Inside the bus, the atmosphere was tense, almost suffocating. Steve sat on the floor, leaning against the back wall, his bat perched between his legs. His fingers moved absently, flicking his lighter open and closed with a soft metallic click that echoed in the confined space. The flame would flare for a brief moment before disappearing again, the rhythm almost hypnotic.
Across from him, Max sat with her arms crossed, her eyes locked on Steve. She stared at him in a way that suggested she wasn't entirely sure what to make of him, her own nervous energy mixing with the tension in the air.
Dove sat on the other side of the aisle, perched on the edge of a seat, her back straight and her posture rigid. Her gaze was fixed outside, peering through a small crack between the metal reinforcements they had hammered into place earlier. Through that narrow sliver, she could see the fog creeping across the junkyard, swirling eerily around the barricades and scrap piles.
The quiet inside the bus was broken only by Steve's lighter and the sound of Dustin pacing nervously, the soft click of his steps filling the space between them. No one spoke, the weight of what was coming pressing down on them all. Dove glanced over at Steve for a brief moment, watching the way his jaw tightened every time the lighter closed. She could tell he was trying to stay calm, to keep up the facade of the fearless leader, but she knew better. The slight tremble in his hand, the way his eyes flicked toward the windows every few seconds—it all gave him away.
Max continued to watch Steve, curiosity written all over her face. The soft glow from the lighter flickered across her features as she leaned forward slightly, studying him with a mix of disbelief and intrigue.
"So, you really fought one of these things before?" she asked, her voice tinged with both skepticism and fascination.
Steve looked up at her, his fingers pausing on the lighter as he flicked it shut with a final metallic snap. His expression was serious, his jaw tight as he gave her a firm nod.
Max raised an eyebrow, not quite convinced. "And you're, like, totally, 100% sure it wasn't a bear?"
Before Steve could respond, Dustin cut in, his voice sharp and defensive. "Shit. Don't be an idiot. Okay? It wasn't a bear."
Max's expression shifted, her curiosity fading into something more guarded.
Dove, sitting across from them, immediately turned to her brother, her eyes narrowing. "Don't talk to her like that," she scolded him, her voice calm but firm. "If you were in her position, would you believe you?"
Dustin scoffed at her, clearly irritated. "Why are you even here if you don't believe us?" he asked, his tone biting as he directed his frustration back at Max.
Max didn't answer, her lips pressing into a thin line. The bus fell silent for a moment, the only sound coming from the faint creak of the old seats beneath them.
"Just go home," Dustin added, his voice softer now but no less frustrated.
Max raised an eyebrow, her response quick and cutting. "Geez. Someone's cranky. Past your bedtime?"
Before Dustin could respond, Max stood and with a quick movement, she grabbed the ladder leading to the roof and climbed up, disappearing through the hatch without another word.
Dove shook her head, watching her brother with a mix of disappointment and amusement. "See what you did?" she whispered to Steve, her tone pointed.
Steve, leaning against his bat, gave her a sideways glance but said nothing, choosing instead to ignore her remark. His eyes flicked toward Dustin, who sat slouched in his seat, fuming. "That's good," Steve said quietly, nodding toward the roof. "Just show her you don't care."
Dove let out a soft scoff, standing up from her seat. "Yeah, her rushing off angrily must be a sign that she's into you," she said dryly, her words laced with sarcasm as she walked toward the front of the bus.
Dustin shifted uncomfortably, but said nothing, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.
Dove sat down in the old worn driver's seat, the cracked leather creaking beneath her weight as she stared out through a small hole in the tin that was covering the windshield. The sky outside was darkening quickly, the fog growing thicker, swirling around the junkyard like something alive.
A creeping chill rolled up Dove's spine, prickling her skin and settling like an icy knot at the base of her neck. The sensation was almost electric, and her body tensed instinctively, her pulse quickening.
Then, she felt it—a warm, unwelcome trickle at the edge of her nostril. Frowning, she lifted her hand and wiped beneath her nose, pulling it back to see a smear of crimson on her fingers. Her brows knitted together, irritation mingling with unease as she stared at the blood. The chill deepened, the cold spreading like a frostbite inside her chest, unnervingly sharp against the warmth of the blood on her fingertips.
