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Mike is tired, and he knows Will is too. From the way he's leaned up against his shoulder with his arms firmly wrapped around his bicep, he can tell as much. His eyes have prominent bags underneath them, purple and black like nasty bruises, and his eyes are half lidded, sleep threatening to wash over him and sweep him away.
He doesn't know how he's managed to stay upright in such a state while standing up. Maybe it's because he's using Mike's body as a support beam. He doesn't mind though, anything that keeps him close to his boyfriend.
Boyfriend. He can say that now. It's almost surreal how quickly things have changed for them.
Jonathan and Argyle make their way over to them, Jonathan giving Mike a pointed look. He doesn't get why Will's brother suddenly hates his very existence, but knowing Jonathan (and himself), he probably has a good reason. These past two years haven't been his brightest.
"Okay, here's the deal." Jonathan started, his voice worn out and raspy, probably from the weed he's very obviously been smoking, going off of the red rim around his eyes.
Will leans over his shoulder a little further to listen more keenly to what his brother is saying, and Mike just wants to tell him to rest. To tell him not to worry about anything at the moment, but he fears Jonathan would quite literally kill him if he did anything else over the top in his and Argyle's presence.
"We've got two rooms, one double, one single. Now-" Jonathan is cut off by Mike's insistent voice before he can finish his sentence.
"Will and I will take the single." He volunteers, and he can feel Will's breath hitch against his neck, but by the way Will seems to settle further into his body, he doesn't seem to be opposed.
Mike knows that they need this time. They need the privacy to just be a couple, because he knows that once they're back in Hawkins the time to do things like cuddling together and kissing will be heavily limited. He wants to hold Will, and just give him one stress free night of just love and peace. Will deserves it more than anyone.
Jonathan narrows his eyes, clenching his jaw at Mike's offer, clearly unamused. "No way in hell am I letting you sleep in the same bed as my brother." He deadpans, his voice lacking venom, but still sounding completely serious. Mike doesn't doubt him. He frowns, sighing.
Will lets go of his arm, and changes his position in Mike's hold, embracing him from the front rather than the side, placing his hands on his chest. He's got a pouty look on his face, the same one Mike can't help but buckle to every time Will pulls it out. Will looks back at his brother, his eyes glossy and sleepy. He can tell Will is getting restless, and Mike so deeply wants to satisfy his need for sleep.
"Jonathan…please? He's my boyfriend now…I just want some alone time with him." He tries, his voice soft and sleepy, and Mike just about melts, wrapping his arms around Will's waist so gently, kissing his temple softly and delicately.
Jonathan doesn't look impressed, but he seems to have softened just a little. He's sure it's just because Will is his brother. And to be fair, he knows that if Will had directed that message at him, he would've folded right there.
"My answer is final. Take your bags up to your rooms while I take care of the payment. Don't get yourself in trouble, and don't do anything you know I wouldn't approve of." He demands, handing them their respective key cards. Will assumes he's sharing the single with Jonathan, because having Mike share a bed with someone he met literally days ago would be criminal.
Will sighs, obviously dissatisfied and disappointed. He thinks he might even see a few tears brim his waterline. He can't have that. He frowns, and detaches himself from Will's body. He makes a noise of protest as Mike's warmth leaves him.
"I'll be right with you in a minute, baby. I'm gonna talk to Jonathan. Stay here for me, okay?"
Will gives him a hesitant nod, shooting him a skeptical look. But he obliges,
"Kiss me?" He asks, his voice quiet and shy, but not shameful. He's so used to not asking for the things he needs, but Mike makes him feel safe. He knows Mike would do anything to get him what he needs. It's part of the reason he fell in love with him in the first place.
Mike smiles stupidly, absolutely gone for the boy in front of him. He gives the area a quick glance before leaning down to capture Will's lips in a soft kiss, cupping his jaw with his free hand. Will chases it, leaning into the gentle hold on his face.
Mike severed the connection with a small pop, and he presses a kiss to the bridge of Will's nose. He shoots him a reassuring smile, and Will just grinned at him, his cheeks flushed a pretty pink.
"Be right back." He promises, before bounding off to search for Jonathan.
He approached the older with an innocent expression, but he's sure Jonathan knows better, since Will is still standing a few feet away fidgeting with the key card in his hands.
