( warning: mentions of throw up )
Lucas examined newspapers while Steve paced back and forth. "Okay, be honest. Uh... You guys understand any of this?" Steve questioned, prompting Cassidy to roll her eyes. "No," Lucas answered, "Pretty straightforward." Cassidy, Theodore, and Dustin echoed in unison. "Oh, really, straightforward?" Steve asked sarcastically.
Just then, Theodore teleported beside him with arms crossed, making Steve jump and clutch his chest. Cassidy crossed her legs, sinking into the couch. "What's confusing to you, Stevey boy?" Theodore taunted with a smirk as Steve shot him a disbelieving look. "So far, everyone Vecna has cursed has died, except for this old Victor Creel dude Nancy and Robin found. He's the only known survivor," Theodore explained, nodding his head upwards.
Cassidy gracefully stood up, executing a seamless shadow jump beside Theodore. Steve, caught off guard once again, jumped with wide eyes. "If anyone knows how to beat this curse, it's him," Cassidy added with a casual shrug. Steve, still uneasy, exclaimed, "Okay, you two teleport thingys scare the crap out of me!" Cassidy and Theodore couldn't help but smirk at his reaction. "Steve!" Dustin complained, but Steve waved him off dismissively. "That's assuming he was cursed, which we don't even know," Steve pointed out as Cassidy rolled her eyes. Unfazed, she turned on her heels, initiating a mid-turn shadow jump that landed her gracefully onto the couch.
"How can Vecna even exist in the '50s? It doesn't make sense," Steve muttered, his forehead creasing with confusion as he studied the newspaper. "Far as we know, Eleven didn't create the Upside Down. She opened a gate to it," Dustin explained, his voice breaking through the perplexity. Cassidy and Theodore nodded in agreement, offering silent support to Dustin's explanation.
"The Upside Down had probably been around for thousands of years. Millions. I wouldn't be surprised if it predated the dinosaurs," Dustin predicted, introducing a vast timeline that left Steve and Theodore exchanging incredulous glances. "Dinosaurs? What are we—" Steve started, his confusion mirroring Theodore's. "Okay, but if a gate didn't exist in the '50s, how did Vecna get through?" Lucas questioned, prompting Cassidy to roll her eyes at the unfolding complexity of the situation. The room buzzed with uncertainty as they grappled with the mysteries surrounding Vecna and the Upside Down.
Cassidy stood agape, attempting to speak but continuously getting interrupted. "How's he getting through now?" Steve shrugged, while Theodore pointed at him with a playful smile. Cassidy shot Theodore a look of disbelief, puzzled by the lighthearted response amid the complex discussion.
How is Theodore even agreeing to all of this? Am I the only one who overheard shit in the lab??
"And why now?"
"And why then? Just pops out in the '50s, kills one family, and he's like 'I'm good.' And poof, he just disappears. Just... gone? Only to return thirty years later and start killing random teens? No, I don't buy it," Steve expressed with a mix of frustration and skepticism.
He sighed, adding a scoff to emphasize his disbelief. "Straightforward, my ass," he concluded, underscoring his perception of the situation's complexity and the lack of clarity in Vecna's motives and actions.
Steve looked up as he walked back and forth once again. "Honestly, Henderson, a little humility now and then, it wouldn't hurt you," he remarked, addressing Dustin with a hint of teasing in his tone.
"Sorry."
Cassidy let out a deep sigh, frustration evident in her voice as she shadow-jumped into the front again. "Okay, now, I'm going to fucking speak! Y'all are so fucking dumb? Theodore, of all people, I would think you would have overheard things in the lab! Once, a little bit before Brenner died and Owens came, I was put into the water tank to find this Russian guy, and I learned a lot of Russian in the lab—"
"You learned a lot?! Was it better than Theodore's?" Steve piped up, earning a glare from Theodore. Cassidy rolled her eyes. "Yes. I learned more than he did. So what I was saying, I saw this Russian guy, and he was talking about the Upside Down and how most of the subjects all died because of 001, someone like Theodore, El, and I. Like we were the only ones left. The only reason I was left alive was because I was sent to the lab after it all happened. But with Theodore, I don't know how he's alive... like it was a serious massacre at Hawkins Lab. Like 001 dragged El around and kept her alive because they have the most similar powers."
Theodore's eyes widened as a memory flashed into his head, the revelation triggering a recollection that added a new layer to his understanding of the events at Hawkins Lab.
