Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Down the hill, it was chaos. The flames. The smoke. The sounds of rotorblades in the air. But here, in the flower field, or at least the part of it that wasn’t reduced to decaying ashes, it was calm. No one really came here, except to briefly check if anything had changed.

 What Will had wanted, coming up here, was some kind of sanctuary. A place where he could go when it all became too much. When Mike would come to him for advice because he and El failed to understand each other, and he would help them through it. Or when things were doing great between them and it made him burn up inside, this disgusting rage that made him feel so guilty. He should have been happy for them…

It happened a lot. Coming here had become a sort of habit. Somehow, seeing everything burning down there calmed him. Or more like it turned his blood into ice, and that stopped it from boiling. Kept him in check. 

Well, that was until -like a lot of, if not good, at least somewhat enjoyable, things in his life- it all went to shit. It started with a familiar sensation at the back of his neck, that put his whole body on alert. He was here. Granted, nowadays he always was, but Will could feel he was close. Really close…

« Hello, William. » Said a voice next to him.

Will sighed. He should have been terrified but, although on his guard, it was like he was too tired to care. So what ? What could his enemy show him in his weird hallucinations ? The others told him all about what he did. Festering on people’s fear and guilt, twisting reality. What was there to twist when Will was already living a nightmare ? But of course, just as the thoughts crossed his mind, he felt the usual pang of guilt. You should be happy for them. You should be happy to help. 

« Henry, is it ? » He said, as casually as possible. If there was just a chance the other wouldn’t read in him like an open book, fear exposed in plain sight, he was taking it. He turned to see a man, blond, with light eyes. He looked nothing like the abomination his friends described. So, another hallucination. Henry smiled.

« I’m not here to hurt you, William. Can I call you Will ?

- No you can’t. We’re not friends.

- It’s true, yet I know you. I understand you. Better than your friends will ever do. I can help you… »

Will scoffed. He couldn’t believe Henry would try to get him of all people to help in whatever his destruction plan was. 

 « So this is what it is. Whatever you are going to promise me, I’m not helping you. And if you thought I would, then clearly you don’t understand me at all. »

With that, he went away. He wasn’t sure how this hallucination worked, but hopefully if he moved away from the upside-downed area, Henry would disappear.

It seemed to work. He’ld have to find a new safe place.

The cabin had become their headquarters, and nowadays it was crowded more often than not. It had taken all but a few days to make it into a real home again, where the whole Byers-Hopper family could live. Will and Jonathan used to sleep in the living room until their room was complete, built right next to El’s. It was a gift for their sleep, as the main room was also the theater of countless discussions and endless planning about what came next, what to try, how to fight. It wasn’t uncommon to have every single person who knew about what truly happened during spring break over, sharing meals and theories until late at nights when they fell from exhaustion on the couch and various mattresses and hammocks set up here, just to wake up and go on with it during breakfast.

Right now it was less crowded. The adults were out, meeting with people, sharing informations, like every day between breakfast and dinner. Jonathan was with Nancy at the Wheeler’s. Steve went with Dustin to spend some time with Eddie’s uncle. Lucas and Erica had family over, but Lucas wouldn’t have been here anyways. Afternoons were the hospital visit hours. Max was still in a coma. That left Argyle, currently taking a nap on a hammock, Robin who was apparently taking a shower by the sound of water running and the voice singing, and of course, Mike and El. 

There was a time, Mike would have been the person Will would have ran to whenever something weird, something Upside-Down related, happened. But right now he was with El in her bedroom, and even though he was pretty sure nothing R-rated was happening in there, he feared what he would find inside. Them kissing. Hugging each other on the tiny bed. I’m happy for them. He told himself, ignoring the knots in his belly and the ache in his chest. I love them and I’m happy for them.

« You deserve so much better, William…

- Oh for God’s sake. » The curse escaped him, but really, why did this kind of stuff have to keep happening to him ? Henry -or like, Henry’s image- was here, sitting on the couter-top next to the kitchen sink. He answered, keeping his voice low as to not alert anyone.

« What does that even mean ? Deserve better ?

- Well you deserve to be in love with someone who loves you and…" Will cut him off, shaking his head.

" I don’t want anyone else. You know, for someone who pretends to know me so well you really get a lot of things wrong. How would someone else be better than the person I actually love ? I’ld rather be his friend than someone else’s lover. »

Will could see frustration on Henry’s expression and that was somehow really satisfying.

« I mean you deserve more than being that guy he uses to repair his broken relationship. You deserve to have him.

- Have him ?" Will scoffed. " People don’t belong to people. People belong to themselves, and if they are happy together, then I’m happy to help. He is my best friend. She is my sister. Yes it hurts, yes I have those feelings, but I’m trying. I’m doing my best to not let my feelings make me become unfair to them because I love them. And it’s not Mike’s fault he doesn’t love me the way I love him, and you can’t force those things. Damn, no wonder people didn’t like you. You’re not a poor guy who’s misunderstood because he is different. That’s just your excuse to explain you have no friend but truth is, even freaks like me have friends, so your excuse is bullshit. No, you have no friend because you are entitled, and selfish, and you think being all pessimistic makes you better than everyone…

- Not pessimistic, realistic…

- See ! That’s the exact shit I’m talking about ! You’re not realistic ! People do great stuff all the time. People care for each other, they help each other. And saying everything is bad and humans are worthless and everyone should die doesn’t make you smart. It just makes you sound like a kid who didn’t get an ice cream when he wanted one and decided it was everyone’s problem. Grow up, man. »

Henry pursed his lips and, if he was honest, Will could swear that he was pouting. 

He had no time to enjoy his small victory because apparently, Robin had been out of the bathroom since some time. Hopefully she missed the part where he talked about his feelings for Mike.

« So were you calling the sponge out on its pessimistic views or is there something you need to talk about ? » She said, brows furrowed in concern. 

Well, that at least confirmed he was the only one who could see Henry.

Chapter Text

« So you’re telling me Vecna slash Henry slash One…

- Oh come on my name is Henry, do you guys really have to…

- Shut up Henry. » Will cut him off, before apologising to Robin. They were sitting face to face at the kitchen table, Henry still on the counter-top. « He says to just call him Henry, and he’ll probably be insufferable if you don’t. » Will explained.

« Alright. So, he is here ? In the kitchen ?

- Not really. It’s just a vision. I can see him, hear him. But he is not physically here. He looks like a normal human, too. Oh, and he’s trying to get me to join the dark side. »

Robin arched an eyebrow.

« Well are you planning to do it ?

- No !

- And you are still fine ?

- I mean, I’m having visions of the Upside-Down’s Prime Minister following me, but other than that I’m doing okay, yeah. 

- He didn’t threaten to do anything ? 

- No, just been trying really hard with this whole « William, the world has done you wrong, why would you want to be the better man, just throw a tantrum with me and let’s destroy the world », you know ?»

He had taken a stupid, goofy voice to quote Henry, it felt pretty satisfying. Robin nodded knowingly.

«  That’s pretty good. » She said, and Will wanted to say it wasn’t, because it had been less than an hour and he was already tired of Henry being there, but she continued, « No, really, it means not only he apparently needs you if he wants to be able to destroy the world, which is a relief since you have no intention to help him, but also… He is obviously powerless. I mean if he really needed you for his big plan and you declined, it would have been easy to threaten to harm you, or your friends, or your family, but he didn’t ! That means he can’t. He can’t hurt us ! 

- He certainly can hurt my mental stability.

- Well you can hurt my feelings ! » said a falsely outraged Henry, who apparently needed some attention. Will just rolled his eyes at him with an ostentatious sigh and turned once again to Robin.

« I swear, without his deadly powers he is just like a spoilt child who recently discovered what it was like not getting what he wants. I don’t give it a week before I totally lose it.

- Wow ? Spoilt child, really ? » Argued Henry, finally getting down the counter-top to come and slam a ghostly fist on the table. « I’ve always been excluded because I was different, Brenner took me in only to restrain my power…

- Boohoo, poor Henry ! » Will snapped and he was pretty sure he saw Robin jump in surprise. « He had superpowers so he was different. And that’s obviously why people avoided him and not because he had an ego the size of Texas. Boohoo, he got his power downgraded, obviously as a mean to hurt him and not cause, you know, he killed his own family. Poor, poor Henry never loved anyone but himself yet he wants to believe he knows what loss is. Spare us. You took so much, from all of us, don’t you dare try to get my sympathy. »

This seemed to shut Henry up, which was a relief. Will turned to Robin, who was slightly shocked but smiled at him.

«  Well, that’s a part of William Byers I didn’t know existed. I am glad to have witnessed it, it was glorious. But for real ? He tried to play the victim card ? The audacity…

- He sure did. So. What do we do about it ? I’m not living my whole life seeing our arch-enemy and having him comment on everything I do.

- I could help you ! » Henry said, and Will held up his hand with an apologetic look to signal to Robin that she had to wait to answer, even though he would rather listen to what she has to say.  Because clearly this had to be a joke but Henry insisted, with a shrug. « If you’re gonna leave me trapped in limbo forever I could use the entertainment.  Also… What you said… It might be because of our connection… At this point you have more of me in you than what I have left of myself, so maybe you start rubbing off on me… What if I always was the bad guy ? »

Will couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Was this guy even for real ? It took him a whole minute to calm down after that, and he wiped a tear on his cheek as he finally explained to Robin, trying his best to finish his sentence.

«  So, Henry just thought that, maybe, he, and I quote, actual words, was always the bad guy. »

This time they both laughed, so loud it was a miracle Argyle didn’t wake up. The man had a heavy sleep. 

« I mean, you were probably a nice baby, Henry, I’ll give you that. » Robin said towards the ceiling, for lack of better place to look at, before she resumed laughing.

« Yes, yes, okay, I get it, » Henry said, sulking. « I’ve been a terrible person my whole life, and the fact that I only realise it once I lost most of my powers is probably a bad thing too. »

He sighed.

« Okay, I’ll try. What do you say ? I try and be a good person and in return…

- You can’t ask me to help you destroy the world if you are gonna be a good guy. » Will cut him off, Robin’s laugh not even making sound anymore, tears rolling down her face. 

«  No.. No. » Henry shook his head. « I was thinking. If I prove I can be a good guy, could you help me get my body back so I can try again ? Like, to have a nice life ? I’m not even asking for my powers back. Just… A life. »

This helped Will calm down. Seing him get serious brought Robin back from her laughing fit. 

« What’s he saying ? » She asked, suddenly a bit anxious.

« He says he wants me to help him get a normal life ? 

- How would you even do that ?

- I don’t know ? But he does seem sincere which is… disturbing to be honest. »

They sat here in silence for a moment, pondering, until Henry stood up.

« I know ! I will prove my good faith to you ! I’ll help you with something that’s been bothering you ! I know you have no one to talk to about your… uh… inclination towards other gentlemen. 

- Oh my God.

- Wait ! I’ll help I swear ! Just tell Robin, she wont mind, she didn’t tell you cause she thought you would be embarrassed but she already knows…

- Just stop talking…

- She wont judge you, she likes women !

- Henry ! Stop ! » Will’s exasperation got so bad he had to massage his temples. « It’s not yours to tell me ! I can’t believe you right now. Are you even trying to be good ? If she wanted to tell me, she would have. »

He took the time to check on Robin. She probably understood what happened given his reaction, but she didn’t seem too mortified. More like, confused.

« Ok, so for the record, if it’s about what I think it’s about - I mean I don’t have that many secrets- I’m okay with you knowing. I would have rather told you myself but… Sorry I just can’t process that we’re having this conversation with the monster who tried to kill about all of us. How did he even get talking about this ? 

- He wanted to help me. » Will said, voice devoid of emotion. He wasn’t sure how to explain without having to expose himself. But maybe it was just fair, seeing he knew about her. «  He told me so I wouldn’t hesitate to tell you about… About me. »

He never would have thought Robin would be the first person who he’ld admit it to. He sometimes had thought about telling Jonathan. Or his mom. He was pretty sure they knew anyways. But he never found the courage to say the words. And now… Well he didn’t say it out loud, but they both knew what he meant. And Henry said she knew already, so…

« I’m sorry we had to know about each other this way, » she said, gentle, and she smiled at him, reassuring. « But, now that it’s out, you know you can come to me whenever, if you need support or, just, anything from your women-loving fairy godmother. »

Will smiled back at her. Then a thought occurred to him and he had to know.

« Was I… Did you tell anyone ? Before ?

- Steve, » she said, nodding. « Steve knows. You ?

- You are the first. I mean, I’m sure my mom and my brother know, but I never actually… Said it. »

That was a relief. At least he wasn’t the first to learn about her. 

There was a light cough and Will turned to Henry.

« So, it did help in the end ?

- Please never try to help without clear instructions ever again. » Answered Will, shaking his head. 

« But you see, I want to do good. All I need is some help. » Henry pleaded.

« Yeah, you didn’t actually clarified that by the way. Why me ? Why can’t someone else help ? Like, I get the whole Mind Flayer thing kind of linked us together but I’m not sure why you think I can help you ? El has a better chance to do anything given she has powers ?

