beyondtheline | (no subject)

[Chrissy falls into a deep, dreamless sleep. She doesn't wake up until he pulls her out of sleep the next day. Despite knowing that Hawkins lies ahead of them, she's in a rested and good mood as they pack up their things and get ready to head out. They stop at a diner about thirty minutes away, and don't waste too much time eating. That probably has to do with the fact they both inhale their food and then some, and Chrissy's pleased to note that the waitress can see them just fine.

So maybe he's right, and they're only half dead. Either that, or starving ghosts can make themselves be seen in the name of getting food.

They go wash up in the bathroom before heading out from the diner, and Chrissy almost tries luring him into one of the stalls with her. But she behaves herself, feeling a little tense as they head back out to his bike.

The drive to Hawkins both feels like it takes forever and goes by too quickly. They listen to music and quietly chat about their childhood, and Chrissy keeps her arms wrapped tight around him the entire drive. Occasionally she presses a kiss to the back of his neck or his leather clad shoulder. The affection is easy and natural at this point, and he doesn't seem to mind her giving it to him anymore. It's just part of the way they are together.

That easy affection continues as they pull into Hawkins and Chrissy feels sick to her stomach. It's late afternoon by the time they pull up in front of her house, and her legs feel like they're made of Jello as he lifts her off the bike. She takes two steps before stumbling right into him, clinging hold of his hand for dear life. ]

I don't know if I can do this.

[She whispers, feeling so stupid. He's here with her, she can do this. She just has to be strong like he's teaching her to be.]

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It sounds really messed up.

[She can agree on that. It's also sweet that he doesn't want to scare her, but she can tell that maybe it's one of those things she shouldn't press to get more details on. Not yet. Instead she turns enough that she can hold him in return, her hand soothingly rubbing up and down his side.]

I know what you mean though. About feeling so small and insignificant. If it helps, you can use me as your anchor. If you ever feel like you're floating away into the darkness, I'll bring you back down to Earth.

[Her hand seeks out his, and she threads their fingers together. They've been through more in the past few days than other couples have their entire lives. It's really brought them together, but the affection she feels for him goes beyond all that. She can only hope that she's enough to be able to keep him grounded in reality, instead of letting the void in his mind consume him.]

Might just have to take you up on that.

[And in a way, he already has, hasn't he? He looks for her right when he wakes up, every time, as a way of making sure he knows where he is. Hallucinations aren't warm and comfortable the way she is when she's right next to him.]

When we were in that other place back in Hawkins, you know, I said I'd seen that before, an' I have. It's one of the places I saw when I was... dying, I guess. Still see it sometimes too. You're never there, though. So, I know that place was really fucking hard for both of us, but the fact I had you there helped me know I wasn't just trapped in those nightmares again. We fought that shit off together.

[Hopefully that's reassuring, even if it means bringing up that particular source of her own nightmares. The fact that it's shared, that means something, doesn't it?

Bothers him that he saw it before he ever went there himself, but maybe that's going to be normal for the rest of his... whatever this is. Not quite life, but not death either.]

We did, didn't we.

[She's a little proud of herself for finding the strength to do what little she did. It was only because he was there and she wanted to protect him that she found it. She thinks she'd do just about anything to keep him safe and with her, and to make him happy. If all she has to do is be a touchstone for him, she's glad to do it.]

It was really hard, but we got through it together. That place was so, so scary. And I know what goes on in your head has to be too. But we have each other, and I think love is a lot stronger than all of those dark, terrible things that are out there.

[She has to shift a little to do it, but her lips against his are soft and meant more for reassurance than anything.]

We'll be okay. Just as long as we're together.

[And with that thought in mind, she considers giving in to the threat of sleep that wants to pull her back in. He'll be there when she wakes up. She's not ever going to be alone and afraid again.]

[Love is a big word and that's the second time she's used it now. Oh, he noticed earlier, but held off giving it much weight. This is twice, though, and twice isn't something done or said carelessly.

It's flattering, and he cares a lot about her, he can't deny either of those things. He's been in love before too, or thought he was at the time, but it's hard not to feel a little cynical about it now. Everyone thinks they're in love at sixteen with their first or second or third crush, probably. And she's less experienced than he is, definitely hasn't been with someone who took care of her the way he does, and...

Well, she's being honest about her feelings like he told her to, and he's grateful for that. Maybe he's being too cautious, because she really has been one of the brightest parts of his life already, even though it's only been a few days.

Too much to make decisions about when he's tired. Tomorrow. He nods his assent to what she says instead of continuing to debate it with himself. They'll stick together, and they'll be better off because of it. Her lips are sweet against his, and she fits perfectly in his arms. Maybe he'll manage to get more sleep this time.]