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It was the month of freezing wind and twinkling snowflakes. Hawkin's high was in an uplift mood, sneaky glances and giggly whispers could be heard throughout Ms. Howard’s morning English Class. Desks were put together in a row as everyone wrote their final essays in a hurry, it was almost winter break, better yet, it was almost time for Hawkin’s annual snowfall dance. Will never cared for the dances considering he never went with anyone who he actually liked. Lucas was grinning, he was taking Max to the snowfall dance, it was a given they would go together but man, Max made him work for it.
“I had to learn how to skateboard! Which of course I did. So, I rode down the street holding a bouquet of flowers and yelled. ‘Max Mayfield! Will you give me the pleasure of taking you to the one and only snowfall dance.’ Then I winked and fell on my ass, cause yeah skateboarding on ice isn’t ideal.” whispered Lucas in an excited tone.
Dustin laughed a bit too loud. Ms. Howard shot him a glare, shushing him.
“Sorry…” Dustin looked back at his half-written essay. Ms. Howard turned back to grading the rest of the remaining assignments. “Man, that's great. You had to make a fool of yourself for Max to even think of taking you.” Dustin whispered back with a shit eating grin.
Will rolled his eyes, "They would go together anyways. They’re dating. Was there really a need?”
“Oh no, we got Mr. Moody over here.” chuckled Lucas. No, he was not moody, just thought it was excessive.
“No I’m not.” Will hissed.
“Well, I am going with Suzie to the dance so I win.”
“Uh not even close man, Max is way better.”
“Not even close!”
Will looked to Mike who kept quiet the whole time. It didn’t feel right, Mike never shuts up. He wondered if his best friend got a date to the dance. During the snowball dance years ago he and El went together, now that they are broken up he wonders what kind of girls did Mike like, did he try asking any of them out? It didn’t matter to him. He wanted to be the one to go with Mike to the dance. A part of him wanted to ask him but he wasn’t even sure if he liked guys. Will himself came out to his friends months ago and Mike was one of the first ones to take Will into his arms, holding him tight and telling him he accepted him.
“Mike, how about you?” asked Will, tilting his head to look at him. Dustin and Lucas stopped arguing awaiting Mike’s answer. Mike stiffened slightly, his back hunched from writing.
“Um…”
“Man, Mike had it good with El. It was always guaranteed he’d have a date.” Dustin commented teasingly. Mike frowned, clearly not amused.
“Well…” Mike started to speak.
“It’s ok Mike, you can always come with us as a group of friends.” Will did not want to exclude the rest so he figured that was the best phrasing so Dustin and Lucas will not try to tease him further. “I mean it’s totally normal to not have a date…you don’t have to feel embarrassed.”
“Yeah!” Lucas added on quietly. “I mean sure me and Dustin have dates but you coming along with us wouldn’t really meddle with anything! Besides we know how these bullies are, just cause they call you ‘frog face’ doesn't mean anything! I’m sure eventually you’ll find someone who appreciates you. Looks don’t matter,” Lucas pointed at his own heart a look of sappiness painted on his face, “it’s the inside that counts.”
Mike looked furious at this point. Will swallowed nervous, they messed up didn’t they.
“For your information someone actually did ask this ‘frog face’ to the dance!” Mike sneered, he stood up taking his finished essay, walking up to the desk handing it to Ms. Henderson. He came back taking a hold of his backpack. “And I said yes! You guys don’t have to wait for me, he’ll take me there himself!” Putting on his backpack Mike strode out of the classroom. Will’s heart stopped. Holy shit. A guy asked Mike out to the dance, and he said yes. Lucas and Dustin looked equally as shocked.
“No way.” Will shook his head in disbelief. Dustin raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“No way! There is no way Mike got asked out. He must be lying or something.”
“You really think Mike would lie about a guy asking him out.” asked Lucas, not convinced.
“He’s lying.” Will gritted through his teeth. There is no way a random bozo managed to ask the love of his life out like it was a picnic on a random Tuesday. No way Mike wouldn’t tell the party about the fact, ‘hey look I also like guys!’. Right?
