Chapter 1: Mike
Chapter Text
Mike was working in a small café in Hawkins. Everything over there was the same, sure he was 26 now. But really, he would always feel 16 in his heart.
It was a decade after everything that happened. Eleven, the military, dimension X. A decade, and the only thing that remains after that mess.
Is a broken heart of Mike and rumors.
But rumors aren’t real, Mike thought to himself, not anymore.
Rumors are just rumors. No matter how the whispers still cling to him. How they enter his mind late at night. Long after the screaming of his nightmares faded. Long after the imprint of Eleven was still there haunting his eyelids, closing the portal. Whispering “I love you” If only if he said it back. If only he could hold her longer than the wind allowed him. If only…
It was a decade, and he knew he had to move on. He had to. Everyone else did.
Will was a successful painter, Dustin was still a genius. Lucas and Max are married and expecting their first baby soon enough. Even the older gang has moved on. Steve got a job with kids, Nancy became a military shooter. Robin was protesting for queer rights.
The only one left behind was him. But even he was successful in his own way. He wrote books, he got on the new York bestseller many times. Wrote a successful fantasy series. About a mage and her four friends defeating monsters. A serie that got glowing reviews ‘a series that encourage hope and friendship’ or ‘An inspiring new literature for the next generation’ It was at least translated under 40 languages. On the outside he was successful.
So why did he still feel so empty inside.
At least writing doesn’t mock you over grieve, that’s what he said to his parents. At least writing doesn’t harm you, he said to his siblings. At least writing gives a reprieve he said to his friends.
They all didn’t believe him, he could see it in their eyes. The worried glances they shot at each other. The grimaces, and fake assurances that, he is doing okay, but perhaps that he should stop writing for a while. Perhaps he should move on, go somewhere else.
And when he was woken up for the umpteenth time on his desk. His hands over an empty typewriter. With a few scribbles on a page. His mother had enough. She insisted he had to get a job. A real job, not sitting around his desk all day, that were her words.
“It is not healthy to sit in grieve Mike, it is not healthy no matter how successful you are. You cant move on, and you need to. I want my boy to move on.” Her words were pleading, her words strug a cord in him. He didn’t even knew he had.
So to please his mother he decided to work at the new café, serving customers. To get new ideas for his book he mumbled to his boss. To get some new ideas for characters, he said to his customers. But mostly to get his mother of his back.
Really when he started in the café, he didn’t expect many customers at all. He expected to serve a few pints of beer and then go home and stare at his typewriter for the empeeth time.
He didn’t expect to have fun, hearing the regulars talk. Not caring if he heard or not. A new break up that happened. Because the wife was cheating with the biker, who was best friends with the husband. Or hearing that there was a new animal that was discovered. Perhaps it had magical powers they joked, or could float. They laughed, Mike laughed along too.
Only when he got home, he realized he hadn’t thought of El, the entire shift, to busy with hearing other people strange tales.
As time went on, his mother realized that her son was happier, laughed more like himself. Reached out more, spending less time behind his typewriter. Behind his own desk. His friends noticed too. Even fans noticed, whenever he was recognized across the street. His laugh became more genuine. He felt a bit more at peace.
That didn’t ignore the screaming at night, or Els name on the tip of his tongue. When he woke up, he still found himself reaching out to her. Never fully touching her, and the Love word was always unspoken in his dreams or nightmares alike.
But now at 26, he was doing well. His friends Max and Lucas had a baby on the way, he was excited. Later that day he would go to the baby shower. And bring the baby some gifts. Or perhaps a pen he thought to himself. So the baby could become a successful writer like him.
He laughed at the look of horror on Lucas and Max imaginary faces. Nah that baby would most likely become a top athlete, just like their parents. Wouldn’t touch a pen at all hopefully. One thing he learned about being a writer, they always end up in tragedy.
Then a customer came in, and his focus was on the order of the stranger. It was 7 at night. The perfect time to set up the first round of drinks.
“So did you hear in Iceland there is a strange village. They don’t let you have a good pint of beer at all. Strange people I am telling ya,”
Those tales he heard all the time, from strange people telling stories of strange events. Trying to explain what they saw. Strange tales indeed. That’s why he liked it here so much. It reminded him of his past and present at once.
“So this place, you see is surrounded by 3 waterfalls. But that is not the weird part. The weird part people make things move without meaning to. They make you float in the air if you don’t pay their beer in time.”
Three waterfalls, Iceland, making thing move without meaning too. He saw that before. His mind went back to Eleven. Back to Jane. Back to a decade ago when he screamed his throat raw. Screaming, screaming for her. Watching her.
