Chapter Text
Mike typed yet another sentence on the typewriter finally finishing this story.
As he read it through he sighed and burrowed his head in his hands, a tear ran down his cheek. Oh how pathetic he had become.
Yet another story that he had tried to write ending up like all the others, with two best friends or a knight and a wizard falling in love slowly but surely.
Subconsciously he knew what it meant, deeply buried in his heart but still not fully ready to face the truth yet.
Because the truth would mean that Mike had messed up his only chance by treating Will simply like a best friend and not more, by pushing him away again and again.
By the time he finally felt somewhat ready to admit to it and not be scared anymore, Will suddenly came out to all of them and in the same sentence talked about how he had a crush on someone but he had gotten over it.
Mikes heart shattered by the simple imagination of Will liking someone else.
He then managed to push Will away from him yet another time as he exlaimed to be just best friends.
Because Will moved on after that, found a boyfriend and Mike?
Mike was left alone struggling with his feelings, missing Will every second in his life and cursing himself for never being brave enough. For never trying.
Now it was too late to do something and Mike knew that.
But he couldn't help his own feelings or be closer to Will in any way.
He was still stuck in Hawkins doing some college degree about business because his father had insisted on it and he hated every minute of it.
Mike had always wanted to study english literature and actually write but his father insisted on the fact that that was not a "real" studying degree that would help him get a job.
Will had moved to Manhattan and of course he had got accepted at an college that had art as option.
Carlton...Mike immediately rolled his eyes annoyed at the reminder of Will's picture perfect boyfriend.
Who had snatched him very shortly after he had moved even before college had started & they immediately started dating.
Mike knew he was supposed to be happy for his best friend, but he just wasn't.
Everytime he heard Will mention him he immediately got angry and short-commented.
He still tried to sound nice and say the right things in the right moment because he was supposed to be happy for his best friend.
After everything they all went through and especially after what Will went through he deserved happiness.
So he forced himself to smile politely even though his best friend couldn't see that through the phone and pretended to be nice and that he was ok with this.
But something felt off lately, he could hear it in Will's voice and he always noticed small changes immediately.
Such as Will sounding less happy, stressed out and they didn't call that often anymore as usually.
Everytime they did though it wasn't a really long call.
He could hear Carlton say something inaudible in the background and Will sighing in defeat followed by "Hey i have to go. Let's talk next week ok?".
Mike tried thinking about it for hours if it was something he said or if Will finally had caught on the way that he got annoyed whenever Carlton was mentioned but it wasn't that.
Otherwise Will would have been annoyed at him, no this was different.
He spent the rest of the next day deeply caught up in his own thoughts going crazy over this, until Mike couldn't bare it anymore and decided to call Will again.
He needed to know if they were ok, if his best friend was ok.
He didn't care that they had just called yesterday, it was way too short anyways, maybe 10mins.
Will had been happy mostly.
He got a good place on a college being able to study art and basically draw everyday or learn about art history.
He got Carlton and he was living in a bigger city so the acceptance was a lot more here allowing them both to actually enjoy dates.
Even though they still reserved kissing and making out to being in his own student flat.
But it was still not easy adjusting after all the trauma he had been through and Mike was one of the few who really understood him.
Carlton was really nice but sometimes Will didn't like how he had to keep all these secrets from him and so he occasionally called Mike.
Even though it was still a bit hard after he finally allowed himself to move on from loving his best friend.
He never stopped missing their talks rhough and missing how close they once were.
Sometimes Mike's voice still made him laugh and blush honestly, because some things just don't go away and Carlton didn't like that.
"Why are you blushing everytime when you talk to him on the phone?", he asked in an accusational tone and Will tried to come up with some excuse in his mind but he just couldn't so he decided to stick to a half-truth.
"I had a crush on him when we were younger, but that's over now".
He still regretted ever mentioning that to Carlton because his whole demeanor shifted after that.
Always purposefully interrupting his calls with Mike and them fighting more than being happy.
Also it made it harder to call Mike and Will missed it.
Missed his laugh, missed them talking for hours and more.
Most of all even though he didn't want to admit that he missed seeing Mike and feeling his touch or his hugs.
Deep down in his heart Will knew that he still loved Mike and that it hadn't gone away.
But he had accepted to move on because he couldn't spend any more time pining after someone who clearly was straight.
Right now he was enjoying the silence in his flat, as Carlton was visiting his family today.
He had at least a few hours of them not arguing all the time.
Suddenly the phone rang, he sighed annoyed but still got up since as usual he was just too nice to let it ring.
Impatiently Mike fingers clacked against the table until finally Will picked up.
"Hello? Mike is that you?"
"Hey Will yeah, I know we called yesterday but...I just. You seem different lately is everything ok?"
Will seemed to hesitate on the other end, since all Mike could hear was his breathing which was the only sign that Will didn't just decide to hang up.
