Extinct Love (Max Mayfield x OC)

Season 4, Episode 5: The Nina Project

Season 4, Episode 5: The Nina Project

Kassandra's POV

That night, I did not leave Max's side. I stayed by her all night, holding her to me. We held each other on the car ride back. We held each other on the way into the Wheeler's basement, We held each other while we ate the pizzas Nancy ordered for all of us.

Nancy and Robin came back not too long after dusk, which which was not too long after we got back to the Wheelers. They told the others of Robin's speech, which granted them access to Victor, what Victor told them, and of their daring escape. They also tried to call the others in California, but the phone was busy. Joyce was probably working on the phone.

Max and I did not listen in. We spent all night cuddled up on one of the couches. Despite us all agreeing to take shifts to watch over Max, Dustin still fell asleep during his. Luckily, I was still awake. Unfortunately, Max was as well.

"I'm so sorry."

I look at Max. "What are you sorry for?"

"For everything. I pushed you and everyone away while dealing with... last summer's events. I didn't write back to your letters, just the barest amount to keep you from flying over here. For treating you like shit and just so much more."

"I forgive you."

Max looks at me, confused. "What?"

"You are forgiven. For all of it." I say.

"But—"

"No buts." I say. "We all went through a lot of trauma. We deal with it differently. But I am here for you either way."

"But I treated you like shit." Max insists.

"And I forgave you." I insist. "No matter what you say or do, I will always forgive you."

"Why?" Max asks, tears in her eyes.

I can hear Joyce's words come back to me. "Because, we are going through what is probably the worst and toughest part of our lives. We are kids. We do not know how to process the atrocities we have endured, nor should we have to. Unfortunately, we have gone through it, and we just need to do our best to heal the wounds of the past. Yes, they still hurt, and that may make us hurt others, but remember this. Even though they may hurt you, if they do not mean it and are truly sorry, you should forgive them."

"And I am. I really am sorry."

"I know, Max. I know," I say. "But this is not your fault."

"What?"

"It's not your fault," I repeat. "It is the fault of Vecna. The fault of the lab. The fault of the Mind Flayer. Never you. Do not try to take the blame from them. They deserve to be dead."

I hold her close. Something falls out of my jacket pocket and hits the floor. I reach down and grab it, feeling the bundle of letters for me and some of the others. I chuckle to myself.

"What?"

"Oh, it was just the letters you gave me." I say.

"Why did you laugh?" Max asks.

"Well, you gave me a letter," I say, but Max still does not get it. "I can barely read. I only started reading a couple of years ago."