(Ep. 8: The Mind Flayer)

Minutes later, everyone was now working on turning the shed into an unrecognizable place for Will and the Mind Flayer.

The kids stayed inside searching for anything useful while the older teens helped staple pieces of tarp all over the shed's windows. It seemed that this task had returned everything to normal from bringing Gwen and Jonathan working together again and Nancy working with Steve.

Jonathan kept glancing over at Nancy and then at his friend, trying to gather the courage to ask what happened between her and Harrington while they were gone.

"Since when are you and Steve getting along?" he finally asked.

Gwen chuckled, "We're not. We were just babysitting together all because Dustin dragged him into this."

He raised a brow at her, "Come on. I can see the looks you guys exchanged. Right from the lab up until now."

"So? We've exchanged looks before. It's no different," she tried dismissing him, hoping he wouldn't question her more as she'd be tempted to tell him about their almost kiss.

Jonathan handed her the stapler and looked over at the pair once more, "Yeah but... this is different. He defended you when Dustin went off on you."

She reached up to staple the tarp onto the wood, now avoiding making eye contact, "It was hardly anything. We just... worked together. Is that a crime?"

He nodded, "It is when it's you and Steve. Come on, Gwen. You've hated him since freshman year and always find ways to insult him. And now you've hardly said anything to him and you keep making googly eyes."

"I am not making googly eyes!" she exclaimed, playfully shoving him when they began laughing, catching the attention of the other pair.

The first day on their mission, Jonathan had confided in Nancy about his love for Gwen and how she basically friendzoned him on Halloween. This came as no surprise to her since she spent a lot of time with them last year and she always caught him staring at her with lovestruck eyes.

It sure didn't help that she started falling for him and that he was one of the reasons behind her breakup with Steve. And now that her suspicions had been confirmed, her heart ached in concern that she'd be friendzoned by Jonathan. Of course, their first kiss and first night together at Murray's gave her hope that maybe, his feelings had now shifted to her instead. But now that she's seeing them together, she fears that his feelings haven't vanished and she was just his comfort.

"You okay?" Steve asked.

She abruptly looked away from the best friends and nodded, "Yeah. You know, if you ignore the situation we're in."

"You got that right," he stapled another piece of tarp while looking over at Gwen - who was smiling at whatever it is Jonathan was saying. He's always seen them together, but seeing them now ignites a blazing fire that he fears won't be able to get extinguished.

Refusing to take his eyes off her, he feared one lost glance would bring the friends closer. That maybe this whole near death experience made her realize her best friend is who she should be with.

Having noticed his attentive eyes, Nancy smiled before clearing her throat to regain his focus. As much as she wanted to question him about it, she thought it'd be strange considering their relationship didn't end on the best terms.

"Hey," she began, "What you did, helping the kids... that was really cool."

Steve chuckled, "Yeah, those shits are real trouble, you know?"

From the corner of her eye, Gwen started noticing Jonathan looking over at Nancy and Steve. Despite continuing to work, his focus lay solely on them, only opening up the realization that something had happened between them.

"What happened between you and Nancy?" she whispered.

He tried his hardest not to smile, especially because of the circumstances they're in. The flashes of their kiss filled his thoughts along with the heartfelt jitters. Ever since they arrived at Hawkins, all he wanted was to tell his best friend that he had fallen for Nancy Wheeler, and how he has finally gotten over her.

"Umm," he began as a smile peeked through, "We might have kissed."

"Seriously?!" she exclaimed in delight, nearly dropping the stapler before regaining control, "Finally."

That caught his attention, "What do you mean 'finally'?"

How to explain that she's known about his feelings all these years and how she's prayed for him to get over her, knowing she wouldn't feel the same way?

She simply shrugged and stepped onto the stool to nail the corner at the very top, "I don't know. I just... I guess I wanted you to find love."

He chuckled, "Well, thanks for that."

