Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Mike is standing in his bedroom staring at the empty suitcase he tossed onto the floor five minutes ago. Why is this so hard? He’d gone home to visit plenty of times in the last ten years, figuring out what to pack shouldn’t be this complicated. “Figure it out dude.” He mumbles to himself. He grabs the laundry basket and rummages through it to find enough clean socks and underwear to last two weeks. He pulls out whatever is hung up in the closet and shoves it into the suitcase, “Good enough.”

The front door slams shut, and Mike flinches and yelps. “Jesus Christ dude! Slam the door louder why don’t you?” Dustin’s voice bellows back from the living room, “Sorry! I don’t know my own strength!” Mike chuckles to himself. Dustin pokes his head into Mikes room and asks if he’s ready to go yet. “Uhh not quite” Mike replies, frantically looking around his room and picking up odds and ends and shoving them into his backpack. “We gotta leave like, five minutes ago.” Says Dustin. “Oh, don’t forget your suit for the reunion, it’s hanging in the hall closet.” “Shit thanks, can’t show up in a band tee and ripped jeans can I?” “I mean you could, but it’s been a while since you’ve seen a lot of these people, I’m sure there’s at least one person you want to dress up for.” Dustin winks, turns around and heads to his room to pick up the rest of his stuff to load into the car.

“Yeah” Mike says quietly to himself as he stares out the window. Ten whole years since they graduated from Hawkins High. Ten whole years since he’s seen his best friend Will Byers. Its not like he didn’t want to see Will, he did. It just never worked out. They would both be planning on coming home for the holidays, they could hang out then, with the rest of the party, but one of their flights would be cancelled, or one of them would be sick, or there would be some other sort of emergency that made it so they never connected.

One summer Mike had even booked a flight to the U.K where Will lives now, but Will had to cancel the plans because of work, or so he said. Somehow Mike and Will had both managed to stay close to Dustin, Max and Lucas, but the two of them drifted apart. They talked a lot on the phone the first few years after graduation, kept each other filled in on their lives, even had small d&d campaigns over the phone. They wrote each other letters, sent postcards, pictures of themselves and their friends. Will sent Mike a bracelet once wrapped up in one of his letters. A thin bracelet with alternating blue and yellow beads. Mike wrapped it around a small chain and wore it around his neck, hadn’t taken it off since he received it. God he missed him.

He’d been wondering for months if this was actually going to happen or not, if they were both going to make it to the same place at the same time, actually see each other in person. Mike was scared, and angry. Mad at himself for not trying harder, after all they’d been through, he should’ve tried harder. He plans to tell this to Will, but he’s never been good at telling him how he’s feeling.

“Ready when you are Mike!” Dustin yells from the front door of their apartment. “Let’s get this show on the road!” “Coming!” Mike shouts back, he picks up his bags and shuffles his way out the front door. Dustin helps him with his suitcase as they clamour down four flights of stairs and out onto the street where Mikes car is parked. The station wagon is packed full with their suitcases and camping gear for the next two weeks. “Why is there so much shit?” Mike asks looking the wagon up and down. “I take camping very seriously Micheal, you should know that about me by now.” “Okay but why are there 3 tents?” Dustin looks at Mike with a bit of annoyance, “One for you, one for me, one for Max and Lucas. They had enough crap to pack up with the baby and all.” “Yeah alright makes sense.” Replied Mike. He was so looking forward to seeing his niece again. She was considered a niece by all of them, they were family after all. A family whose two of its members never saw each other but still a family.

“Get in the car Mike my patience is wearing thin.”
“Right yep let’s go”
“You seem way the fuck out of it today, did you smoke too much weed or something?” Dustin asks with concern.
“Uh no, I’m just nervous I think. For the reunion. I haven’t seen any of those people since high school, so it’s a bit awkward, there’s not really anyone I want to see.”

Dustin gives him a side eye glance and waits for Mike to look his way while he makes a right turn.
“What is that look for?” Mike stifles a laugh as the words come out.
“There’s no one? No one you want to see?” Dustin asks dryly.“Well the party obviously.” “Obviously.” says Dustin before Mike is even finished the sentence.
Mike can feel Dustin staring at him, burning a hole through the side of his head. “And Will” Mike says quietly as he stares straight down the road. “Well yeah he’s part of the party so I imagined so, I just wanted to hear you say it.” Dustin says with a wide smirk. Mike rolls his eyes and lets out a small huff.

The rest of the drive to Hawkins was uneventful, Dustin spent a good portion of the drive talking about his girlfriend, which was fine if not a bit boring. Mike sat and listened fading in and out, he’s happy that Dustin is happy. He’s happy that Max and Lucas are happy, with their little family they’ve made for themselves. Mike can’t help but wonder if Will is happy too. He knows Will has had a few boyfriends over the years, Dustin would always fill him in, nothing too serious nothing long term. Mike could say the same about himself. Well, even less maybe, some dates here and there, some one night stands, some friends with benefits. No one he ever called a girlfriend though. No one like that since El.

Mike truly believed that she was somewhere else in the world, living a peaceful quiet life. She deserved that, she deserved to be happy. Whenever he thought about her he would picture her standing at the foot of a waterfall with the mist gently falling down on her, with her eyes beaming and a contagious smile spread across her face. It’s the only way he could cope and move on. Dustin and the rest said that they chose to believe that too, they might be crazy to believe it, but at least they were crazy together.

“Do you think your moms going to feed us?” Dustin asked Mike. They were about an hour away from arriving to Hawkins. “I’m fuckin starving.” He added.

“We are supposed to get there right around dinner time so, yeah.” Mike definitely did not miss dinners with his parents, every time he came to visit they had a hundred questions about what his plan in life was, and when was he going to get married, when are they getting grandchildren blah blah blah. He was glad that Dustin would be with him this time, he could answer the questions and talk their ears off about his girlfriend.

“There it is!” Dustin exclaimed with excitement, “Township of Hawkins next exit!” “You’re really looking forward to this aren’t you?” Mike asked. “Hell yeah! What’s not to be excited about? It’ll be just like old times, the gang back together, two weeks of partying, camping, d&d, I even brought magic mushrooms!” Dustin was grinning ear to ear. “No you did not.” Said Mike in disbelief. “I did, but I’m not sure if I’m going to give you any yet.” Dustin crossed his arms, “you never finished telling me that story about you on mushrooms and the water gun.” “Oh shut up please, we’re almost there!” Mike tried to change the topic, “How much do you think our niece has grown since the last time we saw her? Mike says with a smile. He knows that this is the best strategy to get Dustin to change topics. “Oh my God probably so much. Last time I saw her I swear she said my name.” Mike rolled his eye and said “Yeah right, so her first word was Dustin? Uncle Dustin, no wait -Dusty buns!” “Haha shut up!” Dustin shouted as he gave Mike a little smack on the arm. Mike shoved him back with a grunt when Dustin laughed, “Hey keep your eyes on the road!” “I can drive and punch you at the same time thank you very much.” They were both laughing as they pulled into the Wheelers driveway.

“Home sweet home” Mike breathes out, “she never changes.”
“That’s what I love about Hawkins.” Dustin adds, “Every time I come back, it’s always exactly the same.” Mike nods and opens the car door, he takes a heavy sigh and thinks about how it’s not the same for him. He wishes it was but it hasn’t been the same, not without his old best friend. Mike always made a point to visit Joyce when he came to town, they’d grab a coffee and catch up. She’d invite him over to have dinner with Hop and herself but Mike never accepted the invite. He didn’t want to go there without Will, it seemed wrong. What if he saw an old picture of them from when they were kids? Or caught a scent that reminded him of Will, then what? Would he have a full mental breakdown then and there? In front of Joyce and Hopper? Maybe not, but he couldn’t risk it.

He was going to fix it all over the next two weeks, he had to. He wanted to make up for lost time, make things right. He wanted to be able to call Will his best friend again. To convince Will to move back to the states and leave his posh British lifestyle behind. It sounded nuts in his head, probably because it was, but he would do anything, heck even follow Will back to London.

He could feel himself spiralling as he pulled the latch on the front door of his parents house, it opened smoothly unlike the door in his apartment. He wasn’t used to how little force was needed to open the door, so it flew open with a loud crash and knocked the vase over that had been resting on the stand behind the door.

“Dude.” Dustin said calmly, “Are you good or-“ “Yeah! Shit! Fine just -shit!” They both hurried over to the broken glass and started picking up the big pieces.

“You know,” Mikes dad began saying from the living room, “I was just saying how painfully quiet and peaceful it is without a house full of children, and then there you are Mike.” “Fuck sorry, it’s the door, it’s so easy to open compared to-“ “Oh sweetie it’s okay it’s fine really!” Karen Wheeler appears out of nowhere with a broom and dustpan and starts sweeping the shattered vase up quickly. “Hi mom I’m so sorry.” “It’s really fine I’m just so happy to see you, and you too Dustin.” She grabs them both and brings them in for a tight hug. “Welcome home son” Ted says as he pops around the corner. “We’ve missed you.”

“So that was actually kinda nice.” Dustin says to Mike. The pair are in the basement setting up a bed for Dustin after having dinner with Mikes parents. “Yeah it wasn’t the worst dinner I’ve had with them.” Mike laughs. “So what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Mike asks. “Um the reunion, hello?” Dustin responds like Mike is asking the most stupid question ever asked. “Yeah no shit! I meant before, the reunion party doesn’t start until six, what are we doing all day before then?” “Well I’m going to visit my mom, she’s barely surviving without me. I don’t know what you’re doing.” Mike looks at Dustin like a sad puppy. “You can come if you want, but I don’t think it’s gonna be a great time for you.” Dustin says with a soft chuckle. Mike sighs. “Nah it’s all right I’ll figure out something to do. You need your mommy and me time.” Dustin shoots a pillow across the room and smokes Mike right in the face. “Got ‘im!” Dustin yells triumphantly. “You’re a shit Dustin” Mike attempts a serious tone, but he can’t help himself from laughing. “Takes one to know one!” Dustin shouts, “Dipshit!” He quickly adds in before the pillow strike is returned. They are both laughing and clutching their stomachs, Mike is so grateful to have this with Dustin. It make him miss Will even more.

“So” Mike begins after they’ve settled down. “When does everyone else get in? We all left it kind of close to get here on time.”
“Max and Lucas should've arrived today at some point, but they had to get settled at the Sinclairs with the baby, so hopefully we can meet up before the reunion tomorrow.”
“Right yeah, I bet you Lucas’ parents are happy, knowing they get the baby all to themselves for a night.” He pauses for minute, “an-and Will?” He stutters out.
“You know what Mike, you better use this opportunity to figure your shit out, cuz frankly I’m tired of this.” Mikes jaw drops open, “What shit?”
“What shit?” Dustin says, much louder than Mike. “Whatever bullshit beef you have with Will. I want us all back together like we used to be. I want you to get over whatever the fuck this is.”

“I’m really going to try and fix it.” Mike says apologetically to Dustin. “It’s just- complicated.” How could he even begin to explain it to Dustin when he can’t even explain it to himself. “If this is about the Tammy thing, you need to let it go, it was so long ago.” “It’s not about that, really, I mean it’s included I guess in the overall picture but-“ Dustin interrupts him, “I don’t need to know, you don’t need to explain, but I cant act like this doesn’t affect me anymore. Seeing the light dim in your eyes hurt all of us. You deserve to be happy.”

Mike had hundreds of things he wanted to say, he wanted to tell Dustin to screw off and mind his own business, but he was right. He was the one that let Will slip away. “Thanks dude.” Mike said softly. Dustin looks a Mike with what can only be described as absolute pity. “Yeah, I mean, sorry for snapping a bit, even though you deserved it.” “Haha I really do don’t I?” They both chuckle at each other. “I’m gonna pass out right now I’m so tired.” Dustin says through a yawn.

“Good night Dustin”
“Good night dipshit”

Chapter Text

Mike was laying in his bed staring at the ceiling. Not blinking, not breathing, trying not to panic. “Fuck me!” He choked out as he caught his breath. Oh how he wished he could just go back in time, and not have fucked everything up in the first place. That would be easier he thought. Time travelling would be easier then trying to fix ten years of…missed opportunities.

He rolled over to face the wall and slammed his fist into the space on the bed beside him. He thought about getting up right then and driving back to his apartment. Forget all of it. He couldn’t do it, he had so much to say but didn’t know how to say it. How could he possibly even begin to tell Will how badly he knew he fucked up. What if Will didn’t even care? That was a new thought. “What if he doesn’t miss me?” Mike whispered to himself. “What if he doesn’t care at all?”

Mike sits up on the edge of the bed with his head resting in his hands. He tries to take a deep breath but he can’t get enough air in. He chokes on his own spit as he starts to breathe faster and faster, he’s beginning to hyperventilate. He gets up quickly and runs to his bag to grab his meds, a new kind the doctor just prescribed. He fumbles the container and drops it on the floor, Mike collapses after it and desperately pries the lid off. He puts one of the small yellow pills under his tongue and tries again to catch his breath. He can feel his heart rate begin to regain a somewhat normal rhythm. “Deep breaths, Mike” he says softly to himself. “It’s okay.” He manages to take a few slow and deep breaths, and he can feel his body loosening up as his muscles relax. He crawls back to the bed and lifts himself slowly onto it. He stares at the ceiling trying to clear his mind, he’s trying to focus his thoughts on something, -anything other than Will. He takes another deep breath and as he closes his eyes he wipes a tear from each side.

The birds are singing a happy song outside as Mikes eyes fly open. He reaches for his watch and checks the time. 12:16 p.m. “Shit.” He gets up and throws on a tee shirt and sweatpants and hurries down the stairs. “Good morning sweetie! Well, afternoon I guess. Was I supposed to wake you up? I wasn’t sure.” “No mom it’s fine, I should’ve set an alarm.” Mike begins to walk over to the doorway to the basement “Oh Dustin left hours ago, he said he’d be back around five, you look tired Mike, did you get enough sleep?” “No not really, I’m uh, nervous.” He says softly. Karen puts her mug down on the counter and looks at her son with concern. “I think this is going to be good sweetie, you guys are going to have a great time over the next couple of weeks.” “Yeah I hope so, it’s just things with Will, I mean, I never thought it would end up like this, us, not even talking.” Karen takes a deep breath and smiles softly, “Just tell him how you feel honey, you can’t go wrong with that.”
“Haha! You assume I know how I feel?” Mike says with a sheepish grin. They both give a small chuckle and Karen reaches out her arms to invite Mike in for a hug. He doesn’t hesitate and swoops in and hugs her tight. “It’ll be okay” She says gently in his ear.

He really wants to believe her. As he pulls away from the much needed hug, he checks the time on his watch. 12:41 p.m. What the hell was he supposed to do until Dustin got back? He didn’t bring enough Ativan to make it through this trip, he thought.

“I’m going to see if I can go visit at the Sinclairs” Mike says to Karen as he picks up the phone and starts dialling.

There’s a short ring followed by an out of breath “Hello?”

“Lucas is that you?”

“Mike! Hey man where are you? Are you in town? At your parents?”

“Yeah I just got in last night, um, can I come see you guys before the party tonight?”

“Like you have to ask brother, get over here! The girls are just waking up from a little nap and are going to be pumped to see you.”

“Hah ok I’ll see you soon.” Mike hangs up the phone and gives his mom another little hug and heads out the door.

Lucas’ dad is out front watering the flowers when Mike pulls up to their house. “Well if it isn’t “The” Mike Wheeler!” He says with a beaming bright smile. “Hi Mr. Sinclair, getting some fresh air?” “You know what son, that baby has a pair of lungs on her, I tell you. I think she shattered a glass reaching the highest decibel.”
Mike laughs, “Rough night huh?” “Sure but it’s all good, wouldn’t trade time with her for anything. Go on in, I’ll be back in soon.” Mike nods and heads to the front door. A quick knock and as he reaches for the knob, the door flies open and Max is rushing through the frame slamming herself into him and squeezing the air out of his chest. “Oof! Max!” Mike manages to mutter out. “I missed you too but I need air!” He says as a smile spreads across his face. He pulls himself away to look at her, “You look way too refreshed for someone with a baby.” Her eyes beam with the brightest shade of blue. “Well motherhood is easy when you’re married to a superdad I guess.” Max turns around and signals for Mike to follow her. “We missed you buddy.” Max says as she leads Mike into the Sinclairs family living room. “I’ve missed you guys too, it feels way longer than six months.” As they enter the living room Mike sees Lucas sitting on the couch with his daughter in his lap. They are playing with a little teddy bear and making babbling sounds at each other. “She already has a better vocabulary than you Lucas!” Mike jokes. “Oh ha ha!” Lucas shouts as he stands up and turns the little one around to face Mike. “Look it’s another one of your uncles! I won’t tell him that uncle Dusty is your favourite.” “Ouch! That hurts.” Mike winks at Lucas as they move in for a hug.

“Elsie, you’ve gotten so big!” Mike exclaims as he stands back to take in the sight of Lucas and his daughter. “Bababa ba” Elsie says with a giggle. Max, Lucas and Mike all stand there smiling at each other while Elsie babbles away. Mike feels light in this moment, like he’s basking in sunshine. To see Max and Lucas like this, happy, and healthy, makes him feel a way he realizes he hasn’t felt in a while. “This is going to be the best two weeks, isn’t it?” “Damn rights it is.” Lucas says gleefully.

Lucas and Mike are sitting on the back porch as the afternoon sunlight beats down on them. Max brings out a tray with some iced tea and pours herself a glass and begins to gulp it down as fast as she can. “You good?” Lucas asks her with a grin. “Yeah, just - gulp your kid never stops eating, it’s hard to stay hydrated!” She gestures toward Lucas with her finger as she finishes her glass. She stands there for a moment and then whispers “oh no” and bolts inside the house. Lucas gets up and scrambles after her. Mike is slower to react and when he makes his way in through the sliding door, Lucas is already on his way back out. “Uh, everything okay?” “Yeah yeah she’s fine, she just um, drank too fast.” Lucas turns Mike around and leads him back out to the porch.
“Hey easy with me what are-“

“I think she’s knocked up again.” Lucas whispers hurriedly into Mikes ear as they find their way to the lounge chairs.

“What? Max?” Mike asks “Already?”

“I don’t know for sure and I don’t think she suspects it because she may be in denial, but she’s been acting the same way she did when she was pregnant with Elsie.”

“Well, shit.” Mike says, “But wait this is good isn’t it? You guys are great parents, I mean I never thought I’d say this but being a dad comes naturally to you.” Lucas looks at Mike and nods his head. “I’m not worried about me.” They sit there for a few minutes silently. “It was really hard for Max, for a while there after Elsie was born. She couldn’t get out of bed. She..” Lucas trailed off and turned away looking out into the backyard.

“Hey, I’m here you know. I’m always here. I mean, I would move closer to you guys to help.” Lucas turned to look at Mike with one eyebrow raised. “I mean it, I’ve literally got nothing going on back where I live, there’s no reason for me to stay there, other than Dustin, but he’s got his girlfriend so he’d be fine.” “That’s really thoughtful of you Mike.” Lucas looks him up and down, “So you’d be what? A Supernanny or something?” They both start laughing and the tension lifts slightly. “I mean it’s not confirmed it’s just a feeling I have. I’m trying not to get too worked up about it before I know for sure.” “Heard that” Mike replied. Lucas stares at Mike until he caves, “What?”

“What are you trying to not get worked up about Mike?” Mike shifts in his seat and stares into his iced tea. He lets out a heavy sigh and tosses his head back and closes his eyes. Lucas waits patiently, not taking his eyes off of Mike.

“I think I’m going to throw up.”

“No no no no, I can’t handle more than one barfing person at a time, please, relax!” Lucas says as he hands Mike a napkin to wipe the sweat off of his forehead and fills his cup back up with iced tea. “This needs booze.” Mike opens one eye and stares into his glass. “The fuck it doesn’t!” Lucas chirps at Mike, “That’s the last thing we need, is for you to show up to our high school reunion a drunk mess, crying about the one that got away all night.”

“That’s a bit harsh, I think.” Mike says to Lucas with one eye still closed. “Yeah but it’s true isn’t it?” They sit there quietly for a few moments until Max reappears in the doorway. “Everything okay out here?” She asks. Mike and Lucas both nod slowly. “Right okay, I totally believe you.” She says with a laugh. “I’m going to rest for a bit before the party, I think I ate something bad earlier. I guess we’ll meet you, Dustin and Will at the school later.” “Oh uh I’m not sure when Wills getting here actually, I think it’s just me and Dustin going together.” Max looks at Lucas, “Oh right yeah, Wills flight doesn’t land until like four or something, so he’s just meeting us there.” Lucas reminds Max. Max nods and goes in to give Mike a hug, she whispers “It’ll be okay.” into his ear. She kisses Lucas on the forehead and heads back inside.

Lucas looks at Mike with his eyebrows raised and eyes wide. “We can like, talk about it you know, I mean Will- or anything. We can talk about anything.”

Mike looks like he’s holding tears back as he coughs and takes a big sip of his drink. Lucas reaches over and puts his hand on Mikes shoulder, Mike moves his hand to rest on Lucas’ and gives him a nod. “I just need to see him.” He takes the napkin and tries to wipe the tears away without Lucas noticing. “I swear I haven’t been crying about it this whole time.” He manages to let out a small laugh, and when he does Lucas smiles at him. “I just tried to bury it all down, but being back in Hawkins and realizing I’m actually going to see him… it’s overwhelming.”

“Mike, some people have something special that can withstand time. I think you guys are going to figure it out. I think it’s going to feel like it used to, because I know you, and I know him. You’ve always been connected, that connection isn’t lost, okay?”

“I really want that to be true.”

Lucas gives Mike a pat on the shoulder before taking his hand away. “Come on, bring it in.” They both stand up and go in for a hug, “We’re all rooting for you man.” Lucas says to Mike. “Thanks.” Mike says quietly. “Ahem!” He clears his throat in an attempt to change the topic and they both start laughing. “Alright see you there Lucas.”

It started raining lightly as he walked out to his car. He stopped just before opening the door, he reached up to his neck and ran his thumb along the little beads nestled on his chest. He stood there for a few minutes and felt the rain against his skin. He took a deep breath and held the beads tightly in his hand.

