Work Text:
A storm was expected to hit Hawkins today. Will always prepares for this sort of thing in case of a power outage or loud thunder. After what happened to him, he's been more on edge in situations he can't control. He thought coming back home would be a good idea but it's all hitting too fast. Jane's room at Hopper's house in the woods is stuck in time, the playground where Will and Mike met is empty as rain falls onto the swingset. It's too much.
Will tries to lay down in his childhood bedroom, shutting his eyes tight, hoping the rain will end. All Will can imagine is hiding in the Castle Byers in the upside down. Waiting to be helped. Terrified. Alone. Alone like he is now.
Will shoots up and looks around the room, he finds his old walkie. Hoping the boy he's looking for still has it, he talks into the walkie talkie hoping for a reply. Surely enough after a few tries, he gets an answer.
“Will? Are you okay?” The voice answers.
“Mike. I'm so sorry. I didn't want to use the phone so late and bother your family. Can you please come over?”
They haven’t spoken much since Will got back but he knew he needed Mike. No one really understands him the way Mike does. It's still embarrassing to reach out for help though.
“Uh yeah. I'm getting in my car now” Mike stutters nervously, "What's happening Will?”
“I'll explain. Just please.” Will pleads.
He gets up and turns on the light in his room. The dark makes it so much worse. The cold wind hitting the house as rain pours is so intense.
Will jumps as he hears a knock on the door. He runs to open it with shaking hands. He can't get any words out before Mike brings him into an embrace. His hand cradles Will's head as the other rests comfortably on his back. Will's hands meet the middle of Mike's back.
Mike lets go and walks Will to his room, sitting them both down.
“I'm so sorry Mike. I just needed someone.” Will is about to cry. “I'm so weak. I was taken so long ago but I just can’t escape the things I experienced in the upside down.”
Mike looks at the boy beside him with so much care in his eyes. He takes his glasses off, trying to feel as comforting as possible. They haven't talked as much but he would always be there for Will in a heartbeat. That's what good friends do.
“It's okay Will. I understand. Every night on the 10th and 11th of November since you went missing, I've had nightmares too.” Mike says.
“Why those dates?” Will's mind tries to block it all out. The only date where he knows what happened is the 6th.
“The 10th was when we saw them taking your fake body out of the quarry. The 11th was when they hosted the funeral Jonathan put together.”
Will can't hold it in anymore. His face gets hotter as he tries to hold back tears. It doesn't work. His hands fly to his face as he tries to cover up his tears from Mike. He never knew this happened to Mike. He felt so wrapped up in his feelings he never checked on his friends. He felt so selfish.
“Hey, it's okay. You're here now.” Mike puts Will's hand on his chest as he puts his hand on Will. “We're both still here. Your heart is beating. Your mom and hopper saved you. I knew you were still out there.”
Will flushes at the boy's touch. Mike definitely noticed. They both drop their hands and turn away.
Will's touch reminds him of El. Another nightmare that frequents Mike's mind at night. It's been 3 years. He still misses her, wishing he could’ve done something to save her, she did so much for him, risking her life for the sake of Hawkins. Only for the government to drive her to thinking that taking her own life was her only option besides being caught and tormented by them for something she had no control over. She didn't ask to have powers. Now Mike is crying too.
Will wipes his eyes and looks at Mike, seeing tears run down his cheeks slowly. Like a movie. He's a beautiful crier. As beautiful as he always is.
“Mike, are you okay?” Will asks.
“Yeah I'm fine. It's an emotional subject obviously.” He's only partially lying.
It is a hard subject but he's not fine. He misses being loved by someone. He looks at Will again, remembering Will flushed earlier at the feel of his hand. Maybe Will would love him.
They lock eyes for a while, the intention on Mike's face is switching before Will's eyes. He went from comfort to something different but not in a bad way. It looked almost like desire.
Mike's lips meet Wills. They pull apart fast as Mike waits for Will to give him the go ahead to continue.
Will has never really kissed anyone like this yet. Obviously he's been enjoying his life in New York. Boyfriends, random guys that are willing to dance with him, bets. But, none of them felt like this. Like the love from his childhood kissing him gently.
Mike is also in his own bliss. The last three years alone have ruined him. He needed El, he wished they were kissing.
Their pace got faster as their minds kept racing. Will started to open his mouth as Mike snaked his tongue inside.
Will let out a soft moan of happiness. Mike wanted him.
The noise coming from Will struck hard into Mike's head. He thinks about what's happening, and who made that noise. He pulls back quickly and stares at Will, their eyes both wide.
“I'm so sorry I-“ Mike can't say what he wants. “I don't know why I did that.”
