Chapter Text
CHAPTER ONE- Bless the Telephone
WILL
It's been eighteen months yet this poor, wide-eyed boy with mousy hair can't get Mike Wheeler out of his head. Sure, he has his new boyfriend, Carlton, whom he's very happy with, but it's not the same. Carlton doesn't know what to do when Will has recurring nightmares, reiterating the horrors of his past, or when he's in one of his “episodes.” He doesn't even know what to do when Will goes mute. He just gets frustrated and thinks Will’s upset with him, so he goes quiet too, out of spite. Mike used to always understand him even when he didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to.
It's been eighteen months since Will has seen Mike's face, eighteen months since Will left Hawkins, and a year since Will met Carlton. In those eighteen months, Mike had grown distant, and Will can’t help but think that it's his fault, with him coming out and all. He knows, it runs like a mantra through Will's mind every day. He knows. Mike knows he was- is his “Tammy.” At least that’s what Will wants to convince himself, a love for somebody spread across multiple years condensed to an analogy of a hallway crush.
In the eighteen months, Will and Mike have called around four times, and that was just in the beginning of their long separation. It's been at least five months since Mike last called, but for reasons unknown, he decided to call today.
Will hears the familiar ring of Carlton and his shared landline, and checks the calling number. When he sees the recognizable pattern of numbers, he feels his stomach churn. It’s Mike. He hesitates to pick it up, but the ringing of the phone grows incriminating.
“You gonna get that, Will?” Carlton calls out from the living room, knocking Will out of his thoughts. Currently, Will is standing in the kitchen, setting up for the dinner they are going to make together later that night.
“Oh, yeah! Sorry, love, I'll get it. My uh- hands were full.” Will responds, waiting half a second longer as if he actually had to set stuff down.
As Will's shaky hands pick up the phone, his mind moves a million miles a minute. Why is Mike calling? Could something be wrong? Will slowly puts the phone to his ear and waits to hear Mike's soft and familiar voice come through the other side of the line.
“Hey, Will.”
His voice sounds shaky, almost as if he’s scared. Will can't help but think the worst. What if he's back? What if Mike's hurt or in danger? All of these assumptions are put to rest when he hears Mike's voice blare through the phone like the horn of a truck.
”Will? Are you there?”
Will snaps out of it instantly.
“Shit, yeah, uh- is everything alright?”
Mike doesn't answer for a second, the only thing audible is a rustle of fabric, which does not at all calm Will's intense fears. As soon as Mike does speak, he hears the voice. The voice that has always been reserved for him.
“Yeah, everything is fine, er- I'm just in the area and I was wondering if we could maybe meet up? You know, like old times.”
The irony in that statement is clear to Will. Like old times. It just buzzes in his ear like an annoying fly. What old times? When Mike would yell at him in the rain? When Will would pretend everything was okay just for Mike's happiness? Or maybe that time when Mike made his feelings very clear on the radio tower after Will came out. “Friends? No thanks. Best friends!” Those words left a bad taste in his mouth and he feels stupid to admit how hopeful he felt. However, he'd never admit that to Mike.
“Y-Yeah,” He stutters, surprising himself. He clears his throat before carrying on. “Like old times. Uh- me and Carlton are making dinner tonight. If you want to come over, I could introduce the two of you.” He states, trying to mask a false sense of cheer. Will cringes at his own words. The two of them in one room? Wills childhood best friend that just so happened to be his gay awakening, joined by his now boyfriend. Perfect.
“Yeah, yeah! Sure, I'd love that!” Mike sounds so casual and even excited about this that it catches Will off guard.
He'd love it? Maybe Will is just overthinking it. Maybe it will all be okay. He tries to make sure he sounds as casual as Mike had over the phone a few seconds ago when he responds.
“Okay, cool. How does five work?”
Mike's response was nothing less than a monotone robot. Great.
“Works for me.”
Three simple words, why is Will so pressed about that? Talking to Mike used to be so easy. Even when Will wouldn’t say anything, Mike would understand. What happened? When Will would go mute for an entire week with no explanation, Mike didn't get mad or even the slightest bit frustrated. He understood. They communicated perfectly. Why can’t they even use words now? Maybe it’s easier to talk without ever speaking- maybe they’ve just drifted away from each other. It has been over a year after all…
Maybe they can’t understand each other anymore.
The two confirm the plans and say their awkward goodbyes. Will hangs up the phone rather quickly, he can’t be bothered to put himself through more friendly small talk. The conversation leaves his head spinning, he stands there in silence contemplating their discussion.