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“Ok! Will, honey look at me! Uh you too …I'm sorry what was your name again?” Will groaned as his date simply laughed. He laughed at everything it was annoying. Yes, he was so petty that he ended up asking someone to the dance. Chris. One of the few guys in their year that was openly out.
“Chirs, ma’am.” Jonathan glared at his date, he was not willing to take a picture of them together.
“Chris, your shirt is not fully buttoned up.” muttered Jonathan with venom.
“Uh, no it’s cool man. This is how it’s supposed to be. It’s a style.”
Joyce held the camera, the lights flashing as she took multiple takes.
“Well I’m glad it’s just a stupid high school dance, if you were my brother's boyfriend I think I would teach you a thing or two about properly buttoning your shirts.” warned Jonathan.
“Jonathan!” scolded Joyce. She glanced at Chris and smiled apologetically. “It’s lovely, Chris.” Will walked away as Chris thanked his mom, he went into his room taking a look in the mirror ensuring his hair wasn't all messed up from all of the tight hugs his mom gave him, ‘oh you look so handsome’. He almost didn’t hear Jonathan coming, a small creak from the wooden floors emitting as he walked closer to him.
“Why Chris?” asked Jonathan, his tone monotone.
Will shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. “Why not?” he took a sip of water.
“Why not Mike?” Will choked on his water in shock. Jonathan patted his back with a sheepish look on his face.
“What the hell Jonathan?!”
“I mean c'mon Will. You don’t think I know? It’s so obvious! Besides, Mike probably doesn’t have anyone to go with. You should go for it, you never know! That’s how it was with Nancy and she ended up liking a weirdo like me. Also, I actually like Mike, I was about to strangle Chris with my bare hands.”
“Mike actually has a date.” Will said curtly, the sick feeling in his chest rushing back. The idea of someone else with Mike, holding him, dancing with him, even kissing him. He could puke right now.
“What?! Holy shit, who?” asked Jonathan.
“That’s the best part…a guy asked him out.” Silence.
“Holy shit.” Jonathan uttered.
“Yeah, I know. I never had a chance.”
“What?! No, no. Will, don’t you see?” Will raised an eyebrow with a frown etched on this face. “Mike likes guys too. Heck maybe he was waiting for you to ask him. Maybe he wants you to pull a Byers to his Wheeler.” What the hell was his brother talking about? Did he smoke before coming in here?
“A Byers to his Wheeler?” asked Will incredulously.
“Yeah! Wheelers can never say what they feel, maybe he was hoping you’d say something. Considering you were brave enough to tell us about yourself, maybe he wanted you to pull the first move.” A spark of hope ignited in his chest. Could it be?
“Jonathan, what if you’re wrong? I mean…I wouldn’t want to make him uncomfortable.”
“Ok well now that you know he likes guys at least you know he won’t be against the idea.”
“But what if he's against me? What if he just prefers anyone but me?”
“You’re acting stupid.” A soft voice broke the conversation, El stood there, her wavy brunette hair reaching her shoulders. She had makeup on, light purple eyeshadow, glitter on her cheeks and light pink lip-gloss. Her dress was light blue reaching her knees, stars stitched onto the fabric. She looked gorgeous. Jonathan looked at her with pride, his smile wide. Will gasped.
“El, you look beautiful.”
“She does, doesn't she?” Joyce gushed, right behind her stood Hopper, his arms crossed.
“I swear if any rascal lays a hand on her.”
“Dad!” El groaned. “It’s going to be ok. Max is going to be there, I’ll be spending more time with her than my date at this point. So I guess dressing up doesn’t matter.” Hopper’s face softened as Joyce glared at him.
“Yeah, I’ll be there too.” Will added on. “I promise nothing bad will happen.”
“Same goes for that Chris guy. He does anything he will need to get cast for that reachy arm of his.” Hopper snarled.