Chapter Text

The rain is coming down harder now. Mike reaches over and twists the dial down on the radio. He pulls over onto the side of the road and shuts the car off, then places his hands on his lap, one on each leg. He lets in a deep breath and closes his eyes. Focusing now on the sound of the rain coming down on the roof above him. It’s getting louder, pouring down now in what seems like a steady stream.

He opens his eyes as a loud thunder booms overhead. Suddenly he’s not in his car, he’s standing in his parents carport in the middle of the night as rain pours down around him. The water is hitting the pavement with enough force to shoot itself back up a foot into the air again.

“Mike! Are you even listening to me?” Will is standing a few feet in front of Mike, holding onto the handle bars of his bike. He’s not twenty-eight like he should be. His eyes are wide and he’s waiting for Mike to say something, anything. Mike opens his mouth but he can’t make himself speak. “I, uh, ah ah.” He stutters. The inner part of Wills eyebrows turn upwards, his eyes grow bigger. Mike notices just how sad and desperate Will looks in this moment. Why didn’t I notice this the first time.

They stand there in front of each other and Mike opens his mouth to try to speak again, but nothing but air escapes his lips. There’s a sudden flash of light followed by a massive crack in the sky. Mike gasps for air as he startles awake. He takes a moment to check his surroundings. “What the fuck?” He breathlessly whispers to himself. He’s in his car, on the side of the road. The rain has eased up and there’s a fine mist coming down as the clouds separate and let the sun break through. He checks his watch, 4:12 p.m. He rubs his eyes and gives himself a light slap on the cheek. “Wake up, Mike.” He reaches forward and turns the keys in the ignition. He’s trying to focus on the road but the image of thirteen year old Will standing in front of him with that look in his eyes is burned into his skull. Before he realizes where he is, Mike pulls into Mrs. Hendersons driveway.

Tap tap. At the window beside him. He looks over and Dustin is standing with his nose pressed up against the drivers side window, blowing air out of it making a small patch of condensation appear. “Christ, Dustin.” Mike mumbles to himself. Dustin pulls his face off of the window and draws a little heart where the vapours remain.

“Heya buddy” Dustin says slowly, “Watcha doin?” Mike rolls the window down and stares at Dustin and flips his hands over so his palms are facing up, as if saying I don’t know. “Okay–uhh are you good? What have you been doing all day?” Mike sighs and says, “I slept in and then went to see the Sinclairs.” Mike runs his hand through his hair, pushing it off of his forehead. “It was raining really hard when I left so I pulled over to listen to the rain–I guess I passed out and had a bad dream. I’m just feeling a bit off I guess.” “You’re stressed Micheal.” Dustin says matter of factly. “Hah yeah, a bit” Mike chuckles back. “All right why don’t we head back to your parents house and get ready for tonight?” He doesn’t wait for a reply and quickly jogs to the passenger side of the car. Mike starts the car and begins to back out of the driveway. “Elsie said I love you uncle Dustin this morning.” Mike looks over at Dustin who is staring straight out the front window trying not to smile but failing.

“Yeah fucking right!”

“She did! I swear! I heard it! We all heard it!”

Mike stares at him for another moment and shakes his head before continuing the drive back to his parents house. “You know that your eyes are brown because you’re so full of shit right?” Mike says dryly.

“Hey! Come on! Your eyes are brown too. So I guess by that logic you’re also full-of-shit.”

“No, wrong.” Mike is trying to hide his grin by covering his mouth with the back of his hand.

“You’re a shit head Mike.”

“I actually prefer dipshit, if you must use the word shit in your pet name for me.”

“Okay how about Captain Dipshit, Dungeon Master of all Shitheads?”

“Yeah that has a nice ring to it.” They both start laughing.

“Okay fine, Elsie didn’t say that.” Dustin finally admits.

“–oh?” Mike turns to look at Dustin after he puts the car in park and shuts the engine off.

“What she actually said was…” “Dude shut up!” Mike cut him off. “Hey I hope you don’t use that potty language around my niece.” Mike rolled his eyes at Dustin as he sat there with a big grin on his face. “Hey who’s that?” Dustin points towards the front door of the Wheeler house. There’s a man dressed in black slacks and a dark brown jacket, knocking on the front door of the house. “–is that” Mike stares at the man as he heart stops beating. He can feel his mouth drying up, he grabs the steering wheel with both hands in an attempt to ground himself.

“Jonathan!” Dustin is already out of the car running towards Jonathan who has turned around to see who was barking his name. Jonathan waves shyly as Dustin throws himself at him, swinging his arms around his neck and jumping up so Jonathan has to grab onto his legs so they both don’t fall over. “Fuck you’re heavy!” Jonathan grunts out as he tries to keep Dustin steady in his arms. “Is this how we greet each other now?” Jonathan asks. “Not usually but it could be if you wanted.” Jonathan laughs as he lowers Dustin down carefully. “You wanna jump on too, Mike?” He says to Mike as he walks up the driveway. “Um I think just a regular hug will do me this time.” He smirks at Jonathan as he goes in for a hug. “Good to see you man.” Jonathan says softly to Mike. “You too.” Mike smiles softly as he pulls away.

“Sorry for just dropping in but I thought Will was supposed to be staying at my place tonight, and he hasn’t been by yet, I thought maybe he went straight here instead, maybe he was running late or something.” Jonathan looks back and forth between Dustin and Mike, looking for an answer. “Oh, we’ve been out most of the day so we couldn’t tell you.” Dustin says as he points to the door and heads in. Mike doesn’t follow them inside. “You coming?” Dustin turns to ask Mike after showing Jonathan inside. “Yeah I just need a minute or ten.” Dustin nods and goes in and clicks the door shut.

“Fuck!” Mike shouted a bit louder than he meant to. He’s standing with his hands on his hips looking up to the sky trying to calm down. He starts feeling a slight spinning sensation and he notices his fingers are feeling tingly. He shakes his arms and flaps his hands out trying to get rid of the pins and needles feeling. He sees little black dots everywhere he looks. “Come on, not again.” He doesn’t think he can make it inside and up the stairs to grab his pills before it’s too late. He reaches his hand out to the door frame and uses it to guide himself down to the floor, he slumps over and brings his knees up to his chest and rests his head on his arms, trying to catch a breath. The door creaks open and he feels a hand on his shoulder, but he can’t look up because he needs to focus on breathing.

“Hey hey hey Mike are you okay? Can you look at me?” Jonathan pleas to Mike. Mike manages to shake his head as his breath quickens. His chest feels tight, he can’t breathe and he can feel the tears starting to trickle down his cheeks. Jonathan places himself in front of Mike and sits down cross legged, placing his hands on Mikes upper arms. “Mike count to three, and take a breath.”

“One–gasp.”

“Okay that’s good, keep going.”

“One t–t–gasp.”

“You’re okay, you’re having a panic attack Mike. You’re safe and everything is okay, you just need to catch your breath. Look at me okay?”

Mike can feel Jonathan’s grip on his arms. The touch is pulling him back in, back to the world and away from whatever darkness that was surrounding him a moment ago. He pries his head up from his arms and locks eyes with Jonathan. They are warm and familiar.

“Deep breaths all right?”

Mike nods and counts to three taking in as much air as he can hold. As he exhales the spinning slows down and he can feel his hands again. He suddenly becomes painfully aware that he’s sobbing. Deep breath–sob over and over until he can take more than one breath before crying out. Jonathan pulls out a handkerchief from inside his jacket pocket and gently pats down the tears on Mikes cheeks.

“There you go, you’re okay.” He says reassuringly as he squeezes Mikes arms, reminding him that he’s right here and that Mikes not alone.

“This is so embarrassing. I’m sorry” Mike says to Jonathan shaking his head. “It’s all right man, it happens to a lot of people.”

“You?”

“No but–Will, and mom.” He pauses and pushes himself off the ground and offers his hands to Mike. “It happened to Will all the time when we were kids, especially after everything that happened. Mom too, she’s okay now though, now that we are all safe, and Will is–happy.” He pauses to pull Mike up. “Plus mom has Hopper, he’s really good at keeping her grounded, they take care of each other.

“What about Will?”

“His panic attacks? I guess he might still have them once and a while but I don’t know for sure. It’s not like he rings me up every time he feels a bit anxious, you know?”

“Yeah. You must really miss him.” Mike says. “I can’t imagine actually.” He adds.

“Haha I think you might be able to.” Jonathan says as he gives Mike a pat on the shoulder.

Mike nods and bows his head.

“Hopefully he gets his ass here soon so we can tell him to hurry up and move back here ASAP.”

“Oh is that–is that happening?” Mike asks with a hint of excitement.

“Yeah I think sometime in the Fall, you didn’t know?” Jonathan raises an eyebrow at Mike who’s bottom lip is still trembling. “I mean it’s not set in stone but I’m looking forward to it.”

The front door flies open as Dustin appears donning his burgundy suede pants, and black collared shirt. His hair is slicked back with one curl resting on his forehead. “What the fuck are you guys doing out here? It’s almost go time!” “Read the room my guy.” Jonathan says as he holds his hands towards Mike, whose nose is red and running still. “Oh shit are you okay? What happened? Do you need a drink?” Dustin asks earnestly. “Haha yeah actually.” Mike barely gets the words out and Dustin is already reaching into his back pocket and pulling out a flask. “What’s in here? Do I want to know?” Dustin laughs and and shakes his head vehemently. Mike grabs the flask, pops the top off and makes a cheers motion. “Down the hatch” EUGHHH “that’s fucking awful Dustin, what the hell!” Dustin has a huge grin stretched out from ear to ear. “But you feel all right don’t you?” “I don’t know if all right is the right word, but better I guess.” Mike offers the flask up to Jonathan, “No way, I’d like to live another day thanks.” They all start laughing and Dustin grabs the flask back and takes a tiny drop of a sip.

“Oof that is AWFUL!”

“You didn’t even try it before giving it to me?”

“I was going to but it looked like you really needed it!”

“I’m gonna fucking hurl.”

“Please, not on my new pants.” Dustin begs.

Mike looks down at his wrist and catches the time 5:37 p.m. “Shit we’re going to be late.”

“Is that uh what you’re wearing? Did you forget your suit after all that?” Dustin asks with a frown.

“I’ll be quick!” He pats Jonathan on the shoulder and shakes his head, “I really owe you for that, I felt like I was going to die there.” “It’s really no trouble Mike, just try to breathe through it next time all right? Hold someone’s hand if you can, it helps.” Mike nods and pulls Jonathan in for a brisk hug. “Oh and tell Will to give me ring will you? I need to know if I’m keeping the door unlocked or not.” Mike and Dustin both nod. They stand there for a few more moments, wishing they had more time to talk and catch up. “Micheal! Dressed! Now!” Dustin barks at Mike as he points to the door. “Okay I’m going! I’m going!” Mike rushes in and heads to the kitchen, he gets himself a glass of water and slams a piece of bread into his mouth. That’ll have to do for now.

He runs up the stairs and into his room, as he enters he sees his suit hanging on the closet door, the steam machine is still hot to the touch as he moves over to take a closer look. Karen had wondered when her son was planning on getting ready for the big event, and by five o’clock she’d grown tired of waiting and took it upon herself to get the wrinkles out of Mikes suit. Mike quickly stripped off his clothes that were damp from either rain or tears or both, he wasn’t sure. No time to shower so hopefully deodorant and some cologne will be enough. He pulls on the pants first, they are snug but still comfortable. The suit was tailored to fit his body perfectly. The dark grey pinstripe pants left little to the imagination, he left the top two buttons undone on the black button down shirt. It was tight and small patch of chest hair could be seen poking its way through the top where the last button was done up. He threw the blazer on over top, it accentuated his wide shoulders and tall frame. He took a final look at himself in the mirror, “actually not bad.” He said surprised by himself. He reached up and felt the little beads of his necklace and twirled them around his finger. “Deep breaths.” He whispered.

Chapter Text

The sun is still up by the time Mike and Dustin pull up to Hawkins high. Fashionably late at 6:22p.m. Mike drives noticeably slow through the parking lot as he looks for a spot, his eyes dart back and forth, up and down, scanning everything, trying to take everyone’s face in, in case on of them is Wills.

“Deep breath, deep breath, deep breath.” Mike mutters to himself over and over again, so quietly he’s unaware that he’s even saying it out loud. “Mike Wheeler you have got to relax, take a chill pill or something.” Dustin said half joking.

“I already took them all!” There’s none left!” Mike bellows at Dustin which causes him to jump in his seat.

“Jesus! Okay take another swig of this then!” He pulls out the flask of his surprise concoction and passes it to Mike.

Mike snatches it out of his hands and quickly takes a big gulp, before he has time to change his mind. “Oh it’s still just as bad, holy shit.”

“Not as bad as you literally losing your mind right now.”

“Did you at least bring a chaser or something?” Mike says with a disgusted look on his face.

“Uh no, I thought we were too mature for that kind of thing, plus my pockets are small, have you seen how tight these pants are?” Dustin says as he moves his hand up and down in front of of his leg.

“Yeah I noticed. Tight pants and full of shit is a lethal combo bud.”

“Okay but you’re also wearing tight pants and are full of shit so what the fuck does this mean for us Mike?”

They looked at each other trying to stifle their laughter until they couldn’t hold it in anymore. Dustin broke first and let out a loud howl, Mike following with a laugh that came from somewhere deep inside. They sat there in the car giggling for a few minutes until Dustin pointed over towards the front doors of the school.

“Oh my God! Is that who I think it is?” Mike quickly followed Dustin’s finger to catch a glimpse of who he was pointing at. He felt the air getting pushed out of his lungs, his mouth getting dry.

“Max? In a dress?” Dustin laughed and shook his head like he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“You’re a real dick, has anyone ever told you that?” Mike rolls his eyes but felt a wave of relief rush over him.

“What?” Dustin asked, seeming genuinely confused. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Max in a dress before!”

“Wahhhh” Mike let out a dramatic whine as he threw his head back looking to the roof of the car. “You’ll be okay Mike, just uh, don’t say anything stupid.” Dustin reached out towards Mike and held his fist in the air waiting. “Oh come on, pound it.” Mike brought his eyes back down and glared at Dustin while his hand was still hanging there between them. “Pound. It.” Dustin repeats, annunciating every letter. Mike lifts up his fist and gives a pathetic fist bump, Dustin burst out laughing, “is that it?” “Is that it?” Mike repeated while making a twisted face. Dustin held his fist back out but this time instead of waiting, he threw in a couple quick jabs into Mikes ribs. “Oh don’t fuckin start now…” Mike starts to say as he quickly retaliates and goes for a quick jab to the rib with his left hand, then reaches up to Dustin’s hair with his right, Dustin blocks Mikes right hand with quick dedication, “Not the hair!” Dustin tries to slap back with an open hand but Mike catches it, “Okay okay! Truce! Truce! Truce!” He says with a slight panic. Mike gives a tight squeeze around Dustin’s hand and Dustin begs him to release him. “Truce I beg thee!” Mike lets go laughing.

“You’re so rough with me Micheal!” Dustin shouts dramatically.

“You started it.”

Dustin’s mouth falls open, “I beg your finest pardon? I have done no such thing!”

“Ah! Come on we’re late we can bicker later.” Mike leans for the door handle and pulls the door open. He can hear Dustin say “says the bicker master” under his breath as he gets out of the car.

“Hey there you guys are!” Max shouts from across the parking lot. “We were about to head in without you.” Lucas adds.

“Sorry guys we were busy bickering.” Dustin folds one arm over the other across his chest and gives a scathing look in Mikes direction.

“Oh no guys not tonight, Elsie wouldn’t want her uncles fighting tonight.” Lucas says trying not to laugh.

“Max” Mike and Dustin both start at the same time, “you look beautiful” Dustin bursts out, “like so so pretty!” Mike interjects quickly.

Max looks over at Lucas who is doing a mediocre job at keeping a straight face. “Ugh thanks I guess, but you guys are being fucking weird.” “Most unusual.” Lucas adds. They all start to crack smiles, unable to keep a straight face any longer. “All right it’s party time let’s go!” Lucas says as he goes and holds the doors open for his friends to pass through.

Inside the hallways are decorated with dark green ribbons and streamers. They can hear the music being played in the gymnasium echoing down the hallways. Some top forty hit from the eighties. They reach the gym and can see the strobe lights going off through the windows on the doors, across the hallway there’s a classroom set up with some couches and tables with snacks. They approach the table that’s set up in front of the gym doors and someone from their class greets them and points out the name tags laid out on the table before them.

Mike does a quick scan and finds his name tag, he picks it up and pulls the backing off and sticks it to his blazer. As he waits for the others to find and put theirs on, he starts scanning the names again. He goes over them twice but Wills name tag isn’t there. He feels something bubbling up inside him, he has the urge to scream right then and there. He runs his hand through his hair quickly and tries to steady his breathing. This is agonizing, not knowing when he’s going to lay eyes on Will, he could be walking around the corner right now, what if he brought someone with him? Oh shit, what if he brought a date or boyfriend? Wait what if he actually didn’t even show up, and his name tag isn’t on the table because he isn’t coming?

Lucas looks at Mike after putting his name tag on and recognizes that thousand yard stare immediately. He steps over and gently puts his hand on Mikes shoulder. “Hey” he steps to stand in front of Mike, “look here Mike” Mikes eyes slowly come back into focus and they catch Lucas’ eyes staring back at him with concern. “Are you with me?” Lucas asks. “Yeah, yeah I’m just– really fucking nervous.” Mike clenches his jaw and swallows hard. “We’re all here okay? And we got you, no matter what. If you need to leave or just get some air, just get one of us, okay?” Max comes and stands beside Lucas with a cup of water in her hand, she encourages Mike to have a sip. Mike clumsily takes it from her and chokes back a sip.

“I’m okay guys it’s just nerves. We’re going to have a good night. Please just try to enjoy yourselves and don’t worry about me, okay?” Lucas and Max look at each other then they both turn towards Mike, “that’s easier said than done my guy, but we’ll try.” Mike nods in satisfaction with their response.

Out of the corner of Mikes eye he sees a flash of burgundy coming towards them at full speed, “it’s boogie time guys let’s get on that dance floor!” Dustin’s smile is contagious, they all follow him into the gym as the song playing switches over to something with a fast beat. There’s a lot more people there than Mike thought there’d be. They find a less crowded corner of the gym and mingle with a few others that are already there dancing. Mike taps his foot to the beat and looks around trying to see if he can recognize anyone. He recognizes a few people from his junior year of science class on the other side of the gym, but he feels no desire to make his way over there and make small talk.

The music gets quieter and the D.J taps his microphone to get everyone’s attention, “Hey there Hawkins High class of ‘89, we’re taking song requests now so come on up and add it to the list. We’re about to slow things a bit here with the first request of the night, so grab your partner! Cheers!”

There’s a brief pause before the song starts playing, Mike watches as Lucas leads Max to an open area, he watches them as they smile and look into each others eyes. Then he hears the song that’s on, oh shit, not this song, he thinks to himself.

“And now my bitter hands, cradle broken glass
Of what was everything
All the pictures had, been washed in black
Tattooed everything”

Who the hell would request this song? Mike thought. He looked up at the ceiling and tried to focus on the shining gold ribbons hanging down from the rafters.

Ignore it. Ignore the song. Think of puppies or kittens, anything, happy thoughts happy thoughts.

Mike shoved his hands into his pockets, but there wasn’t much room in there. He repositioned himself against a wall and continued to look up at the ceiling, clenching his jaw, tighter and tighter. Trying to focus his thoughts somewhere else.

“I’m spinning, oh oh, I’m spinning
How quick the sun can, drop away”

He can feel himself start to choke up, his eyes are getting wet but he’s holding the tears in.

“I know someday you’ll have a beautiful life
I know you’ll be a star, in somebody else’s sky
But why, why, why, can’t it be
Oh, can’t it be mine?”

That’s when he tips over the edge, there’s no keeping himself under control at this point. He coughs into his fist and shakes his head, he quickly wipes a tear from his cheek and starts off towards the exit on the other side of the gym.

“We, we belong, we belong together, together”

Mike reaches the door and barrels his way through, he stumbles out into the cool summer air and takes a deep breath in and holds it. He looks up to the sky, the last remnants of sunshine linger on the clouds, casting shades of blue and yellow. He reaches up and spins the beads on the chain around his neck. One, two, three, breathe. He reminds himself.

He takes a few more steps to the perimeter of the courtyard, there’s a chain link fence at the edge of the yard. He leans up against the post and uses the feeling of cold steel against his cheek to distract himself. There’s a loud crash and the back door he had just come from crashes open, Mike turns startled, and sees three women come stumbling out, they wander over to the other side of the yard and light up their cigarettes and laugh hysterically with one another.

Mike lets out a pained sigh and turns back around and puts both his hands on the cold steel pole. He catches a waft of something faint in the air, it smells familiar but he can’t figure out what it reminds him of. He hears only three quick steps behind him, and before he can turn around his eyes are being covered with a pair of hands that he doesn’t recognize.

“Guess who” the voice behind him asks.

Mike freezes, he stands there in silence. The person takes a step closer and Mike can feel the body heat coming off of the stranger.

“I said, guess who?” The voice asks again.

It takes Mike a minute to make sense of what’s happening to him, the familiar scent, these warm hands gently pressing onto his eyelids, the warmth radiating from this voice penetrating into Mikes body.

Mike lets out a faint whimper and breathes out, “The Sorcerer.”

Chapter Text

“Attention passengers of flight UA 89 you’re flight is now boarding, we apologize again for the delay, I guess you never know what kind of weather you’re going to get in London in June.”

Will takes a last swig of his coffee followed by a deep sigh. He picks up his bag and heads towards the gate.

“Can you believe it? Snow in June.” An elderly woman walking besides Will asks. Will shakes his head with a quiet huff. “Don’t worry dear, I’m sure we’ll get where we’re going right on time.”

“I sure hope so.” He says with a smile to the woman. They get to the boarding gate and a small line has formed, Will holds out his hand for the woman to go first, she nods her head to say thank you and takes her spot in front of him. Will notices that there is only one person working the gate, and the line is crawling.

“Attention passengers, please have your boarding pass prepared before reaching the gate, we don’t want any more delays today, thank you.”

