I'M SOOOORRY. This chapter has been driving me nuts! I've been working on it for over a month, fixing, deleting, and re-writing it. I'm not happy with it but I don't think it's going to get any better so I figured I'd might as well just publish it rather than struggle with it any longer.

It seems a few of you that have commented are a little confused with some character's situations and I'm here to clear it up a bit:

Nancy is a year younger than Steve and Billy so she's a senior just like Iris (she'll be added in the later chapters). Billy flunked his senior year so he's re-taking it. Jonathon is in college he wanted to go to New York University. Steve wanted to stick around for Nancy's senior year instead of go to college and mentioned he'd work for his dad. But for some reason I just see him working under Hopper and really hope that happens in season 3! So in this one he's a cop in training. I honestly don't know how being a cop works, if you need schooling? But I have a few friends, right out of high school, started working for the police? So I'm assuming it's like a training program? We're just gonna pretend I'm accurate for this story lol. Nancy and Johnathon are together.

I hope you guys like how I wrote Steve, I had to re-watch ST just to make sure lol.

For Iris and Steve's relationship, I didn't want to make her fall for him right away just like she did with Billy. She thinks he's cute and find's him fun but she doesn't have feelings yet. I wanted a development to happen.

Again, thank you for the reviews, follows, and favorites they mean a lot. If you have any suggestions or critiques, don't be afraid to let me know. I know some of you wanted to hear more of Billy's thoughts, so I'm trying to do that with not only Billy, but also Steve (starting with this chapter).

Speaking of mama Steve, any of you guys going to Stranger Con? I just got my weekend passes and a photo op ticket with Joe Keery :D

P.S. I've been having trouble with the stupid lines you can use to separate paragraphs and such. Every time I publish a chapter, I can't see the lines diving my paragraphs? I hope you guys can see them? But because I can't, I'm using (Insert Line) to help distinguish the separation between paragraphs.

Friday|September 6, 1985

Crickets chirped along with the cicada's lullaby, barely coating the croaks the toads belted along the muddy edge of the pond Iris frequently found herself staring at when her mind was much too cluttered. She had accidentally stumbled upon the lagoon when she went searching for Dustin's cat Tews with the others. And ever since then, she regularly found herself perched near the pond's soaked border, watching the moon's reflection ripple comfortingly across the water. This became her thinking place, a place to escape to when she needed to be alone; away from everyone and everything.

Located near the entrance of one of the many forests in Hawkins, the lagoon was only a 20-minute walk away from Iris's home and she was thankful for that considering it was her haven. Every time she stepped foot in its vicinity, a comforting warmth enveloped her like a mother wrapping its child in a blanket. And she needed that whenever she felt stressed, especially after the terrifying news Iris and the rest of the town found out earlier that morning. Two students—that were from the same high school—had gone missing and officials couldn't determine the reasoning behind it. It was unsettling to hear but even more frightening that it happened in her home.

Shifting through her thoughts, she couldn't help but question herself whether it was an abduction or if they simply ran away? Nothing made sense. The two teenagers weren't friends. They were different ages and fell into different cliques, so the rumors that were mercilessly spread throughout the town of them running away together seemed far-fetched; just a bad cover up the cops used to sweep under the rug.

Iris wasn't sure what happened, and just like the rest of the community, she prayed for their safe return. Taking the unfortunate event into initiative, she warned her friends not to stay out too late (unless she was with them) because she didn't want anything bad to happen to them. But their reaction caught her off guard. They responded awkwardly and whispered amongst themselves as a strange spark nestled within each one of their eyes as if they knew what the cause was. Iris disregarded it immediately though, knowing all too well how creative the bunch was and how interested they were in solving tough crimes due to their heavy investment in Dungeons & Dragons. Plus, everyone was different. Maybe this was their way of coping with the situation?

"Honestly, I should stop freaking out," Iris violently shook her head, trying to clear her mind, "The kids will be fine and my missing classmates will come back. It's probably just some prank... Halloween is next month anyway."

Speaking of missing kids, she couldn't recall the last time she saw Billy Hargrove. It had to have been a week ago during the lake incident. Ever since then she hadn't seen him in school or any of the classes she shared with him.

