Archive of Our Own

November 1994

Will has had a very tiring day at work. Sometimes his job drains most of the energy he has. That usually happens to him because he has different desires. But he has to stick to what he's got. Some days he does not want to speak to anyone. If he were just an artist, it would not be hard. He can get lost while drawing. Sometimes this happens in his current work as well. Not often though.

Unfortunately, he cannot depend only on his art. His goal is to have his own gallery but to achieve that, he needs to focus and be patient, save some money. But that’s the problem. He has been patient all his life.

He was patient when he was just 7 and his parents were fighting.

He was patient when he was 12 and a demogorgon was outside the Castle Byers to kill him.

He was patient at the age of 13, when he had to deal with the mind flayer and the fact that it made him kill innocent people.

He was patient at the age of 14, when it felt like he was losing his friends and could do nothing about it.

He was patient at the age of 15, when he moved to California and could not be with any of his friends.

Then Vecna. Always being scared. Then Vecna again. He has even been patient while he was hurting. He had been waiting for Mike to come to him after El’s death. He needed it as much as Mike but he waited.

Being patient is all he has done. And sometimes it feels like too much. For once he needs his life to feel normal. He wants to be like other people.

Will does not usually think about this stuff often, but when he does, he always ends up crying his eyes out, pitying himself.

Today is the day. He starts spiraling about his life and what he had to endure. Lost in thought, he reaches his floor.

He sees movers with boxes next door. It was surprising at first but not anymore. His neighbours are constantly moving in and out. He cannot blame them. The walls are so thin, you can even hear their door opening and closing from Will’s apartment. If he can remember correctly, in the past six months three families have moved in and out next door. So he does not even bother to try and introduce himself to them anymore. Especially since he is only in his apartment at night and on the weekends.

Will looks at all the boxes just once and immediately goes to his apartment.

The first thing that crosses Will’s mind is that he needs to drink. So he opens his kitchen cabinet to find that whiskey one of his coworkers gifted him. The bottle is easy to detect. It is almost full.

Will takes the bottle out and pours some in a glass. He is hungry. He knows he should not drink it while his stomach is empty but cannot find the energy to make anything. So he keeps on drinking. To be honest, he barely drinks, so only two glasses are enough.

He only manages to brush his teeth and go directly to bed.

When he has his bad days, he usually cannot sleep well. But since he is kind of drunk, he does not have to overthink before falling asleep.

But even with the drink in Will’s body, his mind does not rest. So he naturally has nightmares. And nightmares are never easy for him. He ends up waking up in the middle of the night, screaming and lying in a puddle of sweat. Today is no exception.

He does not know what time it is when he wakes up screaming. The only thing he knows is that it’s still dark out. He is kind of happy that he woke up. Because his nightmares are worse than his thoughts. He usually goes back to Hawkins, all his insecurities come back. As if he has fewer insecurities now. Not much has changed since he became an adult. It is pathetic to think about.

Before he can continue his pity party, he hears several knocks on the wall. It is coming from a neighbouring apartment. He feels terrible. It is not the first time his screaming has woken someone up. Guess that person or family will not be staying there for long. Sometimes Will feels like they all run because of him. Because nobody can manage to be next to him, nobody can fix him.

And there, his thoughts come back. He tries to go back to sleep again but it’s too hard. He cannot control his mind. When he is finally able to sleep, the sun can already be seen in view.

Will wakes up with a headache. He realizes that he has not eaten for almost a day. It’s one of the reasons why his head hurts. So he forces himself to get up. He has no energy to make breakfast, or lunch, since it is already noon as the clock says.

He decides to go to the cafe near the building to eat something. When he opens the door, he finds a note stuck to his door.

“Sorry for the night. I should not have knocked on the wall. I was tired and wanted to sleep and you kinda woke me up. But I guess it was worse for you though. So I’m sorry. Truce?“

Will cannot believe what he is reading. Someone is actually apologizing to him about his nightmares? That is a first.

He reads the note again. His mind tries to tell him something but he cannot catch his thoughts. He is too hungry to think about anything other than food. But he still manages to go to his neighbour’s door.

He knocks and while waiting for it to open, looks at the note again. This person’s writing is very nice. It feels familiar in a way. But because of his hunger he still has no idea why the note feels different. That’s until the door opens. He opens his mouth to greet his neighbour but freezes instantly. Maybe he did not have enough sleep and now his mind is playing tricks? He can swear that it’s Mike who opens the door.

“Hey,“ Mike says before looking at the person who’s standing in front of him.

When he does not hear the response, he looks at the boy. Now he freezes with his mouth open. It’s like both boys are looking in the mirror, making the same expressions. He rubs his eyes, blinking rapidly, thinking he’s hallucinating.

“Will?” Mike finally manages to say. “What are you doing here?”

He does not let Will answer him. He opens his arms and hugs Will tightly. Will is tense at first. But as soon as he smells a familiar scent coming from Mike’s sweater, he relaxes into the hug. Will tries to memorize the moment since it’s been too long since their last conversation.

The hug lasts for more than a minute. But Will feels like it’s just a second. Mike steps back and looks up and down to see how Will has changed. Will does the same thing. Even though a lot of time has passed, he cannot see much difference in Mike's appearance. He is still the same boy that used to be so dear to him. He's still the same boy Will was desperately in love with.

“You look nice,” Mike smirks, his brown eyes glinting. Will used to get lost in those chocolaty eyes so much.

“Thank you,” Will feels the warmth creeping on his cheeks. “You too. It's like no time has passed.”

“What are you doing...” Mike starts, then corrects himself. “No, how are you here?”
“I actually live next door,” Will raises a hand showing Mike his note. “You want to have a good relationship with your neighbors? That's pretty cool.” Will offers him a small smile.

“I mean, I felt really bad, waking up. Will, you still suffer from…”

Before he can finish, Will's stomach makes noise so loud that it can be heard even outside the building.

“Are you hungry?” Mike smiles.

“Starving, actually,” Will sighs.

“Okay, let me grab a jacket. We can go eat somewhere. I would invite you in but still have a lot of unpacking to do. So there's nothing I can offer.” He speaks so fast, Will can hardly catch up with what he’s saying.

For a moment Mike goes back to his apartment. Will stands there, waiting patiently.

Pathetic, always so patient, his mind teases him. But he shoves those thoughts aside.

“Okay, I'm ready,” Mike rushes out. “Where should we go? I'm new here so you can lead. Meanwhile, we can catch up on everything.”

It feels like no time has passed. They walk and talk about their lives.

“Will?”

Mike stops for a moment and Will does the same. When he looks at the taller boy, he can see his eyes becoming round very similar to a puppy.

“Mike?”

“I missed you so much,” Mike looks like he can start crying any time. Will feels an arrow going right through his heart.

“I missed you too.” He manages to say, but his voice is very low, barely higher than a breath.

They stay still for a moment before Mike continues walking.

“Are you still in touch with the party?” Mike is too curious. He wants to absorb all the details about Will that he has missed.

“Not really, I guess.” Will scratches his neck uncomfortably. “I mean, during my second year of university I lived with Max and Lucas for a week. Saw Dustin several times when he was visiting Chicago. But it was ages ago.”

“You lived with Max and Lucas? Why?” Mike seems genuinely interested.

Will is embarrassed. He should not have brought it up. He is not sure how to tell him the truth.

“It's nothing. I needed to get away from the dorm before they were able to find me a new roommate.” He hopes that Mike will not go into details. But he's mistaken. This is Mike. Of course, he is interested in everything.

“A new roommate? What happened to the old one? Did he do something wrong to you?” Will can see that Mike is ready to fight for him. His heart skips a bit. He remembers vividly now, why he was so head over heels in love with him.

“No, nothing like that,” he looks at his feet, not able to face Mike's gaze. “We broke up, so…”

His mouth is very dry. He can no longer speak.

“Oh,” that's the only sound Mike manages to make.

“So Lucas and Max offered their place.”

“I feel so stupid Will. I should have been there for you.”

“You were in a different state.”

“I was your best friend. I still want to be your best friend. I should have reached out to you more. But it was a hard time for me too, I guess. But I'm sorry…”

“Please, don't be,” Will cuts him off. “We just grew apart, I understand it.”

“Does not mean I was right though.” Mike protests.

“I guess that's what life is.”

“Guess so.”

They keep on walking and reach a café. Before entering, Mike begins talking again.

“So this must be fate.”

“Huh?” Will stops in his tracks and looks at Mike.

“Us being neighbours,” Mike gestures between them. “I'm not going to make the same mistakes again. I'm going to be there for you. Whether you like it or not.”

“I'd like that,” Will offers him a sincere smile.

“Cool.” Mike returns the smile.

“Cool.”

They enter the café.

Two hours pass. They're in Mike's apartment, unboxing everything and trying to find the perfect spot for each item.

Will is on his knees, digging in a box full of papers.

“Do you still write?” He turns his head up toward Mike, who's unpacking his clothes.

“What's that question, William?” Mike shakes his head disapprovingly. “Would you like it if I asked, if you still draw?”

“I would not mind it. A lot can change in three years.”

“Well, not a lot of things change. And if they do, usually, for the better.” Mike smiles at him.

Will has a feeling that there's a hidden meaning behind those words but cannot grasp it.

“What do you do for a living?”

“You wanna know if I'm rich?” Mike smiles playfully.

“Yes, I intend on stealing from you. Too bad you cracked the secret meaning of that question.” Will can't help but laugh.

He thought that it would be strange - being around Mike after three years of not talking to each other. But it seems like no time has passed since they left Hawkins.

“If you are so eager to know, I write. But none of my books have been published yet. Everyone says I'm missing something. But they can't tell me what that something is.”

“Would you like my opinion about them?”

“I'm actually offended that you just asked that.” Mike grabs his chest dramatically as if Will has shot him in the heart.

“You're insufferable.” Will sighs and rolls his eyes, but his words are accompanied by small giggles.

“And as an actual paid job - I teach at the university.”

“That's so cool. You have a lot of students?”

“I only teach three separate classes.”

“So do they call you Professor Wheeler?” Will teases.

“Obviously.” Mike grins.

“Professor Wheeler, I hope you don't mind me criticizing your work. Or will I be in trouble?”

Will bites his lip and looks into his hands. He realizes what he just said and is embarrassed. Did he just try to flirt with Mike?

“It depends…” Mike begins and Will catches his glance. “How honest will you be about your feelings?”

Will has not realized that he's now standing. Worse - Mike is standing just two steps away from him. He can swear that his gaze darts to Will's lips for a second, before returning back to his eyes.

Will swallows loudly and licks his lips impulsively.

“I am always honest.” Will tries to say something neutral.

“If you say so.” Mike does not push him. “And what do you do?”

Will breathes heavily, relieved that the topic has changed.

“I still draw and try to make it for a living. But like your books, my drawings are not good enough either.”

“That's nonsense.” Mike says automatically.

“What? You have not even seen my recent works.”

“That's exactly why I'm saying it. I remember your paintings. They were already top tier back in the day. I am certain that your skills got even better after that.”

Will is now blushing from the compliment.

“That's not…” he does not even know what he's trying to say.

“Wait,” Mike searches the room for something. His gaze lands on one of the boxes. With four big steps, he's already at the box, diving right in. “You remember this, right?”

He pulls out a slightly discolored canvas. Will recognizes it right away. He freaks out but tries to stand still. Even though his mind is back in the van.

“Yes.” He answers with a trembling voice.

“You drew it when you were just 15. Almost 10 years have passed since that. You want me to believe that you're somehow worse? I love this painting so much. I take it everywhere I go.”

His throat tightens. He is unable to swallow.

“That's maybe because it has a lot of sentimental value for you.” Will finally mumbles. “Because of… El.”

“We both know that this painting has nothing to do with El.” Mike says strictly, catching Will's gaze.

“Of course it does…” Will is not sure who he's trying to convince Mike or himself.

“Will, you know that I loved El. I still do. These feelings will not change just because this painting did not come from her.”

“Oh.” Will is not able to say anything more.

“But I love you too. And I hate that you thought you needed to lie about this.”

Will is lost. He knows what Mike means. But his heart still skips a beat over hearing those words. He wishes these words meant something more, not just caring about a friend.

“I'm sorry.” He breathes out an apology.

“For what? I'm the one who feels terrible. If I were more attentive, you would not have to hide what you really felt. Remember our conversation on the tower?”

Will freezes. Remembering vividly how his heart stopped hearing those sharp words - best friends. His heart got broken into so many pieces. But he did not have time to grieve. Not really. Because not even four hours later El sacrificed herself. For Will it felt like the end of the world - losing one person who could understand him the most.

So he shoved his feelings for Mike, realizing that there was no way they could be together. He also wanted to respect his sister. Loving his boyfriend was already a terrible idea.

But standing here, in Mike's apartment, catching up on everything they've missed, he can't help but feel that same warmth he knows so well is coming back. He is still in love with Mike.

“Yeah,” he finally whispers, remembering that he needs to answer.

“I meant it.”

