[ as the ground shakes, steve’s hands shoot out - one to steady wanda, and the other to steady himself. there is no small amount of fear that shoots through him in the immediate aftermath of that shuddering, knowing that this bus turned bunker is in no way a safe haven if the mind flayer is out there.

he never gives it a name, but wanda knows, and while part of steve feels like that doesn’t make sense, the larger, louder part just nods. he’s more used to being in company that knows, more used to catching up and holding ground than being the source of information. which is why when wanda mentions communication, steve frowns. ]

What? No- no, it doesn’t- [ except that’s not right - billy, will, the hoard of bodies. it does communicate, it wants to make sure it’s purpose is know, that it is unstoppable, and always will be. steve shakes his head. ] You don’t want to communicate with it. It gets in your brain, possesses you, it kills most people it uses like that- no. We need to leave.