Chapter Text
Two weeks later...
Mike and Will sat on Mike's bed. It had been two weeks since the final battle. Things weren't back to normal — well...as normal as their lives are. But things are better than they were, so that's a start.
"I-uh...I wanted to um... talk about what you said back at the radio tower," Will stammered, nervously. He had been wanting to ask Mike about where they stand for days but didn't think the time was right.
"Oh...I—um..." Mike stuttered, he hadn't expected the question to be asked so soon. "I...I meant what I said, Will. I do really love you." Mike never truly knew what love is meant to be like — and don't get him wrong, he loves Jane — but it's the same type of love he carries for Dustin or Lucas.
He had never really seen his parents act 'in love' — deep down he knows they love each other, after all, they're married and have three kids. That's got to mean something, right? His parents were never affectionate or said 'I love you' to one another. Mike sometimes thinks they act like strangers who are just living in the same house.
I guess this is where his problem started from. He never knew what love was supposed to feel or look like. He always thought that love was complicated — but when it came to loving Will Byers...it was as easy as air going in and out of his lungs. It just felt right. Real.
"I...I love you too," Will replied, warmly. Mike couldn’t help the faint jump his heart did at those words. And Mike thought he saw pink dusting his cheeks, but he could be wrong. "But what do we do now? Like...like where do we go from here?" Will questioned.
The answer came quick and easy to Mike. "I want to be with you," He responded earnestly. "If you'd want to, that is..." Mike added sheepishly, nervously scratching the back of his neck.
"Yes! I mean... yeah, I—I'd like that." Will quickly replied, with a small grin.
"Cool." Mike said, with a dopey grin on his face.
"Cool." Will repeated, smiling.
18 months later...
It was now 1989, and a lot of things had happened in the last eighteen months. For starters, the whole party is graduating — After the battle the party went back to school and finished up and it was now graduation day.
Jane was able to enroll into the school; due to the government not breathing down their necks anymore. Turns out after Vecna was defeated, Jane's powers had slowly started to fade away. Dustin theorized that due to Henry's blood being in her system, after he was killed his DNA had slowly disappeared over time — therefore causing the lack of powers.
And Max was able to go back after a few months of healing and getting used to working her limbs again after two years — so the whole party spent their junior-senior years together in high school.
And that brings to where Mike Wheeler is now. He's currently sitting in his room, looking at his bright, orange graduation robe. After today, everything's going to change. Nancy and the others were already at college or moved elsewhere— and soon. That'd be them too. Each one of them will be moving — splitting apart. And Mike hates it. He doesn't like change. And this was a major one.
So, here he is. Sitting on his bed, wallowing in his own self-pity. Ever since he woke up a few hours ago — his chest has felt tight. It seems to tighten over time. He needs to get himself together. Will was supposed to be here soon; they wanted to see each other before graduation, and due to it being a busy, hectic day — the only time they'll have to see each other before the ceremony is in the morning.
He pauses, as his thoughts linger on Will. The person he has the honor to call his boyfriend. He's going to leave you too. His thoughts hissed. It's only a matter a time.
No. Will would never leave him...right? As his thoughts continued to spiral — he feels his breathing pick up; turning erratic. He brings his hand to his chest. Breathe. He tells himself. But he can't — after today everything is going to change. Everyone is going to leave. They'll never see each other everyday again. Never hang out like they used to. Never talk like they used to. Breathe, breathe, breathebreathebreatheBREATHEBREATHE—
"Mike!" He feels hands grip his shoulders. He sees a face swarm into his view, but his vision is blurry and he can't see who it is or what they're saying — and most importantly he can't breathe.
The hands on his shoulders tighten; almost painfully but enough to bring him back. His vision clears up a bit, letting him see who's in front of him.
Will.
His lips are moving but Mike can't comprehend the words — so he lets his vision focus on his lips, making out the syllables.
Breathe.
Will's hand moves from his shoulder to his hand, placing Mike's hand on his chest. Feeling his heartbeat, the way his chest expands with each deep breath. Mike feels his own breathing begin to slow down; causing his senses to be less heightened — he's able to hear the gentle voice he'd yearned for.
