AN/: Thanks again for your lovely reviews!
Andy: I hated Mike's behavior too. Would you believe me if I told you he's based on someone I knew?
Guest reviewer: Yes, I got carried away with the smut haha. Sorry, I'm enjoying how happy they are right now and how they still tease each other non-stop. But yeah, in this chapter we get to see what's going to happen with them :)
FangirlingStrangerThings: Yesss, I love them too!
December
Part III
Mike and El spent the remaining part of the weekend in a similar fashion, lazily in bed, alternating between talking, sleeping and making love. They only left the apartment on Saturday to go to his hotel room and retrieve his luggage, but other than that the couple preferred the intimate atmosphere El's apartment provided.
It was already Sunday night, they were lounging in the couch, having just had dinner with some movie they weren't paying attention to playing in the background. They were bickering (what else is new?) about who had been the more jealous of the two during their year in London.
How did they ever get into those topics of conversation was beyond El's understanding…
They seemed to be postponing reality and enjoying their little bubble of love a bit too much. So far, the only thing of relevance they had agreed on was that they would spend New Year's Eve together in New York. Never mind that they had yet to figure out how their interstate relationship was going work.
"Admit it you were jealous".
"I was not!"
She just glared at him knowingly.
"If you could kill someone by glaring at them, Steve would be dead a thousand times already".
After a moment he conceded defeat.
"Ok fine I was super jealous, and I was so angry with myself because I knew it was my own fault. Specially after you told me you had a thing for me".
"Yeah you're such a sucker Mike". She teased, barely able to say it between giggles.
"Hey! Be nice ok? I'm an emotionally challenged man!"
He ruffled her hair in retaliation causing her to squeal.
"I could tickle you, you know?" He warned mischievously.
"I'll lock myself in the bedroom if you do that! And then no more sex for you Mr."
"Ha! Oh sweetheart, you wouldn't last an hour without me". He said smugly.
"Wanna try me?" She challenged, arching her eyebrow.
"Well, no". He said, ending his bluff. "It's my last night here, why would I forsake the pleasure of your delectable company for a stupid challenge?"
She smiled triumphally. "Smart man".
He smiled and bowed his head dramatically in gratitude for the fake compliment.
"C'mon let's go to bed. We do have an early day tomorrow". She told him, standing up and offering her hand to him.
"But it's only like ten". He argued, not really grasping her meaning.
"Yes, but we have…activities that require our attention before any actual sleep is accomplished". She said in mock seriousness.
Realization dawned on him.
"Ah. Smart woman". He took the proffered hand and followed her to the bedroom.
Monday morning came to soon for their liking. El would be driving Mike to the airport and then she would head to Hawkins. They had a small breakfast of coffee, eggs, tomatoes, ham and toasts; cooked by Mike (Who knew he could cook something other than Eggos?). Then they showered, packed their things and went on their way.
Before long, they were at the Departures entrance. They stood in front of each other in awkward silence, fidgeting and looking at anything but the other. Until they spoke at the same time.
"So…"
"So…"
Mike smiled but El didn't. Her face a mask of concern and uncertainty.
"I don't want you to leave". She whined, suddenly launching herself into his arms with a force that almost knocked him to the ground.
"I don't want to go". He said, voice slightly muffled by her hair as he held her. El just hugged him tighter.
"But we'll see each other soon". He told her as he pulled away, trying to sound cheerful.
"Yeah, soon". She said unenthusiastically. "What will happen after New Year's Eve though?"
There, the subject was finally on the table. For some reason they had been avoiding broaching the topic of the details of their new relationship.
"We can manage long distance, right? I can come every weekend? And…and you can come to New York too!" He rambled excitedly but sounding a bit too nervous about the whole thing.
The truth was Mike was already ahead of himself thinking about moving to Indiana, but he opted for not telling her that part of his plan. He was afraid it was way too soon to propose something like that. Besides he didn't mind flying over to see her, it wasn't a long flight anyway and he was more than happy to enjoy a break from New York every couple of days.
Mike was also incredibly happy for her and her job at the University and he didn't want her quitting and moving for him. He though the most sensible thing to do was to go back and forth between the two cities and let the relationship progress until it was a good time for him to move to Indiana.
El nodded sadly.
"Yes, we can manage long distance". She was a bit apprehensive about it but decided to give it a shot.
If this weekend had proved something, it was that not only she wasn't over Mike (like at all…), but that they were good together. Incredibly good. And something that felt so right deserved every chance it could get. She, of course, was more than willing to try.
