Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

will didn’t know how it happened. well, he did. he knew the way it happened, just not the explanation behind it.

around three weeks ago, he was bitten by a radioactive spider. at first, he figured it was a regular spider, and the bite would go away in no time.

but it didn’t. he started to get these strange feelings — feelings that something was about to happen. and then, it would.

at first he thought he was going insane, maybe dying. or maybe the spider was venomous, and he was poisoned.

but, he was able to rule all of those out when a web flung out from his hand. or maybe when he was stuck to the ceiling in his room.

so whatever it was, he didn’t know how to explain it. he’s a spider now? a spider’s lovechild? none of those things sounded quite right.

this wasn’t some el-related thing, this was different. and will could feel it. el never told them about a human-spider mutant that was able to shoot out webs and climb on things.

so when things started happening around hawkins, he knew he had to take action.

el couldn’t use her powers so freely now — enforced by hopper. there was nobody to save hawkins, so he knew he had to step up. he had these powers, might as well use them for good.

so he quickly created a suit — even though quickly isn’t the greatest word to use. after all he had around 50 different sketches. — but after he decided on the final one, a black and yellow suit, he knew he had to make it fast.

and now, 3 weeks after he got bitten by said spider, he’s swinging around hawkins, stopping crime and helping people around town.

even though at first, he didn’t want to give himself a superhero name — because that sounded cringy — the public gave him one.

they called him spiderman. hawkins’ friendly neighborhood spiderman.

he had gotten popular — maybe a little too popular. to the point where now even his friends were talking about him… to him.

initially, he wanted to tell the party. he was going to, but then he realized how much danger it puts him — and more importantly — his friends in.

so now, he has to keep this secret from them. this big, spider-related, secret. and he was never good at keeping secrets.

and he’s starting to think that they’re catching on.

but hopefully, his identity stays secret, because there’s no way in hell, that the party can find out.

will’s phone buzzed on his desk softly, loudly enough for it to wake him up. he groaned groggily, wiping the crust from his eyes as he sat up.

he didn’t want to go to school — he was dreading it, in fact. he slowly, but surely, got up. he reached for his phone at his desk, unlocking it and heading to his notifications.

the buzzes he was getting was messages — messages from his friends.

the first message was around an hour ago. it was from mike.

mike [7:45 am]:
will, u up? don’t be late today, we've gotta do the campaign.

lucas [7:46 am]:
you too, dustin!

dustin just replied to with an annoyed emoji.

shit, the campaign was today, how could he forget? well, he was fighting one of the most uncooperative criminals he’s ever met last night, so it did take a toll on him.

he rubbed his temple as he read the next message. this one was from lucas. this was the one he woke up to.

lucas [9:13 am]:
will, dude. it’s second period already. where are you?

it's second period? will glanced at the time. 9:15. shit! he was supposed to be at school at 8!

he shot up from his bed, the blanket flinging off of him quickly. he flung his web from his wrist at his pants, grabbing them quickly.

he shuffled to put them on, grabbing a random shirt from his floor and quickly putting it over his head. he grabbed his phone, headphones, and his keys, stuffing them in his pocket as he rushed out his room.

as he reached the living room, he saw jonathan — who was slumped over on the couch. his mom wasn’t there, she had gotten a new job in downtown hawkins, so she went to work before school even started.

she had trusted jonathan to get will to school, but most days he just sleeps in, leaving will to get to school on his own.

will just shook his head at the sight of jonathan, and walked out the door. the sunlight was blinding, the air heavy with the hum of early morning life in hawkins.

he quickly made his way to his bike, unlocking the bike lock and hopping it on it quickly. he could just swing all the way to school, but that’s too obvious. someone would see him. so he has to take his old, rusty bike that creaks every 5 seconds.

he can’t wait to get his drivers license.

as quickly as he possibly could, he biked his way to hawkins high, desperately trying to make it before he missed another period.

he pulled up to the bike parking in front of his school. as he slowly reached to put on the lock, the air shifted, and the now familiar tightness returned.

suddenly, he heard a noise — a sharp screech of tires. his senses kicked him into overdrive.

he turned around just in time to see a car swerving wildly, heading straight towards him. will froze, his heart hammering in his chest.

instinctively, his hand shot out, and — wham — a web shot from his wrist, slamming into the car’s side, pulling it off course.

the car veered to the side, narrowly missing him, and skidded to a stop near a light pole to his side.

he breathed heavily, looking at the car and then back at his bike. he was shaking, he could feel it.

“yo!” he heard a voice from behind him. he turned around quickly, and was greeted by: “what happened dude? you okay?” dustin asked, walking beside him.

will looked back at the car, then back to dustin. “uh, yeah. i guess the car just lost control,” he replied, dusting his pants off nervously.

dustin started, excitedly. “i’ve never seen someone dodge a car like that! how’d you—”

but will just cut him off. “i was lucky… i guess. anyway, shouldn’t we get inside?” will said as he clicked his lock and started walking towards the entrance. dustin didn’t see the web? thank god.

dustin looks back at the car, and then looked back at will. “you aren’t gonna go talk to them? they almost killed you!”

will stopped in his tracks, looking back at dustin and the car, which was still parked there. he just shrugged, then continued walking.

unfortunately, almost dying, was now a regular day occurrence for him. it didn’t phase him too much.

dustin sped up to walk next to will. will pulled out his phone and looked at the time. 9:32. “how late were you?” will asked.

“not as late as you,” dustin stiffled a laugh, making will just scoff and roll his eyes. “i got here like, halfway through first period.”

