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It was a warm summer day, the second week of July. The delicate scent of blooming wildflowers mingled with the earthy aroma of freshly cut grass, creating an intoxicating tapestry. It was the perfect day to spend time exploring nature or take a stroll down to the center of town. Outside, the sun shone bright, casting dappled shadows through the canopy of trees, while the grass was a vibrant green carpet underfoot. The whispering of birds passing by, the distant hum of a lawnmower, and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.
But somehow, Will found himself spending this fine afternoon stuck in the Wheelers’ basement playing DND with his friends. They had been playing since early morning, and Will had not been paying much attention to the game. He also lost count of how many times he stole glances at Mike, who sat across from him, staring back at him with an equal amount of amusement on his face.
Will felt like an idiot who got caught making heart eyes at their crush all day. Except Mike wasn’t his crush. Not anymore. After Will confessed his feelings to Mike, everything changed. Their journey together wasn't just a smooth transition, but a series of moments that brought them closer every day. They moved beyond the initial awkwardness, with conversations punctuated by laughter that filled the silence with warmth. Their eyes often met, lingering just a little longer each time, as if each gaze was a silent promise. During their frequent DND games, Mike would casually brush his hand against Will's, a simple gesture that spoke volumes about their newfound connection. What once was just friendship turned into something tangible, profound, and lasting. Now, they were something more, something special.
“Will, it’s your turn again,” Lucas says, determined they’ll win this round. Lucas has been back to his cheerful self ever since Max woke up. When Will first saw her sitting in that wheelchair, hospital gown and all, smiling, he’d nearly broken down. For the past eight months, Max’s recovery has been nothing short of a miracle.
It’s been eight months since that fateful day in the Upside Down. At first glance, it seemed like a losing game; all the odds were against them. The air was thick with tension, and shadows loomed like ominous sentinels. Creatures with glaring eyes lurked in the dark corners, their snarls echoing hauntingly. Will vividly remembers the feeling of fear clawing at his insides, yet determination held them together. They pushed through, facing lurking dangers with unwavering courage. Against it all, they won. The party triumphed. They saved Holly and the rest of the kids from the Abyss. Will didn’t fail them; they wouldn’t have to go through what he went through. No one has to ever again.
Even in victory, he sometimes catches himself glancing at dark corners, half-expecting something to emerge. The memories linger, echoes of fear just beneath the surface. But his relationship with Mike, forged in those fires, is stronger for it. It isn't just about survival anymore. It's about learning to live again, trusting they're finally safe.
Will's and Mike's relationship has changed drastically since Will confessed his feelings in the WSQK's basement and their first kiss shortly after, before they went off to the Upside Down. Ever since they got back, things between them have been blooming, growing into something sweet and unexpected. Will wasn't sure how to describe it, but it was in the small moments—those tender gestures that he noticed. During movie night, when they sit so close together, there's barely any space between them, their knees brushing against each other, sending a warmth spreading through Will's chest. The bump of their elbows when they walk side by side to their next class makes his heart race, and the shared looks while playing DND fill him with a nervous excitement. Each interaction felt like electricity through his veins.
Everything after that was like a snowball becoming an avalanche. They got bolder.
Telling their friends had been easier than expected. Lucas figured it out first—he’d caught them holding hands under the table during a campaign and just grinned, giving Will a knowing nod. Dustin noticed next, during one of their group movie night, when Mike’s arm was draped around Will’s shoulders, and he’d simply said, “Finally,” before turning back to the screen. Max had rolled her eyes and said she’d known since forever, which made Will laugh because, of course, she did. El was just happy they were happy, pulling both of them into a hug and saying she always knew they were meant to be together. Their friends’ easy acceptance made everything feel more real, more solid. It wasn’t a secret they had to hide—it was just another part of who they were, woven seamlessly into the fabric of their group.
It was early December when Mike asked Will to be his boyfriend. They were having one of their movie nights together in the tiny living room of the Hoppers’ cabin. It was just them; Hopper and Joyce were on one of their weekly dates, and El was having a sleepover with Max. Will had just settled comfortably on his side of the couch when Mike walked back from the kitchen carrying a bowl of popcorn. He put it between them and turned to face Will.
“Will”
“Mike”
“Um—so what do you have in mind today?” Mike says nervously, while gesturing at the TV. Mike’s been acting weird lately, and Will has no clue why.
“Well, since I suffered through your choice of movie last week, it’s my turn to choose the movie.” Last week, they watched some obscure sci-fi film that Mike insisted was “a classic,” even though it was mostly just people talking in spaceships for two hours.
