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After almost the end of the world, life surprisingly returned to normal. With Vecna defeated and the Mind Flayer taken care of, everyone burnt the Upside Down to the ground.
Now that Hopper was back and the Upside Down was gone, Joyce agreed to move the family back to Hawkins.
‘Especially since our house was shot up and it’d be hard to explain that to the neighbors,’ Will thought as he trudged through school.
After everyone in Hawkins moved back after evacuation, the school system decided to move everyone who was passing to the following year. So the party, which now included Max and El, were sophomores.
‘It’s cooler today,’ Will stifled a sigh as he dropped his bag next to his desk and sat down. He smiled politely at the person next to him, some unnamed girl.
Lucas stayed on the basketball team, now a permanent member, while Dustin and Mike struggled to allow the school to open the DnD club back open after Eddie’s death.
‘I wouldn’t have joined anyway,’ Will rolled his eyes as he took out his supplies, ‘after that summer years ago I don’t think I could handle it.’
As the bell rang and his English teacher started writing on the blackboard, Will leaned his chin on his palm and daydreamed.
‘God let this day be over soon.’
~~~
The final bell for the day rang, and as Will slowly packed up his books, he ignored Troy’s call of “fag.”
Despite growing into himself over the years, developing broad, muscled shoulders and chest, a strong jawline, and growing out his hair, Will remained a target of bullying. Though it wasn’t nearly as harsh as it’d been when he was 12, Troy remained his only bully.
Once he was the only student left, Will set his bag on his desk and sighed.
“Mr. Byers, may I talk to you?”
Will looked into the kind eyes of his English teacher, Ms. Holt. She was a nice older woman who never tolerated Troy’s bullying.
“Of course, Ms. Holt. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, dear. I just noticed that you don’t have any after school activities, so I was wondering if you would try out for the musical?”
Will couldn’t help the amused snort he let out.
“Is it because I’m gay?”
Ms. Holt blushed and waved her hand dismissively.
“No, no, of course not. You just seem to be more attuned to the Arts than others, and you have free time.”
Will nodded, but he understood the subtext. You’re just the only gay kid I know, Will.
He smiled and said, “alright, I’ll check it out. But no promises that I’ll be any good.”
Ms. Holt just smiled warmly and patted his head.
“I think you’ll do amazing. I can sense greatness in you, Will. You just have to believe in yourself.”
And if Will’s throat closed and his eyes stung when she winked, she didn’t mention it.
~~~
“I’m going to try out for the musical,” Will stated that night during dinner. Next to him sat El, then Max, who started living with them after she woke from her coma after Vecna died, though her vision never returned.
Then, Hopper and Joyce across from Max and El, as Jonathan went to NYU with Nancy.
“Oh!” Joyce looked at Will with glistening eyes, “That’s amazing, honey. You know, I was in the drama club in high school. I played Veronica in Heathers. Remember, dear?”
“I remember,” Hopper smiled at Joyce softly before turning back to Will, “have fun.”
“What's a drama club?” El asked.
“It’s like the people on TV, except done in person.” Max hummed and shoveled more food into her mouth as El squeezed her shoulder in thanks.
“Well, I don’t know if I can actually make it,” Will played around with his food using his fork, “I still have to try out. And I don’t know if I’m good enough.”
“Well, I’ve heard you sing before, honey, and I think you’re amazing,” Joyce reached forward and took one of Will’s hands into hers. Will flushed and ducked his head as he silently murmured back.
“Thanks, mom.”
~~~
Will told the rest of the party at lunch the next day.
“Wait, so you’re just gonna go there and sing?” Dustin looked at Will in confusion.
“Basically,” Will shrugged, “I’ll just have to say some lines and sing a song to see if I’m good enough.”
“Oh, that doesn’t sound too hard,” Mike hummed as he stole one of El’s fries.
Will eyed them before looking back down at his food. He still couldn’t believe that they had broken up. He felt a pang in his chest but ignored it with increasing ease.
