Pop Culture

AN: I'm back with part two! Sorry for the wait but writer's block is very real.

Thank you so much to everyone who has read part one, left a comment and a kudos/favourite. Your feedback means everything to me and really spurs me on to get these stories out to you

I hope you enjoy the second part of the two-shot!

Pop Culture Part Two

Mike hurried around his basement on Saturday, even getting out the vacuum cleaner and the polish, wanting everything to looking perfect for his sleepover. Wanting everything to look perfect for El.

He grinned to himself wildly, still beyond amazed that she had agreed to be his girlfriend. Guys like him weren't meant to be with girls like her. She was beautiful, smart, powerful and brave and deserved someone who could look after her. All Mike could offer was his heart and he just hoped that it was enough.

Mike was making sure the blanket fort was neat and tidy when he heard the sound of feet on the steps. He looked up to see Nancy walking down into the basement giving him a small smile of acknowledgement.

"What's up?" he asked her, getting up off his knees now that the blanket fort was ready for El. He hadn't laid out his sleeping bag yet, but he was positive he would be putting it right next to the fort.

"Have you got everything you need for tonight?" Nancy asked her brother, sitting down on the arm of the old worn couch.

"Yeah mom left money for us to order in and we've got enough snacks. Plus, Dustin said he'd bring some stuff too." Mike said, his eyes already darting around the room wondering what he could clean up next.

Nancy was fidgeting with her skirt and Mike couldn't help but roll his eyes, he could tell she was stalling. "What is it Nance?"

She looked up at him, her cheeks blushing slightly. "Well I know Hopper and mom think I'm chaperoning your sleepover," she began before coughing awkwardly. "But I was thinking…well Jonathan wants to take me out on a date and then I was going to invite him over." She explained, her face turning red whilst Mike cringed at what the teenagers were planning on doing when they got back to the house.

He immediately averted his dark amber eyes to the floor feeling uncomfortable. "Okay," he mumbled trying to grasp onto what she was saying.

"I won't tell Hopper or mom that I wasn't here," Nancy quickly explained. "But would that be okay? Will you be okay here on your own with your friends?"

Mike looked up at Nancy, suddenly her date night sounded like the best plan in the world. It meant he would have the house to himself for most of the night to host his friends and girlfriend. "Yeah we'll be fine here," he told her quickly with a small smile.

Nancy sighed and looked up at him, "are you sure? I mean we'll probably be back at like 11, but um, we'll probably go upsta – "

"That's fine!" Mike interrupted her quickly, not needing to know anything more about her date night.

Nancy smiled in relief, "thanks Mike, I'll tell Jonathan I can go." She said happily, jumping up from the couch before halting to look at him and the basement. "It's very clean down here," she stated, a smirk starting to form on her lips. "Any reason why you've put in so much effort?"

"Good bye Nancy!" Mike said in response staring at her with a flat look whilst she chuckled and gave him a little wave before ascending the stairs.

Three hours later and Lucas and Dustin were the first to arrive, both of them squabbling over which 'Star Wars' moment El was going to like best.

"She's a girl, she's gonna like Leia and Han Solo," Lucas said in a bored tone, his footsteps on the basement stairs mixing with the loud thuds that Dustin was making. Mike looked up from the couch, his knee jiggling nervously as he waited for El to arrive.

Dustin scoffed, "just because she's a girl doesn't mean that she is going to automatically like Leia and Han! Oh man, I can't wait for her to discover that Luke and Leia are twins! And for Darth Vader to tell Luke he's his father!" His enthusiasm was evident, and Mike couldn't help but smile, equally excited for his girlfriend to discover all of the secrets that 'Star Wars' had to offer.

"What confuses me is that Vader has Leia captive, is even alone with her in A New Hope, and yet he doesn't realise Leia is his daughter. But he can sense that Luke is his son!" Dustin said bewildered as he jumped onto the couch next to Mike, the movement making the Paladin bounce slightly in annoyance.

"Maybe it's because Luke has the force," Lucas added in, sitting down on the other side of Mike who couldn't help but join into the conversation too.

"Oh come on, Leia definitely has the force too. Like how she sensed Luke's call for help in The Empire Strikes Back and the fact that Vader says he'll turn Leia to the dark side if Luke doesn't." Mike argued, his words coming out enthusiastically as he discussed his favourite movie saga with his friends.