The regulars were hooked to the tale the stranger was telling. Here in this cafe they don’t immediately disqualify such stories. They listen first and they judge. Clearly it was an old wife tale, but it was entertaining for the night.
“So, you see I got kicked out, by this woman. She runs the bakery with a nosebleed. She was terrifying. Long brown hair like the trees surrounding her. Looking me down, she only let me go when I said I went to America. That’s when she started laughing,” The stranger looked around, clearly pleased with the attention. ”she said I wont survive a day here. Said the government would try to take me, if I talked too much. She was wrong, I am still standing, I am still here. And I still tell the story of that night.” He laughed and gestured for a beer. “It’s not a tale, it true” The stranger said with a smile.
That’s when the regulars around the stranger started to laugh as well. Asking for another round of beer for the stranger. Mike delivered the beer.
Normally, he doesn’t pay attention to the stranger tales. But now.
“Three waterfalls you say?”
“Yes boy,” The stranger looked up at him. He wore a big frontier hat, strange clothes in big bold and red. “I traveled far, you see and walked long roads. But a town like that. Its not even a town just a few houses really. That’s really were stranger things happen. In small places like that. People there are weird, but strangely resourceful. Careful, but also in the open.”
He has seen loads more than expected. Heard more stories, than he could count around this bar in Hawkins. Countless ideas for books, to fill up in his lifetime.
Even though Mike was 26. Even though it had been 10 years since he heard of any signs of Eleven being alive . Even though he had a successful career as a writer and even as a bartender.
Somehow he believed this tale was real. A strange town in Iceland where people could make things, move without meaning too. A nosebleed, hair as brown as the forest surrounding her. To many coincidences.
“What was the girls name? The one that kicked you out” Mike asked, strangely hopeful.
“hmmm, her name was Eleanor I believe, not sure. They couldn’t serve any beer out there at all, and I was floating midair. I do remember she had a nosebleed though, really weird.”
Eleanor. Eleanor the one he introduced as niece, Eleanor back when he was 9. Back when it all began. Back when he met her in the woods.
Eleanor was alive, in Iceland waiting by the 3 waterfalls. Eleanor who resided in a strange town, with even stranger people.
Where there more of her? More projects? More people with her powers? Did they live together?
“My name is James Argos by the way” The stranger-James Argos said. “By the look of your face there is somewhere you need to be, the town is called Hugur. It translates to mind. You seem like you need a break of Hugur.”
Yes, Mike had somewhere he needed to be indeed. Somewhere in Iceland. And after all, he needed a break right. That’s what his friends were insisting on. A break. Iceland. Hugur. Eleanor, it would always be her right.
Every time, his heart came back to El.
If soulmates existed, El would always be the one for him.
He booked a flight to Iceland the next day. Quit his job, knowing he needed a longer break than the boss allowed. The stranger-James Argos was nowhere to be found. Mike packed his bags, and left the typewriter on his old desk, his grief he left behind there. But he did take the photo next to it, showing El in all her glory
He apologized for missing the baby shower of Max and Lucas, promised he would give an Icelandic toy instead.
He apologized to Will, for missing an art gallery, claiming a break was really important.
He apologized to Dustin for not seeing him in a while, even though his genius was verry much appreciated and that they would catch up soon.
He apologized to Holly and Nancy, telling half the truth. That he needed to leave and get a break.
His mother was looking at him, straight through him. Saw the typewriter on his desk in his old room. She smiled. “good luck” she whispered, and let him go.
Mike was going to find her, whatever it would take.
The government truly believed she was dead. The official statements were given personally to him. With the official death records of Eleven, Jane Hopper. Mike knew he would not be traced. Not anymore, not for Eleven. She was to weak, in the end.
They wouldn’t trace him. Not for a person that the world wants dead.
He took the plane, straight to Iceland.
He asked around, asking for rumors. Rumors about a strange town, with strange people, where even stranger things were happening. With 3 waterfalls- If you might have heard?
Soon he heard more stories- in bars, hotels late at night, hostels. Of a town that would stay dry all the time. Even when it stormed, only because the people were afraid of thunder.
Where people would get kicked out if they don’t pay on time, but kicked out with force that did push through walls.
A town with nosebleeds. Where children laughs, but are distrustful to the bone. Heard their mothers and fathers tell grand tales, of the world outside their town. That’ the world’ was terrible and full of monsters and guns and violence- and children you really are safer here-Why would you wonder outside after dark.
