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Inhaling, Will's hand hovers over the door handle, the quiet mutter of voices on the other side causing his heart to race.
A firm hand steadies his shoulder as he glances over to see his mum's warm smile, urging him to open the door.
With a sigh he pushes the handle down, opening the door.
The voices instantly get louder, as if opening the door unlocked the noise inside.
A tall figure hunches over, rummaging frantically through a bag, his curls sticking out messily.
"MUM WHERE'S MY JACKET? THE ONE WITH THE-" The boy turns around, his eyes locking onto Will's as they widen.
For a moment neither boy moves, as if they'd been frozen in time.
Mike's heart quickens, as his eyes trace the figure in front of him. He notices the way his jumper’s threads slightly unravel at the sleeve, something that he was familiar with from his habit of fiddling with his own jumpers. The boy must be nervous and he wants nothing more than to make him feel comfortable.
He is pulled from his thoughts as he hears the familiar voice of his mother.
"Hi Dear, I'm Karen"
"Lovely to meet you, I'm Joyce"
Feeling the shuffle of bodies beside him Will looks over as a curly haired lady shakes his mum's hand, a beaming smile on her face, as her lips curl causing dimples to form.
"Hi" A sudden voice brings him out of his thoughts, turning his head towards the sound.
Will let out a small gasp under his breath as his shoulder brushed against the boy's chest. Looking up, their eyes meet again.
"Uh Hi" he chokes out, his throat tight.
Breaking his gaze from the boy he looks over at his mum, a small breath escaping his lips as he realises she's engrossed in conversation.
Turning back to face the boy his lips press together forming an awkward smile as his eyes scan the room. Boxes of things piled up in the corner with t-shirts and jeans scattered across the floor.
"You have a lot of...uh stuff" Will says shuffling from one foot to the other.
"Ha...yeah sorry...I think i brought too much" the boy chuckles, softly averting his gaze, his fingers coming up to scratch the back of his neck.
Both boy's eyes trail around the room, as if to distract them from the other's presence.
After a moment Will clears his throat,
"Uh...Do you need some help...unpacking?"
The boy nods as his lips curl, the familiar dimples forming on his cheeks. A warm feeling spreads throughout him at the kind gesture.
Slowly he lowers himself onto the floor, his legs crossing as he gazes up at the boy expectantly.
Will lets out a shaky breath as he hesitantly lowers himself next to the boy, ensuring distance.
"You can unpack that...if you want" The boy mumbles, tapping a finger on a nearby box.
Will nods, reaching out to carefully open the box. His eyes trace over stacks of cds, letting out a small gasp as he reads them.
Looking up he notices the boy's eyes are on him, a small smile forming as he watches him flick through the cds.
"You like The Clash?" Will whispers, his nose scrunching slightly.
The boy nods, a warm smile curling his lips, "You like them too?"
"Yes! I love them!" Will says fidgeting slightly at the sudden rush of energy.
Beaming he turns his attention back to the cds, his finger trailing over each cover.
"You have...you have really good taste" Will glances over at the boy, as his eyes stare at him.
"Thank you..." His words drag on, as he raises his eyebrow slightly.
"Oh...uh...Will"
The boy grins, holding his hand out in front of him.
Returning the smile he reaches out carefully, his hand hesitating slightly before making contact.
"Mike. Nice to meet you" His fingers curl against Will's hand as he shakes firmly.
"We are going to unpack your kitchen stuff, why don't you boys unpack the stuff in here" Joyce says, her nose scrunching slightly as a warm smile grows across her face.
"Ok"
"There's more stuff in the hallway Will, maybe bring those in first so they don't get stolen"
Will's face flushes as he pushes himself up to stand, heading out into the corridor.
Grabbing a box he swings round, his elbow bumping into something.
"Fuck" Mike groans crouching over, his hands pressing into his side.
"Oh my god I'm so sorry" Wills eyes grow wide, as he places the box back down, his hands instinctively reaching out.
As his fingertips graze against Mikes he feels a rush of heat flow through him at their closeness. Looking up, their eyes meet, as Will's fingers hover over the boy's hands before pulling away, his gaze dropping to his feet.
