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Mike Wheeler was completely and utterly fucked.
Valentine’s Day was tomorrow, and it was the first time he’d be celebrating it with his boyfriend, Will Byers. The absolute love of his life. And he had no idea what to get him.
Yeah. He was really fucked.
He’d never cared much for the holiday in the first place. As a kid, he’d looked forward to it for the candy, treating it like a bonus Halloween. But as he got older and more aware, he realized it was supposed to be a celebration of love.
Flowers. Love notes falling out of lockers. Couples going on dates and falling even more in love.
He’d never really had that.
When Mike dated El, she was sweet, and he genuinely enjoyed spending time with her, but he wasn’t happy. Neither was she. And that was okay. They were much better as friends. He’d known for a long time that he had feelings for Will, even if he hadn’t always understood what those feelings meant. He’d never felt the way he felt about Will for anyone else.
Nobody could compare to him.
The way Mike would search for Will in a crowded room. The smile he’d give him the moment their eyes finally met. How gentle and patient Will was with him, even when Mike didn’t deserve it. Will was one of a kind, and Mike had never been happier in his life.
Will was a hopeless romantic. He always had been. Mike knew that—just like he knew everything else about his boyfriend. What made him tick. How, when he got overwhelmed, he’d pull out his sketchbook and go quiet for hours until the motion of pencil on paper helped reset his thoughts. How he’d survived so much trauma and kept going anyway.
The Upside Down. The Mind Flayer. Vecna. None of it broke him. If anything, it made him stronger. More sure of who he was.
Will deserved the absolute best. He deserved the world.
They hadn’t talked much about Valentine’s Day, but it had crept up on Mike faster than he’d expected. Every store was bursting with chocolates, flowers, pink and red decorations, and cupid’s stupid fucking arrows, but nothing felt right. Nothing felt like Will.
Will loved cheesy things, sure, but this was over the top.
So Mike had dragged Lucas and Dustin along to the supermarket, hoping that maybe something would jump out at him, or that having his friends there might make him feel a little less anxious.
So far, it wasn’t working.
Dustin and Lucas were arguing about whether a giant teddy bear holding a heart was an acceptable gift. Dustin thought it was cheesy as hell. Lucas insisted it was romantic and showed character.
Mike didn’t know which side to take. Not that he was really paying attention anyway.
“Mike, are you even listening to us?”
Lucas’ hand grabbed his shoulder. Mike startled, his body jolting as he turned away from the wall of Valentine’s Day decorations he’d been staring at for far too long. Dustin and Lucas were both looking at him like he’d completely checked out.
“Yeah, man,” Dustin said. “You’ve been staring at the same fucking thing for like ten minutes. Did you hear anything we said?”
Mike sighed softly, blowing a raspberry past his lips. “None of these things scream Will. Like, at all.”
Lucas and Dustin both turned to glance down the aisle. Lucas nodded slowly, clearly agreeing, while Dustin just looked lost. He was in a long-distance relationship with Suzy, so Valentine’s Day stress wasn’t really his problem. Lucas was dating Max, but she’d already made it painfully clear that if he bought her anything, it would end up shoved in a closet and forgotten. At least she was honest.
“Maybe we’re not looking in the right spot,” Lucas said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “What about a sketchbook? Or paints? Something artsy.”
Mike shook his head immediately. “No. No, he already has a ton of that. And I got him a sketchbook for Christmas.” He hesitated, then added, quieter but firm, “He needs something that’s… unique. Something special. From the heart.”
Dustin rolled his eyes. “Pretty sure your existence is already a gift to Will.”
Lucas laughed. Dustin did too.
Mike felt his face heat instantly. He looked away, embarrassed, but not entirely unconvinced. Maybe that was true, but it wasn’t enough. Not for this. Valentine’s Day mattered. It was supposed to be the day you showed the person you loved just how much they meant to you.
And Mike loved Will. So much it almost scared him.