“Why don’t you guys join me? I mean, without the DnD club what else are you doing?” Will snarked, causing Lucas to cackle as they high-fived.
“Betrayed,” Mike whined.
After he and El broke up, Mike became friendlier to Will and acted like he did after Will returned and was possessed. More affectionate and initiating touch.
‘Guess I’m just the rebound after all,’ Will felt inexplicably angry before looking back into Mike’s eyes, and it faded into emptiness.
“Alright,” Mike softened as he looked into Will’s pleading eyes. “I’ll do it.”
“Me too,” Dustin chirped as he threw a fry in his mouth, “I have nothing to do.”
“I might as well, since the season is over,” Lucas nodded.
“Sorry, we’re going to be busy,” El motioned towards Max. “We’re going shopping at the new mall.”
The lunch bell rang, and they all started cleaning up.
“When is it, Will?”
“Oh, it’s after school today in the auditorium.”
The boys nodded and separated to go to their next class, math for Will.
“See you guys later.”
“Bye, Will,” Mike smiled crookedly, and Will quickened his pace, so no one saw his red face.
~~~
Will was worried that the three wouldn’t show up as he stood outside the auditorium.
‘They’re five minutes late,’ Will checked his watch once more before sighing and knocking his head onto the wall behind him. ‘Maybe they won’t show.’
“Will!”
The brunette shot his head up to see his three friends run down the halls. He couldn’t help the wide smile that bloomed on his face.
“You came!” Will perked up like a puppy.
“Of course we would,” Mike murmured as he smiled at Will. Dustin and Lucas shared a look, but Will ignored them to open the doors. Instead, Will looked around until he saw Ms. Holt sitting in the front row, going through papers.
“Ms. Holt!” The teacher looked back and smiled as the boys walked over to her.
“Oh! I didn’t know you’d bring your friends, Will.”
“I hope that was ok,” Will blushed.
“Of course it is! We always need more people trying out,” she smiled as she handed out the top sheet of paper to Will.
“I didn’t know there’d be more than one of you, so I only printed out one script for each scene today, so you’ll have to take turns and share.”
Though not unkindly, the party nodded before Dustin grabbed the sheet from Will’s hands.
“I’ll just be having you act out two scenes and sing one song from the show.”
“What show is it?” Lucas asked as he examined the page.
“Little Shop of Horrors.”
Will brightened, and his eyes shined.
“I love that show!”
“Well, that’s good then,” Ms. Holt giggled.
He didn’t see it, but behind Will, Mike gazed down at his sparkling expression with love-sick eyes and a dreamy smile.
“Would you like to go first, Will?”
Will’s breathing stuttered, and he clammed up. Despite growing up and developing a more snarky sense of humor, he’d still retained his shy nature. Mike, sensing his discomfort, grabbed the page from Dustin’s hands and marched onto the stage.
“I’ll go first. Show the boys how it’s done.”
Ms. Holt and Will giggled while Dustin and Lucas glared. “I bet you’re going to sound like a dying pig.”
While Mike flipped Lucas off, Ms. Holt waved her hands.
“Now, now, boys. Settle down. Go ahead, Mr. Wheeler. Start us off with the song.”
Mike cleared his throat before looking down at the sheet. Then, he took a deep breath before singing the first lyrics.
“I’ve given you sunshine,” Mike cringed as his voice cracked, “I’ve given you dirt.”
He saw Dustin and Lucas holding onto each other and covering their mouths to keep them from laughing. Ms. Holt seemed to be wincing with every crack and creak, which told Mike all he needed to know about his outcome.
And Will. Well, Will looked at him with wide, shining eyes. They were pools of brown, brown, brown, yet in the lighting from the stage, all Mike could see was sparkling gold. They were full of warmth like honey and sparkled like diamonds, yet looked at Mike in wonder.
Mike felt his throat close up, ending his singing prematurely. Then, after a moment of awkward silence, the watchers began to clap with varying levels of enthusiasm.
