𝐇𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐅𝐓| Mike Wheeler [COMPLETED UNTIL SEASON FIVE]

iii. mike's unsolved feelings for jackie byers

       𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐒 𝐀𝐇𝐎𝐘. Mike, Dustin, and Steve were on a mission to uncover "Russian Spies," leaving Robin to focus on her responsibilities, while Jackie stepped in to handle Steve's duties. Both Jackie and Robin concentrated on deciphering the remaining translation from the tape.

As they worked, Erica rang the bell, catching Jackie's attention. Robin, immersed in the translation, remained oblivious. Jackie rolled her eyes, removed her headphones, and nudged Robin, gesturing towards Erica. Sighing, Robin turned her attention to an irate Erica, realizing she had missed the commotion.

Robin, engrossed in her work, took off her headphones when Erica approached. "I'd like to try the peanut butter chocolate swirl, please," Erica asked politely. Robin, glancing at Jackie, whispered to the young Byers girl, "Wanna take this one?"

Putting on a fake smile, Jackie, who was typically forthright, surprised everyone with her response. "Sorry, no. No more samples today," she replied extra politely, her usual straightforward demeanor momentarily replaced by unexpected courtesy.

Erica gave Jackie a pointed look. "Why not? Aren't you my babysitter? Shouldn't you give the kid you babysit free ice cream?" she retorted, shaking her head.

Jackie didn't miss a beat in her response. "For one, you're abusing Scoop Ahoy's company policy. Two, I mostly babysit Holly. I only babysit you when Lucas doesn't feel like it, so he bribes me. Three, if I did work here, and you were a bit nicer to us, maybe it would be free and unlimited," she countered, maintaining her direct and unapologetic style.

Erica rolled her eyes. "If you don't work here, why are you helping Robin? Where's the sailor man?" she questioned, prompting Jackie's face to flush red. Robin, noticing the change in Jackie's demeanor, interjected, realizing the brunette was about to explode. "I swear to—" she began, sensing the brewing tension.

"Sorry, he can't help you. He's busy, which is why Jackie stepped in for him," Robin interjected, sensing the tension rising. Jackie audibly exhaled, bracing for the impending exchange. "Busy with what?" Erica sassed, provoking a pointed look from the young Byers girl.

"Spycraft," Robin responded mysteriously, adding an air of intrigue to the situation. Jackie, clearly frustrated, pinched her nose in an attempt to maintain composure. Without uttering a word, she turned around, putting her headphones back on, signaling an end to the conversation and leaving Erica momentarily bewildered.

—

       𝐌𝐈𝐊𝐄, 𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐕𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 trying to find Russians. Steve and Mike peered through the binoculars. "See anything?" Dustin inquired. "Uh, I guess I don't know what I'm looking for," Mike admitted honestly, with Steve nodding in agreement. Dustin shot Mike a look. "Evil Russians," he told him, prompting an eye roll from Mike. "Evil Russians...?" he repeated, a hint of skepticism in his tone.