- Yeah, about that.. » Henry started, but he was interrupted.

«  Who is El supposed to help ? What’s happening ? » Mike had gotten out of the bedroom, clearly just awaken from a nap, El right behind him. 

This was going to be fun to explain.

Chapter Text

« I’m not helping him. » El stated.

Will had explained to her and Mike, and Argyle who had woken up from his slumber, the situation. Their reactions had gone from terrified, to confused, to skeptical and even more confused. 

« No one is asking you to, El, » Will reassured her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. « On the other hand, I think we have an opportunity here.

- What do you mean ? » Mike asked. His hair was still ruffled from his nap - or maybe it was El’s doing, but Will was not going to follow this train of thoughts-  and he had a serious case of pillow face

« No yeah that makes sense, » Argyle approved. « He is the big bad that made a mess and killed your friends, right ? And now he needs to prove us… Well mostly you guys, I don’t really know him as much, but he needs to prove he really is trying to be good ? So you can basically ask anything. Worst case scenario he can’t do it and you leave him… In whatever state of existence he is.

- Exactly ! » Will beamed at him, getting a wink in return. 

«  We still don’t know exactly what he can do. Nor why he seems to think Will can help him. Also, the fact that we can only communicate with him through Will might become a bit… complicated. » Noted Robin. « Can he tell you more about it, Will ? »

Will nodded and turned to Henry, who decided his ghost, for lack of a better word, had to sit cross-legged in the middle of the table.

« So, how does it work ? Why do you think I can help you ?

- Okay, remember when you said there was more of me in you then I had left in myself ? I meant it. When you first were in what you call the Upside-Down, I realised you were like me. Like Eleven. Special.

- You mean…

- Yes. It was not as strong, but your power felt special. Unique. So instead of letting the local fauna devour you, I thought I would absorb it and see what I could do. »

He paused a moment, and Will couldn’t repress a wave of snark.

« Oh, sorry, am I supposed to be grateful to you for not letting me become Demogorgon chow ? »  

Robin snorted at that, before mouthing « Sorry ». Will tried not to think too much about the idea that he, too, could have powers. What was that about ? He never did anything special. Was this really another trick ?

« You could be. Anyways, things work a bit differently in the other world. Or maybe it works the same but it appears differently ? In any case, I was going through the process of absorbing you… » Will could feel his face twisting in disgust at the words.

« …when they took you away.

- Mom and Hopper.

- Yes. And somehow it messed with the whole thing. Which meant not only did I not get your power, but you got a bit of mine. Of my powers, and of my.. My soul I guess. We were connected. Now, I did notice, when I was controlling you after that…

- With the Mind Flayer ?

- Yes, you call it that. I noticed that sometimes, my powers would be attracted to the part of me in you, instead of coming back right to my real self. I didn’t think too much of it until your friends recently tried to kill me. My body weakened. And little by little, my powers escaped me. I thought they were lost forever. But truth is. They went back to me. To the part of me in a body that  wasn’t dying.

- So…Me. »

He processed the informations, not yet ready to share it with everyone. Is it really what happened ? Did Henry’s powers come to him ? 

« But I didn’t feel anything. I still don’t. I don’t feel different. » 

Well, not different from before.

« They are still… Dormant I think. Like Eleven’s. Well, like Eleven’s before. 

- Could she confirm it ? » Will wasn’t very keen on trusting Henry on such kind of things. Important things. Dangerous things. He had to keep in mind it could be a trap. 

« I’m… Not sure. She clearly isn’t aware of it right now so it might require for her to actually look for them. She could try. »

Will nodded, then proceeded to explain what Henry just said to the others, leaving out the part where he had powers from the start. That wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have right now.

Halfway through the explanation, Steve and Dustin came back, looking a bit down - they always did after meeting with Mr Munson - so Will had to start again, from the start. When he was done, there was long silence as everyone turned towards El, awaiting what she had to say, given she was the one who had to make a decision.

«  He said you had all his powers ? » She finally asked.

« Most of it. He can still appear to me so there must be something left in him, but if he is to be trusted on the matter…

- What about the people ? » She pressed, planting her big brown eyes right into Will’s, hopeful.

«  You mean…

- Max. » She answered immediately, nodding, then pointed at Will’s chest. «  She could be in there. And even if she’s not… Maybe with One’s powers we could bring her back. »

Will nodded, and she smiled at him across the table. The moment was broken by Mike.

« Wait. No. This could be a trick. What if it’s just a way to get to El and hurt her ?

- I don’t see why he would need to go through Will for that. If he had his powers he could attack her directly. » argued Robin.

«  But this way he can get her to lower her guard and attack by surprise.

- But she wouldn’t be surprised. I mean we are literally expecting an attack as a possibility, right now. If anything she would me more prepared, not less. » Steve added.

« No. » Insisted Mike. « It’s too dangerous. »

Will could see his sister growing impatient next to Mike, but it was Argyle and Dustin who went for it next.

«  Dude, she said she wanna do it.

- And we could have Max back. I don’t want us to lose her too.. »

Mike took a long inspiration, closing his eyes as to gather patience.

« So you all are okay with this ? Don’t you think El risked enough already ? »

That was when the young woman stopped him, grabbing his hand to get his attention. Her voice was soft, but her tone indicated she was very serious.

« Mike… I know you care for me, I know you do. But this is my decision, not yours. And after all this time, after what you said… All that you said… I thought you understood that. But apparently not. I can’t do this anymore Mike. »

The was a moment of silence, before Mike gave a nervous laugh and looked above the center of the table, about where Henry’s head was. He was off by a few centimeter, but Will couldn’t blame him given Mike couldn’t see the man.

«  Ha. Well tried, Henry ! I’m not falling for it ! »

It sounded like he was only half believing what he was saying, which didn’t make it any less awkward when Dustin answered.

« Mike, I’m sorry to say that but we all could hear that, so… It’s not him. »

Mike stayed frozen, until Dustin spoke again.

« I mean, we could always try and make you listen to the Star Wars original soundtrack if you want to be sure but… »

Mike shook his head. His face was hard to read, but Will could guess from the way his jaw was clenched, and how he stared down at his hands, that he was not okay. Will wanted nothing more than to go and hug him tight. To tell him he was going to be alright. That they would fix it together, like they did every time. But he couldn’t. A wave of distress rose in him but he carefully kept it inside, biting the inside of his cheek to distract him from the moral pain.

After what felt like an eternity, Mike turned back to El. His voice was slightly shaking, and low.

« So… Not Henry?

- Not Henry. » She said, still holding his hand. « It’s okay. We’ll talk about it later. For now, I want to help my brother. And then we’ll bring Max back.

- Actually we should probably prepare a bit before that. » Opposed Robin. «  Like, I’m all for you looking for Henry’s powers inside Will, however that works, and helping him activate them if they are indeed here but, you know. We probably should have a plan about how to go through it, emergency solutions in case something goes wrong, that kind of things. Confirm the favorite song for each of you. Also we should wait for the adults… adult-adults to be here. Just in case. Their emergency contacts are better than ours.

- Ok » approved El. « But I am helping Will. »

Chapter Text

It seemed like El and Mike had their talk, in the end, because they disappeared for some time while the others were discussing what to tell to the adult-adults, as Robin rightfully called them. When they came back, Mike looked bothered, and El seemed resigned. Maybe this time even Will’s efforts and advice wouldn’t do the trick…

He caught Mike’s eye, and raised his eyebrows with a slight nod, in a silent question - are you alright ?

Mike shrugged, but eventually nodded.Will knew they would talk about it later, either alone or with Dustin. Lucas was not really in the mood for relationship advice nowadays.

They waited until everyone was here. Thankfully they all arrived about the same time, around 7pm, so they didn’t have to withhold information from someone for too long. When everyone was here, they gathered them in the living room, concern growing among the troops.

« Okay so we have something to tell you. » Steve announced. « But you need to be really calm about it. 

- Did Dustin raise another monster from the Upside Down ? » Erica asked, raising an eyebrow.

«  It happened once ! » The young man argued. Steve shook his head.

« No. No, Dustin did nothing wrong. Nobody did anything wrong. It might even be pretty good, but we need you to not. Freak. Out. » 

The newcomers looked at each other, concern clearly growing. In the end, it was this russian guy who helped Will’s mom in Russia, the one they called Enzo, who asked.

« Okay. What is it ? »

Once again they explained, using the words they spent the afternoon carefully choosing. As soon as they mentioned the Henry visions, Will had his mother right next to him. She didn’t say anything but she grabbed his hand with both of hers. He squeezed gently to let her know he was mostly okay. He could’ve sworn he saw a touch of envy in Henry’s eyes as he did. Maybe he was a bit human after all.

When they were done with their explanations, Hopper shook his head.

« No. » He simply said. « It’s too dangerous. »

They had expected this. They had a whole speech ready. But Lucas was faster. He raised his hand, gesturing Hopper to let him speak.

« How prepared are we for this ? » He asked. It was Robin who answered.

«  The situation is unusual, but we covered any possibility we could think of. There is no such thing as zero risk, but we’re very close. 

- El, you guys really think you can bring Max back ? » His eyes were shining with tears now.

« If she is there, we will find her. And then we’ll find a way to bring her back. » El answered with a nod. Lucas nodded back and turned to Will, looking straight in his eyes.

« And you think we can trust Vecna ? »

Will knew he didn’t use this name randomly. He was their enemy. The one who ruined everything. And Lucas wanted to make sure they all realised that.

« No, » Will admitted. « I don’t think anyone trusts him, here. But I trust us. We’ve thought a lot about this. Evaluated the situation. I trust that we reached the right conclusions. I know that I wouldn’t risk anyone’s life, and I trust them with mine. »

Lucas smiled.

« So do I. » He said, then turned to Hopper, and there was something burning in his gaze.

« Chief. I know how much you care about El. We all do, in our own way, but she is your daughter. I won’t say I understand, because I guess it’s not the same, but I kinda know what it can be like. Erica… She is my little sister. I want to protect her. The thing is… Sometimes, I have to trust her. Trust her when she say « I can do it. ». Because she deserves it. And also because it keeps her safe. Because she is strong, and smart, and unstoppable. And if she decides she is going to do something, she will do it, whether I like it or not. I’ld rather she tell me when she does, so I can be here to help. So I’m asking you. Do you really think you can stop El from trying ? Except I already know the answer. You can’t. You can’t because I might be the one who goes to see Max everyday in the hospital, reading her books, praying for her to wake up, but I know El spends just as much time looking for her with her powers. Max is my girlfriend, but she is also El’s best friend. And I know that, just like me, El will do anything that she can to bring her back. Whether you want it or not. »

Tears rolled silently on his cheeks, as Hopper was watching him, mouth open as to say something. After a time he closed it and shook his head, putting his hands up in defeat.

So it was settled. As everyone was going through the plan one more time, each of the new-comer learning his exact role depending on the situation, Will signaled Henry’s ghost to stay where he was, and went to Lucas, who was standing, silent, next to the tv.

« Erica said you managed to escape family functions for the afternoon, what did you read to Max today ? »

Will sometimes went with him to the hospital. All of them did. They took turn, careful to leave some days for him to go alone. It had taken him a few days to go through the Talisman. Then it had been 2010, Odyssey 2. Then Childhood's End

« We finished this short story collection... Then I had no book to start, so I just put her Kate Bush cassette on the player her mom brought. I guess a part of me… Even though I tried before, a part of me hoped it would wake her up, you know ? »

Will nodded, and offered his arms. Lucas all but fell in the hug and Will wrapped his arms around his friend, as if to shelter him from the world.

« I miss her so much, Will. » He said in a breath.

« I know. I know. » Said Will. « We’re gonna do everything we can to find her. To bring her back. I promise. »

Finally, everyone was in place. Will sat with El on the carpet, face to face, Henry’s ghost next to them, even though it probably didn’t change anything. Joyce was right behind Will, headphones from one of their countless walkmans ready - they bought a whole stock of them, just in case. Hopper was just as ready behind El. 

« You know, » noted Henry «  even though I’m kind of hurt that you won’t trust me when I tell you I won’t attack you, and wouldn’t even if I could, I’m also pretty flattered you take me this seriously as a threat. »

Will shot him a deadly glare.

Jonathan and Mike were in charge of the play buttons of the walkmans, each beside the headphones bearers. Then, there was Nancy and her shotgun, ready to shoot on sight any monster that could appear. Dustin and Argyle had torches they could light on fire to drive those eventual monsters outside, where Robin and Steve were waiting with gasoline, matches, and molotov cocktails. Enzo - Will knew it wasn’t his name but his mom and Murray kept calling him that and he couldn’t associate another name to his face - was posted next to the phone in case they needed reinforcements. If things went awfully wrong, Lucas was on his bike, prepared to ride as fast as he could to a clearing , where he would fire a flare gun to warn Erica and Murray, who were posted in town, that they had to evacuate with as many people they could convince to flee with them. Hopefully it wasn’t going to come to any of that.

