Chapter Text
Will was halfway out the window when he heard Mike say, "Um, what are you doing?"
He took a breath and climbed back into his room. "None of your business." Will was still annoyed at Mike for the way he had treated him all day. That awkward interaction at the airport made Will cringe every time he thought about it. And the fact that he'd had to be the third wheel for Mike and his sister all day was driving him crazy. He needed some time to himself, away from everyone.
"Are you sneaking out?" Mike asked, trying and failing to keep the impressed tone out of his voice. He'd never seen Will act out, ever. "It's like two thirty, and your mom's gonna freak when she finds out."
"I'll be back before she notices." Will shrugged. Mike's shocked expression just made him more annoyed. So what if he'd never snuck out before? It couldn't be that hard, and he deserved to do something he had control over. He hadn't had much of that for most of his life.
"Will, this is crazy! Where are you even going?"
"I said it's none of your business, Mike. Just leave me alone. You've been pretty good at doing that."
Hurt flashed across Mike's face, and for a second Will felt guilty. But he remembered how ignored Mike had made Will feel for the past year, how he'd hardly called, how Mike had just brushed past him when he arrived in California after not seeing him all year, and the guilt mostly vanished.
"Will-"
Will ignored Mike and turned his attention back to the window. He hoisted himself up and landed outside on his feet. He didn't let himself turn around to see if Mike was still staring at him, even though he badly wanted to. It was about time he moved on, and that's exactly what he was doing tonight.
He was still a little starstruck that he, Will Byers, zombie boy, had been invited to a party by Jeff Hoffman, one of the most popular kids in his grade. Will admittedly had a little, baby crush on Jeff, for no reason other than that he looked like a blonde version of Mike, but he didn't want to think about that now. A cool, hot guy had invited him to a party and he was going. He started the short walk there and suddenly heard a crash behind him. He turned around to see Mike sprawled on the ground.
"Ow," Mike groaned. "Didn't stick the landing like you did."
Will just rolled his eyes, annoyed.
"So, which way is it?" Mike quickly got up and joined Will's side.
"You're coming with me?"
“Well, I can’t let you just leave, can I?”
Will scoffed. “Let me? You’re not my mother, Mike.”
”You know what I mean! Who knows what’s out there at this time of night.”
“This is California, not Hawkins.” A mantra Will had been repeating in his head for as long as they’d been living there.
“I know, but…still. Plus, your mom might not be as mad at you if I come with you.”
It was clear Mike would not be talked out of this. Whether he liked it or not, Mike was coming.
”Alright, let’s just go.” Will quickly turned away from him. This was going to be a long night.