Eleven grabbed Nine's wrist and dragged him into a bunker room. "Stay," Eleven said firmly as Nine furrowed his eyebrows. "What's going on, Eleven?!" Nine whispered-shouted, his confusion evident. Eleven's breath hitched as she heard screams and cries of other kids dying. "Guard Peter turned bad. Didn't know. So sorry, Nine. Forgive me," she said quickly, releasing his wrist and closing the door behind her. "ELEVEN!" Nine exclaimed, his voice filled with concern and urgency.
Theodore gasped. "I remember," he told her, a moment of realization dawning on him. "So, you're saying... Vecna is 001?" Dustin raised an eyebrow as Cassidy shrugged her shoulders. "It's a theory," she pointed at him, her tone suggesting the speculative nature of the idea. Shadow-jumping onto the couch, she hung her head off the edge, legs casually draped over it.
Theodore glanced over to Max, who seemed engrossed in writing. "Any idea what she's writing?" Theodore asked quietly, nodding towards Max. They all turned to look at Max. "Did she sleep?" Dustin questioned as Cassidy let out a sad sigh. "I mean, would you?" Cassidy's response carried a weight of empathy, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
They all heard a door open, turning their attention to the stairway where Nancy and Robin descended. "Robin!" Cassidy cracked a grin, receiving a wave and a soft smile from Robin. "Okay, so... we have a plan," Nancy announced. "Boring! I'm gonna go get a cherry cola coke." She winked at Lucas. "It better be the good kind!" Lucas yelled, adding a touch of playful banter. As she shadow-jumped away, the room was left with a lighthearted atmosphere, temporarily diverting from the weighty discussions and theories.
—
Cassidy shadow-jumped back to the house after an extensive search for cherry cola coke. Landing right beside Dustin, she caught him off guard, prompting a squeal from Dustin and laughter from Cassidy. "Haha! Nerd!" Cassidy teased, earning herself a playful smack on the head from Dustin. Theodore scoffed, patting Dustin's shoulder. "Bro, you shouldn't have done that," Theodore warned, signaling potential consequences to Dustin, who looked at him with confusion.
Cassidy smirked as she grabbed Dustin's arm and twisted it. "Wanna do that again, buddy?" Cassidy taunted, causing Dustin to wince in pain. "N— No!" he stuttered as she tightened her grip. "Say sorry, Cassidy, and I will never do it again. If I do it again, I will do all your chores for the next month," Dustin proposed, attempting to negotiate his way out of the uncomfortable situation.
Dustin huffed, turning to Steve with a pleading "please help me" look. Steve snickered, folding his arms. "That's on you, buddy. I ain't getting into this. Cassie scares me! Did you not see what she did to Billy two years ago?" Steve remarked, referencing a past encounter that had left an impression on him.
Dustin rolled his eyes. "Say it, Dusty bun," Cassidy taunted with a smirk. Theodore sighed and stood up. "Alright, Cass, let him go."
"Say it!" Cassidy demanded, ignoring Theodore's warnings. "Cassie!" Theodore warned, witnessing her tightening grip on Dustin's arm. Dustin winced and yelped in pain. "Don't make me do it, Cassie," Theodore said firmly, but Cassidy rolled her eyes, persisting. "Say it, Dustin!" Cassidy yelled, prompting a concerned look from Max.
As the tension escalated, Theodore felt compelled to intervene. "I rumor you to let go of Dustin and to calm down," Theodore declared, his command invoking a momentary change in Cassidy as her eyes briefly turned white, enforcing Theodore's influence.
Cassidy released her grip on Dustin and returned to her seat. "Woah! You can do that?" Lucas asked, clearly impressed. Theodore nodded, adopting a casual stance with hands in his pockets. "Yes, I can, Lucas. But I hate to use it. There are horrible outcomes of it," Theodore elaborated, his tone carrying a sense of caution and reservation about the use of his powers.
"Like—?" Dustin raised an eyebrow as Theodore pointed to Cassidy, who had her hand on her forehead. "Headaches, nausea, and being super tired. I don't like using it because of that, so that's why I never use it," Theodore explained, shedding light on the adverse effects associated with the use of his powers, underscoring his aversion to employing them unless absolutely necessary.
