Archive of Our Own

The past hour has been a loop of clicking through TV channels in search of something entertaining enough to watch. The Wheeler living room is crowded, the whole Party spread across it. Limbs draped over one another on the couch, bored grumbling filling the air.

Dustin flips through channel after channel with a scrunched up face. At his side, Jane kicks his shin as a signal to click off in search of something better. Lucas and Max are tangled together on the cushions, hugging and murmuring to each other from boredom.

Will takes up the leftover gap on the couch. His knees are pressed together, one hand in his lap while the other props his face up on the armrest.

He's been a bit down all day. Said he ate something, and it's nothing. Everyone accepted the explanation, except for Mike.

He's in a chair off to the side, arms crossed on his chest. His eyes keep drifting away from the TV and towards Will. He tries not to stare, but can't help it. Will's posture is slouched, small. There's a wrinkle between his brows, a frown on his face. Mike simply can't ignore it, keeps glancing over to check in.

After a bit, Will suddenly stands up. Everyone goes quiet, ad break fills the silence. 

"I.. I'll be right back," Will mumbles.

"You okay, man?" Lucas asks.

"Yeah, yeah," Will nods weakly. "Just, um.. need to grab something from the basement. Be back in a second."

Mike's mouth drops open with a million questions itching to get out, but he doesn't get to ask a single one. Maneuvering between furniture, Will quickly crosses the living room and disappears in the basement.

Mike sits back. There's this weird, tight feeling in his stomach, but he tries to ignore it. Over on the couch, Jane gives the door a deep, long look before turning towards the screen again.

Minutes stretch. Dustin finally finds something decent to watch, and everybody settles. Their usual playful arguments play out, about something insignificant.

"Hey," Max speaks up, looks at the empty spot at her side with furrowed brows. "How long ago did Will go downstairs?"

Everybody pauses. Mike feels that heaviness again, his head whips towards the basement door. His fingers curl around the armrests, tense enough for his knuckles to whiten.

"It's been a little while," Dustin ponders. 

"Maybe he got distracted?" Lucas shrugs.

"I'll go check," Mike says and gets up, now moving on autopilot.

He hears protests, but simply ignores them. His legs carry him towards the basement and down the stairs. The rest of the Party stay back on the couch and let out a collective sigh.

Mike comes back up no more than a minute later. On his own, face pale like he just saw a ghost. Concern washes over everyone's faces as they see him.

"He's not there."

Mike says it like it's a death sentence, voice hoarse.

"What do you mean?" Lucas asks.

"I mean Will isn't in the basement," Mike says through gritted teeth, fists clenched at his sides.

"Did you check the bathroom?" Dustin adds, lowers the volume on the TV.

"Yes, I checked the goddamn bathroom," Mike barks.

Lucas and Dustin jerk back at the harsh tone. Max glares at Mike, mouth open to respond back, but Jane is faster.

"Calm down," she says, hands up in the air. "Let's check together."

With that, the five move to the basement, agitated Mike leading the way. Downstairs, nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. Creaky floor, smell of dust and wood lingering in the air, and no sign of Will.

Everybody scatters, checking what feels like every inch of the basement. The bathroom, under the stairs, backyard. Mike even looks around furniture, though it doesn't make sense for Will to be there.

He grows more and more anxious with every passing minute, a nauseating feeling of deja vu nesting in his gut. Lucas and Dustin seem to notice his uneasy demeanor, and pull him aside. He tries to resist, wants to keep looking, but quickly gives in.

"Dude. Hey, come on," Lucas says, puts a solid hand on Mike's shoulder.

"What do you want?" Mike grumbles. He tries to pull away, but Lucas's grip on him only tightens.

"You okay?" Lucas insists.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Mike spits out.

Lucas and Dustin exchange a look. Something like understanding flashes between them. Dustin puts his hand on Mike's other shoulder, squeezes a little.

"He's okay. Everything's okay," he says.

"Yeah," Lucas agrees. "We're probably panicking over nothing."

"Maybe he just went home?" Dustin ponders.

"Why would he do that?" Mike deflates, looks down at the floorboards. "Without saying bye?"

"I mean, he wasn't feeling well, right?" Lucas shrugs.

"Yeah," Dustin nods. "He definitely felt sick, and went home. An emergency."

The conclusion calms Mike down just a bit. That worry still sits in him, but he supposes this makes sense. He nods, and the heavy, comforting hands leave his shoulders.

"His bike is still here," Max speaks up and completely crushes the theory to pieces.

"What?" Mike's head snaps up, heart jumps in his chest.

"If he left, he would've taken his bike, right? There's no way he would walk home while sick," Max explains, pointing at the back door.

The little reassurance Mike felt crumbles entirely. Panic takes over him, blood rushes in his ears. That feeling again. Not seeing Will at his side and not knowing where he is. The helplessness.

The frantic search starts up again. Lucas and Dustin try to reassure Mike, come up with any possible explanation of where Will can be.

Throughout this, Jane is quiet. She takes slow, measured steps around the basement, circles furniture. Her eyes are, oddly, fixed on the floor. She makes her way behind the couch, and stops.

While surrounded by chaos, she crouches down, arms outstretched. Her movements are careful and cautious as she approaches a pile of blankets on the floor.

"Jane?" Max notices. "What are you-"

As she says it, Jane yelps.

Everybody pauses and turns towards the sound. There's rapid rummaging and scratching coming from behind the couch, then the pile of blankets moves. It starts to pace around frantically, bumping into furniture.

Chaos erupts. Dustin squeals and practically jumps into Lucas's arms. Max stands in front of Jane to shield her from the unknown creature. Mike jumps back, watches the blankets zoom around.

"What the fuck?!" he squawks.

"Is it rabid?! What the fuck is that?!" Dustin screeches, holding onto Lucas so hard he's practically choking him.

"Stop yelling! You're not helping!" Max yells.

"Can someone fucking get it?" Lucas wheezes, dodges as the blankets run up to his feet.

Jane stands behind Max and watches the chaos in stunned silence. With a sigh, she steps forward. Everyone keeps yelling, telling her to leave it and catch it at the same time. Jane chases the creature around the couch for a bit, then grabs onto the blankets.

She yanks at them, revealing the culprit. The fear and screaming settle as they finally see what it is.

What they're met with is a bunny. With fluffy chestnut fur, big startled eyes and a twitching nose. Its ears are up and alert, little paws scratch and slide on the floorboards. It looks at everybody, trembling, and backs up against the wall.

Chaos ceases, replaced by awkward silence. Lucas clears his throat, his arms tremble from holding up Dustin's weight. Dustin gives him a guilty look and hops off. Max sighs and scrubs her face, done with everybody.

Mike doesn't feel any better with Will still nowhere to be found. Jane drapes the blankets over the back of the couch, and carefully walks towards the little bunny.

It flinches as she approaches, but doesn't run away anymore. Jane stretches a hand out, slowly and gently. She coos to the bunny, lets it smell her before picking it up.

She stands back up with the trembling ball of fluff in her arms. Everyone looks at it, appalled and taken aback.

"A bunny," Lucas comments.

"Where the hell did it come from?" Dustin adds.

"Probably the neighbors. Who cares," Mike dismisses, rolling his eyes. "We have bigger problems right now. Just put it outside."

At that, the bunny squeaks. It shivers more, starts to struggle in Jane's arms and nuzzles against her. Almost like it's trying to tell her something.

