Vecna had finally been defeated, lives had been lost in the struggle from day one. Families were torn apart but new bonds had been created. The group was sitting in the hospital together, many of them bruised or wounded from their fight but none of them had been as injured as Max had, the makeshift family huddled around her, waiting for her to wake. They were thankful none of them were dead, but they didn't know the extent of what Max's injuries truly were. The doctors were mostly hush, hush. Dr. Owens had taken over Max's care and was signed as her legal guardian. He didn't want to worry the kids so he didn't tell them anything, Joyce and Hopper didn't agree but as her legal guardian now they obliged.
The hospital staff had worried the small family would be disappointed, many of them didn't believe the girl would wake. Dustin's left arm was in a sling, and Nancy had a broken leg, Eddie had managed to survive within the upside down, broken ribs and a few nasty new scars, but most of the rest of the kids were okay. Scars, bruises, and other such injuries but nothing as ever lasting as what Max would likely deal with if she woke.
Day in and day out the group waited, but finally nearly a month after Vecna had finally been defeated the group was surprised to be called in, but ever thankful for the chance to see Max again.
The doctors were very clear, Max would never be the same again. She was paralyzed from the shoulders down. The small family sat huddled together, sad for their friend. However they knew together they could give her the best like, and they were determined to make sure she never felt any worse. They knew she would be frustrated, and it would be a huge shock to the system, but they could and would help her. They wanted to make sure she was taken care of exactly how she should be. They were determined to help her through everything she could possibly need help with. They knew Max was strong willed, and that this would be hardest on her.
"Are you all ready to come and see her? She is a bit upset, but she wants to see you all. She's been asking about everyone since she woke up."
The family agreed instantly. They raced into the room piling together by her door. Max's face, tear stained, lit up. "You're all okay."
The first words that left her lips, and it sent shivers up the rest of their spines. Max had gotten it the worst in the fight with Vecna. It would never change or get better for her, broken bones would heal. Bruises would fade. But Max would never be able to walk or use her hands again.
"We are so thankful you woke up honey," Joyce said, breaking the silence. Tears were running down everyone's face, tears of joy. Many of them feared the worst for Max, no one wanted to admit they thought she may die, but it was a real concern. No one had survived what Venca did to them the way Max did. She smiled a soft bit, she knew her whole life was going to be different. Her mother was in no condition to take care of her so someone else had adopted her. The doctor had however promised to allow her to be with her friends. School was still important, and while she wasn't going to have the same experience Dr. Owens still wanted her to get an education and have hobbies and do something for herself.
"We are so thankful that you're alive." Steve signed with a smile. He kissed Max's forehead. These kids were his life, everything they were he was proud of. He promised himself from this moment that he would do everything Max needed.
Two years ago, he had lost most of his hearing. He had a hearing aid now and the family had learned sign language for him, he was great at reading lips and Dustin, Robin, or Eddie were generally his translator. He knew what she was going through was nowhere near what Max had now lost, but he wanted to be that person for her if she needed it.
El was sobbing, her lips quivered as she wrapped herself around Max. "I'm so sorry.. So so sorry.. I-if I hadn't- hadn't wanted to be your friend you wouldn't be in this me-."
"No." Max snapped. "Don't you dare blame yourself."
El grew silent, but held her close. "Max."
"Friends, best friends." Max whispered, the tears had begun to well back up. Everyone was crying, but they were mostly out of pure joy. "Dr. Owen got me a special chair." She explained.
Dr. Owen was sitting outside the door, he wanted to give the group some time to talk and enjoy one another's company. "A wheelchair?"
"Sort of." Max replied. She shrugged, one of the only things she could still do. "I have to blow into it, or suck on it. He called it the sip and puff."
The group nodded understanding. "I can come home today." Max said with a big smile. The group sighed in relief. Knowing Max was finally coming home to them was so wonderful. It truly meant everything to them. "Dr. Owen said when I got comfortable everyone could come over for dinner."
"That would be really nice," Joyce said. "Hopper and I are going to go talk to Dr. Owen's you kids talk for a little bit more."
Max nodded and the two adults left the room. The teens all huddled around Max, telling her all about what happened with Vecna, how he was finally defeated, and that they were all alive. "You know what I really want?" Max asked with a soft smile on her face.
"What?" Robin asked sitting beside her on the hospital bed.
"A cheeseburger, and a milkshake."
The group laughed. "Maybe we should all go and get a burger and milkshake when you're all settled instead of having a big dinner."
Max nodded, Nancy was sitting behind her brushing her hair back while Steve wrote down some ideas for them to do with Max so they could keep her happy and active. Eddie was nervous that she would blow up at him for not thinking she could handle some of her prior activities but it wasn't going to be something she could manage anymore. They all knew it was a terrible fate for a young girl but they were going to make the best of it.
"Let's get you in your chair then huh? Blow this popsicle stand." Eddie said with a smile. Max nodded, her face beamed. She was distraught, but she wanted to show a brave face, she refused to let anyone know she was feeling sorry for herself. Eddie ruffled her hair and carefully picked her up. The group noted how limp she was in his arms. "Alright Red."
Max hated how helpless she had become.
She was strong willed, capable, but now she was unable to even get to the bathroom on her own if she wanted.
Jonathan and Argyle adjusted the seat and the foot rests on the chair while Eddie carefully sat her down. "So you just blow on this straw?" Mike asked looking it over. "That's kinda cool."
"Metal." Eddie mumbled with a small grin.
"Yeah," Max smirked, they were making this seem like something awesome rather than a deficit.
