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Steve has been changing ever since the gates closed. Everyone has slowly started to notice. They noticed how Steve would repeat questions, statements. It was a bit weird that one time he introduce himself to Robin as if it was his first time meeting her. His mood would drastically change. But every time everyone worried about him, Steve would always shut it down by saying that nothing is wrong with him. He looks exhausted despite him saying he slept great. Sometimes he would be hungry but still forgets to eat. Feeling thirsty while forgetting to have some water. He noticed it has become a bit difficult to remember how to do certain tasks. One time he was driving Dustin to the trailer park for Hellfire with Eddie when he stopped in front of a stop sight and just….didn’t move for more than a minute. No one around. Felt like the ability to drive just vanished for a second before he resumed right after Dustin yelled as him with that sass of his. Geez that kid has to tone down his ego. Whatever that was, it’s probably just that he’s starting the day wrong. But before he and anyone could realize it, soon became worse and Steve didn’t want to admit it. He doesn’t want to admit that all of his concussions are catching up to him. He doesn’t want to make his friends worry. He’s fine. Totally fine. Unfortunately he is not fine and everything came crashing down one snowy night….
Steve opens his eyes one night and doesn’t know where he is. It’s cold he thought. He doesn’t know why it’s gotten so cold. He thought he was back home in bed. Where is home? Is it close? He looks up. Snow is falling at a heavy pace. It’s snowing? When did that start? He should get home. But where is home? He looks down, noticed he is sitting on the ground, legs crossed, wearing a black t-shirt that probably belongs to Eddie from the looks of the graphics in the front. Oh Eddie! Steve wonders where he is. Maybe he’d know where he was. And why it’s snowing. Eddie is always helpful. He’s so smart too! Now where is Eddie and Where is home? He looks at his legs. He is wearing some blue plaid pj bottoms and has No socks or shoes on. He doesn’t feel very cold but he does feel some sharp tingling feeling on his legs and feet and even his arms. Wonder what that is. A strong wind pushed against his body, increasing that sharp tingling feeling all over. How did he end up outside? How did he end up going out with no shoes and socks on or Even in layers? He looks around. Feels frozen in place. He began to grab a large clump of snow, admires it. Poking and shaping it in his hand and watching the snow crumble. He doesn’t know if he likes snow. But it looks pretty. Wait what was he suppose to do? Steve thinks long and hard, looking around. He tries to get up but tumbles back down. The tingling in his legs are a lot. He’s not cold though. So that’s good. He’s feeling a little sleepy. He wonders if it would be ok to take a small nap outside. Maybe with a clear mind he can know where he is. He lays down and closes his eyes.
He was woken up by someone shaking him aggressively. The person sounds frantic.
“Steve! Please wake up!!! Steve!!!”
That voice sounds familiar. He likes it. He slowly turns his head and smiles. It’s Eddie! There he is! Steve wonders where he went. Maybe he could help him find home. Eddie’s smart!
“Hi Eds” Steve said happily but sounding tired.
“You’re gonna be ok, sweetheart. I called for help…” Eddie was taking off his jacket and placing it on Steve, taking off his hat and gloves, trying to keep him warm. Steve stares at Eddie and smiles happily at him. Not taking in how stressed out Eddie seems or how he’s at the brink of tears.
“Hi Eds!” Steve repeats
Eddie looks at Steve, doe like eyes looking in his direction. “Hey Stevie…what were you doing out here sweetheart?” He continues to rub Steve’s hands together to create some warmth.
Steve started laughing. Eddie’s silly “I don’t really know. Where are we?”
“Decided to go through the woods. We’re close to skull rock though.”
Steve nods and looks around, not really thinking much, just looking around, looking at everything but turns his head back to look at Eddie a few times, still giving him a warm smile. He yawns and lays his head on Eddie’s chest.
“Try to stay awake Steve” Eddie soothes his cheeks.
Steve groans softly “but I’m sleepy”
Eddie continues to stroke “I know darling but you need to stay awake until help comes.”
“Okay Eddie” he yawns and closes his eyes only to be shaken awake by Eddie. Soon he heard more noise coming closer.
“Over here!” Eddie shouted, holding Steve close.
A lot of people started to surround them, grabbing Steve and trying to help warm him, checking him before taking him back to the ambulance. Steve looks around, looking at all these strangers. They seem to ask him things but he doesn’t catch what they said. He noticed Eddie was talking to someone. He likes Eddie. He’s so glad he has him in his life. Eddie gets in the ambulance with him, holding his hands.
“It’ll be alright Stevie…I got you…” Eddie looks at him with a soft voice. Steve couldn’t help but smile at him.
“Okay Eddie. I trust you”