Taking a step back, Mike smiles sheepishly "Sorry I was going to come and help you" his fingers continue rubbing against his side.
"Oh...thank you" Will smiles, his eyes fixed on a box, as a rush of warmth covers his cheeks.
Letting out a deep breath he picks up the box and carries it inside, the taller boy follows him as they manage to empty the hallway.
Sighing, Will slumps down on the nearest bed, reaching out for his bottle and taking a large sip of water.
He looks up, his eyes meeting the boys, as Mike stares back at him, his face unreadable as he breathes shallowly.
Will opens his mouth, hesitating before holding the bottle out, "Do you want some?"
Mike smiles, reaching for the bottle, their fingers brushing slightly at the exchange.
Taking a long gulp, Will's eyes trace the boy's face. The way his curls stick to his forehead slightly, the soft bounce of his Adam’s apple as he swallows. A small blush creeps across his face as he forces himself to look away, his eyes scanning, searching for a distraction.
"Thanks, I really needed that" Mike chuckles handing the bottle back to him, before sitting down on the bed opposite.
"I guess you pick that bed?"
Will's eyes widen as he stands up from the bed "Oh no...I mean...I don't mind really"
"It's ok...I like the left side. It feels more…right." Mike grins, causing the boy to giggle.
"That makes no sense" Will mumbles, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Mike chuckles, his eyes locking on the boy as he slowly lowers himself back down onto the bed.
Mike’s fingers come up to fiddle with the sleeve of his top, hesitating "So.... do you have a gir-"
The door swings open.
Joyce stands in the doorway, her cheeks slightly flushed as her eyes scan the piles of unpacked boxes scattering the floor. “Sweetie, all of your kitchen stuff is unpacked. Karen and I were going to go into town for a walk around, would you like to come?”
“No it's ok, I really want to just get everything unpacked.”
With a smile, Joyce walks over to the boy, placing a small kiss on his head “ Ok, I’ll bring you boys some cold drinks. Make sure you drink lots! I don't want you to get ill”
“Ok mum. I will” Wills face flushes slightly as he smiles back at her.
“Good. Message if you need anything! Love you!”
“Love you” Will replies with a small blush creeping across his face.
As his mum closes the door he turns his attention over to the boy, who’s sitting across from him with a dimpled grin on his face.
“I think our mums are best friends now” Mike chuckles, nudging the boy's leg playfully with his foot.
“I guess we have to be as well then.” Will mumbles his voice almost a whisper.
“Yeah” Mike's eyebrow raises softly, his grin widening.
“Yeah” Will nudges the boy back with his foot, as they both laugh.
“Ughhh” Will groans, pushing his hair out of his face. The heat causing it to stick to his neck uncomfortably.
“You ok?” Mike pulls his head out from rummaging in the wardrobe, turning his attention to the boy.
“It's just too hot” Will groans, fanning the hem of his shirt in an attempt to cool down.
“Yeah…Maybe we should have a break?”
Will exhales loudly “No I need to do this first, I can’t rest if there is stuff everywhere.”
Mike nods, opening his mouth his lips hesitate, not wanting to make the boy more stressed. Letting out a sigh he turns slowly, crouching into the wardrobe again.
Will slumps down on the floor, the cool wood bringing slight relief to his skin “I feel like I’m going crazy”
Mike chuckles, bringing his head out to glance at the boy laying on the floor. He hesitates before laying back, his shoulder brushing Will’s.
Letting out a small sigh Mike smiles, “Same.”
Pausing he hesitates, as if the words were caught in his throat. He feels the boy's body shuffle against his turning to see Will’s eyes staring back at him, scrunching slightly as his lips curl into a smile.
“At least we’re going crazy together”
“Yeah” Will breathes softly “Crazy together”.
They stare for a moment, both boys lost in the peace as the breeze rustles the curtains.
Mike exhales slowly as he rises up from the floor, “We better…uh” he mumbles, opening a box nearby before unpacking it.
