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Now if you had asked Mike Wheeler about an hour ago if he thought he’d be sat across from his best friend, Will Byers, with a laptop wedged in between them with an hour timer set, he would be confused to say the least. They were just lying in Mikes room, Mike sprawled out across the bed his long limbs covering the entire length, a comic in his hands as he flipped through it. Will, was by the foot of his bed with his knees propped up, a sketch pad across his thighs and a pencil gripped firmly in his hand as he brought it up to chew on the eraser.
Mikes feet were under Wills raised legs so he took the chance to rub a socked foot across the underside of Wills bare thighs. Will shuddered at the sudden touch before looking over at Mike with a confused look.
“Yes?” Will questioned already knowing Mike wanted something. That’s something Mike loves about Will, he knows him. He really truly knows him and Mike guess that’s what over a decade worth of friendship does, but it warms Mikes heart anyways. If Mike is being honest anything Will does warms his heart recently, or maybe always and he’s just been more aware of it now.
That’s another thing Mike didn’t mention, Mike Wheeler is wholeheartedly in love with Will Byers. He came to that conclusion about six months ago when he and El finally talked about their relationship and how it wasn’t what either person truly wanted. Mike always knew he felt different and maybe not even in a bad way but he knew when Dustin or Lucas talked about the actresses they thought were hot, he was to busy staring at Chad Michael Murray to care. He also noticed Will never joined in on the girl conversation either, he also never dated or showed any interest in dating.
When Mike started dating El, his and Wills relationship suffered. He knows now it’s because his brain couldn’t separate loving both at the same time in different ways so he thought it had to be one way or the other. He has been trying to make up for the lost time between him and Will since realizing how much he missed Will. The whole being in love with him thing did make it incredibly difficult because, fuck is Will Byers pretty. However, Mike will not let himself lose Will again so no matter his feelings he can still just be Wills friend.
Mike realizes he probably looks stupid as he has not responded to Willls question nor given an answer to why he asked for his attention. He shakes his head and blinks a couple times before returning to his best friend, who by the way is looking extremely beautiful staring at him with his bright eyes, a small smile, and his head is slightly tilted in confusion.
“You okay, Mike?” He asked so so sweetly because it’s Will and he is perfect in every sense ever.
Mike blinks a few more times again before remembering himself, “Fuck yeah. I’m sorry I totally spaced out there.” He chuckles nervously, throwing the comic down before running a hand through his curls.
Will lets out a soft giggle paired with a gentle smile before shaking his head at Mike and saying, “You’re so funny Mike. Did you need something? You got my attention for a reason yeah?”
Mike thinks he would’ve melted on the spot if that was possible because Will is staring him with such care and Mike might die. He pulls himself together, sitting up straight against the headboard and tapping his foot on the outside of Wills knee. “Yeah. I was just bored and want to do something.” And fuck here Will goes again effortlessly melting Mikes heart with nothing but a quick flash of those perfect bunny teeth.
“Oh sure. What should we do, any ideas?” Will asks already putting his sketchbook away and giving Mike his full attention. “Ha no. That’s the problem Will.” Mike whines dramatically, folding himself in half and somewhat into Wills lap, mostly near his lower thighs and knees.
Will lets out a pity laugh at Mikes dramatics, running a gentle hand through Mikes curls. Mike shivers at the sweet touch and is extremely glad his face is hidden because the deep blush across his cheeks is honestly pathetic.
Will, still petting Mikes hair, shifts below him and Mike looks up from his legs as Will pulls out his phone. Will turns and flops down onto his stomach, looking back at Mike to follow. Mike does, laying closer than necessary to Will but he honestly couldn’t care less. Their shoulders brush together, thighs touching, and feet interlocked. Will opens his TikTok app as he taps Mikes foot for his attention.
“How about we scroll through here and see if we can find anything good? There’s got to be something right? Will offers and since Mike has nothing better to give, he agrees. The boys are only scrolling for maybe fifteen or so minutes when a video pops up with the words, Staring at each other for 1 hour and typing every thought in our brains, typed out across the middle. Will pauses on that one for a second before looking over and up at Mike with an open stare.
Fuck. Mike thinks, this idea could probably not be any worse. If Will were to want to actually do this there is no way Mike would be able to keep his thoughts appropriate. Yes Mike knows he could lie or make something up but that’s very hard for on the spot and it’s Will. He would either know Mike was making shit up or Mike wouldn’t be able to keep up his act for long and would end up telling Will anyways.