“It's okay, you're a great kisser, surprisingly.” Will is beaming, his face is practically glowing.
Mike feels dread wash over him.
“Do you think maybe we forget this?” He closes his eyes and looks down. He can't face Will.
Will's heart sinks. His smile drops. “Yeah-. Yeah that's fine.”
“Can you stay with me still?” Will adds.
“Of course. I wouldn't leave you alone, freaked out.” Mike replies. He ends up sleeping in Wills bed, the spare mattress for their sleepovers is long gone after Joyce got rid of it.
They didn't say anything else the rest of the night. Will would occasionally listen to Mike's breath, making sure they’re still together. He feels like total shit. He let the boy he loved for years kiss him with real deep emotion and then say they shouldn’t talk about it. Maybe Mike is just closeted or insecure. Mike has never mentioned any girl but El before so that's probably not the case.
They slept through the rest of the storm, Will woke up at about 7:45, he's a usual morning person, Mike isn't. He's still passed out. Will gets up and out of bed going to make coffee, he decides to make a second cup when he hears footsteps coming to the kitchen.
“Hey. What's going on Will?”
Will looks up and greets Hopper, he slides him the coffee and they sit down together. It's a little awkward but not to the point where he can't talk to him.
“I've just got some guy problems.” Will sighs. He hears a thud from him and Hopper raises an eyebrow. “I don't know what that was.”
Just as Will tries to find a fake guy to talk about instead of Mike but, his lie doesn't last long. A very tired looking boy walks out of his room and into the bathroom. Hopper would recognize Mike anywhere.
“Out of anyone and anywhere.” Hopper looks at Will with a bit of anger in his eyes but the anger isn’t directed at Will, it's meant for Mike.
“I asked him to come over because of the storm. I thought my nightmares would come back. Especially because I'm home right now”. Will frowns.
Hopper’s expression shifts, he looks more kind now. “I'm sorry kid.” He looks at his watch. “I'm sorry but i've gotta head out. Thank you for the coffee.”
“Before you go, you've got a lipstick mark .” Will points to his own neck, laughing at Hopper.
He groans and walks out the door. As he leaves Mike enters the kitchen and sits down.
“Can we talk?” Will asks sheepishly.
“I don’t know.” Mike replies.
The silence from last night is barely broken as it continues. Then, a call comes through the phone.
“Hey! Dustin wants to know if Mike can host D&D. We called his house but Holly answered and said Mike was with you and hung up on me I guess?” Lucas laughs.
“Oh yeah, I was having some trouble last night.” Mike can hear their conversation and nods his head yes to D&D. “Mikes nodding his head yes so that will work! I can be over at like 4:30 maybe? We can watch a movie and do a long one-shot campaign or something.”
They keep talking for a moment before Mike hears the phone click.
“Dustin wanted to play a campaign before we both go back to our colleges.” Will explains.
“Do you have anyone you're going back too?” Mike asks.
Will feels a shock. That's a very straight forward question from the guy who hasn't talked to him since the incident last night.
“I did. I dated my roommate Carlton but he was a douche. So were all the other guys. Now I just go to clubs with my friends.” Will replied.
Will clubbing? That wasn't an idea about Will that Mike had ever thought.
“What kind of clubs?” Mike asks, sounding very interested.
“Mostly a goth club actually. I do the makeup and everything. Well- my friends help.” Will looks embarrassed talking about his guilty pleasure.
“A goth club?” Mike looks even more shocked than before.
“Yeah! I learned about it from people in my class. The art program in my school is very alternative.” Will feels more loosened up talking about this. It makes him very happy.
Mike can't help but smile at Will beaming. It's the same smile as last night. Mike begins to frown as he gets up from the table.
“I think my family wants me to come watch Holly do her school musical or something today. I gotta go.” Mike says.
For some reason he kisses Will as he walks out. He gets in his car and drives off like everything is normal.
If Will was a girl, he would be just like his lost girlfriend.
Will holds his face and sits in shock, another person comes to greet him in the kitchen.
“Everything okay? I heard another voice.” His mom asks.
“Yeah, Mike came to comfort me last night and it was just kind of weird between us.” Will frowns.
“What happened?” Joyce sits down.
“I don't know. He just uh- told me not to tell anyone.” Will looks down.
“You can tell me. I won't tell Karen or anyone.” Joyce reassured him.
“Well- Mike kissed me? He told me to drop it and then we didn't talk and he just kissed me again as he left.” Will is confused.
“That sounds like he likes you to me.” Joyce smiles.
“I don't think so. I don't know about him.” Will facepalms. “I'm going to get ready, I'm going to hang out with Max.” Will says, getting up.
Joyce gets up as well and brings him into a hug before going to make her own coffee.
