Chapter Text
Hawkins, November 23rd, 1984.
It was a sleepover in Mike's basement, the usual for the weekend. They played D&D for a good while and soon began to feel tired. Everyone was sat around on the couches, wrapped in blankets, dozing off as the TV light glowed on them.
But Mike and Will were across the other room. They were talking to each other about everything and anything, even stuff to just keep the conversation going, but soon Mike started to slip in talk about girls. That was the one thing Will didn't take interest in, but he just pushed it down and kept it going—anything to keep talking. "So, who do you plan on taking to the Snowball?" Mike asked curiously, adjusting how he was sitting to get a better look. "Oh, uhm..." he paused to think. "Yeah, no, probably no one," Will said nervously, glancing at Mike. "Oh, come on, Will, there HAS to be SOMEONE you want to take." "Well, I'm not sure... Maybe..." He paused to think again, looking around the room as if there would be some hint, but he eventually thought of someone.
"That girl from social studies! Yeah,yeah her!"
He said with nervously and tried making his reply more confident
"Oh.. well.. Shes alright I guess.."
Mikes brows furrowed. For some reason he didn't like the idea of will going to the dance with her but he couldn't put a finger on it, he was in some way jealous
"And you? " will asked trying to study mikes face but he couldn't pick up on anything, the Tv glow was too dull from where they were sat to see all he could see is his eyes and the nice brown they were. "well I'm totally taking the obvious answer" And Mike continued to blabber about some girl.
but will didn't pay attention. He never cared for girl talk. He didn't understand why everyone felt the way they did for girls or why dating one was so important he couldn't even picture himself with one, Maybe one that was like Mike with short hair and the same eyes, that always caught his attention and helped him through rough times like Mike did. But he'd never talk about this with any of the other boys because maybe he's just behind and as everyone's growing up around him he's stuck back. Maybe he isn't grown and man enough to like a real girl and not just a female version of his best friend.
Will eventually cut to reality realizing the silence. Mike stopped talking a bit ago and it was just them two, close by eachother
"If u were to kiss a girl at the dance how would you do it"
The question hung in the air, will raises an eyebrow
"What??"
" if you were to kiss a girl at the snowball how would you do it?" Mike repeated himself
"Well I guess I'd do this" will said and he made a funny kissy face and they both laughed but not too loud to wake everyone else up after the laughter toned down he looked to will again
"No but seriously how would you do it"
"I don't know, how would you??
will said looking back at him
"Well.. I don't know.. sometimes i practice with the wall..." he looked down embarssed for a second but they both broke and laughed again for a bit. then will moving in a bit closer "Well.. since you wanted to know- i guess id probably do this" he pulled him in for a quick peck the second he let go the second he felt his heart sink what did I just do. Mikes eyes widened at he looked at him confused Will looked at him in terror his hands began to nervously tremble. "Wait no Mike im so sorry- I didn't mean that- I didn't know im sorry no i just-" he said in a shakey voice getting himself off the floor and running up the stairs He didn't take his blanket or pillow he just ran for the door and all he felt was Pure dread. All he did was want to disappear in that moment. Why would i do that? guys don't kiss guys especially their best friends. What if he thought I was a creep? a freak? he made it out to the door quickly grabbing his bike his face flushed a hot red with steaming tears down his face,the guilt he felt was like no other. this was one he didnt think he was going to escape "WILL WAIT-" Mike yelled running towards him putting a hand on his shoulder "No one can know about this im sorry I didn't mean to do thay I know guys don't kiss their best friends i don't know I just wanted to sh-" he got silenced by a kiss,but from Mike this time And suddenly Will was candle wax. The flame that was shared, then even it being some stupid long kiss, melted him. Shocked at first but calming down into it, he never felt more relieved. Mike pulled away first"No one can know" Will standing there confused at first but soon replied back "No one will know." They both shared a look and Will began to get on his bike "I'll be back for my stuff tommorow, See you Mike" He peddled off,Mike was worried as it was cold but if he stayed it would've awkward so its probably best for him to leave. Mike stood still in the driveway, trying to grasp what just went on and whay hes done. He realized that that moment felt great and that's what made him confused, he didn't know guys could do that. "maybe I am different" "no..im sure everyone does this.." "right"
"Will!"
someone shouted, and he opened his eyes, looking up from his desk at Lucas. It wasn't 1984 anymore; it was different now. That's just an old, washed-up memory he plays on loop. It's something he held close to him; everything in that moment changed him, but it's not something he told anyone, as he said no one would know. He had only even written about it in his journal; he never even brought it up around Mike. He assumes Mike has forgotten all about it. Well, I mean, it is something they did as children, nothing important, so why would Mike remember? Though after that its like we never were as close as we were then.. Maybe its just a drift but maybe its something more.