Yeah, I know, you guys are probably hating me right now and I sincerely apologize for taking so incredibly long to get to this next chapter! I've been soooo busy trying to get everything set for my internship and it has been such a headache to get it set, but things are finally moving forward and getting to where I need them to be.
Anyways, I hope you are still all enjoying this story, it is slowly coming to the end, and I know I've said that like three times, but I am getting close to wrapping it up.
But, on with the story…
Disclaimer: I do not own Stranger Things or Bloody Jack
El's Point of View:
The harsh morning light cascades over our small oasis as the warm breeze blows against my bare shoulders and I shiver slightly at the sensation. I groan slightly and nuzzle myself into the warmth that is beside me, and I sigh in contentement.
At my small movements, Mike moves in response, his arms moving to wrap more snuggly around me as he buries his nose into my hair. He places a gentle kiss there, which causes my mouth to lift into a small grin.
He mutters a "Morning" to me as he begins to awake. I move against him and place a delicate kiss on his bare chest, "Good Morning" I return, sleep still heavy in my voice as well.
He turns every so slightly so that he can hold me tightly to his chest, and I sigh at the gesture. "How are you feeling?" he asks quietly.
I shrug against him, "I feel fine" I answer honestly.
Mike's chest reverberates with a small hum to my answer, as we continue to lay in peace, relishing in this moment together.
Mike eventually moves though and turns so that he is hovering over me slightly, he gives me a coy look as his shaggy black hair hangs down into my face, I smile up at him as I reach up a hand and run it along his smooth chest.
"What are you smirking about?" I ask him with a knowing smirk.
He chuckles lightly as he bends down and places a gentle kiss upon my mouth, pulling away after the briefest encounter, I whimper as he pulls away.
He continues to smirk down at me, as he lazily runs a hand up my bare side. "I just can't help but think of how lucky I am...and I can't get over how beautiful you are" he says.
I give him a soft look and can't help the blush that forms on my face. "You always say that" I duck my head slightly.
He bends down and places a couple teasing kisses against my skin, which causes me to tuck away from his ticklish onslaught.
"Mike, stop!" I try to effortlessly push him away, but him being so much larger, my effort is futile, not that I really want him to go away.
My cries fall on his deaf ears as he continues to pepper kisses up and down my skin, as he has now shifted to hover above me.
He eventually pulls away, my chest heaves up and down as I try to catch my breath. I open my eyes slightly, and they catch Mike's dark eyes, that seem much deeper now, and I can immediately tell, and feel, what's on his mind.
We stare at each other for a couple of moments, taking in the situation, and within seconds Mike lunges down to me, our mouths meeting in a furious kiss, our bodies tangling together, as we reenact last night's events over again.
We walk hand in hand as the afternoon sun stretches over head, the humidity starting to get just uncomfortable enough, where our backs begin to sweat, and our shirts stick to our backs.
However, for Mike and I, we find no care, because our hearts are full, and there's a lightness in both of our steps.
We keep throwing shy, knowing glances at one another as we make our way back to the ship. It's a bit later than Mike had explained he had agreed to Hopper that he would have us back, but, we honestly don't care.
My mind drifts back to our early morning endeavors that involved quite a few episodes of love making, getting cleaned off in our oasis, and maybe one more quick act of becoming one with another, before we knew we had to be returning to the ship.
Both Mike and I dragged out getting ready to ensure to etch this moment alone together, for we had no idea of when we would get a moment like this again.
We both dressed one another slowly, giving each other quick kisses, and soft touches, marveling at our moment together.
Mike gathered up the blankets, while I got the food picked up. We both turned to look at our oasis one more time, each releasing a long sigh, as we sadly walked away.
Once we were walking though, Mike's hand quickly entangled with mine, and held fast. At the action I whip my head towards him, and he gives a tremendous smile, which I can't help but return, my heart filling with an eternal happiness. I snuggle into his side the best I can as we walk along the dusty streets of Florida.
We are whispering sweet words to one another and rapture our moment of pure bliss when The Hawk comes into view.