That’s when it hit him.
“I know what I’m going to get him,” Mike blurted out.
Lucas grinned. “About damn time.”
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
Will biked over to WSQK to visit Robin just as she was wrapping up her radio show for the day. She was packing up equipment when he walked in, cheeks flushed pink from the cold air that had seeped straight through his jacket and into his bones.
“Oh, hey, Byers,” Robin said, glancing up and raising an eyebrow. “Wasn’t expecting you today. You good?”
Will was, in fact, not good. Not even a little.
“Not really,” he let out a breathless laugh before dropping his bag to the floor and collapsing onto the couch. His back slid down against it, head tipping back as he stared at the ceiling. “Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.”
Robin set her equipment aside and walked over, plopping down beside him. She eyed him curiously. “And? Shouldn’t you be excited? You know, being official with the love of your life and all. Finally, might I add.”
Will turned his head toward her, cheeks heating instantly at her words. He groaned, dragging his hands over his face and muffling the sound. “That’s the problem.”
Robin frowned. “Okay, you’re going to have to elaborate.”
“What if I mess it up?” Will blurted, hands dropping back to his lap. His hair was a mess, falling into his eyes. “Everything I’ve looked at just feels… wrong. Like none of it is even remotely something Mike would actually like.”
Robin laughed softly. “You two are adorable.” She flashed him a small smile. “What if you paint him something? You’re ridiculously talented, you know.”
Will thought about it for a moment, gaze dropping to his hands folded in his lap. “He already has countless paintings and sketches I’ve made for him,” he said, looking back up at Robin, who was listening intently. “I just want it to be special.”
“It will be,” Robin said without hesitation. “It’s coming from you. I’m pretty sure if you handed him a rock you found on the ground, he’d treasure it forever.”
Will laughed as he pictured it: Mike keeping a random rock on his desk, carrying it with him when they left for college like it was something priceless and meaningful when it was just a rock Will found.
“I guess you’re right. I’m just thinking too hard about it.” Will hesitated, fingers tightening together. “I just… I really love him, Robin.” His voice was quiet, vulnerable.
Robin nodded slowly, bumping her shoulder against his. “And he knows that. You two are absolutely crazy about each other. Don’t overthink it, kid. That boy can’t live without you.” She smiled knowingly. “He’ll love whatever you give him, because it’s coming from you.”
Will smiled faintly, gaze dropping as he fiddled with his fingers in his lap. “I hope you’re right,” he said, exhaling deeply. Then he glanced up at her. “And you and Vicky?”
Robin grinned. “Enzo’s. I’ve got the money finally, and we’re not busy fighting monsters, so it feels like the perfect opportunity.”
Warmth bloomed in Will’s chest at that. He was genuinely happy for her and for the love she’d found with Vicky. Robin had been an unexpected friend, but one he was endlessly grateful for.
“I’m really happy for you,” Will said, smiling in earnest. “You deserve that.”
Suddenly, a car horn blared outside. Will startled hard, shoulders tensing as his heart jumped into his throat. Loud, sudden noises still caught him off guard—his body reacting before his mind could remind him that he was safe now.
Robin noticed immediately. She rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. “That’s Vicky,” she said gently. “We’re going tonight because tomorrow’s going to be a madhouse, and I couldn’t get a reservation.” She gave him a small, reassuring smile before standing from the couch. “Just don’t overthink it, okay? It’ll be great.”
Will nodded, drawing in a slow, steady breath. “Thanks, Robin.”
She turned to leave, then paused and glanced back at him, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Besides, that boy is obsessed with you. He’ll love anything, even if you decide to go with the rock.”
Will huffed out a quiet laugh.
As he watched her go, hope settled gently in his chest.
He really hoped Robin was right.
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
Mike was still freaking out.
It was Valentine’s Day, and he was pretty sure he’d gone a little overboard with his gift. Will deserved the absolute best, but he didn’t want to cross the line into too much. What if it was overwhelming? What if Will didn’t like it?