"See you in two weeks. I love you El".
"Two weeks". She nodded and then threw her arms around his neck, bringing his head down to kiss him sweetly.
"I love you too". She told him softly as their foreheads touched lightly.
He hugged her again and peck her one last time before disentangling himself from her arms.
"Call me when you get home please".
"You too. Safe flight Mike".
He smiled softly and touched her cheek.
"You too El, drive carefully".
She nodded, touching the hand on her cheek and trying hard not to cry.
Stop being ridiculous, you'll see him again soon.
To make things worse Mike seemed to notice her predicament and of course decided to tease her about it. The bastard.
"Are you…about to cry?" He asked amusedly.
"No". She answered feebly.
"You sure?" He was now sporting a teasingly, knowing smile she didn't like.
Her brow furrowed.
"C'mon, off with you! Your flight is leaving soon, go now! Shoo!" She told him, backing a good two steps away from him and making shooing motions with her hands.
Mike laughed wholeheartedly, striding towards her quickly and taking her into his arms fervently.
"I'm going to miss you too El…" He said sincerely, softly kissing her forehead. "…only I'm not going to cry about it".
"Shut up!" She cried out, hitting his backside lightly in admonition.
He laughed again and hugged her tighter.
The time spent away from Mike felt like ages for El. Funny how life can change so much in a matter of days…
After London, she had settled comfortably into her life, little by little starting to forget about him. Or so she thought, because she had to admit that the second she saw him sitting in the steps of her building, the myriad of feelings she had been trying to suppress since London, came rushing back to her like a cascade.
Now here she was, longing to have him close and missing him like crazy. Sure, they talked on the phone almost everyday and they shared stupid memes through WhatsApp. Hell, they even had petty debates that ended up becoming flirtatious rambles, with both bursting out in giggles like rowdy teenagers.
Being in a relationship with Mike was everything she had imagined and more. She laughed all the time, she loved his sweet, boyish charm and good-humored nature; and yes, they had fabulous sex. The thought brought a goofy smile to her face.
She was sitting on the steps in the porch of her parent's house, sipping her coffee quietly, just thinking about how lucky she was when her ruminations were interrupted by Hopper. He gave her a half smile and sat beside her with his own cup of the marvelous beverage.
"So, kid what's up with you?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing, just thinking."
"You seem distracted, that's all…is there a boy involved?"
She smiled at her perceptive father and nodded slowly.
"Hmm, so that's why you've been all silly smiles and dreamy eyes since you got here. Should I bring out my gun?" He asked teasingly.
"Hop! Don't be dramatic. Though it would be hilarious to see the look on his face if you did that. I'll think about it when you meet him". She told him giggling.
"'When?' So, this is serious then?"
"Very".
"And why is it just now that I'm hearing about him?" He asked narrowing his eyes.
"Because we just got together last week". At his questioning look, she explained. "We met in London, last year…and for different circumstances we didn't get together until now".
El wasn't about to tell her dad about her ill-fated crush on Mike; if she did, it would certainly guarantee him a serious and terrifying talk with Hopper, indeed involving his gun.
Again, he might just deserve it. El thought naughtily.
She really needed to stop torturing Mike with these silly jokes and teasing.
Did she though?
She smiled inwardly at the thought.
"So, he's the reason you're not spending New Year's with us?"
"Yes, he lives in New York and invited me there to spend it with him".
"Hmm". He grunted noncommittally. "I hope he makes you happy kid". He said hugging her to his side and kissing her forehead softly.
She smiled and let herself be enveloped in his hug, enjoying the feeling of security only her father could make her feel.
"He does, in an infuriatingly annoying sort of way…but yeah, he does". She said fondly, and Hopper rolled his eyes amusingly.
"If he gives you any trouble you just leave him to me, ok?"
She laughed and nodded.
"I'll keep that in mind, dad".
Finally, December 30th arrived and El flew to New York. She was more than excited to see Mike again and to spend New Year's Eve with him. He had refused to let her in on what they would be doing, claiming that the whole night was going to be a surprise she wouldn't forget.
The thought did cross her mind that it could be a practical joke or something. Knowing Mike, she couldn't rule out that possibility. But, for the sake of her sanity, she elected to think that it would be a lovely –maybe even romantic–, surprise.
It was already 6 pm when El landed in New York. Her flight had been delayed and she was a bit tired, but the enthusiasm she felt at the prospect of seeing Mike soon, kept her from virtually falling asleep on her feet.
