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CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE ; GO TIGERS!
also known as;
( the hellfire club )

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"MY GORGEOUS GIRL!" RICHIE DAVIDSON YELLED AS STELLA COLLINS STEPPED INTO THE NEWLY REFURBISHED INDIGO DINER. He looked almost exactly the same as he did the last time they'd seen each other, his dark locks windswept and his eyes rimmed with dark circles. Yet his smile was wide, and his laugh was contagious. Stella missed him dearly. 

Beside him was Leilani, who looked absolutely exhausted, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, and her mascara smudged beneath her eyes. Stella adjusted her backpack as she walked towards them, a grin on her face. Richie ran over to her and lifted her up, spinning her around. Stella laughed as she fell back to the ground, pulling him into a tight embrace. She then looked past him to see Leilani, who she yanked into a hug. Leilani yelped, but accepted the loving gesture. 

Moments later they were sat at a booth, Leilani and Richie on one side, Stella on the other. She reached into her backpack and gave out small gifts from Rhode Island - a baseball cap for Richie and a sweater for Leilani. 

"So, talk to me," she settled into her seat after Richie had ordered her a milkshake. She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling slight hole in her chest fill as she revelled in the company of her friends. Richie was loud and boisterous, his arm wrapped around Leilani's shoulders, while she laughed at the jokes that were made and slowly found more energy. The girl was far more introverted than her peers, but it seemed that being with them once more felt less draining on her soul. She looked healthier than when they graduated, her face fuller and body heavier, allowing her to fill out the dresses she loved to wear. Stella thought she looked gorgeous, as per usual. "What's been going on in the land of Leilani and Richie?"

"Long distance is garbage," Richie complained. "We usually alternate visiting each other on weekends, but it got really hard before break."

Leilani nodded from where she sat nestled into his side. "Can't say I'm a fan of four hour drives. You and Steve are lucky you get to stay together."

"Is he liking Rhode Island?" Richie piped up. 

"Yeah, I think so," Stella said with a soft smile. "He's learning guitar, taking night classes, he's even taken up cooking. I think getting away from Hawkins has been good for both of us, but I know he misses this place like crazy."

"Do you think he'd ever move back?" Leilani asked, her expression curious, yet filled with slight concern. Richie mirrored her gaze. "You know, if he misses it a lot? Sometimes I think about dropping everything and coming back to live with my parents again. It just seems so...easy."

"Yeah, being an adult sucks," Richie said. Stella chuckled, but found herself somewhat agreeing. It was a huge change from living at home full time as a high school student. Now she was juggling college, work, rent, and a relationship. It was a lot. 

"I don't know if he'd ever come back," Stella admitted. She'd never really thought about it, because she didn't want to. It was selfish of her to think Steve would want to stay with her forever, to think he wouldn't want to come back home more. But she had also noticed how much more he smiled in Rhode Island, how he had started taking pictures, learning about art, and even enjoying his part time job. "Maybe. We haven't really talked about it."

Leilani nudged her foot gently under the table, offering a gentle smile. "I'm sure it's no big deal, Stella. He would've brought it up if it was an issue."

Stella nodded, but now there was a small seed of doubt that had taken root in the base of her stomach. 

Richie noticed the slight shift in mood, and adjusted himself in his seat when he noticed their drinks were coming. The waitress set them down on the table, along with a bowl of curly fries, which Stella immediately began grabbing at. "Are you going to the game?" 

"Of course," Stella exclaimed. "Lucas is playing! Steve and I are gonna be heading there early to get the good seats."

"What about the rest of the kids, you seen them yet?" 

Stella shook her head. "Nah. They're in high school now, probably not interested in their ol' pal Star. I did hear that the boys are playing Dungeons and Dragons again, though. With Eddie Munson, remember him?"

"Munson?" Richie expelled a breath of air. "Yeah, I remember him. He tried to sell me weed when I first arrived in town."

"You bought the weed, Rich," Stella pointed out. 

"I never said he wasn't successful," Richie scoffed. "He's still at school?"

"Sounds like it," Stella shrugged. "I hope he's not being a bad influence."

"You sound like such a mom," Leilani chuckled, reaching for a fry. Stella rolled her eyes, but she knew there was truth in that sentence. She worked about her boys everyday, but now they were getting older, and could take care of themselves. She just wished things were a little different. She wished Will could experienced high school with his friends, and join in on the D&D games he wanted to play so badly the year before. 

"I guess I am kinda like their mom," Stella said. "I don't care, I love 'em."

Richie and Leilani exchanged an amused glance. The group then fell into a steady conversation that lasted for another two hours, exchanging anecdotes and reminiscing the past. Stella finally felt more at home, knowing that she had two more people she cared about back in her life. 