Jane ignores all the arguing around her and looks at the little creature. Into its frightened eyes, at its drooped ears and chestnut fur. She stares for a long moment, then gasps.

"It's Will."

Mike freezes mid step and turns around, puzzled. The bunny's ears perk up, tail starts to sway from side to side. It stops struggling, starts making urgent, squeaky noises instead. Jane smiles in what looks like relief.

"What did you say?" Mike furrows his brows.

"This is Will," Jane repeats, and holds the bunny out for everyone to see. Its paws hang limply, one ear sticks up as the other droops.

The others look at her like she's telling them a joke, glance at each other.

"Okay, it does kinda look like him, I'll admit," Lucas chuckles, endeared. "But we should really keep looking."

The others nod, and go back to searching. Jane huffs, quickly growing annoyed.

"No, it is him," she insists, and lifts the bunny again like that's a compelling enough argument in itself.

She stomps over to Mike, practically shoves the animal into his face. He jerks back, tries to wave this off because it sounds crazy. Not a single word comes out as he looks at the bunny.

Emerald green eyes meet him, surrounded by chestnut fur. They almost sparkle, hold a familiar gentleness. They dart back and forth between Mike's eyes, the exact same way Will does it. Scanning the face of whoever he talks to, taking them in.

"It is Will," Mike mutters.

Jane sighs in relief, and hugs Will to her chest. He looks visibly happier, though still stressed over his predicament. Mike keeps staring at him with wide eyes, taken aback.

"You, too, dude?" Dustin groans.

"Just- Just look at him!" Mike argues, pointing sharply.

Max steps closer. She lowers herself and looks at Will's face, now much fluffier. After a moment, she nods.

"Yeah. It's him," Max mutters, then scratches Will on the head. Mike scoffs as he sees it.

"W- What are you-"

"Mike!" Karen yells out, knocking on the basement door. "What's all that noise about?"

"Nothing!" Mike screeches, face all scrunched up.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Mike throws his head back in irritation, rolls his eyes.

That seems to be convincing enough. Karen's footsteps move away, then cease entirely. Mike sighs, prolonged and annoyed.

Jane sits down on the couch, Will curled up in her lap. Max lands next to them, while Lucas and Dustin crouch down on the floor. All with puzzled expressions, staring at their friend that's now much fluffier and not that much shorter.

"Okay," Lucas starts, hands clasped over his mouth. "So.. this is Will?"

As he says it, the bunny nods his little head.

"Holy shit," Dustin exclaims. "Can you understand us?"

Will nods again. His eyes widen, happy.

"This is awesome," Dustin laughs a little too loud. The others give him looks, but he ignores them. His inner nerd completely takes over.

"Are you in any pain?" Max asks, scratching the side of Will's head with her finger.

Will turns towards her, looks down at himself as if to check. His front paws come up, a little clumsy. He touches his chest, cheeks, then shakes his head.

"Okay, that's good," Lucas comments, and leans in closer. "What happened?"

Will pauses, thinking. He huffs, then climbs off Jane's lap, though that looks more like him launching himself off and roughly landing on the cushions. The others have to hold back their chuckles at the endearing sight.

Mike stands behind them. His face is tense, arms are crossed over his chest. He watches Will attempt to stand on his hind legs, without success. His little body keeps toppling over, until he finds a half sitting position.

Will uses his front paws to clutch at his stomach. His movements are adorably clumsy, not used to this completely new anatomy. This quickly becomes a game of charades, with Will desperately trying to explain what happened.

"You.. were itching yourself?" Dustin guesses. Will shakes his head, tries to show again.

"You were.. hot?" Lucas raises a brow. Will deadpans at him, the expression clear even with the furry features.

"Did your stomach hurt?" Max suggests.

Will beams, nods so fast his long ears flop around. A few squeaky sounds escape him, making everyone melt despite everything. Everyone but Mike. He can't relax no matter how much he tries.

"Okay," Max nods back. "So, you came down here?"

Will nods once again. He tries to spin around, wobbly. Lucas and Dustin seem to fully immerse themselves in this improvised game. Their eyes narrow, heads tilt as they study the movements.

"You.. You danced?" Dustin tries.

"Oh my God," Max sighs in disappointment. "He felt-"

"Nope," Lucas interrupts her with a finger to her lips. "Let us. We got this."

Max huffs and sits back, watches the embarrassing display unfolding in front of her. Lucas and Dustin throw out guess after guess, while Will desperately tries to communicate with his clumsy body.

"You spun around?"

"No, he just looked around- No? Still off?"

"Of course it's off, dumbass. He must've heard something-"

"He's shaking his head. You're wrong."

"Shut up."

Will grunts, then changes the clue. He finishes the spin and simply falls flat on the couch cushion, eyes closed. Lucas and Dustin hum like this is the biggest mystery they have ever encountered, rubbing their chins.

"You.. died?"

"Why would he die?"

"I'm just guessing!"

"Maybe he tripped?"

Will's eyes shoot open at that guess.

"Did I get it?" Lucas perks up.

Will pauses, thinking, then moves his tiny paws in a 'fifty-fifty' gesture. Lucas deflates, starts to massage his temples.

"Did you throw up?" Dustin blurts.

Everyone turns and glares at him, including Will with his beady eyes. 

"What?" Dustin squawks. "At least I'm trying to figure this out! Unlike someone."

He looks back at Mike over his shoulder. Max's patience finally reaches its limit. She groans at the ceiling, clutching at her own hair in irritation.

"Jesus Christ. His stomach was hurting, he felt dizzy, fell down and passed out. Then probably woke up like this and freaked out," she rasps, all in one continuous blow. After a few deep breaths, she turns to Will, her voice much softer. "Something like that?"

Will nods, looks relieved. Lucas and Dustin let out a collective 'oh' of realization. Will huffs at them, then climbs back into Jane's lap. She accepts him gladly, her hands immediately move to his fluffy head and scratch away.

"So, he knows just as much we do. Fuck," Mike concludes.

Everyone goes quiet, the situation weighing down on them. Their expressions sour, Will's ears droop as he makes a sad little noise.

"Well," Dustin breaks the tense silence. "At least we know he's not in pain, and he's safe. So.."

"What do we think this is?" Max asks.

"Upside Down?" Mike guesses, followed by a shrug. The others turn towards him with uncertain looks. "What? What else could it be?"

"It's gone, dude," Lucas reassures. "Like, gone gone."

"And even if it wasn't, why would it do this?" Dustin grimaces and points at Will. "What, it was like 'well, he already kinda looks like a bunny, might as well turn him into one'?"

Mike's brain glitches at that. He blinks, his cheeks feel warmer all of a sudden.

"Then.. magic? Some fucked up curse?" Max tries, scratching her head.

"A weird curse," Lucas winces.

As they keep throwing out theory after theory, their hands find Will. They pet him absentmindedly, gush over how soft and fluffy his fur is.

Jane pokes and gently massages his little paws. Lucas rubs his back, his expression melting like he's touching a cloud. Max scratches his chin, smiles as his eyes fall shut. Dustin plays with his ears, pushing them up and down, then side to side.

Will gets drowned in attention, makes cute little noises like he's trying to talk. Mike watches it all from a distance. He feels weirdly annoyed. For what reason, he isn't sure. He simply plops down on one of the chairs and tries to think of a solution for this whole thing.

The basement gets filled with giggles. At one point Will hops off the couch, lands a little roughly. He starts to roam around the basement, though it takes him a little while to figure out how to move in his new body.

