[[ i know you write more so on disco, but this was easiest cause deadass i've been forgetting my servers are there. buuuut, here's that prompt you requested forever ago. i hope you enjoy. no pressure to respond if you don't wanna, i just thought this would be cute! ]]
But how do you do it?
It was a question posed to Lucy so often that it hardly seemed like a question at all. It seemed like words. Just sounds leaving someone's mouth paired with a look of confusion. A raised eyebrow, an inflection reminding Lucy that this was indeed something she had to answer.
How did she do it?
She was bubbly, according to the tabloids. Her smiling face expertly put into an article about her album, about her family, about her life. She was always billed as the happy sibling. The one with the better attitude, who was less sarcastic and less cruel. At least outwardly. Lucy was always seen with a smile, with some sort of excitement written on her face.
It'd become her brand.
But a brand wasn't reality. Reality held a whirlwind of emotions. Like everyone in the world, she had bad days. She had days that were rough and tested her and made her question why she was even doing any of this.
She was an actress at her core, so why was she bothering with music?
And the answer was because it was fun. Because it was a way to channel her pain into something, least she have a public meltdown. A mess she didn't want to deal with.
Lucy shrugged at Chet's question as she crossed the living room floor of her New York apartment. It wasn't tehcnically hers but her ex-husband never changed the locks. Plus, he was on vacation somewhere, with no one she cared to know about.
She liked being blissfully unaware of his life, keeping the exchanges to things like this. Property and business and where he kept the peanut butter in the house.
Things like using his NYC apartment, located in Manhattan and seemingly at the center of the world.
His life was no longer her business, but Lucy suspected it never really had been. They were two incredibly different people. Now moreso than before.
Setting the mug of tea on the table, Lucy positioned herself on the couch and pulled her knees up to her chest. Her own tea mug rested against her knees, as she watched the steam rise.
"I feel like I'm the worst, so I always act like I'm the best." Lucy answered simply, a small smile on her face. "I mean, I'm an actress at my core, it's not that hard."
A part of her was lying about that.
Optimism was her thing. The thing that kept her going. Finding a silver lining wasn't as hard as people thought, but Lucy couldn't get mad at them for it. Maybe there was a reason, maybe there was something barring them from it.
It wasn't just acting that made her seem so carefree, so happy. It was the fact that it could always be worse. Life could get better, but it could also get worse.
Lucy looked from her mug to Chet, the small smile staying on. "Besides, life could be worse. It could always be worse."
Gareth can hear the movement behind him coming from within the house. There aren't too many eyes on them, which is a relief. That's the last she needs. More sh*t talked. He has his fair share of rumors spread about himself, being a part of Hellfire and all, but it doesn't bug him. If anything it makes him more proud to stand against the jocks and stand up for the ones who are different and get picked on more often than not.
The drummer stands back as she moves herself away from him, watching as she lights a cigarette for herself. With a quick glance over his shoulder he realizes they're alone and gives a small sigh in relief. When the girl breaks down in sobs Gareth freezes, unsure of how to handle the situation. Does he hug her? Does he pat her shoulder? Should he poke her forehead or something? Maybe he should give her candyโฆhe doesn't have candy. As the panic of how to deal with a crying girl begins to grow she goes against his suggestion of getting her brother. Understandable. When she holds out the car keys to him, however, all the panic from 'how to comfort a crying girl' suddenly becomes 'how to safely drive a crying girl'.
"Uuuuuh, I've driven Eddie's van through The Hideout parking lot to unload the drum set, soโฆI got this," he responds. Even though he's answering her he's actually trying to build himself up for the task. He plucks the keys from hernwarm hands and places the keyring on one finger, swinging it about. "Let's get out of here. Didn't wanna come to this stupid party, anyway," he adds bitterly. He raises the keys in front of his eyes and squints through the dim light to see what symbol is etched onto its side in order to go find the vehicle. Without much thought, he reaches out and grabs her forearm like they've been close forever. He leads her down the sidewalk to the car he's pretty sure is hers and goes to open the passenger door for her.
"Well, I don't want to be here," Gareth stated like a spoiled child with his hands slid into his Jean pockets. Eddie plucks a red cup from the counter and the other band members do the same. Not Gareth. He's still brooding as he follows after the older boys.
"If we hadn't shown up, the jocks will think they've finally scared us off, or we're too chicken sh*t to show our faces," Eddie points out. Gareth has to admit that he has a point. As much as almost everyone at school despises them, showing up was basically necessary. The bruise beneath the junior's eye was finally beginning to lighten up to a sickening yellow.
"Maybe some girl will be drunk enough to makeout with you," Doug adds. Gareth makes a face. Despite his raging hormones, girls were the last thing on his mind. He was too caught up in DnD and becoming a better drummer to worry about anything else. After hearing how close they could have been to being signed by a record label, well, at least Eddie, Gareth was inspired to be a badass.
