Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter One: Suzie, Do You Copy?

The camera shows a lab, filled with people, working with what looks like some sort of machine.

The group shuffles closer, intrigued.

Bold letters appear across the screen June 28, 1984 it reads.

"1984?" Mike asks. It clicks in Will’s brain.

"This was going on after I got back from the Upside-Down. Possibly during my possession." He explains. The party turns their attention back to the show.

Some scientists flip switches, preparing the machine for something. The camera focuses on two men in the box above the contraption, one smoking a cigarette. He turns to the entrance as two scientists enter the room.

Joyce, Murray and Hopper all recognise the man behind what looks like the head of the project.

"Alexei." Joyce whispers. The three go quiet at the thought of their dead ally. The others give them questioning looks but no-one says anything.

The lead scientist opens a box, revealing what looks like two keys. He hands one to the other scientist. The two insert their keys into some type of control panel, looking at each other before turning them at the same time. The device powers up and we see electricity running through it. It forms a laser and hits a crack in the wall in front of it.

"What are they doing?" Eleven asks. No-one answers her, too focused on the screen.

The laser widens the crack in the wall, revealing something red behind it. Vines creep out and slither along the wall.

"They’re opening a gate." Robin says gravely, turning to Will for confirmation. The boy nods his head slightly.

The camera focuses back on the scientists as the give each other a nod. The laser keeps going, until they’ve almost succeeded in opening the crack all the way. A coffee cup on a desk starts to rattle and the second scientist looks at it, concerned. The others in the box look around, increasingly worried. Down below, all the control panels and lights start sparking.

"What’s happening?" Lucas asks. Max is the one who answers this time.

"Disaster." She replies.

The crack starts closing back up as the laser falters. The machine powers down and everyone is silent, waiting for something to happen.

The party is silent, too.

Electricity jumps from the device and hits those close to it. People scream and we see their bodies being burned in slo-mo. 

The party watches on in horror.

The contraption finally stops, fires everywhere. The camera focuses on the man who was smoking a cigarette, now putting it out. He looks angry. As they walk down the stairs we see piles of burned flesh on the ground in front of them.

Multiple people gag, some wincing.

The man who was smoking a cigarette walks over to the crack and places a hand on the wall next to it. The head of the project says something in Russian, English subtitles popping up on the screen

Head Scientist: Comrade-General.

The General turns towards the man.

Head Scientist: We are close. You can see. You can see our progress.

The general does not look impressed.

"Uh oh." Murray says. A few others did their heads in agreement.

Head Scientist: We just need more ti—

A thug reaches forward and wraps his hand around the man’s throat, cutting him off. The lead scientist gasps and chokes as the thug holds him off the ground. The General walks past the choking man to the second scientist.

Comrade-General: You have one year.

Second Scientist: Yes, Comrade-General.

The though finishes choking the Head Scientist, who is now dead, and drops him on the ground. Doors open as we watch the General and the thug walking outside, it appears to be snowing. The camera moves up and focuses on a Russian flag. The screen goes black.

Lucas reaches forward to press pause on the remote which, thankfully, works. 

"How’s everyone doing?" Joyce asks. There are a few nervous laughs but they confirm they can continue. Lucas unpauses the tv.

CHAPTER ONE — SUZIE, DO YOU COPY?  Appears on the screen in red. The camera focuses on a radio before moving, a song playing in the back ground. ONE YEAR LATER appears on the screen in white.

"Oh no." Mike groans as he realises what’s coming. The others turn to him.

"Oh no what?" Nancy asks. Mike blushes and avoids looking at anybody.

The camera pans across the room, showing possessions like photos, lamps, drawings. The camera then focuses on Mike and Eleven, who are making out.

"Oh no." Eleven whispers. She’s looks cautiously over to Hopper, who is seething.

"Oh gross! Seriously? We have to show this?" Max asks as the others groan in disgust. 

Mike suddenly starts singing along to the song.

Mike: And nobody wants to know you now.

He imitates a guitar break.

Mike: Nobody wants to show you —

Eleven: Mike!

Eleven puts her hand over his mouth, muffling his singing.

Eleven: Mike, stop! Stop!

Mike: So if you’re lost and on your own

Eleven: Mike! Stop! Mike! Mike!

Mike: You can never surrender.

