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While Vecna was still a looming threat on the horizon, the party deserved a break. After weeks of hard work: tracking upside down creatures, following Hopper on crawls, and watching El kill demos, the adults agreed that they needed a breather. El had been harder to convince; post break-up with Mike, she’d put all her effort into defeating Henry. She’d only gone along when all of her friends dragged her along.
And so the party: Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, El, and the newly awoken Max, had made their way down to Lover’s Lake. The military had covered the gate with metal plates, and that was more than enough protection for the party. Dustin and Mike wasted no time, immediately jumping in the water, while Max, El, and Lucas stayed on the lake side. Right, might not have been a good idea to bring the newly blinded girl to a large body of water. Oh well, she was here now no need to make a big deal out of it.
“Will, are you coming?” Dustin asked.
Mike laughed. Things had been really awkward between them since California. Will had hoped post break-up, he and Mike would have gone back to normal. Alas, it seemed their friendship was doomed from the start. Will had made his piece with it. They could never go back to the way they were before girls, just two best friends against the world, because Mike would always want more. He would always want a girlfriend, while Will would only want him. A self sabotaging friendship.
This thought process always made him feel bad for El. It wasn’t her fault she just so happened to be the first girl Mike noticed, she surely wouldn’t be the last. She wasn’t the cause of their problems between them, those problems would always exist.
Splash!
Water hit his face and dripped down his cheek. Will had been standing here for a long time, just staring at his friends. He hoped he hadn’t come off as too creepy. He felt Lucas’s hand on his back, “Come on! We came here to have fun!”
While in his daze, El and Max had made their way to a shallow section, while the rest of the party was nearby. Quickly he and Lucas made their way to them.
For the next half an hour, the party had fun, playing water games. Max’s lack of sight made her incredibly good at Marco Polo, and Will found himself drifting back into the background. Just where he wanted to be. Surrounded by his friends, while not under scrutiny. It was fun to finally just be in the momen-
Will’s vision shifted and the once warm blue sky turned cold and grey. His friends were gone, leaving no remnant nor ripple in the water. The trees had a sludgey slime on the bark. Quickly Will looked around. Something was here, he knew it.
To his left, there was a shift in movement. A figure, muscular and metallic, leaped into the lake. Will felt fear. Was this creature under the water? Was it waiting to pull him under the water? Now wasn’t the time for fear. He swam forward and looked down under the murky depths. Nothing.
Suddenly, as if nothing had happened, the sky turned blue once more. The water was clear again, and he could hear his friends' voices again, be them distant. They sounded agitated? He felt securely in someone’s hold. Oh no, did Jonathon have to come save him? That would have ruined the mood on the party's only “beach day”. His eyes focused, trying their best to observe this world once more. Only to find himself face to face with Mike.
Mike was turned away from him. Was Mike holding him? He must have really scared the party. Will felt himself attempting to scramble out of his hold, but it was secure. The pathetic part of Will wanted to stay, but he knew that would be selfish.
“It is alright, my cleric,” Mike ran his hand through Will’s hair, “You are safe now.”
Will felt a blush creep onto his face. What the hell had happened, that could have made Mike say that? The same Mike that couldn’t hug him in California? Less, and less of this was making sense.
Mike’s hair was longer than he remembered, falling a couple of inches longer than it was in California. But hadn’t he gotten a haircut after spring break? His face was different, a dark scar covered his lower left cheek. That wasn’t on Mike’s face, Will had spent enough time looking at, imagining, and drawing it. That was not there before. Additionally, Mike was in some sort of metal armor. It dawned a red heart on his chest. If Will hadn’t known any better, he’d assume this was Mike the Brave.
Mike was holding Will, in only one arm. But that couldn’t be correct, they were in the shallow part of the water, so Will was being held above water level. Mike wasn’t strong enough to carry another teenage boy like that. In his other hand he held a sword, pointed at the rest of the party. Was that thing real? Will turned toward his friends.
Lucas stood in front of Max, but she was still poking her head out from behind his shoulder. Dustin stood to his right, one of his hands up, he was clearly trying to talk to Mike. With Dustin’s other hand, he was trying to pull El behind him. El was not having it, clearly readying herself for a fight. To Lucas right stood-
Another Mike? This other Mike, had a red scratch across his nose and cheek, clearly starting to bleed. Had he been hit with the sword? Will felt himself squirm again, and felt the voices focus in.
