Archive of Our Own ^beta

Mike sat up in bed one night, thinking. According to Max, that’s something he doesn’t do very often so Will got curious.

The brunette stripped down to his boxers, and climbed in bed next to his love. It didn’t take him long to realize that something was on Mike’s mind. “Babe?” Will snuggled into him. “You okay?”

“Hmm?” Mike was brought out of his trance. “Yeah, just thinking.”

“About?”

“How much I want to have kids with you,” Mike said honestly, turning his head to Will.

Will was stunned. Sure, he and Mike would make jokes about adoption. But same-sex marriage was just legalized in Massachusettes, and no gay couples have gotten married legally yet. So, it wasn’t a topic they seriously considered.

“Well, things are getting easier for us,” Will breathed. “Maybe in a few years, we can adopt-,”

“I don’t want to adopt,” Mike quickly cut him off. “I mean, I would be open to it. But, I really want to have your kid.”

Oh. Will had never thought about that. It’s not like two men could biologically have a child. It wasn’t possible. It would probably never be possible.

“Mike,” Will sighed. “That’s not possible. I can’t get pregnant. Nor would I want to be. That just sounds awful. I have so much respect for women that do. Because, fucking hell, that’s the most badass thing.”

“I know you can’t get pregnant,” Mike laughed. “I’ve tried. Many times.”

Will rolled his eyes. “Stop being gross,” he groaned.

“I want to be a dad, with you,” Mike said. “I really do. You’re so good with Steve’s kids. And even better with Poppy.”

Poppy was Nancy and Jonathan’s daughter. They had her a few years ago. They only wanted one kid. Nancy told Jonathan she would not be getting pregnant until at least thirty. After graduating NYU, the two of them spent their twenties investigative reporting all over the United States and moved to Chicago a few years ago to settle down.

Mike turned to face Will, and cupped his cheeks. “I want everything with you.”

“Does that mean you also wanna marry me?” Will asked, with puppy dog eyes.

Will often brought up marriage. It kind of freaked Mike out. One day they were on the swings together, and now they can make out whenever they want. It’s a lot for Mike to think about.

Mike sighed. “I don’t need a piece of paper to prove how much I love you. But if you want to, then obviously.”

“I’ve wanted to marry you since first grade,” Will giggled. “I would go home and tell Mom and Jonathan about it, all the time.”

Mike smiled. “Good. It makes this upcoming confession a little less embarrassing.”

Will squinted his eyes. He had no idea what his love was going to say.

“When we were seven, I asked your mom for permission to marry you,” Mike admitted.

Will’s jaw dropped. “You did not.”

Mike nodded. “I did. She said that there was no one better for you than me, but to not say anything about it in front of Lonnie.”

Will snuggled into Mike’s side, breathing in Mike’s scent like it was second nature. The feeling that Will got from being close to Mike made him feel so safe. “I love you.”

Mike scooped Will up, and cradled him. “I love you so much, baby. I have loved you since day one, even if I didn’t know it until I was 14.”

“I’ve known since the Mindflayer,” Will admitted. “I mean, I’ve always had a massive crush on you. But when you talked to me in the shed, I knew. I knew I could never love anyone else no matter how hard I tried.”

“Well, shit,” Mike spat.

“What?” Will asked.

“Now, I have to go ask Hopper for his permission,” Mike groaned. “You might as well get my headstone ready, now. ‘Here lies Mike Wheeler; He loved Will Byers so much that it killed him’.”

Will laughed. “It’ll be fine. He secretly loves you,”

Mike scoffed. “You remember that time he found me in your bed at six in the morning and chased me through the house with a taser, right?”

“I was 16, Mike,” Will reminded him. “And you were only in your underwear. I think he had every right to chase you through the house.”

“He never chased Nancy through the house in her underwear,” Mike argued. “And, she was always sleeping over. Hell, she was there the day that happened!”

Will laughed. “Nancy didn’t treat my sister like a labradoodle or make homophobic comments about her best friend.”

“I WAS 14!” Mike squeaked. “And, very sexually confused. And for the record, I’m very glad it’s my fault you don’t like girls. In case you haven’t realized, you’re the reason I don’t like girls either.”

Will reached over Mike to turn the lamp off, before burrowing himself between Mike and his pillow. “Let’s go to sleep. We can talk about the kid thing, tomorrow.”

-

As promised, they talked about the kid thing. Dustin came over while they were making breakfast to help them come up with ideas. Will plated the eggs and bacon and joined his friends at the table.

“I mean, you could always use El’s eggs,” Dustin suggested. “I know she’s not related by DNA, but it would still be special.”

Will gave a look of uncertainty. “As much as I love my sister, I would sort of feel like it’s her and Mike’s kid and not mine.”