“Hey, The Andromeda Strain is a masterpiece,” Mike protests, throwing a piece of popcorn at Will. “You just don’t appreciate good cinema.”
Will catches the popcorn and pops it in his mouth with a grin. “I appreciate good cinema. I just don’t appreciate falling asleep halfway through.”
“You did not fall asleep!”
“I absolutely did. You had to wake me up when the credits started rolling.”
Mike’s cheeks flush slightly, and he looks down at the popcorn bowl. “Yeah, well... I didn’t mind. You looked peaceful.” His voice softens on the last word, and suddenly the playful banter shifts into something gentler, something that makes Will’s heart skip.
Will feels warmth creeping up his neck. “So, anyway,” he says, trying to regain his composure, “I was thinking we could watch The Goonies. Classic adventure, no falling asleep required.”
“Perfect choice,” Mike agrees, but he doesn’t reach for the remote. Instead, he just sits there, fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve, his knee bouncing up and down in that nervous way he does when something’s on his mind.
“Mike? You okay?”
Mike takes a deep breath, and when he looks up, his eyes are bright with something Will can’t quite name—nervousness, maybe, or hope. “Yeah, I just... I wanted to ask you something first.”
Will’s stomach does a little flip. “Okay.”
“Will Byers,” Mike starts, and there’s a tremor in his voice that makes everything feel suddenly significant. “Would you... I mean, do you want to... be my boyfriend? Like, officially?”
The world seems to stop. The hum of the heater, the distant sound of wind outside, even his own heartbeat—everything fades except for Mike’s hopeful, terrified expression.
Will feels a smile breaking across his face, so wide it almost hurts. “Yes,” he breathes. “Yes, of course, yes.”
The relief that washes over Mike’s face is instant and beautiful. He laughs, a little breathless, and suddenly they’re both laughing, the tension breaking into pure joy. Mike sets the popcorn bowl aside and shifts closer, closing the distance between them on the couch.
“Really? Like really.” Mike asks, even though Will already answered.
“Really, Mike,” Will confirms, and then Mike’s hand is in his, warm and solid and real.
They sit like that for a moment, just holding hands and grinning at each other like idiots, before Mike leans in and presses a soft kiss to Will’s lips. It’s sweet, brief, and perfect.
When they pull apart, Mike’s eyes are shining. “Best movie night ever,” he whispers.
“We haven’t even started the movie yet,” Will points out, but he’s smiling just as wide.
“Don’t need to. This is already perfect.”
They do eventually start The Goonies, but neither of them pays much attention. They spend most of the movie curled up together, Mike’s arm around Will’s shoulders, Will’s head resting against Mike’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Every so often, one of them will say something about the movie, but mostly they just exist in the comfortable silence, in the warmth of being together, of being boyfriends. Boyfriends.
When Hopper and Joyce come home later that night, they find the two boys asleep on the couch, the credits rolling on the TV screen, still tangled up in each other. Joyce smiles softly and drapes a blanket over them, and Hopper just shakes his head with a fond expression before turning off the TV.
“Will, seriously, it’s your turn,” Dustin’s voice cuts through Will’s memory, pulling him sharply back to the present.
Will blinks, realizing he’s been staring at Mike again, lost in the memory of that December night. Mike catches his eye and smiles, that private smile that’s just for Will, and mouths “pay attention” with an amused shake of his head.
Will rolls his eyes fondly and turns back to the game board, but he can’t quite wipe the smile off his face. Even now, months later, the memory of Mike asking him to be his boyfriend still makes his heart race.
“Sorry, sorry,” Will says, picking up his dice. “What’s happening again?”
Before Will could answer, the door to the basement burst open, and Mrs. Wheeler appeared.
“It’s time to wrap it up, everybody!”
“Mommm, just a few more minutes?” Mike argued while making a pouting face at his mom. He does this sad puppy-dog thing to Will sometimes when he is trying to get his way. Did it work? Absolutely.
“No, Mike. Look outside, it’s such a nice day, why would you want to be inside when you can go outside and enjoy the sun?” Mrs. Wheeler gestures at Mike's pale complexion before turning on her heel and leaving them alone.
“You could use more time in the sun,” Will said.
Mike gave him a side eye that promised retribution.
“Alright, next week we will pick up where we left off,” said Dustin, who started to clear away the board game.
“Same time, next week. Got it,” agrees Lucas with a mock salute before standing up and picking up his backpack.