And now Will's heart is bleeding, as if being stabbed again by the same person.

“What?” he still manages to ask.

“That I should have been there for you.”

“Oh,” Will rasps.

“But we are going in the wrong direction here. This painting is not dear to me because a special person drew it. But because it is insanely detailed and well-executed.”

Special person, special person. These words keep darting in Will's mind.

“Thanks. But people obviously don't think like that.”

“Their loss.”

Will's cheeks turn pink again.

“So…” he tries to go back to the original topic. “I'm a tattoo artist.”

Mike's eyes widen. “That's so hot.” He clears his throat, embarrassed and tries to go on with the conversation. “Do you have any tattoos?”

“No, I'm very scared of needles.”

“Yes, I remember.” Mike lights up. “It is very amusing. Being a tattoo artist but afraid of needles.” Mike laughs genuinely. Will returns the smile. “Should we go back to unboxing?”

They keep on unpacking until it gets too late. Will goes back to his flat.

That night while lying in bed, Mike is flooded with memories of his childhood. Some are really nice, some are insufferable. There's one particular memory that keeps floating in his mind the most.

October 1985

Mike grabs a phone for maybe a hundredth time in that month. He dials the same number that he has memorized by heart. Sometimes he is thinking about something else, but his hands keep dialing the number itself like it’s a reflex.

The phone rings several times until a voice greets him from the other end.

“Hello, Byers’ house.”

“Jonathan,” Mike screams because he was not expecting anyone to pick up. Honestly most of the time he tries to reach them, either the line is busy or nobody’s home.

“Mike? Hey bud, how are you?”

“Fine. Are you all good?” he asks nonchalantly. He knows that he cannot ask directly about El, because it’s too dangerous. That’s why he keeps sending letters to El. But he can talk to Will.

“Yeah, yeah, we are all quite well.”

“Is Will there?” Mike can no longer wait; he needs to hear his best friend’s voice. “Can you call him to come?”

“Yeah, sure, just wait a moment.”

Mike can hear muffled voices and shuffling. He is very nervous. To calm his nerves, he begins counting. It has kind of become his habit during the past year.

Almost a full minute later someone picks up a phone.

“Mike,” Will screams loudly. Mike can’t help but giggle.

“William,” he suddenly sounds amused. “Is that your manners? I can no longer hear in my left ear.”

“Sorry, I did not mean to…” Will goes very quiet.

“Come on, I am kidding.” Mike starts giggling again. He can feel that Will’s also about to giggle. “How are you?”

“Umm, fine, I guess. You?”

“Now great.”

“Cool.”

“Cool.” Mike repeats.

There’s a silence before any of them think of what they can say.

“So… How’s school?” Mike is the first one to break the silence.

“It’s…” Will takes a long time to answer. He thinks about what he should and should not say. He does not want to seem pathetic. But decides otherwise. It’s Mike, his best friend. “It’s not that bad, I guess. Even though I have not really made any friends. Jonathan and I are surviving it together.” He wants to say El’s name as well but decides otherwise. “All of us are together, so we don’t feel alone.”

“Their loss if they cannot see such an amazing person. I’m pretty sure they’ll eventually come to their senses and get in line to become your friend.”

“Mike, stop it.” Mike can hear Will laughing. “They don’t care about me. But it’s sweet of you to encourage me.”

“When you find new friends, don’t forget to mention me. They should know that your best friend’s spot is already taken.”

Will laughs sincerely, Mike can feel it.

“Of course, I will walk to school with a poster saying – BEWARE, MICHAEL WHEELER IS MY BEST FRIEND.”

Now Mike is the one who cannot breathe. He laughs so loudly.

“I was not expecting anything less. Eight years of friendship needs to be showcased like that.”

“Oh, and you walk with the same poster in Hawkins High?” Will is still smiling.

“No, dummy. I make Dustin and Lucas scream that you are my best friend every time someone tries to approach us.”

“After hearing that, I’m happy that I only have to carry a poster, nothing more.” Will feels like he has not smiled this much for a long time.

“So how’s Cali?” Mike tries to go on with the conversation.

“Okay, I guess. You remember, I always used to be cold in Hawkins?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Mike does the same thing, repeating his words.

“I am finally warm. It is nice not being afraid that anything is… wrong with me” Will begins playing with the phone cord. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I know. But even here, nothing was wrong with you. You know that, right?”

Will does not answer the question. Just continues his thoughts. “That’s the only advantage. But I sometimes get bored. I cannot cope with the heat, even though my mind needs it for confirmation, my body hates it. I am always sweaty.” He takes a deep breath. “I miss Hawkins. In general, and just the weather as well.” He finally admits.

“I…” Mike struggles to come up with anything to say. “I remember it from your letter. You missing clouds…” His mind goes elsewhere. He knows that he should address it but he’s too afraid. Even though less than 5 minutes ago they were so proud of being each other’s best friends. “The truth is… since you left…” He gathers courage, does not think or he will never say it. “I have been missing the sun.”

He realizes what he says after the words have already left his mouth. He can hardly breathe now. He does not know if Will caught the deep meaning of his words. Now he’s too afraid again.

“Sorry, Will, mom is asking to make a call to Nana. I need to go. Call you later, okay?”

He can no longer wait for the answer.

“Okay.” Will’s voice is low. Mike can feel that he is very disappointed. He can’t stand it. “Goodbye Mike.”

“Goodbye Will.”

Mike feels stupid. He does not fully understand why he's being so awkward. He is fed up with his emotions that keep on flooding him. It's too much to handle. He feels like he is betraying Will.

He fidgets with a phone cord for a while, listening to the static sound coming from it. When he feels like his ears are bleeding, he hangs up.

December 1994

Days go by. Working days usually end with two boys hanging out in each other's apartments. On the weekends they sometimes grab a drink or go into town for sightseeing.

“You seem happy today.” Mike's mood instantly lightens up as he sees Will pouring coffee in a mug.

“Good day to you too.” Will laughs.

They have each other's spare keys, so it is not strange to see Mike in his apartment so early.

“What's the reason for that?” Mike is insistent.

“Jonathan called me. He's coming over in a few days. It's just for a day but I am very excited. I really miss him.”

“Will he be staying here?”

“Yes, that's the best part.”

“But where will he sleep?”

“On the couch?”

“Wait, Will. You know that my apartment has a spare bedroom, right? He can stay there.”

“Would that not be weird?”

“Why exactly? Need I remind you that you guys stayed in our house for 18 months?” Mike cocks his head, highlighting “18”.

“Asshole.” Will chuckles, sipping his coffee.

“That's not a nice way to speak.” Mike's eyes narrow.

“Sorry, Professor Wheeler. I swear, I'll behave next time.” Will teases Mike.

“You could be in so much trouble.”

“But I'm your favourite student.” Will looks at Mike with his pretty face, knowing exactly what he's doing.

“Ah, you know me so well.” Mike tries to laugh, breathing heavily.

“Actually, I have an idea.”

Mike does not answer, just raises his eyebrows signaling Will to continue.

“Jonathan does not know that you live next door. We can prank him.”

“I'm invested.” Mike leans on the table toward Will, mischief written in his eyes.

The day before Jonathan visits is the day Mike finally overcomes his fear and shows Will his new novel.

“So I still don’t know the name of it. It’s a work in progress. Here are a few pages that I’ve finished. But I think I’m going insane. Could you read it and give me your honest opinion?” Mike hands several pages to Will nervously.

Will takes and treats them like a treasure.

“Don’t you have a typewriter?” Will asks.

“Yeah, but I prefer writing by hand. It comes more naturally to me,” he gets lost in his thoughts for a minute. “Sorry, my handwriting is terrible, I should type it and then show you…” His voice is trembling, his hands shaking.

“Mike, are you alright?” Will puts down the novel and wraps his hands around Mike’s. “Look at me. It’s okay. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“What if…” Mike mumbles. “What if you don’t like it? And I realize that I’ve wasted all this time for nothing? That I am a terrible writer and I actually have no fucking clue what I should do with my life.”

“Mike, will you look at me?” He sighs at Mike’s stubbornness.

“Why?” His voice becomes shaky.

“That way you’ll realize that I am not lying to you.”

Mike looks up. Will is looking at him with so much care that he thinks he can melt right in that spot. He gets lost in Will’s hazel eyes filled with hope and warmth.

“That’s better.” Will assures him, corners of his mouth turning up into a smile. “There are those beautiful eyes of yours.” Will blushes with embarrassment over the words he just said but keeps on going. “Remember what you told me about my drawing?”

Mike nods his head with no energy at all.

“It works both ways.” Will continues. “There was a reason why we always chose you as a dungeon master. Your campaigns were unbelievable. I don’t think Lucas, Dustin and I all together could come up with anything that exceptional. So I’m sorry but you are mistaken. I imagine you only got better after that.”

Mike’s heart is now filled with warmth with all the praise Will had given him.

“There could be some things that need rework but it does not mean that you are terrible at it.”

“Yeah?” Mike finally manages to say.

“Yeah,” Will smiles and Mike is now breathless. He knows for sure that Will has the sweetest smile in the entire world. His bunny teeth are showing between his lips.

Mike never knew that he had so much self-control. He wishes he could just reach up and lick Will’s mouth, push his tongue in and go over each tooth, tasting him.

But he is a human after all. When Will is touching him and looking at him with love, he can control himself only so much. His hands cup Will’s face, resting on his cheeks. Will freezes immediately and stops breathing.

Mike realizes that this situation should be disgusting. Cupping his best friend’s face, wanting to kiss him, devouring him so that everyone knows who he belongs to. But nothing has felt more natural in his life. Maybe there’s still hope. Maybe there’s a slight chance that Will still has feelings for him.

“Will, I…” Mike does not know what he’s going to say. It does not matter since the apartment is filled with the ringtone of Will’s phone. They wake up from the trance. Mike does not know what to do with his hands so he puts them in his jeans’ pockets.

Will does not look at him, crossing distance to the phone with two long strides.

“Yes,” He exhales.

Mike does not hear anything Will is saying. He is looking at him stunned. Will is wearing a grey sweater and jeans. That’s enough to take Mike’s breath away. Will is facing the phone and cannot see Mike. That gives Mike time to check him out without any fear. He already felt like he was dreaming when Will knocked on his door.

There he is - his best friend from childhood. They have shared so much trauma. They have shared so many good moments together. Somehow they lost contact with each other. But now life gives Mike one more chance to get his shit together. He can be there with Will. That’s the only thing he does not want to change. Ever.

He remembers one specific night from his sophomore year. He was in his dorm room with his friends. They were drinking and talking.

“So what’s the deal with that?” Paul - his roommate - pointed a beer bottle to the painting on the wall.

“My best friend Will drew it for me. My girlfriend at the time asked him to.”

“Wow, that is so cool,” Sarah was awestruck. “Your friend is very talented.”

“I know,” Mike said proudly. His heart ached from the memories of his childhood. God, he missed the party. He missed El. He missed Will.

“What story is it telling?” Now Linn was invested as well.

“Oh, it’s our D&D characters - that’s Lucas, Dustin, Will and me.” Mike stood up and individually pointed to each character.

“You are wearing your heart. You are a lover boy?” Paul teased dancing his eyebrows.

“It’s personal, I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“That girlfriend must have loved you so much. Asking for your best friend to draw something like that. And you are the leader with a heart.”

“She did.” Mike sighed and drank all the beer he had left.

He crossed the room and opened another bottle.

“Wow, Wheeler, you sure are going to be drunk.”

“Shut up.” Mike said without any heat.

“I don’t get it.” Linn spoke, thinking about something.

“What?”

“Why isn't your girlfriend in the painting?”

“Well, because…” Mike paused for a moment. “She did not know anything about D&D.”

“That’s strange.”

They changed the subject of their conversation. Mike got carried away.

El did not know shit about D&D. Even if she had asked Will to draw something to Mike, how could she say that she wanted this? This surely came from Will. El did not know about Mike the Brave, or Will the Wise. So Will drew everything in detail all by himself. He drew a heart on his armour. He believed that Mike was the heart, not El. And he was the one who was afraid of being different.

Now his mind was spiraling. How could he be this oblivious? Why did he not catch it right then and there? He was not stupid. Yet he had to be spoonfed to really think about it. He was the worst.

His mind was filled with different thoughts, remembering past occurrences. Suddenly it specifically stopped on one thought - at the radio station. Will’s coming out. He said that he had a crush on his friend. Did he mean Mike?

God, he was so stupid, he almost began banging his head against the wall.

Once everyone had left the room he practically ran to the phone.

He dialed the number and started waiting. He wanted to hear Will’s voice. He wanted to ask if he lied about the painting.

“Yes?” The voice that he heard was not familiar.

“Hello, is Will there?”

“No, he’s staying somewhere else for some time.”

“Oh, do you know where?”

“I have no idea. Look, I am in a rush, I wish I could help. Do you want to leave a message for him? I am moving out but still could leave a post-it note.”

“No, no, it’s not necessary. Thank you. Bye.”

