Notes:

This is the first fic I'm uploading here. First ST fic as well. I don't have a beta so please inform me of errors.

Fic and chapter titles are from Someday by The Strokes.

Mike Wheeler can think of a hundred things he'd rather do than go to third wheeling for his sister and her boyfriend in a party. He wasn't twelve and he didn't need her help with socializing. She was taking her new role as his guardian way too seriously.

"Nancy, you really don't have to drag me to some stupid party just to make it up to me. Plus I'm making friends. I'd really rather binge something on Netflix tonight!" he near shouted as his sister dragged him off the couch.

"No, Mike. The nice man from the deli at the corner really doesn't count. Classes start next week. You've wasted two whole free weeks cooped up in here. Fucking Bushwick, Mike! You're not in Hawkins anymore. You need to take in the sights, the sounds, the people!," Nancy somehow managed to say in a solemn but incredulous tone.

She started rifling through clothes in their shared closet and it was Mike's cue to sit on his sister's bed in defeat.

"Bit overdramatic, Nance. Besides, I have made friends. Two actually," he said while smiling at the memory.

Nancy's eyes were like saucers when she tackled him with a hug. "And I'm only hearing about this now? I'm so happy for you," she said as she let him go with a smile.

"I know. I'm glad too. I passed by one of those converted warehouses and some guys were covering Inner City Blues. I stuck around a bit and then the next I know these guys - Lucas and Dustin - are inviting me to their place," he added.

"Did you go?" she said, even more surprised.

"Well, no. But we exchanged numbers so..." he trailed off.

"So you'll have to invite them here to return the favor at least and so I can make sure that they're not the type to drag you into seedy sex parties," she said in a tone too serious to sound like she was joking.

Instead of saying thanks, Mike threw a pillow at Nancy and she laughed before resuming to look for something the boy could wear among the piles of hooded sweatshirts and striped polos. The boy was left to lie on his back as a pile of shirts started growing beside him.

"Hey, Nance? I don't think I've thanked you properly for letting me hog your apartment instead of staying at the dorms. I'm sorry I'm cramping your style and I'll get a job to make up for-"

"Cramping my style? You don't have to make up for anything so don't sweat it, Grandpa. Look, if anything, I'm the one who should be sorry for trading off a bigger apartment for a cooler neighborhood."

"Nancy, come on. I know I'm-"

"If it really bothers you, I can help you find a part-time job. But after that none of this talk, okay? I like having you here with me. Not that I'll admit I ever said that," she whispered the last bit and winked at her little brother.

Ever since their parents' divorce, Mike has to admit that he was a little out of it. He turned into a complete recluse and nearly failed an AP class until his sister planned an intervention when she got back to Hawkins for the holidays. He was glad too because he doubted that he would have been able to get into Lang let alone convince his mom to let him stay with Nancy if he wasn't able to handle the situation well. With Karen Wheeler and baby Holly in Florida at their grandparents', there really wasn't anything tying their family to Indiana. Ted had always been a stranger to them, the divorce was just proof.

"Okay remind me to take you shopping tomorrow because your wardrobe screams sad freshman fratboy," Nancy grumbled as she laid out an outfit she chose on the bed.

"That coat looks great but I also know that it's not mine," he replied.

"Of course it isn't. A guy named Steve owns it. You can learn a thing or two from him. Hey, maybe he could even shop with us! Hang on, I'm texting him now," she said grabbing her phone.

"Steve? I thought you said his name was Jonathan."

"I don't have time to explain right now. I'm going to take the first shower. But yes, the guy you'll be meeting later is Jonathan"

"You haven't even told me where we're going yet," he decided to ask instead, knowing his sister enough that he didn't really want to know about the details of her love life.

"House of Yes!" she shouted as she closed the bathroom door.

Jane Ives walked in the apartment she shared with her flatmate and immediately slumped on one of the couches, grumbling yet again about how uncomfortable some of the pieces Will insisted on buying in flea markets are. She set the box she was lugging down and felt just how sore her body was. She figured maybe Will would take mercy on her for smudging a rug he had painstakingly dyed if he heard about just how stressful her day had been.

"Honey, I'm home!," she jokingly called out. She didn't hear an answer. She decided to check her phone and found an unread text.

el, i know i promised you a lazy saturday night but jonathan asked us to come with tonight. you're cool with that, right? i'm still at pratt so i'll probably get back late. owe you!

Sighing, she texted back.

you're lucky you're cute, byers. VERY lucky.