“then why are you out here?” will questioned, finally reaching the entrance doors to the highschool.

“i got study hall second period. mr. gerald is on his computer the whole time, he doesn’t even notice when i slip out,” dustin chuckled as they walked through the empty halls. “so, why not use it to my advantage?”

will just shook his head, laughing as he reached his locker. he put in the code, opening the creaky door and grabbing out his books.

“you know,” dustin started, leaning against a locker near will’s. “mike and lucas are gonna be mad.”

will just sighed, shuffling through the papers on the shelf in the metal locker. “yeah, i know.”

“you’ve been late almost every day now. even max is starting to get worried,” dustin mumbled, looking away. then, he added, “i am too,” even quieter.

will looked at dustin, who was just looking at the floor. “listen…” he started, making dustin’s head pop back up. “it’s nothing. i promise. just… jonathan hasn’t been waking up in the mornings, and—”

“your mom goes to work at 5’o clock in the morning. yeah, i know,” dustin sighed. “i believe you. trust me, i do! it’s just… i don’t know about mike.”

will looked back in his locker, away from dustin. mike. of course, he just had to be the main problem.

“yeah, i get it,” will says, and slams his locker behind him, making dustin flinch at the loud noise. “i should get to class. i already missed most of it.”

dustin narrowed his eyes. “why would you go to class when you already missed most of it?” he inquired.

will stood silent for a second, seemingly thinking about the question. “fine, you’re right. let’s go hang out in the office?” will suggested, making dustin’s face light up.

“and bother ms. harper? hell yeah.”

the rest of the morning was a blur. after dustin and will had got back from the office, it just felt like minutes going by for will.

after a bit, the bell rang for third period. then fourth, then fifth. and finally, sixth. lunchtime. god, will was starving. he hadn’t ate breakfast and he was out all night.

the lunchroom was its usual mess of clattering trays, yelling freshmen, and questionable food smells. will scanned the crowd as he stepped in, tray in hand.

his eyes flicked to a table — their table — the one they always sat at. where mike and lucas were already sitting.

when he saw the table, he hesitated. mike looked pissed. lucas was chewing, looking down at his phone. max was sitting with them too, poking at a carton of mashed potatoes like it personally offended her.

he looked around, maybe for dustin so he didn’t have to walk up alone. he took a deep breath, then forced his legs to move towards the table.

he reached the table, plopping down next to max and in front of mike slowly. mike didn’t say anything when will sat down — all he did was narrow his eyes.

“hey,” will said, breaking the unbearable silence.

mike crossed his arms. “third time this week.”

“fourth,” lucas corrected, without even looking up.

will pressed his lips together, deciding not to say anything. just as he was about to respond, dustin came and sat down right beside mike. “hey guys! what’re we talking about?”

“i think you know what we’re talking about, dustin,” lucas said quietly, side-eyeing mike, who was still staring ahead at will, obviously mad.

dustin made an ah sound, and then stood quiet.

mike started again, “if you don’t wanna be apart of the campaign, just say that,” mike mumbled, making will open his mouth and scramble to say something. but mike continued before he could reply. “but we need you, will. you’re the best bat-shit insane wizard we have!”

“hey!” dustin said, sounding offended.

will sighed. “i’m… sorry,” he replied softly, making mike’s face tighten a little less. “i’ve just been… caught up in a lot of stuff. a lot’s been going on.”

after will finished, mike’s face tightened up again. will hated lying. because whenever he was lying, it was obvious. and mike, who’s been his best friend since he can remember, can definitely tell when he’s lying.

“you know you can talk to us, right?” lucas added, locking his phone and placing it faced-down on the table.

will just nodded. “yeah, you can tell us whatever,” mike added, pressing closer to will, even though they were across from eachother. he knew that this was mike’s way of saying, tell us what’s wrong. tell us why you’ve been late every-fucking-day.

but what was he supposed to say? hey! sorry i was late today, i almost got hit by a car because my spider-senses kicked in too late! or, sorry i’ve been late, i’ve been waking up late because i’m sleep-deprived from fighting crime all night!

will swallowed hard, his throat tight. he knew mike meant well. he always meant well. there was no good excuse, but will had to make one.

“it’s just that…” will took a deep breath. “jonathan’s been less present. and mom’s so caught up about her job and—”

“we’re asking about you, will,” max added, finally putting her fork down.

will just blinked. he didn’t know what to say, it was like his mind blanked. “yeah, i know, just-”

mike cut him off. “i don’t believe that, will. tell me what’s actually going on,” he said, his tone getting more serious.

will doesn’t think he’s ever seen mike this serious. the way he says stuff, the way he looks. it’s all so confusing. he looks over at dustin who’s giving him an, i told you so, face.

he looked back at mike, who seemingly hasn’t glanced away from him once, maybe hasn’t even blinked. he knew he had to make something up to convince mike, really convince.

and then, he realized. maybe he didn’t have to lie.

“i’ve just been sleep-deprived lately. my sleep schedule’s been… messed up. i think i have… insomnia. or whatever it’s called,” will replied. and this time, mike stayed silent. so did max, and so did lucas.

so he continued. “plus, all this spiderman stuff isn’t really… helping.”

“yeah i… get that” mike said, quietly. had he finally done it? made mike lay off of him, even just for a little?