He was honestly glad of the distraction, it stopped his body from shaking with nerves whilst he waited for El. It was still hard to believe that she was coming to the sleepover, and Mike felt like any second he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maybe Hopper would change his mind?

There was movement again on the stairs and Mike looked up so quickly he was sure he had caused a crick in his neck. When he saw it was Will he was mixed with a sense of disappointment that it wasn't El, but also relief that his best friend could finally come and settle the debate between Dustin and Lucas.

"What have I missed?" Will chuckled noticing the exasperated look on Mike's face. In an instance he was wrapped into the Star Wars debate about whether Leia was a Jedi or not.

Mike watched his best friend for a moment, finding it hard to comprehend that only a few weeks ago Will was possessed by the Mind Flayer, doing its bidding and almost dying in the process.

Mike had seen things he hoped that someday he would forget, but he knew he never would. Those kind of memories scarred your mind as if they were burned to your brain, always there, a constant reminder of the pain they had all experienced.

He had no idea how Will was coping with it all so well, but Mike couldn't help but be thankful that Will didn't remember a lot of the things the Mind Flayer made him do whilst possessed. All that mattered was that they all had their best friend back, and he could finally start living again.

The sound of the doorbell ringing brought Mike immediately out of his complex thoughts and he jumped up from the couch, his breath catching and a nervous sweat starting to develop on his brow. The debate between the boys ended abruptly and they all laughed at Mike's over the top reaction, but he didn't pay them any mind. Instead he rushed up the stairs like his life depended on it.

"I'll get it!" Mike shouted as he passed Nancy and Jonathan in the kitchen, the couple, 'not yet a couple' were making gooey eyes at each other whilst whispering over hot cocoa. Nancy didn't even bother to respond to him, before she had even blinked he was out of the kitchen and taking a deep breath before opening the front door.

Mike couldn't contain his smile as his gaze immediately fell onto El, not even noticing the two other people standing beside her. She was wearing a deep red knitted sweater and a pair of black denim jeans with her curly hair fixed into two neat braids. She looked so adorable that Mike felt his heart immediately melt on the spot.

He exhaled a breath of relief that she was finally here, a dopey smile quirking up on his lips and aching his cheeks. Mike didn't take his eyes off her, his heart singing at the way she beamed back at him, her eyes happy and bright and her smile wide and beautiful.

Mike would do anything to see her this happy. Absolutely anything to make her smile like this and to hear her laugh. She was single handily the best thing to have ever happened to him and he knew with every fibre of his being that he would never let her go.

"So…are you two just gonna stare at each other?" came another female voice that made both Mike and El blink and come out of their intimate moment.

He turned, realising that Max was also stood there, her hands on her hips and an amused smirk on her face. Mike immediately blushed at being caught staring so intensely at his girlfriend. The pink blush only became bright red when he heard a gruff voice being cleared and finally saw Hopper stood behind the girls looking incredibly exasperated.

"Maxine has a point Wheeler," the chief barked ignoring the way Max glared back at him for saying her full name. "It's December, you really going to let us freeze our asses off whilst you make gooey eyes at El?"

Mike was positive he would set on fire any second by how embarrassed he suddenly felt. He could feel the heat radiating off his body, it was probably enough to keep the whole of Hawkins warm this winter. He coughed awkwardly and shook his head quickly. "N-No!" he exclaimed, trying to ignore the way his palms were sweating. "Come in," he croaked, standing back from the door to allow El and Max inside.

Hopper paused by the door way and Mike slowly looked up at him, suddenly feeling intimated by the chief's height. "Er…chief? Do you want to come inside?" he asked feebly.

The tall man leaned against the door frame and shook his head, "no Wheeler. But I do want to have a quick word with Nancy," he said giving Mike a pointed look before the teenager quickly nodded and hurried to the kitchen to grab his sister. Max and El stayed in the hallway both of them curiously watching the scene.

Nancy appeared a second later with a harassed Mike and gave the chief a warm smile. "Hey, Hop," she said in greeting.