She went back down and handed him the stapler before gathering the box with leftover supplies. They finished their part so now it was time to find other things to transform the shed into an even more unrecognizable place.

Upon exiting, they noticed Joyce tearing dry sheets off the clothing line. She seemed to be doing much better, but both of them knew it was all just a cover to hide just how much she was hurting. Gwen only knew Bob for a short amount of time, but she knew he must have been an incredible person to have had the love of Joyce.

"I'll be right back," Jonathan said before walking off to comfort his mother.

Gwen went back inside and gathered anything that could be used for coverage. Between newspapers, sheets, and some remaining cardboard, the shed was starting to become unrecognizable.

Every so often, she found herself glancing in Steve's direction. Just admiring his flexibility and decision to continue helping when he had every opportunity to leave. He had only spent a day with the kids and there was no need for him to stay, but he chose to. He chose to assist the family of the boy he spent years tormenting, and as much as she wanted to remember everything she hated about him... she couldn't anymore.

There was no need to hold on to her resentment because she knew deep in her heart that the boy who said those hurtful words was not the man she's grown to care about and have strong feelings for.

Steve Harrington had in fact changed.

She started remembering the panic in his eyes when he saw her injury and how he refused to let her move without making sure she wasn't hurt even more.

Was he simply being nice? Was he just worrying for a potential friend and she was reading too much into this?

Sure they were about to kiss, but like many say, it doesn't have to mean anything.

Her heart ached as she started convincing herself that he was only seeing her as a friend. What more can she be? Someone as intolerable and meaningless as her could never catch the attention of someone like him.

"You okay, Gwen?" Mike asked while positioning the lamps adequately, eventually breaking off her thoughts as she gave a small nod and connected the wires to the plug.

"Don't tell me you're worried about me, Wheeler."

Mike scoffed, "I don't get worried."

She smiled, "Whatever you say."

The door opened and in came Jonathan with a sleeping Will. He gently placed him onto the chair and started tying his waist, hands, and feet as lightly as possible. Mike finished up the last details and turned on the rest of the lamps, nearly blinding the others as they squinted their eyes and took a step back.

"Sorry," he told them, soon standing behind the lamps with Hopper, Joyce, Jonathan, and Gwen.

"All right, you ready?" Hopper asked Joyce.

"Yeah," she responded.

"Umm, you- you guys can take care of this so I'll be heading back, alright?" Nearly reaching the door, Jonathan grabbed her arm with eyes filled with concern as he wanted her to stay knowing how much all three of them have shared.

"I thought you were going to stay," he figured.

Gwen looked past Hopper and Mike and focused on the Byers, wondering how in the world Joyce and Jonathan could do this. She's just a family friend so why was this affecting her so much?

"I can't," she whispered before taking off.

She knew trying to reach Will was the right thing, but between everything she's dealing with, Will needs someone better, someone like his family and best friend. They've shared more together than both of them combined so it's only right that those closest to him do this.

Back at the Byers' home, Dustin's eyes were glued to the window. He was counting down the minutes until the interrogation ends and paced around the kitchen. Placing his hat on and off, he returned to the window when noticing Gwen walking back.

"Guys, I think it's over," he told the others.

"It's only been a few minutes. How can it be over?" Nancy questioned.

Gwen walked in and closed the door gently to not alert Will of their location. She was welcomed by everyone's eyes on her as they slowly came closer.

"What?" she asked.

"Is it over?" a hopeful Lucas questioned.

"Dude, it's only been like two minutes. Of course it hasn't ended."

"Then why are you here and not there?" Max remarked.

She shrugged. It seemed better to pretend everything was just peachy to get through this, "I thought it'd be better if it's just them."

Everyone returned to their spots. Dustin went back to pacing between rooms, Nancy leaned against the wall where Max and Lucas were seated, and Steve practiced swinging his bat in an empty room. Gwen took a deep breath before standing next to Nancy, expecting her to start questioning her about everything.

