Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Fuck..” Will lets a whimper slip through his lips.

Mike looks up with yearning eyes, wipes his mouth, and finally gets off the dirty bathroom floor.

Will immediately tries to unlock the bathroom door, but is stopped merely by a hand.

“When will I see you again?” Mike says in a hushed voice.

Will grabs Mike's face. “You will see me when you see me. You know this.” Will tries to comfort, pressing a kiss to Mike's temple, but Mike is tired of this charade.

It had been 10 years of this quiet charade. Ten years of Will and Mike living lies.

“I don't think I can do this much longer. My parents are bugging me about a wife. And I just don't feel right keeping this on.” Mike whispers. Every word getting caught in his throat.

Will pats Mike's face and says, “Well, if that's what you need, then let's break this off.”

It floats off Will's tongue so casually you could barely hear the way Will was practically begging in his head for this not to be real.

“Nothing else? You don't have anything else to say?” Mike's voice finally finding momentum

“What do you want me to say?” the brunette practically laughs in his face.

“That these ten years meant anything to you!” Mike screams, suddenly losing all anxiousness that ever caused him to pitch down.

“Of course, they meant something to me! You think I'd waste ten years on nothing?” Will screams back.

“So it was a waste to you?” Mike says, finally, back to square one. Quiet and defeated.

“That's not what I said- Christ, I can never say the right thing to you. Maybe it's best if we finally cut this off. I'm done having you hang it over my head.” Will pinches his temple, trying his best not to crumble and show Mike he is the same person he fell into bed with ten years ago. Still that fragile 18-year-old.

Without any more screaming, Will unlocks the door and disappears from Mike's sight.

Mike walks back to their table and sees a 100 bill and no sight of Will.

He really fucked up this time. He knows that. That was the one rule of all this. Never think deeper. Surface level is what kept this charade going.

Mike drives home in silence, going in and out of dissociation.

He remembers that night 10 years ago like the back of his hand. Graduation night. After the DnD game. Mike sat in his room, missing El, mourning who he used to be. When he felt Will's light knock on the door.

Silence. Will takes that and lets himself in.

“So, this will probably be the last night we see each other.” Will cautiously says, trying to test the waters.

“Yeah.”

“Just wanted to check on you.” Will retreats.

“Sit,” Mike says, sensing there is more to this.

“I'm sorry about El. She was amazing.”

“She was,” Mike states.

He can’t help but think, why didn't he say I love you back to her that night? The last night they ever saw each other again. Why does it pain him to say that simple sentence?

“Why have you been acting differently?” Mike casually adds.

“What- I'm pretty sure everyone's been acting different.”

“I didn't ask about them. I asked about you, will.” Mike says faster than he meant to.

“In what way?”

“I don't know.”

“Well, then I don't know what to say.” Will mummers.

“Who was he?” Mike confronts.

“Who was who?” Will asks, shocked by the sudden note change.

“The guy who unlocked such a vast understanding of yourself?” Mike eagerly searching for words to not make this sound like some jealous, hate speech.

“Vast understanding-? Mike spit it out. What are you trying to say?” Will stares at the empty air as if it's gonna help him understand the words that just spilled out of Mike's mouth.

“Who is the boy? The ‘Tammy’. Who is Tammy?” Mike stutters.

“That really doesn't matter. How did we get on this topic? Why are you asking this?” Will chokes on his words.

“Friends don't lie, Will,” Mike says, desperately looking for a hint in Will's eyes. “Spit it out.” He mocks.

Will laughs in Mike's face.

“God, when was the last time I heard that? Maybe 2-3 years ago-” Will laughs harder.

“Spit. It. Out,” Mike screams.

It goes silent. The air feels toxic.

“You,” Will whispers. “It was you, but that doesn't change anything between us. As I said, it was a part of my life that is only a memory now.” Will rushes his words.

“Oh.” Mike solemnly spoke.

Silence fills the air once again.

Pure eye contact with the occasional lip glances. Mike pecks Will, quickly pulling back. Will stays frozen. The raven-haired boy grips the brunette's sweater and kisses him.

His kisses deepened as the seconds moved on. He licks Will's bottom lip to gain the access he was craving. Will clumsily tries to take the lead. Mike tugs his head, eliciting a moan that only makes the kiss more powerful.

Mike tugs on Will's sweater until he finally takes it off, breaking their kiss.

Mike kisses Will's neck, lower and lower he goes. He hears a new moan with every kiss.

Will's pants are on the ground, and all he can think about is how Mike is staring at him as if he's an abstract painting. All he thinks about is the fact that he is semi-nude, while Mike just stares.

He feels stupid. God, what is he doing? What was Mike's plan?

Mike bites Will's inner thigh. Eliciting the most beautiful sound Mike has ever heard from Will.

