Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Yeti
(Yeti by Paris Paloma)
January 4th 1987
Upside Down
Crawl Zone: Starcourt Mall Ruins
“Billy!!”
Blue eyes shot open as thunder rumbled overhead, Max’s screams echoing behind it. Wet, blond curls sticking to his sweaty forehead as he looked around, dazed. He blinked a few times as he tried to will his limbs to move only to find…
He couldn’t move.
He couldn’t speak.
He couldn’t…
…Breathe.
His throat felt like it was clogged with a thick and viscous substance that tasted and was the texture of soft, wet sand. The tendril had a bitter taste and whatever it had been injecting into his body was not agreeing with it. He felt absolutely awful and was trying to free himself from the confines of the slimy vines and odd webbing. The sack his body was inside was attached to a cracked and dirty tile floor. Neon food logo signs including a Starcourt logo were dim and flickering weakly around him. He was in the mall…but it was different.
It was cold.
He hated the cold.
He could feel his arms start to gain feeling back and slowly started to wiggle his fingers free. As soon as he was able he used his newly freed hand to tear at the confines around him. He let out a pained growl as his adrenaline kicked in and he ripped the tendril from his throat. It made a sickening tearing sound as it left his lips and made his throat burn. He coughed and felt a thick liquid come up as he leaned on his side, trying to get his breath back between.
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and froze hearing what sounded like voices and footsteps further in the mall.
“I definitely heard something that time! I’m going to go see if I-“
“Dustin. Zone ends at. The. Escalators. Got me? You go back outside and I’LL check it out. Knowing your luck you’ll fall or some shit..and I’m not lying to your mom about how you got hurt.”
“But I want—“
“Henderson! Go.”
The frustrated sigh and stomping away did echo as did the scraping of rusty metal of a store security gate moving.
The first voice sounded like one of Max’s friends. Had to be the chubby one with the hat, he thought. The second voice and hands clapping between words at the end he knew instantly.
Steve Harrington.
He wanted to call out but found he couldn’t as his throat was thrashed from the vine he pulled from it. He dragged himself out of the sack, unable to walk quite yet as his legs still felt weak. He dragged himself, gritting his teeth, to the ruins of Scoops Ahoy and got behind the counter. He panted and sat up against the ice cream cooler, trying to find something that would make a loud enough noise for him to hear. He picked up a metal ice cream scooper and was about to throw it when he had a terrible thought.
Would he want to see him though…? Would anyone want to see him much less save him…?
He couldn’t remember the last time he saw Steve. It had to have been that summer..before everything went black and he was forced into doing awful things. It was right where he was. Steve had been in that blue monstrosity of a uniform while working at Scoops.
Hardly a monstrosity to him though. He felt Steve filled it out quite nicely and in all the areas he particularly payed attention to. Places he would never admit to anyone but him. His father would have surely killed him knowing he chose the one omega that was male. A definite rarity among the girl “cows” of Hawkins. They got on his nerves more than anything.
Steve had been on his radar since starting at Hawkins High. His scent was so alluring that even in the sea of other omegas it stood out to him. It was the mix of lush forest and fresh rain that reeled him in. Call it fate or coincidence, but it complimented his own scent of ocean and amber perfectly. Like land and sea they fit perfectly.
So perfectly in fact they chose each other. It started slow of course after the night at the Byers house in ‘84. Sure, they beat the shit out of each other but Steve made sure he got home and he even bandaged him up as best he could, with Max’s help of course. That soon turned into taunting each other at work which they both found to be the best form of courting. That was his first experience with actual affection from another human so it was a bit of an adjustment on his end. Steve was pretty adamant on waiting and as much as he didn’t want to he agreed. Alphas were never known for their patience so it was a tough few months.
The first time they had sex other than heavy makeout sessions was right after graduation and they of course wasted no time in claiming each other.
He was shaken from his thoughts by the sound of footsteps approaching. He winced as he leaned up slightly to look and his eyes caught sight of Steve looking out over the food court from the second floor. He looked beautiful even in the leather bomber jacket and was that…his red bandanna around his neck?
