Wow! Once again, thank you all for the beautiful reviews and feedback from the last chapter! They are always so appreciated! So, from what everyone has said, it seems the combined viewpoint is much better, so I will keep it going that way then :)
Like I said I'm hoping to have this chapter out before the third season comes because I have one more little thing I want to add in before I catch up with the next season so I can tie them together. I'm so excited!
Disclaimer: I do not own Stranger Things.
Hopper's POV
He couldn't believe how well the dinner had gone over. It seemed as if El had been officially welcomed into the family and Karen was getting wedding preparations ready for tomorrow.
He shakes his head at this thought as he focuses on the road before him. Karen had even said that El was more than welcome over to their house anytime. Of course, both the two love birds who had been awoken so that El could leave, were over the moon about Karen's declaration.
Since it was decided so quickly, Hopper didn't get a chance to lay down any ground rules. But then...his mind then began to race as he thought 'It isn't my house'. And the thought scared him because that meant he would never really know that when El went over there if she and her boyfriend were being supervised.
The thought ran a shiver up his spine. For, since this whole arrangement began, he had full control over El's whereabouts and the knowings of who was to be at the cabin.
Now, however, if he allowed El over to the Wheeler's he had no idea how strict they were about having the two be alone. The thought alone terrified him.
But, then a voice echoed in his mind, 'I won't hurt her', it was Mike's voice that reminded him of this.
He lets out a heavy sigh as the dad monster within him warred between all these new thoughts and feelings versus making sure he kept El safe. And that meant from anything.
"You okay?" El's tired voice asks from his side. He had almost forgotten that she was in the cruiser with him.
He does a double take looking at her. He can see the sleep heavy within her eyes as her once tight brown curls now begin to loosen and fall this way and that around her face.
"Uh, yeah, just tired. It was a long night" he states.
El hums in agreeance beside him, "But good though. I think Karen likes me" her voice is soft and filled with a light happiness.
She's turned towards the window, but in the reflection he can see the smile that dances on her face.
He nods his head in solace. "Yep, I think it went well" he agrees as he finally pulls into their long and winding driveway.
When he parks the car, El stretches in her seat before exiting the vehicle. They both walk tired steps up to the cabin as El nonchalantly releases the locks and the door swings open.
She removes her shoes and coat, giving a long yawn in return. She faces him as he hangs his coat, "I'm going to bed, tired" as she gives him a small smile.
Hopper chuckles, while ruffling her hair as she pushes away with an annoyed expression. "Night kid" he says as she turns giving him a small wave as she goes to her room.
He makes his way to the couch and sits, his mind whirling with the events of the night. He moves his head, examining the cabin.
Although the structure is sound, he can see how lonely this place could seem if someone were left alone in it for too long.
His blue eyes flick to El's door. He realizes just how small this place actually is, and being so far out, it's desolate.
He's then reminded of El's shivering body from a week ago when she exited her room wrapped in her blanket. Even though he tried his hardest to keep the damn cabin warm, it seemed the only comfortable place for warmth was the living room.
Then, he begins to think about how when he begins to introduce El to the town of Hawkins, her being out in the cabin alone was not the most comforting feeling. Honestly, he'd rather be back in town. Closer to work, and having a stronger feeling of relief knowing El was in driving distance. Not just that, but she'd be closer to her friends.
It seemed as if he already had his mind made up about the idea that had been ping ponging back and forth in his mind. He needed to move them. And he knew it would be better if he did it sooner rather than later.
He had sold his trailer back when he relocated himself and El in the cabin, and he had set that money aside, along with a tidy savings tucked away.
With a firm gust of air he blows through his nose, Hopper claps his hands into his lap, standing to his feet knowing his next plan of action. He was going to start looking for a new place, a new start, for his new family.
He spent the next couple of weeks pouring over the newspapers that came every Wednesday in the mail.
When he proposed the idea to his new daughter, she all but threw herself into his arms in excitement. Not long after she bulleted to her room, no doubt informing her friends.
What surprised him was how eager the other kids were about this new event in their lives. Especially a lanky, dark haired boy who seemed to be giving him new listings each and every day.
"This one is only a two minute bike from our house!" he exclaimed one evening he and the rest of the party had trampled into his too small cabin.
The rest of the kids clutched at various house listings they had seen hanging at real estate offices and in the paper, as they swarmed him the moment he walked through the door. Of course, he had examined many of the ones they were shoving into his annoyed face, but he tried to keep his calm, knowing the kids were only trying to help.
"Kid, I already looked at that one!" he growled impatiently, breaking his reserve as the noise of the eager teens had finally pushed him to his limit.
He swiped the paper from the startled teens hands, crumpling it in return. "Apparently none of you realize that most of the houses you're showing me are out of my price range" he gives the now quiet teens all a beady look.
El moves to stand beside her boyfriend, looping her arm up through his, and interlocking it with her other hand, "You don't have to be so mean about it" she cocks an eyebrow up at him.
Their eyes locked onto one another, her look holding one that said 'Don't attack my boyfriend!"
He gives an unceremonious eye roll as he huffs, rubbing his tired eyes with his thumb and pointer finger.
Breathing deeply he tries to keep his cool. Removing his fingers he sees the teens are still staring at him, "Look, I know you're all excited about this, and I do appreciate the help, but there are some places I'm already planning on looking at soon" he rationalizes with them.
"You didn't tell me that" El gave him an annoyed look.
No, he didn't tell her, and it was because he didn't want her getting her hopes up with the fact that a place that could either be close to Mike's house or still far away. He honestly didn't want her upset with the place he chose to be there home.
He huffs, "No, I didn't because I need to go look at them on my own".
"Why?" the fiery redhead of the group speaks up, which surprises him, he turns his gaze towards her.
"Yeah, why?" now the curly haired boy stands straighter crossing his arms in front of him.
He's pretty sure he's going to roll his eyes out of his head at this point, "Because it's an adult decision and El is going to be bored out of her mind coming with me. Besides, I need to integrate her slowly into town, I don't want a million people asking questions".
Most of the kids seem skeptical at his answer, but surprisingly the one person he expected to fight back, doesn't, instead she speaks calmly, "When are you going to look at them?" El's voice is even.
He narrows his eyes at her, because he knows she's planning something, he takes a step towards her, "Saturday, why?"
Her eyes perked up at this, and she turns to give a quick look to Mike beside her, who also gives her a look as well. Obviously, they have something planned, and he doesn't like it.
She flicks her eyes back to him, "Well…" she draws out, "Everyone wanted to have a movie marathon with the Star Wars movies this weekend" she begins to explain.
"Yeah, we haven't all watched them as a full complete party, it's part of being in the party" Dustin exclaims.
"So, I was going to ask you anyways, can I go over to Mike's on Saturday while you're out?" her light brown eyes widen as she tips her head downwards. Giving him, her famous puppy dog eyes.
To his astonishment over the last couple of weeks, El had not constantly nagged him to go over to Mike's house since she had gotten the okay from Karen. Instead the teens seemed to be ploying against him and had been constantly arriving at the cabin. Whether it was just a couple of them, or the whole group, he was starting to become a little annoyed at their presence.
He's beginning to wonder if that was their plan from the beginning. Annoy him to no end so that when they asked him about this weekend, he couldn't say no.
Truthfully, it would be easier for her to be somewhere and he wouldn't have to worry about her or the kids being alone at the cabin all day.
So, with a shake of his head, all while crossing his arms he stares El in the eyes. She waits for his answer with baited breath.
"Okay" he says and no sooner does he say it, El is squealing, holding onto Mike tighter, while the others cheer around them.
"Wait, wait, hold on there" he says raising both his hands to silence the teens, who stop mid celebration and turn to him with anticipation.
He looks to the boy who is holding onto his daughter, "Who's going to be there?" he lifts an eyebrow in question.
"My mom, Nancy, Holly...we aren't going to be unsupervised if that's what your asking" he says disjointedly.
Hopper nods his head, "Alright, I'll drop El off Saturday morning, but-!" he holds up a finger to all of them before they got too excited again, "You all know the rules with El being out. At Mike's you've got to remain there and no going beyond the culdesac" he reminds them and they all nod their heads in understanding.
"Don't worry Hop, we'll take good care of El" Max moves towards the girl and wraps her arm around her, both the girls light up.
He is actually happy to see this, for the girls seem to have grown closer in the last couple of weeks.
"Okay then, Saturday is settled then" and after he speaks the teens jump up and down in excitement to officially be able to have El out elsewhere other than the cabin.
Hopper sighs heavily as the teens continue their celebration, and he hopes he didn't make a mistake.
Mileven POV
She couldn't actually believe her luck at the fact that Hopper had agreed to letting her go to Mike's house. She had spent the last couple of weeks very hesitant to actually ask her new dad if she could to her boyfriend's house, worried about what his answer would be.
However, a couple of weeks ago, after he had announced that they would be looking for a new home closer into town, her excitement couldn't be contained. And of course, the first thing she did was radio Mike.
"Mike, Mike, come in, over!" she all but squeals into her supercom.
She waits in anticipation for a few beats but Mike's voice finally comes through. "Hey El, what's up?"
She squeezes the supercom within her hand tightly before she all but screams into the supercom, "Mike! Hopper says we're going to be moving to a new house that's closer in town!" she says the words so quickly, she's not sure if Mike catches it all, especially when he doesn't respond immediately.
"Wait" his voice finally breaks through, "You're telling me that Hopper's moving you two closer into town?!" he exasperates.
"Yes!" El cheers from her side, kicking her feet into her bed joyously.
"El, that's awesome! That means we'll probably be able to see each other more!" Mike exclaims.
"I know and I won't be so bored out here all alone" her voice becomes softer, more distant as she begins to reminisce about her solidarity that has been created due to being at the cabin so long.
"No, you won't because I'll make sure that I'd see you everyday" Mike's voice is tender and it makes El's heart melt.
"Aww, Mike you're so sweet. It would be amazing to see you everyday" she said dreamily.
"Yeah, and I think Hopper would finally give you a bit of a break as well and let us take you places".
