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"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.

"Dude, Nichols?" Dustin exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. The room crackled with tension as Mike's voice boomed with anger, "You've been lying this whole time!" Hopper's stern tone cut through the chaos, "Alright, let's have a private chat." Mike and Hopper stormed out of the room, their voices raised in a heated argument.

Dustin's eyes widened as he sought confirmation, "Wait, that's really Nichols?" Cassidy couldn't help but let out a laugh, "Haha, well, kinda. His actual name is Theodore. He's like El and me, hiding out with Eleven. We've been calling him Nine." Dustin's face lit up with a mischievous grin, "Tubular!" The room filled with laughter as Max and Cassidy chuckled, sharing in the lighthearted moment. The excitement and camaraderie in the air were contagious, making it a memory that would be cherished for years to come.

"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."

⭑⭑⭑

Dustin and Lucas couldn't contain their excitement as they finally reunited with Cassidy after her brief absence. The group had devised a plan to deal with the looming threat of the mindflayer. As they discussed their strategy, Mike turned to Cassidy with hopeful anticipation, asking, "Hey, Cassidy, do you think you can use your powers to burn it out of Will?" Cassidy's voice quivered as she responded, "Um... we kind of have a problem."

Hopper, growing increasingly annoyed, chimed in, "Oh god, what is it now?" Cassidy's expression turned solemn as she admitted, "I lost my powers..." The room fell silent, disbelief etched on everyone's faces. Hopper's voice filled with disbelief, "What?!"

Cassidy let out a sigh, her voice tinged with sadness. "I don't know exactly what happened, but my powers... they're gone. I'm not sure when or if I'll ever get them back," she explained, her disappointment evident. Just as the group began to feel disheartened, Theodore's eyes widened with realization.

"Hold on a second. I think I might be able to help. I have the same fire ability as Cassidy," he suggested, his voice brimming with newfound confidence. The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to Theodore, a glimmer of hope rekindling in their hearts.

"Cassidy couldn't help but let out a playful giggle at the mention of you and Will saving him," she said, her voice filled with amusement. She flashed a mischievous grin and continued, "You know, you two make quite the dynamic duo."

Theodore, feeling a bit bashful, whispered under his breath, "Shut up!" Mike, intrigued by the exchange, asked, "What's going on?" Cassidy and Theodore synchronized their responses, almost like they were reading each other's minds, and replied, "Nothing." Cassidy then took charge, her voice filled with determination, "Alright, we've made up our minds. Theodore will be the one to help burn it out of Will. That's the final decision."

Theodore, Ms. Byers, Nancy, and Jonathan formed a determined group as they set off to burn the shadow out of Will. Meanwhile, Eleven accompanied Hopper on a mission to close the gate. As the action unfolded, Cassidy found herself in Will's room, providing a comforting presence while the others strategized on how to clear a path for Eleven.

Max walked into the room, her eyes landing on Cassidy who was seated on Will's bed. Cassidy had been consumed with worry for her friends, and it was evident in her expression. Taking a seat beside Cassidy, Max's voice filled with genuine concern as she asked, "Hey, are you okay?" Cassidy let out a soft sigh, her voice barely above a whisper, "I guess."

Trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere, Max playfully remarked, "You know, when I saw you earlier, I thought, 'The Sour Prankster and MadMax remeet'." Cassidy couldn't help but let out a chuckle, her worries momentarily forgotten. As Cassidy's gaze shifted from the drawings on the wall, her eyes met Max's, filled with curiosity and a hint of longing for reassurance.

They shared a meaningful gaze, their eyes filled with anticipation and affection. In a bold and tender move, Max leaned in and pressed her lips against Cassidy's, their kiss filled with a mix of sweetness and desire. The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, their connection deepening with each passing second.

Little did they know, Lucas happened to walk in at that exact moment, catching them in the midst of their passionate embrace. "Really?" Lucas exclaimed, his voice a mix of surprise and disbelief. Cassidy quickly turned her head to face Lucas, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected interruption.

