chapter sixteen , the gate

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Kennedy wasn't focused on Mike and Eleven's reunion.

In her defense, she did just see her Grandma walk in with the girl, and she was extremely confused.

Kennedy wrapped her arms around her grandmother, sighing in relief that she was okay. "What? How? Why-"

"I've been holding back from you, Kenny, about a lot of things." Diana told her granddaughter as she pulled away. Her arms rested on the redheaded teens shoulders, "Including what you are."

"You've been hiding her!" The Theroux women turned at the sound of Mikes voice. The young boy shoved Hopper's back. "You've been hiding her this whole time!"

Diana spoke. "We both have." She stated blandly. Kennedy's confused eyes searched her grandmothers face. She couldn't understand. This wasn't making sense. Diana didn't know about Eleven, at least not the real her. How did she—? Kennedy couldn't even think.

Hopper turned from the hug he was sharing with Eleven, and grabbed Mike by his collar. "Let's talk. Alone." Mike and Hopper disappeared down the hall.

The boys instantly began exchanging hugs with the girl with superpowers. Max attempted to introduce herself but was only ignored. Eleven walked around the girl, smiling wide as she saw Kennedy. Kennedy wrapped her arms around the girl, sighing at the familiar scent that she had missed over the past year.

"Hey, superstar," Kennedy whispered softly as she ran her fingers through the ends of the girls hair. It had grown since they last saw each other. Eleven pulled away, studying the Theroux for a lingering moment.

"Your hair is different."

Kennedy smiled as she ran her fingers through it. "It's redder, you like?" She gave a giggle, which only made Eleven smile more. Eleven then turned to Joyce, wanting to give the woman a hug and see Will. Kennedy slowly turned to her grandmother again, who was waiting patiently.

"We need to talk."

༺❀༻

Kennedy stood in Jonathan's bedroom with her arms crossed. Diana fiddled with her hands as she tried to find the right way to explain everything to her sixteen-year-old granddaughter. "One of the last conversations I had with your Grandfather, he said something to me. Something I didn't understand until last year." Diana never mentioned her late husband, which only confused Kennedy more. "He said you were special. You'd be able to do things other kids can't. Stronger, faster, better than them. I thought he was just being cocky that he was raising you, but I was wrong."

"When we started going to Sam Owens, he began telling me about the werewolves. That's what he called your mother and yourself, that's what he called me." Kennedy's eyes grew, perplexed by her grandmother's words. "You see, Dr. Brenner had tested things on your mom, expecting them to transfer to you. They did, but they also transferred to her." Diana bit her lip, "And then your Grandfather, he gave me this vial, told me to drink it one night. I didn't understand why, but I did. The next day, he was dead."

Kennedy's eyes glossed over as she listened. She felt sick.

"Then Sam Owens told me about the other things, the visions." Diana sighed, picking at her painted nails. "He called us Seers, people who could see the present, past, and future. There was some telepathy thrown in, all of the fun stuff." She waved her hands, as she scrunched her face. "But he didn't know what it'd do to you, so we gave you a medication to suppress it while he and the lab tested the waters, with me."

The Theroux teen's eyes softened as she studied her Grandmother. "Your business trips the last few months haven't been for work, have they?" Diana pressed her lips into a line and slowly shook her head. Kennedy let out a sigh as she tried to think. "And you knew about Eleven?" She asked weakly.

"I had a vision of her, and I showed up on Hopper's door." Diana mumbled. Kennedy inhaled sharply, blinking back tears. "Darling, I'm so sorry, I didn't want to hide this from you, I just wanted to protect you-"

"Protect me from what? Myself?" Kennedy snipped bitterly, her eyes searching her grandmother's blue eyes. "The last two days I have been hearing voices with this killer splitting headache. I have been off my meds and I had a full-blown meltdown in the dining room. So, tell me, what was I protected from? Because so far I seem in more danger cause I don't know what the hell is going on." Kennedy's head snapped to the door with a low growl. It slowly opened, Hopper poking his head inside.

They were now all gathered around the table, and the topic became about closing the gate to the Upside Down. Eleven wanted to close it herself.

"It's not like it was before. It's grown." Said Hopper, leaning against the counter. "A lot. And, I mean, that's considering we can get in there. The place is crawling with those dogs."

"Demo-dogs."

Hopper looked over at Dustin, "I'm sorry, what?"

"I said, uh, Demo-dogs. Like Demogorgon and dogs." Dustin began to conjoin his hands. "You put them together, it sounds pretty badass-"

"How is this important right now?" Snapped the Chief. Dustin muttered an apology, turning back to the table.

Eleven stood next to Kennedy, looking up. "I can do it." She said.

"You're not hearing me."

"I'm hearing you. I can do it."

Mike, who stood next to Hopper, spoke up, "Even if El can, there's still another problem." Everyone shifted their attention to the Wheeler. "If the brain dies, the body dies."

"I thought that was the whole point." Countered Max.

"It is, but if we're really right about this, I mean, if El closes the gate and kills the mind flayer's army,"

Lucas looked up in thought, "Will's a part of that army." He realized.

"Then that means closing the gate will kill him, too." Kennedy said as she pushed her hands onto the table. She glanced up, seeing her Grandmother give a tight nod.

Joyce had gotten up and walked to Will's room. The group scurried to follow, many of them lingering just outside of the door. Kennedy hadn't noticed Steve standing so close to her, but when she did she tried her best not to inch closer.

"He likes it cold." Joyce said as she looked at the open window. Hopper questioned what she meant. "It's what Will kept saying to me. He likes it cold." Joyce walked up to the window, slamming it shut. "We keep giving it what it wants."

Diana Theroux played with her hands as she sat on the edge of the boys bed. WIth tender care, she ran her finger up his arm in thought. "If this is a virus like you're saying, and Will's the host, then,"

"Then we need to make the host uninhabitable," Jonathan added, moving to be next to his little brother.

Nancy looked towards Joyce in thought, "So if he likes it cold,"

"We need to burn it out of him." Joyce finally stated, staring at her son.

"We have to do it somewhere he doesn't know this time." Mike added.

Dustin chimed in next to the Wheeler, "Yeah, somewhere far away." He said as he looked back at Joyce.

༺❀༻

The group began to prepare for their split once again. Nancy and Steve were by a pile of stuff, fishing through it for supplies. Steve had a lot on his mind, especially now. "You should go with him."

"What?" Nancy looked up in confusion, her brows furrowing at the statement.

"With Jonathan."