He checks his watch for the hundredth time that day, “Ah well, maybe I’ll get there this year.” He mumbles to himself. The old woman in front of him turns her head and gives him an apologetic look. “Oh sorry, uh I’m just talking to myself.” He laughs nervously while talking to the woman. “You’ve got somewhere important to be eh sonny?” She asks earnestly. Will nods, “Yeah actually, it’s my high school reunion, I couldn’t get an earlier flight because of work, so now I’m not sure if I’ll get there on time.” “Oh you poor dear, you’ve got plenty of time I’m sure.” She nods her head as if she’s agreeing with herself and turns back around to shuffle forward in the line.

Half an hour passes and Will is finally seated on the plane, a window seat near the middle of the plane. He pulls out a book he’s been reading from his carry on, and begins to flip through the pages. He flicks through faster and faster until his hand starts to tremble. He puts the book down on his lap and grabs the shaky hand with the other, and holds it down on top of the book.

“Are you a nervous flier dear?” The same old woman approaches the aisle where Will is seated. She looks down at her ticket and back up to the number on the seat. “Well would you look at that, looks like we’re flying partners.”

She settles down in the seat beside Will, reaches into her pocket and pulls out something small wrapped in foil. “Mint?” He daren't say no to this sweet old lady, she puts the candy in Wills hand and closes his fingers over it while giving him a wink. “I don’t know about you but I plan on sleeping through this whole damn flight.” She says with hope in her voice.

“That would be pretty nice wouldn’t it?” Will says nodding his head.

“Don’t tell anyone but I took my daughter in laws sleeping pills from her medicine cabinet.” Will looks around quickly to see if she has any family accompanying her. “Shhhh shh I said don’t tell anyone!”

“I won’t–It’s just, should you be here alone?” Will says while trying to keep a smirk at bay.

“Listen sonny, I’m old but I’m not THAT old.” She digs around in her purse and pulls out a prescription bottle that’s been hidden in her reading glasses case, “can you read the dosage for me? The print is too small for me to make out, and I can’t get the bottle open with my arthritis.”

Will quickly takes the bottle and scans the cabin to see if anyone is watching. He leans over to whisper in her ear, “have you taken these before? What if you’re allergic or something?” “Oh yes plenty of times, not to worry! My daughter in law never uses them, I couldn’t let them go to waste, and boy let me tell you, they’ll knock you on your arse!”

“I really shouldn’t…” Will looks up at the woman after reading the the prescription, seems like a generic sleeping pill, and he really can’t imagine denying this poor old woman a good sleep on a twelve hour flight.

“Ah, okay here take two with a cup of water, and if anyone asks, I didn't give them to you.” She takes the pills and winks at Will, “now two for you.” She says with a grin. Will pauses for a minute and considers his options, being unconscious for the entire flight sounds like a win, at least that way his brain would shut off and he could stop thinking about Mike fucking Wheeler for more than one minute. “Here’s to a quick flight.” He says as he swallows the pills down.

“Sweet dreams.” The old lady says to him with a smile. He turns toward the window and shoves his sweater under his head, the plane starts to pick up speed on the runway, the lights that line the road go by faster and faster until he can’t keep his eyes open any longer.”

Will awakens to the sound of the pilot speaking over the P.A system. They are about to start the descent. He looks over to his left and the old lady is sipping a cup of tea. She slowly looks over to him and with a smile says, “There he is! I wasn’t sure if you were going to wake up heh heh.” She takes another sip of tea. “Now when’s the last time you had an eleven hour sleep like that?”

“Oh–probably not ever” Will says, “thanks for that, I really needed it.”

“Not to worry dear, now you’re good and rested for your big day. What do you think, will you make it on time?”

Will checks his watch 3:17p.m. “Maybe, I’m not sure actually–maybe if I go straight to the party, yeah.”

“Well I’m sure Mike will be happy to see you.” Will looks at the woman and his cheeks flush a bright red. “What?” Will asks as he chokes on his breath. “You were mumbling in your sleep dear” she could see the panic rising in Wills eyes, “oh you didn’t say much dear, I only caught the name Mike a few times, I couldn’t understand anything else really.” Will rubs his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose in an effort to collect himself. The woman is staring at Will, as if she’s waiting for him to tell her all of his secrets.

“I haven’t seen him since the summer after we graduated.”

“Why not?” She almost sounded like she could be angry with him.

He lets out a long sigh, “It’s complicated.”

“Summarize dear.”

“I–he didn’t feel the same way, and we just drifted apart, I moved away, whenever I came back to visit he wasn’t there.” Will looked down at his hands in his lap to avoid her gaze.

“That’s a shame.” She said softly. “You’ll both be there now though, right?” Will could sense she understood even without him having to go into detail. He nodded.

“Now I’m just an old lady, so what do I know? But, are you sure he didn’t? Feel the same way that is?”

Will shook his head immediately, “I’ve spent way too much of my time thinking about this. I gave up a long time ago.”

“Is he single?”

Will laughed, “I think so, I don’t really know.” He shook his head and chuckled to himself at the hilarity of this conversation.

“You should ask him.” She looked straight into Wills eyes as he shook his head, “You should.” She was serious. “You’re not getting any younger boy-o! If you don’t do it I’m telling the stewardess that you drugged me.” She took another sip of her tea slowly.

“I–what? Please don’t!” Will yelped. The woman started cackling like an old witch, she had to put her tea down on the tray before it spilled all over her. “Ha ha haaaa! You should see your face dear! Oh you poor boy, I’m only kidding, please forgive an old woman, I have to make fun when I can.”

Will laughed but still felt a bit nervous. “You are right though. I need to do something, I just don’t know what.”

The old woman looked him up and down, nodded her head and smiled at him, “You’re all right lad, the best has yet to come.”

Will hurried out of the luggage claim and waved down a cab with a whistle. “Where are you going tonight?” The diver asked. “Um, city of Hawkins, Hawkins high school to be exact, can you go that far?” The driver looked at him in the review mirror, “No problem.” Will starts to rummage through his suitcase, “How long do you think the drive will be sir?” The driver checks the time and says with a long breath, “Ohh, maybe about, hour and a half, two hours if there’s traffic.”

“Oh wow, I might actually make it on time.” Will hesitates for a moment but finally asks, “Is it okay if I change back here?”

The driver shrugs and says, “It wouldn’t be the strangest thing I’ve seen in the back of a cab, go for it.”

Will nods and starts gathering up his outfit for the party. Black formal pants, snug at the waist, a white button down long sleeve dress shirt and a dark blue vest. The shirt is a bit tighter than the last time he wore it, forcing him to leave an extra button undone at the top and bottom. He looks out the window and starts to recognize his surroundings, getting close now.

He nibbles on his bottom lip and taps his leg up and down. He can’t remember the last time he felt this nervous. When was the last time we even spoke? Seven years? Will shook his head at the thought. Maybe things could’ve been different if he didn’t run away, but at the time he didn’t have a choice. Everyone was broken after that last year of high school. They had all been through so much, and Will just needed to start again.

He closes his eyes and can’t help but think of the last summer he had been with Mike.

“If you think it’s such a bad idea for me to move so far away, tell me why I should stay.”

Mike looked down at the space on the ground between them.

“That’s what I thought.” Will said, choking on his words, unable to hold back the tears forming on his lower eyelids. “I’m not going to get a job like this offered to me here, there’s nothing for me here.”

“Nothing? There’s nothing? I’m nothing then?”

“Mike that’s not what I said.” Will reached out to Mike but Mike shrugged him away.

“Look we–we can still talk right? And I’ll come back to visit, we can write letters- “It’s not the same.” Mike interjected, still staring at the ground.

Mike raised his gaze to meet Wills, Will saw the tears in Mikes eyes which only made him cry harder.

“Why are you doing this? Why are you leaving me, again?” Tears flowing steadily down his face.

“I’m not leaving you, it’s this place, it’s everything–I can’t…”

The cab driver coughs and Will snaps out of his day dream. “Hawkins high coming up on the left here.” Will looks to the front doors and there’s a few people hanging around chatting, the parking lot is almost full and there are former classmates starting to gather around.

Will sits in the cab for an extra minute, he takes a deep breath and mutters, “Hey, are you single?” He shakes his head and rolls his eyes at himself. Ridiculous.

He doesn’t remember the hallways being this small, or the floor being so shiny. He looks up at the green ribbons hanging on the walls and notices a clock, it reads 6:02 p.m. He shakes his head in disbelief, he actually made it on time. He walks towards the gym and sees a table with name tags all lined up. “Oh, Will Byers right?” He looks up and recognizes the woman but doesn’t know her name. “Yeah, that’s me.” She hands him his name tag and looks down at the suitcase down by his feet. “You made it just in time eh? There’s a spot for jackets in the classroom over there, if you want to leave it for now.” She’s giving him a big toothy smile. “Um, thank you.” He says shyly.

“So do you have a date for tonight?” She asks him, he notices her cheeks turning rosy.

“Oh uh, no–not really, no.”

“Me neither.” She blurts out.

“Okay, I’ll um, come find you later for a dance then?” He’s still not sure if she’s really flirting with him or not, but he’s realizing how rusty his flirting game is. The girl nods and fiddles with her clipboard, “See you later then.” They smile at each other as Will goes to put his luggage away.

The gym is filling up quickly with newcomers, Will hasn’t seen any of his friends yet, and is beginning to wonder if they’re even going to show up. He didn’t have time to stop at Jonathans, no one even knows he’s here. He notices the DJ booth and wanders over to take a look, there’s a notepad that says “song requests” written at the top, he jots down a few pop songs then notices a spot on the bottom of the page titled “love songs”, he thinks for a moment then scribbles in “Black - Pearl Jam”.

After putting the notepad down, he looks around the gym again for any familiar faces. The doors to the gym swing open and Dustin Henderson appears in a flash, he’s already busting a move, Lucas and Max are right behind him holding hands, Wills cheeks are sore from smiling so hard, he takes a step forward and raises his hand to wave at them when he sees Mike step through the door.

Will pulls his hand down and freezes in place. Mike Wheeler, how has he gotten more handsome? He looks like he just stepped off the stage at his very own rock show. His hair is swept slightly off to the side but still covering half of his forehead, his pale skin is almost glowing under the disco lights. Will looks him up and down, noticing his shirt unbuttoned at the top, the sides have fallen open revealing his collar bones.

“Fuck me” Will says to himself in shock. He watches as they gather in the corner of the gym and begin to mingle with others. He quickly turns around and ducks down behind the corner of the DJ table. “Okay they’re all over there, just use your legs and walk over.” He peeks his head out around the corner of the table that he’s cowering behind, and spots Mike standing by himself. “Okay perfect, he’s by himself, let’s go.” He stands up and takes a step when there’s a screech from the sound system followed by the DJs announcement. “A slow song? Fuck this, fuck nope, no, no thank you.” He quickly spins on his heels and heads for the exit. As the door shuts behind him he hears the beginning of the familiar tune that he put on the playlist. “Oh my god, why would they play this right now?” He mutters to himself. He spots a bench in between some bushy trees off to the right side of the courtyard and promptly sets off towards it.

Just as Will sits down the back door of the gym flies open with a thud, and Mike comes storming through. Will freezes as he watches his old friend look up to the sky. He follows Mikes gaze and takes in the view of the soft clouds lapping over each other. He watches as Mike twirls something around his neck, and doesn’t blink as Mike walks over to the chain link fence on the other side of the yard.

Wills heart rate is steadily picking up as sweat starts to form on the back of his neck. He reaches back and wipes it away before standing up. He’s got this, its Mike, it’s just Mike.

Another loud bang and the doors fly open again, this time three drunk women come barging through, Will watches Mike until he turns back around after the commotion is over. He starts a brisk walk towards Mike, he’s not thinking, he can’t. The sight of Mike standing there in the twilight is captivating and removes any thought he might have. He’s light on his feet and doesn’t make a sound until his hands are on Mikes face covering his eyes from behind. His skin is cool to the touch, and slightly dewy. He can feel Mikes long eyelashes fluttering underneath his fingers.

“Guess who?”

Chapter Text

“The sorcerer?” Will repeats after Mike. “I can’t remember the last time someone’s called me that.”

“I can.” Mikes heart is beating so hard it feels like his whole body is pulsing with the beat. Wills hands are still softly covering his eyes, he’s reluctant to move because he doesn’t know what will happen after this moment ends. He wipes his clammy palms on his jacket and moves up and places them over Wills hands, they’re so warm.

They stand there with both of their hands covering Mikes eyes for another minute or so, until Will flinches and pulls his hands free. Mike turns around to face Will as he pulls his hands away.

“Hey Mike.” He can hear Will laughing as he says his name. “You can open your eyes now.”

“Oh–shit, yeah, right.” Mike slowly pries one eye open and locks in on Wills eyes, they are glistening in the evening glow. His eyes open fully as does his mouth, he can’t believe the vision before him. Wills dark brown hair is tousled in a messy way, his eyes, his beautiful hazel eyes are smiling radiantly. Mikes gaze drops to Wills lips, he’s smirking wide enough that his dimples are showing, he watches as he nibbles his bottom lip. He looks him up and down quickly, trying to hide how dumbfounded he is. He’s bigger, bulkier than he was when they were teens, his shirt button is hanging on for dear life where his defined chest is begging to be freed.

“Sorry for sneaking up on you like that, but I was watching you, and I couldn’t think of a way to-“ Mike cuts him off before he can finish, “You were watching me?” He says as he crosses his arms over his chest.

Wills face turns a bright shade of dark pink starting at the cheeks, “Uhh, yeah I guess I was.” He laughs nervously while rubbing the back of his neck.

Mike chuckles and takes a deep breath, he puts a hand out on the fence beside him to try to help stabilize himself, his heart is still racing, but he can tell it’s not just his.

“It’s so good to see you, Mike. You look–unreal, I mean good, you look really good, um healthy– “Just come here please.” Mike cuts Will off and reaches out with his other hand, he grabs Wills vest tightly and with a twist, pulls Will towards him. Mike wraps both arms around Wills shoulders, bringing his head in to the crook of his neck, he places one arm across Wills upper back and strokes his hair with the other. He presses his nose into Wills hair and takes a deep but calm breath.

There is absolutely no resistance from Will as he scoops his arms up and under Mikes blazer and wraps them tightly around his waist. He can feel Mikes heart thumping up against his ear, and he can see it beating hard in his throat. Will lets out a quiet whimper, “mmph.”

They stand intertwined, breathing rhythmically, Mike can feel himself starting to shiver, and his eyes start to well up when someone comes crashing through the back door again.

“Oh fuck yeah!” Dustin screams at the top of his lungs, “Mom and dad are getting back together! Woooohoooo!” He throws his fist up into the air and attempts to do a spin kick but he can barely get his leg up in the air.

“Dustin SHUT UP!” Mike yells at him with a touch of venom in his tone. Dustin looks around from side to side and mouths, “Who? Me?” Looking confused. He jogs over to where Mike and Will are huddled together, their grip on each other loosened a bit, and he wraps his arms around both of them and nuzzles himself in.

“Ohhh my Willy is back, we missed you so” Dustin carries on with a whine.

“I missed you guys too.” Will says with a smile.

“Who did you miss more, Will?” Dustin asks, perking up looking directly at Will.

“Why are you like this?” Mike says and gives him a playful shove away, any harder and Dustin would’ve ended up on the ground.

Dustin ignores Mikes question and spins around to head back inside, “Anyone else need a drink?” “Probably.” Mike mutters.

“The boys are back in town! The boys are back in town! The b-boys are back in t-owwwn!” Dustin sings at the top of his lungs as he fumbles with the doorknob on his way back in.

Will and Mike laugh together and shake their heads. “He’s going to be ruined tomorrow.”

“And you have to drive his hungover ass to the lake.” Will says with pity.

“Well at least you’ll be there.” Mikes eyes flutter as he looks from Wills eyes to his lips and back up again.

“Mmm, yeah– I will be.” Wills eyes pierce into something deep inside Mike, he feels hot in the pit of his stomach, his mouth starts to dry up.

Mike smirks at Will, his eyes still wandering around, up and down his body, from his eyes, to his lips, to his chest, down to his waist…

“Listen, Will, I–I have a lot uh, of things I want to say to you, but I don’t even know where to begin, there’s just, so much.”

“I know.” Wills voice is deep and dark, yet delicate still.

Their smiles and smirks are gone now, Wills eyebrows are turned up like they do when he’s expecting to hear something he doesn’t want to. Mikes lower lip starts to quiver as he begins, “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.” He can’t keep it together, his voice starts to break and his eyes begin to water again.

“I know I fucked up, and the worst part is, I’ve known for so long that I fucked up, but I didn’t even try to fix it, I don’t know why, I don’t know why I didn’t try,” his voice is shaking as his sniffs his nose and wipes at it with the cuff of his shirt. “I’ll do anything for us to be friends again Will, I feel like part of me’s been missing this whole time, and I loathed myself too much to change that, I-

“Mike”

“I–I just, you–

“Mike!” Will pleaded. Mike stops talking and looks at Will who has tears of his own falling down his cheeks. He reaches over to him and gently wipes the tears off Wills face with his thumb.

“I’m sorry too okay? I could say they exact same thing. I did the exact same thing that you did. Only I’m the one that ran away.”

Mike looks into Wills eyes. Those eyes he hasn’t seen for ten years, yet they are still so familiar. He breathes out, “Fuck.”

“We can talk, I want to talk, I want a lot of things–but, we’ll have a lot of time over the next couple of weeks, maybe we shouldn’t give it our all right now,” Will looks at Mike and he’s wiping tears away with both hands. “I mean, I’ve been here for like an hour and we’re both sobbing already.”

Mike huffs, “Yeah okay, you’re right, I went kinda hard didn’t I?”

“I mean it’s okay, I’m the one that pulled a sneak attack on you.” Will smiles at Mike and Mike grins back. “Can I hug you again?” Will asks.

Mike reaches out and gently pulls Will in, his body is warm and it instantly soothes Mikes nerves.

“You wanna dance?” He asks.

Chapter Text

Mike and Will join the rest of the party inside, they hug, they catch up, and laugh together, sipping on some vodka cranberry cocktails. For the exception of Dustin, who is only allowed water for the time being.

Will sees the woman from earlier who he promised a dance to, he gives her a quick grin then turns his attention to his friends, he doesn’t want to be away from them just yet. Well, not ever again really.

There’s a tap on Wills shoulder, it’s the woman, standing there with a big toothy smile, “Hi!” She says with too much excitement. “Oh hey, um sorry what was your name again?” Will asks nervously. “Oh it’s Becky!”

“Right okay, do you want to dance now Becky?” She nods her head and Will has no time to say anything else because she’s grabbed his hand and is dragging him to the dance floor.

Lucas nudges Mikes shoulder, points at Will and his mystery woman and lets out a stifled laugh. Mike gives a fake laugh through his clenched jaw.

“I guess his reputation precedes him.” Lucas says to Mike, who is growing more and more confused.

“What reputation?” Mike asks maybe a little too eagerly.

“Okay but you didn’t hear it from me…” Lucas trails off.

“Yeah okay, okay spill it!” Mike demands.

“Apparently he has quite a few suitors back home, guys and girls, I mean I guess I get why, he’s kind of a hunk, isn’t he?”

“Why are you asking me?”

Lucas tilts his head forward and opens his eyes wide insinuating that Mikes playing dumb.

“Anyways, apparently he uh–I shouldn’t tell you this”

“Dude come on!” Mike spits out hastily, like the anticipation of what will come out of Lucas’ mouth next might kill him.

“Hah! Okay, apparently, he’s uh quite skilled in the…” Lucas drives his index finger through a hole he’s made with his other hand. “Well actually I guess it’s more like…” he balls up his fist and attempts to do the same motion with the small hole he’s made with his other hand.

“What–oh my god.” It took Mike a second to fully get what Lucas was saying. “And how the fuck would you know that?” Mike says with his mouth hanging open.

“I have my sources.” Lucas tilts his head towards Max. “They spend a lot of time on the phone, and uh they share a lot, I can’t help but overhear sometimes, you know?”

Mike mutters something like a “yeah”, and stops listening. He follows Wills every movement with wide open eyes, he doesn’t want to miss a thing Wills body does. Will is holding onto Becky’s hand, guiding her as they slowly step back and forth and sway to the music. Will is smiling and saying something that makes Becky burst into laughter.

Max appears by Mikes side and asks, “Are you okay? You look so pissed off right now, like you’re fuming Mike.”

He doesn’t move his gaze away from Will to look at her, “Is it really that obvious?”

“Uh–yeah, and I’m not blind.” Mike turns to look at her and sighs as he drops his head onto her shoulder. “Wills not blind either, look.” Mike quickly looks up to see Will trying his best to get Mikes attention with his eyes. If they could talk they’d be saying “save me”.

“Don’t waste any more time Mike, you’re only going to hate yourself more for it.”

Mike looks at Max and nods his head. The song switches over to “lovesong” by The Cure. “Okay.” Mike says as he takes a couple of deep breaths trying to work up some nerve and calm himself at the same time.

He steps out with determination and walks straight towards Will. He leans in between the dancing pair and asks, “Hey, can I cut in?” Becky is about to say no thank you when Will says, “Oh I think he means with me? Right Mike?”

Mike clears his throat in an attempt to make his voice work but it doesn’t. He nods his head a few times and pushes his hair back out of his face with a shaky hand.

“Oh! Oh of course! Have fun!” Becky says after looking back and forth between the two men a few times. She skips off and they are left alone, looking at each other, Mike feels like his face is burning and his throat is so dry, he still can’t make words come out.

“Whenever I’m alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again
Whenever I’m alone with you
You make me feel like I am whole again”

Will chuckles upon hearing the words to the song. He gently takes Mikes hands and places them over his shoulders. He bows his head down and hangs onto mikes arms. Mike moves a hand from Wills shoulder and guides it down to his waist and then does the same with the other. His hands are like velvet in his. He puts his arms back up over Wills shoulders and rests his chin on the side of his cheek. He breathes him in and closes his eyes, savouring the moment, and the feeling of Wills tight grip on his waist. Mike can feel Wills breath hot on his neck, he inches forward until he can just feel Wills lips on his skin. He holds his breath while he waits to see if Will pulls away, he doesn’t, so Mike closes the impossibly small distance between them until he can feel Wills lips firmly resting on his neck. They are so soft, his heart is racing, too fast, how can this really be happening?

He’s dancing with his best friend, they are holding each other, in front of everyone–and it feels–okay. It feels safe, like he used to feel with Will.