Strange tales, overheard with the drunks and junkies. The town; Hugur, some said. Others whispered- over slurred tongue ‘Hell’.
Mike knew he was close. He checked the map, heard the tales. Called to his mother and sisters, never telling about what he overheard in taverns. He just wanted to keep it to himself. Just a bit longer.
Soon what was supposed to be a short break, turned into a month. Of hearing and listening strange story’s.
But he wont give up. He never would for El.
And then he found it, found the town he was looking for: Hugur. A place where hell resides the people say. But to him it felt like home.
The tug in his stomach knew he was close. Close to her. His rug sack was strapped tightly to his back. He was hungry, it wouldn’t be good to see El on a hungry stomach. He reasoned to himself.
Hugur, had a hotel. It had a small bakery. He would go to the bakery first, and then check in. That was the plan he made for himself on spot.
The people on the main road were wary, distrustful even. He could spot that immediately. But the bakery looked warm and friendly. So really Hugur looked quite nice. So opposite the descriptions, given by the people in the taverns and bars.
The bakery was clean, and bright colors adorned the walls. Displaying all the pastries inside the stands. Surrounded by colorful lightning. A ding went off when he stepped inside the bakery.
Mike looked around. Clean, white and black tiles adorned the floor. There were bright yellow doors leading to the backroom of the bakery he assumed. Blue adorned the markers, telling which pastry was which. The bright yellow doors, all of a sudden slammed open.
Where some one walked out of holding a tray of pastries. Freshly baked out of the oven. Having a nosebleed, all while muttering about doors that should stay open if you are holding freshly baked pastries. Really an annoying insight of doors.
That some one, Mike recognized in a heartbeat. With her brown hair and pale skin. ‘El’ he muttered out of surprise.
El looked up, stared at Mike. And returned to what she was doing. Putting the pastries on the colorful blue display case. Still holding the tray.
“Its me Mike”
“Well hello Mike, my name is Eleanor. Welcome to the bakery of Hugur” Clearly a practiced motion, indicating her voice. Eleanor looked at him, for the first time.
Properly looked at him. And then her mouth opened in shock. “It cant be, I am sorry. I apologies for emotions. Mike” Her hand covered her face. Her beautiful face, looked shocked.
”No, I left everything behind, why now” Her voice rising on every octave. “You were supposed to be safe, in Hawkins. Not here. Not where I live. Go back”
Then Mike knew the only sensible thing to say at the moment was “I love you”
No explanation, no other words. Not what do you mean.
No, the only sensible thing that came out of his mouth was; I love you.
And it felt right all along.
And he kissed her.
Right here in a bakery, in Hugur. Which translates in mind. Mike followed the tale of 'The strange man Argos' in bold red clothes. Followed the rumors to a town called hell in common tongue. Right here to fall in love in her arms all over again.
Mike loves El. No matter what.
Chapter 2: Eleven
Summary:
Eleven's side of things, and how she survived.
Chapter Text
Eleven had her fair share of story’s. Strange tales many people said. Curses from hell, many common people whispered.
Not at hugur. At hugur it was normal. There it was normal to hear strange tales from wanderers. From people who felt lost.
From people who stayed so long, their bones became pearl white in the dirty brown soil. Over there in the graveyard.
10 years ago her story started, straight after the upside down gate closed. After everything that happened. It was all an illusion created by Kali. She doesn’t remember much at all. The things she does remember she just wants to forget.
Kali, papa, Henry the list goes on and on at night. When her eyelids are closed, and trying to sleep. Their names haunt her eyelids.
The nightmares are the worst part.
Blood, loads of blood. A scream. Empty words. Promises never kept. A love word, that she should not have said, as it only received nothing but silence and tears in return.
A hug that never lasted, but she so wished she could.
She does remember the aftermath though. Even though she wishes she didn’t.
She remembers, being on the run. She remembers being far away from the kryptonite. When the portal closed. The last illusion shattering. The sirens were screaming. But above all, she remembers Mike screaming, her friends and Hopper’s screams. Like it was only yesterday when it all went down.
Hopper, a man that cared for her more than anyone else ever would. A second daughter, Jane Hopper: dead.
Her friends, smiling as hey encouraged her to take risks, to play games, to have fun. Were now begging her to come back, to not take that last final risk of that portal closing.
Mike, her first boyfriend and her last. In the same dying breath. If only if they could stay together. If only.
She remembers, Kali’s whispers in a hushed tone. In the labs, in distant rooms, in distant places where the world would not touch the two sisters. Whispers of hope.
