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Max tossed and turned that night, the proximity of her crush, Cassidy, keeping her wide awake. As she shifted in bed, Max unintentionally elbowed Cassidy in the cheek, eliciting an immediate yelp from her. Startled, Cassidy woke up, and Max, sitting up, expressed her regret, saying, "Oh my god. I'm so sorry."

"It's fine," Cassidy chuckled, the corners of her lips lifting in a good-natured response. As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered into the room, she added, "I'm guessing it's time for school." Max joined in the laughter, nodding in agreement, "Yep," as they both acknowledged the inevitable start of the day.

Cassidy disappeared into the bathroom, seeking a change of attire. Max, considerate as always, provided her with a set of clothes and a snug hoodie. The rustle of fabric filled the quiet space as Cassidy swapped her outfit, finding solace in the comfort of the hoodie. A smile graced her reflection in the mirror, capturing a moment of morning contentment. Finally ready, Cassidy emerged from the bathroom, the newfound coziness evident in her demeanor.

Perched on her bed, Max had her skateboard in her lap, its presence a familiar comfort. Turning her attention to Cassidy, she walked over and observed a bruise beginning to emerge. "Oh my god. There's a bruise forming," Max silently cursed, concern evident in her expression. Cassidy, catching Max's worry, calmly reassured her, "It's fine. It happens."

Max, her fingers gently brushing the forming bruise on Cassidy's cheek, found herself locked in a moment of connection as their eyes met, teetering on the brink of a potential kiss. The intimate atmosphere, however, was abruptly shattered as Max's bedroom door creaked open slowly.

Startled, Max withdrew her hand, and there stood Mr. Hargrove. "Oh hi," he greeted before turning his attention to Cassidy. "Cassidy. Cassidy Sinclair," she introduced herself, extending her hand as they exchanged a polite handshake. "Nice to meet you, Cassidy," Mr. Hargrove smiled warmly.

As the introductions unfolded, the room's dynamics shifted. Mr. Hargrove, with a friendly demeanor, addressed Max, "Your mom and I will be out of town for the next day or two. So, be on your best behavior for Billy, okay?" Max nodded, acknowledging the responsibility that came with her parents' absence, while the unexpected intrusion altered the trajectory of the moment she shared with Cassidy.

As the door closed, temporarily restoring a sense of privacy, Cassidy turned her attention to the borrowed item in her hands. "Um, when do you want me to give this back to you?" she asked, referring to the hoodie.

Max, with a hint of a smile, replied, "Keep it. It looks better on you than it did on me." Her words carried a warmth that transcended the simple act of lending an item. With those words lingering in the air, Max walked over to her bed, where the skateboard was placed. She picked it up, completing the gesture and emphasizing her genuine generosity. The exchange between them held an unspoken understanding, deepening the connection forged in the shared moments of the morning.

Exiting the house, Max and Cassidy found themselves beneath the open sky, ready to embrace the day. The temptation of teleportation lingered, a power Max had yet to unlock. Undeterred, they chose the conventional path. With a casual flick, Max dropped her skateboard onto the pavement, the wheels spinning freely. Stepping onto it, she poised herself for the journey, the familiar hum of wheels on the concrete signaling the start of their adventure to school.

"Hop on," Max suggested with a playful smile, holding out her hand and offering guidance. Cassidy, trusting Max's lead, grasped her outstretched hand and carefully stepped onto the skateboard. The smooth coordination between them showcased a shared understanding.

With Cassidy securely on the board, she wrapped her arms around Max's waist, a gesture of both balance and closeness. The two embarked on their unconventional ride to school, the skateboard gliding beneath them as they navigated the streets, their connection strengthened by the physical closeness and the shared adventure of the morning commute.

Max's skateboard rolled smoothly beneath them as they cruised through the open air. With each push, the wind became a playful companion, tousling their hair and bringing a sense of freedom to the ride. Cassidy, nestled against Max with her arms wrapped around her waist, felt the warmth of the morning sun and the subtle rush of the wind.

As Max expertly guided the skateboard, Cassidy couldn't help but blush. The proximity, the shared adventure, and the trust between them were painting the morning with a palette of emotions. Cassidy had been growing closer to Max, each shared moment leaving an imprint on her heart. The skateboard ride became a metaphor for their journey together, a delightful exploration of newfound feelings and the unspoken connection between the two.

⭑⭑⭑

Upon their arrival at school, Max effortlessly maneuvered past Billy, who shot a disapproving glare in their direction. The tension lingered briefly in the air, prompting Max to halt and dismount her skateboard. Cassidy, attuned to the dynamics, shared her observation, "You know, when we passed your douchebag step-brother, he glared at me," her voice carrying a note of concern.

