You are all so amazing! I love your reviews! Can't believe that I hit chapter 20 last time as well! Ok, I've been playing with an idea in my mind and I think I've finally figured out how I will incorporate it, and I think you will all really like it!

Ok, onto the next chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Stranger Things or Bloody Jack.

Mike's Point of View:

The bright tropical sun rises to early for my liking. I can feel the intense rays raining down on my eyelids, and I squint as I slowly open my eyes.

Thankfully, there is some much appreciated shade from the palm trees above, I reach my right hand up and run it through my thick black hair, and let out a long yawn.

Suddenly, I feel a rustling from my side, and I look down, and I beam so wide at the sight. My eyes train on the radiant being beside me, whose bare body is curled up tightly up against mine.

While she slumbers, I take in her form. I take my hand and run it gently down her side. She's like an angel, I say to myself, as I admire her smooth skin against my calloused hands.

She shivers at my touch, and I stop my movements and rest my hand on her shoulder. I continue to stare at her beauty. The blanket had been pulled away from our chests throughout the night, and though she has her arms tucked up around her chest, I can't help but feel the blush spread across my face.

The moments we were able to share the night before were unforgettable. The way El looked at me, with those deep brown eyes that were filled with love and passion. And the way we were able to have our intimate moment together, it sent shivers down my spine.

My memory flashes back to the moment El fully exposed herself to me. I couldn't help but shamelessly eye her hungrily. And the feeling of the fullness of our bare bodies melded together, unforgettable.

My annoying male brain shouted at me though as I denied her. My hormones were smacking me from the inside out for denying us that moment. But, the rational side won out, knowing deep down that no matter how perfect this moment was, that I had to marry her first, that this threat needed to be ended. I would never be able to live with myself if she became pregnant with our child and I perished and never married her. Or worse, if she became pregnant and I lost both her and our unborn child.

I shiver at the thought. I could never imagine losing the woman I loved with all my heart, especially to those beasts. And that's why I knew if we waited, that we would both come out unscathened. And then, we could be together.

I'm pulled from my thoughts as I feel El stir once more at my side, this time she brings her hands up over her head, exposing her full self to me, I can't help but admire her body and eagerly watch. I feel my blood rush and head to a certain area.

Her eyes flutter and squint at the harsh sun as mine did. She turns and looks at me with a radiant smile. She holds herself up on her side with one arm supporting her head, the other draping against her soft stomach, she's not trying to hide anything.

I can feel my eyes widen as she chuckles at me, "Like what you see?" she teases. I give a small laugh in return as I reach over and pull her close to me, "Obviously" I say lazily, as I rub my head into hers, nuzzling her face.

"Mmm...I can tell", she giggles as she reaches her hand down to my waist and grabs at my tell tale arousal. I groan into her ear as she teases me, "El" I growl.

And she's laughing at me as I roll us over so I'm laying flush against her, but I use my arms to hold some of the weight off her.

I look down at her gorgeous face and can't help the grin that spreads wide across it. I caress her cheek gently with my hand. She closes her eyes at the contact, but looks up to me again with a bashful look.

I nuzzle our noses together and she laughs at the contact, "You, are so enamouring" I whisper to her. She laughs again as she places both of her hands on my face, "My such a big word" she teases.

I scoff at her and begin to pepper her face with kisses, she giggles throughout the ordeal, "Mike!" she chuckles.

But, finally I land a kiss directly on her mouth and we slide into our familiar motions of our kiss. I feel her hands caress my bare back sweetly, as she teases her nimble fingers as I press against her.

I break our kiss, and see her eyes dilated, and I'm sure mine are the same. El shakes her head at me, as she continues to caress up and down my sides, she gives me a sweet look, "When did you turn into the good one?" she questions.

I bring my head down to her and give her a quick kiss, "Because, it will be worth the wait, and I want to love you without the notion of either of us dying".

She nods her head, but frowns, "Hopefully this mess is dealt with quickly", she says, our eyes meeting, "I want to marry you the second the fight is over".

I nod my head as well, "That, will definitely be arranged" I agree as I meet her once again, our lips burning against one another.

We stay like that for most of the morning, taking in the intimate moment while we can, unsure as to when our next encounter like this will be. My male brain is beating me up on the inside, knowing that I'm stupid for not taking her, but my heart knowing it made the right decision.

For now, we revel in our moment together. Bare to the world, but only to each other. As we love each other in this way for now. Knowing that someday soon, our true love will be able to be shown.

