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Lucas is… suspicious.
Mike’s acting weird. Well—weird for Mike’s standards, at least.
It’s been about a year since they defeated the whole… Vecna Mind Flayer situation, and ever since then, Mike’s been… off. Like, not obviously off, but definitely off.
And yeah, okay, Lucas can admit Mike’s always been a possessive little asshole over Will—ever since they were kids—but this? This was different.
Mike’s acting like he might physically combust the second Will isn't right next to him. Like, full-on chest-tightening, white-knuckled, possessive-ass Mike.
And it’s not just Mike—Will’s totally playing into it too. They’re so pathetic. Psh. Him and Max would never. Psh.
When the Byers moved out of Mike’s house for their own Hopper-Byers place, you would have seriously thought Will was being sent back to California- or the military, not a literal street away. The way those two clung to each other—Lucas seriously regretted even offering to help. If Max hadn’t been there, he might’ve just chalked it up to heat stroke visions or something. They were hugging like the world was ending. Mike had that stoic face, jaw tight like he was holding himself together by sheer force of will, and Will’s eyes—those stupid glassy, heart-melting eyes—were on the verge of tears, and Lucas’ brain almost short-circuited because it made him want to comfort Will. But seriously? Even for them, this was insane. Drama queens.
And again, seriously? If Lucas had been the one moving out? He would’ve gotten like- a bro handshake at best. Not whatever the hell this is. Not that he wanted whatever the hell this is—but still. It's the principle, man, the principle.
Now that everything settled, all was back to “normal,” and people could actually breathe—Mike’s acting like a territorial asshole. And okay, yeah, Lucas was annoyed at first. Will’s one of his best friends in the entire world, and he loves him in the most little-brother way possible (even though Will’s technically older), and having to deal with Bitchy Wheeler is, well, not great.
But now? Lucas is having the time of his life teasing Mike. Subtly, so subtly that Mike doesn’t even realize it’s intentional. Which, honestly, makes it even funnier. Mike’s possessiveness? A gift. A gift for Lucas to fuck with. And damnit, Mike is so easy to piss off that it’s practically effortless.
It’s Saturday night, and the party’s having a sleepover in Mike’s basement like usual. Max and El are having their own, much-girlier sleepover, which they, for some reason, tried to rope Will into—but obviously, that didn’t work. Four versus two? Even though those two feel like a hundred times bigger, they still managed to get Will like he’s in some kind of custody battle.
They had just wrapped up a literal ten-hour-long DnD campaign—Lucas wishes he was joking—and now they were all sprawled across Mike’s basement, trying to stay awake while watching some stupid movie Dustin had picked. Everyone was in varying positions: Dustin was lying on a mattress on the floor, Lucas was buried in some random mishmash of pillows, Mike was at one end of the couch, and Will was at the other.
They’d just changed into their pajamas, and damnit, it was cold down here. Which, duh—it’s winter in Hawkins, literally snowing outside, and they were in a basement. Not exactly screaming “cozy.” Everyone was bundled up in sweatshirts and sweatpants…except Will, who, for some reason, was only wearing an oversized t-shirt and pajama pants with fluffy socks.
He shivered and groaned, curling into the couch like it might magically preserve his body heat, before sheepishly asking, “Does anyone have an extra sweater? I forgot mine.”
He looked so guilty, like he’d just confessed to murdering their hypothetical dog instead of just asking for a sweater. Lucas’ chest tightened a little—despite everything they’d been through, Will was still that sweet, sensitive kid. And yeah, Will hated being babied—but this wasn’t babying. Protective. Totally different. Well…Mike’s version of “protective” was…another story.
“Yeah—Will, no worries—” Lucas started, reaching for his bag, about to pull out the extra hoodie he’d packed for tomorrow. But before he could even unzip the damn thing, Mike literally yanked his own hoodie off and tossed it at Will like it was nothing. Will let out a tiny “oomph” as it landed on him, clearly not expecting it.
