Chapter Text
Hand-in-hand, El and Mike stroll aimlessly through Hawkins, sticking mostly to dirt roads, avoiding crowded areas (by request of El). They'd been silent up until now, simply enjoying each-other's company.
"This is lovely." El breaks the silence.
"Hmm?" Mike finds himself caught off-guard by her sudden statement.
"Not having to worry about monsters or bad people. Just being able to be normal."
He nods his head. "It's all I could ever ask for. You deserve freedom."
A smile grows on her, which Mike absolutely loves. It's been such a rare sight; her smile. Every time a genuine smile emerges on her face it drives him insane.
"And you gave it to me, Mike. The day you found me in the woods was the day my life changed forever, and I'll never know how to thank you for it."
Mike's sure his heart is going to melt.
"You don't need to, El. Just knowing that you can finally live a normal life; a life without worry; a life where we never need to be separated again... That's all I could ever want."
El's head ducks, overwhelmed by happiness. What did I ever do to deserve such amazing people in my life? What made me so lucky to be found by Mike?
"Us. Together forever." she wraps an arm around his waist, pressing herself against him tight.
"That's all I ever want."
To say Mike's blushing would be an understatement. He feels an immediate need to dunk himself in an ice-cold bath, right now. He wraps an arm around her too, and leans his head against hers. He remains silent, not knowing what to say. He'd do anything to keep this a reality.