El's Point of View

The morning drags on as we continue our moment together. But, we know we should be getting back soon. Our friends only being able to cover for us for so long. From what the Captain told us we will be docked for a couple of days as we await for the rest of the fleet to arrive. Then, we will embark on this fight we do not want to happen.

Mike and I finally arise and dress, however, slowly as we each interrupt the other while getting dressed. Before either of us can get into any article of clothing, Mike pulls me once again into him, as he wraps his arms around me, and sets his forehead against mine.

"Mmm, I don't want this to end" he nuzzles into me, which I return, "I know, I wish we could stay like this forever" I pout.

I bring my head up and meet Mike's mouth with mine, as I throw my arms around his neck and pull him into another long kiss. He breaks away laughing, "We've got to stop, or we might just miss our ship" he jokes.

I chuckle too, "Well, that wouldn't be too bad if it wouldn't be written in the log that we abandoned ship. Besides, I'm sure the boys wouldn't leave us anyways, and I don't want them to find us like this" I step back and gesture to our bare state.

I watch as Mike hungrily observes me, "Your tattoo" he says, moving to me and placing a gentle hand upon it. "I love that we share the same one, but for some reason it looks amazing on you in this state" he raises his brows.

I smack his chest for his cheekiness as I bend down to grab my seabag, ready to get dressed in my sailor gear, but Mike approaches me and takes my bag. I give him a curious look as I observe him reaching in and grabbing out my clothes.

He places all but my pants on the blanket and he holds it out to me, I still look at him with curiosity. "Come hear, I want to help you" he states.

I approach him slowly, as he holds out the pants for me. I gingerly hold onto his shoulders as I step into my pants, but as I do so, Mike places gentle kisses against my waist. The feeling is blissful, and gentle. He's not trying to start anything, but instead is trying to convene something into this gesture.

He helps me pull them up and ties my drawstring. Next, he grabs my vests and approaches me from behind as he slips it on around me as he kisses my neck and shoulders. He spins me around and meticulously buttons it up.

Next, he pulls out my white shirt and drifts it over my head, and fastens it the way he knows I like it, in which holds my breasts just right, so I seem flat like a man.

Once he finishes, he grabs my hair band, and thoroughly plays with my hair so it's pulled back and twisted. He then takes my hat and places it snuggle against my head. With one last tug, he gives me a gentle smile and pecks my lips, he gives me a hazy look. "How did I get so lucky?" he coos.

I can't help but think the same. The movements he just performed with dressing me felt entirely different. Knowing that like any man, he would rather have me undressed, but with the motions of dressing me, so genuinely, it showed a different part to Mike, and I can't help but swoon.

For, the message was clear: he loves me, no matter in what state of dress or what role I must play, for, he loved me for all my being.

My eyes water a bit, as I relish in his message, so before they come, I bend down to grab his clothes, and begin the same motions as Mike did.

I assist him with his pants and overshirt, following the same movements as he did. And placing sweet kisses here and there. I do this not to copy him, but to show him that even though we didn't become one last night, that I will always love him for who he is, and knowing that our time will come.

Soon, we are fully clothed and we are embracing each other once again. Silently, we stand our arms around one another, basking in the quietness that echoes through the forest.

All too soon, we finally leave our little oasis. We walk hand and hand, attempting to hold onto our small moment here, knowing that we will definitely return one day.

Once we reach the town's line, we break our locked hands, I begin to move forward, but Mike grabs my arms, spins me to him and gives me a long tender kiss. It's almost like breathing when we kiss like this. It's become so natural, a second part to our lives.

After we break from each other we stare into the other's deep brown eyes, "I love you, El" Mike says, and I give him an endearing look, "And I love you more, Mike" I whisper.

He laughs and shakes his head, "No, I love you more" he challenges, as we continue to walk into town. We banter back and forth with who loves who more, a bit more quietly as we approach people.

"No Mike, there's no way possible that-" I try but I'm cut off by a "Hey, there they are!", knowing very well who the voice belongs to.

Both Mike and I stop and turn to see the owner of said loud voice, we smile at each other as we watch Dustin, Lucas and Will come trampling through the crowd to catch up to us.

The curly haired boy has a wide grin on his face as he approaches us, he throws one of his arms around me and one around Mike, he pulls our heads into his chest. Mike and I both let out a breath of air at the contact.

"Well look who it is" he chuckles, as Mike and I try to break free, Will and Lucas coming around to face us.

Lucas is laughing, "Yeah, it's the love birds" he coos, although he thankfully whispers this part. I roll my eyes and turn to Will, who seems to be frowning a bit, which surprises me.

