Work Text:
1:46am
Manhattan, New York City
The music blared obnoxiously from the huge speakers— his most treasured items in the otherwise soulless apartment. It rattled the dirty cups stacked in the kitchen and disturbed the sway of the faded curtains. The needle shook with the effort of constant work, the endless bobbing up and down, up and down, up and down… But it had to keep going: it was the only thing loud enough to press down the thoughts swirling his head. Sleep could never grant him that relief.
It was his favourite album: Breach by Twenty One Pilots. He didn’t have much energy, but he could always make some to talk about this album— if it weren’t for the fact that he had no-one to talk to. If he did, he would tell them about the soft spot he had for the song he was listening to now, flat on his back in the kitchen, thick curly hair cushioning his head against the tiled floor.
He’d already checked the doors, checked the windows and pulled the blinds— curtains, rather. Nobody could see in, and he didn’t want to see out. He knew the music must irritate the neighbours, day after day, night after night, but he rarely ventured outside to bump into them or know what they looked like. None of them knew who he was either. If they knocked on the door he’d be happy to apologise…but he wouldn’t turn down the music.
He mused a lot as he lay down. Mainly on his wasted life, and all the things people his age did that he hadn’t caught up with. For example, he’d never been to a concert. From what he’d seen online, it looked incredible. Just music. Really loud music. And lots of people, but they were a challenge (they’d only ever screwed him over). Despite that, he thought a concert would be worth it. He ruminated for a while, deciding that if he were to see anyone live, it would have to be Tyler and Josh. They had been there through every stage of his life; he owed them an awful lot. He would be forever grateful to be alive at the same time as them.
Before he realised, the song was over, and he was left with the last note ringing in his ears.
He was one of those people who felt bad if he didn’t fully appreciate a song, like it hadn’t reached its whole potential if he’d zoned out. So he pushed himself away from the cold floor and stumbled over to the record player, prising up the tired needle and skipping back to hear track five again.
If it’s nice, play it twice, after all.
8:15am
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
His doomscroll was interrupted by three bright raps on the door.
He startled, dropping his phone to the floor, and pushed a hand to his chest to calm down the rapid firing.
It was…a visitor.
Tentatively, he took himself to the door, flipping the record over on his way. It kicked back in with full force as he pushed his weight down on the sticky door handle. It had been a few days since this was opened.
Before him stood a short guy with ruffled brown hair and thin silver-rimmed glasses around hazel eyes, alive with a spark he hadn’t seen before.
“Can I help you?” He asked, voice dry as a California summer. It had been hours since he’d last taken a drink…or maybe it had even been days. There was no way to tell anymore.
“I’m Will. I just moved in upstairs.” The visitor bounced up and down on his toes and adjusted the messenger bag slung over his shoulder, fiddling with the strap. Several pin badges cascaded down: cute pastel cartoon leaves, a blue anchor, a fluffy cat, and a few more— the meaning of which was unclear. The most intriguing was a circle striped blue, green and white. Maybe it was a foreign country’s flag or something?
“Oh. I’m Mike.” He pulled the sleeves of his sweatshirt down over his hands, bringing his arms in close to himself. “Is this about the music? Because I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything about that. I can try and explain…” He peered over his shoulder and surveyed the general state of his apartment. It was messy, but most of it was contained to his bedroom, the kitchen counter and the rug around the sofa. He figured it would be okay.
“Do you wanna come in?” He stepped back from the doorway and gestured to the sofa.
“Sure.” Will smiled kindly and stood flat on his feet, captivating Mike into stillness. “I’ve got a half hour before I need to go to work.”
Mike led him through, awkwardly fluffing up the cushions as he spiralled, tucking all the garbage under the sofa with his foot. He was about to talk. To another human being. The last time he did that was…talking to his mother over the phone a fortnight ago. And before that, snippily shutting down small talk with the cashier at Target. (The self-service was broken.) He had never been great at chatting.
“Firstly, I’m really sorry. I know how loud it is.” He was shouting over the music, even now. “But I have to keep it on.”
“Why’s that?” Will shouted back.
Maybe he could turn it down a little. Just so they could talk.
As he excused himself to do so, he formulated his response carefully. Would it be easier to make up something that made him sound less like a crazy weirdo or just to tell the truth?
