𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 - run rabbit

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 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 them — Back To The Future had concluded and every patron of the cinema steadily filed out of the showing rooms. Popcorn was spilled, drinks sloshed within people's holds and not a single person was silent.

 The crowd was something akin to ram packed can of sardines. So... what was another five people in a sea of civilians?

 Dustin's plan was to move and blend with the crowd. They'd natter and chatter like the people around them, keeping smiles on their faces as they trailed towards the exit. Maybe, just maybe, they'd be able to get out unscathed.

 Scarlet kept a close eye on Dustin and Robin, the two in the lead, while her hand was secured around Steve's, as well as Erica's. The little girl had tried to fight tooth and nail, but after everything that had happened... Scarlet wouldn't be able to forgive herself if they all get separated once more.

 So she had stuffed Erica's hand within her own, equipped her most scathing glare, and tugged her, and Steve, forth. They all felt elbows smack into their torsos, bruises searing as though fires had erupted atop their skin... Steve had come rather close to buckling when a rambunctious kid sailed past him at break-neck speed, slamming into his side.

 Scarlet wasn't quite sure if he'd noticed, but with each head that spun in their direction, Steve's fingers would tighten around her own, forming an iron grip. She'd squeeze back each time, willing him to calm down, to offer reassurance... but even Scarlet's heart was thudding faster with each tentative step.

 If they were caught... it wasn't just them they were risking now, but the entire crowd around them.

 Erica's narrowed gaze scanned the crowd, watching faces she recognised, as those she didn't, breeze by without a care in the world. They had no idea what was looming around the corner. But they'd gotten this far, Dustin's plan had worked,.

 "Well, shit." Erica whispered, "That actually worked."

 Dustin wore nothing short of a look of pride. His plans always seemed to work, no matter how dire the situation was, "Of course it did. Now we just need to get on the bus with the rest of these pleebs, and home sweet home... here we come."

 Home sweet home. Nothing had ever sounded better than that. Scarlet wanted nothing more than to get home to the warm cabin, finally peel out of her gross clothes, and tuck herself into bed. She wanted to see her father, to scoop Eleven up and pretend as though she'd never been down in that hellhole... but Scarlet knew she wouldn't be forgetting that any time soon. Just one more thing to haunt her at night.

 But while Scarlet trailed onwards as though everything was normal, beside her, Steve had seized. His hand grew clammy, shaking just slightly beneath Scarlet's hold. He whipped his head to and fro, leaning ever so slightly forwards, "Uh Dustin?"

 "What?"

 Steve's laugh was pitiful. After all, he'd spilled Dustin's entire government name to the Russians, "We uh, we might not wanna go to your house."

 "Why?"

 "Well, I might have told them your full name."

 Dustin whipped around, nothing but scorn within his narrowed eyes, "What is wrong with you?"

 "Dude, I was drugged." Steve argued; could Dustin not remember the way he was acting? The damn surfing within the elevator, the dumb flirting with Scarlet? He might have been a bit of a fool, but he wasn't that awful, "You would have done the same thing!"

 "No, I wouldn't," Dustin spat through his teeth. His fists had balled by his sides; just great, they'd finally managed to slip from beneath the radar... and now he couldn't even go home because an army of Russians knew his stupid name! "I would have toughed it out!"

 That was when Steve paused, dragging Scarlet and Erica to a screeching halt. Someone bumped into him but Steve still reached out to grab Dustin's collar, lowing his voice until it was just a hiss, "They had a gun against Scarlet's head."

 He'd said it just low enough for only Dustin to hear; he wouldn't dare bring it up again, not whilst Scarlet was right by his side. He'd never seen her scared for herself, mourning for her own life... it had shaken him to his very core. Actually, it had been the only thing that had broken through the drug-filled haze he'd been drifting through.

 Dustin deflated. That was a pretty fair excuse, and Dustin knew that he wouldn't have been able to keep secrets at bay if he'd been in Steve's place. Scarlet had become someone special to them all; someone they looked to for help, for comfort and safety. They looked to her as a friend.

 He didn't say a word as Steve let his arm drop back to his side, not that he'd have been able to get a word in edge-ways, for Robin smacked his arm. Her assault continued until each and every one of them had their eyes following her own... right there, at the entrance of the mall were the very people they'd been trying to avoid.

 The Russians were dressed in black, guns still clutched within their hands as they rifled through civilians' bags. A bag check, something so simple and easy to fake, a brilliant plan really...

 Scarlet's hold on Erica grew tighter, and she didn't waste a moment when it came to pushing the girl forth, and in the direction Dustin and Robin had already started running in. The Russians had clocked them, spying their bruised and beaten faces through the crowd with absolute ease.