The Mike holding him, the wannabe ‘Mike the Brave’, turned his attention back toward Will, “My Lord, have you come to harm, at the hands of our false allies?”
The other Mike, sword still pointed at him, shouted, “You slashed me with a sword. You slashed me with a real sword!”
“Mike,” Will let out a call. The Mike held at sword point turned to him, pulled out of his trance after being hit with a real actual sword. ‘Mike the Brave’ turned to him as well, a blush covering his cheeks. Will continued, “They haven’t hurt me. I think this is all a misunderstanding. Can you put me down?”
Relief covered the parties' faces, while ‘Mike the Brave’ slowly lowered him to the ground. A grim expression filled his face and his sword still pointed at his friends, “My cleric, you have fallen under an illusion. Somewhere lies a mage forcing these visages to wear our confidants’ faces.”
Dustin, now the only barrier between El killing the fake Mike, stood tall, “The only faces we’re wearing are our own. You’re Mike, right? Then you know you really don’t want to fight her, so you should really let our friend go.”
A flicker of understanding flashed in ‘Mike the Brave’s eyes. Will took a step, bringing him closer to his friends, but still within ‘Mike the Brave’s armreach, “I promise they won’t hurt you. How about you put the sword down, and tell us how you got here. We’re all just a little confused.”
‘Mike the Brave’ locked eyes with him, and lowered his sword, “I am at your command.”
Lucas and Max were already running back to the car for the first aid kit. Will ran over to Mike, eyeing the wound on his face, “Are you okay? Does it hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Mike started, but the water in his eyes betrayed him. He let out a wince as Will’s hand touched his cheek, “Of course it fucking hurts, he slashed me with a real sword.” Once the first aid kit made its way to them, he quickly bandaged it up. Luckily with all the chaos happening around them, it made it easy for Will to focus on the task at hand, not the butterflies in his stomach.
All the while, ‘Mike the Brave’ stood at attention, staring down Mike. Next to the pair stood El, who was also staring down the man in turn. At least if all hell breaks loose, they have mutually assured destruction on their side.
“So what’s your deal? Why do you look like Mike? Are you Mike?” Dustin asked.
Will placed himself between the two Mikes, as the armored Mike started his story. “It is Sir Michael Wheeler, paladin of Hawkins, to you. My party includes her Highness Jane, Sir Lucas our ranger, Dame Maxine our zoomer, Goodman Dustin our bard, and Lord William our cleric. Together we have faced evils far greater than this curse.”
Dustin’s face lit up, “Holy mother of- Do you think this guy’s serious?” He turned to the rest of the party, “Have you ever heard of the many worlds theory?”
Lucas rolled his eyes, “Yes, we’ve all picked up a comic before.”
El looked lost in thought, “Dustin, explain.”
Dustin was more than happy to continue, “This guy is Mike from another universe.”
Mike’s face contorted in frustration, “What, you just believe this guy is me? We are nothing alike.”
Lucas gave him a look of disbelief. Max turned her head, “You guys literally have the same voice.”
El shrugged, “I’ve opened a portal to another dimension, I can’t see why this is unbelievable.”
Another Mike? Will had complex feelings, but he pushed them aside, “Sir Michael Wheeler, paladin of Hawkins, is it alright if we just call you Michael or Sir Michael, the full title seems like a lot.”
Just as all the other times Michael looked at him, it seemed as though Michael was only focused on him. As if they were the only two people in the universe, “You may refer to me however you wish, my Lord.”
Will felt his face redden. Mike put a hand on his shoulder and glared at the imposter. Michael kept his gaze, “Does this mean you are not my William?”
Michael reached out his hands cupping his cheeks, staring deep into his eyes. Will desperately wanted to break eye contact, but he knew he couldn’t. There was not a Mike in the universe he could deny, “I’m sorry. My Mike’s over there.”
It looked as if all the joy in Michael’s face drained, but his hands remained in place. His eyes seemed to gleam, as if they were starting to become damp. Will covered his hands with his own, “I promise we will get you back to your party. How did you get here?”
