Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The silence hung thick in the air. A distance wedged between them for so long, and even with the events of the past few days, Mike still felt it, that distance.

He stared at the floor, willing it to swallow him up whole. Now that he was back in Hawkins, sitting next to Will, he could truly feel his anxious, self-hating, spiralling take over.

“I’m sorry, Will.” Mike blurted, unable to look in Will’s direction, his gaze fixed on that floor. “I can’t say it enough. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m-"

“Mike.” Will starts, hoping he can break Mike from his ramblings.

“I am! I pushed you away, I treated you like garbage! It wasn’t right. There’s so much I would’ve done different. So much... I just- I thought it made me wrong a-and broken and I couldn’t-”

“Mike.” Will tries again, a hand on Mike’s shoulder this time, breaking his flurry of self-blame, his rushed words.

“Yeah?” Mike asked, his eyes darting from Will’s touch to Will’s eyes, then to Will’s lips.

“I know.”

Mike watched Will’s lips shape the words, unable to look away, mesmerised by the thought of a first kiss with his best friend.

“You do?” Mike asked after a moment, sure Will could see his gaze, and his thoughts.

“Of course.” Will reassured, his tone warm and gentle. “And… maybe I should’ve reached out more too. I guess I didn’t know if you wanted to hear from me.”

“I did. I did want to hear from you. I tried to call, Will, I promise.” Mike pleaded, looking up from Will’s lips for a moment, gazing deep into Will’s eyes, hoping his words were right, or smart, or something worth a damn. “I called, but the line was busy so much and I… I didn’t know how to… how to…”

Mike’s words drifted off, with his gaze, focusing again on the floor, his brain unable to put into words something he was so unsure if he could say, even to Will.

“I thought I was wrong, Will… wrong for feeling… for, um…”

“I thought I was wrong too.”

Will’s words float in the air between them for a moment, dancing, twisting, and weaving. A lifeboat rowing out to Mike.

Mike looked into Will’s eyes, seeing them silently welling up, only now feeling he was starting to cry too.

He pulls Will into a tight hug, taking Will’s his breath away, and it’s perfect. It’s comfort, it’s home, it’s them floating like Will’s words. Heartbeat against heartbeat, ferocious and loving.

“But I’m not wrong. It’s not wrong.” Will spoke into Mike’s shoulder, the words felt more than heard, muffled by the embrace. “It’s beautiful and we…”

Will’s muffled words faded. He wasn’t sure if there was a ‘we’ to speak about.

Mike buried his face in Will’s shoulder, wanting so desperately to sink completely into Will, to feel seen and known, as only Will knows him.

“This is beautiful?” Mike asked into the fabric of Will’s shirt.

“When it feels like this, it is.” Will reassured, splaying his fingers out, sinking his touch into the small of Mike’s back.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Chapter Text

Eleven takes her chance to pull Mike to the side, the others talking over one another about what to do next, the chaos giving them leave to slip away. She was hoping this was her moment to rip off the band-aid.

Mike following reluctantly, avoiding eye contact, and hoping this would be quick, especially if it involved anything romantic.

“I know you lie.” Eleven said, her words hitting Mike’s ears like venom, shooting down his spine and snapping his gaze to her watchful eyes.

Mike could feel his heart racing. He’d been found out.

Had El overheard his talk with Will? Had she sensed his actions were off? Was this to do with the deathly silent drive from Nevada?

He felt perceived in a way that rooted his feet to the ground. He hoped remaining silent would help somehow.

“Mike? Do you listen?”

Mike nodded.

“I know you lie.” El reiterated, her watchful eyes waiting for a reply, a reason, an excuse, perhaps Mike knew there wasn’t one. “I know you don’t love me.”

Mike took a sharp inhale, not realising he was waiting on El’s words with bated breath.

“Mike?” El asked, so used to Mike’s endless dodges. “Why are you not saying anything?”

“I… I.. because…”

“Mike, do not lie. Not anymore.”

Mike looked down, unable to look at El, barely able to articulate something that had felt impossible for so many years.

“I… I do love you… just not…like, boyfriend-girlfriend love…” Mike began, each word needing to be forced out, like they were stuck in this throat, scratching and maiming him on their way out. “I love you more like… like friends love.”

The words washed over El. She took them in for a moment, thinking back to her time with Mike, and one big question came to mind first.

“You don’t… you don’t like to kiss me?” El asked, tears welling in her eyes.

“I thought I did!” Mike protested, feeling the tears come up and his voice crack, looking anywhere but at El. “I wanted to! I’m sorry, I didn’t know that… that…”

“know that, Mike?” El replied, her tone soft and kind, simply hoping for answers to her mounting questions.

“That I… I was… that I liked… that…” Mike closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath, willing it to ease his racing heart, unsteady voice, and welling eyes. “That I was… someone who… liked boys… that I like one boy, at least… the way that… I’m supposed to like girls… the way I’m, that I’m… supposed to like you.”

Eleven took a moment to take in Mike’s words, trying to process why he was so hesitant, why he was taking so much effort to get the words out, why he was barely looking at her, as though this was something secret, something he wasn’t supposed to feel.

“You did not know… what you liked?” El began, piecing it together. “And you thought… you were not… allowed to like boys? It is bad?”

“You… you don’t think it’s bad? For me to…?”

“Why would it be… bad?” El replied, trying to understand Mike’s assertion.

“Because I’m a boy… and boys aren’t supposed to… to like other… boys?”

“Why are boys not? Why is it different?”

“Be-because… I-I…” Mike struggled to articulate his reasons why not, as much as he struggled to voice his reasons why. The concept seeming to disintegrate in a split second when confronted with logic. “Because people say so.”

“But do people lie?”

“They do… sometimes.” Mike replies, shuffling his feet as her wipes away a tear.

“So you… lie to me… because people lie to you?” El asked, continuing to watch Mike.

“I… yeah, I did. I shouldn’t have… it was a real jerk move.”

El began laughing. Mike finally looking at her, even just to see why.

“And I dump your jerk ass.” El joked, through chuckles, wiping away tears.

“You should.” Mike replied, smiling through tears. “I am a jerk ass.”

“You are!” El laughed, her eyes still welled up.

“I am.” Mike agreed again, taking a moment to compose himself before dropping another truth. “And… this jerk ass likes a boy… that way.”

“A boy that I know?” El asked.

“Will. It’s Will.” Mike replied softly. His words almost lost in the air, gentle and light, as he felt enough courage to finally look El in the eye.

“You like Will?” El was trying again to piece things together, busy behind the eyes, with her tone curious and light. “And does Will… like you?”

Mike nods, more tears of relief streaming down his face.

El smiles, relief washing over her. The realisation that she wasn’t dropping Mike, but setting him free, settled in her soul.