"Hi Nancy," Hopper exhaled nodding his head to Jonathan who was lingering by the kitchen door. The teenager smiled in greeting and gave him a small wave in return. The chief returned his eyes onto the older Wheeler child and sighed. "I just wanted to check that you are keeping an eye on these lot tonight?"

Nancy nodded and smiled, "of course." Mike was immediately thankful for his sister's loyalty, even though she was also benefiting from this agreement. "I'll make sure they don't go to bed too late and that they…behave themselves." Nancy added sparing a smirk to her brother who glared at her in response, taking back his internal gratefulness to his sister.

Hopper slumped slightly in relief and nodded, "that's good." He answered before turning his gaze onto El who was watching on intently. He smiled at her warmly, his eyes softening. "Have fun okay kid? I'll be back for you about one tomorrow."

El grinned at her adoptive father. "Thanks dad. See you tomorrow." she said happily, holding onto her overnight bag.

"Thanks for the lift chief!" Max called to him before wandering off towards the basement. Hopper sighed and rolled his eyes at the back of the Zoomer's head before she quite literally sped off. The chief gave them all a final nod before walking back towards the cruiser.

Mike exhaled a sigh of relief and closed the front door, turning around and jumping slightly when he realised El was stood there alone. The hallway seemed to have been cleared of everyone else and Mike was suddenly aware of how little space there was between them.

"Hi El," he choked out, his face warming up again as he took in her beauty.

"Hi Mike," El replied softly, scooting slightly closer to him so that the tips of their sneakers touched. Her breath was mingling with his and he suddenly felt faint.

"I missed you," El exhaled, leaning forward to rest her forehead against his, shutting her eyes and exhaling deeply. Mike gulped nervously and closed his eyes too, allowing himself to just breathe her in for a moment. He immediately felt his body relax, having her this close was always welcoming to his heart.

"I missed you too," Mike whispered back, gently nuzzling his nose with hers before sighing happily that she was finally here, back at his home where she belonged.

Mike felt El's eyelashes flutter against his cheeks and he opened his eyes, his gaze immediately locking onto her beautiful hazel orbs. He was so drawn in by her he could barely breathe. He felt the distance between them become less and less until –

"Mike!" Nancy interrupted, her arms crossed and a smirk on her face as she lingered in the hallway. The young couple broke from each other's arms and turned to look at her; El's face was blotchy from her pink blush and Mike's were purely filled with annoyance.

"What?" he nagged in response.

"I thought you were hosting a sleepover?" Nancy teased in response, nudging her head towards the basement door.

Mike cleared his throat and nodded, "um, yeah. We're going now." He mumbled, taking El's hand in his and leading her towards the stairs. He couldn't contain his disappointment for not having got to kiss his girlfriend, and when he glanced at El he saw a similar expression on her face.

The moment they reached the top of the stairs and were no longer in sight of Nancy or Jonathan, Mike quickly leaned in and pressed a quick but soft kiss to El's lips. When he pulled away it was to find her smiling happily in surprise, her eyes bright and joyful.

Mike exhaled in contentment, amazed that not only could he kiss El, not only was she here back in her true home, but now he was getting to have a sleepover with her and introduce her to the best movies ever made.

An hour later the party were taking turns on the Atari, Mike being surprised when El had pointed at the gaming system and named it correctly. He smiled and nodded, watching on proudly when she gave it a go with Max whilst the boys cheered for them both.

They were all sat around the couch, Max and Lucas lounging on the floor, eating French fries and debating which arcade game was best with Dustin and Will when El turned to Mike with a question on her lips. "Will you tell me what's happening in Star Wars if I don't understand?"

"Of course!" He answered with a breathless smile. Mike reached for El's hand, entwining their fingers before looking back up at his girlfriend with excited eyes. "I really think you're going to like it. The Imperial Force who are under control by Darth Vader and Darth Sidious hold Princess Leia hostage as part of their attempt to destroy the rebellion against the Galactic Empire."

Mike was in full on nerd mode, his eyes wide with enthusiasm and his words coming out quicker the more he spoke. "Luke Skywalker and Han Solo who is the captain of the Millennium Falcon work together with Chewbacca, and two droids called R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue Princess Leia and help with the rebellion. And this is just A New Hope! In – "

Before Mike could say anything else he realised that El was giggling at him, her palm against her mouth to try and cover the amused grin on her lips. He blinked in confusion for a moment before taking in the mirth and happiness in her eyes and twinkle of her laughter.