"Uh..." Cassidy mumbled, her voice filled with frustration and a hint of desperation. In that moment, she longed for her supernatural abilities to manifest, just so she could slam the door shut in Lucas' face and escape the awkward encounter.

Before Steve could even make a sentence, the sound of a car rolling up outside caught their attention. Max's eyes widened with fear as she quickly sprang to her feet, motioning for Cassidy to follow. The urgency in her voice was palpable as she whispered, "Oh shit. It's my brother. He can't know I'm here. He'll kill me. He'll kill Cass." The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, as they both knew the consequences of being discovered were dire.

"That's great, my powers could be in good use right about now!" Cassidy said, her voice laced with sarcasm and a hint of frustration. Max turned to Cassidy, her eyes filled with concern. "I don't want anything to happen to you. Go into Will's room and hide," Max urged, her tone urgent and serious. Cassidy couldn't help but smirk in response, her playful nature shining through. "So, are we dating?" she teased, trying to lighten the tense situation.

Lucas, clearly annoyed, retorted, "Really? This is the time to ask that?" Max's face lit up with a mischievous grin as she confidently replied, "Yes, Cass." Understanding the gravity of the situation, Cassidy nodded and swiftly made her way into Will's room. With a soft click, she closed the door behind her, hoping that her hiding spot would keep her safe and hidden.

Cassidy's anxiety grew as she paced back and forth in the room. "Ah, Lucas Sinclair. I guess I have to deal with you instead, since your twin, Cassidy Sinclair, isn't here," she muttered under her breath, frustration evident in her voice. Biting her lip, she followed Max's instructions, determined to stay hidden and safe. However, the noises from outside kept her on edge. Amidst the chaos, she could distinctly hear Dustin's enthusiastic cheers, rooting for Steve.

Unable to resist the temptation, Cassidy slowly opened the door, just wide enough to get a glimpse of the intense fight unfolding before her eyes. Her heart raced as she witnessed Steve fiercely battling against Billy, each punch and dodge filled with adrenaline and determination. The sight was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, and Cassidy couldn't tear her eyes away from the electrifying scene.

Cassidy's heart pounded in her chest as she instinctively backed away from the door, fearing the impending blow that awaited Steve. The room seemed to spin as she desperately longed for her powers to return, knowing that she needed them now more than ever.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes, shutting out the chaos around her. In her mind, she replayed Kali's words to Eleven, searching for the strength and focus she needed in this critical moment. With each breath, Cassidy felt a renewed sense of determination, channeling her inner power and preparing herself for whatever lay ahead.

Find something in your life. Something that angers you. Dig deeper. Your whole life you've been lied to... The bad men took away you and Theodore's home, your mother.. They took everything from you. They stole your life, Jane. I want you to find them.

Cassidy's thoughts were consumed by the haunting memories of being forcibly taken away from her life for three agonizing years. The weight of the accidental death of Mildred and the relentless struggle for survival left her emotionally and physically drained.

With a deep breath, Cassidy opened her eyes, only to witness a mesmerizing transformation: her eyes glowed with a fierce orange hue, and her entire body became engulfed in a blazing inferno. With a confident tilt of her head, she turned towards the door, her newfound powers granting her the ability to effortlessly swing it open.

A small trickle of blood escaped from her nose, a testament to the immense strain she was under. Undeterred, Cassidy stepped out of the room, her fiery presence illuminating the path ahead.

"Back off, you piece of shit, Billy!" Cassidy's voice boomed with anger, her words dripping with contempt. Billy paused his assault on Steve, his attention drawn to Cassidy, who appeared to be ablaze with an otherworldly fire. "What the hell," Billy muttered in disbelief, his voice barely audible over the crackling flames. Max turned to face Cassidy, a wicked grin spreading across their face, clearly enjoying the chaos unfolding before them. Cassidy extended her hand, summoning a blazing fireball that danced in her palm.

With a fierce determination, she unleashed a torrent of fire, bombarding Billy relentlessly. Fear gripped Billy, preventing him from advancing towards the formidable girl. But fueled by his own anger, Billy mustered the courage to approach Cassidy, attempting to strike her. In a display of astonishing agility, Cassidy swiftly seized Billy's hand, expertly flipping him onto the ground with a powerful maneuver.