El hums in satisfaction, thinking of all the wonderful and new things she would finally be able to do with her friends. Like, going to the movies, or going swimming, or biking, the list was truly endless.
Mike's voice brought her back to reality, "I'm going to start looking for places for sale, and I'm going to try to find something that's as close as possible to mine" he declares.
El giggles into her device, "Okay, although I think Hopper might not be too happy with that" she jokes.
Mike returns her laugh, "No probably not, but it's worth trying.''
A silence falls between their lines, "Anyways, have you talked to Hopper about a possible movie marathon soon?" Mike asks.
El pulls her lips in tight, afraid to answer because Mike and the others had been pestering her relentlessly about doing a Star Wars movie marathon at Mike's house. But, she knows how Hopper is, and even though she has Karen's permission to come over, she knows it's ultimately Hoppers decision.
"Uhm...not yet no...sorry" her voice falters slightly, and Mike immediately answers, "Don't worry about it El, it won't be for a couple weekends anyways, Dustin and Lucas both have things going on and we have to have the whole party together" his voice is reassuring, which allows El to relax her shoulders.
"Okay" she says softly.
"I hate to cut this short because you know I love talking to you, but my mom's calling, so I'll see you with the others, and I'll call you later okay?" Mike's voice sounds sad, and El can feel herself become disheartened knowing he has to go, but she tries to not sound it through the supercom.
"Alright, I'll talk to you later, bye Mike" she says sweetly and she can hear Mike's joyous voice on the other end, "Bye, El" and the line goes dead.
El flops her arm down onto her bed as she stares up at the plain wooden ceiling where cobwebs dust between the beams.
She gives a heavy sigh, feeling once again alone. She truly hopes that Hopper finds them a home soon because she would love to feel connected to her friends and not so isolated.
She also wishes that she will be able to go to Mike's for the movie marathon, but for now she lays in bed, closing her eyes and wishing it to be tomorrow so that she can see her friends once again.
However, she didn't have to suffer long when a few weeks later Hopper had announced that he would be going to look at a couple houses, and annoyingly to her, Hopper didn't want her tagging along.
Although disappointed at first, a new idea popped into her mind, and she figured she could possibly use it as leverage. So, she asked her new dad about the marathon, and she knew he couldn't say no.
And to her relief, Hopper had said yes to the movie marathon, and she couldn't wait to finally be able to get out of the cabin and spend time with her friends in the cramped cabin. Not just that, but Mike's basement had been her first actual 'home'. Her first place where she felt safe and she was eager to see it once again.
So, when she was awoken to the bright light of Saturday morning, she felt as if nothing could go wrong on this day.
But, she was sorely mistaken.
When she awoke she had felt fine at first, but as she began to get ready, a slight pain was protruding through her head, and a knot formed in her stomach.
After El had placed her sweatshirt over her head she rubbed at the headache that was beginning to form behind her skull. "No, no, no!" she growled at the incessant pain.
She had felt this way before, a couple of times actually. When she had first moved in with Hopper she had gotten sick with a nasty stomach bug, something she had never experienced in her life.
The throbbing headache and her swirling stomach were nothing compared to the vomiting that had come with it. The experience was something she never wanted to go through again. However, she had caught another bug and a couple of colds her first year in the cabin.
Hopper explained that since she hadn't had much exposure to the outside world she was more susceptible to getting sick. She hated his explanation because everytime she felt the sickness come on, she knew she would be miserable for days on end.
Now, it was the worst time for her to get sick, for she had been eagerly awaiting this day since the day she destroyed the demogorgon. She wanted to be back in her safe place, she wanted to be with her friends, with Mike.
She stood there for a couple minutes, massaging her temples, wishing the headache and stomachache to go away.
And, as if her wish was granted, the knot in her stomach disappeared, but her headache still persisted.
Allowing herself to take a minute and examine herself, she actually felt fine. She didn't have the queasiness that followed every time she had a stomach bug, nor did she have a stuffy nose like when she had a cold.
As quickly as the stomach pain had come, it vanished. And now all that remained was a headache.
"Weird" were the first words out of her mouth.
But, she didn't feel anything else, and was beginning to feel relieved. So, with a shrug of her shoulders, she went back to getting ready and headed out to the kitchen where Hopper had already placed a plate of eggs and toast, ready for her consumption.
Hearing her door open, Hopper, who was busying himself in the kitchen turned towards her, he flashed her a quick smile, "Morning" he says before he ducks into the fridge.
El attempts to play it cool as the headache still persisted in her head, but she didn't want Hopper calling off her day.
So, she seats herself in her chair and begins to dig into her meal, attempting to remain under the radar.
Hopper soon comes to sit across from her with his own plate, placing a bottle of ketchup between them. She slowly moves to grab the container and pours the sauce onto her eggs, a habit picked up by her boyfriend, which Hopper shudders at each time.
"You excited kid?" Hopper asks from across the table, and she only nods in return. This of course is a mistake, because the man immediately picks up on her lack of enthusiasm.
"El, you okay?" his worried dad voice kicks in, and although El doesn't meet his eyes, she can feel his on her.
She nods again, "Yes, everythings fine" she tries to add some emphasis on her words, but she falls short.
"Kid" Hopper's stern voice comes out, and El flinches, raising her head only slightly, peeking up to catch her dad's eyes.
"Yes" she whispers.
"Do you not feel good?" he asks and El huffs dropping her fork to her plate, and she can't help the tears that prick at her eyes, she takes in a quick breath, attempting not to cry.
"Hey, hey, easy there, tell me what's wrong?" Hopper says as he moves to kneel beside her.
El shakes her head, pressing her fists into her eyes, trying to control her tears. She sniffles, "No, you're going to tell me I can't go!"
She feels Hoppers large hand pressed against her back as he tries to soothe her, "You don't usually get this upset El, please just tell me what's wrong".
No, Hopper's right, she doesn't usually get this upset over things, she's more likely to yell and scream than cry. But, she wipes away her tears and pulls herself together, she turns her watery gaze on the man, he's giving her a sympathetic look waiting for her to speak.
She swallows her next breath before speaking, "I have a headache and you won't let me go if I'm sick," she sputters out, and she watches the man pull back slightly, a confused expression written across his face.
"You just have a headache?" he asks and El nods, wiping her nose with her nearby napkin.
He laughs at her shaking his head, and El immediately finds herself annoyed by this action, "Don't laugh!" she all but yells and Hopper's eyes are on her again, "Geez kid, when did you get so sensitive" she can see he's trying to hold back more laughter, but refrains.
Hopper stands to his feet and moves towards the bathroom. Her brown irises follow him. She can hear him rummaging around before coming back out. His right hand is fisted together, and he holds it out to her.
She moves her own hand out as her dad drops two pink colored items into her hand. She looks at them and she knows what it is immediately, for he just had to jam them down her throat every other time she was sick with a fever. She eventually obeyed and always felt better after she had taken them.
"Finish eating then take those, your headache will go away in a handful of minutes" he explains as he moves back to his own plate.
She gives him a look, and she knows he has interpreted it before, it says 'Explain'. Hopper rolls his eyes as he takes a bite of his food, "It's the same stuff I make you take for fevers, it works for headaches too".
Her eyes flicked down to the pink tablets and then back to him, "But...I thought you only take them when you're sick?"
Hopper shakes his head, "You're not sick, headaches happen from time to time. You probably just need to drink more water, but this will take the edge off" he finishes.
Instantly, relief washes over El, and she feels herself brighten. She happily finishes her meal, and although she hates taking the pills, she does so because she wants the rest of the day to be enjoyable.
And, just as Hopper had said, as she began to put on her jacket, she felt her headache begin to dissipate, she flashes a smile up at the man.
"Feeling better miss moody?" he jokes and El rolls her eyes, "Yes, can we go?" she asks jumping on the toes of her feet, feeling much more energized now.
Hopper only laughs as he holds open the door to the cabin, "Come on kid" he says as they both walk down the creaking cabin steps and make their way to the cruiser. El flying high, her joy uncontained, unable to wait and see her friends.
He was pretty sure he had misheard Hopper when he had actually agreed to letting El come over to his house for the movie marathon. And he was over the moon with a million different emotions knowing that his girlfriend was finally able to come back over to his house.
Even though she had been over for dinner, they didn't really get to spend any real time together. What he really wanted to do was bring her down to the basement and show her how he had made her fort bigger (more fit for two people) his innard voice teased him. And he had strung fairy lights from the "roof" of the fort, illuminating it in a soft glow.
He was secretly proud of his work as he continued to tidy up the very messy basement. He wanted to make sure the couch was clear of fallen food debris left by his friends, and the air to not smell like stale sweat socks. Because thanks to the boys growing bodies, they seemed to leave an odor every time they huddled together in the basement.
Of course, Max was usually the first one to comment, the rest of them not really noticing. But, he took the redheads word for it and placed a couple aromatic candles about, hoping to mask the smell.
He knew that this wasn't some 'date', especially since the other boys and Max would be there, but he remembered how much El had talked to him within the first couple months of her return about how much she wanted to see the basement. So, he wanted to make it special.
Mike moved their small t.v. so that it was turned just right so that El, 'And hopefully him', his mind taunted him, could see the movie from the blanket fort, while the others curled up on the couch.
Once he had everything set just so, he finally made his way up the stairs and into the kitchen, where a sweet aroma hit his nose.
"Hello Micheal, I'm just finishing making some cookies for you and your friends!" his mom chirps brightly, and he can't help but smile.
"Thanks mom, that's awesome!" his chipper mood couldn't be ruined, and his mom gave him a teasing stare as he began to hunt for the bags of popcorn to get them ready.
Thankfully, with his large growth spurt, he no longer needed to stand on his tip-toes to reach the treat he so desired. Now, he simply reached out his hand and grabbed three bags, making his way towards the microwave.
"Someone seems happy" his mom teases him as she places the finished cookies onto a cooling rack. Mike lets out a quick puff of air from his nose, "I'm just excited to see my friends...and El" he whispers the last part to himself, grinning brightly at the anticipation of seeing her soon.