Cassidy got up quickly and hurried to the bathroom. Theodore sighed, furrowing his eyebrows at the door, nodding towards it. Dustin, Lucas, and Steve nodded in understanding. "I'll go check on her," Theodore informed them, making a fist and teleporting through the glowing bright blue light.
Inside the bathroom, Cassidy was throwing up into the toilet, the effects of Theodore's power taking a toll on her. Theodore leaned against the wall with a mixture of concern and apology. "I'm sorry, Cass... but you wouldn't listen," Theodore apologized, expressing regret as Cassidy turned to look at him, wiping her sleeve against her mouth just in case. The scene highlighted the unintended consequences of Theodore's powers and the toll they could take on those affected.
She waved him off as she leaned against the toilet. Theodore let out a sad sigh as he sat down on the ground beside her. "What was all that about?" Theodore questioned as she pursed her lips. "I— I don't know. I was joking around at first, then I... I just got all angry." Cassidy's admission conveyed a sense of confusion and introspection.
Theodore nodded. "I think you're just upset about the whole break-up situation, Cass," Theodore suggested, shrugging empathetically as Cassidy hung her head back. "I guess so. I dunno," Cassidy replied, reflecting the uncertainty and emotional turbulence she was experiencing.
"Is there anything else on your mind, Cass?" Theodore questioned as Cassidy turned her head towards him. "I think something really, really bad is gonna happen to Max... I think we might save her, but I think Vecna will come back for her," Cassidy expressed.
Theodore furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean, Cass?" Theodore questioned, his heartbeat quickening with a sense of urgency. "It's like this feeling I have—" he was cut off as the door opened wide to reveal Max. "We're going to my house then to Billy's grave. So, let's go," Max informed them, moving quickly. Cassidy sighed, her unease evident as the group prepared for the next steps in their journey.
—
Steve called out for Max. "Max, Max. Seriously. Seriously, I'm not joking. I'm not driving you anywhere," Steve denied, voicing his reluctance as he followed her. Theodore and Cassidy shared a look. "Steve, if you think I'm going to spend what is likely the last day of my life in the armpit that is Mike Wheeler's basement, then you're out of your mind. Either take me where I need to go or tie me down, which is technically kidnapping of a minor. And if I live to see another day, Steve, I swear to god, I will prosecute," Max declared reluctantly, expressing her determination all the way to Steve's car as she attempted to open the door.
Cassidy smirked, standing behind Steve and Theodore with her arms crossed. Max gave him a look. "Open the door," she demanded, prompting raised eyebrows from Steve. "Uh, no," Steve replied, maintaining his resistance to Max's request.
"I know a good lawyer," Max threatened as Steve stared at her in shock and disbelief. Cassidy and Theodore stood behind Steve, attempting to hold back their laughs. Cassidy stepped forward and adjusted herself to stand beside Max. "You know, I can just shadow jump my ex-girlfriend into the car, right?" Cassidy informed him, a sly grin playing on her lips as Steve gave her a look. Max tried to hold back her smile, while Theodore smirked, amused by the banter.
"Wait, you can do that?" Steve questioned, genuinely surprised by Cassidy's unexpected ability. Cassidy, wearing a smirk, tapped her shoulder, instantly shadow jumping into the car. The move seemed to be a novelty even for Cassidy herself, as she stumbled back, looking a bit pale. Theodore quickly caught her, displaying a mix of concern and amusement.
Meanwhile, Max sat in the car, observing Cassidy's skills and appreciating how she defended her. Max shook her head, attempting to push away any distracting thoughts about Cassidy, recognizing the gravity of the situation they were facing. The unexpected twist injected a moment of humor into the tension.
Steve scoffed, shaking his head with a mix of disbelief and reliance on Cassidy's abilities. "Henderson, that super walkie of yours better reach Pennhurst," Steve emphasized.
—
As they sat in the car outside Max's house, Cassidy absentmindedly picked at her lips, and Theodore played with a ball, tossing it into the air and catching it. Cassidy, noticing the time, grew uneasy, feeling that Max was taking longer than expected. "Something's not right," she expressed her concern. Before anyone could respond, Max hurried towards the car, disregarding Cassidy's playful scolding about the elapsed time. Passing a concerned Steve, Max rushed to the car, prompting him to ask with genuine worry, "Hey, woah, woah. You alright?"