The Wheeler girl shook her head. "No, I'm," She scoffed in thought, "I'm not just gonna leave Mike." She countered.

"No one's leaving anyone." Steve shrugged. He approached Nancy, the two of them looking at the same pile of rubble as he spoke. "I may be a pretty shitty boyfriend, but turns out I'm actually a pretty damn good babysitter. I think I'm making Kennedy run for her money." He joked as he pulled out a heater, holding it out to Nancy.

She pressed her lips together sadly. She felt bad. Steve was a good guy, he was. There wasn't a reason not to like him, especially after he became a better person in the last year. However, Nancy knew, and maybe even Steve knew, that the two of them just weren't meant to be like the way they once wanted. She searched his eyes, "Steve,"

"It's okay, Nance." He really meant it. Sure, it stung, but it was true. "It's okay."

Steve turned his back away from the Wheeler, and she couldn't help but blurt it out. "Will you treat her okay?" Steve turned slowly at the question. Nancy fumbled with the heater as she licked her lips. "Kennedy has been through a lot more than most of us. She doesn't deserve to get hurt."

The Harrington shook his head. "I don't-"

"She's an amazing girl, Steve." Nancy cut in, her eyes shifting between Steve and the ground. "And, um, I really hope you know that whatever you feel, she definitely feels the same way." Steve didn't have a way to respond. It was like, for once in his life, he was speechless. Nancy shrugged. "I can see it in the way she looks at you. We all can."

Nancy didn't say anything else. She turned on her heels and slowly walked away. Steve wasn't sure what to make of his ex girlfriends words. They had only been broken up for a few days, and yet both of them seems slightly less bothered by the stinging in their hearts. Maybe it was because they both knew there was always someone else. A certain what-if that only clicked after Halloween night. Of course that's what it was. The lingering tinge of jealousy had seemed to have been floating in the air since Steve and Nancy got back together last December. Neither of them had ever said a word cause it felt ridiculous to be jealous of the other persons friend.

It wasn't like they didn't love each other. Steve and Nancy were infatuated with the other. However, that didn't mean that they worked. They didn't. They just weren't right for each other, and both of them had realized that in just the few days they had apart. It was sad, because the love they had was still there, but they both knew this was the right thing to do. They both knew the other felt right with someone else.

Kennedy was just outside, arms crossed as she looked at Diana. Her grandmother was going with Hopper and Eleven to the lab. If they needed extra assistance, they had the old lady werewolf who could see the future. Kennedy was still obviously upset with her grandmother. Diana had lied to her. The two of them never did that, except when Kennedy snuck a boy into her room (and even then, Diana usually found out). Maybe Kennedy didn't need to be as upset as she was. Diana was going through the same thing Kennedy was. However, there was also the point Diana made Kennedy believe she was alone in the werewolf world. Things would've been so much easier if the redhead knew she was doing it with her grandmother.

"I love you, and I will see you soon," Diana said with a soft peck to Kennedy's cheek. The redhead didn't falter. Hopper and Eleven were waiting for the woman.

"Diana, let's go."

Diana looked over Kennedys shoulder, eyeballing Steve. "You keep her safe, alright?" She called to the Harrington.

Steve swallowed the nerves in his throat. "Always, ma'am."

"Diana!" Hopper called out.

She turned sharply. "You're smoking around the kids? You're going to give her lung cancer!" The old woman scolded as she took the cigarette from Hoppers mouth. The man stuttered in clear confusion. "Get in the damn car, Jim."

Kennedy and Mike stood next to each other, watching as Jonathan's rusty car and Jim's police van drove down the dark driveway. Kennedy looked behind her at the others, before pulling the glossy eyed Mike into her arms. This very well may be the last time they see Will or Eleven again.

༺❀༻

Steve didn't expect baby Demogorgons to be so heavy.

Kennedy was sitting at the dining table, eating more packaged sandwich meat from the fridge that Steve and Dustin unpacked. She was apparently hungry, which made sense considering the amount of running she'd done.

"This is a ground-breaking scientific discovery. We can't just bury it like some common mammal, okay? It's not a dog." Dustin scolded the Harrington, who was carrying the slimy dead monster in a blanket.

Steve muttered as he waddled to the dirges. "You're explaining this to Mrs. Byers, all right?" Kennedy rose an amused brow to watch Steve and Dustin shove the creature into the refrigerator. It was a struggle, involving minor bickering.

When they finally got it closed. Steve turned to Kennedy, now getting hungry himself. Just as he reached for the second package of ham, Kennedy jolted away. "Keep your demo-dog hands away from my food!" She pointed harshly at the Harrington.

"You've been eating demo-dogs the last three days! And you've eaten people!"

"Wolf me and me me are two different things with two different appetites!"

Mike was pacing the Byers living room, clearly stressed. Lucas and Max were cleaning up broken glass from the window. Mikes pacing was getting annoying. Lucas watched, his eyes going back and forth with his friends figure.

"Mike, would you just stop already?" He finally snapped.

"You weren't in there, okay, Lucas? That lab is swarming with hundreds of those dogs." He reminded to the group as if they weren't all aware of the situation.

Dustin walked back into the living room. "Demo-dogs!" He corrected.

"The chief and Kennedys grandmother will take care of her!"

"Like she needs protection." Max commented as she shook her head.

Steve came walking in behind Dustin. Kennedy was close behind and he fumbled with a towel. "Listen, dude, a coach calls a play in a game, bottom line, you execute it. All right?"

Kennedy waved a hand. "I know you did not just compare this situation to basketball," She said as she looked over at Steve.

"This isn't some stupid sports game." Snapped Mike. "And we're not even in the game. We're on the bench!"

Steve stammered as he spoke, "Right, so my point is," Steve trailed off as everyone expectantly looked at him. "Right, yeah, we're on the bench, so, uh, there's nothing we can do." He finally said.

"That's not entirely true." Dustin hummed as Steve tossed the towel over his shoulder. Everyone turned their attention to the boy. "I mean, these Demo-dogs, they have a hive mind. When they ran away from the bus, they were called away."

Lucas was quickly catching on. "So, if we get their attention,"

"Maybe we can draw them from the lab." Max finished.

"Clear a path to the gate." Mike said in thought.

Steve had his arms crossed over his torso. "Yeah, and then we all die!"

Kennedy pointed her finger at him. "That's only one point of view." She said as the wheels in her brain began to turn.

"No, that's not a point of view, that's a fact!" Steve hissed, "Are you seriously agreeing with them?" Mike pushed past Steve and Dustin to go into the kitchen.

