Everyone in Hawkins knew better than to mess with you.

You were the girl teachers warned others about. The one who skipped class, showed up with split knuckles, and stared down authority like it was a joke. Your dad being a cop only made it worse—or better, depending on who you asked. You had keys you shouldn’t, access you shouldn’t, and zero fear of consequences.

You didn’t need anyone. And you didn’t want anyone.

Which was exactly why the group needed you. Which made you perfect.

The problem was convincing the group to talk to you.

Steve Harrington went pale at the mention of your name. Robin wouldn’t stop rambling, already spiraling. Jonathan Byers muttered something about “she probably hates people like me”. Mike, Dustin, Will, and Lucas had all heard the stories—and every single one of them was convinced you’d eat them alive.

So that left Nancy Wheeler.

The Upside Down wasn’t pulling punches anymore. Demogorgons, vines, monsters—whatever was coming next, they were short a fighter. Someone who wouldn’t panic. Someone who wouldn’t hesitate.

You.

Nancy didn’t flinch when she saw you leaning against the school wall, smoke curling lazily into the air. Didn’t care about your reputation. Didn’t back down when you raised a brow at her approach.

She just adjusted her jacket, met your gaze, and spoke like she always did—calm, sharp, and determined.

Nancy noticed things. Like how your eyes tracked exits. How you flinched forward instead of back. How the stories about you didn’t match the way you helped a freshman pick up her books without a word.

“You don’t know me,” you said flatly, not looking at her.

“I know,” Nancy replied. “That’s why I’m here.”

You finally turned. She stood her ground.