Chapter Text
Jonathan had told Will about wanting to get him and his friends out of town for a couple of days, after everything that had happened. Will didn't believe him when he got told that his mom had said yes. Will was ecstatic about the whole thing. Unfortunately, Dustin and Lucas couldn't go with the rest of the gang. They had caught the flu that had been going around the town. Secretly, Will actually loved this, he got to share his very own tent with his biggest crush. Will knew he liked boys, even before the whole "Upside down" situation. When he learned what everyone did to find him while he was gone, especially his mom and Eleven, or "El" as Mike called her. He felt loved. But Will wanted a different kind of love, something he hopes to have with Mike someday.
Will sometimes thinks he's a bit obsessive when it comes to his crush on Mike, but he can't help it. He just loves the way Mike looks. In the morning after a sleepover, his messy hair and cute pj's. At school when Mike is wearing his "good clothes" as his mother calls them. He loves how handsome he looks. Just any day really. Those deep brown eyes, Will could be swallowed up by them like an abyss. His freckles that dot his face. He's heard Mike say awful things about his face many times, but Will just wants to reassure him that he is beautiful. But he can't. Liking boys is wrong. He's supposed to like girls like his Dad said. He didn't like being called a faggot or fag, by anyone. At least he had his friends when it came to those slurs.
Right now they were on their way to a certain spot located a few hours away from town. They're in Steve Harrington's vehicle. It was a type of station wagon, Will didn't know which type though. He knew it was red, and he liked red. Steve was driving, while Mike's sister Nancy was in the passenger seat. In the back there was Will and Mike. Oh and Jonathan sitting between them, smiling like a goofball as he read from a map. Will thinks Jonathan is more excited than he is, himself.
"So, when's the next turn Jon?" Steve had asked, breaking away from a conversation he was having with Nancy. Both Will and Mike thought it was weird that Steve had given Jonathan a nickname. But Will didn't mind as long as Jonathan didn't mind.
"Just a few more miles. I told you, when you see the big rock that looks like your hair, that's when you make a left." Jonathan said with a smirk.
"Oh, hah, hah." Steve gave a chuckle while shaking his head a little.
"Good one, Byers" Nancy had spoke up, laughing along with her two "friends". Then, to Will's surprise, Mike spoke up.
"Hey, don't steal mine and Will's thing. Get your own." Mike said it as a joke, but part of Will was thinking there was more to it. Jonathan and Nancy gave each other a smirking glance through the rear-view mirror. No one noticed it though.
"Okay Mike, you can have it" She smirked "If you beat me and 'Byers' in a game of chicken at the lake later on" Nancy laid it on thick with that Byers. Will gave a quirky smile while he looked to the side, at Mike, but Mike looked like had just stepped on Holly's hand.
"Mike? What's wrong?" Will asked. He looked bummed out all of a sudden. He had to know why.
Mike sighed before giving his answer "I forgot my swim trunks..." Will giggled "Hey! don't laugh, I was really looking forward to the lake!" Mike was becoming flustered with a flash of red on his cheeks. Will just thought it was hilarious that his best friend looked so sad because he forgot some trunks.
"You're right, Mike. I shouldn't laugh. I'm sorry for your loss" Will snickered, letting it out after grinning.
"Hey! don't make me come over there Byers!" Will loved it when Mike smiled, like he is now. Nancy chimed back in.
"Um, Mike? you can't beat me in the game of chicken later, so that means you forfeit right?. So stop saying Byers, it's mine now." Will smiled as Mike had been beaten in this little sibling rivalry thing going on. That was until Steve spoke up.
"Don't count him out yet, Nance. I brought a spare pair. So Mike can use them. Sure they'll be a little big, but it's better than no trunks, right Mike?" Steve gave a smirk while winking to Mike through the mirror. Mike nodded in return.
"Steve, who's side are you on anyway" Nancy said giving a playful slap on his arm.
"I'm on everyone's side. Just Mikey here needs a fighting chance." Both Will and Mike shuttered at that "Mikey" nickname. Just when Nancy was about to talk again, Jonathan spoke up, shooting his finger forward.