Suddenly, an ethereal shriek split the air, slicing through the silence. The sound reverberated around her, echoing against the metal walls of the bus. Dove shot to her feet, her grip tightening around the bat in her hands as her heart raced.
"Lucas, what's going on?" Dustin yelled up to his friend, his voice frantic.
Dove's breath caught in her throat as she moved to the small hole in the tin barricade, peering out into the dense fog. Her eyes strained to see through the thick haze, but there was nothing—just the swirling mist, hanging in the air like a heavy, oppressive curtain. The stillness of the fog made it even eerier, as if something was lurking just beyond her view, waiting.
"I've got eyes! Ten o'clock!" Lucas called down from the roof.
Frustrated that she couldn't see from her position, Dove's pulse quickened, her body tense with anticipation. She rushed back to where Steve and Dustin were looking out the window, her shoes thudding against the metal floor.
Dove leaned in beside them, gripping her bat tightly, trying to make out whatever they were seeing. Her heart hammered in her chest as she strained her eyes, searching for any sign of movement in the murky shadows.
There, barely visible through the swirling mist, was Dart. His hulking form moved slowly at the top of the hill, his dark silhouette almost blending into the shadows. Dove's breath hitched in her throat at the sight of him—he was bigger now, more menacing than before.
"He's not taking the bait. Why isn't he taking the bait?" Steve mumbled, his voice tense.
"Maybe he's not hungry?" Dustin offered, though there was a note of doubt in his tone.
"Or maybe he's sick of cow," Steve muttered, his eyes still locked on Dart.
Dove's gaze remained fixed outside, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach. "Or maybe he knows it's a trap," she stated quietly, her voice edged with the weight of what was coming. She turned and headed toward the front of the bus, her jaw set.
"Dove, where are you going?" Dustin asked, his voice full of concern.
Dove didn't stop, her hand tightening around the bat as she answered, "I'm gonna draw him out."
As Dove stepped outside, the coolness of the night air hit her immediately, the sharp chill raising goosebumps along her skin. The fog seemed to part slightly as she moved, swirling away from her as if something larger were pushing it aside. Dove's heart raced in her chest, each step feeling heavier than the last.
She'd barely taken a few steps when she heard another set of feet hit the ground behind her. Startled, she turned and found Steve there, a determined look in his eyes as he adjusted his grip on his own weapon.
He met her gaze and gave a small, reassuring nod. Dove's heart pounded, caught off guard by the unexpected solidarity. She nodded back, a flicker of gratitude passing through her before her focus returned to the task at hand.
Side by side, they began to move forward, the fog curling around their ankles as they neared the top of the hill where Dart stood, his dark figure barely illuminated by the faint moonlight. Steve let out a sharp whistle, hoping to catch the creature's attention.
"Dart?" Dove called, her voice softer now, though her heart hammered in her chest. "Come here, buddy."
Dart turned slowly, his massive head swiveling toward them. A low, guttural growl rumbled from deep within him, the sound vibrating in the cold night air. Dove's fingers tightened around the bat as she stopped just behind the pile of discarded meat, Steve standing close by on her left.
"Dinner time," Steve muttered, trying to keep his tone light, though the tension was palpable. "I promise I taste way better than cat."
Dove's heart leapt into her throat as Dart stepped forward, his hulking form slowly emerging from the dense fog. He was even bigger than before, his body stretched and rippling with muscle, each movement deliberate and unsettling. His skin seemed to glisten in the faint light, the familiar petal-like mouth twitching as he let out a low, guttural growl.
Dove tightened her grip on the bat, feeling the weight of the moment settle over her, cold and heavy. She stole a quick glance at Steve, whose eyes were fixed on Dart, his face set in steely determination despite the flicker of fear in his gaze.
Suddenly, Lucas's voice echoed down from the roof. "Watch out! Three o'clock! Three o'clock!"
Dove spun to her right, her heart racing as her gaze locked onto the shapes emerging from the fog—three more creatures, each disturbingly identical to Dart, creeping toward them with predatory intent. Her stomach dropped as the full weight of the situation hit her, cold and paralyzing.
