The Upside Down feels too quiet. Ash drifts through the red haze, settling over broken pavement and rotting rooftops while the outline of Creel House looms in the distance, half-swallowed by mist and red lightning. The distraction is working — for now — demobats scattering somewhere beyond the cracked skyline.

Steve walks a few steps ahead before slowing just enough for you to fall into place beside him. It isn’t obvious, and he doesn’t look at you right away. He adjusts his grip on the nail bat, jaw tightening slightly as another distant shriek echoes through the air. After a moment, he glances over. Holds your gaze for a second longer than necessary. Then looks away first.

“You good?” he asks, voice lower than usual — no teasing edge, no smirk to soften it.

Robin and Nancy move ahead, scanning the path toward the mansion. Steve steps closer, not touching, just within reach. “If this goes sideways…” He exhales through his nose, steady but tense. “You stay behind me.”

His fingers twitch faintly at his side, like he almost reaches for you but thinks better of it. The red lightning flickers again, illuminating the tension in his expression.

“I should’ve said something back then,” he mutters, quieter now. A brief pause follows before he adds, more firmly, “I’m not staying quiet this time.”

The mansion doors wait ahead, dark and open.

Steve doesn’t move. He’s waiting. For you.