“So you are not sad that I dump your ass?” El asks, placing her hands on Mike’s shoulders, trying to catch his gaze.

“Well I…” Mike starts, locking eyes with El, realising in an instant that he doesn’t have to keep running from his truth. “I’m not that sad. Are you sad that I don’t love you, in… in that way? Because I do love you like a friend, I want you to really know that.”

“No. It makes this easier. And I think I… I need some time to figure out what I like… and who I like… in that way.”

“I still love you, El.” Mike restates, taking El into a tight hug, the weight and guilt finally lifted.

“I love you too.” El talks into Mike’s shoulder, closing her eyes, feeling free and loved.

Chapter Text

“Will can stay here, obviously.” Karen Wheeler says, gesturing to Will, then to Mike, before continuing. “With you, honey… that’s ok, right?”

Mike felt his face get hot. He knew he must be bright red, and hoped it was less obvious than it felt.

Will simply looked down, shuffling his feet, trying to stifle a smile.

A tense silence hung for a second. In the full room - with the party, parents, and the older kids - no one said anything for a beat, as though far too many of them already knew, something that no one was willing to say out loud.

All expect Ted Wheeler, who simply continued reading his newspaper. Not acknowledging Karen’s words, let alone their meaning.

It was Johnathan who was merciful enough to say something in the thick tension.

“Well, let’s get your stuff from the van, hey?” Nodding to the front door of the Wheelers, Jonathan leading Will, then Mike, outside.

“Was that-? Do you think everyone knows?” Will whispered to Jonathan, reaching the safety of the van.

“Don’t- Don’t worry about it, bud. It’s- um… let’s just get your stuff.”

Mike caught up to them, exchanging charged glances to Will and Jonathan, before slinging his bag over his shoulder. Then, looking up for a moment, and taking a deep breath, and exhaling heavily, his eyes wide and mind racing.

Will simply grabbed his bag and held it tight to his chest, sneaking a glance at Mike, then staring at the ground.

The three walked back in loaded silence, passing the group and the living room, heading upstairs to Mike’s room.

Mike shot Will a look on the way up, hoping he would say something to his brother, giving the pair a moment alone.

Will nodded in response, turning to Jonathan at the threshold, as Mike went in and busied himself pretending to unpack his bag.

“We can- you can- we don’t have to-“ Will stumbled, hugging his backpack to his chest, trying his best to ask Jonathan to leave.

Jonathan looked from Will to Mike, and back again, narrowing his gaze.

“Have you two, like… talked or something?” Jonathan asked, leaning in, but knowing Mike could still hear his questioning.

“Yeah.” Will whispered, nodding and stifling another smile.

“Ok.” Jonathan concluded, shooting Mike one last look, placing a hand on Will’s shoulder. “If anything happens, that you’re… not sure about… you can always come talk to me about it… I’m always here to listen, ok?”

Will smiled, hugging his bag even tighter, nodding once again.

Jonathan gives Will’s shoulder a quick squeeze, and heads back downstairs.

Will slips into Mike’s room smiling wider than he thought possible, and then his face turns to surprise.

Painting, after drawing, after doodle of his artwork, covering Mike’s blue walls, all he can do is stare.

Mike finally turns from his ruse of unpacking, and sees Will’s face, his eyes bright and mouth agape, studying the walls, backpack held to his chest, lost in thought.

Mike simply smiles, watching his love for Will reflected back at him.

“You didn’t think I’d throw them out, did you?” Mike asks, taking a step toward Will, holding out his hand.

Will looks to Mike, down to his outstretched hand, and takes it in his. It’s electric, to feel so seen, so understood, so appreciated. Will could barely take it. His other hand squeezed his backpack so tight, it was surprising it didn’t burst.

“Hey, your mom says you two gotta come ba-“ Lucas spoke, appearing at the doorway suddenly.

Mike pulled his hand away, placing it behind his back, but holding his gaze on Will.

Will looking down, returning to hugging his backpack with both hands, a vice-like grip that looked painful.

Lucas looked from one, to the other, and looked down for a moment.

“Oh.” Lucas simply stated, eyes on the floor. “Ok. Um… well… you both gotta… ok.”

“Lucas.” Will says softly, unsure, looking to Lucas, who looks up to him, warmly. “Please don’t say- anyth-any… um..”

“I would never.” Lucas reassures, nodding to Will.

Lucas clasped his hands, nodding to Mike, who was continuing to look only at Will, and disappeared downstairs.

Will finally looked to Mike, only now noticing he’d been watching Will the entire time.

Mike smiles, Will smiles.

“That went pretty… pretty well.” Mike states, with a soft chuckle.

“Yeah.” Will replies, laughing along, placing his backpack down, a weight lifted.

Chapter Text

“Do you… do you remember…? W-we used to hold hands all the time.” Will recalled, sitting on Mike's bed, hand in hand with him.

“I never forgot.” Mike replied, a smile spreading across his face as he once again replayed their elementary school hand-holding.

Moments rushing past him in an instant. A highlight reel of hugs, laughs, and a closeness that didn’t register as anything worth hiding away.

One hand in another at the school lunch table, on the swings, walking home. Two young boys enjoying the simplest display of affection, untainted by the gaze of implied attraction, no matter how real that attraction was, and still is.

An act of being there, of feeling connected, of grounding to the world around them.

Lucas and Dustin had noticed, but didn’t know any more than Will and Mike, and all the same, they knew the special bond Will and Mike had, that wasn’t shared with them. There was no jealousy, no resentment, just the simple fact that it was different, and it showed.

Until one day, around age eight or nine, the name-calling got too much for them, the implications were made on their behalf, and Mike was the first one to pull away.

Not aggressive, not yet, but final, matter-of-fact, cold.

Cold enough to burn Will’s insides, the kind of cold that’s freezing hot, that sinks in where it lands. A deep, aching, freeze.

Will cried himself to sleep that night. Silent, as he’d already learnt to be, hand over his mouth, gasping for air as quietly as possible, knowing Lonnie would scold him for crying, and even worse if he knew what Will was crying about.

And the next day Mike apologised, explained that they couldn’t be close like that anymore. They had to stop the hand holding, the sitting close, the cuddling in Mike’s basement.

It didn’t mean Mike didn’t want to stay best friends with Will, but he didn’t want people to say those things about them anymore, and this was the only way to stop those words from coming their way.

Will knew exactly why Mike made the choice, he knew the darkest side of those words, but a part of him dimmed, faded away in that moment, a part he never thought he’d even find again, let alone feel light up once more.

And yet here he was, years later, sitting on Mike’s bed, drawing shapes in each other’s palms, talking quietly, giggling softly, trying to keep their voices down. Not because they were worried about the names, but because they were kids staying up past their bedtime, just like anyone else.