There was no hope left for Kali, she wished to die. But for El, there was hope. She remembers clinging on to that hope like a lifeline. Even telling Mike, they might make it, they might survive. Told him about the three waterfalls.
Even when she ran. Even when she arrived at hulgur. She still remembers clinging on that hope like a lifeline.
Hope, that Kali heard about. In her years on the run. Kali had heard things, Strange things with a mysterious twist.
Things that shouldn’t be normal, but there were to many whispers to ignore the strange details. The details detailing a town, of other projects. Of others like them. A town with 3 waterfalls, on a map somewhere in Europe.
Where it was, Kali couldn’t tell. But she knew someone who might…
A strange man in a big frontier hat, dressed in bold. Always red. He said the color suited him a lot. Came to pick her up. Claimed he was a friend of Murray. Of Kali.
Kali she trusted. Even though Kali was dead now, her blood covered El’s hands.
It reminded her of the promise she made to everyone. She would live, for herself above all.
A life for a life. And Kali, was Elevens sacrifice.
James Argos, the strange man introduced himself, dressed in red- dressed in bold. Told her of others like her. Others who chose to live, despite the odds against them. Despite having the same abilities as her.
The other rebels lived freely, Away from a government, trying to tear them apart. They were very self reliant, but James Argos still took her there to Hulgur, the place with three waterfalls.
Claimed Eleven needed more help than James Argos could give.
“Was he like her?” Eleven wondered.
“not in that way, but there were other projects, in Europe too. Quite similar to what happened in Hawkins. They took me there. Took away my name, took away everything I owned. I became a project too.” James admitted on the last night, his tone defeated. His gaze far away.
It was the last night they spend together, having that conversation. Together on the run, from two different governments. But still together as one.
The next day she arrived at Hulgur, and -James Argos- He was gone with the shadows. Just like the rumors and whispers surrounding that town. Up one day, gone the next.
The only thing he left behind were footsteps and stories that were stuck in your head.
So arrived at the town. ‘Hugur’ the town was called, translated into Mind in english.
She walked the streets, alone.
Watched by wary people, alone.
She was free but, alone.
She only managed to earn the respect of Hulgur, 3 months later.
She was sleeping in the hotel, renting a bright room, daylight could stream in easily. El enjoyed that. Despite the town strange habits. She enjoyed the sunlight, streaming through her windows.
It was downstairs where it went wrong. A bartender came to close to her face. He smelled of whisky and sour breath. Leaning over the countertop, while she tried to have breakfast in peace. His hands were lose- too lose.
The next thing he smelled of was the stone hard wall, El smashed him in. You don’t touch her without consequences after all. And decided to go to the waterfalls alone. The only thing that showed her effort was her bloody red nose. And a huge dent in the stone, brick wall.
That’s when the town, started to respect her. She was like them. Oddity’s that were experimented on on a lab. Others like her. Others that can move things, with only their minds, with only their own will.
Oddity’s whose only safe place was a town in Iceland surrounded by 3 waterfalls.
Hidden from a world that wanted the town dead.
People started to trust her. Whats your name? They asked. Where are you from? Do you have a place to stay?
And don’t worry about that bartender, people reassured her, his hands were always lose -too lose he should have been thought a lesson earlier. It was good you came along. Quiet reasurances, that made it easier for Eleven to speak.
Eleanor she responded to the first question. America when they asked her that second question -and no I don’t have anywhere to stay- do you have space?
There was space, a bright blue house. Closest to the waterfalls, since she enjoys it there so much. The people of hugur said. You are allowed to stay, we will help you. The message was clear.
The wary and distrustful looks, soon turned neutral after that encounter. People even stopped her, on occasion, trying to make small talk. Trying to turn the looks from distrust into smiles.
Eleanor appreciated the effort, and soon stopped feeling like an outsider on the cobblestone streets. In a strange Icelandic town.
Eleanor also really appreciated the bakery in Hulgur. The pastries would easily float in the baskets. It was oddly soothing. The bold red and grass green. Made the place feel more alive. Alongside the yellow doors, that would open on command with their powers combined.
There was a kind woman there, older than her. Wrinkles and scars that ran down her tanned face.
Scars from telekinesis experiments. She stated it as a fact. The European government wanted her dead, yet she ran. As fast as a hellhound. Outran her captors, who shot at her with guns, aiming to kill.
But her eyes where bright. Capturing the everlasting smell of bakery’s behind her. She told the story with glee. Because she survived Europe’s program; not many could live and tell the tale.
Elanor was fascinated by the bakery, and by how normal she felt over there. And when the offer came to help in the bakery. She immediately agreed.
