her that Wednesday was still the girl he was obsessed with.

"Mmm hmmm. Brilliant too. And she doesn't even care that my real pearls are still coming in. She says my smile looks better without teeth." Dustin says happily as Steve shakes his head slowly staring with a forced smile and star
He expression.

He didn't think this friend Dustin made was real and that it was maybe a cover up for what bullying he had endured at camp.

"Wow. Yeah. That's great proud of you man. That's- That's kinda sweet. That's like-...... wow." Steve says still with a forced smile as Bella rubs his arm to try and make him relax a little.

"So do you really just get to eat as much of this as you want?" Dustin asks before shoveling another spoonful in his mouth.

"Yeah I mean sure. It's not really a good idea for me though. I gotta keep in shape for Bella." Steve says with a smile at her as Bella slowly stands kissing his lips.

"I have to go to my job interview Cara Mia but just know- I would love how you looked no matter what." Bella murmurs with certainty before she stands and walks away with a causal sway to her hips.

"Where she applying at?" Dustin asks and Steve shrugs looking a little suspicious himself.

"She wouldn't tell me anything other than it being in the mall." Steve admits and Dustin nods slowly. "How's that going by the way? Seems good." Dustin says while staring at Steve who blushes.

"I mean she's just....... She's amazing man honestly I don't think I ever knew what being in love was actually like until her. Anything I ever felt insecure about in the past.... She loves it's great." Steve says with a smile as Dustin nods slowly.

"I hope to have that with Wednesday someday.... Being loved by an Addams seems awesome." Dustin says softly thinking about the day prior how she hadn't been able to hangout long due to something she was working on at her house.

"So where are the other knuckleheads?" Steve asks innocently as Dustin sighs. "They ditched me yesterday." Dustin says sadly and Steve immediately feels for Dustin cus he knows how it feels to be lonely.

"No." Steve says with disbelief as Dustin looks validated. "My first day back. You believe that shit?" Dustin says with annoyance as Steve just continues to assure his anger is valid. "Whoa seriously?" Steve says with his own annoyance.

"I swear to god. Mmm. They're gonna regret it though, big time, when they don't get to share in my glory." Dustin brags as Steve looks confused, "Glory? What glory?"

"So last night, I was trying to get into contact with Susie." Dustin starts making Steve look to once again not believe the boy but nod anyway.

"And uh...." After that Dustin was just an incoherent whisper that made Steve look confused.

"What?" Steve asks and Dustin looks around before taking a deep breath and explaining again a little louder but still incoherent.

"Just speak louder." Steve says with a shrug but that makes Dustin snap. "I intercepted a secret Russian communications!" Dustin shouts and all eyes in the ice cream shop immediately go to them.

"Jeez shhh yeah okay that's what I thought you said. What- what does that mean?" Steve asks as Dustin looks at him with certainty.

"It means Steve we could be heroes. True American heroes." Dustin says while Steve does a weird noise as if he understands but he's completely lost still.

"American heroes." Steve says with a smile before it turns to a grimace. Would Bella like him as an American hero's? She seemed to give the vibe she'd like America to be destroyed at times.

"Just think you would have ladies flocking you, and Bella would be in awe too and maybe.... She'd feel even more" Dustin assures and that catches Steve attention.

"More?" He asks and Dustin nods. "More." He repeats as Steve nods with Dustin at the same time. "I like more when it comes to Bella." Steve says making Dustin hum thinking of Wednesday.

"What's the catch?" Steve asks suddenly suspicious. "No catch I just need your help." Dustin answers as Steve looks eager now since this seemed easy enough.

"With what?" Steve asks and Dustin pulls out a piece of paper, tape recorder and a translating book. "Translation." He says making Steve deflate.

He was barely picking up Italian now he had to learn Russian?

This was about to be boring.