“I got it, Lucas,” Mike said, smug as hell. Yeah, no shit, Michael. Lucas just stared. Seriously? If he’d asked Mike for a jacket, it would have involved like…seven passive-aggressive comments. Not whatever the hell this is.
Will, on the other hand, was glowing. Lucas is honestly starting to think he did this on purpose- like he knew Mike would give him his sweatshirt. He’s not fooling anyone. Wills face lit up like it was Christmas morning, and he shyly muttered, “Thanks, Mikey!”
Mikey? What the fuck? Nobody had called Mike that since they were like, ten, and Mike had literally looked disgusted and shut that nickname down immediately back then. Now? Now he was grinning back like it was the cutest thing he’d ever heard. And they were just…gazing at each other. Lucas felt like he was standing in the middle of some private, intimate moment he wasn’t supposed to witness. Third wheeling. That’s the word.
He could not help himself. Snickering, he said, “Yeah, thanks, Mikey,” which earned him an immediate pillow to the head. Well, fuck you too, then.
“Can you guys shut up?” Dustin’s messy head popped up from the mattress, hair sticking in every direction imaginable. Lucas snickered again.
“The good part’s coming up,” Dustin said, pointing at the movie like it wasn’t Howard the fucking duck. Everyone groaned.
“Dude, there’s no good part in Howard the Duck,” Mike snapped in all his bitchy glory.
“Yes there is—it’s literally a classic—” And oh god, Dustin was about to go on one of his tangents.
“How the hell can you consider Howard the Duck a classic?” Lucas jumped in, already feeling the gears turn in Dustin’s head. “I seriously hope you’re joking, dude—”Lucas honestly doesn’t even think Dustin actually believes in Howard the goddamn Duck, he’s just defending his movie choice.
Will lets out a muffled laugh, and Dustin shoots him a look that’s filled with absolute betrayal. “Seriously, Will? I thought you liked Howard the Duck.”
Will can’t hold back his smile anymore, but he at least tries for a sympathetic tone. “Sorry, Dustin. I thought you meant Daffy Duck—” He pauses, glancing at the screen and grimacing slightly. “Howard is… kinda creepy.”
Lucas scoffs. “Yeah, no shit.”
Dustin throws up his hands in exasperation, and Lucas spares a glance at Mike. Mike’s just staring at Will, expression unreadable, eyes dark. Lucas freezes for a second, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. And then—oh. Right. Will’s in his sweatshirt. Territorial bastard must love that.
Will does look cute—sweater a little too big, cheeks flushed, grinning like a kid—and Lucas is thinking all of this in a totally little-brother way. Not in a weird Mike way. No, definitely not in a weird Mike way.
After that, everyone kind of dozes off. Lucas is perched on his literal tower of pillows, so uncomfortable he’s seriously about to get up and spoon Dustin on the mattress if he has to. That thought is interrupted by shifting on the couch. The room is dark now, TV off, and Lucas barely makes out Mike getting up and heading to the closet.
A moment later, Mike’s walking back with his hands full, and suddenly something heavy and long is thrown at him.
“Dude, what the hell?” Lucas whispers-yells, because seriously, Mike, what is this?
“Dude, shut up—a thank you would be nice,” Mike whispers back.
Oh. Aw. Mike threw him a blanket. Sweet guy. That’s why he’s one of Lucas’ best friends.
“Thanks, Mikey,” Lucas grins back. Mike just rolls his eyes and gives him the finger before heading back to the couch with… huh. One blanket. Interesting.
Dustin doesn’t get one because the mattress already has one. Why the hell did Dustin get the mysterious basement mattress anyway? Lucas is definitely bringing that up tomorrow—they need a system or something. And being perched on his mountain of pillows? Not ideal.
Lucas’ mental plotting is interrupted by a sleepy little groan from what has to be Will. Mike softly tells him to move his head so his neck won’t be sore tomorrow…before laying down next to him on the couch.