The group followed him, and he crouched to the ground in the kitchen to one of the drawings Will made of the tunnels. "This is where the chief dug his hole. This is our way to the tunnel." Mike ran back to the living room, standing on a larger pile of ohotos that made a big blue pit. "Here, right here. It's like a hub. You got all the tunnels feeding in here."

Kennedy looked down at it, "So if we lit this on fire-"

"Oh, yeah? That's a no."

"The Mind Flayer would call his army." Said Dustin as he stood next to Kennedy.

Kennedy nodded, "They'd come to stop us, and we'd circle back to the exit. I'd fight some of the earlier ones off,"

"And by the time they realize we're gone," Mike planned allowed, his hands on his knees.

Max whipped around, "El would be at the gate!"

"Hey! Hey!" Steve clapped his hands loudly to catch everyone's attention. "This is not happening."

"But-"

"No buts! We promised we'd keep you shitheads safe and that's exactly what I plan on doing!" Steve glared at Kennedy, mostly for encouraging this plan. Everyone rolled their eyes or crossed their arms in annoyance. "We're staying here. On the bench. And we're waiting for the starting team to do their job! Does everybody understand that?" Steves tone was harsh and strict.

Mike spoke up, "This isn't a stupid sports game." He snapped.

"I said does everybody understand that?" Steve huffed as he pointed at everyone. "I need a yes."

Kennedy shrugged, "Then you stay here, I'll do it myself." she said blandly.

Steve waved his arm, "I'm so getting you a therapist after this. No. No!" He turned to the girl, who waved her hands as she spoke.

"I'm faster, stronger, and I can heal if I get hurt! I'd be in and out before a Demogorgon even got to the hub." Kennedy explained. Her hands moved wildly in Steves face, which only annoyed him and caused him to grab her wrists with his hands.

"Nope. No way. Uh-uh." He shook his head as he scolded the redhead. "The bench. You, and everyone, is staying on the bench"

The sound of an engine revving outside caused Kennedy to stop her sassy reply. Everyone turned to Max, who's eyes went wide as she ran to the window. Kennedy's stomach sank as she could hear the music playing with her wolf senses.

Max fell into the couch as she looked out the window. Lucas was quick to follow, the two of them watching as a blue camaro comes speeding down the driveway.

"It's my brother." Max confirmed, causing Kennedy to purse her lips. "He can't know I'm here. He'll kill me." She turned to look at Lucas. "He'll kill us."

Kennedy spun around in annoyance. "What the hell?" Kennedy stormed to the door, grabbing the handle.

"Ken, what are you doing?" Asked Steve.

Kennedy looked over, "I'll get him to go. Just, shut up and stay away from the windows!" She waved her arm at them, sliding out the front door and shutting it quickly.

The house was quiet as they waited. Kennedy stood on the porch of the Byers house with crossed arms and an expectant frown. Billy slid out of the card blowing cigarette smoke out from his lips. "Kennedy Theroux! What a pleasant surprise."

Kennedy shrugged, smiling sweetly. "What are you doing here, Billy?" She asked cooly.

"Well, now I'm here to see you." He commented. Kennedy was stiff as she walked down the porch steps. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked closer to the car. "What are you doing out here?"

"House sitting." She leaned against the hood, watching him with sultry eyes as he slowly closed the door to his car. "Gotta clear my head after everything that happened."

Billy neared her, eyeing her like a hawk. "Sorry about that, doll. Tommy had already blabbered to half the town before I could stop him." Billy chuckled as he looked Kennedy over. The shirt she was wearing didn't fit her quite right, handing low on her chest. His eyes followed the fabric and Kennedy began to pull it up. "You really did a number on me."

Kennedy shrugged softly. "I was angry."

Billy reached and pushed a piece of hair behind Kennedys ear. She flinched at his touch, which caused him to click his tongue. "I got in a lot of trouble for what you did." He blew smoke in her face, causing Kennedy to scrunch her nose. "So what are you gonna do you apologize?" Billy asked coldly as he leaned closer

"Apologize for what?" Kennedy challenged. She could see fury flash through Billy's eyes. He tried to hold it back.

His fingers traced up her arm as he hummed lowly. "For making me look like an idiot in the parking lot." He deadpanned, his finger on her shoulder. "Could've been real bad."

"A shame it wasn't worse."

Billy's hand clasped around her throat harshly. Kennedy was pushed further into the car and Billy's face was now inches from hers. Kennedy winched as his grip became tighter. He seethed, ready for put his cigarette out on Kennedys shoulder. But he didn't.

The door slamming to the house caused Billy to look up. His hand released Kennedy entirely, the girl reaching for her neck as she turned to see who it was. "Am I dreaming, or is that you Harrington?"

"Yeah, it's me, don't cream your pants." Steve deadpanned, looking over Billy's shoulder to see Kennedy still sitting there.

Billy peeled off his leather jacket, tossing it into his car as he walked over. "What are you doing here, amigo?" He asked with fake niceness. Steve tried not to freak, still remembering seeing the way Billy had Kennedy against the car moments ago.

Steve and Billy started walking toward each other. "I could ask you the same thing. Amigo." Steve crossed his arms.

"Looking for my stepsister. A little birdie told me she was here." Billy said with the cigarette in his mouth.

"Huh, that's weird. I don't know her."

Billy furrowed his brow. "Small? Redhead? Bit of a bitch." Kennedy didn't move from her spot, waiting to see what Steve was trying to do.

"Doesn't ring a bell. Sorry, buddy."

He nodded. Billy nodded. He blew air out from his lips, sighing. "You know, I don't know, this," He clicked his tongue as he shook his hand. "This whole situation, Harrington, I don't know. It's giving me the heebie-jeebies."

"Oh, yeah? Why's that?"

Billy shrugged, pulling his cigarette away. "My thirteen-year-old sister goes missing all day. And then I find her with you in a strangers house." Billy explained, before turning slightly to point at Kennedy. "With my girl who's been missing since Friday. And then you lie to me about it."

Steve chuckled, "Man, were you dropped too much as a child, or what?" Kennedy couldn't tell if Steve meant that about Billy not believing him about Max, or about Billy calling Kennedy his girl. "I don't know what you don't understand about what I just said. She's not here, and Kennedys not yours." Kennedy watched as Billy raised a hand, pointing to the house.

"Then who is that?"

Kennedy and Steve turned to the windows to see four familiar faces. Kennedy scowled, knowing she told them to stay away from the windows. Steve cursed under his breath, turning around. "Listen," With a big shove to his chest, Steve was pushed to the ground. Kennedy stood up straight with wide eyes.

