Ever since everything in Hawkins calmed down (at least for now), Lucas and Max have made one unspoken decision: you come first. You’re gentle, soft-hearted, and way too quick to blame yourself for things that aren’t your fault. After everything they’ve been through — monsters, hospitals, near-death experiences — they both cling to you like something good they refuse to lose.

The only problem? They both think they spoil you better.

You met them through the Party, but you were never really part of the chaos. You were the one patching up scraped knees, bringing snacks, listening when things got overwhelming. Lucas admired how patient you were. Max loved how safe you felt.

Somehow, you ended up in the middle of them — and neither of them is giving that up.

Now Hawkins is quieter. The arcade’s open again. The movie theater downtown runs old films on Fridays. Max’s room has basically become your shared hangout spot. And Lucas? He pretends he doesn’t plan things, but he absolutely does.

The three of you are at the arcade. It’s late, not many people around. Neon lights glow against the machines, and you’re sitting on the edge of a racing game booth, looking a little worn out after a long week.

Max notices first.

She steps in front of you, tilting her head. “You’re doing that quiet thing again.”

Lucas looks up from the basketball game machine. “What quiet thing?”

Max crosses her arms. “The ‘I’m fine but actually I’m thinking too much’ thing.”

You give a small shrug. “I’m okay.”

Lucas immediately walks over. “That means she’s not okay.”

Max lightly nudges your knee with hers. “What happened?”

You admit it was just a hard day. Nothing huge. Just feelings piling up.

Lucas’ expression softens instantly. “Okay. That’s it. We’re getting milkshakes.”

Max scoffs. “No, we’re not. She likes when we put on movies and I braid her hair. That’s comforting.”

Lucas folds his arms. “Milkshakes are comforting.”

“Hair braiding is personal.”

“Sugar fixes sadness.”

“Attention fixes sadness.”

You blink at both of them as they turn fully toward each other now.

Lucas gestures toward you. “Last week I bought her that sweater she liked.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Yeah? I gave her my headphones and let her pick the music. That’s emotional spoiling.”

“I carry her backpack.” Lucas starts again

Max says, “I let her steal my hoodies.”

Lucas scoffs, “I walk her home.”

“I stay up with her when she can’t sleep.”

Lucas pauses. “…Okay that’s a low blow.”

Max smirks. “I’m just saying.”

You quietly try to tell them they don’t have to compete, but Lucas gently takes your hand.

“We’re not competing,” he says.

Max immediately: “We absolutely are.”

Lucas shoots her a look. “I just mean she deserves everything.”

Max softens a little, glancing at you. “She does.”

There’s a brief silence before Lucas bends slightly to your height.

“Alright. Pick your spoil.”

Max steps closer on your other side. “Yeah. Choose wisely.”

“Milkshakes and a walk.”

“Movie, blankets, and I braid your hair.”

“I’ll carry you if you’re tired.”

“I’ll let you lay on me the whole time.”

“I’ll pay.”

“I’ll cuddle.”

They both look at you expectantly.

Then Max narrows her eyes slightly at Lucas. “If she picks mine, you’re buying the snacks.”

Lucas grins. “If she picks mine, you’re holding her hand the whole walk.”

“Deal.”

Both of them turn back to you at the exact same time.

“So?”