Goddamnit. They are so fucking weird. Literally, what best friends cuddle—yeah, cuddle—on a tiny-ass couch in the middle of a group sleepover?
Freaking weirdos. And it’s not about them being two guys—Lucas could literally care less. No, it’s just the principle of it. Lucas had been joking about spooning Dustin, but Mike and Will? They clearly do not share his humor. Best friends, his ass.
Mike has them both wrapped up in a blanket, and Will is sleepily mumbling something to Mike that Lucas really wishes he could make out. Mike lets out a quiet laugh before running his fingers through Will’s hair, and Will just nuzzles closer before promptly falling asleep.
Literally—what the hell is wrong with them?
Okay, fine, Lucas is being a hypocrite. He would totally do this with Max.
But whatever—that’s not the point. The point is, Will and Mike are acting like a couple, and Lucas is definitely going to get to the bottom of this.
-
Monday came way too fast, and Lucas is already annoyed at the thought of another week of stupid Anatomy. He’s not even sure why he signed up for the class—it’s not like he even needs it to graduate. They’re in the middle of cat dissections, and somehow he ended up with a pregnant cat. The whole situation is… sad. And gross.
Still though, it’s somehow not as sad and gross as whatever is going on between his two best friends. And he says sad because they’re both so oblivious—especially Will. Lucas has kind of always figured Will has had a thing for Mike because…he can just tell. Not that it’s obvious if you’re not looking, and Will always looks deflated after Mike gives him even a tiny glimmer of hope. Like he seriously doesn’t think he has a chance. Sad. Like seriously sad to the point where Lucas wants to punch Mike sometimes.
The gross part? Simply because they’re his best friends. Trust him, Lucas felt the same way when Mike and El were dating, he feels the same way with Suzie and Dustin, and he knows they all feel the same way about him and Max. Especially Mike—who scoffs anytime they do anything remotely lovey-dovey, which isn’t much because Max doesn’t like PDA anyway. In all honesty, Will and Mike have (probably) had more PDA than them.
Lucas isn’t really sure what the beef between Max and Mike is, but it’s funny as hell. They argue like siblings, and somehow it just feels…right. Like proof that Max is the one. Yep. That was cheesy as hell. He’s a total hypocrite.
“No—dude, you’re missing the point—” Mike is arguing with Max over God knows what. They’re at their lunch table, with Dustin and El on one side, Max at the head of the table (because, honestly, she kind of demanded that spot, so whatever), Lucas on her other side with Will next to him, and Mike next to Will.
Lunch is Lucas’ favorite. Just hanging out, not stressing over the end of the world with his friends. He’s allowed to be sappy over this for once, damnit.
Max is rolling her eyes, faint smirk on her face. She clearly enjoys bickering with Mike as much as he enjoys bickering with her. It’s almost…sweet.
“You don’t have a single point, idiot—you’re just saying the same shit Dustin said, and we all know Dustin just uses filler words to make his ideas sound smarter.” Dustin raises his hands in a ‘seriously?’ gesture, mouth full of food. Everyone mutters out a collective “gross,” and he just chews quickly to defend himself.
Lucas glances at El, who’s trying not to laugh, and then at Mike, who’s glaring at Max with that intense, signature bitchy sparkle in his eyes.
“Dustin has genius points, Maxwell.” Mike has been calling Max Maxwell lately, and it’s so fucking stupid and funny at the same time. Max actually can’t help but let out a laugh at that.
“Thank you, Mike.” Dustin is looking at him so sincerely, hand over his chest like he just won a Grammy or something. Lucas lets out an involuntary laugh before turning to Will to see his reaction.
Usually, Will would be grinning back—but right now, he’s…totally out of it. He hasn’t touched any of his lunch, and he’s staring off at some random light fixture, dazed. Lucas quietly asks, “Will?”