Looking back at Steve, Nancy elbowed her and whispered, "Care to tell me what's the deal with you two?"

"God, you and Jonathan are the same, I swear," she complained while trying to avoid answering to his ex. "How about you tell me what's the deal with you and Jonathan?"

Her lips curved into a smile. The sensation of overwhelming joy filled her, along with the guilt that she was feeling this when the entire world was at stake. Nearly about to spill everything, the reminder that she's his best friend and the girl he claims he used to love made her take back any desire to tell her.

"Yeah, let's not talk about it," she said.

"Alright, then don't push me," Gwen parted from her side and passed through the room he was in. He swung his bat as if his life depended on it because it actually does. His brows were pressed into a tight line as his eyes were fully concentrated on an imaginary target. She tried not to smile, but he's just able to bring it out of her with every little thing he does no matter how stupid or adorable it was.

"Are you just going to stand there and watch?" Steve's voice filled her ears. A voice so low and warm, yet cold and powerful.

Gwen adjusted her stance, nearly toppling over her feet before managing to hold onto the doorway. "Didn't mean to interrupt this little act you have going on."

He glanced down briefly at the floor and lowered his bat before swinging it over his shoulder, "Did you need something?"

His voice was harsh, back to the voice of the once king Steve. His expression had become hardened as nothing but his advice consumed his mind. Now fully accepting nothing has changed between them and it's no use trying to act upon whatever it is he's feeling.

Gwen swallowed painfully. She knew this was her fault. He wanted to talk about what happened and she dismissed his every attempt. Of course she deserved this. She deserved this and much worse.

Her mouth opened, trying to come up with anything to say, but she was at a loss of words for the first time. There was something inside grasping for control. Was it her mind or her heart? Whichever of them was, she felt like she had swallowed stones. As if everything she once believed in had been stripped away, only frightening her that she allowed this man to cause intense feelings once more.

"It's nothing. I'll leave you alone."

Watching her drift off, he was about to lose sense of his decision. He had taken a few steps forward in her direction and was about to just forget everything, but he was too stubborn to let his pride fade away. He paced back and forth, swinging his bat just trying to ignore the need to confront her. He wasn't crazy, he was sure their spark hadn't been one sided.

Screw this, he thought before dropping everything to go after her. He looked through every room, but she was nowhere to be found. Not even in the halls, where Max and Lucas were still seated.

The kids and Nancy watched as Steve frantically searched the rooms, returning to the hall when Sinclair and Mayfield pointed to Will's bedroom.

"You couldn't have told me that before?" he complained while walking past them.

"And you couldn't bother to check the bedrooms before?" Lucas remarked and rolled his eyes before exchanging a laugh with Max.

Steve ignored him and entered the room without knocking since she'd deny letting him in if he were to be polite.

"What the hell are you doing? Get out!"

"I've been trying to ignore you," he admitted as he closed the door. "I've been trying to play your game but it just- it isn't working for me."

Gwen scurried away, not all the way to the door, but far enough to create distance between them. She leaned back against the wall and folded her arms to try and cover her trembling hands.

"I'm not playing a game, Harrington," she stated, avoiding his eyes while focusing on the door behind him. Maybe if she ran and caught him off guard, she'd be able to shove him off and escape the room.

As if he had read her mind, Steve stood in front of the door and leaned against it. He had learned her every move and memorized her expressions, and the one she had on meant she was planning something.

"I just want to talk, so stop planning on ways to get out of this," he said. "I need to know something."

"Alright, what is it?" Gwen chose to cave as she remained still for what seemed a very long time. His eyes were locked on hers, causing her cheeks to form a pinkish color as she wondered if the dimmed room helped cover them up.

With struggle, he managed to choke out a simple question, "You don't like me, right?"

She scoffed, "Of course I don't like you."

"But why don't you?"