Mike and I are still pressed as tightly as possible against one another as we walk up the gangplank. Mike presses a sweet kiss to my cheek as our feet land on the main deck, and a wide grin plasters itself against my face.
Mike opens his mouth to speak, when a loud, obnoxious voice breaks between us, "Well, well, well, looks like the newlyweds have finally returned from their little 'adventure'".
Both Mike and I roll our eyes and can't help the flushes that fill our faces. We turn to see Dustin, Max, Lucas and Will making their way towards us, each with wide, knowing grins on their faces.
Mike pulls me closer to him, knowing that we are about to get the mockery of a lifetime from our friends.
"Did you guys have a good time?" Lucas starts in from Dustin's previous dig, he wiggles his eyebrows.
"Yeah, you guys were gone for quite some time" Max draws out, shoving my shoulder lightly.
I roll my eyes once again, and I take in a deep breath, "Okay guys, we get it, obviously, we did, what you guys are insinuating. We're married now, so of course we're doing stuff that you guys just can't help but tease us about", the words tumble effortlessly from my mouth.
And at my statement I watch in amusement as each of our friends mouths fall open in shock at my blatant statement.
I give them a once over with a raised eyebrow, daring them to continue to mock us. 'They obviously know what we did, better to get it out in the open then feel the embarrassment of their teasing' I reason with myself inside my head.
I feel Mike chuckle against me at my words, and obviously at the sight of our friends faces. Eventually, they break from their stupor and they shake their heads slightly.
Dustin lets out a long sigh, "You guys are no fun" he huffs.
We all chuckle at his statement as Max and Will reach out to take our supplies from us, "We'll take care of these for you guys, why don't you two and Dustin and Lucas get breakfast, I'm sure you guys are hungry" Max can't help but throw out a wink to the meaning behind her words, and I shake my head at her final tease.
But, instead of saying anything I nod my head and turn to Mike, who gives me a smile, "Yeah, I'm starving, let's go eat" he states, as he grabs my hand and we walk towards the mess hall.
"We'll catch up with you guys later!" Will calls over his shoulder while he and Max make their way across the deck.
"Where are they going?" I ask the other boys in front of us. They simply shrug their shoulders and cast curious glances towards them as well, my question looming unanswered in the air. I shrug it off and hungirly make it towards the mess hall.
Upon entering the mess hall, all eyes fall on Mike and I, as just about every crew member eagerly come to greet us upon our return.
"Ah, the newlyweds are back!" I hear Steve yell from his table as he makes his way towards us. And before we know it, Mike and I are swept away from each other as a mob of our crewmates surround us.
"El, you looked so beautiful yesterday!" Jonathan is the first to congratulate me with a hug, and the pattern continues of 'how beautiful I looked' and 'you're such a lucky girl!' are thrown around me.
For Mike, he's getting pats on the back and knowing winks and shoves and comments like, 'Ol' Mikey's a man now!', and quiet whispers of, 'how was it boy?' surround him.
Even though he's a bit away from me, I can still hear the comments and I can see his usually light face is lit up like he's on fire from the personal questions.
I can hear his stuttering comments as he desperately tries to avoid the more probing questions. And I can tell he is starting to get overwhelmed, so I break away from the sea of men surrounding me, and kindly direct myself away as I weave through the crowd towards my husband.
After a couple of 'excuse me's' and 'pardon me' I finally make it to Mike's side, I grab his very sweaty and intertwine it with mine. At the gesture he turns towards me, and a relieved smile plasters his face.
I raise my voice slightly, "Gentleman, friends, please, we can't thank you enough for all the love and kind words, but...we're very hungry" I plead to them and I flutter my eyes at the men.
And at this, they men quickly melt, and they begin to unravel from us, as they let us through. Mike and I thank everyone as we move to grab our breakfast and we go to sit with an awaiting Dustin and Lucas at our usual table.
We sit down and we both let out long breaths. Mike shakes his head, "Wow, I never thought the other men could be like that" he says exhaustingly.
I smile as I bite into my morning oatmeal, "They're just trying to be sweet", I shrug.
