Chapter Text
it’s only been a month since Mike has been feeling… different. It started in April. His birthday to be exact, will and his family were coming into town to celebrate, from California. The party was stoked to see will again. But mostly Mike.
He was practically bouncing off the walls when he heard they were coming to visit. He didn’t exactly know why he was so excited, out of all his friends. I mean, it’s only been since last summer when they saw each other last, and that’s not that long ago. So why was Mike the most excited?
He didn’t think to much about it and just sorta assumed it was because they’ve known each other the longest. Yeah, that made sense he had thought to himself every time he had thought too hard about it. But deep down, he knew there was another reason.
The hopper-Byers arrived at precisely 2:38 In The afternoon.
Mike, Nancy, and Karen were all waiting at the airport for them to board off their plane. Nancy had a “im so fucking bored let me go home” expression, but Mike could tell she was almost as excited as him (almost). Karen was excited, but not nearly as much as the two siblings for obvious reasons. And Mike, Mike was grinding so widely his mouth hurt. He barely got any sleep last night, but for some reason he was buzzing with energy.
Nancy glanced at Mike and smirked. “You seem excited.” She spoke with a weird tone to her voice. Almost teasing. Mike rolled his eyes with a smile “of COURSE I am. It’s will, I haven’t seen him since last summer.” He said, with a hint of “yeah, no shit” in his voice.
“Oh! Guys! Look! It’s them!!” Karen exclaimed as she pointed to the gates.
Mikes head shot over to where his mother was pointing, and saw them. First came Joyce, who looked like she needed a nap. Her hair was put up into a messy mom bun, and she was wearing a plaid sweater/jacket with sweats. She greeted them with a smile and wave as she walked closer to the three wheelers.
The second to arrive was Jonathan, Whos hair was at its usual casual messiness. He wore a white t-shirt, with another button up t-shirt on top (the buttons undone revealing the T-shirt obviously), and a pair of dark jeans. He didn’t bother to greet them, instead walked over to Nancy and fell into her arms. Nancy’s face fell red. Mike looked over at his sister and smirked heh, take that
Lastly came el and will, or as everyone now calls them the “wonder twins” el had her hair tied up into a neat ponytail, bangs falling just a bit over her eyes, and was wearing a nice flowery dress. Okay, when she comes you have to tell her Shes pretty. That’s what good boyfriends do. Mike thought but then instantly remembered that they weren’t dating anymore. And he didn’t have to pretend to love someone he didn’t. Oh right. Just as that thought ended she waved eagerly towards them. He shook his head and quickly put his focus to his best friend, who was walking closer.
Mikes breath was taken away by what was ahead of him.
Will was wearing a soft baggy yellow sweater, with light washed jeans, that fit perfectly on his frame. He was still rocking the bowl cut, it seemed a bit shorter than the last time he saw it, but who knows its been a while. His bangs fall just on top of his eyebrows revealing beautifully hazel eyes, with a speck of green highlighting his eyes perfectly. Mike caught wills eye, and wills eyes softened, while doing a little wave. Aw..thats so fucking cute.. Mike thought
…
WAIT WHAT? CUTE??????? Mikes cheeks blushed red as he questioned what the hell just popped into his mind. What the hell does that mean? Cute as in “aw that fox is so cute!!”
“Mike”
Or… no. No. Mike was not…he’s overthinking this. It’s just a word.
“Mike.”
Surely he doesn’t actually have a-
“MIKE!”
Mike jumps at the sudden sound of a voice (weird..) and feels hands on his shoulders.
“Helloooo?? Is this on? Mike?”
Mike looks up and sees will again. Except really close up. He can feel his cheeks burning again. “Y-yeah. Im here! This thing is on!” Mike exclaims putting both thumbs up..
Shit
Will just stares at him. Until a smile crawls its way up his face. Will bursts out laughing. Shoulders shaking, tears in eyes. Mike heats up even more. “What? Whats so funny?” Mike asks embarrassed. Will looks up at him.
“Your such a dork.”
Mike felt weird. not like a bad weird. like a sci fi weird, more of a sorta… warm and fuzzy weird. He kinda liked it. It felt nice. It felt safe. And welcoming. Mikes lips perked up into a smirk. “Yeah well so are you.” He said. Ruffling his hair.
———
Mikes birthday was fun. He enjoyed it. They hung out for a bit just talking, ate some pizza, then cake, Mike opened presents, and eventually it was late. They all stayed a bit late to play a bit of dnd and catch up with everyone. Until everyone decided to it was time to go back to their homes. Except for will, who stayed at the wheeler house.