He was waiting for her in Arrivals, all nerves and a contagious goofy smile plastered on his face. Instantly, El's face broke into a huge grin as well, and she accelerated her pace to reach him faster. They almost tumbled to the ground as she launched herself into his arms, hugging him closely, immediately entranced by his familiar smell.
Home. She thought.
They pulled away slightly and kissed tenderly.
"Hi". He said softly, all timid smiles and flushed face.
"Hi". She responded, feeling giddy and warm inside.
God they were such a pair…Who would have thought he was such a sap?
"Home?"
"Yes, please".
He nodded, taking her carry on from her and tucking his other arm around her shoulders. El passed her arm round his waist and together they walked to the parking lot to get his car.
"Would you like to go somewhere for a bite to eat or are you too tired? I can cook us dinner as well, if you'd rather stay home". He asked as he fastened his seatbelt.
"I would prefer that if you don't mind. I'm sure your peanut butter sandwiches will be lovely". She said teasingly.
He laughed but pretended to be offended and gave her an indignant look.
"Hey! You know I can cook more than peanut butter sandwiches!"
"I know, I know" She grumbled, but smiled and kissed his cheek sweetly. "You are a wonderful cook, Mike".
"There. That's more like it".
"Don't let it get to your head, smug bastard".
The both laughed, and Mike took her hand kissed it.
"I missed you El". He confessed, looking at her deeply.
She blushed and caressed his cheek softly. "I missed you too".
They both smiled goofily.
Yep, they were pathetic.
And she loved it.
That night El had every intention of ravishing Mike. Though one thing was to want something and another thing entirely to be able to do something. She had fallen asleep the minute her head touched the back of the couch where she sat after having dinner. She was supposed to wait for Mike, nursing a glass of wine while he finished in the kitchen. Because yes, he had made dinner and he had washed the dishes. That's how awesome he was as a boyfriend.
"So, El…" He trailed off as he came into the living room and saw her peacefully asleep.
He chuckled and carefully removed the half empty glass from her hand placing it on the coffee table. Mike picked her up and carried her to his bed, removing her shoes and jeans first, then her top and bra. He pulled the cover over her and tucked her tightly, kissing her forehead as he went to prepare for bed himself.
Clad only in his boxers, he returned to bed, got under the covers and snuggled up to El.
And that's how she woke up the next morning, comfortably cuddled by Mike, absorbing in his heat and surrounded by his smell. She lifted her head and propped it on her elbow to observe him quietly. He looked peaceful when he slept, with a satisfied expression face, all freckles and unruly hair in his forehead. She ran her fingers through it, trying to keep it from his temple, but it stubbornly remained there; causing her to giggle softly.
Moments later her stomach growled, and she decided to get up and make some coffee. Kissing his nose tenderly she got up and went to the bathroom to go through her morning ablutions. She picked up his discarded shirt from last night and put it on, buttoning it up as she made her way to the kitchen.
Once there, she opened the freezer knowing it was highly likely that he had Eggos in his apartment. Bingo! Indeed, Mike had a considerable stash of her favorite waffles in the fridge. She then rummaged around the cupboards until she found the coffee, by chance finding also walnuts and maple syrup. She put on the coffeemaker and a couple of waffles in the toaster and went to get the paper to the front door.
With the coffee almost ready, she got the cream cheese out of the fridge and prepared her Eggos just the way she liked them. She poured herself some coffee and sat comfortably to eat her breakfast and read the paper.
Some short time later, El heard the rustle of the covers being thrown away and soon after the bathroom door closing. Getting up from her chair, she poured Mike a mug of fresh coffee and inserted two waffles in the toaster for him.
He padded to the kitchen a bit later and stood on threshold, just taking her in. She looked incredibly sexy standing in his kitchen, clad in nothing but his shirt and underwear. Mike smiled at her when he saw her look up from the mug she was holding. She blushed when she caught him looking and gave him a timid smile.
"Morning. I hope you don't mind, I got hungry". She said sheepishly, walking over to him and pecking him on the mouth, while handing him the coffee mug.
"Morning El! No worries make yourself at home". He said, sipping the proffered coffee. El smiled and took the waffles from the toaster and put them on a plate.
"Ah. I see you found my stash of Eggos". He said knowingly, as she handed him the plate.
"And the cheese cream, and the walnuts and the maple syrup!" He continued excitedly, clearly feeling complacent.
El seemed to grasp his meaning.
