5. Clearing the air (Mike, Max & The Party)

A/N: I have stated multiple times that Max is one of my favorite characters, and I seriously adore the girl. This is for 'brodie-wan', and I hope you enjoy it, because I loved writing this!

Prompt: Mike and Max clear the air.

A few weeks into the New Year, Mike had to admit Max wasn't too bad.

Yes, she complained about anything and everything; she told you straight up if she didn't like something; she was broody if she didn't get her way; and she was slowly taking Lucas' attention from the rest of the party. But all of that made her somewhat cool to Mike.

Nancy explained to him that many girls were strong opinionated, and that they had no trouble speaking their mind. Max was one of them, apparently, and that was one of the traits Mike actually liked from her. They wouldn't have to worry about Max lying to them because she was too straightforward.

And all right, Mike could recognize he had been a little shit, as Steve loved to call them, and although he had his reasons to be one, the redhead didn't deserve his moodiness. He thought back, with startling realization, that he was once in her place, with no friends and seeking human contact. He thought back to that first talk with Will in the swings, and he understood that Max had been like him.

Besides all of that, Lucas had been on his ass about integrating Max in their group after the girl helped them, saving their asses on the wheel.

Mike had to recognize she was a pretty good zoomer. And that she had worked hard for her insignia. He knew it was time to break bread.

On their way to El's cabin in the woods, Max, who had been invited for the first time, was talking animatedly with Will and Dustin, who after un-crushing on the redhead, decided she was pretty cool, too.

"I'm doing it. Today." Mike told Lucas, who had lingered behind with him when he noticed their Paladin had fallen back.

"What?" Lucas asked him confused.

"I'm talking to Max. Today. Right now." Mike decided.

He left Lucas behind, much to the boy's bewilderment and annoyance, and marched forward, tapping Max on the shoulder once he reached her.

"Can I talk to you?" He asked her seriously. Will and Dustin stopped walking, staring curiously at the duo as Max nodded, weirded out by him.

Lucas briefly touched Max's hand as he passed them, and gave him a warning look as if to say 'screw it up and I'll kill you', before falling back into step with the other boys.

"Listen, I'm going to start this by recognizing I was the biggest mouth breather to you." Mike told Max as they resumed their waking. "I was a dick to you—"

"Understatement of the year." Max interrupted with a nod.

"And I treated you really bad—"

"Understatement number two."

"And I said some nasty things to you—"

"Understatement numbed three."

"And Max's an idiot."

"Un— hey!" The redhead glared at him sideways.

"Then let me talk! I hate it when you do that!" Mike told her annoyed.

"Oh, should I be the one apologizing to you? Mmm let me think, NO!" Max snapped at him, jumping over a fallen branch.

"I didn't say that, but I'm trying to talk here and you keep interrupting me—"

"Well, that's just who I am! I have to say what's on my mind or I'll burst!" Max defended herself.

"Stop interrupting me!" Mike scowled annoyed.

Lucas turned his head and glanced at him in warning, before turning around again to help Will climb onto a walking Dustin's back.

"Sorry. Look, I know I can be annoying and I know you're not really used to things not going your way, and here I come, a new girl trying to get into your party—" Max started.

"No, it's okay. That's what I wanted to talk about." Mike told her earnestly.

"Now, who's interrupting?" Max teased him and they shared a laugh.

"Still you." He rebutted. "Listen, I get how's it like, being in a new school and having no friends. It can be pretty terrifying, and me stopping you from having friends was a pretty douchy move from my side. I do think you're annoying some times, and I think you're pushy and overwhelming, and you aren't a good listener—"

"Wait is this an apology, or— okay, I'm shutting up." She trailed off after his dark look.

"But those traits make you kinda cool, too."

"Really?" Max asked him curiously.

"Yeah," Mike shrugged. "I like that you speak your mind. I mean, it gets annoying pretty quickly when you interrupt me every five seconds, but I like that you don't change your personality for anyone. The world is a screwed up place, and the other side is, too, but people like you, people who stay true to themselves no matter what dimension we're in, those are the best." He gave her a smile. "I guess what I'm trying to say is... I'm sorry." He extended his hand to her.

She gazed up at him with intense eyes, before looking down and shaking his hand. "You're forgiven." She smiled.

He sighed in relief and shook her hand firmly, sealing the deal as they arrived at the cabin.

"Only because your best friend is cute." She told him quietly as she went to stand beside Lucas.

He laughed amused, and knocked on the door as the Chief had taught him.

"One tall, crispy Mike Wheeler for El Hopper!" Dustin yelled at the door as it began unlocking.

"And a side dish of beautiful boys and girl to accompany him!" Will screamed as a giggle was heard inside the house.

The door swung open and Mike entered first, coming face to face with El as she waited patiently for them inside. They shared a smile and he hugged her close to him as Dustin fake-gagged behind them.

"Hey." He greeted her softly.

"Hi." She smiled up to him.

El's smile fell as she noticed the redhead standing quietly next to Lucas, and Mike grimaced.

Max and him were cool, but his girlfriend, well, that was another story.