(Ep. 8: The Battle of Starcourt)

It seems Hopper was easier to convince than expected.

As soon as Gwen and Max rejoined the group, they listened to Dustin explain how he needed a higher place where the signal would reach in order to navigate Hopper, Joyce, and Murray successfully.

Claiming he knows of a perfect place to set up, the chief had no other choice than to hand his car keys to Steve - which aren't even his considering he stole the vehicle from a guy named Todd.

"Gwendolyn!" she grits her teeth, rolling her eyes at the mention of her full name and especially since Hopper knows just how much it annoys her.

She whirls around, sparing him a glance before making her way over to him. His lips are pressed into a tight smile all while avoiding looking at her. "Why the full name?"

"Oh, stop complaining. You were named after one of Spider-Man's love interests so deal with it."

Fair point.

"So... what did I do now?" Gwen questions, placing her hands into her pockets as she tries remembering anything she might have done. All she did was slightly argue with Murray and mention Joyce being like a wife to him, but that's it.

"Listen to me very clearly," he raises his finger in an authoritative way. "Don't even think about doing anything stupid. At least wait until I get back so I can fix it."

Gwen's eyes narrow at his words considering he's the one doing something stupid. She can't even imagine heading down there and seeing those Russians again without feeling every hit and hearing every yell again. Yet another thing to add to the list of things that will give her nightmares until who knows when.

"Says the one who's heading into direct danger," she laughs lightly as her head tilts to the side. "If anything, you're the one who's being stupid. No offense."

Hopper hums in thought for a moment, "Just promise me you won't risk yourself or make any rash decisions."

"When have I ever made a rash decision?"

He stares at her with a deadpan look, "Hmm, how about when you trashed the Hawkins Post when you quit? Or when you broke Carol's arm and I had to convince her parents not to press charges, or when you crashed Harrington's car for breaking Jonathan's camera?"

"That was a long time ago-"

"You want me to name more? Cause I can go on all night-"

She rolls her eyes and playfully nudges him, "No need. I get it, okay?"

Before she's able to react, Gwen's surprised when he pulls her in for a hug. It feels slightly strange since they haven't hugged in a while, and it isn't until now that she realizes how much she's missed this.

"When this is over, can we go to Moon's Diner like we used to?"

Hopper chuckles and nods agreeingly, "Like the olden days."

She looks up at him, frowning when he ruffles her hair, "While we're at it, let's invite Joyce as well. I'm sure you both will really love it."

"Just go before I change my mind!" he hollers as she smiles at him one last time before running off to the exit.

Rejoining the others, she's faced with her brother's annoyed glare at how long she took. He shakes his head at her while tapping the watch on his wrist continuously. She lightly whacks his head and is quick to dodge his swinging arm.

"You're paying for this later," Dustin threatens.

"Oh, I'm so scared," she snaps, sarcasm hanging at the tip of her tongue.

"Oh, man, now this... this is what I'm talking about!" Steve cheers while pushing through the mall's door as the keys swing around his ring finger.

Everyone watches with amazement at the bright yellow convertible. It's sitting in a perfect position just begging to be used. The neon lights reflect onto the metal, shining vibrantly as the red leather seats shine with even more luminescence.

"Who the hell would name their car after themselves?" Gwen questions, noticing the license plate as she can't help herself but cringe at such a ridiculous thing.

"Some self-centered psycho, that's for sure," Daphne mumbles.

"Someone with the name 'Toddfather' is practically asking to be made fun of," Robin adds on, shaking her head disappointedly at the nerve of the convertible's owner.

"Oh, screw Todd!" Steve exclaims as he eagerly jumps into the driver's seat. "Steve's her daddy now!"

Robin groans, "Did you just talk about yourself in third person?"

Erica's brows cinch in disbelief, "Did he just call himself daddy?"

Gwen lets out a laugh as she sits herself on the passenger seat, "You did not just say that." She shakes her head at him, trying to get herself to stop thinking at the sexual implication behind the word. Looking towards the back, she's relieved to see that only Robin and Daphne seem to have caught on.

Steve's mind hasn't even come to realize it as he simply says, "I said it and I'm proud of it."

"Everyone, put your seatbelts on!" She orders them while putting hers on and motioning Steve to do the same, earning an eye roll from him as he reluctantly does as he's told.

"Alright, so where are we going?" He places the keys into the ignition, bringing the car to life with a loud rumble.