"I uhm. Its nothing, ok?.... Don't worry", he finally said, but Mike wasn't gonna let Will go away with this, he was determined to make him feel better.
Before he could stop himself he said "No, no its not ok. Here's what I'm gonna do. The weekend is coming up so I'm coming to see my best friend and cheer him up until he feels better and this is final ok?"
Even though he was persistent Mike still held his breath after that.
Will could just as easily say no, Will could push him away like he did in the last Weeks.
To his surprise Will finally replied "Ok...yeah. that actually sounds nice. But you have to get a hotel, I don't think Carlton would be very happy with you sleeping here"
Mike furrowed his brows, the question as to why laid on his tongue but he had already pushed his own luck and had felt immensely relieved by Will agreeing.
Even though they were only on the phone he could almost feel Will's eyes looking up at him, pleading him not to ask.
So he didn't do it and just replied with "Oh yeah I can do that no problem. So how was today at college?"
"Same as yesterday Mike.", answered Will and they both chuckled.
Then they started to talk randomly about nothing and everything, about Mike hating it here, his dad, about Will's College friends and more.
It was the longest talk they ever had since months and it felt so natural and free.
Mike couldn't stop grinning and laughing about their silly insider jokes.
Everytime he heard Will laughing it made him feel fuzzy and warm.
His heart stuttering and his cheeks flushed red in the end when they finally hung up after teasing each other fourth and back about who hangs up first.
Will hadn't meant to say yes initially to seeing his best friend knowing exactly how Carlton would react.
But the last weeks had been really dreadful.
His and Carltons relationship crumbling steadily as there were a lot of times of them arguing over everything and nothing.
Which was really exhausting and Carlton also became more agressive over the last weeks, screaming at him in their arguments which scared Will admittedly.
So when he heard the way how Mike sounded almost as desperate as him he just couldn't resist.
Maybe he had imagined it but he just hoped that Mike had missed him just as much as he did and the pure thought filled him with a warm familiar feeling that he quickly tried to shake off.
No no no, no more hope that's what he had sworn himself at least and so thats what Will tried to do mentally preparing himself for the talk with Carlton.
As on cue the door opened and his boyfriend entered greeting him with rough kisses and touching him all over that Will tried to stop until he was finally successful. They hadn't gone any further than making out with hands under clothes, Will just didn't feel comfortable mainly because of his trauma.
The other reason though was that the only person he was able to imagine whenever he got horny was Mike's hands on him doing unimaginable things to him.
It made him ashamed enough to not try anything with his boyfriend.
Carlton knew at least the trauma part even though he had gone over to ignoring it in the last couple weeks trying to push Will for more.
Which lead to Will struggling with nightmares again from the upside down, the darkness and everything surrouding that he couldnt tell Carlton.
So he usually just stayed trembling in the bed at night until at some point he found sleep again.
"what's up babe? Spit it out, I can see something is up", said Carlton in this moment slightly annoyed finally removing his hands but only slightly, still gripping his waist way too tight.
"So Mike is coming this weekend to visit me and I really need you to behave", said Will confidently but still avoiding his look.
Carlton let go immediately, scoffed annoyed and crossed his arms "oh great. Can't wait to spend the weekend with you pining over him"
Will copied his stance and held his voice confidently "Carlton I told you a hundred times, I'm over him and you two have to get along with each other because he's still my best friend"
Carlton still was visibly jealous scoffing and rolling his eyes as he inhaled to reply.
"well im your boyfriend so I call bullshit on that. But you know what? today I really dont have the energy to fight. So yeah whatever. Fine" and left the living room storming off into the guest bedroom.
Will exhaled as he just now realised that he had held his breath. Could have been worse right? His hands were still trembling a bit.
Leaving him second guessing his decision to say yes to this in the first place but by the thought of calling Mike off he shaked his head annoyed.
No he had others control his life way too often in the past, he wanted to see his best friend and hug him and Carlton had to be ok with that.
He was slowly but surely done with the way Carlton treated him and in this moment his confidence had luckily taken over, letting him be strong for himself.
By the thought of being able to hug Mike after such a long time Will couldn't contain himself smiling.
There was the familiar warmth again and he dwelled on it just a moment longer as it washed away the negative emotions a bit.
He spent the rest of the evening listening alone to some music in his room, since Carlton was still pissed off.
It wasn't new for them to not sleep together in one bed, actually it had probably been at least 3 weeks since the last time so Will was used to this.
He really didn't mind at all since Carlton had tried to touch and feel him up more in the past few months.
Going beyond the limits as to where he always had to push him away firmly which left him with a certain unease that made him dread every touch and kiss, avoiding them more and more if possible.
Mike sighed happily after the call leaning back and closing his eyes.
At the weekend he would finally see him again, it had been almost 1 year but it felt more like an eternity.
Then he finally realized that he was still blushing and grinning like a complete idiot and groaned slightly annoyed, busying himself with packing up since it was only 2 days until the weekend.
