Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Will slowly opens his eyes, waking up to the sound of birds, his phone ringing somewhere under his blankets and his dog Chester playing with his squeaky toy outside his door. He groans, rolling onto his side, facing his alarm clock. 9:45am. “SHIT.” Will yells, throwing the covers off himself. He grabs his phone, answering it. “Hello?” he holds the phone to his ear as he runs to his closet. “Where are you!? You missed first period.” It’s Amanda. His best friend. “I slept in.” He grabs his jeans from last week that he threw on the ground, jumping into them. “I’m getting ready now!”. “Want me to get Mike to pick you up?” He hears the sound of a locker shutting. “Ew. no.” Will furrows his brows, throwing on a sweater over his pyjama shirt. “Alright then. Hurry up! I’ll see you later.” She hangs up.

Will leaves his room, looking down at Chester, smiling. “Good morning!” he leans down, rubbing his belly before going to the kitchen, grabbing the lunch he packed last night. He looks down at Chester’s water bowl, seeing it empty. He picks it up, going to the sink to fill it, putting it back on the floor, watching as Chester rushes to it, and drinks as if he hasn't had water for days. Maybe he hasn’t knowing his parents. He throws the food in his old stitched up bag, putting his shoes on, seeing a hole in them. “Ugh.” He throws his bag on “bye chester! Be good!” walking out.

~~

Will walks into the school building, going to his locker. He puts his bag on the floor, unlocking the locker. He picks the bag up by the handle, the food falling out of the hole at the bottom, the lid flying off the tub. Food gets everywhere. “Oh fuck me.” He stares down at his lunch, hearing a faint laugh in the distance. He turns around, seeing it’s Mike Wheeler laughing at him. He glares before turning away, seeing Amanda running to him. She mustn't have seen the food all over the floor because she runs over it, slipping and falling straight on her ass. Will just laughs right at her. “OW.” Amanda yells, rubbing her back. “Jesus!” Mike runs up to her, helping her up. “Are you okay?” He chuckles slightly. “Do not laugh at me, Michael.” She glares, making Mike laugh harder. “God I just got this shirt.” She looks down at her now dirty clothes, them being perfect before. “It will come out.” Will shakes his head at her. “I’ll call dad and ask him to bring you some different clothes.” Mike gets his phone out. “Great, now I have to look stupid for the rest of the day.”

Mike's waiting at his locker for her to finish changing, seeing Max running over. “Hey Wheeler!” Max practically throws herself on him, hugging him tight. “Hey birthday girl!” Mike laughs, hugging her back. “I need a favour.” Max steps back, looking up at him, holding a stack of papers. “What now?” He sighs. “Well. As you know, it’s my birthday. And I'm having a massive house party. And I need you to hand these out for me!”. “What? Why me?” mike groans, crossing his arms “Get Lucas to do it. Or your girlfriend.”. “Uh, my girlfriend is not my slave.” Max responds, holding the flyers for him to take. “What? And I am?” Mike frowns at her, taking them. “Yes! Exactly! So glad you understand. Oh and if you don't do this then you're not invited!” She smiles evilly at him. “You just hate me don’t you.”. Max chuckles at him, tilting her head before walking off. “God.” Mike walks off.

~~

Mike unlocks the front door, holding it open for Amanda to walk in. She walks past him, taking her shoes off and putting them on the floor, Mike walking in behind her, shutting the door. Amanda rushes upstairs to get ready, having worn the itchy wooly sweater her grandma made for her years back all day. Mike puts their bags down, going upstairs to his room. He takes his jacket off, going to his closet to change.

Mike's waiting at the door for Amanda, getting a cigarette ready to smoke in the car. “Mands hurry up!”. Amanda rushes downstairs, putting her shoes on as she jumps to the door with one leg. “Coming!”. She throws her jacket on, zipping it up just high enough so you could still see some of her shirt. “Let's go.” Mike pops the cig in his mouth, opening the door, walking out.

He unlocks the car, getting in the driver's seat. Amanda gets in the car, popping gum in her mouth. She pulls down the sun visor mirror, finishing up her makeup. Mike lights the cig, putting his lighter back in his pocket and starting the car, driving off.

~~

They arrive at Max's house, parking the car between two others, getting out. There's already people hanging out on the front porch, one looking like she’s about to throw up. Punch must be good then. Amanda and Mike link arms, walking inside. Max spots them immediately, running up to them and jumping on him. “Hi!”. She squeals, looking over at Amanda, pinching one of her cheeks. “You both look great!”. Amanda smiles, grabbing her hand “thank you! You look amazing!”. Mike looks around, spotting Lucas and Dustin, waving at them. Lucas waves back, Dustin nodding at him with a smile. Max all of a sudden grabs Mike by his wrist, already dragging Amanda. “Come on!”.

She pulls them to the drink table, where Ell is leaned against the wall, already drunk. “Hello!” Ell smiled at Mike and Amanda, taking another sip from her cup. Max smiles, throwing her arm around Ell’s shoulder. “How much have you had?” Max giggles. “Not enough!” Ell replies, looking at her, kissing her cheek. Max hugs Ell tighter, taking the drink off her and having a sip. “You guys wanna go to the garage?” Max looks around at everyone in the room. Lucas nods, grabbing another drink. “Yeah sure!”.

Lucas, Max and Mike go to the garage, Ell and Amanda deciding to stay inside. Max takes a sip from her cup, leaning against the wall as she watches Lucas take one of Mike's cigarettes. As Lucas lights the cig they hear a faint grunt around the corner, followed by a small “shit.”. Mike frowns, going around the corner, seeing its Will. Will has a lighter in his hand, turning to Mike quickly. “Oh. it’s you.” Will glares up at him. “Don’t be too happy to see me Byers, some people might start to think you like me!”. Will rolls his eyes at Mike's comment, turning away. “What are you doing?” Mike frowns at the lighter, not seeing anything on him to light. “Piss off Wheeler.” Will turn his back to him. “Alright then weirdo.” Mike was about to walk off before he heard Will say- “Dick.”. Mike turns to him “What did you just call me?”. Will ignores him, trying to block the wind from the lighter. “Call me that again and I’ll shove that faulty lighter up your ass.” Mike walks off to grab his drink, walking back inside. Will watches him, putting the lighter in his pocket before following him.

Will follows Mike into the living room. “You have a problem with me or something?”. Mike turns around, frowning at him “You’re the one following me around!”. “I’m following you to see what your problem is.” Will crosses his arms, stepping closer, turning his head upwards to look him in the eye. Mike can’t help but smile, crouching down slightly to get to his level. “Listen here, short stack. Stop stalking me before I-”. Will punches him right in the face.

Mike falls back, holding his nose. People turn to them, gathering around. Mike looks around at everyone, shaking his head. He gets up, running to Will and tackling him to the ground. Mike holds Will to the ground as Will tries to kick him off, yelling down his ear. “Oh my god..” Amanda watches them, chugging the rest of her drink. Will keeps kicking mike in the side, reaching into his pocket, pulling out his pocket knife. Amanda widens her eyes, dropping her cup, running to them and pulling Mike off of Will. Mike raises his eyebrows when he sees Will holding the knife. Amanda grabs Will by his arm, yanking him up and dragging him outside.

“What the hell Will!?” She snatches the knife out of his hand “What were you gonna stab him or something!?”. “Chill out. It was just a threat.” Will responds, crossing his arms. “Just a threat!? You tried to stab my brother!”. “I wasn’t actually going to stab him!” Will throws his arms in the air, dropping them down to his side. “God, why are you fighting him anyways? What do you get out of it?”. She hands him the knife back. “The amusement of seeing him being in pain!” He takes the knife back, putting it in his pocket. “Okay psycho time for a walk.” She turns him around, pushing him slightly. “Fine! Bye.” He walks off.

Inside Lucas is sat with Mike, holding eyes to his nose. “Damn, Byers got you good.”. Mike just glares at him, pushing the ice away to check his face in Max’s bedroom mirror. “It’s not that bad!” Lucas smiles at him, looking over his face. “You still look hot.”. Mike just laughs, putting the ice down on the floor. “I need air. Let's go”. Mike gets up, walking out, Lucas following.

Wills walking through the woods, seeing red and blue flashing lights in the distance. He frowns, running towards the lights. He hides behind a tree as he watches the sheriff, Ted Wheeler, get into his car, driving off. Will raises his eyebrows, turning to the run down factory, reading brimborn steelworks on the old sign. He sneaks past the cops, running inside.

Will looks around before he hears two voices. “What do you think happened?” One of them says, “I don’t know, let's go check it out.” says the other. Will groans as he hears them, looking out the broken window, seeing Mike and Lucas. “Oh so now who's the stalker?”. Mike looks up at him, frowning “Oh for fucks sake.”. “How's your nose?” Will smirks at him. “Perfectly fine weakling.” Mike responds, Lucas standing there awkwardly. Will rolls his eyes, walking off to look around more.