“You know when I said we had to stop holding hands?” Mike asked, in between guesses of each other’s fortunes from lines on their palms.

Will nodded, not ready to tell Mike what he did quietly in his room that night.

“Well I… I’m sorry about that, again…” Mike began, his tone heavy, his eyes fixed on their hands. “And I… that night I cried so hard, right here in this room, because I thought… I thought I’d never get to hold your hand again…”

“You did?” Will asked, leaning down to try and catch Mike’s eye.

“Yeah… I guess that sounds-“

“Me too.” Will interrupted, eager to catch Mike before he spiralled. “I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want you to feel… guilty. But I… I actually cried myself to sleep that night… and I was so scared my dad would hear me.”

“Will…” Mike’s voice was so soft and warm, floating over to Will, the one iteration of his name carrying so much.

“I… I didn’t want you to…”

“Will.”

Mike pulled Will into a tight hug, so charged with comfort, relief, and the knowledge that there was still more to learn about each other. What a treasure, to feel safe enough to speak the truest hurt, the buried reasons, and the love that carried them along the way.

Chapter Text

“So, you and Mike.” Lucas mentioned, nudging Will’s shoulder with his.

Will smiled to himself, looking to his feet as he continued on, the others walking ahead of he and Lucas.

“I haven’t like… said anything to anyone. Promise.” Lucas clarified, his words rushed.

Lucas really hoped Will knew that he understood the gravity of the others finding out before Will was ready.

Will nodded, feeling relieved that Lucas got it.

“But, hey!” Lucas continued. “Once Dustin knows, he’ll owe me five bucks.”

“Lucas!” Will exclaimed, laughing into his hand.

“What? I bet him back in Middle School that you two would get together.” Lucas continued, nudging Will again. “He thought it wouldn’t be until college, but I knew you better than that.”

Will looked to Lucas, stopping for a moment on their trudge in the woods, he could barely believe how much he’d believed of his own doubts and anxieties.

Lucas knew him, knows him, sees him. Lucas has always been so loyal, such a caring friend, so analytical, but also just downright kind. Why would Will ever let the doubts in his head try to tell him, for even a second, that Lucas didn’t know him anymore? That he’d moved away, and The Party had somehow forgotten about him. Those doubts were liars.

“You did?” Will finally said, smiling at Lucas.

“I do! Of course, I know you, Will. You’re like… the glue that holds us all together. It wasn’t the same without you here.”

“I thought Mike was the glue.”

“That’s just because you love him.” Lucas teased, hand on his heart and swaying side to side. “And you give him kisses.”

Will froze. Should he tell Lucas?

Maybe he wouldn’t have to.

“You two haven’t kissed?” Lucas asked, leaning in.

“No… I just… I don’t… know how and I’m… taking my time.”

“Well, you two have only been waiting since you were like six years old, so you can’t rush these things.” Lucas teased, tapping Will on the shoulder playfully.

Lucas watches Will, notices the beat in which his joke doesn’t land, in which Will looks down again, and he jumps into action.

“Hey, I didn’t mean anything… you should take all the time you need. There’s no rush, honest.” Lucas comforted, placing a calming hand on Will’s shoulder, waiting for him to look up.

Will did. He took a moment, and looked up, half-smiling at his friend, hoping it was convincing.

It wasn’t.

“Hey… hey, don’t pretend for me.” Lucas spoke calmly.

Will tapped him on the shoulder, trying his half-smile again.

It wasn’t enough for Lucas, who pulled him into a fast hug, and after a second or two, Will softens into the embrace.

“Are you worried about it?” Lucas asked, practically holding Will upright in their hug. “You can tell me.”

“I don’t know… I’m just kind of… so far behind all of you… I don’t know if it’s even about kissing.”

“It’s ok.” Lucas squeezes Will tighter. “It’s not a race, you just gotta… go at your own pace, alright?”

“Alright.” Will mumbled, smiling genuinely.

“In the meantime, we actually are behind the others right now.” Lucas joked, feeling Will chuckle with him. “We should actually catch up. If you’re all good?”

“Yeah.” Will replied, pulling back, smiling. “I’m good.”

Chapter Text

“What were you and Lucas talking about?” Mike asked.

His words were more accusatory than necessary, as he closed the bedroom door behind him, and continued tussling his damp hair with a towel, dressed in his pyjamas, and staring expectedly at Will.

“Are you jealous or something?” Will teased.

He gave a playful smile, as he turned around, holding his pile of clean clothes, as washed and dried by Karen today.

“No.” Mike muttered, certainly laced with high-potency jealousy.

“Sure.” Will responded. “Where should I put these anyway?”

Mike slung the towel around his shoulders, and huffed to his closet, throwing some of his things out of the way, so will could have a spot for his clean, folded clothes.

“We… we talked about me and you.” Will answered, as a huffy Mike sat on his bed.

“What? You can talk to me about us!” Mike protested, throwing his wet towel on the floor.

His words hit both of their ears suddenly, thick with meaning, teaming with intention, the simple and potent: us.

“Us?” Will asked, sitting next to Mike, close as close could be.

“We’re an ‘us’?”

Mike took Will’s hand in his, interlacing fingers, running light touches up and down Will’s forearm.

“I hope so.” Mike said softly, his tone suddenly warm and hopeful. “You want to be an ‘us’ with me?”

“Yeah.” Will beamed.

A moment. A tender, loaded silence. Two boys looking at each other like they are each other’s sun and moon, as though all the stars in the sky could never be as bright or as important as each other.

Breathing syncing up, hearts racing, eyes fixed on lips.

“Please kiss me.” Will muttered, soft and urgent.

Mike brought a hand up to Will’s face, running a thumb over his cheek, his eyes darted quickly to Will’s eyes, looking for any sign that this might not be real.

But it is. It’s charged and special, quiet and beautiful, simple and complicated.

Will squeezed his hand in Mike’s, urging him on to lean in, to make this happen, finally.

Mike pulled Will in, their lips meeting softly, surely, like they just fit together.

It took Will’s breath away, the tingle that spread from his lips, all the way down his spine, like he’d been awakened from the longest slumber. He squeezed Mike’s hand in his, tighter, white knuckling the moment, hoping to hold onto something, lest he float away into the most glorious ether.

Mike could barely believe it. His whole body on fire. His entire being lifting up from the inside. So, this is how it’s supposed to feel.

They pull apart. Deep breaths. Immersed in each other eyes.

And then, giggles. Absolute disbelief that they could feel so much in an instant.

“Whoa.” Mike stated, looking down at Will’s fierce grip on his hand.

“Yeah.” Will agreed, loosening his grip. “Oh, sorry was that too tight?”

