Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

No one truthfully remembers when Will & Mike, well, became Will and Mike. The two had been friends since the first week of kindergarten and at that point were basically glued together. Mike was the only one that had visited Will during his possession- so really, they were the best of friends. Or- maybe more.

Will's leg bounced softly as his sister, brother and parents slept in the quiet house. Something couldn't let him sleep, he knew just what it was. It wasn't the fact that the group of teenagers just survived an attack from Vecna and killed him once and for all, god no, maybe it was the flutter in his heart that happened every time he happened to talk to Mike. But alas, he was dating his sister. And Will had no intent to mess up his bonding with Mike and El over a stupid crush. Will knew better, he would rather suffer from the sidelines if that meant the others were okay. That's the way he is, selfless. The soft glow of his yellowing lamp lit the desk he sat hunched over at. The nights he couldn't sleep, he would always remember before the upside down, before Vecna ruined his life. When the boys would play DnD and that was the best they could have, but something about those memories still tickled Will wrong. Maybe it was the intense bullying he experienced, or the abuse sustained by his father. Either way, something was wrong. As the night crept closer to morning small knocks appeared at Will's bedroom door. He glanced up from the messy desk, "Hello...?" he said groggily. "Will... we need to talk." El mumbled barely audible. As the door opened his gaze fell upon the disheveled looking El in his bedroom doorway. Her face was red and puffy and she was wearing one of Will's old sweaters. Something she only did when something went wrong.`They both stumbled over to the bed, taking a seat next to one another. “Me and Mike broke up.” She mumbled, not being able to look her brother in the eyes. Will knew this, not because Mike told him, but because before they made their plan to kill Vecna they didn't do their weird childhood-lovesick glances and goofy smiles. In fact- Mike had clinged onto Will. His head buried into the back of Will's shoulder, mumbling on about how they could defeat Vecna. He nodded his head before looking at El. “Hey, it’s okay. If it’s not meant to be it’s not meant to be.” He ran his hand up and down her back comforting her.

“Can I stay with you tonight…? Like old times in Lenora?” She asked, her hand twitching slightly

“Like old times.” He pulled up the comforter allowing El to crawl in.

She curled up, clearly comfortable, as Will headed back to his desk. He was still unable to sleep. But, a big day was ahead of them. Like old times, the original party was going to have a sleepover. No girls, no hellish monsters, just old times. A day where we can relax and have fun, for the first time in forever. The sleepover bag (his old school bag with a teddy bear, hoodie, socks, and flashlight) lay up against the bed as El softly snored.

Mike placed a box of pillows on the floor of the cold basement, throwing them all onto the couch. Maybe it would be nice not having to worry about girls for a while, finally have some peace without a partner. Suddenly- a knock at the door erupted the silent house, only Mike and his lizard, Paddlin, were home. His mother had gone to the pool, his dad was at work, and Nancy was at one of her girlfriends houses. Just him, so inevitably, the knock scared the shit out of him. He walked up the stairs, as he looked through the peephole he just realized that it was Will. And obviously, there is no harm in Will being at his door. He opened the door, Will smiled softly, his old school bag slung across one shoulder and his bike parked by the mail box. “Oh- come in! My mom’s at the pool so its just us, Lucas and Dustin haven’t yet showed up.” The raven haired boy said, stepping to the side to let Will enter. As Will walked downstairs a wave of nostalgia hit him, causing him to smile softly. The phone rang, “Oh um, Mike, the door is ringing..” Mike walked over to the phone answering it. “Oh shit really… yeah that sucks… oh alright man- i’ll see you again some time, and Will says get better soon… kay… bye…” Mike put the phone back down, before looking at will. “So, uhm… Lucas and Dustin have the flu.” Wills eyes widened. “That sucks… so uhm… just us?” “Just us.” the two smiled. Will set his bag down, flopping onto the couch. “Did…ehm… did you and El break up?” Will asked, glancing away from Mike. Mike turned to face Will “I- Uh… yuh-yes… but she said we are good terms! Unless we aren’t…? Did she tuh-tell you we aren’t cause if so I can try to make it right…” He blurted. The smaller boy giggled shaking his head, “No- she just told me last night. Its all fine, is that why you were hiding in my shoulder…?” Blush spread across mikes face. Maybe Mike liking Will isn’t that bad after all.

