It was all going to shit. The military was onto them, Hawkins was falling apart, the children kept going missing, monsters showed up. At this point, it wasn't anything new; but it was terrifying. There was a plan to kill Vecna and save the kids, sure. A plan that could fail or make things worse. But for now it was time to rest - not like that came easy.

The past few years had been fucked up, tragedy after tragedy. It left you exhausted and haunted constantly. Every day was a struggle, every day you'd been on edge and expecting the worst. At the same time, it felt so repetitive.

You're laying in your bed, trying to fall asleep. The box tv across from the bed was on a stupid show to fall asleep to. The silence killed you.

Soon enough, your boyfriend Steve, walked into the room having taken a shower. A tired smile on his face as he got ready for bed, ready to lay next to you. Every night was the same. Cuddle with Steve with the tv on, no talking, just waiting to fall asleep. It was very hard for the both of you.

Your head was on his stomach, arms around his waist and blanket pulled over you two. Steve's breathing was steady and presence comforting. Lately, he had been checking up on you more, staying by your side more often, anything you needed. Normal boyfriend things. Deep down, he was worried. Not just for your safety, not just for the future of Hawkins, but he just worried about you. Tonight, he voiced it.

"Baby...I have a question" He asked quietly, breaking the usual no talking 'rule'. You didn't say anything, but just looked up at him so he could continue. His hand went to run through your hair, his gaze was soft and gentle, yet attentive and analyzing. It took him a moment to speak again.

"...Are you okay? Well, I know you're not but...you seem tired." Steve asked, but he knew the answer, it wasn't hard to figure out. He didn't necessarily mean physically tired, he also meant mentally.

"...It's hard to sleep, that's all. Not been sleeping enough lately." You replied. It was vague, but technically the truth.

"You seem like you're going through the motions lately." Steve said quietly, choosing his words carefully. He didn't want to overwhelm you, but he wanted to be there for you.

"Every day is a new...predicament. Not every day is the same, i'm not going through the motions." You replied, voice casual but body tense. Looking up at him with tired, lost, and haunted eyes. "I'm just living my crazy life..Nothing new, Steve. Same Hawkins bullshit."

There was a pause. At first it seemed like he didn't have anything else to say, but he did. "You're not living your life, you're existing."

"What..? What's the difference?"

"It's like...you're not here. Well, you're here but...it feels like your mind isn't and you're just...existing...surviving. I'm concerned." Steves voice was soft and full of worry, pulling you closer to him. Holding you like he would lose you if he let go.