“speaking of,” dustin started up again. “did you guys see that spiderman caught that dude last night? the one who keeps robbing all those convenience stores?”

max scoffed. “yeah, finally. he’s robbing convenience stores. can’t believe he wasn’t caught earlier.”

lucas shrugged in response. “spiderman works in mysterious ways,” making dustin and mike laugh.

mike cleared his throat. “just… listen,” he started up again. shit, maybe he didn’t do it. “you can tell me anything. anything. i can help you with anything you need! well… i can try.”

will chuckled quietly, making mike form a smile on his face. “that’s not the point. but,. i just want you to know.”

dustin cleared his throat, making the party look at him. “maybe it’d help if you guys lay off him a little? i mean, it’s probably just making everything more stressful.”

that made mike and lucas turn their heads to will, who, with his lips pressed together, just softly nodded. quickly, lucas stuttered to say, “yeah— yeah! we can do that!” he said feverishly. then — quieter — he said, “sorry, man, we didn’t realize.”

will just shook his head. “no, no. it’s alright. i get it,” will smiled, looking over at mike who was looking down at his tray. he looked troubled. like he felt really bad.

“no need to get worked up about it, alright?” will said, putting a smile on his face, he hoped it didn’t look as fake as it was. “now, are we working on this campaign, or not?”

mike’s face lit up with a smile, and so did dustin’s. mike pulled out a large notebook and a pencil, placing down in front of all of them. max scoffed quietly, making lucas stiffle a laugh.

as will looked across the table, he realized somebody was missing. his sister, el.

even though they live together, el always make it to school on time. hopper picks her up every morning, because he’s living up in his old cabin, renovating the place.

he tells el he ‘plans to move in with her,’ but he hasn’t really talked to joyce about it.

and even though hopper asks el every morning, does will need a ride? she just brushes it off, and tells him no.

lately, el’s been different — maybe it’s because she’s not allowed to use her powers anymore, or maybe it’s because of how distant will’s been getting — but she’s different.

“hey, where’s el?” will asks in a whisper, careful not to let anyone else hear the name, since everybody knew her as ‘jane’.

mike looked around, and shrugged. “she said she had this group project to work on. guessing she’s in the library still.”

“yeah. for economics,” max confirmed, making dustin groan.

“i still have to do that! I haven’t even started,” dustin whined sarcastically, making lucas chuckle. “my group is so ass.”

“i’m, in your group, dustin,” mike blinked, looking over at dustin.

“exactly, dude,” dustin shrugged, making mike roll his eyes at him and scoff.

he didn’t know what was going on between el and mike. he was pretty sure they weren’t broken up — or mike would’ve told him. but, they’ve been distant lately too. one day, they’re like strangers, and the other, they’re acting like a couple again.

it was so confusing, and it wasn’t helping his situation. and no, not the radioactive-spiderman-superhero situation. the gay-crush-on-bestfriend situation. he sighed, and took a bite from his sandwich.

as they talked and discussed their campaign, will couldn’t help but notice the uneasy feeling in his stomach. It wasn’t his spider-sense — not yet, at least.

suddenly, the bell rung, stopping the party’s planning.

“we just have a little left. who wants to finish it later?” mike inquired, closing the notebook on the table.

“i can’t, i have a basketball game later,” lucas sighed, making mike scoff. “will, do you have an art meeting today?”

will had joined the art club at the start of the year. they do have meetings, but every once in a while. he figured, art meetings was a good excuse for his disappearances.

max starts, “he probably does, there’s one almost every day—”

“he doesn’t! me and him are going to the arcade later today,” dustin interrupted. “we’re still going, right?” he looked at will hopefully.

fuck, he had forgotten about that.

“you guys are?” mike asked, looking over at will, awaiting his answer.

“uh… yeah, we are,” he mumbled, seeing dustin smile from the corner of his eye. he continued, “we’ll take the rest and do it once we get back.”

“perfect, then,” mike said, sliding the notebook across the table to will.

will grimaced slightly at the large notebook. he definitely wouldn’t be able to carry that while swinging around. “dustin, can you carry it in your bag?”

“you mean his unnecessarily big ass bookbag?” lucas added, making everyone except dustin laugh.

he crossed his arms. “it’s a perfectly normal size bag!”

lucas rolled his eyes and mumbled something under his breath, something they couldn’t hear. but max caught it, making her laugh quietly.

“anyway, are we meeting at the arcade or…?” dustin asked, turning his attention to will.

“uh, meet at my house?” will suggested, making dustin nod. he might as well go on parole early, so he could get back to his house before dustin got there to meet up.

it seemed like the perfect plan. go do his spiderman duties quickly, and then go to the arcade.

“okay then,” dustin said. “what time?”

“uhh…” he looked at the time on his phone quickly. 1:15pm. 6th period was over. school ends at 3:00. parole should take around… 2 hours? maybe 3, just to be safe. so that means… “6:30?”

“alright! i’ll be there,” dustin said, getting up from the table and grabbing the notebook, stuffing it into his bag. the party followed, starting to pack up their belongings and throw away their trash. “and don’t be late, will.”

will stifled a laugh, grabbing his phone off of the table. “how can i be late to my own house, dustin?”

that made mike laugh softly, his laugh crinkling up his nose. will couldn’t help but admire.

“how about you don’t be late,” will teased back, making dustin scoff.

“watch! i’ll be on time!” dustin bounced back, making will laugh a little bit harder. “i’ll see ya guys!”

max and lucas waved at them, both going off together. “see you. bye will,” mike said, waving at will and giving him a smile before he left. will gave him a little wave back, his stomach turning as he did.

“you are so obvious,” dustin stated, making will narrow his eyes at him.