“No, it’s just… I didn’t know you’d become that strong. I… I like it.”

Mike looked down at the red mark Will had left, and smirked at the possibilities.

“I guess I’m not the damsel you thought I was.” Will flirted, tracing a hand up Mike’s arm.

“Oh, I never said you were the damsel.” Mike blushed, leaning into Will’s touch. “And maybe… you should kiss me this time.”

Will traced his fingers around to the small of Mike’s back, and brought the other hand up to Mike’s chin, running his thumb over Mike’s lips.

“Well, are you gonna do it?” Mike teased, a cocksure smile laced across his face.

“Shut up.” Will responded.

And as he traced his hand along Mike’s cheek and into his hair, he pulled Mike in, tasting him this time, deeper and more passionate.

Will tastes of Skittles and Cola, which they’d snuck after dinner, sweet and vibrant, just like him. Mike could feel his head spinning, as Will kissed him deep and slow, a hand in Mike’s hair, another on his lower back, he’d never felt so desired, so special, so incredibly wooed.

Maybe he was the damsel.

To taste Mike on his lips, his tongue, so tangy and vivacious, Will falls absolutely into that glorious ether, and into Mike. For all the times that Mike had sought to protect him, now he could wrap himself around Mike, take him in completely, run his hands through Mike’s hair, and pull him in closer and closer, as though there could never be anything between them.

Mike brought a hand to Will’s knee, set alight by the kiss, the passion of the now, wanting to touch him all over, but not being sure if he could, if he should. So, he kept it in place, squeezing Will’s knee, and bringing his other hand to Will’s back, sinking his very fingertips into the fabric of Will’s pyjamas, gentle and warm, just like this kiss.

Will slowly pulled back, eyes closed, lost in sensation, needing a moment to take it all in.

Mike opened his eyes in an instant, hoping they could do that again, and again, and forever and always.

“Whoa. This is… wow.” Will stumbled, bringing his hand around to stroke Mike’s cheek. “I just… I want to remember this. And you, just like this.”

Will studied Mike, looking over him with intense adoration. Taking in his bright red cheeks, his ruffled hair, his puppy dog eyes. Will never knew he would see this side of Mike, be close to Mike like this, kiss Mike passionately in his room, in their pyjamas, at the end of another long day.

He could barely believe his luck, and he needed to take it all in, for a moment.

Chapter Text

A moment stolen in the mid-morning.

The others off on a mission, Will and Mike stowed away in Mike’s room, unseen and safe together.

Kisses and touches, still exploring and not always sure. A chance to try, to hope, to dream.

It was still so new, so fresh and freeing, like jumping into the clouds and realising they love to soar.

Will, with the taste of Mike’s spearmint toothpaste on his lips, came up for air. Mike responding in kind, tracing soft kisses down Wil’s neck, eliciting a soft moan from Will’s lips.

Tentatively, and spurred on by Mike’s neck kisses, Will’s hands began drifting from the small of Mike’s back, to the belt of Mike’s jeans, and finally, to his hips. Will felt himself melt into the ecstasy of the moment, pulling Mike in, their hips so close, their legs intertwining, nearer and tighter.

Then Will felt something in the friction of his jeans.

“O-oh nooo…” Will mumbled, pulling away from Mike’s kisses, moving to the edge of the bed in an instant.

His head racing, his face on fire, and something soaking into his underwear.

“I-I have to… I’ll be right back.”

“Aww, Will!” Mike whined, reaching out as Will hurried out to the corridor.

Closing the door behind him as quietly as possible, he rushed along the landing to the bathroom, locking the door behind him.

Only in the sanctuary of the tiled walls did he dare look down.

“Oh shit.” He hissed, grimacing at the wet spot on his jeans.

Grabbing a wad of toilet paper, he unzipped his jeans and cleaned up as best he could. All the while hoping there could be a fire, or someone could run their car through the Wheeler’s house, or he could evaporate into thin air, anything for this moment to be over.

After a few minutes of fussing, he took in a deep breath, zipped his jeans back up, and began washing his hands, only to see his reflection in the mirror, and realise he was absolutely beet red.

“Shit, shit, shi-“

“Will?” Mike called through the door, his voice worried and soft. “Is everything ok? Did I do something?”

Will closed his eyes, took in a deep breath, and walked over to unlock the door.

“Should I, like… come in?” Mike asked, his tone still hushed.

“Yeah, come in.” Will answered, sitting on the side of the bathtub.

Mike slowly opened the door, as though he was expecting to find something other than a flushed Will sitting on the tub.

“What’s… going on?” Mike asked, his eyes darting, as he continued to search for the source of the problem. “Are you… hurt?”

“No… no, I… umm… had to…” Will tried, staring at the pink bathmat, his leg bouncing. “I had to… come in here- I mean, come- I mean! Not that… I just…”

“Will.” Mike reassured, sitting down next to his love, trying to catch Will’s elusive gaze. “Whatever it is… you can tell me, please.”

“I had to clean up.” Will mumbled, crossing his arms over his lap, looking away from Mike.

“Why?”

“Because I… beca-“

“Oh.” Mike smiled, glad Will couldn’t see him. “I mean… it’s kinda flattering.”

“Mike!” Will exclaimed, burying his face in his hands.

“It is! And what? You thought it would never happen?”

“It’s not that…” Will mumbled from behind his hands. “I’m usually so much better at… at being in control.”

“Oh.” Mike replied, before realising he was still unsure of what Will meant. “Like, of your feelings, or of your… excitement?”

“Mike! Oh my god!” Will exclaimed, doubling over, hugging his knees.

“Sorry! I want to check. Otherwise, I’m not a good boyfriend.”

“Fucking hell.” Will swore, uncurling completely to curse at the ceiling.

“So… which one was it?”

“Both… I guess…” Will replied, looking straight ahead, still avoiding Mike’s eyeline.

“Ok. Cool.”

“I’ve just- I’ve felt so out of control ever since… you know… we finally got him out…” Will confessed, his voice becoming shaky, as he began to recall feeling another being possess him. “And I just… try so hard to keep it all together… all the time… and…”

“Ok. Ok, yeah. I hear you.” Mike reassured, watching Will intently, trying his best to say the right words, or at least just be here for Will, as he was back then. “But also, this is different. Maybe it’s good to not keep yourself from… feeling the good things. What do you think?”

Will took in Mike’s words, glancing over, just enough to peak at Mike. Of course, he was waiting for Will with a wide smile. That absolute buffoon.

Of course, it wasn’t a big deal. And maybe losing a little control every now and then might be ok.

“Yeah… I think so.” Will agreed. “Thanks for not… I don’t know… making fun of me or something.”

“Will, come on… why would I do that?” Mike asked, placing a comforting hand on Will’s shoulder.