"Well, I'm just glad Hopper finally let El come over, it's been weeks since the dinner and I haven't seen her since" she tuts as she loads another tray of unbaked cookies into the oven.
Mike turns away from the microwave as he allows the first bag to pop behind him as he leans against the counter. "He's really overprotective" he sighs.
His mom laughs as she cleans up around the kitchen, "I'd say so, he never had the chance to have a teenage daughter. Imagine adopting one with superpowers and one that already has a boyfriend", she throws Mike a knowing look and he flushes.
"Ugh, mom why do you have to be so embarrassing" he buries his head into his hands.
He hears his mom approach him as she takes his hands and pulled them away from his face, their eyes fixate on each other, "I'm not embarrassing, I'm just happy to see you so happy" she gives him a slight smile.
"You were so depressed last year, your father and I barely knew what to do with you" she shrugs her shoulders as Mike listens.
"Little did we know your first love was taken from you" she says nonchalantly turning away from Mike, who is now gaping at her.
"What?" he says startled by her words, or more so one word in particular.
She gives him a sidelong glance, "You heard me Michael, you just have to figure it out on your own though" she singsongs.
He opens his mouth to speak but just as he does so the microwave pings behind him. Turning slowly he opens the door and pulls out the first steaming bag of popcorn, he places it delicately on the counter as he throws the next bag in.
But this time his eyes fixate on the hazy, swiveling bag in the microwave, "Love?" dances through his head, but he barely has time to truly think it through when the doorbell rings. His attention directly on the door as he moves through the kitchen at warp speed.
"I'll get it!" he calls last minute over his shoulder, and he mentally slaps himself, because he's pretty sure his mom knows what he's doing.
He stops quickly once he reaches the mudroom, and he takes a moment to catch his breath and straightens out his clothes, as he fusses with his hair.
Just then the doorbell rings again, he can hear muffled voices from outside, "El, I told you, you don't have to ring it twice". A heavy sigh, "I just wanted to" a female voice answers back
Mike can't help but smile at the slightly comical interaction that is happening right behind the door, and a rush of nervousness envelops him. So, with a deep breath, he tries to remain calm as he pulls the door open.
He's immediately greeted by two very surprised people who seemed to have been having a glaring match with one another. When they both turn towards him their expression changes, Hopper looks startled, all while El beams the second she notices it's him standing holding the door open.
"Mike!" she cheers and he only has a second to let go of the door to catch the girl as she barrels into his arms.
He stutters slightly as her warmth envelops him as he wraps his arms around her small frame. "Hey El, glad you could make it" he finally voices.
El pulls away only slightly, raising her head so that their eyes meet, and they flash each other a winning smile.
A loud throat clearing from behind them breaks them apart, and Mike startles, forgetting Hopper was even there.
"Oh, uh, hi chief" he manages to get out, and the older man rolls his eyes, "Hey" is all he says gruffly as El turns to stand in the house with him, her hand finds his like a magnet.
"Okay, bye dad!" El chirps to the man before trying to pull Mike off, but Hopper stops them, "Wait a minute!" and El freezes in her steps, causing Mike to stumble into her slightly. She gives the man a strained look, "What?" she almost whines.
Hopper gives her a firm look, and then his stare falls onto Mike, and he, is immediately uncomfortable. The man points a finger at El, "You remember your manners, and the rules" he starts and El nods her head unsympathetically, "Yeah, yeah, I know" she says once again pulling on Mike's arm.
But another force stops Mike in his tracks as Hopper grabs onto his free arm. He freezes, staring up at his girlfriends daughter, now he points a finger directly at him, "No funny business kid, and remember no powers" his voice quiets on the last words and Mike only nods.
"Good" he says and lets Mike go, "I'll be back around eight to get her, be ready" he directs the last part at El and she rolls her eyes, "Alright, bye!" she says and turns once again, Mike sees Hopper shakes his head as he pulls their house door closed.
Mike is then forcefully pulled into his house and he can't help but laugh at his girlfriends eagerness. "Woah, El, hold on a second" he chuckles making the girl come to an abrupt halt, once again causing his tall self to stumble into her.
He falters and makes sure he doesn't knock the small girl down, so he steadies himself by placing both of his hands on her hips.
She smiles at the contact, and she quickly stands on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him into another hug.
"Missed you" she says softly as they stay in their embrace, and Mike can't help but melt into it. "I missed you too" he returns as they pull away slightly, arms still wrapped around one another.
They stay there, standing in the mudroom like there's nothing else in the world to do. Mike examines his girlfriends face, and smiles when he sees she's doing the same. Their dark eyes meet, and he can feel the swooping feeling in his stomach, his eyes flick to her mouth, and as if she can read his mind, he begins to feel her pull him down.
They inch closer together, it felt like an eternity as they came closer together. He can feel her breath tickled his face as he closes his eyes.
"Mike who was, oh-!" his mom walks in from the kitchen and both El and Mike jump apart as if they had just been struck by lightning, just before their lips would have touched.
"Oh...uh mom" he tries to pull himself together, he can feel his cheeks burning in embarrassment and with a quick glance to the side he can see El is bright red as well, and looks away sheepishly.
"El's...uh...she's...she's here" he trips over his words and mentally facepalms himself. He looks at his mom who, even though seems surprised, she gives him a coy look, before turning to El.
She moves towards the girl and opens her arms, El, once again startled by his moms quick affections freezes, but this time allows her arms to wrap around his moms back.
"El, it's good to see you" she singsongs, pulling away she give El a bright smile. "I was afraid that dad of yours was never going to let you come over here" she teases, taking a step back.
El seems at a loss for words, but she finally speaks, "Uh yeah, he's very overprotective" she shrugs her shoulders and his mom laughs, "That's what Mike just said! Aren't you two just the cutest" she sighs, and Mike's pretty sure he could have disappeared in this moment if he could.
"Mom!" he moans, but she phsaws him as she turns back towards the kitchen, "I'll leave you two alone, are you expecting the others soon?" she asks.
"Yes, soon" he groans taking a step towards El, who seems to be holding back a grin at his mother's embarrassing remarks.
"Okay then, let me know when to order the pizzas" she states before she begins to busy herself once again.
Mike lets out a sigh as he takes El's hands in his, she looks up at him, "Let's go downstairs, I want to show you something and I don't want my mom humiliating me more then she already has".
El giggles at this as she allows Mike to pull her along towards the basement door. And he leads her down the stairs hand in hand.
Her eyes widened in amazement as she takes in the basement she had first called home, although it seemed different, especially with it all picked up, the same feeling of warmth and safety still clung to the environment.
"Does it still feel the same?" Mike asks her as they descend the last step.
She gazes in wonder as she sees that Mike has definitely picked the place up, and it's not as musty smelling as it had been over a year ago.
El lets go of Mike's hand as she moves about the basement. Her eyes flicking from one poster to the next, and seeing that a lot of his toys had been either organized or were no longer there.
But, then her eyes landed on the one thing she was hoping was still there: her fort. Slowly, she steps towards it, she stops in front of the blankets and carefully lifts the one in front, revealing the entrance.
She turns her head to see Mike has moved towards her as well, he stops beside her as she peeks in. "I uh...I hope you don't mind I made it bigger and oh-!" he starts as he moves to the other side of the fort as he fumbles around.
El begins to wonder what her boyfriend is doing but, as she looks into the fort, it suddenly erupts in light, and her eyes dazzle at the new feature.
"I thought you'd like it" he explains as he moves back to her, ruffling the back of his hair as he does so.
She doesn't say anything, because she begins to feel an overwhelming feeling arise within her.
Tears cascade down her face without her even knowing it as she stares at the wonder before her.
"El, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean-" Mike begins to worry as he believes he has upset her, but El moves quickly, enveloping the boy in her arms.
"It's perfect" is all she whispers into chest as she holds the boy she cares so much about tightly to her.
She hears him sigh in relief as he returns the hug. "Heh, that's a relief, I thought you didn't like it".
El shakes her head as she pulls away from him slightly, looking back at the fort, "Can we go in?" she asks, giving him a hopeful look.
She can see that it's not the exact same fort that she had stayed in, but instead it is much larger. And her heart swells thinking that Mike had made it big enough for the both of them.
Mike doesn't answer, and only nods, and the flush on his face tells her that her guess is right.
So, bending down she crawls into the fort, and sits herself just right, her head just barely brushing the top blanket.
Mike is all limbs as he tries to fit himself into the fort as well. He knocks his knee into one of the chairs, and he winces, El tries not to giggle at the display.
His tallness does not allow him to sit like El, so instead his legs stick out from the fort as he lays on his side.
El gives him a warm smile and Mike only laughs, "I thought I got it big enough for both of us," he chuckles.
El giggles, "So, you did make it for both of us?" she teases, and Mike turns away, trying to not meet her gaze.
She can tell that he gets flustered quickly, so she bends down quickly placing a swift kiss on his cheek.
His eyes turn to meet hers quickly, allowing only a small space of air between them. She tries to portray everything she's feeling in that gaze, "I'm glad you did" she whispers.
She watches as her boyfriend finally begins to relax slightly, "Really?" he breathes.
And El only nods as she rearanges herself so that she is lying on her side as well. The space then evolves as they lay close together, their feet touching on the outside of the fort, their heads centimeters away from each other.
She can feel the electricity building, and how each of their breathings picks up.
Mike gives her a small smile, "I'm glad your home" his voice just as soft and meaningful as the last time he spoke them to her. She's pretty sure her heart melts right then and there as she ducks her head closer to his, "Me too" she responds with a quick smile, and with a fraction of space between them, she finally closes the distance, and their lips meet.
It's a different feeling when they kiss this time, and she's wondering if Mike can feel it too. She feels Mike's hand came to rest on her hip, as she moves to steady herself and places her hand on his chest. She squeezes the material between her fists, bunching it together.
She hums, something that she had never done before at how amazing it felt with hers and Mike's lips connected with one another.