« Ready ? » El asked.

They had talked about it. How she wasn’t sure how it was going to work since she never did it with fully conscious people. How they would probably find themselves in Will’s memories… He wasn’t sure he could ever be ready for what was about to come, but he had to do it. If there was the tiniest chance this could help them fix this whole mess, he had to do it. He glanced briefly at Mike. The other boy was staring down, focused on the walkman, clearly displeased about the situation. Will kind of wished he would look back at him, to give him some courage, but he understood. 

« Ready. » He said, and El took his hands. He closed his eyes, and there they were.

Chapter Text

It looked like they didn’t move, yet Will could feel it was different. For starters, El was glaring at Henry, so obviously she could see him, now. And everyone around was like frozen. 

« I guess that makes sense, » he said both for himself and to El. « This is my latest memory, after all. »

El nodded, still fixed on Henry.

« Everything alright kids ? » Said Hopper’s voice, like an echo.

« I can see One. » El answered with a disgusted pout. « But we are alright. 

- Well, nice to see you too, Eleven ! » Henry said sarcastically. « Please tell me you can feel the power in William here so we can get this over with ? So that at least you know I’m not lying. »

El squinted at him, then at Will, then back at at Henry. 

« I don’t. » She said. « But I couldn’t do it before… I just hoped I could if I tried. »

She seemed disappointed. 

« So what do we do now ? » Will asked. « You said you could help, like, awaken my powers if they were here. Could we try that ? Worst case scenario I don’t actually have those powers and it does nothing, right ?

- Right. » El answered, but she seemed conflicted. « It won't be a happy moment. »

Of course. As if anything could ever be simple. It didn’t matter. Will was ready to do what it would take to help his friends.

« Ok, » he said. « What do I do ? »

It was Henry who answered.

« You must find a memory to give you strength. Something that makes you sad…

- But also angry. » El completed.

Words immediately came to Will’s mind. Words that hurt like « It’s not my fault you don’t like girls. » Words from memories he couldn’t let El see. So he chose a safer one. Then he focused on it.

They were back at the Byers house. The first one. It didn’t bear the marks of the demogorgon yet. Will was here - another, way younger Will.  So was Lonnie. He gave young Will a baseball bat.

« Work on your batting form. » He shouted. « What are you trying to hit right now ? Butterflies ? Damn I thought Joyce gave me sons, but apparently all she can produce is sissies. »

Younger Will was on the verge of crying. Older Will was boiling inside. El and Henry were looking at him, expectantly but… Nothing. Just anger. No powers. 

He sighed and they were back to the cabin living room, still frozen in time.

« Not to sound like an asshole…

- You do anytime you open your mouth, Henry, but please go on.

- Is this really the worst you have ? » Henry asked. Will turned to El. She looked unsure. 

« You don’t have to if.. » She started but Will knew what she was going to say, so he cut her off.

« Yes I do. I can handle it. It’s memories, right ? I’ve already survived living them. I can do it again. »

« Is everything still alright ? I don’t like the way it sounds from here. » Joyce’s voice echoed in the room, distant.

- We’re good, Mom. » Will said, confident. Then he nodded to El and Henry, ready to try again.

This time they were in Hawkins cemetery. Younger Will was way older, now, already a teen. Jonathan was almost an adult. They stood together near Joyce, all three of them sobbing as Bob’s casket was getting lowered in the ground. Will tried not to look towards the gravestone with his own name on it. The date of death had been erased, but the stone was still there. 

Instead he focused on Henry. The cause of all this . And maybe… Maybe he felt something new. Something that wasn’t here before. Something that was barely here now. Something that disappeared just as fast. He tried again, focusing on his rage towards Henry, but the magic was gone. And they were once again back to the cabin.

« Nothing ? » El asked.

« Actually… I think there was something. But I lost it. »

He was getting frustrated. He knew it was progress, but he had it. Right there. And he lost it.

There had to be more to it than this. What was there in this second memory that wasn’t in the first ? Grief. Loss… Love ? Could it be ? Will knew it wasn’t the time to believe in sappy stories about love conquering all, but this particular ache that had seemed to awaken this spark in him, it came from a feeling he knew too well. The feeling of losing someone you cared about. Someone you loved.

« El ?, » he asked, and she looked at him. « What is yours ? Your memory ? If you are okay telling me... »

She nodded, and offered her hand.

« I will show you. »

Will hesitated. Henry was still with them after all… As if reading his mind, El insisted.

« He can come too. And maybe… Learn. »

El’s memory was… a blur. But as clear as a blur can be. This woman - she had to be El’s mother… the pain of being teared away from her…  « Jane… I love you… »

When they came back to the cabin memory, Will was out of breath. It had been so short, yet so intense. El’s eyes were teary, and Henry looked… shaken, if not upset.

So it was love after all. 

Which meant he couldn’t do it. Not right now. Not when El was with him. It wouldn’t be fair. 

« Alright, » he said, doing his best to sound casual. «  Well I guess now that we know that I do have powers, we could always try again later, so I have time to think about the best memory for that, right ? Maybe for now you can try and find Max ? »

El made a face, and Will guessed she wasn’t totally buying it, but she didn’t say anything about it. Henry, on the other hand, couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

« I think I have just the memory for you if you would just…

-Thank you Henry but I still don’t trust you and there’s no way I let you navigate my memories. Also remember what we said about things that weren’t yours to tell people ? »

Henry sulked, but didn’t say anything more.

« I will try to find Max from here, » El said, « I hope I will find her. It would be easier with more powers. »

Will nodded, understanding.

« I promise if it doesn’t work we will try again when I… unlock them or whatever. »

They smiled at each other, before El turned to Henry.

« Can you stay here ?

- I’m not going anywhere, Eleven. I am stuck.

- In this memory ? » She insisted.  

« Oh. I can try. But there is nothing to hide, I already know William’s mind. So why should I stay here while you explore it ?

- I don’t want to see you. »

Henry shrugged, but when they moved to another memory, he didn’t follow.

It was weird, having El control their movements through Will’s memories. The moments were mostly his, but the links between them were absolutely different than when he went through them in his head.

It started simple. Memories of Max. Meeting her at school. Halloween. Setting up Dustin’s cerebro. Brief moments. Then things got weirder. A mix of his and El’s memories. El and Max shopping at Starcourt Mall, trying on outfits, then Will showing off his Will the Wise costume to a delighted Mike, then back to El and Max watching a movie on Hopper’s old tv, Will and Mike at the movie theater, Lucas and Max at the movie theater…

« Wait. » He said, as the memory disappeared, and suddenly they were in Argyle’s van and - Nope. They had to leave this memory, like, right now. «  El go back. This memory before. It wasn’t yours nor mine. It could be Max. »

But it was too late. He could hear himself saying those things to Mike. Those things about El that weren’t really about El. And he could see his sister’s face as she slowly understood what was happening.

« I can’t go back. » She said, eyes fixed on the Will and Mike that were sitting on the backseat. « I don’t… I feel her near… What… »

« …when you're different, you sometimes feel like a mistake but you make her feel like she's not a mistake at all. Like she's better for being different, and that gives her the courage to fight on. »

« This is not… » El started to say, but Will could not let this disaster become even worse in front of everyone back in the cabin's living room.

« I know… I know. »

She looked like she wanted to say something, but thankfully, the scene changed once more. They were now back in Hawkins cemetery, this time with Max and Lucas.

« Another one ! » Will exclaimed, trying to cover up the tension of the past minutes. « This is from her ! »

«  Max, you know you can talk to me. Right?

-Yeah, I know that.

- Okay, then why do you keep pushing me away?  Look, I don’t need a letter. I don’t want a letter. Just talk to me….

« I didn’t say it. » Mike’s voice said, before they heard Will answer.

« You didn’t have to. »

The scene had changed abruptly. They were in El’s room, back in Lenora. And this was yet again another memory Will would have rather kept to himself. But now it was too late, so he did his best to distract his sister from the conversation and keep her focused on more urgent matters.

« El, I swear, if you want to talk about this, about all of this, we will. In private. But right now what we need to do is find Max. And that means we can’t stay here.

- We have to. » She says. « I can feel her. It’s something to do with this memory…

«  And, I mean, Mike and Lucas and Dustin, they’re great. It’s just... You know, it’s Hawkins. It’s not the same without you. And I feel like maybe I was worrying too much about El. And I dunno, maybe I feel, like, I lost you or something. Does that make sense? »

« There.. » Said El, voice lightly shaking, but eyes open wide as they finally left Lenora.

They were near Billy’s grave. Lucas held Max in his arms.

« I thought we lost you.

- I’m still here. » Max answered, as her voice became more and more real. « I’m still here. I’m still here. El ? Will ? I’m here ! I’m still here ! »

Chapter Text

« I’m here ! I’m still here ! »

And indeed here she was. Max. Her soul. Right here, hidden somewhere inside Will. 

« Max ! » El shouted, and she ran towards the other girl but as soon as she did, Max disappeared, and they were back to the cabin, their friends and family around them, worried looks on their faces.

« Will ! Will are you alright ? » 

His Mom was holding him tight, voice shaking. He reassured her immediately.

« I’m ok mom. I’m okay. What’s happening ? What…

- We have to go back ! » El shouted to Jim, begging. « Please, we were so close we have to go back !

- Not yet. » He answered, adamant. « You have to rest. Both of you.

- You weren’t answering anymore, » Jonathan explained, with a slightly relieved sigh. « You, El. Both of you. Then your noses started bleeding. We didn’t know if we should start the music but it didn’t look like Henry’s doing so…

- It wasn’t. » Will confirmed, a bit surprised as he wiped fresh blood under his nose - what was that coming from ? And where was Henry by the way ? Then he remembered the most important part. « We… We found Max… Someone ! Go get Lucas ! We found Max ! »

Then he turned to his sister, beaming at her because they did it. They found Max. El found Max. But she only managed a small smile back.

Right. They still had to talk.

A few seconds later, Lucas burst in the room and ran to Will and El.

« You really did it ? You found her ?

- She is here ! » El answered, pointing at Will. This time she was smiling for real, short curls sticking out around her face.

« Well, in here. In Will. », She clarified when Lucas made a confused face. Then Lucas turned to Will, hesitated for a bit, and grabbed his face, looking straight into his eyes.

« Listen Max. If you can hear me, we’re going to get you out of here okay ? We’re bringing you back. »

Will carefully removed his friend’s hands from his face and gave him a reassuring nod.

« We are. What do you say El and I come with you to the hospital tomorrow, see if it helps ?

- Sure ! » He approved, then gave a light squeeze to Will’s shoulder. « Thanks. »

It wasn’t until after dinner, during which they started making plans to try and bring Max back, that Will managed to take El aside. He took her to the back porch. Hopefully they could get some peace and quiet here. They stayed a moment in silence. There was a cool breeze, enjoyable after the hot summer day. 

« So… » Will finally spoke. « About my memories… »

He had no idea how to go on with this. Truth was, there really was no good way to tell your sister you liked her boyfriend. And the fact that she probably already knew didn’t make it any easier.

« I don’t want you to think… I would never get in between you and Mike. Never. I mean I know you love each other, and you are my sister, and he is… He is my best friend.

- What are you talking about ? » She answered, brow furrowed. « Do you even know why I am upset ?

- I thought… No ? » Will said, because he really thought that was it. That she saw right through him, saw those feelings he had for Mike and…

« I’m upset because you lied. » She said, like it was obvious. And to be honest it should have been. Of course she was upset he lied. Friends don’t lie. « What you told him in the van. It was not true. 

- It was. » Will answered, voice low.

« Will… Mike…. » She said, struggling to find the words. « He is great. He is. But what you told him about me. About making me feel special. Making me want to fight… It was not true. I love him, I do, but not like that. I thought I did but the more it went on the more I realised…  »

She shook her head, and Will sighed. So she wasn’t in love with him after all. He had hoped… If he couldn’t make Mike happy, he had hoped El could.

« It was true, actually. All of it was. I just didn’t know it wasn’t true for you. » He admitted, not sure she understood exactly what he meant. He wasn’t sure he wanted her to understand, either, so he went on. « I just… I wanted him to be happy and I thought that would work and that you both could…be happy. Together. Happy, in love, together. »

He couldn’t believe he messed up like this. How could he not see it. He had been so concerned about his feelings and how to hide them that he totally missed his sister actually wanted to break up with Mike. Or maybe he just couldn’t imagine wanting to break up with Mike.

«  How many times ? »  She asked, arms crossed on her chest, brow furrowed, teary-eyed.

« Just.., » Will started, but she cut him off.

« Don’t. Lie. » She said. « Every time he talked with you he came back knowing exactly what to say. It was you wasn’t it ? »

Will couldn’t bring himself to actually say it. It felt like betraying Mike and he couldn’t bear it. So he just looked down at the floor, and he heard his sister sigh. This wasn’t usual from her, being this expressive. She was really upset. And it was Will’s fault. It was all Will’s fault.