Mike slammed the phone.

He was shaking. He went directly to the bed but was unable to sleep.

The whole night Mike spent thinking about the past, every fact that did not line up before, making perfect sense now. It’s like he was missing one puzzle piece. And now everything clicked in place.

El wrote something about Will painting lately, not wanting to show her. She thought that it was for a girl he liked.

Will gave that painting to him, lying about who was behind it.

There could be another painting. But it’s a slim chance.

Will spoke about his feelings, not El’s.

Will took that painting with him in such a hurry. It was important for him.

Will admitted he had a crush in front of all people.

Mike did not know when he began crying, but once he realized it, he couldn’t stop.

“It was Jonathan.” Mike’s thoughts are cut short by an angelic voice. It’s Will, of course it is. “He is leaving early. So he’ll be here tonight.”

Mike can tell that Will is excited.

“How long has it been since you guys have seen each other?” He finally manages to say. His throat feels too dry.

“Over six months. When did you last see Nancy? Or Holly?”

“I cannot even remember.” Mike sighs and covers his face with his hands.

“Don’t you miss them?”

“All the time. But there’s always something stopping us,” he sighs. Of course he misses his family. But he feels like he needs distance from them.

“Maybe you could go back to Hawkins for Christmas?” Will suggests.

“No, they already know that I’m not going. I want to build my life without being too dependent on my family.”

“Yeah, but you don’t need to erase them from your life because of that.”

“I know. So I guess you’re going to spend Christmas with Joyce and Hopper?” Mike waits for the answer impatiently.

“No, that’s one of the reasons why Jonathan is visiting now. He knows that he won’t see me on the 25th.”

“Okay.”

They are quiet for some time. Will moves his head and scratches his neck. At that moment something shines, catching the sun ray.

“Wait,” Mike freezes. “Do you have an…” He is unable to speak.

“What?” Will does not realize what he is talking about.

“Earring?” Mike points at Will’s ear.

“‘Yes. One of my coworkers pierced it for me. You haven’t noticed it before?” Will smiles.

“No,” Mike is still stunned. “Oh my god, who are you and what have you done to my best friend?”

Will chuckles.

“It’s still me.”

“But you are so much cooler now. Way cooler than me.” Cooler? He wants to say hotter. But he cannot.

Will blushes, averting his eyes.

“Mike…”

Will says his name like he’s the most important person to him. That’s it. Mike thinks he just died. And he is scared that his eyes somehow are turned into hearts.

He has a mission now. He must find out if Will still has feelings for him. Or is he simply too late and doomed to be in love with his best friend for the rest of his life.

“Does your boyfriend like it?” He mumbles without even realizing it.

“What?” Will is shocked. “What made you think that?... I don’t have a boyfriend.” He manages to say at last. His eyes are wide with shock. He was not expecting the conversation to go that way.

“Really? How?” Mike is actually surprised.

“Like that. There’s nobody that I like.” He says instantly, not wanting to think about it.

“Oh, I see…” Mike is sure he’s now looking like a sad puppy. “Nobody to like.” He is fucked.

“What about you?”

Now Mike is startled. How can he answer?

“It’s too complicated.”

“What is?”

“I have not really dated anyone after... El.”

“Oh, I see.” Now Will is saying the exact same thing.

“Not just because of her death. I needed time to get to know myself. What I really wanted. Who I wanted to be with.”

“And now you know?”

“Oh, for sure.” Mike looks at Will with a smirk.

“Okay,” Will says awkwardly. “I will now…” He searches the room for an escape plan. “I’ll read your novel.”

“That’s a cruel way to get rid of me.” Mike laughs.

“I know.”

Will is eager to read what Mike has written. Mike has seen his paintings before. But it's the first time Will is seeing his writing.. So he is absorbing every detail.

He gets carried away. He does not realize how he ends up in front of the blank canvas, with brush in hand.

His mind is going elsewhere. He remembers the touch from several hours ago. What was Mike going to do? Why did he cup his face? Was he going to kiss him?

Will sighs. That can’t be true. Mike was just caught in his thoughts for sure. Why would he want to kiss Will? Even though that is everything Will wished in that moment, he realized that it would make everything weird. Mike would be weirded out. And yet again their friendship would be ruined.

He pushes those thoughts and continues to draw.

When he finally stops, it’s already time to go to the train station.

Jonathan steps out of the train with a small backpack. It’s been a long time since he’s been to Chicago. A lot has changed. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that a boy is waiting for him. He's waving at him with sparkles in his eyes.

They hug for over a minute.

“How are you?” Jonathan is the first to speak.

“Great. You?” Will seems dazed. He does not want to stay far from his brother.

“Now okay. I missed you so much, Will.” Jonathan offers the boy a smile. Will looks almost the same. But something is different now. He cannot guess what it is.

“I missed you too.”

They catch a taxi. On the way to Will’s apartment they try to catch up with everything.

“Wait, are you saying that you are now a tattoo artist?” Jonathan turns to his side and opens his mouth with shock.

“Yeah.” Will laughs because it's the third time Jonathan is asking this.

“Sorry, I just cannot believe that my little brother is torturing other people.”

“Jonathan,” Will’s laughter echoes in the taxi. “I am not torturing anyone. They pay me and I draw what they want. It’s more of a service.”

“You cannot convince me.” Jonathan is happy to see Will smile. He has seen disappointment and sadness on his face too many times. If anyone deserves to be happy, it’s his little brother. He has cried too much. His life should be filled with sunshine and flowers.

When they enter the apartment, Jonathan sees nothing different. It’s like no time has passed. He roams his gaze around the room to inhale every detail.

“You're working on a drawing?” His eyes land on the easel.

“Yes, I read something today and got so into it that I began painting.”

“That happens a lot?” Jonathan is genuinely interested.

“No, very rarely. I feel like I don't have enough time to draw anymore,” Will says with disappointment.

“Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You are young. You'll figure it out.” Jonathan tries to ease him.

“Thanks,” Will smiles at him.

“How are Sam and Jackie?” Jonathan suddenly asks and sits down on a couch.

“Who?” Will stops for a moment. He cannot remember who Jonathan means.

“Your neighbors.”

Will smiles mischievously. There could not have been a better way to bring this topic into a conversation.

“Oh, they moved a while ago. I cannot believe that you remember them. After them that apartment cannot find a permanent tenant. It's empty.”

“Oh, don't you feel alone?”

“I am barely here. Only on weekends and sometimes when I don't have work. So it does not feel strange. Being alone is actually better. I can work on other things.”

“Like drawing,” Jonathan smiles and nods his head toward the canvas.

“Exactly.” Will returns the smile. “I know that it's late but do you want to eat?”

“No, I'm very tired. I want to sleep. Scratch that, I need sleep. I need all the energy for tomorrow. I've missed you too much to be like a zombie around you.” Jonathan says words without realizing it. Will flinches slightly but tries to forget that feeling. Hearing that word still makes him uncomfortable.

“Okay, you can go to the bathroom and change. I left an extra toothbrush, toothpaste and soap in there. Towels are new as well.”

Jonathan laughs.

“What?” Will is confused.

“When did you grow up so fast? Now I feel like I'm the younger brother.”

“Well, you have been taking care of me for your whole life. Now it's my turn to pay you back.”

“Will, you don't have to pay anything back.” The older boy gets serious quickly. He does not want Will to feel obliged.

“I know, I want to. You've always been caring for us. At that time I thought that was your job. But now I realize that it wasn't.”

“It was hard. Being a father figure to you. And being the only “adult” male in the house.” His voice is bittersweet. He seems to remember the past.

“You were a teenager. I wish I realized it sooner. I was a pain in the ass.”

“No you weren't,” Jonathan smiles. “Okay, maybe you were. Yes, I did not want to have that kind of childhood. But I did not want you to think that any of that was your fault. I won't lie, it was very exhausting. I had to think about more stuff than any other teenager, I had to work at that age and still be a good brother. It changed me, made me more depressed, miserable even. But I want you to know that it was not your fault. There was nothing you could do about it.”

“Jonathan,” Will hugs him. He's never seen Jonathan so vulnerable. Yes, they were brothers but usually Will was the one with the problems. He didn’t have time to notice how hard his brother’s life actually was. “I want you to know that you are the best brother I could wish for. You made my life so much easier.”

“I know. That's what kept me motivated. That's what kept me going. You always looked at me like I could hang the moon. And that's all I needed. You were looking up to me.” Jonathan pauses. “When I thought that you were dead, something in me died as well. Something very bright.” Now he is crying.

“I'm so sorry.” Will is sobbing as well. “I did not mean to hurt you.”

“It's not your fault. And everything worked out in the end. Right?” He moves back to look Will in the eyes. He tries to smile, still teary-eyed. “ I want you to know that I will always be there for you. No matter what.”

“I know.” Will smiles. “I'll be there for you too.”

“Have you been watching Friends?” Jonathan asks and it's enough to break the tension. Both boys are now laughing and snorting.

“Okay, go to the bathroom, or I will. And I will take all my time…” Will smiles again.

“Got the memo.” Jonathan takes his backpack and escapes to the bathroom.

When he wakes up, Will is already in the kitchen.

“Good morning, I made breakfast. Wanna join?”

“Okay, I feel like a kid again.”

“We've already talked about this at night.” Will seems to be in a good mood. He is standing at the table. Jonathan’s mouth waters seeing all the food.

“Okay, I'll shut my mouth. Give me five minutes.”

Jonathan goes to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He hears something from the next apartment.

“Will, are you sure, nobody lives there?” He asks when he leaves the bathroom.

“Yes, why?” Will tries to keep his face still.

“I'm certain, I heard something.”

“Maybe mice?”

“Maybe.”

They eat silently.

“So what have you planned for today?” Jonathan asks, washing his glass.

“I thought we could stay here? We could talk, watch a movie or something.”

“Okay, so you don't have a plan.” He laughs.

“That is the plan.” Will tries to defend himself.

They hear something heavy drop in the next apartment. Will does not react to it, as if he has not noticed anything.

“Did you hear that?” Jonathan asks.

“Hear what?” Will is looking at his brother innocently.

“You did not hear it? Like somebody dropped something?”

“No. As I said, nobody lives there.”

Jonathan is suspicious but tries to forget it. That is until he hears the door being shut only after ten minutes.

“Okay, Will. Don't say that you did not hear that either.”

“Jonathan, maybe you did not sleep well?” Will suggests.

“I slept perfectly. Are you playing with me?”

“No, why would you think that?” Will looks offended.

“Okay, so you don't mind if I check?”

Before Will can say anything, Jonathan is already knocking on the door. Will catches up. That's when Mike opens the door.

“Okay, Will, maybe I really didn’t sleep well last night,” He looks at his brother. “I am now hallucinating.”

“Hi,” Mike says with a cocky smile. “You look scared. Have you seen a ghost?”

Jonathan cannot believe it until he touches him.

“You two are cruel, you know?” He looks specifically at neither of them. “I thought I was going crazy.”

“Well, you should have seen Mike's face when he saw me for the first time.” Will cannot remove that smug smile from his face.

“You were not any better.” Mike bites back.

So they end up going to Mike's apartment, Jonathan asking them how they ended up being neighbours.

“Will actually made me believe that the sounds I heard were mice.”

“Mice, huh?” Mike looks at will with a mischievous grin.

“I could not think of anything else.”

Jonathan catches their gaze, remembering how Will used to look at Mike. But now he sees the same expression on Mike's face. He smiles. Then walks back and forth in the apartment.

“Wait,” he stops at a guest room. “You are telling me, I could have slept on an actual bed but you two were too eager to play a prank on me? My back muscles are very mad at you right now.”

Mike and Will can't help but giggle and steal glances with each other.

“It's my fault. I asked Will and he could not say no.” Mike says without thinking.

“Mike…” Will looks at him and wants to ask why he's lying.

“Don't be mad at him.” Mike finishes.

Will can't help but feel warmth in his heart. He offers him a small smile.

“You can sleep here tonight. In fact, I can swap a bedroom with Will. That way you guys would be sleeping in the same apartment.” He looks at Will hopefully.

“Mike, I cannot ask you to do that.”

“No, I am offering. Jonathan, what do you think?”

Jonathan is quiet for a while. He looks at both boys and cannot make up his mind.

“It's your apartment, Mike. I appreciate your offer, but I was kidding. I can sleep on a couch.”

“No, you two are staying here tonight. End of discussion.” Mike raises his voice. “I've already changed the sheets in both bedrooms anyway.” He says nonchalantly.

They end up watching The Nightmare Before Christmas. All three sit on the couch with Will in the middle.

Jonathan is leaning against the handle. He looks at the boys. Even though Mike has plenty of room to the other side, he still sits close to Will - their legs touching and arms brushing against each other. They don't seem uncomfortable though. The opposite could be said - it feels like they are the only people in that room. Jonathan knows that feeling too well. It's how he used to be around Nancy.

“I'm thirsty.” Will says suddenly and tries to get up.

