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They rejoined Theodore, Mildred, and Dustin, with Erica and Robin accompanying them. Mildred shared her experience with Russian involvement. Will observed Theodore's lingering gaze but noticed he would avert his eyes when caught. Meanwhile, Cassidy appeared unconscious in Max's arms. The group revealed Cassidy's flayed state, with Troy trapped inside her body. They explained Cassidy's subconscious plea to Theodore and Mildred to burn Troy out of her and communicate with her.

That's where this chapter starts...

In the Upside Down, Cassidy felt a compelling urge to break through. She turned to Billy on the couch, saying, "Billy, my plan—it's working." Billy shifted his attention from the couch to where she sat at the table. "I promise, we'll get you back as soon as this is over," she assured him, and a sad smile crossed Billy's face. Cassidy closed her eyes, experiencing what unfolded through her body.

Troy found himself securely tethered to a pole, encumbered by power-damping cuffs supplied by Mildred and Theodore. As Max approached with a nervous gulp, she knelt before him, her determination palpable. A resounding slap echoed through the tense atmosphere. Reacting swiftly, Theodore and Mildred positioned themselves behind her, ready for any unforeseen developments.

Troy, attempting to free himself, struggled against the unforgiving ties. Mildred, her voice edged with defiance, spoke, "I don't think you're going to wriggle out of those ties, buddy. My superstrength ensures they're unyielding." The air crackled with anticipation as the confrontation unfolded.

Max shot a stern glare at Mildred, signaling her to remain silent. Turning back to Troy, she spoke with a mix of determination and concern, "Troy, I need you to release her. Bring Cassidy back to me, or we'll be forced to take drastic measures." Troy snickered defiantly, dismissing the warning with a scoff. "Y'all are dumb for this!" he sneered. Max cast her eyes to the floor, prompting a sinister grin from Troy.

Theodore took a step forward, poised to speak, but a sudden sound interrupted the moment—a mysterious thud echoed, momentarily freezing the unfolding confrontation.

Their attention abruptly shifted as Eleven crumpled to the floor, emitting pained groans. Mike, alarmed, rushed to her side, calling out desperately, "El!" The group swiftly converged around her, anxiety etched on their faces. In the midst of this concern, Troy couldn't resist a snicker, drawing the ire of Mildred, who shot a sharp question his way, "What the hell did you do now?" Theodore intervened, extending his arm to hold her back, a silent warning against impulsive actions.

As Eleven continued to groan in discomfort, the group's collective focus was drawn to something unsettling – movement within the wound on her leg. A sense of dread filled the air as they observed the disturbing activity, prompting Erica to voice the group's shared concern, "What is that? There's something in there," she exclaimed, her face contorted with a mix of horror and disgust. The mystery unfolding within Eleven's injury added a new layer of tension to an already fraught situation.

Eleven's groans of pain intensified, prompting Theodore to whirl around, his frustration directed at Troy. "What do we do!?" he demanded, urgency in his voice. Troy, with an exasperated eye roll, reluctantly offered a solution, "You have to cut her wound and get the chunk of the broken piece of the Mindflayer out of her." A heavy sigh escaped Theodore as he considered the grim task ahead.

As Theodore got up, the group's collective gaze fixed upon him, their expressions a mix of concern and anticipation. "I'm her brother. I'm getting it out of her," he declared, preempting any potential objections. Jonathan hesitated, poised to voice a concern, but the weight of the situation lingered, awaiting Theodore's decisive action. The room fell into a tense silence, awaiting the next critical move in their race against time.

Theodore's impassioned declaration hung in the air, emphasizing the weight he felt about not being there for Eleven during her breakup. Jonathan, understanding the gravity of the situation, sighed with a sense of sadness and nodded in reluctant agreement.

"Keep her talking!" Theodore shouted urgently as he dashed towards a nearby Chinese food shop. In haste, he rummaged through drawers, the tension in the air palpable. Finally, he laid his hands on a spoon and, with a desperate sense of urgency, found a knife.

The room held its breath as Theodore prepared himself for the daunting task ahead. The clatter of utensils and the distant sounds of concern underscored the critical nature of the moment. In the midst of the unfolding crisis, Theodore's determination became the focal point, the only steady anchor in the storm of uncertainty.

