The other Mayfield (Will Byers X Reader)

013. Closed the gate

We loaded up into the back of Billy's car—Max behind the wheel and Lucas riding shotgun. For her first time driving, I'd say she wasn't doing too bad. The engine hummed as we pulled onto the road, the night air heavy with tension.

From beside me, a low groan broke the silence. I turned my head to see Steve slowly coming to, his face bruised and battered. He blinked a few times before focusing on Mike.

"Nancy?" he whispered, voice hoarse and uncertain. I exchanged a look of confusion with Mike, both of us unsure what he was seeing. Steve's hand started to move toward his injuries, but Dustin quickly reached out and stopped him.

"No, don't touch it... hey buddy," Dustin said softly. "It's okay. You put up a good fight. He kicked your ass, but you put up a fight. You're okay." He spoke fast, trying to calm Steve down before panic set in.

Up front, Lucas leaned forward, eyes fixed on the road. "Okay, you're going to keep straight for a half mile, then make a left on Mount Sinai," he directed.

"What's going on? Oh my god," Steve said suddenly, noticing Max at the wheel.

"Hey, it's okay, she's driven before," I reassured him.

"Yeah, in a parking lot," Mike added skeptically.

"That counts," Lucas shot back.

Their bickering started to fill the car—fast, sharp, overlapping words—as Steve's breathing grew quicker, his panic rising.

"Woah, stop the car. Slow down!"

"I told you he'd freak out!"

"Stop the car!"

"Everybody shut up, I'm trying to focus!" Max yelled, gripping the steering wheel tight.

"Oh wait! That's Mount Sinai—take a left!" Lucas exclaimed.

"What?"

"Make a left!"

The car jolted violently as Max hit something and yanked the wheel, sending us all screaming and lurching sideways. The tires screeched as we careened down the road, finally skidding to a stop after plowing through a sign. My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat.

"HELLO!?!" Steve shouted, still trying to process what just happened.

"Incredible," Dustin muttered under his breath.

"I told you, Zoomer," Max said with a grin as we climbed out of the car.

We made our way toward the gasoline and masks scattered nearby. The air was thick with the scent of fuel and dirt. One by one, we slipped on the masks so we wouldn't choke once we got down there. Mike grabbed the gasoline tank, his expression set and serious, then started toward the tunnel entrance with Steve groaning in protest behind him.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Steve asked, but Mike kept walking without answering.

"What, are you deaf? Hello? We are not going down there. I made myself clear," Steve announced, his voice echoing slightly. We ignored him and carried on, stepping carefully over the uneven ground.

"Hey! There's no chance we're going to that hole, all right? THIS ENDS RIGHT NOW!" Steve yelled, yanking a sack from Dustin's hands.

"STEVE! You're upset, I get it, but the bottom line is the party members request assistance, and it is our duty to provide that assistance. Now I know you promised Nance that you would keep us safe," Dustin said firmly, grabbing the bat with nails and holding out a mask for Steve. "So keep us safe."