Work Text:
I find myself runnin' home to your sweet nothings
Ever since Mike presented as an Alpha, he's been protective of his friends, of his pack. This applies especially to Will. But if he's honest with himself, this started way before they found out about their secondary genders; however, now it's an always present feeling in the back of his mind.
Mike absolutely hates the douchebags in school who think it's okay to push betas and omegas around. While El, Lucas and him try to protect the others, it's still difficult. Dustin easily shrugs it off, comfortable with his beta status; Max snarls right back at those guys, but it's Will who Mike worries about.
He can admit he isn't the most rational around Will, particularly after he presented. It irks him greatly when Will smells different after coming back from his classes; he hates seeing him crowded with other people that aren't their pack, and he hates when someone else touches him.
He knows he's being unreasonable and territorial, but ever since it's been clear that he's an alpha, his instincts screamed for Will. It's actually scary sometimes how in tune his body is with Will's needs.
Mike tries to hold back, not wanting to make Will uncomfortable, but sometimes it's hard. He has long accepted that his entire being saw Will as his mate. They are way too young for this and aside from that, Will considers him a friend. Mike tries not to take advantage of that.
Right now they are in the cafeteria in school; Will is sitting closely beside Mike. While they aren't touching, Mike always feels his steady presence.
Will is quiet today, nibbling on his food and not really contributing to the conversation. He's been like that since Mike saw him in the morning. He tries to comfort him without overwhelming him. Will is quite sensitive, always has been, which could be the reason Mike's alpha roars seeing him like this, not smiling and not even giving Mike attention. But he swore to himself not to be overbearing. That doesn't mean he can't act on it a little bit, though.
"Will, you need to eat." Mike whispers to him, so only Will hears it. Ever since Will has been in the upside down, he has his bad days and sometimes it's hard for him to eat. Mike isn't sure if it's one of those days or if Will is just zoning out.
Will looks at him and Mike's alpha is pleased. It looks like he is just now realizing they're in the cafeteria and he blushes, looking at his hands.
"Sorry, I forgot," he says quietly.
Mike just smiles gently at him to assure him nothing's wrong and then pushes his banana over to Will. He isn't hungry anymore and Will likes them more than he does. Mike actually just has it with him because of the omega.
Will is still not participating in the conversation and neither is Mike, but at least he eats his banana, still lost in thoughts. He looks cute like this, Mike thinks.
School drags on and when they finally can leave, Mike is relieved to see Will waiting for him at the bike rack. He looks soft standing there, fingers wrapped tightly around his sleeves and the wind making his cheeks rosy.
As Mike comes closer, he notices the shivering. He didn't even notice it being cold, but that's probably because alphas naturally run hot. So he shrugs off his blue jacket and holds it out for Will to take it. He tries to give it back, but Mike is persistent. Secretly Will is as pleased as Mike is to wear the jacket.
As they ride back towards home, Mike makes sure to match Will's tempo. Will and Jonathan are still living with them, as the Byers are yet to find a big enough house for all of them. It's a good arrangement though, Mike thinks. Jonathan, also an omega, can stay with Nancy, which calms him a lot since she's his alpha. Will stays in the basement and Mike is still mad about that. Like, why can Jonathan stay with Nancy, but Will can't stay with him? (Mike knows he's being irresponsible, but sue him; he likes having his mate Will near him).
His parents are not huge friends of this whole arrangement, but Mike couldn't care less because at least he knows that Will is safe and Nancy is happy. Holly is also excited about the company, which is probably one of the main reasons there aren't any conflicts.
Will draws a lot with her and entertains her and it always makes Mike smile. Holly is quite taken with Will, but who could blame her?
After they arrived, Will quickly excused himself and went downstairs in a hurry. Mike contemplates if he should follow but figures he should give him space, even if it's the last thing he wants to do.
He keeps himself busy with homework and comics, but as the sky slowly gets dark, he gets worried. Normally Will comes upstairs before dinner just to hang out for a little while, even when he has a bad day. It works because the two of them don't have to talk; they can just sit together for a while and it will be enough to calm down.
So this is why he stands up to go downstairs. After opening the door to the basement, he quietly steps down the stairs. As he steps down from the last step, he sees Will sleeping.
Not on his mattress and not on the couch. In the corner there is a huge pile of clothes; he spots several blankets, pillows and lots of clothing. It's intimate and he nearly didn't see Will in there. It dawns on him that this must be Will's nest.
He steps closer and notices the sweet scent of Will getting stronger. He crouches down and smooths out the edge of the nest. Slowly reaching out, he runs his fingers through Will's hair. Although he is asleep, he still nuzzles closer to the warmth of his hand.
Mike knows he probably should get back upstairs, but it feels so right to be here.
He continues to run his fingers through the hair, lightly scratching Will's scalp. Simultaneously he looks closer to the nest. He always thought these things would be a mess, but it's incredibly coordinated and beautiful. When he looks at it, he sees how much work Will has put in this. It looks incredibly comfortable and he wishes he could lie down beside Will and praise him for it.
For the first time since coming down here, he sees his own blue jacket, lying exactly next to Will's head and while he observes this, he recognizes a lot more of his own clothes. Sweatshirts he has worn in the last few days, a scarf and even a blanket that belongs to him. He wonders when Will pulled this stuff together, but it brings a big smile to his face.