This seems to elicit something new from Mike, because this time when he shifts to move their kiss, instead of bringing them together, he gently bites down on her lower lip. It doesn't hurt, but it surprises her slightly, and she gives a light 'oh!' in return, Mike pulls away frowning.
"I'm sorry El, I just-" he starts to explain, but El moves and places a hand over his mouth, silencing him, she shakes her head, "Stop apologizing" she jokes, "I...I just never-" she's at a loss for words as she shrugs her shoulders.
Mike ducks his head with a small huff of laughter, "It's a different kind of kiss, there's a lot of different ways...apparently" he raises one shoulder.
El finds herself intrigued, "What do you mean?" she asks. And Mike sputters slightly, "Uhm...well instead of just kissing...uh, some people like, use their tongues, and bite at each others lip...lightly" he adds as he begins to fluster.
She tilts her head, "Really?" Mike shrugs, "I mean...that's what I've heard, and uh...seen in movies, I haven't done anything like that I mean you-" and he stops, as El gives him a peculiar look.
He lets out a warbly breath, "You...were my first kiss" he states, and El feels her body soften.
This was something she had never thought of. Mike had a life before she stepped into it, there could have been other girls, it never crossed her mind.
She had asked Hopper once while during one of her soap operas why one particular guy seemed to kiss every girl that came his way. Hopper had scoffed and explained to her that if you truly loved or cared about someone, they were the only person that you kissed and that you were faithful to them.
It was something she had taken to heart. Because, back a year ago after Mike had kissed her, she had always hoped and dreamed of the day they could do it again. She could never see herself doing that with another person. And she never once thought of him kissing other girls, but, he had the opportunity to do so.
But, he didn't. And she remembers the long heartfelt talks he would have into the supercom, silently waiting for her to answer back, but she never did.
It broke her heart. Remembering how long he waited. And just as Hopper had said about people being faithful, that was Mike to a 't'.
She could begin to feel herself getting emotional again, and Mike caught this, "Hey, are you okay I didn't mean to make you upset", he lightly reached out his hand and stroked away a stray tear.
Honestly, she had no idea why she was being so emotional about everything, but for some reason this particular statement truly moved her.
"Mike" she whispers, making sure his dark eyes found hers, "Yeah" he looks up at her with deep eyes.
"I...I never got to say thank you...for waiting for me. Even though you never knew if I was okay" she sniffed.
Mike softens, "El, I would have waited everyday for you if I knew there was a reason. I knew you weren't gone and I wasn't ready to give up. Not for you" his voice is delicate.
She can't help the tears that continue to fall and that's when she leans in quickly again, grappling her lips to his, and she pulls him close.
It's something neither of them have ever experienced, the way their lips molded and moved together. The way they poured all their unspoken emotions into that one kiss. And it's something that thrilled El to her core.
She wants to experiment, just like Mike did. But they're so heavily involved with each other that they don't hear the footsteps that trample down the stairs, the only thing that breaks them apart is a sudden voice.
"Where are they, Karen said, OH MY GOD!"
And that's when Mike and El break apart in a quick frenzy for the second time that day. They try to shuffle away from one another, but there's nowhere to go in the fort.
"Were you guys just sucking face!" Dustin's voice is louder than need be in El's opinion, as she and Mike finally break away from the fort. They both fix their clothes and hair and desperately try to not make eye contact with Dustin, Lucas, Will or Max, who now stand with knowing looks on their faces.
"Ha! They totally were, look at their faces!" Lucas points directly at them, all while getting closer to Mike, inspecting his face, "Dude, when did you start wearing lip gloss!" he then doubles over, as does Dustin.
"Shut up you guys!" Mike growls at them as he eventually looks over to El and gives her a sheepish smile, which she returns.
And, even though she knows, she's not supposed to use her powers, she figures this is an okay time. So with a quick flick of her chin, both boys freeze in their spots, while a small trickle of blood leaves her nose.
Now, Will, Max and Mike are bent over laughing at the ridiculousness of the two frozen boys.
Even though they can't move, their eyes widen, scared. El approaches them, "Don't forget what I did to that mouth breather at school, I could do it to you guys too" she taunts.
"Yes, do it, do it!" Max cheers her on. And through their frozen mouths both Dustin and Lucas cry, "No!" although it is quite muffled.
El quirks another eyebrow up at the boys and she can hear them beginning to whimper, and that's all she needs for satisfaction as she lets them go.
They both collapse, their limbs now being free. Mike comes over and wraps an arm around her and gives her a quick peck on the side of her face, "It's pretty cool having a girlfriend with superpowers" he smirks at Dustin and Lucas who shake their heads.
"Awe, come on El, that would have been hilarious to see them wet themselves!" Max gives the girl a slight shove, which makes El chuckle.
"Next time for sure" she reassures the redhead, and they give each other a high five.
"You guys haven't learned to keep your mouths shut" Will shakes his head at the other two.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever, we just don't need to see you guys swapping saliva every time you're together" Dustin grumbles as he dumps his backpack, which is filled with various candies, onto the coffee table.
"It's not like you guys were here, you just-" but Mike falters with his next words, his cheeks flaming.
"Interrupted your make-out session" Max finishes as she laughs grabbing a bag of licorice and plops onto the couch.
El watches Mike throw her a glare, but she takes his hand in hers, he looks down at her, "Let's start the movies, I want to watch them all before Hopper comes to pick me" she flutters her eyes at him, and she sees him melt.
"Okay" he quickly agrees.
And he and Will disappear upstairs, Will having offered to help him get the bowls of popcorn and cookies Mike's mom made.
El decides to sit down beside Max, as she rifles through the large candy pile, while Lucas and Dustin argue how to set up the VHS player.
Max turns to her and whispers, "Geez, you and Mike seem to be getting pretty comfortable around each other".
El startles and gives the girl a wide eye look, and the redhead smiles at her mischievously. "What?" El mumbles and Max gives a little laugh, "I just mean, I've never seen you guys go at it like that before.''
"Go..at it?" El tests the words and Max laughs again, "Oh, I forget sometimes you don't know slang, I just mean, like...you guys were getting intimate is all" she shrugs her shoulders as she finally decides on a twix bar, as she unwraps the treat.
"Intimate" she parrots the word back to Max, who seems somewhat unsure about how to answer this next question.
"Uhm-" she starts, but just then Mike and Will trump back down the stairs, each with a handful of bowls filled to the brim with popcorn. While Mike attempts to balance a plate of cookies on top of his popcorn bowl.
"Alright, here are the snacks, my mom has the pizza ordered, so let's start watching the movie!" Mike's excited voice pulls El away from hers and Max's conversation, and she decides to leave it there, she'll ask her later.
Right now, she just wants to enjoy this time with her friends, and maybe getting to snuggle up to her boyfriend isn't such a bad thought either.
The afternoon drags on as they begin the first Star Wars movie.
El had only watched this one with Mike about a month ago and had never been able to watch the other two.
Dustin, Max and Lucas sat on the couch together, while Will had opted for the floor, using the couch as a back rest. This of course found El and Mike back in their fort. However, this time less intimately as Max had described their earlier encounter.
Now, they both laid on their stomachs, eyes entranced into the movie, as their hands closest to the other were being held.
The pizza had arrived about a half hour ago, just as the movie was about to finish. And as El laid there, she began to realize a small ache in her stomach.
She thought that maybe lying on her stomach while eating probably wasn't the best idea. So, she rearranged herself, sitting cross legged on the floor. Still intertwining her hands with Mike's. The pain drifted away, and she went back to focusing on the movie.
El believed that her problems were solved, especially since they were all now enjoying the second movie together. But, another sharp pain struck her.
"Hey, you okay?" Mike questioned El, also sitting up beside her. She gives him a questioning look and he looked down at their hands, and to her surprise she can see she's holding onto his quite tightly.
"Oh! Sorry" she says loosening her grip on his hand and turning back towards the movie, hoping the pain would stop.
However, she noticed that in-consistently she would have uncomfortable pains ripple through her abdomen, and she tried to believe that it was a stomach ache from all the candy and pizza they had eaten.
But, there was something different about the pains. They stayed longer and made her stomach tight. She finally decided that going to the bathroom was her best bet.
So, she goes to move and Mike catches her movements, "Bathroom" she whispers to him, and he nods his head.
Approaching the bathroom, she tries to not grab the attention of her friends. And they seem so invested with the movie, that she doesn't see one person turn to look at her.
After she has the door shut to the bathroom, she stands in front of the mirror, examining her face. It's not pale, nor is her nose bleeding. And then another pain and she squeezes her stomach tight, she groans silently.
When the pain passes, she pulls her shirt up and examines her stomach, even though it seems more bloated than usual, she can't see any visible marks of something externally that would hurt her.
She finally decides to use the bathroom, however, when she looks down, she sees a very familiar color that is smeared against her underwear, and her heart quickly jumps to her throat.
She's never had this happen before and she silently begins to freak out, not sure what to do.
'Were the pains causing her to bleed internally?" her mind raced with a million thoughts as to what was going on with her.
The panic filled her, as she began to hyperventilate.
She cupped her head in her hands and tried breathing like Hopper had taught her, but she was pretty sure her heart was going to jump out of her chest.
Finally, a knock on the door brought her somewhat back to reality.
"El?" Mike's voice is muffled by the thick wooden door.
"You've been in there for awhile, you okay?" his voice is full of worry.
She shakes her head to herself, trying to hold back her tears.
"El!?" he asks again a bit more tensely as he begins to try at the doorknob, but its locked.
Finally she cries out, "Blood!"
The doorknob stops jiggling, "El, did you just say blood, is your nose okay, what's going on?" but she can't bring herself to do anything, her mind is going a million miles a minute.
She can hear the boys panicking and arguing on the other side. When, another knock is heard, "El, it's Max, let me in, please" her voice is firm and demanding.
She listens as she and Mike have a quarreling match outside the door. But, she can't make out the words, then...it goes silent.
And now El begins to worry about what's going on out there.