"Are you making fun of me?!"

El giggled a little deeper, shaking her head and grinning ear to ear. "No," she managed to say despite how desperately she was trying to keep in her laughter.

Mike beamed, feeling oddly proud that he could make her smile and giggle this much, even if it was at his expense. He tried to give her a mock stern expression and shook his head, "El you know friends don't lie."

El bit her lower lip to contain herself and then took a deep breath, all the while still smiling. She looked back up at Mike, her eyes alive and bright. "You just had a nerdgasm," she stated before giggling at the confused look on her boyfriend's face.

Mike's cheeks blushed, "I had a what?"

"A nerdgasm." El repeated, this time more sure and confident in her words. Mike blinked and looked over to where laughter was coming from Max, she leaned over and high fived with El.

"I told you he'd have one!" the red head teased grinning smugly before reached for another French fry and going back to her argument with Dustin over Pac Man.

El was giggling again and Mike decided to let the issue drop, too enthralled by how adorable his girlfriend was. Smiling widely with glee he pushed forward and started to tickle her, making her burst into laughter. She threw a pillow at him in response and within seconds the whole party was involved in a pillow fight, running around the basement and trying to narrowly avoid El's levitated cushions whilst Dustin shouted that she was cheating.

They all landed on a heap of pillows, clutching their sides from their laughter and sweating from their fight. "Should we get in our PJ's and start the movie marathon?" Will asked the group once they had caught their breaths. There was an excited murmur of responses before Max and El grabbed their pyjamas from their bags and went towards the bathroom.

Before El left she turned to Mike and smirked, "I'll be back." She stated before giggling and hurrying to the bathroom after Max.

Mike blinked in surprise and then snorted in amusement as he turned to the boys all of them looking dumbfounded.

"Did she just quote Terminator?" Lucas asked in amazement.

Mike looked over to the closed bathroom door and sighed, his heart fluttering and his palms sweaty. "She did."

"Okay El, are you ready for this?" Dustin asked excitedly from where he was lounging in the arm chair, his legs flung over the side as he got himself comfy whilst Mike put A New Hope into the VCR.

"Yes." El exhaled with enthusiasm, a wide smile on her face. She was sat in the middle of the couch, with Will on one side of her and the other side saved for Mike who quickly took his seat. He smiled at her lovingly when she laced their fingers together and snuggled up to his body, her head resting against his shoulder. Despite Mike's red cheeks he didn't respond to Dustin and Lucas teasing him over the Paladin and Mage's closeness.

Lucas wasn't one to talk, he was leaning against the couch with Max, both of them secretly holding hands under the blanket strewn across their legs. El wasn't one to be fooled though and could easily see the glances and bashful smiles that Lucas and Max were sharing.

Will handed out the snacks that the party had gathered, Dustin was eating candy, Lucas and Max were sharing potato chips whilst El was in charge of the popcorn that her, Mike and Will were munching on.

The movie began and El almost jumped out of her seat when the black screen suddenly erupted with large print words saying, 'STAR WARS' and a loud theme tune began in sync with the title.

She felt immediately overwhelmed as scripture of the background story reeled onto the screen, and her hazel eyes moved back and worth trying to keep up. Noticing her frustration Mike lowered his head slightly so his lips were almost touching El's ear as he whispered the words that he had memorised a long time ago.

El smiled, keeping her eyes on the screen but feeling a blush creeping up her cheeks at Mike's proximity. His breath was warm against her ear lobe and made a shiver run down her spine. Once the words were over and the story could properly begin, El found herself disappointed when Mike lifted his head back up to watch the movie.

Her discontentment didn't linger as she found herself getting interested by the story. El finally put a name to a face with Princess Leia, feeling slightly jealous of how pretty she was and blushing when Mike whispered that El looked like her. She took this to be a very good thing and beamed back up at him, leaning in to press a soft kiss to the top of his nose that made Mike chuckle.

She was captivated by Luke and the whole idea of the Jedi. "Am I a Jedi?" El asked out loud, all of her friends and boyfriend turning to look at her. She immediately flickered her gaze to her feet, wondering if she had said something embarrassing but then her friends erupted into speech.