"It's okay, just breathe. There you go, just like that." Will's voice is like a breath of fresh air. An anchor that Mike clings to. It's gentle. Always gentle with him; even though he thinks he doesn't deserve it.
After some time Mike's breathing regulates back to normal; taking one final deep, shuttering breath. Mike pulls his hand back and places it down in his own lap.
"Are you okay?" Will asks, worry held in his eyes. Taking Mike's hands into his own; squeezing them gently.
"Umm...Yeah...yeah, I'm fine." Mike breathes out. Not bringing himself to meet Will's gaze.
"Mike..." Will whispers, "Please, don't shut me out. I want to help you...but you need to let me in. Please talk to me."
"I just...I don't want everything to change. After this summer, everything is going to be different. Go there separate ways. I mean... you're going to New York, and I'm happy for you — so happy for you. But... I can't help but think...you're going to leave me too." Mike says, almost coming out as a hushed whisper — tears pricking at the corner of his eyes.
"Hey..." Will starts gently, bringing his hand to cup Mike's cheek. "I'm never going to leave you, Mike. And about after summer, yeah...everything is going to be different. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing." He informs softly.
"I know, and I feel like such a fucking idiot for getting this upset by it." Mike starts, "Its just...I feel like everyone is moving on and I'm still stuck. And that's scares me, Will. It fucking terrifies me. — because I—I don't want to be left behind." His voice cracks at the end; as tears start pooling down his cheeks.
"Oh, Mike..." Will frowns slightly, before pulling Mike into an embrace, rubbing his hand up and down his back. Will let Mike pull away after a moment before he spoke again:
"What...What if when I go to New York...would you want to come with me?" Will nervously asked.
"You mean like—like live with you? In New York? Together?" Mike stammered.
"Yeah...if you want to, that is." Will replied sheepishly.
Mike smiled faintly, "Yeah...I'd like that." He responded.
Will smiled back, then checked the alarm clock in Mike's room, "Shit. It's already 10:30, I should probably go." He said, standing up.
"Yeah, I still need to get ready too." Mike added, standing up from the bed. Before Will could fully take a step towards the door, Mike gently grabbed his arm and pulled him into a passionate kiss.
Will hummed in content, before they pulled away."Thank you." Mike said.
"Of course." Will smiled. "I'll see you later." With one last fleeting smile; he walked out and gently closed the door. His footsteps echoing throughout the hallway — before fading all together.
It was now graduation, the class of 89' were all sitting in rows in front of the stage. The guests of families and friends were all sitting on bleaches in the back. Principal Higgins walks over to the microphone and starts speaking: "Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to the graduation ceremony for the class of '89." Everyone applauds before he continues. "And now it's my great pleasure to introduce someone who has truly excelled during their time here. Ladies and gentlemen, give a warm welcome for your valedictorian, Dustin Henderson!"
The party cheers; Mike whoops and Lucas yells: "That's my friend!" — applauses echo along with the rest of the crowd as Dustin stands and walks to the podium. Will sends Dustin a grin and a thumbs up and Jane cheers loudly.
"I just wanted a normal childhood, but that childhood was stolen from me. It was stolen from us. And this past year, if you wanna know the truth, I've been pretty pissed off about it." Dustin starts, glancing around to his friends and other graduates. "But then I thought back to the past six years, and I realized that, even though there was a lot of bad — there was so much good too."
"There's this game I like to play, it's called Dungeons and Dragons." Will whoops, Lucas cheers, and Mike chuckles as he claps at the mention of their favorite game. "And in this game, there are two types of chaos classes, chaotic good and chaotic bad. Now, bad chaos brings anarchy, destruction, war. But good chaos can bring innovation. Change. And this school, frankly, it needed to change. Because we were so divided into the jocks, the nerds, freaks. And in the chaos, all those walls broke down, and I made new friends." He continues.
"I made friends who were never even supposed to be my friends. And this wasn't just me, I saw this happen with so many others. And when you get to know people who are different from you, you begin to learn more about yourself. You change. You grow. I'm a better person now. I'm a better person because of them. Because of my friends." He states.