However, as soon as Mike say the pleading eyes and matching smile, he knew he was fucked.
“You wanna do that?” Mike asked softly, leaning down slightly into Wills space. Mike was probably too close but he couldn’t help himself. Will looked up at him through those long ass eyelashes before nodding his head. He bit his lip in nervousness and Mike wanted to grab his face and pull his lip from his teeth. He really wanted to kiss him too.
Fuck. This is such a bad idea.
“Yeah. If-If that’s okay? It looks fun and we could laugh after at each others you know?” Will smiles at the thought and every rational thought in Mikes head is saying NO NO BAD IDEA STOP NOW. But it’s Will and Mike would never, ever tell him no. So, that is exactly how Mike found himself sat on his bed across from Will with his laptop in between them both with notebooks and pens in hand.
“Okay. I’m finding a timer now and once I hit start we just write whatever we think. It doesn’t have to make sense or go with the last thought.” Will reminds as he hunches down slightly to find a timer for their game. Mike probably looks like a wreck, he can’t stop biting at the skin of his lips and messing with his hair or the hem of his shirt. He really doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into but he thinks this ‘game’ is going to have him flushed red, embarrassed, and having to answer so many questions.
He’s most nervous for the questions because what if Will doesn’t like the answer? He’s trying to come up with the good outcomes of this and all he can think of is Will can finally know but that’s just as bad as Will never knowing. If he keeps thinking about everything that can go wrong he’s going to be sick. Will, of course, notices this and reaches out to grab Mikes hand.
“Hey. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. It’s just a silly game, we can find something else.” Will comforts and he just sounds so fucking sweet. Mike lets Wills words calm him down before responding, “No it’s okay. You wanted to do this and it sounds fun.”
Will raises an eyebrow and gives him a questioning look, pulling back his hand to return to the computer. “You’re sure?”
Mike doesn’t trust his voice to not give away his anxiety so he just meets Wills eyes and nods, flashing a bright smile and hopes it’s convincing enough. It apparently is as Will gives a returning smile and continues his search.
Once he finds one he likes he looks up at Mike with attentive and excited eyes, “Okay. 3, 2, 1. Go.” Will says in synch with pressing the ‘start’ button before grabbing his pen and writing.
Fuck okay. Mike thinks so he writes that down. Jesus what’s a thought. He jots that down too, casting a brief glance at Will before looking back down. God, he’s so cute. God damnit Mike. Three thoughts in. Mike shakes his head at entirely himself before he tries to let go, he looks back up at Will again who seemingly hasn’t stopped writing. Holy shit what is he writing. His hair looks cute today, it’s definitely air-dried. It’s curling up a bit. I like it like that. Holy fuck Michael. You cannot think straight. No shit I’m gay. Fuck. Will is going to read this. Fuck I’m fucking writing this. I hope it’s not weird after. I might jump off a cliff. Jesus not seriously. I’m sorry.
Mike looks up again, glancing quickly at the timer which flashes, 43:28, before stealing a look at Will who isn’t writing this time but he is chewing on his pen cap.
He does that a lot, chews on his pens and pencils. I think everyone he owns has teeth marks in them, I think most of mine do too. Also it’s only been like 18 minutes. I’ve already come out God knows what else I could say.
Mikes stomach grumbling breaks his thoughts and he looks up quickly, an embarrassed blush already spreading across his face. He meets Wills eyes with a small, nervous smile which Will returns. Will quickly reaches down to his bag on Mikes floor, digging in it quickly before pulling out a bag of pretzels and handing them over to Mike.
Mike looks down at the small gold bag, back up at the boy, and back down as a new blush is coming back to his face. “Thank you.” He says quietly, opening them quickly and popping one of the salty pieces into his mouth.
“Make sure you write that one down, it was a thought.” Will jokes and Mike does.
Thank you. You’re so thoughtful, always are. I love that about you, it’s one of my favorite qualities you. What are your favorite qualities of mine? Fuck I don’t know if I want that answer. What if I’m too loud and abrasive to have favorite qualities? No you’re too move to say that but you could think it. Fucking hell Mike way to dampen the mood.