Will doesn’t turn. Doesn’t even seem to notice. And that kind of makes Lucas panic—well, he kind of has PTSD from…everything—so he gently grabs Will’s shoulder and repeats his name. Will startles for a second before turning to Lucas with those dazed, sleepy eyes and quietly says, “Hm?”
Will’s usually quiet, don’t get him wrong—but not like this. Something’s wrong. His eyes wander again, unfocused, glazing over at…something random.
Lucas reaches up, touches the back of Will’s forehead, and mutters, “Shit, Will, you’re burning up.”
Will looks confused, about to respond—but of course, Mike swoops in, throwing his arm around Will, not-so-subtly knocking Lucas’s own hand away. “What’re you guys talking about?” Mike asks.
Will just stares blankly at him—probably not even processing the question. Mike looks annoyed. Lucas can practically see it in his face: talking to Will without Mike involved is apparently a sin punishable by death. So dramatic.
Mike glances at Lucas, then back to Will, and in that soft, low “Will Voice” asks, “Are you okay?”
Will doesn’t answer. He seriously looks so dazed it would be cute if it weren’t obvious something was wrong. Mike’s expression shifts to concern in a way that makes Lucas simultaneously grateful and mildly irritated—like damn, protective much?
Mike brings his hand up to Will’s forehead, checking temperature like Lucas just did, before mumbling a soft, “Shit.” Then he moves his hand down to Will’s cheek, and Will nuzzles into it, letting out an involuntary little whimper.
Mike’s already packing their stuff before Lucas can even process what’s happening. He helps Will to his feet, muttering something about taking him to the nurse, gently throwing his arm around Will’s shoulder, rubbing it in a soothing motion, guiding him toward the nurse’s office.
That’s when Lucas notices—oh. Will’s still wearing Mike’s sweatshirt. Interesting.
El looks worried, but not too worried—she knows Will is in good hands. “I hope he’s okay,” she murmurs. Max squeezes her shoulder in reassurance. Dustin ruins the moment with, “Does this mean I can have Will’s cookie?”
Max and El groan, but Lucas locks eyes with Dustin. They both lunge for it at the same time, eventually deciding to split it after a very intense argument over who’s more deserving.
-
The rest of the day drags on just like the first part did, and basketball practice is extra grueling today because they lost their last game—which, of course, means the coaches are taking it out on them. Lucas is also worried about Will; he hasn’t seen him or Mike at all after lunch.
He assumes they went home together, so the second Lucas gets home, he decides to call Mike’s house—he wants the details straight from the source, and he really doesn’t want to bother a sick Will.
He gets no answer. Of course.
Lucas bites the bullet and calls Will’s house, desperately hoping his mom or someone will pick up. Worst-case scenario, he’ll just bike over to Will’s house to make sure he’s really okay.
“Yeah?”
Lucas should have been expecting Mike’s voice, but for some reason, he wasn’t. Mike sounds annoyed, like having to answer the phone is a personal inconvenience. Such a bitch.
“Mike?” Lucas asks, just to be sure. One time he’d called thinking it was Will on the phone, but it ended up being Hopper, and yeah…that was really awkward. Lucas does not want a repeat of that fuck.
“Lucas?” The voice, definitely Mike, replies, a little too intrigued—as if the very concept of Lucas checking in on his sick friend is bizarre. “What’s up?”
Lucas scoffs at that, before asking, “How’s Will?” Like it's the most obvious question in the world, because, well…it kind of is. Why the hell would he call Will’s house and just want to chat with Mike? Idiot.
“Oh!” Mike says like it just hit him that he’s not Will’s only friend. “He’s doing better. Probably won’t be at school tomorrow though because he still has a fever but—”
There’s muffled talking in the background, and Mike’s voice suddenly disappears as he hears Will faintly calling out. A moment later, Mike returns. “Here, he wants to say hi,” he says, sounding just a little annoyed—which makes Lucas even more annoyed because god forbid he wants to check up on his friend.
