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Mike turns to the right side of his bed, observing Will, who is absentmindedly fiddling with Mike’s curls, seemingly staring at nothing in particular. He must be pondering.
“Something on your mind?” Mike queries, interlocking their pinky fingers.
“Huh?” Will questions, turning to face Mike.
“I can tell you’re thinking. You’re staring into nothingness again. What’s up?”
“Well…” Will starts, a hint of discomfort in his soft-spoken voice, his lips curving to form a loving yet melancholic smile. “I was just thinking… Do you think we’ll ever be able to live as a normal couple?”
Mike gazes into Will’s hazel eyes, his lips forming into a thin line. “I don’t know. Eventually, hopefully,” he replies, “I really hope so.”
Will rests his head on Mike’s shoulder. “I just– I wish we could go out on dates like other couples, hold hands, kiss, be open. I mean, we technically could, but it wouldn’t be anywhere near safe.”
“Me too,” Mike whispers, tilting his head to the side so it rests on the shorter boy’s. It’s true; being open about their relationship could end up with them in deep shit. Sure, Mike is sure they could tell their friends with little to no judgement, but there’s always that doubt deep down within his heart, making his stomach twist into an uncomfortable knot; what if they begin to hate them? What if they're completely revolted by Mike and Will’s relationship, just like the rest of society? He was revolted with himself before he came to terms with everything, and Will had gone through relentless bullying, been called a fag by his own father, been terrifed of his own feelings– for just being queer. For being himself.
“-ike?” Mike.”
Mike turns to Will again, blinking slowly. “Sorry, I zoned out.”
“And you think I’m the one always staring into nothingness?" Will teases, rolling his eyes.
“Oh, hush it, Byers,” Mike smiles. In response, Will pushes Mike by his chest playfully, smiling back.
“Anyways, what were you thinking about?” Will queries.
“Just… What you were saying,” Mike answers. Will nods slowly.
“Do you think we’ll ever be able to get married?” Mike asks. Will raises his eyebrows, his mouth slightly agape, clearly taken aback by the question.
“Um… I haven’t really thought that far, but I hope so,” Will responds. “Unfortunately, I doubt it will be legalized anytime soon. If it even becomes legal, that is.”
“Well, no matter how long it takes for it to be legalized– five years, ten years, twenty years, even seventy years– it doesn’t matter. As long as we’re alive for the day it’s legalized, I’ll marry you, Will Byers,” Mike expresses, taking Will’s hands in his own. Will blushes, smiling warmly at Mike. Mike affectionately returns the smile. He could get lost in Will’s eyes; they never fail to make his heart skip a beat.
“Is that a promise?” Will chuckles, a soft expression on his face.
“Yeah, it is,” Mike grins, gently cupping Will’s cheek with his hand. Will drapes his arms over Mike’s neck. They smile as they bring their lips together, feeling the warmth of their mouths against each other. The kiss feels more tender, more reassuring than usual.
Will’s hands move to slide through Mike’s hair, the kiss deepening sweetly. One of Mike’s hands holds onto Will’s chin, the other resting on Will’s waist. Mike places soft kisses along his jaw, a comforting rhythm forming between the two. Every little touch is so caring, leaving a kind, warm feeling.
They briefly part their lips, resting their foreheads against each other's, smiling longingly at each other. Their expressions are filled with absolute fondness and affection.
“I love you, Mike” Will breathes.
“I love you too, Will.”
As their lips gently collide again, they can’t help but feel euphoric. A promise has been made today, one that proves their deep loyalty for each other, one that Mike knows will never be broken.
He has never felt so secure, so safe with somebody.
They fall asleep in each other’s arms that night; their discussion a reminder that no matter what, they’re in this together, and they always will be.