Fight for Me | Steve Harrington
pairing: steve harrington x fem!reader
summary: An argument is left unresolved between you and Steve about him not fighting to defend your relationship when it comes to Nancy. Tensions are high but you two split off to execute the plan in the Upside Down, you splitting off with Eddie to distract the demobats while Steve goes with the others. You witnessed Eddie's sacrifice and are found injured by Dustin. Steve panics and lets out a small confession once you are brought back.
contains: s4 events/timeframe, established relationship, angst, not much fluff, emotional tension, arguments (left unfinished), demobats, hurt/injury, death, the upside down and its typical gore (kinda), emotional hurt, emotional vulnerability, survivors guilt, grief, lack of communication, possible miscommunication? lmk if i missed anything!
evie speaks: this was my first request and there will most likely be a part 2! i hope you enjoy and that this fits what you requested (sorry if it didn't). also i had to proofread on mobile instead of my computer bc my internet is out so if there's any mistakes i'll fix them soon!
𝜗ৎ requests/inbox: open !!
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You were the original babysitter.
You used to be the one always driving the kids around, the one the kids called for if they needed something, the one who sat through most of their D&D campaigns despite not knowing much about it.
Though, since D&D was something they cared about, you learned about it. For them. You learned about the rules, the characters, each of their strategies, tells, reactions.
You weren't just a babysitter to them. You were like their caring and protective 'older sister.' It had always been like that, just you and the kids.
But when WIll Byers disappeared, things changed. In a way, that little D&D game the kids always played was brought to life.
You were there for the kids though. You held them when they cried, you listened and protected them, and most importantly you believed in them.
That's why you were at the Byers house with Nancy and Jonathan when it was attacked that night by the demogorgon. You got to witness Steve and Nancy's relationship in all of its glory as well.
At that time, in high school, you weren't really involved with Steve and his friends. In fact you tried to avoid them. But you weren't clueless. You still knew Steve as the King of Hawkins High, Steve "the Hair" Harrington, Nancy's boyfriend.
But that night you also realized something else. You noticed the more matured version of Steve, even if it was just a little. After that night you could tell in small ways that he became less arrogant and selfish, but of course he was still a little cocky.
That night though, it still didn't change anything between you and Steve. The only thing that 'changed' was the small nod of acknowledgement and respect you two would exchange when seeing each other around.
You weren't there but you had heard about the Halloween party. The big argument and the breakup that had followed between Nancy and Steve. You had felt bad for the both of them but, still, it didn't change anything nor did it concern you.
Well at least that's what you thought. Things did change, but it was more initiated by no other than Dustin Henderson.
Dustin had showed up at your house one night, slightly panicked. He was speaking so fast you barely understood. Though you were able to make out the things about Dart and everything else Dustin had recently found out about the Upside Down.
You were so focused on what he was saying, truly listening, that you didn't notice who was standing a few yards behind him. Not until you heard a loud sigh and a huff is when you looked up and saw Steve Harrington.
You gave what had seemed like a dirty look, but you were more just confused. "What is he doing here?"
"He's helping alright. And now so are you." Dustin responds before dragging you along.
From that you night on, you and Steve started to become acquainted with one another. You noticed things you hadn't seen or known about him before. You saw how Steve was trying, how he cared even if he didn't really wanna show it.
Even after the gate was closed, Steve didn't leave. If anything he became more involved. Like when he helped Dustin out when giving him advice and dropping him off at the Snow Ball.
The Snow Ball. That night was the night when Steve had decided his role as a protector and, though hating the title, a babysitter (or the 'mom') of the kids. He also finally accepted the breakup between him and Nancy.
Being more involved with the kids also meant being more involved with you. Something he didn't mind, he even started to grow fond over you.
You guys started to grow closer as friends. Hanging out even when the kids weren't there. You opened up to each other, told each other things that no one else knows.
You started crushing on Steve and vice versa. From then on it was just a race to see who would admit it first.
It had happened unexpectedly one night. You and Steve had just finished dropping off the kids at their respective houses after a big group hangout.
You had been laughing while Steve just stared at you with awe and admiration in his eyes. You didn't notice at first but as soon as you did your laughter died down and you stared right back at him.
It was silent, the only thing heard was the engine running and probably your fastpaced heartbeat.
"Sorry." You say when he still hadn't said anything. "I didn't mean to be obnoxious."
He blinked. Confused or maybe just caught. "No don't apologize, I love your laugh."
Your eyebrows raise. "Really?"
"Yeah." He breathes out, suddenly nervous. He looks away before looking at you once again and saying, "I love everything about you. Whenever I'm with you, you just make me get this warm feeling and I feel like I'm enough and I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not."
Your breath hitches slightly as he continues to confess. "I'm also scared, scared that I'll screw up what we have. But I can't hold back from telling you anymore. I like you. A lot. I have for a while."
He smiles softly at you, though you can tell he's anxious. Your eyes widen before they soften again, along with your voice as you admit, "I like you too, Steve."
Months later, the two of you are together, very much in love. Both the kids and the teens are aware of your relationship, they have been for a long time.
