Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After the Starcourt incident, everyone thought all the gates were closed to the Upside Down, but the Mind Flayer had one more trick up its tentacles to find a way to leave a piece of itself again in Hawkins to reform fully over time.

Fortunately the biggest threats to them being detected; Eleven and the Byers clan, had moved away far away from Hawkins to do anything against them. Their master knew from the night the humans exorcised them out of the boy Will, that there was one more potential obstacle in their grand plan’s success. The unrelenting amateur journalist, and an all around nuisance, Nancy Wheeler.

Even she was now defenseless to be the prime subject in their new experiment to fully be any danger. During their encounter at the hospital with her and the older Byers boy, the flayed Bruce had infected Nancy without anyone realizing that allowed part of the Hive-mind to be dormant back in the girl’s body till the moment they can strike bqck. Master didn’t allowed them to just use her like a puppet like a with Billy Hargrove, but to just observe her over the months. It was okay by them, their long-term plan would equally incapacitate her forever, sweet revenge after years of defeat. It was now spring time of 1986, eight months after the events of the summer. They were ready to spring into action, with all their other chess pieces being in place.

It was typical month of March in the small town of Hawkins, school buses making their regular rounds to pick up the kids for school. As per the usual routine, the Wheeler house was in a hectic condition.

“Mike!!!” Yelled Karen from downstairs, while she feed Holly her breakfast. “You going to be late to school, and check on your sister for me, she hasn’t been responding all morning.”

“Fine Mom.” Mike yelled back unenthusiastically though not having Nancy barge into her room was weird, she usually would be the first one to be ready, and be annoying about how she will leave without him. He walked to her room, knocking loudly as she would do as a bit of revenge but when he didn’t hear any yelling, he tentatively opened the door to check.

“Hey Nance, you decent in there?” He asked while closing his eyes to avoid any potential trauma. Instead he heard murmuring coming under the blanket, he snickered thinking for once it was her being the lazy one not him.

Mike went ahead to pull the blanket off to find Nancy shivering and sweat dripping from her face. Putting his hand over her overheated cheek, he can easily see that she wasn’t pretending being sick.

“Shit.” Mike muttered to himself, he knew Nancy used to run high fevers all the time as a kid and each time it was serious enough to warrant an emergency visit. But after she started middle school she gotten over that period. Maybe the Mindflayer business from the last summer did took a toll on her body, he was frankly surprised she was able to survive the hospital encounter with the flayed with no permanent physical damage.

Mike pulled the blanket back to cover Nancy again, who grabbed it to tightly grip it. He left her room to shout. “Mom, come upstairs quickly something is wrong with Nancy.” From the moment the sentence left his mouth, he heard Karen’s footsteps running up the stairs and running pass by him to check on Nancy.

“Sweetie, whats wrong? Please wake up.” said Karen gently shaking her daughter’s shoulder. Its been years, since she seen Nancy in such a sickly state, it can be just a cold from the sudden weather change that caught everyone off guard.

“I don’t feel so good.” Nancy mumbled as she finally opened her eyes weakly. She felt fine yesterday but last night something came over her and left her feeling feverish all night, with weird dreams that she can’t now much remember.

“Okay sweetie I think you have a fever, so how about you rest till I get everyone out the house and look after you.” Karen suggested knowing a sick Nancy is a clingy one so its best to get everyone out the way to deal with her. She took a hold of Nancy’s face, checking her temperature, it was alarmingly warm under her cooled hands. Before she could think about calling a doctor, Nancy started to sneeze multiple times, the close proximity meant that Karen got caught in the worst of the spit rain.

“I am sorry.” Nancy apologized, sniffing loudly while rubbing her nose.

“Its okay honey, you can’t help it. Would you mind waiting for me a bit by sleeping a bit longer?” Karen tried to play off cooly while cleaning her face with the apron she was wearing.

After Nancy nodded slowly, Karen left the room and threw away the infection riddled apron in the laundry basket to be cleaned. She went downstairs to get the rest out the house and find a neighbor to leave Holly with for a while to avoid her being sick too. After the house was empty finally, she went back upstairs to first ran a warm bath and then go back to her eldest’s room to collect her.

“Cmon Nancy I ran you a bath, lets get you freshen up before doing anything else.” Karen said as she tried to get her daughter to stand up.

“I don’t wanna.” Nancy whined not realizing her voice going a pitch higher then usual. “Don’t wanna walk, everything is spinning.” She said as she pulled the blanket over her head. Didn’t know why she was suddenly feeling stubborn just something in her mind was telling her to not physically get up.

Karen was shocked how much she sounded like someone in Holly’s age group then a high schooler maybe the fever just got her bit more delirious she thought. Pulling the blanket fully off Nancy, she tried to get her to stand up gently first but seeing how uncooperative she was decided a more extreme measure. Grabbing Nancy from her under arms like she use to do a decade ago and balancing the teen on her hip. Karen was glad all those morning jazz exercises paid off in being able to support a weight of a teenager.

“Thank god you are light enough to still be carried at least or my back would need the bath more than you.” Karen joked as she walked out of the room. Even though Nancy was protesting quietly, Karen had a firm grip on her and slowly placed her on the toilet seat to remove her sweaty clothes.

Nancy suddenly feeling exposed having her shirt off, covered her torso and whine when her mom tried to remove her pajama bottoms as well.

“Mom I can handle myself.” She complained, not understanding why her mom was fussing around too much. Nancy hasn’t been taking care of like this since Holly was born to take up all her parents attention.

“Sweetie there’s nothing to be ashamed off, I seen you naked the moment you were born but since you feeling more aware. I will leave you to be till you are done with your bath.” Karen sighed and left the bathroom.

Finally Nancy was able to be alone with her thoughts, why was her mom acting like she was a kid that needed assistance, she was a grown young adult that can handle her own bath. So as she tried to remove her remaining garments by standing up, a violent coughing fit took over her and making her lose balance by tripping on her bottom. The impact wasn’t painful, when the rug cushioned it, but she couldn’t help but yelp in shock. Immediately, she heard heavy footsteps coming towards to the bathroom.

“Nancy! Is everything okay, I heard a loud thump?” Karen worriedly asked as she assessed the situation, checking for any bruises as she helped her daughter to properly sit on the floor.

Whether it was from the sudden shock or her high fever, Nancy couldn’t form any sentences to express what just happened. Instead she let out a sob for her feeling of helplessness.

“Oh there, there honey its okay, sometimes we need help even as adults. Lemme help you.” Karen said as she wrapped the sick girl in a hug and rubbed her back like she use do it when Nancy was a toddler to calm her down. As she removed herself from the hug, Karen saw her daughter’s already Bambi sized eyes were bigger then usual and glazed with tears.

“Dont leave Mommy!” Nancy sobbed out suddenly, throwing her arms around her mom, not understanding why her emotions were so extreme today, making her start cry even harder. Karen immediately hugged her back and petted her curls, started hum a lullaby that she use to when Nancy was a baby. It seemed to do the trick as Nancy started to calm down and was just sniffling from her congestion.

“Okay little patient, up we go into the bath.” Karen said as she lifted herself and Nancy off the floor to lower her into the warm bath. As it it was muscle memory, she started to bath her like she would Holly. Even her eldest was playing with the bubbles unexpectedly letting out a carefree laugh that she hasn’t heard since Barbara Holland died. Nancy not realizing what she was doing just liked that she was finally was able to release some tension from the all the stress regarding college and other responsibilities at school. All her chaotic thoughts were being washed away by her mother’s gentle hands.

After the bath, Karen wraps Nancy in a towel and carried her back to her room. As she again assisted with getting her into new comfortable clothes, Karen realized her daughter regained bit of color to her cheeks.

“You looking better already sweetheart.” Karen said smiling, “I will grab you some food and meds now and till I come just rest” She said fixing Nancy’s curls one last time before going downstairs.

Nancy tried to close her eyes a bit but was plagued with nightmarish memories of the attack back in the Starcourt, especially reliving the moment she stood in front of her car trying to stop flayed Billy hurting the kids. But it doesn’t end with the car being rammed by Steve, instead she sees the car crash into her. With that sudden violent twist, she woke up feeling short breathed and shaking in panic. She knew it was a dream, but for a second it felt too real. Looking around her room, she spots the box near her desk that she prepared to take school for the charity event. On the top of the pile was her old plushie, Mr Rabbit. She loved it dearly but thought a new home could use him more. Right now she felt like she needed her old pal after a really bad dream like in her childhood. So instead she grabs him, and tentatively hugs him close while taking deep breaths, drifting off slowly. In her relaxed sleepy state, she doesn’t even register her hand moved near her mouth and her lips automatically starts to suck on her thumb.

When Karen returned back with a tray, she saw Nancy sleeping clutching her old plushie and to her shock, her teenage daughter, was sucking her thumb rhythmically. Any other mother in her place would have freaked out but something about seeing her eldest be her little baby again felt right in Karen’s eyes.

“Don’t worry baby, Mommy will take care of you again like she use too.” Karen said kissing Nancy’s forehead lovingly.

Without both women realizing, the Mind Flayer had partially implanted itself onto Karen through the dormant spores Nancy sneezed out. Unlike the more physically aggressive flare that infected Billy in the hivemind, this version was less invasive and was just affecting the infected’s behavior to their own liking.

Even the Mindflayer knew babies needed a caretaker after all, this was just the beginning of the final plan.

Chapter Text

Nancy slowly opened her eyes, not in her room, but a distorted version of it with vines covering the walls and she felt a chilling sensation in her bones with no warmth radiating from the colors around her. The sudden realization made her jump up from her sleeping position. Even if it had been years now, she still remembered the same cold and the distorted nightmare imagery from her first accidental entry into the Upside Down like it was yesterday. Glancing around nervously she tried to get up from bed but realized she was being held down by slimy vines wrapped around her ankles.

“Where am I? Who is doing this?” Nancy yelled out, while trying to free herself from her bounds. “HEY ASSHOLEE!!!” She cursed out loudly hoping to get anyone’s attention.

“Is that anyway for a child to speak.” A sudden deep voice chastised, from the darkness of the room a humanoid looking creature started to approach the bed, once it was close enough Nancy was able to make out: He was covered in vines and roots of the Upside Down, his body creaking with every step he takes. She tried to not show any fear seeing, but she still couldn’t hide her nervousness as the menacing figure approached her closer and closer.

“Wh-who are you?” Nancy asked slowly, not wanting to do anything drastic till she understood the whole picture.

“Oh you know me my child, don’t you remember at the hospital when you were fighting your old bosses. Cmon use that Nancy Drew brain of yours.” The creature said mockingly, his clawed hand gripping her chin lightly. “I am feeling generous, so you can call me Henry and as for why well Nancy, you and I will do great things together but you are not fully ready yet.” He continued as his other free hand started to slowly brush Nancy’s hair.

“You are the reason for the last two years isn’t it?” Nancy deduced simply, no other creatures they encountered had a humanoid appearance or speech capability on its on. He looked like the main villain character described in a fantasy story.

“Yes, good job Nancy Drew, I been orchestrating everything since the day that boy disappeared.

“The flayed people it was you and you were the one who let that Demogorgon loose, you are the reason Barb is dead.” Nancy angrily started to rattle off not giving any thought to the sharp claws near her face. “All the deaths and destruction you recked on this town, l will find a way to stop you.”

Henry instead of getting angry, just started to laugh enjoying the final time she will get to be this defiant.

This freaked Nancy out a bit, usually the big bad would retaliate back in anger. “Why are you laughing huh? We found ways to defeat your plans before, we will find it again.”

“I am laughing because you will be the one helping me little one. Cannot wait for you to see what beautiful plans I have for us.”

“Never! I rather die then ever help you willingly.” Nancy yelled, pulling on her restraints even more trying to free herself.

“Oh thats why you were meant to be by my side, for this fire. You will be perfect but you still got a some growing up to do like learning when to listen to your elders.” Henry pulled out a small item, a dummy that seen better days and forcefully held Nancy’s cheeks to pop it in to her mouth and tying a strap around her face to keep it in place. The shocked girl tried yell what does he mean by that behind her gag but instead she instinctively started to suck on it to her horror.

“I see, you are adapting to your new life already, the process should take time but you always wanted this deep down didn’t you, to be taken care off and be free from all the responsibilities of being in charge. I will give all that to you when times comes and the town is in my grasp but till then you gotta walk the path alone.” said Henry as he dabbed the tears that started to fall on to the girl’s cheek.

Nancy try to mumble something in between her sobs, Henry feeling generous removed the dummy not before adding. “You get one question, use it well.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Well my little reporter, that would be spoilers for tonight, to make up for it I will make sure you get plenty of nutrients and care to get better soon. Till next time little one, try to be a good girl for me.” He said as his hand flicked above her.

With that Nancy fell through her bed, yelling as she fell into a dark void, and after what feels like an eternity, she suddenly woke up in her real bed this time. Looking around her, there were no vines and looked like it was well past morning. She was clutching her old plushy and realized her thumb was in her mouth somehow.

“Was any of that real?” She whispered to herself. Not trusting anything she tried to leave the bed to check outside but suddenly she remembered why she was in this predicament, her cold. When Nancy tried to get up, she felt a dizzy spell taking over her suddenly making her wobble and knocking the glass of water on her lamp stand. As if Karen had superpowers like Eleven, appeared at the doorway checking in on the ruckus.

“Ohh sweetheart you are awake….what happened?” Karen asked in a worried tone, looking at the broken glass on the floor. She rushed to Nancy’s side to check for any injuries, after being satisfied that she was cut free looked into her daughter’s face who was looking at her like a deer caught in headlights.

“Are you okay, you look like you just seen a ghost, did you had a nightmare?”

Nancy wasn’t sure of the answer herself really it felt real but it can’t be they destroyed all the Upside Down’s gates so it should be safe now. Maybe the medicine she has been taken took a toll on her feverish mind.

“Ye-yeah I had a nightmare.” Nancy stammered as she slowly hugged her mom to check if she was real, Karen eagerly hugged her back not thinking much of it.

“Can I rest on the couch for the rest of the day mum?” Nancy asked hoping to not be in her room for a while.

“Yeah sure sweetie, its lunchtime anyway you can eat there as well.” said Karen as she automatically picked her eldest of the floor, Nancy instinctually wrapped her legs around the waist. After firmly supporting her bottom and back Karen carried Nancy downstairs. Seating her on the couch, she brought out a blanket to cover the sick girl with. Nancy made grabby hands towards the remote control, to her amusement, like she can’t just reach out herself. Karen dutifully handed it to Nancy before leaving her to watch TV to first clean the mess upstairs.

As Karen cleaned the glass on the floor, she found herself thinking how small and fragile Nancy seems to be. She just wanted to shield from outside, no more school stress or boyfriend drama.

Coming out of her own stupor when she heard Nancy’s loud sneezes from downstairs, she grabbed a box of tissues for her congested daughter on her way down down. After preparing a simple lunch, Karen sat near the couch with tray saying. “I made you, your favorite soup sweetheart.” Putting the tomato soup next to her.

“Thanks Mom.” Nancy smiled, realizing how hungry she was as her stomach growled at the sight of it. She reached for the bowl and the spoon, but as she tried to drink from it, didn’t think to blow on the hot soup to cool it down first.

“Ouchhhh” She whined loudly trying to cool her burnt tongue, by flapping her hand over it.

Karen couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of it. “Aww its okay baby, let me help you.” Taking the bowl into her hands, scooping a spoonful of soup to gently blow on it first then slowly redirected to Nancy’s mouth.

“Open wide for mommy.”

Not knowing what to do in shock, Nancy doesn’t open her mouth fully which just causes some of the soup to drip down to her chin. But her mom didn’t stop there and just continued to feed her spoonfuls of soup till the bowl was empty, with her chin getting messier due to the speed she couldn’t keep up with.

“My…My what a messy eater we have.” Karen chided as she she cleaned her daughter’s face with a napkin. From the close proximity Nancy suddenly realized how her mom’s eyes seem to shift colors slightly. She probably was overthinking it, with her feverish mind just playing tricks again. From her distraction, she didn’t realized they gotten closer to her chest level as Karen cleaned her face, and suddenly yelped. “Boobies!” When she saw them up close, closing her her eyes with her hands.

Karen started to laugh at her sudden outburst, reminding her of Holly when she use to do it. “Yeah they certainly are those aren’t they.” She hummed and removed her daughter’s hands from her eyes. Deciding to get some other chores done in the meantime, she left Nancy to watch TV while resting.

Nancy started to surf through different channels to find something to watch. Suddenly stoping when she saw an episode of Care Bears, its been years she actually watched them, not even to watch with Holly; she didn’t had the patience to sit through them. Maybe it was the soft colors but her brain felt like it couldn’t handle anything more much today, so she decided to lazily watch that. Her thumb coming close to her mouth several times, before self consciously putting it away. What was happening to her she wasn’t a baby anymore, but all day long the constant pulling of feeling super young and her regular self has been becoming a harder battle.

Was that dream telling the truth something was happening with the upside down again. With all these questions in her mind, she failed to realize that she did fully started to suck her thumb, Nancy wanted to be appalled and remove it but the comfort from it hasn’t been something she found in a long time.

“A little bit indulgence wouldn’t kill me.” She thought to herself, and continued to watch TV with her suckling evening out in pace.

A while later, Karen came back to the living room, found her eldest sleeping again. Seeing Nancy sucking her thumb again sparked an idea in her head, probably it wasn’t healthy for her sick baby to use her thumb so she went to up to the attic to find old box filled with sentimental baby items she couldn’t throw away. To her luck, she did kept Nancy’s old pacifier from all those years ago, primarily pink with a white handle. The one she bought the moment, she found out she was pregnant to her first child.

Going downstairs, after washing the dummy, Karen tried to remove Nancy’s thumb out of her mouth to only met with some resistance.

“Cmon sweetheart its not healthy for you, I got something better.” She whispered encouragingly, with some more sweet talking was able replace it with the pacifier. Karen couldn’t help but coo how adorable she looked right now.

Deciding to take a break, she sat down on the couch gently lifting her daughter’s head on to her lap. Karen couldn’t help but be grateful seeing the peaceful expression on Nancy’s face up close, suckling on the pacifier. Its been a while they spent time together like this, usually it was Holly that needed constant physical affection or Mike was seeking attention for his usual shenanigans. Karen started to sing the lullaby again out of habit, while her fingers charted through Nancy’s curls.

In the meantime, Nancy also heard another person in the background. “This is where you belong little one, not out there acting like an adult, but with me here to unlock your true potential.” Henry’s deep voiced echoed in her head again as she slipped off to dreamland.

Chapter Text

The Wheeler house was quieter then usual today, with most members of the family leaving town. Which meant Karen was now alone with her still sick daughter. Its been few days since Nancy’s cold started, which she is yet to fully recover from, the doctor said it’s probably the new strand of virus and not to worry about it much. Karen for precautionary measures had Ted take Holly go to her in-laws in Florida to avoid any contamination, while Mike went off to California to visit the Byers for his spring break. Which meant for the first time in a decade, she was going be alone with her eldest.

Nancy was still feeling miserable in bed, thinking how she woke up from a nap with a pacifier in her mouth few days ago. Even if it was the best sleep she had in ages, feeling the babyish plastic in her mouth was just demeaning, and still could not wrap her head around what her mother was thinking. She was gonna berate Karen but it was just then when Mike and Ted came into the house so she just shoved the pacifier under the pillow and kept quiet.

Both Wheeler women, haven’t spoken about that day ever since, with Holly in the house she seemed to even forget it but when they were alone she was acting a bit weird. For instance, when Nancy needs the bathroom Karen would insist that she carries Nancy herself there or whenever she brings food saying she can’t be trusted with the cutlery or finding herself up from naps in her mom’s arms suddenly. Having her mom’s full attention for the weekend suddenly caused her stomach to tighten up with anxiety. It’s been weird enough that her cold has not gotten any better, but it purposely getting worse then get better when she does specifically childish things. She can’t fall asleep without hugging her bunny, or be able drink from a glass if she isn’t using both her hands to stop them shaking fully and her coordination suddenly going out of wack when trying to change clothes.

Lately, she has been craving milk too but that be to much even for her to ask.

“Good morning sweetheart, how are you feeling today?” Karen asked coming into her room, with a tray.

Nancy looking at her eyes miserably simply croaked. “Still sick and I think my dizziness returned.”

Karen set everything down, while retrieving the thermometer from the table. “My poor baby, let me take your temperature first and see what we do from there. Now we have a few days to ourselves with Mike in California, and your father and sister at your grandma Kathy’s for our annual visit, which maybe is a blessing for us.”

Nancy opened her mouth to let her temperature be taken. “But who will listen her hating the new ethic neighbors now.” She joked knowing how handful her grandma can be.

“Well certainly not us with this temperature, your fever should have broke by now.” Karen looked at the thermometer with a frown. Then putting the tray with the breakfast and the medicine on Nancy’s lap.

“You eat your PB&J as I ran a cold bath for you to cool down a bit, and maybe wash your hair to its been more then a few days.” Karen stated, running her fingers through Nancy’s greasy hair.

Nancy thinking how peanut butter always makes her mouth dry wanted to ask for a more water to but instead blurted out “Can I get water?” Closing her mouth with her hand for the instinctual outburst.

“Yeah sure sweetheart.” Karen said and stood up to leave the room. As she went downstairs thinking there had to be a better way for her to get more nutrients. Her daughter’s low appetite meant she wasn’t eating enough to gain her strength back. There had to be a better way to help her eat then just spoon feeding soup or sandwiches. She couldn’t ask Ted to help he was practically useless when it comes to looking after kids or talk with any of her friends, or even call Joyce for this.

As she poured out the water in the plastic cup, avoiding glassware after Nancy broke two more glasses while trying to drink water few days ago. Gosh she thought there had to be another solution to this rolling her eyes in frustration and heading upstairs.

“Sandwich was delicious mom… is everything alright?” Nancy asked as she angled her head like a puppy when Karen came in, her mind was still focused on trying to find a solution.

“Nothing was just thinking about house work sweetheart. Here drink your water slowly and then you can have some bath time.” Karen handed the cup even as Nancy let out a small whine about the bath not wanting to get up from bed. She gripped the cup firmly with both her hands, drinking from it in disappointment, like that wasn’t what she was craving in reality.

“Don’t whine look how you got your pretty face messy right now alone.” Karen chuckled as she grabbed a napkin to wipe off the jam from Nancy’s chin. Then she moved closer to lift her up, but Nancy held her hand up to try to get up herself. She braced herself holding on to the side table, putting one foot on the floor, and then the other one next to it. She put all her force to her knees to stand up straight. Without missing a bit, a dizziness spell took over her and forced her to stumble right into her mother’s arms again.

“Okay honey maybe tomorrow you will do it, lets gets you cleaned now.”

So after a quick bath, Nancy found herself looking into the mirror as her mom started to dry her curls. This was so unfair, she wanted to finally get up from the bed herself, now can’t even dry her own hair as her arms felt like they were weight down by bricks. While deep in her thoughts, she failed to again realized how her hands and mouth were acting on their own as she bite down on her fingers in stress.

From the mirror’s reflection Karen has realized her daughter was biting her fingers occasionally. As if suddenly her brain connected the dots, she realized how can she get Nancy more nutrients. She needed milk like she use too in the past. Little Nancy would mime her all the time wanting her bottle by making suckling noises, probably thats why she has taking up thumb sucking again. All the strange phenomenas making perfect sense in her mind.

“Mom…Mommm..are you okay? You zoned out!” Nancy waved her hand to grab her attention. Karen just nodded her head and continued drying with the hairdryer.

“You know Nancy, you could have told me what you wanted from the start.” Karen mused after finishing hair drying.

“What you mean?” Nancy asked. “Mom where are you going?” She yelled out after her as Karen got up to leave the room. What’s gotten into her mom today Nancy thought, she was constantly zoning out or making random remarks. After ten minutes, Karen returned back with plastic bottle in her hand, filled with milk. Before Nancy could even think about running away, Karen grabbed the teen by the arm to seat her in her lap.

“Honey it’s completely natural for children to want milk for comfort, why are you being so shy about it.” Karen chuckled, getting more comfortable adjusting her cradle position. “Just close your eyes and open your mouth…be a good girl for mommy” She said authoritatively.

Nancy still in conflict about what the hell was happening, closed her eyes tightly and parted her mouth a bit. Soon felt a soft nipple pressed against her mouth, her instincts kicked in she started to tentatively suck on the plastic. Before she could freak about being bottle feed alone, Nancy felt milk flowing into her mouth, her eyes widening even more in panic.

Karen started carting her fingers through Nancy’s curls hair again humming the lullaby, which helped calm Nancy down a tiny bit. She let the milk built up in her mouth but couldn’t imagine swallowing it. Though she wasn’t going to be allowed to detach from it with the way her mom was holding her head, so forcefully she swallowed it. Expecting herself to be disgusted by it, but instead found it very sweet better then anything she consumed in the morning. It finally satiated the craving she has been having for days and started to drink from the bottle more boldly.

Karen suddenly felt more force from Nancy’s suckles and continued to hold the bottle for her hungry baby. After a while, she heard Nancy whine out loud when the flow stopped.

“All done my little munchkin, your belly is finally full with milk.” Karen said lovingly while looking into her daughter’s eyes. Then proceeded to lift herself and Nancy up to pace around the room as she started to rhythmically patted her baby’s back.

“Mom…what are you doing?” Nancy murmured, still trying to reconcile what just happened.

“Oh sweetheart don’t they teach you anything in school anymore, you gotta burp the baby after a feeding.”

“Wait what are you talking about mom I am not a b…Urppp.” Nancy cut herself off with a well timed burp.

Suddenly the teen felt ashamed of herself for needing all this, and started to panic in her mom’s embrace by kicking out her legs.

“Ouchhhh…Nancy Elizabeth Wheeler, what has gotten into you, we don’t hit” Karen yelled when Nancy kicked her accidentally.

which immediately made Nancy more agitated and pushed herself off to fall on the ground.

“This is bullshit!!!…..I don’t need you to fucking carry me everywhere, I don’t fucking need to be cuddled all the time, I certainly fucking don’t need a pacifier and above all I don’t need to be fucking bootle feed by you like I am a baby in your sick fantasy, then be burped like one.” Yelling out all her pent up frustrations over the few days, with tears in her eyes.

“I AM A BIG GIRL!” Nancy yelled by the end of what essentially was her baby tantrum.

Expecting her mom to come to her senses or at least maybe yell back at her, Karen picked her off the ground instead with surprise ease. Carrying her towards the bed again, not before grabbing the wooden hairbrush. As she sat on the mattress, and situated Nancy to be on her knees, while adjusting the short night gown she was dressed in.

Realizing what was happening Nancy tried to get out of her mom’s iron grip but to no avail. “Mom..Mommy what are you doing?” Hoping maybe playing cute would lessen the blow.

“Well since you are a big girl, you should deal with the consequences of your actions like one. How many you say, one for every use of that f word?”

“Noooo please I am sorry, it won’t happen aga..” halfway through her speech, her mom hit her bottom with the brush. Nancy yelled out in pain and her mouth just stayed in a shock O shape. Karen never ever hit them any of her kids before, usually hating any physical punishment. But right now she knows, this is the only way to instill discipline in her very naughty daughter.

“This was for that other swear, you gonna count the rest as I go…got it?”

When Karen heard no reply, she slapped lightly as a warning again. “What did I just say?”

“No you cant do this….please mom stop…” Nancy was cut of again, with Karen smacking her bottom with the brush with more force immediately.

“I swear Nancy, don’t make me repeat it!”

“S-Sorry m-m-mommy” Nancy stammered in shock realizing she has no other choice.

“Good remind me how many times you said the word fuck?”

“Five.” Nancy said thinking her outburst, even showed it with her fingers which got a chuckle out of Karen before gripping the brush tighter to start the punishment properly.

As the first real hit came in, Nancy held back her painful scream and gripped the edges of her mattress.

“One” Nancy yelped as she continued counting for each wack by the fourth time she was bawling her eyes out and sobbing hoping the pain would stop.

“Honey you are taking your punishment so well just one more, you can do it.” Karen encouraged, as smacked with the brush the hard as she can to make her point last.

“F—f-five!” Nancy howled and soon as it started it was over, she continued to cry from the pain radiating of her bottom, feeling like she is not going to be able sit on it for a while.

Karen immediately scooped her daughter into a hug, rocking her gently to calm her sobs. “Come here baby, it’s over now..shh shh, you did so good, my best girl.”

“Reallyyy, I am still a good girl?” Nancy asked shyly as her sobs turned into hiccups, rubbing her eyes with her fists.

“Yes you are, sometimes you push mommy’s buttons but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Karen taking out the pacifier from her pocket hold it out towards Nancy’s mouth who latched on it, equal parts out of fear and equal parts wanting some comfort.

As she sucked on the pacifier in her mom’s embrace, it relaxed her enough to close her eyes for a nap. Karen decided after a while to lay her in the bed, and put on some cream on the bottom she wrecked havoc on for some relief. Before she left the room after getting everything in order, Karen kissed her baby’s forehead and petted her bangs. “Mommy loves you always baby, get some rest a bit okay.”

As the door closed quietly, Nancy hugged her bunny closer to her chest and sucked on the pacifier. Falling asleep feeling serene rather then horrible of what just happened, and failed to realize she is back in the Upside Down version of her room.

Henry Creel looking less like a walking burnt monster and more like his old human self, appeared at the doorway. Slowly making his way to sit down next to the sleeping girl and slipped his hands through her curls.

“I heard you been a naughty girl today, thats okay daddy thought it was adorable, you thinking you were a big girl.” Henry laughed as he removed the pacifier from her mouth and cradled her head.

Still in a sleepy state Nancy opens her eyes to see the face of a handsome man with blondish hair, and kind blue eyes. Reaching out with her hand touched his cheek, checking if he was real.

“Is the baby still tired, my little poor thing but is she too tired to say the word daddy?” He smiled maliciously as he started to pet her cheek return. “Come on say…Daddy.”

Nancy not knowing whats going on just feeling safe and content around the mysterious new figure, stops to blink slowly a few times before opening mouth to utter.

“Daddy.”

Chapter Text

Henry Creel was a person with simple goals make people pay for what was done to him, and rule over all them. Feeling parental was never in his agenda, only seeing Eleven as the closest thing to protégé he actually liked and wished at the time has accepted his offer at the lab, but she betrayed him like many. After couple of tries, he now possessed Eleven’s powers in his grasp. Now he just had to use them to open gates like she does. Unfortunately, thats where he hit a wall, he didn’t possess the raw emotions to trigger the needed energy to open the gates between the worlds. Targeting highly emotionally volatile people was an option but that required too many people which would gonna attract the wrong attention.

He needed a more subtle plan, which he could execute in a shorter amount of time, hence why now he had his enemy on his lap. Nancy who also happened to be the daughter of his dear old sister Alice Creel, currently known as Karen Wheeler. After some digging he found out she have survived his psychic attack all those decades ago and had gone on to live the perfect suburban life well.

It made him sick, how she was always so complicit in the expectations brought upon by the society. However, it turned out she was useful for something the blood connection between them has allowed him to reach Nancy in her dreams. Now he had a way to amplify his powers, just needed to make his bond stronger with her if he was going to use it to open the gates to unleash his shadow dominion.

He suddenly felt a hand going through his hair, breaking him out of his thoughts. Nancy was looking at him with inquisitive eyes while sucking on her pacifier. He found it fascinating that babies look at things with such innocence, reminding him of Eleven when they first met. The little spanking his sister gave her really broke her big mind to regress on its for now it seemed. The Mind Flayer’s influence has been making her more open to childish things but her wanting less responsibility after all the years of trauma she faced is helping to get his plans move along faster

“What are you thinking in that little head of yours? Did my sister’s spanking made the baby too upset.” Henry teased her.

Nancy nodded her head very slowly, and tried to mumble something behind her pacifier. He removed it for her, allowing her to talk more clearly. Her eyes getting misty remembering what happened earlier today. “I said no-no words and mommy hit me.” Nancy said with her lip quivering.

“Why did you say those words though?”

“I wanted to be treated like a big girl mommy insisted I was still too little.” She whined in a high pitched voice, not realizing the irony of her statement with it.

Deciding to be the good cop after today’s events, Henry started tickling her stomach. “I don’t know little one maybe she has a point, but right now I do wanna hear your big giggles.”

This got Nancy laughing out loud as his fingers carted through her sensitive skin. “To..mu-much stop it”

“Whats the magic word?”

“Da-Da-Daddy pleaseeee no more.” Getting Henry to pull his hand, bit shocked to hear her calling him in a paternal manner without any further need to push.

“You really were meant for this weren’t you Nancy, I get it though the deadweight that claims to be your dad is a disappointment something we both have in common.” Henry deciding to pick her up from under her arms, carried Nancy to her new soon to be permanent home.

Nancy still is not able to decipher whats real or not just decided to hold on tight by wrapping her short legs around the mysterious figure’s hips. He did made her call him daddy, which she was going along with it thinking it was a nice dream with an actual attentive paternal figure.

“Where are we going?” She asked.

“To my house so I can get some work done, while you play a bit. Haven’t you been bored doing nothing for days?” Henry asked.

“Yeah so bored.” Nancy nodded, putting her head on his shoulders. Not paying attention to the decrepit version of her house as he went downstairs or when he stopped to collect a few items on his way.

Henry knew the 3rd Wheeler child’s baby stuff were still around, and the Creel house doesn’t have anything for a baby. When he came to the front door, he stretched his hand out to concentrate the shadow portal to his destination, and open the door knob directly to his headquarters. He looked down over his shoulder to see the wowed face of Nancy, trying to figure out how he did it.

“I will teach you to do it someday little one.” He assured the shocked teen.

He went up to the attic. where there already was a make shift play area. Setting Nancy on the old blankets, along with the random assortment of toys from the Wheelers. She looked up at him, confused on what to do now.

“Come on little one, you have to play a bit in life sometimes. Aren’t you always just working and bored now, try solving this puzzle for me.” He smiled encouragingly, by handing the wooden box.

Nancy took it into her hands like it was radioactive still looking unconvinced. “It’s a kid’s toy, I am not a kid.”

“No even big girls need to play sometimes, this is a safe dream right no one will know.” Henry pushed back.

Finally accepting his logic, she gotten more comfortable with her legs in a V shape position. She started to mess with pieces to try solve the cube, with the usual intense look in her eyes.

He chuckled at her seriousness over simple things, and walked towards the centre of the room to reconnect the vines to his back to oversee the progression of slow infection of Hawkins by the Mind Flayer just like last autumn. He wanted to attempt a gate now but it is still too early, none of his victims were ready yet. In the meantime, he needed to break Nancy’s big mind further than a mere cold; First infect her system with more of shadow, and then have her be only emotionally attached to him. After covering the areas, he exited from the mindscape to come back to the manifestation of his avatar.

When he opened his eyes, he surprisingly found Nancy playing with the other toys on her own accord. Nancy excitedly raised her hands showing the now open wooden box proudly.

“Daddy look I did it!” She yelled wanting to share her joy with him immediately, he was right this was fun. Maybe she should try to play more in general, rather than forcing herself to always find an excuse to work. Well its not that she hates taking breaks, just haven’t really had anyone to do any fun activities with lately.

“Look at you being a smarty pants, I need to get you some actual challenging ones in the future.” He said walking back next to her, Nancy raising her arms up to non verbally ask for upsies. Obliging to her demand before the surprise he had in store for her.

“Did you got lonely while I was working?” Henry inquired exiting the room.

“Its bit scary with no lights.” Nancy said in a small voice. “What if monsters come?” Remembering how Upside Down is full of those.

“Big monsters here wont hurt you while I am here so don’t you worry.” Henry reassured her, pinching her cheek bit more harshly then necessary.

As he approached the kitchen, he saw the new centre piece he had commissioned, an adult sized high chair that was covered in vines. The unique design choice alone freaked Nancy out, trying to get out of his grip. So he didn’t hesitate to smack her bottom hard to get Nancy to stop being a brat.

“Aoweeeee..please don’t make me sit on that thing.” She pleaded.

“No buts its feeding time and this is your chair now, don’t worry the vines are not alive…….well not yet anyway.” Henry added the last bit under his breath.

Henry open the latched to slide the table bit to the side first, before seating Nancy on the leather cushion. Then he shut the table immediately, to trap her arms to sides of her body essentially binding them. As her small body struggled against the hard wood, the panic brought back the big Nancy to surface.

“Where am I and why am I tied up?” She started demanding, trying to free herself from the chair.

Great Henry thought she resurfaced again, but he knew there would be moments clarity like this, hence this feeding session. “Ohhh welcome back Nancy, and we were having such fun with you but no bother you can still enjoy your time like this. Honestly its more fun for me as well.”

Nancy stopped her attempts to get free to look him. “You are the same Henry Creel from last time aren’t you, but you look so….human now?.”

“Yes I had an upgrade thanks to you, I can finally feel like myself again.”

Even though Nancy had more follow up questions, Henry took out the special dummy he created and leaned forward to insert it into her mouth forcefully. The strap tightened around her face silencing her.

“Always questions, questions with you intrepid reporters, how about some silence at the dinner table.”

The dummy had a hole in the middle, which was perfect for his tube like vines to attach itself to. He raised his hand, and once strand of vine wrapped around the chair shot out to slot itself to the dummy. Nancy started to scream in terror, when she felt the slimy liquid pouring into her mouth. It wasn’t sweet like the milk rather it had a more earthy taste to it. She would have rather choke but the speed the liquid was being pumped into forced her to swallow mouthfuls as fast as she can. Even after her stomach felt bloated, the flow did not stop and feeling tears on her cheeks as she cried from the pain.

Henry walked closer to wipe her cheeks dry. “A little pain is necessary for what we gonna achieve little one. No need to cry, you need the nutrients look at your small stature.” He said smiling sadistically, enjoying punishing her for burning him out of the Byer’s kid. So he continued to pump her with Upside Down essence that will make her regress even further, while he whispered lies into her ear to accept his position as her new father even outside their sessions.

When he was done Nancy was exhausted, physically her stomach felt hard as a rock and rest of her body was feeling sluggish. As Henry removed the binding, her torso nearly fell forward but he caught her and immediately removed her from the chair to carry her. Mirroring Karen from earlier, he paced around and patted her back to burp her. This time Nancy was so tired the huge burp coming out of her mouth only brought relief to her stomach pain rather then shame. Which made Henry smirk seeing her accepting this as part of her usual routine now. When he changed his holding position he saw that she had a trail of spit running down her chin.

“My my such a messy baby you are for a supposed big girl.” Henry mocked her, whipping the saliva covered chin. Nancy was too out of it to even be embarrassed, she just continued to silently cry as her body failed her more. “This is just the beginning, after a while you will forget why we were enemies in the first place.”

The meddling girl who successfully ruined his plan’s through her investigations, is going to willingly betray her friends to help his dream come true. Like how her anger towards the lab unlike him successfully got it shutdown. He will not be like Papa instead be a genuine father figure to mold her into the something greater then the filth out there, her punishment becoming a reward in disguise.

He patted her bottom while continuing to rock her gently to sleep. “Rest for now little one, lets get mommy here for the night too. It be nice too catch up with her after all these years.”

Later that night

Karen had been feeling off rest of the day, her migraine getting worse by the hour. After the accident, she use to have those all the time. Side affects of the amnesia they told her, she mostly remembers the pain of that night and the aftermath in the hospital police informing her mom and brother were dead, along with her surprise it was her beloved dad that killed them. The infamous Creel Massacre became such a big story, the adoption agency had to legally change her name so she had a chance in life. Even before the adoption by the lovely Childress couple, Karen had been forgetting her formative years, again the doctor said its her coping mechanism to deal with the trauma.

However, ever since Nancy gotten that cold her memories been coming back in small pieces like something in her brain is being unleashed. Her dreams have been a near constant repeat of that night seeing her mom die, then feeling her bones being broken in half before her older brother fainting just as her father came to his aid. She never fully believed that her dad was a killer but she was just a traumatized kid who no one believed. Last she heard, he was locked up at Pennhurst Mental Hospital, after years of prison, atleast he would get actual help she thought naively. She also started to think about her deceased brother Henry; how weird it was that he seemed to just only faint unlike her and her mother’s demise.

Tonight with no exception was one of those nightmares again - her reliving that night. This time she wasn’t herself as a kid, but as her adult-self with a clear mind witnessing it. She tried to get up from the table to get her mom to safety before we got lifted in the air, again the dream was cruel as her reality with invisible bond holding her in place as she witnessed her mom’s death again.

“MUM NO!” She cried out, the grief feeling fresh as it was decades prior.