Joyce waved her arms fed up “Hopper! You are being too much! This is a high school dance, let Will and El be teenagers! Besides, you heard El they are not going alone, the kids are going to be with them.” Joyce turned back to El. “Sweetie, it wasn't a waste of time. You look amazing and I’m certain your date will be enthralled.” El beamed. Hopper went over to her pulling her into a tight hug.
“You do look amazing kiddo. I’m sorry. I just want you to be safe. And I know how high school boys can be, shitty, and pi-”
“Dad!” El laughed understanding. “I’ll be fine. Promise.” Joyce and Hopper walked away hearing the ring of the doorbell. El’s attention was back on Will. Will flushed.
“We should get going.” Will started to move.
“You’re being stupid, Will! Mike would love to go with you, trust me. He’s just a bit insecure.”
“El, that’s nice and all but if he did he wouldn’t have accepted another guy's invitation.”
“Have you ever thought he assumed you wouldn’t want to go with him?” huffed El. Will froze, no way, there's no way. Mike was way out of his league no way in a million years would he think Mike would even let that thought pass his mind.
“Kids, your ride is here!” shouted Joyce. Jonathan patted Will’s knee getting up.
“Go for it, Will. Just make sure to let Chris down gently, yeah?”
“Yeah…”
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Steve’s red mustang was always a sight to behold, waxed to pure shine its bold red color a prize winner. Jonathan walked over to the Mustang; Steve rolled his window down.
“Thanks man, for taking them.” Steve took off his sunglasses.
“No problem, but you owe me one.” he tapped at Jonathan’s chest with the edge of his glasses. Sitting next to Steve was Dustin, his hair made up in the Harrington style and an actual tie accompanied to his suit. In the backseat Lucas and Max sat together, partially on top of one another. They were whispering to one another while giggling. Jonathan rolled his eyes fondly. Steve spotted Will with Chris and El.
“You guys look awesome!” complimented Steve. “El, you look great. You should wear makeup more often.”
“That’s my girl! Looking like a model out of a magazine!” Max cheered. El blushed as praises continue to pail on top of one another.
“Thanks.” El said shyly.
“Who’s this?” asked Steve pointing at Chris. Lucas and Dustin roll their eyes. Will told them he got a date last minute, they knew the motive for it considering Will was very adamant about not wanting to go with anyone.
“My date,” said Will smugly. Chris flipped his hair a shit-eating grin plastered on his face. Steve did not like that.
“Chirs.” he extended his hand to Steve.
“Steve.” he shook his hand out of courtesy, in truth he was confused as to why Will was going with Chris of all people, he figured he and Mike would finally sort it out and go together. Wait.
“Where’s Mike?” asked Steve. El was in the backseat sitting next to Max who had playfully pushed Lucas away claiming she had her real date right there. Dustin decided he was going to break the news.
“He got a date. Well a guy asked him out, wasn’t sure who, we kinda got into an argument. But long story short his date is driving him.”
“What?!” Steve did not like this at all. “Little Wheeler has a date who’s a guy and he’s driving him?! Nancy is gonna freak.”
Jonathan's eyes widened “Oh shit, you’re right.”
“You guys don’t know anything about this guy?” Steve probed further. Will and Chris got into the backseat sitting next to El.
“He’s lying, that's why.” explained Will his tone ice cold
Lucas groaned, “He’s not lying, Will! I think we just hurt him by implying no one would want to ask him out. Which we did not mean to!”
Max whipped towards Lucas alarmed, “Wow. Even I wouldn’t do that.”
“No! We didn’t mean it that way but now thinking back on it I’m assuming that’s what he got from it.”
“Well, I overheard from someone it’s a guy from that rock club. The one with too many tattoos to be called decent.” Dustin muttered. “This guy basically stole our friend from us.” Will’s face paled. A guy with tattoos? God it was Brandon. The hottest guy in school that every girl was drooling over. He would have no issues sweeping Mike off his feet. He should do something, get Steve to drive them to the Wheeler’s so he could confess his undying love and pick Mike up himself carrying him all the way to the dance. But today wouldn’t be that day.
“Whatever I guess.” Will hissed under his breath. Steve frowned at Will’s reaction and Chris looked at him knowingly. Max grinned, enjoying the drama especially since it involved Mike, oh she couldn’t wait to tease him to death.