Mike sucks, eager for more sounds. Eager for Will to praise him with those beautiful noises.

Abruptly, Mike stops. He gets up and sits at his desk.

“Meet me at Enzos on our Thanksgiving break,” He says so formally as if this were some business transaction.

“But, that's months away?” Will thinks out loud.

“I’ll make up for it,” Mike speaks, eyes not wavering from a paper on his desk. It almost looks like a photograph.

“Okay.” Will whispers as he makes his way to the door.

Mike’s hands grip the wheel harder. He swerves into the right lane. The same route to Will's hotel room. He's pathetic, but he knows what he needs.

Will splashes his face in water; he can't cry. He knew this. He knew Mike didn't love him. He remembers the aftermath of what started this.

He glances back to see that the paper was a photo of El. Mike's true love.

Stupid. Will is Stupid.

He finds himself staring at the light marks left on his body by someone who doesn't love him.

It felt so good, though.

He couldn't stop thinking about how Mike's mouth glided over his body.

Sure, Mike was probably thinking of El, but Will could see himself liking this.

Will stares at the mirror before hearing light knocks on his door, which turned to banging before Will fully made it to the entrance.
He opens the door to be met by Mike Wheeler's lips. The door slams shut as Mike pushes Will against a wall.

No questions asked.

Mike kisses down Will's body, undoing his belt. Desperately sliding his underwear down.

“Mike” Will moans.

Mike lets lust overcome his self-respect.

Mike and Will lay on the hotel bed, boneless, sweaty, and desperately confused.

They lay on opposite sides as if Mike wasn't just moaning Will's name, as if Will wasn't just tugging those black curls.

Right as Mike is about to break the silence, Will takes the chance.

“This is the last time.” He mutters, sliding up to light his cigarette

“What?” Mike says, trying to keep his composure.

Will sticks a cig in Mike's mouth and lights it.

“Why?” Mike continues with a puff of smoke.

“As you said, it's gone too far.”

Will tries to be brave. He tries so hard to act like he doesn't care. Like he wouldn't get on his knees and beg to suck Mike's cock any day of the week.

“We need to move on. Get wives, have a few kids, and carry on with life. We have to let go of these childish behaviors.” Will says as he puts out his cig.

“No! We can't, Will. I didn't mean it. Just don't change this. It's been going so well, I never should've said anything!” Mike panics, quickly putting his cig out and rushing to Will's side.

Mike's lips find Will’s. He tugs his hair the same way he did that one night ten years ago. He kisses, admittedly sloppy but desperate for him to change his mind. Desperate for Will to show any emotion toward him. He forces his way on Will's lap, His obvious erection pressing into Will's stomach.

“Baby. We can't." Will moans into Mike's mouth. Not putting any effort into stopping anything.

Mike knows no other way to resolve this besides giving Will the only thing Mike thinks is of value to him. His body.

Mike shoves Will’s thumb in his mouth. Mike eagerly sucking it, trying to show Will he still wants this, he needs this.

“Michael, you don't have to offer your body for me to like you; you know I like you. That's not the issue right now.” Will sighs.

Mike has never felt so see-through, never so validated, yet unbelievable let down

“Like?” Mike whispers.

“Yes, like. That thing friends have towards each other." Will slightly chuckles.

“Friends.” Mike sternly says. Utter bullshit, and he's sure Will knows that too.

Will stays silent. If he speaks, he knows he will beg for Mike. He's not sure what he would beg for; he just knows he would beg.

“Then what's the issue?”

“You simply cannot take it anymore. I care about you, baby. I don't need this to take a toll on you anymore. You're obviously not doing well-”

Will gets cut off by Mike’s Nokia going off.

“Hello?” Mike speaks. His voice shaky, hoping they don't notice.

“Michael, I know you've been getting our calls. You're making your mother sad. You're coming to dinner tonight. I'm not playing.” Mike hears his father, Ted Wheeler, screaming at him. He pinches his temple trying to think of any idea how to get out of this.

“I can leave-” Will tries to whisper.

“Is that Will?” Mike's mother, now on the phone, “Will? Is that you?”

“Yes, Mrs Wheeler, it's me.” Will's tune takes a 180.

“Oh my goodness, I haven't heard from you in a while! Honey, you have to come over! We're having a big dinner tonight. Holly's stopping by from college. Nancy is coming by for the night. She would love to see you. We will see you soon!”

Before anyone could say anything, Mrs. Wheeler hung up, and now they have a date at the Wheelers' house.

“God, I'm sorry for that,” Mike mumbles as Will gets up and starts buttoning his shirt.

“Do you want to take separate cars or do you want me to drive?” Will asks if this is the most normal thing that has happened today.

“You drive.”

Chapter Text

They pull into the Wheelers' driveway, unsure of what they were really doing.

“Are you ready?” Mike turns to Will.