“I'll bring it.” Mike is already standing up. “I needed it as well. We should stay hydrated, you know.” He says too quickly without breathing. “Do you want anything?” He darts his gaze toward Jonathan.

“Thank you, I'm alright.” Jonathan just smiles at him.

He has been observing these boys for a while already. He knows that Will loves Mike and it shows in small details - trying to steal a glance when Mike's not looking, or trying to be as close as possible. But he is subtle. The same could not be said about Mike. His actions practically scream that he is irrevocably in love with Will.

“So if you are living here alone, why do you need a spare bedroom?” Jonathan asks a logical question once Mike is back.

“It's really nothing. The last place that I was renting was a nightmare. It had all kinds of fauna you can imagine. I had to leave it as soon as possible. This was my only option, even though it's a bit expensive. I was going to look for another apartment. But then I changed my mind.”

Jonathan catches up on why he does not want to change his living space anymore. He does not push him but has a perfect idea.

“You guys should rent this apartment together. It has two bedrooms, you practically are living together already. You know each other. And it will save you both money.”

Will thinks about it. That makes total sense. But he already is on the edge, knowing Mike is just a wall away. He cannot imagine what it will be like living with him.

“Wow, I don't know why I have not thought about it.” Mike is very enthusiastic about the idea. “I would not mind it. In fact, I would love it. But maybe Will has a lot of stuff? I don't want him to feel too crowded. I don't want to be the reason why his inspiration has been shut down.” He looks at Will shyly.

“I'll think about it.” It's the only thing Will manages to say under the scrutiny.

“Good.” Jonathan finally says.

When the movie ends, they decide to play a board game. Mike is in the lead but very suspiciously loses to Will. Jonathan is watching with amusement, interested in what else can that boy do to prove his feelings for Will.

When the nighttime comes, Mike leaves the Byers brothers in his apartment and goes over to Will's.

He takes spare clothes and a bag for work since he has early classes. He says goodbye to Jonathan and asks him to visit more. Jonathan instead invites him and Will to visit him sometime.

When he enters Will's apartment, he can hear mumbles from his place. He does not want to listen in on them so he tries to occupy his mind with something.

He lazily heads for the bedroom. On the way he sees something unnatural but familiar. He stops abruptly and gets close to it.

There is his novel being painted by one of the most talented people he's ever seen. It is not finished, but he can clearly identify what scene it is. Father sitting at his son's grave, looking at the 500 lbs stone that killed his son. On that stone sits the same person, but meaner. The one that told all the terrible things to his son. Who was the reason why the son is dead now.

Mike is stunned. His hands twitch. He desperately wants to go back to his apartment, push into Will's private space and rain him in kisses.

That is the most beautiful thing he has drawn so far. And Mike is at a loss for words. Maybe he really is a good writer.

Suddenly he has an urge to continue that novel. So he takes blank papers and a pen from his bag, sits at the table and writes.

He gets so carried away that he does not realize when the voices go quiet in his apartment. He still goes on until he's finished writing.

He can barely open his eyes but still takes a look at the alarm clock. It's 4:07 a.m.

“Shit, I need to sleep.”

He does not make it to Will's bed, so instead he lies on the sofa which is too small for his long body. He does not mind it though.

When the alarm goes off, it feels like he has not slept at all. He leaves the apartment like a zombie not realizing that he’s left his novel on Will's desk, near the painting.

Jonathan and Will don't have a lot of time in the morning. Jonathan’s’ train leaves at 11 a.m. So when they enter Will's apartment for some cash, nothing catches his eye.

“When did Mike give you his keys?” Jonathan asks casually.

“Two weeks ago, I think. He has my keys as well.”

“That's cute. You two are very cute.” Jonathan says and Will instantly blushes.

“We'll be late, come on.”

“Wait,” Jonathan stops in his tracks. “Was it here yesterday?”

“What?” Will looks at him with disbelief.

“I left your desk empty.”

“Maybe Mike forgot his students’ work. I'll give it to him.” He reaches for the papers and realizes what it is instantly. “No, it's his novel he's been working on.”

“That was the inspiration for your painting?” Jonathan immediately connects the dots.

“How…” Will is shocked.

“Well, I learned a lot of things while I was dating Nancy. So don't underestimate my abilities to be a good detective.” He smirks. “You should read it on the way. I don't mind it.”

Will wants to ask him a question but finally agrees.

Their ride is very quiet. The only sound that can be heard is the sound of pages flipping.

“So, you and Mike…” Jonathan begins once they are at the station.

“What?” Will looks at him confused.

“Are you two togeth…”

“No, God. Jonathan.” Will cuts in before he can finish the question. “How could you think that?” His face is as red as a beetroot.

“I don’t know. The way you speak, care for each other. Will, he looks at you like you are the sun and he’s a sunflower.”

“Jonathan, that is why you've been pushing us to move in together, haven't you?” Will's jaw drops.

“I always knew that you were a smart boy.” He laughs. “Listen, I am sure there is something more going on. You still have feelings for him, right?”

“Yes,” Will shyly admits.

“Good, ‘cause I’m sure it is reciprocated. Go for it Will.”

“No, Jonathan. It can’t be.”

“Why, because you don’t deserve to be loved? Let me tell you, you are the best person I know. You deserve to be happy. I know it, Mike knows it. And I am certain the one person that can make you happy is now waiting for you to go back there.”

“He’s at work, not waiting for me.”

“Not what I meant. Will, I’ve known you for 23 years. So you can say that I understand you pretty well, is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’ve known Mike for 18 years. So I can say that I also understand him pretty well. So I am very certain when I am saying this - he loves you. Stop wasting your time. Tell him the truth.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“I know,” Jonathan pats his shoulder. “You are scared. Because he’s your best friend and you don't want to lose him. But trust me, he thinks the same. That’s why that stupid ass cannot be brave enough to ask you out. Because he’s scared.”

“Jonathan…” He is so red, he can compete with the stop light.

“Okay, I’ll drop it. But I am warning you. You better do it before I visit again. Otherwise I am telling him everything and I will not be nice about it.”

“Okay, Jonathan, I heard everything clearly. Now go, or your train will leave without you.”

“If only I had more time… I could give him a talk.”

“Jonathan,” Will is embarrassed.

“Okay, okay, I’m done. Come here.” He hugs Will tightly. “Take care of yourself. I love you.”

“I love you too. Call me when you’re home.”

“On your number or Mike’s?” He starts laughing. Will shoves him but is smiling as well.

“I hate you.”

“Yeah, right. Bye Will.”

“Bye Jonathan.”

Will stands there, watching his brother being taken from him by a train and distance.

From the train station, he goes directly to work. It has been amazing having his brother with him. But after he leaves, he has an empty space in his heart. He gets very emotional.

That is why he wakes up again with the nightmares that night. Will is sweaty yet again, screaming his lungs out. He is sobbing in his bed when he hears a door opening.

“Will, are you alright?” Mike steps in with worry written all over his face.

Will can’t speak. He just shakes his head.

“Do you wanna tell me what you saw?” Mike sits on the bed and hugs Will tightly.

Will continues sobbing for a while in Mike’s chest.

“I sometimes wish that I never said yes,” he starts trembling.

“What?” Mike freezes.

“In kindergarten,” Will adds, almost inaudible.

Mike’s heart skips a bit. He thinks he can no longer breathe.

“Why?” Mike asks, but it comes out in a strange voice. It feels like someone else is speaking.

“That way you wouldn’t be in such a mess. You would just be a normal kid. Wouldn’t have to worry about monsters, getting killed, about… m…” he cannot finish, his sob turns into a cry.

“You?” Mike gulps. “Will, please look at me,” he tries to catch Will’s gaze. He hooks a hand under his chin and lifts his head until they are looking at each other. “I don’t want my life to be easy. Not if I don’t have you inside it. I don’t want a peaceful life without you. I don’t want a life without… you.”

Will stops sobbing. In fact, he stops breathing.

“Even if you had a chance, you wouldn’t… wouldn’t change it? Would you still ask me, if I wanted to be friends?” he’s still unsure.

“Will, do you remember me saying that I missed the sun?”

“Yes?” It comes out as a question because Will does not know what this has to do with anything.

“Except, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“What?” Will is sure he can no longer think, because nothing makes sense anymore.

“I mean, I did. But not only the sun. I meant…” Mike swallows very audibly. “I meant you.”

Will’s jaw drops with shock. Surely he did not mean that. He thinks for a while and relaxes against Mike’s chest, hugging him tighter.

“What was the nightmare about?” Mike is talking with the sweetest voice.

“About us, how I hurt everyone.”

“What? You did not hurt anyone.”

“That’s not true. I hurt all of you guys. You had to fight monsters because I was too weak. You lost your childhood.”

“And you did not? Will, you were a child too. And you were the furthest from weak. In fact, you’re the strongest person I know.” Mike unconsciously begins sliding his hand up and down Will’s hair.

“But I killed those people in the tunnels.” Will cannot stop. He is shaking.

“Will, you were possessed, you could not control it.”

“Yeah, ‘cause I was weak.” His voice cracks.

“No, you fought against him. God, you were a genius to communicate with us with the help of morse code. I always knew that you were the smartest person in our AV club. Not Dustin, not Lucas, not me. You.”

“That’s not true.” He tries to protest. But Mike does not let him.

“Yes it is. And if you’ll keep on downgrading yourself, be prepared. I can counterattack.”

Will looks up to him with confusion. Mike stops breathing. Even though Will is helpless now, he still looks breathtaking.

“You are a terrible judge of yourself. You don’t realize how amazing you are. I am telling you one more time. In every universe, with every chance I have, I would still choose to be your friend. Because it means I get to know you and spend time with you.”

“Thank you, Mike.”

“Anytime.” he smiles at Will, standing up.

“Could you…” Will starts, stopping immediately.

“Could I what?”

“Stay? I don’t think I can sleep tonight.”

“Okay,” Mike answers too quickly. “Just give me a minute, I have not locked my door.”

Mike leaves for a moment. Will can hear his footsteps, the door locking, then his footsteps again.

Mike enters the room but instead of getting closer to the bed, he goes to the closet, opening it.

“What are you doing?” Will is confused.

“You need to change. You’re all sweaty.” He sits down on the bed with a new t-shirt. “Alright, sit up.”

Will obeys him before realizing what is going to happen next.

Mike grabs the ends of his t-shirt and helps him get rid of it. Now Will is shirtless on the bed, breathing heavily.

Mike tries not to look at him for too long but is defeated by the beauty of the boy. He lingers his gaze on every part of the boy's body, studying every detail. Perfect, he thinks to himself and blushes immediately.

Before he does something terrible, something irreversible, he helps Will to put on a new tee.

“There, feel better?” Mike smiles at him.

“A little.” Will admits looking at his feet. He’s unable to look at Mike. He knows that if he does, he will not be able to stop. That is wrong. He knows it. But Mike is treating him like he is the most precious thing in the world. He falls in love with him even more, even though he thinks it is impossible.

“Now, scoot over,” Mike tells him with a shaky voice. His heart is pounding loudly.

Will tries not to think about what he has asked, freeing up space for his “BEST FRIEND”. He tries to repeat those words, as if he’s trying to lie to his mind not to think romantically about Mike.

They lie in bed, facing each other. They are not touching but they are so close that they can feel each other’s body heat.

Mike tries different positions to get comfortable. He finally reaches and places a hand on Will’s forearm.

“God, you are cold.”

Before Will can think about anything, he is already being wrapped by strong hands. He is too close to Mike’s chest now. He wishes this moment could last forever.

“Are you comfortable?” Mike blurts.

“Yeah,” Will nods his head and accidentally grazes his lips across Mike’s throat. Mike’s heart stops beating. “Sorry.” Will says instinctively, trying to go back an inch.

“Sleep.” Mike tells him. He hugs Will tighter, returning him to his original place.

How can Will sleep? It’s everything he has ever dreamed of.

He lies awake next to the person he’s been in love with for his entire life.

Mike’s breathing goes slow and steady. Will can’t control himself. He kisses Mike on the throat, right where he accidentally touched him while speaking.

Then the sleep comes to him. But not nightmares.

When Will wakes up, he is alone. He's still so dazed that he cannot remember if what happened at night was a dream or reality. But then he hears humming.

He lazily gets up and is awestruck by the view.

Mike is in his pj's, frying eggs and bacon.

“Morning, did you sleep well?” His face immediately lights up.

“Yes, no nightmares thanks to you.” Will blushes.

“Did I wake you up?” Mike looks worried.

“No, no. I usually wake up at this time. So my body wakes me up naturally.”

“I am making breakfast. You still love eggs and bacon, right?”

Will nods and sits at the table.

“Thank you for staying with me. And for making breakfast for me.”

“It's for me too. You can't eat it all.”

Will laughs. “Okay, I'll try to remember.”

Mike joins him shortly, splitting the food into two equal parts.

“I think I left my novel here. I looked for it but could not find it anywhere.”

“Oh, I have it. I was reading it on the way to the station and back. Can I finish it and then return it to you?” Will looks at him with pleading eyes.