Mike digs around in the plastic bag, grabbing another pretzel and crunching it slowly. The crinkle of the bag filling the room along with their synchronized breathing.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Holy fucking shit these pretzels are loud. I hope I’m not bothering him. He hasn’t said anything so probably not but I’m not sure he would anyways.
Mike looks back up again, God. I’m not very good at just writing and thinking am I?, he looks at Will first, his bangs falling into his face slightly as he leans into the paper, scribbling quickly onto the page. Cute. Mike glances at the screen again, 34:10, it reads and Mike thinks this could never end.
This could never end. I guess it’s not so bad, I haven’t said I’m in love with him yet. God damnit. I have to write that down. This is like a humiliation ritual. And I fucking agreed to it. Will I totally understand if you can’t go on with our friendship after this. This is definitely not how I was planning on telling you but here we are I guess.
Mike punctuates his sentence because apparently even in this he has to be proper and looks up from his notebook. This time he meets those gorgeous hazel green eyes and he feels his heart flutter. Only you could make me feel like this. Will sends him a small smile and an additional giggle that sends Mike into orbit. Wills attention turns back to his own paper so Mikes does too.
God. Your smile ruins me. In a good way of course. I love being the cause of it. I want to be the cause of it forever I think. Woah is that crazy? It probably is. Well crazy together right? Do you even remember that? I kinda think about it all the time. I still think I’d be okay going crazy if it was with you. Only you, I can barely tolerate anyone else. You though, I don’t tolerate I want. Well that sounds no I want you in that way too but what I meant was I want like your company and presence like all the time. I don’t really think that about anyone else. It’s always been that way.
A small giggle interrupts Mikes thoughts as he looks up at Will who’s still looking down, laughing at his paper. “What are you laughing at over there?” Mike teases, reaching over and poking his pen into the top of Wills thigh. “You’ll see soon. Go one write, we only have like 23 minutes.” Will demands, looking at the computer screen before looking at Mike with an expectant look. Mike huffs dramatically before going back to writing. I wanna know why you’re laughing, I always wanna know.
“Good job.” Will says and Mike is once again glad to not be looking at Will because yet another embarrassing blush is painting his face a light pink.
Shit I gotta control myself. I literally just can’t around you, you are so fucking compelling. I don’t even know if half the time. I’ll just sit here and be thinking of you or what you’re doing or how pretty you are. Oh shit yeah I don’t think I’ve thought that yet. I don’t know how the top thought in my brain is fuck he’s so pretty but anyways. You are, breathtakingly so and it honestly amazes me. Especially because Im just me and you’re YOU you know? I know if we were actually together everyone would be like how did that loser bag him?
Woah, thinking about us together gives me butterflies. Good butterflies because I know it would be amazing a perfect and. But also bad butterflies because I can’t get my hopes up. I don’t let myself daydream about you much anymore. Even though you’re a constant thought in my brain it’s not what ifs anymore. What ifs hurt too badly. Mainly it’s how I can make you laugh or smile again or if you’re doing okay or kissing you.
Oh yeah. I do think about that a lot. I guess it’s technically a daydream or fantasy but I physically cannot get that one to stop so I don’t even try anymore. I just know our first kiss would be magical. Of course it would, you’re a sorcerer. Oh yeah sorcerer. I guess now’s a good time to say I think that’s the exact moment everything clicked into place. I finally understood these feelings I’ve had
for you since we were probably 12 or 13. I really can’t believe you’re going to read this in, Mike looks up and over at the screen, 7:53, in less than 10 minutes. If I pass out or throw up don’t worry.
I didn’t think these would flow out of me like this. Well maybe because these are like everyday thoughts but I’m actually a little excited for you to read them? All hoping goes into you not be utterly weirded out but also the tiny what ifs do sing to me. I wonder where our first date would be, dinner? arcade? movies? I wouldn’t care as long as you were there.
Mike looks up at Will for probably the hundredth time, never getting enough. Will is chewing on his pen cap again, only briefly though as he returns back to writing. You were probably thinking of a word huh? Did you write down all the words you thought you meant? You have too, it’s the rules. Mike shakes his head and laughs to himself.