Theodore returned swiftly, settling into a kneeling position before Eleven. "Okay, El... This is gonna hurt like shit. I need you to stay really still," he instructed, his tone a mix of urgency and empathy. Eleven, displaying her resilience, nodded in silent acknowledgment. In his hands, Theodore held a spoon, handing a matching one to Mike, yet not letting go.

"Later, we'll need to talk when this is over, okay? What you did wasn't okay," Theodore directed at Mike, referencing the deception involving Will. Mike, swallowing nervously, nodded in understanding. "Bite down on this," he said, passing the spoon to Eleven. She complied, readying herself for the impending ordeal. Amidst the tension, Troy's taunts echoed, "Hurry up if you wanna save your weird friend!"

Theodore exchanged a glance with Mike, a silent understanding passing between them. With a determined nod, Theodore urged, "Do it." The room held its breath, the weight of the moment palpable as Theodore prepared to undertake the painful task of extracting the foreign object from Eleven's wound.

Theodore, steeling himself for the grim task, pressed the knife against Eleven's skin. The room echoed with her piercing scream, and the tension was palpable as the blade carved through her flesh. In the midst of the excruciating process, the sound of shattering glass reverberated around them, adding an ominous layer to the already intense atmosphere.

Eleven, in unbearable pain, expelled the spoon from her mouth. "Stop! Stop!" she cried out, her distress filling the room. "I can do it. I can do it," she managed through her tears. Theodore, catching her determined gaze, received her nod as a signal to halt.

With a careful withdrawal, Theodore handed the knife to Mildred, who took it with a firm grip. The room, now filled with a heavy silence, bore witness to the painful sacrifice made in the pursuit of saving their friend.

Eleven, having endured the painful extraction, hovered her hand over the wound. A primal scream escaped her lips as she forcefully expelled the chunk, throwing it past them. The room resonated with the echo of her agony, and a heavy silence settled in its wake.

As they all processed the aftermath, their attention was abruptly drawn to the unexpected arrival of Joyce, Hopper, and an unfamiliar man. Joyce, in her concern, noticed 'Cassidy' tied up and moved toward her with the intention of untying. However, Mildred, reacting with urgency, intercepted her. "Don't! She's flayed," Mildred warned sharply. Confusion etched Joyce's face as she processed the unexpected revelation. "He's... He's back? That thing is back?" she stammered in disbelief. "Yea, dipshit," Troy sneered, making his presence known.

Max, seeking to clarify, added, "Troy is in her body." Joyce's eyes widened, the shock and concern evident as she grappled with the unexpected twist in their already tumultuous situation. "Troy?" she uttered, her voice tinged with disbelief and apprehension.

⭑⭑⭑

The teens, with Troy securely incapacitated, began to brief Joyce, Hopper, and Murray on the unfolding events. Dustin, Mildred, and Erica explained the imminent mission to close the Russian base gate, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Yet, their immediate concern was Cassidy's flayed state. Gathered around her unconscious form, Max voiced her hesitation, "How do we wake her up this time? I don't want to slap her again."

Theodore, known for his unorthodox solutions, raised his hand with determination, conjuring a fiery ball at his fingertips. Before Max could express her reservations, he unleashed the fireball, directing it toward Cassidy's still body.

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.

Troy, despite his evident physical distress, closed his eyes, perhaps grappling not just with pain but with the emotional weight of Cassidy's memories. She persisted, "When I really did find out I was in love with you is... when you protected me and Lucas from my brother." Max's admission hung in the air, tears streaming down her face as she bared her heart.

With a heavy sigh, Max stood up, seeking comfort in Joyce's embrace. Mildred, recognizing the vulnerability in Max's words, stepped forward to lend her support in this challenging moment, creating a poignant tableau of shared pain and support.

Max, attempting to draw on the lighter moments of their shared past, continued with a bittersweet smile, "Remember when we did all those pranks together? Remember when you put a wild animal in Mr. Carter's classroom after he gave us an F on the spelling test?" A nostalgic chuckle escaped her lips, and to their collective relief, Cassidy managed to force a response—a smile that hinted at the connection they once shared. The subtle change did not go unnoticed, and a glimmer of hope flickered in the room.