Will hops, tries to run. Almost collides with furniture, looks at the basement as if he's seeing it for the first time. His little nose twitches, eyes blink and tail wiggles.

After a bit, he gets tired and shuffles back to the couch. Sits up and waves his little paws, asking to be picked up. Jane does and puts him back into her lap, while everyone coos.

Will's ears droop, a little sad sound escapes him. He lays down, keeps moving and adjusting like he's uncomfortable. Jane rubs his back soothingly, her brows pinch.

"Is he okay?" Mike asks from his chair.

"I think he's hungry," Jane says.

It's immediately followed by Will's stomach rumbling, confirming the theory. Even that is painfully adorable. The guys are immediately back up on their feet, eager to help.

"Well, we should feed him," Mike says, incredibly useful.

"Feed him what? He probably has a stomach of a bunny," Max ponders, scratching Will's head.

"I don't know.. carrots?" Mike shrugs.

Everyone turns and glares at him like he just grew a second head.

"What?" Mike squawks.

"Are you a cartoon character?" Max deadpans.

"Carrots are bad for bunnies," Lucas adds.

"The hell," Mike mumbles to himself. "Fine. Then.. what do bunnies eat?"

"Hay," Dustin helps.

"We're not feeding Will hay," Mike barks, his face a sour grimace.

"I'm just answering your question," Dustin glares.

Lucas sighs and puts his hands up in the air, settling the other two. He rubs his forehead, thinking.

"He can eat veggies, and greens," Lucas lists, squinting as he tries to remember. "Some fruit, too. But if we're not giving him hay, then we gotta fix this problem fast."

"What? What do you mean?" Mike feels his heart drop into his ass.

"'Cause hay is, like, super important for bunnies. Helps their guts work," Lucas explains, gesturing. He catches all the glances on him and tries to backtrack. "Or.. something. Uh.. Erica wanted a pet bunny at one point."

Everybody nods. Mike looks even more pale than usual, feels a twist in his chest. He glances at Will, curled up in Jane's lap and clearly hungry, in need of help.

"Just go steal something from the kitchen, dude," Lucas sighs, and claps Mike's shoulder.

On slightly shaky legs, Mike goes upstairs. He comes back shortly after with a plate of lettuce, way more than necessary. Dustin immediately takes it out of his hands and hurries back to the couch.

Will sits up, looks at the plate in front of him. His eyes get rounder. At first, he tries to grab onto one of the leaves with his paw, like he would do with a hand. That brings no result, so he attempts to use both paws.

Everyone watches him do it, gives him time to see if it works. Will drops the leaf and grunts, clearly annoyed.

"Here," Lucas says, and picks the lettuce up himself. "Try like this."

He holds the leaf up to Will's mouth. Will looks unsure at first, perhaps a little embarrassed. Once he takes the first hesitant bite, he starts greedily munching and crunching.

"Oh my God, he's so cute," Dustin mutters, looking like he's about to burst into tears watching Will eat.

Once full, Will's tiny paws come up to wipe his mouth. That looks even more clumsy. Jane smiles fondly, helps Will clean himself properly. Max's bottom lip juts out, eyes go so soft and affectionate it almost looks unnatural on her. Lucas and Dustin put the plate away and almost collapse to the floor.

Mike watches it all happen from a distance. He feels weird. Oddly left out and like the only sane person here, actually worried about their situation. At the same time, there's this fuzziness nesting deep inside him as he watches the ball of fluff that is Will.

With Will's stomach now full, the playing starts up again. There's more petting, cooing and hopping around. Will runs, scratches his long floppy ears, jumps up in the air. He even nibbles on some ankles to tease.

Lucas chases him around, grabby hands outstretched. Max and Jane laugh watching him plop down on his side, like a pile of fluff. Dustin makes him do some simple tricks, deeply amused.

Mike's skin itches as he watches on. Every laugh, every pet, every game make his stomach twist in a weird way. It all feels wrong, seeing Will be treated like that. Mike tries to fight it, leave it alone, but it eventually spills over.

"Stop doing that," he barks, watching Dustin hold up a piece of lettuce so Will stands on his hind legs.

Everyone pauses and looks at him. Mike's face is tense, a permanent frown decorates it. His fingers ache from gripping the chair so hard.

"What's your problem?" Dustin asks, gives Will the lettuce before patting him on the head.

"He's not a toy," Mike insists, voice low and clearly irritated.

"We know, dude. We're just having fun," Lucas tries.

"Yeah," Dustin nods. "He can just kick the shit out of us if he doesn't like it. Right, Will?"

Will's ears droop, eyes fall to the floor. He swallows his lettuce, then hops over to the couch. Scratches at Jane's shins so she can pick him up.

The atmosphere quickly sours. Lucas tries to say something, but Max bumps him, telling him to leave it alone. Mike huffs, sinks deeper into his chair. Jane looks at him from across the room, something flashes over her expression.

"I'll go back to the cabin and try to see what this is," she says, and gently moves Will on the cushion. He lays down, paws outstretched a little awkwardly.

"I- I'll go with you," Dustin hurries, scrambling up to his feet.

"Okay," Jane nods, her cheeks get a bit more pink.

They both walk out through the back door, grab their bikes and roll down the driveway. Lucas and Max exchange a look, then roll their eyes fondly. Mike has no clue what that's about. He stays in his spot, huffing and puffing.

In the meantime, Lucas sits on the floor by the couch and plays with Will. Tosses him gently, watches him bounce and scratch at the cushions. Max laughs softly at the sight, squeezes Will's fluffy cheeks like he's made of dough.

Mike slowly softens inside. He sees Will having fun, how his little brown tail wiggles from side to side. He keeps making squeaky noises, hops back to Lucas so he can toss him again.

Mike's own hands itch to pet, to touch. Feel that fur, maybe play a game of his own. Then he remembers that it's Will. His best friend Will. The thought of petting him on the head makes Mike's stomach twist in a weird way. His cheeks get warm and prickly all of a sudden.

After some time, Will gets tired. His moves become slow and sluggish. He stretches and yawns with a squeak. Without hesitation, he climbs into Max's lap. She welcomes him gladly, watches him twist and turn until he finds a comfortable position and plops down.

"He's so cute," Max whispers towards the ceiling, looking like she's about to cry. 

"I know, right?" Lucas agrees.

They watch Will fall asleep. His soft little breaths turn to snores. Something that's usually irritating, now the most endearing thing in the entire universe. Then, they turn back to Mike, still sat in the chair like he's fused to it.

"You're still pouting," Lucas comments.

"What?" Mike grimaces.

"Unclench," Max supplies.

"Shut up," Mike rolls his eyes, doesn't bother hiding his irritation.

"Dude, come on," Lucas sighs, stands up with his hands on his hips. "This isn't ideal, sure. But it's not the worst Will has been through. This is better than all of us just freaking out on him."

To Mike's displeasure, this does sound convincing. He tries not to show it, though, even deepens his frown.

"Do you wanna pet him?" Lucas offers eventually. 

"No, I don't wanna pet him. 'Cause Will isn't a toy," Mike spits out. It comes out much harsher than intended.

"We're not saying he's a- Whatever. Do what you want," Lucas gets agitated, hands clasped over his mouth.

He groans and drops down on the couch. Mike lifts his eyes, looks at Will. Asleep in Max's lap, making quiet snoring noises. His paws twitch like he's dreaming, chest rises and falls around his breaths.