Mike and Lucas walk inside, looking around at the old walls and the holes in the ceiling. Will sees some stairs, going down them slowly, hoping they don’t break under him. When he gets to the bottom he sees an old box. He steps closer, seeing it’s a jack in the box. He frowns, it is placed on the floor in the middle of the room. He walks up to it, kneeling down on the floor. He picks it up, putting it on his lap as he starts to turn the crank. The distorted music starts to play, deeper than it should be. But will can't stop, it feels like he's hypnotized, he turns, and turns, and turns. When the music stops, nothing happens. Will pulls a face before putting it back on the ground. He gets up, starting to walk off before he hears the music again. But this time it's clear and normal. He slowly turns back to it, walking closer, and closer until the box flies open, the lid is covered in blood stained spikes, a white gloved hand connected to a spring reaches for him, grabbing him by the face. The lid slams open and closed as it starts dragging will down and towards it.

Will screams, putting his hands out in front of him, trying to pull away. Lucas and Mike hear him, widening their eyes before running down the stairs. They widen their eyes. “WHAT THE FUCK!?” Lucas yells, freezing up. Mike runs to Will, kneeling down behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist, pulling him back. “LUCAS HELP!”. Will screams more as his head is inches away from the lid. Lucas runs up to the box, kicking it over and over. Wills screams again, trying to pull the hand off his face with one hand, the other on the floor trying to push himself back. Mike looks down at Will's pocket, seeing the knife. He holds him extra tight with one arm, the other reaching into his pocket and pulling the knife out. He flicks it open before stabbing the hand. The hand lets go quickly, flying back into the box with the knife, the lid slamming closed.

“Are you okay!?” Mike grabs Will by his face, looking down at him. Lucas picks the box up, throwing it into the wall. Will stares up at Mike, tears in his eyes. He nods, holding onto his arm. Mike stares down at the hand mark on Will's face, looking back at the box. “What the fuck was that?!”. “I don’t know! I just found it and started turning it and then.. That happened!”. “God Will, why are you such a nosy bitch.” Mike looks back down at him. “Oh shut up Wheeler! You're here too!”. “Guys!” Lucas crosses his arms in front of them “can you not fight right now. Will just almost died.”. “Youre right.. Sorry.” Mike pulls Will up, letting him go. “Okay.. Let’s get the hell out of here.” He starts walking off, Lucas and Will following.

Chapter Text

Mike crosses his arms, standing across from the couch where everyone is sitting. “I’m telling the truth guys! Look at Will's face.”. Everyone turns to wills, red marks on his face from where the hand grabbed him. “That’s because you two beat each other up.” Max leans back against the couch cushions. “Look, we're glad you and Will are getting along now, but you ruined Max’s party.” Ell explains, annoyed that the party's now over because of something this stupid. “Why would I lie about this!?” Mike raises his voice, hating that no one is believing him. “Guys it’s true.” Lucas stands up, going to stand next to Mike “It was freaky as shit.”. “A jack in the box tried to eat will?” Max says bluntly, drinking from her cup. “Yes!” Mike responds. Ell shakes her head, putting her head in her hands. “Youre all insane.” Max gets up, pulling Ell up with her. “Where are you going?” Lucas furrows his eyebrows, putting his hands on his hips. “We're going to bed!” Ell opens Max’s bedroom door, walking into the room.

Amanda looks up at Mike “I believe you.”. “You do?” Mike turns to her. “Well.. no. But I’m gonna pretend I do!”. Will rolls his eyes “Whatever. I’m going home.”.

Mike turns back to him “I’ll drive you.”. Lucas pulls a face at Mike “I’m staying here for the night”. Mike nods at him “alright, I’ll call you tomorrow”. Lucas nods back.

Will gets up with Amanda, going to Mike. Mike grabs his keys, walking out.

They all get in the car, Will sitting in the back, checking his phone. 10 missed calls. It’s from his dad. He sighs, putting his phone in his pocket. Mike drives to Will's house, Amanda giving him directions. Once they get there Will gets out of the car “Thanks.” he shuts the door, going inside. “His house is really gross.” Amanda leans the car seat back, looking over at Mike. “Amanda. That’s rude.” Mike responds, starting to drive off. “It’s true! I've only been there once but when I did the dishes were piled up, there was mud all over the floor, it stank like cigarettes-""you smell like cigarettes.” Mike rolls his eyes at her. “Yeah. Whatever. Anyways, his dad was really weird too." "Weird how?” Mike turns to her for a second, looking back at the road. “I don’t know he just.. Looked at me funny. And I was like 16.” Mike furrows his brows, turning sharply around the corner “Okay well you’re never going there again then.” Amanda nods, rolling to her side “Wasn’t planning on it.

Will kicks his shoes off at the door, the sounds and smell hitting him all at once. The sounds of Lonnie and Joyce screaming in each other's faces, the dog barking, rain dripping through the holes in the roof. The smell of mold, smoke, and alcohol.

Lonnie turns around to face Will, walking over to him. “Where the hell have you been!? I've called you 10 times.”. “Sorry.. I didn't have my phone switched on.” Will looks down. “The whole reason I got you a phone is so I can call you.” Lonnie drinks from the beer bottle in his hand. Will nods “Yeah. You’re right I’m sorry”.

Lonnie frowns, seeing marks on his face “What's this?” he lifts his head up, looking at him “Who did this?”. Will clears his throat, stepping back “I got into a fight.”. “A fight? With who?”. “Mike. Mike Wheeler." Lonnie scoffs, turning to Joyce, who is sitting at the table with her head in her hands, “Sherifs kid.” Lonnie turns back to Will “The Wheeler family are ass holes. Glad you taught him a lesson.” Lonnie hits the side of Will's arm playfully. “You did win.. Didn’t you?”. Will looks down at his feet “well.. No..”. Lonnie looks down at him “well why the hell not!? Are you that weak that you can’t win a fight?” Lonnie taps the side of Will's head “Jesus I mean what are you even good for!? His words were slurred, drinking from the bottle once more. “Yeah.. sorry.” Will walks off to his room.

He locks the door behind him, zipping his jacket off more and laying down on the bed. He throws the tangled covers over himself, closing his eyes.

~~

Mike unlocks the front door, slowly opening it and looking around, seeing all the lights off. He sighs from relief, walking in. Amanda follows behind him, walking on her heels, trying to keep quiet. The light switches on, Ted standing in the living room. Amanda sighs, leaning against the wall “dammit.”. “Language.” Ted crosses his arms. Mike can see the anger on his face, turning to Amanda “you should just go to bed”. Amanda frowns at him “but-””just go.”. Amanda shrugs, going upstairs.

Mike turns back to Ted, crossing his arms. “Did I say you guys could go out?” ”were 18. We're adults.” Mike glares at him. “Don’t talk back to me Michael.” Ted walks up to him “You know what I had to deal with tonight? Someone was found dead at an old factory. Their head were gone. I had to deal with that.” Ted pushes him into the wall, getting close to his face “I don’t need to come home from that too two brats sassing me. You got that?”. Mike rolls his eyes at him, shoving him off. Ted swings, punching him in the face.

~~

Max closes her locker door, turning around, seeing Mike. Mike walks up to her, a giant bruise around his eye. Her eyes widen, She grabs him by his wrist and pulls him into an empty classroom. “What happened!?” she whispers shouts, looking up at him. Mike stays silent, looking down at his feet. “It was your dad again. Wasn’t it.” Max stares at him until Mike does a little nod. Max furrows her eyebrows “god Mike..” she pulls him closer, hugging him. “I think we should call Nancy.” Mike shakes his head “No! No she can't know about this." ”Mike. It isn’t safe for you to live there anymore. Not for you or Amanda!” Mike looks away “If you really want to keep Amanda safe you should go live with Nance.” Mike slides down the wall, sitting down on the ground. “Pluss you’ll get to see Holly more! And I’ll be able to come over!” She crouches down in front of him. “Please Mike.. I don’t want you getting hurt anymore.”. Mike sighs, nodding, still looking at his shoes. Max nods, getting her phone out.

~~

Will’s at home, laying in bed with Chester, playing with him. He hears a thud outside, then a louder one, furrowing his eyebrows at the door. He hears whispering then his mom yells. He widens his eyes, getting up quickly. He opens the door, seeing Joyce on the floor, Lonnie raising his hand at her. “Mom!” Will yells, shoving Lonnie away from her. As Will’s about to crouch down to help Joyce up, Lonnie throws him into the door, hitting back hitting the door knob. He yells in pain, putting his hand on his back. Lonnie smacks him across the face “Don’t you fucking shove me.” he glares down at will. Joyce gets up, going into the bedroom. She just leaves him there with this monster, he’d watch her, shaking his head before shoving Lonnie back, running into his room. Will kisses Chester on the cheek before going to his window, climbing out.

~~

Mike and Amanda are sat on Max’s couch, Max and Ell in the kitchen. There's a knock on the door. “I’ll be back.” Max walks up to the front door, looking through the peep hole, seeing it’s Nancy. She unlocks the door, opening it “Hey Nance!” Max smiles at her. Nancy smiles back, stepping inside. Ell smiles at her, going up to them “Hi Nancy!”. Nancy smiles at her, turning to Mike and Amanda “you two ready?”. “Why are we even moving in with you? I love my room.” Amanda crosses her arms. Mike glances at her. “Well if you want to live alone with dad you can!” Nancy crosses her arms back at her. Amanda sighs “no..”. “Thats what I thought. Come on! Holly’s really excited and Jonathan's cooking dinner.” Amanda gets up with Mike, walking out the door. “Bye guys!” Ell waves.