“Is this okay?” Will whispers to Mike, he moves his face away from Mikes skin to look at him. Mike nods and manages a weak, “Yeah.” Will smiles at Mike and whatever was holding him back before, feels like it’s gone now. No more time to waste, he’s going to make this right, he’s going to make sure Will knows how much he cares about him.

They spend the rest of the evening dancing and goofing around with Lucas, Max, and Dustin. None of them can stop smiling. This is the best night Mikes had in a very long time.

“I think we have to take Dustin back to his moms for the night.” Max says to Mike and Will. They look across the hallway and see Dustin sitting in a lounge chair with his head in his hand as it slowly slips off over and over again. “What the hell was in that flask?” She says looking at Mike. Mike shrugs and shakes his head, “Nothing good for sure.”

“Okay well we’ll see you guys tomorrow morning, Mike can you give Will a ride to Jonathan and your sisters?”

“Oh shit–yeah okay I can.” He turns to Will, “I forgot to tell you to call him, I think he thinks you missed your flight or something.”

“Oh um okay well, we’ll figure it out.” Will tells Max.

The three of them make their way over to where Dustin is slumped over, Lucas has been trying to rouse him to no avail. “He’s done for.” Lucas stands up straight and crosses his arms in front of him. “Haaaah” he sighs, “Will, help me lift him would you?”

They put one of Dustin’s arms over each of their shoulders and heave him up with relative ease. By the time they get to Lucas and Max’s car, Dustin is out cold, they make sure he’s strapped in tight and say their goodbyes for the night.

Mike and Will stay in the parking lot and wave while watching them leave. The night sky is completely clear and the stars shine so much more brightly in Hawkins than they do in Chicago or London.

“Uhh” Mike clears his throat after a few minutes of them staring at the sky. “You wanna just–go?” He looks at Will with one eyebrow raised slightly. Will tries not to smile but he can’t help himself. “Yeah, I do.”

—

They don’t talk too much on the way to Jonathan and Nancy’s house. The radio plays softly as Will rolls his window down all the way, and sticks his arm out. He starts to make waves with his hand, riding the wind. The cool air rushes in between his fingers and up the sleeve of his shirt, he feels his skin get prickly with goosebumps, he reaches up and loosens his shirt by undoing a couple of buttons. The breeze flows up through his sleeve and out of the top of his shirt.

Mike peeks over and gawks at Wills bare chest, “That looks more comfortable.” Will says with a laugh, “Yeah, I haven’t worn this shirt since I started lifting regularly, and I didn’t realize it was so snug.”

Mike stares unable to look away, an oncoming car flashes their headlights and Mike is quick to readjust his steering and his line of vision. “Aha a bit snug yeah.” He smiles and lets out a nervous laugh. Will blushes and smiles looking back out of the window.

They slowly pull into Jonathan and Nancys driveway, using caution so not to accidentally wake them if they are asleep. Mike shuts off the engine and takes off his seatbelt. The night is quiet, especially in this part of Hawkins near the woods. “Um” Will starts, “that was a really good time. I’m glad we–um danced.”

“Me too.” Mike says almost in a whisper.

Will hesitates for a moment, but then un clips his seat belt and reaches for the door handle.

“I’ll walk you to the door.” Mike says, quickly reaching for his own handle.

The way up to the front door is dark, but there’s a dim light coming from inside the living room. Will walks up the two steps and puts his hand on the doorknob. He turns sideways to look at Mike one last time for the night. His dark hair reflects the moonlight, his cool skin is practically glowing, Will glances down at the spot of open chest where Mikes hair is poking through, his eyes linger there and Mike catches his gaze as he looks back up.

Will turns the knob but it doesn’t budge. He tries again, and one more time.

“Shit it’s locked.”

Mikes breath hitches in his throat, “Come stay with me.” It sounded more like a demand than a question.

“Yeah, okay.” Will takes a deep breath.

Mike holds out his hand in front of Will and looks up at him eagerly. Will shifts his weight on his feet back and forth a few times, trying to think, to process any of this, but there’s no time. He puts his hand in Mikes and lets Mike guide him down the steps in the dark, and back down the driveway to the car where he opens the door and waits for Will to get in. Will sits down and Mike shuts the door for him, careful not to break eye contact. Mike thinks about how long it’s been since he looked at someone like that, and had it returned. He realizes that Will is the only person he’s experienced this with, these shared looks. Them both wanting the same thing, without knowing how to say it.

“Hurry up Mike, I can’t wait any longer.”
“Me neither.”

Chapter Text

“So uh-where did you want to sleep? The basement?” Mike asks Will in a hushed voice once they’re inside the Wheelers house. “Or my room, if you want.” He adds before Will can respond.

Will stares at Mike with the smallest grin, it’s barely noticeable. Mike lets out a stifled chuckle, in an attempt to release some tension. What the hell are we doing. He thinks to himself.

“I don’t really care where I sleep, but could I shower first? I meant to have one before the party but obviously that didn’t happen, and I feel kind of–blegh after my flight and tearing up the dance floor all night.”

“Oh yeah–yeah for sure. Uh I kind of want one too, I didn’t have time before the party either.”

“How are we both so terrible at time management?” Will asks with a smile.

Mike shrugs and nervously rubs his neck. “Okay let’s try not to wake my parents up, I really don’t want to deal with all that right now.” Mike sighs and Will nods as if he agrees.

“Let me go first and I’ll leave some towels in the bathroom for you.” It sounds more like a question than a statement, but Will says, “Okay.” and turns to head for the kitchen.

The house is quiet, all the lights are off, Mike can hear his dad snoring from the hallway as he grabs some towels from the closet. He heads into the bathroom and quietly locks the door behind him. He leans up against the closed door and runs both of his hands through his hair, letting out a long breath. “Holy shit.” He mutters. His heart rate starts to pick up as he takes a moment to process what’s happened tonight. Will seems happy. He doesn’t seem angry at Mike at all, which confuses him, but he’s not about to question him about it right now.

“Shower, deep breaths, shower, deep breaths.” He mutters to himself as he takes his clothes off and starts the water. He stands with his face under the running water and rubs his hands over his face, down his neck and over his chest. He could’ve suggested for them to shower together, he wonders what Wills face would’ve looked like if he had. He can’t get the image of Will in the passenger seat of his car, shirt undone with the air rushing through his hair out of his mind. How fucking hot he was, how he wanted to pull over right then and–he notices how aroused he is right now, and quickly reaches for the knob on the shower and turns the hot water off. He jumps as the cold water hits his skin, and he shakes his head vigorously in an attempt to calm himself down.

Mike makes his way down to the kitchen after getting some comfy clothes from his suitcase, careful not to step on any of the stairs that creak.

He turns the corner into the kitchen where he finds Will sitting at the table with a glass of water. He’s leaning back in the chair so casually. Mike wonders if Will could possibly feel the same way he does in this moment, if he does, he sure isn’t showing it.

“Its ready for you.” Mike tells Will. Will gets up and pushes his chair in, he picks up the full glass of water and begins to gulp it down, tilting his head back and opening his throat, the water pours in, Mike watches as his adams apple bobs up and down with each gulp of water. A drop leaks out of the corner of Wills mouth as he finishes off the glass, Mike watches it fall onto his bare chest and catches himself feeling the same way he did in the car. His lets out a quiet gasp and quickly covers his mouth with his hand.

“Are you okay?” Will asks while trying not to laugh. “Uhhhh–I think so?” Mike answers.

“You’re being weird.” Will says as he brings the glass to the sink.

Mike nods, he is definitely being weird. “Sorry, it’s just been so long, I guess I forgot how to act around you or something.”

“Hmmm.” Will responds with suspicion as he raises one eyebrow looking at Mike.

“Anyways” Mike begins as he shifts his eyes from Will to his feet. “Let’s stay downstairs tonight, I’ve got a bed set up already from when Dustin stayed over.”

“Both of us?” Will asks.

“If that’s okay.” Mike adds quickly, he can feel his cheeks getting warm. He looks up at Will and notices that he’s blushing as well.

They both chuckle at the same time, “Okay, I’ll uh–go shower then.” He hesitates for a moment, Mike points to the basement door and races over to it and disappears down the stairs without a pause.

It’s cool and dark in the basement. Mike switches on a lamp in the corner of the room then makes his way over to the couch. He stares at the mattress on the floor for a few minutes before planting himself down in the middle of the couch. “I’ll sleep on the couch.” He says to himself as he looks down at the mattress by his feet. Mike leans his head back onto the headrest, takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, he breathes in and out, letting the air fill his chest all the way to the bottom of his lungs.

“Mike?” Mike hears Will whispering his name from the top of the stairs, followed by his footsteps as he rushes down the stairs.

Will appears at the bottom of the stairwell, his chest is glistening with water droplets, one towel is draped over his shoulders, another is clinging around his waist.

Mike can’t speak, he just stares at the man before him, naked and dripping from the shower.

Will smiles and wipes his face with the corner of the towel that covers his shoulders. “I forgot my fucking suitcase.”

“Huh?” Mike snaps out of the spell that Will has unknowingly put him under.

“I left it at the school I–I guess I was so caught up in getting Dustin to the car, and all that stuff with you…”

“Um” Mike starts, he can’t think, he struggles to steady his breathing, his eyes move all over Wills body, his arms are defined and muscular, his legs chiseled, his chest and stomach are toned enough to see the outline of his pecks and abs, but there is still a soft meaty layer on top them.

Mike slides his hands down to his knees, wiping the sweat off of them onto his pant legs. “That’s okay, we can ah–figure something out uh–you should come over here though.” He swallows the spit pooling in his mouth, “Now.”

Will tilts his head with a smirk as he shifts his weight to one leg. “Oh yeah? Should I?” He looks Mike up and down, his gaze finally lands on Mikes mouth, it lingers there for a moment before he looks up at Mikes eyes. His desperate eyes.

Will takes the end of the towel with one hand, and slowly pulls it down over his shoulders. He crumples it into a ball and throws it at Mike, landing right on his face then falling into his lap.

Mike cracks a smile and says, “Well? I’m waiting, how much longer are you going to make me suffer?”

“Aw poor baby!” Will says in a cheeky way, with a hint of satisfaction. “I could make you wait ten more years.”

Mike moves the towel off of his lap and begins leaning forward as if to start the process of standing up.

“Wait! Don’t get up–I’m coming.” Will says as he raises a hand up and points at the couch, commanding Mike to sit back down.

Mike leans back into the couch, grinning and watching as Will slowly takes a step, then another towards him. Their eyes stay connected as Will smoothly walks over, it almost looks like he’s gliding, until he’s standing right in front of Mike, he pauses and looks down at his lap, then at his knees that are slightly separated. He slides one leg in between Mikes legs and pushes them open to make room for him to stand there.

Mikes heart is racing once again, but to his surprise his mind feels still and calm. He looks up at Will who is grinning at him in the cutest way. He lifts one arm up and gently places it on Wills waist, right where the towel is wrapped around him. He gives Will a squeeze, then runs his thumb over the towel and up on to Wills skin. He starts to breathe a little harder, then lifts his other hand up and gently presses it onto Wills stomach. Will lets out a soft gasp, which makes Mikes mouth fall open. Mike slowly moves his hand over Wills soft, warm skin, up to his chest, then he runs his finger back down the centre of his abdomen towards his belly button, he circles his finger around it a few times before his hand trails off, latching on to the other side of Wills waist.

Will looks down at Mike, his big dark eyes are looking up at him, his grip is hard on his waist. Will strokes Mikes cheek with his thumb, he runs his hand around to the back of Mikes neck, he can feel Mike shivering as he runs his hand up through the hair on the back of his head. Will is breathing heavier now too, the towel is getting looser around his waist as he begins to swell underneath it.

Mike feels like he’s floating, his whole body is covered in goosebumps, the sensation of Will palming at the back of his head, pulling his hair gently is sending him somewhere he’s never been. His grip tightens on Wills waist and he pulls him towards him slightly. His hands wander back to Wills ass and he doesn’t hesitate to get a handful. He presses hard into will, cupping the underside of his cheeks.

“Oh fuck, Mike.” Will whimpers and Mike chokes on his breath. He slides one hand down the back of Wills leg until he reaches the back of his knee, he bends it up and firmly pulls Will down onto his lap.

Will is straddled over Mike, there faces are only a few inches a part, they both breathe in and out rapidly, exchanging the same air. Mike can feel Wills hard dick pressing into his stomach, which makes his blood turn hot. The weight of Wills body is pressing down on him, he shifts under him and the friction from his body on his dick makes him cry out with pleasure.

“Shh.” Will says calmly as he slowly rolls his hips forward pressing into Mike even more.

“Okay–okay” Mike can barely get the words out, Will is pulling his hair and it’s driving him mad. “Will,” he pants, “you’re so fucking hot.” Will laughs and then pulls Mikes hair harder, hard enough to pull his head back, exposing his long neck. Will leans in and gently runs his nose up the length of Mikes neck to his ear where he whispers, “What do you want, Mike?” The hot air from Wills mouth brushes against Mikes cheek and ear, making him shiver.

“You, I want you, I need you–please.” He begs while trying to catch his breath. Will positions himself so he’s fully pressed against Mike, their hips are slowly rocking together and their chests are close enough they can feel each breath the other takes. Will looks down at Mike, his head only a few inches above his. Mike takes one hand off of Wills leg and cups Wills cheek with it, he slowly runs his hand to the back of his neck and grabs it tightly.

“I want to kiss you” he whispers looking into Wills eyes.

Will looks down to Mikes lips then back up to his eyes, he looks like he’s about to cry.

Will slowly lowers his lips down onto Mikes where he plants a gentle kiss, Mike inhales sharply, then pulls hard on the back of Wills neck bringing him in deeper. He separates Wills lips with his, and pokes his tongue inside which makes Will moan in his mouth.

They pant together, kissing hard and running their tongues back and forth between their mouths, both panting and gasping for air.

Will lifts up and away from Mike, “Take your shirt off.” Before Mike can react, Will is already pulling it up over his head. He grunts and rips it off and throws it onto the floor. Will sucks on Mikes neck, leaving a trail of spit as he goes lower to his chest, biting and licking on the way down.

“Oh fuck–fuck, Will.” Mike pleads, his heart is pounding in his chest, as Will sucks on his nipple, making him squirm underneath him.

“Wait come back up here.” He says between breaths. Will brings his head back up to look into Mikes eyes again. He laughs gently which makes Mike laugh, they hold onto each others face and smile. Mike pulls Will in for a deep passionate kiss, “Mmmm.” Will let’s out a helpless moan and kisses him back harder. They stay that way for a few minutes, desperately pawing at each other, their skin rubbing together, the water from Wills shower now replaced by sweat as they grind into each other.

The towel that was around Wills waist finally gives up and falls to the ground. Mike runs his hands up Wills legs from his knees to his thighs where he pushes his thumbs into the space where Wills groin meets his legs, he wraps his fingers around Wills hips and pulls him down onto him, they work together to get the right rhythm going where both of them have enough friction to both let out gasps and moans. Mike is grinding himself desperately up into Will when he leans back and slides off of his lap onto the floor between his legs.

They both a take a minute to try and catch their breaths. Sweat runs down Mikes chest, as he reaches for the towel that Will threw at him earlier, Will throws up his arm to block him from wiping it away. “Don’t!” Mike raises his eyebrows and is about to question him as he moves closer. Will looks up at Mike and opens his mouth as he presses his lips onto his stomach, licking up the beads of sweat that are sliding down him. Mike takes in a sharp breath of air as he makes a fist into the towel beside him.

Will works his way down following Mikes treasure trail, down the the waist of his sweatpants. His takes both hands and hooks them around the elastic and begins to wiggle them down. Mike hurriedly lifts his hips as Will gives one more big tug, he pulls them all the way off and tosses them over his shoulder. Will doesn’t shy away from looking right at it, standing up so straight it curves towards Mikes stomach. He watches as Mike dick twitches, the tip is wet with precum. Will pushes his hair back out of his face and moves closer, Mike can feel his breath on his shaft. “Don’t look away.” Will whispers. Mike nods and licks his lips.

Will slides his hands between Mikes lower back and the couch, he runs his fingers up and down a few times before moving in and taking the head of Mikes dick in his mouth. Mike lets out a stifled groan as Will works his tongue around the underside of the tip. Will inhales through his nose and slowly lowers himself, sliding Mikes cock deeper into his mouth to the back of his throat. Mikes whole body twitches and he can’t help but cry out.

“Oh my god Will” he pants with satisfaction. “Wait.” He catches his breath and pulls Will up towards his face. He looks at him in the eye for a moment before kissing him again. “Lay down.” Mike says to Will roughly. “Please.”

Will lowers himself onto the mattress, he stretches out on his back and puts his hands behind his head. Mike whimpers at the sight of Will laid out before him, he’s rock hard, he notes the size and shape, it is big, but not the size of an arm, thankfully.

Mike scurries over desperately, longing for the taste of him. He wants to make Will feel good, wants to please him in any way that he can. He lowers himself and caresses Wills dick, running his fingers up and around his length, he licks from the base up to the top, and twirls his tongue around the tip. He opens up and starts sucking, slowly working his way down, then back up, and then down a bit further. His mouth is getting so wet, spit drips from both corners of his mouth, as soon as he tastes precum he swallows it down.

Wills extended moan brought Mike to the edge, “Mike,” he pleaded, “Mike come here.”

Mike sloppily pulled himself away from Wills loins and crawled on top of him, panting he found Wills mouth as he frantically grabbed at any piece of flesh that he could find. They held themselves tight against each other, sliding and grinding up and down, until Will slipped his hand down between the two of them, he held Mikes dick stroking it for a minute until he pulled it down against his own, he held his hand on top of both their dicks and started grinding again. Mike followed and they got back into rhythm. Both of their breathing quickens as they drive into each other frantically, Mike nestles into Wills neck and bites it, “I’m so close” Will shudders, “Cum with me” he begs in a whisper.

Mikes body tenses up, his muscles contract as he takes a deep, rough breath in, and finishes with a final thrust into Wills hand and spills himself onto Wills dick and stomach. He continued grinding down on Will until he feels Will clenching up under him, he starts to shake as he cries out and Mike feels Will release onto both of them.

They both lay there helpless and panting, Mikes still on top of Will, he lifts his head to look at Will and he’s smiling at him. Mike laughs and goes to kiss Wills cheek, then slowly slides to Wills side. Will lays on his back with his arm wrapped around Mike, he pulls him in tighter and Mike rests his arm on Wills chest. Will puts his free hand on top of Mikes and laces their fingers together. They lay there for a few minutes catching their breath and letting out soft, nervous chuckles. Will lifts Mikes hand up to his lips and kisses it softly.

“You’re making me blush.” Mike says softly. Will turns and looks at him with a smile, he releases his hand and swipes the hair away from Mikes eyes, he runs his fingers through his hair a few times, then lets his hand trace the side of his face, down his jawline to his neck, his fingers stop to twist the beads on the necklace that Mikes wearing.

“I haven’t taken it off you know, since I got it in the mail.”

Will watches as Mikes eyes start to well up, “Shhh, it’s okay.” Will whispers gently, he rolls over to face Mike, as he strokes his cheek he can feel his own eyes start to water. They look at each other in silence as tears start to roll down both of their cheeks. Will holds Mikes face in his hands and gently leans in for another kiss. They take turns softly kissing each other until their eyes dry up and they slowly start to drift off. Mike lets out a deep breath and falls asleep with a smile on his face.

Chapter Text

A yellow ray of sun casts itself onto Mikes eyelids, the early morning sun is the only time of the day that the basement gets direct sunlight. He takes a moment before opening his eyes to feel his surroundings. He can feel himself pressed up against Wills warm back, his legs tucked into the back of Wills. His hand lays across Wills ribs as he slowly breathes in and out deeply, in a rested state. He nuzzles his head into the back of Wills neck, and as his nose touches it he takes in another breath, he smells like a warm summer day. He gently kisses the back of his neck before opening his eyes.

Mike realizes that they are both naked still, but one of them managed to scrounge up a sheet to cover themselves with while they slept. Mike stares at the back of Wills neck, trying to imagine how he could tell him everything that he wanted to. He didn’t deserve to have Will be so kind and patient with him. He knew that he was the one that Will had a crush on all those years ago. If Will had just told him, told him how he felt then maybe things could’ve been different.

Will yawns and starts to stir, he leans his head back and presses himself into Mike. Mike rubs his chest softly and kisses the back of his head, he doesn’t want Will to doubt the way he feels about him ever again. Will rolls over slightly, enough so Mike can see his eyes, they are so bright in the morning sun. Will picks up the hand that rests on his chest and brings it to his mouth to kiss again. “I really like that.” Mike says softly.

Will continues to roll over until they are facing each other, he reaches over and plays with Mikes hair, twisting it in his fingers. He smiles and huffs a small laugh, Mike smiles back and moves in to kiss him. When their lips meet, every hair on his body stands straight up, it feels electric. Will bites shyly at Mikes lower lip, he can feel a knot forming in his stomach as he kisses him harder. He runs his hand up and down Wills back, pressing hard into his spine, desperately trying to get closer to him.

Will pushes himself into Mike, rolling him onto his back in one swift movement. Mikes hands are pinned above his head, as Will sits back and focuses his weight onto Mikes pelvis. Mike feels the grip around his wrists loosen for a moment as Will teases him by rocking his hips back and forth on top of him. He slips free and lunges upward, wrapping his arms around wills lower back, pulling him tightly onto himself. They grin at each other, now face to face, Will places both hands on Mikes neck and pulls him in, their lips collide forcefully and they both gasp for air in between each long kiss.

Their lips are still together when Mike feels Wills thumb slipping into the corner of his mouth. Will pulls his face away with his thumb firmly pressed into the inside of Mikes cheek. Mike can’t help but whimper as he begins to suck on Wills thumb. The rest of his fingers firmly cupped around his jaw, holding Mikes head in place. “Touch yourself” Will commands “for me.”

This feels different in the daylight, there aren’t any shadows to hide behind, everything is out there, exposed by the light. Mike can see every detail of Wills face, every micro expression, every freckle on his body, every time a muscle moves. It’s all so much. He wants this so badly, but his brain is making it difficult, the corners of his vision start to get blurry and then dark.

Will comes to an abrupt stop, he pulls his thumb out of Mikes mouth and lowers his eyes so they are looking directly at each other, on the same level. “Hey, are you okay? I can stop, I’m sorry, this is too much–I shouldn’t have–

Mikes shakes his head and tries to control his breathing, “No I want–I want” he manages to stutter out. He takes a deep breath and looks into Wills eyes, he just needs to calm himself down. “It’s just, a lot for me–don’t stop, you feel so good.”

