Chapter Text
Joyce finishes making the coffee pot, preparing to cook the eggs, scrambled eggs should be the best for this morning, the kids are gonna need energy from protein rather than Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. The sounds of Hopper grumbling about in their room, made her realize that she was missing the sounds of two more grumbly people. She walked over to the first door in the hallway, rapping at the door and cheerfully saying “Good morning sweetheart, time to wake up, you and Will have big plans today”.
El wakes up with a start, her hair a bird's nest and face riddled with lines showing a good night of sleep, only one sock still on and her pants pushed up like pantaloons.
El’s new room at the newly refurbished cabin, now the Hopper-Byers house, has purple wallpaper and purple flowery bedsheets and a white carpet. When each member got their government hush money the household didn’t have to worry about ‘wasting money’ for the next twenty years, so fixing up the cabin-house was a fun task for the family and the party. El declared her favourite color as purple and got to choose all her new amendments and decorations; wanting horse toys, notebooks, yellow curtains, scrapbooking material and a giant corkboard to put pictures up just like Nancy had.
Will and Jonathan, not used to having no permitted stops to spending, were a bit more lenient in their buying. Both asked for just the basics, walls painted yellow like they had before, actual curtains for their rooms and some nice bedsheets. Until Hopper and Joyce sat them down, and had the ‘money talk' with them, ensuring them that they don’t have to worry about it anymore, they are safe, they can spend what they need or just want. Slowly the Byers boys asked for more things for their rooms, Jonathan some string to put up his photographs, both asking for posters of movies and albums. Will, like El, got everything done in his favourite color of yellow, and asked for more canvases and oil paints to create new art.
El grumbled just like her dad in waking up, yawning excessively and rubbing her eyes, flopping onto her back with a sleepy “Goodmorning”. Joyce, smiling, walks over and gives her a kiss on the forehead.
“Don’t try going back to sleep now, I’m making breakfast, and your show is on in 20 minutes”.
Leaving the room, back into the hallway to wake up her other baby. Will’s room is bright and sunny, having forgotten to close the curtains last night, but unsurprisingly he was still dead asleep. Face smushed into the pillow, eyes escaping the sun’s rays, drool smeared on his cheek. Joyce walks over and caresses his hair, quietly saying “Will honey, wake up I’m making breakfast and you twins need to go out early today”.
“Wondertwins” Will mumbled.
“What?” Joyce asked.
“Our name is The Wondertwins, we have decided and notarized it” Will said as he yawned.
“You kids. Sorry, you Wondertwins, are so sweet” Joyce started tearing up, “I can’t believe your both so grown up and going off to university”
Will jolted awake at the sight of his mom crying, “Mom, there’s no need to cry, it's still summer, there’s months until Jonathan and I go to New York. And, and El’s still staying here, for at least another year while she gets her GED”, Will holds his mom’s hand, while Joyce fans her face.
“Alright, you’re right, there’s just 97 days until you leave me” Joyce says while squishing his cheeks - “My sweet boy, I’m gonna miss you so much, another one leaving the nest… Now get up, I’m making eggs and your Slimey show is on soon”.
“It’s called Slimer and the Real Ghostbusters mom”, Will corrected as Joyce was leaving the room. Getting up and grumbling “Where are my socks?”.
As El and Will get ready for their day out, Hopper finally comes out of his room, kissing Joyce on the cheek and sitting down to eat his eggs. The ‘Wondertwins’ come out of their bedrooms at the same time, almost knocking heads. El sits down and starts pouring orange juice for the both of them, while Will turns the TV on to watch their morning cartoon.
Hopper coughs and draws out “So what time are you kids going to the pool”.
El speaks around her food, verbalizing “I think we agreed we would be there by 9:45, so we can get ‘the good chairs’”
“Yeah” Will blurts “We have a relay pickup system set up with our walkies, then off to the pool. After that, uh, yeah - going to Mike's house to sleep with… AT! Sleep AT Mike’s house, as in a sleepover at Mike’s house… yeah”. His face is reddening, while he outwardly looks at the TV as if it’s the most interesting thing in the world.
Hopper gives him a sideways look, glancing at his blushing cheeks, sighing into his eggs. It seems as though he’ll never escape the clutches of Mike Wheeler. “Okay then, make sure to remember to bring your pajamas and toothbrushes then, I’ll expect you two back tomorrow evening for dinner”.
Joyce beams at them, and adds on “Bring sunscreen and remember to refresh it! Last time both of you were little freckly red tomatoes, and while cute, was painful for both of you”, supplementing her statement with “And force Mike to wear it, I love that boy but he is hard-headed and will refuse to wear it and then blame someone else for his own mistakes”.
