Second Chances (ON HOLD)

Chapter Eleven

Eddie sat down in one of the old chairs, unsure of what to do or say now Dustin and Steve were gone. He still had Robin and Nancy but with Joyce, Hopper and Argyle he still felt awkward. He wasn't used to older people wanting to talk him or be around him. Most people had always avoided him when he was out and about in town or in the supermarket. All whispering judgemental things about him and his appearance to each other.

He knew these people were different and he felt safe but he knew it would take a little while to feel completely comfortable around them. Especially Hopper. He did think he and Argyle could become friends though. He hoped they'd get that chance.

"Eddie, sweetie. Do you want anything from the supermarket? Nancy and Robin are going." Joyce said as she sat down next to him, placing a comforting hand on top of his own. He smiled at her and shook his head. He just wanted the others to get back safe.             
                      
                      _____  ♡  _____

As soon as El said those dreaded words the colour in everyones face drained. Steve started to feel nauseous and wanted to run to a bathroom but he also wanted to be strong for the kids so he ignored the feeling, instead going towards them. Dustin immediately rested his head on Steve's chest, letting the man pull him in for a comforting hug. Surprisingly, Erica got up from where she had been napping and leant into him for a hug too.

Steve looked to the side to see Jonathan comforting Mike and Will in a similar way. He then looked back to the bed to see Lucas and Eleven holding onto each other for dear life, each crying into the others shoulder. The sight of them crying was like a punch to the face.

Erica and Dustin seemed to sense that Steve wanted to go to the others so they gave him one last squeeze before letting go. Dustin went to stand with the other guys while Erica went straight back to her chair, her tough facade immediately going back up. Steve knew not to mention the hug to her ever again if he wanted her to open up to him more.

As he approached the bed he put a hand on Lucas's arm and the teen slowly let go of El and looked up, his eyes locking with Steve's. The amount of grief and sadness in his eyes was hard to look at but he needed to be strong for his friend. Steve then looked away from Lucas and turned his attention to El, who still had tears streaming down her face. She and Steve hadn't really spent time together but he still felt very protective of her. He offered a hand out to her and she quickly took it, giving him a sad smile.

"There must be a way to get her back!" Mike broke the silence, causing all eyes in the room to turn to him.

"Mike's right, we can't give up hope!" Dustin joined in, determination written across his face.

Steve fought the urge to smile at their attitude, always having liked the fact that none of them had ever shown signs of giving up, even when a situation seemed impossible to deal with. He felt El squeeze his hand a little more. Her tears were starting to dry up and her look of sadness turned to one of determination just like Dustin's.

"They're right. We will get her back!" She exclaimed, just loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

"We need to get back to the cabin then. We need to speak to the others and come up with some sort of plan." Steve said, hoping no one would fight him on leaving Max. He wanted to stay but he knew Max would be safe here with all the nurses keeping an eye on her. She had to be safe here.

Jonathan easily agreed but everyone else was a little reluctant to leave Max. Erica was more easily swayed but Steve had to coax Lucas and El out of the room. The two older men guided the little group out of the room and down to the parking lot, the kids all surrounding Steve so none of the hospital staff could see his hands.