His own feelings had gotten more apparent over time being away from Will for over 2 years and jealousy appearing everytime Carlton was mentioned.
Mike still hadn't figured it out on his own until one day Max and Lucas came to visit him.
He showed them a few stories he had written because she was quite nosy and Lucas just complied to whatever his girlfriend wanted, busying himself with making food.
He still remembered the way her jaw slightly dropped reading them, looking up at him and back down.
He asked confused "What?", which made Max laugh.
"Mike, holy shit...you like Will! all your stories end up with you and Will together, do you realize that?"
"What? No tha...thats not true! I don't like him like...I mean I´m not gay", stuttered Mike confused and embarrassed.
Max just furrowed her brows looking at him & answered "Mike. Your really an Idiot do you know that? You do realize theres something called bisexual, where you can both like men and women? Besides that wasn´t my point. You. like. will."
The last three words were spoken with emphasis and she looked contently at him.
He just stood there blushing and apparently still not fully processing what she had said, but he didn't deny it.
Because deep down he knew she was right, deep down Mike had pushed away these feelings away so much until it became almost natural to pretend.
Being called out like this suddenly put his own feelings into the open, vulnerable and hurtful.
His father's words always a dark reminder in his brain telling him that his feelings are wrong.
That something must be broken inside him falling for his best friend while he was supposed to be happy in his relationship with El.
The bisexual part was still new to him, a thing he hadnt heard of before and it suddenly opened a floodgate of possibilities inside him.
As well as all the emotions whirling around in the open that he had tried to push down so desperately.
The next thing he knew was Max holding him in his arms and Mike only realized then that he had started to cry.
Lucas had just stood there while the food was cooking, processing it himself.
It wasn't really surprising to him in a way he never could lay his finger upon until this moment that there was something more than pure friendship between those two.
The amount of times he had catched Mike staring at Will intently, like he was something special were countless.
Or the other way around of Will pining after Mike.
Not even mentioning the time where Mike was really depressed and only ever talked about Will instead of his girlfriend when Will was living in California.
So he joined in on the hugs seconds later, because after all he had always been supportive of the idea of those two boys loving each other without them realizing it.
"Hey shh Mike it's ok. Its gonna be ok. I know this is a lot, but... we're here and we support you, ok?", said Max patting his back.
Lucas chimed in "Yeah man support all on my side here, ive always known you have a soft spot for our Will. But theres no shame there! The way i saw it I think that feeling was always mutual, y'know?"
Mike nodded slightly and then suddenly looked up, he had stopped crying a bit ago but his tears still lingered on his cheeks.
"Wait what do you mean mutual? I mean I know he had a crush on this Tammy or something when he came out to us"
Lucas and Max looked at each other and started laughing hysterically, letting go of the hug.
"Oh my gosh wheeler you're still as oblivious as always, Will was so into you, it was so obvious.
Also Tammy was just a metaphor, Robin told me a bit later about how she had this crush on a girl named Tammy and she realized later that it was never about the crush, just about her accepting herself as being lesbian.
Will probably only used that metaphor because it was hard enough to come out to all of us.
Im pretty sure he just didn't want to be rejected by the person he loved and well he didn't think you'd feel the same pretty sure", explained Max in a single rant.
Mike stood there for at least a minute until everything clicked into place and he went "oh".
Even though he still didnt fully believe her but it explained who Tammy was.
That was 6 months ago and it was still hard processing all of it.
Things started to make more and more sense with the possibility of Will liking him in that way too.
The painting suddenly had a whole other meaning and a bunch of new questions that he couldn't answer, since the only other person would be Will.
It had been easier finally allowing himself to feel all of it, to not push it down anymore.
Grieving over the fact what could have been between him and Will if he had just figured it out a bit sooner.
Since the boy he loved obviously at some point had decided to finally move on from him if there were ever feelings for him and he couldn't really blame him.
After all he had been quite a jerk to him at multiple occasions in the past.
What could have been if he would have just accepted himself sooner?
But there was nothing Mike could do about it and so he had spent the last 6 Months sulking about it trying to come up with a crazy plan.
Even though he knew that Carlton was there, he missed Will.
Like so unbearably that sometimes he was unable to breathe and his heart felt like it would rip apart by the mere thought of spending one more day far away from him.
Craving his touch like the air for breathing and it was like a hole he couldn't fill no matter what next to his side where Will was supposed to be.
So he had recently requested a transfer to Will's College for next year studying english literature.
After an exhausting and heated discussion with his own dad, that ended in his mom saving him and stepping in between, his parents were finally ok with him doing that.
So all that was left to do was telling Will and searching for a flat.
Another reason why he wanted to see Will this weekend so he could tell him the great news.
He just hoped that his best friend was just as much excited as he was about the fact that they would be close to each other again.
Some part of him also hoped that it wasnt too late yet, that by some miracle Will had feelings for him and they hadnt vanished yet.