Blood trickled from both of Cassidy's nostrils and ears, evidence of the immense strain she had endured to unleash her fiery powers. The scene was intense, almost surreal, as Cassidy stood victorious, her fiery aura still flickering with raw power.

Cassidy's body grew weak, her fiery aura fading away as her eyes returned to their normal state. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she collapsed onto the ground, her strength completely drained. In a rush of concern, Lucas hurried to her side, gently cradling her head in his lap, his touch providing a sense of comfort.

Meanwhile, Max, fueled by a protective instinct, confronted Billy with a fierce warning, making it clear that messing with Cassidy's friends or girlfriend would have dire consequences. As Cassidy lay unconscious, her mind became a battlefield of haunting memories from the lab, each flashback playing out vividly in her subconscious. The weight of those memories seemed to consume her, leaving her in a state of vulnerability and uncertainty.

Cassidy slowly regained consciousness, her eyes adjusting to the surroundings as she found herself nestled in Max's lap. She mustered a soft, raspy voice, calling out to Max, "Max?" Max leaned in closer, her voice gentle as she whispered, "Shh, you used up a lot of your energy." Confusion clouded Cassidy's mind as she asked, "What happened?"

Max's face tightened with concern, her fingers tenderly combing through Cassidy's curly blue hair. "Well, you regained your powers and unleashed a fierce wrath upon Billy," Max explained with a hint of pride. A smile tugged at Cassidy's lips as she chuckled, sitting up to take in her surroundings. "Where is everyone?" she inquired, eager to know the fate of her friends.

"In the tunnels, they're burning it. I didn't want to leave you alone," Max said to Cassidy, her voice filled with worry. Cassidy's face broke into a wide grin, appreciating Max's concern. "By the way, I gotta say, I totally dig the blue hair. Are you planning to keep it?" Max asked, excitement evident in her tone. Cassidy's eyes lit up with a mischievous glint as she replied, "Hell yeah! It's absolutely badass. Blue hair, don't care!"

Max couldn't help but chuckle, a mischievous glint in their eyes as they leaned in to give Cassidy a tender peck on the lips. As their friends emerged from the tunnels, the bright light from the car illuminated the scene, casting a magical glow on the moment. Cassidy and Max locked eyes, a shared look passing between them, their hearts beating in sync. "Eleven," they whispered in unison, a secret phrase that held a world of meaning only they understood. It was a special connection that made their bond even stronger.

⭑⭑⭑

ONE MONTH LATER..

Hopper stepped up and became the loving adoptive father of Eleven and Theodore, protecting them from Dr. Owens' attempts to separate them. It was a challenging time for Eleven, as she had to stay hidden for a year since she was the most wanted and even faced false accusations of being a 'Russian Spy' in the town. Fortunately, Theodore and Cassidy didn't have to go into hiding since their powers remained unknown to the townspeople.

Cassidy found herself in a bit of a rush to get to the snowball. Her brother had already left, leaving her to finish getting ready on her own. As she stood in front of the mirror, she couldn't help but admire her newly dyed hair, a vibrant mix of red and blonde. A smile of satisfaction spread across her face, knowing that her unique hairstyle would surely turn heads at the dance. With a burst of excitement, Cassidy used her teleportation powers to instantly transport herself to the venue.

As she arrived, she took a moment to soak in the atmosphere and let out a contented sigh. Pushing open the doors, she was greeted by Mr. Clarke, who offered a warm welcome. Cassidy returned the smile and exchanged pleasantries before pushing through another set of doors and stepping into the bustling dance. The night was filled with anticipation and joy, and Cassidy was ready to make unforgettable memories.

Cassidy's eyes swept across the room, taking in the scene before her. She noticed Dustin, who seemed to be having some trouble mustering up the courage to approach girls. Theodore and Will appeared a bit reserved around each other, perhaps feeling a bit shy. Meanwhile, Mike and Max stood together, seemingly waiting for someone. As Cassidy observed the room, her gaze landed on Lucas, confidently dancing solo and enjoying every moment of it.