~~

Nancy parks the car, turning it off. Amanda gets out quickly when she sees Holly waiting outside. “HOLLY!” Amanda runs to her. “MANDY!” Holly runs to meet her halfway, jumping on her. Amanda catches her, spinning her around. Nancy turns to Mike who is sitting in the passenger seat “hey..” she puts her hand on his shoulder "you're safe now. Alright. Ted won't come here. And even if he does Jonathan will kick him out before he even gets a glance at you.”. Mike turns to her, nodding. “Amanda doesn’t know.”. Nancy nods “yeah I kind of guessed that.” ”I don’t want her to know. She’ll feel so bad.” He leans back in his seat. “I won’t tell her.” Nancy lets go of his shoulder, taking her seatbelt off, getting out. Mike follows her out, smiling when he sees Holly sprinting towards him. He crouches down before picking her up when she got close enough.

They all go inside, Amanda going over to Jonathan once she saw him. “Hey Mands!” Jonathan side hugs her as he starts putting the food on all the plates. Amanda hugs him back, smiling “Hi Jonathan!” ”you hungry?” Jon looks down at her. Amanda nods “mhm!””Alright then!”. Mike goes upstairs to where his guest room is, taking his shoes of and laying on the bed.

There's a knock on the door, Nancy turns to it. She walks to the door, opening it. Jakes stood there, holding both his and Devon's bags. Nancy widens her eyes “Oh! Hi!” she smiles. Jake smiles “hey!” he sees the look on her face, tilting his head “did you forget what day it is?”. Nancy furrows her eyebrows before realising “Oh yeah! Sorry I forgot.” Devon smiles “you never forget. What’s up?”. Nancy sighs “It’s just, Amanda and Mike kind of.. Just moved in.”. Jake widens his eyes “they have!?”. Nancy nods.

Jake puts the bags down, running past her. He spots Amanda, running to her and picking up, spinning her around “Mands!”. Amanda widens her eyes, laughing a bit “Jake? What the hell are you doing here?” “Me and Devon stay here every friday to monday” ”right! I forgot about that” Jake puts her down. Jonathan puts the plates on the dinner table “foods ready guys!”. Nancy goes over to him, leaning against the table “shoot! Did we make enough for Jake and Devon?”. Jonathan smiles, nodding “yep because I actually remembered.” Nancy shakes her head at him, smiling.

~~

Max is sat on the couch with Ell, the door goes. Ell sighs, moving off of Max to let her up “What now?”. Max gets up, going over to the door, she opens it, seeing its will. She frowns when she sees the look on his face “Will? What’s wrong?” She pulls him inside, shutting the door. “Uhm..” he glances at Ell “can I sleep here tonight?”. Ell frowns at him, getting up. “Yeah of course! What happened?” Max puts a hand on his shoulder. Ell walks to the kitchen, putting the kettle on. “I don’t really wanna talk about it.”. Max nods at him “okay..” she sits him down on the couch, putting a blanket on him. “We're watching a movie. You wanna watch? ”what movie?” ”Beetlejuice!” Max smiles “It’s Ells favourite. And she kind of talks through it so sorry about that.” Will nods “I like that movie. The girl looks like my mom.” Max smiles “I haven’t seen your mom so I wouldn't know but that's cool!”

Ell comes back with a hot chocolate, handing it to him. Will looks down at it “thank you.” Ell nods, sitting down, putting her arm around him. She rubs his back as he takes a sip. Max sits back down next to Ell, unpausing the movie. Will looks up and watches with them.

~~

Wills laying in Max’s old brother's room, laying down on the bed. He closes his eyes, getting ready to sleep until he hears his phone ring. He sighs, grabbing his phone and looking down at it. It’s his dad. He answers, putting the phone to his ear “hello? ”If you don’t get back home right now. I’m going to shoot someone.” Will furrows his brows, looking down “what?" ”I will shoot your mother through her thick skull if you don’t come back.”. Will's eyes widen, getting up quickly, he puts his shoes on “okay! Okay I’m coming now!" ”Hurry.” Lonnie hangs up.

Will runs out of the room, Max and Ell watching him. “Will?” Ell sits up. Will doesn’t have time to answer. He throws the door open and sprints down the road. Max and Ell look at each other, frowning. Will runs into the woods, almost tripping. He doesn’t stop. He can barely breathe but he doesn’t stop. He gets to the door, going to open it until he hears a scream, then a loud bang.

Chapter Text

Will runs through the door, seeing blood splattered across the hallway wall. He widens his eyes when he turns around the corner, seeing Joyce on the floor. “MOM!?” he crouches down to her side, rolling her onto her back. He stares down at the gunshot between her eyes. His eyes start watering. He moves back away from her until he feels something on the ground next to him. He turns his head slowly, Chester lays on the floor, covered in blood. He screams, pulling Chester to his lap. He covers his mouth, tears streaming down his face. He feels something hit the side of his head, turning to it. His eyes widened once he saw Lonnie pointing a gun to his head. Lonnie goes to pull the trigger before Will slaps his hand to the side, getting up and running to his room.

He slams his door shut, locking the door and getting blood all over the door knob. Lonnie rams into the door. Will screams, running to his dresser and pushing it in front of the door. The banging on the door continues as Will runs to his closet, getting in and getting his phone out.

He dials 911, leaning against the closet wall, holding himself. The women on the other side of the phone speaks through the phone. “My dad! My dads trying to kill me.” Another bang. The women tries calming him down, will crying down the phone. The women asks for his adress, he responds. Another bang. And another. And another. Will can hear the dresser moving against the floor more and more. He holds himself tighter, feeling around his closet for something to use as a weapon.

Sirens come down the road, red and blue lights flashing through the window and the gaps of the closet door. Another bang. Another. And another. The dresser falls down, Lonnie running in. Will puts the phone between his thighs to muffle the sound of the women on the phone, he covers his mouth.

Theres sounds of footsteps throughout the house. Lonnie throws the closet open, looking down at will. Will moves quickly as Lonnie pulls the trigger of the gun thats pointed to him, the bullet hitting the wall. The police hear the gunshot, running to the bedroom. Will runs out of the closet, falling onto his bed as Lonnie grabs him. Sheriff Ted Wheeler grabs ahold of Lonnie's arm, throwing him to the ground.

The police in the room gather around him, some taking the gun out of his hand, some holding him down and others putting handcuffs on him. Lonnie yells, glaring at Will who his watching from the bed, tears streaming down his face.

~~

The police take Lonnie to the cars outside, Will still sits on the bed, trying not to look anywhere but the floor as people outside cover his mothers body. “Alright, pack a bag. You got anywhere you can live?” Ted stands in front of Will, looking down at him. Will nods, holding himself “Uhm. My brothers.” “alright. I’ll wait in the car.” Ted walks out the room, going out the front, watching as they drive Lonnie away. He gets in his car, turning the car on to heat it up. Will grabs his bag, packing some clothes, his stuffed shark and his art stuff. He zips the bag up, walking out through the hall, staring at the blood on the walls as he passes. He goes out the front door, getting in Ted's car.

Jonathans sat in the living room with Nancy and Amanda, watching an old movie that only Jonathan likes. The phone rings. “I’ll get it” Nancy moves Amanda off her lap, getting up and going to the phone. She answers. “Hello?”. The person on the other line asks to speak with Jonathan. “Uh yeah sure, Jonathan!”. Jonathan turns to her, sighing. He gets up, walking over to her. He takes the phone, putting up to his ear “yeah?”. Nancy watches him, furrowing her eyebrows after Jon makes a face. “What?” Nancy tilts her head slightly, putting her hand on his arm. Jon puts the phone down, leaning against the wall. “Jonathan what is it!?”. Jon turns to her “my mom.. She’s dead.”. Nancy widens her eyes, stepping back “what? How!?”. “My.. my dad.” Jonathan stutters his words, still not fully sure what’s happening “he killed her.”. Amanda was watching from the couch, her eyes going wide. She looks down, all she can think about is how Will is feeling. She gets her phone out, calling him.

Wills still in Teds car, waiting at a red light. He hears his phone, getting it out of his pocket and seeing it was Amanda. He answers “Hello?” his voice is low and shaky from crying. “Will. I just heard what happened! Are you okay!?” “No.. No Mand’s I’m not okay..” Ted turns to him “is that Amanda?”. Will looks over at Ted, nodding. “Ask her where she is.” Will frowns “Uhh.. your dad wants to know where you are.” Amanda pulls a face, eyes going slightly wide “Max’s.” “She’s at Max’s house.” Ted turns around. “I thought we were going to my brothers.” Ted nods “we are. I just need to get Amanda first.