Will deserved the whole world. He wanted to give him that.
Thankfully, it was Saturday, so there was no school to distract him. Mike had stayed up far too late the night before and ended up sleeping until noon.
He wasn’t supposed to see Will for a couple more hours, but he wanted everything to be perfect.
He ate lunch, got teased relentlessly by his mom for waking up so late, showered, changed, and spent the rest of the time making final adjustments to his gift.
Then there was a knock at the door. There was only one person who knocked that politely, even when he didn’t have to. After all, this was his second home.
Will.
Mike glanced down at the gift in his hands, slid it carefully into his nightstand, and bolted from his room.
“It’s Will! I’ll get it!” he yelled, his footsteps pounding through the living room.
He swung the door open, face flushed and breathless and immediately forgot how to breathe when his eyes met his favorite pair of eyes in the world.
“Will,” he breathed, chest rising and falling as a wide grin spread across his face. “Wow.”
His eyes traced over Will’s outfit—a soft navy knit sweater with a collared shirt peeking out at the neckline, dark jeans, an oversized jacket, and boots.
Mike suddenly felt painfully underdressed. He was wearing a thin dark gray sweater, a pair of jeans, and his worn Converse, his curls completely unmanageable and falling into his eyes. The last time he’d mentioned getting a haircut, Will had told him not to and said his curls were easy to run his fingers through.
Why would Mike ever go against what his precious boyfriend wanted?
His gaze dropped, catching on the small basket in Will’s hand. He lifted an eyebrow, curiosity sparking. “I-uh… do you want to come in?”
“Actually,” Will began, a soft laugh slipping past his lips, “it’s pretty nice out today, for winter and all. I thought maybe you’d want to go to the park with me? Have a picnic?”
Mike’s cheeks flushed instantly. His heart hammered against his ribs as he nodded. “Y-yeah,” he stammered. “Just, uh, let me grab something.”
Will furrowed his brows, lingering by the door as Mike suddenly darted away toward his room. He couldn’t leave without it, not after all the time he’d spent on it. He had to give it to Will today.
Today had to be special.
“Mike, honey, aren’t you going to let Will in?” His mom called from the kitchen.
But Mike was already grabbing the gift from his nightstand and shrugging on the jacket draped over his chair before bolting back toward the front door.
“Going out, bye!” He yelled, not waiting for a response as he pulled the door shut behind him, breath puffing out in a huff.
His cheeks were flushed, curls splayed messily across his forehead as he stood in front of Will, his smile widening the moment he really looked at him.
Will looked unreal.
And before Mike could stop himself, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Will’s waist, pulling him close against his chest.
The basket slipped from Will’s hand at the suddenness of it, a soft gasp escaping him before he melted into the embrace, his arms looping around Mike’s neck. He laughed quietly as he tipped his head back to look up at him.
Mike grinned down at him, tightening his hold and somehow pulling him even closer. “Hi there, boyfriend.” He leaned in, resting his forehead against Will’s. “You’re looking so damn good today.”
Will let out a giggle, an unfairly cute sound, one that felt like music to Mike’s ears.
“Hi, Mike. You don’t look so bad yourself,” Will said softly, one hand lifting to thread through Mike’s curls. “Never, ever cut this hair. Ever.”
Mike groaned, even though he secretly loved keeping it a little longer—mostly because Will loved it so much. And because the way Will’s fingers moved through his hair made his shoulders loosen instantly, tension melting away. Will always knew exactly how to do that.
“Fine,” Mike muttered, smiling softly. “But only because you love it so much.”
Will giggled again, nodding before giving one of his curls a gentle tug. Mike gasped, cheeks heating at how easily his body reacted.
Maybe he liked having his hair played with a little too much.
“Come on,” Will said, pulling back with a grin. “Let’s go. I’m hungry, and it took me a while to get all this food ready.”