Mike says, making a strange noise at the end which causes Eleven to stop in shock.

Eleven [laughing]: Stop!

Mike: What you don’t like it?

Eleven: No!

Mike smiles as he and Eleven continue kissing.

"Thanks dude. I have to bleach my eyes now." Dustin says while the others make noises of agreement. Robin notices Will is frozen, staring at the ground awkwardly, not looking at anyone. Interesting.

We see Hopper, sitting on a chair, eating snacks and watching tv. He takes a sip of his beer and leans back in his chair. Through the gap in the door he sees Mike and Eleven making out.

Hopper: Hey!

Eleven slams the door closed and Hopper gets up.

Hopper: Hey! Three-inch minimum! Leave the door open three inches!

Hopper moves to try and open the door but it’s locked.

Hopper [frustrated]: El, open this door. Open the —

He’s cut off as the door opens. The camera shows El and Mike, at different ends of the bed, reading.

Mike: What’s wrong?

Hopper does not look impressed.

Lucas is the first one to start laughing. The rest soon joins in. Even Will cracks a smile. Once they’ve calmed down they take a look at Mike and El who are blushing, very uncomfortable.

"Serves you right." Max says, head held high.

Mike looks offended.

"What? Was I supposed to know there was a tv show made about us that involved this?" He asks. Max nods her head. 

‘Yes.’ She replies. She then turns back towards the screen.

The camera shows us Mike riding his bike.

Mike: That was priceless! Did you see his face?

He asks through the radio.

El: It was like a tomato!

Mike: Yeah, a fat tomato.

"Wheeler." Hopper growls. Mike looks over at him.

"Sorry." He says.

El: I wish I was still with you.

Mike: I know. Me too. But I’ll see you tomorrow alright? First thing.

El: Tomorrow.

We see Mike riding through a car park towards what looks like a mall. He parks his bike and the others walk forward to him.

Lucas: You’re late.

Mike: I’m sorry!

Lucas: Again.

Will: We’re going to miss the opening!

Mike: Yeah, if you keep whining about it. Let’s go!

Lucas: “If you guys keep whining about it. Nyeh-nyeh-nyeh.”

Lucas mocks as they walk.

Mike: Just please stop talking, dude.

Lucas: Let me guess. You were busy [smacks lips]

Mike: Oh, yeah, real mature, Lucas.

Lucas: “Oh, El, I wish we could make out forever, and never hang out with any of our friends” 

Max: Lucas, stop.

Lucas: Will thinks it’s funny.

Will: Because it is.

Mike: Yeah, it’s so funny that I want to spend romantic time with my girlfriend.

Lucas: I’m spending romantic time with my girlfriend.

He says as he puts an arm around Max. The group continues walking. The camera shows us the mall and the gang walking down the escalator, bumping into people and apologising.

Girl: Watch it!

Erica [sitting down eating ice-cream.]: Yeah, watch it, nerd!

Lucas [while walking]: Isn’t it past your bedtime?

Erica: Isn’t it time you died?

Lucas: Psycho!

Erica: Butthead!

Lucas: Mall rat!

Erica: Fart face!

Lucas: [blows raspberry.]

Max [grabbing his arm]: Oh, now that was mature.

The camera shows us the name of the shop the kids went into. Scoops Ahoy Ice-cream Parlour it reads.

Robin gasps.

"Here we are, Stevie!" She says excitedly while gripping his arm. He groans in response.

Mike walks to the front and dings the bell repeatedly. Robin does not look impressed.

Robin: Hey, dingus, your children are here.

The group bursts out laughing while Robin looks very proud of herself.

"They’re not my children!" Steve complains.

"Yes they are, don’t deny it." Robin replies. He sighs before turning back towards the screen.

The back window slides open to reveal Steve.

Steve: Again? Seriously?

Mike just dings the bell again. Steve lets the kids in through the back door.

Steve: Come on, come on. I swear, if anybody hears about this —

All: We’re dead!

Steve sighs and closes the door.

Mike pokes his head around the corner.

Mike: All clear!

He says. The group walk into the theatre and enter the Day Of The Dead viewing.

Joyce gasps.

"William Byers! I told you you couldn’t see that movie!" She says, trying to hold back a smile. Will grins sheepishly at her while El snickers.