"So, I'm not pissed off anymore. But I am worried. Worried because now that the chaos is over, Principal Higgins and every square like him," The crowd gasps, Mike and Will look at each other half amused half shocked, Lucas looks completely flabbergasted, Max and Jane exchange glances and laugh. Dustin continues, "Is gonna do their damndest to put everything back in order. And I don't want order, which is why it's pretty hypocritical that I'm wearing this thing." Dustin states referring to his graduation gown.
"So, honestly, just screw it!" He takes off his robe fully; revealing a 'Hellfire Club' shirt. "Screw this school! Screw this system! Screw conformity!" Dustin continues to talk as Higgins stands and tries to take the microphone away from him. "Because this, this is our year!"
Everyone stands and cheers, and Dustin takes his diploma and flips off Higgins. As the confetti canons go off, the graduates take off their caps and toss them into the air; celebrating their graduation.
The party is currently sitting in the Wheeler's basement playing one last game of DnD. After the ceremony, Mike had suggested that the party plays the game one last time before they all go their separate ways.
They all are sitting at the table, Mike at one end and the rest at the other. Max and Lucas are sitting next to each other, with Will on Lucas's left, and Dustin and Jane on the other end.
"A hushed quiet falls over the town," Mike narrates, "Frightened villagers watch from rooftops and alleyways, wondering, how will this all end?" He continues.
"The sound of boots echo across the square — as Strahd von Zaronvich strides up to Dustin the Bard!"
"Don't do this." Dustin cuts in.
"The vampire lord lunges — plunging its fangs into his throat!" Dustin groans and sits back in his seat.
"His lute clatters across the cobblestone, letting an out final mournful note." Mike continues to narrate.
"Son of a bitch!" Dustin groans.
"A lone hero remains...Will the Wise. Barovia's last and only hope." Mike turns his gaze to Will.
"Cast Meteor Swarm. Take out the bastard." Lucas cuts in, looking at Will.
"I...I can't." Will said.
"Why not?" Max questions.
"He's in the range of the suppression stone. No magic." Dustin informs.
"Then just whack him with your staff, or something!" Max suggests.
"And inflict six points of damage? He has 30 HP left." Lucas chimes in; causing Dustin to lift his hand towards him in silent agreement.
"So now what?" Jane questions.
"That's it." Will says, slumping down in his seat
"Nothing." Dustin adds.
"What do you mean nothing?" Jane questions, Max nods her head in agreement.
"Checkmate." Lucas states.
"We lost." Will adds.
"So after all of that, Strahd von Douchebag just wins? This game is bullshit!" Max exclaims, standing up from her seat, angrily; knocking things over. "Stupid, goddamn waste of time!"
Mike puts in fake vampire teeth, and with a fake accent says: "Strahd takes great pleasure in your anger." Before letting out a fake evil laugh. Causing Dustin in retaliation; to flip him the bird.
Turning to Will, "Time to join your friends, sorcerer." Mike says, still with the evil accent.
"Just get it over with and roll. I don't wanna hear this shit anymore." Lucas groans.
"All right." Will say, getting the dice and is about the roll before getting stopped by Dustin.
Dustin glances at Jane for a second, before quickly grabbing Will's arm; stopping him from rolling the dice. "The mage. From the Abbey of St. Markovia. She said we can summon her."
Jane perks up, "Yes! You can summon the mage!" She said, with a smile forming on her face.
Lucas jumps in, "When at our lowest depth."
Max quickly sits back down, "The incantation to summon her. What's the incantation?!"
Will fumbles with the binder, before quickly flipping to the page, Everyone huddles around him as he recites the incantation"'Oh, mage! Arise and end our fall from darkened paths and secrets deep. Come forth and help your promise keep.'"
They all look at Mike; expectantly — waiting to see if anything would happen. Mike shakes his head, "Nothing happens." They all groan; leaning back into their seats.
"Wait...a purple light begins to shine through the mist." They all lean back in, their anticipation growing. "Growing brighter and brighter."
"It's a portal. And out of this portal steps..." Mike slams down the figure onto the board. "The Mage of St. Markovia!" He exclaims. They all let out cheers; standing up with excitement.
Mike grabs the flashlight, "The mage holds out her hands, and shoom! A beam of powerful light shoots forward." He narrates, shining the light across their faces, causing them to look away. "Strahd lets out a piercing..." He lets out a shriek, "...as his body shrivels, burns, and turns to ash." He slowly crouches, before fully falling to the ground.
