It's a weird world. In an old time. Dealing with monsters. We never thought we'd see. Being in problems, we never imaged to complete. Fighting with strengths we never thought we had, tapping into dimensions we didn't know exist.

Fate has a place for all of us whether we like it or not. Knowing that our time will be up one day is something some of us are too afraid to admit. So that's why...we have others by our side. To live out the days. Of being lonely. And afraid of the dark. People we call our friends.

Who will always stay by our side.

...

..

.

!

"Y/n?"

I open my eyes slightly, forcing them open.

"Steve?" I croak my voice out. I hear him gasp, chuckling before others softly laugh as well.

"Oh thank God she's okay!"

"Max?"

I open my eyes, looking around. Steve, Max, and Dustin. Those are the three that are here. I look to my shoulder, suddenly remembering that traumatizing fear of being attacked. It's banaged. So are my arms, legs, and waist as I wear the hospital gown.

"God." I groan rubbing my head. "What happened?"

"Eleven saved us." Dustin grins.

"El shut the gate, and killed all of the demo dogs, that monster won't hurt us anymore. Will is free from the Mind Flayer and he's still recovering to be like his normal self. We burned out the place but when you got attacked, Steve rescued you and instantly brought you to an ambulance."

I'm...I...I'm alive. I lived.

"But...I thought I...would've died for sure."

I look up to Steve who winks at me. "Your wounds were fatal yeah. You've been unconscious for a whole month now. I'm glad I saved you Y/n."

My eyes widen and I open my mouth to question him when I feel him take his hand in mine. He smiles down at me and tightens his grip on my hand a little bit. Steve is sitting beside me so he leans close to me.

"I was scared of losing you. You're so special to me." He whispers before giving me a small kiss on the cheek. His wounds and bruises have also cleared up which I'm really happy about now. God.

I guess the battle is over. Hawkins is free.

"Oh. By the way. Hawkins laboratory has been completely closed off from everyone now and is now a Restricted Area. From Police." Max comments.

"I guess there'll be no more to deal with the Upside Down then."

"Hopefully." Steve nods.

"Hey..." I whine. "When can I get outta here?"

"You only just woke up." Dustin laughs.

"And?" I pout.

"I wanna check up on everyone! Jonathan, Will, Mike, Lucas, Joyce, Nancy, everyone. Did...Billy ever visit?"

"Billy visited the most surprising." Max says.

Oh.

"Steve was the second most, of course, the visit. Pretty much spending some nights here." Dustin smirks. I see Steve blush and look away.

"Billy still wasn't happy with Steve but both of them didn't fight at all. Thank god." Max says crossing her arms.

"Well, I'm not gonna put another fight up with Billy in a hospital room. He seemed sad to think you could've died but he still seemed stuck up like usual." Steve grunts.

"But on a massive note." Dustin huffs.

"We actually addressed Barbara's death. All the information has made Hawkins popular."

"So you've come front about this?" I ask wide-eyed.

"Yeah. It was an agreed decision." Steve nods. "And maybe it'll help you find your old friend Finley. One way or another."

"And it's Christmas now!" Max grins.

"Okay, now I definitely want out!"

All four of us have a small laugh of that as I sit up properly. "Are you sure you want to leave though? I mean...maybe give it a couple more days for being here." Steve suggests.

I shake my head. "I'll be careful but I really would not want to eat hospital food on Christmas."

Max stifles a laugh and Steve huffs, standing up. "Okay. I'll bring someone in and you can sign that form that allows you to go home. Or whatever."

He leaves the room, just leaving me, Dustin and Max. Max crosses her arms.

"You scared the hell out of me when Steve carried you out. I hope you know that."

"Sarry."

She sighs, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm glad you're okay."

I smile at her then turn to Dustin. He grins and I feel my heartbeat warmly.

"Thanks for helping me up when we were in the tunnel. We saw Dart again as well. The demo-dog with the yellow mark on his butt."

I smirk, holding in a laugh. "He's really cool. But I don't think he survived after El shut the gate."

"That's a bummer." I sigh.

"Yeah. But I won't forget the little guy." He says sadly. Max seems not so impressed and look away eyes widen for a moment. Steve and a nurse walk back in and she smiles at me.

"Hey, how you feeling?"

"A lot better thanks!" I nod.

"That's great! Okay, I want you to sign this then you can feel free to go."

She hands me a board with a piece of paper and a pen. I take it from her and sign it before handing it back.

"Great! Thanks, Y/n! You can get changed if you like and go home."

The woman leaves and I move out of bed. Steve goes over to my side.

"I brought some clothes in for you for when you would wake up. That you could get into."

I smile at him thankfully before going behind the curtain. I change into some black socks, blue jeans, a f/c top but I hesitate with the other piece of clothing.

"Throw this on you suit it."

"STEVE!!"

It was the grey jacket he had worn the other time. The same jacket from before. His special grey jacket I guess. Except it has a nice scent to it. Like there's cologne.

"I know you can smell it." He laughs. "I thought to spray some on the jacket and see if you'd recognize it."

"God Steve!" I laugh. He chuckles as I put on the jacket. It's cozy. Warm. Nice.

Reminds me of him...

"It looks...so good on you." He says in awe.

I blush looking down. "Thank you."

"Alright, we've been in this hospital room too long." Max huffs.

Steve throws an arm carefully over my shoulder and holds me close, which I find comfort in his embrace.

"Let's leave this place."

* * *

I said Hi to everyone. Billy seemed actually. Glad to see me. Maybe I'll learn more about this in the future as to why he's so touchy-feely about it but I'm glad he's not mad. I checked on Will, he still doesn't know me well but he recognizes me and I'm glad to say he's okay. I checked on the others, all of them are doing just fine.

Tonight is the Middle School Ball for Dustin, Mike, Max, Lucas, Will & I assume El will go too. Me & Steve won't go, but will drop Dustin off tonight. Nancy I believe will be taking part and helping serving drinks or something and Jonathan will probably take pictures of the couples or the friends for those who want little photo shoots behind the glitter wall.

Steve will pick me up in a moment. I grin at Max as Mom does her hair. Both of us look toward Billy who walks forward. He looks in our direction.

And stops.

He's wearing a nice blue shirt with black pants. Maybe he has a date? His hair wavy and normal, his blue eyes resisting on comment and walks away. I sigh, standing up.

I walk out the hallway and toward Billy.

"Hey."

He turns around. "Hey."

"I'm sorry for I guess-"

"You did nothing wrong. I'm glad you're okay."

I look up at him and smile quickly. I smirk. "So who's the pretty girl?"

His eyes widen and he scoffs. "None of your business."

"I know. But at least you've got someone too."

He smirks slightly, stretching his arms. "I'm alright with you dating Steve...I guess."

"Cool."

"But if he hurts you? I'll punch his fucking brain out."

I nod, I know he serious but I can't let it get to me too much. "Alright, Billy."

I take a couple more steps forward and wrap my arms around him. He tenses, as if not expecting this. He's taken by surprise, before wrapping his arms around me gently. He sighs in defeat, lowering his head onto the crook of my neck.

"Merry Christmas Billy."

"Merry Christmas Y/N."