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“Welcome to Brew Bros—oh!” Will looks up from the register in surprise. “Oh, Mike. Why are you here? I thought you had class.”
“Wow, and here I thought you’d be happy to see me. You wound me, Byers.” Mike smirks in a way that would normally make Will’s heart stop, but after a long shift, he simply rolls his eyes. Mike leans over the counter, eyes soft as he angles into Will’s personal space. The piece of metal through his eyebrow glints in the golden afternoon sun—a recent addition to Will’s repository of details he loves about his best friend.
“Class got out early. I wanted to wait for you so we can walk home together,” Mike says quietly, eyes flitting around to avoid Will.
Will stops wiping up coffee grounds and takes a deep breath. Even though Mike played it off, he knows it probably stung a little. Mike is really good at hiding his hurt, especially in front of Will.
“You know I didn’t mean it like that. I just wasn’t expecting to see your handsome face so soon. I should be finished in 15 minutes.” Will grins at the light dusting of color that spreads across Mike’s cheeks. It makes him feel powerful to have this effect on the man he’s been in love with his whole life.
Per usual, Mike one-ups him, always the more impulsive of the two. He winks at Will and tugs on the strap of his apron. It’s flirty, even for Mike, who doesn’t shy away from physical touch with Will. This is one of the many contributions to their current dance around the line of maybe more than friends. It’s been like this for a while now, although Mike usually backs out when it gets too real.
Will tries to distract from his burning blush by playfully shoving Mike’s chest. Why is he so solid? I know for a fact he doesn’t even work out. Fucking wolf genes... Mike radiantly beams, rivaling the setting sun, and it has Will’s heart swooping. He can finally catch his breath when Mike finally takes a seat by the window.
The door bell ring triggers a full body reaction in Will, his patience wearing dangerously thin. “Welcome to Brew Bros.” He tries his best to mask his aggravation that a customer came in 5 minutes before closing.
A tallish, narrow-faced man in a tight, grey long sleeve saunters up to the register, reeking of pompousness and a treasonous amount of cheap cologne. “Hey sweetie. Name’s Carlton. Sorry to walk in so late, I’ve got a paper due and am in serious need of caffeine. Give me an americano.” The stranger flashes a cold, toothy grin. “You know you’re really cute for a bunny. I bet you’ve got a nice, petite body underneath that apron too.”
Will bristles at the bluntness of this random man’s egregious failure at hitting on him. A coyote, if the large ears on the top of his head and distinct scent are any indication. He internally screams, barely circumventing the world’s harshest eye roll. Are all men predators this disgusting? No—Mike would never speak to anyone this way. Just Carlton, I guess.
Not wanting to lose his job, Will swallows the bile, pulls it together, and gives the guy his best customer service smile. The faster Will moves on, the sooner this bastard will leave. “One americano for Carlton. Anything else?”
“I don’t know baby, are you offering?” The man doesn’t try to hide his degrading ogling, eyeing Will like he’s not even a person. It sends goosebumps across the back of his neck. Even if this isn’t a new experience by any means, it never gets any less unsettling.
“Not to you.”
“Damn, you’re a feisty one. Come on baby, don’t be like that.”
Before he even gets the chance to tell this guy to fuck off, Will’s nose twitches with a sudden assault of a pungent odor. His ears hone in on Mike’s footsteps before he even sees him stride up to the two of them. Shit. This is bad.
“Mike—don’t.” Will attempts to stop the altercation they’re hurtling toward at frightening speed.
“Hey asshole. He’s not interested, get lost before we have a problem.” Mike gruffly addresses the coyote, towering over him up close. Mike’s pheromones are running wild—filling the space with the stench of a territorial alpha. It’s a clear sign of his jealousy, anger, and possessiveness. Usually, only other wolves can sense one’s pheromones, but Will grew up with Mike; he has become sensitive to them, especially when it gets out of control.
Carlton glares at Mike, pissed off that his attempt to seduce Will was interrupted. “What are you his guard dog? Fuck off, man. Get your own bunny.”
In the blink of an eye Mike grabs Carlton by the shirt, pulling him up to his face. A low growl rumbles from deep within Mike’s throat, his ears point forward, and his jet black tail stiffens with hostility. It’s the most furious Will’s ever seen him.
The whole situation causes intense, conflicting feelings in his gut. Mike being so protective and jealous is flustering Will to no end. It’s the hottest thing he’s ever witnessed. At the same time, Mike’s being really dramatic and aggressive. It’s making the situation so much worse, and this is not what he needs after the day he’s had.
