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“Friends? No thanks. Best friends.”
The words replayed in Mike Wheeler’s head over and over again. It was almost funny, considering he was the one who had said them.
They weren’t a lie. Will Byers was his best friend. Of course he was. They had been inseparable since kindergarten, a constant in Mike’s life when everything else seemed to shift beneath his feet.
But Mike had always known there was something more. Something unspoken. A bond too deep, too ingrained, to ever truly be broken. It has always been Mike and Will. Always together.
When Will came out to the group, his voice steady even as his eyes flicked to Mike, something in his chest caved in. When he admitted he had a crush on someone who wasn’t like him and called that person his “Tammy,” Mike knew what he had to do. He swallowed whatever feelings had been clawing their way to the surface and buried them where they could never be found.
He still hadn’t lost El then. When he finally did, the grief hit harder than he expected, even though the relationship had already been unraveling for a long time. He pushed everyone away anyway. It hurt like hell.
Will deserved better. He always had.
He had survived the Upside Down, been used as a spy, carried Vecna’s voice in his head, and fought through the quiet, lonely war of understanding himself in a world that wasn’t built to make it easy. And now, he seemed lighter somehow. Happier. More comfortable in his own skin.
He deserved someone who knew exactly what they wanted. Someone unafraid of their feelings.
With Hawkins slowly settling back into something that almost resembled normal, everyone else seemed to be moving forward. Finding their paths. Making plans.
Mike couldn’t even remember what he’d had for breakfast that morning.
It was safe to say Mike was scared shitless.
And Will Byers deserved better than that.
The class of ’89 had just graduated, and they stood around in their gowns, tassels crooked, laughter and relief buzzing in the air. Stacy had cornered Dustin first, inviting him and the rest of the group over to her house for a graduation party.
Dustin turned to them expectantly, waiting for a verdict.
Lucas and Max exchanged a look, both of them clearly indifferent, but willing enough if everyone else was in.
Mike glanced at Will. Will glanced back.
A small smile tugged at Will’s lips, soft and familiar, and Mike felt himself smile in return, even as something tight and aching twisted in his chest. He felt like he was smiling through it. Like he was dying a little.
He hadn’t even wanted to walk at graduation that day. Losing El, getting lost in his own head, letting his insecurities spiral until they pushed everyone else away. He hadn’t felt like himself in a long time. He hadn’t been good company, either.
But this might be the last time the party was all together for a while. Before everyone scattered. Before goodbyes became real and distance crept in quietly.
He didn’t want to miss it. He didn’t want to watch them disappear without trying to hold on a little longer. Before they might leave him behind.
“Let’s do it,” Mike heard himself say.
Will looked surprised for half a second at his willingness before shrugging, playing it off like it didn’t matter. “Sure. Why not?”
“Hell yes!” Dustin pumped his fist into the air. “I might actually get kissed by Stacy tonight.”
Everyone knew Mike was having a hard time, but they did their best to keep things normal. Mike was grateful for that. He didn’t like talking about his feelings. He never had.
They knew how much losing El had hurt. They didn’t know about the way he’d been burying things for months, shoving emotions down until he could barely tell where they started or ended. They didn’t know how afraid he was of what he might find if he stopped doing that.
Nobody could know. It was better this way. At least that’s what Mike thought.
The group began drifting toward the exit, voices overlapping as plans were made and rides were sorted out. Mike followed a few steps behind, lost in his own head.
Will slowed, letting the others move ahead before falling into step beside him. Their shoulders brushed as they began walking.
“You good?” Will asked, sincerity filled into every word. It was the same way he always asked, like he was really listening for the answer. He genuinely cared for Mike. He always had.
Mike hesitated, just for a second.
Will had always looked out for him. The same way Mike had always looked out for Will.
“Yeah,” Mike said quietly. “This year’s just been… hard. She should be here, you know?”
Will nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor as a soft sigh slipped from his lips. He understood how Mike was feeling. He had lost his sister and never got to say goodbye.
“I know, I miss her too,” He looked back up at Mike, offering a small, gentle smile before nudging his shoulder with his own. “Come on. Let’s go to this party. Maybe it’ll cheer you up.”
Mike didn’t think that was possible.
But it was Will. Will had always been the one urging him forward, reminding him to keep going even when everything in him wanted to stop.
Mike only wished he didn’t have to be so goddamn scared of his own heart.
He flashed Will a small smile. “Yeah, okay. Thanks.”
✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧
They arrived at Stacy’s house a couple hours later. Her parents were obviously rich. The place was massive, all wide rooms and gleaming surfaces that made Mike feel like he was standing somewhere he didn’t belong.