But there was still Carlton in the picture and so he knew that it was only a painful fantasy that his mind made up.
Finally the weekend arrived and Will was quite excited to say the least.
His happiness was dumbed down by Carlton constantly complaining about it.
"Maybe try to be less excited about your little boy crush?", he said at the airport at which he insisted on coming with him much to Wills annoyance.
Will just rolled his eyes, sighing in defeat and his smile dropped.
The weekend had barely started and he already got headaches from Carltons behavior, but knowing that Mike would appear any second saved his mood.
Finally the plane arrived and people started swarming out of the exit, until his eyes met familiar warm dark ones.
Mike waved at him smiling and his eyes lit up, Will immediately noticed the new outfit and outgrown hair as he got closer.
Mike wore his favorite black jeans with a belt, that now had a few more rips, a striped blue pullover and a jeans jacket on top of it which had various patches.
All topped off with his black curls that now reached his shoulders, a beanie on top and his walkman in one hand.
Will tried to not stare at his long curls that bounced beautifully when Mike walked with fast steps towards him, only to hug him tightly in the next second.
He sighed happily embracing the hug just as much, wrapping his hands around the other boy.
Breathing in the familiar smell, closing his eyes and for a moment it was just them in that tight hug with the rest of the world vanishing in a blur.
Unfortunately the moment was just as quickly interrupted with Carlton clearing his throat behind them making them aware of him still being here.
Will reluctantly let go of Mike already secretly missing the warmth of him and his best friend held him just for a few seconds longer almost as if he didn't want to let go either.
Quickly Will tried to shake that thought, almost annoyed at his own brain betraying his plan to never read too much into Mike's actions ever again.
"Hi there", said Carlton and Mike shook his hand shortly but neither of them seemed very happy.
"let's go! I wanna show you a milkshake place we always go to! Oh and maybe a bar tomorrow!", said Will excited and pulled Mike with him.
Ignoring Carlton´s look in that moment which burned holes in him. But in no way could his own boyfriend deny him being finally close to Mike again even though that meant having to deal with this.
He had one arm around Mike for a while, who didn't seem to mind at all, his smile returning immediately and putting his hand around Will as well.
Which made walking a bit harder so they let go eventually but still staying in close proximity bumping shoulders and giggling about something.
Meanwhile Carlton was just dragged along with Will taking his hand firmly, for now chatting with Mike he ignored that this would probably get him into yet another fight later.
Mike loved every minute of being near Will, seeing his laugh made him feel extremely fuzzy and his smell had been intoxicatingly good when they had hugged.
The milkshake place was nice itself but it got uncomfortable after a short while because Carlton just ruined the mood completely.
Being snappy and just snarking comments at him, which he returned at some point them now arguing over nothing and everything.
"whats your problem?", asked Mike annoyed.
"You, youre the problem. I don't like you. I still dont get why youre best friends with him", responded Carlton angry, now turning to Will who just looked as equally pissed about all of this.
"well I don't like you either. But Will wants me here so you're not getting rid of me, just deal with it"
They angrily glared at each other until Will finally had enough seemingly as he slammed his hands on the table.
"Ok enough both of you! I just wanted to have a nice weekend and not this. Carlton stop pissing off Mike he's here now and Mike stop arguing with him it only makes it worse. I'm gonna go home right now and tomorrow i wanna have a nice day hanging out and then going to the bar" and with that he stood up and left.
Both Mike and Carlton stayed back speechless, Carlton kicking frustrated against the table glaring at Mike for a moment longer and then left.
Why was Will mad at him? He just defended him! His mind raced with thoughts as he walked quickly to his Hotel.
This was certainly not what he had imagined and Carlton was such a Jerk, Mike really didnt understand what Will saw in him.
Sigh, there was nothing he could do today, maybe tomorrow he could try and get to talk to Will alone?
With some sort of plan in mind he eventually fell asleep.
Will woke up early enough that his boyfriend was still asleep.
He still was angry about yesterday and he had barely gotten sleep.
Of course the fight just continued at home, until Will was left with tears streaming down his face sobbing himself to sleep.
It wasnt like he didnt want to end it with Carlton.
But it would put him at a greater risk for the feelings for Mike to bloom even stronger then they already had and right now at this weekend he just couldnt afford that.
So to say the least he was struggling on what to do next, but his mind already provided him a thought.
Most of all he was upset about not being able to enjoy spending time with Mike the way he had wanted to and now he wanted nothing more than to be with him.
This wasnt his best idea, his heart beating immediatly faster at that thought but it was better than staying here and letting Carlton ruin the rest of his day again.
So in a matter of seconds Will packed together some stuff in a backpack and left his flat quickly to go to Mike's hotel.
He knew that it would get him in trouble with Carlton later, but right now all he could think about was spending time with Mike.
So he fastened his pace making his way to the room his best friend was staying in.