« I know you probably tried to help, because you are kind, but this was wrong. You lied. You made him believe things that are not true. You made me believe things that are not true. And we stayed together because of those things. »

She was right. It was wrong. He really thought… No, he had no excuse. He should have been more careful. Should have payed attention. Instead he hurt El. And once she talks to Mike, it’ll hurt him too.

« I’m sorry. » He said. « I’m so so sorry. I really thought you loved him the way he loves you. I thought you two genuinely loved each other that way, and just had trouble communicating with each other. If it’s any comfort I may have helped Mike sort his thoughts, but all the things he told you ? I’m sure he was genuine. I just helped him find the words. You know, when you love someone, you want them to be happy. And if they love someone, and if that someone loves them back, then you think you should do whatever it takes to help them. To keep them together. So that they can stay happy. So you can help them be happy. It’s a bit selfish, but you want them to be happy because of you, even if it takes breaking your own heart to achieve that.

- Will what is this even about ? »

Just when Will thought it couldn’t get worse. Mike was here. When did he arrive ?  What did he hear ? If Will was reasonable, he’ld say Mike arrived rather late, else he would have said something earlier. But Will wasn’t being reasonable right now, he was absolutely panicked. Mike was looking at him and El, squinting, opening his mouth just to close it again. After what seemed like an eternity, El spoke.

« Mike. There is something you need to know…

- I can’t believe this ! » He cuts her off, suddenly ready to talk. « Are you two in love with each other ? Is this what you saw in Will’s mind ? Is this why everything was so weird between you two afterwards ? Oh I get it, you discovered that Will helped me with what I needed to tell you so now you’re in love with him ? 

- Mike, that’s not what it is. » Will said, a lump in his throat. « We’re not in love. She is my sister, I’m not in love with El. 

-Then what was that about wanting someone you love to be happy, about helping them ? » Mike asked, and there they were. There was no easy lie to save Will this time. He would have to admit the truth. That he was in love with Mike. That he had been for so long he couldn’t say when it started. That he was in love with Mike even though he had no hope of his feelings to ever be mutual.

«  I’m not in love with El. » Will insisted. « I’m in love with… Henry ?! »

In what must have been the worst timing in the history of timings, Henry’s ghost was back, suddenly appearing right behind Mike, who now looked both confused and outraged.

« You’re in love with Vecna ?

- What ? No ! Oh my God Mike ! Why would you even… Mike, I love you but you are a goddamn idiot sometimes ! » The words slipped out of Will’s mouth, just as Henry complained about Mike calling him Vecna, earning a « Shut up Henry ! » From El.

« Wait you can see him too ? » Will asked El.

« Wait you love me ? » Mike asked him at the same time.

« Is everything alright, you guys were getting a bit loud ? » Robin asked, sticking her head out the door.

No. Everything was not alright.

Chapter Text

« So. You like Mike. Like. You’re in love with him. » Robin stated, after a long silence. She was keeping Will company while he was all but hiding in his bedroom.

« Yep. » Will answered, sitting on the edge of his bed, eyes fixed on his rug. He just explained the parts she missed to her.

« And you confessed to him.

- Yep.

- And he just… » She moved her hands as to explain what she meant.

« Yep. »

The scene kept playing on repeat in Will’s mind. 

He had told Mike he loved him - and told him he was an idiot in the same sentence. Mike noticed he said it, and part of Will was relieved his secret was finally out but for the most part he would have been really glad if Mike had stayed just as oblivious as ever. But he hadn’t. Instead, he insisted on it, just as El excused herself and went back inside - Will should probably talk to her some more when things are a bit settled down.

« You love me ? » He asked, and he was looking anxious, and Will wanted to reassure him, tell him that of course, he loved him, as a friend. Just as a friend. But he didn’t. He was past this by then. 

« I do. I think I always did. » He answered, unable to look Mike in the eyes, his own filled with tears, only looking up afterwards. And then Mike frowned. Then he looked away. 

« Okay » He had muttered, then he had gone and locked himself in Nancy’s car.

Why would he do that ? If he was going to reject him, he could at least do it right away and be done with it. Sure, Will wouldn’t be ready to move on just yet, and probably wouldn’t be for some time, but he could at least try to start the healing process. 

« No offense but what the fuck is wrong with that kid ? » Robin asked, perched on Will’s desk, « Like for real. Who does that ? »

Mike Wheeler, apparently.

« I mean, at least he didn’t seem angry or like, disgusted or something, » Will said with a shrug. « so I guess there is that but… I just have no idea what is going on in his mind.

- Ì do, » Henry said from Jonathan’s bed.

« Don’t you dare try to help me.

- Wow.» Robin said. « I know I may not look like it but…

- No, sorry, not you. » Will apologised.  « I was talking to Henry. He is still there.

- Oh. What’s he saying ?

- He knows what’s in Mike’s head. Which he is not going to tell me if he doesn’t want me to annihilate him with my mind or something. Because it’s not his place to reveal people’s secrets, right Henry ?

- Right. » Henry answered begrudgingly. « But just so you know, you are feeling sad and angry right now. The kind of sad and angry that helps unlock some things. I can feel your power, just under the surface. »

Will wanted to tell him that it was really not a good time, but then thought about it. Did he really have anything better to do right now ? Mike was probably still locked in that damn car anyways. And having his powers could help if they were to go see Max tomorrow.

« And he just suggested something that might be useful. » Will said to Robin, who arched an eyebrow.

« What a red-letter day. »

« So, you’re sure it is a good idea ? You just did that thing with El, your mind might be tired or something… » Robin asked, after Will explained to her what he planned to do.

« If I start bleeding from my eyes or something, just shake me awake and pray for the best. If it still doesn’t work, then you can get the others I guess.

- It really has to be me ?

- I trust you. » He said with a shrug, because that was the truth.  « I trust that you wont stop me, and that you will keep my secret if it’s not a life or death situation. Also if it works and I talk in my… Trance ? If I say stuff, you already know about me so… So yes, it has to be you. »

She sighed, but smiled at him.

« Alright then. But you better not die on me or something.

- I won’t. » He swore, even though he was in no position to make this kind of promise. Sure, there was no reason to believe that browsing his memory on his own, without so much of a sensory bath, could be any kind of dangerous. Nowadays, though, anything could happen. « Alright let’s do this. »

He lied down on his bed, and let his mind drift to his memories. He knew what he was looking for, but he wasn’t ready to go for it just yet. He started with today’s confession. Mike running away from him. Instead of rejecting the feeling of pain, he embraced it and there it was. Like a ripple inside his chest. Something unusual. Both warm and fresh, like chili pepper on a mint. Pushing and pulling at the same time. 

Will hung to that sensation and let it guide him. 

First it took him to the hospital, after he came back from the upside down. Mike ran to him and hugged him tight. It lasted a few seconds, then they were in Mike’s basement.

« I don’t know » a young Mike said. « Sometimes I feel like I’m going crazy. »

« Me too » Will answered, both his actual and younger self.

« Hey well, If we’re both going crazy, then we’ll go crazy together, right ? »

Will felt the corners of his mouth go up.

« Yeah. Crazy together ».

Suddenly, they were older, and in a dark place with colored lights. Rink-o-mania.

« Well, what about us ? » He heard himself saying as Mike was walking away from him, causing the other to turn back.

« What ? » 

Will could feel the ripple grow into a wave inside him. He clinged to it, forcing himself to fully embrace the feeling.

« She’s my girlfriend, Will !

- And us ?

- We’re friends. We’re friends.

- We used to be best friends. » Once again, Will said the words along with his past self, every one of them hurting as he moved to yet another memory. 

They were in the Surfer Boy Pizza van. Mike had Will’s painting in his hands. Will was looking away as he spoke.

« When you’re… When you’re different, sometimes, you feel like a mistake. »

There was a flash. They were both standing in front of Mike’s house, heavy rain falling.

« It’s not my fault you don’t like girls » said Mike, and they were back in the van, Will speaking again.

« But you make her feel like she’s not a mistake at all. Like she’s better for being different. »

Another flash. This time they were in Will’s room, in his old house.

«Maybe that’s good. Just think about it, Will. You’re like a spy, now. A superspy »

And once again they were back to the van. 

« And that gives her the courage to fight on. » Will heard himself saying before it all disappeared.

This time it was not a flash, they really moved to another memory. One Will had buried deep inside him and would have rather not explored again. But he could feel the thing in him grow stronger and stronger, now burning and freezing inside. He couldn’t give up now.

They were in Surfer Boy Pizza’s kitchen, and his sister was dying right in front of him, and there was nothing he could do. But Mike… Maybe Mike…

« You’re the heart. » Will said.« Okay, remember that. You’re the heart. »

And it hurt him, but if it could save El, then who cared ? Who cared if…

« I love you. El, do you hear me ? I love you. »

He winced. Mike’s words hurt back then. They hurt even more now that the fear was gone. El was safe now and there was nothing to distract Will from…

« And I thought that if I said how I felt, it would somehow make that day… hurt more. »

Still, it might have been what saved her in the end. So who cared if…

« But the truth is El, I don’t know how to live without you. »

Who cared if Will…

« I feel like my life started that day we found you in the woods. »

The force inside him tugged him away from the kitchen. It wasn’t a ripple, not even a wave anymore, but an actual tsunami going through his whole body. It brought him to the woods, rain falling hard on the thin roof above him. Castle Byers. He could fully feel it, now. The sadness. The anger. He could barely breathe. Was it what Henry meant ?

« Stupid… So stupid. »

Will wasn’t even watching the scene anymore, taking the bat in his own hands, tearing Castle Byers down, just like he did that day. He hit the wood, again, and again, tears lost among raindrops on his face, until…

It was gone. The waves of power crashing in him stopped, replaced by a low buzzing sensation. 

He wasn’t near Castle Byers anymore, instead sitting on a swing by himself. Mike’s voice echoed around, both really far and really near. 

« Will are you alright ? I’m sorry, I didn’t know what to say I…»

He came up to him. Mike. Or, Mike from the past, just a little kid with dark hair framing his tiny round face. 

« Do you want to be my friend ? » He asked, a bit unsure.

« Yes. Yes ! » Will answered, without the slightest hesitation.

Mike was smiling at him, sitting on the swings next to him, holding his hand.

Then he woke up. And Mike was still here. The real, present Mike, holding him in his arms, tears running down his face. His eyes opened wide as Will looked up at him.

« You’re awake ! » He cried out, as new tears filled his eyes.

What happened ?

Will looked around. He was still in his bedroom. Robin shot him an apologetic look from the corner of the room. 

« I would have kept him out but he just burst into the room, no knocking or anything. And then he panicked when he saw you and… 

- I’m sorry Will. » Mike said, finally letting go of Will, who propped himself up with some pillows. « I… You… I didn’t know. I had no idea.  And then you said it and it was like… I feel like such an idiot. I thought about everything that happened. Everything I said… It was… It was a lot, and I had no idea what to do or say. To be honest I’m still not sure. I’m… Still processing. But I know one thing. I don’t want to lose you. Not now. Not ever. »

Chapter Text

« I… You… I didn’t know. I had no idea.  And then you said it and it was like… I feel like such an idiot. I thought about everything that happened. Everything I said… It was… It was a lot, and I had no idea what to do or say. To be honest I’m still not sure. I’m… Still processing. But I know one thing. I don’t want to lose you. Not now. Not ever. »

Will was looking up at Mike, tears in his eyes. He was barely back from his memory trance, his mind still a bit clouded, and he wasn’t sure if he really heard these words or just dreamed them but Mike was there wasn’t he ? 

« Mike… » he called, unsure.

« I’m here. I’m right here. » The other immediately answered. « Are you alright ? What happened ? Sorry, take your time. I just. I worried. »

Will couldn’t help but smile at the thought that Mike worried about him. Sure, it shouldn’t surprise him but still, it was a nice reminder.

« Okay, » Robin said quietly, while slipping out of the room. « I guess I’m not needed anymore, I’ll just.. Leave you two be… »

As soon as the door closed, Will answered to Mike’s worries.

« I’m okay I… I’m glad you’re here. I know it must be a lot to…" He paused, looking for the word Mike used. "...process. Look, it doesn’t have to change anything. Just say the word and I’ll pretend like I never told you anything, and we can be just friends and…

-No." Mike just said and, what did that mean ? No they couldn't be friends ? No he couldn't pretend ? Thankfully, Mike seemed to understand he wasn't precise enough.

“I mean. I would be happy to be your friend and if that’s what you want, sure, but you don’t have to hide who you are from me. Whether it turns out that I like you… " there was a lot of uncertainty painted on Mike's face. "...this way. The way you like…"
He stopped and shook his head before correcting himself.
"The way you love me… Or like, if I just want us to be friends… I don’t want you to feel like you can’t be yourself with me. And if it ever hurts too much and you think it would be better for you to leave…

- I won’t." Will cut him off, because he didn't want to hear that kind of things. Not from Mike.

 " If it happens, then please leave. 

- Don’t say that like I could ever leave. I don’t need you to feel about me the way I feel about you. And I certainly don’t want you to pretend to if you don’t. Being your friend is more than enough.