Mike and will stayed up just talking and it was nice. Up until they were watching Star Wars for the 17th hundredth time, and will fell asleep on mike. It wasn’t anything weird, will just fell on Mike shoulder and fell asleep. Mike was blushing. Hard. He didn’t know what to do. So he did the only thing he could think of. He put wills head on his lap and stroked his hair quietly and gently.
Soft.
He felt that weird fuzzy feeling again. Mike tried to figure out what it was, but couldn’t put his finger on it. He faintly remembers Lucas saying something similar about max, and how he always felt warm and fuzzy around her….
Wait.
…
Shit.
Was Mike getting feelings for will? He looked at his lap to the sleeping boy. And his breath hitched.
Oh God. Mike was in love with will Byers.
——
May 8th
That was a month ago when he realized how he felt. No one knows and he plans to keep it that way. It’s for the best.
He now identifies as bi… he thinks at least.
Hes dated a girl, but he never really liked her that way…he doesn’t really know. It’s confusing.al he knows is that he likes-no he loves will Byers. And that’s that
He’s visiting California this month to see will, he just really hopes he won’t do anything…Stupid.
———
May 10th
8:00am
Mike was at the age of Hawkins airport, ready to board on the plane. Hes waving his family goodbye. He’ll see then in a week. It’s fine (Besides getting away from Ted? Count him in.).
After he said goodbye to his family, he walked up into the plane, with his carry-on bag, searching for his seat. “3a…” Mike murmurs and quickly finds his seat. Sitting down and grabbing his notebook. He wants to try and write a bit while he’s on the plane. Mike grabs a pencil out of his bag, and his Walkman, so he won’t have to listen to a mom tell her son to shut the fuck up politely.
He pushes the button on his Walkman to turn the music on, and hears the smooth sound of Steven Patrick morrissey.
Take me out tonight.
Where theres music and there’s people
And they’re young and alive..
——
May 10th
3:39pm
Mike had made it. He was now in Lenora, California. He walked swiftly through the gates trying to see where will was awaiting him. He hopes his outfit isn’t too… bad.. he was wearing baggy ripped black jeans, with a white T-shirt over a long cerulean sleeve shirt, and his worn down converse that he probably needed to be replaced.
Mike looks around for only a few seconds before quickly spotting him. Will.
Mikes breath was taken away, and suddenly he was having Déjà vu. Will looked stunning. He had a plaid button up shirt on, and what seemed to be the same pair of jeans he wore last time. His hair looked softer, like it had been recently washed, dried, and brushed. Mike you idiot OF COURSE it’s been washed recently. Idiot. Mike shakes his head and makes his way towards will.
“Hey! Will!” Mike grins
Will turns his head around to meet hazel eyes with hazel. He immediately brightens (weird. Mike thought). “Mike! Hi! How are you? How was the trip?” Will asks very cheery for some reason.
Mike is blinded by cuteness.
“Oh, u-uh, Im good. Great actually! And, uh it was good. I-I’d say.” Mike stammers. Face flushed a bit.
Wills expression softens, and smiles. “Well, that’s awesome Mike. Now, how about we get to the car? I’ll drive,” will gestures to the exit and starts to head that way. Mike quickly follows behind.
“Hey! Wait up!”
——-
May 10th
3:47pm
They get into the car quickly, will turns on the car, and instantly puts on the ac. Mike wipes his brow, It was REALLY hot outside. Even In Hawkins it was still a little chilly. But guess not here. I mean-it IS California, so makes sense.
Mike sighs, as will backs the car up. “Whew, it’s hot over here..” Mike says, enjoying the ac. Even though he was barely outside, he still got really hot. And fast too.
“Yeah, it gets really hot in cali. But Youll get used to it.” Will replies. “At least I hope so…”
Mike looks over at will like hes a psychopath. Will notices and laughs. A sound Mike wants to hear forever. Until he dies. Will calms down a bit and wipes the tear out of his eye and brings his focus back to driving. “Nah im just kidding Mike, you will most likely get used to it, don’t worry.” Mikes heart leaped
“Okay.”
Dear God he was head over heals.
——-
May 10th
4:01pm
Mike and will made their way out of the car and over to the house, where Mike will be staying for the remaining days of this week (It’s Monday.). He went to the back of the car to grab his bags, where he had shoved them earlier.
“Hup. There we go!” Mike said as he put the bags on his shoulder. “Will look how strong I am!” Mike beamed jokingly. Will chuckled, but there was something in his eyes that said otherwise. It looked sorta, like yearning, or sadness. Mike brushed it off, it most likely meant nothing.