“shut, up,” will scoffed, playfully pushing dustin on the shoulder. “goodbye,” dustin chuckled, waving to will as he walked off.

when will reached the hall, he couldn’t help but the notice the uneasiness rising. his senses heightened, and he could feel himself starting to sweat.

it felt like something — someone — was there. watching him, stalking him — just lurking. he didn’t know what it was, and it was sure if he wanted to find out right now.

so he quickly made his way to his 7th period, trying his hardest to walk as fast as he could.

Chapter Text

will tapped his fingers anxiously against the desk in 7th period, eyes drifting toward the window every few seconds. he couldn’t focus. not when his skin still crawled. not when every instinct in his body screamed that something wasn’t right.

whatever that feeling had been in the hallway — he hadn’t imagined it.

his teacher’s voice faded into a dull background hum as will clenched his jaw and stared down at his notebook. his spidey-sense had never felt that sharp before. it had twisted in his gut like a warning, an echo he couldn’t ignore. whatever it was... it felt dangerous

by the time the final bell rang, he was already halfway out the door.

will didn’t even bother going home first. he ducked into the alley beside the bakery two streets over and yanked his hoodie up over his head. seconds later, he was halfway up the fire escape, limbs quick and fluid, his suit underneath already clinging tight to his skin.

his fingers trembled slightly as he pulled the mask over his head and crouched on the edge of the rooftop, eyes scanning the street below. hawkins looked normal — quiet, even. but the hum beneath his skin was still there.

something was off. something was here.

will launched himself from rooftop to rooftop. he checked the usual corners — near the bridge, the edge of the woods, even the power station where he'd chased that shapeshifter last month. nothing.

but the feeling didn’t fade.

he finally landed on the highest roof downtown — the movie theater marquee below blinking lazily. he crouched there for a moment, panting behind his mask, trying to listen. and then he heard it.

a low clatter, like something metal being knocked over. it came from the alley behind melvald’s.

will stood up slowly, body tense. he jumped down silently, clinging to the brick wall a few feet from the ground. the alley was dark, a single flickering wall-light, barely hanging on the wall. then —

movement.

a tall figure moved quickly through the alley, too fast for a normal person. they didn’t notice will clinging to the wall, but will noticed them. the figure turned the corner without hesitation, disappearing down the street like they knew exactly where they were going.

will’s heart dropped.

he launched himself after them without a second thought, the sound of his sneakers hitting pavement echoing like a heartbeat. 

this felt… different. was it something tied to the upside down? was it something human?

please don’t be vecna. or the mind flayer, it’s too early. shouldn’t he still be hurt?

the figure ducked around the corner, and when will turned after them — gone.

the street was empty.

will stood there, chest heaving, scanning the sidewalks and rooftops. his hands were shaking.

whatever it was — it wasn’t just passing through. it was watching him — it was hunting. waiting, — but human.

he checked the time. 6:03 pm.

he cursed under his breath and took off towards home, climbing up on the rooftops. it’s okay, he still had 30 minutes.

but if something really was out there, he couldn’t risk dragging the party into it. not again. not him. not mike. not if he could help it.

so will ran harder, the sun dipping beneath the buildings as hawkins started to fall into shadow. the hunt wasn’t over yet. but for now — he had to play it normal. act like everything was fine.

everything was not fine.

but he could pretend… for now.

will landed lightly on the tree branch just outside his bedroom window, the familiar creak of wood beneath his sneakers barely audible over his own breathing. his heart was still racing — from the chase, from the nothing that he’d found, from the feeling that hadn’t gone away.

the sky was turning darker now, the sun starting it’s path to set. he adjusted his backpack and glanced toward the window. good, it was still open, just like he’d left it. easy.

will crouched, then leapt inside in one smooth motion, landing softly on the floor. and froze.

froze because dustin henderson was sitting on his bed, looking down at him. holding a soda. in his socks. looking at him with his mouth wide open.

will didn’t move. neither did dustin. for a long, long moment, the world was painfully silent.

“you’re here early,” will said finally, voice muffled under the mask.

“oh. my. god,” dustin screeched, practically falling backward off the bed. “you’re — you’re—”

will yanked the mask off in a panic, hair a sweaty mess beneath it. “shhh!! shut, up! shut the hell up!” he shushed, looking over at his unlocked door, hoping his mom or jonathan didn’t walk in.

“you’re spiderman?!” dustin exclaimed now, grabbing a pillow and chucking it at will’s chest.

will caught the pillow mid-air. “could you not scream that?”

“what the hell, dude?! you’re the one that stopped the bike thief on maple? and that thing at the gas station — was that — that was you?!” dustin whisper-shouted.

will groaned, rubbing his eyes. “dustin—”

“wait — what about the alley behind the arcade?! the fire escape on main?! my cat rescue in september — that was all you?”

shit, he’d forgotten about that. though he usually avoids crossing paths with his friends while in his suit, sometimes it’s unavoidable.

“yes,” will sighed. “it was all me. there’s only one spiderman, you know,” he said like he was stating the obvious, which he was.

“i’m sorry, i just — what the? — how — when did this happen?!” dustin jumped up from the bed like he was powered by caffeine and pure betrayal. “i thought — i thought spiderman would be… older! taller! built!”

will scoffed. “okay, rude.”

“i didn’t—” he sighed, recollecting his thoughts. “i didn’t mean it like that! i thought we were best friends! you’ve been out here playing superhero and didn’t tell me?! didn’t tell us?”

