Fanfictions

Learning to Be Max Again - El/Max - commission 10k

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-."