Then Will’s voice comes over the line, and Lucas can’t help but grin. “Lucas?”
Will sounds…like shit. Croaky, raspy, the kind of voice that makes it painfully obvious talking hurts. And yet, he still wanted to reassure Lucas, and his heart just…squeezes.
“Hi Will, you okay?” Lucas asks gently.
Will hums in reply. “Yeah…just really sleepy and dizzy and stuff.” He adds shyly, “Thanks for checking on me.”
Lucas wants to scoff at that because seriously? Why wouldn’t he check on him? Will would do the same. Was he that bad a friend that Will had to thank him for something so basic? Fuck. Calm down. It’s not that deep. That’s just how Will is.
“Course, Will—” he starts, but before he can continue, the phone is seemingly snatched away. Mike’s voice comes back over the line. “Okay, you’ve exceeded your limit for today. Try again tomorrow. Bye.”
Lucas just…stares at the phone for a second, exasperated, then lets out a sigh. Shakes his head. Those two are so weird.
-
The week drags painfully slow, and unfortunately, Will is out most of it—which means Mike is extra bitchy. He misses Will, he’s worried about Will, and that’s just how he gets when things like this happen. Mike’s at Will’s house the entire time he’s not at school, and Lucas can’t help worrying he’s going to catch whatever Will has. Mike assures him he’s fine, though—he’s been eating a bunch of oranges and shit, apparently.
Somehow, Mike really doesn’t get sick. Which is…impressive. Lucas is so influenced he's started eating oranges every day just because Mike did.
Will finally comes back to school the following week, and gosh, the poor boy still looks exhausted. Extra pale—like Mike-pale—and his hair’s a little messy in that endearing, cute way. His under-eyes are puffy, and he’s wearing a loose sweatshirt and sweatpants (he never usually wears sweatpants out), but he’s smiling, happy to see everyone again. So, everything else can be excused.
“Lucas!” Will exclaims.
He had just gotten to school—they all arrive about half an hour early these days. Total nerds, Lucas knows, but it’s worth it just to hang out extra with each other.
Lucas throws his arms open dramatically, and Will does the same. They have this big hug, and Lucas can’t help grinning—he’s missed Will, damnit.
They pull away after a moment, and Mike is immediately there, arm “casually” around Will’s shoulder.
Lucas scoffs. “Dude, can you give him some space?”
He says it teasingly, and they both know he’s not serious. Mike just grins back.
“I’m keeping him stable, jackass.”
Then Mike removes his arm from Will—and Will pretends to stumble. Lucas suppresses a laugh, and Mike immediately puts his arm back around Will, pulling him close as the rest of the group comes over.
-
The day passes quickly. Everyone’s in a good mood, and they’ve already planned to hang out at Mike’s house after school. Holly had recruited them all to help make Christmas cookies for her class party, and he thought he'd be miserable because baking is just really not his thing, but it's actually fun.
Mike, Lucas, and Dustin are on baking duty, while Max, El, and Will are the decorators. They wouldn’t even let any of them near the frosting—which is rude. Holly seems content just eating cookies herself.
So far, they’ve only burned a few cookies—which Lucas considers extremely impressive. Dream team, or what?
“Please! We can all give each other makeovers—even Will!” Holly’s voice is faint but persistent over the chaos of the three boys trying to bake.
Max looks like she’s holding back a laugh, and El has a very serious expression, nodding at everything Holly says before adding, “Will does have really pretty eyelashes.”
Will looks utterly appalled. Max can’t hold in her laughter anymore, and Lucas snickers, trying not to draw too much attention.
Holly, completely oblivious to the joke, pipes up, “Yeah! That’s what me and Mike have been saying!”
Now El is laughing too, and Will is hiding his face in his hands—but Lucas can still see the smile tugging at his lips, and the blush creeping up his neck.
Lucas leans back and watches the scene, smirking. Holly the wing-woman. He would’ve recruited her with Max had he known.
Mike turns around—betrayal written all over his face.