“We’ll meet him there.” Lucas ensured. “Then we’ll apologize and-”
“And get our best friend back!” Dustin finished the thought. They high-fived.
“Ok you little shits let’s get you to that dance.” Steve started the engine.
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“Mike! Open up!” Nancy knocked at his door angrily. “Mike! Jonathan called me! You have a date and you didn’t tell me?!” She heard sniffling at the other side of the door. Her heart stopped. “Mike?” Nancy’s voice softened. She turned the knob at the door realizing it’s unlocked, she opened the door fully. Mike jumped to see Nancy there.
“What?” Mike whined. Her brother wasn’t ready for the dance at all, wearing a grey shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Nancy sat down next to him , Mike glared.
“You have a date? With a guy?” asked Nancy. Mike stiffened. “Hey it’s fine. You know I accept you right? That’s not why I was angry…I just thought it’d be Will.”
“I wanted it to be Will.” he whispered sadly. Nancy started to connect the dots.
“Is that why you are crying?”
Mike shook his head. “No, I mean a bit, yeah. It’s just Dustin, Lucas and even Will said some things. About how it isn’t about looks but personality or some shit like that. What if this is a prank? What if Brandon will just laugh at me, why would anyone want to date me? El didn’t know any better and sometimes I feel like she took pity on me.” Nancy’s heart broke hearing her brother voice his insecurities, she never thought he would even think about his looks to this extent. “I mean why would Will want to go with the ‘frog face’ to the dance anyway. I’m ugly. I know that.”
“No! Mike, you are not! You are very attractive.”
“You’re just saying that because you are my sister!”
“Hell no! I tell you whenever you piss me off, I don’t sugarcoat anything in my life. Mike you are very attractive, it's all in the Wheeler genes.” teased Nancy.
Mike looked at her with those puppy dog eyes “Really?” his voice hesitant.
“Yes. I’m certain they didn’t mean anything by it. I’m sure Will doesn’t think that and you know what? You are going to go in there and you are going to have the time of your life. You will be one of the best looking people there! I will help you.”
“Nancy, it's fine.”
“No! Come on get up, before your date arrives. Speaking of which, you are going to tell me all about him, maybe show him my gun collection so he knows what’s waiting for him if he hurts you.” Mike laughed earnestly as she took him to the bathroom.
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El’s eyes shined taking in the atmosphere outside of Hawkins High. It was chaotic. Crowds of students accompanying the sidewalks. Music was blaring from the inside so loud it could be heard at audible volume even at the outside, the bass kicking hard within her chest. Everyone got out of the car. Max placed her hands on El’s shoulder giddy with excitement.
“Ok guys! Listen! I’m picking you guys up at midnight and no later understood.” Steve pestered. Dustin rolled his eyes.
“Ok mom.”
“Call me! If anything happens.”
“Ok” Will nodded
“Don’t take anything from anyone who looks sketchy, aka smells weird and wears a leather jacket to a dance.”
“Jesus Steve. We’ll be fine! Go be a mom somewhere else.” Dustin groaned. Everyone laughed. Steve rolled his eyes. He drove off, leaving the group alone who were itching to get in.
“El, let's go find your date!” Max exclaimed happily. “He will fall to his knees when he sees you!”
Lucas smiled at Max softly. “I’ll wait here for you.”
Max smiled back. “You got that right. C’mon lets go!” She tugged El’s hand pulling her into the crowd. Dustin grinned as Suzie came over to him. He tried not to bounce on his feet out of pure excitement
“Suzie." He took her hand laying a soft kiss on it. "You look fabulous.” Dustin showed his toothy grin.
“As do you, Dusty Buns.” Suzie waved at the others in greeting. “Will, Lucas, and you are?”
“Chris, Will’s date.” he shook her hand. “You must be Suzie? Will told me a bit about who’s taking who. So, you’re the hotter version of Phoebe Cates?” Dustin looked at Will, betrayed, his face red. “You told him?”