"Hell yeah you're a Jedi!" Dustin called between a mouthful of candy.

"You're the best Jedi we know!" Will grinned.

"El Skywalker," Lucas teased, winking at her when she laughed.

"You're better than a Jedi." Max countered with a smile at her new best friend. El beamed back, feeling so lucky to have this particular girl in her life. She leaned forward and squeezed Max's hand, both of the girls sharing a knowing smile about their lesson in pop culture and how much confidence it had brought El.

"You definitely have the force." Mike added with a happy grin when El turned her attention back onto her boyfriend. Her eyes were large and imploring as she took in his pride and his love for her. She immediately cuddled up closer to his side and tried not to smile too much when Mike put his arm around her, allowing her to rest her head on his t-shirt laden chest.

El swooned when Han Solo appeared and giggled at Mike's annoyed reaction when Max turned to her and winked, "I told you Harrison Ford was hot!"

"He looks better in this then as Indiana Jones." El commented, not realising for a moment the way all of the boys quickly whipped their heads over to her in shock.

"You know who Indiana Jones is?" Mike asked in amazement, his mouth slightly open in surprise.

"Uh huh," El beamed with pride. "He is a Professor of Archaeology who is hired by the government to locate important artefacts." She recited Max's words and then shared a wink with her best friend who nodded and grinned approvingly.

El smiled up at her boyfriend before settling back down against his chest and continued to watch the movie. Mike shared a look with the boys, all of them startled by El's knowledge before they too got back into 'Star Wars'.

"Are Han Solo and Princess Leia in love?" El asked after Han and Leia fought and he said the line "Wonderful girl. Either I'm going to kill her or I'm beginning to like her."

Dustin gasped in surprise, his eyes comically wide. "El how the hell do you know that already?!"

El simply giggled while the group all stared at her, Max was amused by the look on the boys faces, they were incredibly dumbfounded by El's perception of the characters that hadn't that long ago been introduced to each other.

"They are teasing each other," El explained with a pleased grin, especially at the way Mike was looking at her like he had won the lottery. "They are flirting."

"Nothing gets past my girl," Max stated proudly and laughed with El as the girls playfully high fived each other.

"You're amazing," Mike whispered to El, his eyes bright with adoration as he took in her happy smile and the glint in her eyes. She was beautiful.

The moment that Han Solo and Luke Skywalker were presented with medals for destroying the Death Star by Princess Leia, El immediately asked if Mike could put on the next movie which he did eagerly, knowing it was his favourite.

El knew that 'The Empire Strikes Back' was Mike's favourite of the saga and so made every effort to focus on the action and get back into the story. She found herself loving the Han Solo and Princess Leia romance and grinning when she saw Yoda for the first time. She suddenly realised why he had put on that funny voice when showing her the figurine.

El turned to Mike, surprised to see he was already staring at her, his eyes dreamy and his smile beautiful and soft. She grinned back at him, both of them recalling the memory of him showing her his room and all of his prized possessions.

Mike's hand was on El's shoulder and he drew gentle circles with his thumb whilst she gasped at the betrayal of Han and Leia by Lando. He secretly enjoyed how she buried her head into his shirt when she couldn't watch Han Solo being frozen because it was too upsetting. When Han and Leia said their icon love lines, Mike leaned down just enough to brush his lips against the top of El's head. She peaked up at him and smiled softly.

The whole room was tense as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker duelled, all of the party's eyes flicking quickly from the screen and then to El, wanting to catch her reaction when Vader announced the truth of Luke's parentage.

"No. I am your father."

"NO!" El gasped loudly, her own words almost louder than Luke's reaction making the rest of the party grin and laugh warmly. El didn't seem to mind though about the others laughing however because she was still so consumed in the story. She didn't even question if the statement was true and kept her eyes on the screen, shushing Dustin when he tried to explain that this was the biggest reveal in cinematic history.

"Snack and bathroom break!" Max exclaimed the moment the credits of the movie came up. El pouted slightly, already desperate to watch the final instalment in the 'Star Wars' franchise.

Mike saw her inner turmoil and smiled softly, rubbing her shoulder gently to get her attention. The moment her expressive eyes landed on his own he grinned happily. "Eggos?" he suggested knowing she couldn't resist. El smiled, some of her tension bleeding out as she nodded her head excitedly.