The gang move down a row of people until the find some seats.

Mike: See Lucas? We made it!

Lucas: We missed the previews!

Max: Still made it. Fart face.

Will and Mike start handing out snacks.

"Why does Will have the snack bag?" Nancy asks, curious.

"Because he looks the most innocent." Max explains.

"I do not!" Will argues. 

"You do!" His friends reply in unison.

They begin watching the movie, an excited look on their faces. Suddenly the audio slows and stops as the movie goes black. The crowd gets very angry. We see all of Starcourt Mall go out.

Erica: The hell?

It reaches Scoops Ahoy.

Steve: That’s weird.

He goes and flips the light on and off again as if that could fix it.

Robin: That isn’t gonna work, dingus.

Steve: Oh, really?

He starts flipping the light faster.

We then see as the whole goes out, leaving everyone in complete darkness. The camera enters a building where we see little shards of blackness rise off the ground and form something. It resembles a mass of shadows.

We go back to Starcourt as the lights turn on and people begin to cheer. At Scoops Ahoy Steve flicks the switch just as the light turn back on.

Steve: Let there be light.

In the theatre the movie turns back on and the audience bursts into applause. The camera focuses on Lucas and Max, who are smiling, and then Will, who has a strange look on his face. There’s a fluttering sound and we see the hair rise on the back of Will’s neck. He puts a hand there, covering the sensitive spot. He flashes back to when he was on the oval. When the Mind Flayer possessed him. One of it’s arms surrounds Will, entering his body through any hole.

Will freezes and vaguely registers multiple arms wrapping around him, whispering reassurances.

The camera then shows Will’s exorcism. The boy thrashing around on the bed. And finally, the Mind Flayer leaving his body.

Mike: Hey.

Will is snapped out of his trance when he hears Mike’s voice. He gasps.

Mike: You okay?

Will: Yeah.

Mike: Are you sure?

Will: Of course.

Lucas pauses the tv and turns to Will with an unimpressed look on his face.

"Liar." He says. Will grins weakly.

"I didn’t think it was anything then, okay?" He explains in return. Lucas stares at him for a good minute, trying to read his emotions, before turns back to the screen and unpauses.

Will turns back towards the movie, an uneasy expression written on his face. The film shows a girl, looking at a calendar. Suddenly arms reach the the wall and we cut away to see Nancy sitting up. 

Nancy: Shit.

She reaches over and snatches her watch, looking at the time.

Nancy: Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!

Jonathan also sits up.

Jonathan: Wh-What’s wrong?

Nancy: It’s almost 9:00.

Nancy and Jonathan flush, trying to ignore the pointed looks from their friends.

Jonathan: What?

Nancy: We forgot the reset the clocks. The power went out last night, remember?

Jonathan: Oh, shit!

The two get out of bed and start getting dressed. Jonathan tumbles out of bed and quickly puts on his shirt, tripping over when he puts his pants on. Nancy chucks her bag and shoes out the window which she quickly climbs out of. She quickly picks them up and runs down the side of the house. Jonathan is seen buttoning his shirt as he comes out, a very obvious lipstick mark on his cheek.

Joyce: Wait up.

Jonathan: Oh, no, I’ll eat at work. I’m late.

Joyce: No. Your cheek.

Joyce reaches forward the wipe the lipstick off her son’s face.

Jonathan: Alright, alright. I gotta run. See you later.

Joyce: Alright.

She walks over to the table where Will is having breakfast.

Will: Ugh. Gross.

"Agreed." Robin says which earns a surprised chuckle from the boy.

Joyce sits down.

Joyce: Well, I don’t think you’re gonna think it’s gross when you fall in love. 

Will: I’m not gonna fall in love.

Oh? Denial? Robin thinks as she shoots the boy a glance from across the room. Very interesting.

Joyce: Okay. Hey!

She’s distracted by something over Will’s shoulder. She walks over to the fridge where magnets have fallen down, taking stuff with them.

Joyce: What happened here?

Will: I dunno.

She picks up the mess and puts it back on the fridge. The last thing she hangs up is a drawing, showing a man in a superhero’s cape. Below that it reads BOB NEWBY- SUPERHERO.  

Most of the party smile sadly at the memory of him. Robin and a few of the others only knowing the he died a few years ago.