However, that didn't stop the others from sparking thoughts, ideas, conversations about Steve still being hung up on Nancy. You tried to ignore it at first but then it seemed like too much was happening all at once, especially with Vecna and the Upside Down. Too much so that it was hard to not notice.
Like when you noticed how Nancy immediately dove in after Steve in Lover's Lake. How she wasn't even hesitant to provide him first aid after he got wounded.
Of course you were grateful that she helped out and saved your boyfriend. But that didn't stop the thoughts in your head or the lingering conversations about the pair.
You had heard the whispers and jokes about a possible second chance romance, a rekindling. The others always laughed it off. Steve did too but uncomfortably, shaking his head.
And the thing is, Steve really didn't do anything wrong. He wasn't flirting with her, touching her, encouraging the others when they spoke about it. But he also didn't shut it down. Making it seem like he didn't care when he should've.
"Are you okay?" Steve asked. "You've seemed off all night and I can tell it's not just because of these monsters and all."
You just shrug. "I mean it seems like you're perfectly fine though."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Steve asks, confused but with a hint of fire in his tone.
You didn't want to start an argument with Steve, especially not while in the Upside Down and while he was wounded.
But you felt like you had to say something.
"Do you not love me anymore Steve?" Your throat tightens at soon as the words leave your mouth. "You can be honest, I'd rather that than you drag me along, pretending you still have feelings for me." You say quietly, feeling small and looking anywhere but at Steve.
"What?" His head immediately snaps up to you, a look of confusion and concern on his face. "Where the hell did you get that from?"
"I know it's stupid but you never correct them Steve. You just stand there laughing along with everyone else."
"What are you... Oh." He trails off as he finally realizes what you're talking about. You were talking about the others shipping him and Nancy, claiming that he's still in love with her.
Steve's a bit upset now, that you questioned him and his love for you. "You and I both know what they're saying isn't true, that I would never leave you." He's getting defensive now, his voice growing louder. "Plus why does it even matter. I'm with you. Nancy is with Jonathan. The others are just bored and trying to make fun of me, start meaningless drama. But do you seriously not trust me?"
Steve is angry, you can tell. But you're not really angry, just tired. Tired of hearing these 'Stancy' ships, tired of the second guessing, the disrespect people have to say stuff like that especially around you.
Though you can't help but match his tone. "If what they're saying isn't true then why don't you say that, defend us? And of course I trust you Steve and I love you so much. That's why this matters so much to me."
Steve sighs, hands rubbing down his face in frustration.
There's a silence before you very quietly say, "Why won't you fight for me, for us, Steve? Why can't you just say something, anything to shut it down?"
"Because I don't want to make things worse or even get involved, their words are just meaningless." He says, still upset.
"So you'd just rather make me feel worse instead then?" You say, your eyes starting to sting.
"I–" Steve starts but he gets interrupted by none other than Nancy herself.
"Guys come on. We need to get this plan straight right now. We don't have time for small talk."
You both turn, moving to walk up ahead to the rest of the group but Steve stops you for a second, grabbing your shoulder, "We're not done." You just nod in response.
Once you've caught up with the group, you all start to discuss. Trying to decide who's going with who and where.
"Okay well Steve is definitely with me." Nancy starts, her taking initiative as the leader of the group it seems. "We already know the layout."
Steve doesn't argue, but he tenses and avoids eye contact with you, especially considering the unfinished argument the two of you were just involved in.
Then Robin suggests going with them as well while Eddie says he'll distract the demobats.
Dustin instantly perks up at that, "I'll go with Eddie then."
"No you won't." You say firm. There's a small silence and everyone looks at you. Dustin is just a kid, though a smart and mature one. He means a lot to you and has a special place in your heart, you don't wanna risk losing him. "None of us should have to do this right now. No one should have to be bait. Obviously we have no other choices, but there's just absolutely no way I'm letting you go okay? I'll go with Eddie instead."
Steve looks at you, "No. No way, not happening."
You don't get a chance to respond because Nancy does instead. "Guys we don't have time for this, we need to get moving now." Nancy glances between the two of you.
You and Steve just stare at each other before Robin yells now too. "Come on guys, let's go!"
You all get up and start spreading into the established groups but before you split off Steve grabs your hand, "Just be careful. Please." He sounds desperate, almost apologetic, as if referencing to your earlier argument.
You soften slightly, "Fight for me."
The air is cold and quiet as you arrive. Being there is just wrong in so many ways and you hate the feeling it gives you.
You and Eddie are scared, but you of course won't admit it, instead choosing to act fearless and confident.
You both know the plan. Distract and fight off the demobats and then run.
The music works. The plan was going well. But then when it came time to finally run. Eddie didn't.
"Eddie no! What're you doing? Stop come on!" You yell and scream and beg. Anything. You wouldn't leave without Eddie.
You continue to yell, trying to get through the demobats that were swarming Eddie, not caring whether or not you got hurt. Your sole focus was that you just needed to get to him, to help him.