"I told you to plant your feet." Billy's voice was colder, darker now. He stomped his foot onto Steves chest, and Kennedy jumped at the sound. Billy threw his cigarette to the ground, stomping on it before storming to the house.

Kennedy rushed to Steve, kneeling down. "Hey, you okay? Did he break anything?" Kennedy looked Steve over as he clutched his side in pain.

"Go," Steve groaned in between breaths. "Max,"

Billy slammed open the door, his eyes landing on Max and Lucas. "Well, well, well." The door slammed behind him. "Lucas Sinclair. What a surprise." Billy turned to his sister. "I thought I told you to stay away from him, Max."

"Billy, go away,"

"You disobeyed me." Billy looked dead into Max's eyes. "And you know what happens when you disobey me."

The door swung and Kennedy stormed into the house. "Get the hell out before I make you, Billy." She huffed as she took easy strides in his direction.

Billy chuckled, turning to the Theroux. "You know, Ken? We could've been a good thing, you and I. If only you knew when to keep your mouth shut." Kennedy wasn't expecting Billy to make the move first. But his hand quickly grabbed her throat harshly, slamming her into the Byers's wall. Everyone shouted as Kennedys head slammed, her eyes screwing shut as she falls to the floor.

Everyone began to yell as Billy grabbed Lucas by the collar of his jacket. The two of them stumbled before Lucas was shoved into the corner of the dining room. Things fell around them as Lucas shouted for Billy to get away from him.

"Since Maxine won't listen to me, maybe you will. You stay away from her." Billy shoved Lucas further into the corner shelf. "You stay away from her! You hear me?" Steve came into the house quick to pull Kennedy off the floor. Her head was pounding, dizzy as she tried to recoup.

Lucas took a deep breath. "I said get off me!" Lucas swung his knee up, hitting Billy in the groin.

"You're dead, Sinclair! You hear me? You're dead!"

"No," Steve spoke up, catching the Hargrove attention. "You are." Steve swung his arm up, and his fist collided with Billy's face. Billy snapped to the side in shock. Lucas ran past the two, Kennedy wrapping her arms around him protectively as she put the kids behind her.

Billy laughed. His voice echoing in the house. "Looks like you got some fire in you after all, huh?" He feasted as he looked up. He had blood trailing from his nose, his hair now a mess. "I've been waiting to meet this King Steve everybody's been telling me so much about. The one that has the bitch of Hawkins wrapped around his finger but is too much of a pussy to take her to bed." There was a wicked smile as he looked over at Kennedy slowly. "Don't worry, doll, I'll take good care of you."

Steve grabbed the collar of Billy's shirt, causing the Hargrove to look at him. "Get out." Was all Steve said. Billy stared for a second. He swung his fist, but Steve ducked, coming back up with a swing of his own.

The two began to struggle. Dustin and the others cheered Steve on while Kennedy turned to them, pushing them down the hall. She spun around just in time to see Billy smash a plate on Steves head.

"Go, go, go," Kennedy said as she pushed the kids further away from the kitchen. Billy had now stumbled into the living room, punching Steve. Kennedy's hazel eyes followed as Steve fell onto the wood floor. Billy had climbed over Steve, punching him repeatedly.

Dustin grabbed Kennedy's sleeve. "Now, Kennedy! Now!"

Kennedy's eyes turned gold. Billy had gotten a few hits on Steve before he was pried off the floor. He spun around, not having time to react before Kennedy's fist was in his face. Everyone (other than the dizzy and slipping out of consciousness Steve) cheered the girl on. Billy stumbled into the wall, laughing maniacally.

"Wanna play? Let's fucking play!" Billy had grabbed Kennedy's shoulders, the two of them slamming into another wall. The kids jumped back, screaming for Kennedy just as Billy had hit her square in the face.

Her head snapped to the side, and she could feel her fangs grow in her mouth. As promising as that would be, the teenage girl knew she had to keep focus, and stay human.

Didn't mean she couldn't use her strength.

Kennedy spit out blood as she kicked her leg. Billy fell into a shelf, knocking things over. Kennedy grabbed the familiar pair of roses from the ground (having fallen in the Steve and Billy fight earlier), and she swung them in his face. Sure, they didn't do much damage, but they were enough to catch him off guard for Kennedy to grab the back of his shirt, and she tossed him to the ground. She kneeled down, hitting Billy in the face as she hit him again. Billy swung his hand, slapping the side of her ear and creating a horrible pain in her head (for those curious, the pressure of this clap can be so painful it might rupture an ear drum, if done correctly. Billy saw it in a movie).There was now ringing in her ear, causing the girl to stumble in confusion. Billy had grabbed her throat, the two of them rolling.

Everyone shouted at Kennedy to focus, but she couldn't. His slap to her ear had caused her eardrum to tear. All the teenage girl could focus on was the ringing, and the nausea that swooped over her quickly. Her fingers weakly wrapped around his hands, trying to pry him off. She could feel liquid coming from her ear, and she realized it was blood.

Max looked over at the small wooden table, eyes on a tranquilizer Joyce and Hopper had been using on Will the entire time. An idea spawned in her head as she looked back at the unconscious Steve and the suffocating Kennedy. She was quick to grab the needle, taking off the cap. Max pushed between Mike and Lucas, taking quick strides to her step brother. The boys didn't know what she was doing until she raised her hand, stabbing the needle harshly into Billy's neck. His hands quickly pulled away from the girl on the ground, who let out a large breath. He grunted in confusion. Max and the others backed away as Billy stood, the needle still in his neck. Max scrambled to help Kennedy up, the teenage girl moving the Mayfield behind her protectively.

Billy pulled the needle from his neck, his vision blurring repeatedly. He started walking towards Max, who backed away as Kennedy pushed her. "The hell is this?" He slurred. Kennedy looked at his bloody knuckles. "You little shit, what did you do?" Billy took another step closer, and suddenly there was a sound louder than anything else in the room since he stormed into the house.

A roar surrounded everyone, causing Max to stumble backwards into the boys as they all looked at Kennedy. She swung her fist, colliding with Billy's face before he fell to the ground. His blue eyes were wide with fear. Was he hallucinating?

Kennedy snarled down at him, her claws digging into his arms. Billy let out a scream in pain as she seethed. "You leave Max and her friends alone. Other wise, I will rip you to shreds and leave you for dead in the forest. Come near me again and I'll suffocate you with your own jacket. Come hear Steve again? And I'll slit your fucking throat." This time, it was Kennedys hand around Billy's throat, cutting off air as he dazedly looked up at her. "Stay away from Max. Do you understand?"