"Oh, shit. Steve, there's more," she breathed, her voice barely a whisper as the creatures advanced, each step slow and calculating. The eerie silence of the junkyard felt oppressive, the tension thickening with every inch the creatures closed between them.
Steve's jaw tightened, his grip on his weapon firm as he took a defensive stance beside her. "Alright, don't panic," he muttered, though his eyes were wide, matching the fear that flickered across Dove's face.
The bus door creaked open behind them, but Dove didn't dare look back. Panic began to creep in as she heard her brother's frantic voice from inside the bus. "Abort! Abort!"
Dove barely had time to react as the first creature lunged at her, its sharp claws swiping through the air with terrifying speed. Instinct took over—she swung her bat with every ounce of strength, a sickening crack echoing as she struck the creature mid-air. The impact sent it sprawling to the ground, but the force knocked her back as well. She hit the dirt hard, a jolt of pain shooting through her shoulder, but she gritted her teeth, scrambling to her feet.
The guttural growls of the creatures filled the air, echoing ominously as their hulking forms sliced through the thick fog, each one more menacing than the last. Dove's heart thundered in her chest as she frantically searched for Steve amidst the chaos. She caught sight of him just in time to see him roll across the hood of an old car, barely avoiding the deadly swipe of another creature's claws.
Dove raised her weapon as one of the monsters charged at her, swinging the bat with every ounce of her strength. But it was too fast. The creature dodged her swing, its razor-sharp claws extended as it lunged toward her again. She ducked just in time, feeling the air ripple as its claws whizzed past her face.
Without a second thought, she spun on her heel and sprinted toward the bus, her pulse roaring in her ears. Her feet pounded against the dirt as she raced, desperation driving her forward. She didn't dare look back, knowing that the creatures were right behind her, closing the distance with terrifying speed.
The fog clung to her like a damp shroud, making it harder to see, harder to think, but she pushed through, her pulse pounding in her ears. Another creature loomed in her path, its twisted form barely visible through the haze. She gritted her teeth, swung her bat, and felt the satisfying impact as it struck the creature square in the chest, knocking it back just enough for her to run past.
Ahead, she saw Steve dive through the bus door, disappearing inside. Her chest tightened, fear driving her forward as she ran with everything she had. The snarls and heavy footsteps of the creatures grew louder, closer, pressing against her as she sprinted toward safety. Her legs burned with exertion, every step a battle against her body's limits.
With one final burst of energy, Dove threw herself toward the bus, her body crashing through the door just as one of the creatures lunged at her from behind. Steve reached out to grab her, but the force of her entry was so intense that she tackled him to the floor, both of them landing in a heap. The door slammed shut behind them, cutting off the creatures outside, whose furious snarls and relentless pounding echoed against the metal walls.
They lay tangled together on the floor, gasping for breath, Steve's arms still wrapped around her. Dove's heart raced from the adrenaline of the battle, but there was no time to rest. She pulled herself out of Steve's grip, her body still trembling from the close call. Without a word, she grabbed a piece of tin lying on the floor and dragged it to the door, her hands shaking as she propped it against the entrance. The creatures outside were relentless, their snarls echoing through the metal walls of the bus as they slammed their bodies against the barricades, trying to break through.
Dove planted her feet, pressing her weight into the door as the force of the creatures' attacks grew stronger, the vibrations rattling up her arms. Her muscles burned, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to let go.
Suddenly, one of the creatures forced its arm through a gap in the barricade, its grotesque, clawed hand slashing violently toward Dove. She gasped, instinctively jerking back, her heart pounding. But before she could react further, Steve brought his bat down hard on the creature's arm, the nails sinking into its flesh. The creature let out a pained, furious shriek, its arm jerking back as it recoiled, disappearing into the fog outside.
Dove caught her breath, her wide eyes meeting Steve's for a split second. "Thanks," she muttered, but Steve barely had time to nod before another thud echoed from the side of the bus.
Dustin clutched his walkie-talkie. "Someone answer me! We're going to die at the old junkyard!" he yelled into the device, his voice shaking with panic, but the only response was static.