"Can we talk? Please?" He asks, his voice a low mutter, not wanting Will to hear all the mushy shit about to leave his mouth. He knows they're more heartfelt than most couples, both of them having discussed what they want in their relationship on the first day of being together, but he still doesn't really want to make Will cry on only their 4th official day of being boyfriends.
Jonathan gave him a suspicious look, like he wasn't sure of his intentions. He tried to communicate by giving a sideways glance in Will's direction, and Jonathan's face morphed into one of recognition. However, it only earned him an even stronger glare.
He pleaded silently, and finally, Jonathan seemed to let up a little.
"Hurry it up"
Mike smiles, thankful for the mercy being shown in his behalf.
"Look- I just…I really want Will to be comfortable tonight. We need some alone time together. You know that once we get back to Hawkins we won't have the time to be a normal couple. I just want some privacy to hold him, to kiss him, and show him how much I love him. Because we both know that I haven't been the best to him…" Jonathan seems to have lightened up the slightest bit at the sincerity of his words, but Mike knows Jonathan would do anything to protect his brother. He's not off the hook just yet.
"My point is…I love him. I love him so much. Enough to want to give him anything he'd ever want or need. And I know that all he needs right now is some comfort. I can give that to him." When it comes to Will, he's never untruthful. He can't bring himself to lie about his feelings anymore. He's been doing that his whole life. And sure, it may seem embarrassing and desperate to be begging your boyfriend's older brother to allow you to sleep in the same room, but he's doing this for Will. If he had ever so much as insinuated the idea of being uncomfortable with that step in their relationship, he'd respect it. But Will wants him with him tonight, and he'll fight like hell to give him that.
The room is silent for a moment, a strange tension hanging in the air between them, but it's not heavy. Jonathan's silence freaks him out more than it probably should, but it seems like he's at least considering his perspective. His eyebrows are furrowed just slightly, and his eyes pointed towards the ground more than anywhere else.
Mike clasps his hands in front of him tightly, now hyper aware of the sweat coating his palms. He purses his lips as he waits, trying not to be impatient, but he doesn't want to leave Will standing alone out of his sight for much longer.
And if he's being completely honest, having him in his arms would provide him a sense of security that only Will could provide. Having himself encased in Will's touch, scent, and his warmth is more therapeutic than any psychologist or counselor he's ever been to. Because he knows Will is present and with him. He knows he's safe. Alive.
Jonathan clears his throat, opening his mouth like he's about to say something, but he closes it soon after, still seeming conflicted. Mike raises his eyebrows, almost urging him to continue, because if Jonathan doesn't answer him within the next 30 seconds he might just implode.
After one final round of silent thinking, Mike is saved from a psychotic break, because after he sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose in what Mike can assume is exhaustion, he finally provides an answer.
"Fine. Just– no funny business, you hear me? If I find out that you were messing around with my brother in the hotel room directly next to mine, trust me when I say you will not like the consequences." His tone is stern and clear, and it reminds him a little too much of Hopper, but he's grateful nonetheless. Though he can't help but feel slightly offended at Jonathan's adamance to prevent Will and him from 'messing around'.
But regardless, he smiles brightly, just thankful he finally let up. Not only because he gets to spend private time with the love of his life, he's also not sure he could've survived sleeping in the same room as Argyle.
"No funny business, got it. I promise, Will is in good hands. You know me, Jonathan. I'd never let anything happen to him." He doesn't think he's ever been more confident in a statement before in his life, because he would die before he let anything get to Will ever again.
However, he also knows he needs to be confident, because he needs Jonathan to be confident in his words as well. He doesn't want to be on the bad side of almost all of Will's family. Hell, Hopper hated his guts all of last year, and now adding Jonathan and El to the list? He needs someone other than Joyce on his side. And honestly, he's not too sure he even has her.
Jonathan gives him a small smile, reaching out to pat his shoulder.
"I know, and I trust you. You're a good kid, Mike. Take care of him tonight. He'll definitely need it."
He'd never admit it, but he feels tears brim his eyes at his words. Knowing Jonathan is willing to support them in a world where almost nobody does, it means the world to him. But he blinks the tears away as quickly as they came, smiling and nodding.
"Of…of course. Always." He swears, and with one last smile, Jonathan turns back around to start the process of dealing with the cranky receptionist to finish the billing for the rooms.
Mike can't keep his grin contained, turning towards Will's direction once more, where he's now taken a seat on one of the couches in the lobby. Mike makes his way over to his boyfriend with a joyful spring to his step.
