Chapter Text
Mike shook with anticipation as he waited for Wills flight to disembark, his knee jiggling uncontrollably on the hard plastic chair in the welcoming lounge. Dustin to his right talking animatedly with Lucas and the Byers on his left all awaiting the prodigal sons return.
It had been nearly two years since he had seen Will in person. It was difficult enough saying goodbye to travel across the country from another at different colleges with the assumption they would meet for Christmas. The fact that that never happened, with the pair of them having amazing opportunities they couldn’t pass up preventing any such reunion.
The worst, the absolutely mind-boggling internship Will got offered at the Louvre last summer, that ruined their travel plans. Mike couldn’t have asked him to turn it down. So Will had flown to France for three months and Mike had worked for his dad in Hawkins.
This summer was different. Will was on his way home and the rest of the party were back as well. They were going to have a summer just like when they were kids. Minus all the monsters and saving the world shit. Just a normal summer with his best friends… and Max.
Who was back at the Byers house with El decorating in an truly gaudy manner for Wills arrival. Mike had blanched at the rolls of streamers and banners they had excitedly shown him yesterday, a nauseating amalgamation of colors.
It was okay for Max; not like she could see it. The rest of them would be as blind as her when they got home, Mike was sure, with the way they would be blasted with an explosion of color.
The only person whose excitement matched his own was Mrs Byers. She practically vibrated with anticipation in her own seat, eyes peeled on the gate Will was soon to emerge from. She’d taken Will not coming home for summer well. The Christmases were another story and the second year it happened she had flown out herself to see him.
Will had pretended to be embarrassed about it on the phone but Mike picked up on the fondness in his voice.
Mike returned his gaze to the gate when the attendant opened the doors and people started pouring out, on the eye out for that familiar brown bowl cut. He only realised how stupid that was when he spotted his best friend, sporting a much needed updated do and a beaming smile when he noticed his friends and family.
Mike was moments from jumping from his seat to run over and greet Will when he hesitated as his best friend turned to the man beside him and said something in his ear. The unfamiliar guy smiled and nodded, taking Wills carry on, leaving Will free to bound over to them unencumbered.
Mikes falter meant Mrs Byers was the first to hug Will, wrapping him tightly in her arms as Will ducked down to fit, even though he had intended to be the one. Instead Mike was left standing awkwardly to the side of the pair, waiting impatiently to greet him, with a few confused looks thrown to the man who had walked closer to the group.
Will eventually left his mother’s arms, an embarrassed blush on the tops of his cheeks as he turned to him, “Hey, Mike.” He said softly, like Mike hadn’t been craving this reunion since the moment they last parted.
“Will-“ Mike pulled him close to his chest, arms enclosed firmly over him and did Will get even more ripped at college, “I’m so happy you’re home.” He whispered with a squeeze.
Wills breath hitched in his ear, “Me too.” Will hands clenched the back of his shirt as they hugged, “I’ve missed you.” He sighed, making Mike pull back to grin at him before moving aside to let the rest of them say hello.
He used that time to get a good look at Will, taking in the carefully coiffed hair and tight hemmed pants. His shirt in line with old style, still vibrant and colorful, his signature stripes on full display. The whole thing wasn’t to far off his old look but he seemed to wear it with much more confidence than he did at school.
After getting his fill of Will he turned his attention to the strange man who hovered on the edge of the group hug between Will, Dustin, and Lucas. He was tall, not in a string bean way like Mike but more like the old line-backer that used to shove him into lockers at Hawkins High.
He didn’t have the smug look the line-backer had, instead his face was twisted with obvious nerves as he waited to be introduced to the group. He had both carry-ons strung over his wide shoulders, catching on the strands of blondes hair that skirted down his neck.
Mike supposed he was handsome.
The more important question was who he was and why he was here.
Will answered that question when he stepped back and lightly touched the strangers arm, smiling shyly at his mom, “You remember Nate, from Christmas.” He re-introduced the man to Mrs Byers, who immediately grabbed his hand as she welcomed him.
“Yes of course.” Mrs Byers beamed, “I didn’t realise this was the friend you had invited.” She said as an aside to Will, who sheepishly shrugged.
Mike squinted at three of them, confused. Will must of told her he was bringing someone with him but he never mentioned it to Mike. He thought they were going to have a summer just like the old days but how was that possible with this newcomer.
Was he Wills new best friend.
Surely not.
He was so preoccupied that he completely missed this Nate sharing introductions with Lucas and Dustin, even Hopper shook his hand welcomingly, until he had the mans large hand extended in front of him to shake. Mike hurried to clasp it when he recognised the nervous expression on Wills face and the subtle glare Lucas was giving from beside him.
“Mike.” He grunted, shaking curtly before dropping his hand like he was being burnt, “Nice to meet you.” He gritted out through clenched teeth.
It was anything but nice Mike thought dejectedly as Will fell into step beside Nate, following Mrs Byers and Hopper out of the airport as Mike trudged along behind them with Lucas and Dustin. Nate had even ruined Mikes plan to catch a lift back with Mrs Byers, taking his spot, and forcing him to cram his overly long legs in the back of Dustin’s ugly ass AMC Spirit.
He had mostly tuned out the conversation between Lucas and Dustin coming from the front of the car, to consumed with the misery at all his lofty plans having been ruined to be concerned with their inane chatter.
He only pulled his head from resting on the window when he heard the strangers name uttered for the first time during the long journey back to Hawkins.
“So-“ Lucas started, uncertainly, “Uh Nate-“ he paused, tapping nervously on the dashboard, “Seemed…” he trailed off.
“Nice.” Dustin offered, his eyes not leaving the road as the steering wheel was held securely in his grip.
“Right,” Lucas nodded, “Nice… and-“ he swallowed, eyes meeting Mikes in the mirror, “We’re all cool with-“ he cleared his throat pointedly, not breaking his penetrating stare with Mike, who straightened up imperceptibly.
“Totally cool.” Dustin agreed before yelling emphatically out of nowhere and slamming on the breaks, making Mike tumble forcefully into the back of his seat.
“Ow,” He moaned, rubbing the spot on his head that had slammed into the headrest, surprised he wasn’t seeing stars.
“Mike.” Lucas said, catching his attention when he turned round in his seat to face him directly, “We’re cool right.” Mike hadn’t seen Lucas look this serious since they were fighting for their literal lives.
“We’re cool.” He repeated. Mike’s not a hundred percent sure what they are cool in reference too but it felt like the right answer when Lucas relaxed back into his seat with a sigh of relief.
He was probably making sure Mike wasn’t going to get party ruiningly sour about Will bringing a new friend over. Mikes not stupid, he knows he gets a bit territorial when it comes to new people but he’s an adult now. He won’t take out his bad mood on other people.
Especially not today. Not the day Will was finally home, and Mike could touch him again. See his smile and feel his warmth. This Nate wasn’t going to ruin it. Mike wouldn’t let that happen.
Ten miles and they were home, the next mile marker informed him, Mike impatiently scrunched in the backseat with a steadily developing headache from the bump. He could talk to Will properly in ten miles and give him the greeting he deserved. He just needed to get his best friend away from that interloper for like five minutes and everything would be fine.
They were going to have a perfect summer.
Mike would make sure of it.