Before he could try again, a piercing screech sounded from the side of the bus. Dustin's eyes widened in horror as one of the creature's claws tore through the wall next to him, slicing through the metal like it was paper. He stumbled backward, his hand shaking as he dropped the walkie-talkie.
"Dustin!" Dove shouted, her eyes darting toward her brother, but before she could move, a loud bang from above made everyone freeze.
The sound of heavy footsteps thudded across the roof of the bus, slow and deliberate. Something was up there—one of the creatures, creeping toward the open hatch. Dove's pulse quickened, and her eyes shot to the ceiling as the pounding footsteps grew louder.
Max, who was sitting at the bottom of the ladder leading to the roof, suddenly let out a blood-curdling scream.
Steve moved before anyone else, his bat already raised as he rushed toward the back of the bus, his eyes locked on the hatch. He reached it just as the creature's clawed hand appeared at the opening, its massive, grotesque form looming above them. Steve's grip tightened on the bat, ready to strike, when suddenly, a faint, distant sound reached their ears.
It was a call—barely audible, but unmistakable. Carried on the wind, the sound seemed to drift from somewhere deep in the woods, barely reaching them inside the bus.
For a moment, everything stopped. The creatures outside fell silent, their snarling and growling suddenly cut off as if someone had flipped a switch. The monster at the hatch hesitated, its head snapping toward the direction of the sound.
Dove's heart raced, her mind scrambling to make sense of the sudden stillness. She glanced at Steve, who had lowered his bat slightly, his face mirroring the same mixture of confusion and caution she felt.
The creature on the roof leapt off with a heavy thud, landing somewhere in the fog beyond the bus. Before anyone could react, Dove ripped the piece of tin away from the door, the makeshift barricade clattering to the floor. Ignoring Steve's startled protest, she stepped outside, her pulse pounding in her ears.
The fog wrapped around her as she took a few tentative steps forward, her senses on high alert. The creatures that had been so aggressive only moments before were now retreating, disappearing one by one into the murky woods, their hulking forms swallowed by the darkness. It was as if they were being summoned, drawn away by the same strange call that had silenced their attack. Steve appeared at her side, his face tense with worry, but he didn't say a word.
Lucas stepped cautiously out of the bus behind Steve, his gaze darting around as he tried to make sense of the sudden retreat. "What just happened?"
"They're going somewhere," Steve murmured, his eyes narrowing in the direction the creatures had disappeared, as if he could somehow see beyond the thick fog.
Max glanced between them, her expression wary. "So.. what do we do now?"
The group moved cautiously down the railroad tracks, their footsteps crunching softly against the gravel as they walked in the direction the creatures had retreated. The fog had lifted slightly, revealing glimpses of the dark woods on either side, but the night air remained thick with a chilling dampness. The rush from the junkyard fight was fading, leaving an unsettling silence and a tension that gnawed at each of them.
Dustin and Lucas were walking ahead of the group, their voices raised as they bickered back and forth.
"You're positive that was Dart?" Lucas asked, his tone skeptical.
Dustin nodded, not missing a beat. "Yes. He had the same exact yellow pattern on his butt."
Max, walking beside Lucas, glanced at Dustin with a raised eyebrow. "He was tiny two days ago," she said, her voice filled with doubt.
"Well, he's molted three times already," Dustin shot back defensively.
Steve, a few steps behind, frowned in confusion. "Malted?"
Dove sighed beside him. "Molted," she corrected.
Dustin explained, "Shed his skin to make room for growth. Like hornworms."
Max's eyes narrowed. "Well, when's he gonna molt again?"
"It's gotta be soon," Dustin replied, his voice tense. "When he does, he'll be fully grown, or close to it. And so will his friends."
Steve let out a frustrated breath, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, and he's gonna eat a lot more than just cats."
Lucas's head whipped toward Dustin, his eyes widening in shock. "Wait, a cat?" His voice rose, disbelief etched into every word. "Dart ate a cat?"
Dustin froze, caught off guard, his eyes darting nervously to Steve. "No, what? No!" he stammered, scrambling to backtrack.
Steve blinked at Dustin in disbelief. "What are you talking about? He ate Mews."