“He’s. Not. Yours.” Mike viciously snarls, baring his canines. “Get the fuck out of here before I bash your empty skull in, you worthless piece of shit.” He’s two seconds away from ripping this guy’s throat out.
“Mike! Enough!” Will rushes around the counter, pushing the two predators apart before they actually start tearing each other apart.
He turns to Carlton, infuriated. “We’re closed, get out. Now,” he snaps threateningly.
The coyote huffs as he stalks off grumbling, thankfully not causing any further issues. Will turns back to Mike, seething. “Are you—”
“Is everything okay?” Max inquires, coming out from the back, confused at the sight of Mike activated and Will pissed off. “What the hell happened? I was gone for literally two minutes.”
Will side eyes Mike, who looks more embarrassed and guilty than angry at this point. He sighs heavily as he retrieves his backpack from behind the counter. “Do you mind closing up by yourself tonight? I seriously need to get out of here before I lose my mind.”
Even though she seems skeptical, Max agrees. “Are you okay going home with him? Do I need to kick his ass?” she questions, pointedly staring at Mike. This is one of the many reasons Will loves her—she is always ready to put Mike in his place when he’s being an asshole.
“It’s okay, I think I’ve got it covered. Thank you so much, I owe you.” Will tries to smile, but it’s more grimace than anything. He marches past Mike, who’s a bumbling mess attempting to apologize.
“Will, I’m sorry! Come on—”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Will chastises. He doesn’t even look back as he heads in the direction of their shared apartment. They don’t speak for the 7 minute walk back home—the silence doing little to cool Will down.
As soon as they close the front door, Mike tries again. “Will. I said I’m sorry. Please say something.”
Will does little to hide his fury, throwing the apron he forgot he’s still wearing onto the couch and kicking off his shoes. “What the hell is your problem?”
Mike looks genuinely startled at Will’s words, and his tone. He was clearly not expecting Will to be this upset. “Me?! That guy was being a creep! He was literally treating you like some piece of meat, I had to do something.”
“I was handling it just fine! I can take care of myself, you know. I’m not some helpless prey that needs to be saved.” Will crosses his arms, eyes narrow. He hates being handled like he’s weak and fragile. His whole life he has been bullied and belittled for being a helpless little bunny. His own dad hated the fact that he turned out to be a bunny like his mom.
Although this is all true, Will knows deep down that what enrages him more is the fact that Mike is acting possessive without actually dating him. If he wants me to belong to him, why won’t he just fucking say it?
“I was trying to defend you!” Mike’s voice is raised, but not actually loud—he’s never yelled at Will before. Even his body language is rigid but non-confrontational. Will’s never been scared of Mike in the slightest, he knows wholeheartedly that Mike would never hurt him. He feels safest with Mike.
Usually, Will admires that Mike never gets riled up when they argue. It’s like Mike is physically incapable of being mean to Will. But right now, it just pisses him off even more.
“I didn’t ask you to do that!” Will’s long ears tilt backward with ire.
“You didn’t have to, it was obvious you weren’t interested in that… coyote,” Mike spits.
“Is it that I wasn’t interested, or that you didn’t want me flirting with another guy? Everyone in the cafe could smell it. You have no right to act like that, Michael. I don’t belong to you.” The hope and fear sits heavy with anticipation in Will’s chest.
“I—I never said you belong to me.”
“Oh my god… Are you serious?”
“Yes? I never claimed that you’re mine.”
“Have you even thought that maybe that’s what I want more than anything? Do you not care, or are you really that oblivious?” Will’s words, while harsh, are utterly feeble. He is overcome with defeat and exhaustion.
Several emotions flash across Mike’s face, a gorgeous mixture of shock and confusion and hurt. He opens and closes his mouth, trying to form coherent words with little success.
Will doesn’t give Mike a chance to respond, storming off and slamming his bedroom door shut. A rough sigh rips from his core, and he rubs his face harshly, trying to wipe away the beginnings of tears.
This is what always happens—they get right to the precipice and then Mike panics and runs away. Will hates that he even suggested he wants to be Mike’s. That he let himself hope again. He’s desperately stuck in the perpetual cycle of self-destruction. Will I ever be free of it?
Mike is frozen in place, the image of Will’s sad eyes and pained expression haunting his mind. His words painfully bounce around inside Mike’s skull.