“Are you sure?” Will can’t hide the concerned look on his face. Mike takes a hard swallow, licks his lips and nods. He takes Wills hand and slides his thumb back into his mouth, Will exhales sharply, “Fuck.” Mike takes Wills other hand and guides it to Wills own dick, stroking up and down, guiding him. He releases his hand and watches Will jerking himself off in his lap, light moans slip out of his mouth as he sucks harder on Wills thumb. “Ah–Mike.” Will stutters out in a whisper. Mike looks down at Wills throbbing dick, the tip is turning red, he can tell he’s close. Mike takes his own solid cock in his hands and begins to stroke himself, matching Wills pace. Their hands bump into each other as both of them work on themselves, Mike bites down on the side of Wills thumb which makes Will yelp out with pleasure. “Will” Mike pants after he pulls Wills hand away from his face, “come in my mouth.” Will looks at Mike and nods, he props himself up on one knee as Mike slouches down. He watches Will pump himself with fast, sharp movements until his face turns bright pink. “Oh fuck Mike, Mike!” He carries on with a whine as he aims for Mikes mouth. Mike feels the warm liquid spread out over his lips and onto his tongue, “Mmm-ahh” Mike quivers as he comes into his hand and swallows Wills load.

Will drops back down onto both knees, straddling Mike, he brings his head down until their foreheads are touching, resting on each other. Mikes lungs burn from trying to catch his breath. He wraps his arms around Wills back and collapses onto the bed bringing Will down with him. They lay in a tangled sweaty heap, as their heart rates start to slow again.

Mike turns his head rapidly towards Will, who’s face is still flushed. He leans over and grabs a towel from the floor and gently wipes the sweat from Wills brow. “Ahhhhhh,” Will lets out with exhaustion, he looks back at Mike and starts to laugh lightly.

“I– Mike begins, “I don’t even know what to say right now.” He laughs.

“Fuck me.” Will sighs.

“Okay.” Mike says completely serious.

They both burst out in laughter. After they calm down a bit, Will reaches over and pulls Mike towards him, “Are you sure that was okay? I don’t want to overwhelm you or make you feel uncomfortable.”

“I’m so fucking comfortable right now.” Mike laughs out.

“Haha okay, it just seemed like maybe you were freaking out a bit there.” Will looks at Mike warmly.

“I was–a bit, but it’s not your fault, I’m just still working through some stuff, and sometimes I get really in my head and lose focus.” Mike trails off. “And you are way hotter than you have any right to be, Will, it’s hard to focus when you’re staring right at the sun.”

“Oh stop” Will laughs, gently shoving Mike. “You are too, you know.”

“Huh?”

“Hot, you’re fucking hot, beautiful even.” Will looks up at the ceiling, “I’ve always thought that though.”

Mike sighs and inhales deeply. He wants to tell him, tell him how he realized he felt the same way the whole time, that he just didn’t know what it meant. Thinking it was terrifying at one point, until he thought it enough that it didn’t feel scary anymore, but he’s never given himself the chance to say it.

“I…” Mike starts but there’s a thud from upstairs in the kitchen. “Your moms up.” Will interrupts.

“Yeah” Mike whispers. “Oh! You need clothes.”

“Shit yeah, ummmm. What’re we going to do about that?” Will asks laughing.

“Ill go get you something from my bag, uh maybe there’s some old clothes in my room, I can check.” Mike says while scratching his head, sounding doubtful.

“Okay go! I don’t need your mom coming down here and seeing me naked with just a sheet!” He starts to push Mike up but Mike rolls over and kisses him instead. One long kiss, tongues colliding, until Mike needs to come up for air, he smiles at Will and gives him a quick peck before jumping up and throwing on his sweatpants.

He moves swiftly up the stairs and pokes his head out of the door. God this is so stupid, he thinks to himself. He feels like a teenager about to get busted for sneaking someone in late at night.

He continues quietly anyway, making his way through the kitchen, eyes on alert.

“There you are Mike!” Karen exclaims in a pleasant tone as she turns the corner from the hallway to the kitchen, “I wasn’t sure if you made it home last night, I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Oh yeah it was pretty late.”

“Did you have a nice time? Did you see everyone? Oh and was Will there too?” She asked excitedly.

“Yes, yes and yes, but uh, I need to get something from my room real quick.” He didn’t wait for her to respond and quickly took off up the stairs to his room.”

He appeared in the kitchen a few moments later with a lump of clothing shoved under his arm. Karen looked as if she was about to start talking but Mike just walked by and sprinted down into the basement.

“My moms gonna know.” Mike said in a hush.

“Oh yeah? What’s she gonna know?” Will asked as he stood and walked towards Mike. Mike couldn’t help but gawk at him as he strode over. “Hunk is right.” Mike murmured.

“What?” Will laughed. “Don’t be weird, it’s fine. She’s not going to know.”

Will took Mikes face in his hands and said, “Now give me a smooch.”

Mike laughed and did as he was asked.

“How do I look?” Will asked after getting dressed. The sweatpants were tight but they would do, the shirt was a bit short and exposed an inch or so of his midriff, Mike sure didn’t mind that.

“Perfect” Mike nodded.

They slowly made their way up to the kitchen, Karen had just cracked a few eggs into a pan when she turned around to see both Mike and Will standing behind her.

“Oh! Oh my goodness Will!” She hurried over and hugged him tight, squeezing the air out of him.”

“Hi Mrs. Wheeler.” Will squeaked as the last of the air was pushed out of his lungs.

“Oh my it’s so good to see the two of you together, it’s been too long!” She said beaming.

Mike and Will nodded and chuckled nervously together.

“Come on sit down, I’ll crack a few more eggs and you can tell me about life in London.” She points at the dining chairs eagerly.

“We should probably get going, we have to pick up Dustin and pack up a few things for camping from his moms house.” Mike says, raising his eyebrows at Will.

“Aw come on, after last night I’m sure Dustin could use a little extra sleep, plus, I’m starved!” Will winks at Mike and pulls up a chair at the table. Mike grunts and skulks over to the coffee pot.

“So Will, do you have a boyfriend?”

Mike spits out his coffee, “Mom seriously? That’s your first question?”

“I’m just asking.” Karen says as she raises her hands as if she’s only asked how he likes his eggs.

Will chuckles as a light pink shade fans out over the centre of his cheeks. “No, no boyfriend.” He answers with a smile.

“Awww,” she sounds defeated, “girlfriend?” “Mom!” Mike yells.

“Hah, no there’s no one back home Mrs. Wheeler.”

“Hmmm” she says as she looks back and forth between Mike and Will. Mike is staring into his coffee cup and Will is fighting back a grin, he has to cover his mouth to stop himself from laughing.

“Mikes single too, you know?” Karen says innocently enough.

“That’s it! We gotta go! Thanks for the eggs mom, see you later!” Mike rushes up, leans in to give Karen a peck on the cheek and runs upstairs to grab his bags. He can hear his mom and Will talking and giggling lightly as he storms by and heads out to his car.

Will appears in the driveway after a few minutes with a smug look on his face. Mike is leaning up against the hood of his car with his arms crossed, he squints up at Will, trying to block out some of the sun light.

“What did you two talk about?” Mike says with a snip.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Hmph.” Mike unfolds his arms and crosses them back again.

“Don’t pout, you look too cute when you pout.” Will teases. He shuffles up to Mike, swaying his arms back and forth, side to side.

Mike looks up at him and reaches a hand out to his, he gently pulls Will closer and puts his other hand on his waist. “You sure you’re okay?” Will asks.

Mike nods as he caresses Wills cheek with his thumb, he looks up to his parents house and Karen is standing in the doorway, watching them. Mike pulls Will in and kisses him on the lips, Will caves and kisses him back, smiling.

Mike guides Will to the passenger side of the car door and opens it for him like he did last night, he walks over to the drivers side and looks back at his mom again, he smiles at her and she smiles back, and waves goodbye.

Chapter Text

“Hey so, I know we’re just like–fucking around or whatever right now.”

Mike switches the engine off and looks over to Will. “So I don’t expect you to like, shout your unyielding love for me from the rooftops, just so we’re on the same page.” Will says staring out the window.

“Oh.” Mike says softly. Will senses the shift in energy and turns to face Mike, “I just meant that, well, I’ve been out for a while and everyone knows, and I don’t think that’s the case with you…is it?” Mike notices Will nibbling at his lower lip like he always does when he’s nervous.

“I mean, I haven’t told them directly, but there were signs.” Mike says as he scratches at his chin.

“And Will, I didn’t kiss you in front of my mom for nothing–just so you know.” Wills eyes widen with surprise. “Your mom?”

“When we were getting into the car just now? She was there, she smiled at me and waved.”

“Oh–I wasn’t looking, I’m sorry, I um–okay.” Will sputters, rubbing his neck with one hand and fidgeting with a loose thread on the car bench with the other. There’s a bang in front of them, followed by a haggard looking Dustin traipsing through the door of his moms house. He’s holding a glass of orange juice in one hand, and struggling to pull a cooler behind him with the other.

“A little help, Please!” He shouts at them in distress.

“We can talk about it later if you want?” Mike asks. “Is it okay? That my mom saw?”

Will nods quickly as Dustin’s cries for help continue.

They get out and walk over to Dustin. He looks at Mike, then to Will, noting his choice in clothing, then back to Mike. “So…what’s going on?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, in to the car please.” Mike points to the backseat.

“Sheesh alright. There’s a couple of bins in the carport with gear in it, can you manage?”

Mike and Will both nod. “Oh shit! Will, you really gotta call Jonathan.”

“Shit yeah you’re right, okay be right back.” Will heads inside closing the door behind him.

“Well?” Dustin looks at Mike expectantly. “I know I was trashed, but I seem to remember you two touching” he moves his hands around in the space in front of him mimicking a groping motion, “quite a bit last night.” He winks at Mike and sticks his tongue out licking the air.

“You’re disgusting.” Mike says flatly.

He takes one big step towards Dustin, he’s right up in his face when he sticks his finger in right up under his nose and spits, “Not a WORD, to anyone!” Dustin smiles nodding his head.

“Swear!” Mike shouts.

“I swear! I swear! Pinky promise!” Dustin grabs Mikes hand and curls his index finger back in and latches onto his pinky with his own.

“We uh–” Mike swallows hard and looks off towards the house, “you know.” He looks back and forth from the house to Dustin impatiently.

“Oh yeah.” Dustin’s smile is huge, “I think I know.” He says while nodding slowly. “And? How was it?” He asked while their pinky’s are still latched.

Mike laughs and rolls his eyes, “I can’t tell you any more right now, we just did–some stuff, and I don’t know what’s going on so please, please, please be cool!”

“I’m so cool, don’t worry!”

“Please get that shit eating grin off of your face before he gets back out here.”

Too late, Will comes back through the front door and is witness to whatever the hell the two of them are doing in front of the car.

“Bit odd, innit? Whatever this is.” Will motions to their pinky’s clinging to each other.

“My my Will, how British you sound.” Dustin laughs as he tosses Mikes hand down aggressively. “Innit?” He squawks. Mike and Will join in Dustin’s laughter as they load up the rest of their belongings into the car.

“Oh yeah I burned a CD for the drive.” Dustin digs through his bag as Mike backs out of the driveway. “Ugh, cassette supremacy!” Mike shouts back at Dustin.

“Bro, get with the times. It’s CDs all the way. Here!” He leans over the front seat and passes it to Will who gladly takes it and pops it in the player.

“Guess who just got back today
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven’t changed, had much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy.”

The three of them in unison start singing, “the boys are back in town, the boys are back in town, the boys are back–the boys are back”

—

Dustin lasted about thirty minutes until he rolled up his pillow and dozed off in the back seat. Mike kept glancing back in the rear view to check if his eyes were still closed. He was anxiously waiting for him and Will to be alone again so they could talk, or kiss, or both.

“So uh, can we talk?” Mike says hesitantly, checking the rear view mirror again. Dustin is snoring softly, mouth agape, drool and all.

“Yeah of course.” Will looks over at Mike, he reaches over and brings Mikes hand to the middle of the car seat and holds it there. “This okay?” He whispers. Mike nods and tries to focus on the road. His heart rate picks up as soon as Will touches him. Will looks so calm and relaxed, he gently strokes his thumb over the back of Mikes hand, over and over again.

“I don’t know where to start.” Mike says sounding defeated, shaking his head.

Will squeezes Mikes hand reassuringly. “Hmm” he huffs. “Why don’t you start by saying how you feel right now, you don’t even have to say it to me, just talk to the road or the sky or something.”

“Yeah okay, good idea.” Mike nods. He stares at the road ahead of him then up to the sky, then turns to look at Will, the wind is rushing through his hair, his hazel eyes reflect the sun that’s beaming down on the hood of the car. He smiles and turns back to focus on the road.

“I guess, I feel like I’m home, but it’s because of you.” Mike can see Will nod out of the corner of his eye. “I um, right now I feel like if I lost you again, I wouldn’t make it. Like I’d rather die, then not be with you.”

Will holds Mikes hand tighter. “What do you mean when you say be with me?” He asks.

Mike takes a deep breath in, “I mean, I need you, in my life, however you’re willing to let me be in it. I’ll be your anything, as long as I get to be there.” Mike glances over at Will quickly who is looking down at his shoes.

“There’s so much I regret Will.” Will looks up at Mike, “You don’t need to talk about that now, I mean, I don’t want to talk about it now.”

“Okay.” Mike nods, “I do need to tell you some stuff though.”

“I know” Will sounds unlike himself, fragile now compared to the confidence he’s been exuberantly displaying over the last day.

“Can I ask you how you feel right now, too?” Mike asks, squeezing Wills hand back.

Will nods and looks out the window. “I feel, confused.”

“Oh.” Mike whispers. His eyes are about to betray him, he can feel them starting to get wet, he blinks and one tear has already fallen down the left side of his face.

“I had put this fantasy away, locked it up and threw away the key.”

“The fantasy of us? Together?” Will nods and wipes his eyes with his shirt. “I’m sorry, you said you didn’t want to talk about the past. I should shut up.” Mike spoke gently to Will. “Yeah maybe, for now.” Will agreed.

They sat in silence for a few minutes until the song turned over on Dustin’s CD. A familiar song starts. “Depeche mode” Mike and Will say at the same time. “Music has really been speaking to me this past day since I’ve been home.” Will says to Mike with a nervous chuckle. Mike nods, he could say the same thing.

“I'm taking a ride with my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
He knows where he’s taking me
Taking me where I want to be
I’m taking a ride with my best friend”

Mike lets go of Wills hand, he needs to wipe the tears from his face, so it’s either Wills hand or the steering wheel he needs to let go of. Will un buckles himself and slides over to the middle seat and takes over wiping Mikes tears away. “We’re okay.” He whispers in his ear. He cradles Mikes face in his palm and places soft kisses on his cheek. Mike slows down so he can kiss Will back.

Mike puts his arm over Wills shoulders and holds him while he steers with his other hand. Will fits in perfectly under his arm, he slides his left arm in behind Mikes back and drapes the other one across his stomach. Maybe they will be okay.

“We’re flying high
We’re watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down on the ground.”

Chapter Text

Mike slows the car down as he recognizes the large stump off on the side of the shoulder, the dirt road to the lake should be coming up soon. He looks down to Will who has fallen asleep in his lap. He tucks Wills hair behind his ear, admiring the curves of his face, he runs his finger down his jawline to the tip of his chin, basking in his beauty. Will feels around in his sleep and clings to Mikes hand. The last twenty four hours seems impossible. He really thought it was going to be so much more awkward being around Will after all this time, instead they were comfortable enough to–how did Will put it, “fuck around”. Mike winces, but he could accept that, best friends who kiss. Best friends who fuck. Best friends at least.

I’m confused, he imagines Will saying. Mike wanted to probe further, discuss everything and get it all out there, but that wasn’t fair, and it wasn’t what Will wanted. He waited this long, he could wait until Will was ready.

He pulls onto the dirt road and comes to a stop. “Will.” Mike whispers. He softly squeezes his arm and watches as Wills eyes start to flutter open.

Will rubs his eyes and looks up at Mike who is watching him contently. “Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to pass out.”

“It’s okay, I wanted to let you sleep but I need both of my arms to get down this road. Potholes.”

Will sits up quickly after he realizes he’s holding on to one of Mikes arms. “Sorry.” He says with a gasp as he rubs the back of his neck. Mike notices he looks a bit flushed.

“Are you feeling okay?”

“Ummm, yeah, yeah. I just kind of feel like last night and this morning were a dream.” Will looks out at the tree line on the side of the road and sighs. “I mean we just,” he turns his head back to check that Dustin is still sleeping, “did what we did, and it was so easy.”

Mike furrows his brow and purses his lips, he can’t think of what to say.

“I’m sorry, I’m just trying to process everything I think, make sense of this. I didn’t expect this, I never expected this.” Will motions with his hand back and forth between himself and Mike. “I never expected you to want me, like that.”

“Will” Mike looks at him, waiting for him to turn and face him, but he doesn’t, he keeps staring out the window.

Dustin grunts in his sleep and readjusts himself.

“Let’s just try to get some alone time later, yeah?” Will says tilting his head back to Dustin who is becoming more restless.

Mike takes a deep breath in and out and nods curtly.

The sound of an engine roaring is suddenly coming up fast behind them, followed by a cloud of dust that’s been kicked up from the road, there’s a loud honk and the screeching of tires.

“Oh shit!” Mike yells. He flings his door open and hurries to the back of the station wagon where he sees a bronco amidst puffs of dirt and smoke. He coughs and fans the debris out of his face.

“What the FUCK are you doing parked here?” Max screams at Mike as she hops out of the passenger seat of the truck, spit flies from her mouth as she continues to berate him.

“Sorry I’m so sorry!” Mike holds up his hands in front of him and slowly approaches Max as if he’s approaching someone who could leap off the edge at any moment.

Lucas hops out of the driver seat and rushes over to them, his eyes wide. “Max it’s okay, she didn’t even wake up.” His hands are up just like Mikes. She looks at Lucas then turns around quick on her heels to check for herself.

“You’re lucky Mike Wheeler.” She says as her voice cracks, “If anything happens to El–Elsie…” she covers her face with her hands and begins to sob uncontrollably. Mike closes the gap between them and embraces her. “I’m sorry I didn’t expect anyone to come around the corner, it’s my fault, it’s all my fault.”

“It’s okay guys, everything’s fine, no one’s hurt.” Lucas says as he looks at Max, still holding his hands up. She takes one hand off of Mike and desperately swipes around looking for a piece of Lucas to grab onto.

“Hey hey hey” he says softly as he swoops in and takes Mikes place, he holds Maxs’ face in his hands and kisses her forehead while gently rubbing her cheeks. Mike folds his arms on the hood of the truck and rests his head on them. He stares down at his feet and begins to notice little black splotches forming in his peripherals. He inhales as deep as he can, but he chokes on his breath.

“Shit, fuck.” He says to himself. He closes his eyes and he feels like he’s falling, everything goes black as he’s spinning faster and faster, then suddenly a sharp splinter of ice that starts in the middle of his chest and spreads down his spine, he cries out in pain but he can’t hear himself, only the muffled voices around him.

He feels like he’s been plummeting for an indescribable amount of time until he realizes he can’t move, and now, he can’t breathe.

“Mike.” A golden tunnel of light appears in front of him. The cold pain in his chest is slowly being relinquished as a warm wave washes over him. “I’m okay.” He stutters out, unsure if he believes what he’s saying.

“Can you open your eyes? Can you look at me?” Will asks urgently. He nods and opens his eyes with a squint, the sky is so bright.

He takes a moment before sitting up, Will is on his knees on one side of him, Max is crouched down on the other, they both have one of his hands in their own. Lucas stands at Mikes feet with his hands behind his head, eyes wide with sweat pooling on his forehead. “Here, take a sip.” Lucas twists off the top of his thermos and pours the water into the cup and holds it to Mikes mouth.

“I got it, I got it” Mike says as he tries to take control of the cup from Lucas, who is trying to pour it into his mouth for him.

“Does that happen a lot?” Will asks with concern, his thumb trailing over the back of Mikes hand.

“Your eyes, I missed your eyes.” Mike says as he pulls Wills hand up and kisses it. Will laughs and pats his back, while allowing Mike to continue holding his hand to his mouth.

“Oh boy,” Lucas yelps out followed by a loud laugh. “Let’s get you up.” He reaches down and grabs Mike under the arms and heaves him upwards. “This is considered a bad start to our camping trip right?” He asks as he wipes the sweat off of his face. They all nod.

“I’m sorry guys, I can usually feel them coming on, but this one snuck up on me.” Mike said with a frown.

“Don’t apologize Mike, I’m pretty sure I caused that one, I’m sorry for freaking out. Sometimes I–just lose it, especially with Elsie I–”

“It’s okay Max. It’s not you’re fault, I’m just really fucked up.” Mike gives her a tap on the shoulder with a grin.

“I think we all might be, like really fucked up.” Will laughs.

They wait a few minutes before deciding to continue the trek down the road.

“Wait, are both of our babies still sleeping?” Will asks the group. Lucas’ recognizable laugh bellows out which only makes everyone giggle more.

“Okay guys, we got this, I’m making a rule for the rest of the week,” Max proudly proclaims. “No more bad times! Right? Should be easy haha.”

“Yeah totally” Will adds, “Welcome to camp good time. What say ye dungeon master?”

“Camp good time here we come!” Mike says with a cheesy grin as he blasts finger guns at his friends.

“Hah we’re so fucked.” Lucas says quietly to Max without the others hearing.

“Okay just drive careful guys, please. See you there.” Max turns and heads back to their truck, Lucas climbs into the drivers side and pulls around Mikes car to take the lead.

Mike and Will wait a minute so the dust from the road has time to settle back down.

“How do you feel?” Will asks tenderly.

Mike shrugs and kicks a rock off into the bushes. “I think we need to check Dustin’s pulse because how could he have possibly slept through that.”

“Let me drive okay?” Will insists. Mike nods and they get back into the car. Dustin is alive, and still asleep.

“Hey sleeping beauty,” Mike pulls the pillow out from under Dustin’s head and thrusts it down onto his face, “wake up!”