Will and El laugh and nod profusely. Eyes slowly turning back to the TV while they keep eating their breakfast.
Hopper’s dressed in his cop outfit, Hopper became the new Deputy Chief of police, recovering his job after the government claimed he was in witness protection after the mall fire, but leaving Powell as Chief of Hawkins, so he could spend more time with his family. He did however, replace Officer Callahan as Deputy, as Callahan gladly accepted, stating that did not want or like all the added responsibility he was made to have when Hopper ‘died’. Joyce was still working as Melvald’s manager, while she studied her mailed courses for a teaching degree, planning to become Hawkins High new drama teacher.
The twins prepared their bags, Will making sure to get the sunscreen and the aloe vera from the bathroom drawer. El decided to bring her new handmade earrings and bracelets, as well as the book she was reading and her new vocabulary notebook. It was Max’s idea to start creating a notebook filled with words El didn’t know, trying to expand her vocabulary, writing them down to either get their definition in the moment or search them up later. She then went to her closet and brought out her new sunhat, bought straight from The Gap in Illinois.
While uncultured people like Mike would call it garish and something resembling a parachute more than a hat, Will called it fun and stylish, and El cares more about Will’s fashion opinions than from a man who showed up to the airport in an outrageously mismatched outfit.
As they both said goodbye to their parents as they went off to work, the Supercomm radio crackled to life.
“Will? El? Do you copy? Over.” Dustin’s voice garbled out.
“Hellooo - Wondertwins, Dustin calling. Over”
Will picked up the radio, chirping “Good morning Dustin! Wondertwins reporting in, we’re all set to go, are you ready? Over.”
“Gooood morning Wondertwins, Dustin is packed and ready, will be waiting outside for you. Can I get an ETA? Over”.
Will calculated the minutes between the cabin and the Henderson home; “Dustin I think our ETA is 10 minutes, see you soon! Over.”
“Alrighty then perfect, now we can do a roll call, before we show up to people’s houses. Max do you copy? Over” Dustin called.
They waited until a few seconds later, the radio crackled back to life “Mad Max here, I’m here waiting for Lucas to come pick me up. I’m packed and eating peanut butter toast right now”, Max said.
“...Over” Dustin says.
“Over what?” Max replies.
“Max, we've been over this a thousand times. If you finish your sentence on radio, you have to say ‘Over’, over” Dustin explains.
“Okay Nerd. When I finish my goddamn sentences I will say your precious ‘over’ or else who knows how you will ever possibly in the world understand me! Goddamn OVER!” Max shouted over the radio.
Will and El share a look, their faces beaming, trying hard not to laugh at Max’s fury and the thought of Dustin’s future arm bruise when Max gets him.
Suddenly the radio spits out Lucas’ meek voice “Hi guys, Lucas here. Is it okay if I speak or will I be hunted down, because Max I’m about 3 minutes away from your house, over.”
Will clicks on his radio “Hey Lucas! Okay so our new ETA’s are: 10 minutes to Dustin’s, Lucas to Max is 3 minutes, Dustin’s to Max’s is 18 minutes total. And Mike, do you copy? We should all be at your house to drop bags and pick you up in 30 minutes. Over.”
The party waited in silence.
“Mike, hello? Do you copy? Over.” Will repeated.
More silence.
“Max and Lucas, can you try him? El and I need to get over to Dustin’s now, maybe your connection will be better since you’re closer. Over” Will sighed.
“Copy that Will. We’ll keep trying him, just turn your comm off while we bother him. Over.” Lucas replied.
“See you soon! Wondertwins, over and out!” El said cheerily, retracting the antenna as she hopped onto her bike.
El’s bicycle was a Christmas present from Hopper, a sweet light green colour with a white wicker basket with purple flower attachments. Hopper brought her to a parking lot as soon as it stopped snowing to teach her, the entire party watched and cheered on. Now she’s an absolute natural, hopping onto her bike whenever she wants, riding as free as the wind. She liked to ring the bell at everything. At Will, at random people, at annoying cars in her way, and at squirrels that remind her of her beloved Mr Fibbly.
Will liked to watch her bike with them, she seemed lighter than usual with her hair whipping around her. Together they liked going down big hills at the speed of light, usually without trouble. Once in really big trouble when they collided with each other and a tree, and had to get stitches, Hopper was so mad, and Joyce was so worried; Jonathan was worried until he found out they were fine, then he made fun of them.