Dustin finally releases us and gives us a quick once over, "So" he elongates, "Where did you two sneak off to last night?" he questions, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Both Mike and I sigh, "That's our own business" I huff. And Mike nods his head in agreement.

Lucas laughs into our face, "Oh sure" he says poking Mike in the chest, "I bet someone made a certain someone into a man last night" he chirps.

I shake my head at the two idiotic boys, "Not that you really need to know, but -" I start frustrated but Mike cuts me off, "Like El said, you honestly don't need to know" he says haughtily.

Dustin and Lucas both groan, "Oh, come, on guys!" Dustin enunciates each word. "You two are the only one's in a 'relationship' between us five, we've got to know the deets!" he waves his arms about frantically.

"No we don't", Will mutters as he looks away awkwardly. But Dustin and Lucas don't let up, "Come on Mike, lay it down for us", he says throwing an arm around his shoulder.

Mike looks at him incredulously and shrugs the arm off of his shoulder, he comes to stand next to me.

He raises his arms in the air, "You know what, fine, we had mind blowingly, amazing sex, that you two idiots, will never have in your life!" he spits at them.

I blush a bit at his rash statement, knowing he's only saying it to get them off of our backs, but I can't hold back the chuckle as I watch all three of their faces change. Each of their eyes wide and mouths wide open.

Mike and I look at each other for a moment, then we turn back to our friends. "Uh, you guys okay?" Mike asks unsure.

Soon, Lucas begins to blink his eyes, but then a smile spreads across his face, and Dustin mimics him as well, "Oh my god, Mike, you've got to tell us everything!" Lucas bellows as he and Dustin rush the poor guy. Mike's face going white with shock, knowing his plan backfired.

Dustin and Lucas grab onto Mike as they pepper him with questions as they continue to walk down the street. Will and I fall beside each other, walking a good distance behind the three guys. I shake my head, but can't help but laugh at the sight before me.

I turn to look at Will beside me, but his appearance has me concerned. As we walk he has his arms wrapped tightly around his midsection, and his eyes are locked onto the cobblestone path that we are walking.

I tentatively place a hand on his shoulder, "Hey, is, everything okay?" I ask him. At my touch he jumps a bit, as if I had just electrocuted him. He looks at me quickly and then back down to the path, he shakes his head quickly, "No, no, nothing's wrong" he mutters.

My eyes narrow, knowing that something is indeed wrong. I move my body in front of him, and he knocks against me, our eyes meet for a second, but then he's looking down again.

I put both of my hands on his shoulders this time, I move my head, desperately trying to meet his gaze, but he stays focused on the ground, avoiding me.

"Will?" I say softly, "There's obviously something wrong. Please tell me".

I watch him for a moment, when finally he gradually raises his head and looks me dead in the eyes, "It's…." he tries but shakes his head again.

"Will, you can talk to me", I plead, but he doesn't budge. I think for a moment, then an idea hits me, "Is it about Mike and I?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

Will lets out a sigh, and looks at me again, "Yes", he whispers. I sigh as well and bring his head so we are looking into each other's eyes, "Are you worried?" I ask gently.

His eyes move across my face, trying to gauge what he wants to say next, "I...just don't want you...to get hurt" he admits.

My mouth moves to a half smile, and then I pull the boy who's always been like a brother to me into my embrace. "Will, you don't have to worry" I promise him.

I feel Will return the hug, but he pulls back, "I...I just don't want Mike...to use you" he confesses looking a little ashamed about his feelings.

I shake my head, "Mike would never hurt or use me" I tell the boy honestly. Will lets out a breath, "I-I-I know this" he stutters, "But, it's just hard, knowing, that you guys are-" he stops as he gestures with his hands.

This time I let out a laugh, and Will looks at me a bit hurt, but I smile at him, "Will, nothing happened" I explain.

But Will not taking it, he gives me a halfway glance, "Then where were you last night?" he asks.

I roll my eyes, "We...spent the night together yes" I start, watching Will's eyes go wide, "But Will, we sleep in the same hammock every night-" I attempt to explain but Will cuts me off stepping back a bit, "But, this time you guys, ugh-" he shivers at his thoughts.

I chuckle again, "No, Will, we honestly didn't" I stress. The boy looks at me hard, "Then why did Mike say that you did?" he asks earnestly.

"Because Dustin and Lucas wouldn't let him off without saying something. Besides, I'm sure he wanted a bit of pride as well".

Will turns the statement over in his head, "But, I mean, we did fool around a bit" I tease to the awkward boy, who slaps his hands to his ears, "Uh, no! Did not need to hear that!" he grimaces.