Amidst this emotional exchange, Mildred, burdened with remorse and emotion, took her turn to speak. "I'm so sorry, I never contacted you. I couldn't. I was stuck in the lab, from that fire... I developed abilities. My father worked there, and he put me there. I'm so sorry," Mildred confessed, her voice carrying the weight of the untold struggle she had endured.

Theodore stepped forward, sharing a poignant memory, "I remember when I was in the Lab's cafeteria crying. I was tased that day for not doing a test right... when you noticed, you came over immediately and introduced yourself. We helped each other throughout the time there together." A sad smile played on his lips as he recounted the shared moments of solace in an otherwise harsh environment.

"When I found out you were gone, I thought I would never see you again. But, when you saved me that day... I was happy. And you reunited me with my sister. I'm so grateful for that. I love you so much. We are going to get you back, Cassie," Theodore declared with heartfelt sincerity.

Theodore stood up, and joined hands with Mildred. The both of the held their hands out, and forced air and fire onto the body. They focused on getting Troy out, Mildred and Theodore noses bleed.

"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.

Cassidy pulled away from Max and rushed over to Mildred, enveloping her in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry for calling you a bad friend. You're a great best friend that I could always be there for," she apologized, her voice sincere. Mildred, in response, rubbed Cassidy's back, offering reassurance.

"You too," Mildred said, pulling away from the hug and looking at Cassidy. "You picked the right loyal friends and girlfriend." A warm smile crossed Mildred's face, emphasizing the strength of the bonds forged through the challenges they faced together.

Cassidy chuckled, a warm sound that carried a mix of joy and relief. She turned her attention to Theodore and, with gratitude evident in her eyes, she gave him a genuine hug. "Thanks, Theo," she expressed, appreciating the support he had offered during her ordeal.

Her gaze then shifted to her brother and the rest of her friends. "Did you guys think I forgot about you?" Cassidy laughed, dispelling any lingering doubts and replacing them with the reassurance of her enduring connection with them all.

In response to her laughter, the five of them spontaneously gathered in a tight group hug. It was a moment of tangible reunion, a shared embrace that symbolized not only their history but the enduring strength of their friendship. As they pulled away from the hug, glances exchanged between them, carrying unspoken understanding and the shared experiences that had defined their bonds.

"We could've used you guys down there," Dustin exclaimed, acknowledging the challenges they faced during their mission. Mike, with a smile, responded, "Could've used you up here, too," recognizing the invaluable support that their friends provided, whether in the perilous depths below or in the challenges they faced above ground.

Cassidy turned her gaze to Will, empathy evident in her eyes. "I know what it's like being in there now, Will. I'm so sorry you had to experience that," she expressed, acknowledging the shared trauma they had both endured in the alternate dimension. The room held a somber atmosphere, filled with the weight of their shared understanding of the Upside Down's horrors.

Will smiled sadly, his eyes reflecting the haunting memories. Lucas, seeking to understand, asked, "What was it like?" Will shared his experience, "Gooey, dark, and cold. Luckily, I didn't have to fight off too much." His words painted a vivid picture of the eerie and unsettling nature of the Upside Down, a place that had become an unwanted part of their collective history.

Max grabbed Cassidy's arm, pulling her away, a determined look in her eyes. "I want you to go with Dustin, Mildred, and Theodore," Max insisted. Cassidy, caught off guard, protested, "What? I just got back, and what if you guys—"

"We have El, and I don't want you to get hurt," Max assured Cassidy, emphasizing the importance of their safety. In response, Cassidy kissed Max's cheek. "Just stay safe and don't die," she urged with a mix of concern and affection. Max returned the sentiment with a lingering kiss.

"Love you, Maxine," Cassidy smiled before running over to join Mildred.

As they stepped outside, a car awaited them. Steve, with arms extended, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "Oh, man... This is what I'm talking about! 'Toddfather'? Screw, Todd. Steve's her daddy now," he declared with a playful swagger, relishing in the banter. Cassidy chuckled at the lighthearted exchange and, with a playful grin, demonstrated her ability by shadow jumping into the back of the car.

