Stranger Things Max x Lucas/ What I hope will happen in season 5.

Chapter 4: Confronting the Past

The next day, Hopper decided to take Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Eleven, and Will shopping in town. It had been a while since they had ventured out together, and he thought it would be a good opportunity for them to bond and enjoy some time outside the cabin.As they walked through the bustling streets, laughter and chatter filling the air, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will suddenly froze as they caught sight of two familiar faces from their past. 

Troy and his friend, the bullies they had not seen since 1983 when Eleven had used her powers to break Troy's arm, stood leering at them from across the street.A tense silence settled over the group as memories of their previous encounters with the bullies came flooding back. Emotions ran high as Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will exchanged wary glances, their fists clenched in anticipation of a confrontation.Troy and his friend approached them, smirks on their faces as they harbored old grudges and simmering animosity."Well, well, well, look who it is," 

Troy sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "The losers from Hawkins, all grown up now, huh?"Mike's jaw tightened, his anger bubbling to the surface as he glared defiantly at their tormentors. Lucas, Dustin, and Will stood by his side, ready to defend themselves against the bullies' taunts.Before things could escalate further, Hopper and Eleven appeared beside them, their presence a calming force in the tense situation."Boys, let's not do anything we'll regret," Hopper warned, his voice firm but gentle. "Violence is never the answer."But the tension in the air was palpable, and soon enough, fists were flying as a heated scuffle broke out between the two groups. Hopper and Eleven quickly intervened, pulling the boys apart and putting an end to the fight before it could escalate further.

As they made their way back to the cabin, the boys nursing black eyes and bruised egos, Lucas couldn't help but feel a surge of guilt wash over him. He knew that fighting was not the solution, but the sight of Troy and his friend had stirred up deep-seated emotions that were hard to control.When they arrived back at the cabin, Lucas slipped into his and Max's room, exhaustion and shame weighing heavily on his shoulders. As Max turned to him, her eyes widening in concern as she saw his black eye, Lucas took a deep breath and prepared to explain everything that had transpired."Lucas! What happened?" Max exclaimed, worry etched in her features as she reached out to touch his bruised cheek.Lucas met her gaze, his heart heavy with regret. 

"It's a long story, Max. But let me tell you everything," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness.And as he recounted the events of the day, his voice steady but heavy with emotion, Max listened intently, her heart aching for the pain and turmoil that Lucas and his friends had endured. And as he finished speaking, a somber silence fell between them, broken only by the sound of their breathing.Without saying a word, Max moved closer to Lucas, her hand reaching up to cup his face. And in that moment, their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them as they leaned in and shared a tender, comforting kiss. It was a silent reassurance of their bond, a promise that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always stand together, united in love and strength.