“Im so ready.” Will laughs.

The door flings open, Holly's face brightens.

“There you are, old man!” Holly shouts, throwing her arms around Mike.

“I missed you, heroic.” Mike laughs, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Hi Will, I haven't seen you in so long,” Holly says, unsure of what to say. She leans in close. “You may want to cover your neck before our mom starts asking about your girl toy.” Holly chuckles.

Will flushes as he starts playing with his collar. Holly gleefully walks away, not knowing that those simple words forced Will to think of Mike and his encounters that led to this moment.

All he could think about was Mike in his bed. The way he moaned his name, the way his hands knew his body so well.

Will immediately sits down at the table, hoping nobody can read his thoughts.

“Will! It's so nice to see you! Are you seeing anyone?” Mrs. Wheeler immediately jumps into her questions.

“Mom!” all the Wheeler children shout.

All of them know he's gay. He practically shouted it from the rooftop when he was younger. But as the years went on, he reverted back to that closet. He doesn't know why; he doesn't know who did this to him. He just knows his feelings aren't normal and they never will be.

“A few girls here and there.” Will smiles

“Such a ladies' man.” Mrs Wheeler laughs.

“Such the polar opposite of Mike. I don't know how y'all have stayed so close.” Mr.Wheeler adds in a snarky tone.

“Ted!” Mrs. Wheeler groans. “Can you not today!”

“I'm not allowed to talk to my own son in my own house?” Ted emphasizes.

Karen ignores him. “You need to teach Mike your ways. He’s been hung up on the same girl for a century.” She laughs as she sips her second glass of wine.

“Decade. It's been a decade.” Mike corrects as if it's any better.

Will's eyebrow quirks. “Wow, how did I go this long without hearing about this girl?”

Mike's face flushes.

“What's her name? God, it's on the tip of my tongue.” Karen stares at the ceiling, tapping her index finger to her chin.

“It doesn't really matter-” “Willow!’ Karen shouts as if she cracked the code.

“Willow?” Will whispers back to himself.

God, either there really is a Willow out there, and Mike's been heavily cheating on her. Or Will had Mike under his spell so desperately that Mike told a genderbent version of him to his family.

He believes the first one because the more he thinks of the second version, the more he thinks about how he can’t have what he wants in the light. He shoves himself farther in that mental closet. He will never have Mike the way he wants. It will never happen.

Mike chugs his wine while zoning out.

“I don't think I've heard of this ‘Willow.’” Will fakes a chuckle.

“You don't have to.” Mike sharply says, crushing Will’s dream of Willow being him.

The conversation hinders for a little while before Nancy sharply picks it back up, talking about her new job as a reporter. She looks at Mike as if she saved him. God, if only she could've done that sooner.

As everyone leaves the table,

“It’s pretty late, you know, you and Will can stay the night,” Karen whispers as she grazes Mike’s arm. She flashes a concerned smile.

He just stares. Maybe those glasses of wine actually did do something to him.

“Thank you for the offer, Mrs. Wheeler.” Will cuts in, tugging Mike up from the, now vacant, table.

Will walks Mike to his old room.

His room looked frozen in time. Still 18.

“Whoa,” Will whispers.

“I know. Crazy how they didn't change anything. Maybe they didn't want to think about their disappointing son. Knowing some day I'll move right back here.” Mike laughs.

“I doubt they thought that.”

“How do you know? With your happy family, good work life, obviously good sex life.” Mike mocks.

“Oh my god, what is your deal?” Will whisper shouts.

“My deal? You come into my house and talk about all your ‘lovers’.” Mike shouts back, swinging his arms dramatically.

“Be quiet!” Will grabs Mike's mouth. Knowing Holly is in the room over.

“Who are they?” Mike accuses.

“Who’s Willow?” Will rebuttals.

“God, does it matter?”

“If my girls matter, your girl matters too.”

Silence ensues. Eyes darting from mouth to eyes.

Mike closes the space by grabbing Will's neck and pulling him straight to his lips. Sloppily slipping his tongue in.

“Bab-Mike. No. You’re wasted.” Will says, putting space between them.

“I'm just tipsy. We’ve done worse while drunk.” Mike pleaded, with a wink, or what's supposed to be a wink but turns out to be a slow blink.

“When we were drunk. We. This is wrong.” The brunette backs into a door.

“You know I would want this if I were sober. You know I only want you when I'm sober.” Mike replied, closing the distance once again.

“You don’t know what you’re saying,” Will exclaimed, looking anywhere but at Mike. He knows he would fold immediately if he saw Mike's eyes.

“Don't act dumb, you know I-”

“Don’t say something you’ll regret. At least not here.” Will covers Mike's mouth, opening the door behind him and rushing out of the room.

Mike follows like a lost dog.

Will drives them back to his hotel, making sure he doesn't look at Mike, while Mike’s eyes never leave Will.