Will and Lucas laughed.
“You said so yourself!” Will defended himself. Suzie had a twinkle in her eye, her cheeks turning pink as she giggled.
“Thank you Dusty.” Dustin composed himself remembering Steve’s advice. No, not the one about showing girls you don’t care, this was Suzie for god sake's, he cared. He took his second advice, making her feel like the only girl in the world, which in his eyes, she was.
“Well I’m only stating a fact. It’s basically written in the constellations.” Damn that was corny. Lucas gave him an encouraging nod. Will chuckled, finding it cute.
“Let’s go inside then!” Suzie took Dustin away. Chris looked at Will.
“Are we going in?” he asked.
“Uh, not yet we are going to wait for my sister. I got to see her date.” Chris hummed in compliance. In truth he did not want to interact with Chris at all. His plan was just to stick by El, Lucas and Max at his point. Eventually El and Max came back with James, a guy from Lucas’s English class. James was a good guy, part of the student council and loved poetry. Will immediately approved of his sister's choice. For a second he understood Hopper’s worry regarding El, he felt the need to protect her from the worst of boys. James was looking at El with stars in his eyes, yep he definitely approved.
Max took Lucas’s arm, “Alright, let's go! What are we waiting for!?”
“Well, we were waiting for you. You guys took your sweet time.” Lucas teased
“Maybe I just wanted to make sure you’ll be missing me.” Max quipped back.
“I always miss you.”
Will couldn't help but imagine him and Mike in this scenario, a part of him was hoping he didn’t have an actual date and he stayed home. It sounds awful but at least then he wouldn’t have to deal with the heartbreak of a century. Unless Jonathan and El were right and he had a chance, which he could take, tonight.
Inside the building the noise was deafening. The room was blasting with color from the disco lights and everyone’s unique garments. It was the most students a Hawkin's High dance has ever occupied. Chris was holding onto Will’s arm, talking to him. Will nodded absentmindedly, he should have never come here, what was he thinking. After scanning the room, he noticed Mike was nowhere to be seen, maybe that’s for the best.
“Where’s Mike?” asked Max. Lucas frowned looking over people’s heads searching for his best friend.
“Man, I’m hoping he’s ok. What if he took those words to heart and ended up not coming?” Oh god, Will prayed Lucas was wrong. He never intended to imply Mike was not attractive, quite the opposite, he was gorgeous, he should’ve told him that himself. Max nodded. Suddenly whispers occupied the entrance, they turned around to see people had moved to the side creating an open space in the middle into an aisle.
Max gasped in delight “Holy shit.”
Lucas joined in, pride on his face, “Holy shit indeed.”
Huh? Will looked over and saw Mike. If Will thought Mike was gorgeous before, scratch that. He looked absolutely heavenly now. His hair was done in such a way that the mess of curls enveloped his face like light does to an angel. He didn’t wear a suit but a white collared shirt with a buttoned auburn vest, it was messy in the most perfect way. He wore dark auburn dress pants to match with the glistening dark shoes. However, what caught Will’s eyes was his face. He had soft eyeliner applied on his waterline, and his lips seemed more softer than usual. Will gulped, he was starstruck.
“He looks amazing.” Chris breathed out. Great. Even Chris thinks so, Will can’t even hide his admiration at this point.
“Oh my god! Is that Mike?!” yelled Dustin rushing over to the commotion. Suddenly Brandon made his way from the crowd reaching Mike hurringly. He looked at Mike with such marvel that it made Will rage with jealousy.
“Mike, I got us drinks.” he said softly, taking a hold of Mike’s arm. The whispers intensified.
“Is that Brandon Lyrell with Mike Wheeler?”
“No way.”
“I didn’t know he liked guys.”
“There’s no way that’s ‘Frogface’ he looks…he looks…”
“I think I just fell in love.”
Mike spotted them, smiling wide, he walked over to them dragging Brandon with him, who looked too pleased to be ordered around. El waved excited to Mike.
“Hey guys!” Mike greeted them.
Max whistled, “Looking great, Wheeler.”