 It was a game of cat and mouse all over again.

 So, once more, the running commenced. Scarlet kept back, a single pace behind them all even despite her hand still tied with Steve's. With a stray look over her shoulder, she could see the Russian abandon his post, bringing his walkie-talkie to his ear all the while muttering to whoever the hell was on the other end... backup was coming.

 Scarlet pushed herself further as they raced through the mall like a group of kids absolutely clammering for some ice cream from Scoops Ahoy. Only the group were not heading for the safety of the ice cream parlour they'd all spent their summer hiding within. There would be no sweet scent of chocolate and strawberry, no cookies and cream or salted caramel. No sweet syrups to greet them, and certainly no M&M's to snack on.

 They all clambered closer and closer to the halted escalators. With Robin in front, they should have known that running down large and steep steps wouldn't have been an option... no, just between the escalators was a small and smooth space... but it was big enough to slide down. Robin was first, followed closely by Erica and Dustin.

 Steve, of course, tried his damn hardest to usher Scarlet forth, only to be met with a light shove. He huffed and puffed yet slid his way down. It was a crying shame that summer was in the air — his bare legs burned as they trailed down their makeshift slide.

 Scarlet was hardly a hair behind Steve, swiftly grabbing the outstretched hand he offered when she reached the very end. He tugged her to her feet, relishing for just a moment. They had made it this far... how much further did they need to go? The exit was above them, out of sight.

 Their only option was to hide until it was safe to leave... but how long would that take? Scarlet didn't know how much longer they could all run for. She could push herself until she exploded... but Erica and Dustin were children; running on no food and no sleep. Robin was about as steady on her feet as a newborn deer, and even Steve was beginning to falter. His injuries were finally beginning to catch up to him.

 "Come on," Scarlet muttered to them all, a soft hand on Erica's back. She jutted her chin towards the stores that often supplied the greasiest of foods. She could recall Robin asking for a hotdog on a stick... but for now, hiding behind the counter in which they were served would have to do.

 They didn't question her, and within moments each and every one of them were sheltered behind one of the counters. It was silent bar the heavy breathing none of them had the strength nor courage to conceal... Their knees all bumped one another, Scarlet sandwiched between Erica and Steve.

 Erica always maintained an air of nonchalance... or pure and unfiltered rage, but now her hands were rattling. Her lips were clamped so very tightly together, and so were her eyes. Scarlet tugged her hand until Erica's head and her brightly coloured beads landed on her shoulder.

 "We'll be alright," Scarlet whispered, "I promise."

 And she meant it... Even if it meant launching herself back over the counter with hands bleeding red, and eyes glowing like flares in the night sky; she'd do anything.

 Erica nodded against her, a shaky breath flitting over Scarlet's collar. 

 Scarlet hated this, watching the kids cower in terror. Even Dustin who sat in silence beside Steve looked utterly distraught.

 Steve had noticed, of course, he had. He looked out for the kids far more than he'd ever care to admit. So the moment he'd heard Dustin muttering to himself, trying to concoct some sort of plan to get out alive... Steve bumped his shoulder and they shared a short look. It conveyed the very words Scarlet had whispered to Erica. We'll be alright.

 Scarlet's eyes slipped shut... she could hear them. The Russian's heavy footfall was pounding down the escalators. The rustle of their uniforms was hardly silent, and neither was the cocking of their weapons... she sucked in a breath and blew it out just as slowly, all in an attempt to calm her thudding heart.

 She had to be level-headed, and she had to wait for the perfect moment. An opening to strike at them; she needed them all in one place rather than scattered like feral little rats. She could take them down together... less chance of a fight back, less time for the people beside her to do something stupid.

 The rubber soles of the Russian's shoes squeaked upon the ground and she focused... keeping that sound locked down tight. Then, her plan fizzled out like a sad little light bulb, for one of her companions made a noise that was just loud enough to be heard by their enemies.

 Pain surged through Scarlet's gums as her teeth clashed together, a silent curse slipping free. She heard them whisper, a hardly discernible order spread amongst the Russians... they were advancing, and Scarlet had no choice — she had to strike.

 "Steve?" Scarlet whispered, and the sound was almost lost in the air, scattered like stars. Steve picked up his head, fear glinting within his dark eyes. It only grew deeper, more pronounced upon her next words, "Let me go."

 Steve didn't trust his voice, he couldn't be sure if he'd be able to contain the yell and pleas that had clogged within his throat. Why? Why was it that every time there was danger, it had to be her? It wasn't fair... Steve wasn't stupid, he knew she was their only option, their only way out... but why did it always have to fall to her?