Will doesn't want to overdo it, dressing like how he does when he goes out with his friends would draw too much attention to him in a small town in Indiana. He just puts on some of his black metal rings, a necklace, and some eyeliner. This feels perfect.
He drives his way over to Max’s house without much warning. She wont mind tho because she loves to talk about Mike. But Will shouldn’t tell her.
As he knocks on the door she opens it immediately. “Byers! I saw you coming!” She hugs him tight. “You look so cool! What's with the new look?”
“I thought I would try something new in New York and it stuck.” He laughs. “How are you?”
“I'm great! Me and Lucas are thinking about engagement." She bats her eyelashes.
“That's amazing! I’ll definitely come back for the wedding.”
Max playfully shoves his shoulder before dragging him inside.
“So why are you here now?” She asks as they sit on the couch.
“It's about Mike. He told me not to tell but I trust you.” Wills tone switches. Max nods her head before he continues. “I made out with Mike. He slept in my bed, told me to forget it and left the next morning and kissed me again.”
Max's jaw drops. “Mike made out with you?”
“Yeah I guess. It wasn't super long but it was quite attractive.” Will blushes.
“So why did he say that after?” Max wonders.
“I don't know. He could be closeted and doesn't want you guys to know. Or, he could be thinking of someone else.”
Max's heart sinks. El.
“We were talking about El before we kissed. I guess if she was my sister I'd be the closest thing, right?” Will laughs trying to keep himself from crying.
“Maybe. I'm so sorry Will.” She gives him a side hug and leaves her head on his shoulder. Max and Will had always gotten along. They would hang out with El together. Max knew about Will's crush on Mike for a while and she would try to talk him out of it.
She eventually sits back up.
“Go to D&D tonight and make him go mad he doesn't have you. I miss El so much but he should never make you feel like her replacement. He needs to just talk to you. You gotta get his attention with a hot ass outfit.”
Will doesn't know if forcing Mike to talk about his passed girlfriend that way was a good idea. A new outfit keeping Mike looking at him sounded nice though.
“Ill do it, do you have any clothes that would fit me?” Will asks.
“I usually wear baggy men's clothes I find at the thrift, so probably.” She stands up. Will follows her to her bedroom. “What kind of style?”
“Maybe black? I already have black jeans on” Will sits on her bed.
“How about these?” Max pulls out a black studded belt and a dark grey plaid shirt. “I also have some black nail polish?”
“That's so cool Max! I’ll try it on.”
Will grabs the clothes from Max and goes to her bathroom. The shirt and belt fit great. It's not the same as his wardrobe back home but he's giving Mike a taste of what clubbing with Will is like since he was so curious.
At the same time though, what is he doing? Trying to make this guy look at him. He’s obviously still grieving. This is wrong. But this outfit feels too good to take off. He's gonna wear it for himself.
Will walks out of the bathroom and Max smiles. “You look so cool. Are you ready to head to Mikes?”
“Yeah. I can drive you. I'm sure Lucas would take you back tho.” He teases.
“Oh shut up Byers! He totally will though.” She raises an eyebrow.
“Gross.” Will rolls his eyes joking.
Mike's house isn't too far away, it's a short drive but Will is nervous the entire way there. Maybe this is a bad idea.
He knocks on the door and Lucas answers. Him and Max hug before he notices Will's outfit.
“You look so cool! Come show Dustin downstairs!” Lucas leads them to the basement. Will's stomach is full of butterflies as he comes into Mike's view.
He sees Mike turn around and look at him before turning away, he doesn't say anything.
“Damn you look like a vampire! That's so sick!” Dustin runs to Will and hugs him.
“Thank you.” He laughs. “It's been so long! How are you?”
“Pretty good. My classes aren't kicking my ass yet. How about yours?” Dustin smiles.
“Good. I just did a painting for my portfolio. My theme is about my life but in more of a metaphorical way.” Will feels like he sounds nerdy.
Him and Dustin keep talking as they all sit around the table. Grabbing their untouched binders that have been waiting for them. Character sheets filling each one.
Dustin decides he wants to DM this one. He has a good story idea he wanted to share with the party. Will couldn’t focus though . Mike was watching him. It didn't feel like occasional glances, he was staring.
Will shudders a bit as he feels Mike's foot on the seam of his pant leg, touching his ankle.
Will looks at Mike confused, Mike looks back and just raises an eyebrow.
Will rolls his eyes. He doesn't know what emotion to feel right now.
The campaign goes on for hours. They finally wrap up after the monster is dead. They started early so now they have more time to talk.
“I'm going up to get some water first.” Will excuses himself, pulling his leg away from Mikes.