Will looks up at him and greets him with a gentle smile. He reaches out to him for a hug, Mike obliges without hesitation, wrapping his arms around Will's middle and guiding him up, leaning him against his chest to just simply rest there for a few moments.
"What'd you talk about, babe?" He asks, his voice calm and tired, and Mike grins even wider, taking the key card from Will's grasp, holding it between them proudly.
"Well, good news. Looks like we're sharing a room and a bed tonight." He says, a teasing slyness in his voice. Will pulls back to look him in the eyes, a hopeful, loving expression painting his features.
"Actually? He let us?" His grin stretched from ear to ear, and only got wider when Mike nodded, pressing their foreheads together tenderly.
"Yes, my love. We've got the whole night together. let's not waste any time, yeah?"
***
When Mike locks the door behind them, he immediately wraps his arms around Will, holding him close and tight. Will's cheeks are sore from smiling so much. He buries his face in the crook of Mike's neck, pressing little kisses there. They take each other in, just letting themselves bask in the love they feel for each other.
"I love you."
"I love you, too. I'm so happy I get to spend tonight with you." Mike's eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles, knowing he sounds cliche as hell, but he's always been a rather sappy person. Well, with Will that is. And if these past couple days have told him anything about Will at all, he can tell he's of a similar nature.
Will runs his hands along Mike's chest, smiling like an exhausted, love struck dork. As much as he loves being all sappy with Mike, he's still very tired, and he needs a shower. Days in a weed infused van, and burying a body in the middle of the desert in long sleeves and pants isn't exactly a great move if your main priority is well maintenanced hygiene. He can smell himself and Mike, and they're both well overdue for a deep cleaning.
"I am too. I'm glad you're here with me. I don't think I would've survived with anyone else." Mike can't help but silently agree with the statement. Will has really been the only thing keeping him sane throughout this entire trip. Lord knows what he would've done if he were stuck in these conditions with anyone else. A shiver runs down his spine as he imagines what being trapped in a smelly van with Max would be like.
Will leans in close, pressing a kiss to his cheekbone. His breath hot against Mike's skin, causing him to flush red. His stomach does flips as butterflies invade his stomach, still not used to being able to have this. Will could pull the most intense reactions out of him from the smallest of actions.
"As much as I love your hugs, we really need to shower." Will reminds him, and Mike lets out an annoyed groan, not pleased at the idea of being away from Will any longer than he has to. Will raises an eyebrow, giving him a teasing look. "Mike, come on, babe. We smell like weed infused shit. You can cling to me all you want after we're both clean."
Mike just sighs, too tired to pose any further argument. A shower does sound nice, anyway. His skin feels like it's been frosted with layers of a combination of dirt and sweat. Black skinny jeans and windbreaker jackets don't do well in such harsh conditions. But to be fair, this was probably the last thing Mike expected to happen during his spring break.
Well, aside from finally being able to kiss his super hot and cool best friend. That was pretty unexpected, too.
"Alright, that sounds like a deal to me. You want it first?" His bright smile returns, thrilled at being able to have Will all to himself after their showers.
Will nods, separating himself from Mike's body. As Will walks away, a small detail dawns on him.
"Hey! I brought my bag with me, since I never really got the chance to unpack." He motions to the bag he had set down on the floor next to the wooden office desk, the kind that seems to be in every hotel room he's ever been to. "There should be some clothes in there that fit you. I can't guarantee it, though. Since you kind of— grew?" He tries, face turning red with embarrassment. Will chuckles, finding his struggle for words kind of cute. He turns back around and walks over towards the wooden desk.
"I get it, Mike. I don't think it'll be a problem. Worst case scenario, your pants are a little tight." He says honestly, sifting through the bag, picking out a pair of boxer briefs and sleep bottoms. He holds them up to his body, trying to gauge the size. He gives them a skeptical look before tugging at the waist band, finding them to be decently stretchy. He smiles in satisfaction and stands back up, cringing as he hears a few bones pop.
Mike grins, walking over to him and placing his hands on his shoulders, pressing a kiss to his cheek from behind. "Have a good shower, baby"
Will laughs softly, bringing a hand up to rest on top of the one Mike's placed on his shoulder. "Thanks, Mike." Mike squeezes his shoulder gently before letting him go, and Will walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Mike sits down on the queen sized bed in the middle of the room, the mattress dipping from his weight. It's not the most comfortable bed ever, but it surely beats the seats in the Surfer Boy van. Being stuck sitting in the seats for hours on end was difficult, let alone sleeping on them.