“Holly, oh my god.”
Holly just tilts her head, confused. “What?”
Everyone bursts out laughing. Gosh, Mike is so not subtle—it’s so pathetic and so, so funny to watch.
“Stop trying to coerce my best friend into a makeover,” Mike says, clearly exasperated.
Dustin lets out a dramatic huff. “Oh, best friend—that’s how this is?”
Mike snaps back, “Shut up—you’re all my best friends.”
Lucas scoffs. “Bullshit.”
They’re all grinning, and Holly goes right back to begging for a makeover. They all know Max and El are going to say yes anyway, but it’s hilarious watching Holly act like they actually need convincing.
About an hour passes, and finally—they’re done. Not that Lucas didn’t enjoy every second of this, but he’s just relieved to plop down on the couch and do nothing. Both of Mike’s parents are gone, so he doesn’t even feel guilty lounging on their furniture.
He collapses onto the smaller couch, taking up almost the entire thing, and watches Holly trying to drag Will with Max and El. Holly almost persuades him too—because Will’s too sweet to ever say no—until his fucking guard dog comes over.
“Holly, for the last time, Will is not going with you guys.”
Mike throws an arm over Will’s shoulder as he says it. Holly whines a little, knowing she’s lost the war. Will—the sweetheart he is—smiles reassuringly at her. “How about next time?”
Holly’s face lights up, and she vigorously nods. She’s about to say something when Dustin interrupts.
“What about me? My eyelashes aren’t pretty?”
Mike dramatically groans, and Will stifles a laugh. Holly looks caught, grimacing slightly, and turns to Max and El for help—they’re snickering too.
“Sorry, Dusty Buns,” Max says teasingly. “I think Will has you beat.”
Dustin acts like this is heartbreaking news, but they all know he’s joking. The girls run upstairs, while the rest join Lucas in the living room.
“-I’m just saying, you don’t have to let a little kid bully you into doing what she wants,” Mike tells Will as they plop down on the opposite couch—really close, might he add. Seriously, they’re practically breathing each other’s air, which is so stupid because that's the big couch.
Will makes a face at Mike’s statement before huffing out a laugh. “Bully?! Michael, you are so dramatic—”
Mike grins, and once again, Lucas feels like he’s intruding on some private moment.
The night moves on in a similar fashion, laughter and chaos mixing together, until it’s time for everyone to leave. Mike walks them all out. Jonathan is there for both Will and El—such a good brother. Lucas hopes he can be like that for Erica someday, even though she’s the sassiest girl alive.
Dustin, Max, and Lucas have to bike home. It’s not a big deal, but damn—Lucas wishes he had someone to pick him up sometimes. Especially because it’s so damn cold.
“Oh! Will, I’ve been meaning to ask you—”
Will is actually alone right now because Mike got roped into some private conversation with El about…god knows what. They’re not dating anymore, but they still have these long one-on-one talks, and Lucas is honestly super curious about them.
Will looks dazed for a moment—he’s been watching Mike and El with…not exactly jealousy, maybe a little sadness? Lucas isn’t entirely sure. He’s never been great at reading Will’s quieter moods. Will catches Lucas looking and immediately schools his expression, flashing him a bright smile.
“-Can you help me with my ceramics project after school tomorrow?”
Will’s nodding before Lucas even finishes. He’s just like that—always happy to help no matter what. He had been the one to push Lucas to take ceramics in the first place, and he’s glad—he’s actually having fun in that class and can make Max a bunch of silly trinkets that he knows she’ll love. The only problem is the painting—Lucas has a very specific design in mind, and he doesn’t want to mess it up at all. It’s one of the things he’s getting Max for Christmas, way more important than a random, year-round trinket.
Normally, they aren’t supposed to take unfinished work home, but since it’s for a final and they didn’t have much time in class, their teacher agreed. Thank fuck.