Eleanor finally felt at peace. Working in the bakery at day. Conquering her thankfully fewer nightmares at night. Years slowly and surely started to pass.
Eleanor was at peace.
Soon other strange tales appeared in town Hulgur. Other tales, of different projects from all around the globe. Some from other labs, people that escaped seeking refuge in Hulgur ,in Iceland. Soon Eleanor’s tale became on of many. Hulgur became known as a place of peace.
Other refugees hoping that the 3 waterfalls would give them freedom. Hoping, wishing, dreaming that they could make it out alive.
Soon normal drunkards would call Hulgur. Hell in common tongue. It started as a whisper.
After being slammed in the walls for not paying enough money, for the food normals spent.
Or because objects kept floating, when they tried to grab it. Even though the only sign they saw, was that the bartender had a bloody red nose.
Or because they asked to many questions. About scars, or why people were the way they were.
Whispers circulated around, telling people to stay away. ‘Stay away from Hulgur, the place with 3 waterfalls. It is full of strange people, with even stranger tales’
Really it was deserved Eleven thought. After everything the world had put those people in. Being treated as lab rats, human experiments. they wanted to be left alone, enough was enough.
They only wanted to offer a refuge, for people like them. It was not meant for outsiders. So the rumors kept growing.
Hulgur remained safe, any governments that tried to take the town. Was shut down- shut down with people that had bloody red noses and left no traces. Their faces haunted with distrust and worry in their eyes.
The government soon just stopped sending people. Knowing it would only cost them more and more, with each day that passed by. Death wishes, strange events to cover up, strange tales to dispute.
Hulgur was left to be forgotten. For good.
Some nightmares stayed after all these years, a decade even. Still haunting Eleanor eyelids when she wont sleep at night.
The screams, the nightmares, all the promises she had broken. The blood still covering her own hands. Mike’s promise, the only promise she wanted to keep- tried so hard to keep.
‘Friends don’t lie’
She broke that one promise.
She lied. She never was in the portal. But she could still hear Mike’s screams as it was yesterday. Still haunting her a decade later. She missed him so badly.
Still wanting him, even though a decade had passed.
Even though Hulgur is forgotten now, by anyone important enough to remember.
If soulmates were real, she was his. And he was her’s.
Mike and El, always together. Even though they are miles apart.
Michaels Wheelers books where still on her shelf, thoroughly read. The book covers worn and cared for. The only thing she allowed herself to keep.
A reminder, of what it costed her.
The books were all about a little mage, who went off to save the world. Who loved the storyteller. Always, over and over again. All a big great tragedy, what ended.
Mike’s books are all dedicated to E. Always dedicated to her. And whenever she saw a picture of him, behind his book cover or signing his books with fans. Mike always looked so sad.
His eyes told tales, of unsung heroes, and big great tragedy’s. Tragedy’s written with his pen. And dark thoughts with his mind.
The only thing Eleanor could do is watch. Watch as his own demons teared his mind apart.
Ding, the bell went off in the shop. Eleanor couldn’t be stuck on daydreams or nightmares. She had to live in the present. In the colorful bakery.
A big frontier hat appeared, in bold red clothes -James Argos.
James Argos, a man who travels around the world. His life was even more of a mystery, than anyone in the town. But always ready with a tale or two. A friend of Murray, but also a stranger in every sense. An oddity, many people called him. But accepted him as one of their own.
“So I have news, great news in fact. That writer of yours; Mike, you call him. Michael in the fancy books. The one you have a crush on.”
Mike, how did James know Mike? Mike was supposed to be in Hawkins. Mike was supposed to be safe. Eleanors mind was spinning miles per hour. If only James knew the full truth. Mike couldn’t be here. The town would never accept him as their own.
“so about him, I told him about this place you see, about Hulgur. He believed me, I could see it in his eyes. He wants to visit, was so surprised about this place with three waterfalls,” James Argos exclaimed.
Clearly oblivious of what was going on in Eleanors head. “In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he is here already. He seemed so eager and I needed to tell you. He is your favorite writer after all. You are a great fan”
Mike, beautiful innocent -Mike who was playing DnD in the basement. Mike screaming his throat raw as she couldn’t keep her final promise. ‘Friends don’t lie’ She lied.
James looked at her. Just looking. And then he smiled. “Give him a chance, he loves you that much was clear with my short conversation, and you love him too.”
The next few days passed by in a rush. Filled with pastries and orders -a Graduation cake had to be made. Bread needed to be done.