But Will beat him to it, answering his own question with another. “I heard it all day yesterday. And all night. You don’t sleep, do you?”
Mike spun around, pacing back over to Will. “Not exactly.”
“And the music helps because…it stops you thinking.”
Mike slapped his knees, only partly sarcastically. “I’ll be damned.” He cursed himself for how out of character that was, and bit down on his lip as he muttered, quietly this time. “How did you guess?”
“My brother was the same. Anxiety, it was for him. He’d struggled a lot when he was younger, not quite fitting in with the other kids...”
Mike pulled his sleeves down again as Will single-handedly carried the conversation. How come he’d known this stranger for two minutes and he already knew more about Mike than anyone else did? Even his own family didn’t know about his…problems.
“At least you’ve got good taste.”
Mike perked up significantly at that. “You like Breach?”
“Of course. I mean, it’s obviously one of their strongest records.”
Woah. Mike had never met another Twenty One Pilots fan before.
“It’s their best.” He croaked, embarrassed how passionately he felt.
Will raised a playful eyebrow, pushing his glasses up his nose. “Better than Trench?”
Mike laughed. “It goes Breach, Vessel, Self-Titled, Clancy, Blurryface, Trench, Scaled and Icy. But they’re all fantastic.”
“Striking opinions.” Will laughed along. “Disappointing to see Scaled and Icy so low.”
Mike hated to disappoint him so soon.
“Well, it’s not a bad album, in fact it’s very complex, it’s just that—” he began to fluster.
“Mike. I’m joking.” Will’s expression was kind. “You’re allowed to have your own opinion.”
They chatted for a while longer, about the Pilots and other music they found they had in common, before Will seemed to suddenly remember something—
“Shit!” He jumped out of his seat and clutched his bag tight to his side. “I’m so late for work.”
Mike glanced at the time on his phone. 9:45. They’d been talking about music for an hour and a half…and it had been the best 90 minutes of his year.
“Oh.” Mike escorted Will to the door. “Well, you’d better—”
He was already jogging away, calling over his shoulder. “So good to chat! See you around!”
Now it was Mike’s turn to be disappointed. His visitor had left him in the doorway, with only a hurried goodbye lingering in the air between them.
He might have been late for work, but he’d left far too soon.
6:28pm
Three quick KNOCK!s on the door. Mike rolled off his bed with a low groan to answer it, interrupting the position he’d been slumped in all day. Who the hell was knocking? His brain felt foggy and slow, like it was lagging behind. He’d entirely forgotten the events of this morning…and the concept of time, having eaten nothing. He realised he was very—
“Hungry?” Will grinned, waving a pizza box in front of him. “I brought dinner.”
It was like he knew. Mike’s mood was instantly lifted, a smile colouring his lifeless face.
It was Will.
He’d returned.
“Starving.” He invited Will in for the second time that day.
The music had been slightly quieter since he’d left in the morning: he’d kept it at the same volume as when he’d turned it down. But it was still too loud for visitors. It was probably very rude.
So he turned it down another notch, which stung: it no longer flattened the buzz in his brain.
But Will was waiting for him with pizza…and he really wanted that.
“How was your day?” He asked, sliding into the chair opposite where Will had settled in. (His table only had two chairs; usually he only needed one. This was the first time that chair had been sat in.)
Will shrugged. “My boss wasn’t happy I was late, but I brought her coffee and that cheered her up.”
Ah yes. Basic acts of kindness. Something else that had escaped Mike’s grasp.
“Where do you work?” He peeled a slice of pizza out of the box. The sound of the cheese unsticking from the cardboard grated inside his head, but he was too hungry to care. He chewed on the slice and flicked his eyes back up to Will, who nudged his hair out of his eyes self-consciously.
“The Met museum. It’s literally been my dream my whole life.” He seemed embarrassed by this, ashamed even. “I know it’s silly, but…I just really love art.”
“It’s not silly! It’s cool.”
Really cool.
They ate in silence for a couple of moments, Mike stirring up something new to say. Nothing felt natural when he tried to introduce it, though, so he just jumped straight in with—
“Why did you come back?”
It was the question he most wanted to ask.
Will put down the crust in his hand, nudging it to the side of the box with all the rest he’d discarded. He stared at the table. “Because I wanted to.” He snapped his gaze up suddenly, locking eyes with Mike. “I hope you don’t mind me interrupting. I can go if—”
“No.” Mike reached his hand out across the pizza, flapping it in the air for a moment, not quite reaching Will. “Don’t go...” I like having you here. “You’re not interrupting anything.”