Iris sighed and chuckled at her ridiculous thought, "I definitely shouldn't be worrying about him. He's probably out, banging some chicks, and marking more tallies on his 'fuck-it' list."

Crunch.

The sound of a twig snapping pulled Iris from her thoughts, making her sit up rigidly, and pay close attention to her calm surroundings. A low growl gurgled a few yards back and Iris stiffly turned her head from side to side, examining the open area around her for any signs of an animal. But she couldn't see anything. She only heard a wet, grotesque wheezing sound. Iris couldn't tell if the creature was stalking its prey or if it was dying and because the mixture of noises it made were so foreign to her ears, she wasn't interested in staying to figure it out.

What the fuck is that? Iris slowly pushed herself onto her feet—too afraid to make any noise—and inched toward one of the many trees around her, hoping if she hid behind it, whatever was there wouldn't notice her.

Her eyes shifted rapidly around her, hugging her peripherals as she stalked closer to the large plant. Just a few more inches, the brunette hesitantly lifted her right foot, carefully trying to avoid drawing any attention to herself, and extended it closer to the tree.

Snap.

Fuck! Iris held her breath, immediately aware that the animal's growling stopped. The green-eyed girl felt the hairs on the back of her neck stick straight up as a wave of goosebumps descended from her head to her toes. Her eyes shook fearfully as she waited a few minutes—which felt like hours—for any movement from the creature, but she heard nothing and figured she must have scared it away.

Iris released the breath she was desperately holding and turned around only to be met with a blinding light.

"Holy shit!" She screamed, her hands clinging to her chest as she stumbled backward in fright.

Before she could fall to the ground, the owner of the flashlight reached forward, grabbed her arm, and effortlessly stabilized her, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah..." Iris nodded, trying to cover her eyes from the radiant light the man had permanently trained on her.

"Oh, my bad," He dropped his flashlight away from the girls face after he realized how long he drowned her sight with it, finally allowing her to blink away the mirage of floating lights from her vision.

The policeman—who looked not much older than her—scrambled to shut his flashlight off and hook it to his belt. As awkward as his actions were, his appearance was the complete opposite. He was handsome with a full head of thick, brown hair and a strong, structured jawline any girl would swoon over. And from the permanent smolder on his face, Iris could tell he knew it, too.

He looks like he's still in high school... Iris couldn't believe someone as young as him was an officer but she sure as hell wasn't afraid to admit the uniform suited his small, but muscular frame perfectly.

Unsure of his status or whether he was a real cop, Iris decided to put her thoughts on the back burner and blindly trust the man in front of her. She wasn't sure why; she couldn't pinpoint it, but something about him made him seem reliable and trustworthy.

"You scared me," She confessed, not knowing what else to say to break away from the uncomfortable staring contest they seemed to have fallen into.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to," Steve Harrington flashed her a reassuring smile as he ran his hand through his fluffy hair, causing a few pieces to fall over his forehead.

It was his night, and a few other deputies in training, to patrol. And although he dreaded the task at hand, he couldn't be more than happy to stalk the dark woods, especially since they led him to the cute girl that stood in front of him.

"It's fine..." Iris tugged on the sleeves of her black, zip-up hoodie as she grew nervous under the officer's fixed stare. The fact that all of his attention was on her while he held a pleasantly bright smile—as if he had no care in the world—made her feel even more uncomfortable.

Why is he staring? He's making me feel so awkward...

She cleared her throat and averted her gaze from his, trying to break the uncomfortable silence, "...What are you doing out here?"

"I should be asking you that question," Steve chuckled, finding her inquiry amusing.

She mentally smacked herself for asking him such a stupid question, feeling the embarrassment well up inside her, "Right, erm, I was... clearing my head."

His smile fell from his face, the worry now etched in his eyes like a parent, "By yourself?"

She didn't respond, well aware she would be reprimanded, and decided to keep quiet. Although Iris didn't view the police so highly after today's incident, she would never disrespect them (or anyone for that matter), regardless of age, seniority, or authority. Her parents raised her better than that; she knew better than that. And in this situation, she knew she was in the wrong, so she had no right to defend her actions.