"Weathertop," Dustin says.

"Weather-what?"

Dustin groans, rolling his eyes as he leans forward, "Dude, just drive!"

"Okay, Jesus!" He places his arm behind Gwen's seat and reverses the car in a swift motion. His hand circles around the steering wheel as he smiles on getting to drive one of his dream cars. The tires screech against the pavement, making him press on the gas harder as they drive away from Starcourt Mall.

__________________

They've been on the road for what seems forever. There's no more houses in sight or even the town's lights. Only trees and dimly lit roads are covering their vision that doesn't appear to have an end.

"How far is this place, man?" Steve complains.

"Stop complaining," Dustin retorts, "It's not even that far."

"You seriously walked all the way from home to the middle of nowhere just to speak to Suzie?" Gwen has to admit that it's actually sweet that her brother went through great lengths to speak to his girlfriend. Although, she's not exactly sure if she's even real.

"She must be pretty special, huh?" Robin adds on, trying to get her mind off what's about to happen as she's not sure how much more she can pretend this is anything but normal.

"Well, nobody's scientifically perfect, but Suzie's about as close to being perfect as any human could possibly be."

Steve and Gwen exchange a couple glances, both thinking the same thing that this girl appears too made-up to be real.

The youngest Sinclair seems to be thinking the same thing, only she's not shy to let him know, "She sounds made-up to me. Doesn't she sound made-up?"

Dustin's smile fades as he stares at her with an offended look. He removes his seatbelt and leans forward in between his sister and Steve as he waits for them to say something in favor of him. "Why aren't you guys saying anything?"

Gwen presses her lips together and avoids looking at him. She simply stares ahead and tries ignoring the harsh tapping on her shoulder, because how can she let him know that all this time she's been doubting the existence of Suzie?

"Why are you both hesitating?" Dustin's eyes widened in shock. "Why are you, my sister, hesitating?"

Gwen shakes her head, still refusing to look at him, "I'm not. I'm just listening very attentively."

Dustin scoffs, pulling her sleeves even tighter to make her turn, "Look at me then!"

"I don't want to," she argues, shoving his hand off and tries moving as far as the seat allows.

"Hey, quit it, mini Henderson!" Steve interrupts and places his arm in between them to shield her from her brother. "None of us are hesitating. We... we think she's real."

Erica laughs, "Well, I don't and I don't see why you're all so afraid to admit it."

Dustin opens his mouth to argue back, but he starts noticing the familiarity of their location, "Left. Turn left!"

"What?"

"There's not even a road here!"

"Just turn left!" Dustin yells right into Steve's ear, making him cringe at the loudness of the kid's voice as he wished he yelled into the other one he can barely hear from.

Without a warning, Steve makes a sharp turn into the woods. The tires screech at the abruptness as they crash into a fence that leads them into a grassy plain.

Everyone erupts in panic and holds onto their seats as they ride gets bumpier by the second. The wind brushes against their faces along with a few branches that barely miss from hitting them. They feel their hearts drop as they notice the steep hill they need to get through, only making them pray this car is able to get them there.

"Where the hell are we going?!" Steve exclaims, gripping tightly to the steering wheel as he can't help but worry for the damage the convertible will have.

"Keep going up!"

Gwen digs her hands into the seat, not even caring for the marks that are definitely going to be left behind. She's not sure if they're going to make it to the top from the intense damage and various holes the ground seems to have.

"We're not going to make it!" Robin yells in a panic, not even realizing the hard grip she has on Daphne's hand.

"Yes, we are!" Steve assures her and slams his hands on the wheel. "Come on, baby! Come on!"

The car's engine starts to strain and slowly comes to a stop that leaves them in the middle of the hill. Gwen peers her head down to the ground and notices the mud that's formed from the rain that caused the vehicle to sink itself into a hole.

Steve presses the gas even harder and mutters words of encouragement to the car as he's really not looking forward to walking up this very steep hill. He's already tired enough as it is that he can't even fathom the idea of having to run up.

"It's not working. Come on, let's go."

The group carefully walks out and takes cautious steps as they follow Dustin's lead. Steve is the last one to walk out as he complains to himself while following after the others.

A few minutes into walking, Dustin's Cerebro comes to sight. Everyone sighs in relief and try catching their breaths as they're just glad their part of the mission is over.

"Bald Eagle, this is Scoops Troop, do you copy?" Dustin yells at the radio com, earning nothing but silence on the other end.