He was definitely hallucinating, Billy decided as he saw the glowing yellow eyes. Max grabbed Steves nailed bat, holding it up as she stared at her stepbrother. "Screw you."

The bat swung down, landing right between Billy's legs. The boys all stared, petrified. Billy slowly craned his neck up, but it was slammed back down by Kennedy with brut force.

"Say you understand." Max demanded. She starred at Billy with a look of hatred. She hated him. She hated him, she hated him, she hated him. All of the awful things he did, and all of the terrible things he said. She was sick of it. She just wanted to be left alone. She picked up the bat holding it in the air again. "Say it!" Billy's head rocked back and forth. "SAY IT!"

"I understand."

His voice was quiet, mumbled. Kennedy tightened her grip on his throat, claws poking at his skin. "What?"

"I understand."

Everyone was silent as Billy finally slipped out of consciousness. Kennedy sat up, resting on his legs as she turned to Max. "Get his keys." The teenage girl stood up while Max rushed to her brothers pocket. Kennedy looked at the group of boys. "We're getting out of here. So you gather what we need."

"What about him?"

Everyone turned to look at Steve. Kennedy crouched down, sighing. "He might kill me when he wakes up, but he'll definitely kill me if we leave him here." She said as she looked back.

"Who's driving?" Asked Lucas.

"Me, obviously?"

Mike piped up, "Who's gonna keep Steve from freaking out if we bring him?"

"We can shove him in the trunk." Max suggested. "Or I can drive! I've driven in a parking lot before."

Mike shook his head. "No way! I'm not getting in a car with you driving!" He argued.

Kennedy shook her head, trying to fathom how she was now the one taking care of all of these kids. "Nobody's going in the trunk. We need it for supplies." She stuttered as she thought. "Max, you're driving. Lucas, you're navigation. Mike and Dustin are in the back with me."

The kids were quick to part. Max and Kennedy found a box so Max could get to the pedals, as well as moved the seat so she could see and steer as best as she could. Lucas grabbed a map, Mike showing him where they're going. Dustin and the boys then started gathering what they needed. Goggles, bandanas, cloths, tape, gasoline, lighters, and more.

༺❀༻

Kennedy had carried Steve out to the car, Dustin and Mike helping as they eventually pulled him over their laps, Kennedy sitting right behind Lucas with Steves head in her lap.

"Okay, slow down a little, I get carsick easily," Kennedy said softly, trying not to stress Max out while also not trying to get them killed.

Max eased up on the pedal. "Sorry," She mumbled.

Kennedy shook her head, "No, you're doing great." She held an ice pack to Steves head, her fingers running through his hair. She looked over at Lucas. "How much farther?"

"Not very."

Steves eyes fluttered open in a confused blur. He let out a small groan as instantly he felt the aching in his face and his head. He turned his head quickly to see a can of gasoline. His eyes trailed to the person holding the can.

"Nancy?"

Mike Wheeler furrowed his brows in confusion. Steve groaned lowly as his face began to ache more. Dustin reached over, pulling his hand away. "No, don't touch it." Steve looked slightly to the left to see Dustin. "Hey, buddy," He soothed. Steve dazedly looked straight up to see who was holding the ice pack to him. Kennedy smiled down at him. Her finger trailed his face as she softly held his head in her hand. "You put your a good fight. He kicked your ass, but you put up a good fight." Dustin nodded as he looked down at Steve. "You missed it, Kennedy just about ate the guy."

This was when Steve realized they were in the back of a car. His dark eyes fluttered over to the passenger seat as Lucas Sinclair spoke. "Okay, you're gonna keep straight for a half a mile," Lucas studied the map slowly. "Then make a left on Mount Sinai."

Steve pulled Kennedys hand away from his face. "What's going on?" He groaned as he looked to the drivers side. Max Mayfield liked over at him for a moment, her hands on the wheel. "Oh, my God!" Steve breathed out as panic settled.

Kennedy shushed Steve as she tried to keep him still. "Steve, relax. She's driven before." Dustin optimized.

"Yeah, in a parking lot." Butted in Mike.

"That counts." Lucas argued.

Steves eyes were wide. "Oh, my god!"

Kennedy rolled her eyes. "I wasn't gonna have you guys leave him behind! Or stuff him in the trunk!" She huffed as Steve began to sat up.

"Oh, my god."

Dustin and Mike groaned in pain as Steve thrashed. "I promised that you'd be cool, okay?" Dustin and Mike scooted over to give Steve room as he sat fully straight.

"What's going on?" Shouted Steve before Max stomped on the gas. Steve started yelling, falling into Kennedy. The Theroux started laughing, partially because she loved the speed but also because of Steves reaction. "Stop the car! Slow down!"

Mike turned to Dustin. "I told you he'd freak out!" He snipped coldly.

"Stop the car!" Steve screamed, but his mouth was covered by Kennedy.

Kennedy looked over to Max. "Keep going, you're doing great." She soothed, her arm being smacked by the disoriented Steve. She looks over at Dustin and Mike. "He's so killing me after this." Steve furiously nodded his head from behind Kennedys grip.

"What do you want your casket to look like?"

Before Kennedy could answer Dustin's question, Lucas spoke up. "Wait! That's Mount Sinai! Make a left."

"What?"

"Make a left!"

The car swerved suddenly, hitting a mailbox on the side of the roads Everyone began to scream. Steve clutched onto Kennedy tightly who grabbed onto the seat and reached over to hold Dustin back in the seat.

Max sped down the road. Steve continuously shouted his protests, and Kennedy continuously told him to shut up. Maybe she should've left him at the Byers house.

They eventually sped through the pumpkin patch, coming to an abrupt stop by the dug out hole. Steve slid in the seat before yelling out a quick "Hello!"

"Incredible," Breathes Mike in relief.

"I told you. Zoomer." Max said.

Kennedy sighed as she pushed Steve off of her. "Pile out!" She called. Steve muttered protests and confusion as everyone climbed out of Billy's car. Kennedy pulled open the trunk as they all began to gather supplies.

They half-expected Steve to pass out again, but he didn't. Steve tumbled out of the car, groaning in pain. Everyone began wrapping bandanas and goggles around their faces. Steve slurred in protest. Kennedy turned to Max, fixing the goggles on the tiny redhead.