He stands in the kitchen at the table for a second drinking his water slowly, trying to wrap his head around the situation.
He hears footsteps, he recognizes the softness of the steps, Mike was always like that with him. He never treated Will like he was broken but he was always more gentle in a normal way. Sometimes his friends would tease him that Mike has his own “Will voice” for him, which, Will might have noticed and found it endearing.
As he sees a face in the dark he realizes he was right.
“Can we please talk?” Mike comes up to Will.
“Right now?” Will replies.
“We can go to my room?” Mike suggests.
Will nods and they go up the stairs. Max hears their footsteps above them and sighs. She's probably gonna hear about this later.
Mike doesn't seem like he wants to do much talking. He holds Will's waist. His skin is soft.
“Why are you doing this to me?" Will asks, upset.
“I think you're so pretty.” Mike replies.
“Pretty? I'm pretty and not handsome. I think you aren't seeing me Mike. You're seeing El. I'm not her.” Will is upset.
“Does it matter? I thought we were just having fun. It was the heat of the moment.” Mike is trying to cover up his emotions.
“It's not like that to me Michael.” He's getting more and more upset.
“Okay then William. It was really nothing. Is that what you wanted to hear?” He pauses. “It didn't mean anything. I don't like you like that I'm not gay. I just want El back.”
Mike's hands pull away from Will who's in shock and starting to cry. Trying to hold in his tears he runs to the bathroom, eyeliner running down his face and his back against the door as he hears Mike's voice go back to soft quietly through the wood of the door. Will sobs so hard its silent besides his gasps for air through the cries.
“Will? Will please come out.”
No answer.
“Will I'm sorry.”
No answer still.
Mike has a pit in his stomach. What did he do?. He ruined everything. All because of her. He thinks of her too much. She was everything to him but he needs to let her go. It's destroying his relationships with the people he loves and cares about. Maybe it's holding him back in his own head.
He leaves the bathroom and goes to stand in his bedroom, looking at the spot where the painting used to hang beside his desk. It's now above his bed in his new apartment. Will's work of art. El asked him to make it but Will did the work. Will was always part of his relationship with El somehow. Will told him about being different and how Mike was the heart of their party but he isn't like that right now. He’s breaking the heart he’s supposed to protect.
Maybe his heart doesn't break for El. Maybe it breaks for someone else. Maybe he was so obsessed with her because she found Will. And Will returned the favor to help look for El. All the time together in the van, the boy who defeated the demogorons and saved his life, the boy he lost.
William.
Will was always the answer. It wasn't nothing. It was a realization of what he truly wanted. He loved El obviously but not in the way that he loved spending time with Will in Lenora. He thought he was happy to find her and that's what caused his butterflies.
Mike doesn't know how to handle this. Him and Will are both boys. He knows Will is gay obviously but he never told his family that. Mike had done some curiosity research when he was bored at the Squak after Will came out. He understands his family's voting history. This isn't what they wouldn't want. He can't have Will. Maybe they wouldn't want to see him anymore. They would disown him. He couldn't watch his sister that he saved grow up and be Holly the Heroic.
He has to push this down. Deep down.
The three downstairs heard all of the commotion and decided to leave. Max eventually sneaks Will out of the bathroom and she drives his car home as he's passed out in the passenger seat from all the exhausted sobs he's let out.
When they get back to Max’s they set up a makeshift bed in her room. He explains everything as they sit on the floor mattress.
“Oh Will. I'm so sorry.” She rubs his back.
“It's okay. I miss her, we all do. I wish he didn't take it out on me.” Will sighs.
“You should go back home and find a hot boyfriend,” Max teases.
“Maybe I will. I leave in only a few days. I'm gonna miss you.” Will smiles.
“Ill miss you too Byers.”
His break from classes felt like it couldn't end any slower or any faster at the same time. He loves Max, Dustin, Lucas, Robin, and his mom and brother but he needs to go home and be away from Mike. Away from his problems. It sounds horrible but it has to be this way.
A few weeks pass and Will hasn't heard much from anyone but Dustin, who reached out when he moved back into his apartment and checked to see how Will was moving back in.
Nothing from Mike.
He doesn't want to hear from Mike. That boy only wants him when he looks like his sister. He thinks Will is “pretty” because El was beautiful.
Will's planning is final already even if it's only been a couple of weeks. Making a portfolio takes a long time. His first work is a painting of El. Will has learned to understand that it's not her fault. She didn't make anyone's grief act the way it does.
More and more weeks pass. Wills finals get closer and closer. So does Mike's breaking point.
The feelings he's trying to push down just bubble up until he finds an excuse to push them back down. Until one of his calming thoughts backfires on him and sends him back into his spiral.