Mike placed a hand on Will’s back, and pulled him close, “Will, I want to remind you that I want to have a kid with you. I don’t have feelings for El. I haven’t since I was 13.”

“I know,” Will breathed. “But, I still would feel really uncomfortable. I’d feel like an uncle. I mean, I was always so jealous of her when she was with you. I don’t want to feel like that again.”

Mike kissed Will’s head. “Okay, I hear you. No El. Max?”

Will gave Mike a pointed look. “You want it to be half demon?”

Mike shrugged. “She’s nice to you.”

Will shook his head. “I love Max. But, she’s already having trouble getting pregnant. It would be a lot to ask. She already said she needed some kind of surgery to be able to conceive. I don’t want her only success to be for us.”

“You’re right,” Mike sighed. “Nevermind.”

Then, Dustin smirked. “I have an idea.”

“What?” Mike and Will asked at the same time.

“What if Nancy was the surrogate?” He suggested.

“It would really be our kid,” Will smiled. “It could have both of our DNA.”

Mike audibly gagged. “There’s no way in hell your sperm is going into my sister!”

“It would go into a jar, then into your sister,” Dustin informed him. “You didn’t really think I would suggest Will literally knock up your sister, did you?”

“I don’t think Jonathan would be too happy about that,” Will chimed in. “Also, gross. She’s a girl.”

“If she agreed to donate her eggs, then maybe,” Mike said. “I wouldn’t be against that. I just don’t want her carrying the baby. I would feel super weird about that. But, we obviously have to talk to them first.”

Then, Dustin said something frightening. “You would probably have to do some sort of DNA test to see if your sperm was good enough. You might not even be fertile. You obviously can’t use Mike’s with Nancy’s eggs. But, we also don’t know if alcoholism runs in your family, or not. You don’t want another Lonnie.”

Mike nodded. If they wanted to use Nancy, it had to be Will’s sperm. He didn’t want to voice his doubts with the limited options, but he was certainly worried.

Will snuggled into Mike’s neck. “I really want this to work out.”

Mike wrapped his arms around his love, and squeezed. “I know, baby.”

-

That night, Mike asked Nancy if he and Will could come over for dinner. They were gonna ask Nancy about using her eggs. They were both super nervous.

“Mike!” Nancy hugged her brother. “Will!” She hugged him. “It’s so good to see you guys. Come in!”

“I missed you,” Mike told his sister.

“I missed you guys, too,” she said. “Jonathan’s with Poppy. She just woke up from her nap, so she’s gonna join us for dinner.”

Just then, Jonathan and their three year old came down the stairs. It was an adorable display. Jonathan was walking slowly, holding her hand and letting her lead them.

“Uncle Mike!” Poppy shouted, and practically jumped into his arms.

Mike scooped her up and kissed her forehead. “Hi, Poppy. How are you?”

She just giggled and tucked her head into Mike’s neck.

Will’s heart skipped several beats as he watched Mike hold their niece. He knew Mike would be a great dad. He was always so good to Will. He had no doubt that he would also be good with their kid.

“You’re so cute,” Mike kissed her head. “You want to sit next to Will and me at dinner?”

She nodded into Mike’s shoulder.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Nancy laughed.

Poppy’s grip on Mike got even tighter, like she didn’t want him to let go.

“Don’t you want to say hi to Uncle Will?” Mike asked her.

Poppy looked at Will and blushed, before hiding her face again.

“He’s pretty, isn’t he?” Mike smirked at Will.

Poppy giggled.

“Yeah, I know,” Mike agreed. “He’s very pretty.”

Will rolled his eyes. “She’s gonna realize in about two years what uncle means.”

“Then in five more, she’ll realize you’re gay,” Jonathan added.

They all laughed. Mike carried Poppy into the kitchen and sat her in her high chair. Will practically insisted on helping her eat, making Mike’s heart swell.

The grown ups had steak and mashed potatoes, while Poppy had chicken fingers. Will cut the chicken fingers into small bites for her and got her ketchup. Mike loved seeing Will so proactive. Due to both of them not really having dads, they swore to each other that it would be different for their kid.

After talking about work and family for a while, Mike grabbed Will’s hand.

Will caught Mike’s eye, and nodded.

“We actually wanted to talk to you about something,” Mike announced.

Nancy raised a brow. She and Jonathan both stopped eating to give their brothers their undivided attention.

“What’s up?” Jonathan asked.

Will took a deep breath. “Mike and I have been talking about having a baby.”

“Really having a baby,” Mike added. “Not adopting.”

Will nodded. “Obviously, neither one of us can get pregnant. But, we’ve been talking about finding a surrogate.”