As she struggled against the bonds, the young Henry suddenly looked directly at her. He had weird expression where he seems to look at her with some sense mockery and pity. He opened his mouth to speak but it wasn’t the voice she remembered, not the quite kid that spoke slowly, instead it was a loud booming voice with authority.

“You finally realized it fully didn’t you Alice, that night how it wasn’t our inept father that tried to release us from the prison he called a happy family.”

“It was you, wasn’t it?” She asked knowing the terrible truth.

“Yes, our family was always a facade, a lie really. I was doing us a favor.”

“You killed our mom and drove our dad insane, what do you mean a favor. How are you even here, you were dead and gone, they told me when I recovered after the attack.” Karen feeling rage bubbling in her gut, suddenly years of repressed hatred of the person who ruined her life just came out.

Young Henry only chuckled again, taking slow strides towards her. He transformed into his current grown up self too look into her eyes directly. “Dear sister, such angry I mean yeah I did try to kill you but cant blame an older brother for playing to hard.”

Karen refused to believe the man infront of her could

“This isn’t real..this can’t be real. You died all those years ago.”

“I can assure you I was very much alive held prisoner by a scientist with aspirations he wasn’t fit for. I was gonna come back sooner but a kid trapped me in this dimension and which took me a while to master itself.”

“What do you want then?”

“For what i want, isn’t it obvious I want a family reunion. The kids should meet their loving uncle Henry right.”

“Stay away from them you creep.” Karen spat to his smirking face.

Henry chuckled as he wipe the spit on his cheek. “Alice, Alice I expected better hospitality from you, well I should call you Karen now I guess. Don’t worry I only want your darling Nancy, I got big plans for us together.”

“If you dare touch her…” Karen was cut off short before she could finish her sentence.

“Do what exactly? Tell on dear old father who is in an asylum, or go to the cops about your supposed dead brother coming back. I am starting to question was it someone else you slept with that had high IQ for Nancy to be the smartest one in the family. What I want is simple for you to look after her till time comes, accommodating her needs. To give you credit, you been doing it so graciously like the dotting mother you are lately’

As if suddenly the fog’s been lifted from her mind, she realized the way she has been treating Nancy like she was Holly’s age and not like the teenager she was. Feeling queasy remembering how much she enjoyed babying Nancy, her cheeks burning with shame. Henry chuckling at her as she internally started to panic even more.

“Oh yeah it was all me, you can thank me for making your miserable domestic life feel something.” Karen tried to open her mouth to protest, but Henry put a finger over her lips shutting her up.

“Hush now your big brother is speaking, why tell you all this you might be thinking as I will force you to forget everything. Well I dare admit, I missed my little sister, spending time with Nancy had me reminiscing for our good old days.”

“……You killed my pet bunny.” Karen reminded grimly.

“Fun times they were indeed, that was the first time I unleashed my powers.” He said walking out the room, to appear back with Nancy in his arms sleeping. Karen started struggle even more against the bindings, wanting to rescue her daughter from him.

“Isn’t she so vulnerable just unburdened by her troubles, which you never did bother to check about. No wonder she gave in quickly needing comfort after all that happened; her best friend dying tragically, trying to get justice when everyone slut shamed her and the constant treat of me trying invade Hawkins which you been blissfully unaware off trying to get off with under age kids.” Taking on Billy Hargrove’s form briefly to taunt Karen further with her shame.

“Don’t worry you can make it up to her now, I don’t really care much about the others, I will make sure they stay from the house till my plan is ready.”

“What do you want from me?”

“I just want you to accommodate your daughter’s new needs, and be the mother you claim to be its simple for you Alice pretend she is one of your dolls that you use to play mommy with.” Henry said clicking his fingers.

Suddenly the force holding Karen disappeared and she found herself holding Nancy, her eyes slowly blinking like she just woke up from deep sleep to look into her eyes.

“Mommy is here too.” Nancy excitedly exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Karen’s neck and wriggled her whole body to get comfy in her mom’s lap.

Karen just rocked herself in shock from all the things she just witnessed and heard. Her brother was alive, up to no good again and her daughter was acting very strangely, babbling to her about a puzzle she solved like it was the most dramatic event of the day. She felt Nancy whining roughly pulling on her blouse a couple of times.

“Mommy listen!” She demanded.

“Nance whats gotten into you!” Unintentionally sounding harsher then she intended but hoped this would bring Nancy out of stupor. Unfortunately, instead it had the side effect of making her daughter to start crying her eyes out.

Karen cradled her face, cooing to try get her to relax. “No sweetheart don’t cry please, I wasn’t mad at you, it wasn’t about you.”

“Its never about her though is it sister dear, its either my husband this or my other small children this, the forgotten eldest child just like me. But I will make sure she doesn’t suffer the way I did, give her a strong male role model and a mom that pays attention to her.” Henry chimed in behind her.

“Shut up you don’t know me, I love all my children equally”

“Then co you now why you can’t get her to relax?” Nancy’s cries turned into full of sob session by now, hiccuping and snot running down her nose. Karen tried to calm her down by pacing in her old house but none of her usual methods were working.

“Sweetheart please use your big words, how can i fix this?” She pleaded as her last resort, bouncing Nancy up and down.

“How pathetic sister, she obviously needs a baba like a every growing baby.” Henry whispered suddenly over her shoulder. “You should think of more natural methods.” He pointed his finger to her chest, making her want to throw up at the implication.

“I am not breastfeeding my teenage daughter you sick monster. Unlike what you did to me for the last few days, I have a clear mind now. Don’t you think I haven’t dealt with babies before I raised three including the one I am holding.”

Henry rolled his eyes, knowing he is not getting her to do what he wants to do just yet. “Fine, she isn’t ready for that yet anyways. Use this for now, its a special bottle that has a little surprise for her later.” He handed a bottle filled with white liquid to Karen, which to her appeared out of no where.

“How in the hell?” She questioned but the sudden silence alerted her to that Nancy had stopped crying and was looking intensely at the bottle in her hand.

“Look at that I am not so bad at this parenting thing either.” Henry said.

Hating to prove her brother right like she use to as a kid, she turned around to go up to her room as if it was muscle memory to lock herself in. Sitting on her childhood bed, she slowly shifted to get herself to better support Nancy, who was making grabby hands at the bottle. Just hoping the nightmare will be over once she gets Nancy to settle. Karen looked around her childhood room, everything was where she last saw them, even the stupid crack on the mirror was still there. Guiding her daughter’s head closer to the bottle uneasily, Nancy latched on to the plastic nipple with excitement. Suckling happily while making little sounds of contentment.

As she continued to feed her, Karen felt a fire light up in her. Nancy looked so peaceful and happy just being her little baby again. Would it be so bad if she could do this all the time. Feeing the same serenity, she experienced after she gave birth to her. Just her and baby, spending their days together in the house, while Ted was out working all day. But that wasn’t the reality forever, Nancy had to grow up and she had two more that brought so much joy in their lives even if it got more complicated. Feeling shame for even thinking like this, she closed her eyes just hoping to wake up now.

Remembering why she was in this position in the first place. She looked down to see she wasn’t holding anything, just an empty bottle was on the floor. She got up to ran downstairs, to find Henry playing with Nancy by bouncing her on his knee.

“Awe look baby, mommy finally came to her senses, did you like my gift you seemed to like it so I took her of your hands. You held that empty bottle to her mouth for some time.”

“What the fuck have you done to me asshole?” Karen yelled realizing she spaced out longer then she realized.

Henry looked at her with mocked horror.“Language sister, there is a impressionable kid here. Just making sure you enjoy your new life, you gonna need to do this everyday you know.”

“By making me feel high or something?”

“When you put it like that yeah, but its more about you connecting with your maternal instincts permanently. Just making sure you don’t want to snap out of it when she either tries to be a teen again or regresses even more.”

Nancy seemingly not liking not being the centre of attention, looked up to Henry to say something pulling on his shirt. “Daddy you promised to play again.”

“Daddy?! She is your niece sicko what did you do to her?” Karen tried ran to pick her up but Henry stretched his hand to force push her on to the wall.

“Sorry little one, but daddy had to make a point to your mommy.” Henry started bouncing her again causing her to giggle loudly.

“Dream Mommy being silly?”

“Yeah she is very silly, thinking she has any power here.”

“Nancy don’t trust hi—“ she was silenced by the vines wrapping around her again.

“Shut it” He yelled, blocking Nancy’s ears with his hand. Rather then deal with the insolence he decided to continuing to spend more time with the baby, partially wanting Karen to be tortured by it. Nancy even her ears closed was terrified of his yelling and started squirming around.

Patting her back to calm her down. “You don’t need to be worried my little Nancy Drew, daddy got bit too excited”. Picking the teen up to allow her climbing on his back giving her a pseudo piggyback, which led to Nancy squeal in delight.

Karen from her spot was looking at the scene in front of her in disbelief, her daughter never gotten this calm even around Ted but her psycho brother was a natural with her.

“What do you say Alice, you stay here enjoying the rest of your night till I get everything sorted. Say bye to mommy for now little one.” Henry chuckled leaving her to go upstairs. She tried yelling behind her gag but Nancy didn’t seem to be bothered by her mom’s predicament just giving a curious look and a little wave as she passed by.

“Night mommy!”

As soon as they left, Karen felt more vines crawling to her back and push themselves on to her. - like hundreds of needles was being forcefully pushed to pierce her skin. She tried to let out a painful wail, but the gag merely muffled her screams. Brief flashes appeared before her, of an a giant spider creature surrounded by black smokes and red lightning. It raised its tentacles redirecting a wave of smoke to her direction. For the rest of the night, she didn’t understand at the time but she was being pumped with Mind Flayer essence. At one point, her gag was removed leading her screams to be heard within the whole house. By the end, Karen was left a crying mess, her misery never ending, she started hearing voices around her telling her things she can’t figure it out with her mushed brain.

Whatever was holding her body released her to the ground, before fainting from exhaustion she saw her brother’s face looking at her from the above.

“Now you are ready Alice, when you wake up you will not remember the details except how good it felt when you were under the thump of the hive. Unlike most, your punishment was given from the beginning of my journey. So for your resilience, I am letting you be with your child full time, and Papa said I was a heartless brother.”

“Please brother leave her alone.” Karen pleaded deliriously one last time fearing whats to come.

“Too late sister, she is been in my way for far too long. Goodbye for now, we will see each other again very soon.” Stretching out his hand to send Karen’s consciousness back to her body with flick of his wrist.

Karen suddenly woke up with a gasp in her bed, not understanding what just happened. Before she could think about her nightmare, there was a scream coming across the corridor, fearing the worst she bolted out of her bed to barge into Nancy’s bedroom.

“Sweetheart what happened?”

To her surprise she was meet with her daughter’s red face stained in tears with her blanket halfway on the floor revealing a huge wet spot on the mattress and her pjs. There was no sugar coating the situation, her teenage daughter had just wet the bed.

“I-I- I don’t kn-kn-know, I w-wo-woke up like this.” Nancy stuttered out between sobs.

Walking slowly towards the bed Karen perched herself over the edge to give her daughter a side hug, trying to calm her by slowly massaging her back.

“A-ar-ar-are you m-m-mad?” Nancy asked, her tone of voice going an octave higher.

Karen deep down in her core knows she should be more in disbelief or be concerned by it but instead she just smiled like it was the most normal thing in the world slowly wiping the tears rolling down Nancy’s eyes. She should have seen this coming, her baby did had a tendency to wet herself more when she was sick, tomorrow she needs to do a huge supply run. Thinking all those thoughts was releasing constant dopamine to her brain, making her accept the new revelation with ease.

“Of course I am not mad sweetheart, you are sick accidents happen all the time. Its my fault not thinking of any protection after your recent feeding. Come on lets give you a little bath to get rid of the icky feeling, and then you can sleep with mommy tonight.”

“What protection?” Nancy asked, while being carried by her mom to the bathroom.

“Nothing to worry your little head yet.” Karen hummed melodically.

Chapter Text

Nancy feels like she just woke up from a sleep, that she needs a nap for. Something has been off for the last few days, she is been too weak to protest any of the babyish things she was subjected to. Her mind knowing what is happening was wrong, but she still craved the happiness dopamine it created. Feeling groggy, she rubbed her eyes and pulled herself upright. Her body freezing when she felt something sticky and cooled in the bed. The revelation of what can it be was like heavy ball dropping to her stomach.

“No..no..no it cant be that, please anything but that.” Nancy pleaded to no one.

Pulling the mattress off her, the nightmare came true, a huge wet spot in the middle of the bed and her clothing. Her brain couldn’t process the fact that she peed herself like an infant. The feeling of cooling urine along with the wet satin stuck on her brought tears to her eyes. Her breathing pace gradually got harder to maintain as her mind panicked even more. She knew she wasn’t a baby but right now she just wanted her binky to calm down. The pulling of two different sides of her subconscious lead her to scream in frustration, and started to cry in earnest.

Foot steps could be heard from outside, no doubt her mother coming to check on her. Preparing for the worst with potential yelling or even another spanking, which even the thought of it made her bottom feeling tingly. But nothing of sort happened her mom was understanding, more then understanding even. She gave her a hug, murmuring loving words to calm her down. Nancy was too tired to even protest when Karen carried her to be cleaned up, wanting this night just to be over.

After the bath, she was taken back into her parents’ bed and tucked into the bed till Karen cleaned up the mess that was her wet bed. Nancy instinctively started to suck her thumb, the repeated nursing motions calming her down.

“You get comfy till mommy cleans your accident, and stop using your thumb sweetie its not healthy.” Karen cooed, taking out the pacifier from her pocket to replace the thumb with it. When she left the room, Nancy continued to suck on the pacifier looking around it. She never really cared to search through her parents bedroom before. So with her curious nature getting the better of her, Nancy started to go through her mom’s side bed table. Other then then usual knick knacks, a journal was an unexpected surprise. Living up to her namesake, she started to read through the latest entries, which was just the mundane thoughts about her mom’s day and their family. One little tidbit in the yesterday’s entry got her attention though - the name Creel.

Before she could think about it, she heard footsteps hurriedly coming back. Nancy immediately put the journal to its rightful place, and grabbed the book next to it as a cover.

“Okay everything is handled, tomorrow we can change your sheets. Its too late now…..Ohhh sweetheart did you got bored enough to snoop through mommy’s book.” Karen chuckled seeing Nancy reading her latest romance novel.

“Can you read it a bit?” Nancy asked with her best puppy dog eyes, wanting some distraction from the night’s events.

“Well when you ask so nicely my sweet girl, I can’t say no.” Karen laughed, making herself comfortable in the bed. Positioning her daughter in a side cradle position, she held the book in one hand and pet Nancy’s hair with the other.

Nancy dutifully listened her mom softly read about the scandalous romance taking place in the fictional universe, the light ministrations on her skull making her eyes flutter. When Karen checked on her a chapter later, she found her baby passed out. She closely tucked the short girl into a more comfortable side hug, wrapping an arm around her stomach for comfort.

Kissing the top of Nancy’s forehead, Karen made a quite promise. “Dont worry, mommy will handle your little problem tomorrow.”

Next day, Nancy was glad to wake up with dry sheets not being ready to handle another humiliating wake up call. However, there were some nice revelations in the morning; like being able to walk again without immediately falling on to the floor. Maybe it was more akin to toodle then walk, but she will take small victories.

Yet she was subjected to another bottle-feeding, Karen insisting its the reason she is getting better because of it. Nancy initially was hesitant but as soon as the bottle was in front of her face, she happily latched on to it. Gurgling as some milk was spilled along her chin, still drinking enthusiastically.

Karen rolled her eyes at the mess Nancy was making. “Oh you been very hungry haven’t you, I will get you some toast for something solid to eat afterwards.”

When the bottle was emptied, Karen made sure to pat Nancy’s backside to burp her, first before doing anything else. Afterwards, she changed Nancy’s sheets and got everything her baby might need for the morning. Like a machine on autopilot, she decided to handle the rest of her chores in the house as usual.

“I am going to be downstairs a bit okay, if you need anything just yell okay.” Karen said, fixing Nancy’s curls.

“Okay I will wait.” Nancy said giving her best smile, hoping to get her mom out the room as soon as possible.

When Karen left, Nancy took her own journal to write everything she remembers in her lucid moments. The tranquility and the lack responsibilities, have been such a nice break for her intense mind. It gave her more time to process everything so she is aware there is an Upside Down plot to uncover, just needs an opportunity to research it further. Assuming her mom wanted to go out for shopping, it gave her an idea to be able to get more information especially about the Creels.

Meanwhile downstairs, Karen was sorting out everything in the kitchen and was met with a dilemma; how can she ever leave her baby alone when she need to go out to run errands. Bringing her along would create to many questions which she couldn’t let Hawkins’ gossip mill get answers to.

As if her unintentional prayers were answered, the doorbell rang, when she opened it, was meet with her daughter’s ex Steve Harrington and a tall lanky looking girl she never meet before.

“Hello Steve, its been a while. Do you need anything and who might your friend be?”

The girl immediately holding out her hand to greet her. “Hello Mrs Wheeler, I am Robin Buckley, from Nancy’s class. And I was worried about her after hearing she got a nasty case of the fever from Mike couple of days ago.  My aunt Janice, always gets bad enough to go to the emergency so since Nancy’s been no show for a while I got worried—“ Robin’s rambling mercifully was soon cut off by Steve.

“We both got worried and wanted see if she needed anything.” He ended the conversation swiftly.

“You kids are sweet but I assure you, she got everything she needs here. Well I do need to go run some errands in town today, we are very low on supplies.”

“Stevie here and I can keep an eye on her if you want. Just be in the house if she needs any help. Trust me, he is the best babysitter in the neighborhood, you won’t need to worry at all.” Robin jokingly said as Steve subtly elbowed her arm.

Karen looked at the teens thinking how convenient their appearance was, but could not really argue that it wouldn’t be a good idea. She knew Steve was dependable, and heard his babysitter qualities from Claudia and Sue a lot, so probably he was perfect for her baby. And the girl seems harmless, if not bit too chatty, Karen was glad Steve found himself a nice girlfriend after the breakup.

“That be great actually, can you two wait here for a minute?”

”Sure take all the time you need.” Steve assured with a dorky finger salute.

Back at upstairs Karen found Nancy in her bed finishing off her breakfast, using the towel on her apron she cleaned up Nancy’s crumble filled face.

“Did my messy girl finish her breakfast sandwich?” Karen asked.

Nancy nodding her head enthusiastically stated. “All done.”

Sitting on the side of the bed Karen brushed her daughter’s bangs softly. “Glad you enjoyed it baby, so I need to go into town for some time. Would you be okay if I left you with Steve and his girlfriend Robin. They are going to be downstairs incase you need anything.”

“Do I need to go be with them?” Nancy quietly asked, probably her girl was too shy to be around others.

“No they are not allowed here so you just stay put, with Mr Rabbit till I come back. You went potty recently and had your feeding so you will be fine.” Unexpectedly Karen was hugged by Nancy wrapping her arms tightly around around her neck.

“Sweetheart don’t be scared, I am just going to the town.”

“Just be careful Mommy.” Nancy mumbled into her shoulder.

Once Karen was able to detach herself from the hug, she kissed the top of the girl’s head and gave her the pacifier to suckle. “Thank you honey, and you be a good girl for me in the meantime.” She said, leaving the room and locking it behind her before changing her clothes to go out. When she went back downstairs, the teens were where she left them.

“Okay I am leaving now thank you for doing this again. She is upstairs but not feeling up to any visitors in her room. I won’t be gone for more than two hours, help yourself to the kitchen, got lasagne in the fridge and again under no circumstances you disturb Nancy understood?”

“You got it Mrs Wheeler!” Steve said with his charming smile.

With that Karen left the house feeling secure knowing Nancy was in good hands. First she got done with her shopping list. Luckily getting baby stuff for Nancy hardly be questioned by the underpaid teen cashier at the Melvads. Along with some more comfortable clothing from the store next door. After getting everything, she made her way towards the house, hoping everything turned out fine. Unlocking the door, she was meet with Steve and Robin eating lasagna in the kitchen.

“I see you two have made yourself comfortable  enough to try my famous lasagna.” She amusedly teased.

Steve with stuffed cheeks, looking at her like a deer caught in headlights. “Welcome back Mrs Wheeler, did you get everything done and also oh my god this is the bomb, can I take my piece to go?” He said, hurriedly swallowing the food in his mouth.

Robin, who seemed more fidgety then before, just stuffed her face mumbling it tastes great.

“Yes I did and yes you can as a thank you for this, I couldn’t have left Nancy alone this long with her state.” Karen said, getting out a tupperware to cut the teens a big piece to take home.

“Anything for her, even if we broken up, we are still friends. Do call me if need me to stay again.” Steve offered.

“Yeah Mrs Wheeler, we are always here to help.” Robin squeaked out, looking like cat that is ready to take off any moment. With that both teens left the house, hurriedly saying their goodbyes.

“They made a nice if a bit weird couple.” Karen mumbled to herself as she walked back upstairs.

Unlocking Nancy’s door, she found Nancy playing on her stomach on the floor with a makeshift blanket as play mat, playing pretend with her plushie. Karen couldn’t help but let out an aww at how adorable it looked.

“Mommy!!” Nancy yelled seeing her in the doorway, her pacifier dropping to the ground. She got up to toddle her way to wrap her in hug.

“Did my baby miss me?” Karen smiled feeling her baby’s head nodding. “Want to come downstairs to help me with groceries?”

“Are they gone?” Nancy asked shyly.

Karen chuckling at her shyness, lifted Nancy off the ground, balancing the girl on her hip. “Yes the babysitters are gone, with them eating a quarter of the tray more like they looked after the lasagna.”

“Lasagna could be very naughty.” Nancy joked.

“Well lets go down to check if it started a food fight then.” Karen laughed with her going back downstairs.

By the time it was the afternoon, Nancy was on the living room floor, playing with the new puzzle cube her mom bought today.

“Okay honey come on you probably need to relieve yourself soon. Do you need to go now?” Karen asked.

Nancy’s ears burned in shame as she nodded, still not gotten use to the embarrassment of her mom treating her like a toddler being potty trained. Constantly being carried to the bathroom, but unlike her usual spot she was perched on the edge of the toilet. Her mom brought out a plastic mat to lay on the floor, with an unopened package of diapers.

No she wouldn’t go that far Nancy thought, but she remembered her mom mentioning protection last night. Karen meant literal diaper protection - this was the final straw that broke camel’s back for her screw the waiting game she was going to escape by herself. She tried to make a run for it, but unfortunately her lack power meant she just ended up on the floor, trying scramble out the door.

“Sweetheart what are you doing? Come here I promise you this is going to help.” Karen said immediately grabbing her from the behind, and into her lap on the floor locking her in place whilst cutting off any hope of escape.

Nancy struggling against her hold pleaded. “No please let me go, I don’t need it this isn’t normal.”

“Nancy baby calm down, its for your own go—aowww fuck that hurt.” Karen yelled out as Nancy tried to bite her hand to loosen her grip. Seeing literal red for a second, she flipped her naughty daughter to be positioned on her knees, removing the shorts to expose her bottom. With no warning at all, Karen started spanking her hard with no breaks, making Nancy cry out in earnest.

“Mommy please stop!” She yelled out between each spank.

“Naughty girls get punished, I told you this would happen.” Hitting even harder to make her point.

“AAAOWWWW…No you have to stop before an acc—” Nancy stopped mid sentence, beforehand she could not get across how much her bladder been hurting the whole time. With the last big whack, she felt sudden rush of warm release, a trickle that seemed to go on to long, soaked by the clothing under her. As if a switch was flipped in Karen’s mood, instead of yelling, she just went into an apologetic mode.

“I am so sorry sweetheart, I didn’t think this would happen, oh don’t worry these can all be washed.”

“Please mommy don’t make me use diapers.” Nancy pleaded with tears in her eyes.

“Sweetheart you had two accidents already, one just right now, can’t take chances till you get better.”

Nancy couldn’t disagree with the facts - she just peed all over herself and her mom. As if something inside her broke she closed her eyes, nodding solemnly and just let herself be put into the bathtub again. Nancy turned her head to the side to look the dreaded diapers taunting her. Crying silently as her mom bathed her, Karen was trying to cheer her up with bubbles but the emotional toll of losing her bladder control twice in 24 hours was to much.

Later she was stretched out naked facing up on the floor of her room. Firstly a cream was put on her bottom, for the pain and then proceeded to have baby powder sprinkled over her privates to avoid diaper rashes.

Karen grabbed a diaper from the package, opening its tapes, luckily Nancy’s petite size meant the largest one would easily work.

“Okay honey lift your bottom up for me.” Karen said it with some authority to scare her enough to comply. It worked as intended because with no fight she did what was ask for, allowing her to fully diaper Nancy up.

“Now you gonna be snug as a bug and don’t need to worry about no accidents my sweet girl.” Karen reassured booping her daughter’s nose.

“Thank you mommy.” Nancy forced a little smile, still can’t help be polite under the circumstances.

Karen smiled back, rubbing Nancy’s cheek lovingly. “There is that smile I love, lets get you to bed so you can sleep that tantrum probably wiped you out.”

With the ordeal over, Nancy was tucked back into her bed. To which she didn’t complain, genuinely wanting to be away from her mom for a while. She wriggled around to test the diaper, the crinkle sounds constantly reminded her of the infantile state she was in.

“They are comfy atleast, just need to hold on for a bit till they found more information. Then this nightmare will be over.” Nancy muttered to herself before closing her eyes from the emotional exhaustion.

When she opened her eyes again she found herself in a different bed. She was back in the Upside Down, and the same unfamiliar room she feel asleep last time. Henry Creel was sitting on the edge of the bed looking at her with a disappointedly. The prospect of it made her stomach queasy, she doesn’t want her Daddy Henry to be sad….wait why was she thinking like that. Nancy still can’t understand why was she having these familiar feelings towards him. Inside she was excited to see him again, hoping he will make all the bad feelings go away. While on the other hand, she knows he is up to no good, and she should be on the edge.

“Well well well I see you were a very naughty girl today?” He chastised, Nancy gulped audibly terrified that he was aware about her morning with Steve and Robin. But she was able relax fully once Henry started laugh sinisterly.

“Wetting on my sister, I shouldn’t have laughed  as much as I did. You little one managed to achieve the impossible.” He booped her nose to emphasize his point, mirroring Karen.

“It was an accident…..” Nancy squeaked out, still ashamed of what happened.

“I know that you can’t help it little one, so its okay don’t need to be embarrassed. You know I was going to feed you like last time, but I think you earned yourself a little reward.” Henry brought out a spoon and bowl in his hand. Scooping a spoonful of the grey goo that was in the bowl, bringing it in front of Nancy’s face.

“Open wide for daddy.” Henry said, if this was few days ago she would have kicked and screamed, but her mind really gotten comfortable with reliving a part of her childhood with a caring father so she opened it willingly. Additionally wanting to keep him happy, which allows her to get more information out of him.

“Aren’t you an eager beaver, here comes the plane.” Nancy allowing herself be feed spoonfuls of the earthy tasting mush. Occasionally her mouth missing the spoon, which was intentional on Henry’s part to create a mess with his faulty aim. It started fine, but the bowl seemed to be never ending with her probably eating more then dozen spoonfuls. She wanted to tell him to stop feeling full but didn’t want to stop eating the tasty food at the same time.

Henry could see the dilemma playing out on her face, he knew how addictive the Upside Down essence can be. He smirked allowing her to have a reprieve from it by stopping.

Nancy’s face was a mess, her chin smeared with the dried remnants of the goo and there spit running down from the side of her mouth.

He took out a napkin from his pocket, cleaning her face. “My my how messy are you little one, did my sister forgot to teach you manners all these years.”

Nancy couldn’t even answer him, a fog has settled in her mind, making her feel woozy. Henry lifted her up from the bed, to cradle her as he paced throughout the room. He started to pat her back rhythmically, till she let out a huge belch.

“That was a big one baby, did daddy indulge you bit to much today” He asked condescendingly.

Nancy didn’t even register the teasing tone, feeling even more out of it. Her stomach was comfortably felt full with the gas gone, and now she just wanted more hugs from her daddy him. She hummed contentedly, rubbing her cheek on his shoulder.

“Yeah you are spoiled, aren’t you? I don’t do this for anyone you now.” Henry patted her still stinging bottom, making Nancy whimper in pain.

“My dear sister did a very bad number of you today hasn’t she. Spanking you silly again, making you quieter then usual.” Henry added continuing to walk around his lair, bit giddy that she seems so docile now.

After some time, Nancy started to feel better with the fog dissipating bit. Realizing he was in a good mood, this was her chance to ask some questions. “Daddy why can’t you be around all the time?” She said in a way he would find it innocent rather then prying.

Assuming his sister’s actions made her little resentful towards mommy, Henry answered knowing this can be used to further his agenda. “Unfortunately, some forces would not let that happen its a long story.” He pulled her back to brush her cheek possessively.

“But I will help with that?” Nancy asked, holding his hand over her cheek hoping it makes Henry more open to her questions.

“Oh you will soon enough but for now what you need is some daddy daughter time?”

“Can you tell me your story then?” Nancy asked pouting to make her request seem cuter.

“Well I cannot say no to that face I guess.” He rolled his eyes, doing whatever takes her to sympathize with his cause he thought. Moving her back to the bed, he laid down with her to start narrating. After a while kinda enjoying being able retell her the full story of his time in the Rainbow Room with Papa and the other subjects in its full glory. He watched intently as Nancy eyes sparked with anger, sadness and amazement with each new detail.

“Unfortunately your daddy’s escape got thwarted, when subject Eleven rather than join our family banished me here permanently.” Henry concluded with how Eleven send him to the Upside Down.

“But why would she chose to save the humans that ruined lives….they were the bad guys.” Nancy asked angrily, her hatred of the Lab burning hot till to this day.

“Weakness little one, human weakness you and I would not fall to such emotional traps. We will get our revenge, and we will not ask permission right.” Using her own words against her to poison her perception.

“No we won’t…..” Nancy trailed off letting out huge yawn, her limbs stretching out.

Henry took that as a sign to cut their time short. “You are tired, let me tuck you in fully and leave.”

Before he could lift the mattress off him, Nancy grabbed his shirt, pulling on it. “NO!! Please stay a bit I don’t want to be alone?” She said without meaning too.

Nancy knew she should go back and write what she remembers down. But he had a nice calming presence, that she can’t help but be want to be close too. It was for more information probably she tried to reason with herself. Ted never really stayed with her when she needed comfort, and Henry Daddy seems to even enjoy telling her stories so why not take advantage of it.

“Anything for my little one.” Henry said smiling like a shark, and pulling out a pacifier from his pocket to pop it into her mouth. The teen taking it with ease, sucking on it contentedly while scotching aside to make more space for him in the bed.

Henry tucked himself in with his new regressed niece by his side. He felt Nancy’s tight grip on his shirt, so he started to rub her shoulder slowly to calm her down. The soft ministrations getting Nancy to doze of slowly to sleep, her hand letting go of his shirt. He knew taking a direct approach was the right call, even if she would be more aware, but luckily it seems to have not affected any of their process.

As he thought of his plan tomorrow, he heard a distinct hiss sound. Nancy was wetting herself while sleeping, part of the side effects of what he has given her, the diaper expanding under his palm. Mirroring what was happening to her back in her room above. Henry couldn’t help but let out a triumphant laugh knowing he nearly broken his meddling teen into an obedient loving pet full time.

From across neighborhood, unknown to Henry, the Party that thwarted his plans over and over again just raised code red for Upside Down emergency. Even with all his efforts, a regressed Nancy Wheeler found a way to meddle again.

Chapter Text

Steve was bored sitting behind the Family Video’s counter, the morning shift on a Wednesday was just an empty store after he organized everything. His platonic best friend and co-worker was doing god’s know what behind the back. Now hoping maybe some ladies would come in the meantime so he can flirt with no interruptions. A sudden phone ringing causes him to slam his arm to the counter but he was able recover fast enough to answer it swiftly.

“Family Video, how can I help?”

His mundane morning just got more interesting when he heard his ex-girlfriend Nancy’s whispered voice. “Steve I don’t have time to explain but you need to come to my house immediately.”

“Nance is that you, wait why are you whispering? Did something happened?” He asked.

“Just come to the house, tell mom you got worried hearing I was sick from Mike, and insist she goes out for you to stay in.” Nancy ignored his questions just hurriedly telling him what to do.

Steve stood up feeling alert, all his instincts telling him there was something. “Nance you are not making sense—“

Nancy immediately cutting him off with a desperate chocked sob. “Please come!”

The dial going silent from her end, before he could reply he was coming. Steve regardless of not understanding what just happened grabbed his keys yelling out to Robin he is taking his break as he ran out the store.

“Where are you going dingus?” Robin yelled back, catching up to him by the car. “What the hell are you thinking running out on our shift like that?”

“Nance called she needs me to come to her house urgently.”

“Your ex called you and not like her boyfriend or friends.” Robin said sarcastically, of course it was Priss the Wheeler behind making Steve act on his primal instincts.

“Firstly he is not physically here and also hey I am her friend too.” Steve argued, putting his hand on his hips. “Look I know her, she would rather pull out her own tooth then call for help. This must be very urgent for her to even call me as a last resort.”

“Fine but I am coming with you can’t be trusted to not fall for her again.” Robin relented. “Let me put up a sign on the door or something, not like anyone is coming this hour of the morning anyway.”

On their way to the Wheelers’ house, Steve filled in Robin about the weird call he had with Nancy, along with the scenario to follow.

“Huh I thought there was an actual emergency, it sounds like she just wants to get rid of her mom.” Robin concluded.

“I am telling you, I heard her sob by the end it can’t be that simple.” Steve argued back, even if he wasn’t the best boyfriend he knows when Nancy is serious.

After dealing with Mrs Wheeler when they arrived, he kinda got why she probably needs an out. Karen seemed a bit out of it, she was sometimes unaware of her kids but this seemed different. Also her explicitly forbidding them to go upstairs, because Nancy doesn’t want anyone with her was weird. Did Nancy really wanted time alone away from her mom just like Robin has theorized.

Meanwhile upstairs, Nancy climbed out of her bed the moment the car left the house knowing her planned worked perfectly. Of course, she realized her mom wanted to go out for shopping but wouldn’t not being able to leave her alone. So she quietly called Family Video, knowing Steve would be working the morning shift. He wasn’t her usual first choice, being exes and all that, but he was a dependable person her mom would trust and he would definitely understand the Upside Down threat they were under. Assuming the girlfriend, her mom referred to, was Robin they been inseparable since the last summer’s incident. She was not part of her plans, but Robin is seems smart from what she observes in class of her so probably would be some help as well.

Nancy slowly made her way towards the door to get their attention only to find out that it was locked. This can’t be happening, why would her mom lock her in like she was a prisoner in her own home. She started banging on the door, out of terror hoping to get their attention. With her weakened strength her hits wasn’t as loud as she hoped, but if she can create enough ruckus maybe one of them would hear it.

Luckily Robin’s brilliant ears immediately perked up from the faint banging noises. “Do you hear that Steve, seems like its coming from upstairs.”

Steve focusing on it for a moment also heard a banging noise. “You think Nance needs something, why would Mrs Wheeler lie that she doesn’t want to see anyone?”

“Well she did call you maybe her mom is just being overprotective, and needs an out. You seen how she acted like 1950s mom being mighty high and uptight.”

As the teens argued, the next bang they heard was a really loud one, making both of them bolt upstairs. Steve reflexively tried to open the door but to his horror realized it was locked.

“What the fuck! Robin the door is locked.” He looked at her with panicked expression.

“Okay officially something is wrong with Mrs. Wheeler, why the hell would you lock your daughter’s door.” Robin mirrored his panicked state.

Steve nervously straightened his hair, he heard loud breathing coming from the other side of the room. Realizing it’s probably Nancy’s, he got close to it to reassure her. “Nance, its Steve and Robin don’t panic we will get you out but I need you to tell me. Where is the spare for your door key?”

After a moment of silence, there was a faint reply behind the door. “Kitchen drawer under the oven.”

“I will be back in an a jiffy, Robin stay here make sure she doesn’t panic.” Steve said running back downstairs leaving Robin all alone.

She and Nancy weren’t really friends, at best acquaintances that acknowledged each other at school because of the same traumatic ordeal they been through. But right now weird stuff is happening and even she was getting worried.

“Hi its Robin, I know you only called Steve but we work together and I naturally heard everything. I also did get worried too….this must have been serious since your last resort to call your ex.” Robin said, but she still was hearing panicked breaths from the other side.

“Fuck I didn’t mean to make it sound like I was judging….well I did find it weird first but not because of you just you know dingus he does stuff on instinct like running out on me without saying anything. But I knew there was no bad blood between you two old lovebirds but still pride and all… I am rambling aren’t I? Lets try it again hi.” Robin tried to be more reassuring, thankfully she heard something akin to a chuckle a second later. At least she got Nancy to relax so she will take the win.

Luckily Steve came back soon enough, with a bunch of keys, trying them all out till he found the right one to unlock the door. When they opened the door, they didn’t expected to find Nancy on the floor a pacifier in her mouth, with clothing more suited to a child’s - a mini dress over long sleeved white shirt and white stockings.

“NANCY?!!” Both teens yelled simultaneously in disbelief.

“Why the hell do you dressed like that?” He asked. “Also is that a pacifier in your mouth?” Robin asked the same time.

Nancy seeing their initial reactions realized, she forgot to spit out the pacifier, has it become that natural to her to not think others would find it odd. Or even her outfit would be that childish looking, it was just the comfortable clothing her mom been dressing her in.

All of her plans were ruined now, they probably will not help out at all now. Thinking she was just silly baby that should be locked up like a secret or tell everybody ruining her reputation. Nancy quickly got up to sit back down in her bed, hiding her face behind her hands and holding back her sobs at bay.

Steve didn’t know what was happening or what was he looking at, but if Nancy trusted him enough to call for help dammit he was going to be there for her. He slowly lowered himself on the floor to look her directly in the eyes.

Putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Nance I am sorry for the outburst you just caught us off guard. What ever you need we are here for you okay.” He said in an apologetic tone, still trying to understand why was she in such infantile garment.

Robin following suite crouched to be on eye level with Nancy as well, her usual raspy voice tried to comfort her. “Yeah we didn’t mean that, but can you blame us you are sucking on that thing with no context.” Her theory currently was that it could be a fetish related thing which seems unlikely with the Prissy the Wheeler image she has of her.

“They made me need it.” Nancy quietly pipped up behind the pacifier with tears in her eyes. “They been forcing me to be like this for days. I ca-can’t help it.”

Steve couldn’t help himself, leaping forward to cradle her face now and to remove the plastic nipple from her mouth.

“Who could have forced you Nance?”

As if putting it in words caused her physical pain she stuttered out the culprit. “Th-th-the M-m-mind Flay-flayer.”

Steve and Robin’s faces suddenly paled hearing about an Upside Down related threat again. Robin feeling there was something missing shot a questionable look at Steve, who was also cluelessly looking back at her.

“How or why would they do that to you?” Robin asked in disbelief.

“They need me as a conduit to be able to come into Hawkins again.” Nancy said trying to remember her conversations with Henry, her head starting to feel fuzzy again. “There is this guy, he said he has plans for the town.”

“Who is this guy?” Steve asked slowly, anger festering under his skin thinking anyone threatening his kids and friends.

“His name is Henry Creel, he is from the Upside Down…..and he asks me to refer to him as a dad.” She added quietly bit scared of their reaction.

Which she was right to worry about because they both exclaimed loudly again. “DAD?!”

“Who the hell……wait you were in the Upside Down too?” Steve exclaimed,

Nancy just nodded at them like being there was just going next town over. “Not physically just in my dreams.”

Robin at this point finding all of this ridiculous, stood up to leave. “Okay officially I am done, Nancy you probably had too much medication and dreamed all this random nonsense.”

“I wouldnt make up a story like this Robin.” Nancy stood up angrily.

“Come on you know thats ridiculous, seeing this guy in your dreams and telling you that he is going to attack like a moron.” Robin turned around to leave the room.

“Look I know, but I am telling you the truth stop being a stupid meanie.” Nancy pulled on Robin’s vest to stop her, childish instincts taking over her.

“Stop that!” Robin yelled, reflexively pulling her vest harshly out of Nancy’s hand. She didn’t really think that would cause Nancy to stumble backwards to fall backwards to the floor.

“I…I…I didn’t mean to push you, are you okay?”

Thanks to the fall, Nancy fully dropped back into her little space. She looked up the two taller teens, thinking they would discipline her like mommy does. Her eyes got misty backing away from both, hugging her knees pleading with tears. Right now only thing she wanted was her binky and bunny to calm her down.