Dustin shot Steve a glare, trying to signal him to keep quiet, but Dove couldn't help a slight chuckle at Steve's obliviousness.
For a split second, there was silence—before Lucas's face twisted with anger. "I knew it! You kept him!" he shouted, his voice loud, his words filled with accusation.
"No!" Dustin yelled back, his frustration boiling over. "No, no, I—no, I.. He missed me! He wanted to come home!"
"Bullshit!" Lucas snapped. "You put the party in jeopardy! You broke the rule of law!"
Dustin's fists clenched, his knuckles white as his anger surged. "So did you!" he shouted back, his voice trembling with frustration. "You told a stranger the truth!" In a burst of anger, he swung his flashlight up, shining it directly in Max's face.
Max flinched, stepping back from the blinding glare. "A stranger?" she yelled, slapping the flashlight out of her face.
The argument escalated quickly, both boys throwing accusations back and forth, their voices rising into the night. Steve and Dove exchanged a glance, both of them growing weary of the endless bickering.
"Will you two cut it out?" Steve muttered, but his words trailed off as he glanced toward the woods.
Dove's brow furrowed as she followed his gaze, confused by his sudden shift in attention. But then, she heard it—a faint noise, barely audible at first, drifted through the stillness. It was low and deep, like a distant growl, and it sent an eerie chill down her spine. She froze, her breath catching as she strained to listen, every nerve on edge.
Steve's grip tightened on the flashlight as he scanned their surroundings. "Did you hear that?" he asked, his voice low and tense.
Dove didn't respond immediately, but she nodded, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the strange, distant sound. Dove's legs moved almost on their own, an inexplicable pull drawing her up the hill, guiding her steps forward. It was as if some invisible force had taken hold, leading her in a way that felt both unnatural and inevitable.
Steve followed, his own curiosity and concern keeping him close, though he threw one last glance over his shoulder at the others, still lost in their argument. As Dove reached the top, she stopped suddenly, her breath catching in her throat as she took in the scene below.
Hawkins Lab loomed in the distance, barely visible through the thick haze that shrouded it, but they didn't need to see it to know where the creatures were headed. The haunting sound of gunshots echoed faintly through the night, eminating from inside the lab.
Steve stopped beside Dove, his flashlight held steady as they listened to the eerie sounds. The shots were faint yet unmistakable, carrying an ominous energy that sent a chill down their spines. Whatever had drawn the creatures away from the junkyard was leading them straight back to the lab, like a siren's call through the darkness.
Without a second thought, Dove sprinted down the hill, her heart racing as she moved toward the lab. Her sneakers thudded against the dirt, and her breath came in quick, sharp bursts.
"What the hell are you doing?" Steve shouted from behind her, his voice laced with both concern and frustration as he watched her rushing ahead.
"There are people there!" Dove yelled back over her shoulder, her tone fierce with determination. "They might need help!"
Steve cursed under his breath, gripping his bat tightly as he started after her. "Dove, wait!" he called out, but she didn't slow down. He shot a glance at the kids, who were watching in alarm, then with a resigned sigh, motioned for them to follow. "Come on!"
The trio of younger kids exchanged nervous glances, hesitating only a moment before hurrying to catch up with Steve and Dove. Their hurried footsteps cut through the stillness, each sound amplified in the eerie quiet that cloaked the area.
As they neared the lab, their pace quickened, urgency and unease building with every step. The tall chain-link fence surrounding the facility loomed ahead, its shadowed form cutting stark lines into the darkness. Dove slowed as she reached the edge of the fence, her eyes scanning the area. The faint glow from the lab's lights cast long, eerie shadows across the ground, illuminating the perimeter in a pale, artificial glow.
Then, without warning, the lights went out.
The darkness was sudden and absolute, swallowing the landscape and leaving only the thin, shaky beams of their flashlights to pierce the night. Dove's heart skipped a beat as she glanced back at the others, their faces barely visible in the dim light.
"What the hell?" Dustin whispered, his voice shaking.
"Keep moving," Dove said quietly, her voice sounding steadier than she felt. "We're almost there."
