Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

August 1998, 7.75 miles to Hawkins, Indiana 

     The wood paneled station wagon sputtered and finally died on the highway shoulder.

The sisters traded looks as neither had any idea how to work a car. Eden and Suzzane Bingham were tired, the long journey from Utah to Indiana was an arduous trek. The AC died a hundred miles back and the overheating took its toll on engine, driver and passengers alike.

They felt defeated despite being so close. 

“What do we do?”  asked Suzie with a slow deep sigh.

“Aren’t you a genius? Shouldn’t you know what to do?” Eden snarked, her anger and frustration bleeding out. She winced at the shrill sound of her own voice. Her younger sister wasn’t actually asking, just lamenting, as anyone would at the situation.

“In theory, but I’ve never even looked at an engine diagnostically.” Suzie was apologetic despite the harsh tone. 

She knew Eden wasn’t trying to be mean, her older sister was only exhausted from driving. Suzie, trying to stay on task to get to Hawkins, which apparently is only eight miles down the road according to the highway sign that they were now parked in front of, stayed calm and collected.

One loud and very frustrated groan later, Eden opened her door and stepped out of the car into the beating Indiana Summer sun. Waves of heat emanated from the highway asphalt. A breath made her nose flare from the hot air. Shutting the door behind her she made her way to and opened the hood of the station wagon. Steam erupted, as though an angry volcano had replaced the engine within. 

“Eden!” Cried Suzie as she pulled her sister a distance, safe from the escaping cloud of dangerously hot vapor. Eden never even noticed her sister exiting, but she was thankful anyway. 

“This really fucking sucks.” Eden swore, making her little sister wince as they watched the cloud of hot steam erupt from the car. The younger girl made no reply, just nodded mutely. “We’re going to have to try to walk to town, hopefully get a tow while we’re there.”

Eden frowned deeper. Her sister looked as miserable as she felt. They were so close though, just eight more fucking miles. That fact alone spurred her further. Eden was faster to get up and helped her sister to her feet. A sudden look of realization from and she gave an oh!  

“Wait here!” The younger Bingham sister ran to the driver’s side to fetch the keys and then to the trunk of the car. When she made her way back to Eden, Suzie was smiling under the shade of what was…

“Is that a fuckin parasol ? Where the fuck did you get that?” Eden was beside herself but could not help but return the big smirk that her sister was carrying, a bright red parasol. The younger sister always did seem to have an endless supply of optimism, coupled with her ever preparedness, and literal genius intellect, it made her a constant boon to have on your side. Eden could easily say she loved her sister dearly, of course, Suzie felt the same way. 

The younger Bingham sister offered her arm to her sibling who took it with sigh. Then, while under the shade of a red parasol, they walked at an easy pace towards Hawkins, Indiana. For now, the station wagon was left behind.

Neither spoke as they strolled, the sounds of the highway filling most of the silent gaps. Cornfields could be seen from any direction, shifting lazily in the warm breeze. Eden let herself feel the wonder of the scenery. In any other situation it would be beautiful to witness; blue skies, yellow fields, a black swath bisecting it all, which all went on for almost infinity.

None of the scenic poetry was lost on Eden, she just wished it wasn’t a million fucking degrees and she didn’t have swamp-ass so moist, and so damp, that it felt like she just came out of the pool but just in her sweat-soaked panties. 

The majesty was there, she agreed with the universe on that, but did she have to feel like a fuckin’ mess right now? Couldn’t the universe just let her feel the beauty and not the heat?

A car pulled up a short distance in front of them. A cop car. A police cruiser with lights and decals and everything you’d ever seen in a small town movie that had a cop in a cop car in it. Eden imagined a figure; portly aging, sweaty in the brow and fat in the hands, a holstered gun hanging off his portly waist, she thought a man like that would be coming out to meet them. It was all she ever had experience of law enforcement in small towns.

Instead, a tall, strapping, Adonis stepped out. Fit, Blonde, square jawed, and broad in the shoulders, he was youngish. A wide brimmed hat and Aviator sunglasses finished the look. He seemed confident but friendly, even flashed a smile at the two as he took long steps up to them. Curiously, he did not have a gun Eden noticed.

“Afternoon ladies, you two in any need of assistance?” 

The smile never left as he spoke, his hips cocked a little with hands on his belt. Eden was almost annoyed at how he looked but remembered how she and her sister did. Eden wore mostly black, Suzie was in her usual blouse and conservative skirt ensemble and the bright red parasol only marked them further. Looking sweaty and obviously tired, they more than likely stood out.

“Oh thank you so much!” Suzie started immediately, and Eden wanted to roll her eyes but knew letting her little sister be herself in situations like this was the most efficient way to deal with it. As annoying as it could be,  was good at being a damsel in distress.

He took a few steps towards them with his hand outstretched in a greeting. “Happy to ma’am. Name’s Sheriff Carver, I’m the local constabulary, so it is literally my job to help folk like you out!” He never stopped grinning. He took the aviators off his face to show bright blue eyes as Suzie handed Eden the parasol to shake his hand. 

“Of course.” Eden thought, the man was practically an all-american beefcake already with the way his biceps were practically bulging out his sleeve, why not finish off the stereotype?

“Well, I assume the smokey station wagon back there is yours, and that you two need a ride.”

“Wow, are you a detective or something coming up with that all by your lonesome.” Eden drawled sarcastically. Suzie frowned at her, and the Sheriff seemed taken aback for just a moment, but just resumed smiling after. 

“I’m sorry for her, Sheriff. I’m Suzie Bingham, and this is my sister Eden.”

“No one’s actually complimented my deduction skills yet, but I am reading Arthur Conan Doyle right now. Maybe some of that‘ll rub offa’ me.” He gave a short bark of a laugh, like he amused himself with his words. Eden looked confused and the Sheriff started to walk towards his police cruiser still chuckling. “Lemme drive y’all ladies somewhere we can getcha a tow, maybe some hydration.”