“I dunno.” Will shrugged, knowing exactly why, and his tone giving that away.

“I… I wouldn’t…” Mike soothed, his voice as soft as his touch, as he ran his hand over Will’s back. “Especially not when I can tell you’re already giving yourself a hard time.”

“Ok, yeah.”

“Or I guess a soft time now.” Mike joked.

“Mike!” Will exclaimed, burying his head in his hands again.

“Kidding! I’m kidding!” Mike smiled.

Will peaked at Mike between his fingers.

“Asshole.” Will mumbled.

“Now there’s an idea.”

“Michael Wheeler!”

Chapter Text

Something had been buzzing around Will’s head for a couple of days. Something that he’d been considering and reconsidering, needing answers like nothing else.

Until finally, another night in Mike’s room, sitting on the floor together, taking some time to recentre. And it’s another chance to distract themselves from the horror they were fighting, and why not? Why not just ask.

“When you… when you said that thing about…” Will took a second, almost thinking of backing out again, but screw it. “a-holes… were you… were you joking?”

Mike perked up. He’d been hoping they could talk and maybe… do something else, but he didn’t want to pressure Will, so he’d tried to keep his words in, which was about as easy as trying to keep hold of a soapy balloon. Tedious and absolutely no structural integrity.

But he’d tried his best for Will’s sake. And now, thank Eros, his chance had come. All he had to do was not fuck it up.

“Uh… well, like, obviously I’m not…” Mike tried, his head a flurry of thoughts and second-guesses, hoping to find the right words. “y’know… I’m not… thinking that anything was gonna- like, it’s still… and… you know?”

“Mike Wheeler, lost for words, I never thought I’d see the day.” Will teased, leaning over slightly.

“Shut up.” Mike teased back, leaning into Will too. “I mean, I don’t want to move too fast, but… I don’t want… to never move at all, you know?”

Mike hoped against hope that he’d come across as he’d intended, that he was able to convey that he would do anything, for any reason, at any point, for Will. But that the ‘anything’ in question could be waiting, and the waiting could be just as treasured.

“…yeah. I feel similar.” Will agreed.

“Cool.” Mike concluded, but he wasn’t ready to stop the conversation there. “So do you… ever… y’know?”

Mike accompanied his words with a gesture of raising two fingers and miming a massaging motion. He couldn’t say it, but he had to know, it was like dancing on hot coals, dangerous but exciting.

“What?”

“Like, inside?” Mike tried to clarify.

“Of… me?”

“So that’s a no.” Mike nodded, feeling exposed, like he’d stood on the coals too long, and they were burning his soles.

“Do you… do that?” Will asked, his tone curious, no trace of judgement or harshness.

“…sometimes.” Mike admitted, his gaze falling down, Will’s caring tone lost on him.

“Do you… like it?” Will asked again, this time, leaning in further, getting Mike’s attention.

“If I do it right, it’s good.” Mike stared at Will’s lips, the hot coals no longer burning, but igniting. “Really, really good.”

“Mhmm, ok.” Will replied, taken aback in the best way.

“Does that like, gross you out or something?” Mike panicked, worried he’d stood still too long again.

“No, it’s just… I kind of… focus more on… this area.” Will gestured to his groin, Mike’s watchful gaze following along.

“But that’s good.” Mike jumped in, a million arousing thoughts flooding to him at once. “That means that we could fit together like, at some point, it doesn’t have to be soon. But, you know.”

Mike pulled back a little, the feeling of being so unsure how to say these things, how to communicate such desire, such thoughts, such absolute overflowing need, without overstepping and ruining it all.

“Oh.”

“Does the… idea of that sound good?” Mike asked, eyes wide, mouth dry, heart racing.

Will just blushes and looks down. Of course, it sounded good. It sounded beautiful. He had lusted for so long, thought of Mike in so many iterations, during so many late nights, under the cover of darkness, safe and able to indulge in fantasy.

But the reality? Will knew he wasn’t ready. It was scary, the thought of that much intimacy, of being that vulnerable, and that close. He just couldn’t.

So, he doesn’t say anything, he is frozen.

“Sorry, I’m not trying to make it happen right now.” Mike jumped in, reaching a hand out on the carpet, fingertips touching fingertips. “It’s just… I think we should kind of be honest about what makes us… you know, excited.”

“…yeah.” Will managed to get out.

“So, it doesn’t sound good?” Mike tried again, needing more clarification, more words, just so much more, to know that he wasn’t absolutely screwing this up.

“I don’t know… I think I’m still at the kissing point.” Will mumbled, his index finger nervously grazing along Mike’s.

“And I like being here too.” Mike catches himself, thankful for Will’s words, and a chance to clarify his own intentions. “I love being here. There’s plenty of time, because we’re gonna win and we’re gonna be together and we don’t have to let… all this make us rush.”

“Yeah.” Will agreed, readjusting himself to kneel, and tower over a sitting Mike. “I think… I would like to… um…”

“You can tell me anything.” Mike breathed, his words rushed and urgent. “Anything at all.”

“What if we wrestled?” Will suggested, placing a hand on Mike’s knee.

“Like, for real? In leotards and stuff?” Mike furrowed his brow, confused.

Will should’ve been less surprised.

How can any one person be so incredibly dense? And so annoyingly adorable?

Will decided to try again with a demonstration.

“I mean, what if I…” Will placed both hands on Mike’s shoulders. “Pinned you down like this?”

Will firmly guides Mike down, Mike's hands naturally falling above his head, held down by instinct.

Mike looks up at Will with absolute delight, breath taken away, feeling so wanted.

“And I kissed you like this?” Will asked, leaning in, kissing Mike passionate and slow.

It’s so right, like two puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly, completing a picture that they were always intended to make.

“Do it again.” Mike breathed, his head absolutely spinning, a dizzying flurry of pleasure.

“Like this?” Will asked, leaning in.

Their lips meet again, tasting each other, soaking each other in, Will running a hand from Mike’s shoulder, to that sweet spot on the side of his chest, just under the armpit, squeezing gently.

A moan from Mike, his hands absolutely glued above his head, feeling completely wooed and beautiful, as he’d often longed to feel.

A moan from Will, feeling alight and lusted after, as though his touch was electric to Mike. A special sense of the earth meeting the sky.

Pulling back, Will gleaned Mike’s face, blissful and found.

“And another time?” Mike requested, eyes half-closed, breath heavy.

Will traces a hand down to Mike’s knee, pushing it down, the other knee following instinctively. He throws a leg over, straddling Mike, looking deeply into Mike’s now wide eyes.

Will dances his hands up Mike’s sides, eliciting impatient whines from Mike, landing on Mike’s forearms, a surprised moan leaving Mike’s lips.