The words of James never leaving her mind. ‘Love’ that’s a hard concept to get. But she would do anything to keep him here by her side. Mike coming here, Mike next to her.
Would mike even be safe here? He would be under her protection, but still. The town could despise him. He was normal, he didn’t have the peculiar skillset- but maybe.
Maybe, they could finally finish what they started all those years ago. A decade has passed after all, they all wanted peace. Perhaps-whoever was out there- would listen.
Whenever the bell rang, she would look up. Hoping, waiting till he would arrive.
Occupying her hands when the disappointment, became to much.
And then one day, he did.
Mike was here.
Mike was here, in her bakery. Under the black and white marble floor. Under the colorful lightning. And banners that were red, green, yellow and blue.
Mike was here in Hulgur, a town where you need to earn respect. Where survival has a price.
Still a rug sack tied to his back. Brown hair, a bit fluffier now, that’s he is all grown up. Same piercing eyes directed at her.
Doubt clouded her mind, it was Mike after all. A boy she loved so much. Would it even be the same after all? Like the story’s that were in his books, a happy ending? Was that even possible- for someone like her?
“I love you” Mike said. Straight through her owns doubts. Almost like it was enough with one glimpse to see the chaos in her head.
“I should have said it, all those years ago.” Were the next words Mike wanted to say. If the words weren’t already swallowed by one kiss. One fiery passionate kiss. In the bakery. Kissed by Eleven, Eleanor, Jane. Who cared, whose name she caried.
She was back in Mike’s arms once again.
Eleanor finally felt at home.
Chapter 3: Mike and Eleven
Summary:
The ending, they deserve
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
A blue house, closest to the three waterfalls. A great green grass field surrounding it. Filled with white daisies. With a clear evening hue along with white puffy clouds, still there in the background. It looked like a fairytale.
Nothing like the void in Eleven mind. Or the crowded woods in the cabin. There was no noise surrounding him from cars from loud horning traffic or squirrels, that passed by his house -never home in Hawkins.
It was nothing like Hawkins where Eleven was stared at, or whispered about. Or California where Jane Hopper existed, and got bullied at.
It was quiet, completely quiet. Strangely peaceful. Perfect for Eleanor. It looked exactly like the peace they wanted. What Eleanor and Mike imagined, before it all got blown up.
Mike gazed at the surroundings. He wanted to take a proper look at it, but instead his gaze was replaced by Eleanor. Eleanor with her beautiful brown hair and blue eyes that looked like the waterfalls behind them. Mike just looked at her.
Gods she was so beautiful, he wanted to spend every minute at her side for the rest of his life. How could he not have spend looking earlier for her.
“come inside Mike, how where your travels?” Oh yeah normal conversation exists -Mike mind helpfully suggests. He could genuily spend all day just looking at her.
“uhm good, it was good. I mean I spent some time thinking about the books, characters, plots” His mind wondered off. Distracted by her smile.
Eleanor was looking at him again, just smiling
They spend all day just kissing or catching up on each other in the bakery, having discussions for the first time. Discussions they would have a thousands times over and over again. Over quiet mornings, peaceful days and morning coffee’s.
And kissing, that part was amazing too really, it was peaceful in the bakery. Very quiet and not much disturbed. Only a few regulars came in for Eleanor’s pastries. The crowd would mostly come in through the week, Eleanor explained.
Mike looked forward to it.
He stepped in the blue house, and first thing he noticed was how everything looked in place. A nice green plush sofa. A long oval table made of oak. A television for news and for interesting movie’s he could watch with Eleanor. An elegant wooden floor.
Then his gaze was catched by books, not just one book, but many of books. All with his name on it, ‘Michael Wheeler’. Carefully worn and cared for. Tears were carefully mended, alongside with doggy ear pages.
“Oh yeah that…” Eleanors voice went quiet, when he noticed him staring at her rather large collection of books.
“I just realy like the series, I mean I also really like the mage and her friends. But also the tragedy behind it. And it has an interesting plot, but the tragedy is quit sad. It fascinates me ” Eleanor explained in a rush. Her cheeks quite red.
Perhaps a normal writer would be a bit creeped out, by the amounts of books she had, with his name atached. But never Mike. Mike stared at Eleanor with hearts in his eyes.
“You really like it that much?” Mike whispered. Eleanor blush went even deeper while her head was nodding. A barely audible yes came tumbling out. “ I will sign it for you. Every single one off them.”
They were alone in a house, there were no other people. It was just them, Mike kissed Eleanor like his life depended on it. Like a man thirsting for water in the dessert, and she was a streaming river straight in his path.