“What the hell is he talking about?” 

“Doyle, Arthur Conan, Eden. You know, Sherlock Holmes. You should know that one.” 

Suzie was right, she should have. Eden was an avid reader, practically a bibliophile. Missing the reference irritated her even more.

“Come on, I really need to pee.” Suzie told her under her breath and headed quickly to the police cruiser. Eden followed, her grumpiness growing. She was already starting to hate Hawkins, Indiana.

Eden saw Sheriff Carver hold the door for Suzie and beckoned for Eden to follow her lead. “I’d rather neither of you ride in the back, makes a sorta weird image. Don’t want no one having any wrong ideas about either of you.” He told her as she approached. 

With no argument to be made, she climbed into the passenger side and sat crammed in with her sister. When the Sheriff got in, Aviator shades went back on his face. He did look real good in them Eden thought for a moment, but banished it when she remembered she was supposed to hate him and everything he stands for. Or whatever. She was just tired.

“Y’all ready?” He asked in a jovial voice, “Well then, the game’s afoot!” He said when the Bingham sisters nodded, laughing again as they made their way down the highway into town.

No one spoke for a short ride, but then the Sheriff announced crossing into town borders, proudly pointing out the town sign as they passed it by. An almost garish display of bright pastels depicting a field of tall ripening corn with a rainbow over it. A multiracial group of people waved in the foreground.

“Welcome to Hawkins, Where You Can Be Yourself!” 

Eden’s eyes narrowed reading the words. Not exactly a weird phrase, just not what you’d expect for a town in the middle of Cornville, USA. From a glance, Carver saw her expression.

“Motto’s new. Our recently elected mayor’s big idea.” The Sheriff explained. “He’s trying to push more of our town’s diversity, made a big point of highlighting it. Which, in my opinion, is a great thing, but change is hard for some folk, even if it is inevitable.”

Suzie and the Sherriff made small talk as they drove, allowing Eden the pleasure of being left to her thoughts. Change is hard, she heard the Sheriff mention . That’s like saying corn grows in Indiana.

Another short ride and before she could ask his opinion on the inevitability of change, they pulled into a small gas station in front of a mechanic’s garage. Next door was a diner.

The parking lot on the mechanic’s side was wide and filled with vehicles of varied make models. The multiple garage doors were open revealing more cars in various states of repair. Opening her door, she smelled fried food, oil and grease wafting from the area.

“There’s facilities that should be open if you ask, just tell’im the Sheriff sent you.” He pointed to the diner and then turned to the mechanics. “We can get you set up with a tow over here. So pick your priorities, I’ll be by the garage talking to the owner.”

Eden was about to shut her door when she noticed something had fallen out. It was an old paperback novel, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. Cheap and worn, yellow and dogeared. It looked like the kind she started reading out of as a little girl. She liked the thinner ones because they were easier to hide from her parents. Opening the cover revealed words written in black ink, Property of EM.

Without thought, Eden tossed it back into the cruiser’s cab.

Looking about made her frown again. Even the names of these places were so painfully yokel she couldn’t help it. Munson’s Auto Repair? Rainbow Diner? At least the small town feel is consistent.

“I’m going to use the bathroom, you’re okay handling the car stuff?” asked Suzie halfway to the eatery’s entrance. The way her little sister was already dancing slightly, Eden shooed the younger woman away to her relief. A faint thank you was heard as the older Bingham walked over to the mechanics, following the trail of one Sherriff.

“Hey, Munson!” She heard him raise his voice over the busy workshop. “Get your sorry behind outta here!” 

Eden hesitated in her steps a moment. He sounded suddenly angry, but there was a playful tone to it.

“Whatta ya want, Jay?” A bright but firm, feminine voice shouted back. “We’re busy!” 

“Busy doin’ what? Smokin’ doobies and worshipin’ Satan?” The Sheriff exaggerated his midwestern accent a few notches with his last words. It made Eden realize he really was just goofing around.

Out from another vehicle rounded a tiny blonde in a jumpsuit and a cap, she was holding a ratchet wrench and wielding it like a weapon. Being a full head shorter than the Sheriff, it was sort of a silly scene. 

“I swear to God, Jason Carver, if you don’t stop messing around, I’m gonna kick your ass like I did back in high school!” She practically squeaked at the Sheriff who only laughed uproariously while playfully holding his hands up in a defensive manner. 

“I have actual work to do and I do not need you nor Eddie acting like goddamn children and distracting me!” 

“Hey, I give! I give! But I got nothin’ doin’ about that no good husband of yours, I’m here for honest to God oh-ficial po-lice reasonins’!” He gestured to Eden as he continued smiling at the little blonde mechanic. 

“What?” She asked, looking back and forth between the darkly dressed young woman and the Sheriff.

“Chrissy, this here’s Eden. Her and her sister had some car trouble up the interstate and we were hopin’ you could get a tow out for her.”

“Eden?” A tone questioning tone from the smaller woman made the aforementioned to perk up. 

“Uh, hi. Our station wagon broke down, and we came all the way here from Utah to…” 

“Eden from Utah? You’re Suzie Bingham’s sister!” Chrissy’s eyes went wide with realization.

“I uh, um…” Eden was taken aback for a moment and found it hard to conjure words.

“You two familiar with each other?” Jason asked, his brows knit.

“Oh my god! I’m Eddie’s wife!” Chrissy was suddenly celebratory, making happy sounds and practically bounding. A look of confusion and she explained further. “He’s the celebrant officiating the wedding! Omigod, omigod! I can’t believe you’re here already!”

“Eddie’s officiating a wedding? Wait, what wedding? Our Eddie? From Hawkins? Since when was he a celebrant? Does he have to wear a robe?” The Sheriff frowned at the image. Chrissy ignored his many questions.

“Wait, are you Chrissy Munson?” Eden asked hesitantly, finally finding an inkling of understanding in the situation.

