Stranger Things: Rebuilding: Book 4
Chapter 23 of my Stranger Things story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Stranger Things or its characters.
Breaking Point
"...So that's basically the gist of it, that's why we need your help." El finished explaining.
Nancy, Jonathan, Steve and Robin were staring, wide-eyed as they took in what El had told them, Mike adding more information where necessary.
"This is, this is crazy." Nancy breathed out. "You realise how dangerous this is."
Mike nodded quickly. "Yes, we know. But we have to do it in order to save Will. There's no other way."
"Maybe so but this plan of yours, you really think it's going to work?" Steve queried.
El sighed. "I can't offer any guarantees, but it's all we've got. We've got to make it work. Dustin, Max and Lucas are waiting for us to give them the word that's it's time."
The four college students looked around at each other, worried but they could see the determination in the two teens faces and knew the others would likely be feeling the same. It was clear there would be no discouraging them.
"So, to clarify, you guys are going to try and rescue Will...and want us to distract your families?" Robin queried.
They nodded and finally, after sharing another look, Jonathan smiled.
"Well, nothing's gonna stop you. Alright, I'm in."
"Yeah, I'll help too." Nancy agreed.
Steve and Robin both nodded in agreement too confirming that they were on board with the plan too.
At that moment however, one of the doors opened and a wild-eyed Eric came bursting into the room.
"Wait, did I hear all that right?" He almost yelled. "You're seriously putting yourself in danger again!"
El rolled her eyes. "I don't see how this concerns you, Gibson."
Eric flinched at that, startled at El referring to him so coldly, by his last name even.
"I...but, but you...You should have told the police if you know where Will is." Eric protested.
"We already explained exactly why that wouldn't work." El snapped. "We're the only ones who can do this, now enough of your stupid-"
Eric suddenly burst out. "I hardly think trying to make sure you're safe is stupid, honestly. Can't you see that, everybody else just doesn't seem to understand, either that or they're-"
"Don't, just don't. You don't understand a damn thing. It's you that's the problem." El cut him off, clearly having had enough. "I don't need protection or anything like that, I can handle myself. You've seen that, you know that. Now enough, all this isn't about my safety, it's your ego!"
"El-"
"Just leave it alone, alright." She snarled. "I have more important things to be dealing with than you."
With that she startled everyone by turning and storming out, leaving a very awkward and uncomfortable silence behind her, notably leaving Eric in shock.
XXXXX
Hopper's eyes narrowed as he listened to Joyce explaining what she overheard.
"They're serious about this? Do they even understand how dangerous that is, the risk involved." He growled.
Joyce sighed. "That's just the thing Hop, they do, but they feel there's no other choice, that's why they're doing it."
Hopper sighed too. "Damn...I, I'm sorry Joyce, I hate to admit it but...they may be right. Especially if it involves a gate, only El can close it."
"But...to rescue Will?"
"I don't know." Hopper replied. "El said she had a plan, we just have to assume that she does know what she's doing."
Joyce shook her head. "Now they're trying to get Jonathan and his friends to distract us, Karen, me...Dustin's mother, Lucas' parents...I just-"
"It's alright. They'll soon understand circumstances will change, if anything, I'll have to help them out."
Joyce grimaced but she could see that he was right.
"Actually, that sounds like a good idea to me, chief."
They both turned to see Max standing there, grim-faced.
"Max?"
"See, there's one problem with El's plan." Max explained. "But I know a way to get around it, it'll be dangerous but I do believe it will work. But I'll need your help."
Hopper quirked an eyebrow and listened, wondering what sort of idea Max would have, while Joyce also listened nervously, hopeful that this would all work and that Will would be safe.
XXXXX
Still frozen at El's sudden departure, slowly the group managed to pull themselves together and, to Eric's shock, turned to glare at him.
"Nice job Eric." Nancy snapped.
Eric gaped. "Hey, I was only trying to-"
Robin shook her head. "Pull off your overprotective bullshit. Listen, contrary to what you believe, not every girl likes that sort of thing, hardly any in fact."
Eric stammered and looked around, trying to see any help from any of them. But there was nothing, least of all from Mike who was glaring and seemed to be trying to contain himself, but was only barely succeeding.
"I'm just concerned about her, she...she needs to be kept safe-"
"Oh for fuck sake, shut up!" Mike suddenly snapped. "You barely know her, do you. You keep acting as if she's some helpless little girl who needs protection or that you have some right to dictate what she does and doesn't do!"
"You just endanger her Wheeler." Eric snapped in response, shocked at this outburst. "You think she-"
"I know she can do it, she doesn't need protection, help yes, but protection no. I love her and would back her up no matter what." Mike bust out.
With that he turned and stormed out himself, determined to go after El. Everyone stuck staring in shock, not only at Mike's outburst but also to his sudden confession of his feelings.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.