Dustin’s house wasn’t too far and with the good weather and lack of disrupting cars, they made it two minutes earlier than their presumed ETA. Both teens ringing their bells incessantly at Dustin, already on his bike, wearing a green henley, towel around his shoulder, backpack on, shorts and a purple cap. Dustin starts riding out with them, after a while, commenting “So El! Wow that is a BIG hat, huh?”.
El slows down a bit, sheepishly uttering “... What? Oh. Do you…not like it?”, her face downcast.
Dustin widened his eyes, stammering out “NO, no! I was just saying that it's a big hat, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hat that big honestly. It’s such a good idea with this weather and the sun, you’ve probably decreased your risk of facial and scalp burns by like 60 or 70 percent! Like, it’s such a good idea, honestly we should all be wearing hats like that” pausing for breath, then continuing “Like, it's such a nice hat, it’s such a cute hat! I wish I had a hat like that, all I ever wear is these caps y’know?”.
He turns to face El, who is basically twinkling, a light blush on her face while he was regretting everything he ever said.
“I… Like your hat too Dustin” El says.
“Oh! Well then thank you El” Dustin responds.
“I also think your hat is cute too…” El returns.
Blush absolutely overtakes Dustin’s face, while Will and El share another look, knowing this is gonna be a post-sleepover event debrief.
After a few more minutes, and one serious uphill fight, they arrived at Max's new house.
Max’s bodily injuries at the expense of saving the world gave her and her mom some serious US government hush money, but as the saying goes. What they give, they take away, because with those bodily injuries comes rehabilitation, specifically rehabilitation bills, also a big thanks to the US government.
Gaining mobility and functional movement after not only breaking every limb, but also losing part of her sight and then being in a coma for 18 months were a harsh expense not only to the bills, but to Max’s mental state. The Party were her biggest supporters, and also her biggest punching bags when she got stressed out with physiotherapy. But many fights and repeated unnecessary apologies later, Max has gained almost full mobility so far, needing breaks every now and then, learning braille and using a white cane to navigate when she doesn't have a person to guide her.
The party greeted Max and Lucas who were sitting on the lawn, El dumped her bike and careened into Max’s body, landing with an oomph and toppling her over. Will and Dustin dumped their bikes too, and everyone gathered on the lawn.
“Any luck trying Mike?” Dustin said.
“Nah man, nothing, zilch, nada” Lucas stated.
“His raggedy ass must still be asleep, when we get there I am gonna make him wish he was another state away already” Max complained.
El looked at her best friend, noticing her matching red shirt with Lucas, looking closely noting that his shirt said ‘Loverboy’ and her shirt said ‘Lover’. Her eyes widened, and she beamed “Oh wowza, I love your shirt, it is so fun, I mean pretty.”
Max had the audacity to blush, while Lucas grinned, “I know right? Custom made, custom designed by yours truly. True style and elegance. Everyone gotta know we’re together forever, right babe?”
Max rolled her eyes, “Sure, because the cumulative 4 years we spent already together, totally meant like nothing, and no one knew right?”
Lucas looked to the side, seemingly embarrassed, Max sensed his mood was changed, and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, “I’m just kidding, stalker, I like that you’re my ‘loverboy’ as you have named yourself, it’s sweet” she affirmed, the twinkle in Lucas’ eyes returning.
Will perked up, having been fiddling with the radio since they arrived to Max’s, “Well Mike, doesn’t seem to be replying, so why don’t we go to his house, berate him, then pick him up, or else we’re gonna be late for the good pool chairs”.
Everyone got up, dragged their bikes up, Lucas putting the redheads white cane into his and Max’s duffel bag in his new bikes basket. They rode away from Max’s house, Max getting on her seat and clinging onto Lucas.
Max woke up seeing the world as a blur, people’s faces were hazy and shapes were obscured to her, she had to reconcile with the fact that she would not be able to drive (legally) or be allowed to ride a bike anymore. Her mom was adamant at keeping her happy, healthy and most importantly safe now. The Party, seeing her downcast at being unable to comfortably ride with them, decided to engineer a new bike just for Max. They disassembled Lucas’ bike, constructing a longer middle, and most importantly another seat behind the main seat that had a back attached. After some beta testing they added a wider basket to carry backpacks comfortably, as well as footholds for Max. They presented the new bicycle to Max, who started crying at the sight and feel of it, at how much they cared, then it turned into a sob-fest while everyone tried to calm down again. Now, anytime Max wants to go anywhere, she calls Lucas for a ride and he’s always there at her beck and call, like a good boyfriend should be.
