Chapter Text
Three years after the major earthquake hit the town of Hawkins, the scars it left finally started to heal. The cracks, once just sealed with welded metal, have either been paved over or buried under soil. With no need for government surveillance, most of the military slowly vacated the area, though they continued to occupy a small outpost at the edge of town for emergencies. Once most of their influence was gone, it was as if all the people of Hawkins collectively sighed and began to breathe life into their town again. The community came together often for different events, celebrating their newly acquired freedom. They all moved on with their lives, most not even knowing who to thank for the chance to.
During their senior year, the party worked hard to pass their classes and get into their dream schools. Dustin planned to go to school in a neighboring state, he'd live on campus but could still visit during breaks. Lucas and Max however decided they wanted to move far across the country and attend the same school there. El, who now firmly goes by Jane, instead took time for herself to heal from all she's endured. She spent her days at the cabin but instead of training she was figuring out who she was and who she wanted to be. Similarly to Jane, Will also wanted to heal from the traumatic events that consumed his teenage years. After much consideration he decided he would take a gap year before attending college like the rest of his friends.
Then there's Mike. At first he couldn't stop talking about his applications, but once Will told him his plan he suddenly kept quiet. A week later Mike broke the news to the party that he rescinded all his applications and would also take a gap year. He explained his plan was always to go to college with Will so starting without him just felt wrong. His friends were confused at first, since Will would just join him a year later but Mike insisted that his decision was final.
They eventually accepted his choice but as the group said their goodbyes later that night, Will lingered behind to confront Mike. Will encouraged him to go on but Mike only shook his head in response. He insisted he rather get a job so when they did eventually go to school together, he'd have some extra cash. They went back and forth for a while but with Mike's reassurance Will eventually let it go.
Will couldn't help but feel tense after hearing that Mike would stay in Hawkins with him. He planned to use the gap year to fully move on from the unrequited feelings he had for Mike. He still wanted to be best friends but Will felt that he needed some distance between them, at least for a little while. Mike starting school first would've been the perfect way to do that without hurting his feelings. So then when Will would finally join him, he'd have a fresh start both in their friendship and his life in general. He didn't know how he'd be able to move on now, but he didn't have a choice.
As Lucas, Max and Dustin started their college careers, the rest of the party focused on their own forms of self improvement. Jane decided she wanted to be homeschooled and earn her GED. Her and Joyce would spend most of their mornings studying together, she'd even get Will to take her to the library whenever he had time.
Will saw this year as the perfect opportunity to build his art portfolio. He spent weeks at a time on his paintings. Even attended some small art classes at the community center to practice his graphite and charcoal techniques. He rather enjoyed the live model sessions where he and the other students would take turns posing and sketching each other. It was awkward at first but he grew to like seeing how others drew his features. His peer’s depictions of him were always flattering and Will finally felt seen as more than just the weird zombie boy. It would be a lie if he said it didn't help his self confidence as well.
Mike had his own portfolio to work on, but his was centered on writing. He spent many sleepless nights writing short stories and attempting poetry. He often would show Will and Jane his writing but refused to let anyone near his poetry. He said it was mediocre at best.
And thanks to a glowing reference from Steve, Mike was able to get a job at the new Scoops Ahoy location that opened in the center of town. During the summer it was incredibly busy but when winter came Mike usually found himself being the only employee in the store. He'd stare at the clock on the wall until it was time to close. Will would occasionally come by after his classes, and he'd bring Jane when they went to the library. On slow days, their short chats were the only thing Mike had to look forward to.
As the months passed, the three would find their individual routines. They tried to meet up regularly, but eventually their hang outs became more scarce. Mike worked full time and didn't get many days off. Will devoted so much of his time to art that he'd often lose track and only leave the house for his classes. Jane studied every day but also liked to explore the town or nature by herself. She liked the independence.
When they would finally hang out, it always started a little awkward but they'd eventually fall back into their old rhythm. Despite Mike and Jane breaking up almost four years ago now, their past never got in the way of their friendship. Meaning the awkwardness stemmed from Mike and Will's interactions. Will was still trying to let his feelings for Mike fade, so it would often cause him to act aloof. This would immediately make Mike anxious and he'd desperately try to get Will to laugh at his jokes. Somehow Will would always end up getting charmed and they'd laugh together like nothing had changed.
Before they knew it, it was time for the boys to apply to college. Jane had no interest in school and wanted to stay at home with Joyce and Hopper. Will and Mike applied to the same schools and as spring rolled around they would call each other whenever a letter came in the mail. Once all the expected letters arrived, the three met up in Mike's basement.
They opened the letters one by one, school by school. Due to Will's impressive portfolio, he got into every school he applied to. However Mike was only accepted into one. Luckily it was their first choice, Pratt Institute. Will will be studying Fine Arts and Mike Writing.
When Mike read that he was accepted he jumped up in excitement and wrapped his arms around Will, happy tears streaming from his eyes. He was startled by Mike's sudden embrace but he lightly hugged back. Jane laughed with joy and congratulated them both.She put a hand on Will's shoulder and he immediately used that as an excuse to break the hug with Mike and pulled her into an embrace instead. The three celebrated that night with pizzas, video games, and a smuggled bottle of champagne.