𝙿𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎 *𝙻𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚡

*In the stands*

*Requests : sadieswifes asked if I could do a one-shit of if season four didn't happen and Lucas and Max were still together and she always supported him at his basketball games. However, Dustin and Mike did not. So she gets really upset with them. Hope you enjoy!

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The Hawkins High School basketball game was in full swing, and Lucas was out on the court, his focus sharp as he dribbled the ball, maneuvering past opponents with practiced ease. Max sat in the bleachers just like she always did when Lucas had a game, her eyes fixed on him, a proud smile on her face as she cheered for her boyfriend.

The crowd soon erupted into cheers as Lucas made a swift move, shooting a three-pointer with remarkable precision. The ball swished through the net, adding to their lead in points. The clock ticked down, and the final buzzer rang, marking their victory once and for all. As the game ended, the team huddled together, exchanging hearty pats on the back.

Lucas, beaming with pride, made his way towards the bleachers, scanning the crowd as he approached Max, her red hair making her easy to see in the large crowd. He joined her in the stands, a grin on his face. "Did you see that shot, Max? Did you see it?" Max nodded, her grin matching his enthusiasm. "Oh I saw it, you were great out there!"

But as she watched Lucas, she couldn't help but notice his occasional glances around the gym, searching for someone. "Yeah, thanks babe," Lucas hesitated, shifting uncomfortably as he kept looking around. "You're looking for someone?" She remarked, a hint of concern in her voice as she too surveyed around her.

Lucas sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, just looking for Mike and Dustin. They said they'd be here this time." Max's expression shifted, not surprised the boys hadn't shown. Her eyes flashed with a hint of anger, "You deserve better than this.""I just don't get it, they said they were coming," Max's frustration deepened as she watched Lucas's attempt to mask his disappointment.

She gently placed a hand on his arm as they began to walk out of the gym, "This is the fourth time Lucas..." Lucas met her gaze, a sad look in his eye, "I know, but they said they were coming this time, I guess I just-" Max interrupted, her frustration nearly bubbling. "This was important to you, and they should've been here."

"Yeah, it was important," Lucas murmured, his disappointment seeping into his words. "I'm sorry they weren't here." Lucas managed a half-hearted smile. "It's okay. I just thought they'd keep their word this time." "They should've," Max replied, "You deserve friends who show up when it counts." Max walked close to Lucas, their hands interlinked.

"You were great tonight, Lucas. They seriously missed out." Lucas smiled, genuine gratitude in his voice. "It means a lot that you're here," Max smiled softly, determined to lift his spirits. "Always, babe." Max paused, an idea entering her head. "You know what? I'm sure they'll regret missing this. Just wait and see." Lucas smiled, his arm around her shoulder, "Yeah, you're probably right,"

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The next day at school, Max scanned the hallways spotting Dustin and Mike chatting by the lockers. She marched over, arms crossed. "Hey, basketball game last night? Ring any bells?" Max's voice cut through their conversation, her tone laced with sarcasm. Mike looked up, caught off guard by Max's sudden approach. "Uh, no? What about it?" Max shook her head to herself, nonchalance masking her annoyance.

"Well, guess who didn't bother to show up? Or did you get lost on the way to the gym?" Mike exchanged a confused glance with Dustin before responding. "Oh... We... had something come up. It wasn't intentional." Max scoffed, "Oh, right. What exactly would that be?" Max's eyes narrowed as she glanced between Mike and Dustin, her skepticism evident.

"Let me guess, another D n D quest? Saving Eddie Munson from imaginary creatures, huh?" Dustin shifted uncomfortably, attempting to explain. "Max, it wasn't like that. Eddie needed our—" "Needed your help, right?" Max interjected, her tone biting with sarcasm.

"And Lucas needed his friends last night. Funny how priorities work for you two." Mike groaned. "We're sorry, okay? It was unexpected." Max's expression softened slightly, her irritation still simmering. "You know what's unexpected? Your lack of empathy! Lucas was looking for you two last night, and you blew it off."

Dustin and Mike exchanged uncomfortable glances. "We're sorry," Dustin began, his voice filled with regret, but Max cut him off. "Save it," Max retorted, her tone tinged with disappointment. "Just remember, next time, you better show up." With those words hanging in the air, Max turned away, leaving Dustin and Mike to ponder their own priorities.

As she walked away, a mix of frustration and disappointment lingered in the air.  "What the hell is wrong with them," she mumbled under her breath, a mix of irritation and disappointment clouding her thoughts.

-

On the day of Lucas's next game, the gymnasium was alive once again with anticipation. Max sat in her usual spot, her eyes fixed on the court where Lucas was giving his all, unaware of the change in the audience.

As the game progressed, Max couldn't help but notice Dustin and Mike slipping into the stands, their presence not going unnoticed by her keen eye. Leave it to her to handle this. Lucas, absorbed in the game, hadn't noticed their arrival. He hustled on the court, showcasing his skills, and as the clock wound down, the game was neck and neck.

In the final moments, Lucas made a decisive move, securing the winning shot amidst thunderous applause. The team celebrated their victory, and as the gym emptied, Max went up with Dustin and Mike."Finally, you guys showed up," Max said, a hint of approval in her tone. Dustin exchanged a sheepish smile. "Yeah, we realized we needed to be here."

Mike nodded in agreement. "We won't let him down again." Max smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction in their commitment. Meanwhile, Lucas, basking in the joy of victory, scanned the gym. His eyes fell upon Dustin and Mike, a surprised smile lighting up his face at their unexpected presence.

"Hey, you guys made it!" Lucas exclaimed, making his way over to them, oblivious to Max's intervention. Dustin and Mike exchanged guilty glances but returned Lucas's smile, relieved to have made amends for their earlier absence.

As they shared the celebratory moment, Max watched from a distance, a sense of contentment washing over her. Seeing Lucas surrounded by his friends, she hoped that this time, their support would stay.

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