"You're controlling your own spaceship." Will stated as he cocked his head looking her over. El looked between Max and Will, her 'brother' always had the most fantastic view of the world. Max snorted. These boys and their fantasy.
"Let's get out of here." Steve signed. "Hospitals give me the creeps."
Eddie laughed, wrapping his arm around his waist. Max blinked, a lot had changed since she had fallen into the coma. It seemed Steve and Eddie were a couple, so she wondered who else was paired with who. She also noted a long haired male, who seemed close to Jonathan. She wondered how they came to know one another. How he had become a member of their family.
Lucas thought Max had died right before him. He was just thankful he hadn't lost her, no one wanted her gone, no one wanted that to be her fate, but it was still terrifying for them that she had gone through any of it. They wondered what she had gone through, in that mind of hers while Vecna had control. If he had any control.
They didn't know.
Not knowing was the worst of all.
Max took a deep breath and tried to remember the rules Dr. Owens had given her. One hard puff for the chair to move forward, a harder sip would move it backward. She narrowed her eyes for a moment, her brow furrowing. A quick sip would stop the wheelchair, a soft continuous sip would turn the chair left while a continuous soft puff would turn the chair right. "You got this Max? Or do you want us to push it?" Nancy asked, seeing the look on her face.
"No, I've got it." Max snapped. Nancy pursed her lips, she couldn't take it too harshly; she knew that Max's entire life was changing right before her. It was her life now, a life she had to deal with. Max noted the look on Nancy's face. "Sorry.. I.. I just want to do this."
"It's alright Max." Nancy promised, rubbing her cheek. The group side stepped so Max could make the chair move. Max puffed on the straw and nothing happened. She bit her lip before she did it again, this time much harder. The chair jolted a bit, startling Dustin enough he fell into Steve and Eddie. The two boys caught him with small smirks on their faces, Max snickered a bit and the chair continued to move about, she maneuvered the room with sips or puffs and the teens rallied behind her. They were so proud of her, Dustin let out a squeak as she hit the door frame but Max just pulled the chair back and made it out to the hall.
Dr. Owens, Joyce, and Hopper looked pleasantly surprised. "She's cruising." Argyle chirped.
"She sure is." A nurse said walking by. "We are all so glad to see you awake Maxine."
"It's just Max." Max retorted, her chair was now stopped beside Dr. Owens.
"Let's get you home, we can have everyone come over once you're all settled."
Max nodded. She wanted to stay with her friends, but she also knew it would be good for her to have a minute in her new room. Everyone gave her a quick hug and watched as she made it to the elevator. She smiled at her friends and nodded goodbye. They would see her soon enough.
Max looked around her room, it was nothing like her room in the trailer or even when they lived with Billy and his dad. The room was completely accessible for her wheelchair, just as the house had been adjusted. Every staircase had been adjusted so there was also a ramp. She only had a bed, and a closet full of clothes. That was all she owned now, new clothes that somewhat fit her personality. She did smile however, seeing a radio and a TV. Not being able to do anything fun was going to kill her, so she was happy to see there was actually something for her to do while she was just sitting on the chair or on her new bed.
"I've hired a nurse to help you get ready every day, bathe you, and help you use the restroom." Dr. Owens explained. "I'm sure your friends would be happy to help you with some of those things, but I think it would be good for you to have someone who can help you here when none of them are around."
Max nodded understanding, she was kind of thankful that he had gotten someone to help her, even if she didn't want it. She was even more thankful he wasn't going to be doing all of those things for her but instead someone had been hired. Max was wheeling around the house trying to figure everything out and found the kitchen.
The realization dawned on her, she would need someone to help her eat. Someone to help her with everything.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Dr. Owens rounded the corner and spotted Max, sobbing.
"Maxine?"
"I-it's Max." She muttered frustrated.
Dr. Owens took a deep breath. "Max, what's wrong?" He asked straightening up. "What's going on?"
"I can't even eat by myself. I can't.. I ca-can't grab a soda and open it myself. I have to ask for everything, I need help with everything! This is fucking stupid!"
"Language." Dr. Owens snapped.
Max looked up at him, tears still rolling down her cheeks. "You don't even understand…"
"Max, I know I am not your parent but you are now under my watch. I am legally your guardian, I am going to do everything I can for you, I will take care of you. I will hire anyone you need or want me to, I am going to allow your little friends to ruin the prestige of my home and evade day in and day out. This place is no longer mine, it is yours too. Theirs. But I have rules."
Max shucked in a deep breath. "Rules?"
She cocked an eyebrow.
"No swearing, your friends will clean up after themselves, you will continue to do schoolwork. You won't sit in the house day in and day out, you will go out with that chair and live a little. I don't want you to think just because you are in that chair you are unable to do things. There is plenty for you, even more I can make happen."
Max gulped.
What could she do? She could no longer skateboard, she couldn't write, couldn't read by flipping the pages herself. "How?"
"How what?" Dr. Owens asked, crossing his arms. He wasn't frustrated by her, he understood she was going through a complete life swap.
"How am I supposed to do school work? I can't write, I can't read."
"You'll have your nurse, and I am going to hire a tutor, as well as have someone come and teach you."
"You.. you mean I won't go to school anymore?" Max asked, her breath hitched. "I won't be with my friends?"
Dr. Owens looked her up and down, her lip quivering. "I planned to have you homeschooled, but if you want to go back we can arrange for you to have a class alone with your teacher and someone to write your answers when you give them verbally."
"So I wouldn't have classes with others, my teachers would only teach me? No one will be there in class…"
"That's how that would work, unless it wouldn't be allowed which I do not yet know. It would make it extremely difficult for you however to tell someone what the answers are to write down if you can't speak while the class is supposed to do silent work. It's not just about you Max, it will be about those around you as well."