"Holy shit! You can do that?" Robin exclaimed, her surprise evident as she took the front passenger seat. "Yeah!" Cassidy grinned, her response met with a mix of awe and amazement. Erica settled in beside Cassidy, absorbing the unexpected twist. The car, now filled with laughter and excitement, symbolized the camaraderie and resilience of the group as they prepared to face the challenges ahead.

"Hey, E," Cassidy smiled warmly. "I'm so glad you're okay," Erica said in evident relief, returning the sentiment with a hug. Theodore, Dustin, and Mildred got into the back of the car, while Steve, taking charge, started zooming off.

⭑⭑⭑

Dustin provided instructions to Steve, who couldn't help but express his impatience. "Jesus, how far is this place?" he whined. "I could just tele-" Before Cassidy could finish her sentence, she was cut off. "Relax, we are almost there," Dustin reassured, attempting to quell any rising tensions

"Suzie must be pretty special," Cassidy remarked with a smile. "Yea, if you built this thing and lugged it all the way to the middle of nowhere just to talk to her?" Steve replied, acknowledging the lengths Dustin went to for the sake of love.

"Steve!" Cassidy playfully hit his arm, understanding the implications of his comment. "I mean, nobody's scientifically perfect—" Steve began, but Cassidy zoned out, turning her attention to Theodore.

"Hey, you okay? I didn't see you say goodbye to Will," Cassidy started, expressing concern. "We broke up, okay!" Theodore blurted out. Cassidy blinked in surprise, looking at him with a blank face. "I was going to tell him I loved him, and then I broke up with him on accident!" Theodore explained. The revelation left Cassidy stunned, processing the unexpected turn of events.

"When did this happen?" Cassidy asked. "The day at the mall when you, Max, and El went shopping," Theodore replied, the weight of the confession lingering in the air.

"When this is over, I'm making you confess," Cassidy grinned, teasing Theodore about his unintentional breakup revelation. Before Theodore could reply, Dustin's urgent instructions interrupted the moment. Steve executed a sharp turn, and the car ascended a hill. Seizing the opportunity, Cassidy shadow jumped out of the car and quickly set up the radio, eager to contribute to the mission at hand.

Cassidy superspeeded, swiftly putting the radio together, earning the intrigued gaze of Scoops Troop in the distance. As she completed the task, she felt a trickle of blood from her nose, wiping it away with her finger.

"Holy shit, why didn't you tell me you had abilities a long time ago, big sis? We could've done pranks 24/7 together with this!" Erica exclaimed, excited at the prospect of mischief. Cassidy chuckled at her sister's enthusiasm.

Running her hand through her hair, Cassidy sat on the ground with her friends. Dustin, taking charge, changed the channel and grabbed the communication system, signaling their readiness for the challenges that lay ahead.

"Bald eagle, do you copy?"

"Bald eagle, I repeat, this is Scoops Troop and Cassidy, do you copy?"

"Wow, that hurt. I'm not a part of it? Ouch," Cassidy said sarcastically, clutching her chest for dramatic effect. "You know that's not what I meant," Dustin quickly responded, attempting to clarify, but Cassidy raised her eyebrows, not entirely buying his explanation.

"Yes, I copy."

"Call sign?"

"Dustin-" Cassidy started.

"Bald eagle."

"Please repeat."

The three young teens chuckled, "Bald Eagle. This is Bald Eagle!"

"Copy that."

"Good to hear your voice, Bald Eagle. What's your 20?"

"We reached a vent. I'll contact you when I need you. Until then, Silence."

"Damn, he is bossy and rude," Cassidy remarked, rolling her eyes at Dustin's assertive demeanor. Mildred chuckled, finding amusement in the situation. Theodore, displaying signs of anxiety, bounced his leg nervously. Cassidy noticed and reassured him, "Theo, Will is okay. He is okay," emphasizing the need for reassurance amid the unfolding events.

⭑⭑⭑

Mildred and Cassidy were catching up, but their conversation was abruptly cut off when Murray's voice came in over the radio. Amidst the serious tone, Mildred shared a lighthearted comment about Erica being a nerd, eliciting a defensive response from Erica. Cassidy, seizing the opportunity, playfully teased her, adding a touch of humor to the moment despite the tension in the air.

