Don't Be Afraid (Stranger Things Fanfiction)

That's Why

Two months later

El's P.O.V.

I feel a knowing smile creep onto my face as I watch Morty and Denise prepare the next meal. Or a more accurate term would be watching Morty try and teach Denise how to cook things properly. Denise let out another warm, also embarrassed, laugh which made Morty grin with delight.

I look over at Mike, whom is positioned next to me, and always will be if I have anything to say about it. He returns my knowing smile.

"What do you think?" He asks.

"She likes him."

"No, really?" He feigns surprise, causing me to playfully punch him in the shoulder.

"What do you think mouthbreather?" I ask, using the old insult as a term of endearment. He chuckles before answering.

"I think she's falling for him-" I give him the 'You don't say' look. "-but she is still having trouble believing his love. Whether it be for her, or us. It's like she doesn't believe such a thing is possible."

My eyes widen in surprise and admiration for the boy who had taken me in all those years ago. How does he see so much?

"She doesn't believe that people can love?" I seek clarification.

"Exactly, or at least she seems to see things in a give and take sort of way. So, being around all of us has been confusing her to no end. It's like all that she believes is being turned upside down. But, part of her looks like it's starting to believe it."

I nod as we watch the two in silent amusement. We grin as we see Denise sneaking in secret adoring glances. I watch extra carefully for any outward sign from Mortifer, but he is just acting as his usual self. Finally, I nudge Mike again.

"Hm...?"

"Does he love her?" I ask.

"Of course he loves her. It's him."

I sigh. "No, I mean does he love her?"

He chuckles, as if knowing that's what I meant all along. "Can't tell. Come to think about it, I've never seen him express being attracted to anybody."

"Hm...maybe he's scared too?" I take a shot in the dark.

"What do you mean?" Mike's face scrunches up a bit.

"Well, he never seems to expect anything from anyone, or at least not for a while. He doesn't expect people to care about him, to value his being there. So it'd make sense that he wouldn't expect anything from Denise yet." This time it's Mike's turn to look at me impressed.

"You might be right." He concedes with a slight frown. "That's kind of sad don't you think?"

I nod has we keep watching the two.

Kate's P.O.V.

I stride into the room and see Mike and El staring with knowing grins at the kitchen. I silently make my way over to them and follow their line of sight, only to feel a grin form across my face as well.

"Oh yeah." I whisper. "That is so happening one of these days."

"You sure?" El seems a little doubtful. "He doesn't seem to see her that way yet."

"But he will." I assure her.

"Hey guys." Morty calls out, causing us all to snap our heads up a little too quickly. "Can you get the others? The food is ready."

"Sure." We all say in unison and shuffle off.

Denise's P.O.V.

After lunch, everyone went outside to have some good-natured fun.