- But why ?" Mike asked, suddenly looking so young. "I mean, I know what you said, about me being the heart. But I don’t see it. Every morning, I look in the mirror and I ask myself… Who the fuck is that ?! Is it Henry ?!”

Will doubted this was what Mike thought every morning, so he just turned to where his friend was looking, and sure enough, Henry was back.

“So you too can see him now, uh ?” Will simply said to Mike, because apparently this was his life now. Mike nodded, then Will's gaze went back to Henry.

“Can’t you see we were having a moment ?" He asked, as if it could change anything.  "Couldn’t you reappear like, later ? Or better, never ?

- I’m sorry I don’t control when I’m able to come back.” Henry said, tone bitter. “At least your powers seem to have made me visible, which is a relief.

- Your powers ?” Mike asked Will, looking slightly distressed. “Does he means like, his powers in you ?

- I think he means both”, Will admitted. “If he is to be trusted, which… I hate to admit it but until now he told us the truth. According to him I also have my own… powers…

- He does,” confirmed Henry. “And now that they’re powered up with my own that he stole…

-More like, saved, to be honest.” Will retorted. It’s not like he did anything on purpose anyways.

“Whatever you want to call it. What I wanted to say is that maybe now we will know what your powers are.”

His powers… This was crazy. Everything, and now he had powers ? And there was this whole thing with Mike and… And… Actually, this was too much. Way too much. He needed a break, like, right now.

“I need to take a shower.” He said, before leaving the room, going straight to the bathroom. He turned on the shower, letting it get warm as he got rid of his clothes. A shower was exactly what he needed right now. To clear his mind a bit. A shower and perhaps a nap too. The moment he entered the shower,  though, something, or rather someone, appeared next to him.

“WHAT IN HELL !” he screamed, grabbing a towel and almost slipping in the shower

Henry was here. Of course Henry was here. Because every time he needed him to not be here, well he was. Thankfully, he immediately turned to the wall.

“You really are set on ruining my life, aren’t you ?” Will asked, water going in his eyes as he fumbled to turn off the water.

“It wasn’t on purpose I swear,” Henry said to the wall. “I was just standing here and…

- GET AWAY FROM HIM !

- OH FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE.”

Mike was here. Mike just burst into the bathroom and was hurling himself at Henry, punching the air as his fist went through the man’s ghost. Then Will tried to stop him, and two things happened. First, his right hand let go of the part of the towel it was holding, exposing Will’s backside which, thankfully, was turned to the wall. Second, and that was probably more troubling, Henry’s ghost was sent towards a tube of toothpaste. Now, that in itself wouldn’t be too worrying, but he seemed to disappear in it.

And now Mike was staring at Will, and Will didn’t know if it was for the “sending Henry in a toothpaste tube” or the towel barely hiding his body, and he wasn’t sure which he preferred. Will slowly grabbed a bathrobe with his free hand and wrapped himself in it, never actually breaking eye contact with Mike. Then the other teen spoke.

“I’m sorry.” Mike said. “ I was going to follow you because… We weren’t done talking. But Henry said to leave you alone, and it made sense because following you to the bathroom would have been awkward but… Then he disappeared, and I heard you scream, and I panicked and… Sorry, but did you just trap him in the toothpaste tube like some kind of…”

And then Mike was humming the Ghostbusters theme song, miming using a proton pack's particle thrower where Henry stood and Will just lost it and laughed, absolutely hysterical, soon joined by Mike.

“Oh my…” Will could barely breathe in between laughter. “I did !”

His body was shaking.

“Who you gon'call ?!”

Tears were rolling down his cheeks, hurting from being so contracted all this time.

“Wait !” He said, calming down a bit. “Do you think if we open the tube…”

Mike’s eyebrows raised , eyes full of tears of laughter too.

“We’ve got to try. Oh, Will we have to try.”

Hands shaking from laughing so much, Will reached for the toothpaste tube and carefully opened it, a new burst of laughter echoing in the tiny bathroom as Henry reappeared, looking pretty offended.

“I can’t… Can’t believe it !” Managed to say Mike. “Do it again !”

And Will did. He closed the tube, trapping Henry, then opened it again and they just couldn’t stop laughing. How could they when Henry just look so dignified while he was held captive in a tube of toothpaste ?

“What is happening here ? Is everything okay ?” Jonathan appeared in the door frame, looking mildly worried.

Will couldn’t resist. He opened and closed the toothpaste tube once again, like a kid showing his latest mischief to his big brother, and soon, everyone was in the living room, Will still in bathrobes, opening and closing the toothpaste tube as Henry grew more and more irritated.

“Can we stop now ?” he finally asked, and Will turned to Mike. They shared a single look, knowing they were thinking the exact same thing.

“Just one more !” Mike said, as Will closed the tube one last time.

Chapter Text

The room was dark, but Will could feel Mike’s presence next to him. Usually, Mike slept in El’s room, but with the current situation, he had asked if he could use Jonathan’s bed, as Will’s brother was staying at the Wheelers’.

This, of course, posed no issue. The only person it could have been a problem to was the one who asked for it.

“Will ?” Mike’s voice asked, and Will made a light noise to signal he was listening. “ You said… You always loved me ?”

Will couldn’t help but smile. As scary as it had been, he was glad that the truth was out, now. That they could talk about it like this.

“I did, yes.” He said. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve had those feelings.

- But when did you know ?,” Mike insisted. “If you’ve always felt that way, how did you know ?”

Will took his time to answer, and the room fell into a comfortable silence. He was really glad they managed to contain Henry’s apparitions so that he could have this conversation with Mike in peace.

“I think I always knew… I mean, as soon as we met Dustin and Lucas, I could feel that it was different with them. I loved them too, but as friends.

- Mhmh,” approved Mike.

“ But I didn’t really acknowledged it back then. It was… something I would try to figure out later, at the time. Until… The Snow Ball, two years ago. 

- The Snow Ball ?” Mike sounded genuinely surprised.

Will nodded, then realised Mike wouldn’t see in the dark.

“Yeah, the Snow Ball. I was dancing with this girl… She asked me, remember ? I didn’t really want to but you encouraged me to go so I did. 

- I thought you wanted to…” Mike said. Will laughed, lightly.

“Of course you did.” He said, unable to keep the tenderness he felt out of his voice. “And then we were all dancing. And Max and Lucas kissed. And… You and El kissed…”

Will sighed.

“ I didn’t know you saw that.” Mike said, voice low.  “It was just one kiss.”

- I know,” Will confirmed, then laughed. “Now that you say it the fact that I was so focused on you should have been a clue. But back then it wasn’t what set me thinking. It’s just. I was here, dancing with this girl, and I didn’t want to kiss her. And to be honest I didn’t want to dance with her that much either. I wanted to dance with you. And I wanted to kiss you.”

There was a long silence then. Will could hear Mike’s breathing, slow, deep. Almost sighing. He wondered for a minute if his friend had fallen asleep, but he talked again.

“Would it be okay if we tried ?” he asked, and Will had no idea what he was talking about, although his heart started beating harder in his chest.

“Try what ?” he asked, mouth dry. There was a beat, then…

“Kissing. You and me. Would it be okay if I kissed you ?”

Will’ brain short circuited. His heart was beating fast, head spinning. What was happening ?

“I… I don’t know ? Do you want to kiss me ?

- I do, actually. But I don’t want… I want to kiss you right now, but I don’t know what it means for us and I don’t want to, like, lead you on or something.”

Will pursed his lips. What was even going on in this boy’s head and how did it make him so lovable in Will’s eyes ?

“Ok.” Will said. What was the worst that could happen ? Mike could hate it… But he wanted to try. And if they should stay friends, then Will would at least know what it was like to kiss Mike. And long for it for the rest of his days.

“Ok.” Repeated Mike.

Will heard some movement, and felt his mattress sag under Mike’s weight as the other boy came to sit near him. Will sat up, way too aware of where Mike was despite the darkness. After a moment, he felt Mike’s fingers on his face, searching for his lips, lingering a bit there.

Then it happened. Mike’s chapped lips were on his, light, hesitant. It lasted not even a second. Will could hear how Mike’s breathing got a bit louder, as if he was trying to calm down. Maybe he was. God knows Will would need to. He had to fight the urge to come and touch where Mike’s lips had touched his.

“So ?” he asked instead, unsure. “Was it..

- It was great.” Mike immediately said. “I… Actually didn’t expect it to be… I mean, I’m not saying I expected you to be a bad kisser, and we barely… What I mean is…

-Mike.” Interrupted Will. “Breathe.”

He took a big inspiration, then released it slowly. Then again, and once more.

“Ok.” He finally said. “So. I really liked it, and I would love to do it again, better, …”

Will could feel his heart ready to burst at those words, but couldn’t help guessing what was coming, from Mike’s tone.

“But ?” he asked.

“But I’m not sure I’m ready to do it for real. I mean… I think I do have feelings for you. But you had years to accept it and it’s all new for me, and El just brok up with me, and we’re… Well you know. We’re both boys. It’s not…”

For a moment, Will feared Mike would say “natural” or “normal” or “right”.

“It’s not something people are very accepting of. We would have to hide, like, all the time. No diner for two. No sunset on the beach. No prom. And if we don’t hide, then… I don’t want you to get hurt. Or worse. And I would never forgive myself if it happens and I’m the one responsible .”

Will sighed, but he understood. He thought about all this already. Mike was right, he had more time to think about it. It was all new for Mike.

“Take your time.” Will said. “Think about it, and in the end, you’re the only one who can decide if it’s worth it or not. And if you decide it’s not, I won’t tell anyone about this, ever. And I’ll stay by your side, as a friend, as long as you want me to. I will never hold it against you because… I know it’s a lot.”

Mike’s hand was on his now.

“Thank you.” He said, before going back to Jonathan’s bed.

“Sweet dreams,” Will whispered, so low he wasn’t sure Mike would hear it, yet the other boy answered.

“You too.”

The next morning, by the time Will woke up, Mike was still asleep, drooling a bit on Jonathan’s pillow. Will did his best to leave the room quietly. In the living room, Lucas was already having breakfast with El, excitedly talking about how Max could be back today, while Dustin was snoring on the nearest couch. When Will joined his friends at the breakfast table, they grew silent.

“Uh… Hey.” Will said, as they both watched him expectantly. “What ?”

Lucas and El shared a look, and turned back to him.

“How is he doing ?” Lucas asked.

Oh.

“Ok, I guess.” Will said. “I mean he just got dumped but…”

He wasn’t sure what El had told the others, or if she even told them anything after she left Mike and Will on the porch the night before. Nobody had seemed too surprised when Mike had asked to borrow Jonathan’s bed, so she at least had told them about the break up, but…

“He understands, right ?” she asked, with a little nod. “That it’s for the best ?”

Will nodded too.

“Yes. He does.

- Good !” Lucas said. “Then we can focus on the most important ! Today is the day !”

Will spent the meal and most of the afternoon trying his best to manage Lucas’ expectations. He understood how his friend wanted his girlfriend back, but they weren’t sure yet that they could do it. Still, he didn’t want to absolutely crush his hope either. El seemed so enthusiastic too, until they finally hopped in Steve’s car. 

The whole trip went in silence. Suddenly, it all became very real, and everyone was focused on what was coming. Steve respected their quiet moment and left the car radio on the lowest setting, not saying anything but “Good luck, kids” as they left the car, determined. 

In his hand, Will was firmly holding the toothpaste tube Henry was still stuck in, hoping they wouldn’t have to release him near Max.

Chapter Text

Will deeply hated coming to Max’s hospital room. First of all, he wasn’t a big fan of hospitals in general. But to see Max, brave, strong, clever Max hooked to all those tubes and machines, pale in the cold lights… It just made him want to scream. Next to him, El shuddered, and he took her hand, pressing it lightly to comfort her. She gave him a weak smile, then took a deep breath.

“Ok.” She said. “Now we bring her back.”

Will felt some dread rise in him. He thought about it the whole ride. 

If El came on a trip to his mind to find Max, there was a good risk she would see the past night’s memory. 

Mike’s lips, light on his, the ghost of a kiss.

He had nothing to hide himself, but it wouldn’t be fair to Mike, and to be true, he would rather El didn’t know about it just yet, when she broke up with Mike the day before, and Will and Mike’s relationship was still in limbos…

“Yes.” Will approved. “About the plan…

- Yes ?

- I think we should try something. “ He said, cautious. “Yesterday, what I did to Henry… What if I did the same with Max ? Just… I put her in her body, instead of in a toothpaste tube. And then you, El, you make sure she stays in there and is safe. The original plan was good when we didn’t know I could do that, but now I think this is safer, you know ?”

El squinted at him, but in the end, nodded. 

“Yes. Ok. Safer.”

She sat next to Max’s body, and held her hand, nodding at Will. Ready when you are.

Lucas was sitting on Max’s other side, gazing fondly at her, while Will was standing in front of them. In another situation, he would have asked Henry for help. Not that he liked the other, at all, but he just discovered how to use his and Henry’s powers, and did it only once yet. But there was no way he was bringing Henry to Max’s hospital room without trying on his own at first. No. Way.

