There is some drinking in this chapter but they are all of age. Also some talk of more adult situations but nothing happens and nothing is described. Just a heads up.
Mike and El spent the next week just hanging out with his friends and not doing anything much in particular. Will had suggested that they get some fireworks for New Year's Eve and everyone thought it sounded like a fun way to ring in the new year. He said he'd already cleared it with Chief Hopper, the policeman his mom was seeing, and that the chief had told him he'd look the other way if he had any noise complaints as long as Will and his friends cleaned everything up and there were no literal fires to put out.
So while the boys went off to buy fireworks for the night's festivities, El and Max had been left to go buy some alcohol so the group could have a small party amongst themselves until it was time for the fireworks. El was somewhat comfortable around Max but so far had always had Mike there with her. She was a bit nervous to be alone with this girl who had known Mike since they were kids.
They got to the store and El was surprised when Max grabbed a grocery cart.
"Would you rather carry all this liquid around with us?" Max asked, noticing the look on El's face.
She had a point.
They walked up and down the aisles, not really in any hurry. Max tossed a bottle of vodka and a bottle of tequila into the buggy.
"So, you and Wheeler. Is it serious? I know what he said but he can be a dramatic fool. What do you say about it?" Max asked El as they headed toward the back of the store. She stopped and put two bottles of champagne into the basket.
El thought about Max's question, she knew she was serious and she thought Mike seemed to be as well.
"I think it's serious. We love each other." El's voice was quiet but firm.
Max gawked at El. "He told you he loves you? Mike Wheeler?"
El smiled. "Yes."
"Okay, but he tripped all over his words and was embarrassed and you practically had to pry it out of him, right?"
"No. He just told me, like it was one of his facts. He makes me feel better than I've ever felt."
Max looked at the girl, her eyes bright while talking about Mike, her smile almost contagious.
"If you say so. I just have a hard time picturing Mike in the role of boyfriend. How is he in bed?" Max and El had arrived at the beer cooler and she was trying to choose what she thought everyone would like.
El was quiet and Max took notice. "You don't have to tell me if it's too private."
"No, it's not that. We just kind of, haven't slept together like that. It's me. I'm just not ready. My life was kind of weird and I want to know it's right before I jump into anything. Does that make sense?"
"It does make sense. Especially if you love him, you want to be in the right head space. You want it to be worth remembering and if you do it when you aren't ready, even if you do love him, you might still have regrets at some point."
El was shocked at Max's no-nonsense answer. It hadn't been what she expected. It made her feel better about the whole situation. Max had chosen the beer and they grabbed some orange juice and some lemon lime soda and headed to the checkout counter.
When they got back into the car El turned to Max. "It's not that I don't want to. I'm afraid I won't do the right thing or that he won't be happy. I've never been with anyone. We've made out a lot, sometimes for hours, and I've felt like I wanted more but I was afraid so I pulled back."
"I think you'll know when you're ready, El. I think you should just do what you're comfortable with. And you didn't hear it from me, but I'm pretty sure Mike is no expert in that area either. When you're ready you should both just talk to each other and do what feels right." Max pulled out of the parking lot and headed back towards Mike's house, where they all would meet.
"You've known Mike for a long time, right? Did you guys ever...?"
"Christ, no. My relationship with Mike has never been like that. He didn't even seem to want to speak to me when I first moved to Hawkins. We were 13 years old and he was always angry and grouchy. Lucas and Dustin immediately started nerd stalking me but I found them to be endearing and they wanted me to be friends with them so I did, and I'm glad I did, but convincing Mike was harder. He didn't want to let me in. Lucas told me that for almost the entire year before I met them Mike's personality had changed. He said Mike once told him that it was like he'd felt like his life was about to change for the better and then he felt like whatever was going to make that change had been ripped away and he got depressed and lashed out sometimes. He finally pulled himself together but he spent a lot of time down at the quarry just staring at the water. He was weird for a while."
El thought about what Mike had said when they were at the quarry looking at the water. Max's words resonated inside her head. He'd felt like his life was about to change for the better and then he felt like whatever was going to make that change had been ripped away. What if he had felt some connection to her even then?