Chapter Text

In the morning the rain bout blew the small sleepy town in Indiana named Hawkins sideways. It beat down on the town, pittering and pattering at the roofs of the residents. Will woke up when the rain just finally began, and if you asked him, he would have told you how peaceful it was. It developed, small soft raindrops that you enjoy to be on your skin, then the had and heavy rain with little bursts of wind- then the rain that was assaulting the town. But, nothing could've comforted Will more then the rain. Well, correction, nothing could've comforted Will more than the rain and Mike. When the rest of the party was busy with Steve's one-sided releationship with Nancy and Dustins DemoDog, Mike seemed to be the only one that cared about Will while he was flayed.

Mike placed a box of pillows on the floor of the cold basement, throwing the blankets onto the couch. Maybe it would be nice not having to worry about girls for a while. Well, the only girls Will had ever cared for was Holly, Mrs.Wheeler, Nancy, His Mom, Eleven, Shawnee, and The Hawkins Middle School art teacher. But for mike to finally not be always speaking of El to his friends was surely amazing. Suddenly a knock at the door interupted the quiet Wheeler home. Only Mike was home, the other members of the party hadn't showed up yet. His Dad was at work, his Mom and Holly were out doing god knows what, Nancy was out studying at one of her girlfriends houses, so- it was just Mike and his thoughts. So, inevbitably, the knock scared the shit out of him. He stumbled up the stairs and glanced through the peep hole, but when he looked it was just Will. And obvioulsy there was no harm in just will being at his door unless he was flayed. He opened the door, the short fluffy brown haired boy stood in front of him A big smile plastered on his face, he was quite cute actually. His bike was parked next to the mail box because everyone new nobody in Hawkins would steal it and he had his old tattered backpack slinging off his shoulder. "Oh- come on in. My moms doing god knows what and Nancys at a friends so, just us right now." Mike stepped to the side, allowing Will to enter. A wave of nostalgia flooded the younger boy as he walked into the home. Will and Mikes sleepovers, late night DND, fun times with the party, his smile only grew at the sweet memories. The phone rang softly, just loud enough for Will to hear it from his spot half way into the large family room. "Hey Mike, the phones ringing." Mike turned away from the closed door and walked to the phone. "Wheeler residence." He said softly into the phone, his father had always scolded Mike for answering the phone like a regular Teen. So much so that he began to write his full name on things and answer the phone in a "Proper" way. Mikes eyes widen as he muttered some curse word under his breath. "Yes Mrs.Sinclair, does that mean Dustin will not be coming over as well?" There was a pause before he re-zoomed. "Yes ma'am, thank you for informing me. Have a good day, bye-bye." He hung the phone back on the wall. he black haired boy sighed before looking at a confused Will. "So, Lucas and Dustin blew up the microwave at Mrs.Sinclairs house and are both grounded. So... just us." Mike looked into Wills eyes. The other boy softly smiled. "Just us."

The two sat close together, their shoulders rubbed against each other causing tiny bits of static. "So, did you and El break up? Like, be honest cause I already know the answer but." Will asked. Mikes face changed before looking away. "i, I mean yes.. Is she upset and hurt? Oh my god... I didn't mean to hurt her I just, it wasn't working out and it was just not right! I'm sorry... Shit now I feel like an ass-" Will cut Mike off. "No, no! It's fine! I was just wondering how your putting up." he sighed. ":Yeah, uhm, shit sorry. Im alright... yeah im good. Much happier..." Will nodded his head. "Cool." Mike smiled "Cool."