Pulled from his daze, Michael shook his head, “I was traveling the wilds, searching for hoards of demobeasts, then I identified a flock making their way northward. To remain undetected, I submerged myself into the Loch, and found myself in this realm.”
“Watergate!” Dustin exclaimed, pulling Will from their solitary conversation. Mike was still glaring at the doppelganger, but while in his trance, it had turned from an obvious glare, to one only the closest of his friends could discern.
“What about the rest of your party?” Lucas asked.
Michael’s face turned grim, “My party did not accompany me on this quest.” The man caressed Will’s cheek then returned his hands to his sides, “Dame Maxine has been placed under a hex, by the Undying Lord. Our ploy involved a group schism into 3 clusters. The first would transverse the plan to find the herb to free her. The second would send word to our allies across the kingdoms.”
Michael’s face fell to the ground, “The final would divert the Arch Lich’s attention.” He started to play with his fingers, the same way Mike did when he was anxious, “My beloved, created an all too competent diversion.”
Oh no. Will turned to El, and her expression soured at the new information. Even if she personally wasn’t captured by Vecna, her counterpart in danger would surely hurt her.
Michael, now looking determined, looked back to him, “Now my quest has been polymorphed to rescue my love.”
Poor Michael, he couldn’t even look El in the face. With every mention of her, he felt his heart splinter further. Not only from the mention of his sister in danger. No, the selfish part of him still wished a Mike was talking about him. Will tried his best to push those thoughts aside, “We will get you home, before your love is in any real danger.”
Michael looked better, but he still looked conflicted. Will hardened his expression to determination, “If your beloved is anything like their counterpart, they are strong.” Will thought back to his speech in the van. Last time he guessed at El’s feelings he was right, even if they broke up afterward; Mike had never questioned him about the painting afterwards. Thus he’d probably be right doing it again. Anyone in love with any Mike would feel this, including this ‘Lady Jane’, “They will still need you, but they will be able to hold off until then. I promise, it will all be alright.”
Michael’s eyes teared up at that, and he pulled Will close. Despite being far taller than Will, Micheal pulled his head down, tucking it into his neck. Will felt a blush on his face, but he didn’t force it down; really anyone would be a little red in the face after a guy like him hugged them. It was so warm and nice, and he didn’t know if he would ever willingly leave.
Will didn’t want to look away, not just because it was nice to be cuddled up like this, but also because he couldn’t meet Mike’s eyes. Would he be mad? Confused? Hurt that Will would use an alternate version of himself like this? He couldn’t bear the thought, so out of sight, out of mind.
What Will didn’t know is the longer the conversation between them went on, the more hurt Mike felt. He wasn’t sure what caused Will to lie like this, but he was up to 2 lies to a Mike. He knew Will hadn’t done much wrong in his life, far less than the rest of the party. But still, Mike couldn’t help but feel betrayed. Will never lied to him, except now when he did twice. He knew it wasn’t out of malice or want. Will would never lie to him over something so petty. No, Will would lie to him out of pity. Because that’s what Mike was to him, a pitiful person.
That was why Mike could never tell him his secret, if Will knew the true reason he and El broke up, of course he wouldn’t be angry. That’s not the type of person Will was. Instead, he’d pity Mike. And deep down, he’d feel uncomfortable and unsafe. But he’d ignore those feelings based on pity. And so, Will could never know, no matter how much Mike had to avoid him.
—
The party had all agreed, they had to first rule out the Watergate. So the party ventured back to the lake. Michael swam forward, and dragged his body back down to the depths. But the bottom of the lake was still covered in metal sheets. After a number of attempts of kicking, pulling, and slashing the metal, it seemed there was no way through the ‘Watergate’.
Even if it was the way Michael got here, which was looking more and more unlikely by the second, there was no way for him to get home like this. Dejectedly, he allowed himself to escape the water.
“We have to tell the others,” Lucas said, “there is no way we're getting him back on our own.”
Max groaned, “El’s never gonna get let out again.”
Michael clinged onto Will’s arm. He was a lot like little Mike, unaware of personal space. Luckily, Will had missed that.
Michael looked up, “Dusk is close to arrival. Let us set camp for the night, and continue in daylight.”
Will opened his mouth, “No way, El’s gotta get home for the night before curfew or she’ll never be allowed out again.”
Mike, again looked annoyed with Michael, “I really don’t want to explain this guy to Hopper.”
