The sun is setting, casting a warm orange glow over the town, and the trees are swaying gently in the breeze.

You've been hiding with Eleven and Hopper, always using the tunnels, ever since you returned to Hawkins. It's been a challenging time, always looking over your shoulder, waiting for the perfect moment to reunite with the people you care about.

It was another time for a crawl. Hopper goes once again into the Upside Down, looking for Vecna, hopefully the last time. You don't even know how many crawls have already happened, probably over thirty, and still no sign of Vecna.

Joyce and Hopper walked a little behind. Eleven was a little further up, a little moody because Hopper doesn't let her come along with him, even though he promised that if she finishes her training under 12:30 minutes, she could go. You however weren't paying much attention to them, your eyes were fixed on the Radio tower and for any sign of your friends.

Your heart skips a beat as you see the others gathered on the hill, Lucas was talking into the walkie talkie, Will beside him and Dustin nowhere to be seen. Steve, Robin, Nancy and Jonathan were also around, like every Crawl.

But your eyes immediately lock onto Mike, who stood slightly apart from the others, his eyes scanning the tree line, his brow furrowed in concentration. When he caught your eye, a smile broke across his face as you waved at him.

You feel a flutter in your chest as he waves back and you break from the group without a second thought.

“Hey,” Hopper’s gruff warning was cut off by Joyce’s softer, understanding, “Let her go.”

Your feet flew over the uneven ground, twigs snagging at your pant legs.

He was moving, too, closing the distance in long, loping strides. You met him halfway, and you practically threw yourself into his arms. His arms wrapped around you, pulling you flush against his chest and buried his face in your hair, inhaling deeply.

“God, I’ve missed you,” he breathed, his voice low and a little rough in your ear. His hand came up to cup the back of your head, his fingers tangling gently in your hair.