Mike groans a bit, "At least they weren't asking you really embarrassing and personal questions about...last night" he whispers, his face going red once again.
I can't help but chuckle at my poor husband as Dustin and Lucas join in as well. "They're men Mike, they can't help but laugh" I admit.
He sighs again, "Yeah, hopefully it stops soon".
Once we have finished breakfast the four of us make our way back onto the main deck, in which is in full swing due to the fact that we are shipping off tomorrow with the tide.
So, every seaman is moving about the deck, fulfilling his duty and making sure the ship is all set to make sail.
We are heading to meet up with Jonathan, so that we can be given our tasks as well, when a large hand on my shoulder stops me in place.
I trip in my step at the sudden force and I turn quickly towards the source, and I let out a breath of relief to see that Hopper stands beside me.
"Hopper, hi!" I greet him cheerfully, he rolls his eyes slightly at my disconcert for formality. "El….Mike" he greets Mike with a slight hesitation.
"Sir" Mike says quietly, trying to not meet his eyes. Hopper turns his attention towards me, "El, we will be heading out tomorrow and will be setting our sights on Ireland to return Max to her home, as promised" he nods to me.
I'm taken aback slightly at his words, completely forgetting that Hopper had promised after the dreaded battle that we would be returning Max back to her home for helping us win the battle.
"Oh...right" I hesitate as his words sink in slightly. "After, we will be settling back into England, where, we will probably be docked for awhile since we have fulfilled our duties for the King, you'll get some time to see your family and such" he shrugs.
And at this statement I perk up a bit, a thought dawning on me, "I'll get to see Joyce" I whisper to myself.
"Hmm?" Hopper gives me a confused look, and I stutter slightly realising I must have said my thoughts aloud. "I...uh, was just thinking about seeing Will's mom again...actually…." I take a long pause. "We...don't know what happened to her...after we left" I say quietly looking down at the worn deck.
I feel Mike's hand tighten in mine, and I return the pressure back to him. I turn my head slightly to meet his gaze, he gives me a tight smile, not really sure what to do in this type of situation.
Hopper clears his throat to get my attention and I turn my look back to him, "I'm sure she's fine El, from the letters I received there have been no more attacks since the island was destroyed" he offers.
I shrug my shoulders, "Yes, but...it's been years since we've heard from Joyce, she didn't even know where we ended up….I can't even think what Will…" I stop short, not wanting to continue.
Hopper's hand finds its place on my shoulder again, I can feel my eyes watering, threatening to spill over. He lets out a heavy sigh, "Kid, we'll find her, you kids will have plenty of time to visit with your families, okay?"
He gives me a steady look, and I only nod in return. He gives me one more pat on the shoulder and he heads off.
Mike tugs at my hand once he is gone, and I gently lift my face so that our eyes meet. His eyes are soft and full of questions, but he knows better than to ask right now. He gives me a tender smile, "Hey, don't worry, we'll all help you in finding Joyce, just like Hopper said" he tries to reassure me.
I only shrug my shoulders in return, my eyes are still full of sadness, when suddenly a bright look comes across Mike's face, "But, hey, you can...meet my family too" he says trying to not sound too eager.
I give him a questioning look, "Yeah, my parents, my two sisters, they'll be so excited that I actually met someone!" his face immediately flushes at his words and he ducks his head slightly.
At this I can't help but push a little, "What do you mean?" I ask him.
Mike lifts his shoulders and stutters a little, "Well….it's not like I'm some, stellar guy, El, for someone like me" he points to himself, "To end up with someone like you" and at this he twirls me slightly, which puts a smile on my face, "I don't think they were expecting that" he admits with a bashful look.
At this I give Mike an earnest look, I step towards him and place a gentle hand on his face, his dark eyes move to meet mine, "Mike", I say sternly so that he understands the meaning behind my next words, "Any, girl would have been lucky enough to have you. But, no other girl got that chance because I couldn't help but fall madly in love with you".
And at my words Mike's whole demeanor softens, "You are everything and more to me, I hope you know that" I give him a steady look.
He chuckles slightly as he reaches out to pull me towards him, he nuzzles my nose, which makes me smile like always, "Have I ever told you how lucky I am to have you?" he jokes.