As the evening went on, Gareth eventually grabbed a red cup, but it remained empty the entire night. The others from Corroded Coffin were enjoying themselves, being loud and causing a scene to make sure the jocks knew of their presence. Gareth remained against the wall in the corner, listening and observing. He heard all the same stupid gossip he'd been hearing at school. Nothing new. Nothing worth giving any attention to. Nearly more than half the rumors going around were bullsh*t, anyway.
There was high pitched, annoying laughter that rang through the room as a clique of girls watched on while one girl stumbled towards the door. It's the Harrington girl. The one he's overheard quite a bit about. He didn't care what they said. People always talked. They talked about anything and everything. Most of it just sh*t. It pissed him off to see how these other girls just laughed. However, when he notices a few guys following, he quickly follows after Harrington and gets to her before they can.
She's a mess. Luckily, his presence beside her keeps the assholes away. At least for now. The fact that she's puking up her guts while he holds tight to the back of her sweater probably should have made him do the same, but it doesn't. For the first time he understands Eddie's protective of his Hellfire kids instincts. Why the guy defends the younger weirdos. When Harrington manages to get everything out and asks a question, Gareth is working on keeping her upright.
"Nah. I've seen worse," Gareth responds with conviction in his answer. "We gotta get you home. Is your brother around?" he asks, regretting not having filled his own stupid red cup with water.
it wasnโt often that kat spent time at her restaurant & bar, the truth was, the place managed fine without her thanks to her great staff, so she only needed to check in every once in a while. it gave her time to concentrate on other things, like her online apothecary business, there she sold various vegan beauty products as well as โspellsโ crystals and anything else witchcraft and pagan related. she also did her online tarot readings which were becoming more popular than ever and so was her online presence, she was quite the celebrity now, most people in town aware she was a psychic as theyโd often ask for free readings.
kat happened to be at the bar when charlotte was there. she was stood behind it, sipping a glass of wine as she watched her ( not obviously ) just curiously, slurring her words and trying to get another drink when it was clear sheโd had enough. she could see the bar person coming towards her to ask her what to do. โiโll take care of it.โ she spoke softly as she approached the woman, a somewhat gentle smile on her lips as she captured eye contact with her. โhey, why donโt you come through to the back, we have some special booze back here.โ she asked ( but truth was, she would be given water to help her sober up. ) i guess in her heart, kat kinda felt bad for her, she didnโt known her circumstances but her psychic senses told her it would be ok to approach the way she had. kat knew all too well about how alcohol worked, after all, she was a recovering addict, โcome on sweetie, come through here. itโs a lot quieter with comfy seats and i have a listening ear on offer.โ
Chrissy was dead, Fred was dead, Max was in a coma and now Patrick was dead. Everything had fallen into place perfectly for Vecna and that left the rest of them to deal with the aftermath as the gateโs to the Upside Down opened to the real world.
Derek stood at the bus stop waiting for his brother to arrive as he looked up and watched in wonder as what looked like ashes fell from the sky. Looking at his feet he watched as flowers withered around him, eyebrows knitting together as he observed the strange phenomena happening around him. He was beginning to notice other people noticing it as well now too. His brother; Ethan, stepped off of the bus and looked around. โWhat the f*** is happening?โ Derek shrugged. โLooks like thereโs a storm thatโs doing some serious damage to sh*t.โ
Turning on their heels, both boys began to walk away when Derek noticed Harringtons little sister walking up ahead of them. He wondered momentarily when she had gotten back. Last he had heard, she was sent off to some sort of bullsh*t therapy for liking girls. A stupid f***ing excuse for the Harringtons to disown their only daughter in Derekโs opinion.
Walking over to his truck, he opened the door and stepped in, before turning around on the running board and bringing his fingers to his lips and whistling loudly. Catching her attention, he waved over at her before yelling out โChar! Need a ride home?โ Being apart of the โweirdoโ gang, he couldnโt leave another fellow โweirdoโ to deal with the bullsh*t themselves. Especially seeing as how Steve was nowhere to be seen. Jumping down off of his truck, he walked over and grabbed her bags, walking them over to the truck and throwing them into the box. Green hues looked up at the sky again as the weird streaks of lighting lit up the sky, the white particles coming down faster than before. โCome on. Letโs get you out of here.โ He motioned for her to jump up into the truck, before pulling out of the bus station and driving her home.
Pulling up into the Harrington driveway, he jumped out and held his hand out to help her out, before heading back and grabbing her bags for her. โYou gonna be ok on your own from here?โ The weird sh*t happening around them made Derek slightly uncomfortable leaving the female who just returned home, on her own - with her brothers car nowhere in site. โWhy donโt you drop your bags inside and come to the school with us? Weโre gathering supplies and sh*t for those who are injured or homeless. Iโll wait here for you and if you decide to come, you can catch a ride with us.โ
How did these past seven months go by so quickly? It felt like only yesterday when the doctor had broken the news that Chet was with child. The night his sisterโs alleged โboyfriendโ had almost killed. Under normal circumstances Steve would have been happy for her. Being an uncle would have been an honor.