They said their goodbyes, and Lucas said he had to take Max to town to get her a new skateboard this afternoon. She’s been itching to get back to skateboarding after the doctor gave her the green light a month ago. Dustin, for some unknown reason, wants to help Mr. Clark with some science project he’s working on—something about radio frequencies and atmospheric interference that went completely over Will’s head when Dustin tried to explain it.
Once everyone leaves, it’s just Will and Mike in the basement. The silence feels different now, more intimate, and Will’s suddenly hyperaware of how close Mike is standing.
“So,” Mike says, rocking back on his heels, hands shoved in his pockets. “What do you want to do?”
Will shrugs, trying to appear casual even though his heart is doing that annoying fluttery thing it always does when they’re alone together. “We could go for a bike ride? Your mom’s right, it is nice out.”
“Yeah, okay.” Mike grins, and they head upstairs to grab their bikes from the garage. “So where do you want to go?” Mike asks as they wheel their bikes out.
“Just follow me. I know a place.”
Last week, Will had called Robin; he needed her advice. She was still at work at WSQK, but with a catch: she started another podcast, this time including Steve; they called it Rockin' Robin and her friend Steve. Since its debut, the podcast has been nothing short of a success. Will doesn't know anyone in Hawkins who has not listened to it. Among the friend group, it’s become a staple topic of conversation, frequently sparking lively debates and laughter.
He called the WSQK phone line. It rang once, twice, and then Robin picked up on the third ring. Will can hear her quickened breathing and Steve complaining in the background.
"Hey, Robin, It's Will."
"Oh—Hello, Baby Byers! A bit busy here, but what's up?"
"I mean—I can call back later if you are busy."
"I'm taking Vicki on a date at Enzo's tonight, but I have a few minutes for my favorite Byers."
"That's awesome, Robin! Vicki would definitely love that."
"Yeah, I want to make it up to her since I lost count of how many times I missed our dates because I was busy saving the world and stuff," Robin said and waited for Will to utter his questions.
"So, you know this thing with Mike and me. It's still new, and I want to take him on a date somewhere."
There's a pause, and Will can hear Robin's smile through the phone. "Aww, Baby Byers! That's so sweet. What are you thinking?"
"I don't know, that's why I'm calling you. I want it to be special, you know? But not too over the top. Just... something that feels like us."
"Okay, okay, let me think." Robin hums thoughtfully. "What does Mike like? Besides you, obviously."
Will feels his face heat up. "Robin—"
"I'm serious! What are his interests? What makes him happy?"
Will considers this. "He loves movies—and comic books. And... I don't know, just spending time together, I guess. We're always at his basement or my place, though. I want to do something different."
"Hmm..." Robin's voice brightens. "Since the weather will be super nice for the next few weeks, why don't you take him to Lover's Lake? I heard it's beautiful this time of year, and you can find plenty of secluded spots along the lake and take a swim or something."
Will's heart skips. That actually sounds perfect. "Robin, that's... that's a great idea."
"I know, right? I'm a genius. Oh! And here's a pro tip from someone who's been on a total of three dates—bring his favorite snacks. Something that shows you pay attention. Mike strikes me as a candy guy. Skittles? M&Ms?"
"Reese's Pieces," Will says immediately. "He always gets them at the arcade."
"Perfect! See, you already know what you're doing. Just be yourself, Will. Mike's crazy about you. Trust me, he's going to love whatever you plan."
"Thanks, Robin. Really."
"Anytime, Baby Byers. Now I gotta go—Steve's giving me the wrap-it-up signal. Good luck with your date!"
The line clicks off, and Will sits there with the phone in his hand, a smile spreading across his face. Lover's Lake. He can already picture it: him and Mike lying on the sand under the sun, the way the light catches Mike's face, illuminating all the features Will loves.
The afternoon sun is warm on Will's face as they pedal through Hawkins, no particular destination in mind—or at least, that's what Mike thinks. Will has been planning this for days, mapping out the route to Lover's Lake in his head and thinking about what to bring and what to say. His backpack is heavier than usual, packed with towels, snacks, a cassette player, and a blanket he borrowed from his mom.
They ride past the arcade, past the old quarry, past all the familiar landmarks of their childhood. Mike chatters beside him, talking about the latest comic he read, and Will loves the way Mike's voice rises with excitement when he gets to the good parts.
“So where are we going?” Mike asks eventually, glancing over at Will with curious eyes.
“You'll see,” Will says, trying to keep his voice steady even though his heart is racing. “It's a surprise.”
Mike's face lights up. “A surprise? Will Byers, are you being mysterious?”
“Maybe,” Will says, fighting back a smile.