Music thumped through the speakers, loud enough to rattle his chest. There were drinks everywhere. People danced all over the house, shouted over the noise, played beer pong at the dining table, disappeared into corners to make out.
Mike felt out of place almost immediately.
Parties had never really been his thing. They could’ve been in his basement playing D&D. But this was graduation. Everyone else was celebrating, moving forward. He’d figured maybe joining in would help. Maybe it would make him feel something different.
It probably wouldn’t. But he could hope.
Stacy wasted no time dragging Dustin away. He threw the party a dramatic thumbs-up before disappearing into the crowd. Lucas and Max exchanged a shrug, fingers already intertwined, and eventually claimed a chair in the corner, leaning into each other like the rest of the room didn’t exist.
And just like that, it was only Mike and Will.
They stood together in the middle of the chaos; bodies close as people danced and laughed around them.
“Do you want to get a drink?” Will asked, raising his voice so Mike could hear him over the music.
Mike nodded and followed him into the kitchen without thinking. He’d follow Will anywhere.
The counter was crowded with bottles and half-empty cups, but Will reached for the large bowl of premixed punch instead. Mike leaned in, peering in at the bowl.
“Jungle juice?” Mike asked, their shoulders brushing again, light but unmistakable.
Will shrugged as he poured himself a cup. “I guess.” He took a sip and immediately made a face of disgust. “Yeah. This shit’s strong.”
Mike huffed a quiet laugh and grabbed a cup of his own. He didn’t usually drink. The few beers he’d stolen from his dad’s garage for the party had never really done it for him.
But why not?
He was here. Right now. With Will.
He poured himself a cup, heart thudding a little harder than it should’ve. He didn’t know how many moments like this he had left. Not with everyone leaving, not with plans being made that didn’t include him.
Everyone else knew where they were going.
Mike didn’t. And that scared him more than he wanted to admit. Just like his own damn feelings.
Mike brought the cup to his lips, painfully aware of the fact that Will was watching him. Just for his reaction, obviously. Not because of anything else. Not because Will ever had a crush on him or because Mike still thought about that more than he should.
Will had a crush on him. Past tense. Used to.
Mike had been oblivious the whole time, but even then, he’d always known there was something different between them. Something that didn’t fit neatly into words.
Lucas and Dustin used to tease him about it, about the way his voice softened whenever he talked to Will. The way he always hovered just a little closer. Mike would’ve done anything to protect him. After everything Will had survived, all Mike wanted was to keep him safe. To make sure he was happy.
Even if that meant burying feelings he didn’t fully understand. Feelings that twisted in his chest until it ached.
All Mike knew was that he couldn’t lose Will. Not ever.
The alcohol burned its way down Mike’s throat. He immediately crinkled his nose, setting the cup down and wiping his mouth. “This is fucking awful.”
Will laughed, head tipping back.
God. Mike loved making Will laugh like that.
“Told you it was strong,” Will said, still smiling. “Want something else?”
Mike shook his head, dragging his tongue over his lips, the bitter taste lingering. “Nah. I’m cool for now.”
Will flashed him a grin, and Mike felt the air leave his lungs. Did Will even realize how beautiful he was? The way his hazel eyes caught the light every time he smiled made Mike’s chest ache in a way he refused to name. Will was absolutely breathtaking.
Then a hand landed on Will’s shoulder.
Will jumped slightly before turning, coming face to face with Carlton, a guy from their graduating class.
Mike’s blood immediately began to boil just by the sight of him.
That hand stayed right where it was, fingers curled too comfortably against Will’s shoulder. Mike had seen them talking before. Every time felt like someone driving a blade straight through his chest.
He’d exchanged maybe two words with Carlton in his entire life and somehow already hated him. Just the sight of him pissed him off.
“Hey, Will. I’m glad you came.” Carlton flashed him a grin that made Mike want to crawl out of his skin.
And Will smiled back.
They shifted, bodies angling toward each other, and Mike had to physically stop himself from stepping in closer, from saying something sharp and unnecessary. Carlton still hadn’t acknowledged Mike at all, even though Will’s shoulders were practically touching his.
“I’m glad I did too,” Will said easily. “How does it feel to be a new graduate?”
Why was he so cheerful? Why was he smiling like that at this guy?
Jealousy burned hot and ugly in Mike’s chest, and he hated it. He hated that he’d done this to himself. He’d stayed silent, stayed scared, and this was the consequence. Will moving on. Will finding someone who wasn’t afraid of his own feelings. He did this to himself.