Max's breath quickened, each inhale a testament to an unspoken tension. "I'm fine. Just drive," she asserted, urgency in her voice, as she briskly opened the car door and settled beside Cassidy. Theodore, sensing the unease, probed, "Did something happen?" Max, fixated on the passing scenery, evaded eye contact. "Can we please just go?" Her plea hung in the air, the weight of unspoken words palpable.
She definitely had a vision.
—
Max's head leaned wearily against the car window, her gaze fixed on the passing world. Cassidy shot a quick glance, catching Max's subtle turn. "Turn here," Max spoke up, and Dustin sought confirmation, "Here?" Max's slow nod affirmed the direction. In the approaching graveyard, Cassidy puzzled over Max's intent to talk to Billy's grave.
As Steve pulled into the somber landscape, Max exited the car. Theodore nudged Cassidy with a mischievous grin. "Go talk to her!" he urged, but Cassidy dismissed the suggestion with an eye roll, choosing instead to stare out the window, wrestling with unspoken emotions.
Theodore's frustration simmered into a deep sigh. "Get out and talk to her, Cassidy, or I will do it again," he threatened, scowling. Cassidy's eyes met his in disbelief, a silent standoff ensuing. Theodore, with a gaping expression, watched as Cassidy, eyes rolling, surrendered with a resigned "fine!"
With the car door swinging open, Cassidy hurried toward Max. "Max?" she called out, but Max, turning around, wore a plea on her face. "Cassidy, please, just wait in the car," Max urged, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging in the air.
"Max, just wait. Max, please." the Sour Prankster begged. "Cass, just wait—"
Cassidy rushed over, gripping Max's shoulders. "Just listen to me. Please," she pleaded, locking eyes with the redhead. Max, avoiding direct gaze, tilted her head slightly, a subtle resistance to the emotional connection.
Max subtly shifted, the atmosphere tense as Cassidy withdrew her hands. "I know something happened there with your mother," Cassidy revealed, her eyes probing Max's for a response, the silence between them heavy.
"Was it Vecna?" Cassidy questioned, her concern evident. Max hesitated, her avoidance of eye contact betraying the turmoil within. "I told you, I'm fine. Okay?" Max deflected with a forced smile, attempting to mask the pain behind a facade of humor. "I mean, as fine as someone hurtling towards a gruesome death can be.".
Max's gaze dropped to the ground before meeting Cassidy's concerned expression. "Max, you know you can talk to me. Right?" Cassidy reassured, her worry evident. Max, after a lingering moment, raised her head and nodded slightly. "Yeah, I know that."
"Okay, then why do you keep pushing me away?" Cassidy asked, her concern palpable. She paused, retrieving the letter Max had given her earlier from her pocket. "Okay, look, I don't need a letter. I don't want a letter. Just talk to me. To your friends. We're right here. I'm right here. Okay? I'm here," Cassidy implored, emphasizing the importance of connection over written words.
Max glanced at Cassidy, memories of their first kiss flickering, but she forcibly shook them away. "Just wait in the car. This won't be long," she instructed, her voice strained. As Max walked away, tears welled in her eyes. Cassidy, watching with disbelief, felt tears prick her own eyes.
She turned and shadow jumped into the car beside Lucas, who enveloped her in a comforting hug. Lucas exchanged a sad glance with Theodore, who sighed, recognizing the weight of the unspoken emotions in the air.
The anger simmered within Theodore, grappling with Max's reluctance to open up, especially when Cassidy had revealed her vulnerabilities. Theodore couldn't fathom why Cassidy received nothing in return for her emotional honesty, fueling his frustration. Lucas, burdened by the realization of his recent absence and argument with Cassidy, felt a pang of guilt.
As the clock ticked and Max hadn't returned, Cassidy, her voice wavering, confessed to Steve, "Steve, I'm worried." Steve, looking back at her, agreed somberly, "You're right, Cass. It's been long enough." The pair simultaneously opened their doors, a shared concern propelling them into action, leaving a lingering sense of unease in the air.
"Steve, Cass, just give her some time," Lucas suggested, but Theodore's sharp look conveyed the impatience he felt. "We have, okay, Lucas!" Cassidy retorted, her frustration breaking through. Steve acknowledged the tension, deciding, "I'm calling it. If she wants to get a lawyer, she can." Steve walked away, offering a comforting rub on Cassidy's back as he went.
Lucas sighed, casting a glance at Dustin and Theodore, a collective sense of helplessness settling over them in the quiet aftermath.
