Chapter Text
It was Saturday, only a few weekends after school ended. Finally Will was done with his last real year of school. He was looking forward to senior year, when he could focus on his art the most. His Mom really wanted him to apply to colleges, but not for art. Hopper and her wanted him to do something, "more profitable" Whatever that meant. At least he had Jane, who always encouraged Will with his art. She loved every painting and sketch he made with all her heart. His brother Johnathan was just as supportive, but Will rarely ever saw him because he left to NYU.
Jane was going away to a small college near by, testing the waters of adulthood all on her own. Will didn't want to intrude on her independence by going there too. He was going to decide over the summer whether he would go to college at all. His thoughts drifted towards Mikes own plans for the future. They never really talked about it before. It hurt too much to think about separating.
Knocking at the door ripped through his thoughts. He knew immediately who it had to be. He struggled to suppress a grin as he ripped open the door. Just as he thought, Mike was on the other side. Mike had an unpleasant expression plastered on his face. He looked like he wanted to craw out of his skin.
"I need to talk to you." Mike avoided Wills gaze as he peered behind him into his house"Is anyone home?"
Will paused for a moment, his concern growing, "No, my mom and hopper just left for work"
"Good, can I come in?"
Will stepped to the side as Mike timidly walked through the door. Will closed the door behind them. They stood for a moment, with an awkward silence hanging between them. Mike looked into Wills eyes desperately searching for something and Will was doing the same.
Mike closed the gap between them. Will kissed back passionately, running his hand through his boyfriend's dark curls. Mikes hands traced up and down his back making Will shiver. Everything was perfect. Mike pulled away looking down at Will dazed.
"Do you wanna talk in my room?" Will asked
Mike nodded and Will led him by the hand to the foot of his bed. Light streamed through Will's dusty curtains. He flopped on the floor and leaned against his bed watching Mike do the same. Mike was nervously fidgeting with his fingers as he looked deeply into Will's eyes.
"I can't tell my parents about us." Mike blurted out suddenly, breaking the delicate silence.
"Wha-"
"No, you don't understand," Mike took in a deep breath "I told Nancy about us. Shes cool with it"
"Mike thats amazing," Will leaned over and took his hand.
Mike squeezed back giving Will a small smile. Will felt his heart sputter.
"But we were talking and... she knows how my parents will react. They're pretty religious, you know?"
"You don't have to tell them, we could just tell the group-"
"Will, I have a feeling they already know and..." Mike trailed off.
"Oh shit." Will took a breath, "You're sure?"
Mike nodded, squeezing hand as tight as he could. His bangs covered his face, masking his expression. They weren't stupid. They knew Mike would be thrown out. They knew Will couldn't predict how his own parent would react. Will felt the walls come crashing down around him, but his room as still stagnate. He felt unbelievably guilty. Will could have never guessed he could ruin Mikes all by himself.
Will remembered the weeks before school ended so clearly. Mostly because of Mike. Wills own sister had dumped Mike that weekend before their junior year started. Will found it strange that neither one of them seemed to care at all. But Mike had also started to act strange but only around Will. He would leave the room whenever he entered and refused to even look him in the eyes.
All of Wills frustration amounted in a massive fight with Mike in his basement. Mikes feelings for him slipped out all at once, ending in a kiss. Ever since then they were boyfriends. They had started dating around halfway through junior year, holding hands under tables, going on dates at the mall or even just watching a movie at home in each other's arms.
Now, all of that was in jeopardy.
"I'm gonna ask you something crazy," Mike said, lifting his head up and gazing into his eyes, "Would you runaway with me Will?"
Wills jaw dropped to the floor. He was completely thrown off by the question. Panic set on Mikes face, he took a giant swing and a giant miss.
"I'm sorry- that was, you don't have to answer right now. Or ever. You know what it was a dumb question-"
"Of course I'll go with you, Mike" Will said looking Mike over with glossy eyes, "Because I love you, Mike"