Will nodded, a hazy smile playing at his lips.
Mike had never met anyone so interesting. First his pin badges, then his job, now his adorable face. Hang on, why was his face so—
Oh.
That’s why.
Michael. You foolish boy.
He staggered up to fill a glass of water and swallowed it forcefully over the sink.
He couldn’t be feeling this way. Couldn’t, couldn’t, couldn’t. He was just the weirdo guy from the apartment below who never slept and probably smelt like a trash bag.
Will would never want him.
“Alright?”
Mike nodded, letting out a harsh cough. “Spicy.”
“It was Hawaiian.” Will raised a suspicious eyebrow.
“…Low spice tolerance.”
“You want my crusts?”
Mike accepted the offer, finishing Will’s leftovers, and pushed his thoughts back down with another glass of water. He went to select a new record, fingers fluttering over the spines, making the decision for him. They landed on Vessel.
9:31pm
“See you soon!” Will called, heading off upstairs. Mike waved gently, this goodbye feeling different to this morning’s. Because they weren’t strangers anymore. They were…acquaintances.
They’d started off talking about music (of course) while Vessel played out, but when Will discovered Mike’s DVD collection in the corner of the room, he said they had to watch something before he went home for the night.
“I’ve missed DVDs,” he had sighed as he flopped down on the sofa, letting his bag slide to the floor, “they make me so nostalgic.”
They picked the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Enough action for exciting viewing, as well as plenty of guys for Mike to feast his eyes on.
Will smiled through the whole movie— not that Mike was watching him or anything…
but his face was still so freaking adorable.
It was over too soon (again), and Mike watched him leave with a painful lump in his throat.
One of these days, he’d ask him to stay.
Just to see what would happen.
Another restless night stretched out before him, longer than any had been for a while. He put Vessel on again, as they’d been chatting during earlier’s listen.
And when those 47 minutes had passed, he listened through Breach. Still his favourite (and he could be sure it wasn’t recency bias).
Knowing that Will could hear it too - and was likely falling asleep to the muffled version he heard from his place - made his throat hurt even more. He picked up his phone again and opened Instagram— a small red dot stood blinking at him in the corner.
A follow request awaited…
from @willthewise.
Mike had never hit a button so fast in his life.
Scrolling back through Will’s page, he learnt a lot more than he felt he was allowed to know. Pictures of his brother and sister…his parents…his friends…famous people he’d met at Comic Con…coffees he was drinking…books he was reading…vacations he went on…
It was very exciting, and quite overwhelming.
And this meant they were friends— Mike could count on that now. Not strangers, not acquaintances…friends.
After a good forty minutes of intense research, he flicked back to his homepage. Reel upon reel of Twenty One Pilots tour footage lay waiting at his fingertips. He scrolled for what felt like miles, immersing himself in the lights, the atmosphere, the beauty.
An idea struck him like lightning—
a curious kind of lightning.
He had some money left over from the college fund he’d only dipped his fingers into. And it wasn’t being spent on anything else anytime soon.
So why not chase his dreams? It wouldn’t hurt to ask.
@mikewheelx
you around on saturday?
@willthewise
Who’s asking?
He was awake, then. Even at this ridiculous hour.
@mikewheelx
me
lol
@willthewise
😂😂 Yeah I’m free!
@mikewheelx
you fancy going to wantagh??
to see tøp
@willthewise
You got tickets?!
@mikewheelx
give me ten minutes
@willthewise
Oh my God
Mike
Are you actually getting them
Mike
Mike
@mikewheelx
got them
@willthewise
You’re serious??
@mikewheelx
deadly
[screenshot]
@willthewise
MIKE!! YOU GOT PIT TICKETS???
Of course I’ll come!
If you don’t mind
@mikewheelx
yeah!!
you’re the only one i’d want to go with
@willthewise
AHHHHHHHH WE’RE SEEING TWENTY ONE PILOTS
THIS WEEKEND
I’ll send you the money asap!!
You’re an angel!! ❤️
Mike’s brain short-circuited.
A heart.
Will sent him a HEART.
It was the perfect opportunity
@mikewheelx
no problem! can’t wait!