Max continued. "Anyway, he finally came back to himself and decided he wanted to be a neurologist and go to school in Chicago even if it meant he'd be alone. He's spent the last two years working hard in school and I don't think he's even dated much. Now he has you, so I think something in him must have clicked. He seems way happier than I've ever known him to be. He's actually a great guy, though don't tell him I said that."
"He's the best. I don't know if I believe in fate or kismet or whatever but Mike feels like home. And I've never even really had a home to know what that feels like, but he just makes me feel safe. Like no matter what I did or said he'd still feel the same way about me. It's something I've never experienced."
"It's still funny to me that we're talking about Mike. You sound like you're describing some fairy tale knight in shining armor and I keep having to remind myself that you mean Mike." Max laughed. "But if he is really like that then I'm proud of him."
They had reached Mike's house and let themselves into the basement. They left the drinks in Max's car. They would wait for the boys and then when it was dark head over to the quarry, which wasn't really far from Mike's house.
While the girls were buying the night's libations the boys were choosing fireworks. Mike had put the kibosh on bottle rockets and firecrackers, saying that since they'd be drinking he didn't need to worry about having to take someone to the emergency room for getting their fingers blown off. Lucas was the expert in explosives since he'd had training at West Point, not specifically in fireworks but if he could handle all manner of guns and cannons then he could probably light the fuse on some small pyrotechnics.
They each had a basket, Dustin's was full of things that caused fish effects, falling leaves, and crackle effects. Will was getting all the chrysanthemum sorts, a few spiral effect ones, and some strobes. Lucas had some whirlwind and snow flake effects ones, and Mike had some of each. They had gone with all bigger and fancier fireworks, wanting to just see some pretty explosions rather than small Roman candles and fountain type mechanisms. Mike wanted it to be kind of spectacular for El, though he hadn't said so to anyone.
They were making a second trip around the tent to make sure they hadn't missed anything.
"Mike, so are you going to make El see fireworks of her own later?" Dustin asked, snickering as he did. Lucas hit him on the arm.
"Dustin, man, you don't ask things like that." Lucas glared at him.
"Actually, Dustin, that would be up to El. I'm not going to rush her into anything. If I wait for five more years it's fine with me. She's that amazing." Mike tried not to sound annoyed.
"Sorry, man. I just think you two are nice together. She makes you smile. I noticed it." Dustin said, his head hanging a bit lower.
"I noticed it too." Will stepped up beside Mike, closing the circle they were now creating with their bodies. "Your whole face lights up when you talk about her, and when you look at her it's like you're looking at something unbelievable, like a unicorn or the Phoenix, or a superhero. It's like there's no one else in the room. I'd be offended if it didn't make me so happy to see you that way."
"Yeah, Mike. She seems to think the same way about you. I try not to stare but I noticed how she watches you walk away and her smile falters until you return. I don't think she's even aware of how her face changes depending on your proximity to her. She seems way more relaxed when you're beside her and she laughs a lot more. It's not in a needy, clingy way either. It's like she's genuinely happier when she's with you."
Mike listened to his friends. It made him feel good that they could see how much he and El cared about each other. He liked that it was so obvious.
"Meeting her might be the best thing that has ever happened to me, guys. I'm serious. The feelings I have for her are intense but not in some sexual hormonal way. It's deeper than that. It's on a different level than that."
"So she's living in your spare room? Does it get hard to not just go sleep with her? I mean, just sleep? You know, lying there sleeping?" Will asked.
"We do sometimes. It's nice. I like falling asleep with her in my arms. But I won't lie, it sometimes gets a little heated and we both pull back. I want it to be her decision."
"You're doing the right thing. If it's as serious as it seems to be then I think you'll have the rest of your lives to get as heated as you want." Will offered, his eyes lighting up and his mouth pulling into a smirk.
"She's so quiet. You know what they say about the quiet ones." Dustin laughed, winking at Mike.
Mike laughed him off but inside was letting himself think about Dustin's statement. He was pretty sure if El was ever ready she would blow his mind.