Chapter Text

Mike rested up against Will, his hand on Will's shoulder as they talked. Will opened his mouth to say something but bit his tongue, the other boy saw. “So, what college you planning on?” Will finally said. He glanced at Will, shaking his head softly. “You Know… im not sure. Like, I want to go to college for something. Maybe music? Or- actually, I've always wanted to be a writer. So maybe i need to look into that type of college. How about you?” He asked. Will sighed, brushing his hair out of his face. “Oh I don't really know, I would like to go to college for teaching… like an art teacher.” Mike nodded. “Thats cool, I knew it was going to be something with art. Your really good at it dude- especially the one that El commissioned!” Mike said. Will glanced away, avoiding eye contact. “Uh- yeah… shit- sorry, thank you.” Mike nodded. “Yeah, yeah, no problem dude.” When the chitter chattering cut out and the small audible breaths of the two boys filled the room, the silence isn't weird or awkward. It was comfortable, nice. The boys could sit for hours next to each other and not speak and it would still be comfortable. That's how close they are. Later into the night as the sun tucked itself to sleep and the birds found their nest the pair somehow became more touchy- or clingy. Mikes head in Wills lap, the taller boy on the floor and the shorter on the couch. “So, have you heard of Ohio University?” Will spoke up, Mike shook his head. “Well, they have a really good writing program. Its down in Athens, real nice. I think I'm gonna go there. Y’know? They have a lot of good programs, good ones for art and teachers…” He said. Will and Mike locked eyes, the shorter boy adjusted uncomfortably. “Here, I’ll give you a pamphlet next time we see each other.” Mike nodded, to be honest. He truly didn't know if he could make it to college. Will was smart, National Honors Society, Honor Roll, 5.1 GPA. Mike was a B- and A- student, not because he wasn't smart- he just… gave up. I mean, he wasn't stupid but when he didn't get it the frist time he just stopped. He had maybe two A’s and the rest were B’s. It wasn't bad, he just needed extra help. We all do… really, we all struggle with something. As the sun began to sleep and the night crept in Mike coldnt stop but look at the sleepy boy above him. He was.. Cute. Mike came to the realization that he found Will cute, so he aubrutly stood up and walked to the bathroom. He cant like Will, thats fucking disgusting and he knows it. Boys don’t like Boys… but, the way he looked at him made him go crazy. The soft look, the innocent smiles, the way his hair sat. Something just felt right about the boy. Whenever they touched it was like electricity ran through his bodies and to his brain making him feel soft and warm inside. But something about it also made him feel so fucking disgusting. Like he deserved to die for being a faggot, for liking Will the way he did. Nothing made since, i mean, it was so wrong. But also, it felt so right. Maybe he would have to die a sinner.

Chapter Text

When the pair were in 3rd grade they would spend their time trying to get Nancy and Jonathan to walk to the park. Neither of them usually denied. When at the park Mike and Will would swing for hours just giggling about things in school. Something about them was so sweet, so innocent. Mike knew not to rough house with Will because whenever they would, a never properly healed injury on Will's body would worsen. So the two just swang, Mike never really knew the story behind Wills injurys. But he never questioned. Nancy and Jonathan the first few times would sit awkwardly making short conversation. After a couple times they would talk about school and their brothers, laughing at the others' jokes. Will wished to go back to those days, he missed the way they didnt care about girls or monsters. Just stupid kid things.

Will laid on his bed, hands writing away into the old school book turned journal. Suddenly, a knock interrupted the silence. He walked to the door opening it, “No, I don't want cookies.” He mumbled. “I'm not trying to sell you cookies…?” Will looked up, Mike was stood in front of him. “Oh- shit sorry.” They began to walk to Wills room. He was still in his pajamas. “Uhm- Imma change really quick. One sec-” Will was cut off “What's that?” He questioned, holding Wills journal. “None of your beeswax. Now, I'm gonna change.” He walked off. Mike sighed, as he went to set it down it opened slightly. There was no harm in taking a small peek, right? Just a tiny peak.

“Summer of 1985,

I don't think I'm supposed to be happy anymore. I don't think I can be happy. Nothing makes since, everyone has moved on and fallen in love. Last year was a blur, I heard I killed someone. Maybe I don't deserve to be happy. I don't think my friends care, I haven't seen Dustin in a few days and… me, Mike, and Lucas haven't been getting along. I guess I'm to childish, maybe we shouldn't play DnD, or I should grow up. Stop being a freak. It’s my fault, well. Jonathan says it isn't, but- we hardly talk anymore. He's so busy with Nancy and work, and Mom is always doing something, And my friends all fell in love. So I'm just alone. Different. Jonathan said its okay to be different. But, I feel too different. It's like I feel nothing but everything at the same time. And, I know this is bad, but I miss dad. Even after everything he has done, some part of me still wants him here. I hate him for everything he has done, but I miss him. I don't know. I hate Mike. I really do. Or maybe-”

It was all scribbles after that.