Max caught a grin on her face, “Do you think we could sneak him into Mike’s house?”
Mike’s face turned red and steam exited his ears, “No way is this guy staying in my house. What do you want me to do, show my mom a second Mike? No way.”
Lucas laughed and turned to Max, as if they were alone in some inside joke, “Okay, I guess Will and Michael will just have to camp out here.”
This did not help Mike, “What- No! Why does Will have to stay with him?”
“Are you offering to stay with him instead?”
Lucas’s question was met with silence.
—
There weren’t enough seats in Steve’s car, even before so some people had to double up. The front seat was saved for El, Mike had praised Dustin for his chivalry, and the rest of them had to pile in the back. It was easy for Lucas and Max to share a spot, everyone expected that. But, for lack of space, Will and Michael had been forced to share, much to Mike’s dismay.
It was fairly easy to sneak Mike through town, when he was shoved in the back of Steve’s car. While Dustin wasn’t the best driver, he was the only one Steve trusted to drive her. Pretty quickly the trio was dropped off.
But even exiting the vehicle Michael would not stop touching Will. He always had a hand on his arm, a knee brushing his, or his hand on his. This seemed to ground Michael, so even if it didn’t mean the same thing, Will allowed it. Besides, if this was his only chance to touch a Mike, he had to take it. That didn’t stop Mike from glaring. Will felt bad, using Mike like this, but Michael needed help. He could always apologize to Mike later.
Now standing outside the Wheeler home, stood Mike, Will, and Micheal. Will started to lead Michael to the backdoor as he turned back to Mike, “Should I take him up to your room or the basement?”
“Do you want me to stay out here?” He almost sounded offended.
“No Mike, I want you to come with, and your mom to see 2 Mikes.”
Mike scowled, “Fine, but I’ll only wait a couple minutes. My room. And you,” He turned his attention to Michael, “don’t get any ideas. If you, so much as touch him.”
Michael was already holding his arm, the irony was not lost on Will.
Michael simply chuckled, “He is a William. No Michael could ever let harm come to a William.”
Mike’s face went white, and Will’s turned crimson. If he was this poetic to him, how would it feel to be Michael’s love? Will could only imagine the sonnets and tales he would spin for her. Maybe, if Dustin’s theory holds, there was a universe where Mike loved him back. Will didn’t hold out much hope.
Slowly he led him in the back door, trying his best to be quiet.
“Hi kids, I’m making lasagna for dinner. It should be ready in a few-”
Damn it. Karen Wheeler was standing in the kitchen frozen looking straight at them. Michael was no help, he was frozen looking deeply uncomfortable.
“Nice costume. Is that for one of your little games?” Karen seeming out of her element, but trying her best to be supportive.
“Yes! Now if you excuse us, Mother, Me and William will be retiring to the bedchambers,” Michael grabbed his hand, clearly wanting to move forward, but not knowing the way.
“Sorry, he’s getting really into character. Thank you for making dinner Mrs. Wheeler, but I think we might be a little busy.” Will dragged the two of them forward speed walking away. Thank God, Mrs. Wheeler already thought they were major weirdos, or else that would have gone horribly.
They managed to avoid anyone else on their journey up, quickly making their way in, Will leaning against the door once they got in. And they both let out a breath of relief.
Michael stood about halfway in at attention. First he checked the windows. Will couldn’t help but stare. The man meticulously checked the window, looking for any sign of another person being here. Next he turned his attention to each corner of the room. Only once there were no potential threats, he turned his attention back to Will.
Micheal pulled Will forward, and Will landed on Mike’s chest. He tried his best not to blush. “My cleric, I favor you beyond the outdoor’s ken.”
Michael cocked his head to the side, “William, are you alright? I am well acquainted with my William’s signs of uneasiness, and you are conveying the lot.” His hand brushed Will cheek, and Will felt his face burn. Hopefully, this version of Mike was even more oblivious than he was.
Michael picked up his hand and brushed a kiss against a knuckle. Will gasped, but he couldn’t pull away. His selfish heart would not allow for it. “As a wise man once told me, ‘It is far simpler to share one's thoughts, rather than curse oneself with them.’” He kissed another knuckle, “Please inform me of your woes, I will happily shoulder the burden.” He moved his mouth to kiss the skin just above the space between his pinky and ring finger knuckle, “Please allow me into the crypt that is your mind.”