Cassidy's scream tore through the air as she shadow jumped to Max. The sight of Max motionless, eyes rolled back, fueled Cassidy's panic. "Max! Max! No! Fuck!" she shouted, her voice strained with desperation as she shook Max with increasing intensity. Steve, alerted by the commotion, jogged over. Cassidy, tears streaming down her face, cried out, "No, no! Steve! We need to get her help, now!" Steve nodded urgently, and Cassidy continued her fervent pleas, "MAX, WAKE UP!"
In a race against time, Steve hurried back to summon the boys, the weight of the situation hanging heavily in the air.
The mechanical beings swarmed around, their metallic movements reflecting urgency as they tried to awaken Max. Theodore, fueled by concern, vigorously shook the unconscious redhead, his voice a mixture of urgency and anxiety, "Max, you gotta get outta there! Can you hear me?" Beside him, Steve snapped his fingers in a futile attempt to jolt Max awake.
Theodore's frustration reached a peak as he grabbed Dustin by the collar, the intensity of the situation evident in his loud scoff. "Call Nancy and Robin, NOW! Go get them! Call Nancy and Robin! Go!" His command echoed through the chaos as he released Dustin, who sprinted off to urgently summon their allies, the urgency of the situation palpable in every gesture and word.
Cassidy's tears flowed freely as Lucas enveloped her in a comforting hug. "Max, get outta there!" she cried, her voice trembling with worry, while Steve shook the Mayfield girl in an attempt to bring her back. Dustin rushed back with all of Max's mixtapes cradled in his arms, concern etched on his face. "Can you hear—"
"Guys!" Dustin urgently called, hastily dropping to the ground in panic. "What is this?" Cassidy spat out, glaring up at him. Ignoring the skepticism, Dustin pressed on, "What's her favorite song?" Theodore scoffed, and Cassidy and Lucas exchanged puzzled glances. "Is this the time for this, Dus—"
"Robin said if she listens... It's too much to explain now!" Dustin exclaimed, catching his breath. "What's her favorite song?" he repeated urgently, all eyes turning to Cassidy. She swallowed, gasping for breath between sobs. "Running up that— that hill by K— Kate Bush," she sniffled out, finding solace in Lucas's embrace.
Theodore fumbled as he inserted the cassette into her walkman. "Okay, headphones now!" Dustin yelled, prompting Theodore to swiftly place the headphones on the redhead. Steve clicked her walkman into action. As Max entered a trance, she found herself trapped, and Vecna relentlessly tried to seize her. Amidst the chaos, Max's mind wandered to cherished memories – El, Lucas, Theodore, Dustin, Mike, Will – but especially Cassidy. The tapestry of her favorite moments was woven with memories of Cassidy.
Cassidy swiftly rose from her chair, a surge of determination propelling her forward. She scanned the room, her eyes landing on the phone. With a sense of purpose, she reached for it and dialed the Hargrove-Mayfield residence. The anticipation built as the phone rang, and finally, a voice answered on the other end. "Hello, this is Max Mayfield speaking," came the familiar voice, filling Cassidy's ears with a mix of relief and reassurance.
"Hey, Max... It's Cassidy," she said, her voice filled with a mix of relief and excitement. "I just wanted to reach out and let you know that I'm alive and well!" Cassidy chuckled, unable to contain her amusement. "Oh my god, Cassidy! Where have you been hiding? Lucas has been pestering me endlessly, asking about your whereabouts and going on and on about you and El having powers," she mimicked Lucas, playfully teasing him.
"Max... I can't spill the beans on my exact whereabouts. It's all about staying safe, you know? Me and my friend, we're in some serious hot water," Cassidy explained, her voice tinged with urgency. "Listen up, though. If my brother spills the beans on anything, it means there are some seriously bad dudes on our trail again." Cassidy's words hung in the air, a mix of worry and disbelief evident in her tone.
"What? Bad men? You gotta be kidding me!" Max responded, her voice lacking any hint of amusement.
—
"Hey, Cass?" Max mumbled, barely audible over the noise around them. Cassidy's eyes lit up with recognition, and they couldn't contain their excitement as they pulled Max into a tight, heartfelt hug. The warmth of their embrace enveloped both of them, momentarily blocking out the world around them.
