All I See Is You [mileven]

Arcade

June 12th, 1:35pm:

"Mike I'm so bad at this." El whined.

"It just takes practise El, you're doing good for your first try." Mike smiled.

It was El's first time at the arcade and she was failing miserably. Dustin had the great idea of going to the arcade on a blistering hot Saturday in June and they were all having competitions and El felt left out so Mike took her to play on another machine, Pac Man. Mike explained the concept to her and then she tried. He could tell she was getting irritated because she kept losing so he stepped behind her, put his hands on her waist and rested his head in the crook of her neck, hoping it would calm her down. He kissed her cheek gently then placed his hands over hers on the machine so he could guide her. A smile crept up her face which caused him to grin uncontrollably. But their moment was soon interrupted by Dustin (again) as he pestered El about Donkey Kong. Will was the king of this game and Dustin was determined to get someone to beat him. After Dustins atrocities, Mike's close calls, Lucas's fails and Max's rage quits, El was the only one left.

She looked at Mike, uncertain. She knew she would probably lose but his smile reassured her so she decided that she should at least try. Dustin led her to the machine, Mike snaked his arm round her waist and pulled her close before he let her go with Will. Will explained the game and let El have a practise before they started. She did well.

"3 2 1, go." Dustin said.

"Guys, might wanna stand back. She doesn't handle losing very well." Mike whispered.

The boys listened and took his advice and they were glad they did. To begin with El was a bit slow but she gradually got better and Mike's eyes lit up, proud of his girlfriend. She was doing good...that was until she reached the top floor and Donkey Kong knocked her off with a barrel. Mike winced slightly, feeling her rage.

"Shit!" El shouted, making everyone jump, she rarely ever cursed. "I wanna play again!"

Mike immediately obeyed and ran over to give her the rest of his quarters, slightly scared. The rest of the boys and Max were in hysterics at Mike's reaction, they would never let him live this down.

It took a few...hundred tries but she eventually beat Wills score. Everyone was shocked. El was ecstatic and jumped on Mike in joy, he reacted slowly and only just managed to catch her with his noodle arms.

"You did it!" Mike said as he set her down. He had a sneaking suspicion but he didn't want to bring it up in front of his friends.

El went round and high fived all of the boys and Max. And of course Dustin made the point of suggesting that they go get milkshakes to celebrate. Everyone eagerly agreed and made their way to the exit. Mike grabbed El's arm and brought her close to him.

"Mike?" El said, squished against his chest.

"You used your powers didn't you." Mike whispered.

"How did you know?" She giggled.

"Because I know you baby." Mike chuckled, bringing her face up to his. He placed a loving kiss to her lips while they both grinned like the love-sick fools they are.

"Guys come on quit sucking face, there are milkshakes to be had." Lucas called.

Their moment was ruined once again. El laced her fingers with Mike's and walked him to the door. "Where are we going?" Mike asked.

"How about Benny's?" Max suggested as the group started walking.

El froze, she hadn't been back there since that day in 1983. She felt the panic surge through her and she tensed, meaning her grip on Mike's hand became more firm.

"El? Are you okay?" Mike questioned.

El's eyes were wide and her breathing was uneven. "I can't go back there." She looked up at him, tears glistening over her chocolate eyes.

"Why not love?" Mike asked, he began to panic.

The group had continued walking on ahead, completely oblivious to Mike and Eleven hanging behind.

"The day I escaped, I went to Benny's." El paused, trying to control her voice. "He helped me, gave me food and then the bad men-" her voice quivered.

"They killed him didn't they? Because he helped you." Mike finished. His blood began to boil. He will forever hate those people, the pieces of shits that took El away from him and tortured her for half her life.

El just nodded, letting the tears finally spill out of her eyes and Mike immediately took her in his arms, his embrace which for the past few years had become her safe haven.

"Do you want me to ask them to go somewhere else or do you want to go home?" Mike wiped her tears away with his thumbs.

"Home, with you." El whimpered.

Mike just nodded, "give me a second baby." He kissed her on the cheek and then ran to catch up with the party. He made an excuse that El didn't feel well and that he would explain later but for now he was focused on getting her home safe and taking her mind off it. She was always his priority and always will be.

He ran back over to El and kissed her tears away. "Mine or yours?" He asked, his hands cupping her face.

"Yours, my first home." She smiled through her tears.

"It always will be your home El." Mike kissed her head and took her hand. "Let's go." He smiled.

El always wondered if home could be a person, if so, Mike was her home. She loved the cabin and Mike's house but he was all she needed to make her feel better. She was so thankful for him and his ability to immediately make her feel calm. She was so in love with that nerdy boy and she wouldn't have it any other way.