We Belong

Goodbye

Another update to this story of mine. Heavy amounts of Mileven in this with Fillie sprinkled throughout. We get my version of extended scenes for Chapter 8 because honestly, the cut off from El's reaction to Hopper being "dead" to the three month time jump left me wondering a few things, so I wrote about it in this chapter. Onto the story!

And you say it's gonna last forever
We have different heartbeats
But all the same heartbreak
And I can feel it in the way you hold me
The way you hold me
I know you're lonely too

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"What a bunch of goofballs."

Millie looked over at the sound of Maya's voice, watching as the blonde came to a stop to her right. "They are," she agreed, turning her attention back to Finn, Gaten, and Joe as they played catch with a paper towel roll. "Especially Finn."

Maya's lips twitched into a knowing smile at the pride she could hear in the girl's voice. "He's certainly a character. I can see why you like him as much as you do."

Millie's eyes widened and she felt heat scorch across her skin. "It's not... it's not like that... Finn's just... just my friend."

The older girl tilted her head. A hint of fear and falseness was audible in Millie's words and she wondered why. In the months following her talk with Finn, Maya noticed how careful the two teens were around each other. Furtive glances cast about whenever they were in a crowd, as if scared someone was watching them.

The blonde hadn't wanted to pry too much, knowing how sensitive Finn was with his feelings about Millie. She knew it was the same for Millie in regards to Finn. Why else would she deny something so obvious? Still, Maya was curious. So how best to get the girl to talk? "He's a good friend to you, I know. He speaks of you often when we talk."

Millie gave a start of surprise, turning her gaze over to the taller girl. "He talks about me?"

"Of course," Maya replied. "You're his good friend, too. Why wouldn't he talk about you?"

The younger female bit her lip, whispering, "What.... what does he say about me?"

Ah. Here we go. Maya thought with an inward smile as she answered, "That you're awesome at acting, funny, beautiful, and that he likes to spend time with you. That you make his chest warm and your smile brings joy to his life."

Millie gasped. "He... He told you... all that?"

"Why so surprised? The boy is in love with you. Are you not in love with him, too?" Maya said bluntly. It was a bit of a gamble but the blonde was certain she was on the right path.

Millie grew tense, wringing her hands as she lowered her gaze, unable to make contact. "He... He said he was in love with me?"

Maya quirked an eyebrow. The girl was giving conflicting behavior. Nervous and hesitant body language spoke of the truth of her feelings. And fear of being caught having such feelings while her voice tried to play it off as uncertainty... the lie. Interesting.

Millie was a gifted actress, of that the blonde had no doubt. The brunette could simply scoff and continue to deny it. So, why wasn't she trying harder to hide her emotions? Because you caught her off guard with the comment about him being in love with her, her mind answered.

"He wasn't able to say the word but yeah, he's in love with you."

Millie's eyes darted about, voice pleading as she spoke quickly, "Please not so loud."

Maya acquiesced, lowering her voice to a whisper, "Sorry... but it is the truth. He loves you and I can tell you love him too. I get that you want to remain good friends. But why continue to deny it to those who care about you?"