He had so many opportunities to say how he felt and he didn’t take any single one of them.
Maybe he should get another drink.
They talked for another minute. One minute too long.
Mike cleared his throat. Both of them stopped mid-conversation.
“Oh, shit, sorry,” Will said with a breathy laugh. “This is Mike. You know Mike. My best friend.” He reached out, resting his hand on Mike’s shoulder.
Mike wanted the floor to open up and swallow him whole. That word. That stupid fucking word.
Best friend.
He’d said it first. He knew that. But hearing it out loud, hearing it from Will, made it feel real. Permanent. Crushing.
Mike forced the widest smile he could manage, even though it felt stiff and fake. “Oh. Yeah. Hey.”
Carlton glanced at him and offered a grin that might’ve been friendly or might’ve just been annoying by nature. He was annoying in general. Just the sight of him made Mike sick. “Sup?”
Even his voice sucked.
Mike grabbed his cup and downed the rest of it without thinking, the alcohol scorching his throat. If he had to tolerate this guy all night, he needed something to dull the edge.
Will shot him a look, subtle but concerned. Mike knew what he was thinking. He hated the jungle juice. Why drink it all at once? It burned in his stomach, but so did the ugly feeling of jealousy.
Mike smiled at Will, softer this time. Reassuring. Genuine.
He wouldn’t ruin Will’s night.
He couldn’t. Will was finally smiling again. Laughing. Having a good time.
What kind of best friend would he be if he took that away from him?
Mike didn’t respond to Carlton. He didn’t have to. His expression said enough. Aggravation sat openly on his face, impossible to hide. All he’d wanted was one good night with his best friend before everything changed. Before Will moved away in a few short months and Mike was left behind with the echo of him.
He had to savor whatever time he had left before it felt like he’d lost Will for good.
“So, want to dance?” Carlton asked, completely ignoring Mike now.
Mike felt nauseous. Dance? Seriously? His stomach twisted as he looked to Will, searching his face for an answer, for anything. Will’s expression was unreadable at first, then his eyes met Mike’s.
Something sad flickered there. It felt like a closing door. Like this was the moment Will was actually moving on.
Did Will want Mike to stop it? To say something, anything, to claim him? Or was that sadness just for Mike, left behind while Will stepped forward into something new?
Will smiled, and it hurt. It was soft and full of quiet sorrow. Then he turned back to Carlton. “Yeah, sure,” He flashed him a smile, then looked back at Mike. “You okay if I go for a bit?”
No. Absolutely not. Please don’t. Dance with me. The thoughts spiraled faster than Mike could stop them. His chest felt tight, his stomach twisted with jealousy.
He took a slow breath, forcing himself to stay still. Both of them were watching him now. Waiting. So he did what he’d been doing for months.
He buried it.
He forced a smile. Nodded. Swallowed the ache burning in his throat. “I’m good,” He said, even though it felt like a lie carved straight out of him. “Yeah, uh, have fun.”
He couldn’t be selfish. Will deserved to be happy. Even if Mike wasn’t the one who got to make him that way.
Will’s hand was still on Mike’s shoulder. The touch alone sent a shiver down his spine. There was sadness in Will’s eyes, but his lips curved into a soft smile as he nodded. He squeezed Mike’s shoulder once before letting Carlton lead him toward an open space on the dance floor.
Mike was going to be sick. Right here, in fucking Stacy’s house.
He dragged his gaze away for half a second, scanning faces he barely recognized despite graduating alongside them. The music was too loud, the lights too bright. Alcohol and jealousy and hurt churned together in his chest as he looked back just in time to see Will and Carlton start to dance.
They laughed, heads thrown back, bodies already too close. Something ugly burned in Mike’s gut. He grabbed a can of beer from the counter and drank until his stomach turned, until the bitterness coated his tongue and threatened to come back up. It didn’t help. Nothing helped.
He wanted to look away. He couldn’t. Will wasn’t looking at him. Not even once. His attention was fully on Carlton, like the rest of the room didn’t exist. They moved with the beat, Carlton’s arms sliding around Will’s shoulders.
And Will let him. Worse, he looked like he was enjoying it.
Their bodies pressed closer, movement syncing as if it came naturally. Then Will’s arms slid around Carlton’s waist.
That was it. Mike couldn’t do this. Couldn’t stand there and watch Will belong to someone else, watch him slip further out of reach while Mike stayed frozen in place.
It hurt too much. Mike drank the rest of the beer and tossed the can into the trash, his stomach churning. He couldn’t stay here. The room felt too small, the music too loud, his chest too tight.