"Is he okay?" Mike asks, voice much softer than it was not even a minute ago. 

"Yeah," Max answers. Her hands are gently stroking Will's back, soothing. "Just napping."

They stay in slightly awkward silence, until Lucas excuses himself to the bathroom. Max looks over at Mike, her gaze holding something behind it. Something heavy and important.

"Do you guys have apples?" she asks.

"Huh?" Mike blinks back to reality.

"He's not gonna eat lettuce all day," Max continues, nods at the plate on the coffee table.

"Oh," Mike catches on, finally climbs out of his chair. He winces as he does it, back sore from sitting down so long. "Yeah. Yeah, we do."

He grabs the plate, now full of shreds of lettuce. Spares a quick look at Will. Breathing softly and steadily, twitching slightly in his sleep. Mike feels heavy again, tight in his chest. 

"And grab a bowl of water," Max adds.

"A bowl?"

"He can't hold a glass right now, can he?" Max deadpans. She looks like she wants to yell, sleeping Will the only thing stopping her.

"Shit. Right," Mike shakes his head, brain scrambled. "Okay, uh.. be right back."

He stands in place for a second, awkward. Clears his throat, then walks up the stairs. In the kitchen, he washes the plate, finds an apple and slices it up. Instinctively does it just how he knows Will likes. Thinner slices, skin off.

Mike's mind is somewhere else as he does it. He's anxious, annoyed, but there's this third weird feeling that he just can't put his finger on.

Each time he looks at Will there's that softness, awe at seeing a cute little animal. Then it's quickly followed by a sharp twist in Mike's guts. His face gets hot, thoughts scatter.

He fills a bowl with water, grabs the plate of apple slices, and makes his way back downstairs. As he descends, Jane and Dustin are already there. Will is awake, sitting upright in Max's lap.

"Do you know what this is?" Mike hurries over.

"It's not the Upside Down. I would have felt it," Jane explains, looks a little startled at Mike's frantic demeanor.

"It's not?" Mike mumbles. His eyes drift to the floor. "So.. what the hell is it?"

"I'm not sure," Jane shrugs sheepishly.

"But it should go away soon," Dustin helps, finger up in the air.

"How do you know that?" Mike grimaces.

"She said it's weak, and it's already slowly going away," Max answers instead, pats Will's head as she speaks.

"Yes," Jane nods, then turns to Mike with an almost apologetic look. "That's all I know."

"So.. we wait?" Mike mutters.

"Pretty much, yeah," Lucas sighs.

Dustin pulls his lips into a tight, slightly awkward line. He dips and picks Will up, clumsy and unsure. He holds him tight, pokes his twitchy nose.

"You'll be okay, buddy. We're not sure when, but you will be," Dustin tries to comfort, puts on a voice and pouts his lips.

That doesn't seem to work. Will's ears droop. He huffs, struggles until Dustin puts him down on the floor. Will hops over to the couch and tries to jump up on it. Still learning his body, he fumbles and slips on the floorboards, falls flat on his fluffy tummy.

Everyone has to turn away, biting down endeared smiles. Will clearly isn't in the mood for cooing. He tries again, jumps up and clumsily lands on the couch cushion.

Lucas tries to scratch Will's head to comfort, but he simply turns away with a huff. Even when Jane goes to pet him, he presses himself into a corner, turned away from his friends. So many emotions in such a little body.

Mike watches him and feels a sting in his chest. Everything in him screams to comfort, offer at least something. Finally, he remembers the food and water he's still holding, stood in the middle of the room like an idiot.

"Uh," Mike tries. Will's ear twitches. "If you're thirsty, I got you water."

For a moment, it's silent. Will stays frozen, face hidden in the couch, then he turns. His little eyes find Mike for what feels like the first time in forever. He thinks for a second, then nods.

"Yeah. Yeah, okay," Mike breathes, nodding back. He fumbles, puts the apples on the coffee table before kneeling down awkwardly.

Will hops off the couch, sticks the landing this time. He approaches carefully, dragging his drooped ears along. Mike puts the bowl down, chews on the inside of his cheek.

"Um.. here," he says quietly.

Will looks into the bowl, lifts a paw to try and drink that way. It doesn't bring any result, beside him getting water all over his face. His irritation comes back, squeaks turn to grunts.

"Here," Mike grabs the edge of the bowl and tilts it slightly. "Maybe that's better."

Will looks at him, then tries again. He drinks with his mouth this time, chokes a little.

"Take your time," Mike mutters, voice so soft he barely registers it.

Will slows down, takes tiny sips. Slurping fills the basement. Over at the couch, everyone watches him in awe. Mike doesn't notice them, all his attention on the ball of brown fur in front of him.

Once done, Will sits up and wipes his face with his paws. He seems to be more familiar with them by now, his moves less clumsy. 

"Okay," Mike exhales and puts the water away. He grabs the other plate instead. "Do you want apple? It's the crunchier kind you like."

The process repeats. Mike puts the plate down on the floorboards, Will struggles. He tries to take a bite, but the slices keep sliding away from him. After a few attempts, Mike grabs a piece and holds it up.

It's a simple gesture. Lucas did the same for him not that long ago. Only now, Will hesitates. He looks at the apple, then at Mike. Stays frozen for a long moment, as if he has to really think about it.

Then, Will comes closer. Mike feels a tremor in his fingertips all of a sudden. Will leans in, and takes a hesitant bite. From there he latches on and eats properly, crunching loudly.

Only now does Mike notice how quiet the basement has been. He looks up, sees four pairs of eyes already locked on him. Amused, endeared, maybe weirded out. Dustin seems like it, at least.

Mike clears his throat, then Will finishes eating. He wipes his face again, blinks sheepishly as a thank you.

"Yeah. You're welcome," Mike says softly, smiles without realizing. "Uh, want more?"

Will shakes his little head in response. Mike nods, and puts the rest of the apples away, throws a slice into his own mouth. He feels noticeably lighter now. So much so that his hands move on their own, as if to pet Will.

Mike catches himself last second. He yanks his hand away a little too fast, clears his throat. Will gives him a look he can't quite decipher, then returns to the couch.

Time stretches as evening approaches slowly. The air feels colder, breeze sneaking in through the cracked window. Sky melts into a deeper, bruised blue. Will takes a few more naps, lays in pretty much everyone's laps but Mike's.

They play a little, but that quickly ceases. Will grows more and more grouchy as time goes on. His squeaks get fully replaced by grunts and huffs, ears are permanently drooped. He turns away when others try to cheer him up.

It's clear he's getting tired of his predicament.

A door slams upstairs. Will flinches, his ears spring up. His eyes are wide and alert, looking out for danger. It's so sudden that everyone else jumps along with him.

"It's okay. It's probably just Holly," Mike says, waves a hand. He listens in, counts the seconds under his breath until Karen yells. "Yup. Holly."

Everyone chuckles, though it's a bit dry. Will's long ears fall again, sad. With a huff, he hops off the couch and tucks himself into the nearest corner. Curls into a ball, paws folded under his chest.

As adorable as it looks from the outside, he clearly isn't in the mood. He needs space, to stay alone with his thoughts for a bit. As he always does.

Tensions rise, atmosphere goes from playful to painfully awkward. Dustin gives in eventually. He flutters his lips, walks over to Will and crouches. He coos at him, lightly pokes his side. Will grumbles and bats him away with his paws.

"Someone's not in the mood," Dustin frowns.