Max, unsure of how to respond, bit her lip, then suggested, "I don't know, honestly. Let's not worry about it." Eager to ease any tension, Max reached for Cassidy's hand. What they failed to realize was that they walked into school hand in hand, their connection becoming more palpable with each step. The subtle gesture of holding hands spoke volumes, marking an unspoken commitment between Max and Cassidy.

Lucas hurried to catch up with Max and Cassidy, a look of urgency etched on his face. Nestled in the corners of the school courtyard, he began to unravel the intricate tapestry of the fake-real story about Will. The tale, known only to a select few, wove together secrets held by Hawkins Lab, Cassidy, Nine, Eleven, the party, the older teens, Hopper, and Joyce.

As Lucas delved into the clandestine details, the trio found themselves enveloped in a narrative that went beyond the surface. The revelation sparked a shared understanding, connecting them to the mysterious events that unfolded in Hawkins. The weight of this hidden truth added a layer of complexity to their relationships, casting shadows on the seemingly ordinary facade of their lives.

After parting ways with Max and Lucas, Cassidy made her way to Science class. During a brief stop in the bathroom, she emerged to an unexpected encounter – Nine waiting for her. In a rush of surprise and concern, Cassidy hurried toward him.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Cassidy whispered sharply, her eyes widening with a mix of emotions. The unexpected presence of Nine added a layer of intrigue to her day, leaving her grappling with questions and a sense of urgency.

"Eleven won't come out of her room. Hopper and her had a fight this morning about how Hopper has been lying to her for 350 some days of when she will see Mike," Nine shared with a solemn tone.

Cassidy, feeling the weight of the situation but injecting a touch of sarcasm, responded, "I wish I could comfort her, but y'know, I'm at school!" The layers of their unconventional lives unfolded in the hallway conversation, revealing the complexities and challenges that extended beyond the walls of the educational institution. The clash of emotions and responsibilities added a somber note to Cassidy's day.

In the peculiar dynamics of their group, Cassidy had assumed a role that went beyond age—she became a surrogate big sister to Eleven and Nine. As they navigated the challenges of their unique lives, Cassidy provided a steadying presence.

"I know. But, that's not the only reason I left the cabin. I think Hawkins Lab is done trying to find me. I didn't see any of the trucks while walking here," Nine shared, the weight of their shared experiences evident in the conversation.

The delicate balance of their lives, woven with secrecy and the constant threat of Hawkins Lab, colored their interactions with a mix of relief and caution. Cassidy, as the big sister figure, absorbed and processed these revelations, ready to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.

"You walked here?! Why didn't you teleport!" Cassidy's disbelief rang out in the corridor, her eyes wide with surprise. In response to her outburst, Nine, with his black-curly hair, explained, "I wanted to walk. I didn't want to keep teleporting and using my energy."

"I swear to god, if I see Hawkins Lab workers running through this building trying to look for you, I'm going to put myself back in there," Cassidy joked, injecting a playful threat into the conversation. There was a glint of humor in her eyes, even though the underlying tension of Hawkins Lab lingered beneath the surface.

Nine chuckled at her remark, trying to ease the moment. "Calm down," he replied, appreciating the humor in Cassidy's jest. The exchange reflected the delicate balance between levity and the ever-present awareness of the potential dangers they faced.

Max emerged from the classroom, given the task to locate Cassidy. As she strolled down the hallway, her eyes fell upon Cassidy engaged in conversation with 'Nichols.' A surge of jealousy clenched Max's fists, though she managed to mask her emotions with a forced smile as she approached.

"Hey, Cassidy. Mr. Clarke was doing roll again and saw you weren't in class," Max informed, her tone tinged with an unmistakable hint of anger. Cassidy, sensing the tension, replied with an apologetic tone, "Oh, sorry." The use of Cassidy's full name rather than the usual 'Cass' left her with a subtle worry, questioning if Max's anger was directed towards her. The complex dynamics of their relationships unfolded in this moment of strained interaction.

"Wait, Nichols. What class are you supposed to be in?" Max inquired suspiciously, her gaze focused on Nine. Caught off guard, Nine responded with confusion, "I-Um- Math?" Feeling the intensity of Max's scrutiny, Nine instinctively used his powers to delve into her emotions, only to uncover a distinct wave of jealousy. Alarm bells rang in his mind.

"Math with wh-" Max began, pushing for more details. The air around them thickened with tension as the conversation unfolded, exposing the undercurrents of emotion and unspoken dynamics at play. The hallway became a stage for the intricate dance of feelings between Max and Nine.