“Argggh huh?” Dustin mumbles as he manages to pull himself up into the middle of the seat. “Wait, what?” He looks at Will who is focusing on the road, then to Mike who is turned around in the front seat staring at him.

“When did you–”

“Are you well rested?” Mike asks.

“Uh yeah I feel pretty good.”

“Good good, so, do you have to like, set ten alarms to wake yourself up in the morning?”

“No! Why what happened?”

Will shakes his head as Mike begins to explain what happened, and how they will be referring to their campsite as “camp good time” from now on.

–

Will pulls up to an opening in the trees and spots the bronco, the tailgate is laying open as Lucas pulls supplies out of the back. Max has Elsie on her hip as she strolls around pointing out all the different flora and fauna.

“They’re so perfect.” Dustin says with a radiant smile. As soon as Will puts the car in park, he’s out the door and jogging towards Max and Elsie. Mike watches as Elsie reaches out for her uncle Dustin.

“No way!” He exclaims.

Will looks at Mike for an explanation as to what he’s surprised about, but he’ll have to wait because Mike is up and spryly heading towards them.

“Hi Elsie!” Mike does his best baby voice. Elsie smiles at him but nuzzles her face into Dustin’s shoulder.

Dustin’s smile only grows bigger. “How have you tricked her into liking you so much?” Mike asks with an underlying touch of jealousy.

“Well you see Mike–”

“Oh here we fuckin go” Mike rolls his eyes and crosses his arms.

“I have what one might call, a light, fun aura and energy.” Mike nods along. “You, on the other hand exude a brooding, sad boy, vampiric even, vibe.” Will walks up trying to hide his smile and whispers “Dracula” in Mikes ear.

“So really, it’s no wonder she prefers her uncle Dusty.” Mike tilts his head back and laughs. “Ugh you’re annoying.”

Elsie starts wiggling in Dustin’s arms, she’s babbling and looking at Will. She reaches up and yanks a piece of Dustin’s hair which makes him yelp.

“I’ll take her.” Will holds his arms out as Dustin shuffles his way over to him, trying to pry his hair out of her little hand. Max is standing by laughing with no desire to interfere.

“I think she ripped some out!” Dustin runs his hands through his hair checking for bald spots.

“Yo! I know my baby’s cute but can someone help me with this?” Lucas shouts over as he pulls another bin out of the back of the truck. Max and Dustin go over to start setting up the tents.

Will is bouncing the baby cautiously in his arms, making cute, silly faces and humming little songs to her. It sounds like it’s the funniest thing she’s ever seen or heard, she’s laughing so hysterically there’s no pause from one laugh to the other.

Mike is soaking it all in, the laughter, the smile on Wills face. He feels warm again. He sees Will notice that he’s watching him. They move closer together until they are both talking to her in their baby voices, playing peek-a-boo and babbling together.

Dustin nudges Max with his elbow and points over to them. “Look.”

A smile spreads across her face from ear to ear. “They are adorable. Let’s um, try to give them as much privacy as we can while we’re here.”

“Ugh I’ll try, but I’m nosy.”

“Were you really asleep the whole time in the back of the car?”

Dustin looks at Max with a devilish grin as he slowly shakes his head from side to side.

Max gasps as her mouth falls open, “Bad boy!”

Dustin nods.

“I can’t tell you anything, I’m under oath.”

“Oh whatever!” She says as she shoves him.

—

Later that day, as the sun sets, they gather around the campfire that Dustin proudly put together all on his own. They take turns telling stories of things that happened while they were apart. Dustin happily rein-acts the time that Mike almost caught their apartment on fire by trying to cure some D20’s that he hand made in the oven.

“So, Will, do you like Hawkins or London more?” Lucas asks.

“Well, they’re totally different but, Hawkins is my home, and all of you guys are here so, Hawkins wins in that regard.” He looks around at the group, they’re giving him their apt attention.

“But, Hawkins is a small town, London is, well, there’s more people like me, so it’s generally more accepting, there’s actual like, gay culture, which I didn’t really know existed until I went there.”

Lucas nods and glances around at everyone before working up the courage to ask, “Did we…do okay? I mean you know you can be yourself, totally yourself with us, right?” He turns his gaze towards Mike, who looks down at the ground after making eye contact with him. “Yeah of course. I couldn’t imagine having better friends than you.”

“We love you.”

Will laughs then says, “Yeah I know.” With a smile.

“Ah sorry, I’m feeling kind of emotional and sentimental.” Lucas looks around at his family. “Ahem” he clears his throat, and stands up taking a big stretch, “alright I’ve gotta put this baby to sleep, come on Dustin.”

“Hey!” Dustin acts offended then quickly changes his tune, “Can’t I stay up for five more minutes? I had a big nap today.”

Lucas exhales a big laugh and picks up Elsie and heads to their tent. “I’m going to go too,” Max says in between yawns, “long day.” She stares at Dustin ferociously.

“You know, I might just go read my book in my tent.”

Now it’s just Mike and Will, under the stars. They sit in silence until everyone else is settled down in their tents for the night.

“You wanna go see what the water looks like at night?”

“Yeah.” Will answers.

Mike stands up and heads to his car, he finds a blanket and drapes it around his shoulders.

“Is that your cape? Count Dracula?” Will asks poking fun. Mike quietly hisses at his question.

They make their way down the path towards the beach. The moon is so bright that they don’t need flashlights. Just the moon and stars to guide them.

The lake is calm and quiet, the waves slowly lap up onto the beach, while the cool summer breeze rustles the leaves in the trees around them. Will walks up to the shore line and bends down to take a closer look at the pebbles and sand glistening in the moonlight. He dunks his arm in the water and immediately yanks it out, “It’s like ice!” He shrieks while shaking his arm. Mike crouch’s down beside him and dips his finger into the water, he shivers and quickly withdraws his hand, “Yeah okay it’s pretty chilly.” He says smiling.

“I think I’m stuck down here.” Mike chuckles as he tries to lift himself up from a squatting position.

Will shakes is head and asks, “How old are you again? Eighty-eight?” Playfully.

Will watch’s Mike try to build up momentum to stand up by swinging his arms and rocking back and forth on his toes. He reaches over and shoves Mikes chest, he goes toppling over onto his butt with a thud.

“Hey!” He shrieks as he leans over to shove Will back. Will doesn’t budge. “You are weak.” Will declares in a deep monotonous tone, trying to keep his laughter under control. Mike lunges towards Will, knocking him over, he falls onto him, pinning his arms down at his sides.

“Oh no, whatever will I do?” Will laughs out playfully. Mike leans back a bit to get a better view of Wills face, he reaches one arm up and gently places his hand around Wills neck. He gently runs his thumb over the front, admiring the curves, noticing every time Will swallows. His skin thumps up and down at the base of his neck with every heartbeat, it pulsates faster and faster as Mike continues to stroke his neck. Mikes own breathing is picking up pace now, his mouth starts to water as he eyes Wills neck, he leans in and licks the soft spot at the base of his neck where his heart is trying to jump through.

He slides his hand to the back of Wills neck and holds on with a tight grip as he drags his tongue over to one side until he can feel his carotid artery rushing with blood under his tongue. He begins to suck and lick until Will is squirming under him. He bites down tentatively until he hears Will whimper, “Harder” he begs with a gasp.

Mike lets loose on Wills neck, he bites down hard and continues to suck and lick in between each bite.

“Good boy.” Will pants between hot breaths into Mikes ear.

A rush of excitement washes over Mikes body upon hearing Wills praise, he thrusts his hips down into Wills, “See what you do to me?” He asks as he presses his hardness into him. Will groans and bites his lip, thrusting upwards to show Mike that he’s hard too.

“More, I want more” Mike begs as he reaches up under Wills shirt and runs his hands up and down his sides, digging his nails in ever so slightly “Put the blanket down!” Will says with desperation as he lifts his shirt up and over his head.

Mike scrambles to lay the blanket down on a spot of the beach that is mostly sand, attempting to avoid any sharp rocks. He has it spread out just enough when Will comes up behind him and pushes him down onto it.

“Oof!” Mike grunts. “Shit I’m sorry, too rough.” Will frowns and checks to see if he hurt him. Mike shakes his head feverishly, “No it’s okay!” Mike reassures. He pulls Wills head down and ravishes him with wet, breathy kisses. He pulls Mikes shirt off and reaches down and slides his hands into the front of his pants. Mikes breath catches in his throat as he mutters how warm Will is.

Will wraps his arms around Mikes back and swiftly rolls them over so Mike is on top of him. They grind back and forth together until Mike reaches down the back of Wills pants and grabs ahold of his ass and spreads him apart, one finger slides down and presses into the opening at the centre. Will cries out and quickly covers his mouth with his hand.

“Fuck are you okay?” Mike asks as he abruptly slams to a halt.

Will pants to catch his breath, “That was a– good sound.” He stutters.

“You scared me!” Mike whispers as he starts to crack up. Will chuckles and smiles up at Mike. He runs his hand up his back, into Mikes hair and grabs a handful and tugs firmly. “Ah fuck.” Mike pants.

Will turns around so his face is pressed into the blanket, he paws at the elastic waist band of his pants, unable to get them down on his own. Mike manages to pry himself off of Will enough to quickly and smoothly pull his pants down until his cheeks are fully exposed. “Holy shit” Mike breaths. He kisses the back of Wills neck which results in another whimper. He slowly works his way down the middle of his back until he reaches the base of Wills crack. He slides his tongue down, testing the water to see if Will is going to allow him full access.

Will lifts his ass up, pressing himself into Mikes face, he takes that as an invitation to go deeper. He takes small bites out of Wills butt cheek until he’s far enough down to easily slide in.

He cups each cheek firmly and spreads them open while working his way over to the middle. He flicks the rim of Wills hole in attempt to loosen it up. He slides the tip of his tongue in and sucks around the outside until Will is quivering below him.

Will reaches down and pries Mikes hand off of his ass, he yanks his arm up and the rest of Mike follows as he collapses on top of him. Mike rolls slightly on to his side and pulls Will by the hips so his dick settles between his ass. He grinds forwards and back, sliding his dick up and down, Will continues to press himself into him, matching Mikes rhythm and pacing until Will begs for Mike to cum. Will strokes his own dick as Mikes body tenses up on top of him.
Mike shudders as he thrusts one final time up the length of Wills ass, he cums with a quiet whimper then collapses onto Will.

Mike pants for a minute until he manages to speak. “Roll over Will, turn around.” Will lazily rolls to face him so they are on their sides face to face. Mike wiggles his way down so his head is lined up with Wills dick, he wraps a hand around the shaft and begins to lick the head, “Unff” Will croaks out. Mike grabs a hold of Wills waist as he tries to bring him in deeper, he slides Will into his mouth until he hits the back of his throat, he gags and Will tries to pull himself out but Mike grabs onto him harder and pulls him back down. Will follows Mikes lead and places his hand on his head, he runs his fingers through his hair then twists a chunk of it and pulls.

Mike moans and it reverberates around his dick causing him to whine and tremble. Will thrusts into Mikes mouth and Mike digs his fingers into Wills hips, rocking them back and forth with a tight grip. They move with each other until Mike can taste a hint of salt in his mouth. “I’m so close” Will whispers frantically, he starts to pull away but Mike doesn’t loosen his grip on his hips and forces Wills cock down a little bit further.

“Oh fuck, fuck.” Mike feels his dick pulsate inside him, followed by a burst of liquid that shoots down his throat.

Mike finally loosens his grip around Will, allowing him to fall back and relax. Mike looks at Wills semi hard dick as the light from the moon reflects in the mixture of spit and cum that covers the area.

Mike shimmies back up to Will and wipes his mouth off with the back of his hand. He looks at Wills face and sees him laying there with his hand covering his mouth tightly, his eyebrows furrowed with worry.

Mike laughs at the sight, “What?” He chuckles.

Will rolls over towards Mike and buries his face in his hands as he chuckles, “Ahhhh!” He cries out as his face turns red.

Mike gives him a coy smirk and leans over and kisses his hands that are covering his face. “Was that okay?” Will asks, peeking out between his fingers.

“Ha ha, it was more than okay.” Mike says with a cheesy grin, nodding his head slowly. They giggle back and forth a bit until Mike settles in beside Will. They lay tightly pressed against each other looking up at the sky. “They seem extra bright tonight.” Will says barely above a whisper. Mike kisses his shoulder. He takes a deep breath in through his nose, he can smell pine needles and Wills toasty aroma. He rests his eyes peacefully and listens to Will breathing beside him and the water slowly rushing up on the beach at their feet.

“You’re shivering” Will says with concern.

“Oh.” Mikes says flatly.

“You didn’t notice?” Will asks in disbelief.

“No not really, my mind was shutting down I think.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Big time” Mike nods, “it never shuts up these days– well actually it kind of does”

Mike looks at Will with a straight face, “it’s quiet when I’m next to you.”

Will leans over and wraps himself around Mikes cold body, “Mine too.” He whispers, then kisses him softly on the lips.

“Let me sleep with you tonight.”

“In the back of the car?” Will nods. “It’s pretty cramped.”

“That’s a problem?” Will asks with a laugh.

Mike shakes his head, then stands up and begins to look around in the dark for their clothes. They wander up the path from the beach hand in hand, and climb into the back of the wagon. They hold each other tight and run their hands over each others exposed skin.

“I missed your eyes too.” Will said as he gently plants a kiss onto both of Mikes eyelids.

Chapter Text

There was a loud crack that echoed through the peaceful forest, Mike jumped awake and looked over at Will, sleeping safe and sound. Another loud crack which made Mike jump again. He looked out of the back window where he saw Lucas by the fire pit, splitting some logs for firewood.

He moved to the back passenger side and rolled the window down. CRACK!

“Dude!” Mike shouted. Lucas took one more swing and the axe connected with the chopping block with a thud. He turns to face Mike, “Did I wake you?” He asked innocently.

“Did you wake me?” Mike replies in disbelief with wide eyes. “Sorry man, we needed more wood! I’m about to cook up breakfast.” Mike couldn’t be upset with him for that. “Yeah no worries, you just spooked me is all.” Mike rubs his eyes and yawns.

“Hey Mike, have you seen Will? He’s not in his tent, the zipper was open when I got up. I thought maybe he went down to the beach but he’s not there.”

“Uhhhhh yeah– I’ve seen him…” Mikes eyes wander from Lucas to the back of the wagon.

“Where?” Lucas asks, not picking up on Mikes subtleties.

Mike makes a heavy sigh and tilts his head to the side, pointing in the direction where Will is comfortably bundled up in Mikes sleeping bag. He scratches his head lets out a strained murmur of a laugh.

Lucas is standing with his hands on his hips when his face lights up, “Oh–Ooooh!” He nods his head and then shakes his hand back and forth as a way to say don’t explain any further.

“Sorry for waking you, uh, go back to sleep or whatever you were doing–”

“Dude please” Mike snorts as he laughs nervously.

“Should I come get you guys when the foods ready–or…what?”

“Yeah sounds good.” Mike nods and half grins at Lucas who nods and turns to walk away towards the row of tents.

Mike falls back onto the foam roll with a huff, holding his hands on the the side of his head. “Good times.” he mumbles. “Camp awkward time.”

He rolls over and watches Will sleep for a few minutes, his chest rises and falls in a long and smooth rhythm. He can see Wills eyes moving back and forth under his eyelids when he starts breathing faster in his sleep.

“Will?” Mike holds onto his arm and gives it a squeeze. Will opens his eyes and locks onto Mikes gaze immediately, he smiles, “Hey.”

“Hey” Mike smirks, “You sleep okay?”

Will strains his eyes as he tries to come to a conclusion, “Yeah, really well actually, must be the fresh air or something.”

“Yeah, or something.” Mike playfully pokes at Wills bare chest.

“Come here.” Will says as he holds his arms open, Mike happily swoops in and they wrap their arms around each other. The tips of their noses brush together and they both start to giggle. Mike wants to talk now but he knows it’s not a good time, he doesn’t want to ruin this moment, but will there ever be a right time to get into all of it.

“Less thinking, more kissing.” Will says with a smile. Mike laughs and goes in and kisses Wills nose first, then makes his way down to his lips. They start off tenderly, Will lets out a moan which drives Mike wild, he pushes his face into Wills, he thrusts his tongue into his mouth then pulls it out and bites his lip. Will bites back, harder.

“Ow!” Mike yelps, he reaches up and rubs his bottom lip, at least there’s no blood.

“Oop sorry.” Will whispers. “I’m hungry.”

They both start to laugh softly. “We better uh, stop right now anyway before um–we get too carried away, I think everyone’s up.” Mike tells Will while poking his head up and looking out of the open window.

“Hmm yeah, I’m up too.” Will says with a big grin on his face while looking down to the tent in his pants. He bursts into laughter.

Mike snatches the pillow out from under Wills head and smothers him with it, but he can’t hold it there for long because he’s laughing too hysterically. Will overpowers him pushing the pillow off then immediately flips Mike onto his back, pinning him there.

“Oh my god, I wish we were alone right now!” Mike says desperately.

“Hey boys?” Lucas says tentatively from afar, “breakfast is ready.”

“Okay coming!” Mike yells out.

“You wish!” Will cackles as he rolls off of Mike and attempts to pull himself together.

Mike laughs and shakes his head as he digs around looking for a shirt, he finds one and pulls it on.

“I literally have no clothes.” Will reminds him.

“Oh that’s awful.” Mike says with an exaggerated frown. “You’re saying that like it’s supposed to be a bad thing?”

“Good for you, uncomfortable for everyone else, help, please.”

Mike laughs and continues digging through his bags looking for anything with a little wiggle room in it. “Okay these are your best bet.” He hands over a pair of swimming trunks, jeans, sweat shorts, a couple of oversized tee shirts and a muscle shirt. “Hmm, I’ll make it work.” Will throws on a tee shirt and shimmies into the shorts.

The pair finally emerge together, Will starts off towards the group, “Wait!” Mike hisses, “What’re we saying about why we slept in there together?”

Will tilts his head and rubs his chin as if he’s deep in thought, “I think–I’ll tell them…that–” the words are coming out very slowly, Mike crosses his arms impatiently.

“That–” Will turns around and sprints towards the group before finishing his thought. “Hey!” Mike yells and chases after him. “Wait!” He arrives a mere second after Will, Mike is the only one short of breath however.

“You should work on your cardio.” Lucas suggests to Mike as he hands him a plate with eggs, bacon and some toast that’s been crisped up on the fire. He gives Lucas a side eye as he takes the plate, Lucas winks without anyone else seeing.

Dustin keeps an eye on Mike as they eat their breakfast, Mike notices so he gets up and sits back down beside him, “What?” He asks with some sharpness in his voice. Dustin shakes his head while while pointing to his mouth that’s full of food, “Can’t talk with my mouth full!” He spits some egg out and it lands on Mikes hand. “Yeauck” Mike complains as he wipes his hand off on Dustin’s shirt. “See?” Dustin spits out again.

Max shakes her head and rolls her eyes off to the side, she notices Wills skin tight shorts, “You could wear something of Lucas’ Will. If Mikes clothes are uncomfortable.”

Will nods, “Yeah I might need to borrow something, thanks.”

“I think we’re going to try to hike up to the waterfall today, it’s going to be a bit cooler and I really want to take some pictures of my beautiful girls up there. You guys in?”

Dustin nods his head, careful not to open his mouth in fear of facing Mikes wrath should he get more egg on him.

Mike looks to Will, allowing him to decide for them. “Oh, yeah that sounds great, but the only shoes I have are my dress shoes and a pair of Mikes slides, can I make the hike in those?”

“I mean you’ll probably fall behind but whatever, the waterfalls not going anywhere.” Dustin says reassuringly.

“You guys can go first and get a head start, we can meet at the falls, I still have to pack Elsie’s bag up anyway.” Lucas suggests.

Mike looks at Will and shrugs. “I’ll do whatever.”

–

Mike and Will reach the start of the trail that leads to the waterfall. “Does it seem like they’re trying to, I don’t know, get us alone together?” Will asks as he tightens the strap on the sandals he gets to hike in.

Mike sighs standing with his hands on his hips. “Yeah…listen, Will, I was really nervous about seeing you again, and I kind of sort of started spiralling, and I mean, they noticed.” Mike starts to walk up the trail, moving slowly waiting for Will. “I think they just want to give us some space, to–reconnect or whatever.”

Will nods and shuffles over to walk beside Mike. “I took sleeping pills from a strange old witch so I could black out on my flight here.” He smirks while pushing his hair back.

“Wait what?” Mike chuckles.

“I was nervous too, I was so afraid that I was going to be late and miss all of this.”
Mike nods as they continue on slowly up the trail.

After some time has passed, Mike takes a deep breath and asks, “Why’d you stop calling?” Will doesn’t answer and they keep walking until the path leads them to a stream.

“I guess…I thought somehow, it would be better for me. To just try and move on, from you.” Will looks at Mike and tries to read his face but he can’t. “I thought putting distance between us would make it easier for me to get over you, but every time we talked on the phone, I’d get butterflies in my stomach, and everything I felt would come rushing back.”

Mike watched as the water trickled by, he couldn’t lift his eyes up off of the forest floor.

“I–I’m sorry Will, I’m so fucking stupid.”

“No you’re not, I never told you. I should’ve told you that I liked you–like that, but I just couldn’t.” Will tilts his head back and looks towards the sky, memories flash before his eyes like watching an old movie, the two of them riding their bikes together during the summer, and staying up late on the weekends talking about D&D until they nod off. He sighs again and looks to Mike who is studying his face.

“We were best friends, I tried to just pretend I didn’t feel that way, and you were with El, I mean–I loved her too, I just didn’t see a way where it would’ve helped anyone for me to tell you.”

Mike sighs and nods slightly, “It would’ve helped you.”

“No it wouldn’t of. I had to lie to everyone, even myself that it was just a crush, and that it didn’t mean anything, and that I was over it.” He looks over at Mike who is still watching him avidly.

Mike feels a pit forming in his stomach, he feels sick at the thought of Will going through all of this on his own, although he went through the same thing.

“So, you didn’t stop liking me–that way?” Mike asks as his voice catches in his throat.

Will looks at him with big, sad eyes and shakes his head from side to side. “I had to say it out loud and mean it, I was so afraid that Vecna would take you from me, I had to make you seem less special, in my mind it was the only way.” Tears form in his waterline as he rubs the back of his neck, trying to comfort himself.