I let out a long laugh at the poor boy, as I pull at his hands, "And you'd be proud to know, Mike was the one who was against doing it, because he didn't want to get me pregnant" I explain as Will desperately tried to pull his hand from my grasps.

"Whatever, I don't want to know what you two did, gross!" he states, as he walks away from him. I follow him closely, teasing and prodding him, loving the way he tries to elude me as I feed him fake details of mine and Mike's night together.

"La, la, la, I can't hear you!" he yells, but I only chase after him, laughing at his misery all the way to the docks.

It's been a couple of days since mine and Mike's night together. And it has definitely become harder to keep our hands to ourselves, and our longing glances hidden. The boys have warned us more than once to be careful, as we are being a bit too obvious. So, we try to focus on our work and not each other. But the task proves difficult.

All of the King's ships who will be rallying with us to the monster's nest, have all finally arrived in the harbor. The boys and I go to the top of a steep hill overlooking the harbor.

All our our eyes widen as we gaze upon each ship that bobs up and down against the gentle waves.

There's at least sixty ships in total, ranging in different shapes and sizes. There are only two that dwarf the Hawk. In which I thought was impossible. However, the mighty Crusade and Rebel have almost another hundred plus feet to the Hawk.

These ships are also much more decked out and are booming warships. My eyes marvel at their revere. Guns and cannons are unmistakably lined barely five feet from one another. And the men who disembark the ships are just as mighty.

After the last ships finally dock in the harbor, the ships Captain's hold a great meeting in one of the town halls. Attack plans and strategies have been laid out, while each and every ship has been armored well past the usual.

Even our dainty Hawk has acquired a new look. She now has metal flanks that protect her most vulnerable spots, which are on her port and starboard sides. The metal adds a devilish look to our fine ship, and I can't help but feel a bit relieved when I see that she is a bit more protected.

After the Captain's have met, Captain Hopper pulls members of the crew who are able bodied seaman and up into a large local pub. Here, he explains the tactics of what is going to go down.

"It'll take about two or so weeks, depending on the weather and wind, to get to the monster's island" Captain Hopper bellows to us, who are all watching him intently.

"The plan is to move in fleets divided into three", he holds up his large hand holding up three fingers. "Then, we will approach the island from three angles, the smaller ships will break through the guard. While the larger ships, including us, will make a beeline straight to the island" he talks loudly.

"Once we are in position we will pull to starboard side and surround the island. And we will all release our mighty cannons, and sink that dreaded island to the sea itself!" he pumps his fist into the air victoriously, and cheers from our crew erupt all around us.

The boys and I sit near the back in a dark corner. Lucas and Dustin have had a couple of drinks and are starting to get a little rowdy, as they raise their tankards into the air and cheer loudly, and then downing their drinks, which slops down their shirt fronts.

I'm thankful Mike is a bit more reserved. He sits next to me and gives me a wide grin. Knowing that the Captain's words are empowering for all of us.

I casually look about and take in all the men. Jonathan and Steve have draken quite a bit too, as they are disheveled, but cheering and singing along with the rest of the Midshipman. Even Mr. Clarke is a bit red faced, as he stutteringly attempts to explain a scientific discovery to any other drunk man who will listen.

I shake my head at the men, who I have come to call my family, and my heart sinks a bit, thinking about the coming fight among us.

Deep down I worry greatly about what might happen, knowing, solemnly, that not everyone will make it out of this fight. And I pray greatly everyday, that it is none from my closest crew.

I'm brought out of my thoughts when I hear someone grumbling behind me, "Bloody fools".

I turn my head around and set my eyes on a young woman. My eyes trail over her as I watch her movements. Her hair is the reddest color I have ever laid eyes on, and the length trails close to her waist.

She wears a deep frown on her face as she picks up discarded tankards and wipes away the stickiness from the wooden tables with a brown table rag. Another cheer erupts through the tavern, and I see her head raise to the noise, when her eyes catch mine, and we stare at each other for a moment.

I can tell she's evaluating me, but soon looks away. She grabs the forgotten tankards, tosses them behind the bar, and exits out a back door. I watch it swing for a bit, my thoughts playing in my mind, what did she mean by, 'bloody fools?' My brain asks again and again. Not shaking the thoughts and not seeing the girl return, I whisper over to Mike, "I'm going to the bathroom", he nods his head, "Okay, be safe" he whispers back. I give him a quick smile and turn to the back door, hoping to find the girl.