He pushed out of the kitchen and into the living room, putting distance between himself and the dance floor. But even then, he felt it. The weight of being watched.
He looked back. Will was staring straight at him. There was sadness in his eyes, unmistakable, like he knew exactly why Mike was leaving. Like he could feel it too.
For a split second, Mike let himself look. Really look. His vision blurred, tears stinging at the corners of his eyes. Then he turned away.
He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t ruin Will’s night. Not after everything. Not after missing the truth for so long, after letting Will carry feelings Mike hadn’t understood until it was too late.
Walking away hurt. But staying would’ve hurt more.
He shoved his way through the crowd toward the exit, heart pounding, when he nearly collided with someone. Hands grabbed his shoulders, firm, stopping him cold.
Lucas. Max stood beside him, eyes sharp and searching.
“Where the hell are you going, man?” Lucas asked, confusion edging his voice.
Mike could feel the alcohol humming through his veins. Not enough to make him careless. Not enough to dull the ache clawing at his chest after watching the love of his life dance with someone else. It hurt. Badly.
“I can’t be here anymore,” Mike said quietly, glancing around as people brushed past them, laughing, unaware of his presence.
Lucas and Max exchanged a look. Max chewed on her bottom lip, hesitating only a second before saying it anyway. “Is this because of Will—”
“What?” Mike snapped, too fast, too defensive. “What are you talking about?”
Lucas sighed, resting a steadying hand on Mike’s shoulder. “Come on, Mike. We’re not stupid. We see it. Will didn’t at first. But I think… I think he’s kind of accepted it now.” Lucas’s facial expressions softened. “We know you like Will.” Lucas said gently.
Mike froze. His eyes widened, pulse roaring in his ears. Had he really been that obvious? Had Will known all along, even when he’d convinced himself Mike didn’t feel the same? Or was this just proof that Will had already moved on?
“What? No,” Mike said, shaking his head. “How? You’ve got it wrong.”
Max let out a soft laugh, more fond than amused, and shook her head. “You’re not fooling anyone, Mike.” She smiled at him, small but sincere. “And it’s okay. We get it.”
Lucas nodded. “But you can’t just bolt. Not like this.” He squeezed Mike’s shoulder. “At least try to have a good time. Or—”He paused, choosing his words carefully, “Talk to him after the party. Be honest with yourself. With him.”
Mike swallowed hard. Talk to him. The idea terrified him more than leaving ever could. That would mean finally getting over the fear of his own feelings. His own identity. He wasn’t sure how to do that.
“I just…need air.” He felt the alcohol swimming in his veins, his chest tightening by the second.
“We’re here, man. We got your back. Just remember that.” Lucas gave his shoulder another squeeze.
Mike nodded at both of them, managing a weak smile. “Thanks.”
Then he opened the door and walked out. Finally. Silence.
The night air was cool against his skin, enough to make his shoulders loosen just a little. He didn’t know where he was going. He just knew he had to get away. Away from the music, the lights, the people brushing past him like nothing inside him was falling apart.
The party noise spilled out every time the door opened, laughter and bass echoing into the night.
He kicked himself for coming in the first place. Stupid fucking Stacy. Stupid fucking party.
They could’ve been in his basement, dice clattering on the table, arguing about rules, safe and familiar. Instead, he was here, watching the person he loved dance with someone else.
He walked around the side of the house, then farther back, until the noise dulled to a distant thrum.
The backyard was empty. Calm. Quiet. No distractions. Exactly what he needed.
Soft string lights hung low between the fence and the porch, casting warm pools of light over the grass. A wooden bench sat beneath one of the trees. Mike sat there, letting the quiet wrap around him.
Mike leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees, trying to slow his breathing. It didn’t help. His heart raced anyway, too fast, too loud, and the alcohol only made everything worse. His stomach churned, heat and nausea twisting together.
If he hadn’t been so damn scared of his feelings, he could’ve been the one in there. Dancing with Will. Making him laugh. Making him happy.
He knew it was selfish, but he wanted Will to himself. He didn’t want to share him. Didn’t want anyone else to get the parts of Will that had always felt like they belonged to him. If he’d been braver years ago, if he’d been honest even once, he wouldn’t be sitting out here now, breaking apart.
He was once known as Mike The Brave, but he hadn't seen that side of himself in a long time.
Will was moving on. He was going to find someone who chose him easily, who wasn’t afraid. And Mike would still be here in Hawkins, stuck, trying to figure out who he was supposed to be. He was always telling other people’s stories, cheering them on, pushing them forward.
When was he going to start telling his own story?