"Well I know that… I just didn't think about it. I just thought about going to school like normal…" She hiccuped a bit. "I'm not- not like I was before."
"I know Max, but it's okay. You're still you, nothing about your personality has changed. The only thing now is you have some extra things to work past."
Max looked down. "Alright.."
"Are you hungry?" Mr. Owens asked.
"Not really. I just- just had a moment…"
"Once you're all settled, we can have your friends come over. I can order pizza, make burgers with Jim, or anything else you want."
"Can we do pizza?" Max asked. "Soda too?"
Dr. Owens chuckled. "How about we go to the store together, you can help me find the soda your friends will like, and some snacks too."
Max looked down at herself, she had to be brave. "Okay."
The ride to the store was short, Dr. Owens decided to do something a bit different. "How about you ride in the cart?"
"Like a toddler?"
"No, not there, just sit in the main cart where you put stuff."
Max smirked. "Thank you."
He sat her upright in the cart and helped make sure she was comfortable before they began to shop. By the end of their shopping trip the cart was nearly ful to the brim of snacks that she liked, as well as for the little get together. He wanted to make sure she was comfortable, and that she had stuff she actually liked in the house. They had gone past a small stand with some movies on it and she got excited, he let her pick out three movies that she could have to watch
whenever she wanted.
He wanted to make sure she was comfortable and happy, and that she didn't feel trapped within the house.
He was happy to order some pizzas and then made a call to let Hopper and Joyce know that they were allowed to come over. Everyone was sitting around Hopper's place waiting for the okay, a few of them had gotten Max some gifts and things they hoped she would be able to use or like.
Max didn't really know what to prepare herself for, but she knew her life was changing.
As the family arrived at Dr. At Owens' house Max was surprised to see them come in with gifts. "We are happy you're finally back up and going." Robin said with a smile on her face, Steve held out the movies for her so she could see them. "Is there one you wanted us to put in?"
Max picked an action movie, they put it in the player and all sat around while they snacked and talked. Dr. Owens didn't fuss when Max asked for a bite of something or to get a drink. Max quickly came to find a new relationship she hadn't expected but did find adorable.
Nancy and Robin.
Nancy sat on Robin's lap while Eddie and Steve sat close, Eddie's arm around Steve's waist. Nancy was signing away while they talked and chatted. El stuck close to Max, she both worried that Max resented her for this. However it was clear that Max wasn't upset from their earlier conversation.
El just felt terrible, she blamed herself even if no one else did.
No one blamed El for any of it, especially Max.
Max was happy and content that the family was around, spending time with her even though she was going through something like this. She knew that however she ended up this would be her life until her last breath. She was just thankful it wasn't ending so early.
There was little she had really gotten done, she was so young, but now she had the ability to keep living. Even if it was extremely different. She had her friends and family beside her now. They would do everything they could do for her, and they were happy to do it. They were there for here, and would help her with everything she would let them help her with.
Eleven was exploring the house, she was happy to see Dr. Owens cared enough to ensure everything was as accessible for Max as it could possibly be. Mike and Will also took up to explore, they wanted to see exactly what the house had to offer. Lucas and Dustin realize that they could use the stair ramp as a slide.
Max smiled big watching them as they slid down it, Robin didn't let Nancy do it because of her broken leg, Eddie was yelling at Dustin to be careful while Steve was signing furiously at the kids to be respectful of Dr. Owens' home.
Max chuckled watching them, she wanted to join in. She knew it would be fun if she could ride a skateboard down it, that was when she felt herself trying not to well up with tears again. Robin spotted Max's face and grabbed Nancy's hand. Nancy made her way over to Max, using her crutches carefully. "What's wrong Max?"
"N..nothing." She managed out. "I'm fine Nancy."
Nancy frowned but didn't want to push the problem, she knew that pushing her would only make it worse. "Robin do you want a drink?" Nancy asked, a smile on her face.
"Oh no you don't." Robin got up quickly and shooed her back to the couch. "You'd spill all over Nanc."
Nancy giggled and laid back. Lucas and Dustin snuck in a few extra slides on the ramp while Will sat staring at Max's wheels.
"Max could I add something to the wheels?"
"Like what?" Max asked, she coked her head. "How are you planning on doing that anyway?"
"Circle paper, they'd fit on the wheels really well. Could do fire or something."
"Would you want to?"
Will nodded happily. "Of course. You're like a sister to me."
Max smiled, she was so pleased to have people who actually cared about her enough to make her feel better. To try and include her in everything they could. "Can they stay over tonight?" Max asked hopefully.
"I suppose so, but I'm no good at making breakfast." He replied. "If any of you want to, you're welcome to stay, even the two of you." He said to Joyce and Hopper. The two adults appreciated it but didn't want to impose. They didn't have to stay, it wasn't something they needed to do. They also knew very well the children probably wanted to have some time alone with Max. They had waited day in and day out for her to wake, for her to come back to them.
Max was super excited that they got to stay around, and that was when she saw another relationship that seemed to flourish between the time she had gone into her coma and now. Mike and Will.
She had always known Will liked Mike, but she wasn't sure if there was anything more than a crush. Her lips turned up in a smile as she saw Mike pull Will a bit closer to him on the floor as he began to sketch out his ideas for Max's wheels. He gave Will a soft peck on the cheek keeping a close eye on Hopper. Eleven had been really good with the break up, and even happier to see Will get the man of his dreams.