He groans, internally destroying himself for being a coward. Why the fuck didn’t you say anything? He had the perfect opportunity to say something— anything to let Will know how he feels. That he wants Will to himself, that he will always take care of him, that he’s stupidly in love with his best friend. But, as usual, he was too afraid.
Even if he is often overrun with emotions, Mike’s never been good with acknowledging his feelings. He’s even worse at accepting them and communicating them to others. It wasn’t until he finally presented as an alpha in his teens that he started to even figure out how he really felt about Will.
A wolf goes through a lot of changes during that time—mostly physical, but also emotional and behavioral. One of the biggest revelations was the burn of the intrinsic desire to find a mate. His body and soul immediately gravitated toward Will, not once showing any interest in other wolves. Despite his father’s countless tirades about the immoral nature of interspecies relationships, especially between animals of prey and predators, it’s always been Will.
His whole life Mike’s been expected to find a pretty omega wolf, mark each other, have kids, and live this picturesque life that he wants no part in. It feels impossible to have a life of his own, to make his own decisions and be happy. He’s been terrified for so long, he doesn’t even know if he can even be anything else.
Did Will really mean that? Does he actually want to be with me? Does he even need me?
Closing his room door, Mike’s mind continues racing.
I have a wolf’s instincts, what if something out of my control happens and I hurt him one day? I would rather die than make him afraid of me.
Mike thinks back to all the times his father lectured him about how prey animals are instinctually fearful of predators. Millions of years of evolution have conspired against him—it’s literally in Will’s genes to fear Mike. His heart splinters at the idea, anxiety and dread worming their way through his chest and gut.
What if I’m too much? Or worse, what if I’m not enough?
Tossing his clothes on the floor, Mike shuffles into his bathroom and turns the shower all the way hot. Hopefully he can decompress a little and reel in his uncontrollable thoughts. He contemplates his relationship with Will. Mike has always been fiercely protective over him. He can tell exactly how Will’s feeling by the minute movements of his bunny ears. With Will, it’s easy to be himself, without fear of judgement. They understand each other better than anyone ever could. Mike and Will are attached at the hip—and he doesn’t want that to change.
Mike covets the version of himself that was once brave. He wants to be the man that Will deserves. He needs Will to be his boyfriend—to take him on dates, to show him off, to make him smile every day. He has dreamed of it for so long that he doesn’t remember a time beforehand.
Since they first met in kindergarten, Mike has never been able to stomach seeing Will in distress or pain. It’s like his body physically can’t tolerate it—his chest aches and his nerves light on fire with the need to make it okay.
Today, Mike completely fucked up. Even though he didn’t intend to, the impact of his words cannot be denied. He hurt Will. He’s been hurting Will by avoiding his feelings. And, he’s realizing, the only way to stop is to be honest with himself, and with Will. Even if it’s the most daunting thing he’s ever done. Mike’s need to make Will happy far surpasses Mike’s own fear of disappointment. There’s nothing shameful about loving Will.
In a matter of minutes, Mike feels like a new person. He has a plan in place and is clutching onto the little confidence he can muster up. He has to do better, and it starts tonight. After hastily getting dressed, tail still damp, Mike grabs his keys and quietly locks the door. He’s on a mission to make his best friend his lover.
After what feels like hours, Will drags himself out of the bath and towels off, paying special attention to drying his long ears. Even if he was teased relentlessly over them, his ears at least give him the ability to hear exceptionally well. And right now he’s picking up on the fact that Mike is making dinner. The banging and chopping is almost loud, but Mike himself is unusually quiet. Typically, there’s more muttering and cursing when he tries to cook.
Getting dressed, Will realizes he’s put on one of Mike’s shirts that he shamelessly stole, the fabric deep blue and soft with wear. Their lives are endlessly intertwined—a product of 17 years of friendship and so much love and pining (at least on Will’s end).
It’s tough when they fight, which isn’t very often, because Will hates confrontation. He doesn’t hold onto anger for very long, and he always wants to go to his comfort person afterwards (spoiler alert: it’s also Mike). He’s just so exhausted from this hot and cold dynamic between the two of them. If only Mike would let himself be loved. Let himself be courageous and go after what he obviously wants.
Turning the knob, Will is suspicious about the scene in front of him. Their tiny dining table is dressed up with a bouquet of sunflowers and a few mismatched candles. It’s almost… romantic?
Mike is standing in the kitchen, devilishly handsome in a pair of black jeans and a simple white tee that accentuates his lean yet toned physique. Will was expecting their usual post-argument routine of profusely apologizing to each other and getting takeout—not whatever this is.