The door slams behind Will, and Mike rushes over to him. Will expects Mike to kiss him, slap him, he doesn't actually quite know, but it's not what he thinks.

Mike hugs Will. He grips him, desperate for some touch. Not sexual, just wanting to feel needed.

Will slowly warms up. Hugging him back, unsure of where this came from.

“Are you okay?” Will whispers into Mike’s hair. No answer.

“Mike?” Silence.

“Michael.” Will suddenly running out of names.

“Baby?”

“Yes?” A small voice finally answers.

“What’s wrong? What’s going on?” Will pulls back, staring Mike in the face.

“I'm fine, I can’t just get a hug from my best friend?” Will winces at that word.

They stare at each other for a while before Will breaks the hug and sighs.

He moves to the bed, sits, and stares out the large window. It's dark, a little bit scary, but it's his temporary home, Mike and Will's temporary home for ten years.

Mike doesn't know why he said that. He doesn’t really understand anything in this situation.

Mike joins Will on the bed.

“Can you do me a favor?” Mike quietly asks.

“Depends.”

“Hold me.” When he's met with no answer, he continues. “Just for tonight. Just till I fall asleep.” Mike’s voice faltered at the end.

“...Okay.” Will sighs.

He has tried his whole life trying to be normal. He comes off pretty normal yet when Mike does anything, he fumbles. He ruins his mask. That is exactly why he moved 10 hours away. That's why he rarely comes home.

Will kicks his shoes off before pulling Mike’s legs on his lap and carefully unlacing them.

“Do you want to change?”

“No, not really”

“Mk” Will hums as he pulls Mike on he chest, promptly falling back on the uncomfortable hotel pillows.

Will presses a kiss to his raven boys hair and runs his hands through those black curls.

“I hope in another lifetime you never moved away.” Mike mumbles into Will's chest, slowly drifting into sleep.

“What do you mean?” Will asks too late, Mike's fast asleep.

Will caresses his loved one's face. Taking in the moment before he leaves. Packing his bag. He could never force himself to see those beautiful eyes come back to life so he leaves before two am hits. Bags packed in his car ready for that ten hour drive again.

He meant it when he said it was the last time, He really tried to mean it..

Chapter Text

It’s been nine months of no talking, nine months of missed calls from Mike. Almost ten but who’s counting.

It’s the longest Will and Mike have been out of contact. No little messages talking about how they need to catch up, not even a Happy New Years text.

“I just don’t think I’ll ever understand.” Mike complains.

“Well what I'm about to say isn't gonna help.” Max twitches.

“What?” Mike perks up.

“He requested a plus one for the wedding.” Max says, bracing for impact.

“Oh.”

Silence.

“Some dude named Carlton,” Max mutters.

“Not helping, Max!” Lucas yells from the kitchen.

“No, no it's alright.” Mike says, honestly trying harder to convince himself then to convince Max.

Silence ensues. God, what was he supposed to say?

“I don’t do weddings.” Carlton shuts down Will before he even asks the question.

“Please. It’s just a bunch of my friends. I also already said you were coming.” Will's voice slowly gets more quiet as the sentence goes on.

“Will, I love you but I can't get in the way of you and this mystery man you’re hiding from. I can’t subject myself to that.” Carlton sighs as he turns his rolly chair towards where Will is sitting on the floor.

Carlton and Will are friends. Exes actually but just friends. Dated for maybe a week but he soon came to realize that Will has the worst commitment issues.

“There is a good gay bar on the outskirts of Hawkins. We can make it a week-long trip.” Will winks.

“Fuck you, fine.” Carlton curses as Will silently celebrates.

Two more months go by. Mike straightens his tie, his phone in his hand, trying to will himself the courage to text him. He can’t, he won't. He lets the phone slip through his hands as he angrily tugs at his tie.

Will won't look his way. They were forced to talk to not make this whole wedding about them but his eyes haven't met Mike's.

The wedding goes smoothly. Besides from being forced to stand next to each other for photos; they stay to themselves.

Mike chats with Max at the edge of the dance floor. Beating around the topic they really want to talk about before the topic walks over to them. Hand in hand with some guy.

“Hey!” Will goes over to Max to hug her as the guy watches.

Mike watches closely. Eyes darting between his beloved and the random guy who looks eerily like himself.

“I wanted to formally introduce you to Carlton.” Will smiles.

Carlton extends his hand.

Max eyes darts to Mike, trying to see how he feels about this. If she should shake his hand or not. Does this count as being a traitor?

Mike does a gentle slight nod before Max finally takes Carlton's hand.

“It is nice to finally meet you. Now if y’all excuse me, I'm gonna go find my husband.” Max speaks as she’s already walking away.

“Who is this?” Carlton thinks he whispers but actually screams over the music.