Hopper couldn't believe that when Mike and El broke up he still had to worry about Mike Wheeler dating one of his children. He thought he was out of his hair, but he was quickly proved wrong, but he was happy that Will was happy.
Once everyone was done with the party, the kids made their way up to Max's room. They said nothing about how bare it was, the flowers from the hospital and the gifts they brought over were the only things that filled it now. "Will you sleep in my bed with me?" Max asked El, Eleven was surprised by the question if she was being completely honest. She hadn't expected Max to want her anywhere nearby. Eleven happily climbed into bed beside her, Max found sleeping odd now.
She couldn't roll over, she couldn't move to pull the blankets up or down. She didn't even feel Eleven laying her head on her chest, but she knew she was there, and that helped her sleep.
Max didn't know what she would do without them, but she was just so thankful that she was willingly to do what she asked, and that her friends were willing to stay around even after everything she had gone through.
The day she woke, when she was informed of her condition to the fullest extent she thought they may ditch her. Tears began to roll down her cheeks only for a moment before she closed her eyes and tried to sleep. She was luckier than she thought she was, she now just had to figure out life when she didn't have people around to help her.
She wasn't alone, but she was determined to be as independent as she could be.
That morning when everyone got up Steve helped Max into her chair, Max's new nurse had shown up that morning to get her dressed and to the bathroom and was surprised to find so many children and teens running amok in the doctors home. She was a bit surprised by the children, but she ignored them and helped Max until she sent her away to just wait. Dr. Owens asked if she would willingly help him make breakfast for the group of rambunctious teens. She happily obliged, doing as he asked, they made pancakes and waffles for the kids. She also freshly squeezed some orange juice. Max was sat upright in a chair, there were some straps just to help her stay upright which bothered her but she tried to say nothing. She knew if she didn't mention it that no one else would say a word about it.
"What happened to the lot of you?" The nurse asked, looking them over, noticing Nancy's broken leg, Dustin's broken arm, and the rest of their bruises and cuts.
"They're just pretty over excited, dare devils these kids are." Dr. Owens explained trying to step in for the kids. They sighed in thanks, he wasn't so willing to give up their secrets. When the 'apocalypse' had occurred in Hawkins lots of people were injured, however these kids were a bit more injured than some had been.
"I see." She said softly as she helped Max with her waffles.
As if to help prove his point, Dustin and Lucas went and slid down the ramp again even after they had been told to be careful. "Dustin!" Eddie snapped. Steve started signing again trying to get them to listen. He spoke some, but he hadn't talked much since he had lost his hearing. He didn't like not being able to hear his voice so it was easier just to sign. The kids quickly left the ramp and sat back down to eat trying to listen, they continued to giggle a bit which Steve couldn't hear but noticed as their shoulders lifted up and down. He whacked Dustin upside the head who quickly apologized again and sat back, trying not to laugh again.
Max too was trying to hide her laughter. Eleven stuck close to her, she didn't want to leave Max's side one bit. She felt it was her responsibility to stay beside Max at all times. The nurse looked over at Max, she smiled knowing that this girl at least had friends by her side. It was wonderful for her to see people who cared so much about someone even when their entire world was flipped upside down.
"I am going to go out for a moment." Dr. Owens explained. "I think you kids are fine, the nurse won't be much in the way alright?"
The children nodded, Eddie popped a movie in so Max could sit and watch it. Steve and Robin were in the middle of a game of scrabble. "Max I will be back in about an hour okay?" The nurse said softly as she checked her watch. Max nodded and turned back to pay attention to the movie, the straw to her cup grew out of reach. She huffed and leaned her neck forward but still couldn't reach it. She groaned and tried again, but the straw moved out of her reach. Max was growing frustrated, this should be simple.
Nancy noticed she was struggling and stood up. "Max, can I help?"
Everyone looked over, worried something was wrong. Max's face grew hot. "No, I'm fine." Max replied. "I'm fine Nancy."
Nancy nodded and sat, she kept her eyes on Max which was embarrassing her more. Her face reddened a bit more and hot angry tears rolled down her cheeks, Nancy stood up and went to help. "I don't want help!" Max snapped, as Max yelled all the windows on that floor shattered, the glass cup Max was trying to drink out of cracked covering Max's lap and the ground in shards of glass. Everyone was staring wide eyed at Max.
"Max." Eleven stood upright quickly. Everyone was surprised by the fact Max was able to do something like that due to her anger. "You.. you might have powers like me."
"H-How?" Max's eyes were wide. "How did I do that?"
"I'm going to call Joyce." Nancy said, rushing to the phone on the wall.
"Ah man, the TV's cracked." Eddie groaned.
"He's going to kill me." Max whined. "I just broke all these windows.."
Steve rubbed her shoulder. He was signing quickly and Robin was making sure to tell everyone what he was saying so they could focus on Max. "We don't know what being that close to Venca for so long trapped in that inner space of her head did to her. She may have telekinesis like Eleven or something else special to herself."
Max thought about what that might mean. She could do a lot more on her own if she had telekinesis. Joyce picked up the phone, she anticipated them to just ask to be picked up from the sleepover or to see if they could stay longer but as Nancy began explaining the situation Joyce realized they needed to head over quickly. "Hopper and I will be there as soon as we can, okay?"
"Dr. Owens stepped out, he's not home. He doesn't know." Nancy said sheepishly. "He's not going to let us come over again will he?"
"None of you did it." Joyce tried to explain. "I'm sure he won't be displeased. He may be happy Max has abilities."
Nancy sighed in thanks, she would hate to not get to see Max. "Do you think it was a fluke?" Jonathan asked as he looked Max over.