“Please don’t spank me like mommy it still hurts, I am sorry Robin.”

Steve saw red hearing a parent give out a physical punishment, especially to Nancy of all people. Right now she looked so small and vulnerable, so he didn’t think twice before swooping her into his arms and cradling her till her sobs subsided. Going around the room, gently hopping her around, assuming if she is feeling little the usual methods that work on toddlers would work on her too.

“I am sorry…I didn’t mean to play rough.”

“Its okay Nance, I know it was an accident. No one is gonna hurt you again while I am around.” Steve whispered reassuringly into her ear.

“You won’t let them?”

“Never ever understood? I will get my nail bat and make sure they regret ever trying to touch you.” He promised, not understanding what was happening but he knows Nancy’s behavior was no mere act or delusion.

Robin just sat back on the bed in shock feeling like an asshole, watching Steve try to comfort Nancy for the distress she caused. She started to think about all the pieces of the puzzle; Mrs Wheeler’s weird behavior and Nancy’s obvious infantile state. It be a hell of a coincidence if this is related to the latest power failures and rumblings in the town.

“Nancy hypothetically speaking what would taking over the town include?”

“Honey can you explain us your theory so we can better understand it.” Steve quietly asked again when Nancy stayed silent. Sitting down on the bed, suddenly realizing he was using his old pet name for her.

She looked up to him with those big blue eyes that made him fall in love with her all over again, this time definitely more platonically.

Nancy bit her lip thinking back to her time with him. “Vines underground shaking everything, with electricity power sources being drained.”

Robin feeling more like an asshole with every word coming out of Nancy’s mouth, leaned into Steve’s ear to whisper what he should ask next.

“Is Mrs Wheeler one of the flayed?”

“I don’t think so, but she is been acting strangely.”

“Thats an understatement.” Robin mumbled under her breath.

“Wait why are you still like this then?”

“Don’t know, he makes sure I stay in this state.” She said nonchalantly trying to get a hold of her foot like it was the most interesting thing.

Both teens feeling nauseous what could that entail.

“He whispers things when I am asleep thinking I can’t hear, but I do. Daddy needs intense pure emotional force to use El’s powers.” Nancy continued to reveal proudly, not realizing she was addressing Henry in a paternal matter.

“Thats why the age regression!!” Robin excitedly snapped her fingers.

“What regression?”

“Age regression dingus, I read it somewhere its a common in psychology practice, helps people with trauma. Makes them relive a time they had less worries to be able to process adult thoughts easier and express purer emotions.”

“Oh so this creep has El’s stolen powers but needs Nance here to stimulate the emotions. Still doesn’t explain why her specifically, couldn’t it have been any person why someone who would know you are a threat in the first place.”

“Steve I don’t know what vitamins you been taking but those are some excellent points.”

“Well I been act— heyyyyy!”

Nancy giving up on trying to keep up with their ramblings decided to get her journal, crawling on the bed to reach her bedside. Waving it in front of them trying to get their attention with it.

“Yeah its a very pretty journal honey.” Steve says obliviously.

“No look inside it, made notes when not feeling little.”

Robin immediately snatches it to look through the last entries talking about everything after the day she got sick.

As she was reading it, Nancy wrapped her arms around Steve’s neck, sticking out her pouting face infront of his eye line.

“Aren’t you the sweetest, want to go on Steve Express, all aboard!” He gladly played along, making sure Nancy’s legs were wrapped around his stomach before lifting her up. Carrying her around the room, while making sudden turns to surprise her, filling the room with her laughter.

Steve knew their break up was for the best for both of them, but he would be remiss to not admit he did miss hanging out with her, even in this regressed state he vowed to protect her from anything, his caretaker instincts igniting up.

“Giddy up.” Nancy excitedly yelled having the most fun she had in days.

“You enjoying this way to much I think, but lets take a little stop at the bed station because a little birdie looks like about to lose her head.

Robin was muttering under her breath, as she read about Nancy’s vague memories of Henry Creel and what he has done to her forcefully.

“Oh my god, oh my god….We are so fucked.” She bit her thumb anxiously.

Steve stopping his play sat next to her on the bed with Nancy clinging to his back still. Robin instinctively started to card her fingers through Nancy’s curls to remind herself the girl she felt immediate protectiveness towards was safe with them.

“Let me see it Robin, did something bad happened?” Wrapping her in a side hug to creating a make shift three way cuddle.

“Not now Steve…I will tell you later but here is something interesting about who this Henry Creel fellow might be. Mrs Wheeler apparently written the surname Creel down too, maybe its connected to her mother and to check under her maiden name Childress. Probably need to check governmental records if someone’s whole name has been changed.”

Nancy pipping up from the back nodding.

“It just a shot in the dark.” She deflated saying not trusting her gut fully after everything going down last summer.

“No sweetie your notes are brilliant, don’t you ever doubt yourself.” Robin assured, blushing when the nickname just came out of her mouth automatically. “Okay we will go to the library after this and maybe inform the kids so they be cautious.”

“Don’t go near the pumpkin patches, bad vines are in the tunnels again.” Nancy warned Steve knowing he remembers those things from a year ago. Changing Nancy’s position so she was in the front on his lap, hugging her tightly to calm down his own nerves.

“Maybe we should take her with us, she isn’t safe alone if Mrs Wheeler is some kind of flayed and is hurting her.”

“Well it sounds more like a terrible disciplinary method. Honestly I am more worried about the Upside Down creep that is making her call him dad. Wouldn’t he get suspicious and maybe quicken his plans? I don’t want to leave her alone either, but I think till we have a plan she is safe here.”

Nancy’s eyes widened in shock at how Robin was reading her mind about what to the next. Feeling bad about her outburst from earlier, she pulled on Robin’s vest to get her attention.

“I am sorry for being a meanie before. I didn’t mean to say you were stupid, you are very clever and funny.”

Robin’s heart probably grew two sizes bigger with the love she felt for the little and the big Nancy at that moment. Putting the journal aside she turned around to give Nancy her full attention.

“No you weren’t a meanie maybe bit prissy but I was not nice to you by undermining your problems. Let’s leave all that behind and start again.”

“Does this mean we are officially friends now?” Nancy asked shyly.

“Yeah it does, and when we save the town again I promise the best movie nights of your life. Because I seen your rental choices and you need some variety, they can’t all have Tom Cruise in it.”

“I would like that.”

Nancy smiled widely, but this time in relief; relief for them accepting her situation, relief feeling she has people who believe her crazy theories and finally relief that she wasn’t alone again. Maybe it was the new fire lit up within her, but she felt her old strength back.

Standing upright from bed, looking at her feet and back at the confused face of the two teens.

Her cheeks redden a bit thinking her babyish actions around them, but the hugs by them were nice so maybe the whole embarrassing deal was worth gaining some friendships back and making new ones too.

“Steve…Robin…..We don’t have much time till I drop fully again.”

“Nance what are you saying, you look fine now we can get out of here.” Steve said.

“No I can’t Robin is right he would know, he said…he said..we have a connection. And I need more information out of him before we can do anything.”

“What do you need from us to do then?” Robin piped up.

“You two need to research about the Creel family then try to contact Byers in California, and please check on Mike for me, Mom hasn’t even bothered to check on him which is worrying me.”

Turning around to directly address the other girl now.

“Robin I believe you are on to something about the change of names, talk with Dustin so he can contact his computer expert girlfriend to find records. If you need information pulled from the town records check with Fred from our class, just tell him its what I want for the paper and he will do it.”

Now looking back to Steve to explain his role.

“Steve make sure all the kids are safe, especially Max with her being withdrawn from the party. I trust both of you now with the outside and I will try to get more information on the inside.”

Both Steve and Robin just nodded looking at her in awe. Especially how quickly Nancy went from being a sweet baby to the badass leader they knew.

“Is everything understood?” Nancy raised her voiced to get their attention.

“Yes!” They blurted out still trying to process all the things she said to them.

However the triumphant moment passed to soon for comfort and Nancy lost her balance on the spot. Steve stepped in to scoop her up into his arms before she could fall. When he looked at her eyes, he saw that they were glazed again looking at him with less intensity.

“How do you feel now honey?”

“Feel floaty….can we just do something I am bored?”

“What would you like to do?” Steve asked, wanting to just put a smile on her face.

She grinned widely at him, pointing at her plushie. “Stevie and Robbie play pretend?”

“You want to actually play for fun?” Robin said skeptically.

“Its very relaxing……you don’t have to we can just sit too.”

They both looked at each other with defeated sighs, knowing they can’t say no to her. Robin spread the mattress on to the floor for a makeshift playmat, and Steve sat down with Nancy. He grabbed the bunny plushie on the pillow, and started speaking in a low voice.

“What would Miss Nancy want from the two sailors now? I don’t trust them lets just run away.”

“No thats not how you play Steve.” Nancy stopped him, crossing her arms.

“Reallyyyy, how do I play right then?” Steve asked, amused at how she was taking it seriously like everything she does.

“Mr Bunny is not a grumpy bunny, he loves adventure and fun.” Nancy complained taking back her plushie to show him how to act.

Robin in the meantime couldn’t help herself looking around the room, checking out Nancy’s books and tapes. Her music taste was more impressive, Blondie and Bowie, not what she would have clocked her for. She even had a Blondie’s Parallel lines album poster on the wall. Well she loses point for Madonna for being too much like the dingus but no wonder those two got along.

“Please don’t touch anything.” Nancy piped up, realizing what was the tall girl doing.

“Seriously Robin she is very particular about where her stuff is supposed to be.” Steve sighed, not ready to deal with a even more bossy little Nancy. She was already criticizing all of his voice choices.

“Fine I won’t…oh my god is that a music box?”

Robin grabbed the box to open it, a tiny figurine pops up as a classic tune starts to play.

“Holy shit there is a little ballerina in here” She looked back at the pair grinning.

“Seriously Robin don’t swear in front of her.” Steve complained, blocking Nancy’s ears as she happily clapped hearing the tune.

“You are such a mother hen, look how much she likes it look at her, isn’t Stevie a meanie not letting us have fun Nancy.”

“Nu uhh he is the best” Nancy’s hand reaching out to touch the infamous hair.

“Great! Dingus you hypnotized her with your hair now.”

Steve making sure Nancy was not pulling on on it just letting her card her fingers through it.

“What can I say its my best feature.” He cheekily added.

“Yeah officially she is the only one who fell for it, so you get one point on you don’t suck corner.”

“Again again!” Nancy interrupted, once the music box stopped playing.

“Lets go for an encore sweetie.” Robin cranked the handle again to re-start the song. Nancy looking at the ballerina enthralled by the melody. Robin sat down next to them on the floor, continuing to wind up the music box each time Nancy demanded it.

“Can’t we play something else my wrist is getting tired.” Robin complained, it is a lovely tune but even she has her limits after the fifth time.

“He is not that good with pretend though.” Nancy whispered loudly, Steve gaping in shock from the behind.

“I am a certified amateur director, I can make him better.”

“Really?!”

“Of course if I made Tammy Thompson sound good, I can do anything.” Robin confidently asserted.

“You just made one amateur home video.”

“Shut up dingus, a master is at work….you stay there and look pretty okay.” She held out her hands to frame his head with her fingers. “Hmm we need more extras I believe.”

“I got kitties!” Nancy pointed at the cat figurines on her desk.

“Perfect! My little assistant director, I think I have an idea for our little movie.

Robin grabbed the figurines from the desk to play a spontaneous pretend game of tiny cats finding a huge bunny on their mattress island. Taking upon herself to give every character a funny voice, which amused Nancy to no end.

After playing for a while, Nancy felt thirsty from all that emotional exhaustion beforehand so she pulled on Steve’s vest. “Stevie I am thirsty, can I get the cup?”

Pointing at her plastic cup by the bedside.

“Yeah sure honey let me bring that to you.” Steve leaned over to grab it, sadly realizing Mrs Wheeler was using the child cups for her. He presented it, holding on to it till Nancy had a firm grip on it with both of her hands.

Both teens looking in disbelief as the girl, who stood infront of a moving car with a gun, was barely able to hold on to a cup. When she finished the whole thing, Nancy shoved the cup into Steve’s hand smiling proudly.

“It’s all done.”

“Yes you are, do you want me to get you more?”

“No don’t go yet….just stay a bit longer.” Nancy reached out to grab his hand, squeezing it. Remembering the fun times before they started dating when they both were getting to know each other just enjoying each other’s company as friends.

Robin bit awkwardly started to rub her back to show some affection. A little part of her is jealous that she preferred Steve over her. As if Nancy sensed her thoughts, she turned around to look to her now.

“Do you have any sweets? Mommy doesn’t give me any.” She asked with a hopeful look on her face.

Steve chuckled knowing Nancy has a mean sweet tooth, no wonder the little one loves them too. Robin scrambled to dump her bag’s contents on to the floor for any random steals from the Family Video’s sweet rack. Luckily she had an open packet of Starburst, red vines and a Hershey chocolate bar.

When she showed her stash, Nancy squealed and made grabby hands at the red vines.

“Red vines are my favorite!”

“Uhmm what do we say when we want something?” Robin going pure red realizing she sounded less sarcastic and more like a mom.

“Pleaseeeeeeeee can I have some red vines?”

“With a cute face like that I can’t ever say no.”

Soon as Robin said that she felt the weight of a teen on her legs, jumping excitedly. Robin not being able to contain her own grin, handed Nancy a stand of red vine watching her clumsily eating it. After feeding her a few more of them, she felt Nancy kissing her cheek leaving a sweet saliva trail.

“Thanks Robbie!” She mumbled into Robin’s shoulder as she hugged her tightly. “I am glad we are friends now.”

Robin slightly chocking on the literal sweetness dripping from the girl she was making constant jokes about being a major priss. Slowly wrapping her arms around her in return, she felt an extra man sized hands on them. Robin looked up to see Steve have wrapped them in his own big hug.

Sometime had passed when they heard a chime in the house, realizing they completely lost track of time.

“How long its been already?”

“I don’t know I wasn’t keeping track Robin!”

“You need to go now, she would never let you in ever again if she finds us.” Nancy worrying from her end which could result in ruining all of her plans.

Steve immediately collected their stuff, with Robin removing the pages from the journal incase Mrs Wheeler decided to snoop.

“Eat from the lasagna that will distract her and will you both come for play again…I mean to touch base?” Nancy tried not to sound desperate, just hugging herself feeling as if when they leave the room they will disappear forever.

Steve and Robin kneeled to her level, holding out their pinkies for a pinkie swear as sign of their new bond.

“You are now part of the exclusive Scoops Ahoy gang.” Robin said in a business like manner. “This pinkie swear is for life, are you ready uphold the sacred oath.”

“Yeah I am! But don’t wanna wear the uniform.”

“Oh god no thankfully none of us has too, strictly casual with us. Now that we had our initiation, just try to stay safe okay, no heroics till we come back sailor.” Robin said smiling sadly hating to leave her alone in the house.

“Aye will stay put captain.” Nancy saluted.

Robin let out a wet laugh, saluting back.

Steve who was nearly in tears the whole time, kissed the top of her head. “We will be back with reinforcements before you know it. If anything happens again, listen to the little ballerina and imagine us giving you a big hug.

“Okay Stevie, be careful too.” She smiled encouragingly to ease his worry.

He cranked the music box one final time, letting the peaceful melody fill the room as they left the room.

They both couldn’t help but hate themselves locking the door again. But there wasn’t much choice and time, so they quickly made it look like they were hanging around the kitchen since the beginning.

When Mrs Wheeler found them, Steve used his usual charm to keep the attention on him not sure if she had any powers like the other flayed ones last year. Robin mostly allowing Steve to make conversation, preferring to stuff her face with more food to not blurt out anything to mommy dearest.

Hastily making their escape from the house to avoid any suspicion. Steve drove them out the neighborhood as fast as he can to go back to the store. Both teens, still in shock, didn’t utter a single word to each other the whole journey.

Now they were parked in front of the Family Video, just trying to process what just happened in the last couple of hours. As Robin could open her mouth, someone started rapidly tapping on the car’s window scaring the hell out of them.

It was Dustin looking at them dramatically like him waiting for them was the a crime against humanity.

“What the hell is wrong with you Henderson!” Steve chastised when he saw Dustin’s face by the window.

“Me where the hell were you guys, the store is closed during working hours.”

Robin rolled her eyes. “Who are you? Our manager Keith now?”

“No I wanted some goddamn movies. If you guys keep this up I will take it up with Keith about the lack of professionalism.”

Steve and Robin looked at each other grimacing, realizing they will have to break the illusion of his Upside Down free spring break.

“Hey whats wrong with both of you!” Dustin yelled trying to get their attention.

Steve holding the steering wheel tightly. “Henderson, get in the car we got something to tell you.”

Dustin opened the back door to get in. “Are you guys breaking up because I chose Steve.”

“What the hell no it’s something serious Dustin.” Robin chocked on her spit thinking about being his girlfriend for even a second.

Dustin slumping on to the seat, grumpily asked. “What is this big thing then? Because we got a big Hellfire campaign coming up and Eddie needs me to be around all weekend….”

“Its a Code Red!” Both yelled in unison to stop him from rambling.

“Son of a bitch!”

Chapter Text

Nancy never been happier in her life not to wake up in her own bed. She was still on the edge about seeing her mom again too soon after the wetting incident.

“Daddy you didn’t leave!” Nancy exclaimed excitedly, finding Henry next to her.

Henry opened his own eyes groggily, surprised at himself that he was comfortable enough to take a nap.

“Ofcourse my little one, I made a promise to you right so I am keeping your custody a bit longer.” Henry thought he can kill two birds with one stone with this.

As Nancy tried wiggle out of the bed, she felt a wet squish under her. Freezing on the spot she couldn’t believe it, she wet herself in her sleep again. The wet pamper feeling clammy and cold, wanting it off her now but she was to embarrassed to admit it.

Henry realizing her hesitation, pressed his hand on her bottom squishing the wet material.

“Oh did someone had an accident?” He innocently said in a condescending tone. When he didn’t get any verbal confirmation, he pinched her cheek getting a squeak
out of her.

“When I ask a question, I would like to hear your big girl words?”

With a whimper Nancy blurted out. “I wet myself.”

But this wasn’t enough for him.

“What do we say when this happens?”

“I need help?”

He pinches her thigh this time. signaling he is expecting something else. With a yelp, she closed her eyes in embarrassment, legs rubbing and hands holding the blanket tightly for support.

“Daddy I had an accident, can I have a change now please.” Her cheeks were pure red by the end.

Enjoying her embarrassment he puts on a loving act to encourage her behavior.

“Thats more like it come here my little wet reporter. After this we can go out for some ‘fresh’ air.”

Carrying her on to a makeshift changing station he removed the wet garment. Putting his old experience of looking after young subjects in the Lab to good use. Easily cleaning her privates, he took out a big puffy diaper, cooing at her saying only the best for his big baby as he tapped it on her. Niceness of the current non physical presence is him not needing to worry about diaper rashes and such, just mentally getting the teen go through the process.

“Now that you are in your new dry diaper don’t you feel better.”

Nancy who was silent the whole ordeal tested the new material on her bottom, making crinkling noises in her ever movement. Even though she was blushing, the dry sensation was better compared to few minutes ago so she smiled at him, holding her arms up for a lift. To her surprise. Henry shook his head no, and left the room for a second to return with a over sized baby-stroller. He picked her up not paying attention to her whines as he strapped Nancy into it.

“Look at it from my perspective, we going for a long walk my arms would get tired from all the carrying around. And this is going be more fun trust me.” Henry reassured.

Taking out a pacifier, he secured the clip on to her dress and popped the nipple into her mouth. Suckling in the plastic helped Nancy to calm down a bit, she looked up to him waiting to get a move on.

“Kids are always so impatient.”

He walked out the the Creel house taking Nancy out for a stroll ride in his red soaked dimension. He recreated the exact replica of her suburban street’s stimulating the feeling of the normal Hawkings suburbia with his improvements. Nancy was looking around excitedly as she has been cooped up in her house for days, this felt like a big treat.

“Enjoying the view?” He smirked when Nancy nodded her head in excitement jumping up and down.

“I have such sights to show you when you can come visit me in the Upside Down, nature and true power taking over the man made lies and distractions.”

He pushed her around, explained her his plans on creating a better world, along with his lovely creatures. They passed from the pumpkin patches with demodogs guarding the fields. Usually Nancy would be scared of them, but right now all she could think was how fun it would be to play with them. Excitedly looked up to Henry to get his attention.

“Daddy can I pet a demodog?” She asked spitting out her pacifier.

Henry had to do a double take. “You want a what now?”

“The four legged ones with the flower heads.”

“Why do you want to do that, not that I am complaining.” He asked in amusement.

“Mommy always says no to pets, maybe here you let me pet one your doggies.”

Henry couldn’t help but laugh at her infantile look on his creatures, rather then see it as monstrous she just associates them like his natural extension now.

“I have to see what I can do about that little one.” Ruffling her hair as he continued their journey.

They were in the more shady side of the town now, the Trailer Park. Nancy barely recognized it from her memories when she occasionally drove there to check up on Max ever since she started living there after her mom got divorced.

Instinctually, she felt like there was something wrong trying to wiggle out the stroller only for the straps to tighten. Fighting against them as her protective instincts over Max was letting her big brain to take over.

“No no little one you have to stay here a while till daddy finishes his work.” Recognizing his niece’s insufferable side trying to break free, he parks the stroller in front of the trailer his target is in.

He snapped his fingers for two new figures to join them. Distracting Nancy with the ghosts from her past; Billy Hargrove and Heather Holloway looking like their flayed selves.

“How are they here?” Nancy questioned.

Henry crouched down to her level with a comforting smile, ignoring her query.

“Now you going to be a good girl for your babysitters till daddy finishes his work okay.” Swapping her regular pacifier to strap on the special one for a feeding. Nancy tried to mumble out again regarding her terror seeing her deceased classmates, ones that were dead because of the Upside Down. He just ignored her by harshly pinching her cheek, before getting up to go into the trailer.

Both reanimated teens looked at her with emotionless black eyes and big smiles, creeping her out a bit. They looked at each before Billy took a hold of the stroller and started rolling it deeper into the park.

“Nice see you again princess.”

Hearing Billy’s smooth voice was uncanny, when she logically knows he was gone.

Heather joining their walk looked at her, black vein around her eyes disappearing.

“Remember me Nancy? Not to make it awkward, but you kinda killed my dad and all too.”

Ofcourse Nancy remembers her, she was at both of their funerals. Again, she tried to forcefully remove the straps in panic, this time Heather catching her hands with a disappointed look on her face.

“Awe Billy she doesn’t wanna spend time with us it seems, what ever shall we do?” Heather said, playing the part of a dotting sitter.

“Boss left us some stuff if she acted out, lets sit down and solve this misunderstanding. Princess we just want to look after you, no need to scared.” His words maybe comforting yet Billy’s voice made it all drip with malice.

He stopped near a picnic table, where Heather sat infront of her with a bag in her hand. While she was going through it, Billy kneeled to Nancy’s eye-level smirking holding her face enjoying the panic in her eyes.

Nancy with her available strength tried to push him over with her arms, but her efforts didn’t even got him to budge. Heather in the background let out a triumphant cheer, taking out mitten looking things to Nancy’s confusion.

“Billy be a dear and hold the baby’s arms for me.”

Billy forcefully gotta hold on them as Heather put on the pink mittens around Nancy’s hands, strapping them tightly. Effectively leaving her defenseless against the babysitters from hell. She tried to mumble out assholes behind her pacifier gag making them laugh at her attempts.

“Ohhh look she is trying to use no-no words that’s adorable, but a dirty mouth needs to be washed down I think.” Heather chastised her taking out a huge bottle filled with white liquid from her bag.

They removed her straps to her relief but before she can attempt to run away, Billy held her down with a firm grip holding her in his lap. Heather brushing her hair slowly cooing as she slotted the bottle to its place. She felt the liquid being poured down into her mouth forcing her to quickly swallow it all down to avoid choking.

Unfortunately she wasn’t as smooth, little bit of liquid dribbling all over her chin, trying to keep up with the pace. Nancy wanted to stop them from feeding her but the mittens rendered her hands useless.

“Cmon little Nancy Drew keep up you need nutrients to help out around here.” Heather smiled all sweetly as she continued to force feed her.

The more she drank of the sweet liquid her eyes fluttered slowly, her limbs feeling heavier and her mind was getting foggier. Her bladder involuntarily released, with trickle running down to her diaper.

Blushing as she basically had an accident while being feed like a baby. However wetting herself did nothing for her stomachache, which was getting worse as more of the liquid she drank. She started to groan when the bottle was emptied and the pacifier was removed. Billy with his strength, spun her around to pat her back, burping her with ease. The invisible pain from her full stomach disappearing.

“Good one princess that was a big.” Billy chuckled as he continued to pat her back making her let out another one. Afterwards she was repositioned to be on his knee, forcing her to feel the wet garment on her skin more up close. Her scrunched up face probably gave her discomfort away, because Billy whispered closely to her ear.

“You know what to say.”

Call it stubbornness but Nancy refused to let the terror duo win so she shook her head no.

“You don’t? Well let me remind it to you” Billy smirked.

He started to shake his leg, hopping Nancy up and down. Pee soaked diaper constantly squishing under her as Billy’s rhythm got faster. She tried to hold on but the discomfort of the cooling garment was to much.

“Stop I had an accident, and need a diaper change.” She yelled, single tear rolling down her cheek.

Heather looked at her eyes unconvinced. “Are you sure you need new one, feels like it can hold a bit more.”

“Please!!!”

Heather grabbed her chin harshly, squeezing it.

“Now tell me, you promise to be a good little girl now.”

“I am going to be a good little girl I promise.”Nancy begged, stopping both of the teens torment.

After another humiliating diaper change today this time by Heather. She slowly applied rash cream all over her skin, making her feel everything. She taped Nancy’s diaper up, then squeezed her nose.

“Thats it Nancy just relax and let us take care of you.” Heather softly chanted as she petted her curls, her eyes darkening.

Suddenly Nancy felt a jolt of pain in her head, like something was penetrating it forcefully. In blink of an eye, she found herself back in Hawkins High’s newspaper room. She remembers this day, it was the day she broke up with Jonathan on the pay phone because he lied to her about his college applications. She worked to hard for an early acceptance for Emerson to just drop it all for him. What bullshit excuse for him to just assume she would, she would have understood his situation if they had an adult conversation. Even if she felt justified, she still was crying silently in the one place she felt at peace. Which didn’t last long, it was interrupted promptly by Mike barging in.

“Nancy hey! There you are.”

Nancy discreetly wiped her tears, easily putting on her tired older sister mask on.

“What you want Mike I am busy, and before you ask no if you are not in the car by fifteen minutes after the final school bell rang, I will leave you to walk?”

“Fine thats what I was going say, me and the others have Hellfire after school. Today we have our introductory campaign for the new year so I was gonna stay at school.”

“Fine I will pick you up later so we can get a movie for our Friday movie night.”

“Actually I can’t do that anymore Hellfire campaigns are on Friday nights now on.”

“But those were our movie nights….” Nancy trailed off, even though they always argued it was the one time they actually shared something together as siblings.

“Well you can use it to call Jonathan now, Dustin’s mom will bring me back tonight, tell mom to not worry.”

“Yeah I guess, have fun.” She yelled but Mike made a beeline to the door, probably to tell Dustin about it.

Nancy felt a pit in her stomach the one thing she had with her brother just being ripped away from her. In the course of a day, she lost all her support system, what little there it was.

“It’s okay that means more time for myself now, plenty to do here anyways.” Nancy said to herself, getting back to editing that week’s newspaper as a distraction.

With that as suddenly it started the memory ended, she was back in the void again. She was surrounded by mirrors this time trapping her in place. Reflections of herself continued to taunt her, echoing self-hatred sentiments.

“He lied to you”

“He abandoned you”

“No he didn’t?” Nancy shouted back, Mike was just growing up finding his own identity.

“Where are they then? A loveless parental unit, a brother thar left you the moment he can, a boyfriend you broken up with because he couldn’t be honest with his own wants.

No that wasn’t right, Steve and Robin promised her just today and the kids are her little siblings too. “I got people still.”

“Where are they then, over the years with everything that’s happened. Have they ever once called to check up on you?”

“Kids needed more attention.”

“You weren’t an adult either, you had bruises all around your body from that hospital fight, but not one adult made sure you gotten a medical attention.”

“I wasn’t a priority at the moment.”

“Whenever were you a priority, everyone only cared for your opinion when they needed something or they were too concerned about your sex life.”

The final comment hitting her hard because deep down she knows its true, no one actually cares for her wellbeing.

“I feel so alone.” Nancy mumbled out like its the first time she admitted that to herself. She sat down hugging her legs, as her self-deprecating voice gotten louder, repeating everything she has been thinking about herself for all these years.

“You are a curse! Born to only bring misery to people around. You can’t even say I love you to them, because you are too broken to feel it. Thats why they leave you, who wants to be around a miserable control freak.”

“Please shut up…shut up….shut up.” Nancy yelled in desperation, closing her ears.

As if her prayer was answered, a male voice cut through the noise.

“But you are not alone anymore Nancy. You got me now, I am not like the others.” Henry’s deep voice echoed.

“No you want to destroy the town.”

“My dear, my intentions are far more nuanced then that if you only give me a chance to show you. Come to me, and you shall never be alone ever again. I will show you the respect your intelligence and skills deserves. I know who you are Nancy, you only wanted someone to truly see you.”

Nancy looked back at the mirrors, and started punching them to get out.

“You are not even capable of half the things Eleven can do.” Another reflection taunted her efforts.

“You can’t do it because you are weak, just a wannabe Nancy Drew.”

“You are stronger then anyone gives you credit for, you just need to focus your energy. Come on break out from here and prove to everyone that you are a force to be reckoned with.” Henry’s voice echoed in her head again.

With renewed vigor, she forcefully started pushing through the mirrors. Thinking about all the times when no one believed her or belittled her. With one final yell, the mirrors around her crumbled to the ground.

Nancy looked at her hands, feeling energy crackling through her fingertips. Was this what Eleven felt when she used her powers?”

Henry stepped over the shards slowly walking towards her. Unlike the other times she seen him, she felt oddly comfortable around his presence. Like they now had an invisible bond that tied them together.

“Oh Nancy, my Nancy….you and I now can start changing this world.”

Everything all around her started to shake, she could vaguely hear voices beyond the void, cracking of bones and screams of terror before she can see what caused it. Nancy lost consciousness falling to the ground, a grandfather clock loudly chiming four times in the background.

She woke back up at the picnic table looking around, checking if all just happened was a passing dream. Billy and Heather were still present, effectively trapping her by sitting on each side.

“Uhh you are awake, so much for a smoke break.” Billy threw away his cigarette. “Heather is it normal for her nose to be bleeding like that after the session?” He asked realizing Nancy’s nose was bleeding.

“Don’t know, don’t care.” Heather said, not taking her eyes of her nails. But felt Nancy insistently pulling on her shirt.

“Help please?” She asked pointing to her face, she probably didn’t wanted to get blood on the mittens.

Heather rolled her eyes but she took out a napkin to roughly wipe clean her face.

“Don’t get use to this you brat.” She sneered.

“Isn’t it your job though?”

“I don’t have to like it.”

“But you still have to help me.”

“I swear to god Wheeler don’t tempt me, I can make it miserable for you.

“No you can’t, sitter’s job is to do best.” Nancy insisted crossing her arms, to Heather’s annoyance she really can’t do anything outside her orders.

“You are awfully chatty for someone that sucks on a pacifier.” Billy commented, mostly enjoying seeing Heather getting visibly more frustrated.

“Just saying…”

“Zip it!!” Heather mimed.

“But….”

“If I hear you talk to me again, this pacifier will be super glued to your lips.” She threatened.

Nancy glanced up to Billy for help, but he just growled at her.

“Don’t bother trying your luck princess.”

Still regardless of the cold reception, Nancy pulled on the his shirt to ask the only thing on her mind. “I miss Daddy when will he come back?”

As if on cue Henry came back with his face and white shirt stained in blood.

“There is my girl got worried for a second that I lost her.” He uncharacteristically picked her up to giddily bouncing her in the air.

“Daddy happy?” Nancy laughed along with him.

“Ohhh I am very happy because my baby worked her miracle so as a reward I got you something.” Snapping his finger, a tiny creature came running up to him stopping by his legs.

“She gets to have her own de-de-demo.” He stumbled as he tried to recall what she called them.

The creature was actually a “Catogorgon” the cat sized demogorgon shrieked opening its petal mouth.

Seeing it up close, Nancy got cold feet about liking it as a full time pet. Henry sensing her unease crouched down with her, and guided her hand to gently pet its hard skin. The creature’s growls gotten less scary and more content letting itself be touched. Henry sat on the ground with Nancy between his legs as she petted the creature happily.

“You know it needs a name now.”

Nancy stuck her tongue out in deep thought, she always did like greek mythology so she has the perfect name for it.

“How about Cerberus!!!”

Henry looked shocked a bit mildly impressed by the appropriate choice. “Well that’s actually not bad as from now on Cerberus will be your guard dog as it grows bigger in the Upside Down, I commanded it to not hurt you but the rest is up to you.”

“Cerberus sit boy.” Nancy tried, the creature just stared at her blankly.

“Daddy you got any treat for him?”

Henry handed her pieces of meat to feed it with. He watched her play with her new pet, unaware of what she just achieved. Through their combined power he was finally able to open the first gate after a long time. With his niece under his grasp the rest of them will be easily opened in few days.

“Come here my little one, you had a very big day today. Probably my sister is worried about you.” He picked her up to strap her into the stroller again. Cerberus running up to climb on to her lap curling into itself, causing her to squeal in excitement.

“Be a polite girl say goodbye to the babysitters.”

Looking back at them, she uneasily waved, scrunching her hands. The straps tightened up around her body again causing her to squeak out.

“Thanks Billy…Thanks Heather” She waved back.

“See now thats better, you will always use your manners.” He chastised one final time, turning the stroller the other way to back to the Creel House.

On their journey, Nancy was happily petting Cerberus, still can’t believing that she has a dog now. He was playfully nipping at her finger now, how could she ever see them as monsters when they are such cutie pies.

After their long stroll, Henry brought her back to the Creel house, tucking her in the bed. His fingers slowly carded through her frizzed out curls trying to smooth them out.

“We are going to straighten this all this out when you move in permanently. This style will not survive down here.”

“What you said before…is it true?” Nancy asked out loud, thinking about his promise.

“Which one?”

“That I won’t be alone anymore?”

“Never again my little one.”

“Why? Why me?”

“Because people like you and me, understand how this world is a lie and needs a big change.”

He gestures towards the curled up Cerberus by her side, sleeping contentedly.

“You see the beauty in them just like me now, they aren’t meant to be in the hands of people to be weapons but be allowed to thrive.”

Nancy nodded letting out a huge yawn.

“You got all that good, now when you wake up I want you to be the bestest of girl for daddy. Which means be nice to my sister and don’t talk to strangers who are not me about anything happening here. You don’t want to see what happens to naughty girls under my watch.” Henry demanded, pushing away her meddling side to just have his little one in the surface.

She nodded seriously at him, as if the little part of her thats still there was being locked in a safe by him. He kissed her forehead, the comfort made her eyes flutter with feeling of sense of safety.

“I will be a good girl promise.”

“Good now close your eyes, and I will see you tomorrow again.”

“Goodnight Daddy.”

As soon as Nancy shut her eyes, she woke up back in her own bed. Karen was by her side sitting on the edge, looking at her guiltily.

“Mommy?”

“Sweetheart you are up finally. I was so worried, I been feeling awful the way I reacted today.”

Nancy wanted to be angry at her, but her head was feeling foggier then usual forgetting why was she angry at her to begin with. So instead she just closed her eyes and cuddled her tightly.

“No you were right, I needed them. Sorry for the mess.”

Karen smiled, grabbing the pacifier on the side table to pop into Nancy’s mouth.

“There is my sweet Nancy, you sorely needed nap apparently. Lets first change you into a dry diaper, and then I will read you more of my book.”

Nancy didn’t even register that she was sitting in a wet pamper. What just happened before felt like a beautiful dream, emotionally getting everything she always wanted. Rather then fight like the beginning of the day, she wrapped her arms around Karen’s neck waiting for her to lift them up.

By the time next day arrived, everything was back to normal in the Wheeler household. The dotting mother was feeding her daughter breakfast as the TV sounds echoed from the living room.

From the background, Nancy was unaware of the following news that was going to be the beginning of a whole new trouble in the town of Hawkins.

“Last night, Chrissy Cunningham was found dead in the Trailer Park….”

Chapter Text

Henry Creel was not someone who can say they feel pure joy much but last night he got close enough. Finally achieving his goal after so many years and setbacks, sweetening the whole deal was it was thanks to Subject Eleven’s own powers that managed it, the same ones that banished him to the Upside Down. He can’t forget his other prized possession, Nancy Wheeler, his long lost sister’s daughter whom thwarted his efforts previously now turned his loyal subject.

He would never admit he is attached to her but her distorted innocence was a welcoming presence. Having someone to share all his plans and receive nothing but adoration in return. His next phase of the plan was going without a hitch his second mark, a boy named Fred Benson, was already experiencing the symptoms of his curse. He will be ready by the end of the night, as for preparations later he got to bring in his little one for an early warm up. The barrier already gotten weaker by the incursion point so it will be easier to create the gates now.

He positioned himself under the main hub of vines in his lair to connect himself to all the retched life forms’ minds in the Upside Up. The moment he was in, he heard the sounds of a familiar soft cry, it was his Nancy. Without much hesitation he immediately pulled her out to be with him.

“Daddy where are you?” Nancy screamed as she crashed on to the floor. Henry picked up the sobbing girl, she latched on to him in an instant her arms tightly hugging around his neck.

“Tsk tsk little sister, you make it too easy sometimes.” Henry chuckled rubbing her back to comfort the hyperventilating girl in his arms. Quietly whispering into her ears how everything is gonna be okay now that he is here.

Nancy looked up to him with those big blue eyes pleading. “Daddy believe me I was a good girl like you wanted!”

Henry chuckled at her desperation for approval. “Why wouldn’t you be my good girl?”

She seemed to be worried about something her hands shaking. “Mommy punished me very harshly.”

Hiccuping a bit before continuing.

“She call me naughty, and put me on a timeout, even made me bite on soap.”

He knows she probably didn’t do anything serious it was his instructions to the Mind Flayer to be harsh for even the smallest things, isolating her enough to only consider him as her only truly loving parental figure. He took a seat on the bed, keeping Nancy on his lap. Fixing up her hair and wiping the tear stained cheeks with his thumb.

“My poor little one, tell daddy what you did so he can judge the punishment fairly?”

Nancy sniffled loudly before going on to explain what happened during that day.

---

Earlier that day…

Karen Wheeler felt on edge this morning, like there was something wrong but she was pretending to be alright.

In the kitchen, she was deep cleaning everything around her like it was more out of instincts rather than being a conscious decision. So she left Nancy alone to clumsily eat her pancakes.

“Is my sweetheart happy with her breakfast?” She asked cheerfully a smile a bit too wide.

Nancy’s mouth and hands were all sticky from the syrup.

“So yummy mommy.”

“How do you know what it tastes like if your face has more food than in your belly.” Karen teased good heartedly, cleaning the mess with her apron.

Nancy just shrugged pulling on her apron, her eyes begging for something else. Karen knowing what she really wanted, first decided she had to finish cleaning the kitchen. Picking Nancy up, she carried her back to the living room seating her on the play mat.

Ruffling her curls she said. “You can get your baba after I am done with my cleaning, just play till then.”

As she was back to doing the dishes, her leg bumped into something looking down she found Nancy on the floor. Playing with her plushy, and contently sucking on her paci.

“Sweetheart what are you doing?”

She just pouted, dramatically hugging her knees, mumbling out behind from the pacifier.

“Wanna be with you.”

Karen couldn’t help but coo at her adorableness, what did she do to deserve such sweet girl.

“Fine since you insist on being near, just stay where you are so I don’t accidentally wash you too.” Dapping Nancy’s nose with the sponge, wetting it with soapy water making her giggle.

“Mini bubbles!” She babbled out her legs wriggling on the floor.

After finishing the dishes and preparing the bottle, she carried Nancy again back on to the couch. Positioning her daughter’s head to be leaning on her chest, so she can bottle feed her with ease. Nancy easily latched on to the plastic nipple letting out a relaxed sigh, as the cold liquid hit her tongue m. Sinking further into the snuggle as she drank more contently. After a while the bottle was all dried up, but Nancy didn’t stop suckling as if she just tried hard enough more liquid would come.