❤️
to send one straight back.
Will went offline and Mike put his phone down too. He let his mind spin round with joy and anticipation. He desperately itched for Saturday.
Was it…a date??
He didn’t want to get his hopes up too much…
THREE DAYS UNTIL SATURDAY
8.04am
“SURPRISE!” Will shouted as Mike threw open the door.
He was brandishing two costumes…puffy white Ned suits. Handmade, but slick.
“I made them last night! I was too excited.”
“Will! They’re incredible!” Mike ran his fingers down the seam. “You’re so talented.” He breathed, leaning closer to feel the soft fabric.
When he looked up, Will’s face was
right
there.
He didn’t shift back, remembering their conversation last night. Remembering the heart.
He’d taken a shower earlier (thank God) and felt all cosy and warm— and he knew he smelled like apples.
Feeling fuzzy in the chest and wholeheartedly grateful, he pulled Will in for a hug.
“Thank you.”
“…No problem. I’m really happy you like them.” Will stood up on his toes to hook his chin over Mike’s shoulder.
They didn’t move for a while, just held each other quietly in the doorway. The rest of the track played out in the background.
And Mike could forget the time before he knew Will— what was he even doing? What else had there ever been to think about?
Just when he thought he could stay in this embrace forever, there was a shuffling noise from the stairwell. An Amazon worker stomped up the stairs, ruining the moment.
They pulled away at the same time, standing awkwardly still.
“Michael Wheeler?” The Amazon worker waved a small package at them.
“Yes, that’s me.” He signed for the delivery and grasped it tight. “Thank you.”
When the worker left, whistling to themselves and padding down the stairs painfully slowly, Mike puffed out a heavy breath. “Sorry.”
“Don’t worry. What did you order?”
“Oh, just something boring.”
Definitely not a gift for you… Mike thought to himself as Will nodded, clearly suspicious of him.
“I have to go in early today. Sorry.” Will shifted his bag on his shoulder and Mike caught himself looking at the badges again. He must have been staring at them for a little too long, because Will noticed.
“Admiring my pins?” He held the strap out for Mike to inspect. “I’m very proud of my collection.”
Without hesitation, Mike pointed at the flag, the one he didn’t recognise. “What’s this one for?”
Will laughed, a small one only audible because they were standing so close. “It’s…for people like me.”
“Like, from your country?”
A moment of…nothing.
Will looked down at the badge, a question tangled on his lips. “…You seriously don’t know what flag it is?”
Mike shook his head. “I was never good at geography.”
Another quiet laugh from Will, followed by a dry cough. “It’s not a country. I’m gay. That’s the flag.”
Oh my God.
“Cool.” Mike breathed.
They were stood closer again, fluffy socked toes bumping against penny loafers.
“Promise me,” Will whispered, passing Mike one of the Ned costumes, “you’ll keep taking care of yourself.” He smiled, hand lingering on Mike’s. “It’s really good to see.”
Mike grazed his fingers against Will’s palm. “Promise.”
With a shy smile, Will turned to head off, dropping his own costume home before going to work.
But before he climbed the stairs, he snuck another glance back at Mike, who waved his hand in a gentle goodbye.
The hand that held Will’s only moments ago.
TWO DAYS UNTIL SATURDAY
7.47pm
“So I said…” Will laughed, barely able to finish his sentence.
Mike wheezed along with him, losing track of what was meant to be funny and simply enjoying the time they were spending.
“…I said, Is that why you don’t have any friends?”
“To your poor lonely brother?” Mike cackled.
Will nodded, wiping his eyes of the tears that came with his laughter. “I was literally 12! He still likes to remind me how savage I was, even now.”
“He sounds like a great guy. A great brother.”
“He is.” Will took a swig of his alcohol-free beer and sniffed quietly. “He really is.” After a pause— “Do you have any siblings?”
Mike scoffed, threading a hand through his curls. “Two sisters. One older, one younger.”
“Ouch.” Will winced. “That can’t be much fun.”
“They’re not that bad. It’s just…Holly’s really bubbly and Nancy’s, like, popular. Nothing like me. Sometimes it feels like, I don’t know, like we’re not actually siblings.”
Will smiled sympathetically, even though he couldn’t relate, resting his hand on top of Mike’s on the table. Mike melted inside: he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have someone who understood him.
