Chapter Text
May 10th, 1991
“Michael!” Mrs. Wheeler called out from downstairs, “Will’s calling!”
Mike sat up from his bed. “Alright, alright! Hold on..” He ran straight down the stairs, picking up the phone that was put on hold. “Will!”
All the way in Manhattan, New York, “Mike, hey..!” Will smiled to himself, holding the phone up close to his ear, as if afraid to miss a single word from his best friend on the phone.
“I haven’t heard from you in a while- How’s SVA? You’re still coming back to Hawkins for summer break, right?” Mike tapped his finger on the tiled counter. “We’re all waiting for you.”
Will chuckled, he leaned against the wall. “Yeah, I can’t wait. My mom’s still worried at the idea of me travelling alone though.”
The two laughed simultaneously.
“I’m sure you’ll take care of yourself just fine, and you’ve got us.” He replied. “..Hawkins isn’t the same without you, you know.” Mike pointed out.
“You say that all the time.” Will rolled his eyes in response,
“Because it’s true.” The other says.
Will ran a hand through his hair, inhaling through his mouth. There was a moment of silence between the two.
Mike’s tapping got a bit faster, and his heart started to race. “You know, Will… I miss-“
“Sorry- I’ve gotta go, Mike. I’ll see you soon.” Will abruptly said. He hung up the phone.
The call left Mike with a feeling of confusion and a dead line. “..Will? Hello?”
“He’s staying with us, isn’t he? Have you set up his room yet?” Mrs. Wheeler reminded him.
Mike’s eyes widened. “Shit- you’re right!”
Ever since Nancy moved to Boston on her own, her room was left vacant. It served as a better alternative to the basement, which the Byers slept in last time. So it would be a nice change of pace for when Will comes over. Mike cleared up some old clutter and set up new sheets on the bed, wondering what to do with Will when he arrives.
Also… why did he hang up the phone earlier?
Will traced his finger on the wallpaper, the texture providing a distraction from the elation he felt rising in his chest from hearing Mike’s voice. However, the words turned to a blur when he noticed his.. partner, Caden walking towards him.
“Can we talk?” Caden mouthed silently.
Will gave a puzzled expression before looking back at the phone, he didn’t register that Mike was in the process of saying something. “Sorry, I’ve gotta go, Mike. I’ll see you soon.” He hung up the phone. Though there was a hint of guilt for hanging up so suddenly, what Caden had to say looked like it was important, judging by his face.
“What’s up?” Will got off the wall, walking up to him.
Caden smacked his lips, his eyes avoiding Will’s. “I just…”
Somehow, in some way, Will felt what was coming, his heart dropped. “Caden-”
“I don’t think things are working out between us.” Caden admitted.
Will’s breathing quickened. “No- What do you mean? I thought things were going just fine..?”
“I thought they were too! We’re alike, Will. But it doesn’t feel like we’re meant to be what we are now.” He explained. “In fact, we were happy for a time, we were. It’s just that it feels like you don’t love me, like your mind is on someone else.”
Will was rendered speechless for the first few seconds upon hearing. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Caden’s jaw tightened, his hand reached out to grab Will’s. “I’m just saying that- We could take some time away from each other..” His touch was gentle, remorseful. “Or we could just… be friends. Normal friends.”
“...Friends.” Will echoed, his vision going blurry, was it tears of heartbreak? He pulled his hand away slowly. “I just need some time to think.” Will stepped backwards, before turning around to swiftly walk away.
Will really thought it would work out. From the day he met Caden, he believed it was the ‘deep happiness’ he’d been yearning for. He knew being with Caden would come with a feeling, that small feeling of perpetual emptiness, like a jigsaw puzzle missing a single piece.
Lying on his bed, he looked up at the ceiling, then at the packed luggage bags in the corner of his room. Will rolled his eyes upward and blinked fast to suppress his tears.
Meanwhile, Mike hopped onto his bed, landing on his back. He turned his head to the painting on the wall, and to the framed picture of the old friend group. He smiled softly.
Will turned to his side, facing the blank wall.
Mike closed his eyes.
Both of them could only quietly wonder:
“What should I say to him?”
The day came for the long trip from New York to Indiana. A bus ride pushing a full twenty four hours. Mentally, Will wished he was excited, but his emotions have been drained since the day before.
“You’ve got all your things packed?” Joyce held onto Will’s shoulders.
“Yes, mom..” Will tried to tell his mom he’ll be fine, rolling his eyes at how anxious she could be.