As he glances around, he notices that the room seems to have been cleaned decently. It isn't a luxury by any means, but it's in surprisingly good shape for being in the middle of nowhere. Especially when the only person working here seemed to be the lady at the front desk.
He sighs, rolling his shoulders back and hearing his joints pop loud enough to make him wince. They haven't had many opportunities to get out and stretch, which explains why his bones seem to crack with every movement.
He's just thankful they have a place to sleep comfortably for tonight, and that he and Will finally have some privacy. They haven't been able to get a minute alone since the Byers's house got shot up by those military soldiers.
Goosebumps crawl up his arms at the recollection of the shootout, brows furrowing as he remembers how scared he had been. The adrenaline that had been pumping through him had been the only thing that kept him from freezing with fear. He knows how terrifying it must've been for Will.
He shakes away the memory, not willing to let his anxiety get in the way of tonight. The last thing Will needs is more stress than what's most definitely already tracking through his brain. Tonight is about them, and he's going to do everything in his power to make sure Will has everything he needs to just simply relax for a little bit.
Mike takes a deep breath before flopping backwards on the bed, cringing at the loud creaking of the bed frame. His face scrunches up, silently praying to the gods above that the walls aren't as thin as they seem to be.
***
The sensation of water dripping onto his face is what forces his eyes open, and when he sees his boyfriend standing over top of him with his hair wet and shaggy from a shower, he realizes he must've dozed off. His cheeks warm up at the sight of him with his hair all messed up, and his skin still pink from the warmth of the water and he looks absolutely gorgeous. He sits up on his elbows, smiling widely at the boy in front of him.
"Did you get clean enough?" He asks, raising a brow. Will chuckles, wiping off some of the water dripping down his cheeks.
"As clean as you can get from hotel toiletries. It took nearly a whole bottle of shampoo to get all the dirt out of my hair. I made sure to replace them for you."
It's a small action, really. But he can't help it if it causes him to fall a little bit deeper in love with the boy. It's the little things that make such a difference, and Will has always been the one to take them into account. By remembering all of the smallest details in their conversations that the rest of their friends would just as easily forget, or by going the extra mile to do something just for him, Will has been wrapping Mike around his finger unbeknownst to him.
The smile that spreads across his face is lovesick, but he doesn't really mind. He pushes himself up off of the bed to wrap his arms around Will's waist. His skin is still damp from his shower, but he's warm and soft, and Mike is in love with him.
He leans down to press a sweet and quick kiss to Will's soft lips, it lasts about 2 seconds and it's barely enough time for Will to reciprocate, but it conveys what it needs to. He smiles as he presses his forehead against Will's.
"You're so sweet, Will." He says, and Will grins.
"I try"
"Cheeky."
Will laughs, and presses one last kiss to his lips before pushing him away playfully. "Go take your shower, you stink." Will teases, scrunching up his nose in mock disgust. Mike just rolls his eyes, scoffing.
"Whatever. I'll see you in a few minutes, love." He says, grabbing Will's hand and pressing a quick kiss to his knuckles before reaching down to grab his bag and make his way to the bathroom.
He closes the door behind him, and any coolness from outside the bathroom is immediately shut out, the humidity from Will's shower feeling like paste on his skin. The mirror is still fogged up, and he smiles like an idiot once he sees that Will left him a little message in the fog.
His chest swells with adoration, because Will might just be the sweetest person to exist.
When they had first officially started dating, Mike wasn't sure what to expect. He didn't know what Will had been wanting in their relationship at that point in time, and all he had been focused on was finally being able to kiss the love of his life. But if little notes written in the fog on the bathroom mirror is what he's getting, he sure as hell Isn't about to complain.
With one last glance at the mirror, he walks over to the shower, turning the nozzle to warm. It doesn't take more than a few seconds for it to warm up again. Once the water is at a decent temperature he begins stripping himself of his sweat soaked clothes, wincing at the smell of his own body as he lifts his arms.
He doesn't think he's ever looked so forward to a shower in his life.
***
When Mike exits the bathroom, he sighs in relief of finally having washed away all the gunk from the last few days. His old clothes have been discarded and replaced by a white undershirt and a pair of clean boxer briefs.