“I’ve always wanted to have Will’s kid,” Mike smiled. “I want it to really be ours. I mean, El’s adopted. She’s amazing. I think if we wanted more, we would go that route next time. But, I just want them to be our DNA.”

“So, we were wondering if you would donate eggs?” Will asked.

Their siblings looked stunned. Not in a bad way. Nancy and Jonathan looked at each other, sharing the same look. They were so proud of their brothers.

“If I can, I would love to,” Nancy smiled.

Mike broke down in tears. He couldn’t be happier. Will wrapped his arms around him, starting to cry too.

“Thank you,” Mike looked at Nancy, eyes filled with tears.

Nancy stood up and walked over to join their hug. Mike buried his face in her shoulder. Will backed away, allowing them to have their moment.

“I’m proud of you,” Nancy whispered. “I’m so proud of you.”

Jonathan engulfed Will in a hug of his own. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve the world, and I’m glad Mike’s giving it to you.”

Then, Poppy whined.

They all let go of each other and looked at her.

“What’s up, Pop?” Jonathan asked her.

“I want a hug, too!” She said.

Everyone smiled. As soon as Will pulled her out of her high chair, Poppy wrapped her entire body around him.

“Awe,” Mike cooed. “That’s what you do to me.”
-

The next few weeks were all about finding someone to carry a baby, and getting Will to a sperm bank. They wanted to have their ducks in a row before having Nancy go in for surgery.

When they arrived at the collection center, Will walked up to the front desk to receive his instructions.

“Will Byers,” he said. “I have an appointment.”

The lady at the desk smiled and handed him a cup. “I think you know what this is for. Just let me flag down somebody, and I can have a staff member take you to your room. Good luck!”

Will took the cup and waited for the lady to get somebody. Mike was noticeably in a good mood.

“What are you smiling about?” Will asked.

“I can’t believe there’s an entire business where you get paid to jack off,” Mike said, looking at a ‘Donors Wanted’ sign. “Maybe, I should quit my day job and become a donor.”

Will rolled his eyes. “If you want. Just, don’t tell our baby what you do for a living. We wouldn’t want them to find out what you do with your hands.”

“You can’t say I wouldn’t be good at it, though. I’m great with my hands,” Mike argued. “Someone very wonderful tells me that regularly.”

Will slapped Mike’s arm.. “Can you stop being gross for two seconds?”

“Domestic abuse,” Mike complained.

Will just rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Just then, an employee came out and ushered Will and Mike to the back. He opened a door to a tiny room with a recliner, tv and tons of adult content.

“This is where you will do your business,” the man said. “You should have everything you need. And when you’re done, you can just leave the cup in the room. The desk lady will help you check out.”

“Can I go in with him?” Mike asked, extremely serious.

Will facepalmed himself. He should have expected Mike to ask him something like that. It was Mike, after all.

“I’m sorry,” the man laughed. “That’s not allowed. You’re welcome to have a seat in the waiting room, until he’s finished.”

As the man walked away, Will placed a hand on Mike’s shoulder. “I’ll be fine. It’s not like I’ve never done it before.”

Mike pouted. “I know that. I’m not trying to be weird about it. But I just wish it was something we could do together, like a straight couple.”

Will kissed Mike softly. “I get what you mean. I wish we could do this together, too. But for now, this is how it has to happen.”

Mike nodded, not wanting to let Will go without him.

Will kissed him again, before making his way into the room. “I’ll think about you.”

“I’d be really offended if you didn’t,” Mike joked.

-

When he was done, Will found Mike in the waiting room. Mike’s eyes lit up when he saw Will.

“That was fast,” He said, standing up.

Will laughed. “I was in a room all by myself with nothing but straight porn to look at. What did you want me to do? Take my time?”

“Point taken,” Mike nodded. “So, uh… What did you think about?” Mike wanted to know.

Will rolled his eyes. “You, dumbass.”

“Yeah,” Mike made a hand motion signaling that he wanted Will to keep talking. “But, what was I doing?”

Will dragged Mike by the ear to the car. Mike protested this, instantly.

“Please, tell me?” Mike whined.

Will sighed, and unlocked the car. “Just get in the car.”

“But, I need to know,” Mike pleaded.

“I’m gonna leave without you,” Will said, getting behind the wheel.

Mike begrudgingly climbed into the passenger seat, crossing his arms. “That’s just rude.”

“How am I being rude?” Will asked, not really caring to know the answer. He was focused on starting the car.

“If your fantasies are about me, which they better be. Then, I should be entitled to know about them,” he explained.

“Fine,” Will gave in. “I’ll show you when we get home. Now, stop being annoying.”

That shut Mike right up. He didn’t say another word the entire drive home.