ONE DAY UNTIL SATURDAY
7.50am
“You know that package I got the other day?”
“Yeah…” Will smirked over the coffee Mike had made for him. “The boring one?”
Mike retrieved it from the table by the sofa and pushed it towards Will. “Open it.”
Will quirked an eyebrow, peeling back the plastic. It ripped with a satisfying noise loud enough to be heard over Breach.
His face started glowing when he saw what was inside. “Mike! Thank you so much!”
“You like it?”
“I love it!”
It was a pin badge. Small and delicately made, but with a bold red and blue emblem on the front— the old-school Twenty One Pilots logo.
“I was gonna give it to you then but I…”
Actually, why did he not give it to him then? He had been worried…but what about?
“It’s perfect. Thank you!” Will gave Mike a squeeze and pinned the badge to the strap of his bag, beaming down at it, admiring the way it twinkled in the kitchen light.
“Oh! And—” Mike reached for the bowl on the table, the one that held all the items that had no other home. “I almost forgot. Take this.” He held out a key— the spare key to his apartment.
Will’s breath caught and he seemed to stop functioning for a moment.
“That way you don’t have to knock.” Mike opened Will’s hand and pressed the key inside, closing his fingers over the top.
“Thank you.” Will breathed, much quieter this time.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, as Will tucked the key away safely in his bag, and buffed his new pin badge with the edge of his sweater vest.
It was these parts of the day that Mike liked most— sat with his best friend, more relaxed than he’d felt his entire life.
Will checked his watch, standing up with a sigh. “I have to go now. See you later for dinner?”
“Burgers?”
“Sounds great.”
6.41pm
@willthewise
Heyyy
@mikewheelx
hiiii!
@willthewise
Had a bit of a tricky day today— do you mind if we take a rain check on tonight?
Gotta concentrate on feeling good for tomorrow lol
@mikewheelx
of course!
I hope you feel better soon ❤️
@willthewise
I’ll try to ❤️
@mikewheelx
good
p.s. i’m here if you wanna talk?
@willthewise
Thanks so much
I think I’ll be okay but that really does mean a lot
@mikewheelx
make sure you get some rest- big day tomorrow!!
@willthewise
I could say the same for you…
@mikewheelx
i haven’t rested in years
i’m not going to start now
@willthewise
🙄
@mikewheelx
🥰
SATURDAY
9.15am
@mikewheelx
hope you’re okay ❤️
will?
…
willlllllll
@willthewise
I’M AWAKE
HELLO
@mikewheelx
feeling any better??
@willthewise
Much better
Thank you!!
@mikewheelx
today’s the day
aaaaaahhhh
@willthewise
I KNOW
Hold on I’m coming down
Minutes later, Will was unlocking the door and bundling in, costume, makeup and snacks in his arms.
“I’m sorry about yesterday. Everything started going wrong at work, just one thing after another, and it all just got too much. And I didn’t want to bring any of that negativity over here.”
Mike smiled, clearing cups and dishes off the table for Will to unload everything. “It’s okay. You know you can talk to me about anything.”
“I know.” Will sighed.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
They sorted through the items on the table, packing their bags and planning their day.
“So if we leave here at 12, we can take the bus and get there by 2 or 3ish. Then we could grab some food or something, then start queuing, because we’ve gotta get a good spot.”
Mike tilted his head. “It’s Tyler and Josh. Every spot’s a good spot.”
“So you don’t want to be in prime position for Trees?”
Mike widened his eyes. Trees was the highlight of the entire show. Both guys giving it their all on those drums, water spraying everywhere, the whole stadium jumping with nothing to lose— of course he wanted that.
“Thought so.” Will chuckled, his hazel eyes glittering like the lights they would soon be dancing under.
12.07pm
They were about to leave…about to step out into the world.
For Mike, this was the first time he’d left his apartment for anything other than groceries in years. It was a big occasion for him, for multiple reasons.
Before they left, he switched his record player off. The whirring slowed to a halt and the apartment was thrown into silence. He slipped the record back into its sleeve and its place on the shelf.
“I can’t believe we’re doing this.” He chewed his lip to stop the foolish grin spreading over his face, glancing over at Will (who wasn’t even trying to hide his amusement).
“I know.” Will squeezed his arm. “Me neither.”