Hopper stood beside her, crossing his arms. “He’s a grown man now, twenty, actually. He’ll be fine.” Even Hopper tried to reassure her.
Will softly smiled, he pulled her in for a hug. “Yeah. I’ve been through a lot. A trip back to Hawkins for a week will be a breeze.”
“You ready to go?” Jonathan asked, picking up the car keys. He had just finished hauling the luggage into the back.
Will nodded, he took one more look back at his parents. “Bye, I love you guys.” He waved.
Joyce leaned on Hopper, giving a small wave back. “Take care!”
“I will!” He responded.
Will’s smile faded slightly as he entered the car.
“Alright, off to the bus station.” Jonathan started up the vehicle.
“Mhm.” The other simply hummed in response.
“…Hey.” Jonathan drove out. “Is everything okay? You came back yesterday without saying a word.”
Will turned his head, “Everything’s fine. I guess it feels ..strange. I’m going to see all my friends again.”
“Come on, it’s not that. You were so excited planning it!” Jonathan retorted. “Is it because Mom and Hopper drove out all the way from Montauk just to check on you and wave you goodbye? You think it’s embarrassing?”
Will laughed. “No.. no. I…”
-Broke up with a person he thought he could finally settle down with. He didn’t want to say it. He couldn’t say it. So… he just lied.
“It’s probably just exhaustion. I’ll get some rest on the bus.” Will shrugged, the lie tasted bitter on his tongue.
Jonathan fell silent. He spared a glance at his brother, and sighed. Shifting his focus back on the road.
Will looked at the passing lamp posts outside, a small sigh escaped his lips.
After a while, they arrived. Will took out his bag from the back, but just as he was about to walk away, Jonathan rolled down the window.
“Hey, Will!” He shouted out.
Will turned around, trying to suppress an irritated groan. “Yeah?”
Jonathan’s lips curve up. “Try to have fun, alright?”
“I will.” Will gave a firm nod.
On the bus, Will could only ponder it all helplessly. What if his friends, what if Mike tried asking about this mysterious partner he had been dating? He hasn’t seen them in a long time, how would he even answer?
In a fit of complex and dizzying mixed emotions, he dug his hand into his backpack, pulling out his sketchbook and pencil.
There, Will closed his eyes and tried to envision Mike. It’s been a while, he hoped that his memory of him was still accurate.
He had spent most of his life with the guy by now. Back then, he’d stare— or better yet, observe Mike’s features, every freckle, every curl in his hair. It was almost a creepy hobby. Honestly he tried to pass it off with an excuse as ‘referencing’.
His hand moved alongside his thoughts. It felt natural, calming. Will’s hand flowed without a hitch, sketching out a Mike from memory. He’ll be spending a whole day in this bus, might as well make use of it.
“Mike?” Dustin stopped in his tracks, staring as his friend walked down the street, gazing at shop windows. “What are you doing?”
Mike paused his actions, he turned to Dustin. “Perfect timing!” He gestured for him to come over. “What gift do you think Will would like?”
Dustin raised an eyebrow. “You’re getting a gift for Will?”
“..Well, yeah? It’s a welcome-back gift.” Mike leaned against a brick wall by a shop.
He was in disbelief. “…Isn’t planning his whole itinerary here in Hawkins enough of a gift? Plus, when I came back from camp that one time you guys never gave me a gift.” Dustin looked at Mike up and down, perplexed.
Mike shrugged. “That’s different! It’s common courtesy. Also, we did give you a gift, a surprise party, you already had a ton of shit from science camp anyways.” He waved it off dismissively.
“Okay, fine! I’ll help.” Dustin put his hands into his pockets. “What are you thinking?”
The guy beamed almost uncontrollably with excitement. “Okay- so I’m thinking of some kind of art supply.. but then again he probably has all of that back in New York. So, I started thinking about something reminiscent of Hawkins, something sentimental, you know? But that led me to another dead end..” Mike rambled on, his legs following by pacing around.
Dustin felt too bad to interrupt, but he had to. He placed a hand on Mike’s shoulder, firm and unmoving. He tightened his jaw. “At this point, why not just get him flowers?”
Mike stopped in disbelief. “What? No! He already has someone, a partner. Flowers will just make it weird between us.”
“Come on, dude. You shouldn’t be overthinking this.” Dustin shook his head.
“I’m not overthinking-“
“Yes you are.”
Mike stuttered. “Well- gifts are supposed to be thoughtful, so… you know..! Now come on, let’s think while walking.” He hustled Dustin to move his legs.