Dustin and Lucas, those assholes, were clapping and cheering loudly, even going as far as to whistle and shout, “Bravo!” Will just clapped calmly and with a bright smile, causing Mike to melt. And Ms. Holt just clapped politely, yet in a way Mike knew she didn’t mean.
“That was very good, Mr. Wheeler. Who’s next?”
Mike quickly got off the stage and took Dustin’s seat next to Will as the boy went for his turn.
As Dustin and Lucas went for their turns, both making it through the entire song with minimal effort, though each did have a couple of cracks, Mike took the time to melt into the seat.
“Will, it’s your turn.”
Mike finally emerged from embarrassment as he watched Will nervously walk onto the stage.
‘You got this,’ Mike mouthed, hoping Will would see. He apparently did, as Will sent him a thankful smile and straightened his back.
“I’ve given you sunshine,” Will’s voice trembled slightly at the higher note before he cleared his throat and sang the following line, “I’ve given you dirt.”
“You’ve given me nothing but heartache and hurt.”
Mike leaned in as Will sang, though he noticed that the other three leaned in too. Ms. Holt’s eyes shined in a way they didn’t while he, Lucas, or Dustin sang.
“I’m begging you sweetly,” Will crooned as he sang, and Mike became a puddle. Will sounded so good, and his voice was so deep that Mike couldn’t handle it. So instead, he crushed the seat handle underneath his fingers as the boy entranced him on stage.
“I’m down on my knees,” Will held the last note longer, and Mike bit his lip.
‘You can get on your knees for me- NO! Bad, Wheeler!’
Mike then spent the rest of the auditions stuck in his head, not even coming out of it when he acted in two scenes.
“Well,” Ms. Holt clapped her hands, finally breaking Mike out of his stupor, “thank you for your time. I’ll be posting the cast list Friday before school, so come here and it’ll be on the doors.”
The four bid her goodbye before leaving and heading outside.
“I gotta get home. My mom told me to watch Erica,” Lucas sighed in annoyance while the others gave their sympathy.
“Steve’s picking me up,” Dustin shrugged, “I can get him to drive you three home?”
Lucas nodded while Will and Mike declined.
“I’m gonna bike home. I feel kind of restless, so I want to get the energy out,” Will explained.
“I’ll bike with him,” was all Mike said.
Dustin and Lucas shared another look, which caused Mike to glare at them before waving them off to Steve.
“Bye, guys!” Will called as he walked over to his bike with Mike on his heels.
The two rode in comfortable silence for a while before Will broke it by shyly saying, “you were really good today.”
Mike just scoffed playfully. “No I wasn’t. I think my voice cracked more during that audition than it did during puberty.”
The teen preened when Will giggled.
“You, though. You were amazing, Will. You’re a natural.”
Will ducked his head with a bashful smile and reddened cheeks.
“Thanks, Mike.”
~~~
That Friday, the boys rushed towards the fated doors. A crowd of people, mainly girls with two boys, surrounded a white sheet on the door.
“Excuse us,” Will stated as he pushed his way through. He looked up, scanning the list from bottom to top, before seeing his name.
William Byers: Seymour Krelborn
“I did it!” Will cheered as he turned to Mike, who looked back wide-eyed, “I got Seymour!”
“Congrats, Will! I knew you could do it,” Mike wrapped his arm around Will’s shoulder and brought him into a side hug. Will felt his face flush.
“I got Mushnik!” Dustin cackled, getting weird looks from passing students.
“I got Orin’s understudy,” Lucas said, “what’d you get, Mike?”
Mike scanned the list, holding onto Will tightly, before sighing dejectedly. “Nothing. Didn’t make it.”
Will frowned while Lucas and Dustin snickered together.
“Man, you were that bad.”
Mike scowled as his face flushed, similarly to Will’s.
“Shut up!” He barked, ignorant of the girl approaching.
“Excuse me?”
The four paused and turned toward a pretty-looking girl standing in front of Will, who Mike had dropped when Lucas started teasing.