"Oh! You brought all this for me?"
"Of course! Gotta have what my girl likes".
She snorted at his response. "You're such a dork Mike". He smiled goofily, and she took the plate and mug from him, settling them on the table so she could kiss him properly.
El threw her arms around his neck, lowering his face to hers, as she brushed her lips to him softly. He pulled her to him, arms around her waist, tongue sneaking gently into her mouth.
Sighing contently, they pulled away.
She patted his chest lightly. "C'mon Romeo, everything is gonna go cold if we don't eat soon".
Mike chuckled and sat down next to her. He began to pour syrup, cheese cream and walnuts over his Eggos, under El's amused gaze.
"What? I want to try it your way".
She rolled her eyes but smiled just the same and casually sipped her coffee.
"Sooooooo, are you going to tell me what we are doing tonight?"
"No". He answered simply between bites.
"Mikeeeeeee…" She whined, making her best puppy-dog eyes.
"Nah-ah, that's not going to work with me". He said shaking his head.
She just kept looking at him, almost at the brink of shedding crocodile tears, but he kept munching on his Eggos nonchalantly. Blatantly ignoring her.
"You were right, this is an awesome". He told her conversationally.
El huffed, exasperated.
"Goddammit Wheeler, you are one tough nut to crack!" She exclaimed in her best Hopper imitation.
"Sure I am". He said smugly and El snorted.
"Yeah right, keep telling yourself that. I haven't pulled out the big guns yet". She said sweetly, and he flinched as she dragged her fingers over his leg, dangerously caressing his inner tight, almost reaching his crotch.
"Hey!"
"What?" She asked innocently.
"Hands off the goods!" He said as he brought his own hands to protect his genitals.
"Fine. Be that way". She said rolling her eyes and raising her hands in surrender.
Mike smiled and in a rush of affection leaned in to kiss her on the cheek quickly.
Surprised, El smiled shyly and went back to her coffee and paper.
Oh my god, sappiness all around…
After breakfast, the plan was to take a shower and leave the apartment to one of Mike's secret activities for the day. Sadly, that didn't go so well as they ended up having sex for the best part of the morning.
"You are sabotaging my plans, aren't you?" Mike questioned as they finally made their way out of the apartment. El just looked at him innocently.
"I vividly remember YOU cornering me on my way to the shower". She said emphatically, poking his chest accusingly. He smiled and caught the hand poking him.
"It was so worth it though, wasn't it?" He said, almost conspiratorially.
"You bet it was". She told him, smiling suggestively and looping her arm around his to continue their way downstairs.
They had lunch at a little Italian restaurant that was a favorite of his and then they spent the afternoon walking around New York. They visited Central Park, Time's Square, the 5th Avenue and the Museum of Modern Art. They decided to go home early though, there were too many people in the streets due to being New Year's Eve, so Mike suggested they go home and rest before the night.
They got some sleep and by 8 pm that night they were ready to go out. Their mystery destination was a couple of blocks away from Mike's apartment, so they decided to walk. El spent the whole way trying to get Mike to tell her where they were going, though to no avail; he refused to reveal a thing. Soon, however, the surprise would be discovered, and she was giddy with excitement.
Finally, they arrived at a large ten-story building, going inside and taking the lift to the rooftop. As the doors opened, Mike covered El's eyes with his palms.
"Just a bit longer El".
She grumbled something unintelligible but complied, walking forward blindly, led only by Mike's hands. El felt the cool air hit her skin as they got out of the elevator and walked into what she presumed was the rooftop. She could hear music playing on the background and enticing smell of food assaulted her nostrils.
And suddenly Mike's hands left her eyes and…
"Surprise!"
The whole Party was staring back at her smiling broadly.
El squealed in delight and ran towards them, trying to gather them in a group hug.
"Guys! I'm soooo happy to see you again!" She moaned, muffled by the strength of her hug.
"We are happy to see you too Ellie". Dustin muttered.
"Yeah El, it's been too long!" Max all but shouted into her ear.
"Did Mike put you up to this?" She asked as they pulled away from the hug and El took everything in.
The rooftop was decorated with garden lights, surrounded by colorful flowers and vines all around. There was a table filled with food and drinks, and music was playing from a Bluetooth speaker.
And the view of New York was just breathtaking.
"Yeah, lover boy here made the arrangements". Max answered grinning.
Mike just blushed and looked embarrassed.
"So, you and my boy Wheeler huh?" Lucas teased, putting arm around Max and picking up his beer.