It was…
Unbeknownst to him, Steve had kept it on him at all times. It was a small piece of Billy that had been his comfort after losing him in Starcourt that was sadly starting to smell more like himself and less like Billy. As the scent dissipated it just broke him more.
Looking out to the food court area from above, Kauffman Shoes and Claire’s signs flickering behind him weakly, Steve stood near the vine covered railing. He had been in that spot watching his mate be impaled by a monster back in 1985. He never liked crawls in that sector yet it always ended up being him who had to go when they came up. Maybe Hopper was trying to help his grieving process in some tough love kind of way to get him out of his funk or maybe it was just the universe telling him to rip the bandaid off and move on.
This was the farthest he ever went in. A place that had once been so colorful and bright was just consumed by the darkness. It gave him anxiety just being there.
He sighed heavily and closed his eyes, trying to calm his nerves a bit.
His heart ached being there. He was starting to forget what Billy’s voice sounded like. He felt like slowly Billy was just being erased from existence. No one talked about him unless he mentioned something about him. Not that the only other connection to him was conscious to do so. The thought of never remembering him and him being lost to time wasn’t something he was ready for. He was angry that he was ripped away from him so violently and after he had helped save El’s life. It wasn’t fair. But NO ONE cared.
Billy’s things scattered to the winds.
Steve had a few things of Billy’s like his bandana and leather jacket, the latter of which he still had in his nest back home, that he got from the trash bin outside the Hargrove house.
But it wasn’t HIM.
Nonetheless, he swallowed his grief and kept going for everyone else. He had to. They needed him. This whole thing had been bigger than he could have ever imagined.
The static from the radio on his belt shook him from his thoughts. Probably a good thing he thought.
//Steve you copy?//
That voice Billy knew. Robin Buckley. She had worked at the Scoops Ahoy with Steve and always gave him the most attitude when he would come to flirt with Steve while he worked. He kinda liked her spunk. She was not one to just take bullshit which he definitely found adorable. She hated his guts though. He always felt she had been jealous that Steve had all the attention.
“Yeah..I’m here.” Steve’s voice cracked slightly but he quickly corrected course and stood up straighter.
//Hop is cutting things short. He’s convinced he’s not there in that sector and he said it was better to get out and be safe than sorry. But most importantly..are you..are you ok? I know you haven’t been there since..//
That was definitely a tone Billy never heard in her voice before. The Beta was soft, almost careful with her words. She was usually pretty straightforward and direct, almost always poking fun at Steve. This Robin was, dare he say it, concerned.
Steve sighed and cleared his throat. “I’m ok..heading back out. We’ll be coming through the Radio Shack. Meet you at The Squawk.”
//Copy. Mrs. Byers made some amazing lasagna for dinner. Got plates for you guys set aside. Of course -*static*- — -ot very messy. Think bath time might be in order.//
Steve gave a small laugh. “Got it. See you soon Rob..” he said, putting the radio back on his belt. He looked back down at the food court, his smile faltering slightly as he saw the cocoon of vines that was freshly burst open. That was definitely something he hadn’t seen before. As he reached the escalator to head down to investigate, his radio made a crackle before Dustin’s voice came through.
//Steve? You coming?//
Steve took a breath and paused, breath hitching a bit as he smelled that familiar ocean scent with amber waves. Everything around him seemed to stop as he took it in. He missed him and he could already feel his heart breaking more knowing it was probably just a phantom smell. The Upside Down and Vecna tended to do that…manipulating minds on past trauma.
//Steve?? Any day now! Hop is almost out!//
Steve sighed in annoyance and grabbed his radio. “Listen you little shit when I say I’m on my way, I’M ON MY WAY.” He said firmly as he stormed off down the mall walkway away from the food court.
