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“They’re together, but not really together – but together.” That's how James’ friend described Will Byers and Mike Wheeler's relationship when he asked what they are to each other. James’s face scrunched up in confusion, “That doesn't even make any sense,” Then Troy went on about how Will and Mike were childhood friends- scratch that, not just friends, best friends. There was a rumor saying the Byers' family moved back to Hawkins from California because of Mike.
“That still doesn't explain the over-touchiness from Mike,” James explains, looking over the cafeteria room, spotting Will — the prettiest boy he’s ever seen – with Michael Wheeler, a not so pretty boy. Well fine, he was tall and a bit lean, and did play in a band, but so what, James Loyd was a basketball player, a good one at that. ‘He could do so much better than Mike Wheeler’ he scowled as he turned around.
“What’re we talking about?” Leighton walks in his letterman and drops his tray on the table. “Just James’ little crush on William Byers,”
“Ooh, good choice, William is a very pretty person,” Leighton says, popping a grape in his mouth, “If I wasn't gay I would ask him out,” James side eyes the captain. “That doesn’t matter, he’s joined hips with that guitar player, Mike Wheeler,”
“Mikey? He’s with Jane,” Leighton counters. When asked how he knows him so well, he says his girlfriend is friends with so-called Jane, who is indeed Mike's girlfriend
“But they are always on and off, it's pathetic,” Troy chimes in. All three of them turn their heads to the table where Will and his friends currently sat at. From across the room, they make eye contact with Lucas Sinclair, one of their teammates.
“You know, James Loyd has been asking around about you,” Lucas, not tearing his gaze from across the room, says to Will who was chatting away with Dustin. Mike's eyes looked up without moving his head from the book that was filled with his band's music. They were set to play tonight at the school party. Mike too had heard James ask around about Will but he chose to remain quiet.
Will spoons a mouthful of pudding, “What about?” he asked. Lucas shrugs, “Maybe he likes you,” he winks, “like that poor Chance, who asked for a chance but didn’t get any,” Dustin beside Lucas laughed, flustered, Will flicks a couple of beans at Lucas.
Will turns around for a brief second to make eye contact with James who shyly turned his head a little too fast. He wasn’t a bad person, he was actually sweet for a basketball player, the two had art together, last class. Will knew who he was but never bothered to care any more than that.
Beside him, Mike was a bit too quiet today, “Hey you okay?” he grabbed his hand, within a second Mike pulled his hand back. Will felt guilty and slid his hand back to his side, his lips curling into a tight line.
Realizing he was a bit rude to Will he says in a soft tone, “Just, thinking of tonight,” but the thing was, Mike was never nervous about performing. He joined Hellsfire, a band founded by Eddie Munson, which started out as a D&D club, when he was a freshman. Has been performing ever since. “I’ll be okay though.” Mike reassures his best friend, in return Will nods.
Just when Will was going to start again, beans were thrown at him. “I’ve been asking you questions Will,” Dammit, some of the beans were in his sweater which had a v-neck, exposing his collarbone and a little bit of his shoulders, not too much, Jonathan would be mad.
Mike notices Will picking beans from his sweater — Mike's favorite sweater, but he’ll never admit it because it makes guys' heads turn —- he notices Wills lashes, his hair that was a bit wavy today, he could imagine his vanilla scent, and as Will dropped his head to pick at the food in his sweater, he made eye contact with James Loyd.
It was brief but the cafeteria noise went quiet, he noticed the basketball player was staring at them the whole lunch.
Without much thought, Mike stood up, grabbing his belongings, "Guys I'm going to the bandroom to practice, I’ll see you guys tonight,” he made sure James was watching as he bent down, grabbing Will's exposed throat, and biting his neck, hard enough for Will to let out a little shriek, and for there to be a mark left. Will smacked Mike's back as he left, and as he left he made sure to look into James’ eyes and lick his lips before turning to the door and leaving.