ย But the news had found them during a dark time for the Harrington siblings. The pain of those who were supposed to love and care for them had wilted into angry monster who would rather have them ripped open in anguish.
ย He had never expected that Chet would be the first one to have a child, and at such a young age. Steve didnโt deny that she would be the perfect mother, but he had hoped she would have been able to escape the horrors of Hawkins before she became tied down by anyone like Ash Carver. He curses under his breath at the idea that Ash of all people was going to be tied to his family like this Chet deserved better. She deserves happiness, and he hoped that the child arriving tonight will bring her such a gift.
ย Steve could still hear the panic voice of the nurse when she asks for their father. It took everything for him to state that demon was finally dead. โI guess Mr. Harrington would be me now,โ he replied hoarsely. His mind had already run through the idea that his sister might be dead. โโฆa baby, Mr. Harrington. Do you hear me? Your sister is going into labor, can you come to the hospital? Mr. Harrington?โ He doesnโt catch the last of her words.
ย The world slowed down to a standstill. Every second dragged like footsteps through fresh mud. The drive to the hospital felt as though he had gone through a void of darkness. His mind finally becoming awake as his body sluggish rushed through the paternity ward. โMR HARRINGTON! PLEASE!โ Called the nurse behind him. He had caught Chetโs room number on the chart at the front desk. Maybe he still had time to reach her. If just by a few minutes.ย
ย Relief washes over him when he turns the next corner. Room 302 was the next room towards his right. A doctor and two nurses were entering the room by the time he had reached the door. โMaโam,โ he calls out. Steveโs expression softens as he looked down at the doctor. โAm I too late?โ He asks. He raises a hand to stop her before she could speak.
ย โPlease. Iโm her brother. Iโm the only family she has.โ
ย The doctor frowns, pondering for a moment before nodding back towards the door. โShe just finished labor a few minutes ago. Theyโre both healthy,โ she then nods towards the door as if inviting him inside. With a trembling Steve followed her into the room. Under the blaring hospital lights Chet was resting in her bed, with a small bundle in her arms. Her bright blue eyes shined as she looked up towards him. He had never seen her happier.
ย โI canโt believe you made it,โ she breathed. It wasnโt until she spoke when he realized he wasnโt breathing. And in that moment, Steve learned how to exhale. โHey,โ he murmured, afraid to startle the newborn. โIโฆIโm sorry I wasnโt hereโฆโ he stammers over his words. His gaze switching between Chet and the baby swaddled in a pink blanket.
ย โWhy donโt you come meet your niece?โ He hesitates a few moments longer before he allowed himself to close the space between the three of them. The baby seemed so small within Chetโs arms, sleeping peacefully. โWhatโs her name?โ He dares to ask. Sinking down on the edge of the bed.ย Both of them still focused on the newborn. โI donโt know yet, but I know I want her middle name to be Garlandโฆafter Judy Garland.โ Chet shifts carefully, sliding her daughter into Steveโs unexpected arms. His pulse quickens. He had never held a baby in his life and now he was afraid he might accidently set this one on fire.
ย While the youngest Harrington eyes slowly opened, Chet leaned back against her pillow, her own eyes closing in turn. He had never seen such blue eyes before. He could see every ocean in them.ย Every life form that drank from its depths. Each piece of coral providing a source of new life.
ย โWhat about Cora? After our grandmother. You probably donโt remember her, but I know she loved you more than anything. She wanted to raise us before she died. She, your daughter, has her eyes. Thatโs one of the few things I remember about her,โ he murmurs. His hazel eyes find his sister in a peaceful round of slumber. Steve gave a soft smile as he presses his palm against the babyโs head. She cooed in response, causing Steve to melt inside.
If Shane was in a relationship with Chet, he would be gentle and understanding. Thankfully, he never experienced conversion therapy, though his mother was very religious, so he would be able to understand to a point. Shane is patient in general, and he would always take things at Chetโs pace, but be around enough to make sure Chet knew that he was wanted. He would approach affection carefully, and once Chet was comfortable with it, Shane would stick to him like glue, and support him through all the craziness happening in Hawkins.
If Shane was in a relationship with Charlotte, her emotional comfort and safety would be his top priority. Also being a lover of art, they would go to museums, and inspire each otherโs artistic interests. And while he is extremely self-conscious, he would even pose for her paintings if she asked. Her โweirdnessโ would be embraced and encouraged. No matter what, he would always support and defend her.
For Valentineโs Day, Shaneโs gift to Chet/Charlotte would be a trip to The Met in New York, and they would stay in a hotel nearby to get the most out of it. And no trip to New York would be complete without a room filled with balloons and flowers, and a kiss at the top of the Empire State Building!