-

The following week, Mike and Will had meetings with several possible surrogates. Only three people were remotely interested, and one of them was Jennifer Hayes. Mike shut that one down very quickly.

“Mike, it’s been years,” Will reminded him. “She doesn’t like me anymore.”

“I don’t care,” Mike said. “It’s the same thing with El. I’m allowed to be jealous of something that happened years ago.”

Will cupped Mike’s cheek. “You know I love you, right? I’ve never loved anyone else. Hell, I never even liked anyone else. So, you have to stop being so territorial over me. I’m yours,” Will pecked Mike’s lips.

As that conversation concluded, the next candidate entered the room. “Hi, are you Mike and Will?”

They stood up and shook her hand.

“You must be Lauren,” Will smiled. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” she said.

The three of them sat down and began their chat.

“So, why are you interested in carrying for us?” Mike asked her. “Most people aren’t really for two men having a kid together.”

“My sister is lesbian,” she admitted. “She and her partner are currently in the same boat. They’re trying for a kid and are interviewing sperm donors. So when you guys started seeking out surrogates, it was an easy decision for me.”

Mike and Will looked at each other and nodded. This was their girl.

“I think we’ve made our decision,” Will told her. “We would be so happy if you would be our surrogate.”

She gave each of them a hug. They were glad to find someone who not only was accepting, but got it.

“We’ll be in touch,” Mike said. “We have to get the eggs from my sister, first. So, we’ll call you when that’s done.”

-

Now came the part that Mike was dreading most. They had to tell Joyce and Hopper.

“I don’t wanna,” Mike whined as Will dragged him out of the car.

Will rolled his eyes and pulled him to the front door. “Do you want us to just show up with a baby in seven months? We’ve waited long enough.”

Will entered his childhood home with a smile. He hadn’t been back since Christmas. He did miss home, sometimes.

Joyce and Hopper were in the living room watching the Andy Griffith Show. Both were very surprised to see the couple.

“Boys, what are you doing here?” Joyce asked, standing up to give them each a hug.

“We have an announcement,” Mike said, hesitantly.

Hopper didn’t move an inch. He sensed Mike’s fear from 10 feet away. “What kind of announcement?”

They took a seat next to Joyce on the couch, looking to each other to determine who would be the one to say it.

Will pinched Mike’s arm. “Your idea, you do it.”

“Domestic abuse!” he complained, again. “Fine. It’s kind of a long story, but Will and I are having a baby. And, Hopper, please don’t hurt me.”

“Huh?” Joyce did not sound convinced.

“We wanted to have a kid,” Will explained. “So, we got Nancy to donate eggs and now someone is carrying our child.”

Hopper’s eyes were wide. “Okay, I get to murder you now.”

Mike clung to Will’s body. “Please, don’t. I love him so much. And, we’re literally in our thirties!”

“We talked about it for a while,” Will told them. “We wanted to be one hundred percent sure before we did anything.”

Joyce was grinning from ear to ear. “How far along is this woman?”

“Like 10 weeks,” Mike said.

“Are you going to find out the gender?” Joyce wanted to know.

Will shook his head. “We want to wait until they’re born. I mean, we don’t really have a preference. We’d be fine with either.”

“So you walked into a facility to jerk off?” Hopper asked.

Will nodded, nervously. It was kind of a weird thing to admit to your dad.

“They wouldn’t even let me go with him,” Mike whined. “What a joke!”

Will slapped Mike’s arm, again.

“For the third time, domestic abuse,” Mike grabbed his now hurting arm.

“You’re so stupid, sometimes,” Will rolled his eyes. “First off, why on earth would they let another person go back to the room when you’re doing that? And second, why would you tell my parents you asked to go back with me?”

“Oh, come on,” Mike tried. “They both know obsessed I am with you. And if I went back, you would have gotten done faster.”

“If our kid is even half as dumb as you are, so help me God,” Will gritted his teeth.

“This is why I want to strangle you, Wheeler,” Hopper looked at him.

“Joyce, help! They’re ganging up on me,” Mike whined.

She laughed. “I actually agree with them, this time. Sometimes, you just need to can it.”

“Go wait in the car,” Will told him, handing Mike the keys.

Mike gasped. “But-,”

Will shook his head. “No buts. Wait in the car.”

Mike sighed, and left the house.

-

Luckily, everything was going great. Lauren’s body was handling the pregnancy like a pro. She called Mike and Will daily to update them on everything. Honestly, they found a great friend in her. Once or twice a week, they would have dinner together.

Mike had been acting weird ever since the pregnancy took. He wouldn’t leave Will alone… which isn’t entirely unusual. He is very clingy. But, he has now entered into the habit of trying to do everything for Will.