 Why did Scarlet have to suffer through the pain her over-exertion brought? Or the utter trauma that came with taking lives. He knew she hated it, she loathed it when nighttime fell... she was too good for that. She deserved better.

 His head was shaking, hair slipping into his eyes... yet his brain seemed to understand more than his heart... for his hand had already fallen from her own. He wished he could reach back out and tug her down but he knew that wasn't possible. He'd risk them all. With Dustin still breathing through fear beside him, with Robin keeping her head tucked between her knees, and with Erica swallowing back her horror... He nodded.

 What Steve Harrington wanted more than anything, was a normal life for her. That wasn't to say he scorned her powers or wanted them gone, no, he knew that she adored them and he knew that she found comfort within them... but she deserved far better than this. She'd hopped from trauma to trauma like a child playing hopscotch. It wasn't fair. But he also knew that he couldn't give her that normal life, not completely... not now.

 Scarlet untangled her fingers from Erica's, ever so lightly squeezing her shoulder. She'd never truly get over how much affection Erica would show her. She rose to a crouch, fingertips alighting like stars in the night sky... blood red trailed over their faces, dousing them all.

 The moment the footsteps on the other side of the counter grew silent, Scarlet pushed herself higher. A tidal wave of scarlet simmered to the ground, lifting her to the counter. Her shoes slammed against it, squeaking as she wiggled her vibrant red fingertips.

 After everything they'd been put through, Scarlet wasn't about to let these people off lightly. Her fingers jostled in the air, "Hello."

 Beneath the counter Steve shook his head, fingers gripping at each strand of hair. He didn't know Russian, and he didn't know what the hell she had said to them... but he just knew that she was taunting them.

 The Russians had all frozen on the spot; whatever training they'd received... it clearly didn't account for teenage girls with power flooding from her palms. Taking her chance, Scarlet lifted herself from the ground once more, crimson whisps propelling her until she was behind the group armed with guns. If they did shoot, at least the flood of bullets would be in the opposite direction of Steve, Robin and the kids.

 The only things in sight were the benches that the scuttling mall dwellers would take a break atop of and slurp their drinks, and eat their snacks, only to shoot off again moments later. Scarlet encased one with a wave of crimson, and, with a sharp yell, she tossed it towards the four Russians. Two of them dove out of its reach, guns still in hand as their boots squealed on the floor, the other two were pinned to the ground, guns having slid far from their reach.

 Soon enough, with a hand thrust forth, Scarlet send a blast of energy towards one of the Russians who had been lucky enough to hop out of the way... he was forced backwards, hands clasping his stomach as he toppled to the ground.

 The final Russian was on his feet, eyes peering through the scope of his weapon. He sent a shot, finger slamming on the trigger. The sound itself was enough for Scarlet to flinch, head suddenly flooded with the feeling of a cold barrel pressed against her... the fear she'd felt in that moment.

 The bullet skimmed her side and Scarlet couldn't contain the grunt that tore through her lips as blood began to fall from the graze on her side. Her dirtied white shirt became further stained with russet. In the time Scarlet had managed to descend into panic and feel her side pierced with metal, the Russian man she'd blasted to the ground had hobbled back to his feet, joining his comrade in aiming his weapon right at her head.

 The others had all been watching. Steve, Robin, Dustin and Erica all had their wide eyes peering over the counter, watching the fight commence. Steve easily clocked the utter intrigue and awe upon Robin's face... so much for Scarlet's worries that Robin would scorn her.

 But when the sound of a fired gun rang out, making each of their ears ring and buzz as though a hive of bees had swarmed them... Steve felt his body move without a thought in the world. His finger grappled for one of the food trays, and without so much as a plan, he tossed it.

 It didn't do much, obviously... but that hadn't been what Steve was aiming for. A distraction was all Scarlet needed to gather herself and strike. That's exactly the opening Steve had given her. The Russian had stumbled on impact, a hand rubbing his buzzed head as he turned to scowl at Steve...

 But the Russian didn't even take a step before crimson energy twisted around his ankles, crawled up his legs, tittered across his arms and coiled around his weapon.

 Scarlet tugged her hands close to her chest, and both weapons held by the Russians were torn from their grasp. They slid across the ground, settling just behind her. When she thought that there was finally a second to breathe and cradle the pain on her side... Robin then called out.

 Scarlet pivoted on her toes with all the grace of a dancer... The ones she'd trapped beneath the bench had managed to squirm their way out like a couple of snakes burrowing within unruly grass. All four were standing in line... Two with fists raised and two with guns held high — the very guns she hadn't even thought to pull away. Each of them had faces as though they'd chewed on a lemon; twisted and sour.