Mike felt at home, for the first time. Here in Iceland, in Hulgur in this strange town, full of strange tales. In her arms holding him steady.
A week later, they were sitting at the kitchen table. Or more specifically Eleanor was sitting down while reading the Icelandic newspaper. Mike tried to make coffee in her kitchen. ‘their kitchen’ Eleanor insisted.
‘I want you to stay’ Eleanor confessed some nights ago. Mike kissed her, insisting he absolutely would be staying, as long as she would want.
“can you get some coffee beans? Darling” Mike smiled at himself while saying that last word. He could call Eleanor ‘darling’ now. He felt like the happiest man on the world.
When the coffee beans was floating over to him, without Eleanor even looking up from the Icelandic newspaper. With only a tiny blood stream coming from her nose, was the only evidence. Of Eleanor using her powers.
“you use your powers now in the open?” Mike gasped. “you could get killed, or worse get hurt. I don’t want to see you get hurt. Never again not after….” His voice extremely proctective. His eyes on the floating coffee beans. His mind miles away, back to the gate. Back to the military.
If anything dared to separate Mike from his one true love again. There would be hell to pay.
Instead of fear, he heard laughter. Mike turned around. Just to see Eleanor laughing him straight in the face.
“your telling me, you haven’t noticed,” Her mouth curled up in a smile -If only Mike could see this all the time. “That this entire town has been using powers. And that only now you are shocked, by me using coffee beans? Not all of the other things that happen here in Hulgur”
“what if they take you again? And what do you mean this town using powers?” Mike whispered, looking Eleanor deadly serious in the eyes “I wont let anyone take you away from me again, never again”
Eleanor looked him in the eyes. She realized he was deadly serious.
“You don’t know?” She whispered.
Then Mike realized. It hit him like a bomb. It all made sense now. The wary looks, the rumors surrounding the town, haunted eyes the people gave him. Sure Mike heard stranger things in his bar back in Hawkins.
But this; on this massive scale. A strange town full of strange events. Of thunder rolling across town, yet never hitting rooftops. Of normals getting caught floating in midair. Of scars that looks like it been through experiments.
A town never descriped in maps.
A town that translates in ‘mind’, because of people using powers.
Sure he was distracted by Eleanor. Beautiful, smart Eleanor. Who baked pastries, but now always made sure to take some for Mike. Who shared with no hesitation.
But that didn’t discount the number of strange events he had seen. Just earlier this week, he saw a gambler getting in a bet. He got slammed down with force on the table after he didn’t pay the bet on time.
But that was just one occurrence, right.
And he genuilly doesn’t care. All he cares about is in this room, kitchen even. Sitting right across him, with her beautiful heart -only thing in the world that ever felt right in his life.
He tried to move on, in college he remembered. It was awkward and it didn’t feel good. He couldn’t stop comparing everything to her. Others felt unwanted after that Eleven shaped hole in his heart.
The only ones who did understand were his friends. But even they moved on in the end. Moved on, away from her.
“Will you keep the town a secret, please. And the secrets within it.” Eleanor pleaded with Mike, of course he would. He would do anything for her.
Weeks passed, the looks of distrust vanished when they saw. Mike was here to stay.
Eleanor was happier then she was in months, years even. And she made sure to show it to him. Hulgur noticed too.
Honestly Mike could get used to this, getting used to Iceland. Getting used to seeing Eleanor live her life fully. Living in her house, that slowly but surely became their home.
It also helped that he was a writer, the small children loved his books. Soon he got shown around all town. Just to make sure that the child got his or her book signed.
He was even asked to go to school, to give a presentation on his books. That was certainly something, he would never forget.
20 children in one classroom with powers. It resulted into a lamp exploding, a pencil case floating and a desk somehow turning sideways. All because of the excitement of having someone being famous visiting town.
It made him think, could he and Eleanor someday have a child, raise it here far away from the government? Far away from everyone Mike knew.
People were happy here somehow using powers in the open. Never hiding it.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” A loud booming voice was behind him, Mike recognized it instantly. ‘James Argos’ still dressed in red -still dressed in bold. Wearing his big trademarked frontier hat.
Here in a nice quant bakery, where Eleanor was baking pastries in the back. While he was writing again, on a different typewrite the town provided. It was heavy, but Eleanor did gladly carry it for him that morning, not minding using her powers.
Mike wasn’t sure, how to fall more in love with El. But he did, that morning while she just carried the typewriter like it was nothing. Floating in midair, across the cobblestones path.