“Baby how hungry are you today, there is no more.” Karen slowly removed the nipple from her daughter’s mouth. But Nancy just whined at the lost of her source of comfort, her lips wobbling dangerously to the times when she would throw a tantrum.

“Hey hey don’t be sad, where is my happy baby gone to?” Karen shielded her face with her palms to play peek a boo with her. Confusing Nancy enough to forget her woes a second ago.

“Where?”

“There she is!” Karen exclaimed revealing her face again getting an excited laughter out of Nancy.

Continuing the game she shielded her face again.

“Where is my adorable baby?”

Nancy smiled pointing at herself. “Here Mommy!”

“Yeah she is!” Karen revealed her face getting Nancy to giggle even more.

After a bit of play time, Karen just cuddled with her on the couch watching the TV. As she concentrated on the screen, Karen thought about how she felt like she was losing hours at a time. Like she was always in a drugged up state occasionally coming to the surface for air. Hearing the newscaster’s announcement of death of Laura Cunningham’s daughter certainly was a sobering moment. She did hate that woman always gossiping about her and her kids, but her daughter was a sweet kid in Nancy’s year. Remembering the times Nancy would mention Chrissy in a positive manner.

Feeling deja vu to the terrible time when, Holland’s daughter and her daughter’s best friend, Barbara was officially declared dead. Another death of her classmate will devastate Nancy for sure. Speaking of Karen realized there was a missing weight on her - Nancy was gone.

“Sweetheart where are you?” Karen called out.

When she got up didn’t had to look for her too long. Nancy was in the kitchen holding the phone, a frantic boy’s voice was echoing through the receiver. Before she could ask what happened, she blacked out finding herself in a black void.

Karen was being tied up into a X position by the black tendrils. Forcing her to stare at a projection of herself, ripping the phone off the cord and slapping Nancy.

“What are you doing to my daughter?” Looking on helplessly as her body forcefully pulled Nancy into her bedroom.

“We have to punish her she has been very naughty.” A distorted voice of hers echoed back.

“No she did nothing wrong, I will not let you hurt her.” Fighting the black tendrils that were holding her back. She knows its a losing battle but she will not go without a fight. Her singular goal becoming to go back to Nancy. It got worse as she heard daughter’s muffled screams of pain.

“Don’t you dare you touch her.”

“Its what she deserves, haven’t you ever want to do that to her when she blatantly lied to you.”

“Never you son of a bitch!!”

In her furry she ripped the tendrils off her, and Karen woke up back in control of her own body. Her hand was raised clearly was getting ready to slap Nancy. But the redness on Nancy’s cheek was a painful reminder to her that she was already too late. She has slapped her daughter, her baby she vowed to protect the moment she held her eldest in her arms in the hospital.

She looked at her hands in disgust of herself, taking a step backward to let Nancy blow up at her. But she didn’t instead her daughter just continued to look down below her lap crying silently yet waiting calmly with a bar of soap in her mouth.

“I am so sorry Nance, I don’t know what just happened to me. I didn’t mean to hurt you like this at all baby you have to believe me.” Karen apologized profusely taking the wretched soap out and making her spit to get the taste off.

“I deserved it.” Nancy sobbed out.

“What are you saying, you know what I did was wrong right?” Karen asked seating Nancy on her bed to wipe her tear stained cheeks.

Nancy just looked at her dumbfounded.

“No naughty girls get punished Mommy.”

Karen felt the tendrils trying to invade her brain again so she knew had very little time to understand what was happening.

“Who told you such a thing? Sweetheart I would never ever physically assault you for anything.”

“But Daddy told me.” Nancy pointed out like she was proud of herself for following his teachings. “I promised him I be good for you.”

“Who is this Daddy you mentioning?” Dreading what might that answer be. But no amount of preparation would have prepared her for hearing the name of her dead brother’s name.

“His name is Henry Creel.”

As if a cold bucket of water was poured on her, she felt literal chills in her body. That would mean her nightmare few days ago was all real, he really was back.

“Nancy how do you know of him?”

“He is in my dreams every night telling me I am a good girl.” She sing song losing her attention for a moment.

“What has he done to you? Nance please you have to wake up!” Karen looked at her daughter’s dulled blue eyes.

Nancy shook her head and closed her ears with her hands refusing to listen to her mom.

“I don’t wanna. He said I will no longer be alone.”

Karen hating to be forceful, tried to pry off the hands from her ears knowing she has a very little window of opportunity to get a piece of her daughter back.

“He has powers I don’t know how but he can make you see things and kill people. I am pretty sure if he is around he is the reason your classmate is dead Nancy. Chrissy Cunningham is dead, he did that you know it and you would never ever stop looking for answers.”

“Shut up…shut up.” Still in denial about the possibility of what happened last night after that call.

“His powers can twist your perception, I don’t blame you for believing him.”

“Daddy loves me and just wants to be a family.”

“My brother only loves himself no one else, he killed my mom, if he could he would have finished me and your grandpa that night too.”

“I am just like him….no one else gets me in this house.”

“No you are not, you are my fiery and passionate Nancy.”

“Then why did everyone leave me.”

“Thats not true you are so loved and I am always here for you.”

“No you are not, you prefer Mikey and Holly.”

Karen tried to look directly into Nancy’s eyes holding her face gently. “Honey I love all of you equally you know that.”

Nancy finally looked at her with angry blue eyes with her spark in it.

“Bullshit, I needed my mom years ago whe-whe-when…but you werent there. Then you didn’t care when I was called slut by everyone in the school for no reason.” Nancy tried to explain but somethings in her mind came up blank even when the emotions were still there.

Karen’s own guilt was getting worse for not realizing how much she did fail her for many years.

“Nance I am—“ Before she can console her the darkness returned, making her forget what they were discussing in the first place.

“I am so sorry sweetheart but you were a naughty girl so till dinner time you going to have to be a on a timeout.” Karen said dragging Nancy to the corner of the room.

“Mommy wait!” Nancy confusingly yelled out but the pacifier was shoved in her mouth shutting her off.

“No you are going be quite now its part of your punishment. But since this is your first time I will put on the radio so you won’t get to scared.”

Nancy tried to muffle out something but Karen raised her hand as a silent threat like a little reminder of what the consequences will be.

“I SAID BE QUITE!”

She warned one last time before leaving the room in a huff, slamming the door shut. Nancy hugged her knees staring at that wall, her mom’s outburst replaying in her head. Her psyche felt like it was tearing itself apart not being able to handle the conflicting feelings. So she just looked down crying silently into her palms.

---

Back to present…

Henry just cackled at the pettiness of the punishment, unaware of its aftermath, and combed her hair with his fingers.

“My poor little reporter that was harsh wasn’t it.”

“She was never like this.” Nancy questioned, her mom for all her faults would never be cruel.

“Well there something about our family you need to know which is that we lie through a perfect facade to hide our true colors.”

“Mommy too?”

“Yeah even her look at your poor cheek, I will make you feel all better soon.”

Remembering his schedule added.

“But first Daddy is bit busy so can you hold on a bit till I am done so we go for out for our own outing.”

Nancy seemed to be not happy with that but she reluctantly nodded her head, and patted his face with her hands.

“Good girl just for that you get to spend time with who?” He drummed up excitement. Nancy stuck her tongue out with a serious face thinking who can it be.

A bulb lit in her head.

“Cerberus!!!” She exclaimed jumping up and down.

“Yeah you are! But when I am present now you will have a babysitter to keep you company, be extra good for her…….she is a new recruit.”

The door opened and in come a short girl with blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair. Wearing a Hawkins High cheerleading uniform flashing towards her a big toothy smile.

“Is this the cute baby I heard so much about?”

Nancy just looked at her in shocked her mouth wide open “o”, something in her mind knows this was wrong but she couldn’t recall why.

Regardless the cheerleader just continued waving at her.

“Hiyaaa cutie, my name is Chrissy whats yours?”

“N-Na-Na-an-ncy” She stuttered out, feeling tongue tied looking at the pretty girl.

“That is an adorable name for an adorable girl, we going have fun aren’t we.”

Henry cleared his throat, getting Chrissy to stand up straight looking at him with fear.

“Now that you had your introductions, I am off see you soon my little one.” He pinched her cheek.

Nancy just waved at him without much paying attention other then why is this girls face seems too familiar.

“This is your trial test Chrissy, show me that you deserve to be by my side. So do a good job or else.” He growled into the blonde girl’s ear before leaving them alone.

Chrissy made her way to sit on the ned, scooting closer to still shocked girl.

“Do you talk much? She ask teasingly, but the closer distance got Nancy to touch her face, tracing a thumb along her chin. “Or you can just touch my face that works too.”

“So blue like the ocean.” Nancy muttered looking enamored by her eyes.

Chrissy took a hold of Nancy’s prodding hands before she took out her pupils.

“Yes thank you but I kinda need them to see.”

Nancy’s eyebrows were raised still looking at her with skepticism. Her thumb unconsciously went into her mouth to soothe herself.

Chrissy immediately intervened “No no no thats not allowed here, you have this to chew on.” Presenting her with a plastic teether jingling in front her.

The colorful toy immediately got the little’s attention, raising her hands to try to snatch it from Chrissy’s hand. Babbling out a laughter as she moved it up and down keeping it away from her grasp.

“Chrissy so silly.”

“Oh am i cutie pie?” Getting a hold her nose squeezing it playfully, giving Nancy the teether to bite on.

It felt weird compared to the pacifier, but she liked bitting on it, it helped with the stress a bit.

“Since we stuck in this room how about I read you a story.” Seeing Nancy nod enthusiastically added. “Then it’s decided lets have a story time.”

Chrissy laid down on the bed to get more comfortable, pulling Nancy into her arms. The brunette felt butterflies in her stomach, it got worse when Chrissy started absentmindedly play with her curls. Nancy bit hard on the teether to take her mind off the bubbly feeling in her stomach. The teen’s soothing gentle voice was like a warm blanket over her anxiety filled body.

Compared to Heather and Billy she really liked her as a babysitter but she still wasn’t good as Robin with the voices while telling a story or give big hugs like Steve. Part of her is still holding out for them to come back but she knows they also left her again so much for their pact, the voices were right everyone eventually leaves her. While she was lost in thought, a warm feeling took over her as her bladder released. Hating not being able to control herself yet again started squirming under Chrissy’s embrace.

“What’s with the fussing don’t like my story?” Chrissy pouted.

Nancy chewed the inside of her cheek, trying to gather the courage to tell. She didn’t want to embarrass herself infront of the pretty blonde, but she didn’t have much choice. As her trickle slowed down she blurted out.

“I had an accident, can you change me?”

But again unlike Heather there wasn’t any condescension in her tone only reassurance.

“Yes of course! My…my what good manners you have cutie?”

After a quick diaper change, Chrissy just continued to dot on her hopping her on her knee.

“You know you are the cutest baby I ever had the pleasure babysitting.”

“Was it your job?”

“Well for extra cash, and I guess I wouldn’t mind it as a job too. But I think I would have liked being a PE teacher and teach cheerleading. Who am I kidding my mom would never let me, she be all like you listen to me Chrissy Elizabeth…….”

“Cunningham?” Nancy finished the sentence for her, her memories finally putting the pieces together.

“Yeah that is my last name aren’t you super smart.”

“You are dead though aren’t you.” She sadly stated her eyes going misty.

Chrissy’s smile faltered. “No no you can’t bring that up. You aren’t supposed to be aware of that.”

“But you are gone….gone….gone.” Nancy started repeating to her self. The call telling her about Chrissy’s murder and her mom's pleas echoing in her head, there was something wrong and it was all connected to him.

As she spiraled out, Chrissy got a hold of her face, the former cheerleader’s pupils were full blown with pure panic. “Please stop!”

“Did I screw it up? Oh god I did, I don’t want to go back to that horrible place again.”

Coming out of her own spiral Nancy got a hold of Chrissy’s shaking hands. She remembers her fondly even if her memory is bit shoddy right now, she would hate to doom her into a worst fate.

“No you aren’t, you the best.”

“He will know…I just wanted the pain to stop but it just got worse.”

“I will keep you safe I promise.”

“How?”

“Will figure out what he did….somehow.” Nancy said to herself not knowing how will she when she was losing more of herself everyday. The sting on her cheek was a constant reminder even her mom’s change in demeanor since Daddy Henry appeared.

“My mom hits me sometimes too, its not the worst if you know how to avoid it.” Chrissy tried to console, Nancy didn’t even realize she was subconsciously rubbing her bruised cheek.

“Mine doesn’t…I….I…know she wouldn’t something is wrong with her.” Nancy insisted knowing what Daddy’s been telling her must be wrong.

Blonde girl looked at her with a hint of jealousy in her eyes, must be nice to know your mom would never do such things.

“Well you must eat something then, you going to need a lot energy to solve all your mysteries.” Chrissy reverted back to her bubbly persona, knowing she has duties to fulfill.

“Because I hear there is yummy food just for you?”

As if on queue Nancy’s stomach growled loudly, all that crying took more out of her then she realized.

“I see you have a little monster in your stomach.” Chrissy joked poking Nancy’s tummy.

“What?!” She exclaimed her eyes widening with panic. “Please get rid of it.”

Nancy started poking her stomach trying to find the alleged creature that was making the noises.

Chrissy couldn’t help herself and started laughing at her seriousness. “I am messing with you cutie.”

The other teen looked at her feeling betrayed by the prank, she huffed loudly her lips pouting dramatically.

“Not funny.” Nancy grumbled crossing her arms, a small smirk on the corner of her lips betraying her facade.

“I think it was plenty funny maybe my true calling was to be class clown then a cheerleader.”

“A clown cheerleader!” Nancy declared, leaning towards Chrissy to mime honking her nose like it was a clown’s nose.

After wrestling with Nancy in the bed, Chrissy finally settled the regressed teen long enough to feed her the formula that was left behind for her.

“Tooooo full now.” Nancy said after swallowing the final spoonful of mush, rubbing her tummy to emphasize it.

Chrissy chuckled at her dramatics again, its been a interesting revelation about the usually serious girl. “Thats the point, do you have any special requests on what to do next?”

Nancy reflexively asked for her favorite activity, since Steve she hasn’t been able to play with anyone.

“Piggyback ride maybe but I get if you cant.”

“Yeah sure hop on.”

“For real?” Nancy grinned, wrapping her arms around her neck.“

“I have you know I carried all the girls in the squad atleast once when they would get black out drunk.” Chrissy proudly stated, getting a hold of Nancy’s legs to be able to support her.

Thats how Henry found them Chrissy going around the room with Nancy clinging to her back giving orders, even he had to admit it was strange how the short girl managed to pull of that.

“Daddy’s back.” Nancy squealed flapping her hands, putting on her best act.

Henry chuckled picking her up to carry her in his arms.

“Were you good for your babysitter?”

Nancy nodded slowly out of fear that their stumble could be revealed.

“Do you think she can be a permanent recruit?”

Nancy nodded eagerly begging him to not send her away. "Yeah she was the bestest and so strong.”

“I am mildly surprised by that too.”

“Can she come again please please?”

“Yes she can, since her trial test has been a success. You can run along now Chrissy, its family time.” Henry dismissed the now visibly relaxed teen.

“Thank you Master…..bye cutie!” Chrissy waved back to the grinning Nancy.

“Bye!!”

Henry got her attention back. “Little one, always remember you need good help around its hard to keep track off everything alone.”

“Like how I will help you too?”

“Yes exactly you listen very well, now let’s get you into your ride. We have a little doctor’s appointment.”

So Nancy was again strapped to the oversized stroller, this time it didn’t bother her as much. Especially with Cerberus running up to her, putting its front paws on her knees. It let out a small roar, his petal mouth seemingly having more teeth then before.

“Cerb you growing so fast, look how wide your mouth is now.” Nancy rewarded him with scratches.

“Good boy Cerb…..fetch” Throwing the teether for him.

“Come on its not hard, Cerb bring it to me.” Nancy mimed the actions for him. The demodog seemed to understand her frantic moments slowly trotting towards the plastic and picking it up with its mouth. He proudly brought it back opening its flower head, to drop the saliva covered teether into her lap.

“Ewww Cerb its all sticky.” She complained finding it yucky but she continued to play with him laughing at his recklessness.

Henry turned around smirking at her attempts to control his creature.

“I see your training is going well, but we have things to do now.” Henry said kicking the demodog to the side with his foot.

Nancy let out a gasp, bending down to pull the whimpering creature into hug.

“Bad Daddy no kicking Cerb.” Nancy chastised. “Apologize to him now.” She demanded holding the demodog up to his eye level.

Henry’s eyes lit up at her insolence, his paternal facade would have broke, but he stopped himself it wouldn’t be worth ruining their progress.

“You little insol— fine can’t break you fully just yet. I am sorry…..Once everything is done we need to work on this.“ He said walking behind the stroller to leave the Creel house.

Their destination was bit different today, just a nature walk from Nancy’s perspective but it wrapped into another familiar setting over time. The Hawkins Labs where everything started, she knew this was a bad sign.

“What we doing in here?”

“Well my little reporter, I am reminding you what people’s nature are in the Upside Up.”

Henry pushed her around in the lab forcing her to witness the terrible experiments done on children in the facility. Emotionless scientists prodding kids with needless or isolating them in cold rooms, stopping in front of one room with a boy being tattooed number 001 on his arm.

“No stop it!!”

Her anger for the scientists got the better of her, for once she successfully took her straps off to get up. She tried to intervene but suddenly she was the one in the doctor’s chair tied to it. A familiar face, Martin Brenner appeared coming close to her with the same tattoo gun saying its not gonna hurt much.

“Mistakes have been made.” The scientist Owen’s voice echoed in the room.

“This is for the good of everyone some casualties are necessary.” Brenner’s voice returned.

“They all deserve to suffer don’t they Nancy.” Henry voiced overpowered theirs.

“The lab let everyone lives be ruined - so many people lost just for their appetite for power and control.”

Remembering all the things she uncovered a year ago, Nancy chanted her old words to him.

“I wanna burn it to the ground.”

Brenner and the other scientists catching on fire as she said them, freeing her from the chair.

“Yes you do Nancy, and we will do it together.” Henry beckoned her to follow him out the door.

Everything around her gotten brighter as she was about to step towards the warmth, she heard a familiar music.

Cyndi Laupers “Time after Time” was blaring all around her, turning her back she found a new door present. Curiosity getting the better of her, she slowly approached it. Opening the door, she found herself in the Hawkins woods, a familiar figure running pass her.

~Flashback warm nights almost left behind. Suitcases of memories, time after~

“Fred??!?”

~If you're lost, you can look, and you will find me~

Fred Benson her managing editor in the Hawkins High Newspaper, she found him under the bleachers of the gym one day, crying and hiding from people calling him a killer. Maybe it was kinship, between two people who  did feel like they were the killers of their best friends, but they fulfilled the support role they both desperately needed. He pushed her buttons, while she was bossy to him regarding the school paper, which worked well enough for them. It was him who called her today about Chrissy to check on her.

Running after him, she came across an open grave where he fallen into. She looked down to yell at the frightened boy.

“Fred its me Nancy, don’t panic I will get you out.”

~If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting~

“Nancy please help me!!” He pleaded trying to climb up the dirt.

She hold out her hand.

“Cmon grab it.” Helplessly watching the teen trying to get hold of it before the ground shook again sending him further to the ground.

“Shit I will find something long for you to hold on to Fred.”

But before she could, a humanoid looking creature appeared in the grave, solely concentrating on Fred not realizing the girl above. His huge clawed hands touching the teen’s face causing him to yell out in pain.

~Watching through windows, you're wondering if I'm okay~

Nancy tried to jump into the grave but there was an invisible force blocking her from intervening.

~ The drum beats out of time~

“Hey asshole, look at me!” She yelled at the creature but it was for nought Fred’s screams came to an end and the lifeless body fell to the ground.

Equal parts in shock and grief, Nancy fainted on the spot. Hearing the song’s lyrics one last time, along with chimes of a grandfather clock. Before falling back into a black void crashing back on to the wooden floor, with radio still blaring Cyndi Lauper in the background.

~ Time after time~

Chapter Text

Nancy wake up felt like she was under water, her senses were numb and voices sounding were echoer, she was watching a version of herself just going through the motions with no emotion behind it.

She doesn’t even remember going to sleep, just when she was aware of her surroundings it was already morning.

A distorted voice in her head was murmuring constantly.

"He is dead because of you."

Apparently she wet so badly last night, her mom had to bath her in the morning, her skin feeling prickly under the sponge.

“Another one gone after being your friend.”

Downstairs she couldn’t even hold the cutlery, just letting her mom feed her as chewed on whatever she was given automatically without questioning.

"His corpse is on the side of the road like a roadkill."

Even while she was being bottle fed the voices were there egging her on.

A new clear voiced piped up.

"This isn’t you Nancy."

"Ouch sweetheart, your nails are digging into my skin. What has gotten into you this morning.” Karen said not even realizing the silent tears running down Nancy’s cheeks.

Everything just felt off, she was watching her mom fussing around in her bedroom, making sure she has supplies near her bed, while herself was trying to remember when was she carried back to bed.

"Claudia needs me to help with her curtains, I mean I wouldn’t go but she really doesn’t understand good taste if it looked her in the eye. Also can’t let them think there is something wrong here so will you be okay with being alone for a bit?”

Nancy was just nodded as way of affirmation, sentences feeling like a chore now too.

“The door will be locked, the window is bit cracked for fresh air and stay in bed no matter what happens. Understood?” She emphasized her point by giving her a pacifier. Nancy just nodded desperately wanting to be alone.

“Thats my good girl, I will see you soon.”

Once Karen left, her grip on Mr Rabbit tightened and rocked herself to self-sooth her anxiety, now she was bit terrified of her own mind in the silence.

Luckily she didn’t had to think to long, there was a quite chatter outside her window, she tried to ignore it but it got louder and louder. In case it was bad news, Nancy crawled down to hide under her bed, closing her eyes hoping everything goes away.

She could hear her window being opened wide opened, footsteps

A familiar voice whispered out.

“Just like a ninja.”

Another figure joined him, her entrance was much less graceful, face planting on the floor.

“How the hell did you do this all the time dingus.” A female voice quietly whined, clearly winded from the climb.

“Power of hornines I guess.”

Nancy just stared at the shoes directly in her eye line, not knowing what to the next.

“I don’t think, she is here Robin.” Steve said disappointedly, he really was hoping to not to push their luck by searching the whole house.

“Dammit we wasted that distraction then, lets hurry up and check the other rooms.” Robin lamented.

Steve went ahead to open the door but, it didn’t budge cluing him that Nancy was definitely in the room. Robin also spotted how messily the bed looked - half the blanket was under the bed. Thinking maybe Nancy was playing a game, she peeked under the bed proving her theory right.

“Are we hiding from something?” She asked jokingly to the brunette.

However instead of laughter Nancy just freaked out causing her to scramble out the bed to bump right into Steve’s legs.

"Honey thank god you are fine.” His face splitting into a huge smile, approaching her.

Nancy just yelped and backed till she bumped into her desk. Closing her ears and burying her face in her knees like that would make them think she was not there, suckling her pacifier faster in distress.

Steve and Robin were at a lost, they expected to find the same excitable little girl they left off, not her being scared of them.

“We are not going to hurt you sweetie, don’t you recognize us?” Robin crouched slowly to Nancy’s eye level, removing the pacifier.

Steve following her lead added. “Nance its us you know the one with the hair and the one with the sweets.”

Nancy snapped back at both of them, her eyes tearing up. They did come back like they promised, she closed her mouth to muffle her whimpers.

“You came.”

“Yeah of course remember the Scoops Ahoy crew sticks together.”

She scrambled to wrap her arms around both of them. Finally pulling herself out of the depths of self-hatred.

"St-Ste-Stevie." She stuttered her voice feeling sore from lack of use, then looking at Robin uttered. “Ro-Robbie.”

Both teens elated seeing those blue eyes recognize them more clearly, wrapped their arms around her as well in relief.

“I thought you left forever.” Nancy mumbled into Steve’s shoulder.

He freed himself from the hug looking at her in disbelief.

“Ofcourse not, we promised remember, sorry it took us so long, but we had an issue yesterday and had to find this weird- aoww Robin he is bit weird admit it.” Rubbing his arm where Robin elbowed him.

Nancy couldn’t contain herself any longer blurting out. “Chrissy is gone.” Another beat later added. "Fred is also gone."

“Yeah we know honey….wait how do you know about Fred Benson, that hasn’t been made news yet."

“Something really bad happened last night." She confessed not knowing how they will react to the news.

"You saw what Vecna did, but how?” Robin asked looking concerned.

“Who is Vecna?”

“It was Dustin’s naming choice not ours and he thinks its some kind thing that casts curses.”

“A powerful dark wizard.” Nancy whispered ominously, sitting back on the floor - The plastic pamper crinkling with it to her obliviousness.

The sound however did not go unnoticed by Robin, she discreetly looked behind Nancy’s back to see the edge of the diaper sticking out from her shorts. Not wanting to make a scene in front of her by bringing it up she tried something else.

“Nance do you have any water, I am parched after all that climbing.”

“It wasn’t even that hard Rob—aow stop hitting me.”

“Yeah let me get it.” Nancy perked up glad to be able to play the part of a good host.

When she was farther away Robin pulled Steve by his collar.

"We can't leave her behind, what if her condition gets worse, maybe its our fault we should have never left her behind, now she is so far gone that she barely recognized us." Lowering her voice to add. “For god’s sake she is wearing a diaper now, this is serious Steve. Again what if its Vecna that has cast a different curse on her as Dustin would say it.”

Steve’s eyes widened at the possibility looking intensely back and forth between them, making the tough call.

"Screw subtlety then! She is coming with us no matter what.”

Right that moment, Nancy came back clumsily presenting Robin with the cup of water.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you sweetie what good host you are.” Robin smiled chugging the glass at a rate that concerned the other two.

“Yeah just like her mommy, so Nance you want to come with us to investigate today? You can have a sleepover later with the kids."

Her eyes widened shaking her head no, taking a seat on the bed muttering. "Daddy would be mad."

Steve sat down next to her to give her a side hug. “But we really need you, like we really are clueless without you."

"Not leaving me?"

"Of course not, no party member is left behind you know that."

"You are lying, I am not needed."

Steve looking at her like she was joking. "Thats not true Nance the kids need you.”

“Mikey prefer Hellfire…..Dusty, Lucas chose you…..Will no talks….Jon sad….You got Robbie….El only call Mikey…..failed Max.” Nancy slowly listed off with her fingers.

“Now…Now Fred is gone too.” Bursting into sobs before finishing her sentence.

Robin was listening all this in shock, she realized Nancy was bit of a loner in school. But she just assumed that the girl was just very busy with the newspaper or the other million extracurriculars she was doing.  Maybe they were her coping mechanism for feeling alone, if you are busy all the time it is easier to accept no one has called.

Sitting down to her right side to console her crying classmate. “Forget about them what about me, aren’t we officially friends now?” Nancy nodded with trepidation. “Then how about you take my word that I would never leave you behind.”

“Robbie promise?” Nancy held out her pinkie right up to her face. Her tone sounded so innocent like she hasn’t experienced enough trauma to know it’s impossible to keep such promises. This wasn’t the regular badass Nancy, this was a version of her that wants to believe in the power of pinkie promises, who was Robin to take that comfort away.

“Forever and ever.” Wrapping her own pinkie and rubbing their noses together. Finally getting a small genuine smile out of Nancy.

"There is our girl, missed that beautiful smile come on show those teeth to Stevie again." He happily encouraged her wiping her cheeks, his excitement causing Nancy to smile more in earnest.

Their nice moment was interrupted with the sound of a crackling walkie talkie.

“Scoops Ahoy, this is Dustin do you copy, danger ahead Eagle is about to leave the nest I repeat Eagle is about to leave the nest. Over!”

“Seriously give that to me, guys hurry up its not safe soon. Over!” Max took over from Dustin.

Nancy reached for the radio, looking at it intensely as Robin tried reply.

“We found Lois Lane, gonna bring her with us…Nance this is not a toy just let me finish my talk….just wait in the car for us. Over!”

“Is she there....NANCY ARE YOU OKAY. Over!”

The sudden loud outburst from Dustin scared Nancy away from the radio, hiding her face in hollow of Steve’s collarbone.

“She is fine just stop yelling. Over.” Steve took over. “That kid will be the death of me one day I swear.”

Hearing Dustin’s worried voice unlocked something in Nancy to sadly ask. “Steve, Robin but there is something wrong with me isn’t there?" Speaking her clearest sentence all morning.

The teens looked at each other with sadness, it was harder seeing her break through to fully realize her situation. Robin took a hold of Nancy’s hand squeezing tightly to ground them in the moment.

"Regardless of whatever is happening, there is nothing wrong with you because Nancy Wheeler is the sweetest and the bravest person I know, big or little." Her own tears free falling now.

Nancy mumbled something akin to gratitude, before climbing into Robin’s lap to wipe her tears away.

“Robbie no cry.”

Which made it worse for Robin but to not upset her she held back her own sobs. Steve trying to hold back his own tears during the whole interaction, remembered they have to act quickly.

“This is enough heart to heart, lets get you packed with the essentials and make our grand escape.” Jumping up and pumping his fist in the air, acting dramatically to get Nancy to see it as a game. Robin catching on to his act grabbed Nancy by her under arms to straighten her up.

“Come on sweetie lets bust you out of here”

Steve looking at Nancy’s attire thought it be too suspicious to let her stay in pajamas. “You want to change your outfit?”

“No more PJs.” Looking at conspiratorially before loudly whispering to Steve. “Can you choose? Want to look smart.”

Robin looked aghast at the implications.

“Why him I have great taste, my style gets no appreciation look at this dope jacket. Is it because I don’t dress preppy like you both insist upon. Fine Steve make sure it will keep her warm and I change her into it.”

She then snatched Nancy’s messenger bags in the closet, throwing in essentials with Nancy’s supervision.

“Want my notepad.” She chimed from the back.

“Of course no journalist set is complete without it.”

She continued grabbing her little stuff as well including spare diapers precariously hidden behind the door. She felt terrible for Nancy needing them but probably its worse if she had an actual accident with no protection. As she was moving around, Nancy started whining her arm stretched towards the floor. Robin bent down to collect the plush that has seen better days.

“You want the rabbit plushie to come—“ Before she can finish her sentence Nancy took it from her hands to hug it to her chest in content.

Robin chuckled at her adorableness. “I will take that as a yes. You think we need Tom Cruise to come with us?” Pointing at the poster on the wall teasingly.

“No Stevie could be jealous.” She snickered imagining them having a face off.

“Speaking of I think he got your outfit ready, lets change you into it.”

Am First deciding to get over the harder part, she made her lay down on the bed to remove her shorts. Nancy realized what was happening tried to stop Robin from removing it - embarrassed about the plastic garment.

“Don’t.” She whined her face flushed.

Understanding her embarrassment Robin found a quick solution. “Steve turn around and close your eyes, don’t you dare open them till I say so. Sweetie do you trust me to just make a quick change again I promise to not even look.”

Nancy reluctantly agreed, knowing there wasn’t many options.

“Okay just be fast.”

The skirt was pulled over quickly removed her bottom trying to no linger on the diaper, that the long skirt thankfully hid well. Luckily after that it was easy to change her into the rest of the ensemble.

“You couldn’t have chosen something with less buttons.” Robin said exasperated with the shirt’s small buttons.

“Just let me handle that Robin.” Steve taking over to dress her in a wool vest in case she got cold, with a belt to hold it together and grabbed Nancy’s favorite denim jacket to wrap her in it.

“Now you are snug as Mr Rabbit, Fancy Nancy ready for investigation.” Steve cooed, carrying her to the desk to pick up a brush to detangle her curly hair. Nancy grabbed an eye shadow palette on the desk, showing it to Steve.

“Sure let me help you with that, I watched Robin get ready in the car so many times so this rate i am an expert.”

Nancy was grinning happily while Robin rolled her eyes at Steve’s attempts to put makeup on.

“Dingus seriously you didn’t had to doll her up.”

“She wanted to look more professional, don’t you think light purple eye shadow works so nicely with the outfit.”

“Its missing something like she needs more mascara, whats this application Steve you need to put more on the lower lashes.”

“Excuse me for not wanting to take her eye out, and Nance doesn’t over do it like you do.”

“I over do it!!” Robin looked at him aghast.

“How about a hair clip?” Nancy chimed in wanting to stop their argument.

“Yes thats it, look at this one with the pastel colors its perfect.” Steve picked up a multicolored one to clip it to her hair.

“Thank you!” Nancy said couldn’t help but smile seeing her reflection, especially after being forced to wear childish clothes for days. Looking like her regular self even if she has a diaper on underneath the facade still. Going out hopefully will help the fog thats been surrounding her

She started pulling on Steve’s jacket with a distressed look on her face. “What about Mommy?”

“What about her?”

“She will be worried when I am gone.”

Steve turned to Robin to ask. “Can leave her a note?”

“What do we say on it? Hey Mrs Wheeler, we kidnapped your daughter don’t worry but wait actually never mind we should address it to the Mind Flayer probably. Here is our address you weird beast if you want to find us tonight.”

“It’s better then nothing also if Nancy is like their secret, she wouldn’t dare call the cops.”

“She wouldn’t, just make sure she isn’t worried.”

“Fine I am just writing that you are safe with friends.” Robin borrowed some stationary to leave a vague enough message for Karen to find.

Now the actual hard part came, to carry Nancy down the window. Their best bet was Steve carrying her on his back so after instructing Nancy multiple times to hold on tight and not let go. It was time for their exit.

"Do you think this is safe?"

"Not in the slightest, can you tie the sheet around my torso its like a safety net. Nance if you don’t feel safe, we can find a way to break the door.” Steve asked even though they don’t have much time left.

She was scared but she knows this needs to be done.

“Trust you both, lets go come on.”

Steve wasn’t sure how his life came to this again finding himself hanging on to Nancy Wheeler’s bedroom window, the only difference being with her clinging on to his back this time too.

“Robbie looks scared.” Nancy observed, Steve turned his head to find Robin clinging to the pipes with a terrified look on her face as they slowly scaled down.

“Come on Robin, Nance here is putting you to shame.”

“Yeah but I am not the one safety strapped to a ex-jock to have nice cushion to fall on.” She muttered under her breath, trying solely focus on not losing her balance.

They ran as fast as they can to the car, Steve transferred Nancy to Robin so she can keep her company at the back.

“Come on Steve lets fucking go, she just left the house.” Dustin screeched from the front street.

As Steve quickly made a getaway, the teens encountered their new obstacle to deal with the kids actual reactions to the little Nancy.

Dustin looked back to address the pair. “Holy shit Nance, they vaguely explained us what happened? How are you feeling currently? What is it like to be in the Upside Down?”

His continuous questioning freaked Nancy out enough to hid her face into Robin’s shirt, letting out a squeak.

“Dustin not now she is already on edge.” Robin chastised.

“Fuck guys did she got worse!”

Steve intervening. “Hey language, don’t swear around her.”

“She is the one who taught me these words, are you shitting me.”

“Dustin just be accommodating for now please.”

As Steve and Dustin bickered among themselves, Max was trying to wrap her head  around the scene in front of her. They told them what was going on with her, but seeing it in person was something else. Nancy Wheeler who shoots guns bigger then her head, is sitting on Robin’s lap hiding her face, like her baby niece would during family gatherings.

Between freaking out like Dustin or sulking like she would nowadays, she tried an in between approach.

“Is she okay?” She whispered to Robin.

Robin stopped her fussing to address the red head. “Yeah….yeah she will be just bit on edge regarding that creep you know. So you don’t think we are still crazy like yesterday still?”

“No…I mean yes just after the murders this one seems a bit tame now. Right Nance we been through far more worse stuff together.” Max tried to reach out to the teen.

Robin whispered into Nancy’s ear trying to coax her out of her shell.

“Come on sweetie say hi to Max, she was very worried about you as well.”

Seemingly her guilt tripping working, Nancy turned her head towards the redhead.

“Hi Max.” She waved shyly.

“Hey Nancy, you liking your special seat.”

“She is very comfy.”

“My legs beg the differ….but its okay I am just joking stop looking at me with your big sad blue eyes Nance.” Robin pleaded when she looked up to her with concern.

“So whats the plan now” Dustin interrupted before Nancy could open her mouth.

“Ummm I don’t know my plan was to get her out as a priority.” Steve said.

“The connection between Chrissy and Fred was Ms. Kelley so we should check her notes first.” Max reminded.

“What about the Creels, you promised to check.”

“Ohh honey we didn’t had time to check that but probably its some creep anyway.”

“It is important.” Nancy huffed angrily.

“Look its not good to split up now we do yours another time.”

Nancy seemed to not be amused to be not taken seriously. “Library or back to mommy.” She defiantly pouted, crossing her arms.

Robin herself also was thinking it sounded like a good idea found a compromise.

“Steve just take me and Nancy to the library, we can follow up on her story while you take them to Miss Kelley.”

“We really shouldn’t split up at a time like this.”

“You think we need protection, please I got Annie with a Gun here we are perfectly safe.”

“Why am I always the babysit—you know what yeah no worries I will drop you guys off now.” Changing his tune when he saw Robin’s eyes pointing directly at the literal infantile teen from the rear window.

After they were dropped off at Hawkins Library, Robin tried to discreetly support the other girl upright, even if her usual lack of balance was usurp by Nancy’s. Slowly guiding her to sit down on the chair by the information desk.

Nancy was immediately fascinated by the bell on the table, her hand rushing forward to ring it making her giggle, like she was being mischievous.

“Ding!” She voiced out as she continued her to hit the bell again and again.

“Sweetie no thats to be rang once.” Robin tried to scold her but seeing her smile so brightly melted her heart.

“God is this what dingus feels like all the time.” Robin questioned herself, being gooey and maternal was Steve’s thing not hers. And her nerves were on edge with how she will explain this to the desk lady.

The middle aged librarian approached from the back door. “Fine fine I am here, what do you girls need? Nancy dear hello, its been while since you visited, where have you been?” She asked politely.

Nancy felt like someone dumped a gallon of cold water to her head, she couldn’t find any type of letter to form a word. Her leg bouncing up and down, her fingers fidgeting with her skirt.

“She has been very sick recently, actually lost her voice.” Robin blurted out to Nancy’s relief, mimicking coughing to emphasize her point.

“You poor thing, assuming you want the archives key again?” This time Nancy was able reply with a smile and nod politely.

Robin quickly swept her off her feet the moment they were alone, after quickly walking out of sight. Giving Nancy a high five on their way. “Oscar for the best poker face goes to…drum roll please..us baby” She whispered, making her laugh.

In the archives, Robin was multi tasking balancing Nancy by her hip while checking through the documents for the articles she made note in her journal.

“Sweetie according to you we need go through these specific years to search the Creels, can you help Robin find the correct file cabinet?”

“Okay find correct dates.” She answered back giving thumbs up.

Nancy was able to recognize the numbers to her delight, but words were bit more challenging for her regressed brain making it harder for her to process them. After collecting the newspaper slips, they sat in front of the projector going through them. After an hour of finding nothing, with her limited attention span Nancy stopped reading the headlines and started to braiding Robin’s hair, who just at this point let it happen.

“Well this was the last batch, maybe this was a waste of time but you seem to be entertained by my boredom, give me the news doc hows the new hairdo?” Robin dramatically slammed her head on the monitor.

“Pretty.” Nancy stated finishing her handiwork. As Robin moved to put back the reels, Nancy got off her lap to toddle towards the staircases.“No downstairs” Pointing at the other cabinets.

“What makes you think other newspapers have that the big outlets didn’t have?”

“There has to be.”

“We are not even sure what we looking for here, other then just assuming this guy committed murders before.”

Nancy not hiding her annoyance sits angrily on the steps with a huff. “If you are bored I stay and you go to your boyfriend!!!”

“Boyfriend? Ew no Steve is not my boyfriend please we are strictly platonic with capital P. Is that what it was last summer you being jealous of your ex?” Robin asked teasingly seeing Nancy blush immediately.

“NO!” She insisted before adding. “I don’t care just…just…it’s nothing.”

“Nance we are just friends, you know I think this is a great opportunity for you to have better communications with people about your feelings. Like I am no better, I really don’t grasp social queues or have a filter much myself. So you have to tell me if I blurt out something that upsets you, its a personality flaw that my mother tells me all the time.”

In reality, Nancy would not want to talk about it but Robin’s constant reassuring word vomits really makes her feel safe to open up.