All you heard were his tortured screams of pain. "Run away. Don't be stupid. Forget me." You hear Eddie yell through the pain but you can't help but ignore his words, yelling back at him that you weren't giving up, that you weren't leaving him here.
By the time you get to him, the bats are on the ground, dead. You're injured pretty bad, but you didn't care about yourself right now. You fall down next to Eddie and hold him, placing his head in your lap.
"Hey" you say shakily. "Hey, they're gone. The plan worked. You did it, Eddie."
He speaks, weakly, his eyes glossy. "I didn't run away this time, right?"
"No honey, no, you didn't run away." You whisper to him as you caress his hair, trying to comfort him. "You were so brave. You did such a great job."
He swallows as he tries to breathe. Slowly whispering "I think it's finally my year."
There's a pause, a moment of silence, before he continues. "You and Henderson will have to look over those little sheep for me. Dont blame yourselves either. And tell Henderson that I love him okay?"
Your heart shatters. "Wait no, you'll get to tell him yourself alright? You just gotta hold on a little longer, please."
He doesn't answer, instead he softly says, "Tell Harrington good luck."
Your chest caves in and all you can say is, "I will." You grab his hand and squeeze, showing that you're there for him. He squeezes back but then his grip starts to loosen, his breathing slows heavily, and then he just goes still.
"Eddie no." You cry, tears soaking your cheeks as you look at him. "No, no, no Eddie please. Stay with me."
A few miniutes later you heard yelling come from behind you. You gently turn, seeing Dustin. "Wait, Dustin stop. Don't come any closer please. You shouldn't see this." You beg.
He doesn't hear you or maybe he's just not listening because he keeps running, his voice cracking as he yells, "Eddie!"
And as if he hit a wall, he stops when he sees the scene. "No. No, no, not Eddie." His voice is barely there.
"I tried Dustin." You whisper, seeming ashamed of yourself, even though it wasn't your fault. "I tried to get him to run. He wouldn't listen."
Dustin is now on the other side of Eddie, sobbing. You attempt to stand up, wanting to comfort him but your legs buckle underneath you and you fall back down to the ground.
Dustin looks up immediately at the sound. That moment is when he realizes that you're hurt too. There's blood all over you, though some of it's from Eddie. Though it's clear you're wounded pretty bad. You can see it too, the blood. On your side, your shoulder, your leg.
"Fuck. I can't lose you too. We need to go. Right now." Dustin says and you were gonna refuse, you didn't want to leave Eddie, but you had no other choice. You promised yourself you would come back for him.
Dustin helps you up as you stumble. You both are crying as he drags you both to the gate, to get back to Hawkins.
You look back one last time. A small, "Thank you, Eddie." is all you manage to get out.
You don't remember how or when you got through the gate.
You just remember the pushing and pulling of Dustin helping you.
Collapsing on the other side. You groaned slightly. It was really bright. Too bright. You squeeze your eyes shut, wanting it all to go away.
You heard shouting and then all of a sudden it was silent.
You open your eyes and you see Steve. He looks panicked. That's when you realize you're shaking. That you're covered in scratches and blood, not of all which is yours but still, you're hurt.
Steve doesn't hesitate, he moves. Quickly. "Hey it's okay. Hey look at me. It's okay I got you." The blood is soaking into his own clothes now.
"No, fuck you're bleeding. What happened?" He questions before turning around and yelling out desperately, "Nancy, Robin. Someone get help, get first aid now! Hurry!"
He turns back around looking into your eyes, scared. "How bad does it hurt? What happened? Where's Eddie?" He fires out questions at you.
You don't answer, you barely understood what he asked. But when he asked about Eddie, that's when you shook your head. You didn't even have to say anything. Steve saw the grief, the exhaustion. You looked done, wrecked.
"He sacrificed himself." Your voice cracks. "I.. I watched him die Steve. Right in my arms."
Steve's stomach drops hearing those words. The pain in your voice. "Oh baby, it's okay. You're okay. I know you did everything you could. I'm proud of you. You and Eddie. Just stay with me okay?"
You let out a whimper or maybe it's a sob. Steve's throat tighten, he hates seeing you hurt, seeing you cry, seeing you in so much pain.
Steve feels absolutely terrible. "Fuck this is all my fault. I shouldn't have let you go. I should've protected you both" He rambles on more to himself than anyone else.
Suddenly a hand grabs Steve's shoulder and he flinches. It's Nancy. "Steve." She looks at him sharply. "It's not your fault, you couldn't have prevented this."
"I could've helped. I could've tried. I could've done anything." Steve continues before getting cut off.
"Steve, I'm sorry, but we don't have time for this. We need to get her wounds tended to right now." Nancy says urgently.
Steve sighs, shakily. "Okay." He looks down at you and leans in caressing you softly, comforting. "Stay with me please. I choose you. Always. I should've said it sooner." He kisses your forehead before getting up.
"Thank you Steve." You whisper in return. "For being there for me, for fighting for me."
I'm not sure if this is exactly what you were hoping for with your request but I hope you enjoy!
