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Everyone has been extremely on edge recently. The doom of the current situation seeps into every aspect of the group’s lives. Times when everyone has to sit around, anxiously anticipating Vecna’s next move, are hard for everyone. It’s nearly impossible to find moments of rest when everyone is constantly on edge.
Will strolls down the hallway, searching for something to occupy himself with. What can he really do other than try to let the reality of the situation at hand sink in? The recent attack on the Wheelers really has everyone’s hopes in the gutter.
Will is about to pass by Holly’s room when he hears hushed voices whispering inside. The door is open, and Will peeks in.
He sees Mike sitting on the edge of Holly’s bed. Holly is sprawled across the bed, her head in her brother’s lap. They’re facing away from Will.
Will stops dead in his tracks. He smiles, a warm fondness growing in his heart. Mike is such a good big brother. He always knows the best way to take care of others. It’s one thing Will loves most about him.
Mike gently runs a hand through Holly’s hair.
“Mike?” Holly whispers. Her voice sounds timid, like she’s afraid to say what she’s going to next.
“Yes Holly?”
“I’m scared for mom and dad.”
Will’s heart aches for her. Poor girl. Holly is so young. She’s probably the most terrified of any of them.
“I know Holly. Me too,” Mike says, his voice incredibly soft. Will is all too familiar with that voice.
“Mike?” Holly asks again.
“Yes Holly?”
“Can you sing me a song?”
Mike stares down at Holly. Will can’t see his face, but he can imagine his expression perfectly. He can see the kindness in Mike’s eyes.
“Yeah, okay,” Mike says. Will can hear his smile.
Mike, so quietly that Will almost can’t hear him, begins to sing.
“Why are there so many, songs about rainbows, and what’s on the other side?”
He’s singing Rainbow Connection. Will knows it’s a song Mike’s mom used to sing to him when he was Holly’s age.
Will smiles. His heart is so full. So full of love for this boy.
Will turns and leans against the wall, just outside of the room. He continues to listen.
“Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide.”
Will lets himself sink to the floor, sitting with his back still resting against the wall. He’s careful not to make a sound.
Mike may just have the most soothing voice in the world. Although, the reason Will feels this way might be due to the fact that he is helplessly in love with him.
Mike’s singing is absolutely beautiful. Will feels so lucky that he has Mike, especially in moments like these. Mike can somehow make a time full of anxiety and fear seem much less scary.
“So we’ve been told, and some choose to believe it. I know they’re wrong, wait and see.”
Will rests his eyes, just for a moment, as he listens. He feels such a nice wave of comfort settle over him as Mike’s voice wraps around him like a blanket. It’s a wonderful contrast to the constant anxiety he normally feels.
“Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection. The lovers, the dreamers, and me.”
•••
Mike looks at Holly, now fast asleep in his lap. He feels extremely fond, something he never imagined himself feeling towards his annoying little sister. Apparently that’s what happens when your siblings start to grow up. You grow to love them.
Mike carefully lifts Holly’s head off of his leg and replaces himself with a pillow. To his relief, she doesn’t stir.
He quietly exits the room, sighing as he’s about to go to his own room. He stops when he turns over his left shoulder.
Sitting on the hallway floor is a dozing Will Byers. He’s propped against the wall, head leaning back slightly in a way that can’t possibly be comfortable.
Mike crouches down next to him. He stares at Will with a wide smile. Will looks adorable like this.
Mike hums. Part of him wants to just sit right here in the hallway next to Will and join him. However, that may be a bad idea in the long run considering he has an infinitely more comfortable bed a few doors down.
“Will,” Mike whispers, cautious of Holly sleeping nearby.
Will doesn’t react.
Mike rests a hand on Will’s shoulder and ever-so-gently shakes him. “Will,” he tries again.
Will does stir this time. “Hmm?” he mumbles, eyelids fluttering.
“Will, baby, let’s go to bed,” Mike says, still incredibly gentle and soft. Definitely too soft for someone trying to wake someone up.
Will’s eyes crack open, and he looks up at Mike with all the love in the world. “Mike,” is all he utters.
“Mhm, that’s me. Now come on.”
Mike helps Will to his feet, and Will leans heavily on him. “I guess Holly’s not the only one I put to sleep, huh?” Mike teases.
Will nods against Mike’s shoulder. “Mhm. Your voice is so nice Mike,” Will says, his words coming out hushed and slightly slurred from his lingering sleepiness.
Mike just smiles. He guides Will to his bed and carefully sets him down.
“You should c’mere,” Will suggests.
Mike chuckles. “I am. Don’t worry.”
Mike joins Will in bed, tucking them both under the covers. Will immediately latches onto Mike, nuzzling into his neck. Mike wraps his arms around Will, holding him close.
“You’re amazing Mike,” Will whispers. “You always take care of everyone. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Will.”
Mike softly hums the tune to Rainbow Connection, and Will is out like a light, bundled in the safety of Mike Wheeler.