Gwen paces around and leans her head back to gaze at the stars. It's been far too long since she's been out in the summer's heat just enjoying the night. A few days ago, she was stargazing with Steve and now she's here, having to prepare for yet another battle with the supernatural.

It's far too quiet for her sake. Almost like this is the last bit of silence she's going to get before the storm hits. She doesn't want to be pessimistic, but something is telling her their plans might not go according to plan. Maybe she's overthinking everything and this is nothing but nerves. Maybe she should just relax and pray everyone makes it out okay.

Even Billy.

"Bald Eagle, I repeat, this is Scoops Troop. Do you copy?"

"Yes, I copy," Murray finally answers with a hint of annoyance on his assigned name.

The group lets out a relieved laugh. Hope starts returning as they're certain Dustin and Erica will now be able to navigate them safely.

Gwen feels more comfortable moving away from the rest. She closes her eyes and imagines herself in the comfort of her bedroom. Just laying down and absorbing the softness of her sheets as she tries holding on to the excitement on getting to spend more time with Hopper like the olden days. She feels like a child from how much she's looking forward to it. It's a different kind of excitement that makes her beam with joy and gives her hope for a better future.

"Hey," Steve mumbles and places his arms around her stomach as he kisses her cheek.

"Hi," Gwen responds, her voice barely a whisper.

They're quiet for a moment as they allow everything to sink in. It was an entirely different thing being drugged and facing everything, but now that they're sober, everything has become heightened. Worries, fears, anxieties, everything is enhanced, and they're not exactly sure if it's for the better.

"Do you think after tonight, everything will be over?" Gwen's mind wanders to the future that she can't even picture without worrying the mind flayer would return. Now that she's leaving, how will she be able to go on with her life if she's not certain the people she loves will be safe?

"I don't know," Steve admits, "If I'm being honest, I hope this creep doesn't come back, but it's Hawkins. Anything is possible."

Gwen stares ahead and catches a glimpse of the mall that's eerily calm. She opens her mouth to speak, but the words die on her lips as she's reconsidering even saying anything. Just being under his embrace is able to make her forget everything as he's the only one to ever bring her comfort and security.

"Can you promise me something?" Gwen turns around to get a clearer sight of him and just as she meets his eyes, her heart takes a giant leap.

Steve loves whenever she stares at him. It only means he gets to admire her for a longer time and become lost in those beautiful blue eyes of hers. He holds on to her hand and gentle squeezes it as she averts her gaze to their surroundings.

"When I leave for New York, can you please look after Dustin?" Her voice comes out lower than intended, "You know how he is, always getting himself into trouble. I mean, just look at this whole Russian mess-"

"I promise," he interrupts her rambling from sensing the fear and nervousness in her voice. "You don't have to worry for that little shithead. I'll look after him like he's my own son."

She smiles and places her arms around his shoulders. Her concerns slowly move to the back of her head as she knows Dustin would be safe around Steve. Sure her brother can look after himself, but seeing the close bond they formed only makes her relieved that he won't be so alone.

"We really need to get your eye checked out once this is over," Gwen gently touches his face, not wanting to hurt him more than he is. His eye has become slightly less swollen, which gives the opportunity to see the redness of it. She can only wonder how he can even see from it - if he's even able to.

He shakes his head, "Nah. I've gotten my ass beat before so this is nothing."

"This isn't nothing, Steve. Whether you like it or not, you're getting checked for this."

"Hmm," Steve hums, lazily walking away from her as he faces the view of the mall. "Worried my face will remain messed up for good, huh? Probably would never want to kiss me again if I stay like this."

Her eyes widen in complete disbelief as she can't understand why he would believe she would care about appearances. She loves him for who he is and it doesn't matter how he looks because he will always be her Steve.

Walking over to him, she stands right in front to block his view. She cradles his face and makes him look at her, "Listen to me, your face could be disfigured, burned, or remain incredibly swollen for life. It's a face that I will always be happy to sit on."

Steve chuckles as his cheeks start turning a bright red. He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her in, their foreheads now resting against the other, as he takes in her comforting warmth. His voice is strong and tender as he says, "I seriously love you."

Gwen smiles and cradles the back of his head. She glances up at his beautiful doe eyes and gently caresses his cheek, "And I love you."

He pushes her closer to him, unable to prevent the grin of his face from becoming wider, and closes the gap between them to capture her in a kiss.