“In the flesh!” She stated proudly letting the name tag on the dirty jumpsuit become more prominent. “Where’s your sister?”

“Probably in the bathroom.” Eden threw a thumb over her shoulder, indicating the diner.

Chrissy’s eyes went wide and practically squealed! She then frolicked to the eatery, repeating omigod over and over again. “I’m so excited!” She laughed. Eden and The Sheriff were left to stand in the garage watching the little blonde go.

It took both a moment to realize that they should probably follow the short, energetic mechanic.

Suzie was practically ambushed as soon she exited the diner bathroom. With still damp hands, she was now shaking hands with an incredibly excited and babbling blonde woman in a jumpsuit and a hat. The woman was pretty, and had a friendly tone to her voice that seemed familiar. 

“Oh, I, well, if you just…” Suzie was used to dealing with high energy fosters before but this was on another level. It was like a giant wave, she felt like the best way to handle it was to just go limp and let it wash over you. 

“Jesus H. Christ, Chrissy! Breathe!” 

Susan saw the Sheriff Carver shove the fast talking woman still shaking her hand. Eden was next to him looking unsure and shrugging at Suzie, hands up in emphasis. The little blonde looked offended for a moment, realized that the Sheriff was right, then took a big long breath, her big toothy smile never dropping.

“I’m Chrissy Munson! We spoke last week!”

Susan’s eyes went wide, and her mouth made an ‘oh’ of realization. 

“You’re Chrissy?! Omigod, omigod!”

Then, it was like their energies synced and both were practically holding hands and bouncing in place. Repeating omigod and I’m so excited over and over again, the two women started garnering stares from diner staff and patrons alike.

The hostess came over behind the Sheriff and Eden. “What’s Chris bouncing up and down for Jay?”

“Eddie’s gonna officiate a wedding and Chrissy’s excited.” The Sheriff explained. 

“Our Eddie? Does he have to wear a robe? ‘Cuz I remember when he had to dress up like a Wiseman in that Nativity play for the grade school. Looked real stupid.”

They both frowned at the image.

“What was that, like, last year, right Holloway?” Jason scrunched his face trying to remember.

“That was ninety-five, Jay.” Heather Holloway, hostess and part owner of the Rainbow Diner corrected Sheriff Carver who looked startled.

“Shit, that long?” 

The hostess shrugged.

“Do me a favor? Call your old lady for me.” The Sheriff nodded to the darkly clothed women. Heather looked over to the new faces and nodded. “Got a couple outta-towners, might need places to sleep for the night.”

“I’ll give her a ring. Pretty sure Harrington House has vacancies.” She headed off when she saw a patron waving her down. 

“Thanks, Holloway.” The Sheriff called out after her and got a smile with a friendly wave in return.

“How can her mother help?” Eden finally spoke, standing to the side of the exchange not wanting to interrupt.

“Whose mom?” Jason was suddenly confused.

“Um, the woman you just spoke to?” Eden matched his tone.

“What? Oh, no. I meant her wife.”

“She’s gay?” Eden’s tone made Jason frown. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that! It’s just not what I expected, around here I mean.” She backpedaled immediately trying to salvage herself.

“Out here in the sticks you mean.” Jason shortly turned to Chrissy, not letting Eden make any defense. “Okay, Munson, you had your fun. But we work before we play, and you got a car to tow.” The Sheriff’s lectured the little blonde still babbling with Suzie. Chrissy gave him a petulant little huff, rolling her eyes at him as she did so. 

“Listen, you know Dustin’s situation so we’ve got you in the best place here.”

“Well what a coincidence, being the forward thinking Sheriff I am,” Jason started with mock bravado, “I’ve already had the hostess here call ahead to the Harrington House for them. I will happily provide transportation there and Mrs. Munson here can have your vehicle and luggage driven to you shortly after.”

“That’s a ten-four Sheriff!” Chrissy squeaked, playing along to Jason’s command voice.

“If those terms are acceptable, we can be on our way.” The Sheriff looked to the two Beingham women. Suzie nodded enthusiastically, relieved in their turn of luck. Surely, the Sheriff practically rescuing them from the side of the road and driving them to facilities and lodging was the best possible outcome of a poor situation. 

Still, Eden could not help but be irritated at the Sheriff, giving him dirty looks as he led them back to the police cruiser. Sure, he was nothing like she expected, and he was so far beyond the stereotype she conjured earlier on the highway, but there was just something about him that made Eden want to…

A sudden blush occurred on her cheeks when she realized what she wanted to do to Sheriff Jason Carver’s stupid, squared jawed, cornfed grin. She quickly shook off the heat she felt on her face and groaned to herself. For fuck’s sake, did he have to be that good looking? Eden sighed and looked over at her little sister who was still beaming. 

“Isn’t Sheriff Carver the best, Eden?” Suzie asked, genuinely happy. Eden didn’t even try to match Suzie’s tone.

“Yeah, the fuckin’ best.” Eden replied through grit teeth.

Chapter Text

     Eden had a measure of guilt since putting her foot in her mouth at the diner in front of the Sheriff. She had zero issues with homosexuality despite how she was raised. She was just genuinely surprised at how easy going the Sheriff was about it. Maybe he really was nothing she imagined a small town cop to be.

It was another short drive and they pulled in front of a mansion made into a bed and breakfast. 

Harrington House was on top of a hill near the upscale neighborhood of Loch Nora. The owner actually grew up there in the 70s and 80s. After his parents passed in the early nineties, the decision to turn it into overnight lodgings seemed like a sound business choice. 

It was a popular spot for locals and out-of-towners alike for the roomy accommodations, impeccable service (thanks to its top-notch staff, the frontdesk manager might say) and its scenic property.

The Bingham sisters looked up at the three storey, two wing manor. It was pretty with strong Victorian themes, marking it from the rest of the colonial styled homes near the area. It was bigger than most too with property ranging to several acres surrounding it, including a small pond peeking out back and a copse of trees behind it all. 

