your lips on my red cheeks

talk to me

Your eyes remained on Max's figure as she climbed out of the car, the scene around her blurring out of your vision; it made her the center of everything because, to you, she was the center of everything. Honestly, sometimes you come to the point where you think that making your life revolve around the well-being of someone is weird, which it is. Still, something about Max Mayfield made it okay. Despite her current mood, she made things come to life in Hawkins.

"Stay safe!" You called out, mentally facepalming when the words left your mouth.

"I'm visiting my shrink, not Vecna!" Max humorously replied, her focus still remaining on getting to the front door of Ms. Kelly.

"'Stay safe'?" Dustin criticized from his seat. Like you, Dustin and Steve's focus was on Max. Each gaze was different; Dustin watched because he was interested in learning more about the victims, and Steve watched because he was the self-assigned protector of the group. In contrast, you watched because you were worried and mesmerized by the girl.

"Shut up. Like you're any better." You retorted, hitting him gently in the shoulder as soon as you saw Ms. Kelly open the door.

"I am because, unlike you, I have a girlfriend." He teased, sticking his tongue out at you. Your reaction mirrored his.

"Okay. She's in." Steve interrupted, the playful argument halting.

"We know." Was your remark, while Dustin's was more interesting...

"I'm missing collarbones, not eyes."

"You don't have collarbones?" You questioned with a strange look, gathering his attention.

"You didn't know?"

"I'm sorry. Was I supposed to?"

"Yes! We've been friends for-"

"Really, guys?" Steve interrupted, looking at the both of you with a glare.

"Would you prefer to talk about you and your temporary insanity earlier today?" Dustin retorted.

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"You basically threw yourself at Nance."

"That was not what happened. Back me up here, [Y/N]." Steve countered, looking towards you for help.

"No, I think that is what happened." You responded with a false-sweet smile.

"Well, how would you know?" Steve said, rolling his eyes. "Considering whatever was happening between you and Max."

"Nothing is happening between me and Max." You rebutted. Your words were said too high and too fast, earning a judgmental look from both boys.

"Gosh, I'm stuck in a car with two useless people." Dustin groaned, dropping his face into his hands as he faced forward.

***

Your body never failed to remain aware of Max. You can tell when she was frightened, happy, sad, and any other feeling you can think of. Right now, she seemed scared. Her back straightened ever so slightly, and there was a slight pause as she searched through the confidential files. Your eyes drifted down into the drawer to find out what made her freeze, taking a while until you landed on two specific files. One was labeled with Max's name, while the other was yours.

"You okay?" You inquired, the flashlight beginning to feel heavy as a dreadful feeling washed over you. Perhaps it was just the fact that you just broke into the school, out of all the places in Hawkins, and it was extremely darker than usual. There was also the obvious option where Max saw your file and found out you were one of the students Ms. Kelly talked to.