Mike is certain, not a single person on the planet Earth is able to say no to Will Byers when he is looking like that.

“Of course. I wanna know what you think about it.”

“I drew one scene, it was so consuming.”

“I saw it the night I stayed here.” Mike blushes. “That's what gave me motivation to keep writing. I've never written anything this fast. So I should be thanking you.”

“You helped me as well.” Will says without giving it much thought.

“Really? With what?”

“Lately I have not been able to draw. It's like all the muses have disappeared. But when I read your novel, it felt like my hands were moving on their own. So we are tied.”

They continue eating. Both of them try to discreetly look at each other.

“I’ve been thinking…” Mike begins after they finish.

“About what?” Will asks him not really giving any attention to Mike, looping around his own thoughts.

“I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo.”

“Okay?” Will knows where this conversation is leading to and is very alert now.

“So, since you are umm…” Mike chews his lower lip. “A tattoo artist, I can pay you to give me a tattoo.” Mike finally breathes.

“Since when do you like tattoos?”

“Since always. I think they are very cool.”

“Because of Eddie?” Will tries to not sound offended. He was jealous of Eddie. He was the one that Mike wanted to play D&D with, not Will.

“No, not really. He loved his tattoos but that's not the reason. I really do want to get it. I think it would be cool. Don’t you think so?” Mike wants to be assured by Will. He needs his confirmation like water.

“Yeah, they are cool. They would make you so much cooler than you already are.” Will bites his lip, because he didn’t mean to say it.

“Oh, you think I’m cool?” Mike looks at him with a smirk.

“As if you did not already know that.”

“It’s still great to have confirmation from time to time.”

“Can you stand up?” Will tells him suddenly, standing up as well.

Mike does as he’s told.

“Now, twirl around.” Will looks at him intently.

“What?” Mike seems to be taken aback by what Will is saying.

“Do as I said.” Will repeats confidently.

Mike is questioning him but still turns around twice.

“You’re skinny.” Will says casually.

“Well, thank you.” Mike lifts his head proudly, smiling mischievously.

“That’s not a good thing to be proud of.” Will says irritated.

“Why is that so? I find myself perfectly fine. I know I can have more muscle but I just get too lazy to work out. I know it’s not a problem for you though.”

Will did not think this conversation could lead that way.

“I mean for tattoos. It hurts less when you are a little fat…” He pauses for a moment. “Like me.”

“Will, you don’t have any fat. What are you saying?” Mike cannot believe what he is hearing.

“Sure do. More than you, at least.”

“Oh, you mean here?” Mike slides his hand inside Will’s shirt unceremoniously and squeezes fingers around his stomach.

Will’s cheeks turn red instantly, skipping pink completely. He was not expecting to be so close to Mike that fast after last night.

“Or here?” Now Mike grabs his side.

Will feels electricity coming from his touch. His mind is completely blank. He is sure he has died and is just hallucinating now.

“Maybe you mean here?” Mike keeps on roaming his hands on the bare skin of Will’s torso.

Too much time goes by without Will speaking. So it is Mike who says something finally.

“Well, I think, you are perfect. Very lean and muscly. Don’t downgrade yourself.”
Scratch that from earlier, Will is dead right now. Is Mike flirting with him?

Mike finally stops touching Will. So he is trying to gather his thoughts.

“I was not…” He’s finally able to say something. “I was just saying that you need a little fat so that it hurts less.”

“I get it.” Mike smiles widely. “But you were not the right example.”

“Maybe not. But I’m not as skinny as you.”

“That’s what I like in you the most. You are not like me.”

Will’s cheeks and neck are on fire. He tries to look anywhere but directly at Mike.

“Well, I’m like you in some ways.”

“I know.” Mike smirks. “In more ways than you can imagine.”

Later that day when Mike is sitting alone in his apartment and writing a small story inspired by one of Will’s paintings, his phone rings.

“Hi,” he answers instantly, already knowing who it is.

“Hey Mike, how are you?” Karen’s voice is filled with love.

“Great, how about you? Holly? Dad?”

“We are well. Do you like your new apartment?”

“Yes, more than I thought I would, actually.” Mike smiles unconsciously.

“That’s great. So have your plans changed?”

Of course. That’s why she was calling.

“No mom. I am still staying here in Chicago for Christmas.”

“What about New Year's?” Karen’s voice is hopeful.

“I don’t know it yet. I’ll think about it.”

“Baby, I don’t want you to be alone on holidays. It feels the lonsliest at that time.”

“Don’t worry mom, I will not be alone.”

“No?” Karen’s voice lights up. “Who is he?”

“What? How…” Mike cannot speak. “How did you know?”

“Baby, I am your mother. I always noticed. And please be assured that it’s okay. You are not less of a person just because you like the same gender.”

Mike knows that it is okay. But it is the first time he shared it with someone. Well, he did not actually share it, but still. It is soothing knowing that his mother does not look at him differently.

“I love you.” Karen continues to break the silence. “Nothing will change that. So can you tell me who he is?”

“Not really, not yet at least.”

“Well, do I know him? At least tell me that.”

“Yeah, you know him. You really like him.”

“Oh,” Karen says with a knowing voice. “Have I known him for a long time?”

“Now you are trying to guess who he is.” Mike laughs genuinely, all his worries vanishing.

“I am not.” Karen protests. “Okay, don’t tell me. Does he know about your feelings?”

“No,” Mike sighs.

“Are you afraid?”

“I’ve never been more scared in my life. Even when Holly disappeared and everything happened, you know?” He is not stupid to say anything about Vecna, Upside down or demogorgons over a phone call.

“Yes, I know. Well, if you are afraid, it means that he is very special to you.”

“Mom, how are you always able to say all the right things?”

“Because I care for you.” She says with a light voice. “Listen, since you don’t wanna tell me who this is, I cannot tell you that I think he feels the same way. And I think you should not wait for a long time. Maybe you can invite him here for New Year’s? He can stay with us, just like he used to.”

Mike freezes. She knows.

“Mom…” He tries too hard to form words. “I have not said anything. How did you…”

“You did not have to. Did you forget that I know you well? And I know that mysterious person as well?”

“Mom, please stop.”

“Okay, Mike. I’ll hang up. Please just promise me that you won’t take a long time to ask him out. Okay, baby?”

“Okay.”

“Oh, and tell Will that I say hello.” Karen adds and hangs up the phone.

Mike is standing embarrassed, phone still in his hand.

Since the holidays get closer, work gets even more annoying. There are more things that need to be done before vacation begins. So both boys are exhausted, unable to see each other for more than half an hour a day.

It’s the 24th of December, when Will enters Mike’s apartment with a pencil and a notebook in his hand.

“You look exhausted,” Will states.

“Thanks, you look nice too.” Mike smiles coldly.

“Someone’s not in the mood. That’s a shame since I was going to ask you something.”

“What? What were you going to ask?” Mike is suddenly very excited and is looking more like a puppy who heard that his owner is going to take him for a walk.

“I wanted to know more about your tattoo.”

“Okay, I’m ready.” Mike sits up promptly.

Will goes straight to the couch and sits next to him.

“First things first, where do you wanna have it?”

“On the ribcage, right here,” Mike points at the left side of his torso.

“Um…” Will thinks. “Are you sure?” He bites his lower lip.

“Why?”

“‘Cause that is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo.”

“Really? I never thought about it.” Mike seems to get lost in his thoughts. He is staring at the wall.

“Well, it is. Since there is almost no fat at all. It is directly over your ribs.”

“Well, I think we’ve already established that I don’t have fat anywhere. So it will hurt no matter what.” Mike tries to lighten up the mood.

“I know you are trying to joke around but I am telling you this seriously. Maybe you want it somewhere else? Maybe on your shin?” Will wants to reach out and knock some sense in him but does not do anything.

“Thanks for suggesting. I appreciate it, really. But I want it to be on my ribcage.”

“You are very stubborn.” He frowns and furrows his brow.

“Is that news to you?”

Will can no longer stop his laughter.

“You are the worst.”

“Now you are just insulting me.” Mike tries to look offended. But he is smiling. “Do you have other questions?”

“Yes, what do you actually want to get?”

“A heart.” He answers without giving much thought.

“You are joking right, Mike?” Will interrupts him.

“Will you let me finish?”

“Okay, go on,” Will raises his hands in defeat.

“A shield that has a heart in the middle.”

Will’s heart stops beating. He remembers it. How can he forget? He painted it several times to make it look perfect.

“Mike, what?” He is only able to say these two words.

“You heard me. I want that.”

“Like the painting I gave you?”

“You are a smart one, Byers.” Mike grins sheepishly.

“Okay, I’ll make a sketch.”

Will begins to draw it. Mike scoots over, trying to see what he is doing. But Will raises the notebook before he is able to see anything.

“No, back off. You’ll see it when I finish it.”

“Alright,” he says annoyingly, going back to his place.

“It will not take long, I promise.”

Only two minutes later Will shows him a sketch. Medieval shield with a heart in the middle. On top of the heart is a crown, just like in the painting.

“Do you like it?” Will is impatient to know Mike’s opinion. He looks like a child who wants to know everything.

“Yes, I do.”

“But…?” Will helps.

“I feel like something is missing. Give me a minute to think about it.”

Will hands him his notebook and goes quiet.

“Alright, can you add some stars?” Mike begins just thirty seconds later.

“Stars? Where?”

“At the edges. Several 4-pointed stars.” He returns the notebook and points his finger where he wants the stars.

“Okay, like this?” Will draws one star and shows it to Mike.

“Yes,” He nods his head slowly. “Now add some more.”

“Okay,” Will continues, still confused. “Do you like it?” He shows a sketch once more.

“That's it, perfect.” Mike smirks. He looks at the sketch with admiration. “Every paladin needs its cleric.”

Will cannot believe his ears.

“That's what stars are for?”

“William, for such a bright boy I expected more from you.” Mike's voice seems disappointed, but he is just teasing. “I guess you'll have to work more during the holidays. Or you'll fail my subject.”

“Is that so, Professor Wheeler?” Will can't help but play along with the act. “And what happens if I fail?”

“You don't wanna know.” Mike says with a low voice, almost intimately. He is now leaning over to Will. The space between them becomes smaller every second.

“Will you… Will you give me extra lessons if I ask?” Will feels dizzy from the heat. Their faces are now less than five inches apart. He feels Mike's hot breath against his face.

“It depends.” If Mike was any further, Will would not be able to hear him. Mike momentarily darts his gaze to Will’s lips and returns to his eyes.

“On what?” He swallows loudly. He can clearly see Mike’s freckles on his nose, across his cheeks. They make the boy undeniably attractive. His fingers twitch wanting to reach up and touch him.

“Will you ask nicely?” Mike murmurs. Will is breathing in the air that Mike has breathed out. That does indescribable things to Will’s mind.

Now he’s the one who's leaning closer. The distance between them is shrinking second by second. Four inches, three…

Will closes his eyes. He can no longer control his body. That's a shame because the notebook slips from his hands, landing on the floor with a loud noise. And that's it. The moment is lost. They jump back and look at each other awkwardly.

“I should go.” Will stands up so quickly that his head spins. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

“Don't you need your notebook?” Mike crouches to take it from the floor. When he straightens up, Will is already gone.

Will is all alone in his apartment. He is panicking, so the only solution he comes up with is to go to the bathroom and splash water on his face.

He is leaning on the sink with his hands, breathing heavily. He looks at his reflection in the mirror and cannot recognize himself. Even though he’s on the edge of having a panic attack, his eyes are shining, betraying him.

“Was Mike going to kiss me?” He is stunned. “Or was it a dream?”

Will cannot even count how many times he has wished for something like this to happen. He even imagined what his lips would taste like. But never in a million years would he think that it actually could be a reality.

Sure there must be an explanation. Will is trying too hard to find some kind of logical chain but nothing can solve this case. It seems like Mike was actually going for a kiss. And Will ran from him like he had seen a predator.

He acted impulsively but he could not do that to himself. Mike has not talked to him about his feelings. Did he even have any? Or was he just going to try a new thing?

No, he is not so cruel. But Will cannot be manipulated anymore. He is sure he will not manage to keep himself together this time. He needs to avoid Mike or at least avoid the kiss. But Mike is not the only one who should be blamed. Will was as willing as the other boy. He leaned in as well, he was flirting back, he was giving all kinds of signals. So it is not only on Mike. He shares the blame too.

At least he is not going to see him until tomorrow. They decided not to celebrate Christmas Eve. But it does not calm him. His heart is still racing.

Meanwhile on the other side of the wall Mike is cursing himself. What was he thinking? His mom’s words really got into his head. Now what is he supposed to do? He acted on his instincts, let his guard down, thinking Will wanted the same. It sure did seem like Will wanted to kiss him as well. But then he ran. Straight up ran from his apartment. That is not a sign of mutual reciprocation.

Tomorrow is Christmas. They planned to spend time together at Mike's place. He even bought some decorations. He wanted to surprise Will. So at least he could do it while pitying himself.