Steve watched her carefully, stunned at the fact that she didn't roll her eyes and ignore him like any normal teenager would. He could tell she was different just by that action and felt that it was alright for him to continue with his warning, "It's dangerous to be out this late, especially alone."

"You're right," The corners of her mouth lifted as she sent her superior an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry."

"Well...as long as you know," Steve replied awkwardly, not used to receiving such a relaxed response, and shifted the conversation to a question he wanted to ask her when he first noticed her rigid form from earlier, "...What were you hiding from anyway?"

"Oh..." Iris's eyes widened as she remembered the creepy noises moments ago, "There was an animal..." She tilted her head to the right and left before she peeked over the deputy's shoulders, trying to see if the creature was anywhere in sight, "It was growling, and it sounded weird...? So, I went to hide behind a tree—"

"Behind a tree?" Steve was trying to repress a smirk as a small chuckle rippled from his throat. He found it comical that the only hiding spot she could come up with was a tree rather than the large and thick bushes that surrounded them.

Iris spotted the sarcastic tone laced within his question, making her realize how easygoing the officer seemed to be, and figured it was all right to act just as lighthearted.

"It was the only thing I could think of," She pouted playfully, "Would you prefer if I threw myself into the water and hid there?"

Steve quipped back with a large grin, "Not sure if it'd be the best solution but if it worked, I'd be impressed."

"Are you doubting my skills?" Iris jokingly glared.

"You see," He sighed dramatically and waved his hands around as he spoke, "You know that guy who doesn't believe in ghosts until one day he experiences something supernatural? That's me. I only believe what I can see. So, maybe you should show me how it's done, and I promise I'll never doubt you again."

She giggled, almost forgetting—for that moment—the man before her was a cop and found herself leaning toward him. Like the warmth of a crackling fire attracting someone who just came home from the freezing outdoors.

"Anyway?" Steve prompted with a smile.

"Oh, right," Iris had almost forgotten their initial conversation. "Like I was saying earlier, when I was trying to hide I made a noise...then I couldn't hear it anymore."

"Well, whatever it was, it looks like it's gone. And it seems like you're alright?"

"...Yeah, I'm okay."

"I'm glad I could set your heart at ease," Steve winked.

The girl smirked, "Aren't you giving yourself a little too much credit?"

"Nope. I take pride in saving you from a racoon."

She snickered, trying to refrain from smiling at his joke, "It wasn't a raccoon."

"You're right, I'm sorry," The man heaved an exaggerated sigh. "The squirrel."

"Wow," Iris scoffed as she felt the corners of her mouth pull upward into an open mouth smile.

With a cheeky grin, his eyes narrowed affectionately. "Don't worry, I'll keep the killer squirrel between us."

"If you keep teasing me, I might just have to hurt you."

"Are you threatening an officer of the law?"

"I don't know, am I?"

The two chuckled amongst themselves, failing to notice how close they drew together during their squabble.

"Seeing as you're okay, I think it's time for you to go home," Steve took one step closer toward Iris and placed his hand on the small of her back before he pushed her forward, leading her toward the exit. "My car's nearby so I can drop you off."

She felt the warmth of his palm vanish from her and instead felt it linger near her lower back, knowing he was trying not to infringe on her personal bubble. Aware of his thoughtful actions, Iris peered up at him, admired his profile, and the few beauty marks scattered across his face and neck.

Feeling like someone was watching him, Steve glanced down and caught the brunette's vibrant gaze. He had never met someone with bright green eyes like hers before. They were so pigmented, so gorgeous; they almost seemed unrealistic.

Steve cleared his throat, realizing how long he had been staring at her, and looked away, "Everything good?"

"All good," Iris nodded curtly as they both neared the edge of the forest and spotted his car at the side of the road, "You know, you really don't have to drive me home. I can walk."

Surprised by her remark, Steve replied bitingly, "How stupid do you think I am to let you walk home alone in the middle of the night?"

