your lips on my red cheeks

our breaking promise

Your eyes wandered the road ahead, the plastic in your hands beginning to feel like a metal chain as you came closer to Reefer Rick's house. The nerves have been piling up since last night, fearful of the cops finding Eddie's location like you and the group did. Perhaps the worry was evident on your face because the girl beside you elbowed you in your side to gather your attention.

"It's going to be fine. I promise." She said with a tender smile, offering you her pinky. Which brought a smile onto your face as you wrapped your own pinky around hers. Unexpectedly, she discreetly brought your entwined pinkies and laid a kiss on yours that immediately caused your breathing to stop and heat to rise to your cheeks. You slowly disentangled the finger and attempted to focus on anywhere but her.

On the inside, you were screaming and replaying the moment repeatedly. Max's lips were softer than you imagined, leaving a lingering presence on your finger that transformed into excitement. The feeling bubbled in you, almost causing a squeal to escape your mouth if it wasn't for the fact that you were biting your bottom lip to keep quiet.

Your eyes moved around the vehicle, first arriving at Dustin's figure. The boy was still asleep, tiny snores erupting from him, despite knowing how short the drive was. Then you looked at the interior rearview mirror to observe Robin and Steve's faces, only to spot Robin attempting to keep cool as she straightened in her seat. A smile was fighting to remain on her face. At the same time, Steve kept glancing at you through the mirror with his eyebrows raised suggestively. Unknown to you because you refused to look back at her, Max had a smug grin as she watched the car pass by a myriad of trees. As confident as she seemed to be, she was overthinking her actions in her head.

***

Finally arriving at Eddie's hideout, the group clambered out of the car with the bags of food and supplies you all obtained. The sound of leaves crunching below your feet and birds chirping was only interrupted by Dustin staying back to talk to you.

"So I've been thinking-"

"Really?" Max interrupted him, joining you on your other side.

"Ha ha." The boy fake laughed, "This wizard, right? Why would it attack Chrissy, out of all people?"

"Why not? Easy target. Maybe there isn't even a pattern." Max offered.

"That's because there are no other victims we know of yet." You said as if it was obvious, "We shouldn't dwell on it yet, focus on Eddie first. The cops are searching for him."

"But-" Dustin started, only to be met with Max's glare that threatened him to shut up or she'd find a way to annoy him. "Fine."

The boy's focus drifted to the boathouse where Steve and Robin gossiped in hushed whispers. Once the three of you arrived, Steve started to push open the door but was disrupted by Dustin.

"Me first." He argued in a whisper, pushing his way in front of Steve and bashing the door wide open. "Delivery service!"

You swore it could've been heard from where the car was parked far away. You closed the door behind you, the items in the bag hitting you in your leg as you approached the rest of the group.

"Bad or good news first?" You questioned, sitting beside Max as you began to take out the items. It ranged from fast food to a covered knife, which was quickly taken out of your hands. "Hey!"

"Why on Earth do you have a knife?" Eddie said with a mother's tone, a strange look on his face that depicted a mix of panic and questioning.

"Why shouldn't I have one? Plus, I was going to give it to you!"

"Can we get back on topic, please?" Steve intervened, a tired expression on his face, as he motioned for Dustin to talk.

"Bad news: we tapped into the Hawkins PD dispatch with our Cerebro, and they're definitely looking for you. Also, they're, uh, pretty convinced you killed Chrissy."