“i couldn’t tell you!” will hissed, shutting the window behind him and drawing the curtain. “do you know what would’ve happened if anyone found out? if i told you, you’d tell everyone, dustin!”

“i would not!”

“you would too! you’re like a walking spoiler alert!”

dustin gasped. “i am excellent at keeping secrets—”

“since when?!”

“i kept the dart thing a secret!”

“you kept a baby demodog in your house, dustin. that’s not the same thing,” will stifled a laugh.

they both paused, standing in the middle of will’s room — will in full spider-suit minus the mask, dustin panting like he’d just been told santa was real and also his biological dad.

“i can’t believe you found out,” he mumbled, cursing softly under his breath. he ran his hand through his hair, “why are you even here this early?”

dustin blinked like he’d forgotten why he was even mad. “oh — ms. byers said i could come hang out and wait for you until you got home. she made banana muffins.”

will squinted. “and that translated to you breaking into my room?”

“i didn’t think you’d mind!” dustin crossed his arms, still eyeing the suit like it might start moving on its own. “plus, i didn’t know you’d be flipping around hawkins like some kind of disaster magnet!”

will groaned and sat down on the edge of his desk chair, dropping his head into his hands. “this, is a nightmare.”

“you’re a nightmare!” dustin snapped, pointing at him accusingly. “do you know how insane this is? this explains so much! the bruises, the disappearing, the dumb excuses about—”

will looked up, raising an eyebrow. “you really believed all that?”

“no!” dustin threw his hands up. “but i was trying to be supportive! i thought maybe you were — i don’t know, going through a, poetic phase or something.”

will looked mildly offended. “a poetic phase?”

“you literally stare out windows and journal. what was i supposed to think?”

will rolled his eyes, but a reluctant smile was tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“i have to tell steve about this,” dustin mumbled under his breath.

will’s head snapped up. “you absolutely do not.”

dustin held up his hands. “okay, okay! but like, hypothetically, if i were to tell steve, it would only be because steve would definitely freak out in a fun, cool, tell-me-everything kinda way.”

will groaned again, slumping further into his chair. “i don’t think he’d react like that with knowing i’m out here risking my life.” he tugged at the collar of his suit, starting to feel clammy. “can you just — not tell anyone? please.”

“wait—” dustin blinked. “who else knows?”

will licked his lips, looking up in thought. “really no one. maybe hopper? i have this burner phone that he calls me on for disturbances and stuff — spiderman, of course.”

“yeah, i got that,” dustin said, scratching his head. “wait, you guys are working together? couldn’t he get fired?”

“well, yeah. but, you know hopper. he doesn’t care,” making dustin chuckle softly. “but, i dunno. maybe he’s catching on. but, other than that… you’re the only one,” will sighed. “so, please? keep this a secret?”

dustin flopped back onto the bed. “yeah, yeah. i will. even though this is like… the biggest thing i’ve ever known. i mean, you’ve been living a double life. like peter parker.”

“wow. never heard that comparison before,” will replied sarcastically.

“i mean, it fits. you’re quiet. awkward. too smart. like, too secretly smart.”

will crossed his arms. “okay, i don’t love this list.”

“tragic backstory.”

“alright, dustin.”

“definitely gay vibes—”

will grabbed the pillow that had been thrown by dustin earlier. and hurled it at him. “shut, up.”

dustin wheezed with laughter, holding up his hands. “kidding! i’m kidding!”

they sat in a charged silence for a while, seemingly reeling in the whole moment. all the information.

dustin paused, suddenly serious. “wait, are you?”

will glanced up at him. “what?”

“risking your life,” dustin clarified. “i mean, you’re not just doing, like, cute little web swings and cat rescues, right? you’re fighting stuff.” will didn’t answer. which was kind of an answer.

dustin’s eyes widened. “jesus, dude.”

“i don’t want anyone else getting hurt,” will said quickly. “after everything that happened with the upside down, and vecna, and max — it’s like there’s always something coming. and if i can stop even one of them, if i can be useful…”

his voice trailed off, but the meaning hung thick between them.

dustin sat down across from him, suddenly not joking anymore. “you are useful, will. you always have been. you didn’t need to start jumping across rooftops to prove that.”

will swallowed. “i know. i just… it felt like something i could do, you know?”

dustin was quiet for a second. “okay,” he said at last. “okay. then if you’re doing this, you’re not doing it alone. you’ve got me.”

will shook his head. “dustin—”

“i’m not arguing,” dustin cut in. “this is happening. you get your spidey nonsense, i get to be your guy in the chair.”

will squinted. “are you serious?”

“you know, like in the movies!” dustin grinned. “i’ll be the tech genius who sits in front of twelve monitors and screams into your earpiece—”

“i don’t have an earpiece,” will interrupted.

“well, you should! and i can make one!” dustin said excitedly, then continued. “and i’ll hack into the traffic lights and stuff while you’re out there doing… y’know, backflips.”

will scoffed. “yeah, obviously i know. i don’t live under a rock,” dustin just scoffed. “but, that’s in the movies, dustin. it’s much different in real life.”

“jesus, have a little fun, will you?” dustin playfully pushed his shoulder.

“dustin,” will sighed, rubbing his forehead. “this isn’t a team sport. i do this alone.”

“yeah, well, now you’ve got me,” dustin grinned, already pulling out a notebook from his backpack. “code names. we need code names.”

will sighed, placing his hand back into his sweaty hair. “i swear to god—”

“fine. you’re spiderman. but i get to be something cool.”

will sighed once again, which he realized he was doing a lot today. “so you want to be my nerdy sidekick?”

