𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞~𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

Chapter 30: I'm Just Fascinated

Mike's POV

I closed the door behind me and I walked quietly to the living room to change.

I quickly changed my pants and I slipped my shirt over my head.

I reached in my bag for the shirt that I packed.

"Mike?"

I turned my head to see El in a pair of leggings and my large Hawkins AV sweatshirt. Her hair was in a messy bun. My mouth dropped open slightly. She was adorable. El was on the floor laughing. She was attempting to crawl out of her room, her foot too sore to walk or even limp.

"Oh my god! El!" I walked over swiftly and picked her up, making her giggle.

Her hands were cold on my bare back as I set her on the couch next to me.

"Mike."

"Yea?"

"Where's your shirt?" She moved closer to me curiously.

I looked down at my pale chest and stomach, "Oh. I didn't find my shirt yet."

El stared at my chest and then her eyes drifted to my abdomen. She frowned.

I looked down again, "What is it?"

"You have lines," she exclaimed as she poked my very slight abs. I chuckled slightly.

"Oh. That's just...uh...nothing," I said, getting slightly self conscious as she inspected my bare torso.

"I've never seen this before," she whispered as she looked back up at me.

"Are you uncomfortable? I can put my other shirt back on if you want me to," I said, worrying that she was grossed out about me being shirtless.

She shook her head, "No, no. I'm not uncomfortable. I'm just fascinated," she looked me up and down, lifting my arms and studying my shoulders.

"El. I should probably find my shirt or something."

"Okay," she looked disappointed but she tried to hide it. I smiled to myself.

I dug around in my backpack for another minute, "Found it!" I said, waving the shirt in the air.

El clapped as I slid it over my head, making my curls bounce.

"Okay. What do you wanna do now?"

El shrugged, "A movie?"

I nodded, "Okay. Your choice."

She flipped through the channels on the tv, using her powers. She stopped at a movie that had just started. It was an old soap opera.

At first, I thought it would be a terrible movie but I didn't know I had a thing for petty drama.

El sat close to me, our hands intertwined, resting on my thigh. I caught her looking at me multiple times.

"What is it?" I peered over at her.

Her cheeks turned a pleasant pink color. She cupped my chin in her hand and placed her lips on mine. I was surprised but her touch made me forget where I was. It was just me an her. On a couch. Watching a stupid movie. Well, technically we weren't watching it.

She breathed in, moving closer and kissed me again. Our hands were still intertwined as she broke our innocent contact.

"Woah," I said under my breath.

Eleven beamed to herself, and I nudged her in the shoulder. She laughed, her voice sounding like a melody of wind chimes.

We continued to watch the movie and El moved closer to me. Her eyelids drooped and she looked extremely tired. She laid her head on my lap and closed her eyes.

I ran my fingers through her soft hair gently. I could hear the sound of her breathing as she fell deeper to sleep.

My eyes got tired and they closed with her hair still in between my fingers.

Hopper's POV

I drove my car up to the small cabin, seeing a few lights on inside. Unusual.

I sighed getting out of the car, grabbing my hat from the dashboard.

I sauntered up to the house, my legs sore from sitting all day. I pulled out my keys to unlock the door, finding the door open.

I frowned, putting my hand on my pistol. I walked in cautiously, scared for Eleven.

I enter the house to the sound of the blaring soap opera on TV. I shake my head, moving into through the kitchen to the bathroom.

I entered the bathroom, seeing a roll of gauze on the sink. I frowned. Why was that out? I put it back into the cabinet, noticing a dress and a t-shirt hanging on the shower rod. A pair of pants was hanging next to them. I reached out, feeling the hem of the blue dress. It was wet and streaks of mud splattered it. The other clothes were just damp.

I reached for the T-shirt, reading the print on the front, "Hawkins Middle School AV Club," I muttered, realizing who was here. Mike.

I went back into the living room, looking for El. What I saw made me touch the holster on my belt.

I caught sight of the couch, seeing El curled up on the couch, her head in Mike's lap. His arms were resting on her waist, making me scowl ever so slightly. I looked closer, seeing their hands intertwined and couldn't help but smile.

I let go of my belt and chuckled to myself. They both looked so peaceful, content just to be together.

I'd have to ask why Mike's clothes were hanging in my bathroom when they woke up. He'd get a a little talk.

I turned the lights off and grabbed a blanket. I threw it over El, covering her. I grabbed another for mike and put it on his shoulder as to not cover El's face and freak her out when she woke up.

I sighed, feeling slightly uncomfortable about the situation. I inhaled, "Jim. It's okay. Mike's a good kid. Stop freaking out. Don't be that overprotective dad that no one likes," I mumbled to myself.

I went to the opposite wall and dialed the phone.

"Hello. Yes I know it's late Karen. Yes, Mike is here.  I'm sorry if you were worried. Yes. They're both passed out on the couch. Yes. I assure you that he is fine. He's fast asleep. Oh no, I'll get him breakfast. You're busy, it's no problem. I'll take him home tomorrow morning. Yes. Of course. Okay see you tomorrow morning Mrs. Wheeler. Night," I set the phone down, sighing again. She could be exhausting.

I glanced at the two kids one more time before I went to sleep.