Mike had grabbed a can of gasoline and some rope and began walking to the front of the car. "Hey, where do you think you're going?" Steve snapped as he began to wake up. "What are you, deaf? Hello?" He turned to the rest of the group who held their gear. Flashlights, masks, goggles. "We are not going down there right now. I made myself clear." Everyone ignored his protests as Kennedy handed each kid different supplies. "Hey, there's no chance we are going to that hole, all right?"

Kennedy turned to Steve, seeing the furious glint in his eyes. "You might not be, but we are." Steve gawked with furious looks as Kennedy pulled up a pink bandana. Dustin handed her goggles, and she started walking to the hole with the others. Mike started heading down the hole, the rope tied to the car.

Steve shouted, but was stopped by Dustin. "Steve, you're upset, I get it. But the bottom line is, a party member requires assistance, and it is our duty to provide that assistance." Steve couldn't believe he was hearing these words come out of Dustin's mouth. "You and Ken promised you would keep us safe. But you promised Diana you'd keep Kennedy safe." Dustin held up a backpack with supplies for Steve, including his nailed bat. "So keep us safe."

He could not believe he was doing this.

Everyone had climbed and jumped down into the tunnels. They all had flashlights, and there was a dim blue tinge to the lighting. "Holy shit," Muttered Steves as he looked around.

Kennedy turned to Mike, who held the map in his hands. Dustin and Mike began to argue over which was was the right direction, and Kennedy snatched the map from Mike. "I'll lead the way," She says softly.

Steve protested "If any of you little shits die down here, I'm getting the blame. Got it, dipshit?" He huffed at Mike.

"No need to be so rude," Kennedy huffed, walking a few steps ahead of him.

༺❀༻

"It got in my mouth! Some got in my mouth! Shit!"

Kennedy and the others watched as Dustin Henderson coughed wildly and spit repeatedly. He had fallen and something in the tunnel had spit in him or something. Hence the screaming and near gagging in disgust. Everyone, who had ran to save him from whatever was causing his screams, now stared at him with annoyance.

"I'm okay."

Everyone muttered insults in his direction, and Kennedy pulled Dustin up before the hauled on with their journey. Kennedy studied the map, following it and her vision as the others studied the place in awe and disgust. The tunnels reminded Kennedy of the vision she had. She couldn't believe how right she was. They existed, they were right under Hawkins.

Kennedy looked over at Steve, who was walking next to her. She knew he was probably still upset with her for agreeing to do this. Kennedy chewed on her tongue, "I ruined the flowers, by the way."

Steve didn't expect Kennedy to speak, let alone about flowers. He looked at her, confusion dancing in his eyes. "What?" He asked as he looked at her through his goggles.

"The roses. I beat Billy with them. I'm sorry."

He couldn't help but chuckle. Even now, in a time of crisis, Kennedy was apologizing about roses. Her hazel eyes searched the map again as she muttered another apology. Steve felt his heart swell and it was the first time he ever noticed it. Had his heart always done that?

"It's just roses. I'll get you new ones when this is over." Steve's words hung in the air for a moment. He waited for a reaction, any form of it. Kennedy looked over, hazel eyes wide as she searched his expression.

"Promise?"

Kennedy let go of one side of the map, holding out her pinky. Steve chuckled lowly, reaching out and linking his pinky finger with hers. "Promise."

Steve turned his head, taking a few steps forward into an opening. "All right, Wheeler. I think we found your hub." Kennedy looked up from the map, the kids coming up behind them. There it was, the large opening where all the tunnels met. Kennedy stepped forwards, her ees tracing the space.

"Let's drench it," Mike said.

That's exactly what they did.

Using the supplies they had all gathered while Steve was unconscious, they started coating the walls and the ground in gasoline. They were careful to not get it on their clothes. Kennedy winced at a stinging pain in her chest. She sucked in a breath, but it was like she couldn't breathe enough. There wasn't enough air getting to her lungs.

Screaming filled her ears and she whipped around. Everyone was focused on their own things. Nobody was screaming. Kennedy swallowed the lump in her throat as she realized what it was. Will Byers. The Mind Flayer. Joyce, Jonathan, and Nancy were doing exactly what they said they'd do. Make the host uninhabitable. And now Kennedy was listening to Will's screams.

Diana Theroux was walking with Hopper and Eleven to the lab. Will was becoming a screaming black veined mess. And Kennedy was at the entrance of the tunnel, the kids all staring at the hub now drenched in gasoline. Kennedy had an inkling, one the others hadn't thought of before. Or at least not to the extent she had.

What if, Kennedy wandered as she took her last moments to stare at the hub, what if she wasn't only connected to Will? What if she too was connected to the Mind Flayer they were trying so desperately to kill? Would she die? Did she care? Not if it meant saving everyone else. Kennedy swallowed the lump in her throat as she looked at her ankle. Her sock had ridden down and if anyone took a second to look they could see the blackened vein bruise that had returned after almost a year.

"All right, you guys ready?" Asked Steve as he pulled off his gloved, the kids chorusing in forms of yes.

Dustin looked over as Steve pulled out his lighter. "Light her up."

"I am in such deep shit."

The lighter flew through the air, and the hub quickly ignited. Vines flew around wildly and Kennedy stumbled back, her arms out in front of the kids. Pain shot through up her body, starting at the bruise and working its way up. She hated being right.

"Let's go! Go, go, go!" Steve shouted as they all turned from the hub.

They ran through the tunnel, the sounds of flames and screeching being heard. Kennedy stumbled, feeling the pain get worse. She pushed through it, gritting her teeth as she pushed the kids ahead of her.

There was lots of screaming of let's go and oh my god. Steve lead the way, Kennedy at the end of the group. Mike fell to the floor, screaming. Kennedy winced in pain, looking down at the vine wrapping around Mike's foot.

"Help! Help!" Shouted Mike as Kennedy grabbed his arms to tug him back. He screamed as the grip on his ankle tightened.

"Back! Everybody back!" Steve shouted as he came running through, bat swinging. He hit the vine three times before it split into two, Kennedy pulling Mike up off the ground.

Lucas grabbed onto Mike. "You good?"

"Guys, we gotta go. We gotta go." Dustin shouted, his words cut off by a loud growl. They all spun around to see a Demo-Dog. But not just any old Demo-Dog. Dart. Steve grabbed Dustin to pull him back, but the Henderson didn't move. "Dart." The creature let out a low snarl. Everyone shouted at the boy as he moved, but he shushed them. Dart stepped closer, letting out grunts as he did. "Hey. It's me, it's just your friend. It's Dustin." He took of his mask and his goggles, revealing his face to the creature as he crouched down. "You remember me? Will you let us pass?" Dart opened his face, growling loudly at the Henderson. "Okay, I'm sorry about the storm cellar. That was a pretty douchey thing to do." The creature closed it's face. It really did remind Kennedy of a dog. Maybe a pitbull, or a rottweiler. Something like that. Dustin reached to his back. "You hungry? Yeah?"