"Only a few ways to tell." Dustin replied. "It never happens again, or when she tries to move stuff with her mind she cant."
Max scowled at him, her emotions were still high hot tears of worry were still running down her cheeks and she was clearly terrified of herself and the fact that she had just blown up multiple windows and cracked a large TV. Dustin's hat was flown off his head.
"Don't think it was a fluke." He stated quickly a bit nervous about the fact Max had telekinesis she couldn't control.
"Yo, we got two magic chicks now." Argyle said with a smirk. "Sick."
Max didn't know if she should be excited about it, or scared. No one that wanted to harm them for having powers was still around so that was at least a good sign. "I wish I got vampire powers after those stupid demobats, just got some scars."
"And you lost a nipple." Robin joked, throwing a pillow at him.
"I liked that one." He grumbled. Steve chuckled, having read his lips, he loved his idiot boyfriend. Eleven was trying to reassure Max when Hopper, Dr. Owens, and Joyce stepped in the house.
"Oh the windows…" Dr. Owens mumbled.
Max hiccuped. "I'm sorry."
"The windows can be fixed, you're more important." Dr. Owens promised noticing the stains of tears running down her cheeks. "Are you all okay?"
"Just fine." Nancy reassured him. "Just fine."
Joyce rubbed Max's shoulder. "So, do we think it was just a one time thing, or that its more than that?"
"It's more." Will piped up. "She knocked Dustin's hat off after too."
"Did you mean to?" Dr. Owens asked, cocking his head.
Max shook her head. "No, he just made a stupid comment."
"Hey." Dustin scowled at her, he was hiding behind Lucus just in case she did anything else.
"I don't know how to control it." Max whispered. "I don't want to hurt anyone."
"I can teach her!" Eleven said excitedly. "I can try at least."
Hopper and Joyce looked between one another, then to Max. "As long as the two of you are careful. That's fine. I think lessons after school would be good. Is that alright Dr. Owens?" Joyce asked.
"More than fine. It's important for Max to know what she's doing, we don't want her to hurt herself or anyone else. I'll make sure the nurse isn't around during the lessons. I also need to see if someone can come fix my windows now, so I think maybe we should all just go back to what we were doing?"
"I'm sorry." Max said again softly.
"You have no reason to apologize." Joyce and Dr. Owens said at the same time. "You didn't mean to."
Dr. Owens called the nurse to let her know she wouldn't be needed for a few days, Nancy offered to help Max with anything she needed while they figured everything out. Eleven would come over for a few hours everyday and help Max figure out how to use her powers. Nancy, Joyce, Hopper, or Eddie would drop Eleven off.
Max was happy to have her friend around.
"So.. How do I do this?"
"I learned to crush soda cans first."
"What?"
"Yeah, you just crush it." Eleven said.
"I don't think we have any empty ones." Max retorted.
"We can help with that." Eddie said sitting back on the couch. "Help me drink these babe?" Eddie signed to Steve, handing him a few sodas. Steve nodded and began to guzzle the sodas. Max giggled watching them, Eleven handed a few to Dustin, Mike, and Will who had asked to tag along for the day.
The boys chugged the soda, Eddie and Dustin were trying to see who could drink the most in one go.
"Show me how to do it?" Max asked.
Eleven nodded, her face scrunched up as she focused intensely on the newly emptied can. Max watched as the can slowly lifted off the table and began to crush. Max's eyes widened, it was incredible. "So if I can crush a can I can do everything?"
Eleven giggled. "I'm sure you can Max, I know you. You're strong, and determined. I am going to do my best to help you, but I believe in you. I think we can work together to make this work."
Max smiled.
She was determined to do more. So Max began to focus on the can, for about half an hour it didn't move, or budge. Max grumbled, she was growing frustrated. "Calm down," Eleven said softly, "if you're only getting things to move out of anger, then you'll never get anything to work when you want it."
Max looked up at her, then down at her hand. She hadn't noticed she was rubbing her thumb over the back of her hand. Max did her best to calm down, she needed to listen and focus. She began to focus again on the can, trying not to get angry again. She took another deep breath as she focused on the can, after another ten minutes it finally began to rise off the table. The boys ceased their conversation, they were excited about the rising of the can. Dustin and Will were on the edge of their seats. Steve squeezed Eddie's hand, Max began to grow excited. Her attention was no longer on just crushing the can. The can fell to the table, but it was progress. She groaned.
"You're doing great." Eleven tried to hype her up. "It took me a long time before I was ready to do that."
"Really?"
"I was too focused on pleasing papa." Eleven replied. "My emotions were too high."
Max nodded in understanding, she was thankful she was so willing to help her. That she was giving her as many hints as she could. She was honestly surprised she was able to lift a soda off the table.
"Max you've got superpowers." Dustin said excitedly.
"Maybe I'm a super villain." Max joked. Dustin's eyes widened, he instinctively moved closer to Eddie and Steve who chuckled letting him sit between them. Steve ruffled his hair.
"How about we give Max and El some time alone." Eddie suggested. "Let's go upstairs and play some DnD?"
The kids hopped up excitedly following him up the stairs, Steve waved to the girls and headed up the stairs to make sure their session of dungeons and dragons didn't become demolish and destroy. Steve knew if they had no supervision, more than just windows would get broken.
Max kept her eyes on the soda can, and Eleven kept her eyes on Max.
She had always liked Max, but when she had been hurt and went into a coma because of venca Eleven realized her world felt like it was crashing down. Without Max there was something missing. Everything felt just wrong. She couldn't deny how happy she was around Max, but she didn't know how to say it. She just wanted her to be alive, and wanted her to be happy. Being able to help her learn how to use her powers was helping him, which was making her happy. She hoped she could continue to help Max progress, she knew she was concerned about a lot of things. This Eleven hoped would brighten her life up a little bit more.