"Leave him alone," Mike scolds, voice low.

"Another one," Dustin mutters, joined by an eye roll.

"Whatever," Mike pinches the bridge of his nose, tired and irritated.

Lucas shakes his head at both of them, looks over at the window. The blue is even deeper now, slowly getting covered by grey of the clouds.

"It's getting late," Lucas comments.

"Yeah. You guys should go," Mike says without hesitation, getting up from his spot on the floor.

"Hold on. What?" Dustin squawks.

"Go home," Mike insists. "It's late. And it looks like it's gonna rain soon."

"What about Will?" Jane speaks up, hugging herself from worry.

The five get up to their feet. They gather, look at the sad ball of fluff hiding in the corner.

"He'll stay here," Mike says, firm and sure.

"What?" Dustin glares.

"No way," Lucas adds.

"Yes way!" Mike spits out, brows up in his hairline. "That makes the most sense!"

An argument ignites. The three talk and yell over each other, wave their hands around in sharp, stubborn gestures. Max and Jane stand off to the side and look at one another, sigh in disappointment.

Voices ring through the basement, then it all gets cut short by a loud thump. Silence follows, heads slowly turn towards the source of the sound. They see Will, facing them again with his eyes narrowed.

"Woah," Lucas chuckles. "Did you just-"

He gets interrupted by another thump. Will uses his hind legs to hit the floorboards and shut the argument down, and it works. He glares, scolding with just his gaze alone. Mike exhales, feels his chest loosen.

"He's staying here," he says again, now much calmer but no less insistent.

"Come on," Lucas sighs, rubbing his forehead.

"It's safe here," Mike argues.

"You're saying it's dangerous at our houses?" Dustin scoffs.

"We're his best friends, too," Lucas agrees, hand on Dustin's shoulder.

"Your mom will immediately find him," Mike glares at Dustin, then turns to Lucas. "And you're a terrible liar."

They start yelling at each other all over again, throwing out borderline nonsensical arguments. The basement's walls practically shake from the sheer volume. Will uses his paws to cover his ears, turns away again.

"He's right," Max speaks up, cutting the petty argument short.

"He is?" Lucas and Dustin say at the same time.

"I am?" Mike echoes.

"Wheeler can hide him the easiest. We'll just come back in the morning," Max continues, firm and final.

"Uh.. Yeah. Yeah, exactly," Mike hesitates, then nods. Stares at Max for a second, as if to make sure this is real. "I'll just call Mrs Byers and tell her he's sleeping over."

"Wait," Dustin interrupts, puts a hand up in the air. "You wanna hide this from her?"

"I.. I don't wanna worry her, okay?" Mike shrugs. "If it's going away on its own, we can just.. keep it a secret."

"A secret?" Dustin squawks.

"You're nuts," Lucas shakes his head.

Mike sighs, turns to Max and Jane for help. They look at him with uncertainty. Will stays tucked into a corner, quiet. Mike carefully approaches him and shrinks to his level as much as possible. Would even go lower if he could.

"Hey, Will?" Mike calls, voice soft. "Do you think we should tell your mom?"

Will looks up at him, thinks about it for a second. Even with the limited features of a bunny, Mike can clearly see the hesitation. Then, Will shakes his head.

"Okay," Mike nods. He turns back to the others, his voice immediately gets much rougher. "See?"

After some more sighing and grumbling, they give in. Lucas and Dustin don't look very happy about it, though. Everyone gets their stuff, shares goodbye hugs and pets Will one last time. Jane stays with him for a beat longer, muttering something private.

"Don't kill him," Max says to Mike as they hug. He barely bites back a scoff.

"Just be here first thing tomorrow," Mike says instead.

"Bye, Will," Max says, voice noticeably softer. She waves a hand, and Will returns the gesture with his little paw.

Everyone leaves, and Mike locks the door. It's immediately so much more quiet. Mike exhales, feels weirdly tense all of a sudden. It's just him and Will here now, surrounded by familiar walls.

Mike turns, sees Will's silhouette still curled up in the corner. Much less energetic now, making himself as small as possible.

"So, uh," Mike tries, gets met with awkward silence. He clears his throat, walks back to the couch. "Yup. Um.. Do you wanna watch a movie, or something?"

He feels a little stupid. Seems like it's only really hitting him now. He's talking to a bunny, who can't respond, but that little fluffy body holds Will's mind. The same mind Mike grew up with and knows better than anyone else.

Will cautiously leaves his corner, and shakes his head.

"Oh. Okay," Mike deflates a little, fidgets. He looks around, searching for something to keep himself busy, something useful to do instead of standing in place like an idiot.

The blankets draped over the couch catch his attention. He grabs them, folds them into an improvised bed. Puts it on the couch, pats it down.

"There," Mike mutters, gestures at the slightly crooked pile of fabric. "So you're a little more.. comfortable."

Will walks over hesitantly. His moves are a bit tired now. Instead of hopping he more so drags himself along the floorboards. Still, he finds it in himself to jump up on the couch. Mike's hands twitch to help, but it's ultimately not needed.

Will plops down on the blankets, facing away from Mike. He makes a quiet sad sound, adjusts a little before fully settling, only to move again shortly after. Like everything is uncomfortable no matter what he does.

The sight stings. Mike carefully sits on the opposite end of the couch, leans away to give Will as much space as possible. He glances over, almost wants to say something before ultimately giving up. All words die on his tongue, body refuses to move.

This was so easy for everybody else. To pet Will, offer him some affection and comfort, fully play with him, simply talk to him. Mike almost feels scared to do any of it. Scared to hurt, spook or do something wrong.

If it were Lucas or Dustin, Mike probably would've been dressing them up in stupid costumes and teaching them tricks by now. With Max he would've made a million jokes, teased her to no end knowing she can't do it back. For Jane, he wouldn't hesitate to talk to her and hold her.

With Will, it's different.

Mike listens to his steady breathing, the little squeaky noises escaping in between. He looks, sees Will still turned away. Just a ball of chestnut fluff on the blankets.

"Hey," Mike whispers. Will's ears twitch, listening. "Are you sleeping?"

He waits and waits. Will stays unmoving, though he's clearly awake. Mike deflates, starts picking at the armrest he's glued to. Scratches at it with his nails, taps on it with his knuckles.

"Why are you avoiding me?"

The words stumble out before he can stop them, full of sadness. Regret hits him right after, but he doesn't take it back. Just keeps staring down at the floorboards, until there's movement on the other end of the couch.

Will shifts. He sits up, then slowly turns towards Mike. His green eyes stay glued to the blankets, lift up for only a second before snapping back down again. 

"You played with everyone else," Mike mutters, brows furrowing. He feels stupid saying it, but can't stop.

Will deflates. His ears droop, and he turns away again. Mike catches it out of the corner of his eye, finally fully looks at him.

"You are avoiding me," he insists, deep sadness takes over his features. "Why?"

All Will can give is a squeak. Sad, holding something behind it. Mike knows it.

"Did.. Did I do something?" he asks, scoots closer on the rough cushion. "Is it.. 'cause I ate the last slice of pizza?"

Will looks at him again, and shakes his head.

"Which- Which one? The pizza, or- Shit. You can't talk," Mike glitches, scrubs at his face. His brain is completely scrambled, so many thoughts rushing through it at once.

He takes a second to settle. Will sours, tucks his paws under himself. His little eyes dart all over Mike. His tense posture and demeanor, hurt expression.