The world around them starts vanishing. All the chaos surrounding the Cerebro, all the conflicts regarding the mind flayer, all the worries on their imminent long distance relationship, start fading as all they can focus on is the present. They're not sure what the night has entailed for them, so they're determined to make every minute count.

Steve leans in for a deeper kiss, but he's surprised when she pulls away and appears to be distracted by something. "What is it? Is it my breath?" he panics and breathes into his hand to make sure that's not it. "I took a mint before we came here just in case."

Gwen doesn't answer him and instead starts walking away from him. She's become attentive over the flashing lights coming from the mall and is pretty certain there's a large shadow hovering over the building.

"Umm, guys?" she nervously calls for the rest of the group.

Everyone diverts their attention from their conversation to her. They begin to stand up and follow her line of sight and after a few seconds, they realize the impending danger heading their friends' way.

"Holy shit," Dustin rushes back to his Cerebro and attempts to make contact. "Griswold Family, this is Scoops Troop! Do you copy? Over!"

Nothing but static.

"Griswold Family, I repeat, this is Scoops Troop! Do you copy?"

Gwen starts pacing uncontrollably as she thinks of her friends and all the intense danger they're all in. Maybe they should have waited until everyone drove off safely just to make sure no stayed behind.

Her worries only become worse when a loud shriek comes from the other end, causing everyone to exchange equally terrified looks as their suspicions have been confirmed.

Dustin continues calling out for them, but receives nothing as the shrieks continue and become even louder.

Steve couldn't take it anymore. Just imagining his kids and friends at the same place as that monster is more terrifying than anything. He can't stay here and do nothing when he has a chance to save them. Without thinking twice, he starts running down the hill that catches the attention of the others.

"Where are you going?!" Erica exclaims.

"To get them the hell out of there!" Steve points at his girlfriend and puts on his most authoritative look, "And you, you stay here with them and-"

His words are cut short when Gwen runs past him. He's not even surprised as this is normal for her since she's never been the type to stay put and do nothing. Even if this is expected from her, it doesn't change the fact that Steve doesn't want her to come as he can't imagine what he'd do if anything were to happen to her.

Complaining out loud, he runs a hand through his hair in irritation, "Of course she's not going to listen! Why am I not surprised?!" He runs after her, but not before turning back to the others and hollering, "Contact the rest and take care of each other!"

Robin pushes herself off the ground and starts running in his direction. She stops halfway down and turns to look at her friends, "Do as he says, okay? We'll be back soon and please don't do anything stupid."

Daphne stares at her in disbelief, "Are you being serious right now?! You have to stay here with us!"

"See you in a minute," Robin gives her a two finger salute and ignores Daphne continuing to call out for her and begging her to stay. She knows it would be the right thing, but if her two best friends are heading into danger, then she's not going to let them face it alone. If they go down, she's going down with them.

Down at the car, Steve starts yelling in complete hysteria, "Can you ever just listen for once?! Why are you so insistent of doing the opposite of what I say?!"

"Steve, I love you and all, but you're starting to get on my last nerve," Gwen doesn't have the time to argue, especially now with their friends needing them. "Just shut up and drive and we can fight later, okay?"

"Wait for me!" Robin demands as she runs down the hill with a walkie in hand, making the pair stare in perplexity that she chose to come.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Steve exclaims.

"JUST DRIVE!!!" The girls yell in unison and it makes him reverse down the hill at the most rapid speed he's ever driven. Through the dimly roads, he presses on the gas harder and doesn't care if there's any possible cars driving at this time of night as all he needs is to get to them in time and save them.

Gwen isn't much of a religious person as she's certain if there was a higher divine, then all of this wouldn't be happening. But right now, she's putting everything aside to pray they make it on time to help their friends.

Not exactly sure how much time has passed, she's more than relieved to see the familiar silhouette of the mall. Only her positive senses are cut short when she notices Billy's Camaro driving increasingly fast in the direction of Nancy and the rest of the kids inside her car.

"He's going to crash into them!" Robin panics and closes her eyes.

"I can see that!" Steve retorts and presses on the gas even harder. "Put your seatbelts on!"

They didn't have to think twice about following his orders. Gwen already knows what he's thinking and his plan can go either way. One, they crash into his car and create an ever bigger accident. Two, they don't reach them in time and they witness everyone they love die in front of their eyes.