The sound of Will walking back to his room echoed, Mike quickly shut the book. He tried to act normal but he knew something was off. I mean, Will from two years ago has to think differently. Right? “Hey! Sorry… I was just being lazy sooo..” Will forced a dry laugh. So did Mike. “What do you want to do?” The shorter boy asked. “Uhm… maybe we could go to the Corry?” He responded. Will nodded “Alright, come on.” The bike ride there was quiet. They didn't talk much, Mike tried not to think of the snooping he did in Wills journal but allas couldn't. When they arrived it was half past noon, clouds set in the sky, ready to disturb the sleepy conservative town. Will stood on the edge, his gaze stuck to the water. “Watcha doing..?” He asked. Will glanced at the other boy. “Hm.. thinking.” He sat down, you could smell the rain in the air. Mike sat next to him. “I missed you, while you were gone. I mean, I had Dustin and Lucas but… you are my best friend. I need you.” Mike confessed. Will turned towards him slightly. “Really?” … “Yeah of course man… and truthfully. I think you are the heart of this party. You hold us together better than any glue could. You are the sunshine on a bad day… you are just so selfless…” Will smiled. “I wouldn't say that-” He turned his head playfully. “But I would. And I did.” Mike smiled. So for a bit, they just talked and smiled. Whenever they drifted apart they came right back. It was sickenly sweet.

Maybe it's not about the past, but the future.

Chapter Text

Mike knew Will was perfectly innocent. So when he glanced at his best friend he couldn't help but wonder how he didn't get a girlfriend. Or how he had never had his first kiss. It fascinated him. The way he had never let a girl hold his hand like that. Or how he didn’t get all flustered with the girl during the Snow Ball ‘84. Will was so attractive, I mean, if he was a girl Mike would definitely be his soulmate. Or maybe, they are each other's soulmates in both universes.

Will pulled the carefully rolled blunts out of his pocket. “So, I found these in Jon’s room. But like, I don't know if you’ve ever smoked weed. I mean, I have. But uhm, I dunno- do you wanna get high?” Will rambled. Mike's eyes stayed locked on the blunts before a soft smile appeared on his face. “Yes.” He said. The brown haired boy glanced over, lighting one of the blunts and handing it to Mike. Mike coughed slightly as he took a hit. Will couldn't help but break out into laughter at the sight. “How do you and Jonathan do it? Jesus…” He hit the blunt again. The younger one shook his head. “I do not know Wheeler. Do. Not. Know.” He dryly chuckled, a soft sad tone in his voice. Mike glanced over at him.

The sun slowly set, its reflection over the water sweet and calming. The boys, just talking and smoking. Micheal Wheeler could have NEVER thought that sweet perfect little William Byers was smoking pot.

Biking back they couldn't stop themselves from giggling the whole way home, whenever Mike had slightly opened his mouth Will would break into unstoppable laughter. It was cute, truly.

Jonathan's head peaked up as the two walked into the Byers family home. The second they walked past Jon he smiled. “Are you two stoned…?” He asked, stifling laughter. Will spun around, biting his lip slightly. “Uh…” he paused. “Maybe…” Will's brother chuckled. “Jesus, you got Wheeler high too? Mom would kill me if she found out.” Jonathan stretched, placing his hand on the back of his neck. Will laughed awkwardly before Mike turned around. “Dude. Hes fucking high out of his mind- what where you guys thinking?” He asked, his face flashing with concerns as he looked at the Wheeler boy. “Im okay…” Mike said, looking behind Jon. “Right- whatever.. Next time don't get Mike stoned please?” He said, a mockish begging tone in his voice. The two laughed as they walked to Will's room.

The bed creaked as the two sat, it had been almost two years since they had a sleepover at Wills house. Growing up, everything was always at Mikes- so they just… always were there. As morning grew closer the questions got.. Stranger. It's like, the closer the sun gets to rising the stranger things (you see what i did there, im really proud of that.) ended up. Until Mike asked the question that had been burning at him for the past 3-5 years.

“You have so many girls that like-like you. Why don't you seem interested?”

Mike asked

Will looked at one of his posters

“Hm… I guess I just don't like them like that…”

He paused

“I've never even kissed someone.”

He admitted

Mike smiled

“Awe, little innocent Byers boy!”

The raven haired boy teased

“Oh shush dear Padlin, maybe romance with the girls in school is boring. Or maybe romance is boring in general.”

They laughed

Real genuine laughs.

Mike looked down at Wills lips, suddenly, they stuck out more than usual. The soft pinky-red tint on them, the dry spots, or the missing chunk of skin from biting at them. So…

Kissable.

Micheal Wheeler was in deep shit. His best friend's lips looked kissable.

But, he chose not to think for a moment.

Mike pulled Will close, their faces inches away. The younger boy released a shaky breath. “Mike-” Will was cut off by the feeling of Mike's lips on his. He quickly kissed back. Mike pulled Will even closer.

Jesus, Mike would go to hell willingly for that boy.