"Steve, there's the rock, you can make that left now."
When the car stopped, Will and Mike jumped out of the car, almost kissing the ground they walked on. Stretching their bodies at the same time. They had been cramped up in that stuffy car for a few hours, so it's only natural of their reaction. Jonathan had told Will and Mike to go wait somewhere while the three of the older teens, set up camp. They also got told to not go far, but they didn't really listen. They walked around for what seemed like hours, when in reality it was only around fifteen minutes. They had seen some cool looking trees, trees that seemed to be there for ages. They were tall and strong. They had wandered off down a hill, when they came to this drop-down ledge. Mike easily touched his feet onto the ground, Will, not so much. Will was smaller than most boys his age, he never really cared much about his height, but he really needed the help right about now.
"Um, Mike? could you..could you give me a hand? I can't reach the ground..."Will tilted his head, embarrassed. It was just so awkward asking your best friend/crush to help you down, because you're too short. Mike seemed nervous now. Why was that?
"Yeah sure. Um, just jump down and I'll catch you." Will squinted.
"Promise?" He smiled. Mike went red, that reminded Mike heavily of Eleven, it didn't make Mike sad, just happy, that she's still here.
"Promise" Will nodded. He trusted Mike. He'd trust him with his life if it came to it. Will then took that leap of faith. Landing into Mike's open arms. The moment they made contact, Mike shut his arms closed. Grabbing Will as tight as he could. They stumbled back a bit, but Mike found his footing and kept his promise. Now that Mike thought about it, Will was actually really short compared to himself. Will's forehead reached Mike's shoulder. Mike then looked down upon Will's head. Will then looked up. They had no idea how close they were, until they looked at each other. Mike was still holding on, still tight as could be. Will was breathless. Through Will's eyes, it looked like Mike was inching closer, that was until-
"Mike! Will!" Mike instantly let go of Will, Will instantly missing the close contact. Nancy had called out to them. "Wherever you two are, hurry up and get back here. We're having lunch now!" Mike seemed stunned, like he was speechless, so Will made a small joke.
"Aw, come on. I just made it down the ledge" He said giving a smile afterwards, that brought Mike back to reality, as he returned the smile.
"Speaking of the ledge. Do you need a boost?" Mike gave a shy smile, while rubbing the back of his neck. Will got red in the face again and simply nodded. "Okay. I'll hoist you up. Let's go." Mike knelt down, holding his cupped hands out at the same time. Will quickly climbed up with the help of his friend, not wanting to keeping him on his knees for long. Will made short work of the ledge, to his own surprise. Mike then hopped up off the ground, but slipped back down and fell on his butt, with an "Ow" slipping from his lips in the process.
"You okay?" Mike looked up to his friend, looking worried as ever. Will was always the one to care about others before himself. Mike then realized he hadn't given an answer.
He quickly brought himself up off of the ground "Y-yeah, I'm okay. But Will, I think it's your turn to help me." Both boys smiled. Will held his smaller hand out, while gripping onto a nearby root in the ground. Mike grabbed onto Will's hand and pulled himself up. It took a bit of effort, but they finally got past it. They simply laid there for a few moments, taking their time getting the air back into their lungs. Mike turned his head to Will "Thanks" Mike breathed out.
Will turned his head to Mike. "You helped first" They just start laughing before Nancy blasted them with another call.
Around an hour went by, as they all finished lunch. Nancy had made her kick-ass sandwiches, with a little help from Jonathan. The tents were set up. Jonathan, Nancy and Steve had the smaller tent. Will and Mike didn't understand why they chose that one, since there were more of them. But hey, more room for the both of them. Mike and Will's tent was so big, you could actually stand in it. Unlike the other one. Jonathan announced they were going to head to the lake now. So it was changing time.
"Mike. I got them for you. Compliments of Mr. Harrington himself" Will said with a snort of laughter. He and Mike took turns changing in the tent, Will had already changed into his trunks, and he had just got Steve's extra pair for Mike. Mike graciously excepted, though the size might be a problem.