★☆

The Hawkins High gymnasium was filled with supporters when Steve and Stella rocked up, a little later than planned. Stella wore the forest green school colours, while Steve had rejected the whole school pride concept in favour for a shirt his mother had given him as soon as he stepped through his front door. 

Stella gripped Steve's hand as he pulled her up the bleachers while she scanned the building for Mike, Dustin and Max, but they were nowhere to be seen. She frowned, but didn't have much time to dwell on it, as Steve tugged her up to find a good spot. They passed the school band, where Robin was busy playing the trumpet, and Lola, Stella's old coworker, was playing the drums. 

"Please rise for our national anthem," the principal stepped to the centre of the gym in front of the microphone. Stella looked down at the Hawkins Tigers, excitement and pride bubbling as she spotted Lucas, his hair fashioned in a hi-top fade. He looked grown up in his high school uniform, and she tapped Steve's shoulder so she could point him out. The principal continued speaking, his voice reverberating. "Singing for us tonight, we have a very special guest. All the way from Nashville, our very own Tammy Thompson!"

Steve looked across at Robin with wide eyes, but Stella wasn't paying much attention as she clapped with everyone else. A young woman, probably their age, walked to the microphone, and began to sing off-key. Steve mouthed something towards Robin's direction, but quickly returned his shocked gaze to Stella as Tammy tried to hit a high note. Stella nudged him to be serious, but also so that she wouldn't crack a smile. 

She noticed movement in the team and looked back over to see Lucas glancing over his shoulder, likely looking for his friends. She raised her hand in a wave, and his lifted his gaze to her, his face visibly brightening. Though his eyes were slightly sad, there was an undeniable joy as he realised that she was here to support him. 

Within minutes, the whistle had blown, and the game had begun. Stella noticed Nancy Wheeler at the end of the gym, writing something in her notepad beside a younger kid, who did the same. It was nice to know she hadn't really changed. 

Lucas was on the bench for the first half, but Stella couldn't deny the intensity of the game. There was an angry blond who was yelling at the referee and cheering on his teammates, and she assumed he was the captain. She couldn't help but roll her eyes when he began trying to start a fight when one of the opposing team members body slammed a Hawkins High player. 

"Sinclair, you're on!" she heard a yell from the coach, and she cheered as she watched Lucas run onto the court, his brow shiny from nerves. She clapped for him as he began to get into the game, watching and assimilating. He quickly got hold of the ball and worked in tandem with his teammates, especially the captain, who scored multiple baskets. 

"C'mon, Lucas!" she called, cupping her mouth with her hands. The boy moved down the court like it was second nature, and she grinned at the excitement of the game. 

The Tigers quickly caught up to the other team, but just as the scores were pretty much evened up, the captain called for a time-out. Stella groaned, leaning against Steve as the excitement dwindled slightly. The cheerleaders turned to face the crowd to maintain the momentum, a small blonde at the front holding most of the energy. 

Soon enough the game was back in motion, and the captain was once again in charge of the ball.  He made it to the goal, shooting it without a second thought. The clock ticked down, only seconds remaining in the game. Stella grabbed Steve anxiously. 

The audience gasped as the ball bounced off of the hoop and backboard, flying back out into the court. Both teams scrambled for the ball, but it was Lucas who tipped it away and managed to grab it. He stumbled slightly, but once he managed to stabilise himself, his eyes darted to the hoop. A second passed, and he leapt into the air, shooting the ball. 

The buzzer rang out as the ball left his hands, and the entire gymnasium held their breath. 

The ball swirled against the hoop, and after an excruciatingly long second, fell into the net. 

Stella screamed. She clapped her hands and jumped up and down as the Hawkins crowd roared.  Steve whooped and cheered, equally hyped and proud of Lucas, who was grabbed by the team and hoisted onto their shoulders. Stella took Steve by the hand and pulled him down the steps, running over to the growing crowd who were chanting Lucas' name. 

"Go Lucas!" she yelled, tears forming in her eyes as she felt such joy for the young boy. 

At the sound of her voice, Lucas quickly found her among the crowd. He didn't hesitate to jump down from his teammates' grip, running through everyone to find her. His shoulders were being tapped in congratulations, but he met Steve and Stella and practically leapt into their arms. "You came!" 

"Of course we did!" Stella laughed over the loudness of the mass. She gave Lucas the biggest hug she could muster, despite the sweat all over him. She pulled away with a gigantic grin. "I'm so proud of you, you were amazing!"

"Star player, man!" Steve was almost as enthusiastic as his other half. "That last shot was amazing!" 

Lucas seemed genuinely grateful. "Thanks, guys! I just wish the others could've been here to see it."

Stella tried to maintain an encouraging expression. So Mike and Dustin didn't make it. No wonder Lucas seemed so hurt. She squeezed his arm. "I'm sorry they weren't. But that's on them, okay? Be proud of yourself tonight, you deserve it, buddy!" 