Billy tried to call out to him but his throat burned and all that came out was a quiet, hoarse “H-Harrington..!” That immediately got drowned out by the door closing. He threw the ice cream scooper out of anger at himself, wincing as his body ached. He was absolutely fucked. He closed his eyes, letting a few exhausted and frustrated tears fall. He tried to get to his feet using the counter but his legs were still weak. He relented and sat back down, realizing he wouldn’t be able to do much with how he was at that moment.
He hoped once he was able to move he could find a way back out of this awful place. Harrington was home and he would fight anything and everything to get back to him.
————
Steve trudged out of Starcourt and looked at Dustin. Seething.
“Took you long enough! Let’s go.” Dustin urged as he started to walk.
Steve scoffed and walked past him, shoulder checking him angrily as he continued ahead of him.
Dustin glared. “What?” He snapped.
Steve stopped and gave an exasperated laugh. “/What!?/ Not you rushing me while I’m investigating something FOR you.” He argued.
Dustin rolled his eyes. “Dude you DIDN’T have to! God dammit Steve you became such an asshole after you got with Billy! Guess I know where you got it from, huh!”
Steve felt that proverbial knife to his back clear as day. He stared down his supposed best friend, a new kind of anger he didn’t know what to do with. He wanted to scream every obscenity he could muster at him. He had gone easy on him after Eddie had gotten killed because despite everything he still cared. He still did care. He had enough respect for him in that aspect but Dustin was definitely skating on thin ice with him. Every conversation at that point ended with them not speaking for a few days.
He was trying to protect him from getting too lost in his grief. It had happened to him too after Billy had died. He felt like he was screaming into a void when talking to him.
Dustin looked at him, fighting back tears as to not show the Omega any weakness. He growled a little in frustration before storming off down the path.
Steve looked up at the sky and continued on after him. They said nothing to each other as they came out through the tunnel. He silently drove him home before going to the WSQK Radio Station he worked at with Robin.
He opened the doors and immediately smelled Joyce’s cooking that Robin mentioned to him. He took off his jacket and the bandanna and hung them up on the coat rack.
“Hey..Hop is downstairs and he wants to talk to you..how did everything go?” Robin asked, taking a rag off her shoulder as she leaned in the doorway.
“Why I can’t even get a singular bite of food before the old man debriefs me?” Steve asked, pulling his boots off and replacing them with a pair of slippers.
“I’ll grab your plate..” Robin said as she reassuringly squeezed his shoulders. She glanced over her shoulder at him as she walked to the little kitchenette.
Steve nodded and sighed, trying to let the weight of everything just roll off of him. This one had been rough on him and he was beginning to think he might not be able to do much more. Fighting with Dustin hadn’t made it any better.
Robin came back with a plate of food and sat next to him, gently. “Steve..please try to get sleep tonight..”
Steve let out a heavy sigh before lightly resting his head on her shoulder. “No promises…where is—“
He was cut off by a soft whimper followed by a shrill cry which oddly enough calmed his nerves a little.
“…Willow..”
Robin pat his leg lightly. “I’ll get her you eat so you can talk to Hopper.” She said as she stood up. She walked down the hall. “Ughhh! Come on girlie pop we talked about this..” she said in a light tone as she walked away.
Steve shook his head and smiled softly at her. He looked up as Hopper and Joyce walked up from the basement. He took a bite of his food and nodded to them.
“Where’s the Henderson kid?” Hopper asked, gruffly. The older alpha clearly was exhausted. The gray that flowed through his beard and the bags under his eyes were evidence of that, as well as the small grumble as he sat on the other padded bench across from Steve.
Joyce sat next to him, giving Steve a gentle smile. She was the only one who could keep Hopper’s mood in check it seemed. Her scent of vanilla and flowers had that extra calming effect on him.
“I got him home and whatever he chooses to do after that, I couldn’t give a shit.” Steve answered, his own scent souring a little at the thought of Dustin after their spat. He took an angry bite of lasagna. “He was not exactly helpful.” He said, slightly muffled as he chewed.
“Hmm..or did you get too distracted?” Hopper asked, looking at him.
