| eleven x mike | *~found again

(^ Not my Art/Photo. Creds to BadlyDrawnST on IG) Wake in the Woods

Eleven awoke in the woods. It was strange, she just only fell asleep. Was it a dream? Had she been kidnapped by 'Papa'? Eleven padded through the woods, leaves crunching under her feet. It was a late fall day, and crisp air hit her face. Leaves danced down to the ground, ever so beautiful. But no time for that. Mike had to be found. Eleven was on her way, and soon she found herself outside of Mike's house.
Standing in front of her, another — Eleven? They both looked the same. Same nosebleed, as usual. Eleven circled her, examining the clone. But this 'other Eleven' wasn't focused on her. She was focused on something else, her eyes hard and heartbroken. Tears welled in her eyes. Eleven turned at what she was focusing on. Mike. Eleven ran over.
"Mike!" Eleven yelled, but Mike stood as if he was a statue. He was waiting. But for what? Or who? Eleven stared, then realized that she was spectating — a different world. Eleven watched as a young ginger girl, the same age as Eleven, walked over to Mike.
"Hey Mike!" She was grasping a skateboard with flashy designs.
"Hey Max!" Mike hugged her tight. The other Eleven stepped over. She watched tearfully. She was sniffling.
"M—Mike?" She said. He turned. It was her. All those tears were worthless. He stopped hugging and turned to Eleven, and Max did the same.
"Hey, who is that?" Max blew a bubble of gum. Mike opened his mouth then closed it. He was empty of words. A chill went up his spine.
"El?.." Mike said, choking on his words. Max raised a brow, then looked at this different Eleven. But they couldn't see the real one. All Eleven could do is watch. She ran over to hug him, but he just was numb.
"Uh.." Mike said, looking at Max. Max watched, and crossed her arms.
"Mike, who is this?" Max seemed suspicious.
"Max, this is just a frie—" Mike was cut off.
"Oh, that makes sense. Definitely! A secret friend! Oh yeah, and how can you explain that!?" Max turned to Eleven and scoffed, "Get lost. Mike isn't interested." The Eleven just ran off. Far into the woods, suffocated by trees..

—

Eleven woke teared up. It couldn't be true. No, this won't happen. It won't. Mike walked in with a plate of Eggos.
"Hey El! — What is wrong?" He ran over worriedly. Eleven sniffed.
"I saw something.." A tear dropped from her chin to her pale dress.
"Saw what?" Mike hugged her tight.
"—Different world.." Eleven held her hands against his back. Holding like she couldn't let go. Like they were glued together. Mike gave a small gasp.
"What happened?.." Mike questioned.
"A girl named — Max.. she was with you. She yelled at me for being with you.. and you didn't care.. I don't know but.. I could only watch. There was another me." Eleven blinked the tears away.
"Eleven, there is no Max living in Hawkins. And if there is, I won't let her take me from you. Or anyone. Because you are better than any girl I ever knew." Mike let go of the hug. They trailed downstairs silently. Nancy was eating quietly.
"Hey Mi— Is Eleven okay?" Nancy asked.
"She is fine. Just a bad dream." Mike told. Karen was making pancakes.
"Oh, hey Mom. Me, Barb, and Jonathan are going to the movies tonight." Nancy explained.
"What about Steve?" Karen raised a brow.
"We broke up. But now Barb is back everything is better." Nancy said as Karen placed a plate of pancakes down. Mike and Eleven sat together.
"Alright, Nancy. I'm giving you a chance." Karen said, and Nancy nodded. Mike ate so fast he nearly swallowed the pancake whole. Eleven already finished her pancakes.
"And Mike, Eleven!" Karen said, a bit more excitedly. "New neighbors are moving in!" Karen smiled.
"Who are they?" Mike asked.
"One is your age, her name is Max." Karen explained. "She has a older brother named Billy." Karen cleaned the dishes. When she said Max Eleven was in fear. "You two should visit them! They seem nice. They can be your friend, I suppose." Karen opened the door, "Go give it a try." Mike nodded and grabbed Eleven's hand. They walked slowly outside.