El smiled and nodded.
"I heard it's you I have to thank for that".
Lucas chuckled lightly.
"Man, you don't know what a pain in the ass he was! Dustin and I called him Emo Mike".
El giggled.
"I still resent that by the way. Mocking my pain, great friends you turned out to be!" He half-whined dramatically.
Dustin intervened in defense of the Party's honor.
"Oh no, no, no Mike, don't blame it on us if you let El here slip through your fingers. Mouthbreather!"
El rolled her eyes.
"That has already been established, Dustin. He is indeed a mouthbreather". She said as a matter of fact.
Mike gawked and gave her an indignant look of betrayal and they all laughed. Then they scattered around to sit in the chairs that were placed in a circle in the center of the roof. Lucas patted him on the back mockingly, leaving to pour them some drinks while he stood there wondering when exactly this had become 'Let's roast Mike' night.
El took pity on him and came closer, putting her arms around his waist and stepping on her tip toes to kiss the corner of his mouth softly.
"Thank you. Consider me thoroughly surprised". She told him, deeply grateful for his gesture.
He smiled but then thought better and shook his head.
"I'm revoking any rights you had to enjoy this surprise, not with that attitude Missy!" He mock-scolded her.
El snorted and let him go, raising her hands in surrender.
"Fine. No rights for me then". She said backing a few steps away from him.
"Sorry guys, I have to leave the party". She shouted. "Apparently I'm not allowed to be here. Judge Mike has deemed me unworthy". They all looked at her amusedly and Mike chuckled at her exaggerated histrionics.
"Come here, you silly girl". He said affectionally, tugging at her hand and pulling her flush against him. She smiled and automatically got her arms around his neck, pulling his forehead to hers.
"You are very welcome El. I'm glad you like your surprise". Mike whispered, smiling at her.
"I love it". She whispered back, before pushing her lips to his softly. He responded happily and soon the kiss grew heated.
Though not for long, as Max thought it would be appropriate to break them off before they started having sex right then and there.
"You are so sickeningly cute I want to vomit". She said, and the others sniggered.
"Shut it Mayfield". Mike managed to mumble, while raising his right hand from El's hip to flip her off.
"Shut it Mayfield." Max mocked in a high-pitched voice.
"C'mon guys have a drink". Lucas offered, putting an end to the bickering he knew would ensue between Mike and his girlfriend.
Reluctantly, Mike and El broke apart, but remained staring at each other sweetly for a few more instants.
"Sorry Max". El apologized, looking sheepish. She took Mike's hand and dragged him to sit beside her in the circle of chairs.
Max nodded and observed them quietly.
"Oh my god it's like all the banter and sexual tension turned to mushiness!" She commented drily.
"Hey! We still tease each other like, a lot!" Mike said, trying to defend them. Poorly.
"Yes, but then you get all sappy about it! Eww!" Max retorted.
"Well...yeah it's true". He conceded, giving up and shrugging, before kissing El sweetly on the cheek just to annoy Max.
"Don't listen to her, she cried when El told her what happened with you two before Christmas". Lucas reassured him and they all giggled madly.
Max glared at Lucas and was about to scold him when Dustin cut her off.
"You are a softy Max, we all know it". Dustin assured her, patting her hand patronizingly.
Max narrowed her eyes at him but remained quiet. It was no use to try and deny it, she was so happy for El and well…yes, for Mike too. So she flipped him off instead.
"Calm down kids, is New Year's Eve!" Said the voice of reason, a.k.a. Will.
The night went on between laughter, teasing and memories from London. It was as if no time had passed since they left their beloved city, their home during that wonderful year. The talked excitedly about their lives after moving back and their plans for the future.
And soon the countdown for midnight begun.
They stood up and went to the edge of the roof to see the fireworks, while the DJ at the radio they had tuned into announced the final countdown.
"I'm so excited to begin this new year with you Mike". El told him from her place tucked in under his chin.
"Me too, El". He responded softly, kissing her forehead gently.
"3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!" The DJ shouted through the speaker.
Mike and El kissed and hugged happily, pulling away quickly to hug the rest of the Party.
"Happy New Year guys!" Dustin shouted excitedly, causing them all to laugh and shout back in return.
They stayed on the roof for a few more hours watching the fireworks, drinking champagne and celebrating their friendship and the year that had just begun.
They were happy.
AN/: Up next, the Epilogue. Thanks so much for sticking with the story, for your lovely reviews and support :D