“Hey, bun.” Mike says softly, turning away from the stove with a large bowl of washed greens. He sets it down on the table before striding over to Will, taking his hands gingerly. “I wanted to do something a little special for you. To say I’m sorry for being an asshole today. And for hurting you.”
Will’s ears twitch in curiosity, cursing his traitorous cheeks for blushing. Mike has only ever called him that pet name twice before, and every time it makes his chest flutter. Mike slowly guides Will to his chair, pulling it out for him and everything. What the fuck is going on right now?
“You made chicken caesar salad? That’s my favorite.” Will breathes quietly. Sunflowers are also his favorite, and Mike always gets them to cheer him up.
Mike grins at this, “I know—I wanted to treat you. And, you don’t have to pretend that you don’t like the chicken with me.” He serves Will the food before taking his own seat.
“Listen, Mike. I’m really sorry about earlier, I—”
“You don’t need to apologize for anything, seriously. We can talk after we eat, okay?” Mike’s voice is so soothing, Will would agree to anything he says right now.
“Okay.” Will nods, causing a bright smile to break across Mike’s face. It’s these genuine, simple moments together that take up the most room in his heart.
Dinner passes by quickly, the conversation easy. They talk about which professors piss them off and the couple making out in the library during Mike’s shift and how Jane’s newest hobby (knitting) led to Will wearing a lopsided beanie to the bar last weekend. Mike’s heart is overflowing with love and warmth—this is exactly where he is meant to be.
As his mind drifts toward their pending talk, Mike has to wipe the sweat off his palms onto his jeans. He tried to look a little nicer than normal, this is a big deal for him. Hopefully the flowers and candles weren’t too much. It’s got to be perfect, Will doesn’t deserve anything less. When he finally gets the guts to start talking, Will beats him to it.
“I want to apologize for how I was acting earlier. Although you were kinda an asshole, that guy totally deserved it. I really appreciate that you always look out for me, I was just being a brat.” Will chuckles nervously, avoiding eye contact. “I guess sometimes it makes me feel powerless, you know? I hate feeling like I’m a pathetic bunny who can’t even stand up to some dumb coyote.”
The last sentence strikes Mike’s heart agonizingly. When they became friends in kindergarten, Mike made a promise to always chase away any of Will’s bullies. And even though he’s kept his word, it’s obvious that the way they made Will feel hasn’t completely gone away.
“You are not pathetic, Will. I know you can take care of yourself, you’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. I know you don’t need me. I just couldn’t stand there without saying anything while he was being disgusting. I’m sorry for making you feel weak. I just wanted to protect you. I always do.” Mike clears his throat, feeling it close with emotion. He hasn’t even gotten to the real part yet and he’s already a mess.
Will’s eyebrows pinch together in thought, and Mike has to stop himself from walking over and smoothing it out with a kiss.
“I will always need you, Mike. You know that, don’t you?”
“Wait… R—Really?” Mike speaks slowly.
Will nods, smiling shyly. “Of course. I thought you knew that.”
Mike’s stomach is doing backflips as his brain processes this information. He needs me? Oh my god. He will always need me. Relief flushes his veins, and some of the tension releases from his shoulders. He doesn’t even have a second to think before he’s standing up and walking around the table to Will. He kneels in front of him, taking a hold of his hands as he lets everything come bubbling to the surface.
“I will always need you, too. God, Will. I need you to be in my life forever. I want to spend every day with you. I want to wake up to your beautiful face for the rest of my life and always kiss you goodnight. I’m sorry I’ve been so afraid to be honest with you, I know I’ve been a pain in the ass. It kills me to see you hurting, especially knowing it’s my fault. I was just so terrified of failing to live up to some bullshit expectation that’s been forced on me my whole life.”
Hot tears start racing down Mike’s face before he even registers what’s happening. Will reaches his hand out but hesitates for a few seconds, contemplating. Finally, he caresses Mike’s face, softly wiping away the wetness.
“But fuck that. There’s nothing wrong or shameful about loving you. It’s the easiest, most instinctual thing I’ve ever done. I love that you’re a bunny. I want you to be my bunny—my boyfriend. I never want to share you with anyone. I love you so fucking much, Will.”
Mike’s heart clenches at the sight of tears welling up in Will’s stunning hazel eyes. They look more green behind the water. It’s Mike’s turn to hold Will’s face and brush away the tears with his thumb.