He finishes drying his damp hair with his towel before hanging it on the bathroom doorknob. With his hair out of his eyes, he spots Will sitting at the desk while doodling on the little notepad supplied in their room. It's unfair how adorable Mike finds it to be.
He quietly walks up behind his occupied boyfriend and places his hands on his shoulders, rubbing them in a soothing fashion. At first, Will seems to tense, until he relaxes again almost immediately after, leaning into the warmth of Mike's hands on his body.
Mike smiles, squeezing his shoulders once firmly before leaning down to press a sweet kiss to Will's head, his soft and still slightly dampened hair brushes against Mike's lips chapped lips. He breathes in the smell of the cheap shampoo provided by the hotel, and he can't help but smile.
Will looks up at him through his eyelashes the best he can from the angle he's working with. He looks a little goofy, but still unbelievably beautiful.
Will sets the little notepad down, and he instead brings them up by his shoulders to rest on top of Mike's, using his thumbs to rub soothing circles into the backs of his palms. Mike is sure he can feel the individual bones in each of his hands, or every one of the veins that protrude from his thin skin, but he doesn't really mind, because he knows it's just another item on the long list of things Will Byers loves about him. Which is a much longer list than Mike ever expected it to be.
Will has whispered all of the things he adores about him into his ear countless times in just the small period they've been together. He's sure it's partly to make up for all of the time they've lost dancing around their feelings for each other, but something tells him it might also be because Will never thought he'd be able to love like they do now. He may whisper sweet, delicate words of praise and worship into his ear because he's taking advantage of the fact that he can.
Will just happened to mention a night ago that he actually finds his hands quite beautiful, much to Mike's initial surprise. He had described them as a work of art, something destined to be admired. When Will had bashfully admitted to studying and sketching his hands on almost a daily basis, he had to physically keep himself upright from how weak in the knees it made him.
Mike smiles down gently at the pretty boy below him, and he leans down to press a soft kiss to his forehead. Will seems to relish underneath the warmth of his lips, because a flushed smile creeps up on his lips, and his eyes close and crinkle at the corners they way they always do when in a state of genuine elation.
Will laughs a light, airy chuckle as Mike spins him back around in the cheap rolly chair provided by the hotel room. It creaks under Will's weight, proving its age.
A light smirk crosses Mike's lips once he has Will face to face with him again. He brings a gentle hand up to cup one of his cheeks, stroking over a couple freckles embedded in the skin that's continuously heating up by the second.
Will leans into Mike's palm, nuzzling into it as he closes his eyes and lets out an exhausted sigh. As much as he'd love to stay up all night just simply staring into his boyfriend's eyes, his overwhelming need for sleep easily overtakes that desire.
For now, that is.
Mike takes notice of Will's current state of drowsiness, and he takes it as a sign of finally getting some rest. They're all showered up and changed into a fresh pair of clothes each. All that's left to do now is to take advantage of the bed pressed up against the back wall, and sleep.
He leans in to press his lips to Will's forehead, kissing him softly. He lingers there for just a moment before pulling away. "You look really tired, baby. We really should get some sleep." Mike suggests, lowering his voice to try and keep Will in a sleepy state. Mike wants to eliminate any opportunity that will prevent his love from getting a good night's sleep, and that means he's willing to keep Will trapped in his embrace all night if that means it keeps the possibility of nightmares at bay.
Although, he doesn't think Will would have many complaints about that. They've both made it clear as day to each other that having a more intimate, touchy - feely relationship is what they both are wanting, and have been wanting for their relationship for a very long time. And by those standards, sleeping cuddled up text to each other is essentially a must.
Will sighs softly, nodding in agreement with Mike's suggestion. They're both absolutely spent. Sitting in a car for days on end without any time to stop and rest while trying to search for your missing sister slash girlfriend, plus adding on the emotional distress that comes with being chased down and shot at by the government...
Needless to say, it's a lot.
Will reaches up and curls his hands around Mike's biceps and uses them to pull himself up from the chair. Mike almost stumbles forward, but Will is able to jump up quickly enough to help balance him. They both let out tiny chuckles when they're both stable on the ground again.
After they settle down, the atmosphere in the room seems to do the same. The air feels thick and warm, and Will finds it hard for him to tear his eyes away from Mike's. Although Mike seems to be having that same problem. Will feels absolutely entranced by Mike's gaze, feeling a little fuzzy all over when neither of them move to break it.