Max continued to work on it, with or without Eleven around.
The next few days Max kept working on her powers, she wanted to show Eleven her progress.
She hoped it would make her friend happy that she had helped her so much. She knew she would need to keep working on her powers, currently she could really only crush cans which wouldn't help her do anything practical.
She did however think it would be nice to show her that she was capable of learning and practicing.
Eleven arrived at Dr. Owens' house after school that day.
Max smiled seeing her friend come inside, Hopper had dropped her off so the two were finally alone this time instead of with the boys or Nancy.
"I have something to show you." Max smirked. Eleven sat and watched enthusiastically.
Max lifted a can of soda off the table, and within seconds crushed it.
Eleven jumped to her feet, without warning she wrapped her arms around Max and squeezed her. "You did so good! We can start working on other stuff now too. You've got the basics down, so we can start working more."
Max smiled, Eleven was still sitting on her lap and she admittedly didn't want her to move. "You think if I get good enough I can move my wheelchair without needing to suck or blow on this stupid straw?"
"I think so, I moved a whole car, multiple times. I think you can do that just fine."
Max smiled, the idea of flipping a car was actually super cool. She regretted not believing Lucas and the boys about Eleven at first. The whole idea was honestly crazy, still felt that way honestly, but she was so thankful she had Eleven here to help her.
She finally understood to an extent what Eleven had gone through, it was mentally draining.
Eleven slowly got off Max's lap. "Maybe we can try having you move objects around the room?"
Max nodded in agreement. "Like what?"
Eleven pulled her backpack from off the couch, she was clearly prepared. Eleven pulled out a small tennis ball. "Try and throw it to me."
Max concentrated on the ball and chucked it across the room. It narrowly missed Eleven's face and hit the wall behind her as she ducked.
"Sorry!" Max exclaimed.
Eleven looked up, before she fell to the floor in a fit of giggles. Max gave her a confused look before she also began to laugh. The two couldn't stop laughing for a good twenty minutes. When the two finally composed themselves Eleven picked up the ball and brought it back towards Max. "Okay, now focus. Look towards where you want the ball to go, so if you want the ball to go to my hands you'll look at my hands."
Max nodded, she broke eye contact which wasn't something she wanted to do. Eleven's eyes were beautiful, they sparkled with the light and it completely distracted her. Eleven was pretty, it wasn't hard to see it. Her hair was braided today, and it kept distracting Max. Eleven opened her hands up ready to catch the ball.
Max tried again to focus, she lifted the ball up off the floor and once again tried to send it her way. The ball didn't land in her hands but rather hit her in the arm. "Close." Eleven encouraged. Max smiled, Eleven was helping her more than she knew how to express.
They went back and forth for a while trying to get the ball into her hands until finally the ball landed exactly where it was supposed to. Eleven got up off her feet once more and hugged Max tightly. "See you can do it!"
Max smiled big, her eyes were locked on Eleven. It seemed that whatever spark there was between the two of them was heightened.
Eleven sheepishly slipped away. "Are you hungry? I can grab some snacks."
Max nodded, she didn't know what else to say, she wanted to tell Eleven how she felt and Eleven wanted to tell Max how she felt. However the two didn't want the other to think they were trying to take advantage of the situation.
Eleven helped Max eat some chips, but Max wanted to try to do it herself. She concentrated on the chips and soon one floated up out of the bag and landed on her nose. Eleven fell back and laughed, Max wasn't frustrated but upset she didn't get it exactly where she wanted it causing the chip bag to explode sending chips up in a flurry.
The two broke into more laughter, Dr. Owens stepped inside and noticed the chips all over the floor. "What happened here?"
The two looked one another over and broke into a laughing fit once more.
Max continued working on her powers, and it was working, she was feeling more capable. She had worked day in and day out whenever she had extra time. Which she regretfully had a lot of. Eleven came over again one day by herself again. "El, look."
El looked up and Max was eating chips by herself, she had managed to figure out how to eat from multiple things on her own. She could get a chip to her mouth, as well as figured out how to move the straws to drinks when they were near her so she didn't need to ask. She had learned the hard way she could still not drink out of cups the normal way. She had split both soda, and a whole cup of water into her own lap.
Max smiled as she snacked on her chips while Eleven clapped with smiles on her faces. They spent the day practicing some more, and finally Eleven built up the courage to finally ask Max something she had wanted to ask for so long.
"Max, do you think maybe we could go on see a movie together and get ice cream?"
"Yea, I would love to do that. Kind of like when we went shopping for your outfits, I love spending time with you."
"Yeah b-but well I. I love you Max."
Max's eyes grew wide. "You do?"
Eleven nodded. "Yes, I do." Eleven sidestepped. "I understand if you don't feel that way…"
"El, I love you." Max said, cutting her off. The two looked one another over.
"You do?" Eleven looked up, her eyes wide. She was worried she was joking, honestly it worried her that she had ruined Max's life.
"Yes Eleven, I love you. I've loved you for a long time and just didn't know how to tell you. I- I'm glad I've made it this far. You've helped me so much, and I love you."
Eleven looked like she was about to be in tears. "I thought you'd hate me."
"Why would I hate it?" Max asked, cocking her head. She could never hate El, no matter what happened she could never do anything to make her hate her. "Eleven, why would I hate you?"
