Hand in Hand <~ Mileven One shots ~>

Chapter 4- Tale as Old as Time

*get your tissues readyyyy*

Today was Hopper's birthday. El knew that, she was going to try and stay strong for him. She got out of bed, her and the Byers were going to go visit the cabin. It was destroyed but thinking of it made El feel closer to him.

She said her good mornings and got ready. After an hour they were on they're way. The car ride was silent, nobody wanted to say anything. El fell asleep after a few minutes.

"Jane Hopper. But I know your friends call you El, so El Hopper." El giggled at Hopper being such a softie. "I like it." "Me too kid."

Her eyes opened quickly after this memory passed through her head. Her vision became blurry as tears streamed down her face.

"It'll be easier , I know it isn't right now but it will. Just know I love you," Hopper said giving her a tight hug. "I love you," he repeated.

He silent sobs turned into loud sobs in her knees. Joyce cried with her after they reached the cabin. "I miss him too."

"Hah, I win!" Hopper yelled jumping up. El laughed, "I let you win!" Hopper laughed at her statement. "Someone's a sore loser!" He laughed.

She smiled slightly at this memory. She missed playing board games with him every Friday and eating Eggos like it was the end of the world. She hesitated before she opened the door. It was just as they left it. She sniffled and opened the door to her room (in the cabin).

"El what's taking so long in there? I'm gonna start without you!" "Coming!" She opened the door and there he was. Wearing his pj's. She giggled. "You look so funny."

The memories flooded her mind. She wiped her teary eyes, "he thought he was a black hole. He thought he destroyed everything," she explained, "but he didn't destroy me, he saved me." Johnathan hugged her tightly. Her and Johnathan's bond grew since she moved with them.

"We're going to the Wheeler's , we're gonna stay with them for a few days, you packed clothes right?" El nodded. She closed the door and looked at the place for the last time. "Bye Hop."

They got in the car again, the rest of the party was waiting for Will and El. El was ecstatic to see Mike again. She missed him terribly. They reached the house and El darted our of the car. She saw Mike at the door and jumped into his arms. Mike hugged her.

She cried on his shoulder and he rubbed her arm. She got up and hugged Max and the rest of them. They went inside to his basement. Mike put his hand around and she put her head on his shoulder. "I missed you," Mike said to her. "I missed you more," she said kissing his lips gently.

       "Let's watch a movie," Dustin suggested. They binged in movies just so El could get her mind off Hop. She fell asleep in Mike's arms .

     "El help me! It's taking me! The black whole!" "Hop! Hopper!" He was already gone. The only thing that remained was his left shoe. The black whole took him, he was gone forever. "No!" She yelled jumping awake. Everyone had already left, it was just her and Mike asleep on the couch. "El what's wrong?" Mike asked caressing her in a tight hug.

     It took a few minutes to answer. "The black whole took him Mike." He aches hearing her sniffles and sobs. "He's probably in heaven, even though he had anger issues," Mike laughed , El giggled. "He's probably smoking a cigarette right now," she giggled. They were silent. "Do you think he's watching over me?" El asked breaking the silence. "Definitely! And he's definitely proud of you."

"You think?" She asked. "I know so! I'm not even your dad and I'm proud of you," he laughed.