He bent to grab the basket, then reached out with his free hand and laced his fingers through Mike’s.
Mike’s cheeks were still flushed, his heart pounding as he let Will lead him down the front steps and onto the sidewalk.
The park wasn’t far, and the weather was unexpectedly beautiful for a February day. As they walked, Mike started swinging their joined hands back and forth, earning another soft giggle from Will.
Mike glanced over at him and then forgot to look away. Will looked incredible in the winter sunlight. His hair was slightly tousled, hazel eyes bright and sparkling, that familiar, charming smile tugging at his lips when he caught Mike staring.
Mike wanted to kiss him until they both ran out of oxygen.
“Do I have something on my face?” Will asked shyly, chewing gently on his bottom lip.
Mike blushed hard, shaking his head as a nervous laugh slipped out. They’d been officially dating for two months, and somehow Will still managed to fluster him like it was the first day all over again.
That feeling was never going to go away. He’d felt it for years, long before they were official, and he knew he’d feel it for the rest of his life.
“No, no,” Mike said quickly. “You’re just… really pretty to look at.”
Will’s cheeks heated instantly. He looked away, eyes fixed on the path ahead, clearly trying and failing to hide how pink his face had gone.
Mike always felt a little awed knowing he could make Will Byers blush like that. He hoped he could do it forever.
“Oh,” Will said softly, glancing back at him with a small, shy smile. “You’re cute.”
Mike nudged his shoulder as they continued down the path toward the park, the crisp winter air curling around them.
“Says the cute one,” Mike shot back, a soft chuckle slipping from his lips.
They walked in easy silence for another five minutes, accompanied only by the faint rush of wind and the occasional bird chirping in the distance. Hardly anyone was out, which meant they had the park mostly to themselves.
It had always been like that with Mike and Will. Even before they were officially together, they never needed constant conversation. Silence came easily: sitting side by side watching TV, flipping through one of Mike’s graphic novels, or Will sketching while Mike pretended he wasn’t completely, hopelessly swooning over him.
The quiet was never awkward. It was comfortable.
That was how they’d always been. And nothing had changed now that they were together.
When they reached the park, they found a tree giving them just enough shade from the sun. Thankfully, any snow left over from earlier in the week had melted thanks to the recent stretch of nicer weather.
Will opened the basket and pulled out a folded blanket from the top, shaking it out before spreading it across the grass. He motioned for Mike to sit, which Mike did gladly, settling down cross-legged with a wide grin.
Will dropped to his knees and began unloading the basket. First came the sparkling grape juice, then neatly wrapped sandwiches tucked into plastic containers. He followed with an assortment of snacks, two plates, two glasses, and a handful of napkins, arranging everything carefully on the blanket.
Mike stared at the spread, then back up at Will, completely awed by the effort he’d put into this. He even got Mike’s favorite snacks.
His cheeks felt warm and he instantly blamed the crisp air, even though he wasn’t cold in the slightest. If anything, he felt like he was radiating heat, inside and out. His face stayed permanently pink, his heart swelling so much it almost hurt.
God, he was so in love with this boy.
“Will,” Mike said softly. “You didn’t have to do all this. This is… wow. It’s amazing.”
Will shrugged, trying to look casual as he grabbed the glasses and twisted open the bottle of sparkling grape juice. “It’s nothing,” he said shyly as he poured. “I wanted to,” He handed one of the glasses to Mike. “I wanted it to be special for you.”
Mike took the glass, their fingers brushing for just a second, enough to send a spark of electricity straight through him. He smiled shyly before lifting it to his lips and taking a sip. “No one’s ever done something like this for me before.”
“I know,” Will said quickly, filling his own glass and taking a sip. “I wanted to be the first.” He shifted closer, sitting cross-legged beside Mike, their knees bumping together.
Mike laughed softly, his heart feeling like it might burst out of his chest. Will wasn’t wrong—no one had ever done anything like this for him. Not even close.
