Ahoy, Dingus - Steve Harrington x Reader

Season 4 ~ Base of Operations

"Many of the residents we spoke to voiced similar concerns to us." The reporter spoke from the TV as Dustin, Mom, and I watched the news the next morning. "Grief, shock, disbelief, anger. Everyone wants to know the same thing, how many tragedies befall a once-peaceful town? All eyes are on the police for answers. Is the new chief of police, Powell, in over his head? Or is he the very savior this town needs? We'll be here the rest of the day right here on channel nine, where we'll keep you posted on all the latest developments. In the meantime, we recommend you keep your doors and windows locked tight."

"My heart can't take it anymore." Mom says, stroking the cat that lay on her chest. "It just can't take it."

The doorbell rings loudly, causing the three of us to snap our heads and me to rush over to see who was waiting on the patio.

Dustin came behind me as we lock eyes with Max, her breathing heavy as she shoves her way past us and into Dustin's room.

Rushing after her, Dustin slams the door to his room as Max begins to pace around, bringing her thumb up to her lips to bite the nail.

"It was Chrissy." She blurts out after a few moments of silence. "She's the one who died last night. In Eddie's trailer."

"Chrissy Cunningham?" I ask, narrowing my eyebrows at her. "The cheerleader?"

"You're sure it was Chrissy?" Dustin asks, getting up from his place on the bed to begin pacing as well as Max leaned against his bed frame.

"Yes, in her cheerleader outfit." She affirms as I also stand up. "It was the same thing she was in when I saw her with Eddie."

"Did you tell the cops?" I ask the girl, crossing my arms.

"No." She says. "No, but I... I can't be the only one who saw them together. I mean, they stood out."

"Eddie the freak with Chrissy the cheerleader?" Dustin asked.

"Exactly." Max nods, pacing around the room once more. "You know, his name's not in the news yet or anything, but I guarantee you Eddie is suspect one now."

"That's crazy." I say.

"Eddie didn't do this." Dustin snaps, facing Max. "No way."

"No way." He repeats after a long silence.

"We can't rule it out." Max replies.

"Yes," Dustin cries. "we can."

"Dustin!" Max shouts.

"You guys don't know him like I do." Dustin says. "Okay? When we got to High School, Lucas made all his sports friends. Mike and me? I mean, no one was nice to us except (Y/n) and no one except Eddie. 

"Okay." Max says. " Well, I mean, they said the same shit about Ted Bundy. Yeah, he's a super nice guy, but then he's murdering women on the weekend."

"So you're saying Eddie is like Ted Bundy." Dustin retorts.

"I don't think that's what she's saying, Dustin." I say, looking at my little brother.

"Yeah," Max nods, walking closer to my side. "I'm saying that we can't presume anything, okay? But it doesn't look good for Eddie."

Dustin lets out a loud sigh as he plops back onto his bed, placing his head into his hands.

"Max," I ask, looking up at the girl. "why haven't you told the cops about this?"

Crossing her arms, she shakes her head lightly, looking at the ground. "I... I don't know."

"You don't know?" Dustin asks slowly.