Steve put his fork down and stared right back. “Look..you weren’t there-“
“I was where I was supposed to be unlike you two.” Hopper said firmly. “I tell you to get your butts out you do it.
“Hop..” Joyce warned.
“No. He knew the drill! Both of them did! I told you all to get out promptly.” Hopper snarled, his bonfire scent really coming out as it did when he was angry or upset.
Robin came out holding Willow, but upon hearing the raised voices and scents getting stronger she gave her a small, quiet “Nope.” before walking back to the small room where Steve set up her crib.
Steve sighed and looked at Hopper. “Look if I’m going to be continuing this wild goose chase I’m not going to be going back in there.” He said standing up with his plate. “I’ll take over driving the van. But I’m gonna tell you now I’m not going to be yelled at for nothing. YOU cut it short and expected us to move at lightning speed for what!? What made you leave tonight?”
Hopper stared at him, part of him taken aback that an omega would stand up to him, much less take that particular tone. “I had a bad feeling and that alone should be reason enough.” He answered. He held in the real reason not wanting to say anything until he’s properly inspected it.
Steve laughed dryly. “A bad feeling? Really?” He scoffed. “What a load of crap.” He muttered as he stabbed his lasagna with his fork.
Hopper looked at Joyce then to Steve. “Bottom line is I don’t want you or any of the pups back in there. It was a mistake letting you all go in the first place.” He said, his speech going as serious as he could to drive the point home. “Obviously you and your little partner in crime can’t even get along lately enough to be productive.”
“Understatement of the year. He’s being a dick..” Steve grumbled.
Hopper sighed and shook his head. “Whatever it is get it under control before the next crawl.” He said as he stood up. “You can’t drive and keep my ass alive whilst distracted and bickering with a teenager.” He said as he grabbed his keys out of his pocket and motioned for Joyce to follow.
Steve nodded dismissively. “Thank you for the Lasagna, Mrs. Byers.”
“You’re welcome, Steven.” Joyce said giving him a reassuring smile. “Training El has been a bit taxing.. Don’t worry about him. He’s more bark than bite.” She said, smirking before following Hopper.
Steve gave a small laugh and smile as he watched them go. “Sure…” he said as his smile faded. He got to his feet again as he finished his food and went to the other room. “Sorry..” he said to Robin, setting his plate down on a small table near the door.
“I figured you didn’t want her exposed to all the raised voices especially after everything..” Robin said as she handed Willow off to him. “Just gave her half the bottle.”
Steve smiled and held her against his shoulder. “Aunty Robin is a good aunt huh Willow? Protector of pups from loud voices.” He said, smirking at Robin. He paced a bit with her to try and get her to sleep. “..I got there finally..the Food Court..” he said, smile faltering. “What’s crazy is that I..I swore I could smell him..”
“Billy? Steve…I want that to be real so badly for you..but you and I both know..that-“
“…That we saw him die on that nasty tile floor..” Steve finished. He sighed heavily and looked at Willow. Little blue-eyed, blonde Willow. Carbon copy of Billy in looks at least so far. She was the most treasured being in his life. His last piece of his mate to exist in the world. “I know but it was just..it felt so..real..”
Way too real…
Robin gave him a sympathetic yet thoughtful look. “Max had a similar experience didn’t she? Isn’t that what Vecna does? He manipulates his victims through their minds…don’t fall for his tricks, Steve. If it really is him doing that.”
Steve nodded as he started pacing with Willow. “That’s why I’m not going in there anymore..I can’t take losing myself and not being able to come back..”
——————
It took several hours of both crawling and walking at a slowed pace as he was still gradually gaining feeling back in his legs, but Billy finally got to the doors of the WSQK Radio Station. He found a fire poker while looking for supplies when he got to his house for defense just in case he ran into anyone or anything not friendly.
He tried the door and it squeaked open, the smell of old, moist air wafting out. He listened intently for anything dangerous lurking in the dark hallway, gripping his fire poker tightly. He was able to relax a bit upon hearing or seeing nothing.