“Okay so! Ill call you later.” Amanda hangs up quickly, getting off the couch. She runs to Jon and Nancy “we need to go to Max’s.”. Nancy turns to her, grabbing her arm and pulling her away from Jonathan “Amanda. His mom just died. We’re not going anywhere.” “Wills going there tho! We need to pick him up because dad has him. And Hes gonna come here and know where me and Mike are!”. Nancy looks down before turning to where Jonathan is “alright. fine.”

~~

Will follows Ted out the car, watching him walk up to max's house. “Uhm.. i kind of just wanna grieve. Can you just take me to my brothers now?”. Ted ignores him, knocking on the door. Max opens the door with a sigh, confused on why everyone is choosing her house to go to when they need something. She freezes up when she sees the police, looking over at Ell who is currently getting ready to smoke some weed. Ell hides it under the couch pillow, crossing her arms. “Yeah?” Max turns back to him. As Ted and Max talk, Will looks down at his phone, seeing Amanda has texted him. She told him to turn around. He furrows his eyebrows, turning and seeing Nancy and Amanda in a car waving at him to come and get in. He glances at Ted before sneaking off, running to the car and getting in.

Amanda pulls him into a hug immediately as Nancy starts driving off. Will hugs her back, closing his eyes. “I'm so sorry Will..” Amanda runs her fingers through his hair, kissing the top of his head. Nancy glances at them through the mirror, a frowned expression on her face.

~~

They pull up to the house, Nancy parking the car. Nancy gets out, waiting for Will and Amanda. Amanda pulls Will out of the car, an arm around him. They walk up to the door, going inside. Jonathan and Will stare at each other for a moment, Will looking down. “We'll leave you two to talk.” Nancy grabs Amanda, dragging her outside where Mike, Jake, Devon and Holly were. Jonathan goes to hug Will, Will stepping back, crossing his arms. “Will.. I'm so sorry.” Will shakes his head in response, looking up at him “You know you haven't spoken to me since I was 15.” “Yeah I have! We talked at Christmas last year.” Jon takes a step closer. “We didn’t talk. We just stared at each other. We didn't talk because you left me!” Jonathan stares at him, tearing up. “You left me with him! You left me to take care of mom! And I failed because now she's dead and..” Will cuts himself off, putting his head in his hands. Jonathan pulls him into a hug, resting Will's head on his shoulder.

Mike and Amanda come in to get a drink, seeing them both. Mike stares at them with confusion, not knowing what happened. “Who died?” He snorts. Amanda gasps, covering her mouth, looking at him. Will pulls away from Jon, turning to him. Mike furrows his eyebrows. “My mom. Actually.” Will nods his head when Mike widens his eyes. He walks out the front, sitting on the ground. “Seriously” Jonathan crosses his arms, his eyes red and puffy from crying. “Go apologise!” Amanda smacks him on the back. Mike sighs, walking outside.

Wills trying to light a cigarette with his lighter, the lighter not working. Mike sits down next to him, pulling a lighter out of his pocket, lighting the cigarette that's in Will’s mouth. Will turns to him with a glare. He takes the cig out of his mouth “wow Michael I think you've made up for every douchey thing you've ever done to me.”. Mike sighs “I'm sorry about what I said. I didn't know.” “Yeah but if you did you still would have said it.” Will leans back against the wall. “No! No. No I wouldn't.” Mike shakes his head “I'm not like that.” “Yes you are. You hate me for no reason.” “I hate-” Mike calms himself down before he says something he regrets “I acted like that because all of a sudden you started acting like an ass.”. Will shakes his head, scoffing. “I mean as soon as you turned 15 you became a dick. You started doing drugs, hanging out with assholes. You got my sister to start smoking” “I didn't make her do anything she told me she wanted to.” “Yeah well now she can't cheer without dying after.”. Will turns to him “I thought you came here to apologise.” “I did.” Mike stares down at him. Will stares at the floor “you didn't even ask me if I was okay when it all started. You just freaked out and yelled at me.” “Well I was 15 and my sister came home drunk.” Will shakes his head, turning his body to him “we used to be best friends! We've known each other since we were babies. and then all of a sudden I do something that you don't like and you judge me for it!” Mike turns to him “you were the one who beat me up!” “I was going through shit!” “So was I! And you don't see me taking it out on you!” Will stares up at him, not knowing what else to say. Mike sighs “I'm sorry. I shouldn't scream at you right now.” “It's fine” Will leans against the wall “no it's not. You're already feeling like shit and I'm making it worse. I care about you Will” Mike puts his hand on Will's shoulder “a lot. I mean. I saved your life from that.. thing.”. Will nods, letting him keep his hand on his shoulder. “You never thanked me for that by the way.” Mike tilts his head at him. “Thank you.”. Mike snorts slightly, “you're welcome.” He leans back against the wall, closer to Will than he was before.

Nancy walks out, seeing them. She smiles slightly “hey Will, I'm gonna make food. Do you wanna come pick out what you want?”. Will looks up at her, nodding. Mike drops his hand off Will's shoulder, watching him get up and walk inside with her. He stares up for a moment, getting up and going to the door.

He grabs the handle before a hand throws over his mouth. He widens his eyes, screaming into the hand before being dragged into a car.

Chapter Text

Mike tries kicking the door open, looking around the car. He knows this car. It's his dads. He sits up, going to the window “NANCY!” he screams, trying to open the door. Ted gets in the front, starting the car. “LET ME OUT.” Mike turns to him, grabbing onto his arm. Ted throws his arm back, hitting him in the face. He falls back, putting his hand over his face where he was hit. Ted starts the car, driving off.

Nancy is making mac n cheese, the food Will wanted. She turns to Jonathan who is sitting on the couch. She watches him with a sad expression on her face, putting the food down and walking over to him. She stands behind him, leaning down and throwing her arms around his shoulders. “After dinner I could go out and get some dessert. Anything you want.” She kisses his cheek. Jonathan turns to her “some cake would be nice..”. Nancy smiles at him, pecking him on the lips before nodding “alright then.” she pulls away from him, ruffling his hair before walking back to the kitchen.

~~

Mike and Ted arrive at the old factory. Mike's eyes widened. He hears the click of his door before throwing it open, jumping out. Ted stops the car, getting out quickly. He runs after him, catching up fast and kicking him to the ground. Mike groans when he hits the concrete, going to get back up. Ted kneels down onto him “you think you can just run away from me?! I'm your dad. I'm in charge. Not your bitch sister.” “SHUT UP.” Mike throws his head back, hitting their heads together. Ted flies back, holding his forehead. Mike gets up, running inside the factory. Maybe he'll get lucky and that box will kill his dad for him.

Ted chased him inside. Mike started running down the stairs to the basement, getting to the last five steps before Ted kicked him down them. He landed on his back, his legs laid on the stairs while his back laid on the cold floor. He'd stare up at him. Ted kneeled down on his torso, grabbing him by his shirt collar, punching him across the face. Mike laid there, vision blurred, nose bleeding. Ted got up, going up the stairs, leaving him. Mike looked to his left, seeing a tall figure stepping closer to him. He furrowed his eyebrows, the figure getting closer and closer until he saw it clearly. It was tall, grey, giant claws for hands, slits for eyes and a wide smile filled with layers and layers of pointy teeth. He widens his eyes, screaming.

~~

“Mike! Food's ready!” Nancy sets the table for everyone who is sitting around. She looks at the stairs sighing. Nancy walks up the stairs and makes her way to Mike's room, knocking on the door. After no answer she walks in, not seeing him. She furrows her eyebrows walking back downstairs, going outside to where she last saw him. “Mike?” She walks around the house, getting her phone out, calling him. It rings but no answer, going to voicemail.

She runs back inside from the backdoor, going to the table “has anyone seen Mike!?”. Everyone looks at her, shaking their heads “is he not here?” Jake gets up from his seat. “No he's not here! And I called him and he didn't answer!” “shit.” Jake gets his phone out, calling him. Will watches them, taking a bite of his mac n cheese “maybe he just went on a walk?” He says with his mouth full. “Shit!” Jake puts his phone down on the table after no answer. “What if he took him!?” She turns to Jake. “Who took him!?” Amanda stares up at her, eyes wide. Nancy stares back, glancing away from her, not knowing what to say or do. “We have to check.” Jake puts his jacket on. “I don't have the house key! How are we gonna get in?”. Amanda glances at Jake then back to her “you mean our house?”. Nancy nods. Will swallows his food, putting his fork on his plate “I know how to break into your house if it helps.”. Nancy stares at him for a moment, nodding “it does! Come on!” She runs to the front door, grabbing her keys out of her pocket and running out.

She got in the car as quickly as she could, throwing her seatbelt on and starting the car while the other got in. Jake and Devon staying inside to watch Holly. Jonathan puts his seatbelt on as Nancy drives off, speeding to her old house where Ted lives. “What is happening, why are we driving so fast!?” Amanda looks out the window. Her and Will's seatbelts not on. “Nothing we're just.. making sure Mike's okay!” Nancy clutches the wheel, not wanting her to know. “Why wouldn't he be okay!?” Will grabs onto Amanda's as she almost falls off her seat. “Just stop asking questions!” Jonathan turns to them “and put your seatbelts on!”.