“This used to be my favorite house growing up.” Sheriff Carver said, standing next to her, with her sister to the other side. “I never really understood why, but then when I started reading more I realized I had a thing for Victorian stuff in general.”

Eden turned to look at the man who spoke unprompted. She hasn’t been kind to him. Her shitty attitude never seemed to offend though, except for once but that was when she may have said something untoward about someone else. Anything directed at him was shrugged off and laughed at. No offense was ever taken from the multiple bitchy comments Eden made towards himself, but he leaped into the defense of others. 

For Eden, that made him a curiosity.

She knew that she could give a wrong impression given a bad situation. Even on the best occasions she could be like a moody feline. Normally she wouldn’t even give it a second thought. This time though, she felt trying a different approach with the Sheriff would be the right thing to do, especially with the help he’d given since arriving in town.

She was sure that was the only reason. 

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, Sheriff.” She said genuinely, albeit stiffly. Suzie seemed proud recognizing her effort.

Jason gave her a wry look that lasted a moment longer than polite. Eden became suddenly nervous but then his face broke into that familiar grin of his right after.

“Nothing to thank me for. Just happy to help people that need it.”

“You always been this nice to everyone?”

“Nah, I was a real dick in high school.”

A small smile formed on Eden’s face. Jason liked this smile, the other ones he’d seen her make had been tightlipped or sarcastic. This one seemed unrestrained and genuine. She looked down but before she could speak again the double doors to the bed and breakfast burst open revealing one Dustin Henderson.

“Suzie-poo!”

“Dusty-bun!”

Jason frowned and gave Eden a look. “ Dusty-bun ?” He mouthed discreetly. She just rolled her eyes and shook her head. 

They watched the couple hug and kiss and say loving sweet words to each other. It was disgusting. The Sheriff had to break it up before it got too much.

“Okay, Henderson. Hawkins gets it. You two are in love and getting married.” The blonde man said with a big grin. “Let’s get all of this indoors before I gotta arrest the two of you for indecency.”

“Sorry, Sheriff.” Dustin replied, his usual goofy smile. The young man had barely changed. The affable boy with curly hair, became a good man with the same easy nature he always had. Jason liked him.

The couple turned to enter, and the Sheriff and Eden followed suit. An eager looking redhead manned the front counter. The vest and slacks she wore were a formal gray but her tie was bright and colorful. She had freckles and looked very pleased with herself. Rounding the counter, she threw her hands up theatrically.

“Suzzane Bingham, welcome to Hawkins! And a bigger welcome to the Harrington House!” She was quick to hug Suzie tightly, which was surprising. The redhead realized and tried to explain as she drew back.

“I’m sorry! I know we just met, but it’s just I’m really close to Dustin. We grew up together, and I’m like best friends with his older male mentor figure? So, it’s like I’ve learned so much about you through the two of them, ‘cuz Dustin talks to you like a lot. Like a whole lot and to be honest? I absolutely completely love it to pieces. So, I kinda love you too because of it all. You know what I mean? Oh! By the way, my name’s Robin. I’m your frontdesk manager. We have rooms ready for you and your sister.”

Suzie, still being held in the arms of this woman she met, felt more than a little overwhelmed. She couldn’t say much, but she really tried because she loved her Dusty-bun and he seemed in complete agreement with everything this abject stranger just said.

“Thanks?” Suzie replied weakly. The redhead hugged her again.

“Oh, hey Sheriff and probably Eden. Right? You’re her sister? ‘Cuz I remember she has a lot of family and an older sister?” Robin said while resting her chin on Suzie’s shoulder.

“Hey, Buckley.” Jason said, trying to hold in his amusement. Eden made a hesitant wave behind him, happy that it was her sister getting the physical affection and not her. 

“Hey, Byers. How you been?” The Sheriff asked casually to the man Eden almost didn’t notice.

He was unassuming and seemed to blend well into the background. A camera hung over his neck which one hand held onto familiarly. Jonathan Byers was another town fixture. A photographer who had talent but could never find himself to leave the small town for larger aspirations, he was quiet and tried not to gain attention.

That was something that irked Jason when he was younger but found enviable now.

“Hey, Carver.” A friendly nod was given. He uncapped the camera lens. “Hey, you guys mind if I start now? Rob, get out of the way.”

“Oh right! No problem” Robin hopped away to stand besides Jason and Eden.

“Oh, hey, yeah! That’s a good idea! Smart!” Dustin told him.

Jonathan raised the camera to his eye and snapped a couple shots of the couple. Both smiled wide for him, now holding each other.

“Hey, I’m Jon Byers.” He stepped up to Suzie after offering his hand. “I’ll be the photographer for the wedding. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You’re Will’s older brother! I’ve heard so much about you! Your portfolio is so impressive. The landscapes were breathtaking!” Suzie gushed over the photographer’s work. The blush forming on Jonathan’s face was obvious.

“Th-thanks.” He scratched the back of his head, uncomfortable with compliments. “Your wedding is going to be great.” He assured the couple.

Jason smiled again at the scene before him, genuinely pleased. Eden looked like she was just barely tolerating it all. The inkling of amusement Jason saw out front disappeared back into her scowl. Still, it sort of made her prettier, the Sheriff thought.

“Hey, you excited?” Robin Buckley’s knowing smirk was something that would infuriate Jason Carver forever.

Ever since he got to know the blabbering redhead, Jason noticed how annoyingly observant she was. How do you combine the reflex to throttle someone for speaking while simultaneously loving their company completely? If you had an answer, it would explain what Jason felt for the redhead.

Steve Harrington once told him that his friendship with Robin was wanting to scream Shut the fuck up! while hugging her at the same time. It made complete sense. But goddamn, just three words from her and it already made him tense.

“You know I love weddings, Rob.” Jason commented dryly. 

“You know I love weddings, Rob.” Robin repeated back to him in a stupid voice. “Oh, do you, Sheriff Carver?” 