As an impulsive idea struck Nine, he leaned in and unexpectedly pressed his lips against Cassidy's. Max, witnessing the scene, couldn't contain her fiery jealousy and clenched her fists. As Nine pulled away, anticipating some sort of reaction from Cassidy, he was met with a disgusted expression.

"What the hell, Nine! I don't see you in that way," Cassidy blurted out, hastily using her hand to wipe away the lingering sensation of his lips.

"There. My plan is done," Nine smirked, adding a layer of confusion to the already tense situation. "What?" Max and Cassidy echoed simultaneously. Nine, reveling in the mystery, smirked once again, leaving them hanging.

Cassidy and Max exchanged a shared look, both puzzled and irritated. "Also, why did you call him Nine?" Max questioned, seeking clarification on the unusual name for the Sour Prankster. The hallway became a stage for a complex mix of emotions and unanswered questions.

"It was our code names in military school. We got so used to it that sometimes we just called each other by those names," Nine explained, crafting a story to shield the true intentions behind his sudden kiss with Cassidy. Cassidy, witnessing Nine's efforts to preserve her friendship with Max, found herself caught in the complexity of the situation.

"What do you mean?" Max pressed for clarification. In response, Nine exposed their wrists, both displaying the numbers '009' and '005.' The inked code names told a silent story of a shared history, a bond formed in military school. The revelation added a profound layer to the intricate dynamics between Max, Cassidy, and Nine, revealing a connection that went beyond the present moment. The hallway witnessed a silent exchange of glances, laden with unspoken sentiments.

"Holy shit. Are those actual tattoos?" Max's eyes widened with excitement as she pointed at the inked numbers on Cassidy and Nine's wrists. The confirmation from both Cassidy and Nine only fueled Max's curiosity.

Mike, arriving on the scene, sensed the urgency, "Guys! Come on! Mr. Clarke is getting mad!" he yelled, interrupting their discussion. Cassidy and Max shared a fleeting look, acknowledging the need to move. "Coming!" Max shouted, and with that, she started walking away from Cassidy and Nine. The hallway lingered with the weight of unanswered questions and a complex mix of emotions as they dispersed, each carrying their own thoughts and uncertainties.

"Nine, head home, check on Eleven," Cassidy whispered to Nine, who nodded before making his way out through the exit doors. Cassidy then followed Max into the classroom with Mike.

"Where were you two girls?" Mr. Clarke crossed his arms, questioning their tardiness. Quick on her feet, Cassidy stepped in to provide an explanation, "My friend who is new needed help finding where to go for class, and when Max came, she also helped since we've been here a little longer than him."

Cassidy's preemptive explanation aimed to smooth over any suspicion before Mike or Max could chime in. The atmosphere in the classroom carried a subtle tension, as the trio worked to navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives.

Cassidy made her way to the back of the class, returning to her seat, leaving both Mike and Max looking at her with confusion. The cryptic interaction and Cassidy's peculiar comment left a trail of questions hanging in the air, adding an intriguing layer to the dynamics within the classroom.

⭑⭑⭑

Dustin, running late, rallied the party plus Max to convene at the AV Club during lunch. As they gathered around the table, Dustin unveiled a mysterious find from his dumpster. Opening the cage, they all leaned in to see what it contained.

"His name is D'Artagnan," Dustin proudly announced, a grin spreading across his face. He eagerly awaited their reactions, hoping they'd find the creature as cool and cute as he did. The air was filled with anticipation as the group observed the newfound addition to their unconventional adventures.

"D'Artagnan?" Max and Cassidy asked simultaneously, prompting Dustin to correct himself, "Dart for short." As Dustin explained that Dart was found in the trash, Max furrowed her eyebrows, seeking clarification. "Foraging for food," Dustin added, attempting to justify his peculiar discovery.

Dustin took Dart out of the cage, allowing Cassidy to get a better view. Recognition flashed in her eyes – she knew what it was. A demogorgon. A mix of surprise and caution crossed Cassidy's face as she stepped backward from the table.

"You wanna hold him?" Dustin asked Cassidy, who quickly shook her head. "No!" she exclaimed, but it was too late. Dustin put Dart into her hands. Cassidy gagged and hastily handed it to Max. "Gross!" Max exclaimed, passing it on to the person next to her. The encounter with the creature added an unexpected twist to their day, leaving the group in a state of both fascination and repulsion.

Cassidy, having endured her share of experiences with creatures and the Upside Down during her time in the lab, felt a surge of concern as she observed the creature Dustin had named Dart.

The familiarity of its appearance to a baby demogorgon triggered a sense of worry within her. Prepared to use her powers for self-defense, Cassidy remained vigilant, her past encounters shaping her readiness to face the unexpected. The group's new addition added a layer of tension, blending curiosity with a lingering apprehension tied to her unsettling memories.