El nodded furiously, smiling, “Bitchin!” Mike smiled at El softly.
“Thanks. You look beautiful, El.”
“Thank you, Mike.”
Without warning Dustin went and pulled Mike into an unexpected hug. Mike let out a little oomph.
“Man, we’re sorry about what we said. We never meant anything bad by it.”
“Yeah! I mean look at you. You look great! You clean up nice.” Lucas added.
Mike looked sheepish, unfortunately that made him look even better in Will’s opinion.
“He does.” Brandon murmured dazed, his gaze never left Mike.
Will felt tears prick at his eyes. He swallowed. He didn’t realize Mike was looking at Will expectantly. Then Mike’s gaze landed on Chris.
“Oh. Who’s this?” asked Mike, his voice now a bit strained. Chris opened his mouth to introduce himself as usual. Will beat him to it.
“My date. Which by the way, Chris wanna dance?” asked Will, holding out his hand. Chris nodded a bit unsure.
“Sure…” Will couldn’t look at Mike’s face but could feel El’s disapproving look. If he looked he would notice the hurt on his best friend's face.
“Well, he’s right. We should all get to dancing." Brandon remarked. He held out his hand. “Mike, may I have this dance?” Brandon towered over Mike, another thing Will couldn’t compete with, he thought sourly. Nevertheless, he could lift Mike off his feet, he could spin him around, and he could do it better than Brandon could ever dream off. Mike smiled brightly at Brandon.
“Yes!” With that he took Mike’s hand running off with him onto the dance floor. Eventually, Will found himself at the dance floor with Chris. Throughout the whole ordeal he looked for Mike’s silhouette, regret hitting him every time he found it. They were dancing way too close to one another, Brandon’s hands on Mike’s waist. The whole time he didn’t even look at Chris once, he didn’t even notice he was dancing alone until Dustin poked his shoulder with concern.
“Hey man, Chris ain’t here anymore.”
“What?”
“I mean he didn’t leave but you’re dancing with the air.” Dustin laughed trying to ease the tension, “He’s right there.” He pointed to Chris sitting at one of the tables. Will felt like an asshole. He quickly walked over to his date sitting next to him. It was awkward.
“You like Mike. Don’t you?” asked Chris, breaking the silence. Will gaped at him, blushing, he tried to deny it but at this point what’s the point.
“Yeah, I do. A lot. For a long time.” he admitted.
“Why didn’t you ask him?”
“I-I don’t know.” He did know but he wasn’t gonna spill his guts out right now, especially not about professing his love to someone who’s supposed to be his date. Chris rolled his eyes.
“Whatever, I’m done.” Chris got up and walked away. Will didn’t sit alone for too long, Dustin joining him soon after with Lucas and Max.
Lucas noticed Chirs’s absence, “Will, what happened?”
“We know what happened. Will is jealous that Mike is dancing with some other dude than himself and Chris is not a total idiot, got the hint and stormed away.” Max explained. “Got that right?”
“No! That is not true!”
Dustin swirled the drink in his cup, “Will, dude! You have been acting like this ever since Mike told us he had a date. You’re definitely jealous!” .
Max grinned wolfishly, “Speak of the devil.” Will sat up a bit and watched as Brandon gave Mike a kiss on the cheek, before walking away with their cups, presuming to get them refilled. Mike was glowing, he noticed them and made his way to their table. He sat down next to Lucas.
“The dance is great, huh?” Mike was breathless. Will was furious. “Brandon wants to get to know you guys, you wanna hang with us?” Lucas smiled about to reply.
“No. We don’t want to hang out with Brandon. We’re perfectly fine here.” Will’s voice was unrecognizable. Just pure envy. Mike looked shocked, his eyes filled with hurt.
“Will, are you ok?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. You seem great yourself. Very pleased, hm?” He should just stop talking, but it’s too late, he feels possessed with jealousy.
“What’s wrong with you?” Mike was still concerned for him. “I am actually quite pleased if you'd like to know. Brandon is a nice guy, Nancy thinks so herself.”