As he knocked a few times he realized that Mike still might be asleep at 10am in the morning.
When Will almost was on the verge of giving up standing clueless in front of the door, it finally opened and a sleepy Mike blinked at him confused yawning.
"Who..oh hey Will, uh what are you doing here? Were we supposed to meet up?"
"I uh just wanted to spend time with you after yesterday. Y'know just you and me like old times", answered Will a bit nervously.
He was met with Mikes face lighting up like a warm summer day and letting him in.
"So uh what do you wanna do?", asked his best friend already patting the spot next to him on the couch to indicate that he could sit down.
Will sat close to Mike shrugging his shoulders, maybe he should have thought this more through.
Their thighs bumping against each other didn't really help his nervousity to settle.
"uhm, do you still always take comics with you?", he then finally came up with an idea his eyes starting to glow in anticipation looking directly into Mike's brown eyes.
Who jumped up excited, nodding and with an intense speed he came back with Comics grinning.
Will couldn't help but giggle about how some things really never change and how cute Mike was.
A thought that he quickly shoved down, even after all this time he couldn't help but adore these small things that made Mike into well...Mike.
His childhood best friend, the boy he had loved for years and never stopped if he was truthful to himself.
Both teens quickly found into the natural comfort that they always had between them.
Mike ranting about some very important lore according to his own words, Will listening with a smile while they both read a comic together.
Thighs and knees bumping, hands brushing occasionally but neither of them minded one single bit.
Mike even scooted closer with his heart bumping fast until there was no space left between their legs.
Hoping that Will didn't notice the slight blush that had appeared on his cheeks.
But the other boy just gave him a warm smile that made Mike feel all fuzzy and they stayed like this.
Later they ordered pizza and then decided for a movie afterwards.
What had started as comfortable closeness was now filled with nervous energy and craving.
Will wanted to cuddle so bad it made him crazy trying to act like he didn't want to.
Mostly for seeking some comfort that he hadnt gotten in the past month and well he trusted Mike blindly.
But also because he craved having his hands on him again and Mikes familiar smell surrounding him that always made him feel safe and warm.
Not that they hadn't cuddled in the past, but it had been a while.
Ok that was an understatement, the last time had been over 2 years ago before Will left and it was way too long for his own taste.
He wasn't sure if Mike still wanted to and well he still had a boyfriend.
Which made him struggle internally since he knew that he still had feelings for Mike and therefore shouldn't do or want this.
All his attempts at keeping distance were thrown out a few minutes later when Mike yawned and simultaneously put his arm behind Will.
Pulling him slightly closer onto his shoulder then glancing nervously at him "uhm is this ok?".
How could he do or want anything else when he was met with those puppy dog eyes, silently asking, pleading.
Also he noticed how nervous Mike must be seeking out closeness since his hands trembled slightly.
So in a swift motion Will turned his head to the other boys chest, comfortably nuzzling his head against Mike's shirt.
Mike in return forgot what breathing was and his cheeks heated up quickly, his heart beating so loud it could have jumped right out of his chest.
Will wanted to cuddle with him, initiated it and that successfully rendered his brain empty.
When it finally catched up, he couldnt resist and so he put his arms around the other boy.
Pulling him even closer until there was no distance between them.
Even though he tried really hard not to read anything into this and telling himself over and over that it was because they're best friends.
Still, the butterflies didn't vanish and their bodies being so close to each other was electrifying to say the least.
So yes Mike struggled hard, trying his best not to pull Will's face up and kiss him heavily.
Every single fiber being of him wanted nothing more than that, being impossibly closer, feeling Will's soft lips on his.
He refused to let go at the same time even though it meant heaven and a bit torture at the same time.
Will's smell was just too good and the way his head was tucked perfectly under Mike's chin and how he practically melted into his arms.
Oh gosh screw that this was pure heaven.
Mike was rendered completely and utterly flustered while his hands tightened even more to make sure that this is real.
Both of them had completely stopped paying attention to the movie at this point.
Will let himself fall into the feelings he had tried so hard not to feel anymore for the first time.
Confidently but still carefully so Mike could back away if he wanted to, he adjusted their position slightly.
Pushing Mike down so they were practically laying down now with Will on top of Mike.
His best friend didn't seem to mind at all, as he immediately felt two hands pulling him close once he was done adjusting their position into something more comfortable.
Mike sighed happily, his hands started almost unnoticeable to move caressing his back.
Will nuzzled his head in return closer to Mike's neck, while he continued softly stroking his hands down Will's back.
Both of them were blushing by now, Will struggling heavily to breathe with each minute passing by.
Using all his willpower to not press kisses to that soft skin right in front of him.
Completely lost in the moment and all the supressed longing to be able to hold Will like this, to be so close to him Mike's hands didn't stop caressing his back.
It just felt too good, like lightning in a thunderstorm crashing down every time his hands moved just an inch more up an down.