"This happened because of me." Eleven remarked, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"No!" Max shouted. "It did not happen because of you, none of this is your fault. I would never blame you for any of this. I don't blame you for this. I promise."
"But you're in this chair… and you almost died a-."
"Without you, I wouldn't be able to wake up with a smile on my face. Our little family, its all because of you Eleven. I love you, I love you so much." Max pushed her chair closer, still needing to use the straw. "I promise, El you have changed so much. You are everything to me." Eleven fell into her, she sobbed and laughed, happy that Max didn't hate her. "I would love to go on a date with you, El." Eleven smiled, she leaned up and gave her a soft kiss. Max smiled and leaned her head forward trying to kiss her back. Eleven smiled, kissing her once more. "I really do want to go on a date with you El."
El blushed profusely.
This was really happening,
She finally got to have the girl of her dreams.
The girls happily waited till they got dropped off at the mall. Max certainly felt odd about being in the mall again but her focus was on Eleven which was much easier for her to handle. Eleven pushed her chair so they could talk. "There are lots of cool movies, do you want to see action, or comedy. There may even be romance." Eleven continued on asking questions about the movies that were currently playing.
"Anything you want to see, I'm just happy we can spend time together."
Eleven grinned, they had gone through so much recently she picked something calmer and fun. They got popcorn and sodas, Max was happy that in the darkness no one would really notice her picking up popcorn without the use of her hands. Eleven sat close to Max, her hand brushing her arm despite the fact she couldn't feel it.
Max's eyes stayed mostly on El, she was nervous to take her eyes off her honestly. She felt as if she would disappear, she needed Eleven more than she even knew. Both girls were completely smitten with one another and it was clear to them both that this was going to be forever. Eleven didn't want anything less than Max, and Max didn't want anyone less than Eleven.
Eleven was happy that she could be so close, she also was unsure how to tell Joyce and Hopper, but she was pretty sure they would be happier about her being with Max than Mike. She did find it funny that Mike and Will were together now. They were a better fit then she and Mike ever were, Max fit for her much better.
Eleven continued to snack on popcorn and helped Max every once and a while, but Max was happy to do it herself. The movie theater was practically empty, it seemed everyone had already watched it within the last few weeks so they were at the tail end.
There was maybe three other people in the theater and they were further back, Max felt comfortable with eating the popcorn of her own freewill without needing help because of it, she also liked that they were practically alone.
Eleven leaned into Max, her head on her shoulder. Max turned her head to look at her and gave her a small kiss on the forehead. "I love you El." Max whispered softly. Eleven blushed and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"I love you too," she whispered. The two smiled, and then laughed at the movie. Eleven continued to hold her hand, Max wished she could tighten her hand around hers, and then she had an idea. After about five minutes she finally got her fingers curled around her hand. El looked up in surprise, and then smiled seeing the look in her eyes. "I told you that you would be able to do it!" El whispered, her voice was high pitched and it was clear she was trying hard not to raise her voice.
Max smiled, pride evident on her face.
Eleven squeezed her hand tight, Max couldn't feel it but she could see it.
The two tried to hide the pure excitement but it was hard, but they finished the movie with little disturbance to the few patrons.
Leaving the movie theater they sat around the fountain for a while sitting and talking about the movie before they made their way up to Scoops-Ahoy. The new workers weren't as fun as Robin or Steve but seeing they got fired for meddling with Russian's and missing their shifts it was understandable to say the least.
They got a double scoop of a chocolate vanilla swirl in a waffle cone to share, they also got one of the large ice-cream treats that everyone raved about. The USS Butterscotch Sundae. They ate the sundae first, which was actually really good. Max enjoyed the cherry, Eleven didn't mind spoon feeding Max. It made her happy to help out that way. Once they finished the ice-cream sundae they got to the cone.
Eleven would take a lick and then she would bring the ice-cream up to Max so she could take one. The two went back and forth sharing the ice-cream, Max laughed as Eleven brought the cone up and got Ice-cream on her nose. Eleven giggled and reached for a napkin cleaning the spot carefully. Their eyes met once more, to them it seemed as if the world stopped and they were alone for a while.
They continued to enjoy the ice-cream going back and forth to share it. Eleven smiled and helped her finish the ice-cream. Once the ice-cream was finished they checked the time, they had more time than anticipated so they walked around the mall avoiding places that brought uncomfortable memories but the mall had really been one of their first date spots.
The date felt as if it ended so quickly, and they couldn't wait to spend more time together.
Eleven kissed Max's cheek before they had to part ways that night. Eleven looked out the window of the car as she was taken home, she couldn't stop talking about the date as Joyce asked her how the day went. Joyce was happy that all of her kids seemed happy, Eleven may not be hers by blood, but she was her daughter. She was just happy the girl finally felt confident and had someone to love as she wanted to.
Max laid in bed, practicing moving a stuffed bear with her mind, she had the biggest grin on her face, it was evident she was excited to have a girlfriend and to be able to do things herself.
Before she drifted off to sleep she couldn't stop thinking about El.
Max continued working hard, she practiced daily with moving things and even finally after two months got her chair to move on her own will. Everyone was excited for her, and they had a party to celebrate at Hopper's and Joyce's home. Max found the change in everyone to be beautiful, Joyce seemed so much calmer. Happier even. The rest of her friends were calm, they no longer worried about something from the upside down possessing or attempting to kill them. Max managed to get around the whole place, they had made sure that everyone's house had room between furniture for her chair.
The teens were sitting around watching her as she moved, they were all happy to see their friend moving around so freely. Max showed off her new skills to the rest of her family. She made her own hand wave, and again took Dustin's hat off. The boy squeaked and hid behind Steve and Eddie.