I open the back door hesitantly as I look from side to side. It's a small alleyway, that is littered with boxes and barrels, I'm assuming is from the tavern.

I step out cautiously, taking in my surroundings as I let the door close behind me. I walk down the alleyway a bit, I look around and see nothing, sighing I go to turn back towards the tavern, when I feel a coldness on my neck, "Make a move, and I'll slice your throat", a cool voice plays into my ears.

I tense at the feeling of the blade against my neck and swallow slowly, I raise my hands in surrender, "I just, want to talk" I stutter out.

The person behind me laughs chillingly, "That's what they all say. Before they push you up against the rough stone wall and try to have their way with me. You men are all the same" she hisses.

My eyes go wide at her statement, my heart feeling the worry of what this girl has been through. I open my mouth to speak, "What if I told you...I wasn't like other guys?" I try.

"Heh, yeah, like that's ever true" her grips tightens against me. "No, I mean it" I try again, but the blade presses against my throat, and now it moves against my skin as I speak again, "I'm not a man" I say firmly.

At this I feel her grip loosen just a tad, "Yeah, right, I saw you in there, watching me" she seethes. I tentatively shake my head, "No, I was just admiring you", I mentally slap myself at my choice of words.

"What!" she growls pulling tighter, "No, sorry, not like that" I beg, as I'm sure she's one word away from slicing my neck open.

"I meant, I'd never seen a girl with hair as red as yours, and I thought it was pretty compared to mine" I soften. The girl still holds me, but listens, so I continue, "But, it's what you said, that caught me, and I had to talk to you", I explain.

I can feel her hot breath against my neck, her sheer determination held on by the fear she's had. "Please" I plead, "I'm a girl" I whisper.

"How do I know you're not trying to trick me?" she asks, her voice shaking. "I can show you, if you let me go, I promise, I won't hurt" I explain calmly.

Finally, I feel her pull the blade away from my throat, and she pushes me roughly, in which I stumble forward, I catch myself. I turn towards her, and see her, the knife held out in front of her.

"Prove it" she hisses. I nod my head, and slowly reach up to my hat, which I tug off and then pull my hair out of my tie. It falls loosely around my head, so I fluff it up a bit. Then I reach down and unbutton my top, just barely revealing my chest.

I watch as the girls eyes go wide, "You weren't joking" she marvels at me. I smile and shake my head, "No, I wasn't" I agree, as I re-button my top and throw my hair back up to its normal state.

She watches me, "How in the world, did you manage to pull that off" she says admirably. I laugh, "Lot's of practice".

She points to the door behind her, "So, all those men, think your one as well?" she questions. My smile widens a bit, "No, the Captain knows and the boys who are my age, all know" I say.

Her mouth drops open, "The Captain knows you're a girl, and he let you on the ship?!" she asks shocked.

I shake my head, "It's a long story, my brother and I joined the crew years ago, and I did so under the disguise of a boy", I explain. "And, one of the boys, Mike, we both liked each other, and I had to tell him so he thought he wasn't going crazy. Then the other two found out...after they caught Mike and I...well...kissing" I hesitate.

I watch as the fiery headed girl shake her head in disbelief, "That's amazing", she says, and I smile at her.

I approach her slowly and stick out my hand, "My names Eleanor, but Elliot as a boy, but everyone calls me El" I explain, watching the girl. She gives a half smile as she grasps my hand with hers and she gives it a firm shake, "The names Maxine, but everyone calls me Max" she says.

"Well, Max, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to ask you about what you meant by, 'bloody fools'?" I ask her.

I watch as Max bites onto her lip, contemplating. "Please Max, there's something you know, about what's going to happen, and I need to know" I plead to her.

She continues to be silent, when finally she lets her shoulders relax and she huffs, "Fine, I'll tell you" she says.

Max walks over to two barrels, and sits down at one and gestures for me to follow suit. I sit on the other upturned barrel and place my attention on the redheaded girl.

She lets out a long breath, "Let me start at the beginning".

Okay, leaving it on my first cliffhanger! I am SOOOOO sorry for the long wait again! This cold beat me down and it was awful! Also, I've wanted to introduce Max for awhile and FINALLY got an idea as to what I want to do, and am excited for this!

I hope you are all enjoying this story! Please let me know what you thought about this chapter and Max's arrival, so PLEASE REVIEW! I will hopefully have another chapter up in a couple of days!

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE REVIEWS FROM THE LAST CHAPTER, YOU ARE ALL AWESOME! And I just want you to know, as many have asked, there will be NO MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH, I PROMISE! I could NEVER kill off Eleven or Mike, they are just too cute!