A few moments pass, the two are still staring at each other, and Will begins to smile when it lasts for a few beats too long. He reaches from Mike's arm to his face, brushing a part of his bangs out of his eyes.
"Let's go to bed, then…" Will responds with a tone of voice Mike can't quite put his finger on. It sounds like a mixture of teasing and flirting. But whatever it is, it makes Mike feel like he's floating.
He thinks he may start to understand once Will wraps his arms around his neck and laces his fingers together, giving Mike a stare that he could only describe as desire.
Will can see the hint of a blush climbing up Will's neck as a look of mischief sparks in his eyes. It's when Will glances downwards at his lips that Mike finally gets it.
The realization brings a goofy smirk to Mike's face as well. He slips his arm around Will's waist and brings the other up to caress the back of his neck, brushing his thumb over a mole or two. His skin is soft and warm, and Mike feels addicted to him already.
"Lead the way, my love." Mike urges, and Will doesn't hesitate to slam their lips together, causing their teeth to clash. If it hurt at all, neither of them noticed, too caught up in each other to process anything other than the taste of the other's mouths.
Their lips more against each other's at a fervent pace, both of them chasing after more when one of them pulls away to switch the angle of their kisses. Will uses his hands to push on Mike's shoulders, guiding him until the back of his knees hit the edge of the bed.
Mike gasps into Will's mouth, his warm breath hitting Will's tongue from the surprise of the obstacle. Will swallows it and presses harder, urging him even further against the bed.
Mike lets out a breathy chuckle at Will's urgency, and allows his knees to buckle underneath him, plopping down on the edge of the bed. He slides his hands down Will's waist to his hips, pulling him forward until he's settled nice and comfortably on his lap.
Will feels as though he may overheat from the new, more intimate position. The warmth of Mike's hands bleed through the fabric of his pajama pants, causing the skin on his hips to tingle. He squeezes Mike's hips With his knees as he dives in deeper, threading his fingers through Mike's hair and pulling him impossibly closer. The room feels like it's warmed up significantly. He's hot all over.
As Mike begins to take a bit more control over the kiss, chills run down Will's spine as the thrill of making out with Michael Wheeler really settles in. It's almost scary to realize.Though, the last thing it does is deter him, and instead, it only sparks his desire for it. The desperation to indulge themselves in each other overpowers nearly all critical thinking skills they may have once had. The only thing on Will's mind is Mike's lips, body, and love. He can tell that Mike seems to be feeling the same way just based off of how his hands seem to stray a bit farther down his back than they normally would.
Will just about complains as soon as Mike breaks their kiss until he feels the warmth of Mike's lips against his jaw, which sends goosebumps up and down Will's body. Will relaxes under Mike's advances, and he pulls Mike's head to his jaw to encourage his efforts.
Mike leaves sloppy and needy kisses all the way down his jawline, trailing down to his neck in the process. He pauses to pay more attention to certain areas, occasionally scraping his teeth over a spot of skin to tease him a bit. It's effective, because Mike can hear the little pants that leave his mouth every time he does it.
He can't put to words how adorable he finds it.
Will's eyes shoot open when Mike reaches one spot in particular, one that makes his eyes roll back and a soft wail to be torn from his throat.
Mike pulls back, his face flushed and eyes wide, looking awfully sheepish. A soft smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, a small feeling of pride swelling up inside of him knowing that he was the one who made that happen.
As soon as the realization dawns on him, Will slaps a hand over his mouth, and he peers up at Mike timidly, unsure of whether or not he crossed some sort of uncommunicated boundary. Though Mike's half smile half smirk is proof that he's mistaken. No boundaries have been crossed, and instead a new discovery is being welcomed into open arms.
Mike chuckles at the sheepish expression on his face and pulls Will to his chest, wrapping one arm around his waist while tangling the other in his messy hair to scratch at his scalp. They rest like this for a few moments, letting the air around them settle before jumping into anything else revolutionary for the night.
It's times like this Will wishes that the little crush phase of his ever growing love for Mike had passed when he was younger, because maybe then he wouldn't be stressed about whether or not Mike is able to hear his heart beating out of his chest right now.