His vision blurred. Mike dragged his hands over his face, pressing his palms into his eyes. He wanted to scream, to tear something apart, but the ache stayed trapped in his chest. It felt like his heart had been ripped out and crushed apart.
God, he’d been so stupid. Will had liked him. And now Will was letting himself move on, letting himself be happy, while Mike sat here drowning in what-ifs. It wasn’t like Will would still be hung up on him. Why would he be?
And yet. The brushed shoulders. The knees touching. The shared glances that lingered a beat too long. Even when Mike had been with El, there were moments when all he could think about was what it would feel like to kiss Will Byers on the goddamn mouth.
Will Byers, with his crooked smile. His hazel eyes dazzled brightly. His perfectly sloped nose. His sharp wit and gentle heart. He was everything. Of course someone else would see it. Of course someone would take him.
Mike had never felt more crushed in his life, and it was entirely his fault.
Why had he been so scared? What was so wrong about liking your best friend, about liking a boy? Who cared what anyone else thought?
Instead of letting himself feel it, he’d shoved Will into a safer box. Labeled him. Best friend. Best friend of all things.
He remembered the sadness in Will’s eyes when he’d said it, how Mike had told himself it would make everything easier. That it would make it real. That it would hurt less.
It hadn’t. It had only made him want Will more.
Was he really just Will’s Tammy? Who the hell was Tammy? Was Tammy the straight best friend who was never an option? He’d played the role so convincingly that even Will had believed it. Believed Mike wasn’t like him. That he didn’t like boys.
Will was wrong. So fucking wrong. Because Mike didn’t like just any boy.
He liked Will.
Maybe more than liked him.
Mike didn’t hear the footsteps at first. Didn’t notice the soft crunch of grass until someone cleared their throat behind him.
He didn’t need to look up. He already knew.
Will.
Mike lowered his hands and looked up to find Will standing in front of him, confusion and a flicker of worry written all over his face.
God. He looked so fucking beautiful in that letterman jacket.
All Mike wanted to do was pull him close, wrap his arms around him and hold on like nothing else existed. But he couldn’t. So he stayed where he was, staring up at him, unsure how to begin.
“Mike,” Will said, firm but not unkind. “What the hell are you doing out here? Why’d you leave?”
Mike wished, briefly, that he’d had more to drink. He could use the extra courage. He sighed, running a hand through his curls. “I needed some air. That’s all.”
Will didn’t buy it. He didn’t move, just stood there looking down at him. “Then why did Lucas tell me you weren’t okay?” He paused. “He said you stepped outside.”
Of course he did. Fucking Lucas.
Mike tugged at his curls before dropping his hands into his lap, eyes fixed on Will like he couldn’t look anywhere else. “I couldn’t be in there anymore, okay?” The sharpness slipped out before he could stop it.
Will didn’t flinch. He swallowed deeply. “You said it was fine, Mike,” He said quietly. “You said it was fine that I danced with Carlton.”
Mike felt his stomach churn just hearing the name. His face twisted immediately. “Yeah, well. It sure looked like you were having a good time.”
“So that’s it?” Will frowned. “You’re out here because I was having fun?”
“No. I mean, yes. I mean—fuck.” Mike dragged his hands over his face again, groaning. He was so tired of fighting himself.
Will sighed. “What is it? "He asked gently. “You can’t keep doing this, Mike. Bottling everything up and pretending you’re fine.”
If Will knew everything Mike thought, everything he felt. Maybe it was time.
Mike dropped his hands and looked at him. “Can you just sit down or something?”
Will raised an eyebrow but nodded, sitting beside him on the bench. Their knees brushed, and Mike sucked in a breath, a shiver running straight through him. Even that small touch felt overwhelmingly real.
“You’re going to have to start talking,” Will said, quieter now. “You looked like you wanted to rip Carlton’s head off in there.”
Mike huffed out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah. I’m sure I wasn’t subtle.” He hesitated, then forced himself to keep going. “If I’m being honest, I didn’t want you to dance with him.”
Will’s eyes widened. He didn’t look away. “What?” He asked softly. “Why didn’t you say something?”
Mike dropped his gaze. “What kind of best friend would I be if I told you not to?”
“A truthful one,” Will said, without hesitation. “An actual truthful one which I’d appreciate.”
Mike opened his mouth, then closed it. His heart pounded so loudly he was sure Will could hear it. This was it. If he didn’t say it all now, he never would.
He took a breath. “Fine,” Mike said, voice low but steady. “I didn’t want you to dance with him.” He swallowed. “I didn’t want you to even give him the time of day.”