They paid for their fireworks and made their way back to Mike's house. The sun was just starting to set but they still had close to six and a half hours until the new year. Since Max had more room in her car they put all of the fireworks in her trunk with the alcohol and went inside. They could all fit in the one car to go to the quarry a little later.
The boys found El and Max just sitting in the basement chatting like they were old friends. El and Mike grinned at each other when he came inside. He could see that she no longer seemed nervous. Her smile was easy and he felt himself melt a little bit.
They ordered some pizzas and when it finally arrived they ate. Max complained that they should have known that on New Year's Eve all the pizza places would be busy. It was still only a little before 8:00 though so once they finished eating they started to get ready to go to the quarry.
Mike knew El didn't have much in the way of winter clothing besides her coat and a beanie that he'd given her so he was taking her upstairs to see if Holly would let her borrow some gloves and anything else. He noticed that Dustin was coming with them.
"Where are you going?" Mike asked him.
"I'm going to see if your mom has any chips or pudding or something else we can take with us for snacks."
"Dustin, we just ate!"
"I know, but it'll be cold and our bodies will burn up that energy and we'll need something. Trust me, Mike. I know what I'm doing." Dustin passed them on the stairway, disappearing into the kitchen.
Mike shook his head, pulling El along with him up the stairs and then up to Holly's room.
Holly was happy to lend El some of her winter clothes. She had gloves, some thermal underwear, a fleece jacket that El could wear underneath her coat, and a scarf. El thought she would definitely be warm enough. She went into the hall bathroom to put on the thermal undershirt and pants underneath her own clothing, leaving Mike in Holly's room.
"I like her, Mike." Holly stated. "She's nice and she makes you happy. I can tell. You look at her differently than you look at everyone else. It's cute."
Mike wasn't used to having conversations about his love life with his little sister.
"I'm glad you like her, Holls. She is pretty amazing."
It didn't take long for El to return. She smiled al Holly.
"Thank you for letting me borrow these things."
"It's no problem. You guys have fun tonight. I wish I could come too." Holly whined but it was only for show.
"Maybe when you're older, kid." He ruffled her hair, causing her to punch him, and then Mike and El went back down to the basement.
They all piled into Max's car. Lucas had gotten some extra blankets from his parents' house while Mike and El were upstairs and Will had a plastic bag with cups, a lighter, a flashlight, and Dustin's snacks that he had taken from Karen. Max had brought a portable CD player that accepted USB flash drives so they could have music. Dustin had another bag that contained a thermos of hot cocoa and some trash bags so they could clean up after they were finished. Max had put the alcohol into an ice chest with ice that Lucas brought back after getting the blankets from his house.
When they got to the quarry El was surprised to see that they drove down close to the water. There was a big opening where Max could park and the ground was flat, allowing them to lay out blankets to sit on and making it easier for Lucas to set off the fireworks later. They would shoot up and explode over the water.
Lucas found some small logs and built a fire to keep them warm, making sure to set stones around it. Since they were in the quarry he had no trouble finding the stones. Once the fire was lit everyone could see better. They set the blankets out as close to the fire as they could, making sure that nothing would pop out onto the blankets and cause them to burn. Mike and El claimed one while Lucas and Max shared another. Will and Dustin hugged and laughed and acted like they were a couple as well, making everyone laugh.
"What all did you get, MadMax?" Lucas asked his girlfriend as Dustin started handing out cups.
"We have plenty. But liquor before beer, never fear, so let's start with that." She took out the bottles of vodka and tequila from the ice chest along with the juice and soda. "El, what's your poison?" Max looked in her direction.
El had never been one to drink so she wasn't even sure how to answer the question.
"Um, well I don't want to throw up so could you just make me something that doesn't make me do that?" El asked her new friend.
Max nodded and proceeded to pour some vodka into El's cup, topping it off with orange juice and giving it just a splash of soda, the carbonation meant to mask the alcohol taste somewhat.
Mike inserted a flash drive into Max's music player. "This is an '80's mix I made. I hope you're all cool with that. Though there is other stuff on here if not."