Softly and carefully exploring and trailing down Will's back like he had wanted to do for so long, goosebumps running down his arms.
Suddenly the phone in the hotel room rang, which startled both of them and Will jumped up blushing furiously.
He hadn't meant to enjoy Mike's closeness so much.
Hell he didn't even know in this moment why his best friend had let him be that close and initiate something along the thin line of cuddling and more.
He avoided looking at Mike in this moment and picked up the phone "Hello?"
"Will? Are you fucking serious? I couldn't reach you I was going crazy and then i have to find out your at the hotel room with your little crush? Are you fucking kidding me right now??", yelled Carlton at him.
Will flinched at that instinctively and that seemed to catch Mike's attention who he quickly looked to.
Eyes looking for the one thing that felt familiar and grounding.
He mouthed to him 'you ok', which Will just nodded but he wasn't ok because he hated when people screamed at him.
Also he felt embarrassed that he had literally completely forgotten about his boyfriend in the last few hours with Mike.
"Ok stop acting like that, you were a complete dick yesterday and I wanted to spend some time with my best friend without you completely ruining my mood.
I really don't wanna talk about this in the phone either. I'll come over and then we all go the bar later together like mature adults", responded Will trembling but still confident.
He wasn't gonna let himself treated like that for one more second and either Carlton got his shit together or he would dump him.
He heard his boyfriend scoffing at the other line but at least he wasn't yelling anymore.
"Fine. But you better be here in 30mins im tired of being sidelined over him" and with that Carlton hung up, leaving Will behind rolling his eyes annoyed.
Oh yeah this was gonna be great, so so totally not great.
Mikes hand on his shoulder made him flinch and he turned around.
"Sorry didn't mean to startle you. Was that your boyfriend again? Y´know to be honest I think hes quite a jerk",
he said.
His jaw was visibly tensed as he almost spit out the last words telling Will exactly what he thought of Carlton, which made him raise an eyebrow.
"Mike I...ok well yeah he kinda was. But I'm sure we can talk it out, at least I hope so because I gotta go now. We'll meet at the bar later", he said sighing and slightly pushed his best friend so he could put his shoes on.
"Oh yeah...ok! Uhm which bar is it?", Mike said.
His voice was filled with a strange sadness that Will couldn't place but that wasn't the important part right now.
He had completely forgotten to ask him about a specific detail, shit.
What if Mike would be weirded out or didn't want to come there?
"Uhm...sorry I should have told you it's a gay bar near my flat. I..I understand if you don't wanna go with us or someth-"
But he was cut off by Mike "cool! Uh i mean that's fine...I don't mind"
Will smiled relieved responding "Cool" as well, then Mike let his shoulders go which he had grabbed upon stopping him from talking.
"Cya then", said Will akwardly fighting the urge to hug Mike again and quickly closing the door.
He took a deep breath outside trying to calm himself from the butterflies which had yet again stubbornly appeared and he went on his way back to the flat.
Mike arrived a bit too late at the club, because he had spent way too long trying to choose an outfit.
Groaning annoyed at the fact how desperate he was for Will to try to impress him somehow.
So he made his way inside, the music meeting him in loudly and the lights dancing around.
Quickly Mike worked his way through the crow trying to spot Will, but when he did he froze on the spot his jaw tensing.
Apparently Will had somehow made up with Carlton?
At least they were dancing together, even tho he couldnt make out Wills expression through all the lights and distance between them.
Mike couldn't stop his hands forming fists and he tried to calm himself down.
But the wave of jealousy swapped over him unforgivable as he saw how close Carlton was and how his hands were placed on Wills body.
He definitely needed alcohol if he had to deal with this, making his way to Will to greet him regardless.
Slightly pulling him away from Carlton, which startled Will but the moment he turned around his smile grew wide and he looked almost relieved?
Was that a bruise at his cheek?
Maybe it had just been a reflection from the light, Mike couldnt tell honestly.
"Mike you're here! Uh why don't you grab something to drink, ill join you a bit later on the bar ok?" He yelled at him to be heard against the beats making the whole floor vibrate.
Mike just nodded in defeat when two hands reached Will's waist yet again to pull him closer, Carlton's eyes glaring at him triumphantly.
Mike stared back intensly but turned away in defeat to grab a drink.
Once he had his drink and a few sips down it eased him a tiny bit, his eyes not letting Will out of sight for one second.
His hands grabbed the glass tightly when he saw how close they were dancing wishing nothing more than that he could be at Carltons place instead.
Mike swallowed tightly trying his best to not jump up and just punch the stupid grin off of Will's boyfriend who glared at him.
All while putting his hands deliberately more and more on Will's body.
But something shifted in this moment, he instantly noticed because it was in his nature when it came to observing the boy he had fallen in love with.
Will's body tensed up and his face now directed towards Mike looked anything but happy.
