𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, stranger things

Manta Rays

Will and El were visiting Hawkins, so the party decided to all have a sleepover at Mike's house. The group ended the day by watching a movie in the basement. Most of the kids had been drifting in and out of sleep as the movie went on. Max and Sam were sat on the couch, a blanket draped over them. Max's head was rested on her girlfriends' shoulder and they were both pretty tired, but they were the only two awake at the moment.

Hearing the sound of rain beginning outside, Sam turned her head to look out the window. A grin spread on her face, and she checked the clock that was on the coffee table. It was 1:36 am. Sam nudged Max's arm, the latter groaning in response. "It's raining," Sam said, barely above a whisper.

"Mhm," Max hummed.

"I'm gonna go outside for a minute."

"Why do you wanna go out in the rain?" Max finally lifted her head.

"I don't know." Sam shrugged, looking back out the window. "I guess it's kinda therapeutic."

"Alright. C'mon," Max said, rubbing her eyes before standing up and holding her hand out.

"You don't have to come with me," she smiled, taking Max's hand but staying seated.

"I don't want you out alone at.." Max glanced over to the clock on the coffee table. "..one in the morning. Now, come on." Max grabbed Sam's other hand and pulled her up.

A smile on her face, Sam did her best to lead Max out the side door without making any noise. As soon as Max closed the door behind them, Sam started running around.

"Hold on!" Max called, trying not to be too loud, running after her girlfriend and grabbing a hold of her hand. "You're gonna slip!"

Sure enough, Sam did slip a couple seconds later, taking Max down with her. Luckily, they were surrounded by grass instead of concrete. Both girls laughing, they propped themselves up. Without behind sat up for too long, Sam threw her arms around Max and ended up laying on top of her.

"We're covered in mud," Max laughed, looking up at the girl and feeling the water from her hair drip onto her face. "You realize that, right?"

"We can just wash it off in the rain," Sam smiled.

The two sat up, facing away from the house. Sam rested her head on Max's shoulder, feeling the rain lead from her bangs onto her cheeks. "The rain is really nice," Max spoke softly.

Sam didn't respond, instead interlaced her hand with Max's and took a deep breath. She wasn't planning on it, but right now felt like the perfect time to say it. She'd never been so sure about anything. "Can I tell you something?" she asked.

"Mhm."

"I love you. A lot. I've known that for a while, I just didn't wanna freak you out." Max didn't respond and kept looking ahead of her, worrying Sam a little. "Well.. was I right about the 'freaking you out' thing?"

"No. God, no," Max responded, turning her head to look at Sam.

"So.."

"I love you, Samantha. I can't tell you how many times I've almost told you. I just couldn't get the words out. I didn't know how to tell you just how much you mean to me."

"What did I do to deserve you?" Sam whispered, squeezing Max's hand tighter. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I mean it."

"And so are you," Max smiled. Max put a hand on Sam's cheek and pressed their lips together, Sam smiling into the kiss.

"One more thing." Sam pulled away. "Just 'cause I love you doesn't mean you can call me Samantha."

"Does it really bother you that much, or did you just want an excuse to say you love me again?"

"How about both?"

Max smiled before kissing her girlfriend again, feeling a little different after what they'd both just said. It was obvious to both girls how they felt about each other, but being able to say it was nice. It was nice to know you were loved by the person you loved most.

"You know what, Max?"

"What?"

"I didn't think being this happy was possible." Max leaned her head on Sam's shoulder, trying to hold back the even bigger smile spreading on her face.

"Well, we're pretty great together, aren't we?"

"Yeah. We are."