They arrived at Mike and Lucas’ little suburb in outer Hawkins, speeding to the Wheeler household. Mike is significantly, NOT waiting outside like he is supposed to be. They all sigh and Dustin starts spamming Mike on the radio. After the 5th call with no response, Max heaves a sigh, grabbing Lucas’ shoulder and dragging him to the front door, Lucas quickly directing her around a small toy Holly had left outside.
Max starts banging the door, shouting “Mike Wheeler, you have 10 seconds to open this door before I kill you!”. Lucas, next to her, was enthused by her antics, but both her banging and his giggles quickly stop when Mrs. Wheeler opens the door.
A stern look on her face, Max could feel its presence in front of her.
“Now, what is the matter! Maxine Mayfield and Lucas Sinclair, I know your mothers taught you better than to bang doors in the morning.”
The whole party looks down, looking a bit ashamed at each other. Karen stares them down, “If you have all decided to be good and proper now, I can let you in” she chided, opening the door and stepping beside it. Everyone marched in, muttering apologies.
Mrs. Wheeler, observing their clear regret, changes the topic swiftly, “So, all of you are staying over tonight! I think that’s just so sweet, all of you sticking together like this. Do you have any big plans for today?” Mrs. Wheeler asked.
Will and Dustin glanced at each other, Will piped up “Sorry Mrs. Wheeler, did Mike not tell you? We’re supposed to be at the pool all day, we were supposed to come in and leave our bags, while Mike would be waiting outside for us”.
“Oh! Well no wonder you’re all bothered, Michael had elected not to tell me that part, I think he’s still sleeping, I wanted to let him sleep in, since I thought you guys would have a long night ahead…” Karen shared.
While Karen looked apologetic, Max looked absolutely fuming, the combination of her red hair and red face gave the illusion she was on fire. Will quickly replied “No worries, Mrs. Wheeler, I’m sure Mike just forgot to tell you, I’ll go get him now!”, walking up the stairs, he mumbled “Before Max finds the knives…”.
Knocking on his door in three sharp raps, “Hey Mike, it’s Will, are you awake?” After a few moments with no response, Will declares “Mike, I’m coming in”.
Opening the door to Mike’s room, he restrained his opinions on the absolute whirlpool of mess that was surrounding the sleeping figure in the middle. The sleeping figure was Mike, face pressed against the pillow, limbs akimbo in contorted positions that would allow him immediate entrance into any circus or sideshow.
Will, despite his better knowledge, was endeared by him, even by the drool that was accumulating on the pillow. Shaking his head, he jiggled Mike’s shoulders forcefully, knowing that these days it usually takes a lot to wake him up. Mike bolted upright, almost knocking into Will.
“Whatshappening” he drawled, slapping away the drool from his face. Will giggled at his behaviour, getting close to his ear and whispering “You have about a maximum of 10 minutes, before our good friend Max, goes absolutely apeshit and hunts you down”. Mike’s face turns red at how close Will is, nodding dumbly, his gaze stuck on Will’s retreating figure. It was only when the door clicked to a close, that he got up and looked at the clock on his bedside table, his eyes widening and getting into action.
Meanwhile, Will went downstairs, hearing the absolute chaos that was coming from upstairs, a smile on his face. Everyone was waiting in the foyer, idly chatting, their staying over bags already dropped down into the basement. Seven minutes later, Mike tumbled downstairs, sandals flopping with every step, shoving his sunglasses on top of his head as he grabbed a piece of toast from the breakfast table and shook Holly’s hair to say good morning. With the arrival of Mike, the party filed out, all shouting their goodbyes to the present Wheelers.
While everyone readjusted themselves onto their bikes, Mike grabbed Will’s bag that was hanging off Will’s shoulder, opening it and stuffing his towel and spare shorts in. Will was looking at him and waiting for his bag back. Mike noticed and with a frown he softly said “Don’t worry about it, I’ll carry it”.
Will flustered, knowing he was going to be fighting a losing battle, but still uttering a valiant “Mike give it back, it’s mostly my stuff anyway”.
Mike pretends to think about it, responding with a head shake, saying “Nah, I don’t think I will, I’ll carry it for you”.
Lucas looks back at the two of them, rolling his eyes, goading them into action “Well, are we going or not lovebirds? Do we have permission to fly from the nest?”
Mike and Will blush and share a look, startled, and hop onto their bikes, Mike scowling at Lucas for good measure dragging out a quiet yet forceful “Quit it.”
Mike rides up ahead, jeering to the party “Guys hurry up! Or because of you guys we’ll be too late to get the good chairs!”
Everyone scoffs at Mike’s hijinks, and pedal faster, on their merry way to the pool.