They all agreed that the '80's music was fine and sat around drinking and laughing. El was feeling a little tipsy after her second drink and lay back on the blanket. She could see so many stars. Mike joined her, both of them looking at the celestial bodies. Mike pointed out Ursa Major to her. El smiled to herself, letting him think he was showing her something she didn't already know. She surprised him when she pointed out Cassiopeia and Draco. She giggled when his jaw hung open, his eyes roaming back and forth from where she was pointing in the sky to her face.
"Is there anything you don't know?" Mike asked, his face inches from hers.
"I don't know what I did to find you," she whispered. Mike leaned down and kissed her.
"Hey, hey now! There will be time for that later. Let's dance!" Dustin was on his feet, standing right over Mike and El's blanket. He was starting to do a weird Dustin dance as When Doves Cry by Prince started to play.
They all got up and began to dance around. El laughed, Mike looked awkward but he was laughing too, everyone having a good time. When the song was over the next one was Sister Christian which Dustin belted at the top of his lungs, though his voice was nice so no one minded. Max was singing too and she held on to El's shoulder, singing to her.
Sister Christian
There's so much in life
Don't you give it up
Before your time is due
It's true
It's true yeah
And then all of them joined in on the chorus. El felt more included than she'd ever felt. They were laughing and spinning. El sat down on the blanket hard, having gotten a little too spin crazy. Mike sat down beside her.
"Are you feeling okay?"
"Yes, I just got a little spinny. I'll just sit here for a bit. I'll be fine."
Soon everyone else sat down as well, all of them feeling some effects from the alcohol. Max made everyone another round of drinks and they talked for a while.
"When is everyone going back to school?" Will asked.
"I'm leaving Wednesday. I'm not really looking forward to wearing the uniform all the time again but it's mandatory. In the long run I think it'll be worth it. I think." Lucas sipped his beer.
"I don't have to go back until the day or so before classes start. I'm going to let my mom cook and clean for me for as long as I can." Dustin sat back on his blanket.
"Me too. And Jonathan is home right now so it's cool hanging out with him. He'll only be there until the day after tomorrow though. I'm staying until next weekend." Will told the group.
That left Mike and El. Mike hadn't really discussed it with her yet but he was ready to be back home.
"I think we'll probably go back tomorrow some time. That's why I wanted to spend New Year's with you all. I won't see you again for a few months. But it will be nice to sleep in my own bed and we still both need to register for spring classes."
"How did you do last semester?" Max asked him.
"All A's, both of us." Mike answered. El blushed but it went unnoticed.
"Your children will be geniuses." Dustin joked.
Everyone laughed at his comment but El felt Mike's hand touch hers and a warm smile spread across her face.
"Hey, El, what's the craziest thing Mike has ever done for you?" Everyone was in a good mood and Dustin grinned at her as he asked. It was in no way malicious and she felt like answering him honestly.
"Um, I wouldn't say it was crazy but it was definitely unexpected. And we weren't even really that close at the time. Mike once sang to me in the hallway of the chem building."
She could tell that everyone was shocked by this information.
"Get out!" Max shouted. "What did he sing?"
"He sang Sweet Jane to me when he wanted me to come eat with him so he didn't have to eat alone."
Then she explained that her name was actually Jane and that El was a nickname. She didn't elaborate and no one seemed to question her about it.
"I so wish I could have been there to hear that! Mike Wheeler singing to a girl. You clearly have an effect on him that can't be denied." Max was smiling at El in approval.
"It's true," Mike said. "She's so special. The feelings I have, what she makes me feel, it's like a head massage and a back scratch that goes on forever. It's the best."
"Okay, Mike. You're drunk." Lucas laughed.
"I'm just saying, I love her." Mike turned to look at her. She was sitting beside him on the blanket, her cup in her hand. He grinned dopily at her. "I love you, El."
El touched his cheek. "I know you do, Mike. I love you too."
Will and Max each clutched their chests while Dustin and Lucas awwwed at the same time.
"You two are ridiculous. Let's get these fireworks started!" Max called out. Lucas was on his feet in an instant and everyone watched. He had set everything up much earlier so that all he'd have to do was light each one. He had made sure to build up and then save a few for his finale.
