"Hey El, wanna go down to the pier with me?" Mike asked one summer evening. El's eyes lit up and she nodded eagerly. They walked hand in hand to the docks, where a cool breeze passed through the reeds and the peaceful song of the crickets filled the air.

"Mike?" El asked breaking the peaceful silence between them.

"Hm?" Mike turned to look at her. They were sitting on the wooden benches near the water, watching the fireflies glow in the dark.

"Do you love me?" She whispered, her hazel eyes staring into his dark brown ones. The bluntness of her question caught him off guard.

"Of course I do," he replied smiling. His grin dropped when he saw that her gaze was averted, and a small frown creased her face. "What's wrong?" He asked when she didn't reply.

"I-I-I don't know how you could ever love someone like me. After all, who could love a monster?" She looked back up at him with tear stained cheeks and Mike's heart immediately shattered. Scooting closer, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his chest.

"Do you hear that El? That's my heartbeat. If you hadn't defeated that Demogorgon four years ago, I wouldn't have been alive today. You saved me. You saved all of us.. Listen to me. I love the way your eyes sparkle when you see me. I love your silly jokes, contagious laugh, and kind heart. I love you, Eleven,"

Upon hearing that, El's breath caught in her throat. Peeking up at him, she saw that what he meant was true.

"Promise?" She asked, feeling a faint blush spread on her cheeks.

"Promise." He responded, and leaned down to give her a peck on the forehead. El smiled and snuggled up close to his chest. She listened to his heart, the rhythmic beating lulling her to a peaceful slumber. Under the soft glow of the fireflies, the two were quietly enjoying each other's company, happily in love. Before El drifted off to sleep, she murmured a phrase under her breath.

"I love you, Mike."