“Yeah…sure” Will mutters back, going back to organising his art things into his drawers.
As Mike turns back to open another box he lets out a small chuckle, “I guess you’re studying art”
Will laughs “Yeah what made you think that?” he says teasingly.
“Oh I don't know. Just a hunch” Mike shrugs playfully.
Will turns his attention back to the drawers, organising his paints into shades. “What are you studying?”
“Guess” Mike grins, his arms crossed as his body faces the boy, intrigued.
“Music?” Will guesses, his voice slightly unsure.
“Nope, I'll give you another try” Mike smirks.
Will huffs, dropping his paints to fully face the boy, his eyes searching his side of the room for anything. A hint. An answer.
His eyes land on a stack of books. Shuffling closer Will leans in studying the spines. Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Great Gatsby. Classics. A smug grin grows across his face as Mike raises a questioning brow.
“English Literature”
Mike groans dramatically, causing the boy to chuckle “You got me”
“I’m very observant” Will states, a small confidence in his voice.
“Mmm I can tell. What else have you noticed about me?” Mike says, his voice dropping slightly.
Will's heart races slightly, perhaps it was the heat “You have good taste in music…and… you really really want to get a snack right now”
Mike smiles “Want to check out the canteen?”
Will nods eagerly, grabbing his phone before heading for the door.
“Someone seems in a rush. Are you sure that last part was about me?” Mike teases as he follows the boy out into the hallway.
“Shut up” Will shoots him a glare, but his grin widens as they head downstairs.
“Are you sure you know where the canteen is?” Will groans, brushing the sweat from his forehead.
They had been walking in circles for at least ten minutes now, yet the boy insisted he knew where they were going.
“Yes. It's just up here”
“You said that last time. It's been thirty minutes Mike” Will whines slightly, the desperate need for a cold drink and a snack overpowering his shyness from before.
“It has been ten, Mr Dramatic” Mike rolls his eyes playfully.
“Feels like hours”
“Well when we turn this corner and you see the canteen you’ll be thankful” Mike turns to face the boy, his eyebrow raised.
“Oh yeah sure”
“You will. You’ll be tha-” Mike is cut off as he collides into a body.
“Watch where you’re going” a voice says sternly, harsh blue eyes glaring up at the boy.
“Woah sorry. I didn't mean to. " Mike holds his hands up in defence as a small chuckle comes from behind the stranger.
“Hey you ok?” A deep voice asks as a hand comes out in front of him. Hesitating Mike reaches out, his hand being held firmly by the guy as he shakes, a friendly smile on his face.
“I’m Lucas, this is my girlfriend Max.” He gestures to the girl next to him as she forces a smile, her arms crossed in front of her.
“Hi, I'm Mike. And this is Will” he gestures to the boy awkwardly standing behind him. “My…uh…roommate?”
Max raises her eyebrow slightly as she looks between the two, her face softening as she locks eyes with Will. A small smile tugs at her lips as he grins back.
Reaching out she pats the boy on his shoulder “I like you. I can tell we're going to be friends”. Will smiles shyly as he leans in.
“Do you know where the canteen is? Mike claims he knows but i think he’s lying” he whispers as a giggle escapes her lips.
“Sure we were just heading to the canteen. We’ll show you” She says, looping an arm around the boy’s before pulling him in the opposite direction.
Mike and Lucas stand still, their eyes glued on the pair as they walk off.
“Well..let’s” Mike mumbles, turning on his heels in the direction of the two.
“Yeah….” Lucas mutters following behind.
As they enter the canteen Will lets out a sigh of relief as cold air fans his face cooling him down instantly.
“Oh my god Will, we should get ice cream!” Max gasps as she notices the ice cream stand beside the fridges.
Will grins as she pulls him towards the stall, the two boys standing awkwardly in the entrance.
“Are you getting anything man?”
“I don't know. I just came because Will wanted to” Mike smiles softly as he stares at the boy pointing at the different flavours.
“Ok cool. Have you guys known each other for long?” Lucas asks, grabbing a coke bottle from the fridge.