"Come on," Mike chuckled, getting up from the couch and taking her hand. He pulled her up and they made their way up the stairs whilst the rest of the party dispersed, either wanting bathroom breaks or to stretch their legs. It sounded like Dustin and Lucas were play fighting by the time Mike and El made it into the kitchen.

Mike immediately set about making the Eggos, walking over to the freezer to grab the box whilst El jumped up onto one of the counters and started to swing her legs absentmindedly.

"I really like Star Wars." She spoke softly, a warm smile on her face as she watched Mike placing the Eggos in the toaster before putting away the box and closing the freezer.

"Yeah?" he asked happily, walking over to her.

El nodded and then grinned as Mike leaned against the counter next to her, his hip slightly digging into the wood. She appraised him for a moment, amazed how much taller he was getting than her. And not just El, Mike was taller than the boys and seemed to keep growing. She wondered how long that would happen for and if he would get so tall that she wouldn't be able to kiss him, she hoped that wouldn't ever be the case. But then of course she could always just levitate…

Mike sighed gently, his eyes flickering over El's face whilst his lips quirked into an adorable smile. "I love having you here. I love having you home."

"Home." El repeated, keeping her eyes on Mike's as she reached for his hand and squeezed it gently, loving the feel of his warm skin against hers. They continued to stare at each other, both overwhelmed by the intensity of their love and their feelings for one another.

El shuffled closer to the edge of the counter and Mike leaned down, his forehead brushing against hers as he kissed her gently, their lips soft but firm as they savoured every second. The moment was abruptly ended by the Eggos popping up in the toaster and the sudden noise made both El and Mike jump. They laughed it off, pleased grins on their faces as Mike transferred the Eggos to a plate and El hopped down from the counter.

"Here you go," Mike said happily as he handed the plate over, all the while still grinning foolishly.

"Thank you," El replied, kissing his cheek and feeling the warm blush erupting on his skin underneath her lips. She pulled away slowly, giving Mike a playful smirk before taking his hand and pulling him along to the basement.

El was soon enraptured by 'Return of the Jedi', especially when Leia came to rescue Han. "Bitchin," she commented with a smirk when Leia took off her disguise and kissed a very confused Han Solo.

Mike had his arm back around El's shoulders and he pulled her closer whilst she wrapped her own arm around his waist. He smiled to himself, laying his cheek against her curly locks and closed his eyes for a second, just taking in this moment of being young, carefree again and so in love.

The boys all grinned between them when it was revealed that Luke and Leia were twins, El was gobsmacked and sighed in relief as she explained to the boys that she was worried Luke had a crush on the princess.

El clutched to Mike during Luke and Vader's battle, her heart in her throat as they thought over the dark and light inside of them. Her eyes were moving quickly again, going from father to son in captivation. She was relieved when Darth Sidious was killed but then frowned mournfully when it resulted in Vader's death.

"Is he going to take off his mask?" El whispered slightly nervously as Luke approached his wheezing father.

"It's okay," Mike whispered soothingly to her, rubbing her back gently whilst she clutched onto his t-shirt. "He doesn't look that bad."

El had to admit she had definitely seen a lot worse in her life than the appearance of who was once Anakin Skywalker.

Her smile was soon back when Han and Leia shared another romantic moment and Luke returned, cremating his father's body whilst the Jedi masters watched on. The music built up again and the credits started.

The sky outside was pitch black and the party had heard Nancy and Jonathan returning an hour before, although neither group had disturbed the other.

"So, what did you think young Padawan?" Max asked turning to El who was slightly emotional over the ending of the movie.

"I thought it was amazing." El said smiling, feeling so immensely pleased that she could share a passion with her friends, that she understood what they were now talking about.

"I knew you'd like it," Mike commented with a grin, his eyes warm and lingering on El even when she was distracted by their friends asking her what her favourite parts were. She agreed with her boyfriend that 'The Empire Strikes Back' was the best in the series, which then caused a debate between the party. But it was a debate that El could take part in and she found herself smiling throughout.