Max laughed as she picked the hat up off the floor and placed it haphazardly on his head. The hat slipped over his eyes and he readjusted it. "You're doing amazing Max." Joyce said, kissing her forehead. "I'm so proud of you."
"It's all because of Eleven. Without her I don't know what I would do."
Eleven blushed from her spot beside her brother and his boyfriend. "You're doing a lot of it on your own. It took me a long time to do what you're doing all by yourself."
"I wouldn't have even known what to do without you though." Max smiled. Eleven blushed and kissed her softly before she brought her a cup of soda, Max was happily enjoying some pizza, this time on her own.
"I have a surprise for you," Robin said with a smile on her face. Max cocked her head, interested in what this surprise would be. "I know with my track record and keeping a job its a bit minimal, but Dr. Owens and Hopper wrote me a great review. The school has agreed to let me be your official helper, you get to go back to school and we can do all of your assignments in a free period. Where you can use your powers freely. The classroom we got we rigged so the cameras suck. Thanks to the boys."
Dustin and Lucas smiled, Mike highfived Will before hugging him tight. Hopper eyed the two boys, Mike made him nervous with his kids but he was happy both his kids were happy with people they really wanted to be with. He was protective of all these kids, but 'his' much more than any of the others.
"I can go back to school?!" Max asked, her eyes were lit up with excitement. She normally hated school, but she wanted to be with her peers.
Dr. Owens smiled, patting her shoulder with a prideful smile. "Yes you can."
Max was over the moon, the news meant a lot to her. She could be back with her peers, and her friends would be around her daily. She smiled looking over her little family, they were her whole world. "Thank you, all of you."
"You've been through a lot Max," Hopper retorted, "letting you be back with people you want to be with is the least we can do. I'm glad that El could help you with this."
Max smiled looking towards her girlfriend, she was happy too. She didn't know what she would do without her. "Oh I've got something for you too!" Will exclaimed, he ran towards his room and returned with two wheel shaped drawn flames. Max's eyes lit up as he and Jonathan sat down and began to attach the flames to her wheels.
"Those are so cool." Max exclaimed, looking them over as Argyle brought a large body mirror. She looked it up and down, the wheels looked amazing. Will had done an excellent job, it was clear he used paint, markers, and even possibly glitter to make the wheels shine.
"You're our little firecracker, always will be." Joyce said, sitting back leaning against Hopper. "Nothing is going to hold you back."
Max grinned she was happy to have them, she was even more excited to have her fire back. She was more willing to try things out, and go out and do something hard, she felt she was capable of it now.
She loved this little family, they were her everything and without them she wouldn't be doing the kind of things she got to do. She didn't blame any of them for what happened to her, but she did express thankfulness for what they did for her. She didn't know what she would do without them honestly. It meant a lot to her.
They all meant a lot to her.
The group spent that night partying, spending time as a group and enjoying the time they had to spend with one another. Max continued to eat popcorn and even threw some at the boys with a laugh. The group sat together around the large TV watching a movie together.
"Can we make cupcakes?" El asked with a big grin, Joyce nodded agreeing. The kids piled around the counter. Joyce brought out the supplies and allowed them to do what they want.
"Watch this." Max exclaimed, she lifted an egg out of the container and made an attempt to crack it. Egg yolk went everywhere, the group burst out laughing as the egg yolk dripped down the side of the counter and dribbled onto the floor.
"You better clean that up." Hopper shouted hearing the laughter, he knew very well that laughter, eggs, and teenagers usually ended up with a disaster.
The kids tried to hide their laughter but fell into another fit. The older teens and adults couldn't help but smile hearing their laughter come back. It was heartwarming to hear them laughing, it wasn't everyday that they were this way. Before Vecna was defeated their laughter was hard to find, joy seemed to be depleted, but now the whole group was happy and joy was in abundance. The family smiled staying close, they would continue to stay together and keep an eye on one another regardless of what went on with time.
The kids finally got the cupcakes mixed and placed in muffin tins. They stayed close and chattered until the cupcakes finished baking. They got to work frosting, Max got to shake sprinkles onto them.
Joyce and Hopper leaned against the wall watching them, the other kids had joined in on the cupcake decorating and soon Steve's face was covered in frosting. Robin and Eddie high-fived running the opposite direction.
Steve chased after them with the leftover frosting reading to get them. "You better take that outside!" Hopper yelled, but Steve of course didn't hear him and soon enough frosting was thrown across the room smacking Eddie in the back of the head. Robin dodged and dropped to her knees causing frosting to drip down the walls. Steve turned quickly and began to sign apologies before he was handed a towel.
Eddie ran his hand through his curls. "Frosting…"
"Fair game Munson." Robin giggled as she wrapped her arms around her girlfriend. Nancy smirked and kissed her cheek.
Steve washed the walls while Joyce handed Eddie a towel to let him wash up.
Max leaned back, her little family was everything to her, she loved them more than she knew how to even express. They sat back and continued watching movies and spending time together. It was enough for them, they just needed that time to be a group.
The group soon indulge in cupcakes and more snacks enjoying the little celebration.
Max continued working on her powers, and eventually she was nearly able to do everything for herself, but the things she couldn't do for herself, her family and friends were willing to help her with.
The group was unsure how to feel about no longer needing to fight the evil of the upside down, everyone still had long running issues because of it. Scars that would never heal, PTSD, and nightmares that would never heal.
Max got it the worst, but everything that the family did for her made it so much easier to handle.
They had each other, and that was what mattered now. No matter what had happened, or had been lost, the bond they had together meant more to them than anything.