Will looked genuinely confused. The music from inside the house pulsed faintly through the walls, but out here it was quiet, broken only by the night air and distant laughter from inside the house.
“Why not?” Will asked.
Mike let out a slow breath. He was done running away. Done pretending he didn’t feel things just because they scared him. If he didn’t say it now, he never would.
“Because I wanted to be the one on the dance floor with you,” Mike said. His voice didn’t waver this time. “Not him. Me.”
Will’s eyes widened at his words.
Mike’s heart slammed against his ribs, loud and reckless. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, nothing else existed. Mike could get lost in Will’s hazel eyes. He always had. They were beautiful, especially this close.
“Mike…” Will said quietly. “What do you mean?” He shook his head, disbelief creeping in. “You wouldn’t have danced with me. You didn’t even seem like you wanted to come tonight.”
Mike swallowed. This was the part that scared him most. But he owed Will the truth. He owed it to himself, too.
“I did. Well—sort of,” Mike admitted truthfully. He shrugged, trying and failing to sound casual. “Honestly, I agreed to come because everyone else wanted to. But I just wanted to spend time with you,” He took a breath. “I didn’t care what we did. And yes. I would’ve danced with you.”
Will let out a quiet, disbelieving laugh and shook his head. “You’re only saying that because you saw me with someone else. You don’t actually mean it.”
The hurt in Will’s voice made something twist painfully in Mike’s chest. “I do mean it,” Mike said, turning fully toward him. “I’ve been holding this in for a long time,” His gaze dropped to his hands resting in his lap. “I was just… scared.”
Will shifted, angling closer so he could really see Mike’s face. “Scared of what?”
Mike drew in a slow breath. This was it. “Of myself,” He said quietly. “I didn’t understand what I was feeling, or what it meant. I didn’t know how to name it. I didn’t know how people would see me if I did.”
He looked up then, eyes searching Will’s. And then he said it. The truth all along was that he had been wanting to get out for the longest time. “I was scared of wanting you.”
Will’s eyes widened, never leaving Mike’s face as he spoke. Outside, the night was quiet, the party contained within the walls of the house. Out here, it was just the two of them.
“Mike… you’re not making any sense,” Will said, uncertainty threading his voice. “You told me we were best friends,” His voice wavered. “You looked right at me when I came out. When I said my crush didn’t feel the same way because I knew he wasn’t like me.”
Mike exhaled slowly. “Because you called me your Tammy. I didn’t even know who that was,” He shook his head. “Honestly, I still don’t.”
“She’s just a metaphor,” Will said quickly, like he’d rehearsed this explanation a hundred times. “A friend of mine had a crush on her in high school, even though she knew Tammy wasn’t into girls. Tammy was actually in love with Steve Harrington,” Will let out a breath. “She didn’t need Tammy to like her back. She just needed time to understand herself, to feel free. And she did. She helped me a lot,” He hesitated. “I talked to her about you.”
Mike frowned. “About me?”
“About signals,” Will admitted. “She said it starts small. A brush of the knee. A bump of the elbow. A shared look,” His voice softened. “She said it accrues like a snowball rolling down the hill until it becomes obvious like an avalanche.”
Will sighed. “But even with all that… I knew you didn’t feel the same way.”
Mike’s chest ached, heavy and sharp. “Because I never did anything,” He said quietly. “Or said anything.”
Will nodded, gaze dropping to the ground. “Yeah,” His voice was barely above a whisper. “You didn’t. So I stopped hoping.”
“But I do,” Mike said immediately.
Will looked up, startled, their eyes locking.
“I’ve been so wrapped up in El,” Mike continued, words spilling now. “And then when she sacrificed herself, I didn’t know how to handle any of it. I couldn’t even tell her I loved her when she wrote me letters or when I saw her for the last time. I just froze,” He shook his head. “But with you?” His voice broke. “I could say it in a heartbeat.”
“Don’t,” Will said, shaking his head. “Not if you don’t mean it.”
“I do mean it,” Mike said, firm despite the tremor in his voice. “This has been killing me, Will. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long, but I’ve been so goddamn scared.”
Will still didn’t look convinced. “Mike, please stop,” He said softly. “You don’t mean this. You’re just upset because someone else is finally showing interest in me. Someone who isn’t you.”
That hurt worse than anything else. Will was upset and that was the last thing Mike wanted. But he needed to get this off his chest. He needed to tell Will how he truly felt before he went insane.
“Will, no,” Mike said desperately. “Yeah, I got jealous. I got angry. But that’s because I love you,” His voice cracked. “I always have.”