She smiled brightly, showcasing her perfectly white teeth. Her black hair was wavy and parted slightly to the right while it ended at her chin, framing her face. She had tan, warm brown skin with a mole by her crooked nose. She wore a baby pink t-shirt, an overall denim skirt, and cute pink pumps that matched her shirt. A daisy necklace hung around her neck, and when she moved her head, her hair parted to reveal matching daisy earrings.
“I’m Julia,” she told Will, “I’m playing Audrey, and I heard you’re Seymour?”
Will smiled back kindly. “I’m Will.”
“I know you,” Julia ignored the way the four bristled, “you were in my art class last year. With Mr. Kull?”
Will perked up and snapped his fingers. “Right! You sat next to, what’s his name, Ryan?”
She nodded enthusiastically, “yeah! You’re really good at art.”
Will scratched the back of his neck as his cheeks warmed.
“Thanks.”
Mike cleared his throat, causing Will to look at his stormy expression.
“Will, we have to go to class.”
The teen nodded before smiling back at Julia.
“It was nice to meet you. I’ll see you at rehearsals later.”
The girl just nodded before going off with her friends.
“Come on,” Mike grumbled, grabbing Will by the elbow.
“Mike? What’s wrong? You look upset.”
‘Oh, yeah, it’s not as if I can explain why watching that girl flirt with you made me want to shoot myself,’ Mike rolled his eyes, though they softened as they looked down at Will.
“It’s nothing, Will. I’m just sad I didn’t get a part,” Mike smiled reassuringly, causing Will to relax.
“Yeah, but don’t worry, there’s always the next show.”
‘As if.’
“Yeah.”
~~~
Over the next couple of months, Mike slowly became more and more agitated anytime Will brought up the name Julia.
“During rehearsal, Julia said-”
“Oh, Julia told me about-”
“Julia is-”
“Julia-”
Mike slammed his head on the table, startling Will and making him jump.
“Mike, are you okay?”
He couldn’t help but unwind at the worry in Will’s voice. Finally, Mike lifted his head to smile at Will reassuringly.
“I’m fine. I’m just tired from staying up last night to finish an essay.”
Mike didn’t know when he’d gotten so good at lying. Maybe it was from lying to himself for years, lying to his parents, and lying to anyone and everyone about what they know of him.
Will scoffed and flicked Mike’s forehead, ignoring his whine.
“Don’t stay up late if you’re going to complain about it.”
“Oh, but Mr. Byers,” Mike teased, “what about that time you stayed up 12 hours straight playing a campaign? And then complained about how tired you were the entire next day?”
Will groaned as he blushed.
“Can it, Wheeler,” Will hid his face in his hands, “I was like-eleven.”
“I’m Eleven,” El dropped her tray onto the table, startling the two out of their moment.
Mike rolled his eyes and lightly shoved her, causing her to almost fall out of her seat and laugh.
Will ignored any bitterness in his chest and laughed along.
“So, Will. How’s the show coming along? It’s next week, right?”
Will lit up, and Mike settled into his seat with his chin resting on his arm. Once Mike saw El look at him slyly, he flipped her off.
‘Thank god she approves of us,’ Mike thought as he remembered their breakup. ‘I was such a mess.’ He had cried to her about how he felt for Will what he should have felt for her, and all she had done was smile kindly and say, “I dump your ass.”
“-And then I tried it again, and I got it! I couldn’t believe it! Like, I didn’t think I’d get that high note.” Mike gassed at Will with a dopey smile.
“But then Julia came and congratulated me!” Will waved his hands around enthusiastically, causing Mike’s smile to drop.
“You’ll all be there, right?”
Will looked between El and Mike, though he mostly kept his gaze on Mike, hopefully.
“Yeah. Me, Mom, Dad, and Max will come,” El got up to throw out her lunch.
“I’ll be there,” Mike squeezed Will’s shoulder, causing the brunette to shudder yet smile widely.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
~~~
Mike shuffled into his seat next to El on his left and Max on his right, with Lucas on the other side of Max because he ended up not being needed, though he still had to learn all of the songs and dance routines.