“You’re a real dick, y’know that Buckley?” Jason frowned a little at her teasing.

He narrowed his eyes and put his hands on his belt. Eden perked, finally seeing the Sheriff take an inkling of offense at someone’s words. Robin turned to her smugly.

“He used to be the town’s wedding planner.” She revealed to Eden whose eyes went wide with surprise.

“Really?”

“And I’d like to say that I was very successful in that career field.” Jason said defensively.

“The Hargrove-Holland wedding was beautiful.” Robin brought up.

“Yeah, real talk of the town.” Jason ruefully remembered. “Hawkins General said that only three people had any real injuries and the fire department said that the gazebo was just a minor blaze. Heard that Tammy Thomson walked away with only a jaw fracture.”

“Yeah, but,” Robin started with a shit-eating grin on her face, seeing Eden’s fascinated stare, “did you hear her sing?”

Jason chuckled. “You’re a real dick, Buckley.” He repeated once more with only mirth and familiarity. “Gonna be at the circle tonight?”

“Yep.” Robin popped the ‘p’ in emphasis. “And Heather said your pie’s are ready. You can pick ‘em up anytime.”

“Tell the missus I said much obliged.” The Sheriff tipped his hat to the redhead. “Well then, I’m gonna be on my way. Constabulary duties and all that.” He announced to everyone. All voiced their disappointment Eden saw.

“Thanks, Jason.”

“Good to see you too, Carver.”

“Thank you so much for everything, Sheriff.” Suzie topped all the voices enthusiastically. 

Jonathan started to snap pictures, trying to capture organic moments. Of course Dustin and Suzie turned to him reflexively trying to show their best face for the camera. Robin laughed at them all, letting the Sheriff strategically step back, allowing the future bride and groom the spotlight.

And before anyone else noticed, Eden watched as Jason slipped out without a word. Of course, Robin noticed her fascinated look. Her eyes darted from the darkly dressed woman next to her and where Jason had just been moments before, and thought a little prying would not hurt.

“He can be like that.”

“Who? What?” Eden whipped her head around and realized she was being spoken to.

“Jason? Our Sheriff?  He’s really not big on being centerstage. Just happy to help, y’know?” 

“Uh…why’re you…” 

“What? Just making light conversation with a new guest.” Robin flashed her a smile, like she was making a joke.

Eden’s attention returned to the impromptu photography session. Suzie was looking worn and reluctant but her beau didn’t seem to notice.

“Hey Dusty-Bun you think you can let your fiancé go to freshen up before you start memorializing? I mean, we were just walking the highway in all that heat.” She pointed out. 

Dustin jumped a little at her, was she harsher than she meant to be again? Eden sort of didn’t care at this point she just wanted to shower and lie down, and now being so close to a bed, a private room and a bath? She’d kill for it if she had to.

“Oh hey, yeah, good thinking. So maybe I head out for a bit and give you ladies like an hour to freshen up?” Dustin suggested to the relief of Eden, Suzie looked the same though contrite.

“Sorry, sweetie, I just need to cool down. I’ll see you when you come back.” They kissed and parted. Robin was already behind the desk fetching keys for the new arrivals.

“Wanna get a coffee at the Rainbow?” Dustin asked Jon.

The photographer shrugged and stood by Dustin as an answer. “I’ll pay if you drive.”

With a parting wave, Dustin and Jonathan left the Harrington house to head to Dustin’s car. As they exited they watched a seafoam colored tow-truck with Munson’s written on its side enter the small parking lot. Billy Hargrove was at the wheel wearing a tanktop and a cap, his well defined shoulders easily seen. 

The large truck parked at the curb in front of Harrington House.

“Hey Billy!” Dustin called, smiling from the car window as he saw the well muscled man exit the vehicle and begin hauling luggage from the passenger side. “Thanks for all your help!”

“Go fuck yourself, Henderson.” Billy grunted as he started to carry the heavy suitcases inside, a light sheen of sweat on his large muscles glistened in the sunlight.

“Totally fair!” Dustin said with an enthusiastic smile and wave. Billy ignored him while he worked, walking off with bags in hand.  

As they drove off, Jonathan spoke while shaking his head disapprovingly. “You had to say something, didn’t you?”

“Ahh, he loves me. That’s just how we talk!” Dustin assured his friend who shook his head lightly and then together, they headed to the diner.

Their luggage was delivered to the Harrington House without issue, the frontdesk manager informed Suzie with a call. The younger Bingham was quick to tell her sister who just finished showering. Both felt lighter and much less miserable than before though both were eager to change.

A knock on Eden’s door and she rushed to open it thinking it was her sister. Instead a tall bearded man with a dusky complexion stood before her. With his round cap, his head was right below the threshold. He wore a bellhop‘s uniform and held her luggage up with one arm easily. Eden perked knowing how heavy the bag she packed was.

“Hello, good afternoon, I am Abdul!” He smiled wide and spoke with a thick accent. “You are Miss Eden, yes?”

“Uh…yeah?” 

“Then these are your bags! Do you need assistance to bring them in?” His voice was deep and warm, and his smile was sincere. Eden stepped aside for him to enter. 

“Please, thank you.” Was Eden’s automatic reply.

With long easy strides, Abdul placed the bags on her bed. “If I may say, your name is very fascinating, Miss.” 

“Thank you?” Eden replied quizzically.

“I do not wish to be tangential but I was a Theology major while in Kabul and your name holds meaning in my religion, we even have a few mentions of it in our Quran. To hear it in your language now, it brings peace unto me.” 

“I studied theology for a while too.”  Eden mentioned.

“Truly? You have been to university as well? So many people in this town have! It is so exciting! We never dreamed of that in my village.” 

“Where is your village, Abdul?” Eden asked the bellhop with interest.

“It is in the Eastern part of Afghanistan. It is called Qala-e-Malakh.” Abdul told her proudly, his back straight and chin up. The man towered over Eden but she only felt comradery. He was at the threshold of her room and stood in the hallway. She felt like she could say something to this man to make him feel like she understood him somewhat.