He won’t let him cook for himself, or do his own laundry. He’s also been super gentle with him. Not just during bedroom activities. In general, Mike was treating Will like glass. It was starting to piss Will off.

That Saturday afternoon, Will got home from the gym and went straight to the fridge for a snack. He settled on some strawberries and brought them to his bed to relax. Without missing a beat, Mike followed Will to their room and started rubbing Will’s foot. He needed to put a stop to this.

“Mike, sweetheart, what are you doing?” Will asked.

“Pampering you,” Mike said. “Guys do this shit for their wives when they're pregnant.”

Will laughed. “Honey, I’m not pregnant. Lauren is pregnant. I just got back from the gym and want to eat strawberries in my bed.”

“I know you’re not pregnant,” Mike said, still massaging Will’s foot. “But, I have to take care of you while the baby’s cooking.”

Sometimes, Will couldn’t believe if Mike was real or not. This was one of those moments where he thought Mike was a bot. Normal people just didn’t say things like that.

“The baby’s not a turkey,” Will told him. “It’s the size of a mango. And to reiterate, I am not pregnant.”

Mike rolled his eyes, and let go of Will’s foot. He slid into bed next to him, and grabbed a strawberry. “It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t treat you like a prince.”

Will kissed Mike softly. He adored Mike. Will couldn't believe that Mike was his. Because, at the end of the day, Mike’s stupidity is what makes him loveable.

Pulling away, Mike said, “Gotta cheer your sperm on to the finish line.” He then ate the strawberry.

Will shook his head in disbelief. “Mike, it already fertilized. Now, it’s up to the baby to do the work.”

“I’m just trying to be romantic,” Mike crossed his arms. “Am I allowed?”

Will laughed. “Thank you, for everything. I feel like I never tell you how amazing you are.”

Mike unfolded his arms, and snuggled into Will. “You do. I’m so excited to figure this out with you. I know you’re gonna be the best dad.”

“Not as good as you,” Will breathed. “Kids love you almost as much as I love you.”

Mike kissed Will’s cheek, and took a bite of Will’s strawberry. “I’m gonna cry when you hold them for the first time.”

Will set the box of strawberries on the nightstand and climbed into Mike’s lap. He wrapped his arms around Mike’s neck, and rested his head on his shoulder. “Love you.”

Mike threw his arms around Will’s back, and kissed his head. “I love you too, baby.”

“Enough to marry me?” Will joked.

“I do,” Mike said. “I really do. I just haven’t found the right time to ask you.”

Will sat up and stared at Mike. “What?”

“With everything going on with the baby, I haven’t had time to plan a proposal. But, it’s coming. I promise.”

“You better not spend money on a ring,” Will said. He hated spending money on little things.

“I actually had an idea for that,” Mike said. “I was thinking Max could tattoo rings for us.”

Will’s eyes widened. “You trust her not to draw a dick on you?”

Mike laughed. “I’ll take my chances.”

They sat in silence for a while, Will once again resting on Mike. It was a comfortable silence. They were both incredibly happy.

“You know you don’t need a grand gesture,” Will told him. “I’ll still say yes. It’s always been a yes.”

“Yeah?” Mike asked. “Well, I could just ask you right now.”

Will started peppering kisses on Mike’s neck. “You could.”

“Do you want me to propose right now?” Mike asked, in a teasing tone.

Will nodded his head rapidly. He was tired of waiting. As small as this gesture was in the grand scheme of things, Will still wanted to be able to revel about being Mike’s fiance.

“Okay,” Mike took a deep breath. “Will you-,” Mike was cut off by a pair of lips.

“Yes,” Will breathed, against Mike’s lips.

“I love you,” Mike smiled, pulling him down to snuggle. “I can’t believe I have everything I want, right now.”

“Me too,” Will hummed.

-

The boys arrived at Max’s shop a few weeks later, just as she was closing up. She had been nice enough to do their wedding bands for free, if they bought her dinner.

“Hey, Max,” Will said, making his way inside.

“Hey, guys,” she said, not looking up from her table.

She was getting everything ready for their tattoos. She’d definitely be lying if she said she never wanted to tattoo her frenemy. He was always such a baby with needles, and she loved to torture him.

“You excited to stab me?” Mike teased, taking a seat on the tattoo chair.

Max rolled her eyes. “I’m not gonna fuck this up. I would love to draw a dick on you, or something. But, this is actually important. And, it affects Will. So, you’re in good hands.”

“Thanks for doing this,” Will smiled, sitting next to Mike.

“Of course,” Max squeezed his hand. “Wouldn’t want you two getting beat up at a jewelry store.”

That was true. Though gay marriage was now legal in one state, it wasn’t theirs. And, people were still pretty unkind about it.