“Are you guys excited?” El asked, clasping hands with Max. Lucas smiled at the two softly, and Mike felt like he was missing something. However, he didn’t mention how Lucas’ hand slipped into Max’s other open one.
“Yeah,” Mike focused on the playbill someone handed him. It said on the front, ‘PLAYBILL’ with ‘Hawkins High Presents: Little Shop of Horrors’ underneath.
Flipping through, he saw the list of names and their characters, eyes immediately falling to the familiar name at the top.
William Byers: Seymour Krelborn
His lips unconsciously curved into a smile.
“I know Will will do great.”
“Dustin will, too,” El shot him a look, causing his face to heat up.
“Yeah,” Max snorted, her milky blue eyes somehow finding him, “we know you’re obsessed with Will, but show Dusty some support too.”
“Shut up, Max. You can’t even see it,” he snapped before wincing at the twin looks he received. “Sorry,” he murmured.
“Whatever,” she scoffed, though her shoulders remained relaxed, “we all know who you’re only going to be watching.”
Just as Mike was about to retort, the lights flickered.
“SH!” Lucas waved his hand in front of Mike dismissively, “it’s starting.”
“We are pleased to present the Hawkins High showing of Little Shop of Horrors!”
As three girls came on stage, Mike got comfortable in his seat. But, he had to admit, the girls were talented.
He glanced down at the playbill and read the names.
Gabrielle Frayer: Crystal
Veronica Laurel: Ronette
Vivian Roche: Chiffon
Mike watched as the curtains opened to a flower shop in the middle of the stage with Dustin standing outside of it sweeping. He and Lucas shared amused looks at the sight of their friend with slicked-back hair, an oversized suit, and a fake mustache.
But then, Julia comes on stage, and Mike can’t help but frown. He’d heard about this girl for months, and she sounded nice, but jealousy clouded that judgment in his mind.
The mouth he wanted to kiss-
He shook his head to clear his thoughts before he lost his breath as Will literally fell onto the stage.
He wore a plain white t-shirt underneath a jean jacket, light-washed jeans, sneakers, a baseball cap, and glasses. Nothing about the outfit was particularly abnormal, but Mike found Will stunning .
The way Will shone under the stage lights, his confidently delivered his lines, and his entire demeanor brightened after every applause. Mike couldn’t look away.
And Will’s voice. The way he’d hold a note longer without any need to breathe, the way he’d gasp so dramatically, the way his voice would dip and sway.
Mike was wholly, with his entire soul, irrevocably in love with Will.
Despite every warning in his head going off, which sounded suspiciously like his father. Despite how he felt nauseous when he thought of what the wrong group of people would- could do to them. Despite the ads he’d see on tv and the ongoing AIDS crisis.
When he looked at Will, who shone so brightly and lit up Mike’s entire world, none of that mattered.
He barely paid attention to the show. He was too enamored with Will and his performance.
After ignoring the conversation between the three next to him during intermission, Mike blushed when Will put on a leather jacket in the second act.
‘If I ever said I didn’t like leather jackets- I lied.’
What eventually brought him down from his high was when Will got close to Julia during the song Suddenly Seymour, though Mike had to look down at his bill for the name.
“Lift up your head,” even though Will’s voice sounded godly to Mike, all he could focus on was the way Will cradled Julia’s face.
He wanted Will to hold his face. He wanted Will to talk to him so gently and fondly. He wanted to be in Julia’s shoes. God , did she know how lucky she was? To be able to be that close to Will Byers. To be held by him like that?
“Suddenly, Seymour,” Will sang in a hushed voice, “you don’t need no makeup. Don’t have to pretend.”
‘Oh, but I do,’ Mike thinks with a sigh. ‘Maybe I’m wearing clown makeup, since I’m such a fool.’
“Suddenly, Seymour is here to provide you. Sweet understanding. Seymour’s your friend.”
As Mike closed his eyes, he imagined himself up there. With Will holding him closely. Their faces inches apart as Will whispered to him in that melodic voice.
The boy shook his head before opening his eyes, only to immediately regret it as he watched Will and Julia kiss.