As much as she wanted to yell at him for having used something so personal against her, deep in her heart she knew it was no longer a reason. He's managed to consume her, to make her go against everything she's ever told herself and make her reconsider her beliefs. She never wanted a love that dominates her and makes her bleed. She's seen what love does and it only brings nothing but misery.

And now, Steve Harrington has arrived.

The man who has tilted her world upon its axis and has made her reconsider everything she believes in.

"Why do you hate me so much?!" he exclaimed.

"Because..." struggling to find the right words, she took ragged breaths before giving out the first reason, "Because you hurt me!"

Those four words were enough to bring his world crashing down. Just hearing the pain behind them shattered him, making him wonder what terrible things he could've said to have caused her resentment.

He knew he was a terrible person. His old friends were complete assholes and he did the unthinkable just to try and fit in, and now he had no one. Those supposed "friends" had turned their backs on him just for not wanting to continue his old ways.

"I hurt you?" he whispered, now avoiding her eyes from shame.

Surprised at his tone, her certainty that Steve remembered diminished to zero. She swore he knew why she chose to end their friendship, but he was completely struck. Did he really not know?

She stared in disbelief, "I can't believe you don't remember."

"Then tell me," he pleaded.

Her gaze softened, now hurting for him as she was ashamed for causing this. God, why couldn't she be angry anymore?

"Freshman year. I was tutoring you for Spanish and we agreed to meet at our regular spot. Only you never showed up so I went to look for you..."

Just like that, the memories came rushing back. How he loved spending every afternoon with her, how walking her home and sharing milkshakes with her was the highlight of his day. She was his happiness... and then she turned on him. They went from being incredible friends to nothing in the span of a day.

"You didn't show up at our spot. I waited for over an hour thinking that you stood me up," he told her. "I was so mad at you that I had no problem returning your insults."

She rolled her eyes, "Of course that's all you remember. How about when I trusted you with something so personal, and you went off and used it against me?"

And that's when he remembered.

"I would never dream of dating or fucking Gwen Henderson. Just look at her and look at me. I'd never get involved with someone with lots of issues... she thinks we have a chance at becoming more, but only in her dreams would that happen. Once I pass the class, I'll just turn it off, and goodbye, Henderson."

Steve didn't realize she had heard everything and even felt grateful when he believed she hadn't, but now, everything is starting to make sense. For why she changed after that day and why she ruined his life every chance she could.

"I'm sorry," he began, "I just- I just said those words so they'd get off my back and I know that's no excuse, but I didn't mean a single word. Believe me when I say that."

And she did believe him... because she chooses to believe that the guy her brother looks up to is no longer that same asshole. She chooses to believe he actually changed and it seems better than continuing to carry this weight on her shoulders.

But she still wouldn't admit her feelings have changed, "Okay, but it doesn't change anything between us. I still hate you."

"You hate me?" he whispered, starting to walk closer until he was able to feel the heat radiating from her skin.

Slowly, he began curving his fingers around the outline of her jaw. He loved every jolt of electricity she caused. Every prickle of desire she brought had only been a reflection of what he's been feeling since he first met her back in middle school. 

"I do," her lips muttered against him, causing shivers to run down his spine.

"Are you sure?" she could feel the softness of his lips, bringing hers to curve into a dismissive yet hidden smile.

What am I doing?

He brushed against her and stared at her with longing eyes as he desperately craved for her: for just one moment of being able to ignore their history and live in the present.

"I can't," she pleaded, wishing for anything to interrupt and prevent her from making a mistake.

He edged a centimeter closer, "Why not?"

And for a moment, just a second, she chose to let herself in. She reached for him and embraced every part of him: memorizing his movements, his breaths, and the way she can feel his heart banging against his chest.

Steve licked his lips and moved forward to cup her face. He closed his eyes and prepared for what he's been dreaming of for quite some time.

And that's when the door opened.

