Mileven Stories

D&D Dance (1996)

Thank you adore_mia for sharing this brilliant request with me. I tried my best to incorporate a jealous Mike without it being too forced, so I truly hope I did your request some justice. (PS - I love your name!!)
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It was officially true; Mike Wheeler could not successfully adjust a tie. Even after all the countless formals and receptions he's attended in his twenty five years of life, it still was a skill that escaped him. Maybe his poor hand-eye coordination was to blame, but something about the process always went wrong.

He was becoming severely frustrated when a firm hand landed on his shoulder, "kid, I don't think a tie is really necessary for this."

Before he could respond, the baby that was strapped to Hopper's chest snatched the fabric right from his hands. Willow squealed joyfully as she placed her father's tie into her mouth, using it as a makeshift pacifier.

Hopper chuckled heartily, "even Willie thinks it's a no. And lose the jacket. You're only going to a dance at the school your wife works at. This isn't a wedding reception."

"I just wanted to look nice for my wife, but fine, whatever you say, Jim," Mike spoke with a mildly sarcastic attitude and made sure he finished his statement with an exaggerated eye-roll as he sat down.

Hop looked his son-in-law over, taking notice as the usual panic ridden features began setting in. The boy's lanky legs were shaking and he was wringing his hands together like he did not know what to do with himself. Hoping to help in a subtle way, Hop gently removed his granddaughter from the sling he was wearing and delicately placed her into her father's hold.

Mike furrowed his brows, "you normally never let us have Willow back once you get your hands on her."

Hopper shrugged, a smile playing upon his face as he noticed the shakiness had already ceased in the boy's frame, "I figured you'd want to hold her before you and El go out for the night."

Mike would have thanked his father-in-law for the kind gesture, but was too caught up in the calming blanket of tranquility that had settled over him. His daughter had already contently nestled deeply into the crease of his arms and had a smile ghosting on her cheeks. He reached down and kissed his little girl, squeezing her softly as a reminder that he loved her dearly.

Willow was just drifting off to a blissful slumber when something suddenly caught her attention. The girl squealed, her tiny hands clutching at the air as if she hoped that would bring her closer to what she saw.

When Mike turned his head to see what had captivated his daughter, he felt as the wind was knocked out of his lungs.

Right before his eyes stood the most breathtaking sight to be seen. El was in a royal blue long sleeve dress that rested snugly above her knees. Her makeup was very vague, looking as though she had just swiped a coating of mascara across her lashes for good luck. Her hair was pulled into a swiftly gathered bun which emphasized the dip in the back of her dress; graciously leaving a portion of her silky skin on display.

All Mike wanted to do in that moment was run his fingers down her spine and kiss along the inviting skin of her neck, but his thoughtful desires were rudely interrupted by a deep voice that rattled him back to reality.

"You look beautiful, Ellie," Hop said with a proud look plastered on his face.

"Thanks, dad," she paused as she pulled her chuck taylors on, "you sure you'll be okay watching Willow?"

Her father smiled even wider then, both at the sight of his little girl strapping on beat up shoes with a fancy outfit and at the idea of spending time with his grandchild, "I'm positive. I've been looking forward to this night for weeks."