Carltons hands rubbed his sides under his shirt and he kissed his neck roughly, while Will seemed to try pulling away his hands without any luck.
That was enough for Mike to put down his glass with a fast movement, standing next to Will in a matter of seconds who was still trapped in Carltons hands.
He wasn't very strong, but still strong enough to push him away from Will in a fast motion that had the success of Carlton stumbling a few steps backward.
Mike positioned himself in front of Will glaring at the other man "Let him go! Hes clearly uncomfortable with you, so get lost"
"This is none of your business, Will is mine. He belongs to me and I can do whatever I want", spat Carlton out building himself up.
Mike made himself internally ready to throw a punch at him at what he had just dared to say.
His muscles and whole body tensing up, but he was stopped by Will laying a hand on his shoulder to ground him and now stepping in front.
"What the hell? I don't belong to you, I am a human being. As a matter of fact I belong to myself and I can do my own desicions so I am dumping your ass. I'm done with you, you already hit me today and I wont let you do it another time, don't you dare touching me or Mike ever again"
Will's whole body language had changed as he spoke confidently.
Building himself up, his biceps tensing and showing that he was quite strong and Mike just stood there with an open mouth witnessing it.
Then grinning and overly satisfied in the way Carlton just was completely thrown off his mouth gaping open.
He seemed aware that people still surrounded them, a few staring at them now since they had made quite a scene and whispering.
It still didnt stop him from balling his fists attempting to throw yet another punch at Will.
That was the moment when Mike threw himself inbetween, getting hit in the jaw and landing a bit helplessly on the floor.
Luckily the manager had now arrived immediatly calling security, who kicked Carlton out in a matter of seonds
Will immediatly pulled Mike up, laying his hands on his shoulders "Are you ok? shit youre bleeding a bit", he mumbled concerned.
But Mike didnt seem to care one bit as he threw his arms around him pulling him in a short hug.
When he finally let go his eyes were glowing and he was smiling widely.
"Omg Will you're awesome! I mean that was awesome from you. So worth it", he added pointing to his cheek and the cut.
Will smiled back relieved, but now all the initial adrenaline left out of his body, he started to shiver and he felt tears tripping down his cheeks.
"Oh shit hey its ok. im here, im here. lets get you home, ok?", Mike said his expression immediatly worried as he still didnt let go of Will and he was thankful for it.
His body made it hard to stand right now and his vision was blurry.
Will just nodded and they both slung an arm around each others waist, making their way back to his flat.
When they finally got there he just sunk defeated in his bed his body still trembling and tears running down his cheeks.
Mike sat next to him on his bed and the next thing he knew was that he was pulled in a tight hug.
Will clinged onto Mike's back pulling him in, while the other boy just let him cry carefully caressing his back.
"shh.ssh. its ok im here. He cant hurt you anymore ok? and if he does he has to get past me". His last words sounded like a threat and it made Will almost laugh how ironic the difference was between Carlton and Mike.
Eventually it calmed him down his breathing slowing, his tears still running a bit.
He pulled back from the hug to wipe them away, before he finally took the last breath about to say something that he couldn't take back.
"Sorry it's just...I know he was a douche, but I was finally not alone anymore you know? And then today before the bar he just hit me...he hit me. I was so scared. And now im all alone again.", Will sighed looking down at his hands.
"Will...youre not alone, you have me", said Mike taking his hands and squeezing them, Will looked up at him confused.
He must know what he was talking about, they never had talked much about him coming out or being gay but Mike had showed his support.
Maybe it was just a topic that he didnt understand being straight.
"Yeah but you know what I mean. I mean i know youre not like me...you have options", he gestured vaguely hoping that Mike would finally get what he was trying to say
Mike's hand took his chin to tilt his head up, looking at him determined and yet with a new sense of vulnerability in his eyes.
"Will I do know and I am...Im kinda like you"
Will blinked, his brain not quite catching up and he got upset now, how could Mike even say that?
He retreated his hands, crossing them in front of him and Mikes expression changed into something hurt and confused.
"Mike please dont say that. Youre not gay, so dont say it like you could get how this feels", his voice trembled a bit upon the words leaving him.
"I might not be gay, but...Im bisexual. I like both", said Mike finally avoiding his look and Will just stared at him.
This couldnt be real, he was joking right?
"What? But Mike...how? Why didnt you ever say anything?", Will finally managed to say and Mike sighed.
His hands tucking through his hair frustrated until he finally seemed to have found words.
"I just figured it out recently...it took me so long to figure out and...I know its confusing it was confusing for me as well at first y'know? But I think...I always kinda knew."
Will closed and opened his mouth, his whole world shifting inside his brain and everything he thought he knew turning inside out because Mike was bi.
Mike liked girls, but more importantly he liked boys too like him.
Suddenly there was a new flame of hope undeniably growing.
Because the same boy he had given up on ever returning anything for him and Will being convinced that he was straight, turned out to very much not be straight.