“Hand up,” Max told Mike.

She shaved his finger and applied rubbing alcohol to the area. She had done this so many times that she was an expert.

“Fingers hurt a lot,” she informed him. “Will, hold his other hand.”

Will nodded and slotted his fingers with Mike’s. He never had to be told twice to hold his love’s hand.

Mike hissed at the pain. It hurt a lot. But, it would hurt even more if he ever lost Will again. He turned to his love and kissed him. Will loved every kiss he got to share with Mike.

There was once a time when he thought he would never get to kiss Mike. He almost passed out when Mike said he felt the same way.

“Stay still,” Max warned. “I’m almost done.”

But, Mike and Will were still only looking at each other. It was easy to forget about the rest of the world when they were together.

“There,” Max announced. “I’m done. Take a look before I cover it.”

The boys looked at Mike’s finger in awe. It was a tiny constellation. The fact that Max insisted on free handing it and keeping it a surprise, made it even more special.

“I love it,” Mike said. “It’s perfect.”

“My turn,” Will smiled, and held his hand out. “Don’t draw a dick on me.”

-

Everyone was home in Hawkins visiting. Will had been super stressed out about the whole baby thing. He didn’t know if he could realistically be a dad. He didn’t really have the best role model growing up.

Jonathan caught him sitting outside on the front porch. “Hey, buddy. What’re you doing out here?”

Will looked up and sighed, “Just thinking.”

Jonathan took a seat next to his brother, and pulled a joint out of his pocket. “Shouldn't you be inside trying to stop Max from beating up Mike?”

Will chuckled. “If she gets too rough, El will stop her.”

Jonathan nodded, and took out a lighter. He put the joint up to his lips and lit the end. He took his hit before passing it off to Will.

Will took the joint, and sighed. “I’m really scared, Jonathan.”

Concerned, he looked at his brother. “About what?”

“I don’t think I’m gonna be a good father,” Will admitted. “I mean, we didn’t have one. Mike barely had one. I was honestly so freaked out when he brought the idea up. I obviously love him with all my heart, and I know I’ll love this baby. But, part of me thinks I shouldn’t have kids. I want to talk to Mike about it, but I don’t want to upset him.”

Jonathan watched his brother take a long drag, before handing the joint back to him. “I get it. I was really glad Nancy wanted to wait a while. And, I was scared too. I had no idea how to be a dad. But, that’s what being a team is all about. Nancy and I figured it out together. We’re still figuring it out together. I couldn’t do it without her.”

“She’s pretty badass,” Will commented.

Jonathan chuckled. “She definitely is. But, you can’t sell yourself short. You’re pretty badass too, you know? You did save the Goddamn world when you were 15. And, Mike’s got his good qualities too. He loves you more than anything. He takes care of the people he loves. Lean on him during this time. That’s what being a team’s about. He would hate to hear that you’re struggling with this. But, he would hate it even more if you didn’t talk to him about it.”

“I guess you’re right,” Will nodded.

Just then, Mike screamed from inside the house. “BABE! Save me! She has a BB-gun.”

Will rolled his eyes. Before he could do anything, Mike came outside.

“You okay?” He asked.

Jonathan got up and left them alone.

Mike sat down next to Will, pulling him close. “Talk to me.”

“I’m really scared, Mike,” Will admitted. “I really don’t want to be like Lonnie.”

“Babe, you could never be like him,” Mike assured him. “You couldn’t hurt a fly.”

Will shrugged. “I did kill a man,” he reminded him.

“That was circumstantial,” Mike reminded him. “He was gonna kill everyone in the world, so I’d say it was justified.”

Will sighed. “I just don’t know how to be a dad. You don’t even know how to be a dad. I know having a kid sounds fun, but we have no idea what we’re doing. What if we’re not good at it?”

Mike pulled Will into his lap, and kissed his cheek. “You can’t be good at something without practice. Remember when we started dating how we fought all the time and didn’t know how to go from best friends to boyfriends?”

Will nodded. He remembered it all very well.

“We didn’t know what we were doing,” Mike pointed out. “It was your first relationship and it was my first serious relationship and we were two gay kids in Indiana. It was hard to go on dates. It was hard to be alone together. We couldn’t hold hands or kiss in public. But, we stuck it out and made it work because we worked together. We’re still working together.”

“I guess you’re right,” Will breathed. “And, that never happens.”

Mike laughed. “The point is, we have each other. And just like that, we’re gonna figure it out together. I’m sure we’re gonna fuck up a lot. I’m sure I’ll drop the baby at least once. I’m sure you’ll pull a Joyce Byers circa 1983 and whine about not being able to find the baby.”

Will giggled. “Hey, she had a good reason to freak out.”

