Everyone was wrapping up from the school dance, and recovering from the excitement of the night.

Mike: El, wasn't that fun? *giggles lightly*

El: Yeah, thanks for dancing with me.

Mike: Who else would I have danced with?

Mike said, cupping El's face then kissing it.

El glared at Max, coming out of the gymnasium with Lucas. Then she turned to Mike.

El: I,.. I saw you with Max in the gym.. A while ago, with her on her skateboard. You guys looked so, happy.

Mike: (Tries to recall the event) Oh, Maxine? No! She was just being a show-off, and plus. She's already kinda with Lucas. 

El nodded her head in satisfaction. "Let's go home." She climbed onto Mike's bike, and the two of them left happily.

The ride to Mike's house was silent, but memorable. Images from their pasts flashed through their minds, as they let out a dreamy sigh.

El remembered when she rode on Mike's bike, with him. She knew she would be safe with him, even when he didn't convince her in advance. In reverse,  Mike remembered when El held onto him tightly, when they rode together. She trusted him so much!

El rested her head on his back ,and tightened her arms around him, but she did it ever so delicately. 

When they arrived, Karen was already at the open door, ready to give each of them a bone-crushing hug. "Eleven! Honey, we've all been so worried about you! Where have you been?"

"Upside dow---""SWEDEN!! Yeah, she has a lot of family back there..." Mike and El grinned at each other, like what they had said was déjà vu. 

"Well, don't just stand there, come inside and feast upon yourselves!" Karen gestured towards a table, chock-full of delicious food. Of course, Ted and Holly were there to help pig out.

After stuffing themselves, the two went up into Mike's room. It was time to catch up on each others lives.

Mike: So, um.. I'm really sorry that you had to go through,..

Eleven: Go through what?

Mike: Umm.. All that "upside down" business.. I wish I - I..  could have been there for you!

Mike started to choke up. He felt guilty, that he couldn't even do ONE thing for the person he loved the most! But Eleven took his hand, and stroked it lightly. "Mike, the fact that you love me is enough! Don't ever think that you didn't do anything for me. "

The two leaned in for the perfect cliché kiss, but then came a loud knock on the door.