Mike shakes his head, grabbing a water “We just met today”
Lucas’s eyebrow raises in shock “Really?”
“Yeah we’re both moving in today”
“Ahhh you guys have bonded over the trauma of moving in. Makes sense” He nods as he heads over to the till to pay.
“How long have you guys…been dating?” Mike asks, intrigued at the couple's contrasting dynamic.
“We started dating last year but we've been friends since secondary”
“Cute. Do you guys live together?” Mike grins as Lucas chuckles.
“Technically no, I live with a guy called Dustin, he’s pretty cool I think you guys would like him. He's back at home for the week though. And Max lives with her friend El, she's cool too. But we mostly stay at mine, as Dustin goes home a lot to help with his mum.”
“Oh ok cool”
“So have you got a gir-...or a b-...are you dating anyone?” Lucas stumbles over his words.
Mike lets out an awkward laugh, his fingers scratching nervously at the back of his neck “No I… No”
Lucas smiles awkwardly, noticing how tense the boy seemed “Well I’m sure you’ll meet someone here. Lots of new people…so yeah. Don’t worry man”
“Yeah” Mike mutters, paying for his drink as they head over to an empty booth.
A few minutes later Will and Max return with their ice creams, a wide grin across both of their faces.
“Here. I got you this. I hope you like chocolate” Will mumbles quietly, pushing the ice cream towards the boy.
Mike’s eyes widen slightly as a warm feeling spreads across his chest “Thank you Will, chocolate is one of my favourites” he grins, taking the cone carefully from him.
Will lets out a sigh, smiling as he shuffles into the booth next to him. His thigh brushes Mike’s and he can’t help but ignore the small tingle he feels in his chest.
Suddenly he feels warm air against his neck as Mike whispers lowly “Good guess” before pulling away to sip some water.
Swallowing thickly Will licks his ice cream, the cold soothing the warmth that was rushing through him.
As they finish their ice creams Will and Mike stand to head back to theirs.
“Did you guys want to hang out at mine for a bit?” Lucas asks as he chucks his bottle into the recycling.
Mike hesitates, glancing at Will as the boy nods, smiling “Sure!”
“Ok cool, it's not far from here!” he mutters walking ahead, his arm around Max’s shoulder.
“I see you’ve got a new best friend” Mike mutters under his breath.
“What? Are you jealous?” Will teases as Mike’s eyes widen.
“No, no-...thats not...thats-” Mike stutters, his hands flailing slightly.
“You were my best friend first” Will grins, playfully poking the boy's arm.
“We’re…you really mean that?” Mike's face straightens, his voice more serious.
“I do”
Mike smiles so wide his dimples deepen as a warm buzz sounds in his chest.
“Best friends” he mutters, his voice almost a whisper as Will grins.
“Best friends”.
“And here is the fan. It’s my favourite part of this flat” Max giggles as Lucas gasps, his hand coming up to his chest dramatically.
Mike chuckles as he sits down on the sofa next to Will, their thighs pressing together at the lack of space.
“So…What did you want to do?” Lucas stands, shifting his weight back and forth, as he hovers by the coffee table.
Will shrugs as Mike smiles awkwardly.
Max giggles at the boy's antics as she rummages under the table bringing out two wii remotes. “I vote Wii sports”
“Oh my god I haven't played that in years!” Will gasps, reaching out for one of the remotes, causing Max to grin.
As the game screen loads Mike smiles as he watches the boy shuffle, his hands fiddling with the remote strap.
The game finally loads and they begin to play as Lucas and Mike watch them, letting out small laughs as Max gets strike after strike. As the game ends Will smiles with a slight pout as Max pats a soft hand against his back.
“Better luck next time Will” she teases, before turning to the boys on the sofa.
“Michael you’re up next” she grins, as his eyes widen.
“Oh no I’m ok” he mumbles, his fingers fiddling with the sleeve of his top.
“C’mon Mike you have to avenge me. Please” Will says, pouting his lips in a way that makes Mike’s cheeks warm.
With a groan he shuffles off the sofa as Will’s lips curl into a smile as he hands the boy the remote.