Now, she was regretting running errands for her mother all day. She had been looking forward to this night all week too. She even picked out the movies for tonight!

She really wanted to rest up but Will was probably excited to go to his first New York party. She had already been to House of Yes with some friends a while back. It was pretty fun and she was looking for a chance to tailored jacket she bought last week. Jane had no choice but to take a well-deserved bath to get her mood up. Too bad she left her bath bombs back at her Upper East Side loft. Why didn't she remember to grab those too?

She felt her phone vibrate from her side. Another text from Will.

oh by the way my brother's girlfriend is bringing her brother along with us. he's new in new york too! and a freshman like us :)

She could just sense that he was trying to be cheeky in that text.

well, then let's both cross our fingers and hope he's your type. someone has to appreciate your tasteful bedroom other than me.

She rolled her eyes at the reply. She can't believe she only just met Will last week and was now living with him. Looking at their apartment now, she is thankful to have met her talented and nerdy friend on their orientation at Pratt.

A MONTH AGO

"8,9,10. Huh. We're missing one person. Do any of you know -" the student guide had started looking at her list to check who was missing when a shout cut her off.

"Eleven!" the girl in question shouted and nearly ran into one of the girls in their group.

"Okay, Eleven. Glad to have you with us. Now, let's start the tour," the student guide started rambling.

Will Byers was raised right by his mom and brother so he did what he thought anyone ought to do and introduced himself to the latecomer.

"Hi, I'm Will. Will Byers. I'm taking Industrial Design, by the way. Are you okay, uhm I didn't catch your name...?" he asked with his winning smile.

The girl blinked and then snappishly replied, "Fine. Just have to catch my breath."

"Well, the guide asked us to pair up and the other kid said he didn't want to pair up with anybody so maybe you'd want to, Eleven? You don't mind if I call you, Eleven?" he said laughing to himself.

Will would not have known this but he had endeared himself to Jane that instant. Her parents names have always preceded her. Having a mom that was considered a modern genius in design and a father who sits in a pile of gold made it hard for her to form her own identity.

"Sounds cute actually," she replied, feeling a smile creeping up her face.

"Okay. That's my official nickname for you then, buddy. Cool dress by the way," the boy replied, not letting on his slight confusion.

"Maybeyou'dwanttobemyflatmatebuddy?"

"Sorry? Can you repeat that?"

"Uhm. Want to be my flatmate...buddy?" El looked at him.

"Not the type to beat around the bush, huh?" Will said, surprise evident on his face.

The newly christened "Eleven" shook her head no.

"Are you serious? I mean I would love to but-" Will

"Already got a place?"

"No. I'm still searching. Housing prices are a bitch but-"

"I've been a total bitch too?"

"No. It's not that. You seem like a nice person actually but-"

"Totally possessive girlfriend or boyfriend?"

"No boyfriend at the moment but will you please let me finish my sentence?"

"Oh. Sorry. Of course."

"The problem is I don't know if I can afford the place even if we split. How much would the rent cost?"

"Well, it's already paid for. Not furnished yet but I was hoping to get some input from a flatmate who has great taste," she said slowly.

"That's really generous but I wouldn't want to take advantage."

"No. You would be helping me furnish plus my parents will not be pleased if they found out that I live alone in Brooklyn. Win-win."

The conversation was cut short when they noticed the whole group was staring at them.

"Since you are both so eager to let us in on your living arrangements, might I suggest for the young man to just take the offer so we can continue the campus tour in peace?" the guide said mockingly, clearly annoyed.

"That settles it, I guess," Will said, sheepish.

Eleven replied with a rare toothy smile.

"Here we are. Ta-da!" Will was proud to show his brother what he considered was his masterpiece.

Since El, pretty much gave him free reign when they started assembling furnitures and stuff, the place was really more his baby than hers. At first he was very hesitant to spend so much on the apartment but she insisted nothing was too extravagant or weird and gave him a peek at her bank account. The Byers have always lived on a tight budget so he let his imagination fly this time, even if he did feel guilty for doing so. The place that has a steampunk look to it may be a far cry from Castle Byers but it still has that whimsical Will touch.

"Holy shit, Will! You've been holding out on me. This is insane. God, it would be so cool to hang out here. Mom would be so proud" Jonathan gave his brother a big hug.

"Plenty of other opportunities for that. You really like it? It isn't too much?"