An hour later everyone was settled in their sleeping bags whilst El was tucked up in the blanket fort with Mike just on the edge. Their arms were both bent on the floor so that their hands could stay entwined. They both lay on their side so that they were facing each other, their eyes glued to one another.

"I love having you here," Mike whispered gently, his voice quiet so that he wouldn't wake up the rest of the party who were already asleep.

"I love being here…with you." El replied, her eyes soft as she stared into the dark orbs in front of her. Despite the darkness of the amber, she could see everything in those beautiful eyes, every emotion and every thought. "Maybe we could do this again?" she added in a delicate tone.

Mike grinned, his cheek slightly squished into his pillow but he nodded. "I would love that. There's so many movies I want to show you."

El smiled back, her heart pounding loudly as she stared at the boy who had given her this chance of life. "I want to watch Gremlins with you, and Ghostbusters and E.T."

Mike's eyebrows raised in surprise and he smiled tenderly, staying quiet for a moment as he processed his thoughts. "How do you know about all of those movies? And quotes from Terminator?"

El blushed, thankful that the darkness of the basement was able to hide most of the red in her cheeks. Her gaze lowered from Mike's in embarrassment and she stared instead at their laced fingers.

"I asked Max to teach me because…because I wanted to impress you. I wanted to know about all the movies you love." She mumbled quietly.

There was silence for a moment as Mike took in her words and then El felt him shuffle closer, looking up just in time to see his closed eyelids before his lips were on hers in a loving and sweet kiss. She hummed in contentment, allowing the feeling of happiness and joy to flood into her veins. Every kiss with Mike was perfect, she had realised that from the second one at the Snow Ball. She hadn't truly understood the importance of their first kiss until she started watching Soap Operas. You only kissed someone if you really liked them, and Mike loved her. And she loved him.

El opened her eyes slowly as Mike pulled away just enough to rest his forehead with hers. Their noses bumped, and she grinned nudging her own against his and making Mike chuckle softly.

"El, you don't need to try and impress me okay? I love you for who you are, no movie is going to change that." Mike whispered, his tone loving and full of adoration for the amazing girl who was trying to find her place in the world. "But you know if you ever want to know anything or understand something I will always explain it. And so will Max and the boys."

El nodded and smiled, "I know." She exhaled getting lost in Mike's eyes for a moment. "Max was a good teacher."

Mike pretended to be aghast and opened his mouth wide in shock whilst El giggled, trying to be as quiet as she could manage. "Are you saying MadMax is a better teacher than me?!"

El grinned which in turn made Mike grin, immediately breaking through his poor acting job. "No," she teased shaking her head. "You both have different ways of teaching. You are both good."

"She's just being modest Wheeler, I was a way better teacher." Came the mumbled sleepy voice of Max from over on the couch.

Mike and El snorted in amusement, not at all surprised that they had been overheard.

"It's probably because Mike's too distracted teaching El." Dustin yawned, weighing in his opinion before turning over.

"No way, Max was much better. She made a board and everything of pop culture references." Lucas added crossing his arms behind his head.

"Thanks stalker." Max said, her grin evident from her tone of voice. "And thank you for letting me cut up your comics for the cause."

"You cut up his comics?!" Will gasped in shock.

The party was soon in a debate in the dark basement about whether or not comics were too sacred to ever be cut up. This led to Dustin teasing that Lucas must really like Max if he let her ruin his comic books.

Whilst this argument was happening, Mike snuck into the pillow fort when El patted the space beside her, both of them rearranging their limbs so that they could fit in easier.

El snuggled up to Mike, moving her head onto his chest whilst he engulfed her body in his arms and pulled her closer. He rested his cheek against her forehead and nuzzled her slightly as he closed his eyes and smiled, listening to the sound of the party bickering and sighing happily.

"I love you," Mike whispered before kissing her forehead softly.

"I love you too," El replied tiredly with a gentle smile, snuggling closer to her boyfriend. "Good night Mike."

"Night El."

AN: Annnddd we're done! I'm sorry that this wasn't my best work, but I hope you were able to enjoy it.

My next update will be on Part of Your World and fingers crossed that will be out some point tomorrow :-D

Thank you so much for reading!

If anyone's on Instagram and wants to come and find me, I'm fangirlingstrangerthings011 or on Tumblr fangirlingstrangerthings :-D