“i want to be your ned,” dustin said proudly. “every spiderman needs one.”

will blinked. “you’re literally naming yourself after a fictional character in a fictional version of my life.”

“yeah, and?” dustin said smugly. “ned rules.”

dustin nudged his shoulder softly, making will scoff. “you’re insufferable,” dustin scoffed at his words.

after a couple seconds, will started again. he sighed, rubbing his forehead. “you cannot tell anyone,” he repeated. “especially mike.”

dustin tilted his head. “wait… that’s who this whole thing is about? mike?”

will froze. instantly. “i… didn’t say that.”

the curly-haired boy sat up from his position. “you did say that.”

he laughed nervously. “well, i didn’t mean it like that—”

“ohh my god,” dustin gasped again, pointing. “that’s why you’ve been distant lately! you’re spiderman, and you’re in love?!”

“dustin!”

“i’m sorry, this is a lot to take in!”

will groaned and slumped back in the chair, placing the mask over his face lazily so dustin wouldn’t see the flush rising all the way to his ears. he pulled at the zipper on his suit, only managing to get it halfway down before it snagged.

dustin blinked. “wait — how do you even get that thing on? is it like, a onesie? does it — do you have a butt zipper?”

will sighed from under the mask. “i’m not answering that.”

“oh my god, you do.”

will stood up, his mask falling to the floor. “i’m kicking you out.”

“no, wait! i have more questions! do you have super strength? do webs come out of your wrists or do you have those shooter things? did you make the suit? is that, like, spandex? are you bulletproof? have you ever kissed someone upside down—”

“dustin!” will said sternly, snapping dustin out of his question-asking trance.

“what? these are all valid questions to ask when you find out your bestfriend is spiderman!”

will shoved a shirt over his head, finally out of the suit, still red-faced and half-laughing. “you’re worse than the press.”

“oh, you know you love me,” dustin teased, then saying louder, “spiderman.”

“if you don’t shut up—” will cursed under his breath, playfully lunging towards dustin, making him move back in the bed as he laughed.

“so, i’m officially your guy in the chair?” dustin asked, breathing heavily.

“you’re gonna be nothing if you don’t shut up before my mom hears you.”

after will and dustin spent all their quarters at the arcade, they started to walk back to will’s house. will suggested biking to the arcade, while dustin suggested will swinging there. they couldn’t agree, so they just walked instead.

“this would’ve been sooo, much faster if spiderman was here,” dustin sighed, looking over at will from the corner of his eye.

will stifled a laugh, nudging him slightly. “shut up, will you?”

as they reached the stoplight, the sign changed, signaling they could walk.

“so, we’re heading back to your place?” dustin asked as they crossed the road.

will shrugged. “yeah. we gotta finish the campaign,” he mumbled, sighing as he stretched his shoulders back. he was tired. so, very, tired.

he yawned quietly, turning the corner on redwood.

his phone buzzed silently in his pocket, making him reach for his cellphone gently. he unlocked the phone, glancing down to his notifcations.

mike [7:46 pm]:
u and dustin still doing the campaign?
can i swing by?

he sighed and quickly sent a quick message back. “mike’s coming. do you think he’ll be mad when he realizes we haven’t even started?”

dustin snorted. “definitely.”

will laughed, shoving his hands into his pockets. he shivered softly, not knowing if it was from the lack of sleep or the frigid air.

“you good?” dustin asked, glancing sideways at him. “you look like you’re about to pass out and turn into spider-mush.”

“i’m fine,” will muttered, waving a hand. “just... long day.”

“no kidding,” dustin said, kicking a pebble into the street. “y’know, most people are lazy when they’re restless. but you? nah. you have to scale buildings and punch crime in the face.”

will snorted. “not crime. just, like, minor disturbances.”

“you webbed a carjacker to a dumpster last week.”

“okay, that one was kind of serious.”

they turned onto will’s street, a cool breeze making will shiver slightly through his hoodie. dustin noticed, then wordlessly unzipped his own jacket and handed it over, letting will tug it on without comment.

they didn’t say anything for a few beats, walking in easy silence.

finally, dustin broke it. “are you ever gonna tell mike?”

will blinked, caught off guard. “tell him what?”

dustin gave him a look.

will looked away. “about the spider thing?”

“sure,” dustin said innocently. “that too.”

will’s ears turned pink. “he doesn’t need to know. it’s not a big deal.”

“spidey senses and denial,” dustin muttered. “unbelievable.”

“shut up,” will groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

“make me,” dustin grinned.

will glanced at the lamppost they had just passed. “i could literally stick you to a lamppost.”

“and i could tell jonathan you tried some of his weed last month.”

will gasped. “you promised you’d never—!”

“mutually assured destruction, dude.” dustin smirked as they reached will’s driveway. will pulled out his keys from his pocket.

will shook his head, unlocking the door. “you’re the worst.”

they kicked off their shoes inside, the house quiet except for the low hum of the fridge. will stretched again, letting out a quiet groan as his back popped.

they made their way to will’s room quietly, trying not to wake jonathan who was still, sleeping on the couch.

“i’m exhausted. i wish i could just… sleep for ten years,” dustin sighed, flopping onto will’s bed.

will smiled faintly, soft and real. “maybe after finishing the campaign.”

“nerd,” dustin grinned.

“bigger nerd,” will shot back, already digging through dustin’s backpack for the character sheets, the paper making a crinkling sound once he pulled them out.

“don’t wrinkle them,” dustin warned, not even opening his eyes.