“Like this?” Will asks, as he leans down a third time.

It melts Mike completely, absolute putty in Will’s hands, as Will kisses him intense and slow. Like falling through space and time, past the sun or the moon, into a plane of only love and warmth. Passion personified.

Will pressed his touch into Mike’s forearms as he took Mike’s breath away with his kiss, and felt Mike’s heat and desire under him. Like finally having an answer to something so untenable, so difficult to articulate. The perfect colour to complete a masterpiece. The unknown now known.

Will pulls back slowly, straightening up, sitting back against Mike’s hips, feeling the obvious in both their jeans.

“Ok wow, so we really do fit together.” Will spoke through hushed words, his voice deep yet soft.

“I guess so.” Mike fluttered, propping himself up on his forearms.

Staring into eyes, breathing together. Then laughter, the joy escaping into the room, the pure magnificence of the opposites fitting together as only they can.

Chapter Text

“Is everything… good with you and Mike?” Jonathan whispered, taking his chance to check in with Will, while in the back of the van together. “Is everything… are you two… being safe?”

Will watches Jonathan for a second, unsure if his brother was actually asking what he guessed he was asking.

“You wanna ask me about Mike in the middle of all this?” Will whispered back, only half-worried about being found out by the others, and more worried about talking about sex for the second time in as many days.

“I’m not trying to… pry, I’m just… y’know, are you all good?”

“Jonathan, are you really asking if Mike and me are… doing it?” Will asked, still hushed, but his shock evident.

“Yes?”

“Holy shit, why is everyone so obsessed with… that?” Will blurted, shouting in a whisper. “Mike and me don’t need to… do that… to be a real couple, you know.”

“I know, I know. And no you don’t.” Jonathan soothed, placing a hand on Will’s shoulder. “I just… I could see how… it might feel like… because everything is so… intense out here, maybe it seems like you have to take a big step like that right now, like you don’t have time to wait, but you don’t have to take that step… not right now. Not if you’re unsure. Do you know what I’m saying?”

Will breathes a sigh of relief. Jonathan gets it.

“Yeah, yeah.” Will nodded. “And for the record, I’m not ready, and me and Mike have talked about it.”

It was Jonathan’s turn to sigh his relief. Squeezing Will’s shoulder and nodding.

“Ok, good. And hey, there’s a lot more than just… the one thing… do you know what I’m saying?” Jonathan asked, patting Will’s shoulder.

Will pulls away and buries his face in his hands. Why does he have to fight beasts of The Upside Down and have The Talk at the same time? Can’t his suffering come in instalments instead of all at once?

“Will, hey, look at me please?” Jonathan tried to catch Will’s gaze through Will’s fingers. “I’m just trying to make sure you… have some information. Please.”

Will looks through his hands at Jonathan. Please just let this be over soon.

“There’s lots of ways to… feel close to someone like that, and there’s so many other types of affection too. It’s not just… there’s a lot of moving parts to a relationship, is what I’m saying.”

“Ok.” Will murmured behind his hands.

“Ok. So… if and when you are thinking about… taking other steps, those can be really small steps, do you know what I mean?”

Will simply nodded, so much embarrassment running through him, he feels like his essence might actually be leaving his body.

“And if and when you do…” Jonathan continued, trying to look at Will’s eyes through Will’s covered face. “Think about going all the way… you can come to me if you need… things.”

Will just closes his eyes, curls himself up. Please someone take him away from this moment, someone crash into the van so he doesn’t have to endure this conversation.

“I’m talking about… condoms, and… lubrication.”

“Jonathan, please stop talking.”

“Will, this is important stuff… there’s a lot of… bad information about… this kind of thing, and I don’t want you… to be scared of your own body, ok?”

Will lowers his hands slowly, just enough to reveal his eyes to Jonathan, his fingers still covering his nose and mouth.

“Do you know what I’m saying?” Jonathan asks again, his expression caring and kind. “There’s a lot of people saying that… it’s dangerous, that kind of sex, so I want you to know it doesn’t have to be.”

Will knew. He knew so well. Harsh words from Lonnie, from classmates, from strangers, flooded into his mind in an instant. Some of those words he’d believed once, and some he still did.

“Ok.” Will whispers, softer and more open this time.

“Sex can be something really… beautiful, and I want you to know that.”

Will nodded, smiling behind his hands, then lowering them finally. His red face free from hiding.

He takes a beat, considering if he should just ask, and yes dammit, he’s going to.

“And what if I’m… not good at it? What if my body doesn’t co-operate?” Will asks, looking at his lap.

“You know, the important thing is to talk as much as possible. Before, during, after. And to know, that you can always take a breather and try again in a little bit.”

Will nodded, still staring at his groin.

“And you know,” Jonathan continued, Will’s meaning slightly missed on him. “you should take a little time to… make sure you’re completely relaxed and comfortable before… anything goes inside.”

Will looks up from his lap in a snap, unsure once again, if Jonathan really means what Will thinks he means.

“I think… I think I’ll be the one… going inside.” Will murmurs, even quieter than before.

“Oh, ok.” Jonathan pieces it together, his tone louder than expected at first, and he hushes himself before continuing. “Oh, so you mean… you’re worried about… a different part of your body co-operating?”

“Yeah, this… area.” Will replies, pointing to his groin.

“Ok. Yeah, I can help a little more with that.” Jonathan muses, an encouraging smile on his face. “So sometimes that part won’t… co-operate, and do you know what I mean by that?”

“Mmm.” Will affirms.

“Good, ok. So… that doesn’t have to be bad, because it doesn’t have to start and end with… that part of your anatomy, ok?”

Will nods. Only half as embarrassed as he was a few minutes ago.

“Alright.” Jonathan perks up, happy to be here for Will in this way. “So, like I said, there’s a lot of different things to do, and you can do any number of them, with or without… that part… co-operating. And it’s really more about… connecting and making each other feel good, you know?”

“Mmm.”

“It doesn’t have to be just… that one thing for hours.”

“Hours?” Will blurted, the sudden loudness catching some quick glances from the others.

“It doesn’t have to be anything for hours.” Jonathan restates, whispered and reassuring. “And especially not… that thing.”

“I would hope not.” Will replies, shaking his head.

Jonathan laughs softly, laced with relief.

“But, look, the main thing is… you can talk to me.” Jonathan reaffirms, returning his hand to Will’s shoulder, squeezing to emphasise his words. “I might not understand everything, but I want you to know I’ll always be here to listen and to help in any way I can. Ok?”

Will nods, a tender smile on his face. His nerves settled, his embarrassment subsided.