Tears burned behind his eyes. Before he could stop himself, Mike reached out and grabbed Will’s hand where it rested in his lap, squeezing it like a lifeline.
“I don’t want to be scared anymore,” Mike whispered. “I can’t lose you.”
Will let him take his hand, staring down at where their fingers slowly laced together before releasing a slow, shaky breath. He shook his head slightly before speaking, voice barely above a whisper. “Did you know El didn’t commission that painting I made for you?”
Mike’s head snapped up, shock flashing across his face. “Wait what?”
Will nodded. “Yeah. She knew I was painting something, but she didn’t know it was for you,” He swallowed. “Those things I said to you in the van? They weren’t from El. They were from me.”
Mike’s breath caught.
“I’m the one who called you the heart,” Will continued softly. “I’m the one who needed you. You’re the one who made me feel like I wasn’t so different.” His voice wavered just slightly. “I didn’t tell you because you were already hurting so much over El. Over thinking she didn’t need you anymore.”
Mike shook his head slowly, disbelief settling in his chest like a weight. He’d been so blind. So focused on trying to be what El needed, on forcing himself to feel something the way he thought he was supposed to. But what he’d felt for Will—what he’d always felt was nothing like that.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Mike asked quietly.
Will tightened his grip on Mike’s hand, shoulders lifting in a small shrug. “Because you were still choosing her,” He said honestly. “And I’ve always been good at doing this.” He let out a breath that sounded almost tired. “Burying how I feel and being your best friend instead. Being who you needed.”
He looked down again at their intertwined fingers. “Even after the painting… even after all the signs I thought were there,” Will said softly. “You still didn’t feel the same way. At least—that’s what I thought.” His voice was heavy with sadness, and it only made the ache in Mike’s chest worsen.
“I was so fucking stupid,” Mike let out a broken laugh. “I’m still so fucking stupid.”
“Mike, stop—”
“No, I am,” Mike cut him off, panic clawing its way up his throat as his thoughts spiraled. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner. I can’t believe I didn’t do something about it sooner,” His voice cracked. “I let you believe I didn’t feel that way about you and I did. Fuck, I did. I was just so scared,” Tears spilled freely now. “I’m still scared.”
He shook his head, breath hitching. “And now you’re going to move on, and I’m—”
“Mike.” Will said his name firmly this time, squeezing his hand just enough to pull him back. “Look at me.”
Mike hesitated, then lifted his gaze.
“I’m not moving on because I want to forget you,” Will said quietly. “I was moving on because I thought I had to.” His eyes were glassy, but steady. “Because I thought you’d already decided what you wanted.”
Mike swallowed hard, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure Will could hear it. The world felt impossibly quiet, like everything had narrowed down to just the space between them.
“It’s not, Will. It’s not,” Mike said quickly, tightening his grip on Will’s hand. “What I want is you.”
Will took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling slowly. “I need you to prove it to me.”
Mike’s eyes widened. “Prove it? How am I supposed to do that?”
“Kiss me,” Will said simply. Their knees still brushed, their fingers intertwined and resting in Will’s lap.
Mike opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. He just stared at him, completely and utterly speechless. His gaze dropped to Will’s lips before flicking back up to his sparkling hazel eyes.
He had always wondered what it would be like to kiss Will Byers.
When they were younger, they used to kiss each other on the cheek, and even then, Mike had thought it was the sweetest thing in the world.
But they weren’t kids anymore. They were older now. Aware of feelings, aware of what this meant. Mike would have kissed him regardless, but to kiss him to prove that he wanted him. He’d do it in a heartbeat.
He was tired of being scared. Of himself, of his feelings, of what other people might think. He didn’t want to live with regret anymore.
Slowly, carefully, he shifted closer. Just enough that their knees pressed together fully now, no longer accidental.
“Okay,” Mike whispered, voice shaking but certainty filling his tone. “Okay.”
Will didn’t move. He didn’t lean in. He just watched Mike, eyes searching his face like he was giving him one last chance to pull away. Mike didn’t. This was his chance to prove to Will he wanted him in every possible way there was to want someone.
He lifted his free hand, hesitating only a second before gently cupping Will’s jaw. His thumb brushed against his cheek softly like he was afraid of breaking something sacred. This was Will. His Will. He couldn’t fuck it up. Not again.
“If I’m doing this,” Mike said quietly, breath trembling, “I’m not stopping.”
Will’s breath hitched. “Then don’t.”
That was all it took. Mike closed the gap between them with his eyes closed and immediately pressed his lips against Will’s in a deep kiss.
The feeling of his lips finally against Will’s made Mike’s skin tingle, his heart thumping wildly in his chest.