"What happened to Bob?" Erica finally asks, cautiously, not wanting to upset anyone. Joyce gives her a small smile.

"When Will was possessed he helped us escape the lab. He didn’t make it out." She explained. To Robin it was clear Bob meant something to her.

"I’m sorry." Robin said. Joyce looked over at her with a surprised face that gently melted into something softer.

"Oh, no, sweetie. It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault." The older woman reassures the younger one, then turning her attention back to the show.

The camera shows a car driving.

Nancy: Can you please drive faster?

We see the inside of the car which shows Jonathan and Nancy.

Jonathan: Do you wanna break down? We’re lucky this thing still drives at all.

Nancy: I’m serious, Jonathan, I can’t be late.

Jonathan: You mean we can’t be late.

Nancy: No, I mean I can’t be late. They like you no matter what you do.

Jonathan: Hey, they like you too. 

Nancy: Yeah. They like that I’m a coffee delivery machine. They don’t actually like me or respect me as a living, breathing human with a brain.

"That’s old, white men for ya." Robin comments while Nancy nods her head in agreement.

Jonathan: Wait you just —you just gotta be patient, okay? They’re set in their ways, you know? But… once they realise what a gifted writer you are, they’ll come around.

Nancy: I really don’t need a Jonathan Byers pep talk right now. Can you just… please drive faster?

Jonathan: Okay.

The car continues driving, passing a different one which we focus on. Inside is Dustin and Mrs. Henderson.

Dustin: This is Gold Leader, returning to base. Do you copy? Over.

The camera focuses on Dustin who has a headset on.

Dustin: This is Gold Leader, returning to base. Do you copy? Over.

Dustin: I repeat: This is Gold Leader, returning to base. Do you copy? Over. 

Dustin: I repeat: This is goddamn Gold Leader—

Mrs. Henderson: Dusty!

Dustin: What?

Mrs. Henderson: Relax! For goodness’ sake.

Dustin: I’m in range. They should be answering.

Mrs. Henderson: You’ve been away a whole month, honeybun. Maybe they just… forgot.

Dustin turns away from his mum and looks out the window.

"Dustin. You know we could never forget you, right?" Will asks his friend. Dustin nods his head in reply.

"I know." He says. The rest of the group smile and turn their attention back to what they were watching.

Mrs. Henderson then pulls into the drive way of her house and parks the car. Once Dustin is inside he puts his duffle bag on his bed and sits down next to it, rubbing his face. He looks over to his turtle.

Dustin: At least someone’s happy I’m home.

Suddenly there’s a noise coming from somewhere in the room and the camera shows one of Dustin’s toys moving forwards, by itself. All at once his toys come to life, making a variety of noises. Dustin seems very disturbed. The toys start heading towards his bedroom door and into the lounge room. Dusting runs over to his desk and grabs some hairspray. He cautiously pokes his head around his door and follows his toys.

Dustin: It’s just a dream. You’re dreaming.

As Dustin passes a wall the camera focuses on Max, who is hiding behind said wall. Max turns to Lucas, who give her a nod, then he turns to Will, who is looking very excited. The camera then shows us El, who has her eyes closed and a bloody nose.

Mike [whispering]: Now!

El opens her eyes and the toys suddenly stop, leaving Dustin very confused. He runs over to his toys and picks them up, trying to figure out what happened. In the background, we see the rest of his friends tiptoeing, holding noise-makers and a banner that says Welcome Home Dustin! Behind Dustin, Max begins counting down and on one everyone blows their noise-makers, causing the boy in front of them to scream. Dustin turns around and sprays Lucas in the face with his hairspray, making the other boy scream as well.

Robin is the first one to scream out a laugh, causing Steve, who she scared, to join in as well. Soon everyone is wheezing and rolling on the ground, clutching their stomachs and wiping tears. Once they’ve calmed down Robin makes a comment to Lucas.

"You scream like a girl!" She says, multiple people nodding their heads in agreement.

"I know! I keep telling him that!" Max adds on. Lucas just grumbles and unpauses the television.

The next thing we see is a boy at the pool, yelling ‘Cannonball!’ Before jumping into the water. The camera shows us a swimming pool, filled with people having fun. We then focus on Mrs. Wheeler, who is drinking a Coke and reading a book.