"El", Mike's voice again, "Let Max in, trust me, you'll be okay" his voice seems kind of nervous. But, Mike never usually lets anyone else help her through moments unless it's important.
So, finally pulling herself together, she cleans herself up the best she can and approaches the door. She unlocks it and opens it slowly.
She becomes face to face with Max, who's giving her a sympathetic look, "Hey, can we talk?"
And so, El lets her in, Max shutting and locking the door behind her, turning towards El she gives her a half smile.
"Did this happen when you went to the bathroom?" is her first question, and El nods.
"Does your stomach hurt?" is her second, El nods again.
And with a quick sigh, Max holds up a square item with a florally pattern El didn't even realize she was holding, "El, I think you just got your first period".
He was truly flying high when he had seen El first set her eyes on the basement once again. The excitement that filled her gaze was more than enough for Mike to realize he had done everything perfectly.
Then, when he showed her the expanded fort, and she began to joke with him about it being big enough for both of them, he realized just how much both of them had changed. And it sent a small thrill up his spine at her coyness, almost suggestive.
His stupid teenage boy brain reacted to this a little too much, and he tried to settle himself down. Instead, trying to focus on how beautiful his girlfriend looked under the twinkling lights above her.
He was a little annoyed at the fact he hadn't made the fort big enough for himself. So, trying to fit under the blankets comfortably was a challenge.
But, it was all worth it for the giggle that El gave him, and the quick peck on the cheek. However, what was even more rewarding was when El moved in to kiss him, and he lost all his senses.
Even though they had kissed many times before, there was a different charge with this particular kiss. There was a bit more passion that burned when their lips met this time. And as they delved deeper into each other he could feel himself melting into the embrace.
But, then El let out a soft moan as their lips parted with one another as her hand coiled into his shirt, so of course his stupid hormones seemed to take over, and that's when he decided to bite onto her lower lip gently, which elicited a small 'oh!' from the girl he was currently kissing.
'Stupid, stupid, stupid!' went through his mind as he watched his girlfriend gave him a questioning look, as she began to ask about what he had just done.
"I'm sorry El, I just-" he starts to explain, but El moves and places a hand over his mouth, silencing him, she shakes her head, "Stop apologizing" she jokes, "I...I just never-" she shrugs her shoulders, and he knows what she's trying to get at.
Mike ducks his head with a small huff of laughter, "It's a different kind of kiss, there's a lot of different ways...apparently" he then goes off into a long, uncomfortable rant about different types of kissing.
He then goes even further, stopping himself short just as he explains to her that she was his first kiss.
The statement seemed to surprise the girl beside her, as she seems to process this information within her head.
He was trying to be as truthful as possible with everything in their relationship. When he had kissed her in the cafeteria, it never crossed his mind that she might not even know what he was doing.
Then, they were separated for a year, he had no idea if she was dead or alive, but he didn't care. The torch that began to burn for her was in full throttle and no matter how awful the feeling of being away from her was, it still flickered.
But, then they were miracuously reunited, only to be torn apart once again. He had held onto her arms desperately, silently wishing that she wouldn't leave, that she wouldn't leave him again.
And after they promised to reunite shortly, he watched as her eyes flicked to his lips and she stood on her tiptoes as she came closer to him. 'Holy shit!' went through his mind as he realized she was about to kiss him, and he knew right then and there that what he felt for her, she felt exactly the same.
Of course, that kiss never happened, but the snowball made up for that. And the many that followed after.
He was brought out of his thoughts when he noticed El's face began to fall slightly, as her eyes glistened with tears. 'How did I mess it up this time?' he sighs to himself.
He reaches out an arm, "Hey, are you okay I didn't mean to make you upset" he wipes away at her stray tears that descend from her eye. Slightly afraid of her next words.
But, they stun him. "I...I never got to say thank you...for waiting for me. Even though you never knew if I was okay" she sniffed.
He couldn't believe her words "El, I would have waited everyday for you if I knew there was a reason. I knew you weren't gone and I wasn't ready to give up. Not for you" his voice is delicate.
Tears continue to trail down her face, and he instantly becomes worried, however, he's startled once again as El leans in quickly once again, grasping onto his shirt and interlocking their lips together once again.
He can't explain the feeling or emotions that trail through him as they mold their lips together again and again in a frantic motion.
El begins to shift, and he follows her movements and soon they're laying down, El just resting on his chest. He feels the smallest movement of El's tongue begin to sneak out of her mouth and just as soon as he feels it, it's gone, thanks to the loud obnoxious voice of his friend, and he and El spring apart as if caught on fire.
His stupid teenage hormones cause him to shuffle awkwardly as he tries to control his thoughts or where he and El might have gone to if it weren't for the interuption.
There friends then tease them ferociously at being caught making out with each other.
He knows his face is burning hot as he and El finally stand from the fort and listen to their friends. But, El puts a stop to it pretty quickly, and Mike realizes just how amazing his girlfriend is.
Will offers to help him upstairs to grab the popcorn and cookies. Mike still can't help but feel embarrassed being caught making out with his girlfriend by his friends.
Even though he tries to hide it, Will picks up on it immediately.
"Hey", his oldest friend grabs his attention. Mike turns to look at the boy who is grabbing one of the bowls of popcorn.
"You know, it's okay that you guys do that stuff" Will shrugs his shoulders, not making eye contact with Mike, who shuffles awkwardly in his place.
"It's been a long time since we've all see you happy, and I mean...that's part of having a girlfriend right?" he keeps his voice light and teasing, Mike finally makes eye contact with him and smiles.
"Yeah, thanks Will, it's nice having one friend who doesn't tease you" he finally relaxes as he grabs a plate of cookies and sets them on top of one of the popcorn bowls.
Will laughs, "Oh, I didn't say I wasn't going to tease you".
And Mike gives him a stunned look, as Will shakes his head and moves towards the basement door, "I was just saying that it's okay to do that stuff, but if you get caught, be prepared".
Mike huffs, but can't help but smile as he follows Will down the steps.
As they make their way downstairs, he can see that Max and El are talking quietly, and a look of interest and uncertainty cross El's face.
He becomes curious as to what they were talking about, but with a victorious cheer from Dustin after having set up the VHS player and t.v, it goes to the back of his mind.
They all then begin to settle in various spots around the basement. El quickly stood and made her way over to the fort. Mike hesitates slightly, not wanting to hear the ridicules from his friends, but when he glances over to his girlfriend, she gives him a hopeful look, and he decides to say 'Screw it' about his friends teasing as he settles in beside El, both smiling at one another.
The beginning of the first movie goes along fine. After about an hour his mom brings down the pizza and they all eagerly dig in.
Mike eventually found himself and El laying on their stomachs, bellies full from the pizza and candy, content as they hold hands.
At one point, out of the corner of his eye, he can tell something is wrong with El, as she shifts uncomfortably and a stain of pain crosses her face.
He goes to comment, but she moves to sit up and it seems that the movement settles her.
It's when the second movie starts, that her fidgeting increases and at one point she's squeezing his hand in a death grip.
When he comments on it, he notices that she honestly had no idea what she was doing and relaxes her grip. He shifts so that he was sitting just like her, their hands still latched together.
But, it isn't long until El moves once again and this time Mike gives her a questioning look. And she whispers, "Bathroom" to him, does he begin to think that maybe she's got a stomach ache or something.
He watches her go and tries to return to the movie, but his thoughts don't move away from his girlfriend. About five minutes tick by, and then another. It's then his anxiety skyrockets and he pushes himself to his feet, making his way to the bathroom door.
He knocks silently, trying to not bring attention to himself or El.
"El?" he calls softly, as he presses his ear against the door, listening for any response, but none comes.
"You've been in there for awhile, you okay?" his voice is full of worry.
Still no response, and he goes into fear mode.
He then finds himself calling out her name once again as he begins to jiggle the outside door knob but the lock holds true. He then hears her call out "Blood!" and he freezes.
His friends have finally picked up on the commotion going on by the bathroom, as they run to his side asking, "What's going on?" each one worried.
He ignores them, as he calls out again, "El, did you just say blood, is your nose okay, what's going on?"
But nothing comes from the door and he panics.
"What about blood, is she okay?" Dustin pipes in.
"I don't know, she's been acting kind of weird as we've been watching the movies, she's been in there awhile I don't-" he stops short, not really sure what he should be thinking or believing.
But, then Max moves them all apart roughly, shoving them aside, she raps on the door, "El, it's Max, let me in, please" her voice is firm and demanding.
Mike is slightly annoyed as he grabs onto the redheads shoulders turning her towards him, "What the hell, what makes you think you can help her any better than me!?"
He doesn't mean to sound like a jerk, but his heart is racing in his chest and he doesn't know what's going on with his girlfriend.
Max glares at him as she raises an eyebrow in question to him, "Seriously?" she spits at him.
"Obviously if you don't know what's going on, then, no. You shouldn't be helping her" she says defensively and Mike growls.
"How do you know what's going on with her!?" he shouts back and he can see Max has reached her limit.
"I'm a girl. I know exactly what's going on" she tries to reason with him, almost hinting at something, but Mike stands there, continuously dumbfounded.
Max turns and looks at all the boys around her, they all raise their shoulders in uncertainty, not sure as well.
She finally lets out a long breath, shaking her head, "Seriously, oh my gosh you guys, El's got her first period, idiots!" she waves her arms about as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
Mike's eyes widen in realization, and...he really wants to smack himself in the head for being such a mouthbreather.
"Oh" is all he's able to formulate and the other boys freeze as well, not sure where they belong in this conversation.
Max sighs, "Look, let me handle this, I'll get her calmed down because I'm sure she's freaking out, and then we'll probably go to your mom or something just...don't make her feel weird" she finishes.
Mike only nods, not really sure what he should do, but then Max gestures towards the door, and he gets the hint.
So, with a deep breath, he approaches the door and knocks one last time, "El", he starts, "Let Max in, trust me, you'll be okay".
He hopes this is enough for the scared girl to accept, and thankfully a moment later, he hears the door unlatch, and Max slips in.