~~

Nancy parks the car, turning the car off and jumping out. Will gets out after her. “So how do you break in!?” She turns to him. “Like this!” Will runs to the garage wall, putting his foot up on the wall, pulling himself up. Jonathan gets out, standing next to her. “So that's how you used to do it.” She'd glance at him before following Will up. He puts his hand on the glass of Amanda's bedroom window, pushing it up and open.

Nancy climbs in, running out the room “mike?” She looks down the hall, going into Mike's room and looking around. Will goes to climb in before Jonathan grabs him by his arm “go sit in the car with Amanda." “What!? No!” Will pulls his arm away, turning to him. “Please! Me and Nancy will go and get Mike then we will come right out. We don't need the added stress of looking after you too.” “I'm an adult man.” “Then act like it and go sit in the car.” Jonathan climbs in, shutting the window and locking it. Will groans, jumping down.

Jonathan catches Nancy in the hall, tears are rolling down her cheeks as she sees blood on the bathroom door handle, the shower on inside. Jonathan furrows his eyebrows, grabbing her hand. “I'll make sure he doesn't come out. You go and look around.” he whispers in her ear. Nancy nods, wiping her tears before letting go of his hand, going downstairs. Jonathan crosses his arms, standing outside the bathroom door.

She walks downstairs slowly, the floorboards creaking under her feet. “Mike?” She looks around, going down into the basement. “Mike? Are you down here?” She looks in the basement bathroom, not seeing anything.

Nancy goes upstairs to where Jonathan was, the look of panic on her face “he's not here!”. Jonathan turns to her, putting his hands on her shoulders “hey. It's gonna be okay. We're gonna find him.” Nancy shakes her head “there's blood everywhere!”. The shower stops. Jonathan turns to the bathroom door, eyes wide. Ted drys himself off, wrapping the towel around him before unlocking the bathroom door, getting out. He walks down the hall to his room.

Nancy and Jonathan climb out of Amanda's old bedroom window, jumping down and rushing to the car. Will looks around for Mike, not seeing him. Jonathan gets in the driver's seat, Nancy getting in the passenger. “Where is he!?” Amanda sits up, putting her hand on the back of the car seat. “We don't know!” Nancy turns around to face her “there was.. blood.. on the door knobs and the banister..” she turns back around. “Blood!?” Will widens his eyes “you this Ted hurt him!?”. Amanda stares down at the car floor, feeling her eyes start to water. Will glances at Amanda before turning back to them “I know a place where he might be.” Jonathan looks back at him, eyes wide “where!?”. “I'll drive us there!”

He gets out of the car. Jonathan jumps out, getting in the back next to Amanda. Amanda puts her seatbelt on quickly as Will gets in, starting the car. Jonathan frowns at her, this being the first time seeing her wear one. Will starts driving off, everyone else getting thrown back in their seats. “JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!” Nancy throws her seatbelt on, covering her head with her hands.

~~

Will parks the car quickly outside of the old factory, turning the car off. Jonathan stares at him from the back, eyes wide “what the fuck!?”. Nancy looks outside of the car window “what the hell is this place!?” “There's not any time to explain but just.. be careful!” He opens the car door, going to get out. “No! You and Amanda stay in the car.” She gets out, Jonathan getting out and following her.

Nancy goes under the police tape, running inside the old factory, looking around “MIKE!?”. Jonathan follows after her. She sees the steps going down the basement, running down them. She freezes up when she hears the sound of chewing, furrowning her eyebrows and slowly walking down the steps. She screams when she sees a human looking monster taking bites out of Mike's leg. The monster looks up at her, blood all over its sharp teeth. Jonathan runs down when he hears her scream, seeing the monster “HOLY FUCKING SHIT WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!?” He grabs her arm, pulling her behind him. “I DON'T KNOW!” She grabs onto his arm. The monster stands up slowly, it's tall and lanky, reaching its claws out for them and tilting its head. Jonathan screams louder than Nancy did.

Will hears him from the car, widening his eyes “oh god..” he gets out of the car, running inside. “Wait Will!” Amanda gets out, following after him. The creature grabs onto Jonathan by his leg, dragging him down the stairs. “JONATHAN!” Nancy watched from the steps. Will grabs a rusty pole from the floor, running down the stairs. He sees the monster, not what he was expecting “WHAT IS THAT!?”. Nancy sees the pole in his hand, snatching it off him. The monster raises its claw, going to strike.

Nancy smacks the pole on the back of its head, screaming as she did so. She hits and hits until it falls down. Amanda going down, widening her eyes as she saw the monster, she screams, running back up the stairs. Will looks down at Mike, running down to him “Mike!?” He crouches down next to him, putting his hands on the sides of his face.

Nancy pulls Jonathan up from the floor “are you okay!?” She looks him up and down, checking for blood. Jonathan looks at the monster then back at her “I don't know!? No!?”. Nancy sighs, looking back at Mike “shit!” She runs to him, crouching down next to Will. She takes her jacket off quickly, putting it around his stomach where he was bleeding the most. She tears up as she checks his pulse. It's weak but it's there. Jonathan moves Will out the way before putting his arms under Mike's legs and back, picking him up.

Nancy and Jon rush up the stairs, Will looking back at the monster which is slowly melting into a thick black slime. He widens his eyes, furrowing his eyebrows. “Will, come on!” Amanda yells from upstairs. He turns to the stairs, running up them.

Chapter Text

The room blurred as Mike blinked open his eyes, he saw the figure of Nancy leaning over him. Her hand brushed over the top of his head and through his hair. Nancy smiles down at him. “Nancy..?” Mike furrows his eyebrows, looking around the room “Where am I?” “the hospital, we found you at that.. that place.”

Nancy sits on the bed next to him, holding his hand. “The factory?” He puts his hand on his head, going to sit up. “No no! Dont sit up.” Nancy puts her hand on his shoulder, fixing his pillow with her other “you hit your head pretty hard. You just need to rest, okay?”. Mike nods at her, leaning back on the pillow, closing his eyes.

~~

Nancy leaves the room to get something to eat, Will walking past her. He sits on the chair next to the hospital bed, putting his left leg up on the seat, resting his arm in his knee. He takes a bite out of the bagel in his hand, looking down at Mike. Mike rolls onto his side, his hair flopping over his face. Will tilts his head at him, taking another bite as he scanned over his face.

Mike slowly opens his eyes, looking up at him. Will turns away, clearing his throat. “Will?” Mike props himself up on his arms “Where's Nance?” He looks around the room. “She went to get food I think.” He takes another bite, looking down at him. Mike nods, sitting up, putting his hand on his head as he groans. Will looks him up and down “you should lay down.”

He gets up from the seat, putting the bagel on the chair. “No.. No, I'm fine.”. Will shakes his head at him, fixing the pillow before laying him down, his hand on his chest. Mike sighs, laying down, staring up at Will who's still hovering over him. Will stares into his eyes before clearing his throat, standing back up and grabbing the bagel back up

“So how are you feeling?” “numb.” Mike runs his hands through his hair, making Will chuckle, sitting back down. “Do you need anything? You hungry?” “What are you, my babysitter?” Mike smiles at him, Will squinting back at him “No.. No, I'm not hungry.” He rolls back onto his side. Will nods, taking the final bite before crumpling up the paper, putting it in his pocket.

~~

A few days go by of Mike recovering in the hospital before he can finally go home. Nancy parks the car outside of the house, Will and Amanda waiting on the steps at the door with Holly, who hasn't got to visit him. Mike gets out of the car and before Holly can get up and jump on the poor boy Amanda wraps her arms around her, holding her back.

Mike smiles, walking up to them as Nancy gets out, getting Mike's bag out of the trunk. Amanda lets go of her, Holly now throwing her arms around him, hugging tight. “Be careful, Holl's.” Nancy yells from the car, shutting the trunk and locking it. “How did you even get hurt?” Holly stares up at him. “I fell down some stairs, but I'm okay now. I just need a big nap.” Mike smiles down at her; Holly nods back at him.

Will gets up to grab Mike's bag from Nancy “I'll take you to bed.”. Mike turns to him, a smirk on his face “I can take myself to bed.”. Will raises his eyebrows at him, looking him up and down. Mike sighs, letting go of Holly “alright fine.”. Amanda pulls a face at them, raising an eyebrow.

Will pulls Mike in the house before they're face to face with Lucas. “Holy shit Mike! What happened!?” Lucas puts his hand on Mike's arm. “That.. factory happened. But it wasn't that box. It was this weird,” Mike pauses for a moment, trying to think of a way to describe the monster. “It was human like” Will responds for him “it had these claws, and sharp teeth, and it was really tall.”. Lucas pulls a face in response “what the hell is going on? I mean, monsters? Should we go to the police?”. Mike shakes his head “the police wont do shit. Trust me. I know. We just stay away from that place.” He nods at Lucas before nodding at Will, both nodding back.

“Here I'll take you to bed.” Lucas reaches for the bag in Will's hand before Will pulls back “no I got it.” He holds onto Mike's arm before walking up the stairs with him. Lucas watches them go up, furrowing his eyebrows at them.