As they finally pulled apart, Max's eyes narrowed with curiosity, their voice tinged with confusion. "Wait, I thought you said you might be gone for a while. What happened?" Cassidy's smile softened, and they replied with a hint of vulnerability, "Yeah, I thought so too, but turns out I was wrong. Something unexpected came up, and here I am." Their eyes met, understanding passing between them, as they continued their conversation, unaware of the unfolding events involving Hopper and Mike in that very moment.
—
"Hey, Max," Cassidy's voice trembled with sadness, their tone filled with concern. They took a deep breath, motioning for Max to join them in Joyce's room. Max followed, their worry etched on their face. Cassidy looked down at the ground, their voice filled with regret as they began, "Max, I'm so sorry." Max's emotions surged, their voice breaking with fear and relief, "I was so worried about you! I thought... I thought I had lost you." Their words were barely a whisper, filled with vulnerability. Cassidy lifted their head, their eyes meeting Max's tear-filled gaze.
With a gentle touch, Cassidy placed their hands on Max's shoulders, offering comfort and reassurance. "You would never lose me," they whispered, their voice filled with sincerity. They delicately lifted Max's chin, their eyes locked in a moment of profound connection. Tears welled up in Max's eyes, their heart overflowing with emotions that words couldn't fully express.
"Maxine," Cassidy's voice softened, their words filled with sincerity. Max's cheeks flushed slightly at the use of their full name. "I want to apologize if I ever made you think that I had feelings for Theo. I truly don't. He's simply a friend that I've known since our time in the lab." Cassidy's voice carried a hint of regret, hoping to convey their genuine intentions and clear any misunderstandings between them.
Max nervously bit her lip, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "You know, ever since you came to town, I've been experiencing these new and unfamiliar feelings towards you. It's like something has shifted inside me, and it's hard for me to fully explain it." Cassidy's voice softened as they spoke, their words carrying a sense of sincerity and a hint of longing. They wanted Max to understand the depth of their emotions, even if it was challenging to put into words.
Max's heart raced as she recalled that unforgettable moment. "I can still vividly remember the first time our eyes locked. It was like a rush of emotions swirling in my stomach. And whenever you called me Maxine, it felt like falling for you all over again," Max admitted, her voice filled with sincerity. Cassidy's smile grew wider, their eyes sparkling with affection.
Leaning in, they shared a passionate kiss, each moment filled with longing and desire. The connection between them was electric, lasting for about 10 seconds before Cassidy gently pulled away. Their voice filled with vulnerability, Cassidy confessed, "I like you, Maxine." Max's heart skipped a beat as she whispered back, "I like you too, Cass."
—
Feeling a surge of courage, Max turned to Cassidy and asked, "Wanna dance?" A wide smile spread across Cassidy's face as she eagerly agreed. They slipped away to the quiet hallway, away from the prying eyes of others. The soft music filled the air as they moved together, their bodies swaying to the rhythm. In the midst of their dance, Cassidy couldn't contain her overflowing emotions any longer. "I love you, Max," she blurted out, her voice filled with vulnerability.
Max's cheeks flushed with a mix of surprise and joy, their eyes meeting Cassidy's with a tender gaze. "I love you too, Cass," they replied, their voice filled with sincerity and affection. The moment was filled with an overwhelming sense of love and connection, forever etched in their memories.
—
Turning, she discovered her girlfriend of six months, Max Mayfield. Cassidy's grin lit up the room as she set her book on the bedside desk. Opening the window, she greeted Max, "Hey, Maxine," eliciting a blush from Max. With a graceful jump, Max entered the room, closing the window behind her. The soft thud of her skateboard meeting the floor marked the beginning of a shared moment in the quiet sanctuary of Cassidy's room.
Max encountered obstacles traversing the house, a challenge stemming from Lucas's temporary role as the one 'in charge.' Lucas's disapproval of any activities involving Max and Cassidy added an extra layer of complexity to their interactions. Cassidy, fully aware of the situation, wore a smile as she gently reminded Max of the need for discretion, considering her brother's watchful eye.
Undeterred by the restrictions, Max's eyes lit up with mischief. Recognizing an opportunity for a small act of defiance, she seized Cassidy's radio. In that moment, a silent understanding unfolded—an unspoken rebellion against the imposed limitations. The soft hum of music filled the room, symbolizing their determination to carve out a space of freedom within the confines of Lucas's authority.