“No its not a flaw, the problem is me.”

“Well tell me whats got you all wired up then?”

“Just feels like my fault that Fred died….I…I…I was right there.” Nancy hugged herself the feeling of guilt overwhelming her again.

Not knowing what to do Robin put her hand gently over Nancy’s shoulder pulling her into a side hug. “No it wasn’t on you, how ever you want to believe you are in control sometimes there are bigger forces that we can’t beat alone. And I might not know you very well but I can see that you carry the weight of the world on your shoulder because if you let it go for one second any mistake would be your fault. News flash, it would have still happened so we going to figure how to stop it and why is this Creel creep is after you too.” She rambled on again, Robin thought Nancy would look at her how most people do when she monologues - with exasperation. However her big blue eyes were looking into her soul with softness.

“Your mom’s wrong, you are pretty good at saying the right thing.”

“Thanks see now if you need help you can always come to your fri—“

“Big sis Robbie?” Nancy completed the sentence for her looking up hopefully with a toothy smile.

This threw Robin into a loop but, she did liked the sound of it.

Her raspy voice wobbled. “Yeah…yeah sweetie your cooler older sister will handle it.” She guessed Steve’s ability to collect siblings like trading cards rubbed off on her too. Not knowing what she done to earn the trust that much to get such title.

The emotional moment immediately broken with Nancy pointing out. “Silly sis you in a band.”

She would have taken that a bit personal but she is not fooling anyone.

“Dammit you got me there, lets rummage through the files once more.”

They started going through the cabinets again, a black box with yellow lines on it caught Robin’s attention recognizing the news outlet.

“Look at this one sweetie, the Weekly Watcher, these guys might be a good lead I think.”

“Really?” Nancy raised her eyebrow looking unimpressed.

“Why not?”

“They write about aliens and Bigfoot.” She said in distaste, finding their reporting more akin to conspiracy theories then actual research.

“Don’t tell me after everything we seen, aliens wouldn’t be a possibility.”

“Its ridiculous. They had a headline that said Elvis cloned by aliens!”

As much as Robin found her little meltdown amusing, they had to go outside the box for this one.

“Sorry if you want a story about dark wizards, and curses these guys would be our best bet. What we got to lose huh?”

“Fine it can be useful I guess.”

Eventually they did find the story of Victor Creel claiming that an ancient demon has killed his family. The infamous Creel Massacre sounding eerily similar to the current murders, along with confirmation of Alice Creel’s existence.

“Alice Creel? But wait doesn’t she look like….” Robin pointed at the little girl in the picture.

“Mommy! Thats Mommy I knew it.”

“That means her survival was kept secret  after the incident probably, and when she got adopted no one suspected a thing.”

“Told you.” Nancy gloated a bit.

“Yes my little genius your shot in the dark was a bullseye.” Robin happily hopped Nancy around the room.

In her excitement, Nancy’s bladder gave away to the all too familiar warm feeling in her diaper. Knowing what she needs to do braced herself.

“Sis Robbie I wet myself, can you change me?” Nancy asked as her whole body flushed from the embarrassment.

The statement did cause Robin to nearly drop her in shock, but instead she lowered the teen on to the chair to gather the stolen supplies from the Wheeler house.

“Yeah sure I can change you, it shouldn’t be hard right like I am an only child and never had small nieces to practice on. But I can figure out, these things must be idiot proof. Well maybe not, I remember the story my aunt Lucy who pined it on my nephew’s head somehow that was weird…..shit Nance where did you go?”

Halfway through Robin’s nervous rant Nancy crawled under the table. The shaggy haired girl didn’t know what to do, she wants to respect her space knowing how hard is this for her. But even she knew its not good for anyone to stay in a wet diaper too long. Robin bent down to find Nancy hugging her knee, rocking herself a bit.

“We playing hide and seek or is this one your brooding moments?” Before she can even back up Nancy took a hold of her jacket.

“No go sis.”

The whimpering teen let go of the jacket to crawl ahead to hug Robin’s knees. The other girl felt a lump stuck in her throat, Nancy looked unnatural being this clingy.

“Come here lemme change you out of that.”

“It’s gross.” Nancy mumbled into her leg.

“I swear I am not grossed out, you just can’t help it right now. Want to hear a secret?” Robin said getting a hold of Nancy’s head to look her in the eyes. “I peed myself last year because I was scared of the Russians while you stood in front of a car shooting a gun without flinching. Now knowing this about me do you think I am weak or gross?”

Nancy’s eyes widened in shock yet a bit relieved, knowing they shared a similar experience.

“No you are still cool even if you had an accident too.”

Robin’s nose scrunched up looking at her with mock disbelief.

“Sure now I am cool you cheeky little thing, come on now lets get you freshened up.”

Not trusting the floors, Robin carried Nancy to the small toilet in the archives, thankfully providing them with privacy. She lowered her on to the edge of the toilet, going ahead to unbutton the skirt. The infantile teen let out a distraught whine, when her wet diaper was on full display.

“Sweetie its okay, remember no judge sone here, wanna hug your buddy while I focus on changing?” Robin took out the bunny plushy from the bag. “He is your special friend right when you hug him nothing can bother you, not even your pesky thoughts.”

“Really?” Nancy looked at her with stars in her eyes like it was actually magic.

“Yes if me or Steve isn’t around just hold him for extra bravery.” She prattled on using it as distraction to remove diaper and wipe the girl clean, taping the the new one after a bit of struggle. Thankfully her brain was  working overtime to even panic over seeing Nancy naked.

“Tada you are all dry again, what you think of my performance?”

“The best thank you.”

“I think I am definitely taking the best babysitter title from the dingus with that review.”

Nancy was just looking up to her, with a soft smile on her face.

“What? Is there something on my face? God is it a spider? Get it off me…..”

“No spider just glad you kidnapped me.”

“Well technically you came on your own accord, I was just ready to kidnap you if you resisted.

“Like a pirate? Arrrrrr!”

It shouldn’t be surprising to Robin how much Nancy, who is kind of a storyteller, would liked to play pretend.

“Yeah I am the fiercest Scoops Ahoy pirate, and I snatch up pretty reporters to sacrifice to the sea gods.” She said with a terrible pirate accent earning loud giggles from Nancy.

“Thank you, thank you I am here all week for more comedy acts. Look at the lets pack up and meet up with the others to see what they found.” Robin hoisted her into her arms and gently gave her the pacifier.

Luckily it was night time so they were able sprint out of the Library without any witnesses, the car was waiting for them outside.

“Get in the car Robin.” Steve said mechanically, his hands squeezing the steering wheel.

“We left you guys alone just for few hours, what could’ve happened?”

All of them were looking down with a haunted look on their faces. Something terrible must have occurred to get even Dustin to be silent.

“Dustin move to the back, make sure she is between you kids, and Nance sweetie are you going to be fine at the back without me?” Robin asked as she put on the seat belt for Nancy. Earning loud suckles as a way of affirmation, along with nodding with her bunny.

“Okay great now you are in charge of these two.” In a move that even freaked herself out, Robin kissed top of Nancy’s head like how her mother would out of habit. The regressed girl seemed to enjoy the affectionate touch, letting out a satisfied hum.

Leaving the trio at the back alone - Dustin and Max looked bit out of their depth, but their black cloud seemed to override the uncanny sight of their pseudo older sister sucking on a pacifier.

Steve decided his house would be the safest bet so he was driving them all back there. Max’s walkman was on full blast at the back, while Dustin was fiddling with his radio trying to reach Lucas. However Nancy had been sidetracking him, her fingers keep flicking the antenna.

“Hey you ruining my connection Nance.” He harshly swatted her hand absentmindedly. Realizing little too late of what he has just done, turned his head to find Nancy’s lower lip stuck out a little, trembling, looking close to in tears.

“Just wanted to help.”

Regretful the moment he did, tried to save the situation. “I am sorry Nance, I was being an asshole, how about we try it together?”

“Asshole?” She repeated instead like it sounded familiar.

“Thats like your favorite word to yell at Mike, remember tike at the Arcade years ago. You screamed that to Mike for the first time because he was stealing your coins. We all thought it was so cool.”

“Wait Nance use to go to the Arcade?” Max piped up from the side.

“Yeah she did, she was really good too. We would gather around her as she beat all the kids’ scores that week.”

Even as Max is faced with her inevitable death, she could not help but get excited about this revelation. Mike rarely talked about her unless it to complain how annoying she is. Which Max always found it grating, he had a caring cool sister when all she had was a brother that threatened her to beat her up. Nancy was not like Steve with how involved she was, but she still would ride them around all the time and looked out for them. She even visited her at the Trailer Park occasionally even if she always shut her attempts down. Except for the one time Nancy got desperate enough to suggest to teach her driving. Which ended with Nancy puking her guts out in the bathroom, but still she cooked pasta for her for that night when her mom didn’t show up. It was nice, she was too nice and Max like how Lucas tried so hard couldn’t handle it from her too.

“Wait were you the ‘NAN’ on those score boards? Holyshit it took me weeks to beat your galaga score. You have to teach me your secrets.”

“Just memorized the enemy patterns.”

“Holy shit thats commitment, I never knew you were a nerd like these guys.”

“Please she was like Erica obsessed with fantasy, loved elves especially. At the arcade we shortened to Nan so she can add her high scores.” Turning his attention Nancy laughing remembering a particular day. “Ohh Nance remember how you use to beat Mike in Pac-Man scores all the time, so he tried push you while playing but instead face planted to the floor.”

Of course, Nancy remembered her most cherished memories. They were the days before she felt like she had to grown up and pretend to care about what all those magazines would tell you to do to be able to fit in with her peers. The heavy fog in her mind feeling lighter for once, overwhelmed by his sincerity she joined in with Dustin’s laughter.

“Yeah he was an asshole about it.”

“He definitely is a little shit still, we are the real troopers for handling all his tantrums.” Max agreed, holding out her arm for fist bump. Nancy reciprocating it with one of her own, enjoying the camaraderie she hasn’t had with the kids in a long time.

As the kids at the back were distracted Robin quietly asked. “Now tell me dingus, what happened back with Ms Kelley?”   

Steve’s eyes going misty, revealing how both victims exhibited the same symptoms and Max is also been experiencing them lately.

“She saw a clock that was not there Robin, we got nothing to save her.”

“But there is we have proof that Victor Creel and Mrs Wheeler have survived this demon or wizard or whatever he is.”

“I am pretty sure we are on Mrs Wheeler’s naughty kid list.”

“Thats not who I was suggesting Steve.”

“How do you suggest talking to Victor Cree then if he has been locked in an asylum for years? I doubt we can just go in and ask to talk to him.”

“We will think of something when we get to your place.” Robin assured him.

“I hope so too.” Glancing at the rear window he saw the kids show Nancy how to use the walkie-talkie. Unfortunately, he knows she should already be aware of it, yet he allowed himself to smile. Holding on to the glimmer of hope that they now had Nancy back on their side.

Finally arriving back to his place, Steve parked into the driveway. From the corner of his side mirror, he spotted two figures sneaking around his front porch. Grabbing the bat from the back seat, he mimed everyone to wait in the car.

Slowly approaching his front porch, while everyone else, not heading his instructions, were behind him. Raised his bat to hit the figure, the person turned around to let out a high pitched scream.

“Its me Lucas, don’t hit me!”

“Goddammit Sinclair, I could have killed you with this thing!” Steve threw down his bat in relief.

“We been waiting for you guys for hours, where were you?” Lucas asked in between breaths.

Robin looked around confused at what he said.“What do you mean by ‘we’?”

The mysterious second figure appeared from side. Eddie Munson making his dramatic appearance, looking equally pissed and relieved at the same time.

“Hey Buckley, remember the poor dungeon master from the docks. The one you clearly forgot about thats who!”

Chapter Text

When Steve grew old enough to be more aware of his parents’ behavior, the Harrington house stopped feeling like a warm and loving place. More like endless nights of silent dinners and a boozed up parental unit. Even if its in these terrible circumstances, it was nice to have people in his usually quiet and cold living room.

Everyone was doing something, after Steve nearly knocked out Lucas, he went on to explain the crusade Jason Carver went on to hunt Eddie with his basketball teammates, and how they found his hiding spot at the docks. Of course he couldn’t stand being witness to his friend getting hurt so he snuck him out of there and they booked it all the way to Steve’s place when they couldn’t reach anybody.

From their side they informed Lucas and Eddie about Vecna, Max’s curse and the girls findings from the library concluding that Creel Massacre is the key to find a way to survive Vecna’s curse, like Karen Wheeler years ago. Since they can’t ask her for obvious reasons, they need to somehow get into Pennhurst Mental Hospital to be able to talk Victor Creel.

Currently Robin and Dustin were trying build up a portfolio after setting up a meeting with the head of the hospital, with some assistance from Nancy’s Hawkins High newspaper minions who did not question them, once Nancy asked from them to do it for Fred.

Max and Lucas were doing their own stuff on the other side of the living room while Eddie was doing god knows what on the couch. Going through the TV channels non stop, he seemed to be on edge but he was glad to hide in a big comfy house then the damp docks.

What concerned Steve more was that Nancy wasn’t around to be seen. She was helping Robin before but he guessed waiting around for phone calls were too much for her now shorter attention span. Trying to explain her condition to the two boys was way harder then expected. Eddie thought they were even pranking him initially laughing out loud when Nancy started sucking on her pacifier. His unintentionally teasing attitude making her feel embarrassed, so she got up to hide in the kitchen with Robin hurriedly running after her.

“If you dare make her sad again Munson, Carver and his crew is not who you will need to worry about.” Robin’s glare effectively daring him to make fun of the situation again and face the consequences.

Already feeling regretful for cruelly judging someone he nodded frantically. “Yep understood crystal clear Buckley.”

Steve’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a high pitched yell.

“AAaaaaaAaaa Jesus Christ you scared the living daylights out of me Wheeler, they need to put a bell on you.” Eddie held his shirt looking terrified, while Nancy was on the floor laughing at his reaction. She decided to take her own mini revenge on the dungeon master, sneaking behind the couch to pull on his hair.

Chuckling at the scene, Steve made his way over there standing above her. “Is someone being a little sneaky sneak?”

Nancy covering her face shaking while still giggling. “Nooooo he is just a scaredy cat.”

“Oh you are not huh, the carpets aren’t clean so up we go.” Picking her up to get seated on the couch. She climbed on to his lap again reaching out to play with his hair.

“Stevie’s hair so soft.” Nancy complemented, still mesmerized by his locks.

Steve whispered in her ear conspicuously. “Mine is the best right?”

“Yeah!” She exclaimed adding. “Don’t tell sis Robbie though.” Steve was definitely gonna gloat to her about it when she wasn’t around.

“Sister? Well thats new?”

“She told me I can come to her for anything…like a big sister.”

“Well I am glad you guys are getting along, you know me and her are like just friends right.”

“Yep platonic with a capital P.” Nancy emphasized the P.

“Great because I don’t want any tension between us—“ before he could finish his sentence he was cut off by Dustin yelling across the room.

“STEVE WE ARE HUNGRY!” he said with Robin agreeing with his sentiments. “Your fridge is tragically empty dingus.”

He held his nose to hold back the incoming headache as Nancy pulled on his collar insistently too.

“You got anything to complain about honey?”

She just patted her stomach which did get Steve to bark out a laughter. “I see you are hungry too like the other gremlins, atleast you are polite about it.”

“Its the monster in their stomach you know.” She snickered remembering the prank Chrissy pulled on her.

“That would explain they way they are actually, and sadly we can’t let it eat them up. I don’t want to deal with bunch of pissed of parents.”

Getting up from his spot he announced. “I know this house is a bit low on supply, so no need to yell. Sinclair wanna come with me to the big shop across the town probably safer to not be seen around much.”

“I want to come too.” Nancy held up her hand like she was in class volunteering.

“Would that be wise you think?” Robin questioned walking up to them.

Steve contemplated how safe it was but it was already night time and they were driving outbounds of the town so probably it be safe.

“Yes I think it would be a great idea, only if you promise to be well behaved.”

“Sailor Wheeler you have my permission to be as chaotic as possible.” Robin saluted Nancy making her giggle.

“Robin seriously?”

“Don’t worry Sailor Wheeler will be good for Captain Hair.” Nancy assured.

“Captain Hair!?” Steve squawked while Robin laughed at his expense. “She sees it as a fun game just go along with it…..Captain Hair.”

He rolled his eyes lifting Nancy off the couch, carrying her to the other side of the room where Lucas was sitting on another sofa, with a phone in his hand trying to reach the Byers in California.

“Nance you are supposed to be on my side, and not make my life miserable like the others okay. Now Sinclair we will be going in ten minutes, so keep her company till I change my shirt.”

“Sure no problem.” Lucas said with some hesitation trying to not linger to much at her. It was still uncanny seeing Nancy acting like a kid rather then the headstrong reporter she has grown into. So he tried to distract himself by focusing on looking Max and think about their relationship woes.

“You want to talk to Max?” Nancy looked at him sadly.

“Yeah I do but she doesn’t want to be around me still.”With the Party back together in the Harrington house, Steve’s babysitting skills are put into test trying to keep some sense of normalcy.

“She has been through a lot.”

“I know but deep down she needs us around now more then ever. Just wish I can talk to her a bit without her shutting us out.”

Nancy put her hand on his shoulder, giving him a soft smile. “Don’t force it, if you are there she will eventually.”

The nice sentiment reminding him that even after everything, the girl in front of him was the same old supportive Nancy he knew.

“Thanks Nance even while you are cursed, you know what to say. I am…..I am sorry we weren’t there to protect you from it when it happened. I wish we could find a solution now, but ironically we need a you to find one.” Lucas joked as he couldn’t help himself but ruffle her hair. Feeling extra responsible for her as one of the people who has known Nancy the longest with Mike being away in California.

Nancy eyes lit up suddenly scrambling to get down the couch, making her way towards Max.

“What are you going?” Lucas whispered out.

“I got an idea trust me.”

Max was sitting in the dinning area, listening to Kate Bush while writing series of letters. Ever since learning that her life was on borrowed time, she for once took Mrs Kelley’s advice. From the corner of her eye, she easily spotted Nancy walking up to her. With her she had to reign in all her usual instincts to bite back at any attempts to talk to her.

“What do you want Nancy?” She asked not bothering to turn head.

“Max can you come to shop too?”

“I shouldn’t come Nancy, I rather stay with the others to help.” Her eyes darted towards Lucas, who was failing to act casual to not be caught while eavesdropping.

“Boys are forgetful, need you.”

“True they are useless sometimes but just can’t for once okay.”

Nancy bringing out the big guns looked at her with big puppy eyes and pouted. “Maxie please please please I would feel more comfortable.” She repeated till Max huffed out loudly.

“Fine just stop doing that inflatable thing with your eyes its creepy.” Nancy slapped her eyes closed with her hand, making Max sigh loudly at her antics.

“You are not as endearing as you think you are Nance.” She said getting up to get ready to go out.

The brunette flashed Lucas a big smile giving him a thumbs up. He returned it back with his own dorky smile going next to her.

“You just became the best wingwomen there is.” Excitedly giving her high five, finally finding a way through into Max’s guarded walls through her.

“We gonna get Max back!” Nancy smiled as they continued chatting till Steve came around announcing that they were leaving.

“Alright anyone who is coming lets go!” He had to hold Nancy’s hand before she excitedly tried to run out the room.

“Wow whats the hurry Nance is something chasing you?” He chuckled seeing the clear excitement on her face.

She swung their intertwined hands visibly vibrating. “Want to get candy!” She said revealing her true agenda.

“Ofcourse you do, let go before the supermarket closes then.” He lead her out the house and back to the garage, before he could safely strap her in the backseat Nancy decided she wanted different seating arrangements this time.

“Can’t I sit at the front?” Nancy asked pointing to the front seat.

“Well no honey it is not safe for you probably being underage and all.” Steve tried to argue.

“But why?”

“Come on Steve, I think she is physically old enough to be able to.” Max pointed out.

“Whats the worst she can do anyway play with the radio?” Lucas added.

“Okay but no distractions, just keep your hands to yourself.” He relented opening the door for Nancy to get in.

“Got it!”

Once everyone was seated Steve checked his pockets to realize something was missing.“Fuck I forgot my wallet.” Steve groaned, slamming his head on the steering wheel.

“Fuck!” Nancy mirrored him, her eyes lighting up in amusement.

Steve bit back another curse word to avoid anymore repeats. “Nance no thats a bad word and we don’t say it. You don’t want to be a bad example for the kids right.”

Lucas and Max looked at him in bewilderment, they knew he was occasionally a mother hen to them but this was on a whole new level.

“Okay I won’t, no naughty words for them.” Nancy promised, her tone was more sarcastic then genuine but he will take it.

Before Steve could open the door to get out, Eddie jumped in front of the car yelling.

“Please take me with you, I can’t stand hearing about CVs and mental hospitals. Also I need actual good shit instead of the vanilla stuff. And Buckley gave me your wallet Stevie Boy so you need me right now.”

Steve tightened his hold on the wheel, he really didn’t have the patience to argue how much of a bad idea this was at the moment.

“Fine just wear the hoodie in the trunk to hide yourself, and give me back my wallet.” He relented.

The car journey to the supermarket was thankfully uneventful, other than Eddie complaining about Steve’s lack of good tapes. After they parked the car, Steve grabbed a cart placing Nancy in the baby seat of it. Her small stature allowing her to fit in perfectly, she was swinging her legs happily enjoying the ride.

Taking out his list, he addressed the group. “Okay so I need to focus so would you guys get the more superfluous stuff here. Sailor Wheeler I am giving you the list, so make sure they actually get them.”

“You got it Captain Hair!” Nancy snatched the piece of paper going through the list with her usual intensity.

Eddie, his face newly covered by the hoodie, grabbed the handle of the metal cart. “Exactly what Big Wheeler said we got this, you handle the boring adult stuff and we get the actual good shit.”

“Language Munson, also don’t you dare do anything that will bring you attention, and make sure she is safe.” Steve warned.

“Yeah yeah don’t worry big boy, she is safe with me.” He promised rolling his eyes, pushing the cart deeper into the store.

“What do we need? What do we need?” Eddie chanted to himself as he browsed through the refrigerated section.

“We have a list.”

Eddie ripped the paper from her hands holding out within her reach. “Well yeah but thats boring so no ones asking you.”

“No give me that….Edds!!” Nancy hissed trying to grab the list back from him.

“What you going to do huh, give me another heart attack like back in the house?”

“No...I will just yell loudly for Stevie.” She smiled smugly crossing her arms.

He knew being on Steve’s bad side at the moment would not be ideal so he returned the list in defeat. “Threatening me with King Harrington’s wrath well played Wheeler well played.”

After Eddie got everything under Nancy’s supervision, he looked into her blue eyes dramatically pouting. “Now can I get what I want boss?”

Nancy mentally going through the list one last time was satisfied with his performance to allow it. “Yeah…….uhm can we get sugar cereal too?”

“Is this Big Wheeler’s wild side I am seeing, wanting colorful sugary treats.”

“I…I...I like them and some red vines.” Nancy averted her eyes from his teasing gaze.

“There is nothing to be embarrassed about I love them too, especially the toys come them. Lets see what they got Wheeler.”

He was grabbing random assortments of snacks on their way to the cereal section, gliding around with the cart.

Lucas hearing the loud ruckus from the cart, intervened finding him recklessly pushing it.

“Be careful Eddie, you going scare her.”

“Its so fun though.” Nancy protested instead looking back at Eddie exclaiming. “Do it again!”

“If thats what little lady wants, lets fly away” Eddie continued running around the corridors pushing the cart even faster.

“Stop it you asshole.” Max stepped in, coming back from the drinks section, initially making Lucas think she was backing him up. “You are way too wonky even on a straight line THIS is how you do it.”

Taking over the handle to put her skateboarding skills to good use. Her smoothness impressed Nancy enough to cheer for more.

“You liked that huh Nancy?” Max smirked cockily.

“Yeah best zoomer ever.”

Lucas rolling his eyes grabbed the cart from Max to put a stop to it. As he was about to start berating them, he felt a tap on his arm. Looking up he saw Nancy looking at him like a puppy with her face at an angle.

“Want to show your skills too star player?”

The given nickname by her on the Hawkins High newspaper was enough to melt his heart to do whatever she wants.

“Fine I will show you my moves too I guess.” He said dramatically before starting to push the cart.

By the end it turned into the three of them arguing who was the best.

“Mine was faster.” Lucas argued.

“I pushed her stronger” Eddie insisted.

“Please we pulled of the smoothest turn.” Max confidently exclaimed.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” Steve yelled from the background looking the group in exasperation. All three looking at him like a deer caught in headlights.

“It was her fault.” Eddie immediately pointed at Nancy, who wasn’t even paying attention at them, looking intently at the colorful cereal box she grabbed from the shelf.

“All of you to the car now!” Steve growled a vein on his forehead looking like it was about the pop.

As they all scattered Nancy looked at him guiltily.

“Stevie angry?”

“Not really I just needed them out of the way so I can pay in peace and show you that I am the best one.” Steve smirked running with the cart as his sentence trailed off, Nancy squealing in delight.

Once they got back to the Harrington residence, him and Robin started sorting through all the grocery bags.

“Who is gonna eat all these chips!” Robin asked looking at the dozens of Doritos bags.

“You meet the kids right they going to demolish them faster then a demogorgon.”

“That is very true it just I feel like we should feed the kids some actual healthy stuff, what if they get scurvy or something because of us.”

“Sis that sounds silly they are not pirates.” Nancy chimed in from the back, she was sitting on the kitchen island watching them.

“See listen to the voice of reason here just relax, and honey please stop bitting your fingers.” Steve sighed, whenever him or Robin wasn’t paying attention Nancy would start chewing on her thumb now that they sanitized her pacifier and left out to dry a while ago.

“I want paci back then!” She demanded adamantly already annoyed to not have it for a long period of time.

“Fine miss bossy, may I remind you it was you that wanted it to be deep cleaned after dropping it to the ground.” Robin playfully pointed out to Nancy’s annoyance.

“But…But….I didn’t think it take so long.”

“Sorry honey but it does take a while, and I almost forgot look I got a clip for your paci so you won’t drop it when you want to talk.” Steve took out a clip from one of the grocery bags that specifically had baby supplies for Nancy.

Robin going through the bag as well added.

“And every other pink product in existence apparently dingus, you could have gotten other colors as well.”

“But these were the cutest ones Robin, right Nance pink is your favorite color.” Steve said confident that he still knows his ex-girlfriend’s tastes.

“I would have like it in purple.” Nancy mumbled looking at the pink strap adorned with flowers.

Robin cackled like a hyena seeing Steve’s disappointed face. “Uuuu did you hear that its the shattering of your ego over not knowing everything Nancy Wheeler related.”

“I am starting not like you two teaming up.” Steve said as he clipped the clean pacifier to the strap for Nancy.

“Its okay Stevie, I like it still.” She reassured popping the pacifier in to her mouth, happily suckling on it.

“Don’t pout Steve we are just messing with you, lets make something before the gremlins start complaining again.” Robin diverted his attention back to the army children that needs to be feed.

To the kids’ delight they prepared a big pot of pasta with some hamburger helper. They all needed the filling meal after the day they had. Though it seemed Dustin was the one who needed the most, with the way he was wolfing it down at an alarming rate. Nancy closest to the war zone looked at him slightly in disgust.

Leaning into Robin’s ear she whispered.

“Sis can we change seats?”

“Sure sweetie but why—yeah fair enough we should.“ Robin stopped her question midway seeing the mess around Dustin’s plate. She chuckled lightly before gathering her and Nancy’s plates to sit at the other edge of the table to continue their meal in peace.

“What the hell Nance!” Dustin complained with his mouth full.

“Thats disgusting.” She said still looking at him with a grimace the scene reminding her of Mike’s regular eating habits.

“You are so bad, you got Wheeler who literally has more reasons to find this endearing be concerned about your eating habits.” Eddie said full on belly laughing.

“I was hungry its been a very stressful day.” Dustin whined as everyone continued to laugh around the table everyone forgetting about their troubles just for a minute.

When they moved back to the living area to continue their preparations for tomorrow. Robin decided to take a minute for herself, first making sure Nancy would be comfortable without her.

“Would it be okay sweetie if I leave you alone to go take a shower first then I get you ready for bed time?”

“Okay can I watch TV?”

“Sure yeah let me put on something for you.” Robin said finding a random sitcom on the TV to keep Nancy occupied.

The mundane drama on the show was good enough for Nancy to keep her brain away from fully thinking about the implications of what happened today. After some time Eddie dramatically slumped next to her on the couch. From the sudden surprise Nancy felt herself have an accident again, warm feeling enveloping her with the diaper feeling hot and clammy.

“Big Wheeler are you okay? Your face is doing that thing when Mrs Moore gives us a pop-quiz in class.” Eddie asked seeing her twisted face.

As if Steve had powers like El, sensing her potential distress appeared next to them. “Is something bothering you honey?”

“Jesus Christ Harrington did you teleport or what!”

Ignoring Eddie he fixed his attention on Nancy.“Its okay you can talk to me as well if there is a problem, I won’t judge you or anything.”

She didn’t want to ask for a change without Robin being present but she really didn’t want to sit on the icky diaper as well. She could ask Steve to help, he is been the best babysitter towards her all day, she could easily trust him with it.

Pulling on Steve’s shirt she asked out loudly. “Stevie I am wet, and need big sis for change. But don’t want to bother her.” Hugging her knees, while everyone in the room froze in shock. “Can you help me?”

Steve trying to not make it worse picked her up into his arms. “You would not bother her at all, so let me take you to her now. You shouldn’t wait in a wet diaper for long, but for the next time honey you can just whisper it if its easier.”

She looked at him shaking her head. “Why Daddy says I should tell.”

“I will mess up your Daddy if I ever get the chance.” He mumbled turning around to go find Robin, looking back at the others to not dare make any further comments.

After she helped him with Nancy, they put her to bed in one the many guest rooms in the house. As soon as they closed the door Steve started ranting about his frustrations. “Robin he forces her to announce it, what kinda sicko does that?” He punched the nearby wall in anger.

“Look we both want to burn this motherfucker, but right now we can’t push her okay. If she is to distressed she might want to call him, its a miracle that she was able help as much as she has.” Robin tried to be the voice of reason.

“Fine…fine you are right, I am just tired of seeing those blue eyes looking back at us without the passion that drives her.”

“Me too, just for now lets first wrangle the rest of kids inside into sleeping arrangements, we all had a long day.” She patted his back leading him out of the corridor.

Finally the day was over after getting everyone into the other guest rooms. Steve and Robin, decided to share his queen size bed, not like they weren’t use to it. As they both tried to drift off to sleep, they heard a knocking sound.

“It’s your turn to deal with the kids dingus” Robin kicked Steve’s leg her eyes refusing to open.

“Aouch stop kicking me Robin I am getting up.”

When he open the door, it was Nancy standing in front of his doorway, one hand holding on to her rabbit plushie while rubbing her eyes with her other hand.

“I am scared, can I sleep here?” She asked letting out a small yawn.

Steve with no hesitation lifts the sleepy girl up to carry her to the bed. “Yes…yes of course come here honey, did you had a nightmare?”

“No I just miss Mommy.”

“Now…now this is a sleepover sometimes its fun to be away, didn’t you had a fun day.”

“Yeah.”

“Wouldn’t she be happy that you had a fun?”

“Daddy is gonna be so mad”

Steve looked upon sadly realizing she definitely was not talking about Ted Wheeler so he laid her between himself and Robin. He understands fear coming from a father’s wrath, Danny Harrington was not fond of his current choices, when he remembered his son existence it was always to berate him.

“Did you do anything he told you not to do?”

Nancy thought about it quite a bit, while she thinks that she didn’t, like saying nothing about their activities as promised except for one thing.

“Left Mommy.”

“Just tell him we took you against your will or something.” She still looked at him with weary eyes.

Steve trying to find another way to comfort her. “You know what I do when my dad is mad? Nancy shook her head no as he continued. “I just tell him what he wants to hear and agree with him till he cools down, also you got us so whatever hurtful things he says doesn’t matter because you will always have us loving you.”

This seemed to put Nancy at ease a bit her face looking less stressful.

“You have something else on your mind honey?”

“Water please?” Steve immediately got up to fill the newly bought sippy cup with water in the kitchen. When he returned back to his room, he found Nancy trying to wipe the drool corner of Robin’s mouth. Steve had gotten use to his best friend’s concerning sleeping habits but this was new to poor Nancy, ofcourse Robin’s excessive drooling would be a concerning.

“What are you doing?”

“Don’t want sis to choke on saliva.”

Steve shook his head in amusement. “Trust me she is gonna be fine. Look I got your water, want to try drinking it yourself?”

Nancy clumsily got hold off the sippy cup, with both of her hands. With little guidance from Steve, she was able to drink it from the cup herself, smacking her lips in satisfaction when it was emptied.

“I am so proud of you honey, see over time we will get you to feel better.” Steve excitedly exclaimed, wiping her mouth with his shirt.

She smiled shyly tackling him to give him a big hug.

“Thank you Bubby….for everything.”

It be a lie if Steve said he hated the new nickname, if Robin was her big sister it would be logical he be her big brother. They were always a package deal for a reason.

“Its nothing Nance thats what big brothers are for. Lets close our eyes now okay we had a very tiring day.” He repositioned them to lay down more comfortably in the bed. Instead of letting go of him, Nancy cling to him even tighter.

“Night night.”

“Goodnight Nance, we will keep you safe from any nightmares I promise.” Steve quietly said, his heart aching with endless platonic love, while gently stroking her curls. Although their tender moment was ruined by Robin’s loud snores.

“Goodnight Robin” She snorted out feeling left out even if she wasn’t sure what was happening.”

“Yeah goodnight to you to Robin.” He chuckled before finally going to sleep.

Unaware to the sleeping teens, in the Upside Down, Nancy’s fears were justified. Henry Creel or now dubbed Vecna was not happy at all to discover that she wasn’t in her usual spot at the Wheeler’s residence.

“What the fuck did you do Alice?” Henry yelled tightening vines that ensnared Karen. If he couldn’t get to the brat, his sister will face his wrath in the mean time.

“She is a little kid right brother, I let her have a play date. Aren’t I her mother?.” Karen still smirked knowing she delayed him finding about Nancy’s missing whereabouts the moment she found the note after coming back from the Henderson’s house.

“SHE IS MINE!!!” He screamed out. “I decide what she can do or cannot.”

“She isn’t yours asshole, I don’t exactly know where she is but I know my daughter, she will find a way to ruin your plans.”

“Thats where you are wrong, even if she has hiccups her loyalties will lies with me I made sure of that. But if there is a little rebel no worries it can be easily remedied when I find her.”

“How will you do that unless she is in distress you can’t find her?”

“Not her, I been working on another victim for a while Max Mayfield, remember her you tried to sleep with her stepbrother.” He reminded cruelly.

“Leave that poor girl alone.” Karen struggled against her binds ignoring the reminder of her past mistakes.

“Whats been put in to motion can’t be stopped now that my plan is halfway done. This time I will not be outwitted by a bunch of meddling kids again. Also Alice…..dear sister, I think you and I have to have a talk about a more permanent place here.” Henry’s voice echoed sinisterly.

“What do you mean Henry?”

“I think we need more quality time together after all these years apart don’t you say.”

Chapter Text

Eddie Munson’s past few days have been hectic to put it mildly; he watched poor Chrissy Cunningham brutally die in the hands of an evil wizard, learned that supernatural threats were real in Hawkins and oh yeah, he was now a wanted man being hunted like a deer by the crazy basketball team.

His one reprieve has been his loyal Hellfire recruits and their band of mismatched heroes keeping him safe, while solving the mystery of the murders to clear his name. After Lucas got him out of the dock safely, he didn’t think he was going to end up at Steve “the King” Harrington`s huge residence. The kids told him that he was a good guy but he didn’t expect a mother hen that fussed over the them along with the resident band geek, Robin Buckley as his partner in crime. It was like the most bizarre episode of the Brady Bunch he has ever witnessed to.

He was awakened from his slumber on the couch, thanks to the sun-rays coming through the window. Although, he wasn’t alone for too long Steve walked into the living room, with all his hairy glory. He just had on a cotton vest and his boxers this morning, because he probably was already being used as a human furnace by the infantile Nancy, who was latched on to his back like a koala.

That was another revelation that blew dungeon master’s mind, the class Valedictorian being forcefully regressed by Vecna, he initially thought the teen was going to be more wary of him after his cruel remark. But after their time at the supermarket, she seems to find his antics funny and constantly trying the play with the rings on his hands. Seems like rather than pry off the sleepy Nancy, Steve decided to let her hang on to him while he prepared breakfast for everyone before they descended like vultures.

Eddie excitedly joined them in the kitchen, hounding him with questions. "What’s for breakfast chef Harrington?"

"How about good morning Steve, how are you this morning....before you make any demands?” Steve rolled his eyes not in the mood to amuse him.

"Good morning Steve, how are you this morning, what’s for breakfast? I would like an omelette and sausages."

After getting no reply from him he turned his attention to Nancy. “Morning Wheeler, you seem comfy up there.” bopping her nose, getting a giggle out of her.

“Morning Eddy, yeah Bubby is very warm and comfy”

“Is he now, you think he let me climb that tree as well.” smirking as he raised his eyebrows playfully at the flushed ex-jock.

“Oh I will make sure you can’t even get off the ground if you try that Munson.”

Nancy pulled Steve’s hair lightly chastising him for his remark. “We are not mean to Eddy.”

“Ouch fine no pulling my hair Nance, sorry Munson I am just tried okay.”

Eddie snickering, waived his hand nonchalantly.

“My honour has been protected by the fair maiden, this humble dungeon master shall be forever be in your debt my little maiden” he dramatical threw himself to the ground getting Nancy laughing at his antics.

“Could you please help me set the table, rather  than being a tripping hazard?” Steve suggested not amused by his dramatics, with Nancy adding. “Please please Eddy!”

Eddie got up the floor mumbling. “I am only doing, because I will do a better job then you guys, not because you asked nicely.”

Steve smirked seeing him grumpily set the table, discreetly high fiving Nancy. “That’s why we make the best team honey.” she nodded her head in agreement.

Before he started frying eggs, he wore the joke apron Robin got him for Christmas that said Kiss the Cook, which Eddie raised his eyebrow at him but made no comments continuing to put the plates on the table. The metalhead later poked Nancy’s arm, indicating the instructions on the apron to her. Nancy happily obliged kissing Steve’s cheek, he turned to look at her in shock.

“It did say kiss the cook big boy.” Eddie slid near him while fist bumping Nancy.

“And Bubby is the best cook!” Nancy agreed wholeheartedly.

Steve ignoring his blushing face continued with the cooking, after a while all the kids came into the kitchen as the smell of food became more prominent in the house. Max barely acknowledged any of them just sitting down to silk while Dustin and Lucas, pestered him by critizing his cooking technique.

Lastly, Robin made her grand entrance yelling.

“Good morning children of the corn, if anyone talks to me before my coffee. It will no longer be a good one so I would choose your words wisely.” making a beeline towards the coffee machine. On her way, she stopped to pry Nancy off Steve, after the girl made grabby arms at her.

Nancy tried to fix Robin’s messy bed hair by combing her fingers through it. “Sis your hair is so messy.”

“There is my morning critic, did you sleep well sweetie?” Robin ignored her criticism to perch her on the kitchen island while she prepared her coffee.

“It was nice no dreams.” Nancy pulled on Robin’s shirt.

“That’s good right sweetie, means you are safe with us”

“But I missed him.” Nancy mumbled hiding her face, luckily no one heard her and continued back what they were doing. “Can I have some too?” she asked pointing at the coffee pot.

Robin immediately vetoed that idea, she can’t have a hyperactive Nancy in her hands now too. “Probably you shouldn’t also consume caffeine with the amount of sugar you already ate last night. How about you sit while we get the food ready sweetie.” depositing Nancy next to Max while she prepared a ham and cheese toast for her.

“Morning Maxie!” Nancy waved her hand at the redhead, but Max only gave her a forceful smile than say anything.

As more food filled the table Nancy started depositing them on to Max’s plate, trying to cheer her up with breakfast, who could be sad while having a nice meal she thought. By the end Max had a full plate that she was ready to ignore, but Nancy was looking at her expectedly, with her lips pouting dramatically. Once Max started taking reluctant bites from the scrambled eggs, Nancy grabbed the toast on her plate to start eating as well. The cheesy bread was bit too big for her mouth, she was barely able to keep it straight enough for her to bite it properly.