“I was late. I could have everything in my life but I was too oblivious for far too long.” He sighs and reaches for the decorations.

The 25th of December was supposed to be cloudy. But the weather is so sunny it almost feels like late summer.

Will is standing at Mike’s door, struggling to open it. He is too nervous. He does not want to look affected by yesterday. Maybe it’s better to act as if nothing has happened?

Will takes a deep breath and steps in.

He is stunned. He does not recognize the room. Walls are covered in Christmas lights shaping a tree, a snowflake, a present, and a snowman.

In the middle of the room there is a Christmas tree. It is decorated with different colored ornaments.

There is a red tablecloth covering the small table in the kitchen. Different dishes can be seen on top of that. There is a gingerbread man on a silver plate, a big turkey lies in the middle, two very festive mugs can be seen filled with hot cocoa and marshmallows.

Will has seen a lot of Christmas movies and always wanted to live in that realm. Standing in that room feels like he is in one. He pinches himself to make sure it is not a dream.

“No, I’m still here.” He says out loud.

“Oh, hey Will. I was just going to come over to invite you.” He hears Mike’s voice from behind and turns around. That turns out to be a huge mistake because now he cannot breathe.

Mike is standing there with a navy sweater that looks so good on him, Will could actually cry. He is wearing black jeans. But the thing that catches Will’s breath is his hair. Will knew that he liked Mike’s hair. Well, now he could be drooling.

It seems like Mike has just stepped out of the shower. His hair is wet, black curls already forming. He looks the same but there is something very romantic about his wet hair. They drape over his structured cheeks and give him an ethereal look.

Will cannot gather his thoughts. He is only able to stare at the tall boy and he lets his eyes roam over his body.

“Guess I am on time.” He tries to joke. He knows that he’s been quiet for too long.

“Are you hungry?” Mike tries to ask nonchalantly but it is obvious that he is nervous.

“Starving. Did you make all of this?” Will points to the table, then to the room. “How? When?”

Mike begins explaining and everything goes back to its place. There is no longer an awkward silence, or charged air. They become best friends instantly.

After having Christmas dinner at an unreasonable hour they change places from kitchen chairs to the sofa near the Christmas tree.

“How did you do everything so fast just by yourself?” Will is still mesmerized.

“I was super motivated.” Mike blushes and bites his lower lip.

Will tries not to look at it but fails. His lips are red and shiny from licking. Will wants to kiss him so bad.

“Should we do something?” He finally speaks.

“Maybe watch a movie?”

“Sure, you wanna see Home Alone? I love it.”

“Really?” Mike asks curiously. “Actually, don’t answer it. Of course you would.”

“What does that mean?” Now Will is interested.

“You are kinda like Kevin.”

“No I’m not.” He denies instantly.

“Oh, come on Will. Do you want me to give you examples? From your childhood?”

“I did not make any traps.” He begins remembering all the details. “Lucas, Dustin and Steve were the ones that made a trap for Dart. All of you guys except me were a part of Turnbow trap. El was the one who fooled Vecna. Max helped her by the way. Even Jonathan and Nancy tried to catch a demo when I was missing. And what have I done? Nothing but hide and be scared.” His voice begins to tremble.

“No, Will. You always do that.” Mike shakes his head.

“What do I do?” Will is genuinely interested. He moves a bit closer to Mike and looks him in the eyes.

“Try to make yourself small. Need I remind you that you trapped Vecna in his mind to save Max and Holly? Or when you saved me, Robin and Lucas from demos?” Mike is so eager that he is speaking with his hands.

“That was not like Kevin at all.”

“Yeah, you are right. You are not like Kevin. You are way cooler than him. More badass.” The corners of his lips curve up forming a smile.

“That's a lie.” Will still cannot help but deny. “I might have used every possible way to not get kidnapped on November 6th but I still did.”

Mike is quiet. He knows a lot of stuff about Will, they shared every small detail in the past but never this. He never crossed the line and asked exact details of that night. So he sits still and waits for the brunette boy to continue.

“I abandoned my bike and ran into the forest to lose its track. I locked the door and tried to call for help. God damn it. I even went for a gun and loaded it. I did everything right but I still lost. So I'm sorry but I cannot agree with you.”

All the words come out super fast, taking Will's breath away. He looks at Mike who is looking at him with awe. It's the same expression as the night he first used his powers. Mike's mouth has formed a smile. His eyes are shining. It almost seems like he is looking at Will with love.

“What?” Will's cheeks turn pink. He roams the room with his eyes, unable to meet Mike's.

“I just did not know how badass you were.” Mike's jaw hurts from smiling so much but it is not going away. “You were only 12. I'm 23 now and still don't know how to use a gun.”

“As if it helped with anything.” Will says with disappointment.

“Hey, give yourself credit. You are amazing. You tried to convince me with the opposite. But in that process you ended up way higher than you already were for me.”

Mike is speaking sincerely. Will knows it so he does not try to argue. Yet it warms his heart that someone thinks so high of him. He feels like he’s falling in love with Mike even more, which is impossible.

“Thanks,” He shyly replies and tries to change the subject. “What’s that?” He points to the desk. There’s a small box wrapped with red wrapping paper.

“My gift for you.” Mike says slowly looking at him. “It’s nothing big. So don’t have your hopes up.” He stands up and takes it from the desk.

“Hold on, before you show me that, can I tell you something?” Will hesitates.

“Sure.” Mike is standing with a gift, waiting for Will to speak. He looks perfect. Will wishes they could spend every Christmas like that for the rest of their lives.

“My lease is going to expire soon. So, I thought Jonathan’s idea was clever.” He stops for some time, unsure of himself. “I am not pushing you or anything. I can still pay our landlord and stay there for another year without a problem.”

“I liked Jonathan’s idea.” Mike says with that goddamn smile on his face.

“You can say no. You don’t have to be nice.” Will is still hesitant.

“William Byers, how can you be so oblivious? I’d love to live with you.” Mike immediately blushes when he realizes what he has just said. So he just keeps on going. “You can move with me.”

“Really?” Will is still questioning it. He wants nothing more than to live with his best friend. Who is he kidding? Mike is not just his best friend. He is the love that he has mourned for almost a decade now. It sure will be unbearable to watch him find someone he loves and move on yet again without Will. But still he is selfish and wants to spend every possible minute with him even if it means that his heart will break yet again.

“Of course.” Mike steps close to Will and wraps his hands around the boy’s back, gift still in his hands. Will relaxes and puts his head on Mike’s chest. He is very warm and smells like Christmas.

“Okay, can I have my present now?” He pushes back and laughs. He stretches his hands impatiently, taking his gift away from Mike.

“Slow down. It is already yours.” Mike tells him with a grin. “But please remember, it is nothing big.”

“Yeah, I know.” Will whines and breaks open the box. There he finds several handwritten pages. “What is it?” He looks up at Mike with confusion.

“It’s um…” Mike is scratching his neck, getting nervous. “I could not stop thinking about your paintings. So I wrote something which includes the scene that you drew.”

“Mike…” Will’s jaw drops from surprise. He has never received such a thoughtful gift. He has never possessed Mike’s writing. He can’t believe that Mike spent so much time just to make a gift for him. “It is very dear to me. Thank you for always making me feel special.” His smile is very warm. He hugs Mike with that same warmth to show him how much it really means to him. “How could you say that it’s nothing? I have never received such a beautiful gift. I love it.” I love you - he wants to add but restrains himself to say something so stupid.

“If I knew you liked it this much, I would have written something every day.” Mike can no longer control his thoughts and speaks before realizing. Will’s heart starts racing, hearing what Mike just said. “Anyway, what about my gift?” Mike tries to talk about something else. Because if he does not stop he will tell Will everything and he is not sure they will end up the way he wants to.

“I already gave you one.” Will laughs. “I will be living with you. What else could you want?” He starts teasing.

“Does it count?” Mike’s eyes narrow. He suspects that Will is trying to make fun of him.

“It so does.” Will is quiet for a while. Mike frowns, looking annoyed. “Okay, I am kidding.” Will can no longer postpone it. He knows that Mike will love it.

“Oh, you are such a menace.” Mike looks at him with an unbelievable gaze.

“But you love me.” Will’s eyebrows are now dancing. Mike rolls his eyes but is also smiling.

“Not right now.”

“I need you to tell me, you love me. Or you will not get your gift.” Will continues to tease. But his heart is racing on a thought that Mike is going to tell him he loves him. Why did he say it? Why does he always end up hurting? And this situation could so easily be avoided.

“Okay, I love you.” Mike says flatly even though his mind is remembering every detail why he is in love with the most beautiful boy in the world. “Am I good? Where is it?” He is looking up and down on Will’s body trying to find something.

“I don’t have it here. It’s a service.”

“A service? Like a massage?” Mike questions. He cannot think of anything right now. His Christmas presents were always ones that he could touch. He is looking at the boy who slips the keys from his pocket.

“Kinda. I’m gonna give you a tattoo.” He turns and begins walking toward the door. When he does not hear Mike’s footsteps, he stops and looks back. “Are you coming?”

Mike wakes up from a trance. He chases Will, still not believing what Will just said.

“You are not joking? You will do that?” He asks as he locks the door. Will is already descending the stairs. “Wait, where are you going?”

“To the tattoo salon I work at. Where else would I give you a tattoo?” He says as it is very obvious. He does not stop. “Don’t worry, we will be alone there.”

Mike knows why Will says it. So that he can be calm. But hearing it increases his heartbeat. They are usually alone in their apartments but it somehow seems different. It seems more intimate. Shit, he will be shirtless in front of Will god knows for how long. Of course they have seen each other half naked before. But his breath still quickens thinking about it.

Turns out, the tattoo salon is not that far from their homes. There are a lot of neon lights. The place itself is not too big. It has several rooms. Will disappears in one of them. Mike is getting even more nervous now. He does not know what this fear comes from. He is scared that it will hurt but there is something else as well.

When he enters the room, Will is already standing next to a tattoo table. Mike looks at different things in the room.

The lights are dim. Walls are covered in various paintings. There are different instruments on the table.

“So, we need to clip your hair.” Will looks at him with a knowing gaze.

“But I like my hair.” Mike looks offended. He unconsciously raises his hands and touches his hair.

“I meant on your ribcage.” Will chuckles. He points Mike to lay down.

Mike does not say anything. He obeys and lays down. He swallows nervously. Will does not wait for him to calm down and just pushes his sweater and tee up to his chest. Cold air hits his middle region and he shivers.

“If you wanted to see me naked, you could have just asked.” Mike tries to joke to calm his nerves. He looks at the boy standing next to him. His cheeks are pink.

“Mike, you need to obey my commands if you want that tattoo so bad.”

“I am willing to obey your every command.” Mike cannot stop his flirting. Especially since it affects Will so much. And he loves this sight. Will all blushed looking at him with want.

“Mike…” He breathes out heavily.

“Okay.” Mike rises hands as a symbol that he is defeated. “What should I do?”

“Hold your sweater and a t-shirt.”

“Wait, it is very uncomfortable.”

He sits up and takes off the sweater. Now he is only wearing a white t-shirt which is scrunched up to his chest.

Will cannot help himself. He is looking directly at the skinnier boy’s bare stomach. He tries to remember every detail. How his stomach moves when he breathes. How his muscles tense when Will touches him. How warm he is.

Without much thought, he turns on a clipper and moves it up and down Mike’s side several times until he is satisfied with the outcome.

“You surely seem very confident.” Mike breaks the silence. He seems to be less nervous now. His fingers touch shaved skin.

“That’s literally what people pay me for. I’d better look like someone who knows what he is doing.”

“Can you for once take the compliment?” Mike says annoyingly. He watches Will who is trying to look anywhere but Mike’s direction. He just turns around and leaves the room. “Hey, where are you going?”

Mike is confused. He begins counting in his head. When he reaches hundred and twenty-two, Will returns. He is carrying a bag of ice. He puts it on Mike’s side without warning him. Mike sighs.

“Ouch, it’s cold.” He sniffles. Will seems to enjoy his discomfort. “You are a real menace.”

“I would not be saying that kind of thing. I am the one with the needle after all.” He is smiling knowing that Mike will have to obey him.

“I never knew your evil side. I like it.” Mike tries to joke but his voice is squeaky. He is very cold. “Is it enough?” He looks at Will with his puppy eyes.

“One more minute. It will numb your nerves. So that you won’t feel pain as much.”

Mike shuts his eyes. He feels warmth return to him after Will gets rid of the ice bag from his side.

“Okay, now lay on your side.” Will orders.

Mike does as he is told. He is so turned on with Will’s dominance. He loves seeing confident Will. He radiates power. He becomes ten times hotter immediately.

While Mike thinks about how hot Will is in those white pants and light blue sweater, Will does not stop. He sketches Mike’s tattoo.

“Is that what you want? Or do I need to change anything? Do you like its place?” He asks Mike and hands him a small mirror.