 The moment a blast of scarlet left her neon fingertips, a shot rang out. The cling of a bullet pinged by her toes... the mere shock of it sent Scarlet stumbling backwards while the screams and yells of terror from her friends made her ears ring.

 Scarlet scrambled to grapple for her power as she watched Steve haul himself over the counter and throw himself at one of the Russians. No matter the pain in his shoulder, Steve did his utmost to send the man to the ground... and it worked.

 Scarlet seized her opportunity and tossed her hands onward once more. She dragged their guns away... and when Steve had managed to weave through the Russians and stand by her side — though not without a smug little shrug of his shoulders — something new happened.

 The Russians stepped forwards, and then halted on the spot. It wasn't due to the tidal wave of maroon that Scarlet had been brewing, there was no teenager behind them with yet another food tray — no...

 There was a flash of light. There was a string of loud and shrieking beeps... the display car that had sat shiny and unused had begun to rattle and shake. Its lights flared and flittered, the horn honked and screamed, and it's doors opened and closed as though threatening to take off.

 Scarlet's brows curled inwards... it wasn't her. Her hands were still right before her eyes glowing like flares, and the car, despite how red it was... was nothing in comparison to her power. She brought her gaze away, trailing over the Russians, over the spurting fountain, up the escalators... and there she was.

 "El?" Scarlet whispered. Her little sister was covered from head to toe in dirt and grime with a gaggle of kids and teens standing dutifully by her side. Max, Will, Lucas, Mike... even Nancy and Jonathan. What the hell were they all doing? Why did Eleven look dead on her feet as she held out her hand to summon her power?

 The sight of her little sister and the kids she cherished with all her heart didn't calm the nerves alighting her skin. There had to be a reason they were all covered in blood and sweat. There had to be a reason as to why Eleven looked ready to topple over...

 A small spark grew within Eleven's eyes, Scarlet could spy it with ease... it had erupted the moment their eyes connected, each filled with nothing but relief upon seeing the other. Scarlet swallowed back her desire to run to them, the need to wrap them all within her hold and make sure they were alright. Instead, she nodded, and Eleven copied.

 The car rattled with further ferocity, and soon enough — with the help of Scarklet's crimson energy — it was lifted off the ground. One tug was all it took for the superpowered sisters to send the car hurtling forth. It barreled through the air and knocked down each of the Russians for the very last time.

 Bones snapped, the sound filling the air... blood seeping from beneath the now still and mangled vehicle, spreading until a puddle of russet had formed. Everything was still. Only the sound of heavy panting could be heard.

 "Hey," Steve whispered, his hand curling around Scarlet's arm. His gaze bore into her own, checking for any signs that she'd topple into his arms in exhaustion... Scarlet managed to hold herself up and Steve swiped the space just below her nose, taking away the blood that had gathered, "You're okay?" Then he nodded, repeating the words merely to comfort his ever-growing nerves, "Yeah, you're okay."

 "I'm okay." her voice was strained, filled with a grating rasp and nothing more. Still, she managed to give him a once over, "You?"

 "Yeah, of course I am. You saved us... again."

 "You helped."

 Steve looked away, a light shrug tugging his shoulder higher, "I couldn't watch you getting shot at."

 Then, Scarlet's hand landed on his cheek, forcing him to meet her eyes once more, "Thank you." She said, and she truly meant it. While there was a part of her that wanted to call him an idiot for throwing himself at the Russians in such a way... she did appreciate it.

 The others had made their way out from behind the counter; Robin approached with wide eyes, flicking them between Scarlet and Eleven. It was clear that there was something on the tip of her tongue, yet she reeled it in as best she could. She'd save her long list of questions for later.

 Dustin's smile could have split his face in two. With Will waving at them like a maniac, Mike and Lucas sighing in relief and Max grinning from high above... His friends had remembered him this time. There was no running from him with a pretend curfew, no brushing him aside... they'd come to help.

 Erica might have maintained a perfectly impressive stink-eye directed at Lucas, but Scarlet knew that little girl far too well. The little tick of her lips and the way her chest deflated only showed that she was relieved to see him... at least something was back to normal for her.

 "Okay," Steve breathed, catching their attention. He nodded his head in Eleven's direction, his heart warming as the girl waved at him with a tired little smile on her face, it was small and edged with fatigue, but it was there all the same. "Come on, I know that look. You're going to squeeze El to death."

 "Of course I am."

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23-05-2020

edited version: 20/11/2022

:･ﾟ★ SISTERS REUNITED. SISTERS REUNITED. i've missed them. I've missed El. i've missed Max. i've miss Will. my babies are all together again <3

also, pray for me... i'm onto the LAST CHAPTER!! it's long as and i'm going to cry writing it, el-oh-el.

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