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Chapter 10, We're Getting the Band Back Together (Ep. 8: The Mind Flayer)
Walking along the abandoned railway tracks after that scene felt entirely awkward and tense. The older teens guided the way back home while Dustin, Max, and Lucas fell behind. The kids wanted to talk about what happened, but knowing they'll receive some long scolding was more than enough to keep them quiet.
So instead, Lucas broke the silence to ask, "You're positive that was Dart?"
Dustin rolled his eyes, tired from repeating himself, "Yes. He had the same exact yellow pattern on his butt."
All of them glanced at him, confused on how he knew such a specific detail.
"He was tiny two days ago," Max stated.
"Well, he's molted three times already," he explained, much more irritated.
Steve blinked at him, "Malted?"
"It's molted," Gwen corrected him this time.
"I'm pretty sure it's malted," Steve continued, kicking a few pebbles from the path as he slung his bat over his shoulder.
"Well, you're wrong," Gwen was just grateful he wasn't trying to talk about their almost kiss. She's not sure what she'd say because quite frankly, she never expected to be nearly kissing Steve Harrington.
Dustin now led the way, continuing his explanation, "It means he shed his skin to make room for growth like hornworms."
"So when's he gonna molt again?" Max questioned.
"It's gotta be soon. When he does, he'll be fully grown, or close to it. And so will his friends," Dustin nonchalantly said as if it wasn't an issue at all.
"And he's gonna be eating more than just cats," Gwen sarcastically mumbled, almost too calmly now that everything had slightly settled.
"Weird. I was just going to say that," Steve gave a small smile, like an attempt at appearing charming and not at all nervous. He expected her to answer with one of her remarks, but was instead received by pure dismissal.
And so, his smile faded.
"Wait, a cat?" Lucas made an abrupt stop and turned to Dustin. His eyes were filled with confusion and slight astonishment as he tried comprehending what he just heard. "Dart ate a cat?"
Dustin took a step back, immediately shaking his head, "No, what? No."
"What are you talking about? He ate Mews," Steve blatantly said while joining the circle in a calm demeanor.
"Mews? Who's Mews?" Max asked.
"It was Dustin and Gwen's cat," he explained.
"Steve!" Dustin exclaimed, annoyed that his friend had revealed his secret.