God. I am so embarrassing. I don’t know how you stand me. I also don’t know what I would do if you didn’t. I’d probably make you just sit instead LOL. Idk if that was funny, probably not. Anyways I think I’m funny, you do too most of the time. We’re always laughing together. I like that too. Your laugh feels like home. It’s sweet and delicate but also wraps me in a nice warm hug at the same time. You know what I mean? Probably not. Uhm well
Mikes sentence and thought is cut off by the blaring sound of the timer. beep beep beep rings throughout the room, pulling both boys out of their notebooks and back into each other. Will reaches over and click the stop button, looking into Mikes eyes excitedly. Mikes anxieties pick up again, he finds a thread along his hem and starts pulling at it.
“Hey, Mike. I don’t have to read yours if you don’t want me to. This can just be thrown away, like it never happened.” Will reassure, bending his head and neck slightly so he can meet Mikes downward gaze. Mike seriously debates this option before deciding that he has to do this, this might be his only chance to actually tell Will his feelings and they are all already down on paper.
“N-no. It’s okay. I want you to read it actually. I said or I guess thought of a lot of stuff.” Mike said, trying to push all his anxious thoughts out of his brain, it was only slightly working.
“Okay! I want you to read mine too!” Will said excitedly, already handing Mike his now folded piece of paper. Mike accepts it happily and slowly gives Will his own lined piece of paper filled with his messy half cursive and his entire heart laid out.
“I don’t have to read it Mike. Your hands are quite literally shaking.” Will reminded, running a comforting finger up and down Mikes hand. His eyes are honest and Mike feels the butterflies circle his stomach again as a genuine smile overtakes his face. Will is so kind and gentle and it’s all the reason why Mike is so in love with him.
“No it’s okay Will. I want you to, I promise. Just uhm. I’m sorry if you find anything or everything I said weird. Just uh it’s honest, know that okay?” Mike rambles looking up at Will, down at the letter, and back up. He takes a deep breath before grabbing Wills own letter and pulling away to start reading it.
If Mike was writing down all of these thoughts it would be, holy shit fuck fuck fuck me. He gives Will one more glance before looking down and starting Wills own letter. Wills handwriting is neat, far better than Mikes even when he’s trying to write nice. It’s a little swoopy and his letters are large for the page but it’s so entirely Will. Mike feels tears well in his eyes at the first word written, Mike, he didn’t know something so little could mean so much to him.
Mike couldn’t even read a sentence before a small gasp from Will drew him out of his head and back into reality. Fuck, he’s read something that Mike can’t take back. Mikes eyes dart up quickly, already breathing unevenly and biting at his lip. Will is already looking at him when Mike meets his eyes, his mouth slightly open and a confused but happy expression on his face.
“Will I-“ Mike starts trying to explain, give Will anything but before he can Will has moved the laptop and sat so close he might as well be in Mikes lap. Will looks down at the paper again, rereading whatever line he got to and looking back up at Mike. Mike lets out a shuddering breath, his eyes darting back and forth between Wills own. He’s desperately trying to read Wills expression but it’s one Mike hasn’t seen before.
“I can explain. I don’t know what part your at but I know I word vomited a lot and it’s probably not very coherent and you’re probably confused and-“ Mike is rambling, he knows he is but he doesn’t know how to stop now that he’s started. Will however, does know how to stop him. He grabs both Mikes hands in his and interlaces their fingers, instantly calming Mike down. Mike lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, he looks at Will who has tears in his eyes.
“Fuck. I’m sorry.” Mike mutters, looking down at their intertwined hands. Way to go Mike you made him cry, what a fucking dumbass you are. Mike is in his head again when Will finally speaks, “Did you mean it?” Will asks quietly, squeezing Mikes right hand once.
Mike looks up at Will instantly, everything just crumbling as soon as he meets those beautiful green eyes staring back at him. He lets out a gentle sigh, “Yeah Will. Fuck, I don’t know what part you got to but I meant it. Every single word.”
With those words leaving Mikes mouth he felt like a decade old secret was finally off his chest, well because it was. Mike searched Will eyes for anything really, what he found was a small tear slipping from his eyes. Mike brought his hand up and wiped it away instantly, leaving his hand there to cup his face.
“I’m so sorry Will. I-I don’t want you to feel obligated or anything. I’ll work on it I promise, I won’t make it weird.” Mike huffs, stroking Wills cheek gently, wiping away the now constant stream of tears.
“No Mike. I just. Do you know how long I’ve wanted to see those words and them be from you?” Will asks softly, leaning into his touch and closing his eyes briefly.
Mike things his brain just short circuited because what the fuck did he just say? “What?” Mike says in between a laugh of disbelief. “Are you fucking with me?”