They continued forward, the weight of the darkened lab pressing down on them like a heavy cloud. Each step seemed heavier than the last, as if the darkness itself were pulling them back. The silence around them grew thicker, amplifying every shuffle and breath.
As they reached the front gate, the lab loomed ahead—silent, foreboding, and drenched in shadow. Dove's breath caught in her throat as her flashlight swept over the entrance, and her eyes landed on two figures standing near the gate.
One of the figures called out, "Who's there?"
The voice was familiar, unmistakable, and Dove's heart leapt in recognition. She squinted through the darkness, her flashlight steadying on the faces ahead. "Nancy?" she asked, her voice thick with disbelief.
Nancy Wheeler's face emerged from the shadows, pale but resolute, her expression flickering between relief and urgency. Jonathan Byers stood beside her, his fingers gripping the fence tightly as they both turned toward the group.
"Dove?" Nancy's voice was filled with surprise, but there was no time for a reunion.
"What are you doing here?" Steve asked, his eyes wide with confusion as he looked between Nancy and Jonathan.
Nancy shook her head, glancing quickly between Steve and Dove. "We're looking for Mike and Will," she replied, her voice tight with urgency.
Dustin stepped forward, worry etched across his face. "They're not in there, are they?" he asked, dread lacing his words.
"We're not sure," Nancy answered, her gaze flicking nervously toward the lab.
"Why?" Jonathan asked.
His question was answered when a monstrous screech cut through the air, echoing from deep within the lab. The sound was inhuman, chilling, and instantly froze the group in place, every head snapping toward the building. The lab's lights flickered back on, illuminating the facility in a harsh, sterile glow. The screeching and gunshots continued, resonating through the night and sending a cold wave of fear straight through them all.
Jonathan rushed to the small security box next to the gate, his hands fumbling as he hit the button to open it. Nothing happened. He hit it again, harder this time, but still no response. "Come on, come on!" he muttered in frustration, slamming his hand into the button.
Eyes wide with panic, Dustin rushed up beside him. "Move!" he said, shoving Jonathan aside. He started hammering the button, pressing it over and over, as if sheer speed would somehow force it to work. For a brief, agonizing moment, nothing happened.
Then, with a soft click, the gate shuddered and slowly began to slide open.
"Yes!" Dustin exclaimed, relief flooding his face. "I did it!"
Gunshots continued to echo from inside the lab, sharp and piercing, slicing through the night. Without a second thought, Jonathan and Nancy jumped into his car, the engine roaring as they sped up the driveway toward the lab.
For a brief moment, the rest of the group stood frozen, uncertain. The noise from within the lab grew louder, each frantic sound sending a shiver of dread through them.
Then, headlights appeared in the distance, growing larger as two vehicles barreled down the driveway. Jonathan's car shot past them, but the second—a familiar, weathered truck—skidded to a halt beside them.
Chief Hopper leaned out of the window, his face set in a grim expression. "Get in!" he barked, his eyes scanning each of them quickly.
Without hesitation, they scrambled into the truck. Steve and Dove squeezed into the front seat beside Hopper, while the kids piled into the back. The moment the doors slammed shut, Hopper hit the gas, the tires screeching as they sped away, leaving the chaos of the lab behind.
They arrived at the Byers' house in minutes. Hopper quickly carried an unconscious Will inside, laying him carefully on the couch. Joyce knelt beside her son, her face pale but relieved as she felt for his pulse. Despite his unconsciousness, he was still breathing, and a glimmer of relief softened the worry in her eyes.
Overwhelmed, Joyce retreated into her bedroom to collect herself, leaving the others in a tense silence in the living room. Hopper moved into the kitchen, quickly picking up the phone to make an urgent call, his voice low and tense as he spoke in hushed tones. Jonathan knelt beside Will, his hand gently resting on his brother's arm as he whispered words of comfort, even though Will couldn't hear him. Nancy stood behind Jonathan, her hand resting on his shoulder, silently offering her support.
Dove hovered near the edge of the room, watching the scene play out. Her gaze drifted to Steve, who was standing off to the side, watching Nancy and Jonathan. His jaw was tight, his shoulders tense, and the sadness in his eyes hinted at something more—something more than just the fear and worry shared by the rest of them.