Turning to face Max he forces a smile, “You are so going to lose” she mutters and suddenly Mike straightens up, stretching his arms slightly as he focuses in on the screen
“You wish”.
Apparently Max did wish, because Mike lost.
Slumping back down on the sofa with a groan Mike sighs in defeat.
Suddenly he could feel soft hair tickling his neck as Will leans in to whisper “I think she might be magic”
Mike chuckles. “I think so too”
“Maybe it's the hair.”
Will lets out a giggle “I agree”
The door swings open causing Will to jump, drawing back away from Mike’s shoulder.
“Lucas! How have you been!” A guy walks in, giving the boy a hug, a taller boy trailing in behind him.
“Good man. You?”
“Yeah good! Oh I see you've kidnapped more people!” the guy turns to face the boys on the sofa, as they smile awkwardly.
“I did not kidnap them!” Lucas groans as the taller guy ruffles his hair.
The guy bends over his outstretched hand in front of Mike. Mike hesitates before raising his hand, the cold of the metal rings harsh against his skin, “Eddie, nice to meet you” he grins softly as Mike's shoulders relax slightly under his gaze.
“Mike”
He nods before turning to Will, his eyebrows raised slightly “Oh..I’m Will” he mumbles as his hand is grasped firmly.
“Nice to meet you both” he grins as the taller male comes over to join them. “This is Steve my…roomate” he smirks, as he wraps his arm around the taller male, a soft blush creeping across his cheeks as he brings a hand up to wave.
“What are you guys up to?” Eddie asks, looking around the room, gasping as his eyes land on the screen. “Oh my god I love this game, can we play bowling!” he says, grabbing a free remote from the coffee table.
“C’mon Steve you have to play” he pokes the boy’s side as he chuckles nodding in agreement.
Will and Mike watch as the two boys play, Lucas and Max having moved into the kitchen to get some more snacks.
As Eddie lines up the controller he swings dramatically causing a soft giggle to escape Wills’s lips. Mike’s head whips around to face the boy, his throat tightening slightly. Will notices the boy's eyes on him and gives him a worried look, but Mike just forces a smile and reaches forward taking a sip of water. At this Will turns back to watch as Steve huffs, having lost to the boy again.
Eddie grins smugly as he turns to the boys on the sofa before bowing, causing another giggle from Will.
Mike glares at him.
Raising an eyebrow, Eddie’s eyes flick between the two boys as his grin widens. Opening his mouth, he goes to say something but is cut off by another groan from the boy behind him.
“C’mon Harrington cheer up” he says, reaching up to ruffle the boy’s hair, “Besides… you know what they say about bowling.” he smirks, patting the boy’s shoulder.
A deep blush paints the boy's cheeks as Will tilts his head “What do they say?”.
“If you’re bad at bowling then you’re good in…-
Woah man what the hell” Steve swiftly wraps his arm around the boy as drags him towards the door.
“We’ve gotta go do...uh…Roommate stuff” Steve mumbles as he pushes the boy out the door.
Will chuckles, his attention now on Mike, “They’re…”
“Interesting”
“Yeah that’s one way of putting it” Mike snorts at this as he stretches out his legs, his knee bumping against the boy’s leg.
Suddenly a muffled ringer goes off as Mike feels a small vibration against his leg.
“I think your…uh” Mike moves his hand gesturing to where their thighs press together on the sofa.
“Oh…yeah…I’ll” Will mumbles, shuffling to grab his phone out of his pocket and unlocking it.
“Hi mum….Yeah I’m ok….Yeah he’s with me” Mike leans in slightly, subtly trying to eavesdrop. Will turns to the boy, letting out a small giggle before pressing a button.
“Karen and I are back from the town, we’re heading off soon so can you come back? I want to say goodbye!”
“Ok yeah we’ll head back now! See you soon!”
“Ok. Love you dear”
“I love you too”
Will ends the call and Mike stands up, putting his coat on as Will grabs his things, before heading to the kitchen.