“Hello James Argos, how is life?” Mike questioned while staring at James bloodied face. This was not how he expected his morning to go. He just wanted to write a bit more about a certain mage and her friends. Totally not based on his life, before everything went wrong -that would be silly wasn’t it.
“To many bruises, some government official got me. I managed to get him off my back soon enough. But pesky little fellow that man was. Pesky I tell ya, determined too. ” James managed out as an explanation.
“Why do you get in fights so often?” As this was a perfectly normal conversation to have. With the man that let you to Eleanor, to this town filled with rumors, strange events and even more peculiar things happened.
“To protect myself, that why,” James responded “Are you writing, again?”
“yeah”
“good, that’s good” His face was distracted, deep in thought. When the yellow doors opened with such a force that lead to the back of the colorful bakery.
James Argos immediately paid attention again.
Eleanor stood there in full glory -Mike loved her so much.
“’James Argos’ Back again for another gamble? Don’t let me kick you out again like I had too, last time. That was messy.” Eleanor responded with a smile. Her hands carrying pastries on the tray.
“Won’t happen again, don’t worry,” James responded good naturedly. “I just just delivered another person here, figured I wanted to visit the bakery. I was hungry”
“Another person?” Eleanor said surprised.
“yeah from Japan this time, but still. Quite a fight” James Argos responded. “I hope she can settle here properly, just like the two of you?” James Argos looked between the two of them. With glints in his eyes.
“Yeah so Mike and me are together. I know it is against the rules, but well he is famous. And that excuses loads of stuff apparently. The kids love him.” Eleanor explained in a rush. She was blushing.
“So when is the wedding?” When James popped that question, he got a dagger stare from Mike and Eleven both.
“Someday, not now” Mike responded bravely. “Lets just hope the new person settles well here first.”
“She can come to the bakery anytime” Eleanor responded.
“She will, don’t worry” Eleanor handed James Argos the pastries that moment. And James looked between the two of them. Felt the hostile air coming from those two, directed at him. And he left again. He would come back some other times, to enjoy the banter.
“So a wedding?” Mike responded. His eyes looking hopeful at Eleanor. When James Argos left the shop, his footsteps still echoing on the black and white tiles.
“Ask me properly and the answer will be yes” Eleanor responded.
“Dear Eleanor, Love of my life and beyond. Will you marry me?” Mike then responded. It could be more formal for sure -not in a bakery, while standing on polished white and black tiles. But then again this was very on cue for Mike -spontaneous and happy.
What other answer than ‘yes’ could it be from Eleanors lips. When she kissed him, soft and gentle. With a bit of flour in her hair, kissing Mike so gently.
Yes they would get married, and someday even have children. In this strange town, full of strange tales. With a strange name ‘Hulgur’
Mike and Eleanor Wheeler, Finally together. Finally one.
~6 months later~
A baby was crying in the nursery. Slamming around with Arctic fox toy. It clearly looked expensive, with all the fur, and eyes made of glass. Max reasoned.
But that was not what Max was interested in, she was interested in the little note attached to it.
Hello Max and Lucas,
Sorry for not making it to the baby shower. Iceland is beautiful, I think I will stay here for a while. I found the three waterfalls, and a blue house with a beautiful view.
I might even consider staying here permanently.
I also got married, the wedding was nice.
Greetings Mike Wheeler.
It was definitely short for sure. Nothing like Mike, Mike who is a writer. He always writes long sentences and long letters.
Yet for the past few months it were little notes like this, with expensive Icelandic toys added to it. To make up for the absence.
Almost like he was distracted by something, something that takes his attention away from the notes.
That is rare for Mike. Sure getting distracted from baby showers or sports events because writing a book is more important than them. That’s very on cue for Mike.
But taking attention away from writing -the very thing he loves to do. Something must be going on. Max also noticed that there was no return address at all. Almost like he lives in an invisible place -in Iceland with three waterfalls and a blue house.
Max could not figure it out. Something was going on in Iceland. But she did hope, wherever Mike was that he was happy.
Happy in a way that was somewhere far away from here.
Then she noticed something else. Almost faded below ‘mike wheeler’ another name: Eleanor Wheeler. With an (E.) attached straight after the ‘Eleanor’ part.
That’s when Max realized, Mike has founded his one true love.
Mike and Eleanor Wheeler. They were happy in Iceland.
The End
Notes:
This is it, the ending.
I hope you had fun,
Thank you so much for the comments. It really inspired me, to get this published so quickly.
And thank you Oceanfullofpancakes for inspiring me to write this.