Crush Culture [M.Wheeler]

[13] ITS NOT YOUR FAULT

That night, Nori lies once again in bed, sleepless. How could they have all been so stupid? They were far too harsh on Eleven.

"Nori, this is Mike. Do you copy? Over." Says the voice on her walkie talkie. She curiously checks the time, reading three fifteen. She sighs, turning on her bedside lamp.

"Hey, Mike. I'm here." She yawns. The line goes silent, until she realizes. "Oh. Over. Sorry, I'm a little tired." She chuckles.

"Why aren't you asleep then? Shit, did I wake you up? Also, please say over after you're done, not before. Over." He asks worriedly.

"Sorry. No, nothing like that. I just— can't really sleep. I take it that's why you called." She adds. "Over."

"Yeah. I feel bad that eleven ran off. It's all my fault." He sighs. "Over."

"It's not your fault, Mike. Over." She shakes her head, although he couldn't see it.

"You're right. It's Lucas'. Over." He responds.

"No, that's not what I mean—"

"Lucas ruined all of this. He yelled at her for now reason—"

"Mike, you didn't wait for me to say over. Over." She cuts him off, rolling her eyes.

"Sorry. Over."

"Look, let's get some sleep, alright? I'll come see you first thing in the morning. Over." She assures him.

"Alright. Night, Nori. Over." He sighs.

"Night, Mike. Over and out."

She finds herself smiling, setting her walkie talkie down and staring up at the ceiling. Suddenly, her window is pushed open.

She gasps, sitting up. "Shit. Wrong window." Steve says. "Sorry, Ellie, I'm not in a very good mood, might've forgotten." He sighs, pulling himself in.

"You seem all smiley, what's up with you?" He chuckles.

"Nothing." She says casually.

"Alright, well, at least you're doing good. I just saw Nancy with Johnathan Byers." He shakes his head.

"Didn't you guys break up or something?" Nori raises her eyebrows.

"We just— had an argument." He stammers.

"Ah, I see." She nods, not believing it.

"Alright. Goodnight, dumbass." Steve rolls his eyes.

"Yeah, love you too, Steve."

***

"Jesus, What happened to El's corner? Looks like a hurricane hit." Nori asks as she walks down the stairs, startling Mike.

He turns around, gasping. "Uh, I got a little.. angry." He admits, scratching the back of his neck.

"Hey, it's alright." She smiles. "I was just messing with you." She chuckles, ruffling his hair. He grins at the gesture.  "Oh. Okay."