Jonathan is really trying so hard to understand him, to help him, to support him, and help him feel safe to ask questions. To know there’s nothing wrong, nothing shameful, nothing dirty, about anything he might desire to share with Mike. About any kind of intimacy, closeness, and knowing of one another.

“Ok.” Will nods.

Chapter Text

Mike sat on his bed, head swimming, tired and defeated, the battle of today taking a particular toll.

Will returns, a cassette in his grip, smiling sweetly at a broken Mike, who barely manages a nod.

The case comes off, the cassette goes in, the click of buttons, and Hotel California by Eagles drifts from the speakers.

Dreamy pluckings flow through the air, dancing and twisting, engulfing the pair in sweet abandon.

Will holds out a hand, looking down at Mike with a sweet smile.

Mike takes Will’s hand, and is pulled in, a hand on his waist, a head on his shoulder. He smiles, and rests his head on Will’s shoulder in kind.

The drums kick in, and Will sways them, rhythmic and entrancing, Mike sinking deeper and deeper into Will’s arms, heartbeat against heartbeat, enraptured in a simple moment, free from the terrors of another dimension.

The day melts away, time melts away, everything and anything is gone, and it’s the two of them, floating and dancing, eyes closed and hearts soaring.

Pure and dreamy, like clouds rolling over hills in the crisp Winter morning, a scene of nature and beauty.

They can escape, they can hold each other, and fall into another place, nothing like this world or the world they’re fighting, like something purely made from divinity, from peace and solace.

Mike melts further, and realises he’s crying, he’s let go, he’s safe to feel here, in Will’s arms, under the bewitching guise of this song. He pulls back a little, Will lifting his head in turn, seeing Mike’s tears of relief, of comfort.

Will watches him, knowing Mike isn’t upset, he’s open, he’s exhausted, he’s here. And so is Will.

Something comes over Will, as the lyrics waft through the air, and he mouths the words to Mike:

“…some dance to remember, some dance to forget…”

Mike can only smile. His tears streaming, his heart full.

They were dancing for both. To remember. To forget.

A stolen moment at the end of the world, where two boys can hold each other, feel each other’s love, and remember, even for a second.

It wasn’t always like this, and it can be unlike this again.

It can be simple, like one boy asking another to be friends, on the first day of kindergarten. So they become friends, and in time, so much more.

And now, the other asks to dance. So they dance, and this is far more as well.

And perhaps even more hopefully, they can forget, even for a second.

It isn’t horror, not right here, not in Mike’s room, with music cascading through the air, enveloping them in something so dreamy, they can forget the war they’re fighting, and the little part it takes from them each day.

Will rests his forehead on Mike’s, closing his eyes, holding Mike so close, swaying them gently, as tears continue down Mike’s cheeks.

He can cry all he wants to, spent and empty, he can refill here and now.

And tomorrow, they fight again.

Chapter Text

Will is gasping, suffocating, all he can see is red, as he feels the life leaving him.

He bolts awake. Rattled. Shaking. Covered in a cold sweat.

“Will!” Mike sits up, adrenaline pumping, reaching for Will.

Mike wraps himself around Will, clutching onto him for dear life.

“I’m here. It’s ok. I’m here.” Mike reassures, as Will comes back to this world.

It was all so real, he saw it, felt it. Felt him. Vecna.

Will tries to get words out, but all he can manage is half syllables, ragged breaths, and confused mutterings.

“I’m here, Will, I’m right here.” Mike continues, holding Will close.

Mike rests his chin on Will’s head, his arms clutching Will, trying to envelope him, to ground him.

Will eyes are darting, he’s terrified to close them, but he can’t focus on anything. His thoughts racing, coming back is such a journey. His hand reaches to clutch Mike’s arm, then the other, still feeling as though his body isn’t completely his.

“I’m here… I’m here… right here…” Mike repeats, kissing the top of Will’s head.

His grip is so tense, not ready to let Will go. Not now, not ever.

Will can feel his breath steadying. His skin feeling more his own. His voice returning to him.

Mike is his lifeline. His heart.

“Mike… I- I’m here too.”

The words are hardly heard, barely a whisper, tortured and strained.

Mike lets the tears out, relief washing over him. He takes in a breath he didn’t realise he was needing.

“I’m here.” Will says again, a little clearer, more of an affirmation than a statement.

“You’re here.” Mike echoes, laying his cheek on the top of Will’s head.

They breathe together, in sync, as they’ve been often without realising. Now a silent display of their deep bond, and unwavering love.

Will’s realises his grip on Mike’s arms is sinking into his skin, leaving a mark, even in the moonlight.

“Shit… sorry.” Will mutters, loosening his grip.

“No. No apologies.” Mike reassures, reaching for Will’s hands, pressing them against his skin. “Anything for you. You hear me? Anything for you, anytime, anywhere.”

Will is silent. Almost unable to take in Mike’s words.

A part of him knows, has always known. But to hear such a declaration, such a definitive affirmation of love, of care, of selflessness. It’s overwhelming.

So many voices always told him this kind of love would never be his.

It took everything in his body not to shut it down, to brush it off, to pretend he’d misheard.

“Anything.” Mike repeats, kissing the top of Will’s head again.

Will tries to slowly turn, to look Mike in the eye. But he’s still shaken, still not all here, and Mike’s holding him pretty damn tight, which doesn’t help his movement either.

“Let me look at you.” Will asks, soft and pleading.

Mike’s body responds before his mouth, relaxing completely, wanting nothing more than to do whatever could help Will, now and evermore.

Will shifts around, moving up enough to see Mike’s face, devoted and waiting.

He watches Mike, as Mike watches him, needing to know the other is there, is present, in the dead of night, at the end of the world.

Will takes a hand and places it over Mike’s heart, and places Mike’s hand over his. He feels the heavy beat, the panicked raised thuds, and feels a calm wash over him.

Finally, Will feels safe enough to close his eyes, as he takes in a deep breath.

He opens his eyes, to a watchful Mike, smiling weakly, eyes wide.

All Mike can do is watch, and wait, hoping he can be of use, of help.

But as Will closes his eyes again, taking in another breath, hand still on Mike’s heart, Mike’s hand on his, it clicks into place.

Mike doesn’t have to. He doesn’t have to be of service, to solve any and every problem. He just needs to be here.

Will doesn’t need saving, he just needs Mike.

Mike’s smile spreads right across his face, just in time for Will to open his eyes.

There he is, Will’s Heart. A genuine smile, happy eyes.

Will smiles too, centred, present, calm.

“I’m here.” Mike says again.

“I know.” Will smiles. “Thanks.”

Chapter Text

Nancy’s words fade into the background of Mike’s thoughts, as he stares at Will, wondering a million what if’s.

Maybe they should tell the rest of the party, what do they have to lose at this point?