Mike, intrigued by the mysterious creature Dart, held him up for closer inspection. "What is he exactly?" he questioned, seeking answers from Dustin. Dustin, finding amusement in the curiosity surrounding Dart, chuckled in response. Without wasting any time, he grabbed his backpack and started pulling out a stack of books from the library that he thought might contain information about Dart's identity.

In a theatrical move, Dustin tossed the books onto the table, laying the foundation for a collective effort to decipher the enigma surrounding the peculiar creature. The table became a makeshift research station as the group delved into the books, embarking on a quest for understanding Dart's origin and nature.

"Maybe some scientists brought it here, and it escaped?" Max suggested, and Cassidy, recognizing the possibility from her past experiences in the lab, nodded in agreement. As their attention focused on Dart, Cassidy noticed movement inside the creature.

"Do you guys see that?" she asked, pointing out the subtle stirrings within Dart. The creature screeched, causing Will to flinch. Sensing a connection, Cassidy walked over to Will, determined to unravel the mystery.

"You heard it before, didn't you?" Cassidy inquired, her eyes fixed on Will. He hesitated for a moment before admitting, "Yes," exhaling with a look of terror. The revelation hinted at a shared history with the creature, casting a shadow over the room and adding a layer of unease to the unfolding situation.

"How did you know?" Will asked with a puzzled expression. Cassidy met his gaze and explained, "When I was in the lab, they wanted me to gain knowledge about the creatures in the Upside Down and the dimension itself. It was part of our training and understanding the potential threats we might encounter."

As the bell rang, concluding their discussion, Dustin suggested, "Let's go tell Mr. Clarke!" Cassidy and Will shared a knowing look, stepping outside the classroom and standing back from the rest of the group. Mike, noticing their hesitation, walked over and softly encouraged, "Cassie, Will, you coming? Let's go show Mr. Clarke."

Cassidy bit her lip, exchanging a brief yet meaningful look with Will. They then simultaneously confessed, "It's about Dart." The weight of their shared revelation hung in the air, adding a layer of anticipation as they prepared to disclose the mystery to Mr. Clarke.

Both Cassidy and Will quickly explained to Mike, and together, they rushed to the classroom, revealing to Mr. Clarke that it was just a prank. The group reconvened at the AV room once again, the atmosphere a mix of relief and lingering curiosity.

Max and Cassidy walked into the AV room, with Mike offering a mumbled apology to Cassidy. However, as the door closed, Mike slammed it into Max and Cassidy's faces. Cassidy, fueled by frustration, threatened, "What the hell, Mike! Let me in there! Don't make me do it," as she groaned and kicked the door angrily.

Max, perplexed by the situation, slid down the door, her eyes searching for answers. "Why did they lock you out?" she questioned Cassidy. Cassidy, equally uncertain, offered her best guess, "Honestly, I have no clue. But, I'm just guessing, maybe because my brother wants me to stay out of what's happening and keep myself safe."

Cassidy shared her theory with Max, the two of them now seated on the floor. The atmosphere held a mix of confusion and curiosity as they tried to make sense of the group's decision to lock them out, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the unfolding story.

Max, overwhelmed by emotions, admitted, "Well, I know why they didn't let me in there. Mike hates me." Tears welled up in her eyes as Cassidy, reaching out for comfort, interwove her fingers with Max's. "Hey. Don't say that. He... He just, he just... takes a while to adjust to new people, okay?" Cassidy reassured her, offering a supportive presence.

Max looked down at her lap, tears quietly streaming down her face. Cassidy, sitting beside her, observed with empathy. "Is that just not it?" Cassidy gently inquired. Max shook her head and looked up at Cassidy. "I'm just so confused. I like this person, and it's like I don't know if they like me back or not... and then Mike won't let me into the party... It's stressing," Max confessed, baring the emotional weight on her shoulders to Cassidy.

"I'm so sorry, Maxine. Mike is so hard to persuade, I remember," Cassidy expressed with a touch of sadness. Max, deep in thought, didn't respond immediately. Instead, she bit her lip, an idea forming. Rifling through her backpack, she found a paperclip. Driven by determination, Max began attempting to unlock the door.

"Come on, guys! Let us in!" Cassidy joined in, pounding on the door, their collective effort aiming to breach the barrier that kept them isolated from the rest of the group. The air filled with a mix of frustration and determination as Max and Cassidy worked together to overcome the obstacle.