“Nancy isn’t always right. This guy can't be trusted, he definitely looks like one of those guys who would bully us.”
“You don’t even know him! Besides we’re just dancing, that's it. I wasn’t sure if I was going to go to the dance before.”
“Oh, I thought we were going to go as friends. What happened to that?” Mike winced at the word ‘friends'. Will didn’t think much of it.
“Well, he asked me out. I couldn’t say no! That would be rude.”
“Since when do you care about being rude?”
“It doesn't matter, we’re friends now and I want you guys to be on good terms with him.”
“I bet friendship is the last thing on his mind right now.” Will grumbled sliding down the chair. The whole time Max was looking between them, captivated. Mike huffed mad. He looked at Will for a second as though to say something before storming off. Lucas sat there in shock.
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“He’s a loser, that's what he is!” Not even minutes later Mike and Will continued their argument as they were maneuvering throughout the crowd, everyone was watching them intrigued.
“I can’t believe you would be so judgemental!! Not you! Just cause he smokes and has tattoos doesn’t mean anything, he's not a loser! He’s actually quite cool!” Mike shouted back.
“Trust me, in California there were a bunch of guys like him. They all want one thing and once they get it, they leave their flings dry.” Will retorted.
“Wow! You-you. You’re acting like a total douche! He actually likes me!”
“Yeah? What does he like? Your face? Does he even know you, Mike?”
They eventually reached the stairs outside. Mike stopped in front of Will, they both had tears in their eyes.
“At least he took a chance on me! You know what!? I know how to fix your problem, Will!”
“Yeah? How?!” Mike was a mess at this point, his hair ruined, the eyeliner smudged, producing dark shadows underneath his eyes. He was crying hard.
“Maybe instead of moping over Brandon asking me out, you could have had the courage enough to do that yourself and not treat me as a last resort! I wanted you to ask me out but you didn’t have the courage to do that, instead you asked Chris!” Fuck. El and Jonathan were right, he wanted Will to ask him out.
“No! No, you got the wrong idea. Mike!” Mike at that point was already running down the stairs leaving him behind. It was horrible timing, Steve had arrived in his Mustang, he’s seen the whole thing. He looked at Will, his face full of sympathy.
“You messed up, little Byers?"
Will nodded sobbing hard, “Goddamit!”
“Hey! Hey, it's ok.” Steve opened up the door to the passenger seat. “We’re gonna catch up to him. Get in!” Will got in without hesitation. Steve didn't say anything. Just drove, catching up to Mike fast. Mike was walking with a purpose, very Nancy-like.
“Mike, I'm sorry!” shouted Will rolling down the window.
“I don’t care! Go make out with Chris or whatever! Leave me alone!” Shit, that proved his theory even further.
“Stop the car!” Will ordered Steve.
“What?”
“Stop the car, Steve!” The car stopped and Will ran out, catching up to Mike blocking his path. Mike glared at him trying to move past him.
“Will, get out of the way I-”
Will didn’t think, he didn't have the time to think, only relying on instinct. He locked his lips with Mike’s, his hands resting on his waist. Mike immediately wrapped his arms around his neck kissing back, hard. They could hear Steve cheering in the back, ‘Oh my god finally!!’. This was the best first kiss Will ever would experience; he was certain of it. They pulled apart after what felt like minutes. Mike chuckled, his eyes sparkling. Will chuckled back his chest warm. Mike leaned in, smirking, his cheeks still wet.
“Again?” In response, Will kissed Mike’s tear-stained cheeks before diving for his lips once more. Now he heard Lucas's shocked gasp and Max’s whistling, when did they get there? Mike was messing with Will’s hair tugging at it softly. They broke apart breathless. “Don’t go back to Chris." whispered Mike, his voice low. Will rolled his eyes fondly.
“Mike, I never cared for Chris. I wanted to make you jealous, but it seems like you got me beat.” Mike rested his hands now on Will’s waist pulling him in. Will yelped, surprised.
“Well, I think I will forgive you if you take me to be your boyfriend, Byers.” Will kissed him again, Mike hummed.
“Hell yes.”