Instead he asked El.

“So, how did you do it ? Last time, how did you find her ?”

El hummed, thoughtful.

“I call her. Inside. Then I follow.”

She then shrugged, as a way to say she couldn’t explain more. Will nodded, understanding. He could do this.

He sat on a chair crossing his legs to be more comfortable, then closed his eyes and did just as El said. He called Max, focusing on memories he had with her until he felt it. An echo, answering his call. Memories that were not quite his… At first it was just common memories he suddenly watched from a different point of view. Will remembered about a thing Dustin once said about bats. How they found their way by screaming, and hearing the sound come back to them, distorted. This was exactly what it felt like. And the closer he got to Max, the further he went from himself. It was less things they experiences together, and more things they both experienced each on their own, until they were both running in the upside down, next to each other.

“Max ?” he asked, but he already knew that was her.

“Will !” She said, relief washing over her face. “ Think you can take us somewhere more welcoming ?”

He nodded and took her hand. Surely this would work. They kept running as he focused on somewhere else. Somewhere safe. Before he knew it they were in front of the Wheeler’s house. Max scoffed.

“Ha. Yeah, that makes sense.”

Will could swear he was blushing, and Max seemed to notice, because she went on as they entered the house and went down to the basement.

“ I would apologize for the lack of respect for your privacy, but I didn’t have much choice, seeing I was inside your mind. I have to say, I was surprised at first. I mean, looking back I should probably have noticed before but… Mike ? Really ? But, you know, after spending some weeks in here, I kind of get it. I still think he is a dumbass, but it’s not the same for you. Like, he is different when he is with you, so you don’t see him the way others do. You have access to a part of him I couldn’t even have imagined…”

Will could feel his heart beat strong in his chest at her words.

“Ha,” she adds, “and that means if he fucks up I’m coming for his sorry ass.”

“Will ?” called Lucas’ voice. “Everything alright ?

- I’m with Max,” Will answered. “I’m going to try and send her to you guys soon. We just have to figure out the details.

- Alright man ! Tell her hi for me !

- Do it yourself when she is back,” Will said as Max was beaming. 

They figured out the best way would probably be to go back to Will’s memory of Max’s hospital room, so he could actually visualise sending her in her body, so that’s what they did.

“Ugh, I’m glad you didn’t come here too often.” She siad with a sigh.  “ It was nice hearing Lucas reading but I really look awful. This is depressing. So, what now ? You throw me into my body ?”

Will shrugged. That was how he did with Henry after all.  She sighed and put herself between him and her bed.

“Ok, I will try now,” Will said, waiting to be sure El was ready to do her part.

“Ready.” She just said, clearly focused. Her image was fixed in his memory, but Will could hear the frown in her voice.

Will took a deep breath, then just pushed Max towards her body.

He flinched as the girl screamed in pain.

He immediately ran to her, and as he took her hand, El started moving - they were now both connected to Max’s consciousness. 

“It hurts !” Max was screaming, convulsing on the bed. “It hurts so much. Ugh !”

She sat up, and El stopped moving. The connexion was gone. Max was certainly not happy with it.

“Oh no.” She said, shaking her head in anger.  “ No, nope, no way. I don’t care if it hurts like hell, I’m going back. Will ?”

He nodded, unsure about what was happening. It seemed Max’s body rejected her.

“ Just put me back in, and don’t let me go out, whatever happens. I’m getting back, wether my body agrees or not.”

And so he did, pushing her with all his power. The screams resumed, but this time, he got closer, holding Max down, and talked to El.

“You’ve got to hold her tight in here. I think her body is still too weak to support her spirit or something. In any case, it’s rejecting her. Do you think you can fix it ?

- Not sure. I will try.” El answered, eyes tearing up. 

“Guys ? Should I call someone ? The heart monitor is freaking out ! What should I do ?” Lucas voice was shaking.

“It’s gonna be alright.” Will said, because they had to believe it would. “Just give us a little time. Everything is gonna be alright. El ?

- Yes. I do my best. It is working… slow.

- Do you want me to bring Hen…

- No.” She shut him down quickly, giving him a look before focusing again on Max. “You help me.”

He had no idea how to do that, but did his best, trying to focus on Max’s body. 

He could somehow feel the problem. It was like Max’s spirit and her body spent too much time appart, like they were out of synch somehow. Like paint on a palette that would have gotten a bit dry, refusing to mix with another color properly, making chunks…

With paint, some water would have helped, but he wasn’t sure what could here. Something that would flow through both her body and spirit. Flow… waves… tides… what if…

“ Okay El ? I wanna try something. Can’t really explain, but I have a feeling that might work. I’m gonna try and send you some power. Think of it as a wave, just send it back okay ? Back and forth ?

- Back and forth ?”

He simply nodded, and she did the same, with a sigh.

Will closed his eyes, focusing all his energy in his chest, then imagined sending it through his arm, to his hand, and through his palm to Max, going through her whole body before reaching El on the other side. It must have worked, because soon after, he felt a wave of power coming back to him. They did it again, and after a few times, Max seemed to calm down.

“Whatever you guys are doing, keep doing it. Her heartbeat is getting better.” Lucas voice echoed around them. 

And they did, until the connection was cut as Max woke up. 

As soon as Lucas realised Will and El were back, he got even closer to Max, calling her.

“Max ? Are you here ? Are you back ?”

The first thing Max said was “Ouch.”, The second was “Lucas”, with a smile.

“I’m here, hi.” the black boy answered immediately, a big smile on his face, tears rolling down his cheeks while Will and his sister gave them some space, smiling at each other.

They did it.

“Yeah,” Max said, voice hoarse. “I’m pretty sure my eyes are open and I can’t see anything, so some things definitely aren’t working as they should, and also everything hurts. But I’m glad I’m back.” 

Chapter Text

Despite the doctor’s advice, Max had insisted to go back home right away. She made a promise to call if she felt even slightly off, but she wanted to go back home to her mother. Lucas used the hospital’s phone to warn his parents that Max woke up, and that he would sleep over at her place. El had insisted to come too, just in case. They had still made a stop at the cabin so that Max could show off with her new survivor statuts, and most importantly meet her friends. Dustin had given her the biggest hug, and even Mike had been rather soft, although she had just squinted at him the whole time, which was rather impressive given she hadn’t recovered her sight yet.

The night must have gone without an incident because on the next morning, the three teens were back to the cabin right before dawn. In fact, it was Max’s insistent knock on the door that woke Will up. He sat up, and instinctively looked at Jonathan’s bed, but Mike had slept in his own house and the bed was empty. 

His eyes still sticky with sleep, he put his slippers on and walked to the door.

“Coming !” He said, loud enough to be heard from outside. There weren’t a lot of people to wake up anyway. Joyce and Hopper were here, but their room’s door was closed. The other adults were gone the day before. It seemed that getting Max back had done something to the portal, and they went to investigate. Jonathan was still at the Wheelers, with Nancy, obviously. Argyle and Dustin were here, but they were still snoring in their hammocks, unbothered. If those guys ever entered a nap contest, they would probably end up sharing the gold. Only Robin and Steve, sharing a blanket top to tail on the couch seemed to mind the noise, protesting in muffled groans.

“Will ?” Max asked as soon as he opened the door, Lucas and El standing behind her, apologetic looks on their faces making Will believe they probably tried to make her wait a bit but failed.

“It’s me Max,” he said, moving aside. “Come in.”

“Please get Henry out of his tube,” she said, feeling her way to the kitchen table and plopping down a chair. “ I sure am grateful for your memories of this place, being blind sucks.” She mumbled before going back to her demand. “Anyways. Henry. I need to… talk to him.”

There was something in the way she said the word “talk” that let Will believe she didn’t actually want to talk.

“You realise he is not material enough to punch him, don’t you ?” he asked, putting some coffee to brew. Max huffed.

“What’s the point of him being here then.”

Lucas laughed, but she raised an eyebrow at him and he stopped.

“I’m serious. Can’t you give him a physical form long enough for me to punch him ? I am grateful to be alive, truly, but I really feel like I deserve to punch him in the face.

- And he deserves that punch, I know, but I’m not sure…” Will started, but was interrupted by El, still standing behind Max.

“We can try.”

Then another voice raised from the living room as Dustin climbed down his hammock, his hair half falling on his face.

“Actually. I have an idea. Which might come with ulterior motives.”

There was a light cough on the couch, and Dustin corrected himself.

“Okay, maybe I didn’t come up with it on my own.”

It turned out the night before, realising the portal was on its way to be closed, Dustin had expressed regrets that they could never have a proper funeral for Eddie. Steve and Robin had helped him figure out a way to get Eddie’s body back, which was basically “Ask Henry where it is and how to bring it back here.”

“Alright,” Max said. “I’m sorry about Eddie, and I’m all for getting him the proper burial he deserves, but I don’t see how it helps me with my problem ?”

It was Robin who answered, having left the couch to get a cup of coffee which she clearly needed.

“One of our concerns was that Henry would still physically be in the Upside Down. There’s no guarantee, but since we were gonna suggest going there anyways…

- No.”

Lucas had stayed silent the whole time, but finally spoke his mind, grabbing his girlfriend’s hand. 

“ No way. Max’s not going to the Upside Down.”

Max opened her mouth to answer, but he stopped her.

“ I would never doubt you, you are strong, and smart, but that’s enough. You’re back, and I don’t wanna lose you again. Max you… You died. For real. You died in my arms and there was nothing I could do. So if it means you are upset with me, for going against your plans, so be it, but I wont let you go. I’m not going through this again.”

Max scoffed, but it wasn’t an angry scoff. A tender smile was stretching her lips as she held Luca’ hand to her heart.

“I wasn’t going to go there, Lucas. And you say you think I’m smart ? Would a smart person risk her life to punch some evil dude in the face ?”

Lucas sighed in relief, eyes filled with tears. Will couldn’t help but smile. Those two deserved the world…

“ We, on the other hand, are going.” Dustin said, pointing at himself and Steve, still on the couch. There was something in his voice, in the way he stood. There would be no way to stop him. Robin still shook her head.

“Uh-uh ! You do nothing until we have spoken to Henry and have a better idea of what to expect. He might not be in the Upside Down anymore, but as far as we know, all the the demo-stuff is still out there. Demogorgons. Demodogs. Demobats. The whole demo-graphic.”

Will couldn’t help but laugh at her pun, and she adressed him a small nod of gratitude. Dustin, on the other hand, was neither amused or impressed. It was weird, Will thought, seeing his friend like this. 

“Well, then, we should talk to him. Will ?”

Will nodded, and went to fetch the toothpaste tube in his bedroom. When he came back, he made sure everyone was ready, and released Henry from his soft plastic prison.

“Finally !” Complained the man as soon as he was out. “ How long have you kept me in here ? Do you have any idea what it’s like inside ? I’m never eating anything minty ever again.

- Keep complaining and you wont eat anything at all ever again. Just be grateful it was the toothpaste tube and not some of Jonathan’s dirty socks.

- I swear Henry, you’re making me regret saying punching you wasn’t worth risking my life.”

Henry turned to Max, watching her for a moment.

“You actually did it.” Was all he said, then, thankfully, he shut up.

Will gestured at Dustin that Henry was all his to interrogate.

“Alright you asshole. Don’t think you’re suddenly our friend because Max is back. We are glad she is but first of all you didn’t do much, and also she isn’t the only friend we lost.

- You’re talking about your friend…

- Eddie. His name was Eddie.

- Is. His name is Eddie.”

There was a long silence in the room as everyone was taking what Henry just said in. Was Eddie alive ? Will had never even met him, but Dustin was very clear about what happened in the Upside Down.

“What do you mean, is ?” Finally said Dustin, tone clearly indicating that Henry better have a good explanation. 

Henry sighed and moved towards the teen, extending his hand to Dustin’s forehead.

“Let me just…”

Dustin took a deep breath, then blinked a few times, looking genuinely confused.

“What did you do to him ?” asked Lucas. Will had his hand on the toothpaste tube’s cap, ready to trap Henry back in it.

“I just shared a memory. It’s not like I have the power to do more.” Henry answered as Dustin slowly came back to his usual self. He had a frown, seeming both confused and angry.

« You fixed him up.” He said, not bothering explaining what he saw to the others.

“Yes.” Henry answered

“With demobat parts.” Continued Dustin, now squinting at Henry’s ghost, disbelieving. 

“With what I had available.” Corrected Henry, cautious.

“ Demobat parts.” Dustin insisted, raising an eyebrow. Will exchanged a concerned look with Lucas.

Henry sighed in defeat.

“Yes. With demobats parts.”

Dustin closed his eyes, apparently summoning all his patience.

“Sorry did you just say…” Started Steve, but Dustin hold up his hand, silently asking him to be quiet. 

“Yes. Eddie is… we can say alive I guess. Henry used demobats organs to make his body somehow functional.”

Steve grimaced at the thought but still had a hint of relief in his eyes. 