But then, something magical happened. Cassidy's eyes met Max's, and a spark seemed to ignite between them. A wide grin spread across Cassidy's face, unable to contain her excitement. With a mix of shyness and anticipation, Cassidy made her way over to Max, who was equally thrilled to see her. "Hey, Maxine," Cassidy greeted, her voice filled with a touch of shyness. "Hey, Cass. I'm so glad you finally made it," Max replied, her smile radiating warmth and happiness. It was a truly special moment, filled with a sense of connection and joy.

Cassidy's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She turned towards Mike, her voice filled with excitement. "Hey, Mike, have you seen El around?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. Mike let out a sigh, a hint of frustration evident in his response. "Oh, you won't believe it. Theo said she's still getting ready, and my sister is helping her out," he explained, his tone tinged with a mix of impatience and longing. "But trust me, she'll be here soon. I promise."

Cassidy confidently made her way towards Will and Theodore, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Come on, you two," she whispered, her voice filled with excitement. "Don't be so shy. Let's take this party to the next level. How about we head out to the hall or even outside and dance our hearts out?" Will and Theodore glanced at each other, their words stumbling out in a mix of nerves and anticipation.

Cassidy couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully, scanning the surroundings to make sure no one was watching. Feeling a burst of creativity, she conjured a small rift, gently guiding them into it. With a magical twist, they found themselves instantly transported outside, ready to unleash their dance moves under the open sky.

Theodore and Will exchanged confused glances, unsure of what to do next. Theodore finally gathered the courage to break the silence. "Um, hey... do you want to dance?" he asked, his voice a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Will nodded, a shy smile playing on their lips. They both assumed their dancing positions, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music.

In the midst of the dance, Theodore couldn't hold his feelings back any longer. He took a deep breath and admitted, "You know, ever since I first saw you at school a month ago, something changed inside me. I started developing feelings for you."

Will's eyes widened, surprise and curiosity shining through. "Really?" they replied, their voice filled with a mix of surprise and excitement.

Theodore nodded, a small smile forming on his face. "Yes, really. And it seems like... maybe you feel the same way?"

Will's cheeks turned a slight shade of pink, and they nodded shyly. "Yeah... I do. I've been feeling the same way too," they confessed softly.

A warm, genuine smile spread across Theodore's face as he reached out to hold Will's hand. "That's amazing," he whispered, his voice filled with happiness.

Will's smile matched Theodore's as they leaned in, their lips meeting in a sweet and tender kiss. In that moment, everything felt right, and their connection deepened, sealed with the warmth and affection they shared.

They shared a tender and passionate kiss, their lips meeting in a moment filled with love and excitement. As they pulled away, Theodore couldn't contain his anticipation any longer. With a hopeful expression, he asked, "Will, will you be my partner?" Will's face lit up with a wide grin, their eyes sparkling with joy. They nodded eagerly, their excitement matching Theodore's.

Meanwhile, Joyce watched the scene unfold from a distance, her heart filled with warmth and happiness. A proud smile spread across her face as she observed the connection between Theodore and Will. "I'm so proud of them," she whispered to Hopper, her voice filled with genuine admiration. Hopper nodded, his own smile reflecting the joy in his heart. "Me too," he replied, his voice filled with support and happiness for their newfound partnership.

Max and Cassidy..

Eleven gracefully arrived on the dance floor, her eyes meeting Mike's with a spark of excitement. They moved together, their bodies swaying in perfect harmony. Max and Cassidy watched the scene unfold from a distance, unable to tear their eyes away. Their hearts skipped a beat as they witnessed the tender kiss shared between Mike and Eleven. Cassidy let out a sigh of relief, her anticipation finally fulfilled. She had been eagerly waiting for this moment ever since she first heard about their connection.

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.

they thought everything was perfect, and the gate was closed..

but like did they know there next summer would change their lives...

breaks up, loosing friends, old friend reappearing, facing the upside down once again..

and most of all, loosing family..