Will opens Mike's bedroom door, putting the bag down on the floor, walking Mike to the bed. Mike sits down, while Will crouches on the floor, taking Mike's shoes off. “You don't need to baby me, you know. I'm fine.”. Will shakes his head “you are not fine. You were almost eaten alive.” “Youre being a little bit dramatic, don't you think?” “youre not being dramatic enough.” Will stands back up, looking down at him “Alright, time for bed.”. Mike smiles at him “it's nice when you care about me.” He throws his legs up on the bed, getting a flinch from Will, laying down. Will smiles teasingly “good job!” He throws the blanket over him “goodnight!” He nods before walking out, closing the door.

He starts walking down the stairs before he spots Lucas who is staring at him with a glare. He furrows his eyebrows before walking up to him “what?”. Lucas grabs him by the arm, dragging him out the front door.

Will widens his eyes, pulling his arm away “Jesus! What? What is-” “what do you think you're doing?” Lucas cuts him off, staring down at him. Will pulls a face in response “uhm.. what?” “With Mike. Why are you two all friendly with each other now?”. Will pulls a face, not understanding why he's so mad about this “we made up.” “Since when!?” Lucas raises his voice, stepping closer. “Since three days ago! Jesus why are you so upset!?”. Lucas walks him into the wall “because you're both acting like you're both best friends! You hated each other just last week.” “okay and before 4 years ago we were friends! We made up. We're friends again. Stop being so jealous and deal with it.”.

Lucas shoves him into the wall. Will widens his eyes, putting his hand on his back before shoving him back. Lucas stumbles before falling down. As he gets up to run to Will and tackle him, Will moves out the way, making Lucas slam into the wall.

Will covers his mouth, laughing at him, making Lucas swing his arm around, hitting him in the side of the head. “OW.” Will yells, attracting everyone inside the house to hear them. Mike sits up in bed when he hears Will, jumping out of the bed, clutching his stomach as he runs downstairs. Lucas grabs onto Will, throwing him to the ground. He crouches down, going to punch before Jonathan grabs him, pushing him off.

Mike runs out the front door, eyes wide. He sees Will sitting up, his hair a mess and his face marked from the punch. Mike turns to Lucas “what the hell are you doing!?” He grabs him, dragging him off. Will watches them, shaking his head, getting up. Jonathan puts his arm around him, checking his face where he was punched.

Mike crosses his arms at him “what were you fighting about?” “nothing!” His voice is slightly high, a sign that he's lying. “Do not lie to me Lucas.”. Lucas stares into his eyes, shaking his head “fine! We were fighting about you!”. Mike furrows his eyebrows “what? Why me?” “Because he's stolen you from me!”. Mike smiles slightly “he hasn't stolen me from you! We're still best friends!” “I don't wanna just be your bestfriend!” Lucas stops him, staring into his eyes “I wanna be more! But you just don't seen to catch any of my signs! And now you're leaving me to spend time with him!”.

Mike widens his eyes, laughing nervously “what? What do you mean?”. Lucas scoffs, shaking his head “god. This is ridiculous.” He stares into his eyes before grabbing him by his jacket, pulling him in and kissing him. Mike's eyes widen as he realises what's happening. He pushes him off, stepping back “no! Woah!” He wipes his mouth. Lucas looks down at the floor, freezing up “shit. Sorry.”. Mike looks at him, watching as he walks away. He wants to say something but he doesn't, cursing under his breath and turning around, walking in the other direction.

Will sees Mike's walking off, frowning slightly and looking over at Jonathan and Nancy through the window. He turns back to Mike, walking in the same direction.

~~

After ten minutes of walking, Will sees Mike has climbed up an old bus in the junkyard. He walks up to the bus looking around at all the other run down vehicles and scraps of metal.

“Hey” He looks up at him. Mike jumps, looking down, seeing him. “Jesus! Did you follow me here?”. Will stands there awkwardly, nodding at him. Mike shakes his head, laughing at him, turning away. Will looks up at the roof of the bus, looking down on the floor at the metal case. He puts his one foot on it, grabbing onto the broken window on the bus, watching out for glass shards. The case wobbles as he puts his other foot up, trying to pull himself up. Mike hears his struggles, turning to him. He tries not to laugh when he sees him, putting his hand out for him to take. Will grabs his arm, Mike pulling him up.

Will flops onto the roof of the bus, out of breath, making Mike laugh. Will starts laughing with him, looking up at him “shut up.” he hits his arm. Mike shakes his head at him, laying on his side, laying his head on his arms, looking at him. Will looks up, the sun setting, making the sky blue and yellow.

Mike looks at the mark on the side of Will's face, reaching out to touch it “does it hurt?” He speaks softly. “Huh?” Will turns his head to him. “The punch. Does it hurt?”. Will shakes his head “nah, Lucas is a weak puncher.”. Mike laughs “nah. You're just tough. That's gonna leave a bruise.” Will smiles, looking back up “the sunsets pretty today.” Mike keeps staring at him, scanning over his face “yeah. It really is.”

Will feels his eyes on him, turning his head, seeing the look on his face “what?”. Mike looks into his eyes, shaking his head “nothing.”. Will giggles “are you still high from the hospital meds?” He rolls onto his side, their knees touching. “No!” Back laughs “you're just..” he pauses, looking away. “Just what?”. Mike looks back at him “you're just nice to be around. You're calmer than usual.”

Will smiles, feeling his heart beating faster than normal “so.. what did Lucas say?”. Mike's smile drops slightly. He clears his throat, looking away “uhm.. nothing much.”. Will furrow his eyebrows “what? Did he say something about me?” “No! No. He just.. he sort of… kiss me.”.

Will abruptly sits up, eyes widening “what!?” He stares down at him. Mike sighs, sitting up. “Lucas likes you!?” “I guess so.” Mike puts his head in his hands, rubbing his eyes. “I knew it! He's jealous of us!”. Mike groans “I don't know why!” “Because we're spending time together. And he can't handle you doing what you want! Because he's controlling and annoying.” “Okay calm down” Mike chuckles at him, putting his hand on the side of his arm.

“No, I'm not gonna calm down!” Will pulls his arm away. Mike tilts his head. “Why are you so mad that we kissed?” “Because!” Will raises his voice, visibly upset. “Because what?” He furrows his eyebrows. “Because I like—” he cuts himself off, looking down. “You like…” Mike realises what he was gonna say, smiling slightly. “Lucas?” He tries not to laugh. Will pulls a face at him, squinting. “You're doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” Mike giggles. “Maybe.”

Will sighs, shaking his head. “Well, you know I like you now.” Mike’s smile softens when the words finally come out. “Yeah… I know you like me.” Will looks away, staring at the grass. “Do you… you know…” “No, I don’t know. Gotta use your words, Will.” Mike teases, a small smirk on his face. “God, I hate you.” “I thought you liked me?” Mike laughs quietly. “God—” Will turns back to him, frustrated, a little breathless. “Do you like me back?”

Mike doesn’t answer straight away. He just looks at him. Really looks at him. Will’s expression falters slightly under his gaze, his confidence slipping. “Mike…?” Mike shifts a little closer, his smile fading into something softer. Will’s breath catches. “What are you doing?” Mike doesn’t answer. He just lifts his hand, brushing it lightly against Will’s cheek, right over the mark from earlier. “Shhh.” And then he kisses him.

Chapter Text

Will pulls away from the kiss, looking up into Mike's eyes. The sun sets fully as they kiss again. Will rests his hands on Mike’s shoulders, Mike's hands on his face. Will tries moving closer, laughing against Mike’s lips when their knees bump into each other. Mike laughs back, pulling away for a moment, kissing him on the cheek. Before they go back into the kiss, there's a gasp from the ground. Mike jumps, looking down, seeing Amanda who's staring at them with wide eyes. They both pull away from each other, staring back at her.

“What the fuck!?” She looks between the two, crossing her arms. “How the hell did you find me!?” Mike sits up. “You always come here, loser! Why the hell are you and Will kissing?!”. Will feels his face heating up, turning away. Amanda shakes her head, starting to walk off. Mike groans, jumping down, following her.

“Amanda, wait!” Mike walks up to her, grabbing her arm. She groans, turning to him. “What!? Go kiss Will or something!”. Mike furrows his eyebrows at her “Are you mad at me!?” “Yes!” Amanda throws her arms in the air, slapping her sides when they fall back down. “Why!?” “Because! My best friend!? Seriously out of all the hot men in the world you chose Will Byers!?” she crosses her arms, looking up at him. Mike looks away for a second, looking back down at her “Wills.. Cute.” he crosses his arms. Amanda pulls a face at him. “Yeah like a bunny! Not hot. And certainly not your type.” “Wills my type!” Mike raises his voice slightly “You dated that goth girl last year! Wills not cool like that!”.

As they argue Will is still stuck on the bus, he looks down on the ground then in the direction they went in “Mike? Can you help me down?” he stares in the direction for a moment “hello?”.

“Look Mands, I like Will. And it’s none of your business who I date! Just because Will's your friend doesn't mean he can't be mine, and more. Just be glad you don’t have to worry about us beating each other up.” He leans back against a tree, looking down at the grass. “Fine! But you can only do coupley things on Thursdays!” she puts her hands on her hips, smiling at him. Mike pulls a face at her “Why Thursdays?” “I don’t know,” she shrugs, “first day I could think of.”

