The Protector

The Flea and the Acrobat Part 1

Following a long night, Maddie decided that she didn't feel comfortable going home. She didn't think she could look Joyce in the face and not tell her that Will's body was a fake. After a couple of hours she finally stops at a house she thought she would never see again. Before she could pull her body from the car she questioned if this was actually a good idea. Maddie quickly made a mini pros and cons list in her head her feet begrudgingly moved out of the car and into the house. She finally grew some confidence and knocked on the door while trying to wipe her swollen red eyes away.

After about a minute of waiting the door opened revealing the confused face of Steve Harrington. "Hey Stevie", Maddie mumbled with a sad smile. "Can we talk?", Maddie asked in an even smaller voice. Not answering because of shock, Steve slightly opened the door wider allowing Maddie to enter his house.

"I really just wanted to apologize. There is no reason I should of said all of those hurtful things. I was just stressed out with Will being missing and trying to get off of work and trying to make sure my Mom and brother don't break down without me being there. And it was all just too much for me to handle and I know this is no excuse but I just have had a really shitty week and I need my bestfriend back because he was the most amazing friend I could ever have asked for. And I completely understand if you just want me out of your life because I mean who wouldn't after what I said-", Maddie continued to ramble, while pacing around the living room, not realizing the tears that were running down her face. Before she could say anymore Steve stopped her by saying, "Addie, I accept your apology. I understand what you are going through and I'm sorry that I haven't been there as much as I should have. And I will always want you as my bestfriend no matter what", Steve said with tears in his eyes while slowly opening his arms.

Maddie wasted no time before running into his open arms. "I'm so sorry", Maddie mumbled repeatedly into Steve's shoulder while crying lightly. After Maddie had calmed down slightly she asked Steve, "Can I spend the night here?". "Of course", Steve said with a sad smile. Maddie hugged Steve one more time before she went into the guest bedroom and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Waking up in the morning, Maddie squinted her eyes trying to adjust to the sunlight. After taking in her surroundings she remembered the events of last night. She briefly stayed laying in the comfortable bed before making her way downstairs smelling the scent of burnt toast coming from the kitchen. Maddie made her way inside of the kitchen before peeking in to see Steve hitting the toaster angrily trying to get the toast out. Maddie slowly walked behind him and pressed the button to make the toast pop out. "Good morning Stevie", Maddie said with a small smirk on her face. "Hey Addie, I made breakfast", Steve stated holding the burnt toast up in Maddie's face causing her to scrunch her nose up in disgust.

"Thanks Stevie, but I have to go back home", Maddie stated a small sad smile on her face. "Okay. But just remember I am only one call away and I will always be here for you", Steve responded in a motherly tone. "Thank you for this Stevie. I really missed you", Maddie stated smiling softly. "I did too", Steve said lightly before adding, "Not get out before you ruin the moment". This caused Maddie to chuckle before giving Steve a small hug. As Maddie walked out towards her car, she only had one thought on her mind: "Steve would make a great mom".

After taking the short ride back to her house Maddie stepped out of the car only to see another new car in the driveway. Finally, walking into the house she spots Lonnie on the couch sleeping causing her to roll her eyes. She then walks towards her room to get ready for fake Will's funeral. Before she goes into her room she sees Jonathan struggling to put a tie on before angrily throwing it on the ground. Maddie decided to walk into Jonathan's room before stepping in front of him to fix his shirt and hair. "How are you holding up?", Maddie questioned softly while fixing his shirt. "As good as I can be", Jonathan replied sadly. "It's going to be okay Jonathan", Maddie stated with a hidden meaning before fixing his hair and walking towards her room to get ready leaving a confused Jonathan behind.

Maddie got her dress on before moving towards Will's room only to find her mother already occupying the space. Sitting down next to Joyce, Maddie doesn't say anything but hugs her until Lonnie enters the room. With one last squeeze Maddie leaves the room giving Lonnie a glare before hopping into her car and driving to the funeral.

After sitting through the entire funeral, Maddie finally got the opportunity to leave before people started giving her their fake condolences. While making a fast exit Maddie spotted Jonathan also trying to escape the crowd. Maddie decided to walk to him and see where he was rushing off to. After seeing him sit on a bench next to Nancy she finally approached the two and questioned, "What are you guys doing?", making the two teens jump. "Remember that faceless monster you and Mom saw?", Jonathan asked causing Maddie's face to pale. Maddie only nodded before Jonathan showed her a picture that he took, "Is this it?", Maddie slowly nodded terrified.

"We are going to need a gun", Jonathan stated before walking to the car with both Maddie and Nancy hot on his trail. After pulling the gun out of the compartment Jonathan and Nancy both agreed that they needed to practice using the gun. Maddie then stated, "I'll meet you two back in the woods later tonight to find this thing. And before you ask, yes, I know how to shoot a gun", Maddie stated dismissively before leaving the two teens stunned in the parking lot.

Maddie gets into her car quickly before running into the store briefly. She then took the path that was already mapped out into her mind. However, when she got there she started to question her actions. After seeing the door already being cracked, she walked in, only to be pushed against the wall with a gun held up to her head.

A/N: Sorry for such a late update! I was super busy today and was barely home to write. I'm so glad that Maddie and Steve were able to fix their relationship. But Maddie might have gotten herself into a bit of a pickle. As always I hope you enjoyed and don't forget to vote! Love from the author, over and out.