And besides before Mike could even understand what his eyes were saying, will covered it up. “Welp, let’s go inside why don’t we fine fellow?” He had a very bad British impression-well, more like spoiled bratty Victorian kid. Mike smirked. Blushing a bit at his cute way to make Mike laugh. “Why I think we should? Why don’t we?” Mike said in an even worse impression then will.
They made their way up the concrete stairs and opened the door. Immediately greeted by Joyce and jane.
Joyce smiled, her eyes crinkling. “Mike! Hello, welcome. Come here.” She pulled Mike into a short hug, knowing that Mike didn’t like to be touched that much. “Hello Miss Byers, it’s nice to see you again.” He greeted her. Joyce’s smile grew even more. “Oh Mike, no need to call me miss Byers still. Just call me Joyce.” Mike nodded.
“Wow, your ex girlfriend, and your not even gonna greet me? Shame shame.” Jane grumbled sarcastically, but she has a huge smile on.
Mike made a face half disappointed, and had weirded out “max is rubbing off on you. I don’t like it. I hear by banish you from dating that wicked witch.” He waved his hand In a 360 and pretended to shoot magical dust out of his finger tips. Jane just rolled her eyes with a smirk.
My god max isn’t rubbing off on her, she IS max. That thought horrified Mike. And he shuddered.
Will made his way through the door and stood in front of Mike. “Why don’t I bring you to my room?” He suggests. Mike nods and follows will to his room.
Wills room is pretty basic, yellow walls, a few band posters (mostly the cure), art supplies, closet, and his bed of course. But it was surprisingly nice and cozy. There was one window, shining on a few painted canvases, which really brightened the room up.
“Well,”
“Whacha think?” Will asks leaning forward to see mikes expression. “It’s nice and cozy, Like a room you would see in a magazine. I like it.” Mike said truthfully. He honestly liked it. It was very will, and anything will, Mike approves of.
“Ah, well That’s good, since your staying in here for the next few days.”
Mike stops.
“Wait what?”
“Yeah! Youll be rooming with me! Hope that’s not any trouble.” Will beams.
Only then does Mike notice the cot in the middle of wills room.
Oh shit. Staying in a room with will. For a week. Sleeping together (Not the same bed but still!!). Changing toget- okay nope. Too far Mike. Stop that. Mike tries to stop the blush from creeping up his cheeks. And it works. Good thing will did-oh shit. Will, he was still next Mike waiting for an answer.
“O-oh! Yeah! It’s fine. Besides it’ll be like the old days! Right?” Mike tried.
Will smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. And his eyes were the same as in the drive way. Yearning. But for what? Mike shook his head and kept his grin plastered on his face. “Well, I should put my bags away now. See you soon?” Mike says pointing to his bags. Will nods and leaves the room to let Mike unpack. He sighs. And starts to unpack. “This’ll be fun. Remember that Mike.” He reminded himself “don’t do anything weird and we’re good.”
But how long can he hold it in?
——
May 10th
5:30pm
Mike had finally finished unpacking his stuff and sliding most of it under the cot.
He sighs. And stands up. Brushing his legs, and leaving the room, to see his friends. Will and Jane were watching some cartoon, and Joyce was in the kitchen cooking food. Smells like… chicken maybe? Who knows. Mike makes his way towards the “twins” and sits next to will.
“Whacha watching?”
Jane immediately brightens at the question and starts telling him all about this cartoon called; my little pony. It seemed like something holly would watch but, jane never really got to experience a normal childhood, so it makes sense. Mikes honestly just glad max hasn’t rubbed too much into her.
“My favorite pony is pinkie pie. SHES the pink one with balloons on her back leg.” Jane exclaims pointing at the pink pony. Mike nods in agreement. “Pinkie pie seems cool,” Mike says, “but I think I like rainbow dash. Shes super cool.” He adds. Pointing at the blue pony with rainbow hair. “What about you will? Do YOU have a favorite pony?” Mike asks, wondering if he watches this with jane.
“Hmm…” will brings his finger up to his chin and taps it. “Maybe fluttershy..?” He replies pointing at the yellow one with pale pink mane. “Shes nice and chill. I like her.” Will hums.
Meanwhile over behind will is a smirking Jane. A devious smile plastered on her face. Grinning ear to ear. “Uh..el are you alright?” Mike questions. Eyebrow quirking up in confusion. She just giggled and waves it off, going back to her my little pony.
Huh, I wonder what she was so giggly about...
“Hey, will?”