He turns back towards the guys who are now all sitting on the couch, either twiddling their thumbs or trying to not look awkward, which they are failing to do.
Mike moves to sit down beside them, they sit in a pregnant silence.
But, of course Dustin ruins it, "Well, I guess that's what happens when girls join the party" he sighs, while everyone else lets out groans of disapproval.
Period.
She had heard the word before. When Hopper was teaching her about the importance of writing, he had explained to her that a period was something used to end a sentence. She had been practicing for almost a year to improve her writing skills and Hopper was always impressed by how she had improved.
But now, she wasn't so sure about what Max was referring to.
The fiery girl was just staring at her, waiting for her to respond, but El honestly didn't know what to say.
Even though the girls had grown closer, El was still hesitant towards the only other female party member.
And now, it seemed as if she was the only one who could help her.
Max finally lets out a long breath, rolling her eyes, "I'm assuming Hopper hasn't even prepared you for this?" she asks.
El shakes her head, looking down. She feels somewhat ashamed.
Max seems to pick up on this, because she approaches her slowly and places a gentle hand on her shoulder.
El raises her amber eyes to meet Max's soft blue ones, and she can see the empathy sitting there.
"Look, I'm not trying to be mean, I'm really trying to help" Max explains as she once again holds up the peculiar item in her hand.
"What..is period?" El finally asks, reverting back to her more stagnant way of speaking.
Max pulls a half smile, "It's this sucky event that happens to us poor girls once a month. We bleed from our vaginas, have stupid cramps and just feel sucky. Welcome to the wonders of being a girl" she said sarcastically and El gives her a look.
"Why?" is El's next inclination.
Max sighs, "Because, it's our bodies way of telling us that we can have babies. I started mine a couple months ago. It sucks."
"Babies?" El honestly had no idea what Max was talking about. She had seen a woman pregnant on t.v shows here and there and had pointed it out to Hopper. He of course told her that the woman was carrying a baby, but everytime she asked how it got there, he would inadvertently change the subject.
El sees Max's face flush, and she immediately deduces that the topic of babies seems to be one where everyone isn't sure how to talk about it.
But, Max shakes her head, "Look, I know you probably have a million questions" she starts and El frowns at this, feeling as if she doesn't understand anything again. Max, however, quickly grabs onto her shoulder, making her look into her eyes.
"El" she says softly, "No one, knows about this stuff until someone talks to them about it, I know I didn't" she allows a gentle smile to fall onto her face.
El's eyes widen at this, "Really?" she asks, trying to not sound too excited about this notion, but Max giggles, "Yes, really. But, I also think you talking to Mike's mom would be helpful, I know my mom was for me" she shrugs her shoulders.
El nods at this, "Can Mike come?" is her next question and Max bursts out laughing, quickly shaking her head, causing her red hair to fly about. "Ah, sorry El, but that's a good one" she wipes away a tear that is at the corner of her eye.
"Look, boys and girls go through different things when we hit puberty, and boys tend to get a little weirded out by what happens to us" Max explains.
"Puberty, why 'weirded out'?" El questions, and Max lets out a long breath, "Again, I think Karen will explain all of this better, but first-" she then motions to the little package she brought into the bathroom with her.
She holds it up to El, and she gives it a questioning look. "You see, when a girl gets her period, she bleeds for anywhere from four to six days. Sometimes longer" Max rolls her eyes, while El's widen.
"Why that long!?" she all but yells and Max huffs, "Because life is cruel and decided to let women go through this lovely journey".
El sighs, taking the package from Max, "What do I do?"
Max takes the package back from El's hand and opens it, showing El how it works, "It's called a pad, see, when you peel off this part, it's sticky, you uh...place it in your underwear" she says slightly embarrassed.
"You bleed quite a bit during your period, this makes it so it doesn't get messy".
El nods at this explanation taking the pad gently from Max.
"Alright, I'll uh...I'll let you get that- uh...yeah, and I'll wait for you outside, okay?" Max gives her a look and El only nods, she figures she understands what to do.
So, Max gives her one last smile before exiting the bathroom, leaving El alone once again.
She lets out a long breath, before she begins to unfasten her pants once again.
She really doesn't enjoy the feeling the pad has between her legs, it feels like it shouldn't be there, and she self consciously checks herself in the mirror to see if it can be seen through her jeans. Thankfully, it can't, but the awkwardness of the foreign object is not something she's sure she'll get used to.
So, sucking in a deep breath, El finally exits the bathroom, Max is standing right by the doorway and she gives her a slight nod, which El returns.
But, El looks up and can see now that all the boys eyes are on her, they seem uncertain. And El remembers what Max had just told her, 'Guys are weird about this stuff'. So, she can only assume that they are taking this all in, without being weird, however, they fail miserably.
Mike, however, stands and approaches her slowly, he gives her a soft look, "Hey" she can hear the nervousness in his voice, "Uhm...are you okay?" he doesn't sound sure about his own question.
El ducks her head, but nods, and she can hear Mike let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, I'm glad" he pauses and she turns to look at him, and he seems very nervous, like if he says the wrong thing, she'll explode or something.
"Uh, why don't we go back to the mov-" he starts but that's when Max steps in, "We'll have to cut movie day short, El needs to talk to your mom" her blue eyes glare into Mike, which he returns.
Dustin speaks up from the couch, "But why? We've had this plan-" but Max quickly cuts him off too, "Look, losers, El needs some education because apparently Hopper is too shy to talk about these necessary things. And honestly, that's not fair to El" she then moves to grab El's wrist, which surprises the brown haired girl.
She then gives a teasing look to Mike, "Besides, I think you-" and at this she pokes Mike square into his chest, "Would want her to have some idea about the birds and the bees especially with how comfortable you two were under the fort" she sing songs, and at this the other boys in the basement begin to howl in laughter.
Even though El isn't entirely sure what Max is insinuating, she feels her own face get hot, and Mike's cheeks erupts into a very dark shade of red.
"Whatever, just, take her to my mom" he tries to hide his face, and El's face falls seeing not just annoyance, but there's lingering anger there as well and it startles her.
She wants to say something to the boy, but Max pulls at her wrist "Come on El" and drags her up the stairs. Leaving El feeling not so good about what just happened.
Max's words sting him slightly, he was becoming quite annoyed as to how his friends were continuously jeering and picking fun at his and El's relationship.
So, when she begins to insinuate other aspects that might come with their relationship, he can't help but feel angered.
He doesn't fully understand what El is going through, but he knows enough growing up with an older sister. And all he wants to do is comfort her, and just be there. Because he can only imagine what she might be feeling in this moment.
But, right now all he can do is watch the only other female party member drag her upstairs. While he's left there feeling annoyed and ticked off.
The basement is silent after the last exchange, none of the other boys daring to speak. But, of course, Dustin, who struggles with silence, finally breaks it, "Uh, well, we could always finish the movies" he states lamely.
Mike turns to look at his other friends who seem at a loss for words. Guys of course, not being the greatest at knowing how to comfort one another.
Out of the corner of Mike's eye though, he sees Will move and slowly approach him, when he reaches him, Will places a warm hand on Mike's shoulder. Will tries to give him an encouraging smile, "Don't worry Mike. Max is right, she kind of needs this knowledge and I'm sure when they're done, they'll come back down".
Mike tightens his lips together, still not speaking. Lucas pipes in, "We've got to remember, El doesn't know any of that stuff" he laments, "I mean...we have weird stuff happen to us too, but we've had health class, we understand it better" he tries to reason.
Mike finally lifts his head to look at the sympathetic looks they are all giving him, and he can tell that they are actually being genuine and not just assholes.
He finally sighs and allows a small smile to trickle onto his face, "Okay, let's finish the movie" he states as he makes his way to the couch, and the other boys give out small cheers.
They all settle back into the movie. However, Mike struggles to focus, wondering what exactly his mom will talk to El about. And, being her constant reassurance he's sure he will be receiving a lot more questions from his girlfriend and his face flushes lightly at the thought.
El stumbles up the stairs behind Max, unsure about what's going to happen next.
But, Mike had told her to trust Max, and she had already helped her with the first problem, so she knew she had to trust the redhead to make the right decision.
As they opened the basement door, they walked slowly into the kitchen where both Karen and Nancy were chatting idly.
Their presence must have been heard, because just as they walk in, both burnette's turn to look at the girls.
They both smile, "Hey girls, coming up to take a break from the boys?" Karen teases as she moves about the kitchen taking care of dried dishes.
Nancy laughs at this, folding her arms over her chest, "Probably just sick of the nerdfest".
Karen scoffs, "Nancy" she warns and the girl just shrugs her shoulders looking back to both El and Max, her face then turns worrisome.
"Everything okay?" Nancy asks the girls and Max pulls El further into the kitchen. Now, Karen's attention is fully on them, "Girls?" she asks them with a concerned look.
Max sighs, "Uhm, I think El needs to have a talk with you" she gestures towards Karen and the woman places her hand on her chest, "Me, why?" she asks.
Max turns to look at El and nods, so the telekinetic girl takes a deep breath and looks down at the floor as she speaks, "I..I got my..my period" she says and both the Wheeler woman gasped, causing El to look up in alarm.
Karen goes straight into mother mode, "Oh, sweetie is this your first one?" she questions and El nods slowly.
"Has Hopper talked to you about this?" Nancy asks, and El shakes her head.
Karen sighs softly, "Well then, you've got two woman here who can help explain it all". El looks up and meets Karen's eyes, they are soft and understanding, and El's own eyes widened, realizing they are the dark shade that Mike has, she knows that she is safe immediately and her worries drift away.
Mike's mom takes a step back and looks at her daughter, "Nancy, would you mind calling Joyce? I'm sure she will be a huge help as well, and she's at Melvald's today, can you ask her to bring supplies?" she then stops before speaking once again, "Oh, and grab that book I got you when you were El's age, that'll really help too!" she chirps.
Nancy smiles at this, "Yes of course" and she is off to the telephone, while El and Max stand in the kitchen with Karen.