He stepped out of the apartment without a second thought; Mike hesitated only briefly, before the excitement took over and he was itching to feel his first concert.
He locked the door — only had to check it once — and they were on their way.
They walked the streets of Manhattan in full costume, makeup and everything. They were going on public transport to Wantagh like this…
And somehow it wasn’t as strange as half the stuff you see in New York City.
Just two Neds, shoulders brushing, sharing snacks on the bus.
3.34pm
“Two hamburgers. No pickles on his.” Mike leaned over the front of the truck on his tiptoes to hand the vendor their cash in exchange for their food. “Thank you.”
They ate slowly, careful not to get sauce on their costumes. Already, six people outside the venue had complimented their creativity, and they’d even had a group picture with nine bishops, a Clancy, a Torchbearer, a Clifford and three people in a Trash the Dragon suit.
Mike was having a great time, despite his faint internal buzzing. There was soft music coming from all around, it seemed, so that was a good distraction. But a better distraction was Will— his favourite distraction.
Plus, Mike had a plan for tonight, which had taken a lot of thought.
It would take the whole concert for him to build up the confidence to actually go though with it, so he was saving it for the very last song— for Trees.
If it went badly, at least they’d have had a good night up until then. They could go home and pretend the rest never happened.
But if it went well, then Mike would treasure it for the rest of his life.
6.15pm
“Hey there!” An professional-looking person approached them happily, brandishing two wristbands. Will looked at Mike, confused, and he returned the look.
“Hey!” Will smiled. “What’s up?”
Mike was amazed by how easily he could fall into a conversation with anyone; his energy was pretty infectious.
“Your costumes are amazing. Would you be up for being part of Chlorine?” The person smiled excitedly, waving the wristbands at them.
It suddenly registered in Mike’s brain what they were talking about— each night during Chlorine, a group of lucky people were selected to sing with Tyler. And they had been chosen.
“Oh my God!” Mike laughed. “Yes please!”
He couldn’t believe their luck, and from the stunned look on Will’s face, he couldn’t believe it either.
“Awesome!” The person handed them the wristbands. “After Routines in the Night, you’ve got two songs to get here.” They pointed to a spot on the map. “Just show your wristbands to the security guards and they’ll let you through.”
“Thank you so much!” Mike and Will said at the same time, grinning ear to ear.
“No problem! Have a great night!”
Oh, they definitely would.
6.30pm
“I think they’re opening the doors.” Will craned his neck to peer around. They had a good spot in line. Not on track for barricade, but they weren’t aiming for that anyway.
“Oh my God.” Mike’s hand flew to his mouth and he began chewing on his fingernails, a reflex he couldn’t stop. “Oh my God, oh my God.”
“What’s up?”
“I’ve…I’ve never been to a concert before. Like, ever. Kinda spinning out.” He laughed dryly.
Will’s eyes widened. “Woah. Well,” he gripped Mike’s hand in his, “don’t worry. We’re gonna have the best time. We’re gonna sing with Tyler!” He squealed, before calming himself down with a breath. “I’ll look after you, and if you get overwhelmed or you want to leave at any time, just let me know and we can go. But I promise you’ll be fine.”
With Will’s hand squeezing his, he was sure he would be.
8.50pm
They were still holding hands, settled into their spot in the pit. Mike was taking it in all over again, for the tenth time since they’d arrived: the thousands of people, the speakers, the lights, the…atmosphere. Will was chatting to a couple to their left, a couple with matching tattoos and good senses of humour. Everyone here was a lot kinder than Mike had imagined, in fact, giving each other plenty of space and smiling warmly when they passed.
Suddenly…darkness. A murmur rippled through the crowd, followed by raucous cheering and whooping.
Mike and Will joined in, the electricity of the moment pulsing through them.
But not for a second did they let go of each other’s hands.
No moment in Mike’s life could ever compare to his first concert.
The intro sent goosebumps sprawling over his body. The song kicked in and he begun rapping along with Will…and the entire crowd. It was the most alive he’d ever felt.
When the applause settled down after Overcompensate, and The Contract began, the emotions he felt were…intense, to say the least. This was the song he’d been listening to the most recently. It was the song he’d been repeating the night before he met Will, lying on the kitchen floor, head so empty and so full all at once.
And now they were experiencing it live in concert— together.
