Hi everybody

I wanted to upload this story that has been on my mind for a while now.

I'm also a new writer so please let me know if there are areas I can work on

(But please be constructive with your criticism :)

Before getting started I also would like to say I do NOT in any way own or claim to own the characters or concepts of Stranger Things

Thank you for your time. Enjoy the story!

and if you do, please leave a review. I would like to continue this.

A/N: Changed the rating to T as I believe M is a little extreme for what I'll be writing.

PROLOGUE

How could he be so stupid? Why didn't he take in every moment like it was his last. Why didn't he savor those quiet and warm nights where he sheltered a hopeless and abused girl? The girl with the big chocolate eyes. The girl that saved his life, on more than one instance. The girl he cared about so deeply, that he felt as if his very existence was slowly and painfully fading every second he was away from her.

The thought always ran though his head that, even at the time, there was always a degree of danger. The fear and inevitability that by chance or by fate she could have been captured, or his Mom could have found out she was staying with him, or things that go bump in the night would somehow grab her. However, instead, it was his own weakness that caused her to die. These thoughts culminated and fertilized inside his head, creating a more than slightly depressing feeling within himself, almost enough to make him throw up. It was a feeling he would always remember. In fact, at that moment, Michael Wheeler vowed to himself to never forget this feeling, in honor of Eleven. Even if it made him suffer.

"Mike!" yelled Lucas, his fingers were snapping and a concerned look was on his face. Michael knew that Lucas was the more observant one in the group. He had to keep his composure to portray his façade. It would make his friends feel better knowing their Dungeon Master was in a good state of mind. The truth was… he wasn't.

"Yeah, I'm here," Said Mike.

"Uh huh, sure," Lucas replied in a sarcastic tone.

"What?"

"Dude you were totally zoned out," Dustin chimed in.

"No I wasn't, I was thinking about- "

"Thinking about El?" Lucas said, cutting him off. He was reading him like a book. Even though it wasn't what Mike was going to say, the truth hurt worse than any of his friends could possibly know.

Mike came up with a quick, but smart response. "No… I was, I mean. Yes, I think of her sometimes, but I was thinking about the next campaign I'm going to make. I have some really good ideas," He finished with a fake smile. Somehow it was enough to throw his friends off his tail. He wasn't lying, but he wasn't exactly telling the truth either.

The boys were sitting in their usual spot. The Wheeler's basement, the warm glow of the lights and the dim atmosphere made for some of the best nights of DD. Of course, they couldn't go there every night to play, but it was the default choice whenever available. Michael preferred it that way. He was the Dungeon Master of the party after all. But there was a deeper reason for why he wanted to play their favorite game at his own house, despite tradition. Rather it was a magnetism of sorts that constantly tugged at him, almost like an anchor. A spot in the basement Mike had set up for Eleven a month ago, for her to sleep, and hide in if anybody who didn't know about her came downstairs.

"I don't think there's any way you could top this one Mike, it's been so much fun," Will finally spoke up, eyes full of life, yet so dim and dull. After what Will had to go through it was a surprise he was able to get back to a sense of reality and normalcy so quickly.

The sound of rolling dice filled the air of the Wheeler's basement, as cheers and laughter followed. The campaign was a success and after another 10 hour session, it was finally time for the gang to pack up and head home. Everybody put their winter coats on and headed upstairs. Their parents would all be arriving soon to take them home. No bike riding in a winter storm, and in Indiana, you saw plenty of those in December.

"Hi boys!" Mike's mother Karen shouted from the kitchen, "How did the game go?"

Dustin began explaining the 10 hour long journey in what could be summed up in short as a victory. Mike heard footsteps heading down the stairs to greet them. It was no other than his sister Nancy, who had become much closer to him since the "disappearance." Nancy and Mike understood each other now, and with that came great sorrow. Nancy tries not to bother Mike, but she knows her little brother is suffering.

"Hey guys," she states as she comes to the end of the flight. She glances and sees Mike zoned into space for a moment, a look of sadness spread across her face.

"Hi Nancy," the boys reply.

"Hey Mike sounds like you guys won." His sister says, hoping it will lighten him up. It does, but only slightly.

Head lights enter the room through the windows in the front. Indicating a car arriving to pick someone up. The car belonged to Lucas' family. They all said their goodbyes as Lucas hopped outside to be taken home. A few minutes later the next set of lights came through the window. It was Dustin's turn to head out.

"See you tomorrow guys," Dustin says as he exits the house.

"Looks like I'm last huh?" Will said, turning to Mike.

"Yeah, I guess so." Mike replies.

Will's face suddenly became very serious, almost as if his next words would shake the world around Mike.

"Listen," he began as he put a hand on Mike's shoulder, "when I was in the upside down. I found myself doing what you're doing. Blaming yourself and feeling depressed, and it overtook me. I became a husk with no hope." Will continued. "I know you'll get through this… and I'll be rooting for you, but don't get yourself down." He finished.

"I know, I just," Mike sighed. "Thanks Will."

"No problem buddy, see you tomorrow." Will said as he exited the Wheeler house. The last lights were shining into the living room.

Mike went outside in front of the garage and said hi to Jonathan. He asked if Nancy was doing okay and to tell her hi for him. Mike would be sure to do that. Nancy was always excited to hear from Jon, but he knew to distance himself because Nancy had chosen Steve. What was she thinking? Mike contemplated this for a moment as Will and Jon drove off. As the car faded from sight Mike turned to head in, but was frightened when his porch and garage lights started flickering. One… Two… Then a couple more after a pause. He was suspicious, cautious even, and he studied the lights for a moment more and then headed inside, unsure of what to think. He needed sleep, and it was late.

Mike crawled into bed to rest for the night, heartbroken. He was alone with his thoughts and nobody around to judge him for his feelings. He started crying. It isn't fair! He thought to himself. I should have been the one to go. She didn't deserve to die! She was never treated right. Even I didn't always treat her okay. This realization hurt him deeply.

So, Mike got up from his small lonely bed, and creeped into the basement as to not disturb anyone resting. He headed for a structure in the back… Like a magnet, Mike was drawn to the blanket fort. It was there he finally cried himself to sleep, holding tightly onto the blankets surrounding him. It was there that he would wake up the next day. But while Mike was falling asleep, a gust of wind was kicking up outside, and the lights would yet again flicker on and off in the front of the house while a strange and mysterious silhouette was lingering outside, watching the Wheeler house… waiting.

How will Mike cope with the loss of Eleven, is she still out there? Who is the mysterious figure looming over his home?

I hope you liked it. I have SO many ideas surrounding my head with this.

There are some cool ideas I'll be using that I'm not sure anyone has yet to explore.

Thanks again for reading and leave a review (So I can get better!)

Have a great day!

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