With El, it had always felt like friendship first. They’d hang out, make out, go to each other’s houses, but it never went deeper than that. They never really went on dates. It never felt this easy, this natural. It never felt right.
“Well,” Mike said, smiling wider at Will, “I’m really glad it was you. Really, really glad.”
Will chuckled softly. “What, making out with El wasn’t enough romance for you?”
Mike’s eyes widened as he let out a dramatic gasp, nudging his knee against Will’s. “You know what I mean,” he said, smiling at him. “It wasn’t like that.” His smile softened as he bit his bottom lip, eyes locking onto Will’s. His voice dipped “Not like how it is with you.”
They leaned in instinctively, foreheads resting together, Mike’s eyes slipping shut. He needed to feel close to Will at all times, no matter where they were.
The park was quiet, nothing but the distant sounds of toddlers playing on the far-off playground. No interruptions. No distractions.
Just them. Mike and Will.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, unwrapping the sandwiches and opening the bags of chips and candy Will had picked out. Mike’s heart swelled at how perfectly Will knew him—every snack was a favorite, chosen without question.
Will had made PB&J sandwiches, and Mike devoured his without hesitation.
Will laughed softly, leaning in to swipe his thumb across Mike’s bottom lip, wiping away peanut butter that was left there. His thumb lingered there for a moment, their eyes locked the entire time.
Mike’s breath caught in his throat. His gaze flicked briefly to Will’s lips before returning to those familiar hazel eyes.
“T-thanks,” Mike stammered, letting out a quiet, nervous laugh.
Will nodded and pulled his hand away, resting it in his lap. He looked off. Nervous. Like something was weighing on his mind.
Mike knew him too well not to notice.
He could always tell when Will was upset or distracted. When his thoughts were somewhere else. Sure, he’d been oblivious for years to Will’s crush on him, tangled up in confusion and fear of his own feelings. But once he’d stopped running from them, once he’d finally listened to his heart, everything had become painfully clear.
All he’d ever wanted was Will.
“Will?” Mike asked softly, concern filled in his voice. He placed a hand on Will’s knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. “What’s wrong?”
Will looked up at him, a shy smile tugging at his lips. “I, um… I wanted to give you your Valentine’s Day gift.”
Mike’s face lit up instantly. His hand stayed on Will’s knee, his eyes never leaving him. “You could’ve just said that, baby.”
Baby.
It slipped out before Mike could think.
They hadn’t really used pet names yet, had always just been Mike and Will. But the word made Will’s cheeks heat instantly. He looked away for a moment, trying to hide his face, before glancing back with a shy smile.
“I didn’t know when the right time was,” Will said with a small chuckle. He reached out, placing his hand over Mike’s and giving it a squeeze. “But if you want it now I-“
“Yes,” Mike said immediately, cutting him off. He grinned, intertwining their fingers together and squeezing back reassuringly. “I want it.”
Will let out a soft chuckle at Mike’s sudden eagerness, squeezing his hand once more. “Okay,” he said gently, “but only because I love you and you’re cute.”
Mike’s cheeks flushed at the words. It wasn’t like he hadn’t heard Will say he loved him before, or compliment him, but every time it felt like the first time all over again.
It made his heart feel like it was soaring out of his chest.
He’d never felt this way about anyone else. No crush, not even El. For Mike, there had only ever been Will. No one else could even come close.
Will leaned forward and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Mike’s rosy cheek before pulling back with a wide grin. Mike was blushing so hard it was impossible to hide, like he always did around Will.
Will finally pulled his hand away and leaned forward, reaching into the basket. At the very bottom was a rolled-up canvas.
Mike’s breath caught in his throat.
Of course Will had painted him something. That was just who he was–pouring his heart and soul into everything he created, especially his art.
Will sat back, offering Mike a small, nervous smile as he placed the canvas into his hands.