“Mike. Carlton meet Mike.” Will says, finally letting his eyes meet Mike’s.

God, he needs a cigarette. Will hadn’t touched a cigarette since the last time he touched Mike. He couldn’t do it. Too much history.

Will slips away as he finds a bathroom. He lights the cig as someone opens the door.

“Good lord, at least open the window.” Mike exclaims as opening the window located in the back.

Will chuckles as he lets the smoke leave his lips in a slow blow instead of his usual fast puff. He doesn’t feel as if he’s in a rush right now.

“Could I borrow one?” Mike asks, his eyes not leaving Will's lips.

Will tucks his head silently laughing. Borrow? What? Was he gonna give it back? This is when he should probably know he has had too much to drink. The way this thought genuinely entertains him. He should've known and walked out. Maybe passing his already lit cig to Mike and storming off. But he doesn’t.

He takes a long drag before he grabs Mike's face and blows his smoke in his mouth before promptly licking Mike’s lip. Dragging his tongue against the cracks of his lips.

Mike soaks it in. It's been a year since he's had this and he would have to be stupid to not let this play out.

Will pulls back. He’s being stupid he knows it. But instead of thinking about anything else, he grabs the back of Mike’s head, gripping his curls, and kisses him.

Long and hard, but he doesn't slip tongue, not yet. He wants this to be intimate. He wants to make this wedding about himself. He can’t act like he's not in love for much longer. He has allowed this love to hollow him out and put him back together many times, this may just be the next time.
“God, this is wrong.” Will says, he’s not sure if it’s in his head or out loud.

“It sure is.” Mike replies, confirming Will's suspicions.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Will suddenly starts putting his guards up.

“I don't know, maybe it means you’re in the bathroom of a wedding, making out with a guy while the guy you brought to this wedding doesn’t know anyone. Not to even mention, I'm pretty sure this counts as cheating.”

“You’re a fucking dick.” Is all Will can manage, because at the end of the day Mike is technically right to the blind eye.

“You’re here in the bathroom with the man you haven't texted in a whole year.”

“Are you mad?” Will stupidly asks.

“Are you stupid?” Mike retorts.

Wills cig has already burnt out. He throws it on the ground and stomps on it.

“Great conversation, per usual, Micheal.” He tries to walk out but Mike locks the door.

“Why am I the only one who cares about our arrangement?"

“Because it genuinely costs you nothing, I drive back to Hawkins every few months, mind you I don't have very fond memories there-”

“No one has good memories there.”

“Especially me, Mike!” Will shouts. “Then I pay for everything, the hotel, the restaurants.”

“That’s not fair, I offer.” Mike mutters.

Will knew it wasn’t fair. He knew none of this was fair. He was an accomplice in this also.

“It’s not, I'm sorry.” Will solemnly spoke. “But I can't pretend I'm someone else anymore.”

“I feel like if you would listen to me, you would realize I've been saying the same thing.”

“We mean it in definite separate ways.” Will shuts Mike down. Mike wouldn’t understand how it was seeing that photograph. He will never understand that Will knows he doesn’t love him. He knows he will never be better than his perfect El.

Mike scoffs. “You're just scared.”

Scared? What does Will have to be scared about? He has gone through much worse. What does Will have to be scared about? Surely not Michael Wheeler.

“Of you? Please.” Will laughs.

“You’re scared because you know I know everything about you.” Mike regrets it immediately. Who is talking for him and what did they do with Mike?

“What..?”

Silence. Silence, followed by more silence.

Before Will can think, he finds himself backhanding Mike. Shock immediately hits him as he brings his hands to cup his mouth. What did he just do?

Mike hadn't expected it. His mouth slightly bleeding from where his teeth landed on his lip.

Mike’s hand travels straight to Will. Will flinches, He doesn’t know what Mike will do but he doesn’t expect what really happens.

Mike grabs Wills collar and presses his lips to Wills.

He lets the blood smear onto Will's lips, it being overtaken by saliva. Their tongues clash together and for a moment they realize why they started this mess. No one could compare to how their experiences felt. No person could understand each other's bodies like how they do.

Surprisingly, Mike is the first to pull away.

“Could I still borrow a cig?” Mike asks.

Will laughs as he grabs one of his last cigarettes and slides it between Mike’s lips. He lights it and watches Mike's face. He always loved being this close to Mike.

“Did I ever tell you I only got into smoking because of you?” Will laughs, suddenly feeling too honest.

“What, how?” Mike tried to think. He always stole Will’s cigs. He was definitely not there for Will’s first smoke sesh.

“Because they tasted like you.” Will blurts out, and before Mike could take it as a romantic sign, Will continues. “I had to get used to the taste. gross.”

That was a horrible save, cruel in fact.

“Oh.”

That’s not what Will meant. He wanted to say ‘It was the closest I could get to you in New York.' But the moments gone, it will always be.

