Help Me Understand [mileven]

Chapter 6: Soon

Saturday morning Mike woke up feeling...better. Since he had opened up to Dr Owens, he had felt something shift. His next appointment was Monday, they thought twice a week was enough for now and they could book anymore if needed. Mike instantly got out of bed and decided to embrace this feeling, he knew there was still a lot of work to be done but he was glad he was doing this. He only felt a tiny bit better but it was enough for now and it was enough to make him want to get out of bed, so he knew he had to embrace it.

His mother had hurried around the house last night and gathered up all sharp objects and locked them away. Mike didn't speak up about his razor, he wanted to get rid of it but something was holding him back, he didn't know what. He knew he would be able to get rid of it when the time was right.

Today Hopper and El were coming for breakfast, Mike smiled to himself as he thought about his supportive girlfriend. What had he done to deserve her? Hopper had the afternoon shift so Karen invited El to stay after breakfast.

Mike was pulling on a hoodie when he heard the doorbell. He ran down the stairs and opened the door.

"Morning kid, you look better." The chief smiled at him.

"I feel somewhat better sir." Mike sighed and turned to his girlfriend who was looking at him with "heart eyes" as Max would say.

"Hey." El pulled him into an embrace.

Mike held her tight and kissed the top of her head. "Come in. My mom made Eggos".

El smiled and made her way into the kitchen.

Before Hopper could follow, Mike stopped him.
"Thank you Hopper, I don't think I could have done this without yours and El's support and I can't thank you enough."

Hopper smiled down at the kid, feeling a wave of emotion hit him like a truck. "That's okay kid, you can come to us about anything. I know I give you a hard time sometimes but that's only because I'm protective of El."

"I know and I'm thankful for you taking care of her when I couldn't." Mike sniffled.

"Always." Hopper smiled. "Can I go in now? I'm starving."

Mike chuckled and motioned for Hopper to walk inside.

For once Mike actually felt hungry and scoffed some Eggos. They all couldn't help but smile at him, happy to see him a bit better. Mike still felt anxious and on edge but with his family around him he felt like he could do this.

Mike and El spent the day together, he biked them to the arcade and he showed her how to play Pac-Man (the easiest game in his opinion). She actually ended up beating his score at one point, leaving her in hysterics because she secretly used her powers. Mike caught on and ignored her for all of about 30 seconds, her pout making it unbelievably difficult to stay mad at her.

Once they got bored they cycled around town, just enjoying each others company. He knew he had to stay away from busy areas incase someone recognised El, so he stuck to the more deserted side of town. El insisted on getting some ice cream and wouldn't drop the subject until Mike ran into the mall and bought her some, USS butterscotch (her favourite).

While they were cycling back Dustin radioed and asked if they wanted to come to Wills and watch a movie, they instantly agreed.

"Do you think I should tell them, you know, about me?" Mike mumbled before mounting his bike again.

"I think you should do whatever you want to do, I know they will support you 100% but I'm never going to force you." She kissed his cheek and got on the back of his bike.

Mike smiled and nodded, the whole journey there he debated on whether he should or not.

Since the events of 1984, Mike rarely went to Wills house anymore, it just reminded him of El going away to close the gate and the demodog attack. He decided to suck it up and try to enjoy himself, for El. He pushed the anxious feeling away as they walked up to the front door and placed a smile on his face. El knocked eagerly, excited to see her friends. He knew he had to tell them, maybe he would tell them today?

"Hey guys!" Will answered the door quickly, "come on in."

Mike and El made their way to the living room where the rest of the party were sat. Each of them eagerly greeted them and asked what film they wanted to watch.

After a lot of bickering, they decided on E.T, one of El's favourites as she thinks E.T is 'adorable and wants him as a pet'. They all shared some popcorn and enjoyed the movie, Lucas laughing and pointing at E.T in the dress and saying it was Dustin, which earned him an elbow to the rib. However Mike could not concentrate on the movie, his head was spinning. Do I tell them? How do I tell them? I can't just blurt it out, 'hey guys I'm depressed, how's your day going?'. Mike internally cringed and fidgeted in his seat.

"Are you okay?" El asked quietly, trying not to disturb the others.

"Yeah I just need some air." Mike half lied, he needed air because he felt nauseous but he also just wanted to get it over with. He got up and walk out the door. A few minutes later a brown haired boy appeared next to him.

"Mike?"

"Will what are you doing out here? I thought you were watching the film." Mike didn't need to look at him to know who it was.

"You looked all flustered and El looked scared so I got worried." Will said gently.

Mike looked up at him, "yeah no I'm good I just uh...". Mike couldn't form the words. "I'm good, I just needed some air, thanks for checking though." Mike smiled.

"Okay... but you know you can talk to me right? You can talk to all of us."

Mike nodded, "I know."

Will reluctantly went back inside, he knew something was up but he didn't want to force it out of him, he would tell him when he's ready.

Mike let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he could really use something to relieve his stress right about now. His mind went to the stolen cigarettes, he cursed himself for using them all, but he knew he could probably find some around the house. He made his way back into the house quietly, the party's eyes were glued to the screen.

He darted into the kitchen, he bent down and searched the lower cupboards first, no luck. He started on the higher one's, glancing back at the group to make sure he wasn't being watched. He found a pack and turned around before he grabbed them, to find Will behind him.

"What are you doing?"

Mike almost had a heart attack as he frantically tried to come up with an excuse.

"Sorry I was looking for a glass, i'm thirsty." Mike stuttered.

Will raised an eyebrow but fetched him a glass and watched as Mike filled it up with some water. Mike's heart was in his throat as he went to sit back down, annoyed his mission failed but almost glad because he didn't want to use them unless he really needed to. Mike knew he would have to tell his friends soon, but not now. Soon.

"One day at a time, baby steps" Dr Owens voice echoed in his mind as he tried to focus back on the movie.

El snuggled up to him, instantly making him forget his worries.

"I love you" El whispered.

"I love you too" Mike whispered back and kissed her soft curls.

"Are you sure you're okay?" El asked.

"Yeah, I'll talk to you about it later okay?" Mike said quietly. And he did. When they arrived home Mike expressed how he wants to tell them but doesn't know how or when.

"I think it will be better coming from you, but I'll be there to help." El smiled.

"Okay so, tomorrow they will come over and we will tell him." Mike said, feeling uneasy at the thought.

"Yes and if you decide you can't or don't want to, I'll understand. I promise." El stroked his hair.

Mike nodded and soon fell asleep in his girlfriends arms, making her grin uncontrollably. She kissed his head and relaxed, thinking over the plan for tomorrow.

"I'm so proud of you" El whispered to the sleeping boy in her arms, melting at the sight of him.