“Yeah, of course. Is it for—” Will starts, glancing around like he expects Max to be eavesdropping. She isn’t—she’s too busy arguing with Dustin, lost in her own world. But Will’s considerate like that, and Lucas appreciates it nonetheless.
“Yup—” Lucas grins back, just as excited. “So…my place after school?”
Will nods. “Deal!”
Jonathan honks his horn, and everyone gets moving. Lucas wants to scoff as he watches Mike give Will—and only Will—a hug. Playing favorites, per usual. Will had given everyone at least some form of a hug today, but Will really likes physical affection in general, so Lucas guesses it’s different.
-
The next school day goes by so much slower than the previous, until finally Lucas and Will ride back to his place to work on the ceramics assignment. Lucky him—no basketball practice today.
Lucas had made a mug—basic, but perfect. Max has been obsessed with this herbal tea Robin introduced her to, and honestly? Lucas thinks it tastes like shit. So damn earthy. But whatever. The point is, this mug would be perfect for her. One side would have “It’s you and me” from Running Up That Hill (duh), and the other would have the date they got together, surrounded by dainty swirly flowers and vines in light, soft colors.
Will absolutely loves the idea, and Lucas can’t help but feel a little smug. He’s proud of himself. Their teacher, after threatening them if they didn’t return it, had finally let them take home paint and brushes—but Will, of course, had scoffed at the idea of using used brushes and insisted he’d bring his own. Lucas had to smile. Will is always so particular about his art.
Will’s delicately holding the mug while he paints, being ridiculously careful, and Lucas finds it endearing—like, painfully endearing.
They’re about an hour in when Lucas’ walkie talkie buzzes.
“Lucas, do you copy? Over.”
Both he and Will roll their eyes.
“Yes, Dustin. Over.”
The static crackles for a moment, and then Dustin’s voice comes back.
“Do you wanna hang out? Over.”
Lucas groans, glancing at Will, who’s grinning and shaking his head. Dustin always makes them laugh- intentional or not.
“Can you hang out with Mike? I’m busy. Over.”
A second later, Mike’s voice comes over, a little cracked and annoyed.
“I’m already with him. We were gonna go to your house then Will’s. Over.”
Lucas glances at Will, who just shrugs and smiles. He presses the talk button, careful to keep his voice calm.
“Will’s with me. Over.”
There’s a beat of silence. Then Mike’s voice comes over, annoyed. Jealous.
“What? Why? Over.”
Lucas rolls his eyes. Seriously, Mike? Get a grip, damnit.
“He’s helping me with my art project. Over.”
Dustin pipes up immediately. “Isn’t that cheating? Over.”
Lucas groans loudly. Seriously? Now Dustin’s worried about cheating?
“No. Over.”
Will is still focused on the mug, and…yeah. It’s looking really fucking good.
“We’re like—about to be there. Over.”
Lucas wants to bash Dustin’s head against a wall. Lovingly.
“Give us a minute. Over.”
He sets the walkie-talkie down with a groan and flops on the bed. Will laughs quietly, sets the mug down on Lucas’ desk, and does a little ‘Ta-Da’ motion with his hands.
Lucas grins at it—it’s literally like Will reached into his brain and pulled out exactly what he wanted.
“Dude—it looks great!”
Will grins back, cheeks flushing, a little bashful. Lucas continues with his praise, “Thank you…like seriously, thank you so much. I owe you big time—”
Lucas can’t help it. He pulls Will into a hug and ruffles his hair.
And, of course, the doorbell rings.
They both groan for the hundredth time before laughing. Will grabs his backpack, and they head to the door together.
Both Dustin and Mike are standing there, arms crossed like they just caught them doing something illegal. Lucas immediately rolls his eyes.
“You didn’t tell us you guys were hanging out,” Mike says. And, of course, the subtext is loud and clear: You didn’t tell me, specifically.
Lucas exhales in exasperation. “We weren’t hanging out—Will was literally helping me with my final.”