“you put them under your lunchbox, dude. what do you expect?”

“it adds flavor, thank you very much” dustin mumbled into the pillow.

will rolled his eyes, spreading the sheets across the desk. he glanced over his shoulder at dustin, already halfway to a nap, limbs splayed like he’d just survived a battle.

his phone buzzed again.

mike [7:51 pm]:
on my way

will read it, then set the phone face-down on the desk and leaned forward, resting his head on his arms for a second. just a second. the quiet hum of the house, dustin’s lazy breathing, the faint ticking of the clock on his desk — it all slowed him down for once in the last couple weeks.

“mike’s on the way,” will said to dustin, turning around in his chair.

dustin just groaned, sitting up from his spot. “i was comfortable,” he complained. “let’s just start when he gets here.”

will rolled his eyes, but agreed.

finally, after around 15 minutes, will heard a faint knock as his front door.

dustin groaned behind him. “you want me to—?”

“no, i got it,” will dragged himself to his feet, padding back through the hallway and downstairs. he peeked into the living room — jonathan still hadn’t moved. was he okay?

when he opened the door, mike was already rubbing his arms for warmth, hoodie sleeves pulled over his hands.

“hey,” he said, soft. “sorry. is it too late outside?”

will shook his head, stepping aside. “nah. we were just setting up.”

mike slipped past him, and their arms brushed for a second — will flinched, barely, then told himself it was nothing. just cold skin. just nerves.

mike kicked off his shoes and looked around.

“quiet,” will shushed. “jonathan’s asleep. dustin’s barely alive, pretty standard.”

mike smiled faintly, and it hit will harder than it should’ve.

they made their way back down the hall. dustin was still face-down on the bed, one sock half-off.

“i see you’ve both been very productive,” mike said.

“we found the dice,” will replied. “that’s step one.”

mike laughed at will’s joke softly. “step two is waking the troll on the bed?”

“good luck,” will muttered, tossing a pillow at dustin’s head.

“rude!” dustin groaned, sitting up with his hair completely flattened on one side. “you two are a nightmare.”

will scoffed, because he knew that dustin’s words had a sly undertone. dustin was not slick.

“love you too,” will said, pulling the chair out and sitting.

dustin scoffed, digging for his character sheet in his mess of a bag. “so, uh — does anyone know what we have to finish?” dustin questioned.

“not really,” will scratched his knuckles as mike plopped down on the edge of the bed. both dustin and will looked at mike, expecting him to answer the question.

when mike noticed their stares, he cleared his throat. “i — uh, don’t know either.”

dustin groaned and flopped back on the bed. “mike, are you serious?” will laughed quietly, noticing how mike’s gaze snapped over to him when he laughed. odd.

“it’s fine. we’ll just have to go through… pages of script ‘till we find where we left off,” will sighed, making dustin groan dramatically even louder.

“then let’s get to work,” mike said, “yeah?” he said as he slapped dustin’s knee two times, hard enough to make dustin sit up.

“alright, alright,” dustin rolled his eyes, pushing away mike’s hand dramatically.

dustin dropped his pencil dramatically, sighing as he laid back into will’s bed. “finally,” he muttered under his breath. “screw you, shadow hounds! suck my—”

will slapped his hand over dustin’s mouth. “just a reminder that my brother is sleeping outside.”

mike grinned, flopping back on will’s bed with a huff. “finally.”

dustin stood, stretching his arms over his head with a groan. “i’m raiding your fridge,” he announced, already heading to the door. “if jonathan has string cheese, i’m eating all of it.”

“you go do that,” will called after him, getting up from his chair. “and if he’s awake, will you tell him i said hi?” he asked, then turned to mike, who was still splayed out across his bed, arm flung over his eyes.

dustin nodded, already out the door and into the hall, the door closing behind him.

“you good?” will asked, trying to sound casual as he began tidying up papers and supplies they had used.

“mhm,” mike mumbled. “just tired. and your bed’s really comfy.”

will huffed a laugh. “thanks, i guess?” he look a glance at the alarm clock on his beside table. 9:30pm. okay, timing wasn’t too bad. will wished they had ended earlier, but he’d just have to cut his night patrol a little short.

“so… are you doing anything later?” mike asked, still in the same position. will narrowed his eyes at him. later? it was already 9:30.

will cleared his throat before replying. “uh— nothing, really. it’s already pretty late,” he placed all his pencils and markers back in his desk before closing the drawer and turning around to face mike. “why do you ask?”

“uh… i dunno—” mike laughed awkwardly, short and breathy, sitting up from his position on the bed. “i just, wanted to see if you’d be down to go somewhere.”

“somewhere like…?” will inquired, making mike scoff quietly. he leaned on his desk across from where mike sat on the edge of his bed. their feet touched, barely, but still present.

“like- like, go to get ice cream? or, maybe go to the record shop—” mike stuttered, seemingly trying to calm down his racing mind. “there’s this place i wanted to take el but—”

“but?” will cut in, causing mike to blink at him.

“i thought it’d be better to… take you, instead,” mike replied, and will swore he felt his heart stop beating for a couple seconds.

their eyes met. mike looking up at will, with a look on his face that will couldn’t describe. neither of them looked away.

and just as the air seemed to shift again, they heard dustin from the kitchen yell: “who the hell drinks almond milk?”

will broke into a fit of laughter, doubling over, making mike grinned at the sound. he scanned over will’s movements, almost admiring him, like he could listen to will’s laughter forever.

will caught him looking and his laughter faltered, heat rising again in his face. mike just smiled. quiet. soft.

dustin reappeared in the doorway that will didn’t even realize dustin opened, juggling a bottle of root beer and three granola bars. “no string cheese. your house is a wasteland.”

