✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*🐝 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
AUDREY ENTERED HER HOME QUIETLY, FEET DRAGGING AS IF THERE WERE A HUNDRED POUNDS WEIGHING HER DOWN. The only thing she could find herself thinking about, was what had occured the night prior, the way she woke up dazedly beside a just as confused blue-eyed boy. Images of all of the people, all the screaming, and finally the look on Steve's face as he exited the bathroom. And then the argument happened. He had spoken with such anger and sheer coldness, something Audrey wasn't accustomed to seeing in such a close friend. It had lingered in her mind on the whole ride home, and she couldn't help but wonder what Nancy could have said to him.
As she crossed the threshold of her new home, head hung low, she heard the sound of giggling coming from the kitchen. She froze as she realized she hadn't told Hopper she was planning on staying out so long. She hadn't planned on being out all night at all. Finally, coming to a reasonable decision, Audrey tiptoed her way to the bedroom, doing her best to avoid the creaky floorboards that wished nothing more than to blow her cover. As she studied her surroundings, she unintentionally made eye contact with El. The girl hadn't said a word at the sight of her, and Audrey took that as a sign that they would be discussing the situation later.
"Get it together.." She whispered to herself, walking in circles until she was ready.
"Ah, there she is." Hopper exclaimed upon the sight of Audrey, approaching them hesitantly. She held her breath, hoping he wouldn't recognize her outfit, as he gestured to the seat beside him at the table.
Audrey inched forward, fearful that his cheery mood was a facade, and would soon melt into a fiery fit of anger. She could only imagine what curses would spill from his mouth, and braced for impact.
"What's that look for?"
She snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head softly and inching forward to take a seat. Instead of digging into the almost disgustingly decorated eggos on the table, Audrey reached over to grab a plain one from across the table.
Silence followed for a good few minutes, the only sounds audible were those of Hopper's loud chewing - which caused the teens to internally cringe - though she didn't find it pressing enough to mention. Audrey and Eleven occasionally made eye contact with one another throughout the meal, trying to communicate without words.
"You visited him again last night." Hopper spoke calmly, his true anger hidden beneath a sea of composure. The girls knew better than to fall for it though.
Eleven looked up at him for only a moment, diverting her gaze to the floor.
"He said he needs me." She mumbled, keeping her head down. At that, Audrey's heart clenched. She had seen the Wheeler Boy since her disappearance, and was aware of how much it had impacted him. If she had a say in it, they would already be reunited, but on the other hand she understood why it was unrealistic.
"Want me to go check on him?" He offered.
The young girl quickly shook her head vigorously in protest.
"I know that you miss him, all right?" Hopper empathized, watching her carefully. "But it's too dangerous." As much as they didn't want to admit it, the girls knew of the risks if El were to return. Nobody could know she was still in Hawkins.
"Youre the last thing he needs right now." Although it wasn't being spoken to her, the words cut Audrey sharply as if it had been. "You're gonna see him. Soon."
She blocked out the rest of his words, eyes drilling into the table before her as she replayed the night's events in her head. Billy. Steve. Billy.