Mike held El against him as they looked up at the sky. The first of the explosions sent a wave of red and white sparks tumbling up and then showering down. Seeing the lights over the quarry was perfect, El thought to herself. The show went on. Everyone was gasping at the colors, the loud bangs causing them to jump every time even though they knew what was coming.
Lucas made the show last for quite a while. Max yelled to him when it was getting close to midnight so that he could set off the finale as the year changed. Mike held El closer.
Dustin started counting down as Lucas lit the fuse. The bang was much louder and then there was a bright light, with fiery greens, reds, purples, and whites dancing in the sky, spiraling out before exploding again into flower like forms. Mike was the only one who noticed El looking intently at the explosion. He wanted to laugh when what should have fallen to the ground suddenly reignited and went up, exploding again somehow. Everyone else cried out in amazement. Mike hugged El to him, his forehead against hers, both of them smiling at their shared secret.
"I'm glad I get to start the year with you, El." Mike said as he kissed her. She tilted her head so she could kiss him even deeper.
"Happy New Year, Mike," she whispered before kissing him again, both of them smiling.
After all of the spent fireworks and any trash they had created was cleaned up Max drove them home, dropping Will and Dustin off at Will's before going back to Mike and Lucas's neighborhood. Max was spending the night with Lucas so Mike and El just walked back to Mike's from Lucas' driveway. Max gave them a bottle of champagne, saving the other for Lucas and herself.
"I've had a fun time but I'm ready to be home. Are you?" Mike asked El as they walked hand in hand back to his house. They could still hear the bangs of fireworks going off in the distance but couldn't see any explosions.
"Yeah. I really liked hanging out with your friends and your mom is great but I like just being with you the most. It's easier."
They entered the basement. The house was quiet.
"Do you want to open this champagne? We don't have to." Mike asked.
"It is New Year's and I've never tasted champagne." El replied, a slow smile spreading.
Mike went upstairs to get a couple of glasses. When he returned El was in her pajamas sitting on the bed. Mike set the glasses on the table with the champagne and got changed himself. He turned on some music.
"Do you want to do the honors?" Mike asked, holding the bottle out to El. He had expected her to take it from him but she just looked at it and then the cork slowly popped up, not even shooting across the room. She had so much control over it that she lifted it as though her mind was a human corkscrew. Mike was amazed.
He poured both of them a glass of champagne and sat down next to El on the bed.
"It's fizzy. I like it better than the one with orange juice," El said as she sipped from her glass. "It's weird how I feel like saying things I normally would never say out loud."
"That's what it does. It relaxes your inhibitions. What would you say now that you normally wouldn't say?" He teased her.
"I'd say I really like sleeping next to you and I want to sleep that way every night. I'd say I'm sorry I'm so slow and I want to do so much more with you and I get scared that I always pull back. I'm afraid you'll get tired of that at some point."
Mike frowned. "No, El, I can wait as long as it takes. Loving you means that I love everything about you so if you aren't ready then I love that about you too. Please don't ever think that I'd get tired of you. That won't happen." He leaned over and kissed her. "You don't ever have to worry about that."
They finished their glasses and El yawned, feeling both tired from being up so late as well as a little tipsy. Mike took her glass and set it next to his, away from the mattresses so that they wouldn't be stepped on if anyone got up in the night. He left the music playing softly but turned out the lights, finally crawling onto the bed beside her.
"So tomorrow we'll go home." Mike pulled her to him and she took her favorite position of resting her head on his chest while he played with her hair.
"Okay. Though when I'm with you I feel like I'm home no matter where we are. You always make me feel safe. I know I can take care of myself but it's different to feel safe. I never had that."
Mike looked down at her and she met his gaze, her eyes darker than before. She leaned into him and they kissed. El knew she still wasn't ready for more but as they spent the next hour or so kissing she started to think that soon might not be as far off as she had previously thought.
A/N: I'll be glad to get them back home to their apartment. I wouldn't say this is my best chapter. I find it difficult to write everyone. I like it when it's just Mike and El. I hope it was at least readable though. The next chapter will have more highs and lows and maybe (definitely) at least one harrowing adventure. Thanks for sticking with me. I appreciate it. And did anyone else see the season 3 pics posted today? El in glasses? Ha! Remember who called it. :)
