Chapter Text
Mike swung his legs back and forth, the bed rocking a little with the weight of his body. He felt like a sitting duck, just watching the door and waiting for Will to come back. Not that Will knew he was there, since it was a surprise after all. He’d bitten his nails raw and gnawed the inside of his cheek with anxiety, sick with the feeling of not knowing anything. Not knowing Will’s life, not having seen him in person in 6 months. Was he the same sweet boy he’d grown up with? He guessed he was about to find out.
He could hear muffled conversation and somebody fumbling with their keys outside the door, dropping them on the floor. And then he heard Will’s laugh, and it was like all those worries just melted away. He quickly hid under the blanket while he remembered to.
‘-and I poured my heart into that painting too! And yet there she is, telling me how ‘it lacked depth’! I think she was talking about herself-’
Mike jumped out from beneath the blanket, severely misjudging where Will was in the room. Before Will could even react to the surprise, Mike had stumbled over the blanket and straight into him, knocking them both to the floor. Their faces just inches away from one another, Mike propped himself up with one arm quickly to stop himself from doing something rash. Will had developed sun freckles, and Mike couldn’t look anymore.
‘Happy birthday, Will.’ He whispered, trying to maintain eye contact.
‘Mike,’ Will let out in a breathy gasp, ‘I can’t believe you came.’
He was pulled into a tight embrace, one Mike couldn’t – and wouldn’t – release himself from. They lay hugging for a few seconds, Will’s face buried in the other’s shoulder, before someone else cleared their throat. Being brought back to Earth, the two sprung up and brushed themselves off, giving Will’s roommate a small awkward smile.
‘Do I not get a thank-you-hug for orchestrating this?’
‘Well, obviously I’m thankful, but I see you everyday. I think you get enough hugs.’
Mike chuckled to himself. Still just as sassy as he’d remembered, California hadn’t changed that.
‘Anyways, here’s a proper introduction. Mike, this is Tyler, my roommate. Tyler, this is Mike, my-’
‘I know who you are.’ He reached forward to shake Mike’s hand, a firm grip on him. ‘Byers doesn’t shut up about you.’
Mike could feel a deep crimson flush his cheeks, but he just laughed it off light-heartedly. He wasn’t ready to get into that right now, and he definitely wasn’t ready for Will to see that either.
**
‘I still can’t believe you’re here.’
They were taking a walk through the UCLA campus, Will giving him a tour of his favourite spots and things he’d done there. To Mike, it felt a million miles from Hawkins and the Will that he’d known, but he didn’t dislike what he saw. Will was happy, walking with his head up and a smile on his face, so unashamed in his contentment. It looked good on him.
‘You know they do great writing courses here, if you ever did wanna leave Hawkins.’
Will looked at him sincerely, his eyes so full of care and a depth Mike wanted to understand. He wanted that more than anything, he really did.
‘I mean, Hawkins isn’t so bad. Being Mr Clarke’s teaching assistant is pretty cool, cooler than it sounds, I promise,’ he reiterates as Will chuckles at the statement. ‘Kids actually seem more interested in science these days. It still gives me some time to write too.’
‘Anything you’re working on right now?’
He hesitated, hoping Will couldn’t read him the same way he’d always been able to. He seemed oblivious this time though.
‘I mean, there is something I’ve been trying to write, but I’ve been in a bit of a slump. Lack of inspiration, I guess…’
Mike’s words trail off as he sees Will focusing on someone lightly jogging towards them, a smile spreading on his face. The guy was tall, a bit tan (Mike doubted it was natural), and had a dark, curly mop of hair on his head. Huh.
‘I thought you were home this weekend! What are you doing back on campus early?’
Will looked overjoyed, and Mike couldn’t help the stinging feeling he felt when he realised that this was maybe a better reaction than his surprise had gotten. I mean, this guy goes to this college and probably sees Will often, but Mike flying across the country means nothing?
‘I came back to surprise you! I had a feeling you’d be busy with your friends on your actual birthday, so I thought we’d go for dinner today if you’re free?’
They were so wrapped up in staring at each other that they hadn’t even noticed Mike was there. He didn’t like the way that guy was looking at Will, like he was his next meal. It didn’t feel the same as the doe-eyed look Will was giving him. Mike decided to be the bigger person and extend his hand to this intruder, an olive branch. His stubborn days were behind him.
Instead of the warm welcome he was expecting, the guy looked him up and down, before inching closer to Will. Will wasn’t as oblivious to this motion, and quickly tried to restore the peace once more.
‘Mike, this is my… boyfriend, Carlton.’
And that was all it took for Mike to drop his hand. He couldn’t hear anymore. This sneaking suspicion had passed over him the last few months, the change in Will’s letters, the change in Will’s muse, and now he knew why. He was well beyond Hawkins now. He was beyond Mike. This sickening feeling overcame him, but he pushed it down. If not for himself, then for Will.
‘Hey man, I’m Will’s best friend from home.’
Even referring to himself as ‘best friend’ made him want to projectile vomit, but he extended his hand once more, and this time, Carlton wearily shook it. He wore this look on his face like he wanted to kill Mike, and it was fair to say that he felt more than unsettled in this guy’s presence. Will looked relieved at this treaty though, and that was all Mike needed to keep up this charade.
‘Why don’t we all go for dinner together then? My two favourite people can finally get to know each other!’ Mike couldn’t miss the way Will’s eyes lit up at his own idea, and he’d always been a sucker for Will.
This was not a good idea. He was screwed.