“And um… assalamualaikum ?” She said slowly, carefully, doing her best to properly pronounce the words for the kind man she just met. “Is that right?” Eden asked tentatively.

As though possible, the smile on Abdul’s face grew even wider, all nose and cheeks and stubborn curly hair framing it all.

"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam," Abdul replied, his full lips and teeth clearly seen through his thick beard. “This is a wonderful thing to be spoken to with words from my home. I wish you a wonderful night, Miss Eden and a generous rest in Hawkins.”

He departed down the hall with long strides and Eden could only watch, and eventually close the door behind her. What was with this town? It just could not stop trying to surprise her, Eden thought as she closed the door to get ready to spend time with her sister’s fiancé.

Jason Carver sighed as he sank into the old upholstered chair. It was overstuffed and comfy, perfect for relaxing in and reading your favorite book after a long day. He put his bare feet up on a ratty ottoman as he turned the page. A single standing lamp cast enough light to read by.

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon played quietly on a small radio.  

He was wearing a tank top and cutoff jogging pants, trying to brace for the night heat. An oscillating fan alternated direction for its breeze. Jason turned to his place in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes hoping to finish the book and return it.

He had been doing an exchange for a while now, finishing one book, returning it and receiving another to do the same eventually. He enjoyed it, and it surprisingly helped build a relationship, albeit reluctantly. Jason checked the time on the digital clock; he was expecting a visitor.

Sure enough, he heard a vehicle park out front, and a solid knock on the door.

“How you been? You finished yours already?” Jason greeted his guest with a familiar manner.

“Yeah, just got back from Indianapolis. Figured to swing by and drop it off.” Eddie Munson held up Jason Carver’s hardcover copy of The Feminine Mystique.

Eddie still maintained his rocker fashionability but toned it down greatly in his early thirties. Long gone was the long mane that framed his face, replaced by a close buzz on the sides, and a curly unkempt coif of brown on top. Rings still adorned his fingers and added tattoos dotted his exposed forearms. Though his smile was still wide and wolffish, because occasionally, some things don’t actually change.

It's been a dozen years since they graduated from high-school. Gone were the soft boyishness and left over baby fat in their faces, replaced by world weary expressions, and weathered features of working men. Neither were the teens that often sniped at and gnashed at each other when in close proximity. After all, childishness was to be put away when boys become men.

Now, these days, standing in front of his lake cabin’s porch in the middle of the night, talking easily, the two just look like old friends.

“Got time for a brewski?” Jason stepped aside, to let Eddie in.

“Maybe just tea. I come home smelling like beers now? Chris’d throw a fit.” Eddie said wryly.

Jason grinned. “C’mon, I’ll tell you about the day. Heather made a peach pie, got one in the fridge. And I think we got some time to get Chris and swing by the circle later.”

“Nice.” Eddie grinned while nodding approvingly.

Openly invited, he stepped inside the familiar dwelling. Reefer Rick’s old place really did look better now that Jason lived there. The Sheriff gave a friendly slap on the back to Eddie as he walked in to hang out.

“How’d you like the book?” Jason could be heard asking Eddie before the door closed.

Chapter Text

The Summer sun set over Hawkins and night gave a measure of relief from the heat.  A full moon gave a bright silvery light over the town. A Northerly breeze blew by, carrying a coolness that lightened the season’s oppressive weather, it added a feeling of freedom.

People congregated on the shores of Lover’s Lake for bonfires, barbecue and beers. It was a cheap and easy way to get together, in fact some of the folks that showed up had been doing it for years. Alternatively, there wasn’t much else to do in a midwestern small town.

Eden, after finally having showered, rested and sat down to have a civilized cup of tea, was lured out to a lake shore bonfire. When Dustin hesitantly mentioned liquor and weed, the older Bingham sister’s eyes lit up but did her best to seem disinterested.

“Yeah, sure, I’ll go I guess.” Was her indifferent reply. 

She rode in the back, and her sister sat upfront so she could hold hands with Dustin as he drove his mother’s LaSabre. He chatted inanely, they both did. Eden loved her sister, genuinely, it’s just they didn’t always. 

Growing up, it was hard to shake off old habits, and getting annoyed just by listening to Suzie go on and on about her goddamn nerd shit was one of them.

It wasn’t the maths or sciences either. She could withstand debates on physics, even long winded explanations on theorems and proofs, but now they were going on about the Force and lightsabers and fuckin’ kyber crystals? What the fuck was even that?

Eden sighed and bit her tongue. She could suffer this bullshit geekery for a few more minutes if she might actually find a connect in this fuckin’ corntown. Maybe even score some shake and make some decent spliffs, she hoped. 

They pulled up to a wooded path where other vehicles were already parked. Rolling Stones’ Ruby Tuesday could be heard up ahead. Eden frowned at the choice of music, it wasn’t the worst and she doubted Ani DiFranco would be on the playlist but a girl could hope, right?

A well fed bonfire burned bright, people congregating around it while the fuel gave off a piney smell to the small clearing. Beyond, a lakeshore with a fattening moon’s reflection cast a light over the dark water. A smattering of other people mingled around the area near a cabin near the water. Eden recognized the Sheriff out of uniform, he was laughing with two others. 

The smaller of the two Jason was with broke off to rush the new arrivals.

“Dustin! Suzie!” A bright voice called out.

“Chrissy!” Her sister called out in return. Eden watched as Suzie eagerly hugged the little blonde. 

Her fiancé was at her side smiling widely. Another man was suddenly at Dustin’s side, patting him on the back. Then the Sheriff moseyed on over, as if making sure he came in last.

The man by Dustin had a wide smile and an Eighty’s metal vibe to his fashion, multiple rings on his fingers, a denim vest covered in patches, and a t-shirt of a metal band underneath. He laughed loudly and was constantly physical, a hand touching a shoulder or a hug. He was mostly doing it to Chrissy when the blonde released Suzie.

