Mileven Stories

The Official Promise (1993)

Happy belated Valentine's Day to all of you lovely souls. I hope everyone's holiday was filled with lots of love and relaxation. Here's a specially made oneshot dedicated to my dear friend, breathless_writer <3
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It was finally the day Mike had been looking forward to since he clumsily stumbled into love with a girl he discovered in 1983. He's known since he was thirteen that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with El by his side.

He had expected to feel elated with such an enormous amount of joy on their wedding day; and he definitely did, but he also felt fear burning within his veins. The anxiety he felt wasn't at all due to second doubts because life without her was unimaginable for him.

The fear only existed because he wasn't sure if he was good enough for her. What if this commitment to him wasn't what she wanted? Had he forced her into feeling like she owed him these exchange of vows?

Mike's poor habit of overthinking was beginning to make him feel overbearingly nauseous. He could feel the acid in his stomach boiling upward and felt tears that were fueled by self hatred brimming along his eyelids.

Just as he thought he was going to faint, a firm grasp captured both of his shoulders, "you okay, kid?"

The fact that his almost father in law was dressed in a formal tuxedo briefly distracted Mike. Yet, what distracted him even more was the man's set of glassy eyes.

"Have you been crying?"

Hop wiped at his cheeks as a smile took over his face, "El looks so beautiful," tears began gathering in his eyes once again, "I can't even think about it without crying."

Mike pulled himself away from the darkness that was swirling within him as a cheeky smirk spread across his face, "you're such a softie."

Hopper's face turned stoic, "kid, you're going to cry just as much as I did. Actually, you'll probably cry more. So maybe hold off on teasing me until you see for yourself, okay?"

The husband-to-be rolled his eyes, wanting to make another witty remark, but found himself being cut off by Hop's voice, "now, care to explain why you looked like you were a minute away from simultaneously throwing up and passing out?"

It was then that Mike recalled what unsettled him just a moment ago. His eyes downcast away, suddenly pretending as if he was interested in his shoes as he muttered, "nothing, just nervous I guess."

"Bullshit," Hop snorted before turning rather serious, "I know there's not a single ounce of nervousness in that lanky body of your's, so spit it out Wheeler."

His throat tightened as the truth came barreling out, "I'm not good enough for El. Everyone else probably already knows that and I'm worried one day she'll realize that she deserves more."

His honest worry was now laid out on the table. He expected to feel relief, but only felt more upset when Hopper began to dryly laugh.

"I'm sorry kid, but that is the dumbest thing I've ever heard you say. We have been over this before. You and El are soulmates. And believe me, I'm not lying," Hop paused, throwing his arm securely around Mike's shoulders as he reinforced, "if I ever thought for a second that you weren't deserving of my daughter, I would've eliminated you years ago. I know you love my little girl, but it's time you start loving yourself just as much."

Mike let out a watery laugh as he felt the overwhelming sense of assurance wash away his remaining negativity.

"Thank you, dad," Mike playfully said, earning him a light smack to the back of his head.