"It's freaking weird, Will. Why would I not like it? But it sure looks like it cost a lot," Jonathan finished with a worried look.

El emerged out of her room and answered to question hanging in the air to spare Will the trouble. She had been eavesdropping and wanted to give them a moment before greeting them.

"It was my idea to bother Will with decorating. I'm lucky he didn't charge me for his services. Hi. I've heard so much about you, Jonathan," she held out her hand.

"Likewise," Jon said as they shook hands. "I can't thank you enough for letting my brother stay with you."

"He's great company when I keep him away from his desk. Otherwise, I don't exist."

"Hey! No jokes at my expense," Will protested, good naturedly.

"She's taking care of all the other expenses. Better suck it up, bud," Jon quipped.

Eleven burst with laughter at that. Will acted hurt.

"Already ganging up on me!" Will huffed. "And are you planning on wearing that to the party?" he added, pointing at what looked like a silver diadem with wilting flowers and lace attached to it that she was carrying.

"Yes. It is a House of Yes event. They have themes," her tone implied that she meant to add 'obviously'.

"Shit. I didn't think to tell you, guys. I usually shoot on other days," Jonathan looked panicked and started making a call.

"I'll help you get ready for Full Moon," the girl said with an impish smile.

A confused Will had no choice but to follow El into her room.

Mike was starting to get nervous right when Nancy said that they were near the place. He'd only been to a party twice. It was his sister who managed to get high grades AND get into the good graces of the popular crowd. He usually hung out at the Wheelers' basement watching movies and trying to write songs with a battered guitar in hand.

"Oh look. There's Jonathan," Nancy pointed him out, pulling Mike out of his reverie.

"I thought I was third wheeling. He brought two people with him," he whispered to his sister.

"Oh. Yeah. I forgot to tell you. That's his brother and probably his brother's friend," she replied a bit dismissively then started on a light jog. "Jonathan! Jonathan! To your right!" she started shouting and waving at the tallest one in the group.

As they approached the group, Mike noticed that the guy his sister was dating looked a bit like River Phoenix which makes a lot of sense. Nancy near worshiped River. Judging by that love struck look she was sporting, she might be worshiping this guy too. Which looked a bit weird with him sporting ram horns for the party.

After squeezing the life out of Jonathan, Nancy then introduced him. "Mike, this is Jonathan."

He seemed to timid, didn't seem like a douche bag. Cool. He could probably get along with him.

"Hey, Mike. I see you're sizing me up. I have only good intentions, don't worry. It's my brother Will and his friend Eleven here that you gotta watch out for," Jon said with a quiet laugh.

The remark earned him a slight shove from a short boy with an innocent look about him. He had on his head what seemed to be thorns and feathers. Where did they even get these costumes at the last minute? Then, he turned his gaze to the girl named Eleven.

She looked pretty. Really pretty. Even with that lace slightly covering her face. It was like he suddenly had tunnel vision. All he could see was her slightly upturned mouth, her cute little nose, eyes piercing straight through his soul...or shit, shit she really is looking at him. Probably amused at how stupid he must look right now. He realized that that he should say something.

"Wait. Hang on. There's five of us. Are you sure, we can all get in, Jon? We're pretty late and the glitter on me and my brother don't pass for a costume." Nancy then started pulling her boyfriend towards the already packed queue outside a building with a gigantic YES on its side.

"I think so. I mean I'm not counted. I'm going to photograph tonight so…" Jon trailed off and started to look unsure.

Nancy had that patented determined look on her face with a slight pout and Mike was sure the next few minutes is not going to enjoyable. Luckily Eleven spoke up. She had a cute accent that he couldn't quite place.

"Don't worry. I know the people who run the place. I'll call them," she then excused herself to make a phone call before the older girl could reply.

Will raised a canvas bag he was holding. "She's letting us borrow some of her stuff for the party."

Nancy peeked inside the bag and took out a cross between a golden laurel and a halo crown.

"Wow. I need to find out where she shops for this. Only a few days in New York and you've already made friends with a really cool girl," she remarked at Will while trying it on.

"You don't even know half of it," was the boy's reply.

Mike took this as his cue.

Clearing his throat he starts, "So, Eleven is-"

"An unusual name? It's just my nickname for her," he answered with a knowing smile.

"What's so funny?"

"You were very obvious, Mike."

"Really?"

"Painfully so. And here I was hoping that Nancy had a gay brother," Will said with such a genuine smile that Mike felt that could become really good friends. He then took out a huge dragonfly brooch from the bag. "We didn't know if you would like the horn and thorns. She didn't buy the trinkets. She made them so take good care of these, okay?"