“Harrington? Buckley?” He called out as he made his way through the lobby. They had to be there..that’s what he told Buckley on the radio at least. He looked in every cubicle and office he could get into and nothing. He got to the main recording booth room and as soon as his foot hit the ground-
“SSSSSKREEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOCKKKKKKK!!!”
“What the FUCK!?” He shouted as he fell back onto the linoleum tile floor. He winced and sat up his fear immediately changing to annoyance as he stared at the rubber chicken lying on the floor. He got to his feet and picked it up by the dirty blue WSQK bandanna around its neck. “So fucking stupid..” he muttered as he threw it aside.
The rubber chicken landed on the panel with a brief, rubbery ‘Meep!’. It hit the broadcast button and a dusty record started playing. It was warped sounding but he knew it was that Kate Bush chick that Max liked to listen to. He moved to turn it off, reaching his hand out over the button.
(Army Dreamers by Kate Bush)
//“…w…at the…ell?! Stev….?..Di..yo…do…hat…?!”//
He paused immediately. That was Buckley’s voice. From where, he couldn’t determine. It almost sounded like it was all around him. “BUCKLEY!? Where are you!?” He called out as he moved around the room. He quickly hit the button on the turntable to stop the record so he could hear them.
//“I was…ar it…the lights..Shit! Get me the radio!”//
“Harrington! Can you hear me!? God dammit! HELLO!?” He called. He quickly sat at the desk and started pushing all the buttons he could.
//“I don’t know! The panel is FREAKING out! Henderson just tell me what we have to do in ENGLISH please! Rob I’m gonna kill him if he keeps this shit up! Your turn!”//
//“Dustin! Please let shit go for a minute and just please tell us what to do! Steve something isn’t—“//
Billy stopped touching the switches and buttons as his fingers started tingling. He looked down at the panel and saw strange pink particles coming from the buttons. He lightly waved his hand through it, the panel area lighting up. He could hear Steve freaking out and it hit him. “Holy shit..” he said, his brain clicking the pieces together.
He tried to think back to his early Boy Scout days when he was a kid and tried to remember any kind of Morse code.
Spoiler alert.
He couldn’t.
Billy flopped down in the nearby chair in defeat. His eyes lazily stared around as if they were giving one last ditch effort to find something that could help. His feet lightly tapped the floor to turn the chair.
There was a whole tall shelf of vinyl records behind him. Probably full of old lady music or lame pop hits.
He furrowed his brow and pushed himself up. He brushed dust and vines off of the spines so he could read them. Thankfully, it was still easy to read most. His finger slid down the alphabetized albums till he found one.
Reckless by Bryan Adams
“Run to You” had been the song on the radio in the Camaro when he claimed Steve as his own. That would definitely get his attention hopefully. He shakily got it from the sleeve, tossing it aside. He could feel his head starting to pound as his lack of sustenance not coming from a disgusting vine tube for however long he had been gone. First thing on his mind was getting out and back to normal life.
Whatever that meant.
He quickly got the record on the turntable, replacing the Kate Bush one.
————
“Sorry folks! Just a few minor technical problems but we’re back up and running!” Robin said into her microphone as Steve used his Penny whistle to play a ‘womp womp’ style sound. “Coming at you with a sweeeet track to get you over those winter blues here’s a hot one straight from 1963 from the Beach Boys! Think sun and waves ladies and gentlemen and Surf the USA!” She added as she pressed play.
(Surfin’ USA by the Beach Boys)
The song played but quickly glitched giving way to “Run to You” ever so often before it was soon overpowering the Beach Boys hit.
Steve looked at Robin confused and slightly shocked. His heart skipped a beat hearing the song coming through. “W-what is happening..?”
“See? I told you I felt something off!” Robin stared back at him. “Can we call Hop and the others in now?”
Steve just stared at the record spinning before giving her the radio. “Channel 2..”
(End of Chapter)