"Is it the pizza?" Mike sighs, tries again. Will simply shakes his head. "Okay. But.. I did do something?"

Will's eyes fall down for a moment, then he shakes his little head again. This time slower, a bit less sure.

"What?" Mike mutters, confused. "I don't.. But you are avoiding me, right?"

This time, Will doesn't nod or shake his head. He has a look on his face, a painfully familiar one. Wide-eyed and startled, like caught with something he tried so hard to hide. Almost looking a delicate fawn, with his emerald irises framed by long lashes.

Mike feels a familiar sting of guilt. He softens, decides to let it go and simply focus on the important things.

"Do you want blueberries? I think bunnies can eat those," he says instead, changes the topic.

Will brightens up at that. His ears bounce up, eyes get rounder. He nods eagerly, lets out an enthusiastic squeak.

"Okay," Mike chuckles, endeared. He gets off the couch, makes his way towards the stairs. "Mom got these, like, really nice ones. Be right back."

In the kitchen, he finds a cup and fills it with some blueberries, washes them thoroughly. While at it, he walks over to the phone and calls Joyce. Tells her that Will is staying the night. Luckily the lie is believable enough.

Feeling accomplished, Mike walks back towards the basement. As soon as he leaves the kitchen, Karen turns the corner. They nearly collide. Mike flinches, quickly hides the blueberries behind his back.

"Oh. Hey," Karen chuckles, a little startled.

"H- Hey," Mike stutters, stands unnaturally straight.

"Did everybody leave?" Karen asks, looking around the eerily quiet house, compared to the chaos it's been drowning in the entire day.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah," Mike nods nervously, speaks before he can really think it through. "Actually, Will is.. staying the night. If it's okay."

He immediately wishes he didn't say anything. His nose scrunches.

"Of course it's okay," Karen smiles.

She rubs Mike's arm, then starts walking towards the basement. Mike tenses up, moves on autopilot.

"Do you boys need any extra blankets, or-"

"No. No, no, no," Mike interrupts, slots himself between his mom and the door. He looks frantic, pants like a wild dog. "We- We have everything. Thanks, mom."

"Oh. Okay," Karen pauses, then her eyes drop down. "Are those my blueberries?"

"Hm?"

Mike blinks, looks at the cup in his hand, no longer hidden.

"Uh.. maybe," he winces.

"Right," Karen raises a brow. She looks like she wants to scold Mike, but decides against it. "Is that gonna be enough for both of you?"

"It's just for Will. I'm full," Mike says in one quick burst.

Karen's expression softens. She sighs, nods and goes back into the kitchen. Relieved, Mike rushes down into the basement, nearly trips on his numb legs.

"Jesus Christ, that was close," he mutters under his nose. "Okay, I got the-"

Mike cuts himself off as he sees Will taking another nap on the couch. Laying on his side in the blankets, breathing softly. His little paws twitch, probably dreaming of something.

The sight is so precious it wipes all of Mike's worries away. He softens, dims some of the lights and puts the berries on the coffee table. For a bit, he just stands in place awkwardly.

Instead of sitting on the couch again, Mike settles on the floor, back to the cushions. He listens to Will's breathing, every little squeak makes his head turn. Eventually, exhaustion takes over. Mike's head falls back on the couch cushion, and he dozes off, Will snoring serving as his own lullaby.

Mike jolts awake to the sound of something falling.

"Shit," he yelps, still half asleep.

He sees the cup rolling across the floor, blueberries spilled all over the place. Will is on the coffee table, looking at Mike with wide, guilty eyes and ears tucked back. He's practically shaking.

"Hey, hey. It's okay," Mike comforts, voice a little groggy. "I'll clean it up."

He stretches his sore neck, and grabs the cup. Comes back, starts picking up the scattered blueberries. 

"Good thing it's plastic," Mike comments, manages an airy chuckle.

Will watches him from the coffee table, tense. Then, he hops down. Comes closer, nudges a few berries with his nose. Mike notices, a smile pulls at his lips.

"Thanks," he says softly, accepts the help.

Will visibly relaxes at that. He starts to nudge and push the berries into little piles. Helps the best he can with his limitations. Mike picks up pile after pile, then accidentally bumps Will's nose with his hand.

"Oh. Sorry," he says quickly.

They both flinch a little, but don't pull away. Just look at one another for a long moment. Then, Mike slowly moves. He brings the pad of his finger to Will's fluffy face, lets it hover just for a second.

After a moment of hesitation, Will leans in. Mike holds his breath, starts to carefully stroke Will's face. In a path from his nose, between his eyes and up to his forehead, then back down.

"You are soft," Mike comments, more air than sound.

Will's eyes flutter shut. He looks so relaxed right now. Mike catches himself smiling at the sight. He clears his throat, quickly picks up the rest of the berries and washes them once more in the downstairs bathroom.

They settle on the couch again. Mike pours a few blueberries into his palm, and Will eats out of it. At one point he even nudges Mike's hand, silently asking if he wants some. Mike just shakes his head, pours out more berries to give to Will.

"Should've just grabbed a bowl," he grumbles, staring at the cup that's so obviously uncomfortable to eat out of. "I'm an idiot."

Will pauses his chewing to shake his head.

"Don't want a bowl?" Mike blinks dumbly.

Will deadpans at him. He denies again, shaking his head firmly. His ears flop around as he does it.

"You don't.. think I'm an idiot?" Mike mutters. Will nods at that, his gaze visibly softens. "Oh.."

Something in Mike loosens. He feeds Will the rest of the blueberries, then pats his head. No hesitation this time. He scratches at the soft fur, smiles as Will squeaks.

"Are you scared?"

Will's demeanor changes. Like he forgot about his predicament for a bit, and just got reminded. He deflates again, looks down at his paws.

"It's gonna be okay," Mike comforts. "I.. I'll take care of you. No matter how long this takes, okay?"

He feels his heart flutter as he says it. Will looks back at him, and it's like his eyes are brighter, more hopeful. Then, his ears shoot upwards like he got shot with electricity.

"Will? Are you-"

Mike gets interrupted by thunder, loud enough to shake the walls. It's followed by a thick pour of rain smashing against the window. Will flinches, practically jumps up in the air at the noise.

"Shit," Mike hisses. "Hold on. I'll close it."

He hurries towards the window, pushes it shut roughly like it personally offended him. The rush of the rain gets muffled, now just a low hum. The sky flashes, shortly followed by the vibration of thunder.

"Okay," Mike sighs, then walks back to the couch. "You probably have, like, super hearing right now."

He chuckles, but there's not much humor to it. Will is still curled up on the blankets, ears pulled back and shivering from the noise.

"Well," Mike says a little awkwardly. "We should, uh.. probably sleep."

He walks away to pull a few extra pillows out of the closet. Hears some commotion, and turns around. Will is on the floor now, standing on his hind legs and trying to tug the blankets down with his teeth.

"What are you doing?" Mike comes over and helps. Grabs the blankets, folds them up in his arms.

Will hops over to his corner, scratches at the floorboards. Mike blinks at him, confused, until the pieces fall into place.

"Wait. The floor?" he squawks when it finally clicks, looks almost offended. Will nods at him sheepishly. "No, Will. Come on. You're not sleeping on the floor. Just take the couch."

Mike puts the blankets back on the cushions, fluffs them up. Adds one of the pillows and pats it down. Takes his time with it, making sure it's as comfortable as possible.