For the rest of the afternoon, the two ran down streets of shops. No luck. Some gifts wouldn’t suit Will, most would be basic gifts with no sentiment. And Dustin was growing increasingly frustrated.
“What do you think of a cap?” Mike pulled one off the shelves, trying it on.
“Dude. Don’t steal my thunder.” Dustin crossed his arms. “You have no idea what you’re looking for, do you?
Mike put the cap back in disappointment. “…Yeah.”
They took some rest by a bench outside. It was a windy day, and Mike threw his head back on the bench, tapping his feet impatiently. “What the hell! There’s nothing out here. Nothing that screams ‘Will’!”
Dustin looked over. “I told you. Flowers. Not romantically, they’re safe for any occasion.”
Mike sat up in one swift motion. “No! It’s just…” His words faded when he caught sight of the shop to the left. “Wait… this could do.”
Dustin raised an eyebrow. “What could do-?” He repeats.
Without another word, Mike stood up and made a beeline for the store.
“Mike!” Dustin stood up to chase after him, still bewildered. “What did you mean?!”
Will’s eyes slowly opened. He straightened his posture, and looked out the window. He remembered this road.
He picked up his bags and got off the bus at the terminal. He sat down by the bench, waiting for his ride. Until… they came.
Max pulled up by the station, everyone left the car one by one. Will stood up, his eyes brightened at the sight of all of his friends, having not seen him in an excruciatingly long while. They all embraced tightly.
“Will! Did you..” Lucas looked at him up and down. “Get a haircut..?”
Will chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “..Yeah. It was time for a more stylistic choice, I guess.”
“Must be the city’s influence.” Max smiled, eyes also drawn to his hair. “How was it there?”
“It was pretty great. I met quite a few new friends.” He smiled.
“What are we waiting for? Come on! Let’s get to Hawkins!” Dustin hyped everyone up.
Lucas, Max, and Dustin all gathered up by the car. Mike and Will gazed at each other.
“Will..” Mike muttered out, “Sorry- It’s been so long since I’ve seen you it’s-“
“Mike, it’s fine..” Will’s smile remained. “I haven’t seen you in a long time either, I get it.”
Mike nodded, a bit too hard. “Uhm- yeah.” He cleared his throat. “We can talk more over lunch, right?”
Will walked along with him towards the car. “Yeah.”
The whole car ride towards the actual town of Hawkins felt so… warm. Not because of the summer, perhaps it was the nostalgia creeping in.
As they passed by the “Welcome To Hawkins” sign, Dustin put a hand on Will’s shoulder, “Welcome back to Hawkins, Will.”
Will smiled, “Thanks, guys.” He snuck in another glance at Mike, who was grinning back.
He looked out the window, passing by all the trees. His smile fades a bit, as the feeling of the sorrow of days before crept in.
“Hey-“ Mike tapped on his shoulder. “You alright?”
Will snapped out of it. “Yeah.. just thinking.”
Mike shuffled in his seat. “About what?”
Why did he have to press on-? Will internally groaned.
“About… what we’ll do after lunch..” He stated.
“Well lucky for you, I’ve got some stuff planned.” His grin never fading. “We’ll be looking at some older landmarks, maybe hit up a store or two…”
It was a fluttering feeling in his stomach. Mike’s enthusiasm always had an effect on him. He turned around to face his friend, his smile a bit more genuine now. “I can’t wait.”
“I probably look like a total idiot right now, don’t I?” Mike asked himself as he watched Will look back out the window.
He clearly had something in mind. Should he ask him? Would he just lie again?
Not only that, he absolutely ruined the chance to give a warm welcome to Will. He was still clutching the gift in his pocket.
He wasn’t a sixteen year old boy anymore… surely he could hand over a simple gift without having a meltdown, hell, even talk normally, right?
Mike hadn’t even realised that they reached the diner already. He scurried out.
Everyone talked, taking turns asking Will questions about the big city, college life, friends. Speaking of friends…
“You said you met a guy, right?” Mike blurted out.
Will froze, “Oh. Well, yeah. I did.. His name’s Caden.”
“Caden.” Mike nodded, his grip on the fork tightened.
“What’s he like? Nice? Fun?” Max asked with a curious grin.
“I’d say he is, yeah.. he’s funny too.” Will answered.
“Really? That’s great, happy for you!” Lucas responds with a thumbs up.
Mike internally rolled his eyes. “Is he, though?”
“Sorry?” Will turned to him, he didn’t catch that, right?
“Nothing. This.. Caden. He sounds cool.” Mike lied through gritted teeth.