Will couldn’t help but wonder how that would even work. Were the Upside-Down creatures that close to humans, genetically speaking ?  And if so what did it mean ? 

Dustin went back to verbally attacking Henry.

“And, for some reason, even while you pretend you want to be a better man and do some good, you only thought of telling us now ?”

The man was speechless, barely managing a nod while Dustin glared at him.

“Unbelievable. How did we even lose to such an idiot ? ”

No one had the occasion to answer that question, which was probably rhetorical anyways, because there were once again some knocks on the front door.

Will went to open, and faced Mike, Nancy and Jonathan right behind him.

“Hey,” Mike said, a bit hesitant, but a smile on his face, before he looked down at Will’s hand. “What’s happening ?”

Will realised he was still holding Henry’s tube.

“ Come in, there’s warm coffee and fresh milk, and we can tell you the latest news.”

And so they did, while they all drank their coffee - or milk, in Mike’s case. Nancy always seemed on the verge of killing Henry with her mind, but Mike seemed relieved.

« Let’s see the bright side of it.” He said, once they were done explaining. “He’s like, a vampire now. Undead, half bat. That’s pretty cool. Absolutely metal.  »

That sure was a way to see it. Will couldn’t help but smile. 

“So, how do we bring him back ?”

Chapter Text

They formed a plan by cross-checking the infos they had with what Henry told them. 

Dustin would go to the Upside Down through Eddie’s mobile home’s portal, with Will, and Henry safe in his tube. Mike pursed his lips at that thought, but said nothing. According to Henry, being the bearer of his power made Will safe around the creatures of the Upside Down, and he would be able to keep them away from Dustin. Nancy would go too for some extra safety. This isn’t enough, Mike thought, still silent.

“I’m coming too.” Steve said, but Nancy shut him down quickly.

“You’re staying here. There is no point in you coming, and it will be one more person for Will to keep an eye on.

- But Nancy, Eddie, he is my…

- I know.” She cut him off, her tone clearly indicating that here was no debate to be had, even though there was a certain tenderness in her eyes. “I understand that he is important to you, but trust us, we will bring him back okay ?”

This kind of took Mike aback. This whole conversation. It sounded like… But it was impossible. Steve liked girls. Women. Eddie, as far as Mike knew, was a man.

Still, if it was like that... Will ? Now Steve ? At this rate, he would soon learn that Nancy and El are into women. Ha, as if. 

“So Dustin gets to go, but I have to stay here ?” Steve protested, and Mike had to agree. There was no good reason for Dustin to be the only one to go. Especially if it meant Will was less safe. 

“Don’t act like it’s a chance ! It’s a big risk to take !” Nancy insisted.

“ Even more so ! Dustin should not go, I should.

- Both of you guys should stay here.” Said Jonathan. “We need neither of you to get him. If anyone should go with them it’s me. Will is my brother. I can help Nance protect him. If anything goes wrong…”

Mike stopped hearing anything after those words. It finally hit him. What his brain blocked since the beginning of this conversation. Will was going back to the Upside Down. They were sending Will to the Upside Down. Where he almost died. Where Nancy almost died. Where Eddie died. Almost died. Still. Will was going back there. No. There was no way. No fucking way. Unable to stand it anymore, Mike got up and went out to get some fresh air.

He slammed the door a bit harder than what he meant behind him and started pacing on the porch, taking deep breaths. The weather was getting colder and for once, Mike appreciated it, the crisp air on his face and in his lungs slowly taking him back to the present moment, slowing down his racing thoughts of everything that could go wrong in the Upside Down.

He heard the door open behind him, and soon enough, Will was there. He seemed worried. As if he was the one who should worry right now. Mike took a deep breath. He already knew what Will was gonna say back, but still, he said what he had to say.

“You’re not going to the Upside Down.” He wanted his tone to be commanding, much like his sister was to Steve earlier, but his voice was shaking. “They have to find another way.”

Will sighed.

“Mike. I have to.” Mike’s jaw clenched. Even knowing this was coming it still hurt. “I have Henry’s power. I’m the only one who can protect them.”

You shouldn’t be. Please don’t go.  

“They can protect themselves. They did it before.

- Yes, and they lost Eddie.”

Yes. And that’s why you shouldn’t go. I don’t wanna lose you.

“ He is still alive.

- Because Henry fixed him up with demobats parts”

And he wont be here to fix you if something happens. Please, I don’t wanna lose you.

“Still. You shouldn’t go. I know you are strong and, it’s not that I don’t trust you. I do. I just…”

He could feel the tears coming to his eyes and turned his gaze to the ground, hiding the pain. Still, his breathing was loud and shaky, and Will could probably see how affected he was. 

The other boy came closer, putting a reassuring hand on Mike’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry…” he started, but Mike didn't want to hear it and pushed him away. This time he couldn’t keep his thoughts to himself.

“Don’t worry ?” Mike asked, still looking away as tears rolled down his cheeks. “Don’t worry ? Will, how can I not worry ?” He turned to face Will once again, and his anger turned to pure distress when his eyes met Will’s hazel ones, just as wet as his. “I’ve lost you before, Will. More than once, and it hurt so much. How many times do I have to see you go ? So, what, I should accept it, knowing you might never come back ?”

He was fully crying now, and Will grabbed his shoulders as to keep him steady, speaking softly as he looked right into his eyes.

“I am coming back.” He said, slowly saying each word as a promise, and Mike almost collapsed in his arms, vision blurred by the tears.

“We don’t know that.” He said, voice hoarse from crying. “Anything could happen. Anything.  I’m done being the one left behind, Will. If you go, I go with you.”

“No.” Will immediately answered, and that felt like a dagger through Mike’s heart. He took a step back, feeling betrayed.

I thought you loved me. You said you loved me. Why would you leave me behind if you love me. Why would you leave me alone. 

 “I mean. It’s not… I can’t…” Will tried to explain, but Mike shook his head, before once again looking right at him.

“Don’t leave me here alone. Don’t go where I can’t follow.” He quoted, words he had read long ago, when he was still a 2^nd grader reading above his age, not fully grasping them back then. Today though. Today he understood. And he was not letting go.

“Mike…” Will said, pleading. Mike shook his head, unwavering. He wasn’t crying anymore. Something new burned inside him. It wasn’t anger anymore. Not pain either. Some kind of burning determination.

“No. You’re not leaving me. I love you. I love you and I can’t tell you because I don’t know what I mean by it. I love you and I don’t want you to be disappointed. I love you and I can’t hurt you. I love you and I can’t let you go.” he thought.

“Will…” he said instead. “Please.”

Something changed on Will’s face. He breathed out, closing his eyes, but then a slight smile appeared on his lips as he nodded.

“Alright.” He said. Mike couldn’t believe it. Did Will just agree to take him with them ? A sudden warmth flooded his chest, as well as some tension. “But you’re not leaving Nancy’s side for a second. If for any reason Henry’s powers don’t work, I want to be sure you will be the safest possible. And no offense, but I’ve seen you play baseball in PE, I know there’s no point giving you a bat or molotov cocktails.”

Mike couldn’t find it in him to be vexed. It was true after all, he had always been useless when it came to baseball. And it didn’t matter because he wouldn’t have to wait for Will, not knowing if he would come back. He must have been crazy. He was heading to the most dangerous place in the universe and here he was, relieved.

“We should probably head back,” Will said, before sighing again. “Your sister is going to hate me for agreeing on this.”

When they entered the living room Jonathan looked defeated and Dustin sulked as Steve held a spaghetti up in victory.

“ There ! See, fate agrees, Jonathan and Dustin should stay safe !”

Apparently they drew straws - or, spaghettis- to decide who would come to the Upside Down with Will and Nancy.

“I’m coming too”, Mike said, and he could see his sister ready to argue, but Will cut her off.

“He is. I know I can trust you to make sure nothing happens to him, Nancy.”

She shook her head.

“It’s too dangerous. What about you ?

- Steve will be here.” Will said. He sighed, glanced at Mike, who couldn’t help the heat coming to his face, then back at Nancy. “I don’t like this either but he gave me no choice. I promise I care about his well being just as much as you do, and at any sign of something going the wrong way, we are out of here.”

She contemplated the possibility for a moment, then shook her head, holding her hands up.

“Alright. Whatever. It’s not like there is any way to keep you all from doing whatever you want.

- Oh, so Mike gets to go but I have to wait here ?” Dustin protested, but El stopped him, putting her hand on his in a comforting gesture, shaking her head before giving Mike a slight smile.

She understood. Mike was grateful.

Chapter Text

Mike tried to be casual and normal about it. He really did. The thing is, there was nothing normal and casual about him finding a way to be alone with Steve. Yet he had to. He had to ask. Right now, Steve could be his best chance to sort the mess inside him. Those feelings he might or might not have for Will. 

Yes, either that was getting fixed, or his sister’s ex was going to hate him. Or laugh at him, which would be better, but not really nice. 

Steve went to fetch some weapons and protections in the shed, this was Mike’s chance. He followed the other man outside, then gathered his strength and voluntarily started what was without a doubt going to be a most awkward conversation.

“Hey Steve,” he said. One couldn’t go wrong with such a standard start.

Steve turned to face him, visibly confused.

“Hey. Mike. We were in the same room like 30 seconds ago ?”

Ok, maybe it could go wrong.

“Yeah, right, but uh, there’s something I need to ask you. In private.”

“Okay ?” Steve asked, clearly waiting for more informations.

“And you don’t have to answer if it’s too personal or… Well it’s because of what Nancy said…” This was a disaster. This was terrible. “I mean I don’t want you to think I just assume stuff out of the blue and…”

“Mike, are you alright ?” 

Now Steve looked genuinely concerned for Mike, which didn’t help him the slightest.

“No, but that’s not the point. Are you like... Or were you ?… Like dating Eddie ?”

There, he said it. He kind of expected Steve to get angry at him for assuming he was gay, but to his surprise, the young man just laughed.

“Sorry, I’m not laughing at you,” he said, patting Mike’s shoulder.  “I just didn’t expect that. No, I am.. Was… Am ? Not dating Eddie.”

“Oh.” Mike simply said. “Nancy said he was your… She didn’t finish the sentence, I thought…Sorry for thinking you were into men.”

This time Steve fully grabbed him by both shoulder, in a sort of brotherly manner.

“Please don’t be. First because you are right, I am into men -well, not only men but, yeah- and second, because there is nothing wrong with that. And I learned both of those things thanks to my best friend. Eddie.”

Mike nodded, but was a bit disappointed, now. He had hoped he would get someone else’s feelings to compare to his, but the way Steve spoke, there was nothing but pure friendship between him and Eddie. Still, he had to make sure.

“So you’re not attracted to him ?”

“I am.” Steve shook is head. “I’m just not… It’s not… “

There was a moment where Steve pursed his lips, looking for the right words.

“It’s like Nancy.” He finally said and..

What now ?

“You did date Nancy.” Mike pointed out.

“Yes, but I mean…” Steve sighed. “It’s like Nancy with me. We can be good friends. And I think she is attracted to me. At least she was at some point…”

“Ew !” Mike protested. He didn’t want to think about them doing… things…

“Sorry,” Steve apologised. “My point is, in the end it’s not… She doesn’t feel the… you know.”

He shook his hands in front of him, trying to express what he was refering to. “Butterflies ? No butterflies from Nancy.  She doesn’t want to go back home to me after a day of work for the rest of her life. When a love song comes on the radio, I’m not the one she thinks about. And the same goes for me and Eddie.”

“Oh. Okay.” Did Mike think of Will when he heard love songs ? He hadn’t heard any in so long…

“Why would you ask anyway ?”

Shit.

“No reason.” Mike said, a bit too fast. “Nothing. It’s… Nothing.”

“If you say so…”

The Upside-Down was, as it turned out, not like what Mike had imagined at all. Somehow, despite all his friends telling him it wasn’t the case, his brain couldn’t let go of the idea that everything there had to be literally upside-down.  Even now that he was in it, something inside him kept telling him this wasn’t the actual Upside-Down, because everything was upright. 

On the other hand, it sure wasn’t the real Hawkins. Even after the earthquake ruined a lot of things, it still wasn’t in such a state of decay. It kind of felt like they had shot an apocalypse movie there and forgot to clean the mess afterwards.

After walking for what seemed to Mike like an eternity, but was probably closer to 15 minutes, it became clear that Henry had told the truth : the few creature they encountered didn’t even try to get close. They started relaxing a little bit.

“Are we there soon ?” Mike asked. The way the Upside-Down was set confused him. Where was the Creel’s house supposed to be ?

“If you are going to complain you should have stayed home like I asked you to.” Nancy said, pursing her lips, but she still answered. “We just have to go through the woods and we are here.”

“Of course. Woods. Ugh.”

He could have sworn he heard Will chuckle at his misfortune. But then he did the most incredible thing. He started singing, on a vaguely familiar tune.

“O! Wanderers in the shadowed land despair not! For though dark they stand, all woods there be must end at last…”

“No chance to see the sun out there.” Mike answered. It was form the Lord of the Rings. A song about woods he would recite to calm down when the trees looked a little bit too much like monsters. 