Will turns his head around to meet his eyes with mikes. Mike could feel heat rising up his face. “Yes Mike?” “Oh, u-uh...” Mike couldn’t function. Will looked beautiful, bathed in the sunlight coming from the window. All his features sharpened and shaded beautifully. No-maybe cute wasn’t the right word. He looked hot. Really hot. “Fuck..” Mike murmured “mike...?” Will says a bit of a concerned tone in his voice. Mike then remembered he was about to ask will a question.
“Oh! R-right! Where’s Johnathan? I haven’t seen him around.”
“Oh, uh he’s probably…” will looks over Mike head to make sure Joyce isn’t watching them, then makes a smoking gesture with his hand. “…with argyle.” He finishes. Mike lifted his head up in understatement. “Ah, okay. Makes sense. But one last thing-““kids, dinners ready if you guys wanna eat now.” Joyce told them making plates for everyone. Oh Ill just ask later.
Will stood up and gestured for Mike to do the same, reaching a hand, out for him to grab. He obviously took it. Soft… he thought. Will pulled him up and let go. He wished will had held on longer, but sadly, he did not.
They all sat at the table and ate their food. Mike finishing first, and excusing himself from the table to go to the bathroom. When he got in the door, he quickly locked it, and stared in the mirror. Why did he have to be in love with his best friend? Jesus. He almost made a move at the couch. Thank God for Joyce, or else he would have been put on the spot. Wait.
Is will even gay?
Mike shook his head and made his way back towards the table. Helping clean up. He had finished washing the dishes and Joyce let him do whatever, so he went back to wild room.
Mike was right at the door when he saw it was closed. He thought about knocking, but then heard wills voice. “El, I don’t know what to do. It’s killing be inside. Just being around him makes me feel all.. ugh..” him? Feel? Who is will talking about. And why does Mike feel a pit in his stomach. “Will, it’s okay. Stop stressing. You don’t seem all….ugh.. around him to me. So at least your covering it up well.” Mike can hear will sigh deeply. “I guess. But there is absolutely no way he feels the same though… and that REALLY hurts. Like someone I love tried to shoot me, and failed so instead, stabbed me and ripped my insides out.” It was silent for a moment.
“Will… what the FUCK was that???” Jane says through laughs. “What? It’s not my fault I fell for a straight idiot, who has NO interest in me whatsoever...” will grumbles. Jane finishes her laughing.”just tell Mike you like him.”
…
“What?”
…
Mike was now revealed.
SHIT.
“W-wha-Mike? Are you out there?” He heard will stammer.
Mike squeezed his eyes shut and hoped for the best. He opened the door, and showed himself. Will’s pupils shrunk, and his shoulders stiffened. “H-how long have you been there?” Will asked.
Mike gulped and said: “the whole time.”
“I…I, im sorry Mike. I-i..” will stuttered Jane swiftly left the room and closing the door behind her. leaving them alone. “Will.”
“I. I didn’t mean to.”
“Will.”
“I, ive tried to stop I promise, it’s just-“
Mike grabbed wills face and pulled his lips onto his own. Pressing their mouths together, into a kiss. He could feel will stiffen but quickly melt into it. Bringing his hand up to mikes cheek. Cupping it. He was sure he was red by now, but he could not give a flying fuck at this point. He broke the kiss pulling back to look at wills face. Flushed red, widened eyes, and mouth parted. “I-I like you too will-a lot. And I have for the past month.” Mike told him. “I, hope that we could-“ will crashed into Mike falling on top of him, mouth on mouth. His eyes widened, but soon melted into it. Wrapping his arms around wills waist. Pulling him in closer. Mike tiled his head sideways a bit to deepen the kiss. Opening his mouth a little, a small invitation that will gracefully accepted, sliding his tongue in Mike mouth. Mike doing the same, making a small noise that made will smirk against his lips. Will broke the kiss this time and rested his head against mikes chest. Rising and falling. Mike cracked a small smile, and whispers in wills ear: “can we move to the bed? The floor is a bit uncomfortable For me.”
Will sighed but did as told. Letting Mike lay on his bed, only to crawl back into his position, nuzzling his head in the corner of mikes neck. Mike had no idea what to do with his hands, so he placed one on wills back, and the other on his head, petting his hair gently. He suddenly had a thought pop through his mind.
“Hey will?”
“Mm?”
“Are we dating now?”
He laughs. “Yes, yes of course. I didn’t just make out with my best friend for ‘practice’”
Mike smiles warmly. “Good.” He hums.
His eyes felt heavy, and before he knew it, he was fast asleep. With his arms wrapped around will. His new boyfriend.