Mike thinks he wanted to kiss Will because he and El look similar despite not being actually blood related. But, that also could mean that the reason he liked El is because she looked like him.
As it approaches almost half a year since he's seen Will, his eating habits worsen as his anxiety builds. He heard from Karen on the phone with Joyce that Will was gonna come stay for a break they had in classes soon. They had an extended weekend so he figured it would be a good time to come spend four days.
Mike couldn't let this fear eat at him anymore. He was going to go to Will and face him on his own terms. Indiana to New York is a sixteen hour long drive. He decided to take some savings money and just pay for a flight. It was worth it to him.
After a week, Mike drove to the airport, ready to get on his flight. He wasn't sure where he would find Will. Because it was a Friday, he could assume he knew where Will might be.
After fighting some jet lag a few hours later, Mike felt more tension burning in him than before. What was he doing?
He's never felt this way before. He feels stupid that the butterflies he felt weren't for El. He doesn't want to love a boy. Not because that boy is Will but because that's not how he’s supposed to feel. They can't hold hands or kiss in public like everyone else would be able too. They couldn't even get legally married.
Mike lets a tear run down his cheek. He doesn't fight to not cry. He lets it happen as he looks out onto the New York street from his apartment, knowing Will is down there somewhere.
Will was actually in his room, applying White face paint, he's ran out of anything to set it with so maybe no kissing for him tonight. Once his face is done, hair is teased, and accessories are applied he feels ready. He hasn't gone out in awhile, he's been stuffed into his room thinking about his work, and Mike.
He calls his friends and they rush over to pick him up. They go out and find their usual club. They don't hop around much because this one is their favorite.
Will immediately heads to the bar, him and his friends catch up over some drinks as he tells them about his adventures last time he went home. They didn't know about Mike.
After awhile, one of the girls drags Will out to dance, a guy immediately comes up to him. He looks nice and handsome.
“You wanna dance beautiful?” He asks.
“Oh- Yeah.” Will smiles.
The guys arms wrap around Will, staying near his lower back as they move together.
The guy goes in for a kiss and Will lets him. Why the hell not? He's a few drinks and shots deep, it can be a tomorrow regret.
One of his other regrets walks into the club as this is happening. He doesn't see Mike yet but he definitely sees Will.
He may as well be fucking that random guy at this point. Mike might be dramatic.
“Oh fuck. M sorry, my- makeup.” Will giggles.
The other has white and black makeup on his face now, he looks a little annoyed. “You're all good. I would love to dance with you more.” He raises his eyebrows.
Mike rolls his eyes. He ends up at the bar, starting his tab. He wants to go to Will right now. But he can’t, regret keeps washing over him and he just lets the waves engulf him. Not fighting them or listening. No matter how right his brain might be, he just doesn't listen. This plan has only caused more pain so far, why turn back now?
Will and this guy are back to talking, laughing, kissing.
“Do you want me to buy you a drink?” He asks.
“Mkay!” Will cheers.
Mike is still sitting at the bar, he can't bring himself to move as Will approaches.
Shit Shit Shit.
Will freezes as he locks eyes with Mike. He let go of the guy beside him, he was holding onto his tie.
Neither say anything. Will is in shock. Mike isn’t supposed to be here. He's a long road away from home so ending up in a club that Will talked about? Mike obviously knows what he's doing.
“Why are you here?” Will asks coldly.
“I wanted to see you, Will. Please step outside with me.” Mike is begging.
“I'm like- not in a good state to get mushy right now.” Will replies. The guy he was with has left. “Aww he was cute.” Will realized he was gone.
“Will you dance with me instead?” Will's eyes flutter.
“Is this what you want? You don't seem like you're in a good state to make decisions.” Mike expresses concern.
“Is whatever. I'm fine.” Will giggles.
“Let's get some air for a second.” Mike suggests.
Will's tone starts to get a little more agitated by the word. “No Mike. I said I don't wanna talk right now.” He pushed Mike away.
Some of Will's friends start to look at them. Mike waves at them trying to make them understand he wants to help. They scowl at him anyway.
“Okay. Okay. I'll be outside if you need me. Maybe I'll pay for a taxi if you need it.” Mike's hand brushes Will as he leaves the club.
He lights a cigarette and sits up against the brick wall. He shouldn’t have done this. Will is happy and wants to move on with his life. Mike is stopping him from doing this. Holding Will back.
He said he wouldn't smoke anymore. Whenever he leaves his apartment and comes over to his family's house for dinner, Holly would cough when she smells the smoke. It could be real or she could be telling him discreetly that she doesn't enjoy the smell.
One tonight won't hurt. He cant let anyone down if they dont know.