It’s Wills turn to laugh now, his giggles filling the room as Mike just stares blankly at him. “God. I’m dreaming. No Mike. I’m not fucking with you. I’ve been in love with you since middle school. It’s in my note too.” He confesses with a wide smile.
Mikes jaw drops and his heart swells with joy, holy fuck he didn’t ruin it. He didn’t ruin it and Will likes him back. No, he LOVES him back. Holy shit. No way this is real life. Mike shakes his head again in disbelief, blinking his eyes twice like he was making sure it was real. It was real, Will was sitting in front of him, hands interlaced with Mikes and looking at him with glossy eyes. Mikes eyes now filling with tears as he stares at the boy in front of him.
“Holy shit!” Mike exclaims before pulling Will into him, throwing his arms around him and holding him in a tight hug. Will lets out a surprised gasp before melting into Mikes touch. Mikes hands find Wills hair and plays with it gently as he just whispers, “Really? Will, I can’t. Really?” and Will grips him impossibly tighter.
Will shifts them back so Mike lays down and Will is laying on top of his chest. Will raises up on his palms, leaning over Mike before he is inches away from his face.
“Mike.” Is the only thing Will can get out before Mike is pushing up and joining their lips together. Will gasps before kissing Mike back, his hands cupping Mikes jaw softly. One of Mikes hands find Wills waist, pulling him down and closer into Mike and his other hand finding the nape of Wills neck and playing with the soft brown hair there. He let out a soft sigh into Wills mouth as he moved their lips together in a newly found rhythm. Their lips slotted together effortlessly as if it had been something they had been doing for years. Fuck why hadn't they been doing this for years. Mike pulled back a bit to catch his breath, both boys now breathing heavily as they seperate. Mike rests his forehead on Wills, panting out into the air. He shifts back just slightly to look up at Will who looks absolutely ethereal. His eyes shining brightly, lips parted and slick with Mikes own spit, and he looks thourghly kissed.
Wait, Mike thinks, was this? Holy shit was this Wills first kiss? Holy fuck Im Will Byers' first kiss and he was fucking good at it. "Wait. Will, baby, was that. Was that your first kiss?" Mike questioned, his large hands running up and down the tops of Wills thighs. Wills cheeks flushed pink as he let out an embarassed noise and fell into the crook of Mikes neck. He buried himself into there as he let out a muffled, "Yeah." Even though he still hasnt come up from his new spot.
Mike ran his hand down Wills spine in comfort, "Baby. It's okay. I fucking love that. Also you were really fucking good at it so." Mike praises, trying to get Will out of his neck.
Will popped up slowly, barely a couple inches from Mikes face, "Baby?" He asked with a tilt of his head. Fuck.
"Oh shit. I'm so sorry Will. It just slipped out. I won't say it if you arent comfortable with it. I'll stop, fuck. I'm sorry I should've asked." Mike rambled as he search Wills face for any discomfort or anything. Instead all Mike found was a wide smile and a beautiful laugh leaving Wills mouth.
"Mike. Oh my God. Calm down. I like it. I would like it if you maybe kept calling me that?" Will asked shyly, his lips inches from Mikes again.
"Oh yeah. Of course I can do that baby. You are my baby after all." Mike confirmed before he captured Wills lips in another hungry kiss. Will let out a small gasp into Mikes mouth and Mike used this chance to slip his tongue into Wills mouth.
Will sighed breathily into the contact, their lips and tongues moving together perfectly. Mike gripped Wills hips, trying to pull him impossibly closer. Will kissed with such gentleness, care, and passion. Something that Mike would never get enough of. Mike kissed with an intense hunger, a need, he kissed like he was running out of time. He knew he wasn't but he was trying to makeup for lost time. Will seemed to know this, he always knew everything.
"Mike. It's okay. We have so much time." Will panted between kisses, his voice honey-sweet and comforting. His fingers finding their way into his curls and scratching gently. Mike pushed up into the touch and let out a breath before pulling away from Will again.
"I know. I just hate that I took so long. I could've had you for so much longer baby." Mike huffed, mad at himself for being so fucking dense all the time.
"Hey no. We get to have now and that's okay. I would've waited forever for you Mike. I love you."
"God. I love you too." Mike groaned before pulling Will back down and kissing him again.
This is everything Mike has ever wanted. He has Will and that's all he'll ever need.