Then he set the hand down, and moved closer to Will. Will had imagined his first kiss hundreds of times before. Often with Mike. Sometimes it was after a particularly heated fight, others it was after a love confession on either of their parts, and in so many other scenarios. But never once did he imagine it would be with an alternate universe version of Mike, from a dnd universe. A couple of times he was ‘Will the Wise’ kissing ‘Mike the Brave’, but that was different. Even in his wildest fantasies, Will remained grounded. Mike, or even the occasional random man, never loved him this much. So maybe that’s why Will didn’t think better of it, and pull himself away.
Michael’s face came close to him. Their foreheads touched, and Will could feel his breath on his lips. They were only a few inches away, it would be so easy to just kiss him. If Will were a weaker man, he would have done so already, but Will couldn’t. Obviously in Michael’s realm, this was just a gesture between two close friends. It was wrong of him to take advantage, with his feelings, but Will couldn’t pull himself away.
“William, do you require another kiss to reply?” Will felt his eyes shut and his lips pucker. Michael cupped his face, and pulled himself forward, just centimeters from his face.
“Hey guys, do you know why my mo-”
Mike slammed the door shut behind him, mouth open and face white. Almost pulled from a trance, Will pulled himself from Michael and stepped to the other side of the room. Now white in the face, Will looked to Mike, eyes wide in shock. Michael too was frozen in place, but was the first to pull himself from the shock.
Michael steeled himself and turned toward Mike. He lowered himself to a bow, “My humblest apologies if I have harmed your courtship. I feel the burden of being long without my William. My heart aches for him in and out. Day and night. Moonrise and sunfall. Our souls yearn to be one, between and throughout the universes. The thought of another Michael escaped my mind. I shall bear whichever cross you deem me fit for.”
Will felt his face turn red again, “Courtship?” He’s never been outed by an alternate universe version of his best friend, but he’s found the experience to be overall unpleasant.
Mike seemed to not be faring well either. His face was also blushed red as he stammered out, “You- Him- You guys just-”
Michael’s head bowed lower, “Do not blasphemize William for my actions. I initiated all contact.”
This seemed to pull Mike from his daze, “You were just going to kiss him? You can’t just kiss people because you're an awesome paladin. You can’t just go around kissing him, that’s creepy.”
Will felt a way of paranoia hit him. Mike thinks this guy is creepy for wanting to kiss another dude. If he couldn’t accept a version of himself, how could he accept his friend? Especially if the guy he wanted to kiss was Mike. Will could feel himself spiralling.
“Again, my humblest apologies.”
“Don’t apologize to me, apologize to him. I don’t own him. We’re not even like that.”
There was an emotion in there. One Will could not gleam. Was it hatred? Disgust?
Michael turned back toward Will, he reached a hand out as if to touch his leg, but recoiled back before it reached him, “William, my belov-” Mike’s glare was reaching new highs. “My lord, I have brought you woe. Pray accept my humblest apology.”
What was Will supposed to do? He was left with an unfair decision: out himself to his obviously homophobic friend, or let Mike think there’s a version of himself that would kiss him without asking? Obviously Will had said yes through body language and not moving away, but Michael hadn’t brought that up.
Will had only told Mike one lie in his life, and it would surely be revealed if he outed himself. But, he couldn’t do it again. Will shut his eyes, feeling them well up with tears. At least he’d still have a few months left with Mike, he couldn’t see him letting the world end over this. Still he would probably have to move in with his sister. Which means explaining all of this… Lucas would probably let him stay with him. Probably.
“Michael, stand up. It’s not a big deal. If I didn’t want it I would’ve stepped away.” Will felt his cheeks blush. Michael stood up and smiled. Will smiled back, “Still, it's probably a good thing we didn’t, your Will would not be too happy with me.”
Michael shrugged, “You share one soul, do you not?”
Will felt himself blush, as he turned back to Mike. His face was frozen in shock. “I’m sorry Mike, this must be really weird for you.”
Mike turned back to him, face still white, “I think my mom’s calling me for dinner. I gotta go!” And he dashed out the door.
Will looked down in embarrassment. Michael turned to him, “I heard not a sound?” Will let out a giggle.