"Here," he says. "It's all yours."

Will hesitates, shifting on his paws. He looks at Mike, with a silent question sitting behind his eyes.

"I'll just pull the mattress out," Mike waves a hand. "Come on."

Without a second thought, he crouches and picks Will up. He's so overwhelmingly fluffy Mike's hands disappear in his chestnut fur.

Will plops down on the blankets, and only then does Mike register what he's doing. He pulls his hands back a little too fast, clears his throat. Will sighs softly, looking at his bed for the night. It's all clearly weighing down on him, but there's no other option right now.

He scratches at the blankets, spins in a circle before settling down. Gets comfortable, paws folded under his chin. Mike watches him do it. His brain unhelpfully conjures up an image of real Will. All curled and cozy.

Mike's cheeks ignite. He shakes the feeling off, busies himself with setting up his own bed. Pulls the mattress out, throws some blankets and pillows on it, then quickly brushes his teeth and dims the remaining lights.

The basement gets drowned in darkness, moonlight giving it a soft blue glow. Water droplets run across the window, smash into the grass and pavement. 

Mike stretches and climbs into his bed. Lays flat on his back, pulls the blanket up. His hands cross over his own chest as he stares up at the dark ceiling.

He's restless. His lids are heavy, muscles are sore and tired, but he simply can't fall asleep. Rain rings in his ears, anxiety sits deep in his gut. 

"Hey, Will?"

Mike doesn't even register it as he says it. Like a habit, the only natural solution to the problem. If Mike can't sleep, he calls for Will, and they talk until slumber finally takes them in its embrace. That's how it's always been.

There's some rummaging up on the couch, followed by a quiet squeak. By now Mike understands what every little sound of Will's means. He's awake. It's solidified when Will peeks over the edge of the couch, ears standing up.

"Can't sleep either, huh?" Mike jokes, breaks off into a chuckle.

Will shakes his head sheepishly, looks over at the window. As he does it, the sky flashes again, then thunder shakes the walls.

"Yeah. Me neither," Mike sighs.

They fall silent for a long moment, listening to the chaos outside, watching water rolling down the window. Mike chews on his lip. His gums itch, so many words desperate to get out. He tries to hold them in, simply go back to sleep.

"I'm sorry," he says instead.

It just comes out, feels heavy and important. Will looks at Mike from the couch, tilts his head in a silent question.

"I don't.. I don't know. Just.. for everything," Mike shrugs, rakes his hands down his face. He presses the heels of his palms to his eyes so hard he sees patterns. "I know this is kinda random, but.. just felt like saying that, I guess."

He keeps his eyes closed, stars dancing behind his lids. Every word feels like it's been a long time coming. Sitting in Mike for years, maybe his entire life.

He isn't sure what's with this sudden surge of vulnerability. Maybe the fact that Will can't respond properly right now, so it isn't so scary. Mike doesn't have to look at Will's big hurt eyes or hear the wobble in his voice. The words come out with so much more ease.

"I.. I haven't been the greatest friend to you. I've said things I didn't mean. I was just- No, that doesn't matter. I shouldn't have said any of it."

Mike slowly pulls his hands away from his face, gets met with Will's eyes. Looking down at him over the edge of the couch, nose twitching. Listening and taking in each word.

"So.. there. I'm sorry. I should've said that a long time ago. Or just not hurt you in the first place," Mike crosses his hands on his chest, feels a lump climbing up his throat.

He almost waits to hear Will's voice, but it never comes. Mike's heart twists, lip starts to wobble before he can stop it.

"I was so worried. When we couldn't find you anywhere," Mike admits. His voice shakes, shrinks to a breathy whisper. "I thought.. Fuck. Nevermind."

He lets out a shaky breath, blinks rapidly. His eyes sting, chest feels tight. Up on the couch, there's movement. Will hides, then emerges again. Looks like he's trying to do something.

"What are you-"

Will launches off the couch right at that moment. Mike almost sees it in slow motion. The ball of fluff flying, little paws outstretched, then it lands right on Mike's stomach like a sack of potatoes.

Mike chokes, all air gets knocked out of him. Will rolls off him and lands on the floor, his ears fall in two different directions. Mike folds in half, coughs until it turns into delirious laughter.

"You okay?" he wheezes.

Will nods, clumsily tries to get back up to his paws. Mike helps him, still catching his breath. Instead of pulling away, Will nudges Mike's big hand with his nose, trying to get his attention.

Mike doesn't flinch. Instead, he scratches Will's head affectionately, rubs it from side to side as those floppy ears fly. Smiles so hard his nose scrunches, fond. As an apology Will rests his chin on Mike's stomach, accepts the affection.

"I miss you," Mike mutters, feels himself melt on the inside while overtaken with deep sadness. "I miss hearing your voice. Seeing your face."

A lump climbs up his throat again, making it hard to breathe. He thinks of Will's laughter, his soft and gentle tone. His eyes and expressive eyebrows, lips that curl into the happiest smile. Just the sight makes Mike feel peaceful inside.

He doesn't have that now. The realization is like a punch to the gut.

Will lifts his head, bites down on Mike's shirt and starts to tug. Insistent, demanding attention. When Mike doesn't react fast enough, he starts to nibble at his hand and fingers.

"What? What?" Mike blinks back to reality, chuckles despite himself.

He sits up, confused. Will gets back on the couch, furiously scratches at the cushion. It takes Mike a bit to figure this out, face scrunched up.

"What are you.. Oh, no," he says once he realizes. Will is asking him to get on the couch. "It's all yours."

He shakes his head, waves a hand and goes to lay back down on his mattress. That clearly doesn't satisfy Will. He grunts, scratches at the couch more. Mike mumbles something dismissive. In response to that, Will thumps.

"What the- Did you just-"

Will does it again, the sound ringing through the basement. Mike stares at him with his mouth hanging open. Will moves his hind legs as if to thump once more.

"Okay, stop. Stop," Mike gives in, scrambles to get on the couch. "I'm going, I'm going."

He lays down, head on the pillow. Takes the very edge of the cushion, leaving as much space as possible. Will takes it, settles at Mike's side. He keeps some distance, the very tips of his fur tickling Mike on the arm.

They stay like this, still a little awkward. Mike is stiff as a board, hands clasped together over his chest, legs barely fitting. They're startled by thunder, now much louder even with the window closed. The rain picks up, too, becomes relentless.

Will jumps, shivers at the noise. Mike feels the little tremors against his arm. He gulps, then carefully nudges Will's side. Will seemingly takes it wrong at first, starts to scoot away.

"Hey," Mike says softly. Will stops in his tracks. "Come here."

He taps on his own chest, eyes expectant. Will hesitates. Mike can't help but feel just a little hurt at that, compares it to how easy this was with the others. Will laid in everyone's laps, was so affectionate without even a hint of hesitation or discomfort.

Shortly, Will moves. He carefully climbs up onto Mike's chest, settles. He still seems to keep some distance, avoids looking into Mike's eyes. He folds his paws under himself, tucks his ears back.

Mike kind of wants to pull him just a little closer, but doesn't do it. Instead, he lifts his hands and carefully puts them over Will's ears. As soon as he does it, those green eye snap at him, wide and surprised.

Mike simply turns towards the window, waits for thunder to come. It doesn't take long. The bright flash comes first, then the noise. Mike practically feels it vibrate through the floorboards.

"Better?" he whispers, looking back at Will.