“Nance wait let me cut that up for you.” Max suggested not having the heart to watch her choke on it. As redhead cut the toast into little pieces, she felt Nancy’s blue eyes look at her with awe like it was a big deal that she could use the big knife. Before Max could say anything, Robin sat next to Nancy with her own full plate.

“Well wasn’t that very nice of her, what do we say to that sweetie?”

“Thanks a lot Maxie!” Nancy chirped, and started feeding herself.

“Yeah Mayfield thanks for keeping her alive, honestly sometimes I think her survival instincts was always nonexistent. Like standing in front of a car fine high stakes situation fine, but she was trying follow a butterfly in the library out the window yesterday without realizing she can’t fly so I am starting to see a pattern.” Robin rambled as she cut into her sausages.

“Its not a big deal or anything, she would do it for any of us in that situation. You two should keep a better eye on her maybe.” Max said leaving the table unceremoniously.

“Atleast she cares I guess…hey you sneaky thing are you trying to drink from my coffee.” Robin said flabbergasted at Nancy’s unashamed attempt to steal her coffee.

“Nooooo.” Nancy looked at her own plate pretending to not pull the mug closer to herself.

“Yeah yeah I saw you little thief keep your hands away from my precious.”

“Sis Robbie is no fun sometimes.”

“I am not getting paid period to be fun, you are lucky I am being nice at all.” Robin mock complained while finally drinking her coffee.

After breakfast, Nancy waited for what usually comes next but it never came, she pulled Robin shirt like she would Mommy’s but she didn’t understand her.

“Yes its Stevie Nicks on my shirt, and yes she is the best I know.” Robin said assuming Nancy just found her top interesting.

Without wanting to Nancy let out a whimper, not being able articulate her want to her. Her Mommy and Daddy would know what to do, god she was such a burden to them probably right now with her endless needs. Nancy started cry in earnest wanting her Mommy back at this exact moment. Whatever the Steve and Robin did, had not satiate her, instead making her cry out more and more.

Robin was pacing around the living room nervously with Nancy in her arms

“What’s wrong sweetie, please tell us what you need?” they made the kids leave to spare them from seeing her meltdown.

Nancy continues to pull on her shirt or occasionally head butting her chest to signal what she wants from Robin, reflexively she tried a more direct method.

“Steveeee help!” squealed Robin freaking out over Nancy latching on to her shirt’s collar, Steve pulled her off Robin’s arms immediately, getting Nancy to spit out the fabric looking lost at both of them. She walked back to sit on the couch, to continue to cry by herself.

Eddie who was observing from afar finally understood what to do. “Excuse me you freaking amateurs, let me handle this both of you are only child so you do not understand crying nuances.”

“Really Munson, you have no sibling too.” Robin retorted.

“Look I lived around a trailer park, I seen a lot of families raising babies with not much noise cancelation, I picked up a few tricks.”

He walked up to Nancy’s eye sight smiling at her. “Hey hey fair maiden, did you lose your words?” Nancy timidly nodded, glad that someone finally figured out whats wrong with her.

“No worries you know why? Because I know you probably want some nice warm milk to wash all that food down.”

Nancy sniffled loudly nodding her head again, and started sucking on her thumb to soothe herself.

“Yeth please.”

“We got some in the fridge let me get it.” Steve said finally understanding what to do made his towards the kitchen. He grabbed the milk, along with a pot to heat it up. Afterwards he transferred the lukewarm milk into the new pink sippy cup. Hesitantly he took the cup back to Nancy, sitting down on the couch to pull Nancy on his lap to a more comfortable feeding position.

“Open for baba” he cooed.

Nancy hesitantly latched on to the sippy cup, but as soon as she tasted the warm milk her eyes fluttered, her facial features finally relaxing and she closed her eyes to continue drinking the warm liquid.

Robin was looking at the scene dumbfounded, firstly it was Eddie Munson’s idea that was getting Nancy to calm down.

“Bottle, she wanted to be bottle fed this whole time!” Robin exclaimed putting the pieces together, crouching down near the couch to softly pet Nancy cheeks.

Steve losing his attention from Nancy looked at Robin “Wait that would mean…” he trailed off.

“Mrs Wheeler was bottle feeding her at home too.” Robin completed for him.

“What has that Vecna creep done to both of them.” Eddie uttered in shock. “She shouldn’t need to be right I mean it doesn’t suit with the age range she is stuck in.”

Nancy was unaware of what they were saying, she was solely focusing on the milk, continuing to drink till the cup was empty.

“Sis sad?” she asked once Steve remove the bottle from her lips.

Robin unaware that she was crying, quickly dried her cheeks with her hands, immediately wiping them off trying to reassure Nancy.

“No sweetie, it was just allergies what about you though are you full now?”

“Nancy full.” she happily patted Robin`s cheek.

Steve couldn’t help but pull her into hug on his lap.“That’s great honey” hiding his own shimmering anger the situation his friend was forced into.

“I hate to break the moment but don’t you two need to get ready for your excursion?” Eddie chimed in.

Nancy suddenly looked between the both teens.

“Excursion?” she asked.

“Yeah, remember to go the Pennhurst Mental Hospital to talk with Victor Creel, me and Steve are going today.” Robin explained.

“Without me?”

“Nance honey we can’t take you in your condition they would see right through us” Steve tried to explain slowly.

“My idea, you need me.”

“Honey we know but for once you have to stay behind”

“No..no…no you can’t both leave please let me come.” Nancy started to beg holding onto Steve’s shirt tighter.

Robin was kicking herself for triggering another tantrum right after they just got over the last one.

“Why can’t you stay with Eddie and kids to watch out over them for us like a good girl.”

“Only Daddy calls me that!” Nancy snapped backed at Robin in anger, her hysteria taking over. “You leave and something terrible will happen and…and…and you never come back.”

Robin recoiling in fear of her outburst looked at Steve for a solution. “Nance are you scared if we are away something will happen?”

“Can’t protect you if you are away.” Nancy started crying again.

“Oh honey we will be fine, we got each other and just be gone for like a couple of hours promise we will radio soon as we got range.” Steve started rocking her to calm her.

“No it won’t be fine. Everyone just leaves me…when they are gone…they are gone.” Nancy started chanting, in her distress she peed herself without realizing, the warmth of her pampers giving her little comfort.

Steve feeling the warmth under his palms, locked eyes with Robin hoping she will telepathically understand Nancy just wet herself. Robin luckily clocked it hearing a faint hiss, she slowly got Nancy from his arms to take her back to the bathroom where she set up a makeshift changing station. Even before she could lay the crying girl on to the mat, she heard the same hissing sound. The poor teen was going twice over because of her anxiety. Sadly Nancy also realized that she wet herself more than usual, making her cry even harder.

“I am useless!” she exclaimed the cooling soaked diaper feeling worse now, realising of course they wouldn’t want a baby like her with them.

Robin finally laid her down on the plastic mat to avoid any potential leakage in case her condition got worse.

She tried to reassure her “Sweetie we talked about this, this doesn’t take away from your talents, right now we need be very cautious and a mental hospital isn’t safe for you as doctors wouldn’t understand your condition. We can’t have you taken away, we need you and especially Max needs you right now. As you are the only one, she actually likes being around. Can you take on this responsibility for us looking after her?”

Nancy looked up contemplating about Robin’s words, it did sound logical and they are trusting her with something big, even though she isn’t happy the logical part of her accepted the deal.

“Okay I will guard Max.”

This made Robin smile in relief. “I knew you understand my clever girl and I promise you I will look after the dingus. So now open your mouth for paci and I can get you out of that super yucky diaper.” she winked as she popped the pacifier into Nancy’s mouth.

The little sucked on the plastic nipple slowly the rhythm calming her nerves down after the stressful morning. However, as Robin also massaged her belly to soothe her during the change, it had the unintended effect of making Nancy let out a burp. She looked up with wide eyes towards Robin for her reaction.

“I am sorry.”

“That was a big one sweetie, did that milk do a number on you? You still can’t beat the dingus though after he has like five sodas for our Friday movie nights. Rest of the night, he just loves to ruin any tension in the story by burping at the worst times. And unlike you he doesn’t even apologize.” Robin played it off like it was nothing so Nancy wouldn’t have another meltdown.

“He burp too?”

“Come on everyone else does it relax, and we are done here want to help me with an outfit, I feel like you know how to look uptight and snooty.”

“Yes, help big sis!” Nancy excitedly bounced upright not realizing Robin’s dig towards her sense of fashion.

“Come on let’s raid Mrs Harrington wardrobe.” Robin lead Nancy out the bathroom to the big bedroom. As they raided the wardrobe any semblance of hope Robin had slowly disappeared.

“Does she own anything thats not a dress from Dallas or something.”

Nancy not paying much attention to her complaining was digging through the pile to pull out a pink collared blouse that was probably hidden at the back because it was a tight fit.

“No no no you are not making me wear that Nance.” Robin backed off her like the article of clothing could burn her.

“But its perfect!”

“No its not, I don’t even have a bra to wear under that thing.”

“Use mine its no big deal.”

“Nope I refuse to wear your uncomfortable corset that you insist on calling a bra.”

“Sis you have no choice!” Nancy huffed in annoyance.

“This or dress?” giving her an ultimatum.

After a long battle and a mini makeup session, Robin walked back in to the living room with her new outfit for the reveal. The suffocating pink blouse was completed with a grandma cardigan over it, an equally uncomfortable pencil skirt and white pumps. Nancy also styled her hair to look more professional, with a butterfly pearl hair clip was attached to side to complete it. Everyone looking at her with a mixture of shock, and amusement. Nancy walked near her smiling with pride of her creation, it was like having a life-sized dolly to play with.

“If any one of you shitheads makes a one single comment, none of you are getting free movie privileges for the rest of the year. Understood?” Robin threatened, all the kids looked back to what they were doing covering their mouths to muffle their laughter.

Steve, with his fancy suit on, joined them at that moment. “Are we ready Rob-“ stopping mid-sentence to take in her outfit.

“Don’t you dare Steve!”

It was for nought he burst into laughter holding his stomach while trying to catch his breath.

“No you look amazing was just admiring your new style.”

“Your mom didn’t have much for a teenage girl, we had limited stuff to work with. I am already pissed because someone’s bra is pinching my boobs do don’t test me right now.”

“We? Oh did Nancy had a hand in this, honey you did an amazing job.” he turned his attention to the grinning Nancy.

“Sis looks very academic now doesn’t she?”

“Yeah she does, academics of what Buckley? Of the Easter bunnies?” Eddie snickered from the couch.

“Shut up Munson, come on Steve our appointment is soon.” Hearing Nancy whine next to her, she went up to give her a kiss on the forehead.

“You take care sweetie okay, hug Mr Rabbit if you feel anxious at any point.” The little one nodded hugging Robin fiercely, she let out a small oomph but tightly wrapped her arms her as well

“Yeah honey we will be back before you even realize.” Steve said his goodbye and reluctantly delegated the babysitter responsibilities to Eddie.

“I am entrusting you with all the kids okay, keep them safe or else.” Steve said as he kissed the top of Nancy head.

“Aye Captain Hair you can trust me and fair maiden to keep them in line.” Eddie mocked salute.

With their final farewells, Steve and Robin left the house everyone settling back to their own little worlds. Eddie just let Nancy walk around in the living room to do her own thing while he and Dustin planned for hopefully their next campaign.

Nancy joined Lucas on the couch as he mindlessly changed channels, when stumbled on to the Muppets Show she excitedly shook his arm to stop.

“You want to watch the puppets Nance?”

“Yes do you?”

“Oh of course I love them, who is your favourite?” he encouraged her to speak.

“Miss Piggy is so funny”

“She is isn’t she, I like Fozzie Bear the most personally.”

“Hahaha waka waka Lucas.” Nancy giggled trying to imitate the Fozzie`s voice.

“Look at that impression wow who knew that was your secret talent all along.”

Lucas got cozier on the couch as Nancy settled in fully. Over the course of the episode, she rested her head on his shoulder. He felt a lump form in his throat remembering the times, he used to fall asleep in her lap as a toddler.

As the show ended, Max stood in front of TV giving a letter to him, and then to Dustin, explaining them to open the letters if anything happens to her.

"Why would they need to?" Nancy asked looking sadly at her for another white envelope in her hands. “Don’t I get one?”

Max feeling bad for not taking account how Nancy would perceive this.

"I put yours with Steve and Robin`s letters, I know you are currently no better off then I am. But its there for you if I am gone, and you make it out fine.”

"Maxie no go please." Nancy got a hold of red head’s hand.

“I—I—I can’t promise you that right now.” Max harshly stated, turning back to Eddie. “I wanna go see my mom, if my days are numbered I want to say goodbye to her.”

“No way Mayfield, I am not driving you around while my head is wanted by the Crazy Carver.”

“Look just give me the car keys, I can drive myself.”

“Good go on do that then Mayfield.” Eddie agreed easily but Nancy piped up, strongly shaking her head.

“Don’t you dare!” she said remembering the time she puked up after Max drove her car in the quarry.

The metalhead looked a bit shocked at her reaction but he assumed Nancy probably has a really good reason to not let the teen drive at all.

“Never mind fair maiden vetoed that one."

Dustin snickered from the back. "How bad are you still that Nancy of all people snitched on you.”

"Shut up Dustin!" Max hissed back. “Come one if you won’t take me you know I will just go somehow anyway. When Steve and Robin discovers I was gone with no back up they will happily rip you a new one.”

Eddie looking at the insistent kid made his decision. "Do you mind Wheeler just need a moment please close yours ears for me.”

"Fucking hell Mayfield fine you win, get your shit together and wait near the fucking car we are leaving in ten, this includes the rest of the guys to."

The kids dispersed leaving Nancy with Eddie, she was looking at him skeptically.

“Don’t think its good idea to go out.”

“Yeah I know but you heard her, she would do it regardless at least like this we can keep an eye out on her.” he pointed out letting out a loud sigh.

“True I would do the same as well.” Nancy chuckled knowing nothing could stop her from following up on her own plans.

“See I need your unique understanding of her to keep up. Luckily Buckley dressed you up already, but how am ı going to go out like this?" Eddie dramatically gestured at his very unique outfit.

"A makeover" Nancy piped up. “From Bubby’s wardrobe you can change to look like him.”

"To look like my worst enemy to blend in yeah that can work, you are a little genius Wheeler.”

Nancy clapped happy to get to do her second outfit pick of the day. She grabbed his hand to pull him towards Steve’s room, and opening the wardrobe to see their options.

“You got any ideas, oh my fair maiden dress me up like one of yours ken dolls.” Eddie yelled dramatically, looking at the endless polo shirts.

“Lets start with the basics Edds.” Nancy said looking very seriously at him as she assessed their options.

After a bit of trial and error, he found himself wearing a blue polo shirt along with non ripped jeans, a tragedy in Eddie’s eyes. Nancy also helped him put his hair into a ponytail to hide it under a cap to complete the look.

Looking at himself in the mirror, he couldn’t help but admire at the sight.

"You aint half bad Wheeler, I can’t even recognize myself let me steal those sunglasses  downstairs as well to be full on incognito.”

 As he checked himself out Nancy grabbed his thrown away shirt off the floor.

"Can I wear it?”

Eddie looked at her confused at her request.

"You want to wear my Hellfire shirt why?”

"Reminds me of Mikey, I missed him a lot." Nancy revealed, feeling like if she wore the shirt it be like he was with her right now.

Even Eddie could admit his cold cynical heart melted at that. "Thats very stinky right now Nancy, how about I promise you a new one once we break this curse. Hell I will make you a custom one even, with any color you want.” 

"Really Edds!" she smiled brightly making him melt even more. 

"Really Nancy!” Eddie grinned back then muttering to himself. “You getting too attached Munson this is not going to end well."

Meanwhile in the car, the kids were arguing about the seating arrangements.

“It’s no fair, you get her in the middle when I am at the front.” Dustin complained.

“You called shoot gun you idiot so suffer.” Lucas joked but secretly he was glad to have Nancy as buffer to be able to talk to Max.

When the duo arrived finally Eddie strapped Nancy to middle, making sure she had her pacifier and plushie.

“Okay you are in charge of this section of the car fair maiden.”

“You got it Edds!” She smiled back, Lucas gave her an encouraging thumbs up as well.

Seeing Max just sulking while listening to Kate Bush made her bad for the kid again. So to to cheer her up Nancy wrapped the bunny plushie’s arm around Max’s shoulder.

Max startled by the hug attack, was ready to chew out the person touching her but when she saw it was Nancy innocently trying cheer her up, the fire died inside of her.

“What are you doing Nance?” she asked slowly.

“Mr Bunny thinks you need cuddles.” Nancy innocently insisted.

Max couldn’t help but smile a bit at her admittedly cute gesture. “Well thank you Mr Rabbit, but I am fine please stop.”

“I told you she will like it.” Nancy smiled proudly at her plushie, not pushing her luck with Max too much.

“When we are on the road, we can try again.” Lucas whispered into her ear.

“Okay!” Returning her attention back to simply focus ahead, and popping her pacifier into her mouth.

Once everyone was fully settled in the car, Eddie asked. “So where am I taking you Mayfield?”

“First to the Trailer Park just stop at the entrance if there are cops, you will be fine.”

“If I see any cops and bloodthirsty jocks, I am getting out of there is that understood great. Lets rock out kiddos your Uncle Eddie is taking you out on a Hellfire field trip.” He yelled in mock excitement starting the car’s engine, everyone blissfully unaware of what is about to happen in few hours.

Chapter Text

Nancy always enjoyed car rides, the passing scenery usually providing her with a sense of ease but this current journey was anything but that. Eddie and Dustin were having a loud heated discussion about the logistics of the Upside Down, while Lucas was constantly looking upon the brooding Max over her shoulder. He tapped on her leg, whispering into her ear.

“Try talking to her again.” removing her pacifier making Nancy whine a bit at its lost. “Why?” she huffed crossing her arms.

“I need you to break the ice a bit, please…I will get you any candy you want later.” He pleaded.

“Really anything?” Nancy smiled thinking all the sweets she could ask for.

Lucas reached down his pocket, taking out a pink starburst. “Yes here is my down payment just talk to her about something.” unwrapping the candy to put it in her hand.

“You bargain pretty well.” Nancy said impressed by his skills.

“I have Erica for a sister, I picked up a few of her tricks as well.”

Nancy ate her new found reward excitedly, then turned towards Max tapping on her shoulder. Max removed her headphones looking at her impatiently.

“What now?”

She didn’t think this too far so Nancy blurted out the first thing that come to her mind.

“I like the song, what is it?”

Max’s eyes softened a bit as it was one of the rare topics she liked to talk about. “Oh yeah its Kate Bush, you want to hear it?” in a rare act of kindness she offered her headphones to Nancy.

“Yes please!” Scooting closer to put on the headphones herself to listen ‘Running up that Hill’.

By the end of the song Max asked. “You like it? This one is my absolute favorite for sure.”

Nancy did like it but, the style really wasn’t her vibe.“So much but I prefer Blondie still I think.”

“What come on Kate Bush is way better Nance.”

“Debbie Harris is superior Max, I am with Nancy on this one.” Dustin interjected.

“No one was asking your opinion.” Max rolled her eyes at him.

“You guys all have tragic tastes, real music is metal.” Eddie interjected, continuing. “If I had my way I would burn all of Steve’s tapes but I am crashing on his couch currently so after I move out probably.”

Nancy leaning towards the front not understanding why Eddie was passionate with his music.

“Whats metal music exactly?”

“WHATS METAL? Is no one educating you fair maiden?” Eddie yelled nearly swerving the car off road.

“Fucking hell Eddie pay attention to the road you idiot.” Max swore at his recklessness.

Lucas butted in before the redhead probably murdered Eddie.

“Jonathan Byers, her boyfriend, is more into more rock stuff like the Smiths or Clash so probably thats why she isn’t familiar with them.”

“Ex boyfriend actually.” Nancy corrected him, making all the kids gasp at the revelation.

“When did you two broken up!” Dustin and Lucas asked simultaneously.

“Few months ago didn’t Mikey or Will tell you.”

This got Max invested in the conversation as well, even she secretly found the couple kinda adorable during the events of the last year.

“Why did you two broke up weren’t you guys like THE power couple!”

Nancy’s eyes darted around not really comfortable talking about the sore subject. “I broke up with him after he lied about his college submissions.”

“Oh bad move.” Lucas winced.

“And he was just sooo distant…high with his new friend all the time.” she continued to open up for the first time since that day, her voice chocking up a bit. Max surprising everyone in the car when she slowly side hugged her.

“Thats just asshole behavior, you deserve so much better, good that you dumped his ass.”

“Yeah I dumped his ass!” Nancy repeated enjoying the hug from her, it was nice to actually share it with her friends. Feeling a tad bit lighter than before.

“What an idiot for losing you Nance, see I could have told him secrets are no good, Suzie was very adamant on that when we started dating.” Dustin shook his head.

“Mike never told us that if we knew this we would have said something.” Lucas looked apologetically.

Eddie wanting to change the subject loudly declared.

“It’s decided if no one is around, I am grabbing at least a Metallica or an Ozzy tape from my trailer. If I have to hear one more Madonna song I am going to puke.”

“But Madonna is so good.” Nancy argued forgetting about the previous conversation immediately.

“Yeah you would think that, from now on just let your wise metalhead friend teach you some actual good music.”

“Is your head iron or copper?” Nancy asked naively assuming he meant it literally.

All three of the kids erupted into a laughter at her comment.

“Probably copper, his head is all nice to look at but the brain is not much worth much.” Dustin retorted.

Eddie stopped the car with a huff. “I am very tempted to drive all of you ungrateful kids back but we are here, so Red go do your thing before I leave you stranded.”

Max gave him the middle finger as she left the car to find her mother. Dustin took out his binoculars to scout the area incase anyone shows up.

“Shit, guys we have a problem.” He yelled after a while.

Lucas grabbed the binoculars to see Jason Carver and his teammates, walking around the trailer park, no doubt searching for Eddie.

“Fuck they are going where Max is.”

“She would be fine right, they are not looking for her.” Eddie tried to reassure them while hiding.

“I don’t know they surrounded her fuck, I am going there screw it.” as Lucas dropped the binoculars he realized something. “Uhm you guys where is Nancy?”

They looked upon where she was seated, to only find the rabbit plushie and the pacifier in her place.

“Fuck Steve is going to kill me.” Eddie panicked.

Meanwhile, Nancy was using all her strength to run where Max was currently being surrounded by the basketball team.

“Maxi- Max are you done here?” she said putting on a gruff sounding tone.

“Nancy Wheeler, what are you doing here? Gotta scoop for your little club?” Jason threateningly approached her, his eyes having slight crazy look to them that even put Nancy on edge.

“Hi Jason I am here from Max….and I am sorry about Chrissy.” Nancy said her condolences still feeling bad for him.

“She is here to pick me up for driving lessons so see you later assholes.” Max said taking a hold of Nancy’s shirt.

However, Jason intercepted them before both girls could leave. “Wait a minute, isn’t your brother in that satanic club. Tell me where is he Wheeler?” grabbing a hold her her arm tightly.

“He is away in California.”

“Don’t lie to me, where is he?”

Max was thinking Nancy’s confidence facade would crack any moment, but she was not relenting.

“Let go!” she said authoritatively.

“You fucking bitch tell me the truth, cuz when I do find him  and his other dorky friends I will make sure they feel what my Chrissy felt.”

Nancy would have walked away in any other circumstances but threatening her baby brother and her friends that was the last straw. Since Jason wasn’t letting go of her arm, the feeling of helplessness and anger unleashed something in her like all the times Henry told her how bad people deserve to suffer consequences for their actions.

“I said…LET GO” she yelled pushing Jason off her with to much force that her stature should allow. She straddled him to start punching his smug face.

“Don’t you dare hurt any of them Carver, or you will pay.”

“NANCY….snap out of it.” Max tried to pry her off with no success.

But one of Jason’s teammates, Andy was able pull her collar, and throwing her onto side harshly. As the rest the guys came into her view, Nancy realized she probably chewed off more then she can handle.

Regardless she was ready ready fight back, but luckily she didn’t had to.

“What the hell you kids doing near my property get out.” a gruff middle aged man came into the scene with a shotgun in his hands.

“Shit this guy is crazy man lets go!” Andy yelled as the rest helped Jason get up from the ground. The team hurriedly running out of the trailer park.

The helpful man puts down his gun to help Nancy off the dirt.

“You okay little lady?” he asked gently.

Nancy was only able to shook her head no with tears in her eyes threatening to spill if she actually talked.

Max clocked the bruises and cuts on Nancy’s knuckles, she gathered Nancy’s infantile mind was probably in shock just seeing the blood.

“Get the first aid kit, I will wait here with her till you come.” the guy said like he read her mind, slowly maneuvering the other girl to sit on the lawn chair near by.

“Thanks Mr…..” Max trailed off realizing she never really knew the familiar looking man’s name before.

“Munson, Wayne Munson” Wayne completed for her.

Nancy looked at him wide eyes. “You are Eddy’s?”

“Uncle, yes you assume right little lady.”

“I am sorry.”

“About what that my nephew who I know wouldn’t hurt a fly is being a called a murderer or that I raised a killer?”

“He is innocent.” Nancy stated passionately.

“How do you know that ?”

“Because he is just a silly metalhead.”

“You are a lady of very few words aren’t you.” Wayne chuckled a bit. “I like that, you are a very direct kid, yeah he is just trying his best whats given.”

“We are helping him I promise.” she reached out with her hand to put it on his shoulder reassuringly.

“You are a nice kid, glad he has good friends looking out for him. Seems like your red head buddy got what you need, bye kiddo if you need anything just give me a shout okay.” Wayne ruffled her hair as he got up walking back to the trailer he came out from.

“Thank you Wayne” Nancy waved back.

When Max came next to her, she started to clean her wounds immediately.

“Aouch Maxie it hurts” Nancy whined.

“You don’t want them to be infected right, just can you hold on a bit for me till I finish all the steps.”

“Stop bleeding, clean, dis-dis..”Nancy tried to repeat what she learned from her last summer, but she couldn’t spell the word it felt too big.

Max thankfully completed it for her. “Disinfect.”

Nancy spelled it again slowly to finish her sentence “Dis-in-fect, and bandage.”

“You remembered that huh” Max smirked.

“Of course I really didn’t know what to do.”

“Yeah for someone who is smart, putting alcohol on an open wound was stupid. Okay now the hard part….want to hold on to something.” Max looked up to find Nancy’s scared blue eyes. She still looked unsure but took a hold of Max’s free hand.

Not overthinking Max squeezed hers back in return for reassurance and continued to clean blood off before disinfecting them up. Nancy bit down on her cheeks trying not yell from the sting.

“Its okay now look the bad part is over”

“Over?”

“No still need to put on bandages, uh why did you do something this stupid. You were suppose to be the not meathead one amongst them Nance.” Max sighed as she wrapped her knuckles.

“I failed you kids once, never again.”

Max took a hold of her shoulder to get her to look into her eyes. “You never failed me, you tried to be there when my life was shit, but then I shut you out. I owe you an apology because you tried but I pushed you and the others away. It was never your fault, I did this to myself.”

“No you didn’t.”

“What?”

“You were going through something though, I get it.”

“Aren’t you supposed to say I should have talked more or some shit?”

Nancy just shrugged she couldn’t be a hypocrite. “We all make mistakes, and now we are here when you are ready.”

Max without realizing shed a tear, after months of therapy, no words meant to her more then what Nancy just said. It reassured her on a more intimate level, maybe it was because she understood her more than any therapist could.

“Maxie please no cry.” Nancy’s eyebrows frowned.

“No this is good catharsis, and you know I think just had a bad vision too and I don’t know how to feel Nance.”

Before Nancy could say anything, they saw Lucas running up to them. “Are you two okay?” he was clearly out of breath.

Max dried her eyes immediately replying sarcastically to cover it up. “Now you stalk us Stalker you come after we dealt with the problem.”

“We waited till Jason and the other to leave the park, so at least one of us can check. Also what did you do to Jason, his face looked swollen.”

“That was all Nancy’s vigilante justice, I didn’t even touch him.”

“Nance did that you serious.” Lucas looked at her to see the proof of her brawl. “Look at your knuckles no one will ever believe us.”

“He threatened you guys so he deserved it….ouch Maxie it hurts still.” Nancy yelped ruining her badass moment.

“Yeah thats what happens when you try to be a brawler instead of using your gun. Come on Lucas, lets get the patient back to the car, I also want go to the graveyard.”

“Max do you want to talk about it first?” Lucas tried to reach out.

“Lucas I know, look after this we can talk first let me have this closure.” Max said even smiling at him a bit.

“Whenever you need me, I am here.” he said just like how Nancy advised him.

From the background Nancy just squealed internally delighted to see them talk normally again. When they returned back to the car, Eddie nearly had an heart attack realizing, he has to explain how Nancy got in to a fight.

“Edds gonna be okay?” Nancy asked looking concerned.

“No he is a goner, Steve is gonna beat him with that nail bat.” Dustin grimly stated.

Eddie screamed. “HE HAS A WHAT?”

“Nail bat, he is very good at swinging that thing too.” Lucas supplied.

“Its mine actually.” Nancy grumbled.

“Really?” Max asked.

“Jon modified my bat, then Bubby stole it very rude really.”

Eddie’s panic subsided a bit. “Can you get it back before he bashes my nuts?” he asked which Dustin hit his head for the last part.

“I will keep you safe Edds.”

“Thank you my fair maiden, always coming to my rescue.” Eddie let out a deep breath starting the car’s engine again. When they arrived at the graveyard Max left with Lucas following her, after opening her letter during the journey.

“I think they gonna fight again.” Dustin observed, hearing Lucas yell about something.

“Awe but I want them to be happy.” Nancy pouted as she hugged her plushie, sad that they were going to fight again.

Lucas came back angrily mumbling to himself, but he didn’t get into the car instead just leaned on to the side of the car.

Eddie checking the clock put his head out the window to yell out. “It’s been more 15 minutes, I am leaving you Mayfield.” But there was no response. “RED COME BACK” he screamed even more. “Sinclair go check on her, I don’t care what sentimental bullshit she says, I am not staying out longer.”

Lucas walked up to Billy’s grave to talk with her, but he all he found was Max stuck in a comatose with her eyes turned to milky white.

“GUYS WE HAVE A CODE RED!” he yelled back to the other telling them how he found her.

“Fuck this sounds exactly like Chrissy’s symptoms, call Steve and Robin now Dustin.” Eddie ordered.

“STEVE, ROBIN CAN YOU HEAR ME!” Dustin started yelling into his walkie talkie, repeating himself for a minute non stop.

Luckily they were able to get in touch with them, Robin launching into a ramble about all the facts they learned. As she started explaining how Victor Creel explained his escape.

“The angel was….” Nancy interrupted.

“Ella Fitzgerald….” Steve continued from her point.

“The voice of an angel!” Robin completed their three-way sentence.

“What?” Eddie asked.

“Music brought him back” Nancy supplied remembering the night when Cyndi Lauper got her out of that bad place.

“Of course music have the power to reach our subconscious like the doctor said.” Robin’s voice came through.

“Take her music player to Lucas now.” Eddie yelled. “Use the Kate Bush song.” Nancy added.

Dustin took Max’s bag and hurried back to the graveside.

“We are coming there now, and swear to god Munson if something happens to them.“ Steve threatened.

“I know, my nice bits are being smashed into pieces by your nail bat I heard”

“Eddy!!” Nancy yelled as she saw Max levitating up in to the air from afar. She started running towards the others alone to Eddie’s chagrin. Ignoring the screams coming from the walkie talkie he ran after her.

“Shit Nancy wait…Harrington, we gotta go.” Eddie’s eyes widened remembering how Chrissy also levitated was before her.

When they both arrived Lucas and Dustin were yelling Max’s name over and over again. Eddie and Nancy were in shock, looking at each other with the same helplessness. They both knew the situation’s direness seeing it as an observer before.

“What we gonna do now Wheeler.” he asked like she would know. But she did know exactly what to do instead of yelling out anything, she just whispered.

“Daddy I am here, please find me I need you.”

Meanwhile, Max was tied up by Vecna in his mind realm, the humanoid creature slowly approaching her. The sound of ‘Running up that Hill’ filling the space around them, she could see from afar the others’ panicked state.

“Maxine you are going to join me soon before you do answer me this.” Vecna said not paying attention to the music.

Max was to terrified to even muster up a reply for once just focused trying to get herself free.

“Where is Nancy?” he angrily snarled. “I know you have her tell me?”

“Never you are not real.”

“Oh but I am very real Max.” he started choking her with a vine when he suddenly heard, the voice he has been searching for the last 24 hours. The distraction giving Max the opportunity to stab him in the neck and start running towards the door back to the others. And not before too soon she came back into her and out of the trance dropping to the ground. First Lucas wrapped the hysterical girl into a hug, whispering reassurances. Then Nancy dropped to ground in relief as well crawling next to the kids to hug Max too.

“Maxie is okay…you are going to be okay.” she muttered. “Kept you safe like promised.”

The redhead looked at Nancy uttering the last words, she heard before escaping.

“I am so sorry Nance, he was asking about you.”

“Doesn’t matter he can’t find me now.” She lied not knowing if her plan did work. Nancy closed her eyes not sure whats going to happen soon, and tightened her grip on Max and Lucas.

“You are fine though right Red?” Eddie asked.

Max didn’t even dignify that with a response instead just let herself be supported by Lucas as he helped her get up.

“We are so fucked!” Dustin stated, as everyone walked back to the car, to meet up with Steve and Robin back in the house, tired and mentality exhausted.

During the silent car journey, Nancy couldn’t keep her eyes open, so leaned her head near the window, closing her eyes terrified of whats to come. When she open her eyes again, she was in a dark and mysterious room.

Across the room an ominous voice yelled.

“NANCY”

She couldn’t help but try to crawl the opposite direction but a vine wrapped around her ankle pulling her deeper into the room. Then it proceeded to tie her up on the ground.

Henry slowly come into her view with his anger seething from his every pore.

“THERE. YOU. ARE.” he emphasized every syllable while yelling.

“Daddy I can explain.”

“WHAT EXPLANATION!!!” holding out his hand to tighten the vines. “I explicitly told you to be good and you went ahead running away from home with them without my knowledge.”

Nancy only was able to let out a yelp in pain, not knowing how to defend her actions.

“But-But Bubby and Sis…….”

“WHAT BROTHER AND SISTER!! I AM THE ONLY FAMILY YOU NEED!”

In his anger, he threw away the nearby chair towards the wall, hating how much those meddling kids made an impression on HIS baby. He grabbed a hold of her chin making her look into his blood shot eyes. Nancy whimpering at the mere sight of him.

“What did they fill your head with huh, how humanity is good and you should stop me?”

“No they didn’t.” Nancy started crying in earnest.

“Didn’t they though, you were trying to help that Mayfield girl just a few moments ago.”

“She is my friend.”

“FRIEND!!”

“Di-Di-Did not kn-kn-know it was you.” She stuttered between sobs.

“YOU SENTIMENTAL IDIOT!” furious at her naïveté.

Pulling her whole body closer to him to force her to hear everything. “Do you remember what they do, how they hurt us in the past”

“I-I-I kn-kn-know they don’t deserve their lives.”

“Then why the hell did you go?”

“I-I-I…” she stuttered in fear.

“You can’t even defend yourself.”

“Lemme explain….”

Henry couldn’t help himself but tighten the vines binding her, Nancy’s face turning alarmingly red.

“No, I have tolerated your insolence far too long. Remember what I told you, you wouldn’t like it if I punished any naughty girls. I hope you are ready for whats to come, because your brain will be so far gone you will need weeks to move your fingers.”

Remembering Steve’s words she tried to think of something that would appease him. She really did say nothing to them but she has been hearing everything they been discussing like a…“SPY” she gasped out.

“What?” loosening the bindings so she can speak.

“A spy for you, they took me but I stay to listen their plans incase they stopped you.”

“You are telling me you didn’t willingly go to help them but you stayed to listen their plans, why not call me?”

“Was scared you be mad.” she looked down submissively to appear remorseful.

“You like them though?”

“Love you and Mommy more always.”

His temper seemed to die down a bit. “Tell me something they know now!!”

“Nothing only Victor Creel’s devil” the name alone seemed to caught his interest.

She continued. “They knew it was Upside Down related and you were probably a evil wizard, I just nudged them away from the gates.”

“You deliberately trying to keep then away from the things I told you about by making them chase after a mad man’s tales.” Henry slowly circled around her.

“They know no plan.” she insisted.

Henry was looking at her still shaking in anger, so Nancy was sure she was a goner. Closing her eyes awaiting her punishment but it never came instead she heard an uproarious laughter from him.

“Oh you little devious reporter, you did learn somethings from me. My perfect creation, I knew I made you loyal but seeing it to this extent is a delight.”

“Daddy doesn’t hate me?”

“No I cannot hate you….well not anymore but I am very disappointed in you”

This triggered something in Nancy, having her parental unit be disappointed. “Daddy please I can be good.” she begged wanting to appease him.

“You understand then that you need to be disciplined.” Nancy nodded eagerly accepting her fate. “Good girl, its not gonna be so easy now but you need to learn there are consequences for defying me.”

With a click of his fingers the vines unbounded her, finally allowing her to take a deep breath.

She flinched when he bent down to pick her up, scared the physical punishment was not over yet.

“I am not going to hurt you, come to Daddy’s arms now.” he picked her up, carrying her to another room. Nancy started whine in fear of whats to come, and shiver even more as he walked towards an ominous wooden door.

“Don’t pout we are here already, you are going to be happy to see who I have behind door anyway.” Henry chuckled sinisterly.

As he opened the door Nancy looked shell shocked not expecting to see her here.

“Mommy?!”

Karen Wheeler was in the middle of the room her arms stretched wide and were held tightly by the vines, she certainly seen better days, as her body was covered in bruises and she was gasping for air.

“Nancy baby no.” she croaked out tears streaming freely down her cheeks. She only had one thing that kept her going was knowing of her daughter was safe and now that was snuffed out as soon as she saw her.

Henry excitedly walked into the room forcing Karen into a sitting position as he pulled a  chair for her to sit on. He placed Nancy on her mother’s lap, Karen immediately hugging her with her now free arms.

“Missed you to Mommy.” Nancy said hugging her back.

“Baby you were supposed to be hiding, why did you come back.” Karen petted her face checking for any signs of bruises inflicted from her brother. She seems better then when she last saw her in the house, her eyes looking more alert than docile.

“Alice how rude of you, she missed her Daddy of course she came back.”

“She is not your daughter you asshole.”

Grabbing a paddle from a table he walked back next to the duo “Oh but she is and I do love our family reunion, shall we begin the bonding exercises.” Henry smirked, excited about what he is about to put them through.

Chapter Text

Karen was in hell - if it not the literal thing, this was a version of it. Her devil of a brother, hijacked her body permanently for his mind flayer to control, while she is trapped in his mind prison. For someone who claims to be above people, he sure does like to torture others like a scumbag. But she had one small reprieve - when she came back home and saw that Nancy ran away from all this. Even now thats been taken from her of course he forced her hand somehow to reveal herself.

Now Nancy was in her lap again, and her brother was circling around them like a shark with a wooden paddle in his hand.

“What you gonna do with that thing huh, beat me in front of her?” she asked in trepidation, hugging Nancy closer to her chest protectively.

“Dear sister don’t you see, both of you are being punished for disobedience. If you do not spank her as hard as you can for 20 times right now with this, my vines will do the same thing to her ten times harder.” Henry waved his hand for vines to rope around Nancy’s body and pin her on to the nearby wall.

“Mommy!” Nancy yelled out in fear, as she wiggled against the restraints.

Karen was ready to beg on her knees to save her, and started pleading. “Please Henry don’t touch her just let her go, hurt me.”

He scoffed at her attempt. “She has to learn that defying me has consequences so Alice, make your choice you spank her with the paddle or my lovely vines can whip her.”

As a demonstration, one of the vines hit the wall right near Nancy’s ear, causing her to cry out in terror.

“NO!” Karen immediately yelled. “Give me the paddle you monster, I am not letting you touch her.”

“Good choice, just remember if you falter even for a moment, its back to square one.” Henry said, snapping his fingers for the vines to release Nancy.

He collected Nancy from the spot where she was curled, stoically silent yet her whole body was shivering in fear.

“Now now little one, Mommy is rightfully very upset with you for leaving home too so she is going to have to instill some discipline. Whenever she hits, I want you to count them and if you miss even one time. Well lets hope you don’t miss by the end.” he chuckled sinisterly.