Michael looked back at him and took his hand in his, “It didn’t occur to me that there was a universe where we weren’t in love.” His expression was bittersweet.
Will’s eyes started to tear up, and he felt himself wipe the sides, “I don’t think there is one, where I don’t love you.”
The tears started to fall and Michael held him close. He whispered sweet words and rubbed his back and hands. “Let it all out, my love.”
—
Mike didn’t return for a number of hours. By the time he was back in his room Will had been lulled to sleep, and was lying resting his head on Michael’s shoulder and body on his torso. Michael hadn’t even taken the time to remove his armor.
Noticing Mike’s appearance, Michael put a finger to his mouth mimicking a shhh. Slowly he lowered Will into the bed, pulled the covers over him and placed a kiss on his forehead.
Quietly, he strolled to the other side of the room, taking his armor off piece by piece. In a hushed whisper, Michael spoke, “Do you intend to stare for a fortnight, or do you wish to ask your questions?”
“So you and your Will…”
“We are betrothed. Of one heart. Of one soul.”
Mike scowled, “So that means you and my Will…”
“I love him with all my heart. I would cross mountains to see his smile. But, William was correct. He is not my William. They are reflections, echos, of each other, yet they are not one in the same.”
“So you’re going to break his heart?”
“Of course not. William loves me, but that love is an echo of another.”
The two sat there in silence for a while. After about 10 minutes passed, the only sound to be heard was Will’s occasional snore, Mike turned back to him, “So can I try out your sword?”
—
Quickly dawn arrived. The three woke up to a loud knock at the door. Suddenly the door slammed open, revealing Dustin, “Come on, guys! El found your way back home!”
Soon after Mike, Michael, and Will piled into Steve’s car, this time driven by Steve, with Dustin in the front seat. The car made their way to Hopper’s cabin, and quickly made their way to El’s ‘bath’.
Dustin was walking and talking, “Me and El stayed up all last night, and we found out she could see into a couple parallel universes! Anyways we went searching around, and you said your Will was taken by ‘the Undying Lord’ right?”
Michael’s expression hardened at the mention of him, “Yes.”
Dustin let out a smile, “Well we found a universe, missing a Mike where Will was captured by him. That has to be yours. We can’t choose where we send you back, but we can tell you what we’ve found out.”
Michael’s face lit up.
“Your Will is just north of a place called Candlekeep.”
Michael felt tears in the corners of his eyes, “Candlekeep, just a few days' journey from where I was.”
“There is some bad news too. It seems like your Will has been possessed.”
Michael gasped, “Possessed? By the Gods…”
Will reached out to touch his arm, “If your possession is anything like ours, try and heat him up. If the host sucks, then the possessor wants to leave too.”
Michael smiled.
Mike turned to him too, “Just try and be there for your Will after it. Try to treat him normally. He likes that.”
Will blushed. Michael smiled again, “Goodbye my comrades, if the fates allow we shall meet again.”
And with that, El got to work. Pretty quickly Michael was gone, off to save his William.
—
Once all the commotion was over, Mike pulled Will aside. Oh no, here it was, the moment he’d been dreading. “Can I talk to you alone for a second?”
In the chaos, no one had noticed the two sneak off to the outskirts of the forest. Standing at the forest’s edge, Mike looked him in the eye. He took a small gasp, steadied himself and then asked the question, “Will, El didn’t commission the painting did she?”
Will broke eye contact, and turned his attention to the ground, “No, she didn’t. But, everything else was true. You make me feel like I'm not a mistake. You make me feel better for being different. And if I'm going to lose you, I'd rather just get it over with quick. Like ripping off a Band-Aid.”
Mike was quiet, almost in compilation.
Will steeled his nerve, and turned up to Mike. Somewhere in the speech, Mike had turned to the ground. Will continued, “I need you, and I always will.”
“Me right?” Mike turned back up to look Will in the eye, “Not some cooler version of me, just me me.”
Will smiled, “Michael was awesome, just like Mike the Brave, but he wasn’t you.”
Mike smiled, a genuine smile, and his lips met Will’s. Even with such a small kiss, the two fell apart, breathless.
Mike put his forehead against Will’s, “It’s always been you. Even when it wasn't, it was about you.”