Will sighs when they don’t respond. He dangles his legs off the bus before jumping down, slipping and hitting his back on a piece of metal. He widens his eyes, pain shooting from his back. “OW!”.

Amanda and Mike widen their eyes when they hear the crash, turning back and running to him. “Will!?” Mike runs to him, crouching down when he gets to him “what happened!?”. He pulls him off the metal, letting him kneel down next to him. Amanda stands next to them, staring down at Will. “I tried jumping off and slipped..” He's embarrassed, looking down at the grass, holding onto Mike's jacket sleeve. Mike nods, putting his hand on Will's back, making Will wince and pull away. “Can I check it? I wanna make sure you're not bleeding.”. Will keeps his eyes on the floor, tensing up “you don’t have too.. I’m fine.” “Will.” Mike puts his hand on his shoulder “I’ll be quick okay? I just need to check.”. Will sighs, taking his jacket off.

Mike smiles at him, lifting his shirt up, widening his eyes when he saw a giant bruise in the middle of his back. “How is it already bruised?” Amanda crouches down to look. Mike shrugs, rubbing his thumb over it, Will flinching at how cold his hands were. Mike sighs, pulling his shirt back down. “It’s not bleeding so that’s good.”. Will puts his jacket back on, turning to them, his eyes watering. Amanda smiles at him slightly “are you crying?”. Mike elbows her in the gut, keeping his eyes on Will. He wipes his eyes before zipping his jacket up for him. “Alright lets go home, it’s late.”. Amanda holds onto her stomach, glaring at him. Will nods, Mike helping him up.

They get up, starting to walk home, Amanda going ahead. “You never answered my question.” Will fiddles with the sleeves of his jacket, looking down at the muddy grass. “What?” Mike turns to him, furrowing his eyebrows. “Well.. when I asked you if you.. you know.” “You mean when you asked if I like you back?”. Will nods in response. Mike tries not to laugh at him “I thought I made that clear when I kissed you Will.”. Will shakes his head “well.. what if it meant-"Mike sighs, making Will stop. Will looks up at him, frowning. Mike turns to him, cupping his face, looking down into his eyes “I like you Will.”. Will smiles up at him, nodding “good!”. Mike lets out a laugh before leaning down, kissing him.

Amanda turns around, wondering why they stopped, her face dropping when she saw them kissing “OH COME ON.” She yells, turning back around, walking off.

They just ignore her, pulling away after a minute, looking into each other's eyes.

~~

Amanda walks through the front door, sitting on the bottom steps of the stairs with a sigh. Lucas watched as Mike and Will walked in, holding hands. He frowns at them, crossing his arms “what's going on?” “theyre gay for each other or something” Amanda groans as she pulls her shoes off. Mike widens his eyes at her “shut up.” He pulls his hand away from Wills. Lucas widens his eyes at them “what?”.
Will smirks at him “you heard her”. Mike turns to him, wishing he could keep his mouth shut for once. “Me and Mike kissed! And I'm a way better kisser than you.” Will crosses his arms. Lucas stares at him for a moment before walking up to him. He went to punch him before Mike stepped in the way, getting punched instead.

Mike stumbles down, holding his hand over his eye “god dammit!”. Nancy gasps from the living room, running up to him. “Shit Mike! I'm so sorry I didn't mean to- ""get out!” Nancy turns to him, glaring. “What?” Lucas freezes up. “Out!” “I didn't mean to punch him! I meant to punch Will!”. Nancy scoffs “like that's any better!? Get out of my house!”. She helps Mike up, Will grabbing his hand. Lucas shakes his head, storming to the door, shoving into Will before walking out.

Will puts his hand on the side of Mike's face, Nancy going to get an ice pack. “Are you okay?” Mike puts his hands on Will's arms. Will furrows his eyebrows at him. “me? You're the one who got punched.” he chuckles a bit. Mike smiles “yeah but you got shoved.”. Will shakes his head, laughing “a punch is a little worse than a shove Mike.”

Nancy comes back, putting the ice over his face “god why are you boys always so violent.”. Will leans back against the wall, watching them. He glances at the door then back at them “hey, im gonna go for a walk.”. Mike turns to him “I can come with you!” “No,” will cuts him off. “It's fine. I just need to calm down after all this crazy stuff.”. Mike nods, smiling. He pulls away from Nancy, cupping his face, kissing his forehead. Will smiles, looking up at him before walking out the door.

~~

After walking around the woods for a while, will decides to turn back. As he turns he sees a flash of light through the trees. He frowns, turning to where he saw it. He starts walking over to it slowly before hearing a scream. It starts to rain as he widens his eyes, running over to where he heard the scream, hearing another one from inside the old factory building. He runs inside, looking around “Hello!?” He yells, going to run downstairs before he sees a light. He turns to it, the light shining in his eyes. He squints, stepping back. The light rushes to him, the feeling of cold air entering his face, going down his throat.

He stands there, hearing old memories as the cold floods through his body. The sound of Lonnie screaming at his face, the gunshots, the sounds of old bullies, the word faggot being yelled at him. All the bad memories he's had over the years flooding back until he passes out, falling to the floor.

Chapter Text

It’s almost twelve AM and Will still isn’t back yet. It’s storming outside and it's pitch black. Mike sits on the steps while Amanda calls his cellphone. Jonathan gets up, going to the door. Nancy watches him, standing up from her seat “Jonathan, where are you going!?” “to find him! What if-” he glances at Mike on the stairs before shaking his head “just call me if he comes back!” “I’ll come with you!” Jake gets up from the table, grabbing his jacket from the back of the seat. “Me too!” Mike gets up from the stairs, crossing his arms. “No. You're staying here.” Nancy walks up to him, grabbing him by the arm. “Will could be in danger, Nancy!” “That's why Jonathan and Jake are going to find him. Sit down.”. Mike glares down at her before sitting back down on the stairs. “God why isn’t he picking up!?” Amanda tries calling again. “He’s not gonna pick up Mands.” Devon goes to stand next to her, leaning against the wall. “Well where the hell is he!?” she slams her phone down on the set of drawers near the door, the plant pot wobbling. Nancy grabs it, stilling it before sighing at her “careful.”.

Jonathan and Jake walk out after putting their shoes on, already getting soaked by the rain. “Do we have flashlights?” “in the shed!” They both yell over the wind, squinting at each other as the rain gets in their eyes. They push against the wind to the backyard, Jonathan unlocking the shed with the code on the lock, throwing open the door and turning the light on. Jake rushed in as the wind slammed the door closed, looking around. They find a flashlight and a headlamp, Jonathan grabbing them both, handing Jake the flashlight. He wraps the headlamp around his head, switching it on.

As they're about to leave Jon spots a hammer at the back of the shelf, grabbing it along with the saw on the wall, handing it to Jake. “What's this for?” He looks down at the saw in his hand. “If it comes to it I’ll tell you.”. Jonathan switches the light off, walking out as Jake follows him with a furrowed expression.

~~

They walk through the woods, completely drenched from rain. The batteries in Jake’s flashlight has run out. He holds onto Jonathan's arm, Jon's headlamp the only source of light they have. Jonathan spots the old factory, starting to jog towards it “come on!” he yells over the wind. Jake follows him inside.

The light of the headlamp fills the old factory walls as Jon looks around, Jake standing close. The rain hitting the glass and leaking through the roof. “What is this place?” Jake looks around, attached to Jon’s side. “It’s this old factory. Stay right next to me, things happen here.” “things?” Jake turns to him, frowning. “Monsters.”. Jake waits for him to laugh or something. But he never does. “Are you coked up or something?”. Jonathan sighs “I know. But it’s true. This thing almost ate Mike alive. That’s why he was in the hospital.” Jon keeps looking around.

“Okay. Make jokes about Will being in danger all you want. He's your brother. But joking about my cousin is-” Jake looks to where Jonathan's light hits, a slim young girl with long black hair leans over Will's body, ripping out shreds of skin from his arm. Will’s eyes are pure white, he stares at the ceiling as rain falls onto his face. Jake jumps back, eyes wide “Holy shit!?” He drops the dead flashlight, falling down. Jonathan runs at it, swinging his hammer at the young girl “get the fuck away from him!”. He smacks the hammer over its head. The monster falls down onto its back, Jon throwing the sharp end of the hammer into its face. He breathes heavily as he stares down at it, black blood splattered over his face.

He spits the blood out, looking down at Will, pulling a face when he sees his eyes. “Will!?” he crouches down, grabbing him by his shoulder “Will!”. Wills eyes roll back forewards, going back to normal as he gasps awake, grabbing onto Jon’s arm. “Thank god.” Jonathan pulls him up into a hug.

~~

Will’s arm has finished being fixed up at the hospital, he sits up, staring at the bandage on his arm. His face is pale and his lips are blue. He gets up, he can't feel his legs when he stands, but they somehow hold him up. He walks to the door. He feels like he’s still sitting back on the bed. He has no control over his body. He walks lightly on the hospital floor, opening the stairwell doors, walking down them. His body feels numb. The only thing he can feel is the coldness of the inside of his body and the pain in his arm.