They turn off the main road onto a smaller path that winds through the trees. The shade is cooler here, and the sound of cicadas fills the air. After another ten minutes, the trees open up, and there it is: Lover's Lake, sparkling in the afternoon sunlight, the water so blue it almost doesn't look real.
Mike stops his bike abruptly, his mouth falling open. “Whoa.”
“Come on,” Will says, leading them down to a secluded spot along the shore, away from the main beach area where families usually gather. It's quiet here, private, surrounded by tall grass and wildflowers.
They drop their bikes, and Will pulls out the blanket, spreading it on the sand. Next, he turned on the cassette player, inserted the Crazy Little Thing Called Love tape, and pressed play. The song fills the quiet space as Mike watches him with this soft expression that makes Will's stomach flip.
“Will... is this a date?” Mike asks quietly, almost reverently.
Will looks up, meeting Mike's eyes. “Yeah,” he says, his voice steady now. “I wanted to take you somewhere special. Just us.”
Mike's smile is brighter than the sun reflecting off the water. “This is perfect,” he breathes, and then he's pulling Will into a hug, holding him tight. “You're perfect.”
They settle onto the blanket, and Will pulls out the bag of Reese's Pieces, offering it to Mike. Mike's eyes widen.
“You remembered,” he says softly.
“Of course I did,” Will replies. There is not a single thing about Mike Wheeler that Will Byers did not remember.
They sit there for a while, eating candy and talking about everything and nothing—school, their friends, plans for the rest of the summer. Will watches Mike as he rambles, animated and bright. Mike’s dark curls have grown longer, catching the sunlight, and they look impossibly soft. Will aches to reach out and run his fingers through them. The sun has deepened the freckles scattered across Mike’s face, and Will finds himself tracing them with his eyes, memorizing each one like constellations he’ll never tire of mapping.
Eventually, Mike suggests they go swimming, and they strip down to their shorts and run into the water, laughing and splashing each other like kids.
The water is cool and refreshing, and when Mike swims up close, wrapping his arms around Will's waist, Will feels like his heart might burst. They float there together, the sun warming their faces, and Will thinks this might be the happiest he's ever been.
They got out of the water and lay down together on the blanket, looking at the clear blue sky. Mike’s hand made its way to Will’s face, slowly turning it toward him, his fingers caressing Will’s cheek. Neither said anything for a moment, just looking at each other like they’ve been captured in the moment.
The silent break as Will made the first move. He slowly closed the space between them until their noses touched, and Will could feel Mike’s quickened breath on his face. His hands made their way to Mike’s waist and pulled their bodies flush against each other.
Mike let out a soft gasp before saying, “I didn't know you could be this bold, Will Byers.”
“Only with you,” Will murmurs against Mike's lips before closing the distance completely.
The kiss is slow and sweet at first, tasting of lake water, Reese's Pieces, and summer sunshine. Mike's hand slides into Will's damp hair, and Will's fingers press into the warm skin of Mike's waist, pulling him impossibly closer. The world narrows to just this—the soft press of Mike's mouth, the sound of water lapping at the shore, the warmth radiating between their bodies.
Mike makes a soft sound against Will's lips, and it sends a shiver down Will's spine despite the heat of the sun. Will's hand slides up Mike's side, feeling the goosebumps rising on his skin, and Mike arches into the touch. The kiss deepens, grows hungrier. Mike's fingers tighten in Will's hair, tugging gently, and Will gasps against his mouth.
They shift on the blanket, Mike rolling slightly so he's half over Will, one leg sliding between Will's. His weight is perfect, grounding and intoxicating all at once. Will's hands roam across Mike's back, tracing the curve of his spine, the sharp angles of his shoulder blades, memorizing every inch of skin.
“Will,” Mike breathes against his mouth, and Will swallows his name with another kiss, this one messier, more desperate. Mike's lips move to Will's jaw, trailing hot kisses down to his neck, and Will's breath catches. His fingers dig into Mike's hips, holding him close as Mike finds that sensitive spot just below his ear and kisses it, then sucks gently.
Will's head falls back, a soft sound escaping his throat that he'd be embarrassed about if Mike didn't immediately respond with a groan of his own. Mike's mouth works at his neck, alternating between kisses and gentle bites that make Will's toes curl. His hands are everywhere—sliding through Will's hair, caressing his face, running down his chest.
“Mike,” Will manages, his voice rough and breathless. He tugs Mike back up to kiss him properly, their mouths crashing together with renewed urgency. They're a tangle of limbs and racing hearts, hands exploring, bodies pressed so close there's no space between them. Mike's thumb brushes across Will's bottom lip, and Will parts his lips, deepening the kiss further.