The group fell silent for a brief moment.
Dustin cleared his throat. “Guys! Just decide on what to order, the waitress is coming over.”
Mike agreed silently, looking down at his menu. He felt Will’s knee brush against his, he was startled for a second, but then he looked over. Will was tapping his foot, was he.. nervous?
Mike’s gaze trailed up Will’s body, until he eventually met his eyes. His eyes widened as he was caught and looked away immediately.
“I’ll have the uh.. club sandwich.” Mike quickly changed his train of thought.
He excused himself to the restroom. Quickly washing his face, he looked back at himself in the mirror. “What’s wrong with you today?” He asked himself.
“What’s wrong with you today?” Dustin walked into the restroom as well, unknowingly repeating Mike’s thoughts.
“Nothing, just… yeah, it’s nothing.” Mike replied.
Dustin walked past Mike to wash his hands. “Sure. You awkwardly greeted your best friend that you have been waiting to see for a year by now, you’re too scared to even strike up a normal conversation! And what about the gift? We spent three hours picking out-“
Mike held one hand up towards Dustin. “Okay! I get it. It’s just… hard to strike up a conversation without making it weird to me. You guys are asking all the questions, it’s… difficult- hey!”
Dustin splashed excess water on Mike’s face. “Don’t you blame us! You had several chances to do something but you didn’t.”
“Oh so you’re suddenly the friendship expert now?” Mike asked sarcastically.
“Technically a lover's expert. I learned it all from Steve.” Dustin shrugged. “Now go, ask something, anything. You two never ran out of things to chat about when you were younger.”
Mike walked out of the restroom. He shuffled back to his seat, next to Will. He puts one hand into his pocket, feeling the gift, his thumb grazing over the material.
“Unpacking-“ Mike suddenly said. “When you get to my house later, do you need anything to help unpack, or..?”
Will turned to Mike, his smile returning. “I’ve only packed some essentials and clothes, it’s fine.”
“Oh!” Mike drummed the table in response with his index fingers. “Is there… Anything at all you need help with later?”
“I’ll… ask you if I need anything. There’s nothing off the top of my head right now.” Will shrugged.
“That’s.. cool. Yeah. That’s great.” Mike nodded along.
“Club sandwich?” The waitress walked in.
Good god, he’s really bad at this.
The rest of the day moved on quickly. There were the landmarks, some new buildings that opened up, and they paid respects by the pillar.
Will was glad to be back, glad to be near everyone he’s grown up with. However, he was also growing tired, tired of bottling up what happened back in Manhattan.
The last stop of the day was Mike’s house. It looked like just the way he left it. Out of everything he saw and went through today, seeing the place brought back the most memories and nostalgia.
“Here..” Mike helped lift the luggage out of Max’s car trunk. Honestly, he was grateful for the help.
“Thanks.” Will hoisted up his bag. “And thanks for the ride, Max. Drive safely.”
Max smiled in return. “Of course, and remember: tomorrow, movies, 3pm.”
“Got it!” Will nodded.
They waved Max, Lucas and Dustin goodbye for the night.
“Alright, time to head in.” Mike said, gesturing towards his house.
“The basement, right?” Will checked, the last time the family stayed over, he and Jonathan slept in the basement. Though on the ground, the mattress was certainly soft and comfortable.
Mike looked over. “What? No, no. You’ll be staying in Nancy’s room. A real room, this time.”
Will’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Really? Okay, then.”
As soon as they entered the house, they were greeted by Mrs. Wheeler. “Will! It’s been quite a long time! How have you been?” She embraced him.
“I’ve been doing fine, Mrs. Wheeler.” Will returned the embrace.
“Would you like to join us for dinner? Lasagna’s almost done..” She gestured at the oven.
“Actually- I think I’ll take a shower and go to bed. Thanks.” Will replied, rubbing the back of his head. He didn’t have an appetite.
A hand rests on Will’s shoulder— Mike’s hand. “Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”
Will gave a smile in return.
They walked up the stairs and Mike opened the door for the other. “Welcome to your abode for the next week!”
He couldn’t help but chuckle at Mike’s dramatic tone. “Looks comfortable.” He stepped inside.
“Because it is.” He set down the rest of Will’s bags. “…You sure you don’t want dinner?”
Will swallowed. “Yeah. I’ll be okay. I just… want to get clean and go to bed.”
Mike leaned against the doorway for a moment.
Will tried to ignore Mike’s staring and get to pulling out a fresh set of clothes and-
“Shit.”
“What’s wrong?”