“Yeah, it is what I wanted. You can go on.” Mike assures him and gives back a mirror.

“Okay.” He reaches for a needle. “ If you feel like the pain is unbearable, you tell me. Fine? I will stop. We can take as many rests as needed. I don’t want to hurt you. I will talk to you about different topics to distract you. You can do that too. If you need to smoke, I have a cigarette here. You should also listen to me when I tell you when to breathe in or out. Is everything clear?”

“Oh, wow, it is getting very serious now.” Mike laughs nervously.

“Wait, are you sure you want a tattoo?” Will stops with a needle in his hand. He searches for Mike’s gaze.

“Yes, you can go on. I am just a bit nervous.” Mike looks him in the eyes and nods his head. He squeezes Will’s hand once for reassurance.

Will is sold. He traces his fingers on the sketch. Mike’s heart skips a bit. Will’s touch spills something soft in his abdomen. He tries to remember the last time he touched him with this care. He cannot think of it. It seems like Mike was always the one trying to protect Will. Will used to be so miserable, Mike had a mission to be the light in his life.

“Okay, it will hurt. Be ready. What do you wanna talk about?”

Mike feels the needle touching his skin and winces. It hurts so much more than he could imagine. He did not like visiting hospitals because of syringes. And this is ten times worse. His mind goes blank. He begins to panic.

“Hey, calm down. It’s okay.” He hears a soft voice. It is Will, his Will. He is tracing soothing circles on his stomach with his free hand. It is enough to calm him.

“You can continue.” He breathes out sharply.

“Not before you start talking.” Will shakes his head.

“How often do you have nightmares?” Mike thinks that he should use these questions in his favor. “Speak, I wanna know.”

“Not that often. Just when I am down.” Will looks startled at first. He becomes very sad.

“What do you see?”

“Different things.” Will begins working again. “Mostly Hawkins. How I am unable to do anything. How everyone has a hope in me. But I disappoint them.”

“You know that it is not true, right?” Mike tries to smile but grimaces instead.

“It kinda is.”

“Will…” He wants to say something but the pain is too much. He cannot speak.

“Sorry, are you okay? Did I hurt you? Should we have a break?” Will is looking at him with guilt in his eyes.

“No, no, it hurt for a minute. I’m okay, really. Please go on.”

Will looks at him for a full minute. He is not very convinced but goes on anyway.

“Raise your hands. I need your skin to be stretched.”

Mike obeys. Since he can no longer hold his tee, he puts it in his mouth and bites it. Will is mesmerized by this sight. He wishes that his lips are what Mike is biting.

“I sometimes see El.” He admits and it feels like he is not there with Mike anymore. He is lost in his memories. Although he still keeps on inking. “I try to help her. But she always dies and it just kills me from the inside.” His voice becomes distant. He looks dazed. “I did not know her for too long. But she really seemed like a sister to me. And she was the one who got me the best. She knew exactly what I was going through. So losing her was one of the worst memories of my childhood. I would willingly spend years in the upside down if it meant that she could still be alive. I wish she was alive and could help me with those terrible nightmares.”

Mike groans loudly. His shirt drops from his mouth. He scrunches up his nose, shutting his eyes.

“Can we stop? I can’t handle it anymore.” He is on the verge of tears. His voice is trembling.

Will stops immediately. He puts down the needle and places his hand on Mike’s back.

“You can rest for as long as you want.” He smiles at the boy who is afraid to open his eyes.

They stay quiet for some time. Then suddenly Mike speaks.

“I used to be the one you went to when something went wrong.” Pain can be heard in his voice. He reaches his hand to touch Will’s arm. His fingers trace over his biceps. “I screwed up everything.”

“You helped me a lot when we were children.” Will admits and places a hand over Mike’s. “But after graduation we fell apart. Maybe even after Cali. It’s true, we grew back together when I stayed with your family. But it was never the same as before. There was always something between us.” He sighs and takes a deep breath. “But that was not your fault.” He adds immediately. “I was scared that you could see through my lies.”

“What lies Will? What do you mean?”

“That I like boys. About my crush. Those secrets were eating me alive. But I was still so delusional. Thinking that everything would be well. That I would end up happy. I was so desperately in lo…” He stops before he says something he for sure will regret. “I was so desperate. When in reality, there’s no happy ending for me.”

One tear slips from his eye. Mike reaches and wipes it before Will manages.

“Will, please don’t say it. Of course you deserve a happy ending.”

“Does not feel like that. I cannot even follow my dreams let alone find someone who loves me.”

I love you Mike wants to scream. He cannot say it. Not when he needs to come clean about his feelings as well.

“I sometimes see El in my dreams as well.” His hand drops from Will’s cheek. “I loved her with all my heart. I feel like that love will never go away. But I was so scared to tell her that. Because I knew that it would hurt me if something happened.

And in fact the worst thing happened. I could not say that I loved her even when she was dying. Because I was too fucking scared to bruise my heart. Yet I ended up with it being broken with shame as well.” He breathes. His voice is trembling. He needs to go on. He needs to get this off his chest - the thing that is killing him. “I lived my biggest fear. I lost her. And that broke me. After that I was barely living. I closed up. I pitied myself. I still do. She took the best part of me with her. I am not sure if I will ever be able to be happy again.” His voice is almost inaudible now. “But then I saw you and something changed. I became hopeful.” He continues and finally looks up at Will. Will is already looking at him stunned. “I feel like you are the only one that can bring me back to reality. To help me with those spiraling thoughts.”

“Me?” Will is unsure. His voice is shaky. “You were the one who always helped me, not the other way around.”

“You really think that?” Mike smiles slightly but it does not reach his eyes. “Will, you were the one who was holding me together for so long. You made me feel needed. You made me feel like I was important to you. Like I was an awesome person who was worth loving.”

“That’s because you are.” Will can no longer hold his tears. Mike is no different. For a while only their sobs can be heard in a quiet room. Then Will speaks. “God, Mike. If I cry, I will not be able to finish that tattoo.”

They both smile through their tears. And that’s it. The tension and the sadness is gone. They come to their senses and continue what they started.

Half an hour and two more breaks later Mike is finally free. He is now with a tattoo he wanted so bad.

Will wipes a fresh tattoo with green soap. Then he applies Vaseline and tapes a gauze pad over it.

“All done. You need to unwrap and wash it gently in about two hours. So let’s go back to your place.”

“Oh, Will. Do you treat every client like that?” Mike grins.

“Only if they ask nicely.” Will jokes. Mike goes still, his eyes go wide.

“What?”

“No Mike. I am kidding. It’s a full service just for you.”

“Because I am so lovable?” He tries to sound nonchalant. He fails.

“No, because you are too clumsy and may hurt yourself in the process. So you need someone to keep an eye on you.” Will starts laughing after seeing Mike frown.

“You treat me horribly.” He tries to look offended. “I want to file a complaint. Where is customer service?”

“You are so annoying sometimes.” Will wraps a hand over Mike’s shoulder and leaves the salon.

“Only sometimes?” Mike laughs and gets closer to Will, wanting to rest his head on the boy’s shoulder.

They continue teasing each other on their way to MIke’s apartment.

Even though Mike’s ribs are killing him, he has not felt this happy for years. He knows it is the “Will Byers effect”. He gets so overwhelmed when he is with him. Will can turn his horrible day to a blessed one. He surely is like the sun. At least for Mike.

They watch Home Alone. Will steals glances toward Mike. Sometimes he gets caught and tries to come clean. So he reasons it with him being worried about Mike’s tattoo. The more time he spends with Mike the less he is able to control his emotions. He feels like they are connected with invisible strings. He does not want to do anything without him. He wants Mike to be the person he comes to after work. He wants to share all kinds of days with him - good or bad. He is so utterly and desperately in love with this boy, he can no longer hide it.

But he has received mixed signals from the boy. They almost kissed two times. Or he thinks that it could turn into a kiss. Jonathan thinks that they both like each other. Today Mike was talking about him being the only one who could make him whole again. But he also talked about never being able to love again. Never being able to be happy again. So now Will does not know what to do. Maybe it is better to repress his feelings and move on. Or maybe he should finally admit everything and reach for happiness.

The movie ends. They don't realize it. Both boys seem to be stuck in their minds.

“It’s time to change your pad.” Will is saying as he looks at his watch. “Go to the bathroom. I will bring some essentials from my apartment.”

“You are so bossy,” Mike complains but obeys anyway.

He enters his bathroom. He wants to look at the tattoo. So he gets rid of his sweater and t-shirt. He is looking in the mirror, half-naked when Will opens the door.

Will freezes immediately. He wants to look anywhere else but he cannot take his eyes from Mike’s bare skin. His eyes are everywhere - on Mike’s chest, his collarbones, his stomach, ribs, shoulders. He is eating up every detail.

“Enjoying the view?” Mike smiles mischievously and waggles his brows suggestively.

“I did not realize you had so many freckles.” He swallows hard and tries to look composed. His cheeks and neck are red. “Um.. Can you turn around?” His throat is suddenly too dry.

“Sure.”

Mike turns around with every confidence. He stands in front of a washstand leaning against it. So when Will tries to open a warm water faucet, he has no other way but to brush his shoulder to Mike’s bare one. He finds in the mirror that his face is getting a darker shade of red. So to hide that he squats.

Will gently removes the gauze pad from Mike’s side and washes it with warm water and antibacterial soap. Then he pats a paper towel to dry it. Mike squirms. He reapplies a very thin layer of Vaseline and wraps it again.

He stands up and opens his mouth to tell Mike that he is done. But then he sees the boy who is looking at him with nothing but admiration and want and he loses it. He can no longer lie to himself. It is obvious that Mike feels the same.

“Did you…” Mike tries to speak but is very nervous. “Did you like me back then?”

Will was not expecting that question.

“I think you know.” He tries very hard to sound calm. But his heart is racing.

“But I need you to tell me. Because I have a lot of assumptions. But I need confirmation from you. Please.” Mike’s eyes go round and Will can’t help but spill his beans.

“Yes Mike. I liked you. But I don’t know why it is important now.”

“Were you talking about me in the radio station? Did you speak about your feelings while giving me the painting?”

Mike can’t help but push to receive all the answers. He has waited for so long. He needs to know everything. He deserves the truth.

“Yes.” Will answers hesitantly. “It was about you.”

“But it is not true anymore?” Mike’s heart sinks from saying these words out loud. The disappointment can be heard in his words. “You moved on from it?”

“Why does it matter now?” Will tries not to answer. Even though he wants to, he is very scared.

“Of course, that is my fucking luck.” Mike’s face turns into something horrible. He looks disgusted. “I am always late, aren't I?” He laughs sourly. “Will, I can’t do this anymore.” Suddenly he becomes very serious. He looks Will in the eyes.

“What?” Will gulps.

“Pretend that my feelings are not killing me. Sorry that I was a mess. Sorry that it took me so long. I needed time to put all the pieces together. To accept myself as I am.” Mike is crying but is still going. “Guess I was too late.”

“Mike…” Will breathes.

“No, let me finish, please.” Mike begs. He is so close to Will that they are breathing each other’s exhales. “I finally found out what I want, I found you and it should be nice, getting back together with you. But it pains me that I am too late. I love you…” He pauses waiting for Will to pull back. He does not. So Mike goes on. “I am so in love with you, it is sometimes too hard to breathe. You are so pretty, my heart skips a beat every time I look at you. I really thought that I could hide my feelings but it is too much. I want to wake up with you every day until the day I die. It is ironic that both times I fell in love ended up tragically.”

Mike cannot hear what he is saying anymore. His tears are nonstop. Will does not feel better either. His head is ringing. He is too stunned to say anything. He did not expect to hear a love confession from Mike. 15 years old Will is screaming in his mind that Mike Wheeler loves him. But this Will is too startled.

“I guess after my confession you will no longer move in with me. And it’s okay.” Mike covers his face with his hands. He is now crying even louder than before. He wants to sink to the floor.

“Mike,” Will calls him. There is no answer. So he wraps his hands around Mike’s and pushes them down.

Mike’s face is red, his eyes are red and swollen with all the crying. His tears are not visible anymore though.

“Do you hate me?” His lip quivers. He looks like a puppy whose owner kicked him out.

“How could I ever hate you?” Will smiles at him. Mike looks unconvinced. “Please, look at me.”

“Why?”

“Because you know when I tell the truth. And now is the most important time.” Will’s voice is like honey. Mike can’t help but obey. “There you are, with your beautiful face.”

Will knows that it is his turn to be totally honest. And he cannot mess it up. Because the boy in front of him is looking very vulnerable. But he also looks so kissable, Will needs to restrain himself. Mike’s brown eyes are so wide he can drown in them. His lips are parted. He sniffles but slowly his breaths become steady.

“I am not going anywhere.” Will lets go of Mike’s hands. Instead he places his hands on both sides of Mike’s face, cupping his jaw. “It is true. I had a crush on you. No. Who am I kidding? I loved you for so long, but we were all in a bad place after we lost El. So I got distant. I pushed my feelings away. But they never went away. Of course time and space helped. But there was always a part of my heart which beat for you. And when I saw you again in Chicago? My heart had never beaten so fast in my life. I knew instantly that I was back in the same loop. Maybe I love you even more than before.”