They all cheer in victory, "Bada-boom!" Dustin exclaims. "Yes!" Jane shouts, high-fiving Max.
They all get back to their seats, as Mike continues to narrate, "The misty gloom that shrouds the village of Barovia evaporates, and you are met with cheers from the townsfolk." They all clap, "In honor of your courage and bravery, they give you medals, and you are all awarded 1,000 pieces of gold each." He sets down a chest of gold onto the board.
"Flushed with wealth and honor, you live out the rest of your lives in comfort and in happiness...The end." He finishes.
"Wait, hold on. That's it?" Max questions. "Comfort and happiness? Could you be more trite? I thought you were some kind of master storyteller or something."
Mike chuckles, "Well, it is true, the comfort and happiness part. But happiness can be found in many places." He starts — turning his gaze to Max and Lucas.
"The Knight and the Zoomer, they retire from battle, and they settle down in a small village. With each passing day, their love grows stronger." He continues.
Turing to Dustin and Jane, "The Bard, craving knowledge, makes his way to the Mage's Guild of Enclave. Where he spends his days in their vast library — where he happens to be accompanied by the Mage herself. While he is deeply devoted to his studies...he still makes time for the occasional adventure, with the company of his Mage." He continues.
Finally turning his gaze to Will, "As for Will the Wise, he travels far and long to the bustling city of Vallaki. It's overwhelming at first, so very different from the village where he spent his youth. But it isn't long before he finds his place there. And with that, deep happiness and acceptance." He finishes.
Will looks at him with a teary smile, "And the storyteller? What about him?" He asks Mike.
Mike smiles at him faintly, "The storyteller eventually accompanies Will the Wise in the city of Vallaki — where he keeps telling stories, stories inspired by his friends. One day, he hopes their tales of grand adventure will spread far and wide across the land; so all can know of their great bravery." He finishes, they all look around with teary gazes and faint smiles.
"But...then the party comes back to their home village — every 30 days; they all meet again and share their adventures with one another...always staying a group. A party." Mike finished with a teary gaze, looking at the people he has the honor of calling them friends. Family.
Jane smiles lightly, tears in her eyes, "That sounds nice."
Dustin nods, "It does." He agrees.
Max and Lucas glance at each other, sharing a silent agreement, "Yeah."
Will nods his head, with a smile, "Yeah." He chuckles lightly.
After a few moments of shared silence, slowly one by one they stand — putting their binders on the shelf; where they will sit for many years. But hopefully — years from now, they will re-open them and relish in the fond memories of what once was.
They all make their way upstairs after Karen had yelled down and stated that dinner was ready. Begrudgingly; with teary gazes they make their way up the stairs — in turn, ending their journey; so that they can start a new one. The next chapter. A new beginning.
3 years later...
Mike Wheeler; now 21, enters his shared home that he owns with his boyfriend; Will Byers. "I'm home." He states, kicking off his shoes — before walking into the living room.
As he enters he see his sunlight. Will Byers, is standing over an easel, working on a painting. Hearing Mike walk into the room, he brings his gaze up, "Hey," he smiles. "I know you just got home, but you should start getting ready so we can catch our flight in time." He sheepishly says.
Just like Mike had suggested before, the party meets up every month at the Wheeler residence — to catch up and hang out. They all had stayed close; which Mike was eternally grateful for.
Over the last three years many things have happened. For starters, Lucas and Max got married last summer, they had a beach wedding in California in Max's home town. Dustin and Jane had started dating and are recently engaged — Dustin proposed a few months back; they had a picnic and were walking through a flower field when Dustin popped the question. And Mike vaguely recalls that over time Steve and Johnathon had apparently gotten closer and started dating, same with Nancy and Robin.
It had been a pretty long time though since the whole group was together, the last time Mike had seen everyone together was at Joyce and Hopper's wedding two years back. It had been a beautiful ceremony — it wasn't big but it was meaningful in multiple ways.
So Mike guesses that Will was right, which is almost all the time — that change doesn't have to be bad; it can be good. And Mike thinks that the life he had now was worth the change.
For once, Mike Wheeler can finally say that he's okay...
He's absolutely, totally fine...
And he means it this time...