And I shake my head at his words, "You might have mentioned it once" I tease him, as I bring his head down to mine and we share a sweet kiss.
He pulls away with that beautiful smile of his, "My mom is going to love you" he states as we begin to move across the deck once again, hand in hand.
"I can't wait to meet her, and your sisters too" I say, I can feel a bout of eagerness rising in my chest at meeting Mike's family.
He chuckles, "Yeah, they will love you, but I'm sure mom won't be happy she missed the wedding" he says sheepishly.
"We can always do it again for our families?" I suggest.
"That would be pretty great if we did" Mike answers honestly.
I snuggle up into his side and lay my head against his shoulder as we walk, "I'd marry you over and over again" I say happily.
At this Mike places a gentle kiss on my head, "I would too, as long as it's you" he finishes.
We smile and hold each other close as we finally find Jonathan and are given our duties.
Mike's Point of View
After a very long day of getting the ship ready to set sail, I drag myself down towards the sleeping quarters, very ready to hang up mine and El's hammock and get some much needed sleep.
Upon arrival, I can see Max and the rest of the boys hanging up their hammocks, they look just as exhausted as I feel. They see me enter and give me tired smiles.
"Where's El?" I can't help but ask the others. The guys shrug their shoulders but Max answers me, "She had to finish up helping the doctor with some sketches, she said she would be a little later" she shrugs.
I huff in disappointment but accept the fact as I go and grab our hammock. However, once I grab the material a voice from behind me says, "What are you doing?"
Unsure I heard the question correctly I turn to Max who's giving me a questioning look and her hands are placed firmly on her hips.
I shrug my shoulders quickly, "Uh...hanging our hammock?" I answer.
Max shakes her head as she rips the hammock out of my grasp. "Hey what…!" I start, but one look from Max's piercingly blue eyes tells me to shut my mouth.
"You and El are married now" she states.
I give her wide eyes, "Yeah and…?" I'm waiting for her to continue.
She lets out an annoyed sigh, like I'm supposed to know what she's talking about, "That means...you guys need to sleep together" she states as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
I stare at her with the most obscene stare I can fix her, desperately trying to decipher her words and trying to figure out the hidden meaning.
"Max, we already do that" I answer, truly believing that I was being set up by the fiery redhead.
She lets out another annoyed sigh and shakes her head, "Yeah, but what are some activities most husband and wives do?" she strains.
At this my face grows hot, and my eyes widen. "Yeah, Mike, what activities do you and El get up to now?" the teasing voice from Dustin comes from the darkness.
I bury my face into my hands letting out a growl, "Ugh, you guys are impossible!"
Everyone is laughing at me now, "Oh, Mike, you're just too easy to tease!" Lucas chuckles.
I raise my head and glare at my so called 'friends'. "Seriously?! Do you guys think we would do...that...here?" I ask them.
They all laugh again at my uneasiness, and I roll my eyes. "Obviously not, but that doesn't mean it won't ever happen" Max approaches me with a steady look.
I huff once again, but Max continues, she places an arm around my shoulder, "Look, we've got it all set up for you guys anyways" she says.
I give her another look, "What do you mean?" I ask, and just as Max is about to answer, we hear footsteps approach us from the stairs and a tired sigh is let out.
"Hey guys, what's up?" a tired El greets us, taking us all in, and observing that something else is going on, she turns a curious look to me.
"What's...going on?" she asks slowly.
I turn to Max,"Well, Max was just about to explain to us…" I urge her to continue.
Max pulls away from me and approaches El, "Perfect timing, now I can show you both together" she says excitedly.
"Show us what?" El asks, but Max doesn't answer as she pulls at El and the rest of us follow Max.
We are heading towards the front of the ship, where there are many nooks and hiding places that El and I have, well, explored, during our secret time together.
But, we've never been this far into the depths of the ship.
We are crawling through tight spaces that make it difficult to maneuver through, but it works fine.
When, Max steps through one last crossbeam and stands, she holds her hands out dramatically and says, "Ta-da!"