His chin rests on Mike's shoulder, but he tilts his head down to tuck his face into Mike's chest, breathing him in for what feels like the 100th time tonight. It's quiet, but a good sort of quiet. It's peaceful. It gives them both a moment to think, though Will can't keep his mind off of the embarrassing noise that was just torn from him. He digs his head further into Mike's chest as the embarrassment turns his stomach.
Mike speaks up after a couple beats, shattering the silence of the room.
“That was really cute, you know.” He says smugly, lightly squeezing Will’s side. A flush floods Will’s tan cheeks with red, and earns Mike an embarrassed glare. He's not actually mad, he doesn't think he'll ever have the capability of being mad at Mike again. But he's flustered, and already pleading to be swallowed whole by the universe.
However, he's sort of relieved as well. Although it was already established that no boundary was crossed, Mike's praise gives him a bit more reassurance that he doesn't have to feel guilty for feeling that way.
But even with that, he still responds out of embarrassment. “You really didn't have to bring it up…” Will whines dramatically, desperately trying to hide the obvious smile that's forming at his lips. Mike just grins, skillfully sneaking another peck at Will’s jaw.
“Sure I did. I've got to take notes for the next time I've got you alone in bed.” Mike flirts, diving in for another kiss, but Will groans and pushes his face away, feeling much too flustered for his liking. His words take a minute to process, but once he really comprehends the depth of what Mike just said, his face burns with a furious flush.
“Jesus Mike…” he mutters, hiding his face in Mike's neck at the implications. Mike doesn't seem to care though, his smirk never once faltering.
Mike does eventually attempt to soothe Will’s embarrassment, rubbing at the small of his back while trying to ease him up out of the crease of his neck. “Come on, babe. Don't be ashamed. It's natural to respond that way to such an amazing kisser” He explains, and Will scoffs, giggling at Mike's overzealousness.
“Don't flatter yourself, Wheeler. You almost broke my nose the first time we kissed. I wouldn't get too cocky just yet…” Will says, skeptical of Mike's confidence.
(As much as Will secretly agrees, he'd rather not feed Mike's overly inflated ego.)
Mike looks falsely offended for just a moment before breaking out into a bright smile. He brings his hand up to Will’s cheek and caresses it. It takes Will by surprise, not expecting the sudden contact, but he doesn't mind. He never does. He leans into and smiles softly.
Mike leans in to kiss his forehead, and lets his lips linger there for a little bit as he whispers to his boyfriend. “I love you…even if you don't think my kissing skills are as off the charts as I thought…” he says through a giggle, and Will grins, narrowing his eyes.
“Oh hush…I never said they were bad…quite the opposite actually. I just think I need a little bit more of the Michael Wheeler kissing experience before I'm able to make my final judgment” he explains, a smug tone in his voice. Mike smiles, trailing his hand down to Will’s jaw and brushing his thumb over his bottom lip.
“Well, I'd happily provide you with that…but be careful. It might change your life.” He says dramatically, before sliding his thumb away to peck Will's lips.
Will returns Mike's efforts, chuckling. He wasn't aware of how presumptuous Mike would be once getting together. Regardless of whether or not he's joking (which he's absolutely positive he is), he can't help but agree. His first kiss with Mike did change his life. And there's no denying that he's an excellent kisser, despite what El had told him late at night in a whispered confession about how Mike sucked at kissing, and how the last time she kissed him before moving to Lenora, he didn't even kiss back. Will is almost sure it's because Mike didn't enjoy kissing her enough to put effort into it.
It's not that he has anything to compare it to, but from what he's seen and felt of Mike, there's nobody else he'd rather be kissing. Even if it means dealing with Mike's overdramatic comments about his award winning kissing skills.
Will sighs, shaking his head and resting against Mike's chest, listening to his heartbeat. “We should really go to bed, you know…” Will suggests wisley. He tries looking over at the alarm clock sitting on the nightstand next to their bed, but the thing looks like it's not been touched in years, let alone turned on. So Will switches to check his watch. It reads 12:47 am.
Just looking at it makes him sort of dread waking up at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning, but if it means he's waking up next to Mike, it's more than worth it in his eyes.
Mike's gaze catches Will’s watch, and he sighs, nodding in agreement. “Sounds good to me…although, I'd much rather stay up and make out for a bit longer…”
Will snorts. “Dream on. As much as I'd love to satisfy that want, we need sleep.” He reasons, placing a hand on Mike's chest and patting him. The exhaustion from the week it's been is finally hitting him now that they're in a safe place to rest.