Mike stood outside, smoking a cigarette, leaning against the wall. He closes his eyes, breathing in the cold night air. “Mike.” Will stands next to him, making Mike jump. He turns to him quickly, eyes wide “Will?!”. Will smiles up at him, putting his hand on his arm. Will can’t feel the sleeve of Mike’s jacket. Mike looks down at him, dropping the cig on the floor, stepping on it “how are you feeling?” he tilts his head, putting his hand on the side of his face. “Jesus you’re freezing!” Mike furrows his eyebrows at him, taking his jacket off quickly. He throws it over Will, helping him get his bandaged arm inside the sleeve. He zips the jacket up for him, cupping the sides of his face, rubbing his cheeks with his thumb to warm him up.

Will stares up at him, stepping closer, pulling him down by his shoulders. Mike smiles before kissing him. Will kisses him back, walking him into the wall. Mike laughs slightly against his lips, putting his hands on the sides of his waist. Will reaches up to grab Mike by his hair, gripping slightly, making Mike frown “Will-”. Will slams his head into the wall, knocking him out.

Mike falls to the ground, passed out. Will stares down at him before crouching down, grabbing him by his leg, dragging him into the woods.

~~

He drags him through the woods, letting him hit against trees and rocks on the floor. Twigs and leaves fill Mike’s hair, his whole back covered in mud. Will drags him into brimborn, down the stairs, Mike’s head smacking against each step. He lets go of his leg as they get to the middle of the basement. He looks down at Mike before everything goes black, falling down next to him, passing out.

Chapter Text

Will slowly blinked his eyes open, looking around the dark room. He spots Mike, widening his eyes. “Mike!?” he gets on his knees, putting his hands on his back, shaking him side to side. There's a faint sound of footsteps behind him. He frowns, slowly turning around to face it. A tall man in a magician costume tilts his head at him. Will screams as chains appear and clamp around his wrists holding him to the ground. The magician reaches his arm out, making Will flinch. Mike slowly rises into the air.

The magician brings Mike towards him, still passed out. Will watches with wide eyes, pulling on the chains. “get away from him!” He yells, pulling on the chains once again. The magician walks up the steps with Mike, moving him to a long box. The magician drops him in the box, slamming it shut.

Mike starts to wake up, groaning as he opens his eyes. He moves his arms, them hitting the walls of the box. He widens his eyes, looking around frantically. “Hello!? Will!?” He bangs his fists on the box, breathing heavily. The magician takes its top hat off, pulling out a long saw. “Will!” Mike screams more “Let me out!”. The magician lines the saw up in the middle of the box, starting to saw it in half.

Mike’s eyes widen when he hears the saw, hitting the sides of the box, trying to get out. “WILL!” Mike screams louder than before.Will pulls on the chains more, his wrists red and sore. “Mike!” Will cries out, hearing the saw and Mike screaming for him.

The saw reaches Mike's stomach, cutting through the skin. Mike screams louder, hitting the sides harder. “WILL!” he tears up, kicking his legs up as the saw gets deeper into his stomach “WILL PLEASE HELP ME!”.

Will hears him from the basement, tears streaming down his face “Mike..” he pulls on the chains again “MIKE!”. He keeps pulling and pulling, the chains not moving one bit. He looked up at the ceiling once he saw the light from the sun rising.

The sound of the saw ended, Mike’s screams ended. Will looks down at his wrist, the chains gone. He widens his eyes, getting up and running up the stairs. He sees Mike unconscious on the floor, a poll of blood around his stomach. “Mike!” he rushes to him, dropping to his knees. The blood covered Will’s jeans, him pulling Mike onto his lap. He places his hand on the side of his face before reaching into his pocket, pulling his phone out.

~~

Jonathan is sleeping in the hospital waiting room seat next to Nance, Amanda laying her head on his shoulder. Nancy smiles at them, placing a kiss on the top of Jon’s head before getting up and going to the front desk. The receptionist looks up at her with a smile, Nancy smiling back. “Hi” she places her hands on the desk, tilting her head “I was just wondering what time William Byers will be out?”. The receptionist furrows her eyebrows for a moment. “Weird, I swear I saw him leave earlier.” She glances down at the papers, flipping through. “I’m sorry?” Nancy leans in more, raising her eyebrows. “I think I saw him walk out around an hour ago.

Nancy runs to the door, running out and looking around. She hears Jonathan's phone ringing back inside, turning back to the door, running back in. Jonathan groans, pulling his phone out, going to hang up. Nancy grabs his phone out of his hands, seeing it was Will calling, answering. “Where the hell are you!?” “Nancy?” Will cries down the phone, holding Mike tighter “you need to come to brimborn. Mike he…” He stops himself, staring down at him.

Nancy widens her eyes,turning to Jonathan, slapping his arms “Jonathan! Wake up!”. Jon groans, turning to Amanda more. “JONATHAN.” she yells, hitting his arm. “Whaaat…” “Mike and Will are at brimborn!”. Jon widens his eyes, getting up, knocking Amanda off “What!?”. Amanda groans, laying down on the floor. “Shit! Amanda. Stay here.” Nancy grabs Jon’s arm, dragging him out. “What..?” Amanda stays on the floor, looking up at them.

~~

Wills holding Mike's jacket against his stomach, holding him close. Nancy and Jonathan run in, looking around. She sees them, her eyes going wide. “Oh my god!” she runs to them, kneeling down. She tears up as she takes the jacket from will, putting pressure on his stomach. Will stares at the blood on his hands, eyes wide. “What happened!?” Jonathan gets his phone out of his pocket, calling an ambulance. Will doesn't respond.

~~

Will, Amanda, Devon, Jake and Holly are at home, everyone else at the hospital with Mike. Jake and Devon are with Holly in her room, Will outside with Amanda. Will has that feeling again. The feeling of having no control over his body. He gets up, Amanda turns to him “what are you doing?” she furrows her eyebrows as Will walks closer.

Jake stares down at the floor while Devon plays with Holly. There's a sudden sound of glass breaking outside along with Amanda's screams. They all widen their eyes, turning to the window. Holly freezes up, grabbing onto Devon's arm. “Stay here!” Jake jumps up, running out the room.

Amanda screams as Will gets on top of her, using shards of glass from his cup to stab into her side, using only one hand to hold her down. “WILL WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Amanda yells, trying to kick him off. Will pulls the glass out, going to stab her in the face before Jake kicks him in the side of the head.

Will falls to the ground, almost falling into the pool. Amanda clutches her stomach, looking at him with teary eyes. Jake kneels next to him, grabbing his arms before Will stabbed him in the leg. Jake yells, trying to push his arms away, Will stabbing him in the stomach.

Jake grabs him by his hair, screaming as he dunks Will's head into the pool. Will tries to go back up, Jake getting fully on his back, holding his head under the water. Will’s hands slip off the sides of the pool, kicking his legs. Jake breaths heavy as he keeps him under. He holds him under until he stops moving, his body going limp. Amanda stared in shock, holding her stomach. He slowly backs up, staring at his body.

“No..” Amanda mumbles, tearing up “no, no!” She crawls over to him, grabbing him by his arms, pulling him out. “Will!” She yells, cupping his face. She turns to Jake, eyes wide “what.. what do we do!?”. He swallows as he stares at her “De-” he stutters, turning to the door “Devon!” He yells, getting up, running inside.

“Devon!” He runs upstairs. Devon turns to the door, furrowing his eyebrows as Jake runs into the room. “What's wrong!?” “It's Will!”. Holly glances between them both, holding her stuffed bear close to her chest. "why is everybody screaming?" “No reason! just stay here Holly.” Devon gets up, following Jake downstairs.

They run outside, Devon freezing up once he saw Will. “What the fuck happened!?” He turns to Jake. Jake stares at him for a moment “uh.. I drowned him.”. Devon's eyes slowly widen more, turning to Amanda who has tears streaming down her face “Jake what the fuck!?” He runs to Will's body, crouching down.

“Uhm.. cpr!” He puts his hand on Amanda's shoulder, looking down at her. “I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO FUCKING CPR DEVON.” She yells at him, looking back down at Will. “Okay just..” he pulls him away from her, laying him down flat, lifting his chin up “when I say go, breathe into his mouth or something”. She turns to him with wide eyes “OR SOMETHING!? DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW THIS WORKS!?” “Shut up Amanda!” He starts doing chest compressions.

He counts down in his head, turning to her “okay go!”. She leans down, breathing into his mouth. “Are you guys doing it right!?” Jake watches from behind. “I DON’T KNOW YOU MURDERER.” Devon turns to him for a second, turning back.

After a while Will's eyes shoot open. They're pure white, a bright light shooting out of his face, into the sky. Amanda screams, jumping back. Jake pulls Devon back, looking up at the light. “What the fuck..” Devon mumbles.

Will's eyes roll back forewards, coughing up the water. He sits up quickly, spitting the water out onto the floor. Amanda stares at him for a moment before smiling, pulling him in for a hug. Will jumps, looking down at her. He grabs her arm, laying his head on his shoulder.