“Okay.” Mike continues, not quite sure how to take that.

“I should get going, I have to get back to Carlton."

Mike winces at the name. Carlton. Will he ever know what happened in this bathroom? He giggles to himself. He never will. Just another secret for Will and Mike.

Mike grabs Will’s wrist.

“Can we do this again next time you’re in town?” Mike says, tapping at his blood.

‘Yes. A thousand times, yes. As long as I have you I'm set.’

Will tugs his wrist away, unlocks the door, and walks away. That's the last time they talked that night. Maybe the last time forever. Only time can tell.

Chapter Text

It wasn't the last. It wasn't even close to the last.

A knock rings through Mike’s house.

He opens the door to Will’s face.

“Almost started to think you wouldn’t show up.” Mike chuckles.

“Yea.” Will mumbles.

He wants to explain himself so badly but wants to show he doesn’t care at the same time. He bites his lip.

“I can’t stay long. Carlton…”

Mike know’s Will’s probably still talking but the minute he hears that name his ears start ringing. Fuck, way to ruin the mood.

“Yeah, I understand.” Mike cuts him off as he ushers him inside the house.

Will looks around. It’s very empty. Will hasn’t been in his house in years. It was always that hotel room.

Not a sign of Mike’s real personality was captured in this house. It felt like a show house. They walk into his kitchen.

There are a bunch of candles, lights out. The room is purely lit up by flames.

“What’s this?” Will asks, trying his best to not let a smile line his face.

“It’s for you.”

Mike had planned a romantic dinner. Will and Mike hadn’t been new to romantic dinners. Mostly at restaurants framed as friends catching up. But this was more intimate. It was new territory.

Mike had it all planned but hearing Carlton’s name soured his mood. He decided he was just gonna get this done.

He made steak. Basic. Will chuckles to himself.

“What?” Mike wonders.

“Oh nothing, just not used to this.” Will instantly reply.

Then they sat down.

“Did you enjoy the wedding?” Mike asks.

“Yeah.” Will decides to not go into detail.

“It was beautiful.”

“Yeah.” Will repeats. He hadn’t cared about the wedding, sorry Lucas and Max, he just couldn’t take his eyes off of the raven haired boy. The way his curls stuck to his face, drenched in sweat. The way Mike clearly didn’t care who saw him. He hadn’t looked that way in years.

“You looked really cute.” Will added. His eyes not faltering as he watched Mike look anywhere but his eyes.

“What?” Mike sort of giggled.

“You looked careless. Haven’t seen that in a while.” Will states then tries to cover his smile with his wine glass, taking a long sip.

“You looked handsome.” Mike adds, cringing at the word choice.

They burst into laughter. The kind of laughter they haven’t heard in multiple years, maybe even decades.

“Handsome? I'm a writer and couldn’t think of any better word.”

“I thought it was cute.” Will laughs.

“You’re a liar but that's okay. Handsome liar.”

“Ugh, I'm getting the cringe feeling you get when you see a couple makeout in the hallway in highschool.”

“Wow, could’ve just said you hate me.”

“I hate you, Micheal.”

Another burst of laughter starts but Will can’t shake the fact he feels so far from Mike. He couldn't care less about this food.

Before he can overthink it, he stands up, drags his char and sits right next to Mike.

“Couldnt stand being 5 feet away from me?”

“Oh shut up.” Will says as he lays his head on Mike’s shoulder.

“I don’t think I could do a big wedding.” Will whispers, barely loud enough for Mike to hear.

“I think you’ll change your mind once you're in love.” Mike calmly says, sipping his wine to cover the hurt on his face.

One day Will won't be his anymore, not that he ever was his. He lets the hurt bang at his ribs, threatening to rip its way out before Will replies with a simple “Yeah..”

‘I am in love, in love with you.’ Will almost says, almost allowing himself to be free from his mental hell. But that’s not what comes from his lips.

That yeah hung in the air.

They both knew they could never marry the one they want because even if they did choose each other gay marriage was likely never gonna be legal.

Will sighs as he brings his head up staring at Mike for a while.

God, he was too close. Mike couldn’t stand knowing he was gonna go home with Carlton. He wanted that pretty little face all for himself. He wanted to be the only one who saw how those pretty eyes rolled to the back when you hit just the right spot or how they glistened when he would beg for more.

Or just simply how his eyes never quite catch his smile when he wants to convince you he’s okay. Mike knew Will in ways no one could. He knew Will was his, he was just waiting for Will to find out.

“Mike?”

“Yes.” Mike answers eagerly, maybe even too eagerly.

“Why did you really call me over today?” Will questioned.

“Was just wanting to chat, catch up like old friends.” Mike says.

Will flashes him a smile, that smile that never catches his eyes.

“Okay.”