He isn't shivering anymore, his eyes are fixed on Mike's face. Soft, bright even in the dimly lit basement. That same familiar green with golden specs of hazel, like they're painted with watercolors.

Will stays still for a second, then nods. As if finally processing the question. Mike smiles at him in relief. His thumb moves, gently strokes along Will's face. In the darkness it almost feels like the smooth slope of his nose, the actual one. Warm and blushed, scrunching up when Will smiles or tries to tease.

They stay just like this for a bit. Mike's hands covering Will's ears, helping him through the thunderstorm. Eventually, Will gets sleepy. He blinks, his little head tips repeatedly. He fights against it, or tries to.

"Just go to sleep. You're okay. I've got you," Mike whispers, still gently dragging the pad of his thumb along Will's face.

That seems to work. A few more blinks, sleepy squeaks, and Will flattens against Mike's chest like a cloud of fluff. He stops resisting, lets slumber take him.

Mike smiles despite himself, endeared. He feels warm and fluffy, grounded by the weight on top of him. For a split second, he imagines this being actual Will. With his head on Mike's chest, sleeping peacefully.

Mike realizes he doesn't hate the idea all that much. Not at all, actually.

His heart flips, cheeks feel prickly and hot. He keeps his hands over Will's ears, shielding. For just this moment, everything is okay. Thunder seems to pass, rain slows down to just a rhythmic patter against the window.

Mike looks at Will, peacefully napping on his chest, and dozes off himself before he even realizes it.

The basement still holds the smell of rain by the morning. Soft beams of sunlight glide across the floorboards, highlight dust particles in their way. 

Mike feels the heavy weight on him, something tickling his face. He lingers in that sweet, gooey space between being asleep and awake. His neck is a little sore from the awkward position.

Then, there's movement, soft breaths that don't belong to Mike. He feels pressure on his chest, some squirming. Mike cracks one eye open, blinks while adjusting to the morning sun.

A startled gasp rings through the peaceful silence. Mike finally looks properly, and sees Will. Actual Will.

The same chestnut bowl cut, silky and soft. Brows curved upwards in surprise, prominent nose and pink lips, mole sitting just above them. Those eyes, the same green and hazel, staring at Mike.

His nose still seems to twitch a little like he did as a bunny. His hands are curled under his chest, legs are stretched out a little awkwardly. Now he has to learn his own body again.

Mike's hands are still clasped over Will's ears. They did not move a single inch throughout the night. Even now, Mike keeps them in place, feels the warmth of Will's cheeks.

"You're back," he grins dumbly, voice groggy.

"Um.. Y- Yeah," Will stutters, blushes a bit. He flattens his palms against Mike's chest. "I'm sor-"

"Are you okay?"

"Huh?"

"Are you hurting?" Mike asks, still half asleep yet checking in on an almost instinctual level.

"Oh. Um, no. No, I'm okay. I think," Will mumbles. That familiar soft, raspy tone.

"Good. I'm glad," Mike says through a yawn. His head falls back on the pillow, eyes flutter shut. As he does it, his hands move from Will's ears and cup his cheeks instead. His bunny fur was soft, but the feeling of his skin is better than anything else. Familiar, alive.

"Mike," Will mutters.

"Hm?"

"I should, um," Will starts moving, gently pushes himself up. "I should probably-"

"Stay."

Mike's body moves on its own. He drapes an arm across Will's waist, pulls him back down. Will makes a little startled sound, almost a squeak. His cheek meets Mike's chest, blooms almost crimson.

"Mike-"

"Just stay. It's still early," Mike insists, yawns again. Smacks his lips right after. His thumb rubs Will's waist, an absentminded back and forth movement. The same way he stroked his fluffy face.

"Sh- Shouldn't we call the others?" Will tries.

"They'll be here soon, anyway," Mike stretches his neck, adjusts on the pillow. Exhales softly, ready to doze off again with Will's weight resting on top of him. "Just sleep."

He cups the nape of Will's neck, feels the warmth of it. Will doesn't resist. Tension slowly leaves him, and he relaxes. Laid flat on top of Mike, their legs tangled.

Will's hands stay flattened against Mike's chest, like he isn't sure where else to put them. Mike hugs him around the waist properly, rubs little patterns into his lower back.

They listen to each other's breathing, chests rising and falling at two mismatched paces. Mike can feel Will's heartbeat against his own. Every point where their bodies touch is like an explosion of warmth.

"Are you.. comfortable, at least?" Will asks sheepishly, a little muffled.

"More than," Mike answers easily.

"Okay."

"Your voice is nice," Mike blurts.

"Oh."

"I missed it."

"Oh."

"I missed you," Mike exhales, hugs Will tighter. As if making up for the lost hours, holding him close.

"Me, too," Will whispers. It's quiet, but Mike can feel it vibrate through his chest cavity, rattle his ribs. "Thank you.. for taking care of me."

"Always," Mike smiles.

"Though, you were a little weird," Will jokes, breaks off into melodic giggles.

"What?" Mike chuckles back, peels one eye open.

"Seriously?" Will laughs, like it's obvious.

Mike stares at him, then it clicks. The hours of him sitting in the chair, frowning, watching the fun happening around him. The weird distance and awkwardness.

"Shit," Mike cringes.

"Yeah. You, like, refused to touch me, or pet me," Will says, then his face drops as he processes the words. More blush smears over his nose. "Okay, that's- Sorry. That sounded-"

Mike moves without a second thought. He cards his fingers through Will's hair, brushes the silky strands. He swears they feel even softer than the bunny fur. Will shuts up, his eyes widen in that cute startled way.

"Better?" Mike whispers, shaping Will's bangs.

"Um.. I- I guess," Will blinks.

"I'm sorry," Mike sours. "It wasn't- I didn't mean anything bad. I just.. felt nervous."

"Nervous?" Will echoes.

"Yeah," Mike shrugs. "Like.. I didn't know if you'd.. want that, I guess."

He feels a little stupid saying it. It sounds so ridiculous compared to their current predicament. Laying on top of one another while Mike gently plays with Will's hair. Mike's stomach flips clumsily at the realization, but he doesn't stop.

"I did," Will says, barely audible. His eyes drop to his own hands.

"Hm?"

"I did want that," Will admits.

"Oh," Mike breathes.

Will looks up tentatively, his long lashes flutter. Mike is already looking back, lips parted. His fingers keep moving through Will's hair, as if hypnotized. He wonders if it's always been this soft, and he simply didn't notice.

There are many things Mike didn't pay attention to before. The faintest freckles dotting the bridge of Will's nose. More moles on his cheeks. How his lashes look even longer as they catch sunlight. All the different colors in his irises. So familiar yet new.

Then, Will yawns, makes a little sound deep in his throat. His teeth peek out between his lips. They actually don't look all that different to when he was a bunny.

Mike knows that's not a side effect, or the weird spell still fading away. He's stared at those teeth countless times, wanted to poke them in the middle of Will talking or yawning. This time, he resists, just looks.

"Sleep?" Mike whispers.

"Yeah," Will smiles sheepishly, and lays down. Puts his entire weight on Mike, moves his hands to his shoulders.

"Yeah," Mike echoes.

He's surrounded by warmth, Will's hair tickles his jaw. So close, closer than they have ever been before. It feels so nice, so right. They breathe against one another, doze off shortly after until hurried knocking on the door interrupts their bliss.

Mike chalks up the frantic thumping of his heart to simple relief, happy to finally have his best friend back in his arms.