Chapter Text
He’s sat on the sofa in the Byers’, Will by his side. His leg is bouncing, just as it always does whilst he’s nervous, until Will places a hand onto it, stopping it in its’ path. Mike turns to face him.
“Mike.” Will starts. “He’ll be here soon, okay?”
Mike’s about to nod, but as if summoned by Will, the door knocks. Mike springs to his feet faster than what should be humanly possibly, Will following although not nearly as fast.
“Chief!” Mike practically shouts as he swings the door open, but he’s not greeted by the man. No, instead he’s met with the face he’s been longing to see.
“El…”
“Mike.” she sighs as she practically falls into his embrace, wrapping her arms around him tight as her head finds way to his shoulder.
Mike sighs happily at the contact, never wanting to let go. From behind her, Hopper silently starts to push her softly, guiding her into the house towards the server. They fall onto the sofa quite viciously, but neither of them care, although it does cause them to separate. It’s then that El remembers where they are, and who’s here.
“Will!” she nearly shouts in excitement, jumping straight back off the sofa to grasp him into his own hug. Mike takes the opportunity to speak to Hopper.
“What made you bring her here?” he asks immediately.
“She deserves a treat.” he responds. “I’ve kept her cooped up in our little place all this time, but she’s been so good. She’s listened to what I’ve told her all this time despite being desperate to head out and see you.”
He smiles at that, glancing over to her and Will for a moment.
“And, to be honest…” he lowers his voice, as if he doesn’t want anyone else to hear him.
“She’s help me, without knowing it. It’s like having a daughter again… which is the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me.”
Mike smiles even more, glad that these two seem to be great for each-other.
“I’m sorry for not telling you, Michael. I’ve just… I wanted to wait it out, until I knew it was definitely safe. I’ve just been scared; there’s no other way to put it.”
“It’s okay.” Mike tells him. “I understand, honestly. Of course I would’ve loved to know; it’s been really painful, all this time not knowing whether she was even alive, but we’re here now. That’s all that matters. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
Mike finally wraps the man into a hug, receiving a pat on the back in return.
“Don’t mention it, kid. It’s honestly a huge relief, having others know. I know I can trust you. You, Will, Jonathan, and Mrs. Byers. It’ll be much better this way, for all of us. Especially her.”
Mike smiles again. “Definitely.”
Behind them, a conversation has been rolling on during their chat. Will had started it after gaining the confidence to speak to the so-called Eleven; the one who’d sacrificed everything to get him home.
“Thank you.” are his first words. “Thank you, thank you. Thank you so much.” he says, squeezing tighter as he feels tears threaten to fall.
“Don’t mention it.” El says, copying what she’s heard Hopper say a few times before. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“Really?” Will asks, raising his head to look at her.
“Yes!” she laughs slightly. “Home, safe, well.”
“All thanks to you.” Will says. She smiles immediately.
“I’d still be stuck there if it weren’t for you. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
“You don’t need to.” she tells him. He smiles once again, eventually allowing his head to drop back to her shoulder as he refuses to let go of the girl who’d saved his life.