He started attaching the brooch when Mike nodded.

"I could offer my wingman services to you tonight. Although, I wouldn't do a very good job at it," Mike said hoping that the smile he returned looked as heartfelt as the one he received.

"I'm good. Thanks," Will replied with a reassuring pat.

Eleven then returned and pulled the group away from the line and with a nod to the bouncer, they were in.

The music that was blaring inside was hypnotic. It sounded like ritual music and all around him it seemed that rituals were in fact being performed. There were aerial dancers who looked like they were wraiths afloat and letting swaths of fabric roam free.

To their left, there were people burning incense and getting rubbed with herbs, there were tarot readings, and when he squinted he was pretty sure behind a beaded curtain was a spot for massages.

It took Mike quite some time to take in the scene before him. He didn't even notice that he got left behind by the others. He decided that the bar was his safest bet, so he headed to the right side of the room. He took extra care not to bump into the people dressed with antlers and those who seem to be covered solely with glitter.

By the time he reached the bar, he felt a bit winded. He badly needed a drink but the bartender was ignoring him. He felt a slight tap on his shoulder and was face to face with a familiar veiled face.

"Your sister is worried," Eleven said, sounding a bit accusing.

"Oh. Yeah. I guess I lagged behind. Felt that I needed a drink before braving the crowd," he replied, embarrassed.

She looked at his empty hands and offered him a small bottle she was holding.

"What is it?" he asked before taking a swig.

"Elixir," she answered with a shrug and a pointed look at small table behind them where a woman was handing them out.

It tasted sweet but had an unpleasant burning aftertaste. Mike had downed the bottle in one go.

"So, do you want to dance? I'm not very good but a lot of people seem to be content on just doing their thing," he said looking at the dance floor teeming with different versions of ritual dances.

"Yes," she replied as she made her way in, not even looking back to make sure he followed.

They picked a spot that wasn't too far from the middle. Eleven had her hands raised and was making alternately languid and fast flicking motions, losing herself in the music. Mike mostly thrashed around. He felt goofy but glad he was attempting to dance with El.

When the song ended, a woman's voice asked for everybody to clear the middle. Slowly, a group of women made their way to it. They were wearing artfully tattered dressed that looked as if made of spiderweb and drops of water. Their wild hair nearly covered their faces. When they were all in a circle at the middle, music started playing. It didn't sound like it came from the speakers but Mike couldn't see where the musicians were if it was playing live. He could identify a woodwind sounds, and chimes maybe, and bongos or something similar.

The dancers had very varied movements but looked to be in synch. At first, Mike thought he was just imagining it. But it became clear that their feet weren't touching the ground. They were gliding through the air and going higher with each twirl they take. Then they held hands in a circle like a group of skydivers. Then they started chanting. After a full minute of doing so, they slowly descended. As their feet touched the ground, the dance music came back on in full blast. The crowd erupted with cheers.

Mike had never seen anything as exciting as that. He had once watched The Cirque du Soleil with his family but even that paled in comparison to what he just saw. He looked at Eleven to see if she shared his awe.

There was a dark spot on the white lace that was covering her face right below her nose. Eleven gripped his arm then, trying to steady herself.

"Are you okay? Do you want me to take you outside?" Mike said, worry etched on his face. The girl nodded.

Having left the building, El took off her headdress and wiped at the spot where blood was starting to dry. Mike was now able to see her face clearly. She was one of those people who looked awfully young but sported a mature expression, intelligent eyes.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Fine. Probably because of the heat," she answered lamely, still looking pale.

"Yeah. I used to get nosebleeds too. And it was getting pretty heated inside with that dance and all. How'd they even do that?" he said to lighten the mood.

"A favor," El whispered.

Mike didn't really know how to reply to that so he just asked her if she wanted to get back inside.

"No re-entry. Sorry," she said, apologetic.

"It's fine. But it is pretty early. I don't think the others would be going out soon." Mike looked up and down the street, looking for a place they could go.

"There's a garden around the corner. Just a few minutes then we go eat," she said with a question in her eyes.

Mike didn't want to disagree even though he was expecting mosquito bites with this plan. The walk to the garden was short but quiet. When Mike gets into a conversation, he usually never shuts up so he was careful to let her start one. However, El didn't seem to want to do that. She had been talking with him in very sparse sentences. He hoped that they can go beyond the unfamiliarity.