Mike stared down at it, holding it like something fragile. His chest ached as he looked back up at Will, smiling wide. “You didn’t have to get me anything. You know that. Being with you is more than enough for me.”
Will shook his head, resting his hand on Mike’s knee and giving it a gentle squeeze. “No,” he said firmly but kindly. “I wanted to.” He hesitated. “I wasn’t sure what to get you. Nothing I saw felt right, nothing felt worth it. So I went to see Robin, and she suggested I paint something for you. So… I did.”
Mike’s eyes widened. Will had struggled, too. Just like he had. And somehow, that made the gift mean even more.
“Will,” Mike let out a breathy laugh. “I was having a hard time finding something to get you, too. I even dragged Dustin and Lucas along with me, thinking it would help, but it only made things worse. They were absolutely no help at all.”
Will laughed softly as Mike moved his hand down to rest over Will’s, still warm against his knee.
“Wow,” Will breathed, a quiet laugh slipping out. “I guess we were both going through the same thing without even realizing it.”
Mike nodded, laughing under his breath. “Yeah. I guess so.” He glanced down at the canvas in his hands, then back up at Will. “Should I open-”
“Yes,” Will said immediately, cutting him off before he could finish. “Please do.”
Mike smiled, squeezing Will’s hand one last time before pulling away so he could use both hands. Slowly and carefully he unraveled the canvas.
As the painting came into view, Mike’s breath hitched. His eyes widened as he stared at the masterpiece in front of him.
The first thing Mike noticed was the color: warm reds and pinks blending into softer shades, forming the shape of a hill, but it wasn’t a hill. It was a heart.
It stretched across the canvas like a landscape, and sitting at the very top were two figures, backs turned, shoulders pressed close together. They were close, wrapped up in each other. Their heads leaned on one another and Mike could tell immediately who they were.
His own messy curls. Will’s softer frame. The way they always sat too close without even thinking about it. The quiet, unspoken comfort of it all.
It wasn’t loud or flashy. It was them choosing each other. They sat high up on top of the hill shaped like a heart, watching over the world.
It was absolutely perfect.
Mike was speechless. He stared down at the painting, his chest tight, his vision blurring before he even realized tears were forming. A breathless laugh slipped from his lips as he looked back up at Will.
“Will… this is perfect,” he whispered. “I think this is the best thing you’ve ever made, which is saying a lot, considering I’ve kept everything you’ve ever drawn.”
Will let out a soft laugh, his hand squeezing Mike’s knee gently. “I know,” he said shyly. “You left the binder on your bed one time. I thought it was just school stuff, so I picked it up to move it and some of my drawings fell out.”
Mike’s cheeks burned as he bit down on his bottom lip. He hadn’t realized Will knew. Hadn’t realized he’d been caught keeping every sketch, every doodle, every piece of Will he’d been given over the years.
“I’m sorry, I just-” He cut himself off, another nervous laugh slipping out. “I couldn’t get rid of any of it. How could I? Everything you make is a masterpiece, Will.” He reached for Will’s hand, lacing their fingers together and giving a gentle squeeze. “And when I was confused about my feelings, I used to look at your drawings,” he admitted softly. “I know that’s-”
“No,” Will interrupted, smiling warmly as he squeezed Mike’s hand back. “It’s sweet. You’re sweet.”
Mike’s cheeks darkened to a deep shade of red as he glanced down at their intertwined hands before lifting his gaze to Will’s sparkling hazel eyes. God, he looked so pretty like this. Will always looked good, but here, beneath the sunlight, sitting close enough that Mike could feel the warmth of his body through the blanket underneath them, he could swear he’d never seen him look more beautiful.
Without hesitation, Mike carefully set the painting down on the blanket in front of them before leaning in and pressing his lips to Will’s in a gentle kiss.
He smiled against the kiss when Will kissed him back, soft and tentative. Mike’s free hand came up to cradle the side of Will’s face, his thumb brushing slow, smooth circles along his cheekbone. “Thank you, baby.” he murmured quietly against Will’s lips.