“You remember.” Will said, with a smile. 

“Of course I do. I’m surprised you do.”

“How can I not? You used to sing it every single time we’ld go through Mirkwood. Never on the same melody. You once used the Slice comercial’s tune. You know ? We got the Juice ! A burst of cheer !”

And just like that they were singing together, ignoring the threatening tree branches above them and the distant growl of some dreadful creature. Even forgetting that Nancy and Steve were with them.

… all woods there be must end at last,

and see the open sun go past:

the setting sun, the rising sun,

the day's end, or the day begun.

For east or west all woods must fail…

Mike didn’t even notice they were out of the woods and in front of the Creel’s house until Will pointed it out to him.

As soon as they entered it, the tendrils that overran the entry hall and stairs made way. The movement caused Nancy to take aim with her shotgun, ready to shoot. They all stayed still for a minute, and when it was clear that they wouldn’t get attacked, relaxed a bit. 

“So… Should we call him or something ?” Steve asked, to which Nancy shrugged.

“Eddie ?” Mike called, since no one had come to a better idea. “Are you here ?”

“Mike ?!” The voice was raspier than Mike was used to, but definitely Eddie’s. It was coming from upstairs. Mike went for the stairs, but Will grabbed his hand to stop him.

“What…” Mike started to ask, but Will’s hand gave his a light squeeze and he stopped in his tracks. Butterflies. Butterflies…? 

Will was looking at him, and he was… Scared. Anxious. Oh.

“Right. Sorry. Staying close.”

“Thank you” Another hand squeeze before he let go, and Mike’s hand suddenly felt cold.

“Mike ?” Eddie’s voice called once again, as he appeared on top of the stairs. A smile lit his face as he saw the others.

“You all came to get me ?” He asked, running down the stairs to meet them. He had to stop abruptly as Nancy pointed her shotgun at his chest. He looked at her, confused, but she didn’t move.

“Sorry but we believed you were dead, and learned that Vecna brought you back, so until we are sure you are yourself, you’re not coming any closer.”

Eddie considered her words before nodding.

“Fair enough.”

“ Okay. What would only the real Eddie know ?” Steve asked, but no one answered.

“There’s no point,” Will shook his head. “Henry read minds, if it’s a trick he would know whatever we ask.”

“So what we just trust him ?” Nancy asked, skeptical.

Will shrugged, and Mike had to stop himself from laughing. Nancy looked like she was about to implode, Will was absolutely unfazed, and that was too absurd a situation. Serious, sure, but absurd.

“That’s the plan ? We bring him back, and if nothing wrong happens, we can finally give him a Welcome Back hug ?”

Will shrugged again, pursing his lips, and this time Mike couldn’t keep it in. He burst into laughter, which soon got to Eddie and Will, and then Steve, leaving Nancy red as a beet, jaw clenched.

“Is this some kind of joke to you ?”

“I mean. I’m carrying Henry in a toothpaste tube, Eddie was chilling in the Upside Down, nothing makes sense so we might as well laugh you know ?” Will said, drying the tears of laughter on his cheeks with his hands.

“Wait you forgot one of the best parts !” Eddie exclaimed, opening his torn jacket. “Look at that !”

Just like Henry had said, Eddie’s body was… patched up. Entire parts of his skin were grey, covered in scales.

“Well at least his face is intact.” Noted Steve. “It would have been harder to hide back in Hawkins.”

Chapter Text

Mike had been weird since they came back from the Upside Down. Granted, a lot of things were weird since that trip to get Eddie back. 

Will and El were grounded, which given the context seemed perfectly absurd, but according to Jim and Joyce made perfect sense. It didn’t make much a difference since all of their friends were still at their place every day. 

Henry on the other hand, had permission to stay out of the toothpaste tube, as a reward for not being a liar trying to trap them, which made every visit from Max range from awkward to hilarious. 

Eddie was now part of the regular Cabin Crowd, and was also the one who insisted they gave Henry some freedom. “He did fix me. I wouldn’t have needed fixing if it wasn’t for him, sure, but he still didn’t need to do that. He could have left me to die and he didn’t.”

Another consequence of the Upside-Down excursion was that Joyce and Hopper now took turn staying at home so that the kids couldn’t try and do something without them being told beforehand. 

But still, the weirdest part of them all was Mike’s behaviour. Will would have sworn Mike was avoiding him, yet he spent all his time in the cabin, even when Eddie wasn’t here, so it couldn’t be just because he missed his friend. Something was just off. Did Will scare him off by holding his hand in the Creel house ? It couldn’t be something that stupid, right ? Will sure hoped not anyways. To think he could have lost his best friend with such a mistake.

Well, Mike’s behaviour was the weirdest thing until conversations with Henry led to the next step of their plan to make things right. Which was, apparently, grave robbing ?

“No way.” Will disapproved, shaking his head. “I mean, even without considering the ethics…”

“What ethics?” Dustin asked. “Would you rather Henry’s victims stay dead?”

“… Without considering ethics,” Will insisted. “How are we supposed to dig up corpses from Hawkins’ cemetery without getting arrested?”

“Well…” Steve started. “We do have Chief Hopper with us, I guess he can find out a way to make it seems legit?”

This was insane. The whole situation was already absurd, true, but this? This was yet a new level of insane.

“What if it doesn’t work?” Will asked. Was he the only one here thinking the whole idea was crazy ? They were supposed to dig up Henry’s victims corpse, then bring them back like they did with Max, which would possibly close the gates and, like, save the town, or country, or world. “The whole El and me reviving them? What if we dig up their corpses for nothing? Or even worse what if works just enough that they come back but it’s actually worse for them than being dead? There’s just so many ways this can fail terribly…”

“You brought me back, didn’t you?” Max said.

“You weren’t dead.” El said, and it was the first time she expressed herself during this argument. Will was surprised that she seemed as uneasy with the plan as he was.

“But I was.” Max insisted.“Very briefly, but I was.”

“You weren’t embalmed and buried.” Will countered. “I’m pretty sure embalming fluids are not good for living people. I’m not bringing them back so they can suffer horribly and die again.”

There was an awkward silence.

“What if we put blood back inside them before you bring them back?” Robin offered.

“And how would we do that? Look, I would love to bring them back and close that damn door to hell, but we have to be perfectly sure of what we are doing. This is not some kind of game.”

“I think I could do it.” Dustin said, attracting confused looks from all around the room.

“Sorry what?”

“Last year, we had to find a place to get some work experience.” Dustin explained. “Something about getting ready for entering the world of work. Anyways, I decided I was gonna work at the mortuary. For science.”

“And they let you?” Lucas asked.

“I can be persuasive. And I did well, because now I know how to replace blood with embalming fluid, which means I can do it the other way too. And I can also guarantee you knowing how efficient the fluid is, El won’t have much more work to do on the physical part than if they just died. Stuff is strong.”

“Alright, that still doesn’t solve the part where we would have to find like, 20 liters of fresh blood. And we still have to dig them up.”

“Could we steal some at the hospital?”

“They kind of need it, though.” Nancy said.

“So do we. It’s for a good cause, we are going to save people from death.”

“Still, what if they think they have plenty and in the end run low on it?”

“Someone has a better idea?”

“What type are you guys?” Dustin asked, before defending his idea as everyone started giving him looks. “What? It’s not that crazy. There are 3 of them, and like, 20 of us. We could do it if we have the right types.”

“Isn’t the blood used for transfer like, cleaned or something?”

“If El cures people, i guess she can clean the blood too?”

“Ok, how do we even know their blood type?”

“I guess i can find them on their coroner reports…” Jim said, having finally drank the last drop of his giant coffee mug.

“Wait, you’re backing that plan?”

“We don’t have another…” Jim said, shrugging.

“Chrissy’s B positive.” Eddie said, as everyone turned to him, confused. “What? We had chemistry together, we did the blood test.”

“Alright,” Steve said. “I’m B positive too, so I could give some of mine.”

“Wait would that even matter since they don’t have any blood left anyways?” Lucas asked.

“Better safe than sorry.” Will insisted. If they really were to try this they to leave nothing to pure luck.

“Ok, so Chief Hopper goes to check on the coroner report, and we check our own blood types?”

“Oh I’m B positive too!” Dustin said, way too enthusiastic for someone who was asked to give up some blood. “I asked Mr Clarke back in middle school. I was curious.”

“Will is A negative, like me.” Joyce said. “But I’m not sure if using his blood, or Jane’s, whatever her blood type, is a good idea.”

“Right.”

“I’m O negative.” Nancy said. “I donated my blood to help after the gate opened…Universal donor.”

“Okay, okay, wait for Murray and Dmitri before doing the test… Wait, I’m pretty sure Murray is the type of person to know his, but still wait, just in case.”

In the end, it turned out between all of them, and with the equipment Dustin had “borrowed” from the mortuary, they could produce enough blood in the right types. Then, as if it was a normal thing to do on a Saturday afternoon, they went to the cemetery with shovels and ropes and other tools you don’t usually bring to such a place if you aren’t working there.

Murray had stayed home with Argyle, Steve, Robin, Nancy, Lucas and Max, since all except Max had given blood away and weren’t supposed to over-exert themselves. There was no point in everyone going, anyways, and if anything went wrong, they needed people on the outside. 

Henry was back in the tube until he was needed, since they were outside the cabin. Dustin was waiting, his instruments carefully tucked in the briefcase he put over the cooler full of blood bags. As soon as a corpse was out, it would be his turn to get busy. But for now, Mike and Jonathan were digging. Will and El were waiting, saving their energy for what came later, and Enzo -his name turned out to be Dmitri but Will was too used to call him Enzo at this point- and Hopper were ready to help lifting the coffin as soon as it was uncovered.

 Will couldn’t help but think back to that time, in the desert. It was night, and Hawkins cemetery looked nothing like the desert in Nevada, but still… Something about seeing Mike with a shovel. Mike who regularly gave him careful glances.

After while, it started raining, but the diggers kept digging, until Jonathan’s shovel hit something hard that sounded kind of hollow.

“I think that’s it.” He said, swiping the rain out of his face with dirty hands. “Jim? Dmitri? Can you give me the hook? Mike, get out of here, i’ll do it.”

That’s when Mike came to Will, covered in rain and mud.

“Hey.” He said, before biting his lip. What was this about?

“Hey.” Will said in return, unsure.

“There’s something I need to tell you?”

“Now?” Will asked, as he could see from the corner of his eye Hopper and Enzo pulling the rope Jonathan had attached to Chrissy’s coffin.

“Yeah, now.” Mike insisted.

“Alright. I’m listening.”

“I’ve been thinking… After… Well you know. A lot of things changed recently, especially between us and I did a lot of thinking and… I might not think of you every time I hear a love song, most love songs aren’t good enough to be about you anyways, but i realised to me every song becomes a love song when you’re the one singing. And when… When we kissed. It was unlike anything else I’ld done before. And it scared me. A lot. Look, you’ve been so brave confessing to me but I’m not like you. I’m a coward…”

“You are not.” Will said, shaking his head, but Mike insisted.

“I am. But I’m trying to be brave. So that’s why I’m telling you this. The one… For me it’s not El. I love her, it’s true, but as a friend, and I think we’ve established that but I want to be sure that you know it. The one for me is you. It always has been, and even if it took me some time to realise, now I know. And I’m sorry if it sounds cheesy, but it is how i feel. I’m… Sorry it took me that long. I… I love you Will. I always have, I just had no idea I did. I feel so stupid. I’m sorry if… No, not if. I did. I hurt you. I’m sorry I hurt you. I promise to do my best to prevent it from happening ever again.”

Tears were blurring Will’s vision. He blinked them away, feeling them rolling down his cheeks , warm among the cold raindrops.

“Look, Mike.” Will said, trying to sound anything but delighted. “I’m not complaining, I’m not, but why now of all times?”

“I don’t know,” Mike said. “I think it’s… I mean it’s so absurd you know? It doesn’t feel real. Like some kind of fever dream. And if it’s a dream then I can do whatever I want with no consequence.”

Will shouldn’t have felt hurt. Yet there was a pinch inside his chest. And also concern.

“I told you how I felt. What are you so scared of?”

Mike looked him right in the eyes, pleading.

“I told you what. Hurting you. I’m terrified because I don’t know if I’m that good as a… As a boyfriend you know. I wasn’t good to El. And I don’t have a lot of good examples to follow. I just don’t know how to do things right… But look. I’m not good when it comes to feelings, so I’m going to do my best. Still I need you to be understanding. I might make mistakes. I don’t want to but it still doesn’t mean…”

“Guys.” Dustin called. “I don’t want to interrupt what seems like a touching moment but I think it would be nice to not let all that sweet new blood rot in Chrissy’s body so can we move on and go back to whatever you’re having when it’s all done?”

“Sure.” Will said. He gave Mike’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze, then joined El next to Dustin and Chrissy’s body, and opened the toothpaste tube that he kept in his pocket.