They soon reached the small garden. Eleven seemed to be regaining some color on her face as her hand grazed leaves and flowers.

Of all the nights they could have gone to House of Yes, they chose this one. To be fair, she should have just pretended to be sick when she found out that they were going to a Hargrove party. Her mood dropped as soon as they got off the cab. She immediately sensed that the people lining up were like her. She felt her defenses go up. Then there was that trouble going in.

Since she was avoiding his sister, she had to go and talk to Billy. Son of a bitch roped her into a circus act. If word gets out, she's toast.

"So how long have you and Will known each other?," Mike asked.

He was lanky and cute in a kind of nerdy way. She figured she might as well play nice with him since they still have a couple of hours to kill. She felt better now that they were far away from the place.

"A month or so. How long have you been in the city?" she decided to ask.

"Only for two weeks. How about you?"

There were two ways to answer that question. But she wasn't about to explain the technicalities to a stranger.

"My whole life, I guess."

They could have just talked for awhile and maybe went for coffee somewhere to wait for the others who were probably having a raunchy good time at the House of Yes. But it just wasn't El's day.

Mike walked a little bit ahead of her and suddenly he was doing a fucking jig. Judging from his facial expression, he wasn't dancing in joy. He was terrified.

"What the fuck is happening?! I can't stop my legs!"

El didn't need to look closer. She was sure that he was in a circle of mushrooms. She could think of one person who would put those for laughs.

"Real mature, Maxine. Let him go."

"Just one more minute, princess. I mean you have to admit. He looks ridiculous!" a redheaded girl appeared from behind a tree a few steps away from the pair.

"Let him go," El said with a leer.

"Fine. Jeez. You're no fun," the other girl rolled her eyes.

Mike slumped to his knees as he regained control over his body. "How'd she do that?" he said, looking at El.

"Mike, this is Maxine. She's an asshole who puts great effort on pranks," she said, very annoyed.

The girl in question sauntered over with a mischievous smile. She offered her hand to Mike who was still on the ground.

"It's Max. I don't reveal the tricks of the trade, Mike. You'll have to figure that on your own," she said as she helped him up.

"You've been avoiding me," Max then faced Eleven.

"Not you," the short haired girl replied.

"He just wants to talk," Max said impatiently. "The moon is full."

"Fine," Eleven acquiesced. "Mike, you go on ahead. Tell Will I'm going to my father's tonight. I'm sorry I've ruined your night," she told the disappointed boy.

"Okay. Just promise me you'll be safe," he said as he glowered at Max.

"Yeah. Promise," she replied, a bit unnerved by his boldness.

With that the two girls left, leaving the poor boy alone and in the dark in both a literal and figurative sense.

It took two hours before Mike reunited with his sister. He did as Eleven told him but added that she went with a long haired redhead who was wearing a gown like the one the Corpse Bride had on. Will had accepted this explanation and said that maybe Max also came from the House of Yes. Mike had his doubts but he didn't share the rest of what happened so it was pointless. They got coffee, Mike had his second cup of the night, and then parted ways.

His sister had a massive headache when a guy named Steve came by their apartment on a Saturday afternoon. He was a lot different from Jonathan but the way he was feeding Nancy Chow mein made it obvious that he adored her. So Mike felt a little sad that his sister might be cheating on two nice guys.

Their time at the thrift shop was pretty short because Nancy just felt worse by the hour. Luckily Steve seemed to be a pro at these kind of scenarios. He kept making jokes and cooing at the younger Wheeler whenever he approved of an outfit. Occasionally calling Mike a heart breaker, much to his embarrassment. After five Steve-approved full outfits, they decided to head back.

When Mike spotted Jonathan on their street, he was very nervous. But it turned out that the three loved each other equally.

His looming first day in college wasn't enough to distract him from thinking about the mysterious girl with the number for a nickname. He had been daydreaming of bumping into her again the whole day. Processing this new information about his sister's romantic relationship wasn't enough to do that either

Hating himself just a bit, he took out his phone. Checking that the trio were engrossed on movie that was playing, he texted Will.

Is she home yet?

He got a reply from his new friend almost instantly.

no. :( but i wouldn't be too worried yet.

End Notes:

Might have to bump the warning and rating in the future. This will be a short fic. I'm thinking five chapters at most? I promise to introduce the rest of the characters next chapter!

You can read this on AO3 where I put up links for what I envisioned for their apartments and outfits.