Iris smirked humorously, "Do I have to answer that?"

"Hah hah," He reciprocated her playful manner with a mocking tone, "Come on, let's go."

It didn't take long for them to reach the police vehicle. Once they did, Steve popped the passenger's side door open, rested his arm on it, and leaned into the ajar door, "Where do you live?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll walk home from here."

"Did you not hear me the first time? I'm not gonna let you walk home alone," He pointed his stern eyes toward the passenger seat, indicating that she should stop fighting about it, and get in, "Tomorrow there'll be news of you disappearing because I decided to listen to you and let you walk home. Alone. By yourself."

"You know," Iris giggled, "You're not a reassuring cop."

"I'm not a cop yet; I'm in training," Pointing a finger at her, as if to make himself clear, "And I'm here to protect you, not to be reassuring."

"Doesn't that go hand in hand?" Iris couldn't help but smirk, watching a dumbfounded expression fall on his face as his eyes wandered around, thinking over if what he said was correct, or if she was.

Steve shook his head and gave up as the gears in his mind overheated from how fast they were moving, trying to figure out the answer himself, "Forget it, just get in the car."

"I'm fine, honestly."

"I'm not letting you walk home."

"Come on," The green-eyed girl flicked her thumb to the road behind her while still staring at the worried deputy—who, she hoped, would finally cave in, "My place isn't that far from here, so you have nothing to worry about. I promise."

"Not gonna happen," Steve shook his head, determined to take Iris home safely. Of course, there was a selfish part of him that wanted to spend a little more time with her... but if he allowed her to leave on her own and something happened... he knew he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

Iris admired his resolve and how serious he took his job. And even though she wouldn't mind being in his company for a little while longer, she really didn't want her parents to see her being dropped off by a policeman this late at night—not that they would even be home to see it. But if there was a chance that the Moore's were home and they were greeted with flashing blue and red lights, let's just say she would never see daylight again.

"Please?" Holding a soft smile on her face, she begged sincerely, hoping he'd hear the desperation in her voice.

Fuck, Steve thought, witnessing one of the cutest puppy dog look's he'd ever received—and he had seen a lot in his lifetime, especially back in high school when he was the King, and girls begged and cried for his attention. Despite falling from that farce and committing himself to Nancy Byers (the one girl who had him wrapped around his finger,) even her puppy eyes couldn't compare to the petite girl in front of him.

"Fine," He groaned, unable to refuse her and her adorable expression. "You know, you remind me of some really annoying and persistent kids."

"Ouch," She winced as if his comment hit her right in the heart.

"Be careful," Steve warned and closed his car door, "Next time I see you in a situation like this, I'm taking you home. Got it?"

"Yes, sir," The brunette saluted the deputy, earning a soft laugh from him, and turned on her heel to start on her trek home.

"I can't believe I did that," Steve sighed and rested against the trunk of his car, watching over the younger girl until her form faded into the dark night, leaving him nothing to look after anymore, "Harrington, you're gonna regret this...and you're probably gonna get fired."

He heaved himself off his car and forced himself to continue his patrol. Steve didn't want to give Hopper the opportunity to potentially find out he wasn't doing his job and instead dawdling around with a high-schooler.

(Insert Line)

Iris Moore pulled her house key from her hoodie pocket right as she climbed the front steps of her porch. Jiggling the key in the door knob, she unlocked the door, and slid into her lit home. The fact that the lights were on was unusual and the brunette wondered if she accidently left them on before she left for the woods.

"Mom? Dad?" She shut and locked the door behind her, peering around the living room before striding into the kitchen to see her parents sharing a meal of Chinese takeout. Iris was baffled to see her mother and father actually eating at the dinner table. It had been months since the last time she had even seen them considering they were constantly at work having to pull overnight's just to get their tasks done.

Iris could feel her cheeks burn from smiling so widely, "It's been awhile."

"Surprisingly they let us out early," Harold Moore mused in a monotone voice, barely looking away from his crossword puzzle to greet his daughter.

Vivian Moore, whose eyes were locked on the morning paper, asked, "Care to join us?"