"Scoops Troop, this is... Hm. Bald Eagle. I've reached another junction."

"This is what?"

"The fourth junction."

"All right, so if memory serves, this is right after the My Little Pony thesis."

Robin and Steve asked simultaneously. "What is the My Little Pony thesis?"

"Were you not listening when Mildred explained about—" Cassidy began, but Erica nudged her, prompting an eye roll. "We are not talking about this again," Erica sassed, diverting the conversation.

Meanwhile, Dustin attempted to contact the Griswold Family, but they didn't answer. Cassidy and Theodore, growing increasingly worried, shared a concerned glance. Cassidy swiftly shadow jumped closer to Dustin, pushing him out of the way to take control of the situation. The heightened tension hinted at the gravity of the challenge they were about to face.

"I'm not gonna get used to that," Robin remarked in amazement. As Robin and Steve stood up, Dustin exclaimed, "Where are you going?!"

"To get them hell outta there!" Steve pointed, his determination clear. Cassidy's ears perked up, and she declared, "I'm coming with," making fists to help herself off the grass. Steve, however, stopped in his tracks, turning to her. He pursed his lips into a thin line. "No," Steve said firmly, leaving Cassidy confused.

"But... But my friends are in there!" Cassidy argued, her concern for her friends evident. Mildred and Theodore exchanged glances, recalling Max's instructions to follow if Steve refused to let Cassidy join them.

Cassidy, determined to join her friends, rose to her feet. In response, Theodore grabbed her by the waist, and Mildred swiftly secured the power damping cuffs on her once again. "Let me go!" Cassidy kicked and yelled, her frustration palpable. Mildred, biting her lip, grappled with the difficult decision.

As Steve and Robin quickly got into the car and sped towards the mall, Theodore and Mildred reluctantly released Cassidy. She immediately attempted to shadow jump, only to find it futile. Turning her frustration towards Theodore and Mildred, she demanded answers. Pushing Mildred, Cassidy expressed her frustration, causing Mildred to fall to the ground.

"I had to put the power damping cuffs on you again. I have the key to it, and I'm taking it off you until later," Mildred explained, torn between duty and the bonds of friendship.

Cassidy clenched her fists, turning towards the hill. As she began descending, Theodore sighed sadly and teleported in front of her. "Let me go, Theo! I need to save them!" Cassidy pleaded, her voice determined. Theodore frowned, glancing at Mildred, who nodded. "No. I can't. Max wanted us to keep you safe. She loves you dearly, and she can't bear to lose you permanently. It's for your own safety."

Mildred nodded with a compassionate understanding of Cassidy's intense desire to protect everyone. "Cass, we truly appreciate your concern for all of us, but in this instance, we need you to consider your own well-being. Max and the others are capable, and right now, it's crucial for you to prioritize yourself. We'll handle things here; you've done more than enough."

Cassidy's eyes reflected a mix of determination and worry. "I get it, Mildred, but they're like family to me. I can't just stand by. There has to be something I can do to help, to make sure everyone comes out of this okay."

Cassidy and Theodore shared a quick, determined glance before swiftly retracing their steps up the hill. Mildred skillfully removed the power damping cuffs from Cassidy, restoring her abilities. In the midst of the unfolding events, Dustin's voice echoed through the comms.

"Did he... talk to Suzie?" Cassidy questioned, a mix of curiosity and concern in her tone. Erica, looking puzzled, nodded in confirmation. "This nerd can sing and has a girlfriend," she exclaimed, her jaw dropping in disbelief as the unexpected revelation sank in.

As the last note of the song lingered, Suzie's unexpected addition, "Planck's constant is 6.62607004," filled the air. Suzie's comment about Dustin's girlfriend prompted a mixed reaction – Cassidy crossed her arms in contemplation, while Erica and Theodore responded with indifferent shrugs.

In the midst of this, an unforeseen wave washed over Cassidy. The world seemed to spin, and a sudden weakness overcame her. Desperation etched across her face as she tried to maintain composure, but her efforts were futile. Cassidy's arms dropped to her sides, and her vision blurred ominously. In a disorienting moment, her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed, succumbing to unconsciousness.