“I love that you know me better than I know myself, and that we take care of each other. You make me feel safe and accepted and loved. You’re strong and talented and kind and so beautiful it hurts. I want to give you the world, because you deserve it. I can’t promise to always get it right, but I promise that I will always show up and try my best. You make me brave. And I want to be a wolf that you feel proud to call yours. I’ve always loved you, Will. Please tell me—”
It takes Mike a full five seconds to realize that Will is kissing him. With Will’s soft lips pressed against his own, all the tension leaves Mike’s body. It starts slow and tentative, like they are still testing the waters. It’s everything he’s ever wanted, but somehow not enough.
Will is quick to match Mike’s pace, their mouths moving in tandem. The kiss is salty but sweeter than the ripest fruit he’s ever tasted. Will’s hands thread through the curls at the back of Mike’s neck, and it’s maddening. Mike pulls Will up so they can do this properly. His long arms wrapping around Will’s annoyingly slim waist as Will stands on his tippy toes. Their bodies are hot, pressed flush against each other completely.
Mike’s chest swells with love, and he is vaguely aware that his tail is wagging excitedly behind him. God, this is perfect. Why did I wait so long? His tongue swipes against Will’s bottom lip, and Will wastes no time letting him in. The kiss gets heated and sloppy, tongues rubbing against each other with fervor. Mike’s nervous system is overloaded, and the only thing running through his mind is WillWillWillWill…
The way Will’s waist fits perfectly into his big hands makes Mike weak in the knees—it’s like they were literally made for each other. Mike’s body is on fire with need, it feels primal and animalistic. He realizes he’s getting a little too carried away, and has to stop himself from devouring his love right here and now. He begrudgingly pulls away, resting his forward against Will’s as they pant against each other’s mouths.
“Please tell me you love me too.” Mike aims for a joking tone, but the insecurity laced into the question is apparent.
“If you don’t know that I’ve been in love with you since we were kids, then maybe you really are an idiot.” Will giggles at Mike’s blush. “Of course I do. I love you more than anything, Mike. You are my safe place, and you always make me feel so loved and taken care of. I would be happy to be your bunny. And your boyfriend.”
In lieu of a response, Mike kisses Will again. He channels all of his love and admiration into it, hoping Will knows just how happy he makes him. This is the lightest Mike’s felt in a really long time.
While Mike cleans up the dishes, Will sets up their living room with blankets and pillows and snacks to watch a movie. It’s so simple, yet so them and so intimate. He picks out one of his favorite slashers, a typical choice for their movie nights. Mike settles on the couch and wraps his arm around Will when he burrows into his side. They snuggle up close, excited to finally be able to share this intimacy without hesitation.
The movie begins playing but Mike can’t focus on anything but his beautiful partner. The way his hair curls around the ends at the nape of his neck. The velvety, chestnut hair on his bunny ears that twitch in contentment. The solid heat of his body pressed close, no sign of any fear of Mike. He never in his wildest dreams thought he would be able to have this. He leans down and kisses the top of Will’s head, inhaling his comforting scent. Cashmere and vanilla, with a hint of sweet brown sugar.
When the end credits roll, they are lying down on the couch. Will’s head is resting on Mike’s chest with his leg thrown across Mike’s lap and his hand snaked under his shirt. Mike stretches a little, causing Will to cling to him harder and scrunch up his adorable nose.
“Hey, bun. The movie’s over. Let’s go to bed.” Mike chuckles quietly. This is the cutest he’s ever seen Will. He is overwhelmed with the urge to squeeze him tightly and tenderly nip his cheeks.
“Nooo, I’m comfy here,” Will whines.
A grin breaks onto Mike’s face and he slowly slips out from under Will, who complains the entire time. Mike slips his arms under Will and gently lifts him up. He carries Will to his room, resting him on the bed as he takes off his own shirt and jeans. Mike climbs into bed beside his boyfriend, pulling his back against his chest and wrapping his arms around Will. Their fingers intertwine and Will wiggles closer.
“Thank you for being brave today, Mike. You make me so proud. I’m the happiest bunny in the entire world. I love you so much.” Will’s voice is extremely gentle, but Mike is able to catch it all.
“You were brave first, I simply followed your lead. I love you more than anything, Will.” Mike buries his face into the back of Will’s neck, breathing him in. His tail wraps around them protectively, resting across Will’s hip, and his calming, blissful pheromones envelope the two of them.
I’m so lucky this is my life. It will be this, us, for as long as I live.
They slowly drift off to sleep together, closer than ever. A wolf and a bunny—unusual, yet nothing more beautiful.