𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 {ᵐⁱˡᵉᵛᵉⁿ}

Chapter 7: Breakdowns and Confessions

Okay even more credits for @353days6 for this amazing idea. Lysm. Also, I just wanted to get this chapter out, so I haven't proof-read it or edited it, so if there is wrong grammar and spelling mistakes I'm sorry, I'll fix it after it's out.

It wasn't much later before El came out, back into her normal outfit, which consisted of one of Will's plain white t-shirts, which she tied up with a hair tye to match with a pair of bright blue 80s flared leggings which Nancy must have left at the Byers while staying over one time. For the first time in a while, she actually felt good about herself and fashionable, instead of staying in Hopper's over-sized shirts all day (which she still loved). She felt like the girls from the magazines, and she couldn't wait for another shopping spree with Max, Joyce, or even Nancy.

She stood with her crutches, a bright smile on her face. Mike quickly stood up and smiled at her happiness, she's so beautiful, and even though it wasn't hers, he couldn't take an eye off of her outfit.

"You did so well sweetie!" Joyce exclaimed as she stood up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She gave the young girl a tight hug and swayed her side to side, making El drop her crutches.

"Whoops!" Joyce laughed, along with El who was giggling adorably. The only words Mike could think of to say right now were 'I love you', he'd been sure of that the day she left. I mean, what other words could he use to truly express how proud he was for her, and how he really felt about her? He simply can't mess it up.

The tall teenage boy slowly stepped closer and closer to El, who was now looking up at him with her glistening brown eyes, making Mike's heart feel as though it was on a roller coaster and for him to smile and look down to hide the blush brewing on his sharp cheekbones. "I'm proud of you." He said, immediately hating himself for somehow being able to mess everything up. Why did you do that you idiot?

"Thank you." El said with a blush, secretly wishing he had said something more, something similar to what he said at the cabin, and maybe even a kiss on the forehead. But, she didn't even know if they were "together" yet, so maybe he was just playing it safe. He better make a move before I do it myself.

Mike gave her the most awkward smile that was even humanly possible, and as she smiled back and limped away, he muttered too many curse words under his breath. I swear to God Mike.

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The car journey was just full of small talk and comforting, nothing too interesting, but the whole journey, El couldn't stop looking at Mike, there was something wrong. The pair of them could see through each other like a mirror, and they knew each other too well, despite them having completely different home lives and only knowing each other for about 2 years.

"Have fun! El, I'll pick you and Will up at 7, call me if you need me any earlier or later." Joyce said, finishing her sentence with a bright white smile. El nodded and said thank you, along with Mike. She can't lie, she was super excited to see everyone and see how they were doing, especially Max. But first, she needed to know what was up with Mike, like, now.

The pair of them were walking contently to the house as Joyce drove away, and as they did so, El stopped, and she stopped Mike. She gave him a stern look, trying to figure out what was bugging him, and although she felt as though she knew half the story, she needed to know more.

"I-is everything okay? If your leg hurts I can try carrying yo-" Mike began rambling.

"What's wrong?" El said bluntly, interrupting Mike.

Mike took a step back. There was definitely something on his mind, and all he wanted to do was to cry it out and for someone to comfort him, but El had too much going on, now was not the time. He bit his lip and looked down for a second before answering with a simple, "I'm fine."