Mike nods in agreement, before wrapping Will up in his arms, catching him by surprise when he rolls them both back against the pillows, Will landing beside him. Mike never breaks the contact he established previously with Will’s waist.
Will laughs quietly, and curls up even closer to Mike, smiling contently. They lay there like that for a moment, and Will’s heart swells with nothing but love for Mike. He tries to shimmy his way under the comforter, kicking it back with his feet. Mike assists him, and grabs the edge once it's out from underneath their bodies and lays it over top both him and Will. The warmth from the comforter is enough to make him sigh from relaxation.
Mike is smiling down at him, his eyes scrunched at the corners and his lips parted slightly in a way that shows his teeth. His lips look dry and chapped, which they are, yet they look so kissable at the same time. It's an odd talent Mike has. To be able to look so unbelievably beautiful to him, regardless of the flaws he possesses.
“What are you looking at?” Will laughs, shrinking in on himself under Mike's soft gaze. He catches him doing this a lot more than he expected. He's never exactly seen himself as something eye catching, but Mike doesn't seem to share that belief. What other explanation could there be for the way he's looking at him right now?
Mike's expression doesn't falter, and his smile only grows wider. He catches Will’s lips in a soft kiss. Mike's lips move against his like second nature at this point. With their lips still connected, Mike tucks some of Will’s hair behind his ear. The action is small, but it makes Will’s belly flip.
He places his hands on Mike's shoulders, kneading them and feeling their bony but sturdy shape. Warmth courses through Will’s body as they kiss.
Realization dawns on him once the kiss starts getting more heated, and Mike tries to pry his lips open with his tongue. He's been tricked. He shoves Mike away from him, and Mike almost looks offended.
“You tricked me!” He stares matter of factly, and Mike just stares at him a shit eating grin plastered on his face. Will shouldn't find it attractive, but he does. He always does when it's Mike. Mike pulls Will closer to him, removing the space that had been placed between their bodies when Will shoved him away.
“yeah yeah…worth it.” He admits, pressing a quick kiss to Will’s cheek, and another one just underneath his eye. Something about Will’s face is just very- kissable, to Mike. He has this aroma about him that just draws Mike in effortlessly. If there was a word he would use to describe Will, it would be gorgeous, everything about him just reflects infinite beauty. As sappy as it may be, it's true. Will Byers is absolutely, undeniably gorgeous.
Will giggles, despite his previous annoyance. He yawns, covering his mouth with his hand. He sinks deeper into the mattress, and even deeper into Mike's arms. The wave of tiredness he was feeling once they first arrived suddenly hits him at full force once again, and he's struggling to keep his eyes open.
Mike smiles lovingly down at the sleepy boy in his arms, and he holds him close. He uses one arm to wrap around Will’s hips, his hand resting in the dip of Will’s waist, and he uses the other to intertwine their fingers. He uses his thumb to stroke loving circles into Will’s skin in the back of his hand, lifting his hand up to press a little kiss to the back of it. Will’s heart skips a beat at the motion.
Mike begins to settle into the bed as well, breathing deeply as he holds Will in his arms, feeling the same feeling of tiredness as Will. He presses a kiss to his forehead, rubbing his hip gently, knowing Will is ticklish.
“Goodnight, baby. Sleep well, okay? Sweet dreams, my love.” He whispers, his voice soothing in tone. Will smiles softly, removing himself from Mike's neck to allow Mike to connect their lips in a soft kiss, which turns into a chain of little pecks and kisses. He presses their foreheads together for just a moment, enjoying what could be their last moment of peace together for a long time.
Will lets out a deep breath. “Goodnight, Mike. I will…you too, okay…?” He says, words slurred from already being half asleep. He laughs softly, and can't help but press one last kiss to Will’s lips.
“Of course.” He brings his hand up to run through Will’s hair, relaxing him once again. He then pulls away, allowing Will to return to the home he's made against Mike. Once he's settled back in, Mike smiles, feeling more content and comfortable than he's felt in a long while.
He cranes his neck to whisper one final thing in Will’s ear, and to him, it's the most important thing he could say right now.
“I love you, baby…”
And when Mike doesn't get a reply, he only smiles brighter, knowing Will has fallen asleep in his arms, peacefully and successfully..
And anymore, that's all he could ask for.