“We’re gonna be fine,” Mike told him. “I’m so excited to figure this out with you.”

Will hugged Mike tight. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Mike said.

As Will pulled away, he scrunched his nose. “You know, I’m shocked you didn’t bring up the first time we had sex. Now, that was bad.”

Mike laughed. “Yeah, neither one of us knew what we were doing then either. But, I think we’re pretty good at it now.”

Will nodded. “When you don’t do the Yoda voice, yes.”

“You love the Yoda voice,” Mike whined.

“Not when I’m horny,” Will said, standing up. He extended his hand to Mike.

Mike grabbed Will’s hand and allowed himself to be pulled back inside.

-

Will woke up in the middle of the night to a phone call from Lauren’s sister. She had gone into labor six weeks early.

Freaking out, he shook Mike awake. “Mike, we have to go.”

“What’s up?” He asked, concerned. “Are you hurt?”

Will shook his head. “Lauren’s in labor. We have to go.”

Mike sat up, still disoriented. “It’s not time yet.”

“I know, babe. Come on!” Will pulled him up.

Will was full on crying when they started packing the car. Mike tried to calm him down.

“Come here,” Mike pulled him close. “It’s gonna be okay. The baby’s gonna be fine.”

Will cried into Mike’s shoulder. “But, what if it’s not? I never get a fucking break.”

Mike kissed his head. “We’re gonna figure all of this out together, okay? No matter what happens, crazy together.”

Mike held Will’s hand the entire drive to the hospital. He was probably more scared than Will. But, he didn’t want Will to know that. It was all his idea in the first place. If it didn’t work out, he’d be devastated.

They ran into Lauren’s sister and her partner in the waiting area. Both had tears in their eyes.

“Rebecca, is she okay?” Mike asked, giving Lauren’s sister a hug.

Will hugged Bonnie, still crying.

When Rebecca pulled back, she shook her head. “She was bleeding when we got here. She’s definitely in labor, but they don’t know why she’s bleeding. They haven’t told us the problem yet.”

Just then, a nurse approached them. “Are you Will Byers?” She asked.

Will nodded. He had never been more scared in his life. And, that’s saying something.

“Lauren was hemorrhaging pretty badly. We’ve managed to stop the bleeding, and now she’s being prepped for a c-section,” the nurse explained. “I know it’s all a little scary, but the baby and your surrogate are in good hands.”

Will nodded. Knowing he wasn’t able to speak, Mike spoke up.

“Can we see her?” He asked. “The original plan was for Will and I to be in the delivery room.”

The nurse studied Mike. “Who is he?” She asked Will.

Will tried not to roll his eyes. “My brother-in-law,” he said. Which is not totally a lie.

The nurse nodded. “Only two of you,” she said. “It will be too much chaos for all four of you.”

Mike looked at Rebecca. “She’s your sister. You and Will should go.”

She shook her head. “It should be you guys. You both deserve to be there for this.”

Mike nodded, and they followed the nurse back to the room. Rebecca was firm. There was really no arguing.

Lauren was awake and trying to catch her breath when Mike and Will got to her. “Hi,” she smiled.

Will gave her a kiss on the forehead, and grabbed her hand. “How are you?”

“I’m okay,” she said. “It hit me out of nowhere. I had just got done showering when the contractions started. Luckily, Rebecca and Bonnie were in town.”

“You were bleeding?” Mike asked.

“When I got here,” she nodded. “They took me into surgery to stop it and woke me up in time for the birth. They said it would have been a really long and painful labor with a small chance of the baby surviving if they didn’t do a c-section.”

“I’m so sorry,” Will squeezed her hand.

“It’s okay,” she said. “The baby is what’s important. And, it should be fine.”

Then, the doctor returned to the room. “We’re going to get started,” he announced, putting a divider over Lauren’s chest.

“On the bright side, you don’t have to see your first pussy,” Mike joked.

Will rolled his eyes. “You’re so annoying.”

Mike took a hold of Lauren’s other hand, smiling. “I can’t believe it’s really happening.”

Will beamed. He wanted to kiss the hell out of Mike, right now. But, he knew he couldn’t. He would have to wait.

“Okay, Lauren,” the doctor spoke. “We’ve made our incision. It should be about 30 minutes until the baby’s out, and another 10 to make sure you’re all closed up.”

Mike was so happy. He remembers very vividly the conversation he and Will had a year ago now, and it was finally happening. He looked lovingly into his fiance’s eyes. He was finally content.

“Crazy together, always,” Will whispered. It was the best he could do at the moment, due to the fact that they were two dudes secretly having a baby together. But, it was enough. Mike mouthed the words ‘I love you.’