They lose themselves in it—the slide of lips, the taste of each other, the feeling of skin on skin. Mike's hips press down against Will's, and they both gasp at the friction. Will's hands slide down to Mike's lower back, fingers slipping just beneath the waistband of his shorts, and Mike shivers, breaking the kiss to press his forehead against Will's.
“Is this okay?” Will whispers, his heart pounding so hard he's sure Mike can feel it.
Mike nods frantically, his eyes dark and pupils blown wide. “Yes. God, yes.” He captures Will's mouth again, kissing him like he's drowning and Will is air.
When they finally pull apart, both breathless and flushed, Mike's eyes are bright and full of wonder. His lips are kiss-bitten and red, his hair a complete mess from Will's fingers. His thumb traces Will's bottom lip, gentle and reverent despite the intensity of the past few minutes.
“I love you,” Mike says, the words tumbling out like he can't hold them back any longer. “I know I haven’t said it much, but I do. I love you, Will.”
Will's heart stopped, then raced. He remembered hearing it for the first time back in November and how it made him feel, and he couldn't get enough of it. But nothing could have prepared him for this—for the way Mike's voice shook with vulnerability, for the hope and fear mingled in his expression.
“I love you too,” Will breathes, and saying it out loud feels like coming home. “I've loved you for so long, Mike. Ever since you asked me if I wanted to be your friend on that swing.”
Mike's smile was radiant, and then they were kissing again, deeper this time, more urgent. Will lost track of time, lost track of everything except Mike—Mike's hands on his back, Mike's heartbeat against his chest, Mike's quiet sounds of contentment that made Will feel like he was flying.
They broke apart only when they needed air, foreheads pressed together, sharing breath and space, and this perfect moment.
“Thank you for this,” Mike whispers, pressing a kiss to Will's temple. “Best date ever.”
“We're not done yet,” Will says with a grin.
They swim until their fingers are pruned, then collapse back onto the blanket, letting the sun dry them off. Mike reaches for Will's hand, lacing their fingers together, and they lie there in comfortable silence, watching clouds drift across the sky.
“We should probably head back,” Mike says reluctantly. “Before your mom and my mom send out a search party.”
“Probably,” Will agrees, but neither of them moves right away.
“We should do this more often.”
“Making out?”
“No! I mean—yes. What I mean is we should go on more dates.” Mike quickly corrected himself.
Will laughs, rolling onto his side to face Mike properly. “I’d like that. Where would you want to go?”
“Anywhere,” Mike says, his voice soft and sincere. “As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we go.” He reaches out, tucking a strand of Will’s hair behind his ear, his touch lingering. “But maybe next time I get to plan it. Make it fair.”
“Deal,” Will agrees, and then Mike is leaning in again, capturing his lips in another kiss. This one is slower, lazier, like they have all the time in the world. Will’s hand comes up to cup Mike’s jaw, feeling the warmth of his skin.
Mike pulls back just enough to murmur against Will’s lips, “You’re amazing, you know that?”
Will’s cheeks flush. “Mike—”
“I’m serious.” Mike’s eyes are intense, searching Will’s face like he’s trying to memorize every detail. “You planned this whole thing. You brought my favorite candy. You brought me to this beautiful place. You’re just... you’re everything, Will.”
Will’s throat tightens with emotion. “You make it easy,” he whispers. “You make everything easy.”
They kiss again and again, losing themselves in the taste and feel of each other until the sun dips lower on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The air grows cooler, and reluctantly, they begin to pack up their things.
They ride back through Hawkins as the streetlights begin to flicker on, side by side. Will can’t stop smiling, and every time he glances over at Mike, he finds Mike already looking at him with that same soft, adoring expression.
When they finally reach the Wheelers’ house, they linger by their bikes, neither quite ready to say goodbye.
“So... same time next week for DND?” Mike asks, though his tone suggests he’s thinking about much more than just their campaign.
“Yeah,” Will says, stepping closer. “And maybe... another date before then?”
Mike’s face lights up. “I’ll call you tomorrow. We can plan something.”
“Okay.” Will rises on his toes, pressing a quick kiss to Mike’s lips, mindful that they’re in full view of the street. “Goodnight, Mike.”
“Goodnight, Will.” Mike watches him go, and when Will glances back before turning the corner, Mike is still standing there, hand raised in a wave, that beautiful smile still on his face.
Will rides home with his heart full, the taste of Reese’s Pieces and Mike Wheeler still on his lips, and the memory of this perfect day already becoming one of his most cherished.
Will can’t wait to tell Robin all about it tomorrow.