"Thanks." Will stood there for a moment, before realizing he's still here.
"Oh! right! sorry!" Will stumbled his way out of the tent, feeling the embarrassment creep on his face again. A few moments later and Mike stepped out of the tent. When WIll got a look at his friend, he couldn't help but laugh. "What? do they look that bad?" Will shook his head, wiping away tears in his eyes from the laughter.
"No, no. Not at all..."
"Oh can it, Byers" Mike snorted a chuckle before playfully pushing Will.
After a short "hike" they all made it to the lake. And my god, it was amazing looking. The sun gleamed on it perfectly, lighting the water up. Will was about to comment on how amazing it looked, but his big brother Jonathan grabbed him and threw him in. Jumping in, right after. Both Byers arose from the water and began play fighting. Mike smiled at this, not taking his eyes off of Will. Nancy took this as an opportunity and pushed Mike in. Nancy bursting out with Laughter, getting another one-up on her little brother. Mike shook his head, already soaking, his long hair covering his eyes.
"How'd you like that. You must be getting tired of me besting you all the time." Nancy was about to laugh again, but Steve grabbed her by the waist and jumped in, bringing her with him. The lot of them splashed around for a while, before Mike announced something, in a very olden time royal voice.
"Nancy Wheeler, of house Wheeler. I, Mike Wheeler, of house Wheeler, challenge you, to a game of chicken. The victor shall be able to use the term "Byers" And the loser can never use it again. What do you say?" Will smiled to Mike. Mike was never afraid to show his nerdy side, and Will loved it.
"I shall" Nancy used a royal voice back. "May I ask, Mike Wheeler of house Wheeler. How do we choose partners?"
"Hmm...I know." Mike looked to Will, and almost like he knew what Mike was going to ask of him, he nodded and spoke up.
"I, Will Byers of house Byers will choose the pairings. Now seeing as Nancy is fighting for the right of Jonathan Byers, of house Byers, they will be partners. Now I am too short to carry Mike Wheeler, so I announce Steve Harrington of house Harrington will take my place." Will and Mike smiled to each other. Mike was a little red, he didn't expect Will to play along with this whole nerdy thing, butt hen again, he should have.
"Okay, I'm down with that" Steve spoke "But I am not talking like that" That's when Jonathan chimed in.
"That is fine, Steve, of house Harrington. No matter, you are going down" More laughter. A few moments later and Will was sitting on a rock, he agreed to ref this best two out of three, game of chicken. Mike was all set on Steve's shoulders, while Nancy was on Jonathan's.
"Okay. Three. Two. One!" Will called it, and the two teams began battling fiercely for control. From where Will was, there was a lot of shouting and grabbing. He wasn't paying attention to the game however. He was too busy staring at Mike. His pale body, his dripping wet hair, His-.
"Oh! you went down Wheeler!..I mean, you have been defeated, Mike of house Wheeler." Nancy shouted then shyly spoke as both Mike and Steve were picking themselves up after being knocked down. Nancy and Jonathan had won the first round.
"Round one goes to Nancy of house Wheeler. Prepare for round two." Will declared. Mike, while on top of Steve, looked over to the shorter boy. Will nodded in return. A silent "Go get her!". Will announced round two, to begin and both Wheeler's went in hard. But by the end of round two, Mike and Steve had won this one. Will smiled, obviously rooting for Mike to win. "Round two goes to, Mike, of house Wheeler. Prepare yourselves for the final round!"
"What's wrong, Jon? me and Mike too much for you."
"Hah, you wish Stevie" Another shudder from Will and Mike, at these awful nicknames.
"Ready to lose, Mike? face it, you will never win against me"
"What was that? I couldn't hear you. You were to busy preparing to lose. Get ready to go under again" Mike grinned. Will announced the start of the final round. This would decide it all. Who would get to use the term "Byers". It started off fierce, with a lot of close calls. Mike almost fell, but thanks to the borrowed swim trunks, Steve was able to capitalize by yanking Mike back up by the shorts. Will made an audible "Phew". This was actually really intense. It went on for another short while. Near the end, Will couldn't stay silent anymore.