“Ok-Ok-Okay.” Nancy stammered, hating the feeling of dread that her body was pumping.

He forced her jeans off her, leaving her with only a diaper and a sweater for cover.

“What kind of clothing is this for someone of your age, we will need to change you into something more appropriate for later.” Henry chastised her, Nancy’s cheeks were burning with embarrassment, when she was transferred on to Karen’s lap.

Karen mournfully looked down at her docile daughter, who would fight tooth and nail in any other situation just allowing herself be reduced down to such state. However, her daughter did try run away from lap in fear when she saw the paddle in her hand. But Karen couldn’t handle her being brutalized by those vines so she rearranged her on her lap. Lightly massaging her back to calm Nancy’s nerves down which seem to work.

“You going to be okay sweetie, just try not bite down on your tongue” Karen tried reassure while gently petting her curls.

“You want the diaper off or on.” Karen asked not sure how her sadistic brother wanted this to happen.

“You asking me, good that means you are learning. Unfortunately, for her, take it off she needs to feel them.” He lowered himself to Nancy’s eye level to see her pupils blown wide in fear of realizing whats about to happen. He tenderly touched her cheek, even cracking a smile before speaking.

“Lets go through some affirmations as we go along, do try to remember them in the future for your sake.” His calm tone seem to relax her a bit, her eyes softening.

“Sister you can start now and baby you remember to count.” Karen reluctantly took her first swing, not going easy, hitting her daughter’s bare bottom.

Nancy yelled out loud. “One.”

“Good one, but don’t wait too long between hits or I will force you to restart.” Henry reminded.

Karen looked at him with pure rage in her eyes but she immediately spanked her again.

“Two!” Nancy held down a scream again.

“Better dear sister, now baby remember you only belong to me.”

Another smack. “Three!” she grunted.

Henry continued as usual. “Everything you can do is a privilege given by me.”

Came a harder smack. “Four” this time Nancy shed a few tears as the pain started to get worse.

“Ohh feisty sister, letting out your anger upon your child.” For Nancy he added. “What ever I say, you will follow it like the good pet you are.”

“Five!” Nancy whimpered out as Karen did not even wait this time.

“You are not a Wheeler anymore my little one, you are a Creel. I believe Nancy Creel has a better ring to it.”

Then hardest hit came by far, making Nancy scream. “SIX!” her hands were shaking at this point.

“Your loyalties lie with me and my cause alone.”

“SEVEN” Nancy only could cry out as an answer, floodgates now were open and she continued to cry out as her mom relentlessly hit her.

Henry repeatedly said the affirmations again and again as she kept getting spanked.

“TW-TW-TWE-TWENTY” Nancy stuttered out by the end.

“Bravo you taken your punishment so well, and counted so beautifully but I don’t know the last one felt like you hesitated” Henry faux mocker, grinning devilishly to scare her.

Nancy terrified of going through all that again started crying out in earnest, and started repeating everything as a way of appeasing him.

“I am yours Daddy, only yours please please I learned no more.”

Henry was delighted seeing his righteous and stubborn niece, begging and crying for mercy. He really did outstanding work this time time, she was fully broken for his plans.

“I will accept it since you recited them well enough, still a literal teacher’s pet.”

Meanwhile Karen was shaking in shock, hateful of what she just did to her precious first born. Nancy’s screams were still echoing in her ears. Then she felt her being removed from her lap by her brother.

“No..no…no don’t take her.” Karen tried to grab Nancy back but she was tied up again by the vines.

“Sorry Alice, I think she needs a break from you, look at how much pain she is.” Nancy was whimpering in his arms, her breathing erratic like she was close to having a meltdown.

“Please let me hold her longer, I hurt her too much, she needs comfort. For the love of god brother, let me hold my daughter…..HENRY!!!” Karen screamed out watching her daughter be taken from her like in her nightmares.

Henry didn’t even turn his back, he just walked out the room with the hysterical Nancy in his arms. Smirking as he listened to his sister’s screams, music to his ears.

He cradled her till her sobs subsided to occasionally sniffles.

“Hush now little one, the painful part is over now.” Henry intentionally pressed hard on her bruised bottom, getting a yelp out of her.

He fake pouted.

“Daddy is so sorry, he forgot about your ouchies.” coming to stop in front of a door, he roughly dropped Nancy on her bottom.

“I got stuff to do so your babysitters will continue the next part of your punishment.” He opened the door addressing the figures waiting. “You two get her into the outfit that I will prepare, after you are done with your task.” he chuckled sinisterly in his implication, walking away.

Nancy turned around to find two familiar figures. “Miss us cutie!” Chrissy excitedly waved, with Heather just rolling her eyes at her antics.

“Chrissy!!” Nancy happily held out her hands towards the former cheerleader, ignoring her previous tormentor. Even though, she was in pain the pretty girl just put a smile on her face.

“Great she likes you I wonder why.” Heather rolled her eyes again.

Chrissy picked up Nancy off the floor. “Well you were bit mean to her last time, she probably is just scared.”

They went inside a room that was colored baby pink with adult sized version of baby furnitures. She was laid down in the oversized crib, that looks like a cage without a top.

Heather clapped her hands excitedly saying.

“Before we start, lets put on your mittens.”

“No mittens” Nancy hated how it felt last time.

Heather ignored her protesting as she forcefully held down the wriggling girl, and Chrissy buckled the mittens to her hands.

“I am sorry orders are orders, you were a naughty girl so you need to be punished. It not too bad aren’t you bit thirsty after all that crying. Got you something you probably missed.” Getting Nancy to stop trying to forcefully remove mittens after that.

“Good see now it won’t be that bad.”

“Are you telling whats the point of this or you just gonna let her nicely find out?” Heather raised her eyebrow unimpressed.

Chrissy looked at the other girl tired of her attitude.

“Heather stop it you can try to be little bit nicer.”

“Nicer!??? What do you think we are doing here? Why can’t I go back with paired up with Billy.”

“Because he is currently being used somewhere else so you stuck with me.”

“If you wanna be on my good side, you get her ankles while I handle the arms.” Heather turned her attention to the task at hand.

As the duo grabbed Nancy’s limbs she started panicking.

“Whats happening?”

“You have to be locked in for this Wheeler” Heather sing song.

“No…No…No!” Nancy started to whimper as they chained her hands and feet, forcing her into a sitting position on her still hurting bottom.

“Tight.” she winced as she pulled on the chain above her.

Chrissy grabbed two bottles before she climbed into the crib, crawling over to be above Nancy’s eye level.

“What the fuck are you doing!!” Heather face palmed seeing that.

“My arm is going to hurt if I try to reach with my height, its easier like this.”

Nancy watched as Chrissy slowly get a hold of her face, guiding her towards the bottle in her hand.

“Not thirsty.” she squeaked out.

Chrissy didn’t even break for a moment smiling.“Unfortunately you are now cutie, open up for baba.” Nancy realizing she is not given much choice, wrapped her lips around the nipple.

“Look at you did someone miss this?” Chrissy cooed at Nancy, combing her fingers through the curly hair.

Nancy just continue to slowly suckle the bottle dry but she wasn’t released instead Chrissy grabbed another bottle for her to drink.

“Full already…..” she whined but Chrissy forced the bottle in to her mouth, with no choice she started drinking another one. Helplessly sucking down more and more of the milk, she started feeling pressure in her bladder by the end of the second bottle. Her lower half wriggling trying to hold her muscles clenched to avoid a humiliating accident.

Heather suddenly started touching her thighs slowly with her delicate fingers, sending shivers down Nancy’s thighs.

“Aren’t you a good girl drinking all that, you got another bottle with your name now.” Heather condescendingly praised.

“No more please.” the bloated girl begged.

Unlike Chrissy, Heather wasn’t as gentle instead she roughly grabbed Nancy’s chin forcing her lips to suck on her third bottle of the day. She forced herself to swallow, even with her stomach protesting in pain.

“Its gonna be over soon.” Chrissy patted her cheeks to wipe her silent tears.

Heather feed her another bottle, right after the last one, ignoring her protests. The pressure in her bladder gotten worse, she practically can feel the liquid building up in her as she suckled the fourth bottle. Her toes curled inwards as she lost control, squirting a small amount of pee in to her diaper. Chrissy whom had her hand on the diaper the whole time felt the accident, her eyes widened which alerted Heather.

“Aw did someone lost control, its okay you are a little baby after all.” Heather smirked.

All her fight was nothing, her bladder just let go even more afterwards, flooding her diaper with a powerful gush. She let out a cry as she wet her diaper over and over again, mostly hearing the embarrassing sound of her peeing. The padding felt like a soggy tissue by the time her stream slowed down to a dribble. Nancy’s whines behind the nipple got even more harrowing as she screamed out in sadness.

“Do you still to be in that crib now Cunningham.” Heather sassed but Chrissy didn’t even replied to her, she was to busy looking sadly at the distressed girl.

“It’s okay Nancy no need to be embarrassed, we will change you out of that yucky diaper afterwards.” Chrissy quickly reassured her.

“Please this is pathetic.” the other girl continued her teasing.

As an act of defiance against Heather, Nancy started to thrash more against her chains, milk mostly dribbling down her chin. She nearly head butted the smirking girl in anger but something stopped her.

“No cutie, stop that please he is going to make it worse if you resist.” Chrissy begged her, tearfully adding. “He punishes us if we fail please.”

Nancy stopped, looking into her eyes, trying to see deception but she only saw teary blue eyes. She doesn’t want the sweet cheerleader hurt, and even Heather too. So Nancy accepted the next bottle with more ease, not realizing the grateful look on Heather’s face.

“Come on Wheeler, you are on your last bottle now.” This motivated Nancy drink it faster so it be over soon, her stomach and bladder were at their bursting point.

The last few minutes were just of Nancy’s strained suckles, when she was done she let out a huge sigh of relief. Feeling of sloshing milk in her stomach made her throw up but she assumed that would end terribly for her.

“You did so good cutie, Auntie Chrissy is so proud of you drinking all the baba.” she praised her as she patted Nancy’s back, who was coughing a little bit from all the drinking.

“Really Auntie?” Heather let out a loud sigh in disbelief.

“What!? She already has a sister, I thought it be cute.”

“You are a lost cause Cunningham, come on help put her in the outfit before the master comes.”

“Wait a minute, you wouldn’t want her to be gassy.” Chrissy said patting Nancy’s back till she let out a huge belch.

Nancy flushed in embarrassment letting out a meekly.

“Sorry!”

Heather without missing a beat, freed her and picked up to carry back to an oversized diaper changing station. She chuckled as she touched the wet diaper putting pressure, causing Nancy to whimper in pain.

“See look at Wheeler, you are such a baby do you think Harrington and Buckley want to clean up your messes up all the time”

“Sis Robbie says its okay.” Nancy tried to dismiss.

“Thats because she doesn’t know this is permanent, why would she want to be around you miss pissy pampers all day.”

“You lying! Why are you a meanie?” Nancy fought back, she knows Robin would never be that cruel to her.

“You killed my father thats why. I want you to suffer is that so hard to understand.” Heather lashed out, her eyes filling with tears.

“I didn’t it was the flayed..first he did..he did it.” Nancy stuttered out the truth like she was forcing herself to blurt out what happened last summer.

Chrissy pushed Heather away before there can be any more blow out. She untapped the filled diaper, and started to wipe the urine soaked thighs. Then delicately tried to not flare up the bruises on her bottom as she wiped down there. After a generous amount of rash cream and baby powder, Nancy was changed into a bigger sized diaper then she was use to. The puffy pamper forced her legs to stay open in a permanent bow shape. Then the blonde girl picked up a pink top that said ‘Daddy’s Girl’ to swap her sweater with, and matching pull-on pink plastic pants over her diaper.

“Come on cutie, aren’t you feeling better now?”      Nancy tested her new diaper, it was making more crinkle sounds as she moved around but her spanked bottom was hurting less due to the softness more so she nodded yes.

“You got time till dinner, wanna do something to kill the time” Chrissy winced at the her poor choice of words but Heather seemed to not pay attention to them now, lost in her thoughts.

“Come on, I know it hurts a lot right now but I promise it will get better soon.”

Nancy nodded mentally feeling exhausted after both of her ordeals.

“Okay.”

Chrissy just smiled at the teen as she hoisted her up, carrying her to the play pen set up in the middle of the room.Delicately depositing Nancy on to the mat.

“You are really nice.” Nancy shyly said.

“Its ironic to tell someone after they chain you up.”

“Chrissy means well I am sure.”

“What happened to you?” Chrissy changed the subject finally realized the bandages on the girl’s knuckles.

Nancy wasn’t sure if she wanted to reveal the poor girl how her boyfriend is an asshole and she beat him up for it so she decided to be vague.

“I attacked someone but they deserved it.”

“Was that scary for you? With feeling small and all?”

“Not at the moment I had to protect!”

“You…You are so brave still thats really amazing you know that.”

“Well you very brave too.”

“No I am not, I would rather ran away then face anything head on.”

“You cheerlead to crowds…thats super scary.” Nancy insisted, she could imagine herself doing a lot but performing to huge crowds give her anxiety just thinking about it.

“Ohh I guess that requires some bravery.” Chrissy smiled shyly. “You think anybody misses me? People just smile at me a lot but it feels bit hollow sometimes.”

“Whole town was worried.….Jason misses you a lot.” she revealed its the least she could do.

This got Chrissy to drop her happy go lucky persona a bit. “He does?! He really was a good boyfriend always making sure, I was taken care off but sometimes I thought maybe he actually didn’t care but he did.” shedding a few tears. Nancy crawled into her lap to hug to comfort her glad that she won’t find out he is is bit out of control, rubbing her head on her shoulder.

“I missed you too….does that count?”

“Yeah…it does a lot, come show me what you wanna do.” Chrissy smiled with tears in her eyes still.

Nancy pointed at the crayons, indicating that she wants to draw. Even Chrissy squealed in excitement grabbing them to start coloring with her.

“What would you like to draw?”

Nancy stuck out her tongue thinking “Cats!” she exclaimed, grabbing the pink crayon clumsily with her palm immediately.

“Wanna do something nice for her.”

“Yeah feel bad….for her.” Nancy said looking down sadly, her mind was feeling foggier and it was getting harder for her to speak longer sentences.

“Well I have an idea, pass me that paper.”

Meanwhile Heather was brooding at the other side of the room, thinking of what Nancy said. The little was right of course, she basically blocked out how she knocked out her own parents while under the Mind Flayer’s influence.

After some time passed she felt someone pulling her shirt. Looking up she found Nancy with a piece of paper outstretched in front of her.

“For you” she said.

“Thanks I guess Wheeler.” Heather said not push it by snatching harshly and watched Nancy slowly waddle back in her new big pamper like a toddler.

She opened the paper to see a wobbly written apology letter with random cat drawings littering around. Realizing how guilty Nancy felt, made her feel like an asshole. She treated her poorly over a misunderstanding. When she joined them, Heather grabbed a pink hair clip with her, to attach it into Nancy’s curls.

“To complete your look Wheeler, you always had nice hair clips in school.”

“Thanks Heather!” Nancy said smiling genuinely at the former lifeguard, throwing herself to hug Heather’s knees. Chrissy hid her chuckle, seeing the grumpy girl trying to accept affection by awkwardly patting Nancy’s back.

“Want to color with us instead of wallowing in self pity?”

“Join us please!” Nancy further begged.

“Fine just because I am bored and have nothing else to do.” Heather sat cross-legged grabbing a crayon to assist them finish coloring.

Their peace did not last long however as the door swung open loudly.

“There is my refreshened baby, look at you in your new outfit.” Henry made his grand appearance, making both girls jump up in fear and looking down to avoid his gaze.

“Daddy!” Nancy smiled but it did not really reach her eyes.

Henry didn’t clock that still high on his own success.

“Its family dinner time now little Creel, let go show off Mommy your new look.”

With wave of his hand he silently dismissed Chrissy and Heather to leave the room.

Nancy felt deflated seeing her babysitters go so soon. “N-N-No goodbye?” stuttering as currently she was scared of saying the wrong thing.

“Well aren’t you thoughtful of your manners now but we don’t have time. Don’t want the food to get cold.” Henry picked her up to go downstairs to the dinning room. She remembers it from her previous feedings, this time it seemed it was going be a fucked up version of a typical family dinner.

Karen was tied up on other side of the table.

“Nancy” she softly said, her voice was hoarse from all the screaming.

“Mommy” Nancy reached out to her but Henry seated her on then the high chair next to his designated spot.

“Aww isn’t that precious she still wants you.”

“She isn’t an idiot, she knows who is the reason for her pain. Also what the hell is she wearing?”

“Don’t you like it , I know its bit indulgent but I saw in one of the pathetic human’s mind and thought why not.”

“I like it.” Nancy piped up from the chair.

“Yeah because you haven’t looked at a mirror.” Karen mumbled.

Henry sat at other side of the table, in front of was a fancy steak dinner, with a side of mush for Nancy. Unlike the proper meals, Karen was sure her food was alive, as the thing on the plate seem to move occasionally.

“We haven’t had family dinner over few decades dear sister, I must say I missed it.”

“To bad you killed mom and made dad go mad, otherwise we could have totally have a normal dinner” her cheekiness got her rewarded by being attacked by her own food.

“You are going to be a cooperative hungry baby right or, you wanna be fed like her?” Nancy seeing her poor mom forcefully fed by the food itself, just opened her mouth.

“Good choice!” Henry started feeding Nancy occasionally between his bites.

“Open wide, oppss somebody is being messy again.” he condescendingly said as he internationally missed her open mouth making it drip to her chin.

During mid feeding Nancy felt her bladder lose control again, her face burned in shame as she wet herself while being feed. A noisy hiss could be heard in the silent room, her diaper dampening under her.

Karen looked upon in shock while Henry was chuckling. “Its okay let it out little one, just let it out, you can’t control yourself it’s normal.”

When she was done, Henry just continued to feed her, he didn’t even chastise just rewarded her with pat of the head.

“Good job baby, lets finish this bowl now.” After dinner was done, Henry cleaned her face with wet rag, while Karen was left feeling green from that horrible tasting abomination.

But Nancy wasn’t done still, in terror she tried to get his attention. “Daddy I need to go more.”

“You can go right here thats what your diaper is for.”

“No-no-no please its going to leak.” she started to wriggle in the high chair, vines immediately wrapping around her arms to stop her.

“I think you forgot today’s lesson already, you do as I…….SAY!” Henry ordered angrily, he stepped closer to press on her stomach.

“What you gonna do now?”

“Go potty in diaper Daddy.” Nancy looked upon in defeat.

Her bladder was protesting in pain so her clenching was to no avail. With that she started filling her already soggy diaper, making  to sag even more. When she sat down, she felt the warm pamper stuck on to her. Then she felt some wetness on her back, because after all that her diaper has leaked, with big puddle forming on the floor.

Nancy was vibrating in shock and shame hearing the constant drippings on to the floor still. She gotten use to losing her bladder control to this extent and going on demand just broke her spirit.

“Mommy dearest, come change your daughter’s diaper since you are more experienced in that sort of thing”

Karen was released from her chair, and she knew better then try to escape so she ran towards her distressed daughter. “Sweetie don’t cry please its okay, he forced you to it.”

“Stop coddling her, she leaked everywhere like an overgrown baby.” his comment making Nancy cry even harder.

“Do you have to be so cruel about it?” Karen angrily snapped at him as she cradled her daughter’s face.

“I am not being cruel just stating the fact, now my little one, you finally understand the consequences of actions now.”

Nancy, still crying, vehemently nodded her head the whole day instilling a fear of disobeying him again.

“Good as a little reward for going through all of it, I am letting you spend time with Mommy for a bit.” Henry chuckled as he left the room.

“Sweetheart its gonna be okay, Mommy will get you into clean one now.” Karen continued to reassure the crying girl in her arms. She carried her to the oversized diaper changing station, that her brother made it appear conveniently. Ss someone who has been changing diapers for years this wasn’t the worse she dealt with but cleaning her teenager’s messy diaper just felt surreal without the Mind Flayer’s influence. Nancy was anxiously fidgeting the whole time, as she wiped her clean with wet wipes.

“Disappointment?” she quietly said, when Karen changed her into the new big diaper model he is been forcing her into.

“You? Never he did this to you, I am more angry at myself for not stopping him.” Karen broke down, sliding down on to the floor and clutching her head.

Nancy also slowly climbed down, to burrow herself into her mom’s chest for comfort.

“I am so sorry sweetheart I failed you, but I can’t…can’t fight him like you kids did apparently.”

“Its okay he is too strong.” she whispered.

Karen felt rapid tappings on her arm, looking at her daughter’s sad but unfocused face, she doesn’t seem to be doing it purposefully. It was a specific sequence over and over again, when she did not react to it, the sequence changed. Turned into a three short taps followed by three long taps and then back to three short ones again. Her eyes widened recognizing the basic SOS signal, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh my brilliant baby, you still found a way haven’t you, that overworked brain of yours” she wrapped her in a hug, kissing her cheeks.

“Mommy happy?” Nancy asked unaware of her own action.

“I am just happy seeing my daughter’s spark not be dimmed.”

Knowing she can’t communicate transparently with her brother’s ears everywhere she tried a more indirect approach.

“Tell me about the outside, are they looking after you well?”

Nancy smiled brightly thinking of her friends started telling her about her past few days.“Had a sleepover Mommy with Robbie and Stevie, spent time with Maxie and Lucas gave me sweets. Also…also…also meet Edds he is so funny, and his hair like mine.”

“Remind me if we ever get out, I will thank them personally with a feast.” Karen couldn’t help but smile at her joy.

Karen felt the sequence of taps change again, she cursed internally for not learning morse code when Mike gotten into it few years ago. But she recognized these long taps as well, she heard Mike use it over and over again when he use to talk with his girlfriend El on the walkie talkie.

“I love you too sweetheart, you know that right. Just never forget about this fact and how your friends been holding on to you.” The tapping on her thigh change again, probably it was a sign that she was able get her intention across.

“Play time is over Alice, time to say goodbye.” Henry came in with his trademark sadistic smile.

Before she was forced to part with her daughter again, she quickly kissed Nancy’s curls.

“Goodbye sweetheart!”

“Bye Mommy.” she waved as Henry adjusted her in his arms.

“Don’t worry dear sister, tomorrow she will come back again like a good girl.”

“No hiding from Daddy.” Nancy smiled at him, making herself appear cute to him.

“Atleast you are a fast learner little Creel, lets tuck you into your bed.”

Henry decided her new room should be Karen’s old bedroom and as she being tucked into her mom’s old bed, Henry gave her a pacifier to suck on. Nancy’s eyes fluttering in bliss as she suckled on it.

“You know I been actually very generous by having you only experience this feeling here and not in your actual body. I needed you to understand I can take away everything even your continence if I will so. This is my final warning, tomorrow when I call out you will immediately respond to me and tell me what they been up too.”

She nodded her head vigorously as she lisped behind her pacifier. “Otay Daddy.”

“Sleep tight my little one.” he said as Nancy closed her eyes.

Henry lightly charted his fingers in her curls as he spoke to himself. “I might be sending you up to them but that doesn’t mean I will make it easy for those insufferable fools to look after you.“

He tightened his hold on her head chanting.“When you wake up, you will be inconsolable crying out about a monster because of a little nightmare for few hours, every time you go to sleep the boogieman will return until  I come back to rescue you. This will keep those idiots too tired to meddle a bit.”

Back at the Harrington’s residence, none of the kids or teens noticed how Nancy’s sleeping face immediately twisted in fear and distress, unaware of the sleepless night to come.

Chapter Text

Max always wanted a younger sibling growing up. But after tonight’s events maybe she thought she got lucky by being an only child.

Everything was normal as it can be, they returned back from the graveyard after her near death experience, where she clung to Lucas the whole car ride. When they arrived, Nancy was fast asleep next to them so no one dared trying to wake her up. Instead Eddie carried her back home to tuck her in Steve’s bed.

“You nap fair maiden, will wake you up for dinner later.” he whispered as he kissed the top of her curls.

The next blowout came when Steve and Robin arrived back at the house, and they had to explain what happened after they left.

“You are telling me you took the kids out the
house as a wanted man, Max and Nancy were harassed by the basketball team, Jason Carver got beaten up by Nancy, who let us remember is in a little headspace and then she got thrown to the ground by some jock. Afterwards instead of coming back here IMMEDIATELY you took Max to Billy Hargrove’s grave which then she nearly got taken by Vecna.” Steve slowly recapped the events, his hand shaking in pure rage.

“Pretty much yeah.” Eddie cowered behind Lucas and Dustin. “It all worked out since you guys figured out a solution so no need to go all out.”

“Oh you moth—“ Steve nearly launched towards him but Robin held him down.

“Steve please don’t…..because I will kill him first.” she promptly smacked the top of Eddie’s head.

“You idiot, what were you thinking?”

“Well see….” Eddie tried to defend himself.

Suddenly they all heard a cry coming from the hallway.

“Nancy!” Steve and Robin chanted in horror looking at each other.

They rushed to Steve’s bedroom to find Nancy having a very bad nightmare. She was sweating profusely and her breathing was erratic, under her breath she was repeating no more again and again.

“Honey you are having a nightmare please wake up.” Steve gently shook her.

“Steve her skin feels to cold, is that normal?” Robin asked putting her palm over Nancy’s head.

“Maybe she is feverish?” Steve checked her forehead as well for any signs of it.

Luckily soon enough Nancy opened her eyes, her body standing up straight and she opened her mouth to let out a loud wail, holding the blanket tightly.

Steve tried to shut her up, scared that neighbors will come knocking, by shushing her softly.

“Honey what happened?” he immediately scooped the crying girl into his arms.

“B-Bu-Bu-bby.” she just sobbed holding him tighter.

“Okay you don’t wanna talk yet, that’s fine let’s go for a walk how about that.”

Robin took the pacifier to try give it to her. “You want your paci sweetie?” she tired giving it but Nancy spit it out instantly just continuing to sob. Steve just patted her bottom and walked around the house till she calmed down. No one dared go near him, hearing Nancy’s cries was too much for the kids who never saw her break like that before.

Robin using Eddie’s baba method prepared milk to hopefully help the distressed girl.

“Nance sweetie, I got baba you want some probably you are very dehydrated after all that sweating.” Robin smiled hopefully.

“No please no more.” Nancy cried out to her disappointment.

“Okay okay we won’t force you to anything.” Steve shushed her, after bouncing her around the house for a while thankfully she feel asleep on his shoulder. He quietly walked back to the bedroom to tuck Nancy into the bed thinking it was over.

“Gosh that was tiring.” he said as he reentered the living room, stretching out his arms.

“It’s over now, she probably was stressed from the day.” Robin commented thinking seeing Max all up in the air probably affected her more than she let on.

Nancy meanwhile was back in the black void again, everyone around her disappearing leaving her alone in the hospital to be chased by the mind flayer like during last summer.

Once the creature cornered her. “No..no…help…someone help.” she repeated as the creature roared into her face. Feeling a warm steady stream trickle down her thighs as she wet herself in fear, her whole body shaking.

Nancy suddenly woke up to Steve yelling. “Robin! She leaked, fuck…fuck…fuck what are we gonna do!” Robin came in running with a towel to wrap her in.

Nancy couldn’t tell what happened she just remembered the terror she felt. Realizing she wet herself to the point of leaking again, she started crying out remembering the pain and the humiliation of her current situation.

“It was an accident, it’s okay sweetie” Robin tried to console the little.

“I can help if you need.” Eddie piped up from the door.

“No you are on probation after today Munson.” Robin rejecting him. “Come on sweetie lets give you a bath now.” she lifted Nancy up to get her to the bathroom.

Another issue now was that Nancy refused to let go Robin, holding on to her for dear life.

“Sweetie you have let me go so I can bathe you and you don’t wanna be stuck in yucky clothes right.” she tried being reasonable.

“C-C-Ca-Can-Cant le-let g-go” Nancy stuttered.

“I am not gonna disappear like in the dream I promise.” Robin really started to clock that Nancy might also have major abandonment issues.

There was a knock on the door making Robin snap. “Don’t you fucking dare come here dingus.” she growled but it was someone else.

“Robin its me Max, maybe I can help.”

“Sweetie its Max, can she come in here?” Nancy didn’t reply but nodded her head against her shoulder that counted for something.

“Come in Max.”

“Is she okay?” Max asked hesitantly looking from afar.

“No she is refusing to let go off me.” This made Nancy cry even harder feeling bad about causing her big sister stress.

Max looked around trying to think of a solution.

“Why don’t you go in the bath with her, problem solved.”

Robin blushed profusely thinking being to close to Nancy’s naked body.

“Still not practical, cant even pry her off to get the clothes off her body.”

Max in deep thought for a moment ran out the door. “Where are you going? Uh so hard to find good help nowadays right baby?” Robin lightly teased but Nancy just continued to sob into her shirt rather than acknowledge.

“Please just let me help you.” Robin’s voice cracked as she continued bouncing her.

Max came in with Nancy’s prized plushie in hand and a shower cap to put on its head.

“Nance look Mr Rabbit wants to take a bath too, you wouldn’t wanna leave him alone would you?” Max asked.

Nancy’s sniffles lessened a bit as she looked up to see Max holding out her furry friend.

“No.” she croaked.

Robin using her chance added. “How about you hold on to him, as I get both of you ready.” praying internally to god that it works.

Nancy held out her hand towards Max to get a hold of her plush and immediately hug it to her chest. “Lets do it.” she croaked.

Finally Robin was able to place her on the toilet seat to take her clothing off. As she pulled up Nancy’s shirt, she yelped closing her eyes. Forgetting she actually never seen the girl shirtless.

“Don’t tell me you are that much of a prude Robin?” Max snarked not bothered by the sight at all.

“No I am not…shut up Mayfield.” Robin’s checks burned. “You got lucky this is even working.”

“Hey its atleast working, well technically Lucas’ idea thats working so….” she just stuck her tongue out when she couldn’t come up with a burn back.

“Wait Lucas thought this!”

“Apparently he has good ideas who knew.” Max played it off cooly.

After they gave Nancy a bath and changed her into a new outfit, Lucas came into the bedroom with one of the king sized blankets.

“We gonna make a hammock to sway her in, Erica use to be fussy a lot, so mom would do this all time.”

“Why am I not surprised that Erica was bossy even as a baby.” Robin mused.

They put the blanket down with Nancy on top of it, grabbing it by the ends to start swaying her slowly. This got Nancy to giggle more then actually getting her to sleep, making her feel like she was on a ride.

“Go faster!” she cheered.

All of them looked at Lucas with exasperated, they wanted her to sleep not be an energy ball.

“I didn’t think she would enjoy it, at least she isn’t grumpy anymore right.” Lucas defended himself.

When they tried to put her down, she started to whine loudly so they continued swinging her for another 30 minutes till she actually started to get sleepy.

“Please Nancy go to sleep, we are tired.” Dustin whined a bit himself his arms were getting tired.

“Well why don’t you sing then Henderson.” Steve snapped lack of sleep getting to him.

Lucas suggesting. “I mean Dusty Bun you can sing Never End—“ but he was cut of with Dustin’s immediate rejection. “NO! Thats for Suzie’s ears only!”

His outburst disturbed Nancy enough to start crying again, Steve looking with daggers towards his direction.

“Fine…fine…turn around—-“ Dustin started singing reluctantly.

Nancy as soon as the lullaby esque song started, stopped her fussing to listen to him with her mouth open in wonder. Her eyes fluttering shut after he started to repeat the song again.

“Holy shit it worked.” Dustin whisper cheered as he yawned.

“Okay lets move her to my bed; Lucas, Dustin you make sure Max is not alone and we will deal with if something happens to Nancy.” Steve delegated everyones responsibilities.

It was well past midnight when Nancy woke up again, crying about a different monster this time. So Steve and Robin got into the bed with her to ease her stress about people being gone. They started taking turns to gently rock her to sleep which she inevitably woke up from.

By the time it was 2 am both teens were exhausted. “….Robin its your turn with Nance” Steve tiredly shook Robin’s shoulder as he cradled Nancy.

“No dingus its your turn….I took over the last shift.” Robin whined into her pillow.

Nancy continued sob even louder between them just wanting the nightmares to go away.

Eddie unlike the others was still not tired, hearing the commotion, he found Nancy bawling her eyes out while Steve was half sleeping trying to cradle her.

“Okay I am back in the game it seems, lets go sweets so the twins can get some sleep a bit.” Eddie picked Nancy up to bounce her around the living room.

“Fair maiden, why can’t you be like the sleeping beauty a bit and get some sleep you need it.” Eddie tried to comfort her, Nancy’s cries not stopping but she tried to explain her nightmares.

“The-the-there i-is b-b-b-boogieman…..he t-takes everyone away.”

“I would fight that monster if I can but i am no dream warrior sadly.” Eddie started patting her diapered bottom.

“How the hell are you still awake?” Max looked up from the couch. Lucas and Dustin were passed out on the floor in their sleeping mats, tired from rewinding her Kate Bush tape.

“Ehh sleep is for the weak.” he casually brush it off, his consistency with bouncing paying as it got Nancy to calm down a bit again.

“Edds I am tired.” she whined, closing her eyes.

“Yes I know, let me move you to bed.”

“Noooo you stay please.” she grumbled holding on to his t-shirt with a stronger grip.

“How about we sit on to the couch, and I continue bouncing you on my knee then we take a nap?” Nancy nodded against his shoulder sleepily.

Right at that moment Steve and Robin ran into the living room looking frazzled.

“Where is Nancy? We lost her!” They simultaneously fumbled.

“I got her here big boy, she is pretty hard lose, Nance say hi to zombie number 1 and zombie number 2”

“Hi” she tiredly waved at them.

“Now we are sitting down, and you two are gonna go back to bed to sleep a bit”

Robin and Steve surprisingly joined them on the couch “Excuse me personal space!” Eddie squeaked when Steve’s head was on his shoulder making him blush.

“You are part of the gang now, get use to it no personal space, deal with it……big boy” Steve teased.

“Well played Harrington, well played” Eddie chuckled as the duo snored in his ears and he bounced Nancy on his knee.

“Eddy go slower” Nancy demanded.

“Okay grumpy maiden yeesh so demanding.” he did slowed down his pace for her. After a while, Nancy could not stay up straight, slowly leaning on to his torso. She without meaning to started using his t-shirt as a pacifier, holding it tightly while chewing on it.

Eddie just let it happen, cant be worse than Robin’s drooling on his shoulder right now or Steve’s snores.

Not even more than 15 minutes later, Nancy woke up from a nightmare again, screaming out about a monster chasing her.

“Ed-Ed-Eddy, i-i-it wa-wa-was s-so s-s-sc-scary” she cried out, hugging him tightly.

Eddie just patted her diapered bottom to calm her down. “Its okay Nance, bad things can’t get you anymore.”

Nancy pouted a bit as she hid her face in his chest. “You promise Edds?”

“I promise lets move from here because I can’t bare to be covered in Buckley’s drool anymore and get you a non Eddie pacifier.”

“Sis drools a lot.” Nancy grimly stated.

“Its like faucet leaking on to my shoulder, its a miracle she can sleep honestly.” he joked making Nancy giggle.

He gently got up, making sure Steve and Robin supported themselves by putting their heads together.

“Can I get Mr Rabbit?” Nancy pulled on his shirt.

Eddie turned around with a flair. “Lets go on a harrowing quest to find this mysterious Mr Rabbit.” he declared using his dungeon master voice.

Nancy enjoyed his antics with a smile on her face, allowing her to forget about the nightmares just for a moment. “Edds so silly.”

“Fair maiden is laughing so I think I am crushing it.” Eddie rearranged her on to his back giving her a piggyback ride.

“Come on princess, where do you want this dragon to take you.”

Her throat felt raw from all the crying so she said. “Thirsty.”

“Then let us find the finest tavern in all the kingdom.” Eddie started jogging to the kitchen.

After a hour off distracting Nancy with make belief Eddie needed a small break. So he deposited Nancy on the couch next to Max, who had her headphones on not paying attention to much.

“Red, she is in your custody, I need a cigarette break for a minute. If she starts crying give her the pacifier.” he turned his attention to Nancy to add. “Hold your trusty companion till I come okay sweets.”

Unlike with the teens Nancy was bit scared to latch on to Max or even any of the kids in this state anyway so she just hugged her plushy to the chest.

Max just as equally awkward tried rub her back, but she knew this was not helping.

“Uhm…Nance I can hug you like the others if you want.”

But she just shook her head, making Max roll her eyes of course the sacrificial bullshit, which she has been also doing. So she decided to appeal to her big sibling instincts.

“You know today I thought I was going to die in that place, till you and Lucas were hugging me at the cemetery. What I wouldn’t give for another one but behold Sinclair is in dreamland now.” She didn’t expect a 5’4 sized bear hug attack but she got one now. Nancy attached herself with a side hug, rocking herself a bit, Max wasn’t sure whom it was going to bring comfort but she didn’t mind it.

“Is it working?” she asked shyly.

“Yeah you are pretty good at this, come on Nance close your eyes a bit.” Max tried to encourage.

Nancy liked hugging Max, it was close to having a life size doll to hug. Hearing her heartbeat and the music coming from the headphones, it lulled her to sleep. Slowly she put her head on Max’s head and closed her eyes. With the knowledge she was keeping her safe, she finally let herself dream something better.

Thats how Eddie has found them fully sprawled on the couch, with Nancy practically sleeping on top of Max.

“Don’t you dare say anything.” Max whispered angrily.

“I am not shutting up about this, grumpy Red cuddling with the sweet baby.” Eddie raised his eyebrows in amusement. He bent down to pet Nancy’s curls, checking for any signs of distress on her face.

“She seems for once actually in deep sleep, you cracked the code Red.”

“Well all of you suck what can I say” Max tried to underplay it.

“Lemme take her to the bed then.”

“No she can stay like this..I..I..I want..she will wake up if we change the setting again.” Max mumbled not wanting to admit she likes having her as a safety blanket. Max also closed her eyes a bit after Eddie promised he will keep an eye on both of them and her music, wrapping them in a blanket.

When Max woke up, it was morning again and light coming through the windows. Everyone was practically dead , probably they took turns again to keep the music going for her this time. Seems that Dustin was the last one to do it given that was sleeping on the floor next to them. And Nancy was still hugging her from the behind peacefully asleep.

Max needing to go to the bathroom pried herself slowly to not disturb her. Afterwards, she went to the kitchen to snack on something till Steve cooks them breakfast, which she would admit she finds it delicious. She felt a tug on her trousers, looking down on the floor she found Nancy sitting staring up to her with those big blue eyes.

“Gone.” Nancy pouted.

“I am here now Nance, just got tired of people blasting music into my ears after you were out.”

Max bent down to her level to change the subject. “How are you feeling?” tucking a strand of curl behind her ear.

Nancy didn’t even reply to her, she just grabbed a hold of her arm and put her head on Max’s shoulder.

“Tired from the night huh, I can’t imagine how hoarse your voice must be, which is no worries I can talk for two. Not as well as Robin but I got use to it with El before.

Before she could continue, she heard Nancy’s stomach growl. “You are probably hungry aren’t you Nance?” Max snickered.

Nancy blushed a bit but still nodded, she didn’t even realize she skipped dinner last night.

“I don’t think you want me to feed you so how about I get us snacks till the mother hen wakes up and we watch TV.”

Nancy nodded against her shoulder, rubbing her face deeper into her collar. Max couldn’t help but feel bit warm inside, having someone trust her this implicitly.

“But I need to get up to do that, can you get up with me?”

Nancy tried to get up but today she was very wobbly on her feet so she opted to stay on the floor and wait. Max thought that was odd, yesterday she was walking now problems, now she barely can get off the floor.

“How about you go to the dining table and I come behind you.” Nancy shook her head not preferring to watch her get the treats.

Max grabbed a bunch of biscuits and filled Nancy’s sippy cup incase the teen was thirsty. Walking to the dining table, with Nancy slowly following next to her.

Nancy made grabby hands towards the water but she couldn’t hold it when the redhead gave it to her. The uncoordinated girl would have nearly dropped it on the floor if Max wasn’t there. She looked at her with shinny eyes, with her bottom lip trembling.

“Shit uhm no worries I can get Steve or Robin to feed you.” Max immediately offered to avoid another break down.

“Maxie can help to.” Nancy insisted.

“You okay with me….uhm well you know?”

“Trust zommer.” Nancy smiled brightly, pulling on Max’s collar.

Max rearranged herself on the chair so she was closer to her. Angling the cup so Nancy wouldn’t choke while drinking. Nancy immediately latched on to the sippy cup drinking the water at a steady pace, her hands grabbing a piece of Max’s pigtail playing with it. Max had to admit it was uncanny, seeing the girl that emptied a shotgun into the mind flayer, to peacefully drink from a bottle.

