The Test of Time

by MissSmolderHolder

After rewatching The Good Place, I was left with this nagging feeling that Eleanor would have wanted to be next to Michael on Earth. Then I couldn’t find any such fic so I decided to write one myself. This will be the slow burn of slow burns but it will hopefully pay off in the end as Eleanor and Michael start a new life on Earth and discover just how much they mean to each other.

1. Chapter 1

- Just sit on the bench and go through the archway when you're ready.

- I'm ready... Eleanor says with a convincing smile. Moments later, she scrunches up her nose.

- Fork it! I really thought this was it. Why the fork don't I feel ready? Chidi's been gone for who knows how many Bearimys anymore...

- 5,000, interrupts Janet.

- Yes, so why can't I leave? I helped Michael accomplish his dream of living as a human on Earth. There's nothing keeping me here anymore. What the fork!

- I'm sorry. I wish I could help you somehow. Do you want to make a list of every single thing you've ever wanted and see if there's something you might not have accomplished?

- Janet... if you had the option, would you pass through?

- That's an interesting question Eleanor. Well, Jason's not here anymore. But I still feel like I should wait for Michael, you know? Hear about his time on Earth.

- Michael... Eleanor said with a fond smile on her face. I miss him a lot. I wonder what he's doing right this second.

- Based on the time and my knowledge of human pastimes, I would guess trying to dodge a very insistent co-worker who wants to show him a slideshow of baby photos.

Eleanor giggled.

- The big goof. He's probably dreading existence right about now. Oh, who am I kidding. He's definitely loving the experience.

- I worry about him sometimes. I just feel like he could use some help, you know. Like he shouldn't have went by himself.

You could practically hear the penny drop as a stroke of realization hit Eleanor straight in the face. Her mouth went agape as she grabbed Janet's hand.

- You gorgeous, brilliant not-a-girl. That's it!

- What's it?

- That's why I don't feel ready. All this time I had this nagging sensation that I owed someone something that kept me from leaving. It was Michael all along. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today and I guess I... I never felt like I fully repaid the favor. That's what I have to do. Go to Earth and help Michael through it.

- Eleanor, I don't want to sound insensitive but you're dead. You remember that, right?

- No d'oy! I'll just ask the Judge to do the whole resetting thingie again and voila!

- Umm... That doesn't sound like her.

- Don't worry, I got this, babe. I'll just work my Shellstrop charm. Can you get me a meeting with her?

- Certainly. Are you sure you want to do this?

Eleanor smiles and nods like she's finally at peace with herself.

-Yes. In fact, that's the only thing that truly makes sense right now.