The brunette energetically leaped into the seat between her parents and grabbed one of the packaged chopsticks from the middle of the table before gorging into the fried food in front of her.

Iris wasn't very close to her mother and father, she rarely ever saw them, excluding holidays and a few weekends throughout the year. They worked at a corporate office in downtown Chicago, an extremely busy one at that. They lived for work, it was what they were good at. Plus, they loved the money. Who didn't, when you needed it to live? So, the fact that they were sitting in front of her having a meal on a week day was very rare and she couldn't help but feel ecstatic to have dinner with her parents (even if it was takeout).

She was always alone, until they moved to Hawkins where she was constantly with her grandmother. It wasn't just because Genevieve Moore was sick... but because Iris missed being around family, she missed having company. The time she spent with her was probably one of the best moments of her life... But after her grandmother passed away, it went back to the lonely nights of tv dinners and the quiet creaks of the floor boards, making sure Iris was well aware of how alone she really was.

"How was your day?"

"The usual," Her mother replied curtly before shoving a piece of orange chicken in her mouth.

Iris nodded and reached over to grab a small amount of chow mein, "Have you guys heard about the disappearances?"

Neither had replied, but Iris knew they were waiting for her to continue.

"Two teenagers from my high school have gone missing and the police are trying to convince everyone that they've just run away together. But I don't believe it."

Her parents never looked up from their reading material as they simultaneously munched on their food, unfazed.

"I think they're hiding something from us..." Iris looked back and forth between her indifferent parents, waiting for at least one of them to reply. It had been a long time since she'd seen them, had an actual conversation with them, and she wasn't interested in pouring her thoughts and feelings out to dry wall. Her parents always kept to themselves and had little to say. She understood they were tired from working hard all day but couldn't they put some effort into her? Just a little?

She sighed, "I just think the evidence doesn't match what the cops are telling us..."

Her father droned, "Are you a police officer now?"

"No," Her heart swelled in her chest, happy that she had gotten something, anything from them. "But don't you think it seems a little weird?"

"I think you're involving yourself in things you shouldn't be," Her mom answered while her eyes continued to search through the article she was reading, "It's nothing more than a couple of kids running away from home."

Iris swallowed the remaining food in her mouth and stared at Vivian who couldn't even bother to rip her face away from the paper and send her daughter a reassuring glance, "What if I was one of the kids who disappeared? Would you believe the police if they told you I ran away?"

"Of course not," Mrs. Moore placed the newspaper down on the table with an annoyed sigh and finally initiated eye contact with her, "You would never do something stupid like that."

"Then what makes it okay to believe Zachary and Laura ran away together?"

"Maybe they like each other and their parents wouldn't allow it," Mr. Moore mused while scratching another word into his puzzle.

"Hypothetically," Iris ignored her father's mundane response, knowing she would only become more irritated if she took it to heart, "What if they were abducted but the police are persistent in covering it up as a runaway case?"

Her father snorted, "I doubt there would be an abduction in the middle of Hawkins, Indiana."

Her fingers fidgeted with the wooden chopsticks, "What if I was in the situation? Would you believe it was an abduction then? Or would you believe whatever the fuck the police tell you?"

"Language." They scolded her in unison as both of their gazes landed on Iris.

"Would you believe I ran away if they told you that, when something else actually happened?"

"Don't be silly," Vivian pursed her lips and knitted her eyebrows.

"There's no way you would be kidnapped. You're much too smart to put yourself in a situation like that," Harold stated.

"You know how to take care of yourself," Mrs. Moore added before taking a sip of her lemon water.

Iris felt dejected. Yet again, the point she was trying to get across was going over her parent's heads; what a surprise. Another potential bonding moment down the drain. She just couldn't win. All she wanted was to have a proper conversation with her family or play a stupid board game and have fun. No matter how much effort she put into their relationship, they wouldn't budge. It was like she was trying to nudge a concrete wall, expecting it to crumble down only for it to grow taller.

"...Thanks for the meal," She murmured, placed her chopsticks down on the table, and climbed the steps to her bedroom as her parents, uninterestingly, wished her a good night.