Chapter Text
Mike's POV
Mike, sitting in his desk chair, began typing on his typewriter. He sometimes wrote stories about a certain mage who had disappeared and run away to live her own life. The young man wept; the woman in this story was Eleven. He often thought about her. He firmly believed that she was still alive. Unfortunately, even if that were the case, he would never see her again. Mike took off his glasses and wiped the tears from his eyes. He stared at the drawing on his bedroom wall. He treasured that drawing by Will. His friend's words resonated deep within him: "You are the heart, Mike." What good is being the heart if in the end you're alone?
A few days after their last campaign, the group reunited. Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and…Will. They were all together. Summer vacation was just beginning. Yet, as the start of the school year approached, they would have to part ways for good. That's why they had decided to hang out together often and make the most of it before each went their separate ways. Mike had chosen to stay in Hawkins. He didn't know what he wanted to do later, but he promised himself he would think about it during this vacation. Lucas planned to become a professional basketball player. Despite his family not planning to move since Erica hadn't finished school, the young athlete would probably be traveling a lot in the coming years. Max had promised to follow him wherever he went. Not being particularly attached to this town, which constantly reminded her of her deceased step-brother, traveling was a relief for her. Then there was Dustin. As the top student in his class and a brilliant science student, he was destined for great things in his studies and career. He had been accepted to a prestigious university in New York and was due to move there in the coming weeks to study science and physics. Finally, there was Will. The young man, possessing a natural talent for drawing, was expected to enroll in an art program at university.
In conclusion, Mike would find himself alone in a little while.
"What are you thinking about, Mike?" Lucas asked, seeing his friend lost in thought.
"Nothing, just our last campaign."
"It was good, that's true," Dustin confirmed.
Mike's gaze, after scanning the reactions of all his friends, settled on Will. Will was staring at him, smiling. Mike, embarrassed, looked away. He knew his friend no longer felt anything for him, but it was still strange between them. The young Wheeler chuckled to himself. Joyce's son had been in love with him for years; how was he supposed to forget that? It made him so uncomfortable... so much so that he didn't dare approach him anymore. He told him they were still friends, that he was okay with his sexuality. But deep down, it was all just an act. It was too strange, a man who loved another man… Mike pushed those thoughts away. Will had clearly told him that he was just his “Tammy,” that he… hung out with other people like him. He had nothing to worry about… right?
The group spent the day together. They did what they always did: ride their bikes, go to the arcade, the shop… Evening arrived, time to say goodbye. Dustin disagreed:
“How about another campaign tonight?” he suggested enthusiastically.
“We did one three days ago!” Max retorted, exasperated. “Besides, we already have plans with Lucas.”
Dustin glared at his friend.
"We've been planning this date for days, don't look at me like that!" he protested.
"It's okay, are you two up for it, Mike and Will?"
But before Mike could answer, Will took a deep breath and looked away, embarrassed:
"Sorry, I was planning on going to a bar tonight."
"And seeing that Stan guy again?" teased the redhead, who seemed to know something.
"Who's Stan?" sighed Mike, wondering why he wasn't in on the secret when everyone else seemed to know who he was.
"Just a friend," Will replied, embarrassed.
"A friend? Yeah, right... He must be another... gay guy... And what kind of awful name is that?" Mike thought. Strangely, his heart sank. Was it because Will had another friend? Because Mike hadn't been informed? Yes, that must be it. What else could it be?