*plot is changed a bit to fit this book*

The next few things happened quickly for everyone.

Max had managed to somehow drive them all the way to the field they needed to be at, and Steve awoke in absolute terror by the entire situation. Despite his slurred words and clear deliriousness, he was still insistent they aren't going down the hole.

"Hey, there's no chance we're going to that hike, all right? WE ARE NOT GOING DOWN THERE," he shouts.

While he screams the rest of the kids ignore him, gathering their supplies and covering their face for protection.

Frankie kneels at the head of the car, helping Mike tie the rope to the bumper of the car.

He turns his head to glance at her when their fingers touch, but immediately turns away when they make eye contact. Even under the bandanna, she could tell he was probably blushing— which makes her blush in turn.

What's with all this blushing?

"Do you think this'll work?" Frankie breaks the awkward silence.

"Yeah," Mike nods. "It has to."

While they make small talk, Steve is calmed by Dustin who insists he continue to protect them in the hole.

Without any further argument, they all hop down the hole and into the ash filled underground.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's this way," Mike shouts to them.

"You're pretty sure, or you're certain?" Dustin questions cautiously.

"I'm 100% sure. Just follow me and you'll know," Mike bites back.

As the boy turns around and begins to walk forward, Steve's protectiveness bursts through and he immediately stops him from going any further into danger.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hey, hey, hey, hey. I don't think so," the older teen stops him immediately.

"What?" Mike asks annoyedly, stopping in his tracks.

"Any of you little shits die down here, I'm getting the blame. Got it, dipshit? From here on out I'm leading the way," Steve announces.

He turns to look at the rest of the kids, realizing just how far Frankie is behind everyone else. That's a big no no, and he immediately tries to find a solution.

"Mike, hold Frankie's hand the entire time we're down here, and don't let go. Ever. Is that clear?" He demands, looking towards the boy with desperation.

Mike becomes noticeably flustered, making them all raise their brows.

"Wh— What?! Why me?" He argues, glancing at the girl.

He immediately feels bad when she likes offended.

"Dude, what's the issue? You act like you haven't been all lovey-dovey with her since you guys came back from the hospital. She's a party member, and she's sick. Suck it up, and hold her hand," Lucas states, slapping the boy out of his embarrassment.

"Fine—"

"He doesn't have to if he doesn't want to," Frankie tiredly frowns. "Steve, I'll just hold your hand. I can keep up..."

You ever feel your heart break and you're so confused as to why? Yeah, well that's how Mike feels right about now.

"Fran, are you sure? We don't know how long of a walk this might be, and this isn't the best air for you to be inhaling," Steve worriedly questions.

"Maybe I should just stay behind," she suggests, causing them all to stare wide eyed. "I'll just slow you guys down."

"What? No—" Steve begins.

"She has a point," Dustin whispers.

"You can't be serious," Mike scoffs. "We aren't leaving her alone!"

"Dude," Lucas jumps in, "you didn't want to hold her hand a second ago, and even if you did, she's right. We have to move fast."

"Well, we cant just leave her alone!" Mike argues.

"Then, stay with her," Max suggests. "You wouldn't trust any of us to watch over her anyway. Why don't you just stay?"

"I will. Not because you said so, though," he mumbles.

"You're staying?" Steve raises an eyebrow. "You sure?"

Mike glances at Frankie, and she smiles lightly. The smile on her face vanishes any sort of hesitation he might've had a few minutes ago.

"I'm sure," he states, smiling back at the girl lightly.

"Okay...?" Steve trails, looking between the two suspiciously.

Frankie turns to start climbing out of the hole, and Steve rushes over to help her immediately. He gently lifts her up, more gentle than any of the other kids would think he'd be, and it still shocks them.

"I love you, Fran. Be safe," Steve whispers, looking up at the girl as she peaks down the hole.

"Of course! I love you, too, Steve-y Nicks!"

She disappears, and Steve blushes as the other kids give him odd looks.

"Steve-y nicks?" Dustin snorts. "You guys are lame."

"Shut it, dweeb," Steve rolls his eyes.

Next, Mike moves forward to climb out of the hole. Steve, of course, helps him up. He remains suspicious about his sudden nervous antics.

"Be careful, Wheeler. Keep Frankie safe," The high schooler warns. "And I swear to god, don't kiss her."

"What?! I would never do that!" Mike gags. "She's my friend!"

"You know, you say that, but a few days ago you wouldn't even admit she was your friend," Lucas teases with a grin.

"Shut up," Mike rolls his eyes. "I wouldn't do that."

With that, he climbs out of the hole and directs his eyes towards Frankie. She is laid back on the hold of the car, staring up at the sky and whispering things to herself.

"Damn it," Mike curses to himself. "She's pretty."