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Micheal Wheeler has to admit it. He was a small town boy. He’d lived in tiny Hawkins, Indiana for his entire life and he has only had one crush. Well, two. The first one was Eleven. Nicknamed ‘El’ and publicly known as Jane Hopper. She was super cool, matched Mike’s vibe, and had superpowers. So yeah, she was pretty awesome. But the one and only crush he’s ever had was Will Byers. He’d broke up with El because of his feelings for Will. That’s how much he cared. But still, Will probably didn’t like him back. Who cared anyways? Mike just wished that one day Will would be under his Christmas tree on the 25th.
-
“Mom! I’m going to Will’s!” Mike called to his mom, Karen. She gave him a thumbs up and continued on the phone.
The Wheeler house is always called chaotic by The Party. Holly is always in her room making bracelets and necklaces, drawing, or dancing. Nancy is always out with Jonathan, Will’s brother, probably making out or something—whatever couples do everyday. His mom was always on the phone, out shopping, cooking, cleaning, or sleeping. And his dad, Ted, well… he was like a turtle or a sloth. He sat in his armchair, watching the television before falling asleep. He was pretty uninteresting.
-
As Mike biked to Will’s house, the cold breeze snapped at his cheeks and nose. They were frosted pink by the time he rang Will’s doorbell. It was the 23rd, two days before Christmas. Things were hectic. In the Wheeler house. So, Mike escaped to Will’s usually.
Will opened the door and smiled.
“Hey, come in. You look… frozen.” He smiled.
“And you look… warm.” Mike teased, knocking the snow off his shoes beyond stepping inside. The warmth hit him and he exhaled.
“Just throw your shoes and coat somewhere, then come to my room. I just finished a new painting.” Will said, excited like a little kid.
“Gotcha.” He nodded. El was sitting at the table making Christmas cards. She gave Mike a polite smile and waved slightly. Mike nodded and waved back, tossing his coat over a chair before following Will to his room.
-
Mike sat on Will’s bed, watching Will carefully take the finished painting off the stand. Mike felt a bit awkward sitting on his bed. Even though he’d done this many times before. This time just felt… different.
“You ready?” He grinned.
Mike nodded. “Ready as ever.” He beamed.
Will flipped the painting, and it was The Party. Everyone was in their D&D outfits except they were gathered by a Christmas tree.
“Woah.” Mike mumbled. “This is… sick as hell.”
“Thanks.” Will blushed.
Did Will Byers just blush or is Mike Wheeler hallucinating?
-
An hour later, Will and Mike lay on the bed, talking about nothing.
“Well I think that they can fuck off.” Mike scoffed at Will’s story. Will had been pushed in the hall by Andy and Chance. Some stupid jocks that always target him.
“Don’t be so snappy, it’s not like you would beat the in a fight.” Will rolled his eyes and laughed.
“And why couldn’t I? Hm?” Mike teased, propping himself up on his elbow.
Will copied and grinned. “Because they outnumber you.”
“I could take two in my sleep, puh-leaze.” Mike scoffed again, this time adding an eye roll for good measure.
Will smirked and stared at Mike lips.
“Have you ever thought of liking someone you shouldn’t?” Will mumbled.
“I have.” Mike countered.
“Me too.” Will paused and swallowed. “Have you ever told them?”
“…No?” Mike said.
“Me neither.” Will’s voice trailed off. “What if we both tell that person. Then make connections.” Will squinted.
“Where is this leading towards?” Mike tilted his head.
“I have a theory.”
“Of course you do.”
“It’s pretty crazy, but it’s a fact that I believe is true.” Will paused, and looked into Mike’s eyes intently. “I think we… I think we like each other.”
Holy shit.
Mike was caught.
“I- uh…” Mike looked away quickly, making an attempt to hide away his blush of embarrassment.
“Don’t deny it, please. If you do don’t worry about me judging you. I like you back. I admit it.” Will looks away too, most likely for the same reason Mike is.
“I don’t deny it. I’m not worried about it you judging me. And I like you. I admit it too.” Mike whispers, glancing at Will.
Will is turned away.
“Can I kiss you..?” Will mumbles, turning back over.
“You don’t even need to ask.” Mike responds softly, pressing his lips to Will’s. Mike’s fingers make its way through Will’s soft hair and Will melts in Mike’s arms. They must be a tangled mess on Will’s bed currently, because they can barely breathe. Their kissing speeds up, as if they’re catching up on all those missed years; missed opportunities.
Then Mike thinks; This is it. This will be my life. My amazing life with the person I adore most by my side.
Will.