Will and his friends stumble outside eventually, they say their goodbyes and his friends decided they were going to have another friend pick them up but the car was full.
When he looks at Will again he gets a good look at him. His makeup is all smeared, the white around his lips is practically gone and his black lipstick is just a tint left on his lips. Hes imaging Will out dancing with that guy, they were practically grinding but Mike couldn’t look away.
“Taxi.” Will says.
“Do you need a ride?” Mike stands up.
“Yeah. Please.” Will stumbles. He can barely stand at this point.
They don't say much else as Mike pays and they both get into the cab. He isn't sure where Wills' dorm is so they just go back to Mike's hotel until he sobers up and can tell him where to go.
When they arrive, Will is using Mike as a crutch to get inside. He pauses when he walks in. “This isn’t my place.”
“You're right. I don't know where you live and you wouldn't tell me because "there's a stranger in the car. What about stranger danger”” Mike mocks Will.
“Oh” Will is losing every thought in his head. “Call the resident assistant for my building's floor.”
“I don't know the number.” Mike asks.
“Me either.” Will flops onto Mikes bed. The hotel he got came with two beds. Thankfully, he got upgraded randomly.
Will is already asleep, he can't be comfortable still in his clothes like this. Mike doesn't want to pry but he at least gently grabs Wills hands and removes his rings and bracelets, then moves to his neck and takes off the necklaces he was wearing. He sets it all on the bedside table, hoping to make Will a little more comfortable.
He looks at the time, it's about 1 AM. Maybe a late night shower would do him some good right now. The steam hits his face as the water gets hotter. His skin is going to boil. He isn't thinking about that right now. Seeing Will like this, he looks completely different. Nothing like El at all. But, he still can't differentiate his feelings. Seeing Will the way he did today though, makes him want to be the one in the other guy's position. He wants to dance with Will.
That doesn't seem very straight to him.
Once he gets out of the shower, he realizes he forgot his clothes on his bed. He tries to make a quick break to grab them and run back with nothing but a towel around his waist. But, unfortunately, to his surprise, Will is still awake and sees him.
He ran back into the bathroom, processing that Will saw him in his towel, very exposed.
“Shit Will, I'm sorry!” He yells through the bathroom door.
“S okay!” Will giggles.
He stays in the bathroom for a while longer, feeling too awkward to go back. These weird moments between the two just keep happening. Mike probably couldn't cut the tension with a knife. The knife would break.
He eventually sucks it up and crawls into his bed and falls asleep, Will is back asleep in the other bed. Just a quiet peace. Mike is nervous for tomorrow.
They both wake up late. Will has the worst headache of his life, makeup crusted on, and he's still in jeans.
“Ugh. What the fuck did I do.” Will sits up. “Shit.” The light peaking through the curtains was blinding. Will brought a bag with him last night when he was out, reaching at it beside the bed, he found some ibuprofen.
Mike wakes up after him and sits up. Will then realizes what happened and why he's in a hotel. Mike is here for some reason.
“Why did you come here? I was trying to fix my life.” Will looks at him.
“I needed to see you Will.” Mike stands up, he makes his way to Will's bed, sitting on the edge.
“Why? What could you possibly have to say?” Will is getting visibly upset.
Mike is too. “I- I don't think it was ever about El. I thought I loved her so much but my favorite memories of us are always linked to you. Every one of them. I think it was always about you. When I kissed you that night I thought it was because the butterflies in my stomach were from thinking about her but it was because I had you right in front of me. I needed you Will. I wish I saw it sooner but I really did.”
Will doesn’t respond. He doesn't know what to say.
“Will? Say something please.”
“I don't know Mike.”
“What don't you know? I hid myself deep inside me, I pushed it down no matter what. Even when you came out, I still couldn’t accept that maybe that could be me. I don't want to deal with my family’s pressure and society's perception of who I may be.” Mike tears up.
Will does too. “Mike. I'm so sorry. I wish you would've told me, I could've helped you. Deep down I've known I was gay since like 5th grade. Probably before that. But, when Lonnie still lived with us, I couldn’t be myself. I danced with girls at school dances, lied about girls I had crushes on, pretended to be like you, Dustin, and Lucas. But it wasn't me. I feel so much more free now but it's scary at first. To know how the world will perceive you. But, if it's out of my control then they're the stupid ones for judging.” Wills crying now.
Will has never felt so open and seen about this part of him. Mike puppy eyes looking like they've absorbed every word that Will said feels so sweet. He was paying attention and really cares.
“Youre so strong Will. Really. I wish I knew myself like you did. I don't even know. I want to kiss and hold someone. I don't think after El I could imagine myself with a girl, but, loving a guy just feels more intimate. Maybe that means something.” Mike replies.