“I should probably get going.” Will adds after some silence.

“Just stay a little longer, I'll make it worth your time.” Mike winks.

Will sighs, he's never been good at saying no to Mike, but he knows he doesn’t want this, but he knew what he signed up for when he knocked on that door but it was going so good.

He sighs as they make their way to Mike’s bedroom, unexpectedly being pushed into a wall.

He watches as Mike slides to his knees, unzipping Will's pants.

Will watches as Mike’s eyes don't flicker up to him like normal. He watches as Mike takes him in his mouth as Will grips his hair, his breathing gets heavier. He would love to hate this, He knows he should hate. Why can’t he hate this?

Mike avoids eye contact. If he looks up he knows his face will show pure distraught. He can’t give Will away.

Briefly pulling away to lick the tip then diving back in. his teeth grazing in the way he knows Will likes.

“Fuck, Mike, I can’t..” Will moans as he pulls Mike back, gripping his hair as he comes all over his face.

Mike doesn’t dare look up. He feels it drips down his face, dripping down his lashes.

Will grabs Mike’s face pulling him up, cradling it in his hands as he passes his thumbs over his mess. “Let's take a shower.”

Mike nods as he leads them to the bathroom. He splashes water over his face as Will turns the shower on, starting to take his shirt off.

“You don't have to stay.” Mike whispers.

“Oh?”

“I have an early meeting in the morning.” ‘and you have Carlton.’

“Oh.”

“You have to drive back to New York.” Mike adds, not helping his case.

“Yeah.” ‘Fuck you. Fuck me for thinking you would change.’

So many words unsaid as Will puts back on his shirt and rushes out.

Chapter Text

It had been a couple of days since the dinner date. No texts, but this time it wasn't weird anymore. They knew they would go back to their basic routine.

“Remind me why I keep going back to him?” Will sighs, collapsing on his hotel bed.

“I can’t tell you because you won't even give me a glimpse into your complicated relationship. I just watched you disappear for the past four days, then say nothing about it.” Carlton answers, sipping his tea.

Will glances at Carlton. He looks so content, eyes not leaving the TV.

“Why couldn't we work out?” Will asks, obviously knowing, but wanting to hear Carlton's side.

“Because you can’t stay away from Hawkins, it's like a curse has stranded you here.” Carlton sighs, laying his cup down.

Will winces, he should hate this town, he does hate this town, but this town has something nowhere else has. Michael Wheeler.

“We could always try again.” Will winks, tracing Carlton's arm with his pointer finger, jokingly flirtatious.

“Absolutely not, that's signing up for a lifetime of getting cheated on.” Carlton laughs.

Carlton sighs as he gets up. “It’s time, come on.”

“For what?”

“I’m tired of this hotel; you promised there was a good club somewhere around here.”

That’s how Will finds himself standing in front of Krave. It’s been a while since he had seen this neon sign blink back at him.

The waves of wind tussle their clothes, cold and sharp, as if it were begging them not to go in, but Carlton persists.

Carlton’s nails drive into Will's arm as he drags him to the bar. Eager for any type of attention.

Will's vodka cranberry swishes around as he finds himself on the dance floor.

Mike knows he shouldn’t go, but he needs something; he knows he has been there the last 3 nights. He never leaves with anyone, he never talks, he just sits. He drinks a Coke and rum, then leaves.

He walks in, the air feels weird. Something feels off. He ignores it because lately everything feels a little off. He doesn't know what happened, but his life is no longer his, maybe it never was his in the first place..?

He orders his usual, ignoring as he gets hit on. The same thing he does every time. ‘I’m waiting for my boyfriend,’ he says to everyone, although he knows it's dumb. He probably should move on. Find a good girl, he surely is in the wrong place for that, though.

“Hey.” Some dude says, leaning on the counter next to Mike.

He isn't ugly; he isn’t remarkable either. He’s just another man wanting a one-night hookup.

“I’m waiting for my boyfriend.” Mike immediately shut him down. Every time he says it, it feels dumber because all that pops into his head is Will, his beautiful Will.

He catches a whiff of vanilla lavender. Will is here somewhere. He knows that, he can at least be sure of that.

His eyes dart around the room immediately, looking for familiarity, before he can even realize what he is searching for. Will is in New York, and he knows this.

But he’s not as sure when he catches Carlton on the dance floor, dancing with Will. Will. His Will. 

As Mike stares in shock, as the two friends interlock lips with each other. "This isn't real. This can't be real," he accidentally says out loud, sparking concern from the guy next to him.

He watches as Will’s eyes flutter open, immediately spotting Mike. Before Mike can even think, he clutches the guy next to him. He kisses him. He makes sure it looks passionate as his eyes don't leave Will's. Daring Will to sink deeper. forcing him to watch.

He stares as Will pulls back. Flashing a smirk before he fully comprehends Will’s face. He looks… terrified?