When Nancy was done, she smacked her lips to indicate it. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome Nance, lets see whats on TV now.” Max said grabbing the remote.

As they watched children’s programming while eating their snacks, Max saw that Nancy was fidgeting. Thinking she needs an outlet for her energy, Max got up to get the coloring set they picked out for her at the store.

Nancy got worried when Max left the table, her leg started shaking more with anxiety. But as soon as see came into her view it stopped. The red head popped in her pacifier into her mouth and put the crayons in front her. Nancy excitedly suckled on the nipple while looking through the colors thinking what to draw immediately.

“What are you thinking there Nance, are you going to paint the next Mona Lisa?”

She points to the TV screen playing a Scooby Doo episode, looking down to her paper to start drawing the outlines of the gang.

“You doing the mystery gang, that is so cool. Do you mind if I join you?” Thinking it be a great outlet for the things she saw yesterday.

Nancy nodded her head, and even excitedly grabbed a crayon to offer it to Max.

“Unlike Mike you actually share your stuff see thats why you are the likable Wheeler.”

After just both of them peacefully drawing for a while, they heard a crash. Robin apparently somehow fell to the floor taking a side table with her.

“Are you alive Buckley?” Max rolled her eyes.

“Oh there you both are…my heart couldn’t handle another missing case.” Robin let out a huge sigh of relief from the floor.

Robin recovering from the fall she joined them by sitting on the chair next to Max.

“What are you two doing then?” she questioned looking at the multiple drawings.

“Well I am trying to draw what i saw yesterday” Max glumly said but smiled when she looked towards Nancy. “We been having fun all morning, haven’t we Nance.”

Nancy just nodded her head without paying much attention to them, which concerned Robin because she knows the little girl is a ball of energy around them.

“Nancy sweetie, you are usually more energetic then this, is everything okay?” Robin took out the pacifier for her to talk.

“Drawing.” she simply said.

“Sorry miss artist am I bothering you?” Robin started tickling Nancy’s stomach when she just nodded.

“Sis-s-s s-st-stop” she started laughing dropping her crayon down. “I-I am-am s-o-o-rry.” trying to get Robin to stop.

“Am I hearing the laughter of an angel?” Steve announced his presence.

“Bubby!!” Nancy exclaimed climbing down her chair excitedly with one of her drawings in hand.

“Apparently she is not too focused to run up to the dingus, why does he get priority?” Robin huffed in jealousy.

“Its the hair for sure.” Max snarked.

Nancy was currently trying climb onto Steve like he was a tree. She was clinging on his torso, till Steve boosted her up so she can wrap her hands around his neck.

“Bubby so warm.” she wrapped her legs around him to soak up his heat.

“Walking heater now I get it and not his winning personality.” Robin complained loudly, rolling her eyes.

“Don’t listen to her honey, Sis Robin is jealous of us.” Steve stuck out his tongue towards her when she did the same.

“I can confirm, Stevie boy here is a furnace” Eddie loudly joined them, his hair looking like mess from sleeping on the floor.

“Bubby I drew.” Nancy showed off her drawing.

“Is that the Scooby Gang or what little Wheels?” Eddie asked not paying attention much.

“Wait are they us?” Steve asked grabbing the paper to look at it at a closer angle.

Nancy pointed her finger towards Steve to say “You are Fred keeping everyone safe.”

Then to Robin. “Velma! Because she is the smartest.”

Pointing to Eddie. “Always snacking like Shaggy.” and lastly to herself “Obviously I am Daphne with the style.” clapping to round up her demonstration.

Eddie in shock slowly took the painting from Steve’s hand to look at a version of Shaggy with his hair and even tattoos.

“You drew me?” Eddie asked, his voice suspiciously was sounding wobbly

“Yeah Edds the most loyal.”

Eddie flushed a bit from the compliment. “Well thanks sweets, whats wrong with the dog though, it looks like a twisted hound?”

Steve looking closer recognized the nightmarish creature. “Thats a demodog….honey why did you draw that.”

“Cerberus!” Nancy simply stated not bothering to give any context.

“She is just saying random words now, and I thought Mike was the imaginative one.” Eddie laughed.

Robin walked next to them to observe the drawing as well. “I don’t think I can make the glasses work.”

“Yeah because you would lose them all the time.” Steve smirked.

“I would not, take that back you asshole.” Robin smacked Steve’s arm.

“Language!!! Also you would be like this in the Family Video store, ‘where are my glasses’ between the aisles all day.” Steve imitated Velma’s routine by blindly waving his arms around.

“Well you are like Fred who still cannot get the ladies with that hair.” Robin snarked.

“Heyyyy thats not fair take that back Robs!”

Eddie interrupted their fight after he say how it was getting Nancy stressed out, with her whining loudly.

“Hey twins stop fighting in front of the precious child, she is clearly disturbed by it.”

“Apologize” Nancy huffed looking between the teens with disappointment. They mumbled out half hearted apologies but this wasn’t enough for her.

“Kiss and hug” she further insisted.

Eddie and Max were snickering seeing them awkwardly pat each other on the back as they hugged it out with Nancy in the middle.

Recovering from that Steve took back the drawing, and giddily walked towards the fridge.

“You know what we do with pretty pictures honey?” Nancy shook her head no.

“They get to be displayed on the fridge, I think this is the best thing I put on this fridge.” Steve boasted grabbing a magnet to put over the picture.

“Really!!!!” Nancy’s eyes widened excitedly, seeing him hang her picture in the middle for everyone to see.

At that moment Lucas and Dustin joined in the commotion.

“Good morning guys, whats with all the noises?” Lucas asked tiredly.

“Lucas look.” Nancy pointed towards the fridge.

“Woah Nance thats so good.” he excitedly praised, lowering his voice to ask. “What am I looking at?”

“She drew us, ya losers” Eddie boosted.

“Wait where are we thats not fair.” Dustin complained crossing his arms.

“Drawing now.” Nancy said adding “Want to see?”

“Hell yeah I want see it Nance.” Dustin joined her as she got down from Steve to walk back to the dining table.

“Holy shit, you drew us as Star Wars characters thats so awesome.” Dustin exclaimed, he tried to grab it but Nancy didn’t let him.

“Not done yet.”

“She is a very serious artist Dustin, please respect please respect the process.” Robin joked.

“Better then what’s Max been doing what the hell are those vague drawings?” Dustin vaguely gestured at the papers that were littered with red paint mainly.

“They were in my vision yesterday okay I am trying here.”

“We needed Will for this yours look like a 5th grader did it.” Dustin contemplated looking at them closely.

“Can I look?” Nancy asked pulling on Dustin’s shirt.

She looked down at Max’s random pictures, she stuck her tongue trying to rearrange them in her head. As if it was muscle memory, she started to put the pieces together till they made the image of a house with a door that had a rose stained window.

“See it wasn’t so terrible.” Max sniped back to the unimpressed Dustin.

Nancy didn’t utter a word just insisted on the door’s importance by tapping on it insistently.

“I recognize this from the Creel Murders article, this is Mrs Wheeler’s childhood house.” Robin said, finally remembering the picture from the newspaper.

“Nance, why didn’t you just say so?” Lucas pointed out innocently, not knowing it would send Nancy into a spiral. She suddenly looked panicky, closing her mouth with her hands and her breathing getting erratic. Not wanting to be punished again after so soon.

Steve remembered how she was scared to make Vecna angry, ran up to her side.

“Nance don’t panic, you said nothing its okay. We figured it out since it was Robin’s revelation, you said nothing.“ he hugged her before she had another panic attack. The tight hold seemingly soothing Nancy’s concerns on the spot.

“Okay Bubby….don’t let go a bit.” She whispered to his ear, not wanting to part with him yet.

“We going on a house tour then?” Dustin asked to the group.

“Yeah lets find that son of a bitch.” Lucas piped up.

Robin seeing everyone’s determined face clapped her hands together to make the announcement.

“Everyone get ready in an hour because we are going to investigate ourselves a haunted house.”

Chapter Text

Robin was tired after the all nighter she pulled, she would have preferred to crawl into a bed rather then go find Vecna right now.

Yet her and Nancy were getting ready in Steve bedroom, more like she was being judged by the short girl for her fashion choices.

Nancy was primly sitting with her legs criss crossed on the bed observing her. After the terrible night she had, Robin was impressed with her energy clearly judging her choices as she went through the small set of clothes. Letting out a loud nope sound when she put on a baggy t-shirt.

“Okay sweetie, what is wrong with my outfit now?” Robin put her hands on her hip.

“Going to be cold, something thicker.” Nancy insisted, her simplified sentences were a bit concerning to her but hopefully it was just temporary holdover from her lack of sleep.

Robin rolled her eyes half heartedly. “Fine…fine let me find another one.”

“One on the floor.” she pointed out.

Robin bent down to grab the black top she threw down while searching. It was thicker and worked well with her cargo pants better.

“I will be dammed, you worked your magic again. After the easter outfit fiasco I was never gonna trust you again but you ACTUALLY have good taste.” as soon as she said that a pillow smacked her face in the middle.

“I dress very nicely.” Nancy asserted while holding another pillow threateningly.

Robin thought it was adorable how she defends her own honor. “Hold your fire Annie, I know you don’t have a gun but that aim is still on point.” she chuckled adding. “I am sorry you dress nicely….even if they make me want to choke.”

“You prefer wearing baggy boy stuff?”

Robin clearly can see Nancy didn’t say it to be mean, she was just making an observation.

“Well yeah I mean, I like it feels more like me you know. Like how you know your style is wearing uncomfortable bras and heels”

Nancy hummed a bit thinking a bit and then smiled widely. “Yeah I get it and I like your un-un-nique style.” she stumbled a bit with the spelling another thing for Robin’s growing pile of worry.

“Wait you really think so! You don’t think I look like a weirdo or anything. Not that I think it is just people’s perception of me is usually not the best when it comes to it.” Robin rambled without meaning, it was new to open up to someone other than Steve about herself.

”Sis screw other people you look cool.” Nancy stopped her rambling. “I like your style a lot.”

“Well thank you sweetie that means a lot coming from you especially, since you are the fashion connoisseur of the group.”

Nancy giggled from the compliment before pulling on her pajamas indicating she wants to be out of them.

“Fine I get it, you want a change of clothes just give me a minute. We packed very limited stuff for you, maybe I can use some of mine or Steve’s.” Robin started going through the wardrobe to find alternatives.

“Okay definitely we can use your jeans with something.”

“NO JEANS!” Nancy shook her head.

Robin taken back by the outburst asked.“Nance why can’t you wear your pants?”

“Too tight.” Nancy excused it not mentioning how her Daddy didn’t really approve of them.

“You had them on yesterday!” Robin argued.

“Something less tight today.”

“I mean…well…yeah I can respect that, luckily I packed you another skirt.” Robin had her own sensory overload days maybe Nancy was just not in the mood today she thought.

Changing Nancy into a pink stripy belted skirt left Robin with the another conundrum of what can she wear on top of it.

“Hoodie would be great in this weather let me get one of Steve’s from the drawers.”

“Bubby not like share.” Nancy pointed out, remembering their bickering over her keeping his shirts occasionally during their relationship.

“Hey dingus can we borrow your stuff!”
Robin yelled dramatically when she heard nothing back said. “Well I don’t hear him complaining so we are good.” she said excitedly as she went through his clothes to find a lilac colored hoodie to match with the skirt.

“He is not going to like it.” Nancy still insisted not letting Robin dress her in it.

“Sweetie you know what’s great about these?” Robin tried to entice her.

“You can carry your stuff with you easily now, see this huge pocket in the front, it means we can stash your plush and even something better then that too.” she ominously whispered.

“What?” Nancy matched her quite tone.

“SWEETS DARLING ALL THE SWEETS!” Robin revealed dramatically.

Hearing that Nancy started bounce on the bed in excitement. “Really!!”

Robin jumping on the bed with her to revel in her happy squeals, both girl dropping on their backs giggling.

“Lets change you now, we got a long journey today.” Robin said as she picked Nancy up to get her ready.

After a while Steve knocked on the door check on them. “Are you guys ready? I am coming in hope everyone is decent.”

“Yeah come in dingus” Robin’s voice echoed behind the door inviting him in.

As soon as he opened the door, his shoulders slumped realizing what just happened.

“Is that my hoddie?”

Robin excitedly spun Nancy around to show off her look. “Yes it is, sweetie tell him your favorite part.”

“Pockets!” Nancy squealed happily stashing her plushy there adding. “Bubby’s hoodie is so comfy.” hugging herself.

“You made her like them on purpose so I can’t complain when you steal my clothes right?” Steve whined a little bit.

Robin grinning like a evil supervillain said. “Yep pretty much, try saying no to her now.”

“You are so evil sometimes, I said no to you once and you held on to that”

Robin just laughed as she left the room with Nancy in her arms who was insisting about getting her candies too. After they satiated Nancy’s sweet tooth, they went into the car to wait for the others.

Nancy was again seated in the middle, left to her own devices. She was going through various scenarios in her head to try to justify her actions. Technically, she said nothing that was within his rules but they were going to his house…well her home too now. But why then everything felt wrong, her hands were shaking from the anxiety. She popped her pacifier back into her mouth suckling noisily to relax.

“You think it was a good idea to bring her, she looks like a cat trying to claw her way out the car.” Steve whispered to Robin seeing how Nancy been looking out the window from the rear view.

Robin herself wasn’t sure too, however it was better than nothing. “When we leave them alone something happens anyway with them all here at least we can be here for that.”

It was ti late to change their plan anyway with everyone starting to get into the car as well. With Dustin and Eddie taking the empty seats next to her. While Lucas and Max sat at the back together, still slowly working on mending their fracture relationship.

Nancy again was lost in her own head not listening to the chatter going around her. Something else was bothering her ever since she woke up, her legs were less balanced than ever and words were getting harder to rearrange in her head. Did the others also realized this or were they just blissfully unaware thinking their plan was still working.

“Sweets you in there.” Nancy’s thoughts were interrupted by Eddie as he poked at her forehead.

“Yeah” she nodded removing the pacifier.

Eddie looked at her not really believing her, as he was shoved into the window by Dustin.

“Move Eddie.”

“Hey hey be gentle Henderson.”

“Okay everyone buckle up we have a long way ahead of us.” Steve announced starting the engine, only to receive a chorus of complaints

“Why do I even bother asking sometimes.”

As everyone was quietly distracting themselves during the car ride, Lucas from the back could see how restless Nancy was.

Leaning towards the middle seat he asked.“Dustin you got any toys in that bag of yours?”

“You got bored Sinclair?” Eddie teased.

Lucas didn’t reply to him just pointing towards the teen that was fidgeting constantly.

Dustin clocking what’s happening started searching through his admittedly very messy bag to find the object in his mind. “Want to see my View Finder Nance?” he asked getting her attention.

“Whats that?” she asked looking confused at the red camera.

“Here take it so you put your eyes to look through the slits and press the white handle to change pictures.”

Eddie helped Nancy to properly hold the toy, and she slowly cranked the handle to change the first picture. Letting out a excited squeal as it changed from leopards to giraffes.

“It changed..it changed!” she chanted excitedly continuing to go through the other photos in wonder.

“Its cool right, I got another reel thats all dinosaurs.” Dustin said matching her enthusiasm.

“Can I see that too?”

“Nance sorry he probably doesn’t have those with…oh wait he actually does.” Lucas changed his tune midway seeing Dustin rummaging through his bag.

“Taddaa here it is, my fave one is the Triceratops.”

Max joining them asked. “Why the hell you carry that thing with you?” she raised an eyebrow.

“I sometimes get bored in the car it nice to have a distraction.” Dustin stated simply as he worked on changing the reels.

“Seriously dude?” Lucas laughed.

“Dustin’s dinos cool can I get one to?” Nancy marveled looking at the new reel.

“See she thinks its awesome.” Dustin boasted.

Eddie joining laughter got Dustin in a headlock to ruffle his hair. “That isn’t much knowing her state but it’s cute that you like them.”

Nancy seeing what he is doing smacked Eddie’s shoulder. “Stop messing Dusty’s hair not nice.”

“Dusty?!!” Dustin groaned knowing its gonna restart the whole Dusty Bun nickname thing.

Proving his fear Lucas started to laugh even harder. “Dusty Bun is here to stay”

They all joined laughing, Steve was looking at the back with a fond smile on his face.

“Hate to break up the fun but we are here.”

Everyone looked out the window to see the ominous Creel house in its decrepit glory.

“That is one heck of a haunted house, you think you could inherit that Nance?” Lucas asked, as they left the car getting elbowed by Max for his comment.

Robin took a hold of Nancy’s hand, while Eddie and Steve started removing the wooden planks nailed on the door.

“I suppose your mom never gave you the key to the house sweetie.” Robin joked.

Nancy just sadly shook her head no, pointing at the ground instead. Robin seeing where she pointing at smirked mischievously, bending down to grab it.

“You still that reckless Lois Lane I remember, that’s a brilliant idea who needs a conventional key anyway.”

“Guys we found our key.” she yelled showing off the brick in her hand, with Nancy smiling brightly, before she chucked it through the beautiful rose stained window.

With them breaking in, the gang slowly made their way towards the house. Max stoping in front of the grandfather clock looking at it in terror.

“You guys can all see that right?”

“Yeah fortunately we all see it this time.” Robin said

Nancy wiggled her hand free to slowly touch the clock, remember seeing it when it was properly working.

“We should split up….cover more space.” she suggested her natural instincts to lead taking over for a moment.

“Yeah good idea Nance.” Steve agreed happy to see her in her element.

When everyone started looking around, Nancy’s nerves did return back, she wasn’t sure if she is supposed to inform Daddy about this. Looking around the dining room, she hoped to see Mommy maybe but there was no one. Everything was like a nightmare version of where she was at just last night. Not wanting to risk it she quietly called out.

“They are here Daddy, they want to find you. she said awaiting whats to come.

“What you doing sweetie?” Robin appeared from behind scaring the crap out of her.

Nancy scrambling to gain her footing lied.

“Nothing just looking.”

“Yeah right no way I believe that Miss Nancy Drew. Since we are splitting up I am choosing the best partner for the job.”

“Bubby?” Nancy joked.

Robin rolled her eyes teasingly. “No obviously you sweetie, lets go upstairs.”

As both of them started searching the presumed bedroom of Nancy grandparents, Robin positioned seated Nancy the bed so she can rummage through the drawers. It was mostly just old clothes that was no covered in dust.

“I think I found more dust here….” Robin said in disappointment, with it a loud thud was heard from the wardrobe.

“Did you hear that?” she asked Nancy who didn’t seem to hear anything.

“No?”

Robin slowly opened the grand wardrobe’s door, the hinges creaking loudly. From the opening she could only see very dirty clothes and more spider webs covering it.

“Probably it was nothing….not like there is a body in there right Nance?” Robin tried to joke with the chill still running down her spine.

“…..maybe there is.” An unknown voice responded to her.

Suddenly within the various articles of clothing a familie figure stepped out of them. It was Vickie O’Neill, her bandmate/current crush, she was smiling at her but it wasn’t the one that melted her heart but a very cruel one. She leaned forward to get a hold of her arm.

“Closet is comfy isn’t Robin, but why don’t you come out to them. Are you scared that they wouldn’t wanna be associated with a dirty dyke?” Vickie taunted.

Robin tried to move her arm but from shock she couldn’t. “No shut up!”

“What you gonna tell her, how her ohh so big sister likes bobbies, she will detest you thinking you were a pervert for even changing her.”

“Shut up Vickie!!” Robin closed her eyes and ears, she knows her friends love her but the what if scenario its to painful to imagine.

“They will all hate you for your true nature Robin.”

“You are not here….you are not here.” Robin started chanting hoping she goes away.

Instead the red head invaded her space looking deeply into her eyes, leaning in for a kiss before her face twisted into one of disgust and hate.

“I can’t believe you ever thought you had a shot with me, you are a pathetic little loser dyke that lies to people.”

Tears started running down her cheeks, hearing the all the cruel words coming out of her. Vickie pointed at Nancy who looked unaware of what was unfolding.

“She will never accept you, the typical girl next door, will never ever understand a loser need like you.”

“She is more than what you say.”

“Please be real Buckley your true colors will come out soon.” Vickie said right before Robin fainted.

When she opened her eyes again Vickie was gone and she was on the floor.

“Sis Robbie please wake up!” she heard Nancy plead as she shook her awake from the nightmare.

“Did I fainted or something.” Robin asked standing up straight.

“Yeah you opened wardrobe and then just fainted.” Nancy helped clean the dust of her back explaining what happened. “You were muttering about Vickie, who is she?”

“No one sweetie she is not important.”

But Nancy continued asking rapid fire questions to Robin’s horror.

“But you said Vickie a lot. Vickie from class? Is she a friend?”

To Robin’s horror the worse one was.

“You like her?” This one simple question was enough for her to blurt out.

“SHUT UP….SHUT UP ABOUT HER!!! STOP INVESTIGATING FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!” Robin chastised getting a hold of Nancy by her shoulders.

Nancy was taken a back from her sudden outburst and started cry out.

Eddie ran up to them hearing their commotion.

“I heard yelling…..……shit what happened?”

“Munson take her with you, now please!” Robin extended her arms to shove the crying Nancy to his custody.

Eddie without saying anything took her off Robin’s hands and walked out the other direction.

Robin watching them walk away realized what she just did - exactly what Vickie just said. Supporting herself upright on the wall, she felt like a monster closing her eyes to shed a few tears. She just hurt her “little” sister because she couldn’t just even try to open up to her.

“You fucked up big time Buckley.” she muttered to herself.

Back with Eddie, he was trying to calm down a very distressed Nancy. “It’s okay sweets, you didn’t do anything wrong on purpose.”

“I made Sis very angry.” Nancy whined into his jacket.

“No…no you didn’t she just needed time to herself to gather her own wits. You happen to catch some of the fire.”

“You promise?” she stopped crying wanting to believe Eddie.

“Yes I promise, now do you have any experience searching haunted houses?”

“Not much weirdly.”

“With everything you guys been through, I expected this was on the list too, disappointing really.”

“Lets check the room there.” Nancy suggested.

“Guess thats a start from somewhere.” He agreed gathering Nancy into his arms to go into the room.

When he opened door he was confronted by the hanging corpse of Chrissy Cunningham in the middle of the room.

“CHRISSY!!” Eddie yelped.

Nancy perked up hearing that name looking around for her favorite babysitter smiling. “Where?”

“Can’t …can’t you see the corpse?”

“Don’t see Auntie Chrissy” Nancy silently whined.

“You left me to die Eddie, don’t you remember?” Chrissy spoke up. The rope breaking apart as she started to walk towards him, her broken limbs dragging on the floor.

Eddie in his pure panic accidentally dropped Nancy to the ground as he tried to get away, but the door closed behind him effectively trapping them.

“Ouch Edds!” Nancy yelled when she hit the floor.

The corpse seemed to hesitate for a moment, looking down towards where Nancy fell first before continuing her slow march towards the metalhead.

“She is also going die on you too you know because you are such a coward. Eddie Munson no different than his dad running away the moment of inconvenience.”

“No I will keep her safe.” he insisted as he crawled to gather Nancy into his arms again, closing his eyes in terror.

“How can you protect her when you ran away all the time!” Chrissy yelled before disappearing.

Eddie reopened his eyes to find himself in the room alone with a very angry Nancy in his lap.

“You dropped me!!” she huffed.

“My fair maiden I got scared, I didn’t mean to.” he croaked still feeling shell shocked from what he just saw.

“Its okay, what did you see?” Nancy questioned.

However Eddie ignored her. “Nothing!”

“What scared you? Can help, tell me…tell me.”

“You know what Wheeler, why don’t you just find Stevie boy.” Eddie snapped.

“Okay.” she sadly said as she wiggled out his grasp to slowly walk back to find Steve.

Eddie hearing her sniffles from afar, started hitting his head for his cowardliness “Why do I do this every time?”

Nancy now feeling isolated was looking for Steve, which she didn’t had to go too far as he hastily stumbled out of a random room.

“Bubby!!” she yelled out, panicking seeing him in stress.

“Get the spiders off me…get them off me” he hit the ground, trying to kill the spiders he was seeing on him.

“What spider?” Nancy confusingly looked upon as she saw nothing.

“The spiders crawling all around me!!” he yelped he really hated those creatures.

“Silly Bubba you messing right.” Nancy thinking he was pulling a prank for wearing his hoodie when she can clearly see he has nothing on him.

“NO AM NOT!! Not everything is a game like its to you!” Steve yelled out, realizing a second too late he was yelling loudly at the regressed teen.

“Shit honey I didn’t mean to….” Steve trailed of his apology as Nancy already walked away from him.

Dustin ran from the other side also hearing the loud commotion.

“ What happened I heard yelling?”

“Henderson thank god, help with these spiders.”

“What spiders dude?”

Steve realized when he blinked a few times the 8-legged creatures he thought that was on him were gone.

“Fuck!” Steve simply said face palming for his own idiocy, turning around to try find her to apologize.

Nancy in the meantime knew the layout already feeling alone she went to the place she felt safe, her mom’s old bedroom. It looks like it had seen better days here then last time she saw it.

“Where are you Daddy” she talked to herself, not thinking he will hear her this early, sitting on the floor.

Taking out her plushie she hugged him to her her chest trying to make the sadness go away.

“They all hate me Mr Rabbit.” she talked to the toy. “I always make them go away.” Why did she always had to be this intense if she wasn’t then they wouldn’t lose their temper at her, just like Jonathan did during their relationship.

Even before she can blink everything around her shifted, turning into the livelier version of the house she came to know.

“Welcome home little one.” Henry appeared at the door, walking slowly towards her.

Nancy’s eyes widened seeing him, she hugged her knees in terror. “I-I-I s-s-said n-n-n-oth-ing s-s-sw-swe-swear. Pl-pl-ple-ase n-n-no p-p-pu-puni-punishment.” she stuttered in fear of his reaction to the gang’s presence in the house.

Henry slowly dropped to her level looking into her eyes, before he lightly caressed her face.

“No need worry I know they are not finding out anything here, but I am glad you came back home and called for me, you learning” he traced her face with his finger.

“Really?” she asked finally her stress dissipating.

“Of course you are my little baby, Creels do learn fast well except your mom, she was always bit slow.” Henry sat down on the floor with her, pulling her into his lap.

“Not mad?”

“I am mad at them - they left you alone and look how dry your diaper is, are they not hydrating you properly. See this is what happens when you are away from me. Tonight I will make sure Mommy gets in you more nutrients. Luckily I am always prepared for an emergency.” he fussed like a parent would, taking out a bottle out of nowhere to give it to her.

“Open wide.”

Nancy automatically started suckling its contents without any protest, her eyes fluttered from the cold sensation. Henry also took out a rattle dangling in front of her, it intrigued Nancy enough to try grab it while she drank. Laughing when he rattled it, causing her to dribble milk all over her chin.

“Such messiness” he chuckled wiping her chin.

Suddenly Nancy heard screams echoing, she turned her head to look into that direction.

However, Henry got a hold of her chin to make her look into his eyes, as she slowly continued to drink. “Nothing to worry your pretty head about Daddy is just cleaning the house from pests. Meddling kids these days don’t respect old houses.”

With his explanation, she didn’t wonder beyond that after she was done drinking. Nancy tightly hugged Henry, rubbing her face on his shirt as she settled fully on his lap.

“Is someone being clingy?” he smirked, loving how his plan to isolate her worked wonders. Who knew teens get so emotionally volatile from just simple visions. The faster he gets her to a younger age bracket it will be easier to keep her under his control alone.

Nancy just buried her head into his neck saying. “No just hugging.” her face flushed.

“Could have fooled me, but I need you to be bit quite for me to work. When you are up there, can you be silent in the house? Not even a squeak, because if you do make a sound, well you don’t wanna repeat what happened at dinner last night, would you? Lets not test how far I can go with my control.” he said as he massaged her tummy.

Nancy’s eyes looked upon with terror from the implication, he wouldn’t go that far right. The loss of her bowel control would be too humiliating, she can’t have it happen around them. Immediately miming lock lips to show her understanding.

“Good pet, I will come back later in the day, because we got a big night ahead of us. And remember you can’t make a sound in the house.” Henry kissed her forehead head as he disappeared cackling loudly.

When Nancy came to her senses on the floor, she didn’t have much time to recover before the door opened again.

“There you are, you don’t get to disappear on us like this got it.” Max barged in with Lucas.

“Atleast we found her Max, the others were worried sick about you Nance.” Lucas said squatting to meet her eye level.

Nancy just buried her face in her knees, not wanting to see the older teens.

Max seeing her reaction got worried. “Nance why aren’t you speaking…shit did something bad happened? I will break their faces if they said something mean”

Nancy closed her mouth tightly, her eyes filled with tears, she can’t make a sound or else.

“I heard Robin’s outburst, it wasn’t pretty maybe she just shut down.” Lucas offered as an explanation.

Max let out an exaggerated sigh. “Fuck its not like they are dying, screw them you think you can carry her, I don’t want her to crawl in this dirty house. Seems like she isn’t up for much walking now.”

“I am taller then her and she weighs like nothing, guess I can” Lucas adjusted himself to have his back towards Nancy.

“Nance you think you can grab on to my back and we continue the tour together.” he asked.

Nancy didn’t say or do anything, she just continued hiding her face.

Max trying to come up a way entice her grabbed her plushie.

“Look Nance, Mr Rabbit is already on Sinclair ride. You don’t really want to be left behind.”

Finally Nancy looked up to see Max’s hopeful face, looking back on forth between her and Lucas. She relaxed herself to wrap her legs and arms around him.

“There you go now isn’t that better than touching dusty wood” Max said as she helped the duo get off from the floor.

When Lucas stood up, he staggered from the weight a bit. “Okay she is not that light apparently, are you pure muscle under those cardigans or what.” Lucas strained a bit till he adjusted her on his back. Nancy shook her head no, popping her pacifier into her mouth to solely focused on staying silent.

“For a star basketball, you are not jock enough sometimes.” Max elbowed him jokingly.

“Because I am a nerd before jock Max, I need my noddle arms for dice throwing……You found that funny Nance huh.” Lucas complained feeling vibrations on his shoulder. Nancy was silently laughing, her chest rapidly rising behind his back cluing him in.

“We explored this floor, I don’t know what else to check?” Max contemplated.

Nancy pulled on Lucas’s collar to get his attention, pointing to above to get him to go one floor up.

“We should go to the attic I think” Lucas said clocking her intention.

As the trio slowly made their way up to the attic, with Robin running after them. Stopping to catch her breath. “There you guys are, can we stop playing hide and seek today, this is my second heart attack of the day.”

“We are not hiding, unlike you, we are actually dealing with our shit without making Nance sad.” Max stepped in between Robin and Nancy.

“Look I know I was very mean to you sweetie earlier let me please make it up to you.” Robin pleaded.

Nancy looked at her with bloodshot eyes but still said nothing, holding on to Lucas even tighter.

“I think she is not ready to talk to you.” Lucas angrily stated, crossing his arms like Max.

“Look I just want to……”

Lucas cut Robin of before she could finish her sentence. “Everyone shut up, the lights are flickering.”

Nancy let herself down his back as she slowly backed away from the spot she knows where he resides in the Upside Down.

“Guys come in here!” Max yelled as she put on her cassette player on full volume.

Steve, Eddie and Dustin tripped over each other as they came up into the attic. Dustin immediately started taking out his equipments to understand the flickering lights phenomena.

Steve and Eddie instead made their way towards Nancy for their own apologies.

“Nance we are both very sorry, we were dickheads back there. The hallucinations we saw just made us forget we shouldn’t make our problems others’ problems as well.” Steve apologized, Eddie nodding his head agreeing with too what he said.

“Hey are you okay, you look queasy?” Eddie asked realizing all color was drained from her face.

Robin joining them, realizing there was something wrong with Nancy too.

“Sweetie did you also saw something bad too, is it like one of your nightmares.” Robin asked thinking she had a cruel vision episode like they had.

As the trio got closer, Nancy closed her eyes and bit on her pacifier. Her mind mostly screaming at her to not make a sound.

She suddenly felt a rush of pee into her diaper, not clocking that from all her stressing she didn’t even realize she was putting pressure on to her bladder. Looking down with a shocked “o” face, as she let her bladder drain itself. Her warmed up loins rapidly cooling instantly the moment her flow stop. She couldn’t even whine or ask for change, so her hands started shaking from the stress. Nancy put the pacifier into her mouth, to hopefully relax her nerves.

Luckily only the older teens heard the hissing sound hitting the diaper. Once it stopped, Robin immediately bent down to pull Nancy into her arms who couldn’t protest vocally so she tried physically get away. However, Robin had a strong grip and a determination to not let Nancy out of her sight again. She was bit wary of changing her in an unhygienic environment so decided it be best to take her to the car.

“Guys I am taking Nance outside she seems queasy.” not revealing the actual reason to the kids.

Max yelled out. “If you make her cry again, I swear to god Buckley.” threatening the older teen.

Robin rushed out of the house without acknowledging the threat, as soon as they were out Nancy let out a loud sigh, relaxed that she can talk again.

Robin quickly opened the trunk of the car to change Nancy’s wet diaper. But she wasn’t letting her to even touch her, still mad about about her outburst earlier, mostly whining and groaning at her.

“Come on sweetie work with me here, I am sorry I yelled at you. I just….just was scared okay. Seems like you had something similar to please tell me maybe I can help you.” Nancy said nothing letting out a hmph before turning her head.

“Look how about I share my big secret so we are on equal grounds.” Robin’s voice got a but wobbly, if her cowardice cause this then she will be brave for once.

Getting no response she continued. “Nance the reason I blew off at you was because I am not who I say I am. That if you knew the real me, you would hate me.”

“Why?” A timid voice piped up.

“Now you get your voice back?” Robin gave a watery chuckle, knowing there is no coming back from this, Nancy was finally paying attention to her.

“So you know how people have crushes on like people who they want to date?”

“Like me with Tom cruise!”

“Yeah like your terrible one.” Robin got sidetracked remembering Nancy’s Tom Cruise poster. “Well so I don’t fancy people like him…..I…..I….I fancy people more like Molly Ringwald”

Nancy’s eyes widened immediately making Robin’s heartbeat faster then it should as after a beat of silent she said “Okay!”

“Wait what?” Robin had to double take what does she mean just fine. She just dropped the mother of all truth bombs on her and the only thing she hears is that.

Nancy leaned forward to hold her face smiling widely. “Sis Robbie likes princesses rather princes that okay.”

“You don’t….you don’t mind?” Robin’s eyes got teary, holding Nancy’s face herself to see any hint of lie in her big blue eyes.

“Why would I?” she just shrugged adding. “You the same Robbie I know.”

“You can’t tell anyone about this only you and Steve knows now. Please Nance it is dangerous for me if its out” Robin pleaded.

Nancy mimicked zipping her lips. “Secret safe with me I know its hard.”

Robin tightly wrapped Nancy into a hug to hide her tears. “You, Nancy Wheeler, are too good to go all through this and be nice to me”

“I lie though.” Nancy argued closing her eyes in shame of what she did inside.

Oh is this about your secret now?” Robin pulled back to look into her face.

“Ca-Can’t s-s-say.” Nancy stuttered out scared to tell the wrong thing.

Robin recognized the way she stutters when she was scared of Vecna, so it was probably related to him.

“I mean technically you been saying stuff without saying maybe we play charades or I don’t know draw something?”

“Pen?” Nancy liking the latter idea.

Robin took out one from the car’s torpedo eye, and gave it to Nancy, who shakily grabbed it to write on her arms clumsily.

‘Told him we here.’

Robin’s eyes widened as this explains the weird stuff they were all experiencing. “The whole nonverbal episode was?”

‘Talk=punishment’

“That sick son of a bitch.” she muttered, before hugging Nancy again gathering her on to her lap, ignoring soggy diaper squishing on her legs.

‘You are not angry at me?’

“Look I can’t claim to understand what he did to you, but we will not judge you for your fears okay.”

‘You promise?’

“Well you are out here so I think you are safe for now. When you have to tell me secrets just write on my arms for safe keeping from now on. Can I change your yucky diaper now?”

Nancy giving her a quick cheek kiss said.

“Yes please.”

“Such lovely manners sweetie.” Robin cooed, feeling lightheaded from having someone else accept her.

Nancy piped up to fill the emptiness after Robin changed her into a dry diaper. Putting the pieces together from the fight before.

“I like Vickie by the way….approved.”

“Hey you only known my secret for a minute, you don’t get to judge my tastes.” Robin playfully shoved her shoulder.

“She talks lot…kind…has red hair like Molly…perfect for you.” Nancy continued listing off.

Robin felt her face blush. “You think so? Because I tried talking to her but maybe she isn’t into girls you know. What if she thinks I talk to much? Or think I am a loser in general.”

Nancy seemed not to understand the issue just tilting her head waiting for the actual reason.

“You don’t talk as much as her.”

“Ah you are too young to understand gay drama sweetie.” Robin ruffled her hair.

“We are the same age” Nancy squeaked indignantly crossing her arms.

As both girls waited in the car, the rest of the gang came out running.

“The son of a bitch is here” Dustin yelled continuing “In the attic all of our flashlights busted when we convened in one area, definitely his lair in the Upside Down.”

“That explains the weird visions we were having. How the hell did he know we were here?” Steve said as he got in the drivers seat.

Nancy looked at Robin with wide eyes scared that she will tell on her but instead Robin winked at her mimicking zipped lips. Making her relax, as both girls held each others hand as part of their secret pact.

After an eventful evening they were driving back to the neighborhood, however this wasn’t the end of their problems. The road was blocked up ahead with a familiar looking jock with a beaten up face guarding it.

“It’s Jason Carver and his minions, fuck they are checking the cars. He can’t see any of you guys.” Steve tensed up.

“We all need to split up, we take the forrest route as you pass with the car safely avoiding suspicion.” Dustin coming up with plan on the spot.

“But they are patrolling the forest to probably.” Lucas pointed out.

“Lucas and Dusty hide by the forest till they leave. Nancy suggested.

“Yeah but Eddie staying with them is too dangerous.”

“I will ran then okay, you guys find me later.” Eddie said.

“What about Nance, he beat up Jason I am pretty sure they won’t be nice to her.” Max reminded everyone.

“Eddie you take her with you and ran now to another direction you need to be away from everyone understood.” Robin transfered Nancy’s responsibility to his hands, realizing he is the only one that can actually carry her while on the run anyway.

“You trusting me!!” Eddie looking at them as Nancy understanding the gravity of the situation attached herself to his back immediately.

“How will we find them, Dustin only has two radios.” Steve nervously charted his hair with his hands.

“Isn’t the harbor here?” Nancy pulled on Eddie’s jacket.

“Yeah it is I can run there to get the walkie talkie I left behind there so you can find us.” Eddie suggested.

“Then go Munson!” Steve insisted while looking devastated letting Nancy go into danger. “Make sure both of you are safe.”

“I will try my best Stevie boy, you and Robin first pass Carver border so stay safe too.” Eddie said as he lightly patted Steve’s shoulder to calm him down.

“Eddie run!!” Dustin yelped out as he, Max and Lucas ran other side.

Eddie ran with Nancy holding onto his back, as they split up. When he gotten halfway to their destination, Nancy could see Eddie was barely able run.

“Stop!!” she whisper yelled as Eddie couldn’t be discreet with her on his back. “Slowing you down Edds.”

“No I am not leaving you behind, are you insane!”

“Get walkie first and I hide.”

“Nance please I cant leave you alone here. I can’t ran away from you too like I did with her.” Eddie begged with tears in his eyes.

“Eddy you have to trust me.” Nancy took his face into her hand to deeply look into his eyes, showing him that she trusts him fully.

Eddie looked around before hiding Nancy behind one the big bushes. “If anything happens you going to yell out for me okay.”

“Promise.” she whispered ducking to be discreet.

Nancy watched as Eddie ran even faster to the direction of the dock. Not to soon after one of the jocks was following that pathway. Thinking quickly on her feet she chucked a rock at the opposite direction to confuse him. It seemed to work as he disappeared.

After a while, she again heard footsteps, she closed her mouth to muffle her breathing, before throwing rocks again to confuse the them.

This time she wasn’t as successful because someone grabbed her from the behind forcing her out of her hiding spot.

“You thought you can get away with what you done Wheeler.” snarled the jock with a hat.

“Shit” she thought to herself realizing her situation.

Nancy was currently surrounded by three jocks circling around her like hawks, without any backup or weapons.