Chapter Text
Aftermath
Mike stared out over the devastation of his ruined town. Smoke billowing into the sky, bolts of red lighting igniting within, otherworldly spores falling around him like snow. Dead flowers as far as the eye could see. This was only the beginning. The thought turned his stomach and he felt a lump in his throat. He was scared. He felt his hand twitch, instinctively reaching for Will’s hand, for Will’s comfort or for his own he was not sure. He stopped himself thinking, we’re all scared, don’t act like a baby.
Standing next to him Will felt the gooseflesh creeping up his neck more intensely than he’d ever felt it before. He’s here. He’s finally here, he thought. Deep down he always knew he’d have to face this day. Ever since he returned home from the upside-down, he knew. Whatever dark force took him all those years ago would be back for him some day. Now that day was here. He was almost relieved. He was afraid, but not for himself. He was afraid for his friends, his family, and most of all for Mike. He considered reaching for his hand, but he was afraid that if he did, he would never let it go again. If either boy had simply looked down they’d have seen how close their hands were to joining and know that they were both feeling the exact same urge.
The silent dread of the group was suddenly interrupted by a voice which had become familiar to Mike over the last week.
“Holy guacamole” Argyle said, having just caught up with the rest of the group.
At this Eleven turned around. She looked at her friends and family all standing behind her. The world was ending, but seeing them all standing there filled her with strength. She knew there was so much work to do, but she had no idea where to start. As if reading her mind, Hopper spoke up.
“I need to get to a phone and contact Owens’ people.” He began to walk back to the cabin. Joyce quickly caught up.
“Hop, wait”
“These military types have a near perfect track record at screwing things up here. We know what this is. If they’re going to have chance at stopping it they’re going to need our help.”
“Yes Hop, but-”
“Jonathan, I’m going to need to borrow your friend’s van.”
“Absolutely brochacho,” Argyle chimed in, “but I’ll warn you it’s pretty funky in there right now. Cross country road trip with a bunch of dudes, ya know.”
Hopper rolled his eyes and reached for the keys.
“Hopper!” Joyce insisted.
“What!?”
“I understand you’re in a hurry to get ahead of this. But there are things we need to figure out first.”
Hopper questioned Joyce with his eyes. She motioned toward the rest of the gang.
“The kids and I have nowhere to stay. I can’t imagine we’re all going to squeeze into your little cabin. No offense.”
Hopper softened. Of course Joyce was right. There were practical logistics that needed to be addressed immediately.
“Everything we have is still in California. I don’t even have a toothbrush Hop. What are we going to do?”
Hopper thought for a moment. His eyes found their way to Will and Mike, leaning together against a tree, arms folded, kicking their feet, looking toward the ground.
“I have an idea.” Hop said.