The older woman gives the girls a winning smile as she removes her apron, and sets it in a ball on the counter. "Alright then, let's move this conversation to the living room" and she leads the girls to the large living area, where just a few weeks ago El had one of the most stressful evenings of her life.
Karen gestures for them to sit, and Max and El both do. Mike's mother places her hands in her lap, "So, I guess we should start at the beginning".
And then El finds herself immersed in a long winded explanation about the human body.
"And that's how babies get made" Karen finishes as she moves to take a sip from her wine glass that she had opened about an hour ago.
Joyce, who arrived very shortly after Nancy had called her, a Melvald's shopping bag clutched in her hand, sat on El's other side, Max having moved to sit on the floor next to Nancy. Each older, more experienced woman adding to the explanation as they went on.
El's trying to process all the information that has just been handed to her, and she feels slightly overwhelmed.
"I know it's a lot sweetie, but that's why Nancy's book will really help, especially if you've got more questions and we aren't around to help" Karen reassures El, who only nods.
She had no idea about everything that was just told to her. She knew that couples kissed and such, but she had never heard about sex, puberty and how boys were different than girls. But, it made her feel much more aware about certain things the boys did.
Joyce speaks from beside her, "Do you have any questions?" El turns towards her and only gives her a heavy sigh and a half smile, "A lot" she jokes and the girls around her laugh.
"It's definitely a lot, but it gets easier to understand" Nancy adds.
"And, if you have any questions, either of you girls" Karen looks between El and Max, "You can always ask us, that's what we're here for" she gives them each a warm smile.
There is one question on El's mind, and she's a little hesitant to ask, but it seems her mouth moves quicker than her brain, "So-" she starts, but falls short.
She flicks her eyes to her lap, where she has just about worried a hole through her sweater that she has been playing with almost the entire time.
Karen must sense her hesitation, because she reaches forward and places her hand on El's moving ones, stopping their movements. Their eyes meet, "El, there are no silly questions, we want you to feel comfortable".
And El knows this, but now that she understands more, she feels like her question might be embarrassing, but she's curious.
So, with a deep breath she speaks softly, "So...Mike...Mike and I… we can...we can have...sex?" she winces slightly as her words come out and a hush falls across the room, and El doesn't dare to look up.
After a beat, El feels like she's asked the worst possible question and she just wants the couch to swallow her whole. But, then she feels another hand on top of hers, and she peeks up to look at Joyce.
She tilts her head and smiles at her, giving a soft sigh before she speaks, "Remember what we talked about how sex is for when you're a little bit older" she tries to explain, and El nods at this, "Yes but...when? How older?" she questions now looking between all the girls in the room.
This time Nancy speaks up, "That's honestly up to you guys" she shrugs and El's pretty sure she sees her mother gives her a sharp look.
Nancy rolls her eyes at the look, "I'm trying to be honest I mean, look at El and Mike, we all know that they're going to get married one day" she states and this causes El to flush as a bright smile grows across her face.
"So, it'd be stupid to not say when they're both ready" she says, giving El a gentle look.
"I mean Nancy is right, El" and the young girl turns to look at Joyce. "It's just, as we explained the longer you're in a relationship, the more things begin to change, the more things you begin to do" she trails off.
"But, you have to be careful, it's not like you guys couldn't have sex, but if you're not prepared, we told you what it could lead to" Karen reminds her, and El's eyes widen, she shakes her head, "No babies, not yet".
And the girls laugh again. Joyce pats El's back, "Just, when you're ready, you've got to get protection for both of you," she stresses.
"And that's why we're here, so we can help you when that time comes" Nancy adds in.
"Just" Karen starts, and El turns towards the woman, "I know you and Mike are close, but you should wait until you are at least sixteen or seventeen, so that your hormones aren't the only thing talking" she says delicately, trying to convey exactly what she is trying to have El understand. And she does.
El moves her head and makes eye contact with each of the females in the room and gives them a bright smile, "No, I want to wait, but...thank you, all of you for your help. I feel less...alone" she finishes.
Karen and Joyce then move to wrap the girl in a hug, while Nancy and Max stand to join in as well, and El swells at feeling.
They stay like that for a bit, and as they eventually pulled away, El finds herself with a grin on her face, but tears streaming down her face, and she laughs as she wipes away at them, "Darn hormones" she chuckles and the others join in.
Hopper's POV
He's exhausted by the end of the very long day he had while house hunting.
He had spent the entire day looking over several homes that were within his price range. There were quite a few that were not what he was looking for when it came to cleanliness to say the least. And two were even further out of town, which was not what he wanted.
However, the second to last house he had come to stumble upon peaked his interest. It was tucked out back of a local culdesac, that was only a mile from town, and half a mile from the boy's neighborhood.
Not only was it at his price range, but it was the perfect size for what he had wanted. There were three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, exactly what he wanted with having a growing teenage daughter.
It was a simple two story home, a quaint living room, kitchen and master bedroom downstairs while there were two smaller bedrooms upstairs, with an adjoining bathroom to both.
The semi-older home had been listed by an elderly, widowed woman who was looking to move in with her family. So, the decorations and wallpaper were much more on the floraly, frilly side. But, with a new coat of paint and some elbow grease, he knew the home would be perfect.
After he had finished looking at the last home, which was much too big for himself and his daughter, he called the lister and put in his offer. So, he was hoping to hear back soon from the real estate office to hear some news.
Now, however, his blazer's neon clock blinked 7:58, as he made his way to the Wheeler's residence.
He was more excited than he thought he would be to share with El the good news and he hoped she had, had a good day with the boys and Max.
He could imagine her excited glee knowing that once she learned how to ride a bike, she would be able to visit her friends and they would be able to come to her much more easily.
However, he knew some ground rules would need to be put into place, 'Especially with Wheeler', his mind reminded him.
He let out a long sigh as he pulls up to the Wheeler's pristine white home, 'Going to have to have that talk with her soon', another voice reminded him. But, he shook the thoughts away, knowing he would probably have Joyce or someone help fill her in on what will happen as she gets older and the whole thing about the birds and the bees.
Hopper can't help but chuckle at his silly thoughts, shaking his head as he approaches the green door to the Wheeler's home, knocking on it with a firm closed fist. 'She hasn't even gotten her period yet', he reminds himself.
But, he doesn't realize the surprise news he is about to receive, especially when Karen opens the door and gives him a startled look.
"Oh, hello Hopper, here to pick up El?" she questions as she motions for him to come in.
Hopper nods, "Yep, time to get her home. Did she have a good day?" he asks as he follows Karen into the living room, where, to his surprise El sits tucked up on the couch, Joyce sitting beside her, while the red head and the eldest Wheeler child, sit on the floor. All eyes are now on him.
This seems peculiar to him. The kids were supposed to be watching movies together, but there seemed to be the lack of boys.
His eyes flicked over to El, who gives him a shy look, "Hi dad" she whispers, still holding her knees against her chest.
He moves to Joyce, and raises an eyebrow at her, "What are you doing here?" he doesn't mean to sound rude, but the whole 'girl meeting' has the worry within him rise.
Joyce opens her mouth to speak, but Hopper doesn't let her, "Why are you girls up here?" he gestures to El and Max, who seemed startled by his question, as his mind goes down a deep dark path or 'what ifs?'
And soon, all the questions poured from his mouth, "Is everything okay?", "Did something happen?', "Did the boys do-", "Did that kid hurt you!?" his voice rises with each acquisition, and every woman in the room stares wild eyed at him.
Joyce moves quickly to stand and approach him, she places a gentle hand on his shoulder, he's breathing heavily, unsure why.
"Hopper" she says calmly and he looks at her, "Nothing's wrong" she begins to explain, and at this Hopper drops his shoulders, "Nothing?" he questions and at this Joyce lets out a soft chuckle, "No, but-" she stops and then turns to look at El, and now his worry skyrockets again.
"I swear if they hurt-" he starts, but this time Karen speaks up, "Hopper, please relax, it's been a long day already" she gives him a soft look.
And now Hopper is about to be driven mad not knowing what's going on, "Then what the hell is going on!" he all but shouts, demanding an answer.
At this, Joyce pulls Hopper off to the side, away from the others as she moves to whisper into his ear, "Uhm...El got her first period today", and he's pretty sure his heart stops there.
"What?" he sputters looking at one of his oldest friends and Joyce seems to be getting some amusement out of his reaction, she shakes her head, all while shrugging her shoulders, "It was bound to happen sometime soon, Hop".
And he now turns to look at his daughter, who appears to be unsure about something, she eventually makes eye contact with him, and he feels his body slump.
"Holy shit" is all he says while he begins to rub at his head. Karen moves to take Hopper's other arm, "Why don't we fill you in, and El?" she turns to look at the girl who perks up, "Yes?" her voice is quiet.
"Why don't you go say goodbye to the boys" she nods towards the basement steps. Hopper sees her hesitate slightly, but then Max stands and holds her hand out to her. She gives her a warm smile, "Come on El, the boys are probably wondering what happened to us".
El hesitates, but then her lips pull up slightly, taking the other girls hand, and pulls her up and they move towards the basement, disappearing downstairs.
Hopper turns his attention towards the two women who are leading him towards the kitchen. "How about some water, chief?" Karen asks and he only nods as he leans against the kitchen's island.
He hears the woman laugh as Joyce places a hand on his arm, he doesn't look at her. "Don't worry Hop, we filled the girl in on everything".
He whips his head towards her a lightning speed, his eyes widening, "Everything?" he questions and Joyce nods just as Karen places a cup of water before him.
His hand grasps the cool cup, but he doesn't drink.
"Yes, we figured three woman would be better to explain things like periods, puberty, how boys and girls are different and...sex" she shrugs at the last bit.
His face pales and he begins to feel nauseous.
"I'm not ready for this" he collapses his head into both of his hands sighing heavily.
Joyce chuckles, "Well, you're going to have to be. Besides, I'm sending her home with all the supplies she needs, but you'll have to buy them next time" she pats his arm.
"Ugh" he groans, "I never knew this is what it would be like having a teenage daughter".