Their lips moved together slowly, carefully as Mike melted into the kiss. Mike felt Will smile into the kiss before they finally pulled apart, their foreheads resting together. Mike pecked his lips one more time before leaning back, leaving Mike’s whole body buzzing.
“So,” Mike said softly, eyes bright as he stared at him. “Do you want your present?”
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
Mike looked incredibly nervous as he took in a shaky breath and reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper.
Will watched him carefully as Mike held it between his fingers, then lifted his gaze to meet Will’s and offered a small, nervous smile.
“I didn’t know what to get you either,” Mike admitted softly. “Nothing I looked at even came close. But then I started thinking about how much I love you and why I love you and that’s when I knew this was what I wanted to give you.”
He handed Will the paper, folded neatly, placing it gently in his hand.
Will’s breath caught in his throat as he felt the paper there, the wind tousling his hair. His eyes dropped to it for a moment before lifting again to meet Mike’s warm brown eyes.
“Mike…” He breathed out.
Mike shook his head, his free hand gripping his knee tightly.
“Please,” he said quietly. “Read it.”
And so he did.
- I love your smile and how your face lights up
- I love your eyes, how they sparkle and shine
- I love how brave you are, even when you don’t think you are
- I love your brain and how you think
- I love how you see the world differently than everyone else
- I love how kind you are to everyone, even to those you don’t know
- I love how much you care about the people in your life
- I love your laugh and how contagious it is
- I love how safe I feel when I’m with you
- I love how I know you’re always there no matter what
- I love the way you listen to anything and everything I have to say
- I love how you never make me feel like I’m too much to handle
- I love your creativity and how you pour yourself into your art
- I love watching you draw, how your hand knows exactly what to do
- I love how you know what I’m thinking or feeling without even me needing to say it
- I love how gentle you are despite everything you’ve been through
- I love your strength even when you feel weak
- I love the way you believe in me
- I love how you put the people you love and care about first
- I love how warm and comforting your hand feels in mine
- I love how your presence alone can make me feel safe
- I love that you choose love despite how much you’ve been through
- I love how you’re not afraid to be yourself
- I love that being with you feels like home
- I love you, and I always will
Will finished reading, eyes filling with tears. When he blinked, they spilled down his cheeks, a breathless laugh escaping his lips. “Mike…” he breathed.
Mike flashed him a warm smile and immediately shifted closer, wrapping his arms around Will and pulling him impossibly closer, holding him tight.
He used the pad of his thumb to wipe away the tears that have spilled down his cheeks, a lighthearted smile on his face.
Will’s arms wrapped around Mike in return, his chin resting on Mike’s shoulder as he felt Mike’s hand move slowly up and down his back. “I love you, Mike,” Will murmured into the fabric of his jacket. “So much that I didn’t even know it was possible to love someone this much.”
Mike pressed soft kisses into Will’s hair, continuing the soothing motion along his back. “I love you, Will,” he said quietly. “I’m guessing you liked the list?”
Will pulled back just enough for their eyes to meet, his brows furrowing for a split second before breaking into a wide grin. “Of course, silly. I loved it. I love you. Who would’ve thought my boyfriend was such a hopeless romantic?”
“You bring it out of me,” Mike chuckled softly, lifting both hands to cradle Will’s face, his thumbs gently brushing along his cheeks. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Will smiled wide, his hands settling on Mike’s waist. “You’ll never have to find out.” He pecked Mike’s lips a few times before pulling back. “I really am lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Mike grinned as he pulled his hands away from his face to tousle Will’s hair slightly.
As the sun set, Will curled closer into Mike’s chest, the blanket warm around them, his heartbeat steady beneath Will’s ear.
February fourteenth wasn’t just a date on the calendar anymore.
It was the day Will realized he was exactly where he was meant to be.