He let his hand rest against the side of Will’s face, the pad of his thumb brushing softly over his skin as he felt Will melt into the kiss. Their bodies shifted closer, almost flush against each other.
Will kissed him back, gentle and tentative at first. Mike felt Will squeeze his hand as he tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss, a soft sigh slipping from Mike’s lips.
Mike pressed into it just a little more, their mouths moving together in careful, perfect unison. He felt, then heard Will let out a quiet, breathless sound against the kiss, and a shiver ran straight down Mike’s spine.
He couldn’t believe it. He was finally kissing Will Byers.
His stomach fluttered with nervous butterflies, his skin tingling. They were fully pressed together now, kissing like the rest of the world had fallen away, like nothing existed beyond this moment.
Their lips fit together effortlessly, Mike pressing his mouth a little more firmly against Will’s, drawing another breathless sound from him before they finally parted.
Will was the first to pull away, his breathing uneven as he stared at Mike with wide eyes, his expression soft and unguarded.
Mike’s heart hammered in his chest, his own breaths coming heavy and quick. Their foreheads rested together, noses brushing, their breaths mingling in the space between them.
“Do you believe me now?” Mike murmured, the words barely louder than a breath against Will’s lips.
Will nodded. “Yeah. I do,” he said quietly, a small, fond smile tugging at his mouth. “Took you long enough.”
Mike let out a soft laugh, something warm blooming in his chest. Hope. Relief. Like a weight he’d been carrying for years had finally lifted.
“I’m so sorry it took me so long to get my shit together,” Mike said honestly. Their lips brushed again, barely there. “I was scared. I still am. But you make me feel like anything is possible. I want you, Will. I always have. I always will.”
Mike felt the dampness on Will’s cheek before he saw the tear. He pulled back just enough to wipe it away with his thumb.
“You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear you say that,” Will said with a quiet, breathy laugh. “I think I’ve been waiting most of my life. I hoped. I dreamed about it.” He shook his head softly. “Guess Carlton coming around was–.”
“Absolutely not,” Mike said immediately, his voice firm. “Yeah, seeing you with him made me jealous, but I didn’t need him to realize how I feel.” He swallowed, meeting Will’s eyes. “I just had to stop running from myself.”
Will nodded slowly, pulling his forehead away so he could really look at Mike. Their fingers were still intertwined, and he gave Mike’s hand a gentle squeeze. “What happens now?” Will asked, chewing lightly on his bottom lip.
Mike glanced around, noticing they were still alone outside—a fact he was deeply grateful for. No distractions. No interruptions. Just Mike and Will. The way it always had been. The way it was always supposed to be.
“Let’s take it step by step,” Mike said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Wanna go back inside with our friends? Maybe… dance with me?”
Will nodded, a wide smile spreading across his face. “I thought you’d never ask.”
“Just do me a favor,” Mike added, his lips curving into a tiny smirk. “Please?”
Will furrowed his brows as he looked at him. God, he was beautiful. This was how it should be. Just them. “What is it?”
Mike squeezed his hand before tugging him up from the bench and pulling him straight into his chest. A soft, surprised gasp slipped from Will’s lips at the sudden movement, but he melted into Mike’s embrace almost instantly.
“You’re going to have to ditch that asshole,” Mike murmured, half-teasing, half-serious. “You’re mine.”
Will let out a breathless laugh, tilting his head back before meeting Mike’s gaze again, a gleam in his eyes.
“Then you’re going to have to show him,” Will said softly, smiling, “That I’m not available for anyone else anymore.”
Mike grinned as he pressed a soft kiss to Will’s lips. “Good,” He murmured. “Because I don’t share.”
He pulled Will back into the house where the party was still in full swing. They entered hand-in-hand, unnoticed by most except their friends, who immediately erupted into cheers, pulling them into hugs and chanting about how they’d finally figured their shit out.
And Carlton.
Carlton stood off to the side, seething as he watched Mike and Will dance together–just the two of them. Their bodies were pressed close, Mike’s arms draped around Will’s neck, Will’s hands firm at Mike’s waist, holding him steady as they moved in sync with the music.
Nothing else mattered but them.
Sure, Mike was still scared. He always had been. Of his feelings, of the future, of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time and losing the people he loved most.
But standing there with Will in his arms, moving together beneath flickering lights and a crowd of people, it didn’t feel so heavy anymore. It didn’t feel like something he had to face alone.
For the first time, Mike realized he didn’t need to have everything figured out. He just needed to stop running.
Because with Will by his side, being scared no longer felt like the end of the world.
It felt like the beginning.