Cassidy's eyes fluttered open, finding herself in the mall. Uttering a bewildered "What the fuck?" she turned to see Max hovering over Billy. As she shifted her gaze, the sight of the lifeless Mindflayer on the ground dawned on her, and the realization hit hard – Billy had sacrificed himself.

In an instant, Cassidy shadow-jumped to them. "Cassidy," Max whispered through sobs, the weight of the moment palpable in the air.

"Billy, oh my god. Stay with us!" Cassidy's desperate plea echoed through the mall, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I tried being good for once. I took your advice..." Billy, lying there, managed a weak breath before closing his eyes.

"Billy!" Max and Cassidy's simultaneous cries filled the air as they both shook him, unwilling to accept the impending loss. Cassidy, overcome with emotion, pulled Max into a tight embrace, offering a comforting anchor as Max wept into her chest.

"I'm so sorry, Max. I'm here for you, alright?" Cassidy whispered, the weight of the moment settling heavily on their shoulders as they grappled with the reality of Billy's sacrifice.

⭑⭑⭑

Three Months Later...

Eleven and Theodore accompanied the Byers, the absence of Hopper casting a somber shadow. His sacrifice weighed heavily on everyone's minds. Despite Cassidy's efforts to uplift Max, she found solace in the familiar embrace of her room, seeking comfort in Cassidy's presence while grappling with the pain of losing Billy.

The day marked the Byers and Ives twins' move, a bittersweet occasion. In an attempt to honor the memories of those they lost, Max, Lucas, and Cassidy sang the same song Dustin had sung with Suzie. The absence of Mildred, who was out job hunting with Steve and Robin, added to the poignant atmosphere as they navigated through the complexities of grief and change.

Amidst the packing chaos, Max and Cassidy found a moment of levity, sharing laughter. Cassidy spotted Theodore diligently packing up the kitchen and decided to add a playful touch to the situation. Sneaking up behind him, she placed her hands on his shoulders, prompting a surprised squeal from Theodore. Cassidy couldn't help but chuckle.

Seizing the opportunity, she asked, "Have you told him yet?" Theodore's expression turned serious as he shook his head. Cassidy, persistent and lighthearted, nudged him with a grin, "You have to! You just got back together, and now you're going to be living with each other!" Her excitement for Theodore was palpable. Despite her encouragement, Theodore hesitated, his uncertainty evident as he mumbled, "I don't know..." The weight of the decision lingered in the air as they navigated the complexities of their rekindled relationship.

Cassidy, displaying a mix of impatience and determination, rolled her eyes at Theodore's hesitation. She grabbed his arm with a firm grip and guided him to Will's room, purposefully closing the door behind them. In the room, Will was engrossed in packing, glancing up as they entered. He greeted them with a small smile and a wave.

Theodore, scratching his neck in nervous anticipation, greeted Will with a simple "Hi." Sensing the importance of the moment, he reached for Will's hand. "Will, I need to talk to you," Theodore stated, the room filled with the weight of the impending conversation as they stood on the threshold of discussing something significant.

Will gazed into Theodore's eyes, his expression revealing vulnerability. "The first time we met, I fell for you," he confessed. "After the chaos last year, we grew to like each other, and then we went to the snowball together." He took a deep breath before continuing, "Honestly, do you remember when I said I wanted to break up at Scoops three months ago?" The weight of his words lingered in the room, the past and the present converging in a pivotal moment of honesty.

As Will nodded, Theodore opened up about his true intentions. "I wasn't going to break up. I was going to confess," he admitted, the vulnerability evident in his voice. Will, intrigued and awaiting further explanation, asked, "Confess what?"

Without uttering a word, Theodore leaned in, bridging the gap between them with a tender kiss. The room filled with the unspoken emotions that had lingered for too long. Pulling back, Theodore looked deeply into Will's eyes and declared, "I love you, Will."

"I-I love you too," Will admitted, his cheeks tinted with a gentle blush. Inside the room, unbeknownst to them, Cassidy subtly withdrew her ear from the door with a triumphant smile. "My work there is done!" she proclaimed, savoring the success of her matchmaking efforts.