He felt something in him creak dangerously as the music faded from his ears. Blood rushed to his brain as he stared at the two. They looked so happy. So in love. With broad smiles and clutching onto each other desperately.
‘That should be me. That should be ME with him! That should be ME smiling with him like that! Why isn’t that me?’
But when the music stopped and everyone started clapping, Mike suddenly remembered it was fake. It was all fake. They weren’t actually in love, and Mike felt like sobbing in relief.
Instead, he sat back, content to finish the show without bursting into tears.
~~~
Will walked out of the school with a bright yet embarrassed smile. His friends surrounded him after his mom and Hopper left to give them space. It was only 8 pm, so his mom let him go to the after-party at Vivien’s house.
Dustin was rambling about something, but Will wasn’t listening. He was too busy looking for Mike, who was strangely absent.
“Hey, Will! Dustin!”
Will turned around to smile at Julia and Veronica. The two girls stood closely together, their hands brushing as Julia spoke.
“You’re coming to the cast party tonight, right?”
“Yeah!” Dustin wiggled in excitement, causing the girls to giggle. Will just smiled at him fondly.
“Me too-”
“Will!”
The boy spun around at the familiar voice, feeling hopeful. And there, in his glory, stood a panting, sweating Mike Wheeler sitting on his bike and holding a slightly crumpled bouquet.
“I saw some people brought flowers for the cast and I realized that I didn’t have any for you, so I biked as fast as I could to the store to get them for you!”
Will couldn’t stop the affectionate smile that formed; for once, he didn’t want to.
“Thanks, Mike,” Will murmured as he hid his red face in the flowers. They smelled amazing, and Will appreciated it all the more.
“Where are my flowers?” Dustin whined. Mike just rolled his eyes, picked up a leaf from the ground, and held it in front of himself.
Dustin gasped dramatically and spouted, “Oh, thank you so much kind sir! It means so much to me.”
Mike cracked a smile and said, “shut up, dickhead.”
As he and Dustin laughed together and Will watched with a smile, they heard someone clear their throat.
Julia stood with a patient smile, though Veronica looked annoyed as she crossed her arms in front of her dress,
“Are all three of you guys coming to the party?”
Will was about to reply when Mike grabbed his arm.
“Sorry, but Will and I have plans.” His smile was tight and fake, though it was believable to everyone else as Julia just shrugged.
“Alrighty then. Do you want to come with us, Dustin?”
Dustin looked between Will and Mike with confused eyes before turning to the girl.
“Sure,” he cheered, then he left with the girls.
Will noticed how Mike relaxed when Julia left, and he had a bad feeling.
“Come on, Will. Let’s go to my house.”
His tone was unreadable, but Will felt determined to figure him out.
“Okay.”
~~~
Mrs. Wheeler greeted them cheerfully. She’d just put Holly to bed, so she sat in front of the tv when the boys entered the door.
“Will,” she stood and captured him in a hug, “it’s so good to see you. I heard about the musical. Unfortunately, I had an appointment, so I wasn’t able to make it. I’m sure you did great though, sweetie.”
Will, overwhelmed, just smiled and nodded.
Karen noticed the flowers in his arms and gathered them gently.
“Here, let me put these in a vase for you to take home. Are you staying the night?”
“He is,” Mike interrupted by grabbing Will’s wrist gently and dragging him to the basement.
“Can you call his mom? Thanks.”
Karen huffed but ruffled his hair as he passed, ignoring his whine that caused Will to giggle.
“Alright, since I’m your slave apparently. Have fun, boys.”
“We will.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler.”
“No problem, Will,” she smiled as she went to call Joyce.
Mike led Will down to the basement and sat him on the couch.
“Here, I’ll run and get you some pajamas.”
“Alright, Mikey.” Will had spoken absentmindedly, his eyes running around the room, but Mike melted nonetheless. He’d never admit it to anyone, but he loved that nickname. The only one allowed to call him that was Will, though. Just like most other things in his life.
“Alright.”