She presses her fingers deep into her palms, ignoring the throbbing forming at the center of them as she braces herself for the impact.

Please make it. Please make it on time.

It all happened in a quick second. The harsh impact of the convertible slammed right into the Camaro, sending both cars to spiral uncontrollably away from Nancy's. The air was knocked out from all three of them as they remained frozen in place, their eyes wide with fear and relief they didn't die from this.

Steve breathes uncontrollably as he looks to the others and asks, "Are you guys okay?"

"Umm," Robin's unsure of how to respond to a simple question that is now complicated to answer. "Ask me tomorrow."

"What she said," the Henderson girl removes her seatbelt and attempts to hop out of the car. She's halfway out when the loudest screech fills her ears.

Her heart drops and everything within her is telling her to run, but she's too stunned at the horrific sight that all she can do is watch. The creature is massive and is unlike anything she's ever seen. It sure doesn't help when seeing the resemblance it has to a spider based on its shape - which is one of her fears.

"Get in!" Nancy yells through the passenger side of her car. The backdoor of the vehicle swings open, eventually breaking off her trance when she feels Steve's hand drag her inside.

The monster, or the Mind Flayer if she wants to be specific, starts following them as they drive off to who knows where.

"What the hell is that?!" Robin starts panicking as her eyes remain glued onto the creature. Her hands search for the comfort of her friends, but she finds nothing as Steve and Gwen are still trying to process everything.

Even with everything they've seen, having to face it again still leaves a mark behind. It sure doesn't help that the once pristine convertible had to be crashed into Billy's without knowing if all three of them would make it out alive.

"Dusty-bun, you copy?"

"I copy, Suzie-poo."

Gwen's eyes immediately lit up when realizing her brother was telling the truth, and this must be his girlfriend from camp. She couldn't help laughing at how stupid she was to ever have doubted him when he's been right about many things.

"Suzie," the three of them say in unison.

"You can make it up to me now," the young girl suggests with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"What does she mean by that?" Lucas questions from the front as he looks at the others for some answers.

"I want to hear it."

Steve looks over at Gwen, both of them sharing an equally confused look as she shrugs on wondering what the young girl could possibly mean.

"Suzie-poo, this is urgent," Dustin sounds worried, almost afraid of her request which only makes the others more curious as to what's about to unfold.

"Yes, yes, you're saving the world, I heard you the first time," Suzie replies in a seemingly annoyed tone. "But Ged is also saving Earthsea and he's about to confront the shadow, so this is Suzie, signing off."

Before anyone can say anything or even ask how this is helpful, Dustin immediately answers in a defeated tone. "Wait, wait, wait! Okay!"

"This should be good," Gwen mumbles through a smile as she's certain what's about to happen will probably be held over Dustin's head for a long time.

"Turn around... look at what you see," he starts singing a familiar song, only his voice is trembling from the nerves of having to sing for not only Suzie, but for everyone as well.

Gwen's not exactly sure if singing at a time like this is helpful considering the danger they're facing, but having the chance to tease her brother about it later just makes her more willing to listen.

"Written on the pages is the answer to a never ending story!" Dustin and Suzie vocalize in harmony. He sounds more relaxed now that his girlfriend has joined and belts out the lyrics with more excitement and freedom.

She has to admit, listening to a "Never Ending Story" is making her forget they're still being followed by the Mind Flayer. It's quite a sight watching something terrifying while a lighthearted moment is also happening. This is definitely going to be one of her favorite times - if you ignore the whole being chased by a monster.

"Planck's constant is 6.62607004," Suzie says once the song finishes.

Dustin chuckles happily, "You just saved the world!"

Suzie sighs before saying, "Gosh, I miss you Dusty-bun."

"And I miss you more Suzie-poo!"

"I miss you more, multiplied by all the stars in our galaxy!"

"No, I miss you-"

"Enough!" they hear Erica interrupt, making them sigh in relief as this was getting too over the top.

Nearly about to discuss what just happened, Gwen starts noticing the creature is turning around to probably head back to Starcourt Mall. She starts shaking Steve's shoulders as she tries to say anything, but she's become too overwhelmed by the fear that her three remaining kids are facing this alone that she struggles to say the words.

"You... you guys!" she finally chokes out. "It's turning around!"

"Maybe we wore it out," Lucas tries to reassure the group.

"I don't think so," Jonathan points out. "Hold on!"