“Hey.” He whispers, leaning into Will, so no one else wouldn’t notice he wasn’t listening to Nancy. “What if we tell the others?”

Will’s eyes widen, he looks at his feet, unsure if he’s ready, and doubly unsure if their relationship would even register as anything important. Especially since the party is heading into what could be a suicide mission.

Mike looks at him sweetly, smile soft, wanting to go out true, if he is to go out tonight.

Will nods.

A splattering of agreement from the party as Nancy concludes the plan for the umpteenth time.

A pause. A loaded moment of silence. Mike takes a deep breath and looks at Will once more. This is it.

“We’d like everyone to know something!” Mike calls into the van.

Several faces look to him. Even Argyle checks the rear view mirror to glance at Mike.

Most are annoyed. Some are curious. And Lucas has the biggest, most hopeful grin plastered on his face.

“Will and me… we’re…” Mike starts, noting in the corner of his eye that Jonathan’s face has changed from annoyed to watchful. “we’re a, um… we’re…”

“We’re together!” Will interrupts, throwing his hands up, looking at the roof of the van, then to his shoes.

Mike nods. Heart pounding. Containing his excitement as best he can. Just in case.

Silence. A quiet that seems to stretch and pull.

Stillness. Like looking around and seeing only statues.

“Oh shit!” Dustin breaks through the quiet. “You two cost me five bucks!”

Mike looks from Dustin to Will, who looks up from his shoes, shrugging at Mike. It’s Lucas who answers Mike’s silent question:

“He thought you two wouldn’t get together until college.”

“What?” Mike asks, looking around the van. “So you knew… wait, and…”

“Yo that’s what’s up, my dudes!” Argyle calls from the driver’s seat, a few beats behind everyone else. “Love who you love!”

“Wait, everyone knew about this but me?” Steve jumps in, visibly hurt by the mere idea of being left out.

“No. Some of us just notice things.” Lucas replies, smiling at Will. “And some of us walk in on those two holding hands.”

“And you didn’t tell me?” Max interjects, punching Lucas in the arm, the same one she’s holding onto.

“I didn’t want to, like, tell their business or whatever.” Lucas replies.

“You’re my boyfriend, you’re supposed to tell me everything.” Max responds. “And especially because I can’t fucking see!”

Everyone starts talking at once. Arguments of who knew. Who should’ve told who. Who should’ve noticed. Accusations. Pointing. Shouting.

Mike covers his ears, grimacing at the layers and layers of words, leaning into Will.

Will places a hand over Mike’s shoulder, watching the chaos he created with a mix of confusion and amusement.

Through the madness, Robin catches his eye. She smiles, nods, gives a little salute.

And it just clicks.

Robin and Steve stress every second they get that their friendship is purely platonic. She’s never shown any interest in men, not even actors or singers. And that conversation between her and Vickie? The one he walked in on? That was… different.

It seems all like nothing, until it lines up.

Will smiles. He’s not alone. And he never has been.

Chapter Text

Everyone was silent. Those who were left.

One body. Two badly injured. All wounded.

Mike looks to Will. It’s electric. It’s relief. It’s going through hell and coming out the other side.

“I told you.” Mike whispers, voice horse, arm throbbing from his deep cut. “I told you we’d kill him.”

“Yeah.” Will smiles, unable to feel his broken ankle. “We did. Pretty crazy, right?”

“Crazy together.”

“Yeah. Crazy together.”

The sun set around the van, as it drove to the lab, where Dr Owens and his team was waiting, ready to treat the wounded.

It was a flurry, a blur. Instructions and movement and stone cold metal.

No time for mourning. Just enough time to save some limbs and make everyone comfortable enough to recover.

There wasn’t even a question of whether 001 was dead, it was known. Those who made it back did so because they’d killed him.

And then Will woke, unaware he’d gone under, like no time had passed. And of course Mike was in a chair beside him, bouncing up at the sight of him waking.

“What the- where… what?” Will stumbled, as Mike threw his head onto Will’s chest, just as he’d done years before.

“They needed to put screws in your foot.” Mike mumbled into the scratchy hospital blanket. “So they put you under.”

Will felt Mike’s words, as he often did, as his voice vibrated through their embrace. And he brings his hand up to hold Mike closer.

As groggy as he is, Will feels more alive than he ever has. To have made it through, to have slain the evil, to get the boy, so many times he thought this would never be him.

But here he is, victorious.

“Once you’re out of here, we’re gonna play DnD! I’ve been working on a new campaign, and Erica and Robin are going to join our party, and I was thinking we could-“

“Steve.” Will interrupts.

Mike stops in his tracks, pulls his head up from Will’s chest, looks at him for a beat.

“He didn’t… make it, did he?”

“You don’t remember?” Mike asks, thoughts running a mile a minute.

“No, I… I remember. I just… was hoping…”

Mike reaches up and cups Will’s cheek, looking deep into his eyes.

“Me too.” Mike takes a moment to gather his thoughts, a mammoth task. “But you’re here. And I’m here.”

“Yeah.” Will replies, tears rolling down his cheeks, half grief, half relief.

Mike wipes Will’s tears, his eyes welling up as well. Finally a moment to process, a moment to let this sink in.

“And I would do anything, absolutely anything, to be here with you.” Mike speaks through tears, his voice cracking.

“I love you so much.” Will says.

The word rings out like a clock chime. They look at each other. A moment of realisation.

“I love you too.” Mike replies, voice still unsteady, tears still streaming, face full of adoration.

A giggle, a tiny ripple through time. And then, laughter, full and rich like caramel, and just as sweet.

Love. What a funny thing.

“Come here.” Will instructs, gesturing for Mike to sit up.

Mike does as asked, fumbling to sit on the edge of Will’s hospital bed, wiping his eyes as he does so.

“I love you, Mike Wheeler.”

Will sits up, wincing as he finally feels his broken ankle, the pain meds only doing so much. He looks down at a hunched-over Mike, so soft and gentle, like the calm waves of the evening ocean.

Mike simply stares back, watching Will keenly, hoping.

Will brings his hand up to Mike’s cheek, Mike sinks into his touch, kissing the palm of Will’s hand. Will smiles and runs his fingers through Mike’s hair, bringing his other hand up to cup Mike’s cheek.

One last look, and Will pulls him in, kissing him deep and slow. Laced with relief, pain, victory, and most of all: love.

It’s tender and powerful, and Mike just melts into Will, completely lost in the moment, the kiss, the touch, the boy he loves.

It’s so much more than a kiss, it’s a reminder that they made it, that they do deserve a happy ending.

Will pulls back, to the quiet whine of Mike, and lifts up, to kiss Mike on the forehead.

He sits back, taking Mike with him. Holding his love, nursing his injury, at the end of the world, and the beginning of a new one.