“I was a bad friend Will, and a bad boyfriend. I couldn’t accept myself like you did, it made me jealous, angry and weak. I shoved it so fucking far down.”

Will burst out with a cry, he couldn’t keep it back any longer, time to let it all go.

Mike chokes back his own disheveled cry as he steps toward Will, he wraps his arms around him and they melt together.

“I felt it too.” Mike whispered in Wills ear, then gently kissed his temple.

They stood there wrapped in each others arms and it felt like the world stopped turning. The trees gently swayed in the wind, the sun created a kaleidoscope through the leaves onto the floor of the forest, they let the babbling brook take away any doubts they had left.

Mike pulled back to look at Wills face, “You’re perfect” he lifts his shirt up and wipes Wills tears away. “Do you still want me, after all this time?”

“I–of course I do.” Will says stroking Mikes cheek, “do you? Want me– I mean.”

Mike inhales sharply, “Yeah.”

Will smiles, “You have such a way with words.” He jests.

Mike laughs and brings his lips to Wills. They tenderly kiss each other while taking the time to wipe the leftover tears away.

“Do you hear that?” Mike asks. Will strains his ears for a moment, he giggles when he registers what he’s hearing off in the distance. “What is with Dustin and that damn song?” They both laugh and squeeze each other tightly for another minute until Dustin’s singing grows louder.

“The boys are back in tow-ow-ow-ow-own!”

“Oh hey!” Dustin shouts as he comes around the bend in the trail, spotting the two.
“You guys look kinda rough.” He says as he crosses his arms. Mike and Will both chuckle in and nod their heads agreeing.

“Let’s get to that waterfall.” Dustin chirps cheerfully as he walks past them giving them both a pat on the shoulder.

Chapter Text

Lucas and Max aren’t far behind Dustin, Lucas has their daughter strapped to his back, her head is turned to one side, resting on top of his. She playfully tugs his hair with one hand and flaps the other one at the leaves on the trees as they pass by.

They continue on the trail together, it winds through the woods and crosses over the creek several times, each time they reach a foot bridge, the water flows a little faster and the creek grows wider.

When they finally reach the falls, Max, Dustin and Mike are over it. They share the same look of exhaustion as they attempt to recover from the hike by parking themselves on a large rock and sharing a bottle of water.

“Alright who’s jumping in with me?” Dustin asks as he stands up and starts unbuttoning his shirt.

Lucas points to halfway up the waterfall to a ridge in the rocks, “Only if we do it from up there.”

“Okay but you’re going to have to give me a boost.” Dustin laughs.

“Will?” Lucas turns towards him with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah okay let’s go. How cold is it?”

“Uhh, glacier fed so uh–fucking freezing probably.” Dustin chuckles.

The three laugh and shake their heads and start to carefully climb the side of the rock face.

Mike and Max stay below, seated on the rock with Elsie who is watching her dad and Will shove Dustin up onto the ledge. She giggles and claps her hands, enjoying her entertainment for the afternoon.

“Okay on three–” Dustin begins as they stand with their toes curled over the edge of the slab. Will prepares himself by taking a few deep breaths and locking his eyes onto Mike, who is already watching him. Mike smiles warmly and Will feels a rush of adrenaline.

“One, two–aauggh!”

Lucas shoves Dustin harder than he means to and he starts to fall forward, he twists around and grabs onto Lucas’ arm and they both go tumbling down into the water with a yelp. Max is clapping in amusement as they surface, and Will is left alone on the edge shaking his head.

“Come on Will!” Dustin calls as he attempts to spray water at him, but he’s too high up, only a few drops land on his feet. Will looks over the edge down to the pool below, it looks much higher than it did from the ground. Dustin and Lucas frolic together, splashing and pretending to drown each other, all while shouting for Will to join them.

“Uh…” He’s suddenly very aware of his surroundings and can’t seem to get a word out. He breathes in through his teeth and continues to stare at his feet, then down to the water. His pulse quickens and he clenches his nails into the palms of his hands.

He closes his eyes, as his legs start to tremble. “Hey” A soft voice close to him says reassuringly. He only has to move his hand over slightly to feel the warm, soft skin of who’s beside him on the ledge. Mike holds his hand and Will is able to open his eyes and look at him.

“Hi.” Will says sheepishly. Mike chuckles, “Stage fright?”

“Ha–I guess I never really liked heights.” Will says as he squeezes Mikes hand back.

“Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!” Lucas and Dustin chant from below.

“Ready?” Mike asks. Wills eyes flutter back and forth from Mikes eyes to lips, he nods quickly. Will prepares himself to launch off the cliff by slightly leaning forward and taking a deep breath.

“Wait–not yet, kiss me first.”

“What?” Will laughs as he quickly exhales.

“Kiss me.” Mike repeats, calmly.

“No.”

Mike tilts his head and wrinkles his nose.

“You kiss me.” Will says, unable to keep a straight face for a second longer.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” Lucas and Dustin chant, still floating in the water below.

Mike blushes, “I–uh, didn’t think they could hear us from up here.” He looks at Will. “Me neither, but–they’re going to see us kissing anyway.”

Mike smiles and Will goes in, planting a gentle but deliberate kiss on his lips.

Dustin and Lucas erupt with cheers from below, “Now Jump! Jump!” Max joins in, “Jump already!”

Mikes breath is taken away as he hits the water, it’s shockingly cold. Wills hand is still wrapped tightly around his as they slice through the water, they sink down deeper into the pool of the waterfall, leaving a trail of bubbles floating up to the surface. Mike opens his eyes and the water stings it’s so cold, it’s still down at the bottom, and so clear. He looks at Will who looks so at peace, he could be mistaken for being asleep. He rubs his cheek with his free hand, Will leans into the touch and presses Mikes hand more firmly into his face, he’s grinning now.

Mike feels the rocky bottom of the pool and lunges himself off of it, pulling Will up with him. They break through the surface with an explosion and gasp for air frantically. Mike realizes he’s shivering, his teeth are chattering and his body feels stiff. Lucas notices Will struggling to pull Mike to the edge of the water, and hops back in to help.

They pull him up and out and use all of their towels wrapping him tightly. Will huddles beside him trying to offer some warmth, even though he’s shivering as well.

“I was just about to dive in after you guys, we thought you hit your heads or something.” Lucas says as he vigorously rubs Mikes shoulders.

“Here, Will put my shirt on over yours.” Dustin says handing both to him. “Are you okay?” He asks Mike who nods even though his lips appear to have a bluish tint.

“We should get back to camp, get the fire and some warm drinks going.” Lucas says as he helps Will, then Mike both to their feet.

They gather up their belongings and head back down the trail.

“You better not be faking hypothermia to get out of talking about that kiss.” Dustin hisses at Mike as he comes up beside him on the trail. Mike manages a chuckle as he flips him the middle finger.

His muscles are sore and tight, but the more he walks the looser they get. He tries to focus on that instead of the fact that he can’t feel his toes.

Will keeps turning his head back, checking on him, until he stops walking and waits. Mike leans into him as they shuffle on together, Will puts his arm around his waist for some extra support.

“I can’t really feel my toes, like at all.”

“Okay come here.” Will proceeds to put one arm under the back of Mikes knees and the other behind his back, he lifts without hesitation, lifting Mike off the ground so quickly that he has no time to object.

“Ah!” Mike yelps in surprise. “Please not like this, I feel like a damsel in distress or something.”

“Well, aren’t you?” Will asks plainly.

Mike huffs, but puts his arms around Wills neck anyways.

Mike sees Dustin continue to flick his head back at the two, grinning. “Watch where you’re walking Dustin.”

He hears Lucas laugh from down in front of them, then sees Max give him a light tap on the arm. Max and Lucas exchange murmurs and smile at each other.

Will carries Mike back the rest of the way, they fall behind and by the time they reach camp Lucas has a roaring fire started.

Will walks over and lowers Mike into his camping chair, then goes to the car to retrieve a blanket.

Max walks over, careful not to let any of the hot cider she just poured to slip out of the mug, she places is in Mikes hands and they feel like they’re on fire. “Ah! Hot! That’s fucking hot!” He tries to hand it back to her, “It’s not, I promise it’s just warm, you’re just really fucking cold.”

Mike winces. “We gotta thaw you out bud.” She says with a smirk. Lucas joins them and bends to pick Mikes feet up, placing them on a large block of wood in front of the fire.

“Guys I’m seriously fine, you can stop babying me now.”

Will returns with a blanket and wraps it around him. Mike sighs.

Dustin prepares a fine meal of bratwurst and potatoes for dinner, it all got devoured except for some bits of potato that Elsie decided needed to be tossed at him. They spend the evening relaxing and basking in the warmth from the fire, Mike soon lost count of how many times Will and his eyes met. After a while it’s just Mike and Will left by the fire, they sit quietly and watch the embers crackle as the fire dies town.

Will gets up and comes back with some foil, he digs around in the ashes with a stick and pulls out a few hot embers and wraps them in it.

“For your feet, to keep them warm.” Will says before Mike can ask. “Thank–thank you. I feel–well actually I don’t know how I feel.”

“That’s okay.”

“Oh I meant like I don’t know if I have hypothermia or what. Not like my feelings about–um, us.”

“I knew what you meant Mike.”

Mike lets out a heavy sigh and rubs his forehead as if he’s suddenly got a headache.

“Let’s go to bed, yeah?” Will asks with a smirk.

“Yeah.”

They huddle together in the back of the wagon and Mike feels better instantly. Will pulls the sleeping bag up over their heads to trap the warm air in with them. “This is perfect.” Mike whispers. “I know.” Will smiles back.

It feels like they’re kids again, as they lay together whispering back and forth, laughing with each other about nothing. Mike doesn’t know who fell asleep first, but they fell asleep together, warm and happy.

Chapter Text

The next day Mike woke up to rain pelting down on the roof of the car. He lay still and listened to Will breathing heavily as he slept. He wiggled his toes around at the bottom of the sleeping bag, he could feel Wills legs pressed up against them, he sighed in relief.

Lucas appears absolutely drenched at the back window. “Are you guys okay in your tents?”

“Yeah we’re good, I was just coming to tell you guys that we’re going to wait the rain out in the truck, Dustin says he’s fine in his tent.”

Mike nods, “Okay I’ll check in later.” Lucas gives him a little salute and runs off towards his truck.

Mike rolls to his side to observe Will, he looks practically the same as he did ten years ago, he’s bigger obviously, but his face looks almost the same. He has a few fine lines at the edges of his eyes, and a laugh line is starting to form on the right side of his mouth. He has a few more freckles, more hair on his chest and arms, and his five o’clock shadow becomes visible faster. Mike reaches out and lightly traces the laugh line with the tip of his finger. Will grins in his sleep, on the same side he just caressed. Mike can’t look away, he would stay here and watch him forever if he could.

Will finally starts to stir, he flops over facing Mike and throws his arm over his chest and rests his chin against Mikes shoulder. Mike leans in and kisses his forehead. Will is smiling before he’s fully awake, Mike loses his breath when Will finally opens his eyes and looks at him.

“What?” Will laughs.

“You’re just–I don’t know, so handsome. I swear my heart stops beating sometimes when I look at you.”

A pink flush spreads across Wills cheeks, “Mhmm go on.” He smiles.

Mike chuckles and sweeps Wills hair back off of his forehead. “I love your eyes, they’re so warm.” Will blushes more. “And this line right here.” He points to the wrinkle by his mouth, “from all the laughing you’ve done. I love that.” Will lets out a soft whimper of adoration.

“We just–it’s like we went back to how we were, when we were best friends, we just, I don’t know, meshed together again, like the bullshit doesn’t matter any more because–we’re both ready, I think.”

Mike scans Wills face up and down, trying to figure out what he’s thinking, if he understands what he’s trying to say.

“Best friends?” Will asks.

Mikes heart thumps loudly in his ears and his breath hitches as he tries to breathe in, “Boyfriends?” The word slips off his tongue, barely a whisper. He holds his breath, he doesn’t know if he can actually even breathe right now.

Wills cheeks remain a lovely shade of pink. He smiles and leans in to passionately kiss Mike, stroking the back of his neck and holding his body up against his.

“I’m not worthy.” Mike laughs shaking his head.

“No, you’re not!” Will playfully shoves him with both hands.

They laugh and take turns kissing each other between each giggle.

“Can we just stay in here all day?” Will asks.

“Yeah that’d be great, I’m hoping the rain doesn’t stop actually.”

Mike feels a sudden flutter in his chest, he’s nervous, but it feels different this time, now that they’re boyfriends, not just best friends fucking around. He can feel Will watching him, checking to see if he’s alright.

“I’m–really nervous suddenly, I don’t know.”

“It’s okay, we can just lay here and listen to the rain.” Will gave him a squeeze and brushed his nose against Mikes.

After some time passes, Mike works up enough courage to ask, “If I wanted to touch you, and we were to uh, get physical, would you want me to…”

“Yes.” Will said before he could finish.

“You don’t even know what I was going to ask!”

“Yeah but the answer is yes.” Will laughed. “You’re acting like we haven’t sucked each others dicks.”

“Oh my god Will” Mike laughs and turns his head and buries his face into his pillow. “It’s different now!”

“No it’s not. Come on, I’ll show you.” He says with with a somewhat maniacal laugh.

Mike lifts he face up and looks at Will, “Okay now I'm really nervous.” They both laugh.

“Come here.” Will says as he pulls Mike over onto him.

Mike lays on top of Will, he runs his hands up and down his sides, pressing firmly, feeling every ridge of his torso. He kisses Wills neck, then wanders up to his mouth, parting his lips with his tongue and sliding in, licking and sucking all around his mouth.

He lifts Wills shirt over his head and brings his head down lower, to Wills chest where he buries his face in the middle and sucks on his firm muscles. Wills hands rub Mikes back and neck as he lets himself feel every kiss. He pulls Mikes shirt off and pulls his body up so they’re face to face again. They look at each other while they try to catch their breath for a minute.

Mike can feel Wills hardness through their pants, it makes him gasp. Will smirks and sticks his tongue out, running it along Mikes lower lip.

Mike presses himself down into Will, he rocks his hips until he knows for sure that Will can feel him too. Wills eyes flicker as Mike continues to grind into him, he lets out a ragged moan. They grab at each others pants and rub themselves together until they’ve both wiggled out of them.

“Your so warm.” Mike pants as their cocks press together under the weight of him. He’s overcome with the desire to tear into him, have their bodies melt into each other as they become one.

“I want you to fuck me.” Will whispers in his ear as if he read his mind.

Mike nods as his body erupts with a shiver. He continues to probe his tongue into Wills mouth as he squirms under him.

Mike reaches over into his bag and rummages around haphazardly, he can’t tear himself away from Wills face. He finds the lube bottle that he chucked in his bag at the last minute before heading here, he manages to squirt some into his hand before reaching down and wrapping his hand around Wills length.

Will breathes in sharply between his teeth, allowing Mike to explore his body. Mike slips his hand down under Wills sack, and slides his fingers around until he finds the opening.

He slowly presses a finger in until Will lets out a whimper. “Is this okay?” He checks.

“Yes, yes, more.” Will begs as he spreads his legs open and wraps them around Mikes waist.

“Okay” Mike pants as he reaches for his own dick and slicks the lube over himself.

“You’ll tell me if it’s not okay right?” Mike asks, demanding Will to look at him.

“Yes, please, put it in.” He begs as he thrusts himself up into Mike. Mike pauses for a second and kisses Will hard, he whimpers as Mike sucks the air out of him.

He stabilizes himself on his knees and puts one arm above Wills shoulder, pinning him there with his body. He uses his other hand and rubs his tip around Wills rim. He slowly pushes in as Will exhales, opening himself up for him.

Their eyes are locked on to each other as Will adjusts himself to slowly take more and more of Mikes throbbing cock.

“Oh fuck” Mike groans as he sinks himself down into Will. He starts with a timid thrust to ease into it, Will cries out with pleasure which makes Mike choke on his breath and let out his own heavy moan.

Will wraps his legs tightly around Mikes waist again, and uses them to pull him deeper into himself. Mike pumps into Will with one frantic roll into another. “I’m not going to last, Holy shit.” Mike pants desperately.

Will reaches for the arm that isn’t pinning him down and brings Mikes hand to his mouth, where he takes his index and middle finger and starts to suck on them. “Oh fuck!” Mike shouts as he pounds into Will faster and with more force.

Will rips Mikes fingers out of his mouth, “Say my name.” He demands, then slips his fingers back in.

Mikes gasps, frantically panting as he thrusts as deep as he can. “Will” he cries out.

Will whines around Mikes fingers as he strokes himself with the same speed in which Mike is fucking him.

“Oh my god, Will, Will!” Mike cries out as he unclenches all of his muscles and cums deep inside Will, he trembles as he manages a few more pumps while his dick twitches inside of him.

Will is whining in pleasure as his own body shudders as he finishes himself and cums, releasing himself onto Mike.

Mike collapses onto Will in a blubbering heap of sweat and wraps his arms tightly around Will.

Will buries his face into Mikes neck and starts to sob.

“Shhh, it’s okay it’s okay.” Mike whispers to him gently as he places soft kisses onto the side of his face.

Mike lets him cry into him until he gets a couple of solid breaths in, “I’m sorry.” He cries.

“It’s okay. You can cry forever, I’ll still be here.” Mike reaches for his shirt and wipes the tears from Wills face.

“Okay, okay I’m okay.” He’s says after a few minutes pass. They lay side by side, Mike still has a firm grip on him.

“You want to talk about–that?” Mike asks as he rubs Wills back.

Will laughs and covers his face with his hands, “It was really good.” He almost starts crying again.

“Oh my god Will!” Mike laughs and tickles his ribcage. “It really was though.” They nod at each other and continue placing playful kisses on each other.

“Do you think anyone heard us?” Will asks as he tries to stifle his laugh.

Mike bursts out laughing. “You’re so loud! They all heard, the birds in the trees even heard, the deer by the creek heard and ran away in fear!” Will cackles and shoves Mike playfully. “It’s still pouring out so hopefully the rain took some of the damage.”

“Ah we can’t ever leave the wagon now.”

“Oh no!” Mike says with a playful gasp.

They lay and listen to the rain together, they pet one another as they talk about nothing for hours as the day slips away.

Chapter Text

 The sun decided to peek through the clouds today. Everything was still wet from yesterdays downpour, the air smelled fresh and new. Will spotted two robins poking around in the dirt by Dustin’s tent, one of them had found a worm while the other watched. The bird slurped up most of the worm it had dug up, then hopped over to the other one and dropped the remaining piece of it down onto the dirt. The second robin snatched it up quick. Will watched on in amusement until Mike approached him with a piping hot cup of coffee and a smile.

 “Thanks” he smiled up at Mike as he grazed his lower back with his free hand. Mike pulled his camping chair as close as he could to Wills and sat down with his own cup.

 They were the first two to emerge from their shelters after the storm. Mike had to reassure Will that it was probably fine, and that no one really heard them in the back of the wagon yesterday. Will wasn’t so sure.

 Dustin could be heard rustling around in his tent, startling the birds sending them back to the tree line of the forest. He unzipped the flap and poked his head out, “Oh hey guys!” He sounded surprised to see Mike and Will sitting around the fire. “Ooh is that coffee?” He asked excitedly as he clamoured out of the tent. 

 “Come and get it while it’s hot.” Mike smirked.

 “So” Dustin started, taking a long sip of his coffee after blowing on it for a minute, “what did you guys do all day yesterday?”

 Mike choked as he was in the middle of having a drink. Dustin stared at him waiting for a response. Will cheeks had turned a lovely shade of rose as they so often did.

 “We talked.” Mike said, completely void of emotion.

 “Oh? How nice.” Dustin nodded and began slurping his coffee again. Mike stared into the fire until his eyes started to burn, Will gave him a gentle nudge with his elbow which made Mike look up at him. Will gave him a sweet little wink that made him laugh.

 “Cute.” Dustin said with a smile.

 “Shut up.” Mike threw a crumpled up napkin at him from across the fire.

 Lucas joined them a few moments later with Elsie strapped to his chest.

 “You look rough man, bad night?” Dustin asked as they all looked to Lucas.

 “Yeah, Max has been feeling pretty bad, I think we need to pack up early and go back to my parents place.”

 “Oh shit, what can we do?” Mike asked as he stood up and walked toward Lucas and Elsie, she started bouncing up and down in her harness, so Lucas unclamped her and passed her to Mike.

 “Nothing really, she wants to stay in Hawkins and not go back home early, obviously we want to spend as much time with you guys as possible.”

 “I don’t mind hanging out at your parents place until she feels better.” Will added.

 Lucas shot Mike a worried look, he didn’t forget what Lucas had told him before the reunion.

 “Maybe she can see a doctor when you get back in town, the walk in clinic is open every morning.” Mike suggested.

 Lucas sighed and placed his hands on his hips, deep in thought now. Mike reached out and put his hand on his shoulder, “It’ll be okay.” He murmured so the others didn’t hear. He nodded to acknowledge what Mike said but it didn’t seem like he believed him.

 Everyone worked together to help them pack up, taking turns playing with Elsie and checking in on Max until the last bin was packed up. They hugged and said their goodbyes and watched as Lucas, Max and Elsie drove off down the dirt road, leaving a plume of dust behind them.

 “I’m always a third wheel.” Dustin chuckled after they had disappeared over the hill.

 Mike elbowed him hard in the rib while laughing, “Hey! Watch it!” Dustin yelped as he lunged onto Mikes back in an attempt to take him down.

 Mike managed to slide him down off of his back with a series of quick twists and flailing arms, “Don’t test me Dustin!” Mike shouted trying keep the smirk on his face hidden.

 “You’re going down Wheeler!” Dustin sharpened his eyes and started to kick the dirt up under his foot, like a bull getting ready to charge.

 “Oh shit.” Mike squeaked as Dustin took the first step to lunge at him.

 He turned and sprinted away towards the trees in hopes of using them for some protection.

 Mike cried out in panicked laughter as he hid behind a large stump, waiting to see which direction Dustin would try to come from.

 Dustin circled around one side of the stump, Mike quickly jumped away, then Dustin turned around to chase him the other way.

 They continued this back and forth several times, Will sat by the fire with another cup of coffee shaking his head and laughing to himself. “Idiots.”

 The two disappeared into the woods, Mikes yelps for help and begs for Dustin to knock it off could be faintly heard from the camp.