Max's playful dance in Cassidy's room created an atmosphere of pure joy, drawing infectious laughter from Cassidy. With a whimsical leap, Max gracefully landed on Cassidy's bed, seamlessly harmonizing his singing with the music that enveloped the room.
As their eyes locked, the laughter transformed into a shared intimacy, culminating in a gentle kiss. Time seemed to pause, capturing the delicate exchange between them. The kiss deepened, momentarily enveloping them in a world of their own, until Lucas approached, tactfully reminding them of the impending visit to the mall for the day of the dead celebration.
Max and Cassidy, bathed in the soft glow of Cassidy's room, shared a tender moment. As the music played in the background, Max's hand gently cupped Cassidy's face, drawing her closer. Their eyes met, and in that quiet connection, they leaned in, lips meeting in a sweet, lingering kiss. Time seemed to stand still, and the room was filled with the warmth of their shared affection.
Cassidy's smile deepened as she embraced Max, savoring the warmth of the moment. Max, exuberant, threw her arms around Cassidy, their bodies drawing closer in a dance of shared desire. Cassidy's hands delicately cupped the sides of Max's face, and in that intimate space, they surrendered to the pull of a deeper, more passionate kiss.
As their lips met, an electric charge surged between them, a magnetic force born from the chemistry that ignited within the soft embrace. The cascade of sensations traveled down their spines, intensifying the shared experience. Cassidy, lost in the moment, brushed her thumb against Max's soft cheek, adding a tender layer to their connection.
The kiss lingered, a dance of emotions and longing, until they slowly pulled away. Cassidy's eyes, a reflection of the newfound intimacy, flickered open to meet Max's gaze. In that tender aftermath, Max broke the silence with a heartfelt compliment, "You're really pretty," a simple yet genuine expression of admiration that echoed the beauty they found in each other.
With a playful grin, Max gently guided Cassidy onto the mattress, their laughter filling the air. As Max loomed over her, holding Cassidy's wrists, the room became a canvas for the unspoken connection between them. Cassidy, looking up at Max, couldn't help but smile, a blend of affection and anticipation in her eyes.
"Now, say it back or I'll tickle you," Max teased, the threat carrying a lighthearted charm that sparked another round of giggles from Cassidy. "You're pretty too," she responded, her admission accompanied by a genuine warmth that lingered in the room.
Pleased with Cassidy's reply, Max leaned in, their lips meeting once again. Cassidy closed her eyes, savoring the tender press of Max's lips. In a bold move, Cassidy slipped her tongue through Max's parted lips, initiating a dance of shared desire. Their tongues intertwined, swirling in a rhythm that deepened the kiss, and the room seemed to hold its breath, captivated by the unfolding intimacy between the two.
He wanted to see the previews, Lucas looked through the slight crack of the door to see Max on top of Cassidy making out with her.
Lucas's voice echoed through Cassidy's room, shattering the intimate atmosphere. "Max, get off her!" he yelled, throwing the door open with a force that hinted at both concern and frustration. Caught off guard, Cassidy and Max abruptly halted their kiss.
Feeling the urgency, Cassidy seized Max's wrist, activating her teleportation ability. In an instant, they found themselves outside, the cool night air replacing the warmth of Cassidy's room. Cassidy, with a mix of relief and amusement, ran to her bike parked nearby. Swiftly mounting it, she gestured for Max to join her.
As they sped away down the street, the distant sound of Lucas's voice carried through the air. "I will get you, Max!" he shouted, his threat fading into the night. Max and Cassidy, now on the move, couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of events. The adrenaline of the escape mixed with their shared laughter, creating a unique memory etched into the fabric of their unfolding story.
Cassidy burst into laughter, a joyous sound echoing in the night. "Oh my god, his face!" she exclaimed, the memory of Lucas's interruption playing vividly in her mind. Max, sharing the amusement, joked, "He looked like he was gonna kill me."
Cassidy, still chuckling, responded with a playful grin, "Well, if he does, he has to go through me." The lighthearted banter between them added a touch of humor to the adrenaline-fueled escape, turning a potentially awkward situation into a shared moment of laughter and camaraderie.
—
Troy's sudden gasp and the accompanying grunts of pain hinted at a reaction to Cassidy's plan. Panic evident, he pleaded desperately, "Oh my god! I'm done. Let me go!" His repeated pleas echoed in the room, creating a tense backdrop to the unfolding scene. Max, despite the urgency of the situation, sighed sadly and knelt beside Cassidy's unconscious form.