El and I clear the crossbeam and our eyebrows rise in surprise. We are met with a small corner of the ship that has a large about of blankets scattered about, I recognize some of the immediately as the ones we used last night.
"What's all this?" El turns to ask her female companion.
Max opens her mouth to speak but she is cut off by an eager Dustin, "It was my idea.." he starts when Will whacks his head behind him, "Ow!" Dustin cries, rubbing his head, "It was our idea" Will emphasizes, "That you guys kind of have your own space" Will shrugs.
Both El and I observe our friends, not really sure what to say. "Hopper knows too" Lucas offers in.
"He said this was okay?" I ask him with disbelief.
Lucas shrugs his shoulders and gives a coy smile "Well, we explained to him the situation", "Which he didn't like hearing about" Dustin throws in.
Lucas rolls his eyes at the interruption, "And he pretty much said, just do whatever, so we did".
"But why?" El asks, and I feel myself turn red at her question knowing that the guys were now going to get another chance to embarrass us.
Max walks up to El and places an arm over her shoulder, "Well...we know what married couples like to do, and we wanted no part of that" she jokes.
And at these words El's mouth drops open in shock, "Seriously guys?! We wouldn't do that!" she shakes her head.
I can't help but laugh, "I said the same thing" I shrugged my shoulders at her.
Max chuckles as well, "We've heard some things when you guys get carried away, we just thought this would be safer" she admits.
El lets out a long breath, "You guys are impossible" she shakes her head.
"Well, if it makes you feel better, Dustin and I can't share that hammock anymore, we kind of wanted yours" Lucas says.
El rolls her eyes, "So, you just wanted our hammock?" she asks in disbelief, in which Dustin and Lucas smirk to each other.
"Guys, it's really no problem, here, you get some privacy" Max looks at us while gesturing to the small 'bedroom'.
In the end I can't help but sigh, "Okay then, we'll accept it, and I guess Dustin can have our hammock" I say to them.
Dustin throws his fist up in the air, "Yes!" he says in triumph.
Max turns towards the boys and begins to push at them, "Come on guys, let's leave the lovebirds alone" she throws a wink in our direction, in which causes both of our faces to burn.
"Max!" El hisses at the girl, who only sticks her tongue back at the girl beside me as she and the boys disappear to head back towards their own hammocks.
Once we no longer hear our friends, I turn to El and she gives me a look. "Our friends are ridiculous" she shakes her head.
I laugh at her, but I can't help but step near her and pull her into a hug. She sighs at the contact. "Well, I can't say I'm not happy about this arrangement", I admit to the small girl in my arms.
She scoffs at me as she swats at my chest as she pushes away, but I hold her quick and pull her back into my arms, both laughing.
"Hey, you can't say you aren't a little happy about this situation, right?" I tease her, and she only buries her head deeper into my chest.
She sighs and turns her head upwards, "I guess" she admits sheepishly, her cheeks beginning to turn red once again.
I quirk an eyebrow up at her, and I can't help but lower my head to hers, our lips touch lightly, testing each other, before we smash them against one another.
Our lips move in rehearsed synchronicity against one another, a practiced art that we have just about mastered.
I move my hands so that they rest on El's hip, and I tentatively move my hands under her thin white shirt. I ease it up and over her head with steady practice. Our lips separate from one another, and I take in the sight of her.
She gives me a coy look, as she moves to do the same thing with my shirt. We move so that our bare chests press against each other, and I can't help but let out a groan at the feeling. I dip my head to recapture El's lips in mine.
Soon I pull her gently down onto our lovely bed of blankets, where we eagerly remove the rest of our clothing, and we once again become one with each other.
As the night moves on I can't help but think, 'I'm kind of glad our friends are the biggest pains', as I drift off to sleep, my beautiful wife laying between my arms.
Okay, got that chapter done! I know it's shorter, but I HAD to get something put out before someone said I abandoned the story, which I have NOT, just SOOOO busy!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! And please let me know by, as always, leaving a review! I didn't get a lot from the last chapter, but I know that happens.
So PLEASE REVIEW! You are all awesome!