Will let one drink turn into five, maybe ten? He really doesn’t know nor cares anyways, it was just as if they were being pushed onto him.

“This dude won’t leave me alone, just play along,” Carlton whispers.

Before Will can understand, he’s being kissed deeply. Not very passionate, but enough to make it seem pretty close to it.

His eyes flutter open to try and find the person making Carlton uncomfortable, but all he sees is Mike, his Mike.

He stares as he watches Mike kiss this average man. Another man? Why is he in a gay bar? Why is he kissing a man? He spirals as he feels the alcohol hit his bloodstream.

He’d always been able to casually drink, but the minute he feels anything deeper than tipsy, he feels Lonnie’s undertones in him. He’s by no means even close to him, but he can’t help but be scared of the similarities.

He had hardwired his brain not to feel this way, because what twenty-nine-year-old is scared of his father? Despite all the work he's done gets erased every time he's drunk. Of course, this fairy would still be affected by his parents.

He knows Carlton didn’t know. Will didn’t talk about his past much. Maybe that's why they never worked. No one will ever understand him.

Too much to drink, too many people, where is he?

His eyes dart around, the only thing grounding him is Mike’s devilish eyes staring back at him, as if he was daring him to kiss Carlton again.

Wrong timing, Mike, horrible timing. Mike has always been known for his heinous timing. Always right where Will didn't want him to be.

His heart beating, the beat of the music radiating through his body, he feels like he’s gonna throw up- no, he knows he’s gonna throw up.

He watches as Mike slowly starts to understand. Watches as his face slowly sheds the once eager for revenge to his beautiful face that only Will would see in unholy hours of the night, when he thinks Will is sleeping, the face he could tell was worried for what the future brought them. That’s when Mike starts to get a glimpse of what’s going on, but Will runs. He had always been better at that than confronting. He needs him to chase him, but even he doesn’t know where he is going, he just feels the vodka scratch Its way up.

Such a faggot drink, vodka cranberry, of course, that was Will’s drink of choice.

“Shut up.” He screams at nothing, shaking his head as if that will erase his thoughts.

“I didn’t even say anything yet, love.”

He knew that voice.

He looks up from his spot on the floor. He doesn’t remember falling to the floor; it doesn’t matter because when his eyes focus, all he sees is Mike.

“Are you okay?” Mike asks, not trying to hide the worry on his face.

“Why do you care?” Will spat.

“What..”

“I asked, ' Why do you care? '” Will repeated, this time not as confident, more shaky. “Why did you follow me?”

Will watches as Mike’s face goes through a wide range of emotions before finally settling back on that look of vengeance.

“Does he know what we did at that wedding he escorted you to?”

“Fuck off, Wheeler.”

Silence ensues before Will follows up with “I’m not a fag.”

He looks everywhere. He desperately tries to avoid eye contact, but he can’t stop glancing back at Mike, his lips, his perfectly groomed curls. He can’t help but wonder if he was trying to meet someone tonight.

“No one was accusing you,” Mike stated, almost as if it were a question.

“I see the way you all look at me.”

“Will, you came out at a young age, people are gonna-”

“It was forced out of me. That wasn’t me. That’s not me.” Will breaks down harder as the words tumble out.

He rocks himself slightly as he looks around. People watched but walked away as if it were a normal night.

He is who his father is. God, this is why he doesn’t drink. Shit goes down every time. Why was he so good at playing the part, but the minute Mike comes into the equation, he crumbles. His questionable, debatable, straight fuck buddy. This whole situation is out of touch.

“ I understand.” Mike comforts.

Will wants to scream that Mike doesn’t understand and never will, but he knows Mike gets it more than anyone who is still alive.

Jane flashes through his mind. He shuts his eyes. Trying to preserve the little memories he still has of her. His sister. She will always be his sister.

Mike finds his way on the floor next to Will, taking him in his arms.

He subconsciously leans into Mike. Letting his warmth shield him from the cold.

“ I don’t know how you don’t seem to care,” Mike mumbles into Will's hair, the words fall out before he can stop them. Barely audible but just enough for Will to hear.

But Will knows he cares; he knows he cried the ten-hour ride home. He knows he cried so hard he had to pull over, fearing he would crash and knowing maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He immediately shuts Mike down.

“I’m speaking from what I see, and this is what you’re showing me.” Mike sharply shoots back.

Mike’s eyes don't leave Wills. He grips him as if he could leave at any moment.

He had always hated it when Will drank. He saw how his eyes drained of any color. His spark magically disappeared and was replaced by someone who hated himself.

He couldn’t stand watching Will like this.

“You’re coming home with me.”

“I can make it to my hotel just fine.” Will slightly slurs.

“I know you can. Go tell Carlton you’re leaving. I’ll wait here for you."