Will nods along, giving Mike a sympathetic smile. “Sorry, Mike.”
And because it’s Will, Mike smiles back—though there’s still that tiny edge of annoyance in his expression.
They all ride back to Mike’s place—because really, where else would they go besides the Wheeler Palace?
Everyone's just lounging around. Mike and Will are doing homework, sitting suspiciously close as usual, and Lucas is not-so-subtly watching. Mike’s left hand is draped over the back of Will’s neck, rubbing slow little circles while they quietly talk. Lucas would genuinely need therapy if Mike ever did that to him. He isn’t trying to eavesdrop, but he’s also trying to tune out Dustin’s commentary on the Atari game he’s definitely losing, so his ears have no choice but to pick up Mike and Will’s conversation.
“So,” Mike starts casually, pretending to be absorbed in his paper, but the tension in his words says otherwise. “What were you and Lucas doing?”
Will looks up, a small smile tugging at his lips, shaking his head like it’s ridiculous to even answer. “We were literally just working on his art project.” He pokes Mike with his pencil and whispers, “It’s for Max.”
Mike’s shoulders visibly relax, and he squeezes Will’s neck just a little before saying, “Cool. Bet it looks great, because everything you touch turns to gold—or however that saying goes.”
Will tilts his head, a soft blush creeping up his cheeks. “Isn’t that a bad thing? In the story—I mean?”
Mike grins down at him, eyes soft but smug. “No, ‘cause I mean it in a good way. So…it’s different.”
Will laughs, and they both settle back into their work, somehow even closer together. Lucas flops back onto the couch, groaning inwardly. Fucking weirdos.
The night ends way too quickly, and Dustin and Lucas are finally on their way out. Mike had somehow convinced Will to stay the night, even though it’s a school night—something about, “You can just wear my clothes and you already have a toothbrush here anyway.” Will doesn’t argue, especially after his mom says yes.
Dustin scoffs dramatically. “Where’s my invite, assholes?”
Everyone knows he’s not actually mad—he just likes teasing them like they all do.
Mike rolls his eyes. “Must’ve gotten lost in the mail. Sorry.”
The sorry is delivered with zero emotion, and Dustin cracks up at that.
They exchange their goodbyes, and Lucas realizes he’s forgotten his house key as he’s about to ride away. Of course he did—he’d only pulled it out in the first place to help Dustin open a box of Twinkies. Shit.
He runs back inside, heading straight for the basement, ready to berate them for leaving the door unlocked. Seriously, what if he was a serial killer—
And then he sees it.
What the actual fuck.
Will is literally sitting on Mike’s lap, and they’re kissing.
Well- more like full on making out. Full on eating each others face's- gross
“What the fuck,” Lucas blurts before he can stop himself.
Will freezes, deer-in-headlights style, while Mike- who's still startled- somehow looks completely unfazed. The only hint of tension is Mike’s hand tightening possessively around Will’s waist. Will groans quietly in embarrassment, burying his face in Mike’s chest.
Lucas just shakes his head, can’t stop the grin creeping onto his face, grabs his key, and silently vows to tease them about this forever.
Victory.
“I fucking knew it.”
Will snaps his head up, utterly confused, and Mike looks a little thrown off too—though, let’s be real, he’s always a little thrown off these days.
Lucas just grins, lifts two fingers to his eyes and then points at Mike. “You aren’t slick, Wheeler.”
Mike, despite himself, can’t resist. He, flips Lucas off, muttering something about ‘this all being Max’s fault’- whatever the hell that means- and Will immediately buries his face back in Mike’s chest, mortified beyond belief.
Lucas can’t help it—he sprints up the stairs, shouting in a sing-song voice, “See you two lovebirds tomorrow!” before heading out.
He’s obviously not going to tell anyone else—but damn, he fucking knew it. Lucas locks the front door behind him, grinning to himself as he walks off.
Oh, and he’s definitely going to start intentionally trying to make Mike more jealous now.