“I used to see, it felt so real
But now I plead
Just take the deal
I promised you a contract
I promised you
A contract”
“Still my favourite track!” Mike yelled.
“Even better live.” Will yelled back, squeezing Mike’s hand with a dizzying grin.
When Routines in the Night finished, they recalled what the person with the wristbands had told them. Two songs to get to the designated spot, where the lucky few would gather.
“Hey guys,” Will spoke to the couple next to them, “we’ve gotta head that way for a bit but we’ll be back in a couple of songs. Would you mind saving our spots for now?”
“Oh my God, are you going to be part of Chlorine?? Your costumes are epic.” One of the women grinned.
Mike nodded excitedly, still not quite believing it himself.
“That’s so awesome.” The other woman breathed. “Of course we’ll save your spots!”
They thanked them and shuffled away through the crowd, showing their wristbands to the guards, every step bringing them closer to Chlorine.
They were herded into a happy clump as the song began, ready and waiting for their verse. The whole clump was practically shaking with energy.
“Here he comes!!” Will pointed to where Tyler descended towards them. He was even more wholesome-looking in real life, even with the black paint swallowing his hands and neck. The friendliness beamed off him like sunshine; he looked genuinely as ecstatic as the fans. Mike inhaled sharply in surprise as he realised how close they were standing. Everyone reached out their hands as Tyler passed, and he high-fived every single one— including Mike, and quickly after, Will. He shot a smile at them that struck Mike in the chest, spreading a warmth through his body, making him feel like a giddy child. Their eyes had locked briefly, and tilted Mike’s world on its axis.
And now they got to sing with him, faces reflected on the huge screens, hands intertwined through it all.
“Hide you in my coat pocket
Where I kept my rebel red
Felt I was invincible
You wrapped around my head
Now different lines I lead
My body lives on lead
The last two lines may read incorrect until said
The lead is terrible in flavour
But now you double as a papermaker
I despise you sometimes
I love to hate the fight
And you in my life is like
Sippin’ on straight chlorine”
11.03pm
They returned to their seats after Chlorine, hands tingling from Tyler’s high fives, throats raw from singing, eyes red from crying. They reported back excitedly to the kind couple next to them, saving the memory in a special place in their minds.
And this was the moment Mike had been planning— Stressed Out had just finished (eliciting nostalgic tears from Will) and Trees was already in full swing.
It had been the most unbelievable night.
Josh and Tyler were firmly in the pit, less than a couple of metres from Mike and Will. The crowd around them had surged forwards, far more packed in than before. But Mike was okay, as he still had Will. And he still had his plan.
“I can feel your breath
I can feel
My death”
The high note was amazing, Mike marvelled.
But not as amazing as—
Will tugged gently on Mike’s hand, pulling him closer.
“Ready?” He whisper-shouted, preparing the both of them for the drop.
Here we
Here we
Here we f*cking go
The voices stacked up around them, and in Mike’s head too, egging him on.
This was it.
Here we
Here we
Here we f*cking go
The entire stadium was clapping, like a pulse inside everyone.
Mike turned to face Will, gazing at him in pure awe.
He was so…
beautiful.
“Hey Will.”
Will stopped chanting to look up at him sweetly, as the music continued to build…and build…and build…
Here we
Here we
“Hey M—”
Here we f*cking go
Mike cupped his cheek with his other hand and kissed him deeply.
The drums and dancing exploded around them.
Will let out a small noise of surprise, before leaning into the kiss.
They pulled apart to take a quick breath, blushing redder than the confetti that showered them.
They didn’t need to speak. Their faces spoke for them.
They didn’t want to leave. They wanted all of the moment.
“Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!”
2.01am
“I had the best time tonight.” Mike sighed, leaning his forehead against Will’s. They were stood in the hall outside his apartment. That phrase was overused, and it always seemed to cheapen the meaning. But tonight really had been the best time of Mike’s whole life— there was no other way to describe it.
“Me too.” Will’s chest was still quickly rising and falling from the rush of the evening.
Tentatively, slowly, measuring his movements, Mike took both of his hands and pulled him through the door.
What did he have to lose, except Will?
There was still so much they had to find out about each other. So much they had to say.
“You don’t have to go. If you don’t want to.”
Will followed him inside, smile twinkling, breath catching.
He would promise to stay forever, if Mike would only ask.