“…I forgot my bathroom essentials.” Will groaned.
“That’s no problem, you can use mine.” Mike offered. “It’s happened before when we were younger too, no big deal.”
There it is again. That feeling. “I.. thank you.” He stood up to face Mike.
“Yeah.. no problem.” Mike smiled back. “Let me go get them for you.”
Will sat down at the edge of the bed, he ran his hand through the fabric. Soft and silky. He wondered if Mike did this. He wanted to melt in right then and there, though he had ample rest in the bus ride, all he could think of doing was burying himself into the bed and waking up at noon the next day.
“Alright- So I’ve got a spare towel… and shampoo and body wash.” Mike walked in with the products.
Will’s smile returned. He accepted the things, their fingers brushing slightly as he took it off Mike’s hands.
“Alright- so… nothing else.. right?” Mike looked around the room.
Will shook his head. “Thanks again.”
The other gave a brief nod.
Silence befell the room once more. Except this time, the two guys stared at each other.
Will hesitated. “You’re sure you’re okay with this? Using your stuff, I mean.”
“Of course, why not?” Mike backed up. “I mean- Soldiers do it all the time, rationing.”
Soldiers. Of course.
“Yeah, but then I’d smell like you.” Will looked down at the products, his lips curving up when he shifted his focus back on Mike.
Mike huffed in amusement. “Who wouldn’t wanna smell like me? Personally, I think I smell great.”
Will laughed in response. “Okay but it’d still be weird… and Suave?”
“It’s a good brand, Will.” Mike shrugged nonchalantly.
“Alright then. I’ll use it, sure.”
“Sure..”
Mike stepped out of the room and left for dinner.
Will’s thumb traced the words of the shampoo, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
It’s been forty minutes.
Guess Will really is going to sleep. It wouldn’t hurt to try though, right?
He took out some lasagna from the dish and put it on a plate. “I’m gonna ask Will if he wants some.”
Mrs. Wheeler nodded and Mr. Wheeler raised his eyebrow.
Mike arrived at the room’s doorstep. He hesitated for a moment, before knocking. “Will?”
From inside the room, Will responded. “Come in.”
Upon opening the door, he saw Will in a shirt and sweatpants. His hair was half-damp and not fully dry yet. His grip on the plate tightened, lord have mercy.
“I got you some if you changed your mind..” Mike held out the plate.
Will softly laughed. “Seriously, I’m not hungry.”
Mike looked down at the plate. “Oh.” He put it by the nightstand, and took a seat by Will on the bed.
He remembered Dustin’s words: “Go ask something, anything.”
Here goes nothing.
“Will.” Mike spoke up, noticing a small flinch from the other at the change of tone. “I know that something’s been bothering you.”
Will stayed silent for two seconds. “It’s hard to talk about.”
“I know- and you don’t have to talk about it now.” Mike replied. “But you should know that I’m here for you. We’re here for you. Me, Dustin, Lucas, Max…”
He slowly turned, the sorrow too visible in his eyes. “Mike.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s about Caden.”
“Oh.”
“…We broke up.”
“Oh…”
Well shit, this wasn’t what he expected. He plants his feet onto the ground.
“Will…” Mike held himself back, but put a hand on Will’s shoulder.
“I think it’s my fault.” Will exhales, tears welling up without warning. “That maybe if I did.. love him properly, I wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“But you did love him, didn’t you..?” Mike asked, trying to keep his tone soft and comforting.
Will slowly turned, looking up at Mike’s face. His eyes were glassy. “I thought I did. He was so nice about it too, I-“
“Will. Listen. It.. wasn’t your fault.” Mike held onto both his shoulders. “Feelings. They’re complicated, you know?”
“You don’t understand, Mike, it was so… sudden.” Will pressed his palm against his forehead. “I mean- it was a long time coming, I knew.. I could feel.. Like we were drifting apart. But I didn’t expect it to actually..”
Mike stared down at Will, his grip still gentle. Maybe it’s best if he didn’t say anything, but that’d come off as a bit too…
Will looked back, his expression unreadable, was he expecting something?
“I’m- sorry… that this happened to you.” Mike tried to revive the conversation. “It’s a lot for anyone and I understand how shitty it can be.”
The other nodded slowly, he shifted, their thighs brushed for a second. “Uh…”
“Yeah? What is it?”
“Could we stay like this for a bit?”
“...Of… of course.”
Mike moved one hand into his pocket, feeling the gift again. He closed his eyes, exhaled, and shifted his focus back to Will. That’ll have to wait.