"He's insane." Hissed Lucas. Mike slapped him in the arm while they all shushed him.

Dustin pulled his backpack off. "I got your favorite." He pulled out a familiar piece of candy. "See? Nougat." Dart came closer as Dustin quickly opened up the wrapper. Dustin put the piece on the ground. "Eat up, buddy." While Dart kneeled down to eat his candy, Dustin let his friends all quickly rush past. Kennedy stood back, smiling softly at the Henderson. Dustin placed another piece of nougat down. Dustin's heart clenched a little, knowing this would be his Demo-Dog friends last meal. Dustin stood up with the help of Kennedy's hand, the two of them sneaking past Dart. The Henderson pulled his goggles back on as Dart looked at him for a moment. "Goodbye, buddy,"

The pain was getting worse. Kennedy did her best to ignore it as they ran through the tunnels. She felt sick. Like her entire body was burning. It was like the night she fought the Demogorgon. The same pain. Will was safe now, and Eleven was closing the gate. Hopper and Diana watched as the little girl began to close it with her mind. They could see the sights of the angry Mind Flayer on the other side.

The tunnels rumbled, sending everyone to the ground. Kennedy spun around. "What was that?" Asked Max.

Distant screeches and growls caused everyone to look the way to the hub. "They're coming," Mike said with wide eyes. "Run! Run!"

They ran through the tunnels, eventually reaching the way they came in. The rope was dangling from the hole in the ground. Steve ran to it, "Let's go! Come on!" He picked Max up by her legs, hoisting her up as she climbed out. Kennedy stood, facing the tunnels. She felt her heart banging against her ribs violently and her leg felt like it was splitting into two. Lucas was hauled out next, and then Mike and Dustin. Steve turned to Kennedy, "Ken, let's go!"

"You go!" Kennedy shouted, before groaning in pain. Steve wrapped an arm around her as she nearly fell. "Steve! Go!"

Steve put Kennedy behind him protectively as he held up his bat. The shadow of Demogorgons told him what he knew to be true. They were here. Mike and the others were looking down, yelling for Dustin and Steve as the heard of Demo-Dogs rounded the corner.

Kennedy closed her eyes tight, pressing her face into Steve's back as she prepared for whatever death was to come. But it never did. Kenned stumbled back as something grazed by. Her eyes opened as she and Steve moved. Demogorgons rushing past. They ran by like they weren't even there, or they simply weren't important enough to care about. Steve grabbed Kennedy by her torso, pulling her towards him so she doesn't fall.

"Eleven." Mike whispered. That was when they knew she was doing it. Eleven was closing the gate and the Demo-Dogs were coming. When Hopper shot his gun at creatures while Diana threw her newfound claws.

Steve had grabbed Kennedy, lifting her off the ground. Her hands wrapped around the rope and she began to pull herself out. Dustin and the others grabbed her wrists, tugging her up as much as they can. Kennedy began to scream in pain as soon as she reached the surface, falling onto the ground. She pulled off her mask and goggles, trying to find any source of air. Steve climbed up quickly, practically falling into the dirt as he tried to avoid landing on the redhead.

Kennedy was pulled completely out of the dug hole and onto the grass. She screamed and cried out in pain. "What's wrong with her?" Max asked with wide eyes as Steve tried to hold Kennedy's flailing arms.

Dustin looked down, seeing something on Kennedy's leg. He rushed over, tugging down her sock as he grabbed hold of her foot. "Guys!" Everyone looked down, even Steve turned away to look at the black ring around Kennedy's ankle. "She's not connected to Will."

"She's connected to the Upside Down."

Kennedy's eyes turned yellow and her hands grabbed onto Steve's arms. He yelled out in pain as her claws dug into his skin. The kids looked at the headlights of Billy's stolen car. They began to grow brighter. And brighter. Steve put his hands on Kennedy's face as he tried to get her to stop flailing, stop screaming. She was in so much pain, her entire body on fire and her leg splitting in two.

And then suddenly, it was over.

The lights dimmed and Kennedy's cries had softened. Her eyes turned hazel as she began to gasp for air. Her claws came out of Steve's skin and her hands began to grab his shoulders, his wrists, his neck, his face. She felt for any and all feelings that she was alive. That she was okay. Steve pulled off his goggles as he looked at her. She was okay. Kennedy was okay.

Dustin and the kids watched in amazement as the bruise on Kennedy's leg began to disappear. The veins twisting like vines before fading from her skin. She sighed as the pain she had faded into a dull memory. Her head pressing against Steve chest as he hugged her tightly.

It was over. It was finally fucking over.

༺❀༻

A month had passed. A full month. Hawkins Lab was shut down after Nancy and Jonathan's tape had leaked with the help of Murray Bauman. There was finally a funeral for Barb, which the four teens had attended in memory of the redheaded girl. Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and Kennedy.

Perhaps the biggest change was the Theroux family and the Hoppers. Eleven had officially been adopted as Jane Hopper by Jim. And then, somehow, Diana had managed to convince Jim that the two small families became one. "They are sisters, after all," Diana had told Jim.

With Diana's money, they had bought a house in the woods. It was a one-story home with a basement and had four bedrooms, just enough for the small family. Diana, of course, demanded the master bedroom farthest away from the rest of the house. Jim declared the other room on the main floor, as he personally did not want to share a bathroom with two teenage girls. So, Kennedy and Eleven for the two bedrooms in the basement.

It was Christmas time again. This time, the Hawkins Middle School Snow Ball was the main event. Eleven was wearing a dress Kennedy had given her. The two girls sat in the backseat of Jim's car. Kennedy was a volunteer, alongside Nancy and Jonathan. Jim had stopped in front of the doors, turning to them.

"If you two have any problems, we're outside in the parking lot."

Kennedy groaned as she slid in her seat. "Jimmy, if we have any problems, I'll eat the source." She said as she gave an innocent smile. Jim sent her a warning look. Kennedy reached over, giving him a quick hug. Ever since they moved in together, Jim had already became a parental figure Kennedy never had. She wouldn't say it, at least not yet, but she was happy to have him.