After what felt like forever, the doctor said, “And, she’s out.”

Cries could be heard from behind the divider. Everything was fine.

“It’s a girl?” Will asked.

“It’s a girl,” the doctor confirmed. “We just have to cut the umbilical cord and clean her off, and then Lauren can hold her.”

Mike was ecstatic. He couldn’t wait to teach her how to ride a bike, and play D&D and make fun of Dustin for never shutting up. He couldn’t wait for Will to teach her how to paint. He even couldn’t wait for Max to teach her how to bully him.

The nurse came over with the baby wrapped in a blanket, and handed her to Lauren. Lauren held her close for a minute. The baby was still crying. Then, Lauren looked at Will.

“You want to hold her?” Lauren asked.

Will looked at Mike. “Mike should go first. I know how much you want to hold little me.”

Mike nodded, and took her from Lauren. He immediately started crying. The baby immediately stopped crying. Will was crying, too. Neither one of them ever thought they would be here.

“Wow, and here I thought you would be the one to make her cry,” Will teased.

“It’s like she knows,” Lauren said.

“She’s so small,” Mike smiled. “She has Will’s nose.”

Will made his way over to his fiance and daughter, and placed a kiss on her head. “Hi, baby. I already love you so much.”

Mike was overwhelmed with happiness. He carefully handed the baby to Will.

“I wonder who’s eyes she’ll have,” Will wondered.

“It looks like we’re about to find out,” Mike breathed, and she opened her eyes for the first time.

The baby opened the most beautiful brown eyes either one of them had ever seen. They were literally Mike’s eyes. Will couldn’t be happier.

“Now, I can look at two sets of your eyes,” Will giggled.

-

Two weeks later, everyone came to Chicago to meet the baby. Joyce was probably the most excited. El was a close second. Nancy was also very eager to see what she helped create.

The baby had to stay in the hospital for a week to make sure she was healthy enough to go home. She passed every test with flying colors.

“Where’s my grandbaby?” Joyce asked.

Mike handed the baby to Joyce, with a smile. “Go to Grandma.”

“Hi, Rosie,” Joyce said in her baby voice. “I’m Grandma Joyce.”

Max rolled her eyes. “Good God, now Mike’s never going to talk in a normal voice again!”

Mike squinted his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“You already talk to Will like he’s five,” she pointed out. “You know, your ‘Will voice’?”

Mike flipped her off. “I do not talk to Will like he’s five.”

Just then, Will came up to Mike. “Mike, can you get Rosie her pacifier? I have to get her bottle.”

“Of course, baby,” Mike kissed his cheek. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too,” Will said, walking back to their room.

Max smirked at Mike, who absolutely did just use the ‘Will voice.’

“Okay, maybe I’m gentle with him,” Mike caved. “In my defense, I found him in the trunk of a car one time, because Lonnie’s a psychopath.”

Max rolled her eyes and left him.

Nancy walked up to Mike and gave him a hug. “She’s so cute. I’m so happy for you.”

“I hope you mean Rosie and not THAT RED HEADED DEMON,” he yelled the last part for Max to hear.

Nancy laughed, “Yes. I mean Rosie. Poppy’s going to be so excited to have a cousin to play with. I hate when she plays with Steve’s kids. His oldest son always ruffles his hair and makes finger guns whenever he’s in the presence of a female.”

“Isn’t he like eight?” Mike asked.

Jonathan nodded, walking up with Poppy. “What do you expect? He’s the spawn of ‘The Hair.’”

-

That night, Mike and Will laid in bed with smiles on their faces.

“I’m so lucky,” Will snuggled deeper into Mike.

“We have to figure out a system for ‘doing it’ while she’s too young to have her own room, because she’s gonna be staring at us before we know it. And, I really don’t want an audience.”

Will smacked Mike’s stomach. “She doesn’t even know what ‘doing it’ is.”

“Owe, domestic abuse,” Mike groaned.

“How about we put a curtain around the bassinet?” Will suggested. “We put it in the corner, and put a cute little curtain around it.”

“That means I’m gonna have to walk across the room to get her,” Mike complained. “Can you be on night duty?”

“Mike, sweetie, you agreed to this before she was born,” Will reminded him. “Don’t you love me?” He pouted.

Mike groaned, loudly. “Yes. Fine. Okay, we can put her in the corner.”

“Don’t say it like that,” Will scolded. “Nobody puts baby in the corner.”

Then, Rosie started to cry.

“I’m coming,” Mike said, getting out of bed and walking over to her. He picked her up, and smelled her diaper. “She needs a change,” Mike said.

Will smirked. “Have fun.”

“You are so lucky I’m whipped for you,” Mike rolled his eyes.

“Don’t I know it,” Will beamed.