It's Karen's turn to laugh, "Really Hopper? She is a girl, it's to be expected".
Hopper shakes his head, "Yeah but...now I've got a hormonal, telekinetic girl who also has a boyfriend" he laments.
Karen scoffs at him, "You know Mike won't hurt him Hop. Besides, Ted and I have had the same talk with him ages ago, plus he's had health class, I'm sure he knows how to be responsible".
He turns to look at her, he can feel a slight irritance growing within him. She doesn't realize how difficult it is for him to accept all this and for him to begin to worry about the possibility of El and Mike taking that next step.
He feels like she doesn't realize that if they make a mistake, it's El, who's going to suffer.
She seems to pick up on this and rolls her eyes at him, "Hopper, I promise you we'll have rules here as well, besides, they're young, I really don't think we have anything to worry about for awhile," she said gently.
He wants to believe her, but he's scared and he's not really sure what to say. But, the look of reassurance Karen gives him helps a little bit. So, with a heavy sigh, he simply nods, and says "Okay".
Mileven POV
Mike's pretty sure that he's close to losing it. Not being able to truly focus on one of his favorite movies of all time. His leg shakes anxiously, bouncing here and there as he tries to calm himself.
Night has finally settled over Hawkins, and he still hasn't seen El since she disappeared with Max hours ago.
I hope she's okay...the thought drifts through his mind.
He had only heard through health class and the awful videos the school made them watch what a period was like for a girl. But, he had a feeling it was much different than what he actually believed.
Truthfully, he just wanted to make El feel better, to let her know that he was there for her.
He let out a hefty sigh. Wishing that El would just come and see him.
And, as if on cue, he heard the basement door open, and down came Max, followed closely by El. As soon as she looked up, their eyes met, and Mike sat up straighter in his seat.
When they reached the last stair, the girls looked around at the boys, who all remained motionless.
A weird awkwardness hung about them, and Mike watched as El shrunk back, her face turning a light shade of red.
And that's when he knew he had to do something. So, he quickly jumped to his feet and moved towards the girls. He gave Max a look, and she merely rolled her eyes as she side stepped out of his way.
El turns her head just enough for their eyes to meet again, and a smile pulls at his lips.
"Hey" he says, trying to decrease the awkwardness. "Hi" she shifts on her feet.
He can see her lips turning upwards, and he can sense her mood shifting.
A dramatic huff comes from the nearby redhead, "Oh my gosh you guys, seriously?!" she starts as she gestures to the boys still sitting uncomfortably in their seats.
Max places her hands on her hips and glares at them, "Honestly, how are you guys ever going to have girlfriends if you're freaked out by a period, grow up" she tosses her hair over her shoulder.
Mike watches as his friends exchange embarrassed looks as they stand to their feet and approach them.
"Sorry El" Will whispers, as Lucas and Dustin nod in return.
"Yeah, we aren't used to...girl things" Dustin stutters.
"You mean girls in general?" Max teases, lifting an eyebrow in the boys direction.
They give her an incredulous look as El steps forward, "It's okay, I understand" her voice is soft and sweet, and Mike knows it's genuine.
"Hopper's here, so El's got to go" Max reminds the girl beside her, Mike frowns.
"But...we barely got to spend time with you" he says sadly, and the girl moves towards him, "I know, I'm sorry" she ducks her head, and Mike immediately reaches out to take her hand, "Hey, there's absolutely nothing to be sorry for, I just wish we could have spent more time together" he looks at her deeply and she smiles slowly.
"Well, guess that's out cue to leave" Dustin says patting Mike on the back, startling the dark haired boy, who gapes at him. The others snicker as they move past Mike and El, who stand their, with their hands intertwined as the rest of the party amble up the stairs.
Mike huffs as he watches his friends disappear and El squeezes his hand, returning his attention to her.
He softens, "How are you feeling?" are the next words out of his mouth.
El blushes slightly, raising her shoulders, "It's...weird" she scrunches her face, which he silently loves.
"And...a lot of information" she stresses. Mike nods his head, and a question pops into his mind, "Uhm, what did the girls talk to you about?" he winces slightly.
El shrugs her shoulders again, "Everything. Puberty, how boys and girls are different, periods and...how babies are made" and at this she looks directly at him, and his eyes widen.
So, she knows, his mind trails and he can't help but feel a bit flushed. He swallows hard, "Yeah, it's kind of weird...right?" he tries to remain calm about it, but his heart is beating a million beats per second.
El gives a soft laugh, "Maybe, but-" and at this she shifts lightly, so that she moves closer to him, "Not with the right person," her voice is barely above a whisper as she guides her hands up and around his neck.
He's pretty sure he's forgotten how to breath, 'Did she just-', his mind begins to wander, but it doesn't get very far because before he knows what's happening, El's mouth finds his, and it shuts his entire thought process down. His hands find her hips as he returns the pressure.
The kiss is delicate and tentative. Their lips grazed each other in a gentle dance, slow, but a deeper meaning behind it.
It's something Mike has never experienced before, and as El pulls him closer, he begins to feel a second meaning behind the kiss. 'Someday', it's almost as if her sweet voice caresses his brain. He melts deeper into the embrace, hoping to relay the same message to her.
And as much as he would have loved for the kiss to continue, El breaks away slowly, but doesn't pull away.
Their eyes open, and their gazes meet. El nuzzles her nose with his, a knowing smile dancing across her face. And he's never felt more excited and thrilled in his entire life.
She giggles lightly as she tugs at his hand, "Come on, I don't want Hopper hunting us down" she teases.
And like a moth drawn to a flame, he follows. He will always follow her.
Hopper's POV
With one more pat on his shoulder from Karen, he hears a stampede of feet trample up the stairs. The adults all turn to look to see all the kids make their way upstairs.
However, he quickly notices that two particular teens are missing. The kids are chatting idly as they begin to collect their jackets as they get ready to head off.
He approaches the teens, "Hey, you're missing two" he states and all of them turn to look at him.
Lucas gives him a coy smile, "Oh, Mike and El?" he says nudging Dustin beside him who's trying to not laugh, but the toothless boy adds, "Yeah, they're just saying good-bye" and at this they all start snickering.
Hopper's eyes widen at the realization as he begins to push the teens aside, "Wheel-!" he begins to growl, but he's stopped forcefully by a hand grabbing onto his arm. He whips around to see Joyce's tiny body trying to stop him. "Hopper! Calm down" she said slowly.
He gives her wild eyes, he wants to go down and pummel the teen who is involved with his daughter.
He's about to speak, but another clambering of steps are heard coming up the stairs. His head whips to the two, who are slightly red faced as they come out of the basement door.
They startle when they catch Hopper's look.
"What?" El asks innocently and the other teens laugh, while Hopper relaxes.
"Nothing" he growls as he pulls his arm out from Joyce's grasp, "Get your things, we need to head out" he grumbles as El nods and moves to wrap each of her friends in a tight hug.
"Sorry we didn't finish the movies" she says looking at them with guilt, as Hopper stands back shaking his head.
"It's okay El, besides we can do it again next week" Will reassures her with a bright smile, which she returns.
He watches as she gives one last look to Mike, who seems somewhat shy of approaching her. But, he sees the determined look on her face as she gracefully moves towards the boy and envelops him a hug, as she wraps her arms around his neck.
Mike hesitates slightly, but he gives in. Securing his lanky arms around the girl.
"Night Mike" she says, pulling away slowly. "Night El" he whispers, and just as he begins to pull away, El smirks a mischievous smile as she moves quickly and places a quick kiss on the boys lips.
The teens snicker about as Karen gives a muffled squeal.
Hopper really wants to smack the grin that's forming on the boys face straight off. But, El bounces past her friends, and grabs onto Hopper's arms, tugging him towards the door.
"Where's the fire?" he asks, and El only shakes her head, "Ready to go, don't want you to kill Mike" she flashes a toothy grin up at him, and Hopper all but rolls his eyes as he follows the teens outside the door.
Just as they step onto the steps, El cranes her head back around waving, Hopper turns to see Karen, Joyce, Will and Mike standing on the doorstep, waving back.
"Thank you for everything today!" El croons, and both Joyce and Karen smile brightly, "You're welcome sweetie, you're more than welcome to come over anytime!" Karen chirps back.
"Yes, goodnight El, let us know if you ever need anything!" Joyce calls.
"Night El!" Will calls.
"See you later, El!" Mike cheers, waving frantically which makes El giggle.
"Night everyone!" she throws one last shout over her shoulder just as they arrive at the blazer.
They both step into the old rig. Shutting the doors, as Hopper brings the beast to life.
It's silent for a bit, and there's so much Hopper wants to say, but he's not sure how to.
But, it seems that El reads his mind as she turns towards him, she reaches out and takes his hand that's resting on the console between them. She smiles, and doesn't say a word.
And, it's all he needs to know that she's okay, and that she trusts him.
He flashes her a smile, hurumphing as he turns his eyes forward, focusing on the road.
He lets out a heavy sigh, knowing even though things will be changing, and he knows it won't all be easy. Seeing the way the teens and other moms flourished over El, he knew he wouldn't be in it alone.
Phew! That was another long one! But, I'm soooo excited I got it done a week before Stranger Things 3, AHHHHH! Still cannot wait, they keep releasing these adorable pictures of Mileven and...I just can't even!
I seriously cannot wait to finally see their relationship come together! I just hope the Duffer brothers don't tease us and dramatically break them up or something. I HATE it when shows do that! But, I also don't think they would do that knowing the fan base.
Anyways, I really enjoyed writing this chapter it was a lot of fun! And I hope you all enjoyed it too! I'm going to wait until the next season is out to update, so please give me time!
I binged watched the second season in one day, with impatience to watch El get back together with the party (Mike), but I feel like I missed so much. So, I made my husband promise me that we weren't allowed to watch more than 3 episodes a night.
So, as always PLEASE REVIEW and let me know what you thought about this chapter, it's honestly one of my favorites! And I can't wait to have new material to play with!
Thanks again for reading and the reviews again from the last chapter! You are all wonderful!