Chrissy then introduced the man holding her as her husband, Eddie Munson. The two seemed mismatched at first. Most would think that it was the Sheriff that she was with, they seemed like the natural pair. Instead the town sweetheart married the town metalhead? That must have been a story, Eden thought.

“Hi, nice to meet’cha!” He put his hand out for Suzie who shook it with gusto.

“Between talking to Chrissy and Dustin, I’ve heard so much about you!” Suzie told him with enthusiasm. “Thank you so much for this! All the local parishes wanted me to go through so much just to get married.”

“Yeah, crazy how Jesus needs all that cash and paperwork just to do shit the church says they want us to do, right?”

Eden was quick to perk at that. The irony of the statement uttered by someone officiating a wedding was not lost on her. Still, he was far from incorrect.

“It takes a lot of money to defend that many pedophiles in court.” Eden pointed out.

“Well gosh, tell us what you really think.” Jason commented with a smile. Eddie and Chrissy made small laughs. “It’s nice to see you refreshed, Miss Bingham.”

“Sheriff.” Eden managed, trying her best to hide the sudden deep blush on her face.

The heat on her cheeks made the oncoming breeze feel more intense. She barely even noticed that he had found his way next to her and Eden wished she could just disappear in a puff of smoke. Why does he have to be around every time she says something super fuckin’ bitchy? 

Why was it that she could only show the worst of herself around him?

She saw Abdul arrive with a woman and mumbled an excuse to leave. Jason frowned a bit and the Munsons exchanged puzzled looks with Suzie and Dustin who could only shrug. They all watched her walk off.

“Hey, Abdul. Didn’t expect you to be here.” She smiled easily at the tall man as she approached.

“Miss Eden! It is good to see you!” He called, his lanky frame exuding his greeting. “This is my sister!” He introduced the smaller woman with enthusiasm. 

The woman Adbul arrived with seemed reserved. She wore a skirt down to her feet and had long sleeves, long dark curly hair went past her shoulders. She wrapped her arms around her midsection as though for protection. Head down and glancing about, she seemed wary of something.

“I am Habiba.” She was reluctant. Even the look Eden was receiving from her did not seem friendly. It took away most of her embarrassment, shifting into defensiveness.

“People here call her Bibi!” Abdul told Eden enthusiastically, Habiba shifted her look to her brother. 

“You prefer Bibi?” Eden asked, trying to make conversation.

“No, I prefer to be called Habiba but many here have a very hard time with my name.” Was the short explanation given. The hostility in her words were also clear.

“I’m sorry to offend. I guess I’ll just leave you to it.” Eden said stiffly. Abdul frowned at his sister who seemed to relent.

“Wait!” Habiba called to Eden before she could go. “I am sorry. I am in a poor mood and my brother forced me to come. He thinks I should socialize more.” The woman frowned. 

“ With people. ” Her frown deepened with the last sentence.

“Ugh, my parents used to force me to socialize too, I hated it.” Eden admitted, a friendly tone easing back into her tone. “People suck.”

“Yes! They do!” Habiba agreed loudly, a smile growing on her face. “People, they are the worst!” She even laughed and Eden finally saw the family resemblance. It was more pronounced when she was happy. 

Abdul called them over. “I think there is food over there.” He pointed out and led them to a table set for snacks and drinks. There were little pastries with sausages stuffed in them and pitchers of soda. Abdul poured himself a drink from a pitcher but before his lips could touch the plastic cup, Jason snatched it out of his hand.

“Whoa there, buddy!” 

“What the fuck?” Eden raised her voice in surprise.

“Sorry, Abdul, this stuff ain’t for you. You can’t drink that.” Jason told him, as though appearing suddenly, as he set the cup down.

Before the taller man could speak, Eden defended him vehemently. “He can drink whatever the fuck he wants, Sheriff, it’s a free country!” 

Jason narrowed his eyes, genuinely confused at the short woman’s words but realized her meaning a moment later.

“Soda’s got rum in it.” He turned back to Abdul and Habiba with an apologetic smile, they nodded thankfully. “All the halal stuff’s inside,” Jason threw a thumb over his shoulder to the lakeside cabin. “I had it separated when I heard you were comin’ so there weren't any accidents.”

Abdul looked enthused. “ Salaam, Sheriff! That is very thoughtful of you.” 

“This whole table is haraam?” Habiba waved her arms over the enticing spread, sounding greatly disappointed. She kept looking at the sausage stuffed pastries.

“Them’s ‘pigs-in-a-blanket,” Jason nodded to the aur derives as Eden watched the exchange. Habiba only knit her brows, unfamiliar with his words.

“All pork.” The off duty Sheriff clarified, which made her look almost angry. 

“But why does it have to smell so good?” The Afghani woman made a frustrated complaint as Abdul walked her away from the table.

Eden watched the exchange awkwardly and when Habiba left with her brother following, she was left to just stand there after Jason directed the two Afghanis to the small cabin a short distance away. Finally he turned to back her with an apologetic look on his face.

“Sorry for comin’ in hot like that.'' He began to explain. “They can’t have no spirits or pork ‘cuz they’re…,” 

“Because they’re Muslim.” Eden finished for him, the redness in her face deepening as she realized the situation. “And you were just trying to make sure he didn’t drink alcohol by mistake.” She added summarizing what had just happened. 

“I’m sorry,” Eden mumbled at first and tried again, speaking clearer. “I am so, so sorry. I keep doing that to you. Like, over and over.” She was suddenly exhausted. “I keep thinking that you’re like…” She fumbled her words but he seemed patient as she did, “but you’re not. You’re not that at all.”

“Ah, nothin’ doin’.” He smiled at her and was dismissive, trying to assuage her feelings. “Just, y’know, maybe try not to expect the absolute worst in some people all the time?” He said, carefully meeting her eyes. Eden slumped her shoulders feeling defeated.

