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"I..I don't like girls."
Will shivered slightly, his hands trembling, damp with cold tears. He grimaced in anticipation, as he waited for his mothers response.
Joyce tilted her head at him, her eyebrows quirking up.
That was the same face Will had grown up knowing, trusting. The one that comforted him when he woke up with nightmares. The one that held his hand walking into the kindergarten. The one that had loved him from the start.
She stuttered before letting out a soft, "Oh, Will, sweetie. Oh."
Will kept his eyes on the floor, quickly glancing up to see what his mother was thinking. Was she disgusted? Was she disappointed?
Was she-
Wills train of thought was knocked off by gentle hands holding him. He stayed completely stiff. His mother laid her head on his shoulder, whispering;
"I see you."
Will opened his mouth, before melting into his mothers embrace, crying into her corduroy jacket. It smelt like that flowery perfume she had used for years, and while it was a little tacky, one that was always on special, it smelt like home.
The afternoon sun from the WSQK's windows shone onto them, as if something was telling Will it was going to be alright.
Joyce's warmth quickly spread to Will, as he held on tight to her, just like he did all those years ago.
Joyce pulled back to face Will, her eyelashes flickering as she smiled.
She smiled before letting out, "I love you, my star."
Joyce had started calling him that ever since he had mentioned how much he loved David Bowie's "Starman". It made him feel good. Something that would cheer him up when he had a bad day at school.
"I love you. So much, mom." Will whispered, his voice raspy from crying.
Joyce smiled, before a loud creak came from the doorway.
Will froze. He slowly turned his head, and to his horror;
It was Mike.
Mike's eye were open wide. He looked out of breath, like he had been crying too. His eyebrow was slightly quirked inwards, in confusion.
Oh god.
Will stood up panickedly. He nodded at his mother. He had to ask Mike.. something. Anything. Joyce nodded back, comfortingly.
As soon as Will started to make a move on Mike, he immediately bolted out of WSQK, the sun shining through the ajar door.
"Mike, wait!" Will yelled after the tall figure, who reached up to wipe a tear from his face, walking into the forest that sat at the bottom of the hill.
Will finally caught up to him. Mike stood in the centre of a clearing, where the autumn trees parted to lets flickering rays of sunshine fleck the grassy floor.
Mikes back was turned to Will. His body was shaking, his hands clenched.
You could hear him sniffling.
"Mike.." Will began, reaching a hand out to Mikes shoulder.
"Please.. please look at me, Mike."
Mike hesitated, before turning around slowly.
His face was red, his mouth quivering. Tears rolled down his face.
It reminded Will of the time Ted had yelled at Mike for being too sensitive. Will had found him in Castle Byers, sniffling.
Will walked up to him. He told him it was going to be okay. He held his face and ran his hands through his short black hair.
Will had almost let himself fantasise about that. Maybe Mike was seeing something in him, too. Will had scolded himself for even thinking that. He was being stupid.
But the way Mike stared back at Will.
It.. was it love..?
The way Mike stared at Will right now seemed almost similiar.
Maybe..... no. Mike was straight. As an.. an.. arrow.
"Look, its okay if you think.. that.. that its.. unnatural. Me being this way. I get it. It isn't normal, and i don't expect you to be used to it straight away." Will said softly.
Mike hesitated.
He opened his mouth, before sighing shakily and squinting. He looked like he was having a war inside his head.
A full minute passed between them.
He sighed again, and wiped his face with both hands.
Mike nervously stated;
"It's the most natural thing ive heard in years."
Will's breath hitched, confused, before-
...
Mikes lips were pressed against his.
Will stood there. He couldnt quite process what was happening.
Mike was kissing him.
And this wasnt just another daydream. Will could feel Mike's slightly chapped lips, gently positioned on his. They were warm.
This was way better than any daydream.
Mike pulled back, his eyes wide. His lips were parted, damp, red. His cheeks were painted a rosy pink.
"Ohmyg-" He whispered before Will grabbed his waist and pulled him in.
Will wasn't quite sure what had taken over him. An electric flash buzzed all over his body.
And Mike leant in.
Mike leant in.
This wasn't some silly one-sided crush. Will could feel Mike pulling him in, savouring the kiss for as long as possible.
After a good 30 seconds, they pulled back.
Autumn leaves fell around them, placing perfectly on the ground.
Mike's lips curled up, to make a small smile.
And at that moment, Will knew he was perfect.
And Mike knew Will was too.
- epilogue -
The next day, Will and Mike were biking home from school.
Holly had gotten picked up by Karen, so they had the trip to themselves.
Mike glanced at Will. The way his hair fell perfectly on his forehead made his heart flutter wildy.
Will caught him staring, and timidly asked;
"Hey, so, about yesterday afternoon." He smiled softly, looking at Mike.
"Yeah. That was.. a lot."
"Yeah."
Silence filled the air for a moment, before Will prompted;
"Uhm, i know its awkward, but, do you like.. boys?"
Mike hesitated, and sighed.
"Uh, well. The truth is, i think i always have."
Will stayed silent, letting Mike speak.
"I've always knew i liked girls, i think. I've found plenty of girls hot. But, theres also been, others. Guys." He grimaced.
"Guys like.. you."
Will gasped softly.
"Oh."
"I- I know it must feel weird."
"No, no. Mike. I've.. been in love with you for as long as i can remember."
There was silence.
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"Holy shit, I've been a jerk. Oh my god." Mike cringed.
"Its fine, Mike."
"But its not! When i said- oh, oh no."
"Mike, its ok."
"No, Will. I need to make it up to you."
"And how are you going to do that?"
"Well, i was thinking. We could, go to the movies, or go to the park with some snacks."
"Are you trying to take me on a date, Wheeler?" Will giggled.
"Oh, i mean.. I.. I guess so."
"So, uhm. Does that mean.."
"Do you want to be my boyfriend?"
Will hesitated. He didn't know why. He knew what he was going to answer with. He had always known.
"Yeah, yeah, i do, Wheeler."
Mike looked surprised, like a puppy when you give it a treat.
He was so adorable.
"Really? You mean it?" Mike exclaimed.
"Yes, Michael." Will smiled.
So as they rode their bikes home, they knew that a new chapter had started for them.
It was scary, sure. But it was worth it. It was so, worth it.
‘and i could take another hit for you’
‘and i could take away your drips from you’
’and i could take away the salt from your eyes’
’and take away whats been assaulting you’
’and i could give you my apologies’
’by handing over all the olive trees’
’and i could take away your shaky knees’
’and i could give you all the olive trees’
’but look at the trees and look at my face’
’then look at a place far away from here’
‘so give me, your eyes. i need sunshine.’