"Oh," Nancy interrupted. The sight of them being this close nearly made her forget why she came in the first place. "I'm so sorry but uh... you guys better come see this."

__________________

Here had been spelled out on a white envelope, indicating that Will was still fighting and is listening to everything.

"Will's still in there. He's talking to us," Hopper announced.

Joyce, Jonathan, Mike, and Hopper returned to the shed after figuring out a plan that relied on walkie-talkies and his favorite song. They continued interrogating Will while the rest listened to Hopper's taps and tried to decipher the next message.

After what seemed forever, the team was able to learn what Will was trying to tell them.

Close Gate.

Nancy reached for the radio and was about to let the others know they got the message when the sudden sound of the phone ringing made everyone jump.

Quickly, Dustin rushed to the phone and slammed it down. Everyone turned to each other with mutually concerned looks, hoping just one ring didn't alert the mind flayer of their location.

The phone rang again, bringing Nancy and Gwen to reach at the same time and toss it across the room. Thinking it's not enough, Gwen stomped her foot against it continuously. Better the phone be destroyed than them.

"Do you think he heard that?" Max questioned.

"It's just a phone," Steve tried reassuring them, "It could be anywhere, right?"

They stood in silence for a while, trying to pick up the smallest sound no matter how insignificant it might seem. Any branches cracking or the wind blowing, just anything.

"I think we're-"

The same screeches were heard again. They sounded far away but it was clear the demo dogs were now heading straight at them.

"That's not good," Dustin said.

"They found us," Gwen stated. "Alright, everyone! Get away from the windows and search for anything you can use as weapons! Now!"

Everyone ran in opposite directions, grabbing whatever object that served for good purpose. She went back to the kitchen to where she last left her bat and hoped the razor wires would be sufficient enough for who knows how many of those creatures. As she hurried back to the living room, her eyes glanced down to her scratch, dreaming she'd be able to escape this fight with only this small of an injury again.

Everyone had formed a protective circle around the kids and anyone who didn't have the appropriate weapons. Hopper and Nancy stood in the front holding guns while Steve had his trusty bat and Lucas had his slingshot.

"Get behind me," Gwen ordered her brother and pushed him behind her. Her voice alerted Steve, which brought him to stand by her side instead. She tightened her grip to her bat and raised it in front, preparing for anything to come in at any second. Steve couldn't help but glance at her as a small smile started to form. "Stop smiling," she told him.

The growling had now returned. This time even closer as the demo dogs had managed to surround the Byers' home. Their footsteps could be heard, raising everyone's nerves as the creatures appeared to be teasing them. They seemed to be waiting for the right moment to attack or until they were instructed to do so.

The group remained very still. Their shaky breaths were the only thing heard from expecting an attack in this incessant waiting. Loud thuds were heard on every side, causing all of them to shift continuously at the sound.

"What are they doing?" Nancy asked frustratedly.

No one responded and just focused on the shrubs swaying back and forth. The screeches covered the entire perimeter until they came to a stop, only shrieking as if they were just hurt by something or someone.

No one dared to make a sound. They watched the windows intensely and prepared for anything to come in... when the glass shattered and a dead demo dog came flying in. Everyone screamed but still held on to their weapons.

Hopper walked closer, his gun pointing at the creature just in case it was all a trick and it was still alive.

"Holy shit."

"Is it dead?" Max questioned.

Slowly but with caution, the group took small steps forward. All wanting to catch a glimpse in hopes no other creatures would come bursting in right now.

Their trance had been broken when the door creaked. All of them turn in its direction with their weapons raised as they prepared themselves for more dogs to barge in, but the lock had unlocked itself in a split second. Concern overwhelms everyone since they're certain those monsters don't have the capability of opening doors magically. This had to be something else. Maybe something or someone even more dangerous.

The door slowly opened, creaking as a young girl walked in.

The same girl everyone thought to be gone. The girl who sacrificed herself for them. She was here... and she was alive.