Chapter Text
Will woke in a bubble of warmth.
For a few quiet seconds, he didn’t open his eyes. He just breathed, slow and steady, listening to the faint hum of the heater and the soft rise and fall of the chest beneath his cheek. The world felt far away—no Upside Down, no worries, no fear. Just this. Just Mike.
He sighed, all the tension he hadn’t realized he was holding melting out of him, and cuddled closer to his boyfriend’s chest, instinctively wrapping his arms around him. Mike’s sweatshirt was warm and familiar, smelling faintly like laundry detergent and something that was just Mike. It made Will feel safe in a way that was hard to put into words.
Mike had to be awake. Will could tell by the way fingers gently threaded through his hair, slow and careful, like Mike was afraid of waking him even though he already had. A soft kiss landed on Will’s forehead, lingering just long enough to make his heart flutter.
“G’morning,” Will mumbled sleepily, his voice rough as he finally tilted his head up to look at him.
Mike was already watching him.
God. How was that even fair? How was Mike Wheeler this handsome at seven in the morning? The early sunlight filtered through the curtains, catching on his curls and the faint shadows under his eyes. Even with the hint of tiredness on his face, he still looked beautiful. Will’s breath hitched, like it always did, when it hit him all over again—he’s my boyfriend. The thought still didn’t feel real, like he might wake up and lose it if he held onto it too tightly.
Mike smiled down at him, soft and fond, the kind of smile that felt like it was meant just for Will. His hand continued its slow path through Will’s hair before he leaned down, careful not to rush, and kissed him gently.
“Good morning,” Mike whispered when he pulled back, his voice still sleepy. He pressed another quick kiss to Will’s temple, like he couldn’t help himself.
Will laughed quietly, warmth spreading through his chest, and leaned in to kiss Mike again—longer this time, but still soft, unhurried. He brought his hands up to cradle Mike’s cheeks, his thumbs brushing lightly over his skin. When they finally pulled apart, Will rested his forehead against Mike’s, smiling so hard his cheeks hurt.
Mornings like this felt like something Will used to only dream about. And now, somehow, they were real.