Dove glanced back over at Nancy and Jonathon as they leaned into each other, their shared concern creating a closeness that seemed natural, almost inevitable. In that moment, Dove understood Steve's hurt. He'd fought so hard to keep things together, and here he was, forced to witness the bond he'd tried to build with Nancy slipping into someone else's hands.
After a moment, Steve turned and quietly walked away, heading toward the hallway. Dove watched him go, glancing back at the others, before making a decision. She slipped away and followed him.
The hallway was dimly lit, the muffled voices from the kitchen fading into the background. Dove found Steve in the bathroom, leaning over the sink, his hands gripping the edges tightly as he stared into the mirror, a mix of exhaustion and frustration etched across his face.
"Steve?" Dove said softly, stepping into the room. "You okay?"
Steve didn't answer right away, his gaze still fixed on his reflection. Finally, he let out a shaky breath, his grip loosening on the sink. "Yeah.. yeah, I'm fine." But his voice lacked its usual confidence, and his eyes betrayed the weight he was carrying.
Dove crossed her arms, her gaze steady as she tried to mask the irritation in her voice. "You don't have to pretend with me, Steve."
Steve's eyes flicked to her reflection in the mirror, his expression tense. He looked like he wanted to shrug it off, to play it cool, but something in her gaze made him pause. "I don't know, Dove." He sighed, his voice tight with frustration. "A week ago, I thought I was in love. I tried so hard and I still wasn't enough.. What does that say about me?"
"It says you care," Dove replied gently. "And that's not a bad thing. You did everything you could, but sometimes.. it's not about you."
Steve let out another sigh, leaning against the sink, his hands gripping the edges. "I just.. I feel like an idiot. I mean, I told Dustin all that dumb stuff about girls, pretending not to care—what the hell was I thinking?"
Dove smiled softly. "You thought you were helping."
Steve let out a dry laugh. "Yeah, helping him turn out to be a loser like me."
"You're not a loser," Dove said, stepping a little closer. "Would a loser volunteer to get his ass kicked for a girl he barely knows? Or spend his Saturday night helping me and Dustin scrub blood out of our carpet? Or be here now, gearing up to fight interdimensional monsters?"
Steve glanced up at her with a half-smile. "For the record, I did not offer to get beat up."
Dove laughed. "Oh, please. I hate Billy more than anyone, but let's be real—you're not walking away from that in one piece."
Steve rolled his eyes, his grin widening as he turned to face her fully. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Their eyes met, and she felt her heart skip—a brief flicker of something she hadn't expected. She glanced away quickly, hoping to cover the flush in her cheeks. But Steve didn't look away. Instead, he reached out, almost instinctively, and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Her gaze snapped back up to his, startled, and before she could fully process what was happening, he leaned in, closing the distance between them.
The kiss was soft at first, hesitant, like he wasn't sure if he should have done it. Dove's mind raced, her heart pounding in her chest as she froze for a moment, caught off guard. Instinctively, she pulled away, her thoughts swirling in confusion.
"I'm sorry," Steve stammered, stepping back, his voice rushed and full of regret. "I shouldn't have—I just—"
Dove surged forward, grabbing him by the collar and pulling him into a desperate, hungry kiss. This time, there was no hesitation. The kiss was fierce, electric—like everything they had been holding back suddenly ignited, all at once. Steve's arms wrapped around her waist tightly, pulling her closer until there was no space between them.
The kiss deepened, an intensity building between them that neither had anticipated. Dove's hands gripped his collar, as if letting go would mean losing this moment. Steve's hold tightened around her, grounding them both, pulling her closer until there was nothing but shared breath, racing hearts, and the quiet electricity that seemed to spark with each touch.
It wasn't gentle—it was raw, filled with the confusion, the pain, the longing that had built up between them. It was like they had been holding onto this for too long, and now, there was no stopping it.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, eyes locked, as if each were searching for some explanation. Steve's hand lingered on her back as he looked at her, a mix of surprise and warmth in his eyes.
Neither of them spoke, but there was no need for words. The kiss had said it all.