 It’s was quiet for a few minutes, Will heard the rustling of leaves and when he looked up, Dustin was striding towards him with Mike thrown over his shoulder like he had just made a fresh kill. Mike was panting and wheezing, his arms and legs dangling over Dustin, who looked at Will triumphantly.

 He walked up the their camping chairs and heaved Mike back over his shoulder and plopped him down in his chair.

 “Ooof!” Mike groaned as he repositioned himself and attempted to gain some composure.

 “You better control your man.” Dustin winked at Will.

 He burst out laughing, “How the hell have you guys lived together for so long, and not accidentally killed each other yet?” He kept laughing and the other two joined him.

 “There’ve been a couple of close calls.” Dustin laughed and went to give Mike a fist bump.

 They spent the rest of the afternoon goofing around and discussing old D&D campaigns from past playthroughs. They all got a little weepy when a specific campaign was brought up, a time when Eddie was the dungeon master.

 “I still miss him.” Dustin said as he tilted his head back and stared up at the sky. “I don’t think I fully moved on you know?” He asked Mike and Will. “Like part of me is still stuck there in the upside down with him. I can’t bring that part of me back because–then he’d be all alone in there.” He inhaled a deep breath and looked at his friends who were watching him speak. Mike frowned and nodded while Will wiped a tear away from his cheek.

 “I know it doesn’t really make sense.”

“It does.” Mike chimed in.

Will got up and stepped towards Dustin, “Hug.” That’s all he needed to say and Dustin shot straight up and wrapped himself around Will. Mike joined them after a moment, “Group hug.”

 “Thanks guys.” Dustin said as he quickly wiped his face with the back of his hand, hoping they didn’t notice.

 They did, but the amount of crying they had done compared to Dustin’s single tear, didn’t need to be brought up.

 —

 The next couple of days blurred together as if it were one. The three of them spent their time down by the water mostly, they smoked entirely too much weed and drank too much beer. Dustin had started collecting sticks and wrapping them together to make a wood stand in version of Lucas, Max and Elsie.

 Mike begged him to stop, “They look cursed.”

 “How dare you? This is art!” Dustin went on, “Right Will? Tell him it’s art.”

 “Art is–uh, subjective.” He didn’t want to offend Dustin, he had put a lot of work into the stick family.

 “Those are not coming back with us in the car.” Mike laughed.

 “You’re no fun!” Dustin shouted. “Ugh, I need a nap, later losers.” He stormed off up the path towards his tent.

 Mike and Will giggled quietly and exchanged looks until he was out of sight.

 Mike was sat on a large rock halfway up the beach as Will picked up another small stone to chuck into the water.

 “Will.” He said softly.

 Will turned towards Mike with a smile. “Come over here, please.”

 Will sauntered over after tossing his stone into the water, he leaned in closely over Mike, their faces only inches apart. “Yes?” He asked as he breathed out into Mikes face with a grin.

 He lightly grasped Wills neck at his jawline and pulled him in, kissing his cheek first, softly, then his lips. Every hair on his body shot up, like he had touched a light switch after dragging his feet along carpet.

  “I don’t want this to end.” Mike whispered in Wills ear. “I know.”

 He was working up the courage to ask about what would happen after his time in the U.S was up, but he wasn’t so sure he could handle the answer.

 “Um–Jonathan mentioned that–you might be moving back here.”

 “He shouldn’t have.” Will didn’t mean for that to come out so seriously.

 “Oh…okay.”

 “It’s just it’s not finalized yet, that’s all. I’d love to move back here–we could–be together.” Will said softly, looking down at Mikes hands in his. “I don’t think I’m cut out for long distance.” He chuckled trying to ease some of the tension.

 He didn’t want to go back at all, not after all of this, him and Mike, they got so far in only a few days, what if the distance got in the way again? It happened before. No. He wouldn’t let it happen again. It’s different now, they’re boyfriends.

 Mike cleared his throat, “If you have to leave…I mean I know you do. I’ll wait for you, for as long as I have to.”

 “Okay.” Will nodded. He tightened his grip around Mikes waist as Mike gently kissed his forehead.

 “We should sleep down here tonight, under the stars.” Will suggested.

 “Hmm, that could work. I can bring the foam down from the car.” He looked around the beach, scanning the area until his eyes landed on Dustin’s cursed stick figures, “I’m not sleeping with those things anywhere near me.” He said in all seriousness.

 “I’ll protect you.” Will smiled.

Chapter Text

 “Hey don’t forget the pots!” Dustin shouted to Mike as he turned and headed back for the beach. Dustin rummaged around in his tent and pulled out a medium sized steel saucepan and a large wooden mixing spoon. He held them out towards Mike, “In case there’s a bear, remember?”

 Mike took the pot and spoon from Dustin, “I’ll think we’ll be okay, not many bears around here.”

 “Just. In. Case.” Dustin reiterated.

 “And what are you going to do if a bear comes poking it’s nose around your tent?” Mike asked with his eyebrows raised.

 Dustin looked over his shoulder at the Sinclair family figurines he had made earlier that day. “I dunno, stick Max looks like she can fight.”

 “You need help.”

  “Enjoy your romantic evening under the stars!” Dustin shouted to Mike as he was already half way down the path.

 Mike approached Will who was sitting with his legs folded up, resting his arms on them, gazing out onto the calm, quiet lake.

 “Is he okay?” Will asked, turning to look at Mike as he sat down beside him on the thick piece of foam bedding.

 Mike grinned, “Yeah just dramatic as ever.” They both laughed.

 Will lowered his head to rest it on Mikes shoulder, which made him sigh out. “I feel like I’m dreaming.” He ran his fingers along the bottom of Wills shirt before sliding his hand up and under the back of it. “You’re always so warm.” Mike whispered as he rubbed his hand over his back.

 “Can I ask you something? About–the past?” Will said, sounding very unsure.

  Mike took a deep breath in before answering.

 “Yeah, I know there’s a lot to unpack still, and–I’ll try my best to answer, I know I’m not great–at sharing how I feel.” Mike looked down  to his side and flipped a small rock over on to its other side and back again.

 “Okay, it’s okay, um, you don’t have to answer anything that you don’t want to, but, the other day when I told you that I liked you when we were younger, you said that you did too, right?”

 Mike nods while looking at Will.

 “Okay. Can I ask–when did you start to like me, like more than friends?” He could see Will blushing even in the moon light.

 Mike thought to himself for a minute, he rubbed the side of his face with his free hand, pushing his hair behind his ear.

 “There wasn’t really an ah-ha moment, I don’t think, I mean maybe when you stopped that demo in its tracks right before it was about to devour me, the world stopped turning at that point, I couldn’t breathe, watching you.”

 “With all my inane power?” Will chuckles and wraps his arm around Mikes lower back.

 “Yeah exactly.” Mike smiles and presses his lips to the top of Wills head, letting them linger there for a moment.

 “It was like, I always felt it but I didn’t know what it was. We were so young, damn we didn’t have an easy childhood, everything was just chaos, but you always made me feel safe Will.”

 “Really?” Will gazes into Mikes deep dark brown eyes. “Because you always made me feel safe too.”

 “I can’t imagine how but–okay.” Mike sighs. “It was like putting a puzzle together I guess, every time we shared a look, or our knees accidentally touched, or every night that I couldn’t fall asleep because you weren’t beside me, it was another piece of the puzzle being built. I just couldn’t understand what the picture on the puzzle was until all the pieces were together.”

 Mike puts his hand under Wills chin and tilts it upwards so they’re eye to eye again. “Me and you. Always me and you.” Mikes eyes are glossy and his lower lip starts to quiver. “Then I let you leave, I didn’t chase after you when I knew I should’ve, we could’ve had everything, these last ten years, you shouldn’t have had to wonder if there was ever a chance for us–agh I’m just–I was a fool, and I’m sorry.”

 Wills eyes had welled up like Mikes, he brushed his hand over his cheek to wipe a tear away and nodded.

 “After you left, I just slowly started descending. Dustin practically dragged me to Chicago to keep an eye on me. He–I think he saved my life.” Mike chokes on his breath and covers his mouth with his fist, looking away from Will.

 “I’m sorry Mike–I didn’t know.” Will gently wept.

 “Don’t apologize, it’s not your fault, I won’t hear you say it again okay? You couldn’t have known. I did it to myself. I tortured myself because I hated myself!” Mike lets go of Will and buries his face in his hands, trying to muffle the sound of his gasps of air as he sobs into himself.

 Will props himself up on his knees facing Mike, he places his hand on his thigh and gently caresses him there.

 Mike starts to calm down and regains a regular breathing pattern, “You’re too good for me.” He laughs.

 Will shakes his head and tries to give him a smile, but his emotions are too scattered.

 “I don’t anymore by the way. Hate myself.”

 “Good, you shouldn’t. Mike the brave.” Will takes in another sharp breath, “My heart.”

 Mike let’s out a grieved whimper and pulls Will close to him, he kisses him with devotion and praise. Will kisses back with equal enthusiasm.

 Mike continues to shower Will with desire, pressing his lips all over his neck and jaw, he can feel Wills pulse quicken in his neck as he slips his tongue from one side to the other.

 Will climbs onto Mikes lap, with one leg over each side, he wraps himself tightly around him and moves his tongue between his lips until it reaches Mikes own tongue. Mike shudders as Will licks in and around his mouth.

 Mike gropes Wills thighs and and makes his way back to his ass, he’s wearing his boxers, a thought that drives him even more mad with want.  He moans as he falls back, he grabs ahold of Wills shirt, pulling him down on top of him.

 Will stares down at Mike, they aren’t smiling like they usually do. Wills chiseled jawline is even more defined in this moment, he appears almost solemn, hard, stern.

 Mike locks in, he takes his shirt off then slightly raises himself up to rip Wills off. He pushes Will up onto his knees and frantically slips his boxers off.

 “Stand up.” He whispers, Will is up right away. Mike swiftly repositions himself onto his knees, he looks up and Wills harsh facial expression has soften slightly. He places a hand around Wills hard length, and brings his mouth down onto the tip, he doesn’t break eye contact as he works his tongue around, licking and sucking his way down onto him.

 Wills breath quickens and he grunts as Mike takes him all the way into the back of his throat. He moves his mouth up and down until Wills breath starts to catch in his throat, he comes up and slides his finger into his mouth and slicks it up before going back down on Will. He reaches around and gently spreads him open, he finds Wills opening and makes circles around the outside until Will begs him to press in. “Oh–please.” Will whispers.

 Mike slides a finger in and makes a circular motion, feeling all around at the entrance, then slides another finger in and pushes in deeper.

 “Oh my god” Will whines and gasps as Mike stimulates him from the inside and sucks the drool up off of his dick.

 He reaches down and slides his hands into Mikes hair, he pulls slightly, which sends shivers down Mikes spine, he moans which makes Will pull harder.

 “You’re gonna make me cum.” Will pants out, biting his lower lip. He rocks his hips forward and back into Mikes mouth, deeper and deeper. Mike releases a quiet whimper each time Wills dick presses into the back of his throat. Mikes uses both hands now to hold tightly onto Wills hips, helping him slide back and forth into him, until Will starts to tremble. Mike can taste a bit of salt just before Will unloads into him, his legs jerk as he thrusts into his mouth, he convulses then collapses down on his knees in front of Mike, who is panting and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

 Will whines on his knees, hunched over gasping, Mike wants more. He leans in and sucks on his neck, he sweat is salty with a hint of sweetness, he wants to fully consume him, drink him, eat him, swallow him whole. He runs the back of his hand that’s covered in Wills cum, over his cock and starts to stoke himself.

 He lowers himself until he’s flat on his back, he watches as Will pants and moans, encouraging Mike to keep pumping himself.

 Will starts to sway back and forth with every stroke Mike takes, he wants more too.

 He climbs up and straddles Mike, his back straightens as he lowers himself until he can feel the tip of Mikes cock at his rim. He spreads himself open and squirms his way down onto him.

 “Oh fuck! Baby!” Mike gasps with desperation.

 Will starts to roll his hips back and forth, he cracks a smile as he hears Mike become a blubbering mess under him.

 Mike grabs ahold tightly around Wills thighs, helping him rock. They pick up pace until they are wet enough that Will is practically gliding on top of Mike.

 Will bears down onto Mike, letting him fill him as far as he can. “Shit! Will–baby.” He lets slip again. This quite literally lights a fire under Will, he gasps and frantically slams himself onto Mike until Mikes entire body goes hard.  

 He clenches Wills waist, he shouts out as he reaches the peak, “Fuck!” He lets go and cums with a shudder, his dick twitching inside of Will.

 Will collapses down onto him once again, Mike is left reeling, desperately gasping for air, but all he can think about it Wills lips on his. He pulls Will up to his face with much effort and sloppily plants kisses all over him. Will runs his hand over Mikes chest, leaving a trail of goosebumps. Will sighs and starts to giggle softly to himself. Mike wants to ask what’s so funny, but he is exhausted and can barely muster a giggle back.

 “Mmmm” Will groans as he nuzzles his face into Mikes neck. He wraps the both of them up in a sleeping bag before they have a chance to get too cool. Their breathing slows and starts to match in rhythm. Deep, slow breaths. Mike tries to keep his eyes open so he can watch Will fall asleep, but he can’t fight it for long. They blink slowly at each other, longer and longer between each look, until their eyes close for the last time that night.

Chapter Text

 “I wish we could stay here.” Will said as he rests his head on Mikes chest, looking out onto the lake. Soft white clouds covered the sky, and a cool breeze came up over the water.

 “Me too.” Mike sighs as he rubs his chin on the side of Wills head, his arms are firmly wrapped around his waist, as Wills arms cling around his lower back.

 Mike didn’t know what he was supposed to do. He had been running every possible option through his head over the last few days. He kept ending up at the same spot, which was that he would be wherever Will was.

 “Let me look at you.” Mike said in low murmur. Will raised his head up and took a step back. Mike crossed his arms and looked at him, trying to memorize everything about him. His sun kissed face, his thick brown hair moving slightly in the wind, his perfect eyes that reflected the light around them always, the veins that bulged in his forearms, his hands that were always soft and warm, that dimple when he smiled. Everything.

 Mike smiles and rubs his mouth, then licks his lips, running his eyes frantically all over Will.

 “What?” Will laughs.

 Mike shakes his head while he smirks. “I’m just, amazed by you.”

 “I am pretty great.” Will nods, holding back a laugh.

 “Guys! Let’s go! You can make out in the car too you know!” Dustin yells from their camping area.

 Mike rolls his eyes and turns to flip him off.

“Come on, let’s go.” Will pushes into Mike, laughing as he guides him towards Dustin.

 “I really don’t want to answer a million questions on the way back.”

 “Then don’t.” Will shrugged.

 “Have you met Dustin? He’s not going to shut up.”

 “I can answer, if you want. Or we can just not say anything, if you’d rather that.” Will watches Mikes face as he waits for an answer.

 “I want–I don’t want to hide anything anymore. I think we should just, well, not hide, at least from our friends.” Mike looks down at his feet as he walks.

 “Hmm” Will is still watching Mikes face, “I don’t think you were hiding anything very well.”

 Mike laughs and looks over to Will. “I’m trying to say that I want them to know that you’re mine.” He kicks a rock with his next step, in an attempt to seem nonchalant about the whole thing.

 “And our families? Mom, Hop, your parents?”

 “I mean my mom already knows. Which means my dad already knows, but yeah, I want everyone to know.”

 “Do you want everyone to know that I’m your baby.”

 Mikes cheeks bloom with color on that last word. He looks at Will and bites his lip, “That slipped out.”

 “Twice.”

 “Yeah twice. You didn’t like it?” Mike asks, he feels a lump in his stomach.

 “Oh–no, I–the opposite, sorry I was just teasing.” Will reaches for Mikes hand and playfully swings it back and forth a few times.

 Mike sighs, “Okay.”

 “HURRY UP!” Dustin shouts at them, he points his finger to his wrist like he’s wearing a watch.

“Jesus Christ.” Mike mutters under his breath, they both walk a little faster until they reach Dustin who’s leaning up against the back of the station wagon.

 “What’s the rush?” Mike asked him.

 “I don’t wanna third wheel this shit anymore.” He says as he spreads his arms open like it should be that obvious.

 “Okay okay, sorry, we’re ready let’s go.” Mike says with a touch of distain.

 “Maybe you can bicker more with Will now and less with me.” Dustin smiles and runs around to the other side of the car, throws himself in and locks the door behind him.

 “Never!” Mike shouts through the window. “He’s no where near as annoying as you!”

 “So you’re saying I’m annoying? Just not as annoying as Dustin?”

 “I–what? No!” Mike stammers. “Can you guys like, not gang up on me?”

 Dustin cackles from inside the car, and Will chuckles and gets in the front passenger seat.

 The drive back to Hawkins was surprisingly quiet, Dustin didn’t ask a bunch of questions or try to rile Mike up like he thought he would. They talked about D&D and how great the camping spot they had was. They shot some ideas back and forth about what to do for the remainder of their stay in Hawkins. Will needed to spend some time with Joyce and Jonathan, Dustin wanted to finish their campaign and be around Elsie, Mike just wanted to be with Will. He wanted him all to himself, he had to keep telling himself that they weren’t going to end up being apart like they were. Will would go back to London, but only for a short time. He could do it, he could hang in there and wait. No problem. Easy.

—

 “Later Dusty buns!” Mike shouts from the window as he backs out of Mrs. Hendersons driveway, waving and smiling. Dustin sticks his tongue out before shutting the front door behind him.

 “So, you’re going to Jonathan and Nancys first?” Mike asked, clearing his throat.

 “Yeah. You could come in for a bit.”

 “You wanna tell them?”

 “We could, I won’t unless you want me to.”

 “I don’t want you to have to do it by yourself so, yeah I’ll come in.”

 “Okay.” Will fidgets in his seat and bites his nails while looking out the window. They pull into the driveway, “Are you sure this is–what you want?”

 “Yes.”

 Will is still looking out the window. “Will can you look at me please?” He turns his head towards Mike and takes a deep breath before landing his gaze on Mikes eyes.

 “I’m so unbelievably sure okay? I’m yours, you’re mine, boyfriends, right?” He looks at Will eagerly.

 Will nods his head. “I just, I’m worried it’s too fast for you.”

 “It’s not” Mike holds Wills shoulder, “I’m ready, if you want to wait, that’s okay too.”

 “No, I’m ready.” He squeezes Mikes hand.

 They make their way to the door, up the driveway and up the stairs. Will rings the doorbell. Mike thinks back to the night of the reunion, how they were in this same position, he hoped that the door would be locked that night, and that Will would give up easily and come back to stay with him. He wonders what would’ve happened if the door was unlocked, but he’s glad it wasn’t.

 Jonathan swings the door open, “Hey! Will!” He lights up when he sees him. “And Mike!”

 Nancy appears at the door beside Jonathan, “Mike?”

 Mike holds his hand up sheepishly and waves at them.

 “Come in!” Jonathan beams.

 Jonathan is immediately asking Will questions about the reunion, the camping trip, his work back home, everything that comes to his mind. Will does his best to answer the rapid fire questions, Mike looks over to them as him and Nancy chat, Will shifts his weight back and forth on his feet and bites the nail on his thumb.

 “What is it?” Nancy asks as she looks from Mike to Will, her eyebrows perk up.

 “Uh, can you go over there with me, right now?”

 “Sure…” she sounds the word out slowly with suspicion.

 They walk to where Jonathan and Will are conversing in the living room, Nancy sits on the couch and Mike stands next to Will, he inches closer and closer until Jonathan notices and stops talking.

 “Uh, you okay?” He asks Mike.

 Mike nods, he feels his heart rate picking up, his hands start to feel numb, and his breaths are getting shorter. Will notices immediately and puts his arm around him, resting his hand on his shoulder. Will opens his mouth to start talking, but Mike interrupts him with a huff.

 “Will is my boyfriend.” He blurts out, his breath catches in his throat, he might even be drooling at this point, he’s out of his body, so he’s not entirely sure.

 “Oh” Jonathan stammers with surprise. “Okay, great!” He folds his hands together in front of him, nodding at Mike.

 Will uses his free hand to rub his eyes, then drags his hand down his face to his mouth where he leaves it covered for a minute.

 “I–sorry” Mike starts.

 “No no no! It’s cool, it’s–really?” He looks to Will who still has his mouth covered.

 “Um, yep.” He scratches his chin and looks from Jonathan to Mike, then peers back at Nancy who is sitting there with a huge smile stretched across her face.

 “Wow.” Jonathan finally breaks the awkwardness and lunges to Will, wrapping him up into a tight hug. He laughs in his ear while almost lifting him off the ground. “This is the best news.” He whispers in Wills ear. Will chuckles and hugs him back as he feels his eyes start to well up.

 Jonathan releases Will and holds his little brothers face in his hands, “I’m so proud.” He says as his eyes gloss over. “Of you too.” He looks at Mike. He’s taken aback from hearing Jonathan’s praise. Jonathan pulls him in and pats him on the back.

 “We need beers, one sec.” He turns and rushes off into the kitchen. Mike reaches for Wills hands and squeezes it lightly, he doesn’t let go.

 Nancy stands and strolls over to them with that smile still stuck on her face.

 “Good job.” She plants a playful punch into Mikes arm, then puts an arm around both of them, bringing them in for a hug. She tousles both of their hair after letting go.

 It’s early evening by the time they head out. Nancy is inside tidying up after dinner while Jonathan walks them to the car. The sun casts its rays over the town as it prepares to settle behind the mountains fir the night.

 “You know, you guys can come here to hang out or whatever, just to be alone if you want. Nancy and I work all day tomorrow and the next so, we um–won’t be here.”

 “Thanks Jonathan.” Will laughs, looking at Mike who’s smirking.

 “Here, a key, just in case.” He works his house key off of the ring and puts it in Wills hand.

Mike can see Will staring at him out of the corner of his eye on the way back to his parents house.

 “Problem?” He asks.

 “Oh no, no problem.” Will smirks. “I guess I’m just wondering if that’s your strategy for everyone.”

 Mike shrugs his shoulders, “It worked out pretty well.”

 Will rolls his head back and looks up to the roof, sighing.

 “It just fell out of my mouth, I couldn’t control it, plus, it felt really good to say. You should try it sometime.”

 “Mikes my boyfriend.” Will says with a smile.

 “See?”