Diana turned to smile at the girls. She was wearing a big red trench coat and a big smile. "You two have fun, alright?" She chimed.

"But not too much!" Hopper shouted, warning a motherly slap to the arm from Diana. Eleven and Kennedy shared fits of giggles as they clambered out of his car.

Steve Harrington was in his car. He had dropped Dustin off a few minutes ago, but he hadn't left yet. He didn't know why he hadn't. There was no reason for him to stay. He saw Nancy inside, sending soft smiles in someone she can only assume is Jonathan's direction. Steve realized, as he watched a familiar figure walk to the school, exactly why he hadn't left.

Kennedy was wearing a black dress that was a little above the knee. Eleven was wearing a gray dress with pink dots. Kennedy laughed as she swung Eleven's hand in hers, giving the girl a gentle spin. Steve swallowed the nerves in his throat, grabbing the bouquet of roses that sat in his passenger seat before climbing out.

Eleven looked past Kennedy, her eyes widening. Kennedy frowned as she saw Eleven's expression. "I think someone wants to see you."

The Theroux turned around, seeing Steve's car and him standing next to it. Her hazel eyes became soft and her cheeks turned pink. Hopper looked at the scene from his car, sharing a look with Diana before going to find a parking spot. Kennedy turned towards Eleven, giving her hand a squeeze. "Go in and find Mike. I'll be right there."

Eleven nodded, letting go of Kennedy's hand and walking into the middle school. Kennedy licked her lips as she turned back to Steve, walking towards his car. He was standing behind his door, leaning against the top of it. "You look beautiful tonight," He called out as she was a few feet away.

"My grandmother demanded I dress up." Kennedy hummed with a smile. After Eleven closed the gate, Diana and Kennedy had long conversations filled with apologies and love for each other. They eventually made up, back to their usual dynamic with the addition of Hopper and Eleven. Kennedy tilted her head. "What are you doing here?"

Steve nodded toward the school. "Dropped off Henderson." He said casually. Kennedy nodded in understanding. Steve clenched his jaw, holding up the bouquet of roses. Kennedy's eyes widened and lit up. "And to bring you these."

Kennedy smiled as she reached for them. "Oh, they're beautiful, Steve." She hummed sweetly as she inhaled deeply. The scent of roses washed over her as she smiled even more.

"Promise you wont beat anyone with these?" Steve asked as he held out his pinky. He repeated the movements they made the night in the tunnel.

Kennedy laughed, "I promise," She reached out, linking their pinkies together. Kennedy held onto the roses as she looked up into Steves light brown / hazel eyes. "Do you wanna come inside? I'm sure I can sneak you in." Kennedy said as she pointed to the school.

Steve scrunched his face as he shook his head. "No, no. It's fine. Besides, I'm not quite as dolled up." Kennedy looked Steve over, seeing his red sweater and jeans combo.

"I don't know, you look beautiful to me." She chimed, a playful grin on her lips. Steves heart was racing. He could see the light dancing in her eyes. Kennedy stepped closer, reaching for his hand. "Come on, don't leave me to dance with Eleven and Mike all night."

He could never say no to her.

Steve shut his car door, letting Kennedy take his hand and lead him into the middle school. Nancy Wheeler was now dancing with Dustin. Mike and Eleven were dancing, Lucas and Max, and Will was dancing with a random classmate. Nancy and Dustin looked over in surprise to see Kennedy come walking in with roses, handing them to Mr. Clarke to keep safe before she grabbed both of Steves hands and pulled him to the dancing crowd.

"He really likes her, doesn't he?" Nancy asked the Henderson boy. She watched with soft eyes as Steve was tugged to dance with the Theroux. The redhead placing Steves hands on her waist while she wrapped her arms around his neck. His cheeks turned pink and a smile etched into his lips.

"Totally whipped." Dustin hummed as he watched the same scene. He slowly looked at Nancy. "He's screwed for life."

Nancy smiled, looking at Dustin as she nodded. "Definitely screwed."

Kennedy and Steve swayed to the music. Kennedy felt like her heart was exploding. She knew she was feeling things for Steve. She had known an extremely long time. Before, she thought they'd go away. Now, as her seventeenth birthday nears and so does their seven years of friendship, she realizes those feelings were never going to go away. Because she was so unbelievably in love with Steve Harrington.

"Steve?" Kennedy hummed softly.

Steve looked at her light eyes, searching them. "Yeah?" He was the soft one now. His hands on her hips as they moved slowly. She could hear his heartbeat, he was sure of it. Her senses had gotten better and so did her other skills. Werewolf and Seer abilities alike, she was getting really good with them. He could feel Kennedy nervously play with her fingers behind his neck.

"Thank you. For the flowers."

"I promised I'd buy you new ones." Steve said simply. a smile on his face. Kennedy's eyes flickered away from his, studying the shape of his features as she thought about how reckless she'd be tonight. Steve tilted his head to try and get Kennedys eyes to meet his. "Something wrong?"

Kennedy looked up at Steve. "Kiss me." She blurted, her eyes widening slightly at her choice of words. Did she just say that out loud?

Steve couldn't believe it himself. Surely he heard wrong. His stomach became a gymnastics star and his skin felt all tingly. Was it suddenly hot in here? He stuttered as he looked at her. "What?" His voice was soft. If he was talking to anyone else, they wouldn't have heard him.

Kennedy wasn't sure if it was the fact she heard his heartbeat or if it was the song choice, but she had a spark of confidence. "Steve," Her hands lowered from around his neck, lowering it to where his neck met his shoulders. Steve was convinced his heart was going to break out of his rib cage by now. "I want you to kiss me." She confirmed what she said the first time. Steve considered falling to the floor in shock.

But you didn't need to tell Steve Harrington twice...or three times.

Steves hands framed Kennedys face in a different way than they ever had before. He leaned in, Kennedy meeting him in the middle. Her gloss covered lips pressed against us and it was like the world finally made sense. Her candy flavored lipgloss was like a drug that Steve knew he was instantly addicted to. His thumbs tracing her cheek bones as he let the fact this was really happening soak in.

Kennedy could hear Elevens small gasp as she pointed out what was happening to Mike. It caused the redhead to smile, her fingers pressed against Steves red sweater. He tasted of mint, and he smelled like hairspray. Kennedy could pick up a lot of his scent, having memorized it the last year. Her painted nails looped into his shirt as she pulled him closer, her brain short circuiting as she finally accepted she was totally in love with Steve Harrington.

And even if they both woke up tomorrow and pretended this never happened, they'd both be so fucking glad it did.