Max successfully unlocked the door, and in an instant, Dart made a quick escape. Reacting swiftly, Cassidy conjured fire into her hand, startling Max. "What the fuck?" Max exclaimed, her heart racing with fear as she witnessed Cassidy's sudden display of supernatural abilities. In a desperate attempt to deal with Dart, Cassidy threw the fireball, but the creature agilely dodged the attack.

"Cassidy!" Dustin's panicked yell echoed in the room. As Dart screeched, blood began to drip from Cassidy's nose, a visible consequence of the strain exerted on her by using her powers in a high-stakes situation. The atmosphere hung heavy with tension, the consequences of their actions unfolding rapidly.

Cassidy, displaying a mixture of frustration and determination, rolled her eyes before addressing Dustin. "Before you say anything, I know... just go find Dart!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. Without waiting for a response, Cassidy walked away from the group, her eyes scanning the school surroundings with a focused intensity.

The urgency and gravity of the situation hung heavily in the air as Cassidy took charge, leading the effort to locate the elusive Dart. The echoes of Dustin's concern and the tension within the group lingered, emphasizing the importance of resolving the situation swiftly.

⭑⭑⭑

Cassidy wandered through the school and unexpectedly encountered Nine and Eleven. "Nine? El!" she called out, her voice carrying a mixture of surprise and concern. Hastening her pace, Cassidy approached them. "What the hell are you doing here?" she added, seeking an explanation from Nine.

Nine sighed, conveying a sense of resignation. "I was halfway back to the cabin, and I saw Eleven. She was coming here to find Mike. I tried stopping her, but she wouldn't budge. I wanted to keep her safe, so I came back here with her," Nine explained, the weight of responsibility evident in his words as he detailed the events that led them to the school. The unexpected reunion underscored the complexity of their situation.

Cassidy sighed, a mix of worry and frustration evident on her face. "Did anyone see you, El?" she asked Eleven, seeking clarity on the potential repercussions. Eleven looked down, her silence implying the weight of the situation. Cassidy pressed on, "Oh no. Who?" Reluctantly, Eleven revealed, "A woman and her child."

"That's great. Hopper is gonna find out and is gonna yell at me," Cassidy mumbled, realizing the potential fallout. Eleven, seemingly undeterred, started walking away. This prompted both Cassidy and Nine to shout simultaneously, "Where are you going?" The air hung heavy with the uncertainty of the situation as they navigated the challenges arising from Eleven's unexpected presence at the school.

The trio followed Eleven to the gym, peering through the doors to observe Mike and Max. "Oh, this is Max! Like I told you about," Cassidy informed Eleven, attempting to catch her attention. However, Eleven seemed indifferent, focused on Mike and Max. Ignoring Cassidy's words, Eleven tilted her head and used her telekinetic powers to make Max fall off her skateboard.

"Eleven!" Cassidy and Nine whispered-shouted in dismay. Max squealed, colliding with the floor as the unexpected display of telekinesis unfolded. The tension heightened in the gym, emphasizing the complexity of their relationships and the challenges posed by Eleven's abilities.

"I don't trust her. She is trying to steal Mike," Eleven declared with a stern tone before abruptly teleporting away. Mike, taken aback by her sudden departure, turned toward the door. Catching a fleeting glimpse of Eleven, he hurriedly approached Cassidy and Nine, questioning them with concern. "Nichols, Cassidy, was another girl here?" Both Cassidy and Nine shook their heads, indicating that no one else had been present.

A frown creased Mike's face as he scanned the surroundings once again, searching for any signs of Eleven. Disheartened, he walked away, leaving behind a sense of disappointment and sadness. The emotional complexities of the situation lingered, casting a shadow over their interactions.

Cassidy and Nine meandered away from the group, seeking a moment of solitude. In a hushed tone, Cassidy confessed, "I was on a quest to locate a baby demogorgon." Puzzled, Nine responded, "What?" Cassidy assured, "I'll provide details later. Max will have to update me on the events during my absence. For now, both of us must rendezvous with Eleven, and I need to ensure that neither of you finds yourselves in trouble."

"Why do you think we're in trouble?" Nine questioned with a furrowed brow. Cassidy glanced around before confiding, "Eleven's face is plastered on a wanted poster. They believe she's a Russian spy with superpowers." Nine's eyes widened in realization, "So, the lady probably recognized her and called the cops." Cassidy nodded gravely, the weight of the situation sinking in.

"So, where is Eleven?" Nine pressed, a sense of urgency in his voice. Cassidy, without uttering a word, swiftly clasped Nine's wrist. In an instant, they vanished, reappearing beside Eleven, the sudden teleportation leaving a faint trace of energy in its wake.

⭑⭑⭑

ASH SPEAKS !

Dunn Dunn....