"Wait a second. What has Mom got to do with this?" Mike mutters, confused. He turns to look at Nancy.

"Don’t ask me." His sister says while shrugging.

Mrs. Wheeler is seen to be at the pool with her friends. One of her friends speaks up.

Friend: Ladies! She’s coming down.  

The women watch as the life guard comes down from her chair, readying themselves for something. The fix their hair and change their postures.

"What is happening?" Robin asks, very, very confused. Steve just shrugs his shoulders in response.

"Thanks. That’s very helpful." The girl says sarcastically.

The ladies finish and the friend speaks again.

Friend: And, showtime!

The door opens to reveal Billy, who only has red swim-shorts on and is smoking a cigarette. The camera focuses on Mrs. Wheeler, who bites her lip.

"Oh gross! Gross gross gross!" Max complains as she buries her head in Lucas’ chest, not wanting to see what happens next.

"Ew. Ew. Ew ew ew ew ew!" Mike says, gagging.

We then see Billy walking past bunches of girls, who wink at him. Billy blows his whistle and the whole pool silences, waiting to see who he’s telling off. He singles out one kid who is running by the pool.

Billy: Hey, lard-ass! No running on my watch! I gotta warn you again, and you’re banned for life. You wanna be banned for life, lard-ass? 

The boy shakes his head.

Billy: Didn’t think so. 

He blows his whistle again and everyone goes back to what they were doing.

Billy: Afternoon, ladies.

He says as he passes Mrs. Wheeler and her friends.

All: Afternoon Billy.

The women say in unison.

Billy: Dig the new suit, Mrs. Wheeler.

Mrs. Wheeler: Thank you.

Billy pushes his glasses up as he climbs on top of his chair. Mrs. Wheeler looks very flustered.

"What just happened?" Nancy asks in horror. Max whimpers in response and El moves over to comfort her while Mike’s face is quickly losing colour.

"Uh," He says, "Can we make a deal to forget that happened, everyone, please?" The rest of the group quickly nod their heads, happy to.

We then come into town and focus on multiple stores before coming to Melvald’s General store, where Joyce works. We see Joyce hanging up a sing when the bell rings. Hopper enters.

Joyce: Hey.

Hopper: Hey. You busy?

Joyce: You’re our first customer, so…

Hopper nods his head. Joyce sighs.

Joyce: What now? 

We cut to Joyce labelling things on hopper voice comes from the background.

Hopper: And then El, she just… slams the door. Right in my face.

Joyce: Uh-huh?

Joyce says, distracted.

Hopper: You know, it is that smug son of a bitch, Mike. He’s corrupting her, I’m telling you.

Joyce looks very confused, this is not the Mike she knows.

Hopper: And I’m just gonna lose it. I mean, I am gonna lose it, Joyce.

He looks very angry.

Joyce: Just take it down, Hopper.

Hopper: I need for them to break up.

Joyce: That is not your decision.

The women says, pointing a finger at the man.

Hopper: They’re spending entirely too much time together. You agree with me about that, right?

Joyce: Well, I mean, they’re just kissing, right?

Hopper: Yeah, but it is constant. It is constant. Okay? That is not normal, that is not healthy.

"Yes it is!" Mike says accusingly glaring at Hopper. Robin and Steve look at him in surprise.

"No it’s not." The girl says with a slight chuckle, her best-friend nodding his head in agreement.

"Whatever." Mike mumbles as he turns away.

Joyce: You can’t just force them apart. I mean, they’re not little kids anymore, Hop. They’re teenagers. If you order them around like a cop, then they’re gonna rebel. It’s just what they do.

Hopper: So what, I’m just supposed to let them do whatever they want?

Joyce: No, I didn’t say that. I think you should… talk to them.

Hopper: No. No. ‘Cause talking doesn’t work.

Joyce: Not yelling. Not ordering. But talk to them. You know, like a heart-to-heart.

Hopper: A heart-to-heart? What is that?

Joyce: You sit them down and you talk to them, like you’re their friend. I find if you talk to them like you’re on their level, then they really start to listen. And the, you know, you could start to create some boundaries.

Hopper: Boundaries.

Joyce: Yeah, but, Hop, it’s really important that no matter how they respond, you stay calm. You cannot lose your temper. 

Hopper: Maybe you could do it for me?