He feels useful and like he is being needed. Will finds comfort in him and even uses his stuff to make his nest!! Mike feels extremely flattered.
Soon he feels Will shift, but he doesn't stop caressing Will's hair. It seems like he's waking up and Mike's heart starts to beat quickly.
"Mike?" Will's voice is quiet and rough after his nap.
"I'm right here." At that Will lets out a pleased hum. He leans further into his hand, soaking up the body contact Mike provides.
"Smells good," Mike blushes. Will seems a bit out of it, like he's hazy. His words make the butterflies go wild and his alpha is more than pleased to see Will like that. He is all pliant and relaxed under his touch.
There is a small sound coming from Will and Mike thinks at first that he didn't understand what Will has said, but then he hears it again: the omega is purring.
Omegas only purr when they feel especially safe, taken care of and relaxed. It's an honor to hear it and it makes Mike quite emotional.
Will's hand is moving towards him and he grabs it with his free hand that is not currently stroking his hair. Immediately Will interlocks their fingers and pulls their hands to his face. Mike watches him with fascination.
Will starts to rub his nose against them and Mike realizes that he is scenting them. Mike could melt on the spot. He doesn't know what changed for this to develop or how he deserves this boy, but he thanks all the stars above him.
Mike decides he can be a bit bolder too.
"Will, love? Can you look at me?" The nickname slips out, but it has a positive effect; for the first time, Will looks up. His eyes are hazy and he is not quite there. He just nods with a small movement.
"Do you want me to scent you, darling?" And God Will is so delicate. He doesn't answer but sits up fast, Mike's hands steadying him.
He pats next to him. Mike freaks out because Will is inviting him into his nest. This is a huge thing. But who is Mike to deny him? As if he ever could.
Gently he steps over the border, careful not to destroy anything and then slowly sits down. It's even more comfortable than he thought.
What he didn't expect, though, is for Will to instantly climb into his lap as soon as he sits down. He pushes his face into Mike's neck. Mike is stunned for a moment. With uttermost care he pulls Will away a bit, which causes him to whine.
"How about we do this a bit slower, darling?" Mike chuckles quietly. "Can you tell me what's happening, Will, because I'm a bit confused? Take all the time you need."
As Mike says that, he looks into Will's eyes and finally they seem to clear a bit, even if not fully.
"Sorry." Will seems distraught.
"No. No, everything is fine, I promise. You did nothing wrong; I just want to know what's going on so I can help better, yeah?" He speaks in a soft voice to him, not wanting to distress him further. Slowly Will relaxes again, leaning against Mike, sorting his thoughts.
"I- I felt really off today— an-and then I started nesting and I realized that my heat is next week, so I'm kind of in pre-heat right now." Will mumbles and then blushes after he finishes.
"Thank you for telling me,love." This explains the even sweeter scent that clouds the whole room, but it's not too much. Will never is. He is leaning completely against Mike now.
"You did a wonderful job with this nest, Will, seriously." Will preens under the compliment and it makes Mike so unbelievably happy to see him like this and to hold him like this.
"Could you maybe scent me now?" Nodding, he guides Will's face back to his neck and starts to scent him. Mike hopes Will realizes how big this is.
Will begins purring again and completely melts into his embrace. Mike might be the luckiest guy on earth. After all,l this feels like the best version of heaven.
A while later Mike moves them so they can lie comfortably in the nest, with Will tucked against his chest. Neither of them says anything and they enjoy the calmness. Mike is holding him close, not wanting to let go of him and Will nuzzles his nose in Mike's shirt.
Suddenly Will lets out a small wince, but it's enough to alarm Mike. For a moment he is scared that he hurt Will, but quickly rules that out as Will moves even closer to him.
"What's wrong?" He says, a bit panicked.
"Just cramps; they happen sometimes before my heat. Warmth mostly helps." Will's answer reassures him, but seeing the frown on the omega makes his heart break. Quickly he slips out of his hoodie and pulls it over Will, who looks confused but then extremely pleased. Mike positions them so they are spooning, wrapping his big hands around the stomach of the omega. He hopes it will soothe the ache.
It appears to help;Will is relaxing again and both of them settle down. Mike could stay like this for years. Just the two of them together.
"Thank you, Mike; all of this means a lot." Will speaks softly and you can hear the gratitude in his words.
"No problem whatsoever, you're always my first priority."" And maybe it's the proximity, maybe it's Will's scent that makes him bolder, but he kisses Will's forehead and there is no way this can be perceived as platonic. But if Mike is honest, he crossed the line the moment he came down here and came close to the nest.
"Mike? Please." There is a needy whine followed after this. It's nothing sexual, just longing for the deep connection between those two. The bond they've shared for years now.
They don't have to say anything to understand each other at this minute. Gently Mike takes hold of Will's jaw, making him look at Mike. He searched for any discomfort in Will's eyes but couldn't find any.
So he kissed him. For real this time.
It's like a million fireworks exploding and everything else fades into the background. The only thing that is important is the two of them together.
Before they get lost in it, Mike pulls away but not putting much distance between them. Will whines because of the loss of his lips and Mike chuckles.
"I love you." Mike didn't mean to say it, but it feels right. It's the raw truth.
"And I love you, Mike."
They don't have to say anything else right now. They can talk about all this when both of them are more rational. For now they lie back down, cuddling close and everything else will fall into place.