Mike looks hazed. It feels like he cannot hear anything Will is saying.

“Mike, I love you. And I always will.”

Mike is still not moving. Maybe he is not even breathing. Will is getting nervous. He wants to tell him something more. But he is cut short.

Mike closes the distance between them. His hands reach for Will’s neck. Their noses are touching. Both boys close their eyes.

“Can I kiss you?” Mike whispers. Their lips are brushing against each other.

Will tries to answer but he cannot form any words. So he nods slightly. That is enough.

Mike does not hold back anymore. He is pressing his lips against Will’s. He wants to taste and memorize everything. At first it begins with just small pecks. After some time both boys lose control. Will tilts his head so that their lips can fit better. His mouth opens and he can feel Mike’s tongue reaching to touch his. He moans unconsciously which drives Mike crazy. He opens his mouth more, letting Mike’s tongue in.

Mike can’t help but lick every inch of Will’s mouth. It is just like he wished only a week ago. And now as he is doing it, he cannot stop. Will tastes like a drug he knows he will not be able to get over. But he has no complaints.

Their kiss turns sloppy and they stop because they can no longer breathe. But they don’t pull away. Mike leans his forehead against Will’s. His eyes are still closed.

“I love you with all my heart Will. I am so sorry it took me so long to realize it.”

“I love you Mike. And I would not want it to happen any other way.” He leans in to place a small peck on Mike’s lips one more time. Then he pulls back. His eyes are shining. He looks at Mike.

The boy looks head over heels in love with him. His lips are red and swollen. Will cannot help but feel proud of himself because he did it. He made Mike so breathless.

“I cannot believe that I kissed you. Can we repeat it?” Mike asks breathlessly. Will can’t help but giggle.

31st December, 1994

Mike and Will are in Hawkins. Will is staying at the Wheelers’ house for the holidays.

Their news went surprisingly well. It seems like they were nervous over nothing. Mrs. Wheeler seems the most thrilled with their news. She is more attentive than before. She is asking Will if he needs anything and is smiling at him all the time. It looks like Karen is happier when Mike is happy and not afraid of anything.

It’s evening. Wheelers’ and the Byers-Hoppers’ families are attending, excluding Jonathan and Nancy. Mike and Will are sitting side by side. Their knees are touching. When they are not eating, they hold each other’s hands under the table.

They know that they don’t need to hide. But that way it feels more intimate, more like themselves.

“Joyce,” Karen looks in her direction, “Could you imagine our children ending up together when we first met?”

“Not really,” Joyce answers with amusement. “I don’t know which news is more fascinating for me, Will and Mike finally admitting their feelings or Nancy and Jonathan getting back together.”

“I know - I think it’s the best year.” Karen seems sincere while speaking. She reaches for the glass of wine and sips a couple of times. “Do you by any chance have a secret third child for Holly?”

“Mom.” Holly’s cheeks turn red instantly as she whines with embarrassment.

“You two do realize that we are sitting with you and can hear your conversation, right?” Will sighs and rolls his eyes. Though he is not mad.

Mike moves a bit towards Will. He stops when his lips are brushing Will’s pierced ear. “I think they have a point.” He murmurs and leaves a small kiss on the piercing.

Will freezes instantly. He tries to look at people at the table to find out if anyone noticed it. It seems like they are safe. But he flushes anyway.

“Mike, stop it.” He whispers so no one can hear them.

Mike just smiles at him and leaves another kiss now a bit lower, under his ear. Will bites his lower lip trying to not slip a moan from his mouth.

“I can’t help it,” Mike continues. His mouth grazes Will’s ear every time he speaks. His breath feels hot on Will’s skin and it makes his mind go blank. “The piercing makes you super hot.”

“Mike…” He manages to sigh only one word because Mike leaves another kiss lower on his throat right at his pulse. “They’ll notice us.”

“Don’t care,” Mike says, his expression hazy. “You are my boyfriend, I can kiss you anytime I want to.”

Will feels like he is floating. But he notices Holly’s eyes drifting to their direction for a moment. So he sits up in his chair and squeezes Mike’s thigh under the table.

“Will,” He hears his mom calling him. Mike instantly moves back to his seat looking as if nothing has happened. “Don’t you want to stay at our house? Jim and I are alone anyway.”

“I think they have their honeymoon phase, Joyce,” Karen smiles. A growling sound leaves Hopper’s throat.

“Can we skip this topic? Will can stay wherever he wants if it’s okay with you.” He looks at Karen and Ted.

“We love him here. He can stay as long as he wants.” Karen’s voice is very sweet. Will can feel that she means every word she says.

“Although staying in a different room would be better.” Ted grunts.

Karen does not say anything. She shoots him a side eye, trying to shush him.

The rest of dinner is quiet. Occasionally Holly says something about school or Hopper remembers something strange that happened in the neighbourhood. After they finish, Mike flees to his room grabbing Will along with him.

“Mike, wait.” He giggles and tries to keep up with his pace.

“Come here,” Mike shuts the door and leans in Will’s space. “I missed you.”

“We were together all the time,” Will tries to laugh. He is breathless though. Mike is standing inches away.

They’ve kissed a lot in these few days, as if trying to catch up on their missed time. But the feeling is still too overwhelming for him.

“But I could not do everything I wanted in front of them.” Mike is whispering now. Their lips are almost touching.

Will shuts his eyes from the sheer intensity of the moment. His hands reach Mike’s neck and rest in his hair. That’s enough for Mike. He closes the distance and kisses Will passionately.

They don’t stop until neither of them can breathe anymore. Even then, Mike does not stay far, occasionally leaving small kisses on Will’s lips.

They hear the countdown from downstairs.

“We should go down there.” Will tries to calm his nerves from all the kissing. His mind is still fogged.

“No way. I want to kiss you at midnight. Privately. So that it is only us. For our fresh start.”

The countdown goes to one. Mike grabs Will by his waist until there’s no space left between their bodies. Will seems to be equally eager. He slides his fingers in Mike’s hair again and pulls it slightly. Mike groans.

“Happy New Year, Will.” His voice is low and hungry.

“Happy New Year, Mike.” Will breathes and reaches for the boy’s lips.

Their kiss is sweet at first. But it becomes hungrier each second. Will tilts his head sideways so that their mouths can fit better. He feels Mike’s tongue on his lower lip. So he opens his mouth and Mike’s tongue slides right in. Will moans involuntarily. That seems to make Mike go crazy. He licks every part of Will’s mouth. Their tongues become tangled. Wet sounds and their moans can be heard in a quiet room.

Mike pulls back to catch a breath. He slides his lips to Will's jaw, then to his pierced ear. He puts Will’s earlobe in his mouth and grazes his tongue over the piercing. He bites it slightly, pulling it. Will groans. That makes Mike more eager to go on so he moves his mouth to his throat. He leaves open-mouthed kisses near his collarbone.

“Mike…” Will is dazed. He pulls Mike’s hair and tries to kiss him again.

“I love your little moans.” Mike’s throat feels dry. He coughs. “I love that I have an obvious effect on you.” He kisses Will again. “I love you.”

“I love you.” Will adds between kisses.

Maybe it is really their fresh start. It used to be scary for Will - entering the new year. But not anymore. Because he has his anchor with him. Mike. His Mike.

They leave Hawkins in two days because Will needs to move all his stuff to Mike’s apartment. Fortunately, the landlord gave him extra days for moving out. So now they are walking back and forth between the apartments with heavy boxes.

Mike carries yet another box full of Will's work to put in the spare bedroom. He sees a box labeled clothes there and stops. When Will enters with another box, he corners him right away.

Will puts down the box and looks at him surprised.

“Mike? What is wrong?” He is concerned. Surely nothing serious could have happened before he entered the room.

“Why are you leaving your stuff here?” Mike narrows his eyes, looking right at Will.

“Oh,” Will's mouth forms an O-shape. You put my drawing stuff here, so I thought…”

He is cut short by Mike's confident voice.

“This can be your working space.” He looks at Will with care. His eyes are moving on Will's face - at first on the eyes, then lower, to his lips. “You'll be sleeping with me.” He cocks his head proudly.

Will swallows hard. Did Mike really just suggest it?

“Mike, I don't think…” he is too mortified to finish the sentence.

It takes some time for Mike to realize what he just said. When he does, he laughs nervously.

“No, Will. I did not mean that. I meant real sleep. Not…” he hesitates. “Not sex.”

Will's face is flushed. He is staring at the floor, unable to look up.

“I mean,” Mike continues. “I want to have sex with you. Of course. But not until we both decide it.” Will is still too quiet. “Sorry for being weird.”

“No.” Will finally speaks up. “It was not weird. I also want to more than just kiss you. In the near future.”

Will looks at Mike. His eyes are shining. He can't hide the smile that is growing each second.

“Yeah?” He asks for the confirmation. So Will does.

“Yeah.”

Epilogue

Will is covered in paint. He is standing in front of an easel and trying to put his heart on the painting.

He missed it, really missed it. Working on things he actually likes. He's been painting more since he moved in with Mike.

Moving in seemed like the best idea. It feels like they’ve lived like this for years. And it is not a lie. Sharing a bed with Mike feels still unreal though. He sometimes feels like everything is just a dream. But then Mike comes back from work, hugs him from behind and kisses him. Everything goes back to its place.

He does not hear a door opening and closing. He does not realize anything before Mike is standing next to him.

His cheeks are flushed from the cold. He is breathing heavily. Maybe he ran?

“Everything alright?” Will asks worriedly.

Mike does not say anything. He just closes the distance between them and kisses Will eagerly. He slides his tongue on Will’s lower lip. So Will opens instinctively. Mike does not hesitate. His tongue slips right in Will’s mouth. His hands grab Will’s waist and pull him to his chest.

Will melts into the kiss. His hands are traveling in Mike’s hair, pulling him. Mike groans and deepens the kiss. Will slides his hands down to his neck, thumbs drawing small circles under his ears.

Mike puts Will’s bottom lip between his teeth and tugs it. Will involuntarily tilts his head backwards, overwhelmed. Mike uses the opportunity to slide his lips to Will’s neck, leaving open-mouthed kisses. He finds Will’s pulse point and grazes his teeth over it. He sucks the soft skin. A moan escapes Will’s mouth. Mike kisses the same spot and soothes the pain with his tongue.

“Mike.” Will moans, his lips staying apart.

The electricity between them slowly settles. Mike pulls back slightly but his hands never leave Will’s waist.

“Professor Wheeler, I asked you a question and you never answered.” Will tries to clear his fogged mind.

“I love when you call me that.”

Will can still hear hunger in Mike’s voice.

“You are covered in paint.”

“Does it make me sexy?” Mike smirks.

“Very.” Will can’t hide his fascination.

“Maybe you can use my body as a canvas.” Mike suggests, his pupils dilating, imagining the situation.

“I’ve already inked you.” Will tries to joke but fails. He understands what Mike means. “But we can always do more. What’s got you in the special mood?”

“Like seeing you is not enough?”

Mike’s voice is very sweet. Will knows that he is telling the truth and warmth puddles in his body.

“But today is really special, you are right,” Mike continues. Will is impatient now. He wants to know what the special occasion is. “I received a letter while giving a lecture. I had to dismiss the class. My hands were actually shaking. I could not wait to share the news with you.”

“Seems to me you had enough time to make out with me and not tell me the news.” Will’s voice is soft. He smiles at Mike and pokes his shoulder with his index finger.

“Priorities.” Mike mumbles and raises his shoulders. He leans in and kisses Will again. Before it can go too far again, Will stops him.

“Hey, I wanna know the news.” He whines. Mike pulls back and Will is already missing the warmth of his lips.

“They are going to publish my novel.” Mike tells him breathlessly.

Will can see sparkles in Mike’s eyes. He is happy for him and feels pride seeping through his body.

“Oh my god, Mike. That is great news. I am so proud of you.” He wraps his arms around Mike's shoulders and hugs him.

“You haven’t asked which one.” Mike's voice has impatience in it.

“Does it matter? All of them deserve to be published.”

“But they liked the one that you had painted.” Mike takes one step back to look at Will. “I want to ask you a question.”

“Okay?” Will is confused. What is there to ask?

“I want my novel to be published, including your painting as part of it. Will you allow it?”

“Really?” Shock is written all over Will's face. He does not understand why Mike needs his painting. “It's just one scene.”

“It is everything. Please tell me it is okay to use it.” He whines impatiently.

“Of course it is.” Will finally agrees.

“Don't worry, we'll share the revenue.” Mike smirks.

“Yeah, that part was really concerning me.” Will can't hold his laughter. He pokes Mike again. “I want to draw another scene, though.” He continues with mischief on his face. He reaches for Mike's shirt and starts unbuttoning it. “So show me the canvas I can work on.”

“With pleasure.”