"Oh" he just said, still blinking at Mike who's eyes darted down, fidgeting with his own hands visibly scared of rejection even though Will wasn't sure why.
The next thing he knew was his hands moving faster then his brain and he pulled him into a tight hug. W
hich Mike returned after a few seconds letting out a long relieved sigh.
"Thank you for trusting me. Im glad you told me and y'know its really cool! Now we can both gossip about boys as well and how hot they are", he grinned trying to lighten the mood with his comment.
Mike's wide smile dropped ever so slightly while responding "Yeah totally"
Which of course Will noticed a little confused but he didn't say anything since this had already been a lot.
"I think I'll try to sleep now. I'm really tired and all", he then said, his yawning following shortly he was really tired after all of this and emotionally exhausted.
"Oh yeah of course...uh sleep well", answered Mike and stood up slowly ready to leave to his hotel but Will catched his wrist in an attempt to stop him.
"Wait! Uh... could you maybe sleep here tonight? I..I dont wanna be alone right now", he admitted while gulping and looking up at Mike.
Hoping that he wouldn't catch on how desperate he sounded but right now he really needed him.
His last nights had been filled with nightmares and the thought alone of Mike next to him already filled him with warmth.
To his relief Mike agreed after a few seconds and climbed back next to him into his bed, making himself comfortable.
Still leaving Will space between them if he wanted it.
Maybe it was the fact that he was just so tired, but Will didn't even care about being subtle anymore.
He immediately shifted towards the other boy until his head laid comfortable on Mikes chest, his hands landing somewhere half around him sighing deeply.
"Missed this" he whispered and Mike who was still a bit frozen melted against him.
Pulled him impossibly closer wrapping his hands around his back and responded quietly "me too".
Will let out a tiny relieved and happy sigh, inhaling Mike's familiar smell drowning in the way their bodies were wrapped comfortably against each other.
He quickly felt his eyes growing tired and lulled by the warmth, Will fell asleep.
Swearing that he had felt Mike's Lips on his forehead shortly before drifting peacefully into a much needed sleep.
Mike was sure he was still dreaming when he woke up in the morning.
But the warmth of Will's body against his and his hair slightly tickling his chin made this all real.
He couldn't take his eyes off of Will peacefully sleeping, pulling his arms tighter around him and inhaling his smell.
Oh what he would give to kiss him right now and even though he tried not to, his gaze immediately fixated on those beautiful lips that looked ever so soft.
He swallowed hardly, his hand instinctively traveling up to his cheek, caressing it ever so slightly.
Will still seemed asleep peacefully and his brain effectively had stopped working over admiring the beauty of the boy in his arms.
Especially his long lashes and his cheeks that framed his lips perfectly.
Carefully but quick Mike adjusted his position, sliding a bit down so he could get an even better view of him and their faces now perfectly aligned.
The next thing he knew was that his brain must have short-circuited because his lips landed on Will's cheeks pressing a gentle kiss on them.
When he pulled back green hazel eyes met his, lips slightly parted and a slight blush appearing on Will, who had evidently not been asleep anymore since a bit.
"Uh..", Mike tried to form an explanation in his brain blushing hard, this wasn't supposed to go like that, he shouldn't have noticed, shit.
But Will started smiling, his eyes glowing with the same confidence that Mike had witnessed just yesterday.
Before he could even say anything, his best friend surged forward grabbing him slightly by the chin and placed a firm kiss on Mike's cheek.
That rendered him completely flustered, his heart feeling like it could fly out of his chest, there was no way this was real.
This couldnt be real and yet he still felt the lingering touch of his lips, when Will pulled back ever so slightly grinning and blushing.
Was it blushing?
No Mike must imagine it, he must have fallen in some alternative happy universe or something.
"Hm I see, to make you speechless I should just do this more", Will said and giggled, still hovering slightly over him, their bodies touching along the side.
Mike blinked at him rapidly, laughing nervously alongside him until he finally found his voice back.
Since this was all too real to be some made up universe, his brain finally caught up on the fact that Will had just kissed him back on his cheek.
He would rather die than let this newfound moment on the line between friendship and more pass.
His mouth again moved faster than his brain and he said
"Oh i see how it is. Maybe I should just kiss you then and make us both speechless"
Will froze and his mouth opened, looking for something in Mike's expressions his gaze nervously switching between his eyes and mouth, biting his lips slightly.
Mike didn't notice for once, since he closed his eyes throwing himself off somewhere internally.
He felt so stupid just saying stuff like this, his hands thrown into his hands to hide himself in.
"S..sorry I... Will can we just forget that I said that?", mumbled Mike his hands falling defeated to his sides and still avoiding too look up.
He had pushed it definitely too far and now his best friend hated him he was sure.
Or would just let him down easy since Will was still silently sitting on his knees in front of him.
"What if i dont want to forget?", Mike's eyes flew directly to Will's who now had a serious expression on his face.