Mike ran up the stairs, ignoring his mother’s admonishments, and flung his dresser open to grab a loose pair of sweats and an oversized t-shirt.
He raced down in record time and flung the clothes at Will, ignoring his sputtering.
“Here,” he said instead, “wear this.”
Will nodded, unfolding the clothes and gazing at them in approval, before looking back at Mike.
“Don’t you have clothes?”
Mike felt like an idiot but recovered quickly. “I’ll go up and change while you change here.”
Will hummed in agreement, and Mike was forced back upstairs. It didn’t take too long to change, so in no time, the two were squished together on the couch watching the old tv Mike’s dad brought down when they got a new one.
There was a movie playing, but Will was too focused on Mike. He admired the other’s side profile. His sloping nose, enchanting eyes, cutting cheekbones, and jawline. Will thought he looked like a too-perfect sculpture. And don’t even get him started on Mike’s scattering of freckles. Will could go for hours just waxing poetry about them.
But Will was getting off track. He shook his head, ignoring Mike’s concerned look, before fully turning his body.
“Mike?”
Mike looked down at Will, who was reluctant to speak but steeled himself.
“Yeah?”
“Why don’t you like Julia?”
Mike lost his breath.
“What?”
Will bit his lip, and Mike’s eyes unconsciously slid down before he corrected himself.
“I’ve seen how you look when I talk about her, and the way you were acting with her tonight. How come you don’t like her?”
Mike stood up from the couch without even realizing it and started pacing. The long-forgotten movie's light highlighted his features, and Will thought he looked beautiful.
“It’s not that I don’t like her! She’s a nice girl! Funny and pretty, I mean, I’m sure that's why you like her! I mean, her hair is soft, and her teeth are perfect, unlike my crooked teeth. Is that why you like her? Her perfect teeth?”
“Mike-”
“I don’t like her because that should be me, okay? That should be me that holds your hand! That cradles your face gently and whispers sweet nothings like the rest of the world doesn’t matter! It should be me that holds you and kisses you and loves you! I should be the one who makes you happiest! I want you to be mine, and I will be yours!”
Mike was panting as he felt tears run down his cheeks. He sniffled and turned away to hide his face in his sleeves that wiped any evidence of his break-down.
How could he be so stupid? How could he just say that to Will? He’ll look at Mike in disgust, just like his father would look at the tv. Their friendship is over-
“Mike.”
Mike stiffened as he felt two soft hands on his wet cheeks.
“It’s okay. Breath. Okay, take deep, calming breaths. I’m right here, okay?”
Mike copied Will’s breathing as he calmed down. It took a moment before Mike slumped and nuzzled his face into Will’s hands.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Mike croaked. His voice was scratchy, and his eyes hurt. They were no doubt puffy. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Will murmured, “you shouldn’t apologize for your feelings.”
Mike closed his eyes and shuddered.
“I love you.”
The teen's eyes flew open as he looked at Will’s heartbreaking smile.
“I love you, Mike. I’ve loved you since I was twelve and learned what love was. I’ve loved you through all our horrible experiences, I’ve loved you when you dated El, I’ve loved you when I moved away, and I loved you even more when I returned. I’ve never stopped loving you, not even for a second. And I have no doubt that I’ll love you throughout the end of time.”
Will’s eyes misted over, and tears slid down their faces.
Mike brought his hands up to cradle the back of Will’s head. They tugged at his hair before moving down and sliding to hold his jaw. Mike saw the way it bobbed as Will swallowed, and Mike wanted to do nothing more than chase it with his mouth.
“I love you,” Mike whispered, “I didn’t know it until I learned what losing you was like, and it felt like my soul was ripping apart. You’re my soulmate , Will. No one can ever be anything like you. I’ll never feel love for anyone like I feel it for you. God, you drive me so crazy, Will Byers, do you know that?”
Will just chuckled wetly, his beautiful voice cracking with emotion.
“Crazy together, right?”
Mike nodded as he slotted their lips together.
“Crazy together. Always and forever.”