“And it’s not like you’re wrong about a lotta places like here.” The off duty Sheriff continued, “I mean, you are not at all. Small towns like ours don’t always treat people who’re different well. Hawkins used to be no better than that and well shit, neither was I. But we're trying . Honest to God, most of us here in Hawkins? We’re giving it our best effort these days.”

Jason scratched his head, and to Eden, it seemed like he  was embarrassed at admitting something for a moment. The darkly dressed young woman perked at that. He seemed so unbelievable sometimes, so fucking perfect , it was nice to see him vulnerable a little, maybe even allowing her to see cracks in the facade.

“It shows.” She told him softly. “I was surprised to meet Abdul.”

“Yeah. Him and Bibi live in the town over. Muncie?” He paused to see her nod, she knew of it. Only a few miles away, Eden had seen its name on the map coming to Hawkins. “The town gets federal subsidies for hosting them and a few other families. It’s a refugee program for people who’re fleeing all the craziness over there in their country.”

Eden was aware of the news from the past year, Afghanistan was experiencing widespread violent political turmoil and devastating natural disasters. A civil war amongst hardline religious fundamentalists with civilians caught in the crossfire and a giant earthquake killing thousands, things were not well in a country that millions call home. It made sense then, the displacement of so many of their people and the American government being more than happy to pay small towns across the country to host them.

“They both got jobs here in Hawkins.”

“They couldn’t get jobs in Muncie ?” Eden asked, but it was more of a statement than a question.

“No. No they could not.” Jason answered wryly.

“You guys good over here?” A voice behind them asked tentatively. 

They turned to see Chrissy approach, her posture and her face showed hesitancy. Eden gave her a small smile, easing the mood. The little blonde’s presence seemed to lighten her guilt.

“Yeah, we’re okay.” The darkly dressed girl said, her embarrassment still lingering. Still she didn’t want anyone thinking Jason had done anything wrong.

“Y’know Chris, I think Eden here is lookin’ to relax a bit.” The off duty Sheriff announced, and turned back to Eden, “If you don’t mind the assumption.”

“ Relax?” Chrissy asked with a matching tone in her voice. She gave a big grin to Jason who returned it. Eden seemed a little lost, it was like watching an inside joke between two old friends.

“Am I missing something?” Eden asked and Chrissy grabbed her by the wrist.

“Jason’s just being dumb.” The little blonde laughed as she tugged a confused Eden along, Jason following behind at a slow pace still smiling. “I don’t know why he didn’t just tell you that we’re all gonna go smoke some weed.” 

“Oh!” 

Eden was surprised but shouldn’t have been. Wasn’t that the whole reason she tagged along with Suzie and Dustin in the first place? Between meeting Eddie, seeing Abdul and Jason proving her assumptions wrong yet again, she had forgotten about trying to score some shake. But still, the town Sheriff being encouraging about it was the last thing Eden expected. 

She turned back to see Jason, taking a slow measured pace behind, smiling at her like he knew what she was thinking. She turned back to Chrissy to ask her a question.

“He doesn’t mind? I mean he’s…”

“Jay’s not like that.” 

“No, I mean, he’s like, one hundred percent cop and we’re gonna smoke weed.” She spoke like she was still confused.

“Of course he is, but he’s a cop because he wants to help everyone all the time, not because he wants to bust people just trying to chill out.” Chrissy explained as they approached the bonfire. “Plus he’s off duty.”

Before Chrissy could further her words, her husband by the bonfire called out to the three approaching.

“Ladies!” Eddie was there already, holding a glass pipe in his hand. “C’mon Jay, you gonna do this or what?” He called to the man trailing behind Chrissy and Eden.

“Chill out, freak! I’m comin’, I’m comin’!” Jason called back with a friendly tone. 

Eden saw how Eddie’s smile widened hearing him. He brought the pipe to his lips, lit its bowl-piece and took what Eden could see was a very big hit. The thumb on the pipe’s carb released and he inhaled for an extended period of time. He blew smoke out, and with the fire light added a strange color to the cloud’s outline as it escaped into the night air. It was like watching a dragon signaling for those watching from a distance.

“Let’s get this fuckin’ circle started!” the denim-clad man called out and other people cheered. Eden realized there was much more of a crowd than she realized and they all started to congregate around the fire, she could hear the low chattering of separate conversations coming closer.

She saw Dustin and Suzie approach with several others, their front desk manager, and the hostess from the diner as well. What were their names again? Eden tried to remember, was it Robin and Heather? 

They held hands openly and comfortably, a reminder of the Sheriff’s words in the diner, they were married, they were wives . 

She wondered the legality of the statement, Indiana wasn’t known for its progressive ideas or laws. Still, it genuinely seemed the town motto rang true, here you can be yourself. Could that be true for her as well?

She saw Abdul and Habiba come out from the nearby cabin towards the fire, was marijuana okay for them? Was that haraam?

Chrissy took Eden to Eddie with Jason following close behind.

The blonde man was offered the pipe, its contents still a bright red ember. Jason took it easily, put it to his lips and took a hit. He offered the pipe to Eden as he exhaled.

“Don’t worry ‘bout the cops, I hear they’re okay around here.” Jason joked with a couple light coughs.

Eden smiled wide before she smoked the still cherry pipe.

Her eyes darted as she inhaled looking for her sister. Good little Suzzie was never one for behavior like this. Despite the company she smoked out the pipe and held the hit in till a long exhale let her relax. 

She coughed a little and passed it on to Robin who seemed to just appear out of nowhere. 

“Wanna get some beers?” Jason asked. 

“Yeah, I’d like that.” 

They smiled at each other and Jason led them back to where he remembered a cooler by the snack table sat nearly full. With a smooth motion Jason bumped Eden playfully with his hip making her stumble a little. She gave him a dirty look that lacked any real bite and swatted his arm lightly. 

Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all, Eden thought of the Sheriff.