"Hop!" Eleven says with a glare, silently judging her father.

"What? I’m not good with these things!" He says in response, only looking slightly sheepish.

Joyce: No.

Hopper: Yeah, you could. Yeah, you could. You come over after work. Yes.

Joyce: No. It only works if it comes from you. But…

Joyce contemplates while moving to the next shelf.

Hopper: But?

Joyce: Maybe I can help you…

She grabs a piece of paper and a pencil.

Joyce: Find the right words. 

We see Nancy speed walk past Melvards and down the street, checking her watch. She rushes into a building that reads The Hawkins Post. She hands the receptionist a bag and gets and thank you in return. She then proceeds to give several people their food before walking into the dark room where Jonathan is developing photos, letting in the light and ruining the photos.

Jonathan: Oh, no, no, no, no! Nancy!

He throws up his hands in frustration.

Nancy: Sorry.

She quickly closes the door and proceeds walking. She enters a room with a bunch of old, white guys sitting a table. She walks around and hands then their food while they continue their conversation. Nancy interrupts.

Nancy: What about Starcourt?

They all freeze and look over at her.

Nancy: I-I was just… thinking… I mean, I know everyone loves the mall, but… how many small businesses have closed since it opened? Like, five on Main, at least. It’s changing the fabric of this town, in a way—

An old white guy interrupts.

Old, white guy: “The Death of Small-Town America.” I like it. I like it a lot. But I think I’ve got something even spicier. It’s about the missing mustard on my hamburger.

The table bursts into laughter.

Old, white guy: You think you can follow the clues and solve the case of the missing condiment, Nancy Drew?

Nancy looks devastated.

Nancy: Sorry

She says while walking over and taking the hamburger from her humiliator. She walks out the door with a big sigh.

"Ugh, those assholes! Don’t listen to them Nance, it was a brilliant idea. They’re just douchebags. Also, I don’t know why they would think you would be offended by the name “Nancy Drew” she was a very smart women.” Robin says matter-of-factly, earning a small but earnest smile from her friend.

"Thanks, Robin."

The next thing we see is Lucas washing his face after getting sprayed in the face by Dustin.

Lucas: Ow, ow, ow. Ow.

He complains.

Max: Better?

His girlfriend asks.

Lucas: Still stings.

He wipes the water from his eyes and squints at Max’s face. 

Lucas: Is that a new zit?

Max looks astonished.

Max: What is wrong with you?

She grabs Lucas’s head and shoves it back under the water.

Lucas: I was just askin-AHHH!

We then see Dustin with some sort of contraption.

Dustin: I call it… the Forever Clock.

He spins it around.

Dustin: All right? Powered by wind. Very useful in the apocalypse.

He hands it to Will who takes it eagerly. He then reaches down and pulls out another contraption that seems to be some sort of hammer.

Dustin: Then I give you, The Slammer.

He turns it on and it vibrates. He chuckles.

Dustin: Pretty neat, huh? But this…this is my masterpiece.

He sets a duffle page down on the floor and they peer inside it.

Dustin: I would like you to meet… Cerebo. 

It seems to look like some sort of disassembled radio is inside.

Mike: What exactly are we looking at here?

Dustin: An unassembled one-of-a-kind battery-powered radio tower.

Will: So, it’s a… a ham radio.

Dustin: The Cadillac of ham radios. This baby carries a crystal-clear connection over vast distances. I’m talking North Pole to South. I can talk to my girlfriend whenever and wherever I choose.

The others look shocked.

All: Girlfriend?

Dustin smiles. We then see them walking down the hall.

Mike: Wait, so her name’s Suzie?

Dustin: Suzie with a “z”. She’s from Utah.

Will: Girls go to science camp? 

Dustin: Suzie does. She’s a genius.

Mike: Is she cute? 

Dustin: Think Phoebe Cates, only hotter.

The walk past Max who is still helping Lucas wash his face.

Max: What’s going on?

Will: We’re going to talk to Dustin’s girlfriend!

Lucas stands up abruptly.

Max and Lucas: Girlfriend?

They rush out the door after the others.

"All right! Someone please pause it.” Joyce asks. Lucas does as asked.

"How about we all take a little break? Have something to eat?" 

The group looks around to see each other nodding. They all get up and head to the kitchen.