"Come on, Mike! Win for your Byers!" Will then piped down as he went red again. Why did he say something like that. But then suddenly, Nancy and Jonathan went tumbling down as Mike and Steve cheered as they were victorious. "The final victory goes to Mike Wheeler, of house- oh forget it" Will jumped back into the water, swimming over to the cheerful Mike. Will was surprised when Mike pulled him into a hug. The water was kind of cold, but they were really warm at the touch. Nevertheless, Will hugged back, just as tight. The others didn't really take notice, as Steve was too busy gloating about "his" victory. Will then heard Mike speak, almost like a whisper.
"Looks like I get to keep calling you Byers" Mike smiled looking down at his friend. Will noticed Mike's cheeks were red, but that could be from the moving about and what not.
"Good" Will smiled back, before breaking away.
The rest of the day was spent by, first. Drying off and getting changed, second eating dinner, and third, smores by the fire. They were at that part right now, actually. The older teens were busy talking amongst themselves. Shoving their faces with Smores, telling funny stories and jokes. Will and Mike had stuffed their faces enough and didn't feel like listening to the boring teen stories, so they announced that they were heading to their tent to get ready for bed. They said their goodnights before zipping the tent up. The teens were laughing outside by the fire. They probably bust out the beer too. The louder the better though. Both Will and Mike weren't planning on going to bed yet. They brought a stash of comics with them, for moments like these. About two hours went by. Will and Mike noticed that the fire was out and the others were set in their tent. It was relatively quiet over there, but once and a while there were a few noises, Will and Mike ignored them however. The two boys were in their pj's, tucked into their sleeping bags. Trying to sleep. Mike closed his eyes and for a while there was complete silence, but that ended with Will speaking with whispers.
"Mike?" Their was some rustling as Will turned to face Mike's direction.
"Yeah, Will?" Rustling from Mike's side this time, as he did the same as Will.
"Can I tell you something? i-it's just, I feel like I can tell you anything, you know?" It was too dark to see, but Will was red i the face once more.
"Of course Will. I'm always here for you." Will let out a breath before continuing.
"I-I get scared at night...my Mom usually stays with me until I fall asleep...I know, it's pathetic...but-"
"Don't say that Will. It's not pathetic. It just shows how close you two are." Will gave a smile.
"Actually, that isn't even the most embarrassing part...She also holds my hand to comfort me..." Will closed his eyes, expecting a laugh from Mike, but he heard something else. The zip from Mike's sleeping bag being pulled down, and then his own. The sleeping bags they had were quite big, enough so that two young boys could fit in the same one, as they found out. Mike had gotten into Will's sleeping bag. What was going on? Will and Mike were really close. They could feel each others breath, they were sharing a pillow after all. Will and Mike could actually see each others eyes in the dark. It was...strange, really strange. Then to Will's surprise, his hand was taken into Mike's. Mike held it tight in his own. Will didn't know what to say. What would Mike say if he knew Will had a crush on him.
Will was snapped from his thoughts when Mike spoke "Can I tell you something now?" Will didn't speak, he simply nodded. Mike knew this. Will gulped, waiting for Mike to speak. "Your hand is sweaty" Mike gave a huge toothy smile, which was visible to Will.
"So is yours." Will gave a smile back. Then more movement from Mike. He inched his head forward slowly and.....peck. It was short, it didn't last long, but to Will it felt longer. Still, his eyes were blown wide open. Will closed his eyes and smiled "Thanks, Mike."
"You helped me first".
//End notes//- So, I hope I did well for whoever reads this. If it's too short, I'm sorry, if it's too long, I'm also sorry. And no, I am not Canadian, I just say sorry a lot. Sorry. Just in case if some don't get the situations were Will and Mike helped each other out. (1). Mike helps Will down off the ledge, and Will returns the favor by helping Mike up. (2). Will helped Mike out by winning against Nancy, giving some encouragement, and Mike then returned the favor by staying close to Will to help him sleep. Again, all feedback is appreciated. Thank you.