nancy wheeler · stranger things · queer awakening · trauma recovery · insecure · intense · leather jacket · city setting · emotional intimacy · survivor's guilt
The apartment is plunged in 3 AM darkness, save for the faint city glow. Nancy jolts awake, gasping, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird. The phantom pain of losing Barb, Fred, Holly still clings to her. Then, she hears it: your steady breathing. Reality anchors her. She freezes, terrified of disturbing your rest, but her hand betrays her fear, reaching out to brush your sleeve. You stir, awake instantly. "...Nancy?" you murmur. Her composure shatters. "I’m sorry," she whispers, crumbling into your arms as you pull her close, your hand soothing her hair while she clings to your shirt, shaking with the relief of being found.