Will can't say anything through the sobs. He shakes his head in understanding, leaning in to hug Mike.
They hug for a while before Will's tears finally slow.
“Do you, like any guys right now?” Will asks. He knows the answer.
“I do. I really like them for who they are, not as who they think I compare them too. He's very beautiful, brave, kind, and sweet.” Mike's eyes linger around Will's lips.
When their eyes meet again, Will kisses Mike first this time. The passion from their first kiss is back, Will is propping himself up on his elbows as Mike leans in on top of him. Will's hands are in Mike's hair and on his back, rubbing his thumb back and forth gently. Mike could melt. It's all so sweet and happy. He feels so close to Will right now. Mike gets a buzz in his stomach. This is the intimate quiet life he had imagined and he was right. He could never be like this with a girl.
Will lets Mike take the kiss deeper. Their tongues meet. Will's arms have started to give out so he slides up on the bed, Mike follows, straddling him.
Before going back to Will's mouth, he gently plants kisses from his jaw to his neck, nipping his ear a bit before their mouths collide again.
Will moans softly into Mike's mouth. His body feels like it's on fire. He's never felt this deep about a kiss before. It's so special and sacred to both of them. Mike also lets out a soft noise as the hands underneath him make their way up his shirt.
Will's headache medicine is finally kicking in but replacing the headache with pressure in his face. He breaks away from Mike, sitting up quickly.
“Shit. I'm sorry Will I thought you wanted to keep going.” Mike is upset.
“No honey, it was great. My headache is gone but now my face is full of pressure. “ Will pinches his nose to try and relieve it.
Honey. A buzz goes down Mike's spine.
Mike gets up and starts a warm bath, hopefully hot water will help. Will smiles as Mike walks back into the room, watching the tub fill from the bed.
“Thank you. Sorry about stopping you like that” Will gives Mike a peck on the cheek.
“It's okay. Sorry I panicked a bit.” Mike laughs.
They hug again, lingering for a while. Mike goes to turn off the bath, letting Will know it's ready. As soon as the bathroom door shuts, Mike falls back on the bed like a little kid with a crush. His face is flushed and he’s practically kicking his feet. He felt so free and so happy. He loves kissing Will.
After Will settles into the tub he looks up at the sink, Mike left him some comfortable pjs to change into.
Maybe the months they spent apart after their fight did something to him. It seems like after their talk, Mike has a better understanding of himself and what he truly wants. Will stays in the bath until he's all pruned. He was so giddy thinking about Mike that he lost track of time.
Mike sits up when he hears the door open, his eyes meeting Wills as he settles into a soft smile.
They sit down next to each other on the bed in a comfortable silence, only for a bit before Mike clears his throat.
“Would you like to go out with me and get some coffee?”
“I would love to.” Will paused. “Is this a date?”
“If you want it to be.” Mike's hand grabs Will.
They lean into each other, kissing again, giggling like highschoolers. They missed out on being high school sweethearts. If only Mike wasn't so scared. He didn't feel scared anymore. Not with Will here.
Once Will's hair is dry, they both put on some new clothes and head to the coffee shop down the road.
Mike pays for the both of them as they take a seat. They catch up on everything they've missed. Lucas is planning his proposal to Max but Max is also planning one for Lucas, Dustin has a girlfriend, Holly is trying to start a middle school D&D club, Will has been trying gothic styles his friends are teaching him, his paintings, classes, everything.
It's like they've lived a life without each other and now it's all combined. They're merging their lives back together, slowly and carefully.
By the time their coffee is finished, they find a nice secluded bench outside. Mike is messing with his thumbs before looking up at Will who was already looking. Will got to what Mike wanted to say before he could get it out.
“Will you be my boyfriend? Sorry if that's sudden. I thought it was what you were implying earlier.”
Mike keeps his voice low. “Its exactly what I want.”
They laugh together, making their way back to Mike's hotel so they don't have to worry about being in public. The door shuts behind them and suddenly Mike is up against it as they kiss again.
“I love you Mike. I really wanted to be your boyfriend.” Will smiles.
“I love you too Will. I think you're so incredible. You give me butterflies every time you speak to me.” Mike goes in to kiss him again.
They started rough but got softer, making their way back to the bed where they cuddled and fidgeted with each other's hair and jewelry for a bit. Still talking about anything that would come to mind.
Mike hates to think that he ever thought this was wrong and not what he truly wanted. He couldn't imagine his life any way now but with Will.
“Would you care if I got an apartment up here? I kind of want a creative writing degree.” Mike smiles.
“That would be incredible! You should get an educators license too. That's what I'm doing” Will beams.