However, in her jubilation, Cassidy accidentally brushed into Eleven's shoulder. The collision caused Eleven to drop her teddy bear. "Oh my god, El! I'm sorry," Cassidy swiftly apologized, bending down to pick up the fallen bear. Her face bore a sheepish expression, but her eyes sparkled with a sense of mischief and satisfaction.

Cassidy handed the soft bear to Eleven, and her face lit up with a grin. "I got back together with Mike, and we confessed our love," Eleven blurted out. Cassidy mirrored the joy, responding with a playful tone, "Yay! Mike better not mess up again, or I'm kicking his ass." Eleven chuckled at the jest.

In a buoyant mood, Cassidy strolled over to Max, hopping onto her lap. With a gleeful spirit, she began to sing the same song from earlier, filling the room with her melody. However, not everyone shared her enthusiasm. Dustin couldn't hide his annoyance and let out a groan in response to Cassidy's impromptu performance.

In the quiet emptiness of the house, the time had come for goodbyes. Will gravitated towards Cassidy, and she enveloped him in a tight embrace, the hug serving as a silent exchange of emotions that words couldn't capture. As they parted, Cassidy placed her hands on Will's shoulders, her expression a mix of sincerity and affection.

"Don't ever let anyone steal your smile or change who you are, okay? People might judge, but that's their problem, not yours. They're missing out on the incredible person you are. I love you, Will," Cassidy spoke from the heart, her words carrying a weight of genuine care. Will's face lit up with a genuine smile, and he nodded in understanding, grateful for Cassidy's words that would linger as a comforting echo in his heart.

Theodore and Eleven approached Cassidy, and she greeted them with open arms, drawing them into a heartfelt hug. The warmth of the embrace seemed to convey a sense of reassurance, a silent promise of enduring friendship. Cassidy's voice, barely above a whisper, imparted words of wisdom as she held them close.

"Don't forget to maintain that beautiful smile, and, just like I said to Will, don't let the judgment of others affect you," Cassidy whispered into Theodore's ear, her words carrying a mix of encouragement and protective warmth.

As they pulled back from the hug, Theodore and Eleven's eyes held traces of both laughter and tears. Cassidy, now wearing a tender smile, noticed the glistening tears in her friends' eyes. "Why the tears?" she asked, her own eyes reflecting the emotional exchange. A genuine concern colored her words, and she couldn't help but add with a playful touch, "Now, you're making me cry," as shared emotions flowed freely.

Theodore and Eleven shared a heartfelt chuckle amidst the emotions. "I'm going to miss you so much," Theodore expressed, tears streaming down his face. Eleven echoed the sentiment, "Me too, I'll miss your energetic spirit and you always checking on us."

"Hey, I can always shadow jump to you guys," Cassidy reassured, a glimmer of hope in her words as she hugged Theodore and Eleven one last time. Pulling away, she watched them walk towards the truck and car that would take them away.

Turning to Max, Cassidy intertwined their hands, finding solace in the shared connection. As the group of teens observed their friends drive away, tears welled up in Cassidy and Max's eyes. "We'll see them again, soon. I have a feeling this isn't over yet," Cassidy reassured Max, the anticipation of a reunion lingering in her heartfelt words.

⭑⭑⭑

ASH SPEAKS !

Holy shit. I'm.. I'm done. :( I have to wait for Season 4 now.. NOOOOO!! FUCK YOU COVID AND THAT STUDIO FALLING DOWN!! ITS DELAYED AGAIN FUCK YOU!!

istg. The universe must think it must be so good the season is to just keep delaying it.

As for Mildred & Theodore.. I will be showing them more in Season 4. Its sucks I barely wrote them this season, but next season I will definitely will be.

Im sorry this chapter kinda sucks, it was rushed.. lol

Anyways, I'll be back for Season 4 once it's out! But, I have other books! Go check them out.

Also thank you so much for 3k views on this!! <3 I appreciate it.

I'm about to publish my Steve Harrington book, 'Gardenia' soo yep!

I might make some bonus chapters but maybe idk!