As they walk past a room a loud bang, followed by a half whispered “Shit” comes from behind a door as people shuffle around the room. Will’s eyes widen slightly as his face flushes causing Mike to raise an eyebrow “You ok?” Will just nods, his pace quickening as he swings the kitchen door open.
“We're just heading off” he says as Max comes over to engulf him in a warm hug.
Mike stands awkwardly beside him as Lucas pulls him into a handshake, before pulling out his phone, “Here put your number in you guys should come over again” he smiles as Mike types in his number, before handing it back.
As Max releases Will, Lucas goes in for a hug patting a firm hand on the boy’s back. Max turns to face Mike giving him a forced smile patting him on the shoulder “Mike”. Mike chuckles at the girl's behaviour as a genuine smile slips past her lips.
“See you guys” Lucas and Max wave them off as they head back to their room.
Opening the door, Mike gasps.
“What?” Will cranes his head around curiously.
As they step into the doorway their eyes scan the room, the wooden floor now clear with the boxes packed away. The room felt bigger.
“Surprise!” their mums smile as they finish unpacking a suitcase of clothes.
Will beams hugging his mum tightly, relief now washing over him, “Thank you”
“No problem honey I know you get stressed when things are messy and we got back early and wanted to surprise you” she says, rubbing a warm hand against his back, as he squeezes her softly.
“I’m going to miss you”
“I’m going to miss you too, we all will, but we’re only an hour away” she reassures him, stroking a hand through his hair. “You can come home anytime!”
Will nods his head, nuzzling it closer into her embrace.
Pulling away eventually, he looks over at Mike whose head is tucked softly onto his mothers hair, as a small smile tugs at his lips. He looks so peaceful like this.
“Ok I better get going” Joyce says as Karen nods in agreement, and with one final hug they leave the boys, a small feeling of sadness washing over them as reality sets in.
Will lets out a small sigh as he collapses onto his bed, the fresh covers soft against his cheek.
“Shit I don't think I’ve ever stayed away from home longer than like a week” Mike mumbles sitting on the edge of his bed.
“Same” Will agrees, turning to face the boy. “Do you want to do something? To take our minds off it?”
Mike nods his head softly, leaning forward “What have you got in mind?”
Will smiles as he slides off of the bed and heads towards the cupboard beneath the tv. Rummaging around he lets out a small gasp, grabbing a DVD and pulling it out to show the boy.
“Dead Poets Society? I thought we were trying to make ourselves less depressed?” Mike chuckles slightly as Will grins.
“Oh come on. It’ll take our minds off it at least” Will says, placing the DVD into the player.
Walking back to his bed he sits down, his knees bumping Mike’s as he catches his gaze.
“Did you…uh…want to sit on my bed, we can see the screen better” Mike mutters, shuffling over to rest his back against the wall, his fingers tapping softly against his jeans.
Will smiles, nodding before shuffling over to sit on the edge of the bed.
“You can sit back...if you want” Mike says, his voice almost a whisper as Will nods again, pushing himself back to lean against the wall.
The bed isn’t small but it is definitely not meant for two people, which becomes evident as Will’s thighs press against the boy’s, their shoulders firmly brushing. The closeness makes his heart race.
As the familiar title appears on the screen Will lets out a small sigh, relaxing against the wall.
“I’m glad we're roommates” Mike blurts out as his lips curl into a grin.
“I’m glad too” Will looks up at the boy, warmth spreading throughout him as their eyes meet. Tracing his features with his eyes he notices the faint blush on the boy's cheeks.
He watches how Mike's mouth opens as if to say something before abruptly closing it. Leaning in he whispers “Go on.”
Mike lets out a shaky breath “If we’re still friends when we graduate can we promise to watch this film again? It can be like a little tradition?”
“If?” Will turns to face the boy, his eyes searching, as if in an attempt at reading his thoughts.
“I don't like being hopeful,” Mike whispers, his voice shaking as his smile fades.
“Crazy together right?” Will says, nudging the boy with his elbow softly. At this Mike’s body relaxes slightly leaning into him more.
Mike sighs, his lips curling slightly “Yeah...Crazy together.”