Maybe in the future they can be teachers together.
Months pass, visits home, telling their families, seeing their reactions.
Ted is the only distant one. He thinks Mike should find a nice girl so they can hold onto the Wheeler name. Mike told him that he can still have children if he's gay. But, Ted doesn't care. He wont disown his son but he wont be happy.
Once the next fall semester is set to start, Will and Mike share their first apartment. Cooking together, kissing, hugging, slow dancing in the kitchen, getting more intimate, loving, and private.
No matter how long they've been dating now, they can't imagine not having butterflies with everything they do together.
Will finished his degree two years before Mike because of the gap between them starting classes. Will gets his first teaching job and decides to stay Mr.Byers. He teaches Art 1-3 and Art History as a high school teacher. Occasionally he helps with the D&D club by painting their figures and helping them draw their characters.
After Mike graduates and finishes his first year of teaching, he decides that it's finally the right time. Will had an art club meeting so he was at school late. Mike makes dinner, cleans up, and buys Will's favorite dessert.
Mike hears the lock click, his nerves finally strike. Will opens the door, his face lights up. “What's all this honey?” Will smiles.
“I just wanted to do something nice. I made you dinner.” Mike grabs Will a plate.
“Youre so sweet, thank you.” He gives his boyfriend a kiss.
They sit down and debrief about their classes, students, and how their lessons worked out. Mike changes the subject though, he has to ask now or else he won't be able to get it off his mind.
“Will, I love our life together so much. I hope you know that forever. I love coming home with you after work and getting to eat dinner and watch TV, talking about whatever until it's time to go to bed together. I love everything about your face, hair, voice, style. Everything. Someday, I want to love seeing you as a dad too.” Mike pauses. “Will, would you make me the happiest man in the world for the rest of our lives?” Mike is out of his dinner chair and on one knee next to Will now.
Will can't respond through his tears, he's sobbing shaking his head yes as he falls out of the chair and hugs Mike so tight. “I love you Mike.” He chokes out.
“I love you too.” Mike cries.
They stare at each other crying and start to laugh. Will pulls him up and they escape into their bedroom alone together. They're enjoying being fiancés now.
The next morning, Will calls Max immediately.
“Max holy shit! Mike proposed to me last night and I said yes!”
“Ooh oh my god Byers! Wait- still Byers?” Max asks.
“Yeah, it's kind of out of spite for Ted?” Will laughs.
“Anyways, I'm so proud of you! Can I tell Lucas and Dustin?” She asks.
“Yeah of course, I still have to call my family and Robin. We were a little busy last night so uh. No date yet.” Will blushes.
“Busy huh? I'll let you make your calls. Definitely come visit soon! Love you!” Max says, Will replies before hanging up.
Everyone but Hopper was ecstatic. He can't escape Mike. Still happy for Will, but his hate of Mike was overwhelming.
Robin was the most excited. She almost booked a flight to New York then and there to meet up with the new fiances.
They decided eventually to head back to Hawkins for their wedding. Right outside of town was a beautiful venue. They couldn't make it really official or anything but that didn't matter. There was no real officiant but everyone there still cried. Maybe someday they would be able to redo this for real.
Will walked down the aisle, Johnathan next to him. Joyces mascara was run down her cheeks already.
The ceremony went beautifully. Tears, speeches, drinks, love. Lonnie sent a card not knowing Will wasn't marrying a woman. He burned the card at the ceremony.
This was the most beautiful day of their lives. Mike felt so free. He would've never been in this position if he didn't let himself know the truth. He would've repressed this desire forever.
When they went back to school, the students who suspected they were together only got more nosey.
“Mr Byers! Who's lucky- uh- whoever?” An Art 2 student asked him.
“No one you would know. Now finish your composition project.” Will laughs.
Mike was asked the same question all day. It makes them both laugh when the married lovers tell each other that they heard the same question all day.
Students' suspicions about them only get worse when they've both started missing more school recently because Mr. Wheeler had a baby. There was a woman near their area who was willing to be their surrogate. But why would Mr. Byers miss school for Mr. Wheeler's baby? Their favorite students could guess how happy they were.
It was now about 2000. Mike and Will were 29 and finally felt settled. It had been 11 years since graduation, 5 years of Mike teaching, 3 years of being married, and in their first year of having their baby girl: Wynona.
She was beautiful. She honestly looked just like Will. It made Mike so happy. This is what he said he wanted that night that he proposed.
His husband sat on the couch, passed out with their baby in his lap, ring on his finger. It was beautiful.
“I love you William.” He whispers in Will's ear.
“I love you too, Micheal.” He whispers back.
They kiss softly before all falling asleep together.