As the room hung heavy with uncertainty, Max began to recount a shared memory, her voice tinged with both laughter and tears. "Remember when we first met? It was our first day at Hawkins Middle... We met in the principal's office. You introduced yourself, and you said Maxine was a pretty name... and the principal came over. You brushed my shoulder. This is probably stupid on how to start liking someone," Max recalled, allowing a brief respite from the chaos to reflect on the bittersweet moments of their past.
In the midst of tension, Max delved into the details of their shared past. "We hung out that day, wrote a note to your brother and your weird friends to stop spying on us. We skateboarded together... I even got jealous about Theodore because I thought you two liked each other when, in reality, you were just trying to keep him and El safe," she recounted, each word a poignant brushstroke on the canvas of their history.
—
"Get the fuck out of her, Troy!" Max's shout pierced the room, tears streaming down her face. In an intense moment, both Max and Troy screamed, the shared pain causing Cassidy to join in, creating a cacophony of anguish. A cloud of black dust erupted into the air, escaping through the ceiling as Troy's presence was expelled.
Cassidy slumped into unconsciousness, and Max rushed to her side, swiftly untying her. With trembling hands, Max shook Cassidy, pleading, "Cassidy, wake up, please." Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and desperation. As Cassidy fluttered her eyes open, Max's gaze met hers, and relief washed over the room.
"Oh—Oh my god," Cassidy exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief and overwhelming emotion. In a surge of emotion, she pulled Max into a tight, desperate hug. As if their connection demanded an even more profound affirmation, they shared a poignant kiss. Their lips met with a depth of passion, as if expressing the fear of never experiencing each other's presence again. Cassidy's touch lingered, a silent promise in the midst of shared tears.
Max, pulling away but still intimately close, leaned her forehead against Cassidy's. Their tears intermingled, a testament to the emotions unleashed by their reunion. In this intimate moment, words seemed unnecessary.
Turning her attention to Eleven, Cassidy's remorse surfaced, "I'm so sorry. I wasn't there. I would've stopped it and had it be me helping you take it out of you." Her voice carried the weight of guilt as she embraced Eleven, offering comfort and a shared understanding of the trauma they had endured.
—
Max began to levitate, eliciting a terrified scream from Cassidy. Lucas instinctively pulled her into another tight hug, shielding her from the surreal sight. In that crucial moment, Max recalled Cassidy's words. Theodore, Cassidy, Lucas, Dustin, and Steve united their voices, shouting for Max, desperate for her to snap out of the unsettling state.
Max gasped, collapsing to the ground, and Cassidy hurriedly grabbed her, pulling her into a tight hug. "Max! Oh my god," Cassidy stammered, tightly embracing her. "I'm not losing you again, Maxine. I love you! I still love you, okay?!" Cassidy panickedly declared, both girls locking eyes.
In a moment charged with emotion, Max and Cassidy leaned in, sharing a tender kiss. Theodore and Lucas smiled, hopeful that this reunion marked the beginning of them being back together.
Max's internal struggle played out, and she quickly pulled away, leaving Cassidy with a sad smile. The redhead shook off Cassidy's arms, causing her smile to fade. Theodore and Lucas exchanged a glance. "I— I... I can't do this right now. Just leave me alone, Cass," Max uttered, her emotions too raw to confront in that moment.
A lump lodged in Cassidy's throat as she rose from the ground, the weight of disappointment heavy on her shoulders. Without a word, she shadow-jumped to a quiet corner where she could unleash the tears she had been holding back. Theodore, angered by the unfolding events, shot a fierce glare at Max, silently communicating his disapproval.
Max, catching the intensity of Theodore's gaze, couldn't bear to meet his eyes and looked down, overwhelmed with guilt. Theodore, sensing the need to console, abruptly turned on his heels, teleporting to Cassidy's side. The Sour Prankster, lost in her own sea of emotions, met his eyes with a questioning gaze as tears streamed down her face.
"Di— Did I do something wrong?" Cassidy croaked, her voice trembling. Theodore's stern expression softened, and he pulled her into a comforting embrace. "No, you didn't, Cass." Cassidy, feeling a mixture of relief and despair, released a loud sob, and Theodore gently rubbed her back, offering support amid the emotional turbulence.
—
ash speaks !
idk how i feel about this chapter.