Lucas nodded, and turned as he was called back by the team captain. He went to say something to Stella, but she waved him off. He grinned, and ran to the crowd, who welcomed him with open arms. 

Steve looked down at Stella. "Are you crying?"

Stella wiped her eyes, stifling the urge to sob. "I'm just so proud of him, you know?"

Steve laughed and pulled her in for a hug. Stella "I know, you big softie."

★☆

Stella and Steve walked back to the car after a brief chat with Robin and Lola. They watched as the parade for the basketball team progressed into the cool night air, with talks of a party in the air. Stella had told Lucas to be careful and call if he needed anything, and he'd nodded and started to walk off with the others, before he stopped in his tracks. Stella, who was walking in the direction of the parking lot, noticed the direction he stared, and her gaze followed. 

Mike, Dustin and Erica were leaving the main school building with Eddie Munson and couple of other upperclassmen. They seemed to be having a celebration of their own, but yet Stella felt slight disappointment seep into her.

"Hey, what's up?" Steve asked, noticing how she'd fallen behind. He realised what she was looking at, and he grabbed her lightly by the arm. "Just leave it for the morning. You don't have to be a middle man for everything."

"I know," Stella sighed, taking one last look at the boys before following him to the car. "But did you see how upset Lucas was? Not even his little sister showed up for him. He deserved a bigger team to cheer him on."

"You're right," Steve agreed, opening the passenger door for her and letting her get into his car. He slid into the driver's seat and started the car, warming it up as they waited for Robin. "But do you remember how we were at that age? Stupid and selfish? Dustin was telling me about how Lucas wants a shot at popularity, not just for him but for everyone. Him and Mike just want to play D&D. They're getting to the stage where they want different things."

Stella knew he was right. She told him this, too. "But I feel so powerless. They used to need me."

"Did you see how happy Lucas was when you showed up?" Steve put his hand on her leg, rubbing her thigh gently to comfort her. "Don't stress yourself out, it's only been a day."

Stella sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "I just hope they stay friends throughout all this. They've been through a lot together."

"Only time will tell," Steve said just as Robin opened the car trunk to put her trumpet case in. The couple only had a moment more to themselves. 

Stella smiled at her boyfriend. "When did you become so wise?"

Steve laughed and kissed her softly. "Turns out having a smart girlfriend helps a lot."

"Ew!" Robin entered the car and saw the couple as they pulled away from each other. Stella laughed and Steve flipped his friend the middle finger. "God, keep that PDA bullshit away from my innocent eyes."

"Come on, Rob," Stella teased, twisting in the passenger seat to look at the short-haired girl. "Be happy that you don't have to deal with single Steve. I reckon he'd be a nightmare to deal with."

"That's a good point, I'm a horrible single person," Steve chimed in as he pulled out of the parking lot. "You really dodged a bullet in your friendship timing, dude."

Robin's lip twitched. "Yeah, whatever."

Stella began rummaging through Steve's glove compartment, searching for some music to play. She eventually settled on her favourite: Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual. She pushed it into the tape player, and turned it up. The tape was yet to reach her and Steve's song, All Through the Night, but she couldn't deny that the entire album was a good time. 

"Good pick, babe!" Steve called over the loud music, and Robin groaned in the backseat as the couple began to sing along. 

Clearly it was something of a nightmare to the girl, yet in the end the car was filled with laughter, music and singing along. 

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this chapter has not been edited!!! just rawdogged and uploaded lol

I'm trying SO hard not to let my personal opinions of characters influence my writing,,,,,,,,, because i have a lot of unpopular opinions that ik many of you won't agree with

BUT one thing that i didn't like was how will was BEGGING everyone to play dnd and they refused but as soon as he goes they're suddenly interested in it again,,, like um EXCUSE ME HOW DARE YOU TREAT MY SWEET BOY LIKE THATT

and then how they disregard lucas' big game?? like okay dnd is super fun and clearly important but your YEARS long friendship ??? ugh anyway 

basically will, lucas and max are and always have been my faves in the party and i hate to see them mistreated 

BUTTTTTT ANYWHOM

I wrote this chapter in a few hours because I have a very busy few days ahead of me, with an exam, me and my bf's one year anniversary (ooooh cute), my cousin's wedding, and then another exam!! so I'm not sure when another update will come out lol

and one more thing!! I don't think I'll be checking my notifications very much anymore, just because with the new season there's been a lot more attention and it's very overwhelming have 3K notifications sitting there for me lol - and with new readers comes new haters, and those are exhausting to deal with especially because i do this for free because I love it and I love you guys,, I can't deal with rude people I want my spaces to be kind and caring lol 

I hope everyone is doing well though, and please let me know how you're feeling about everything so far!! hopefully we can get straight into the action after this!! xx

no photobooth selfie tonight cause I look gross xoxo