“how tragic,” will deadpanned, making a soft chuckle come from mike.

“i’m grieving,” dustin said dramatically, stuffing his hand into his pocket and pulling out his phone. “i’ll be out here if you guys need me — gotta call my mom.”

will just nodded, prompting dustin to close the door once again.

as soon as the door clicked shut again, will let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. the room felt warmer now. too warm. maybe it was the laughter. maybe it was mike. probably both.

mike was still watching him, sitting forward slightly now, elbows resting on his knees. “so…” he started, quieter this time. “what do you think?”

will blinked. “about what?” he knew what mike was talking about, obviously.

mike’s voice was soft, nervous in a way that felt unusually honest. “going out. just us.” the pause between his words was weighted — not uncomfortable, but charged.

will let himself look again. really look. mike’s hair was messy from flopping around the bed, his shirt a little wrinkled, his knee now gently pressing against will’s.

when did they even get that close? when did he stop leaning on the desk?

his mind was moving at 100 miles per minute, and he didn’t know how to stop it. mike’s proposal was so tempting, but he knew better. right?

the right answer was simple — say no, go on patrol, and then come home and go to sleep. but all will wanted to do was say yes, and let mike lead him wherever he wanted.

he sucked in a breath, looking down at their knees. “it’s already 9:45, mike,” will mumbled out. he could hear mike’s breath hitch softly.

“yeah, yeah— you’re right. sorry,” mike chuckled awkwardly, moving his knee just out of reach. so it was intentional. “i just thought—” he cut himself off, looking down at the floor.

slowly, he took a deep breath and then looked back up. “i just thought some company would be better than you sitting in bed, struggling to go to sleep,” mike looked up at him so sincerely, will thought he might die.

will just huffed a laugh. “don’t worry, mike. it’s alright.”

mike just nodded in response, throwing a small laugh out, just to make it seem normal.

but it felt exactly the opposite. the silent air around them felt thicker now, and will had never wished hard enough for dustin to come busting through the door.

and just as he opened his mouth to fill the silence, the door creaked opened. will and mike immediately glanced over.

“so, my mom’s coming to get me,” dustin sighed as he walked into the room. “do you need a ride?” he asked, looking over at mike. “because i am sure as hell not giving you one.”

mike snorted. “good to know where i stand, henderson.”

dustin just smirked and tossed him a granola bar. “there’s your severance package.”

the night outside was a deep navy, cicadas humming in the bushes and porch light flickering slightly overhead. mike and will stood side by side as dustin pulled the door open and stepped out.

his mom’s car sat at the curb, headlights on. she gave a cheery wave from the window when she spotted them standing there. will waved back instinctively. mike followed, a little slower.

dustin jogged to the car, opened the passenger door, and paused — peering his head over the car. “you know, i love your house will,” he exclaimed. “even if your fridge is a barren hellscape.”

will rolled his eyes. “goodnight, dustin!”

“goodnight!” dustin laughed softly. “see you guys tomorrow!”

he watched as dustin ducked into the car, and his mom leaned over to say something to him — probably telling him to quiet down. afterall, it was dark outside already.

the headlights blinked off, then on again as she shifted into drive. one last wave from dustin, and the car slowly pulled away down the street.

will stood there a second longer, arms crossed loosely over his chest. mike closed the door in front of them, turning into the house slowly.

“so…” will started as he followed closely behind mike. they stopped in the middle of the living room and the kitchen. “how’re you getting home?”

mike turned around to face will and shrugged, hands stuffed in his hoodie pocket. “i brought my bike,” he started. “but, i was kinda hoping you’d ask me to stay.”

will’s eyes widened slightly, his breath catching in the back of his throat. “oh?” their eyes met.

“yeah,” mike chuckled out, a breathy laugh filling the air between them. will scanned their surroundings quickly. jonathan was no longer on the couch — meaning he was awake, probably in his room getting high.

will met mike’s eyes again. mike’s gaze was still focused on will, like he hadn’t looked away. “unless… you don’t want me to.”

will hesitated — just a second. mike couldn’t sleep over, not tonight. but he didn’t want mike going out in the dark all alone. “it’s not that it’s just…” will rubbed the back of his neck, searching for words. “my mom wouldn’t want you sleeping over on a school night, and especially without me asking.”

that was a lie. his mom always let mike sleep over, no matter the circumstances.

mike nodded, like he knew that was coming. “no, yeah — totally. makes sense,” will watched him for a second. he watched how how mike’s shoulders dipped just slightly. how he looked at the floor like he didn’t really want to leave yet. and maybe will didn’t want him to, either.

he looked down, nudging his toe against the carpet. he took a breath. “do you want company on the way back?”

mike blinked. “what?”

“i mean,” will shrugged, trying to sound casual. it failed, miserably. “i could bike with you. you know… just to make sure you get home okay.”

mike looked up, brows raised. “yeah?”

“yeah,” will said, a little breathless. “i don’t mind. your house isn’t that far.”

mike didn’t answer right away. he just stood there, staring at will like he was trying to figure out how to function.

then, slowly, he shook his head. “no, it’s — it’s fine,” he said, sighing. “you shouldn’t come.”

will blinked. “why not?”

mike hesitated. his hands were still buried in his hoodie pocket, but his thumbs were twitching nervously now, will could see the outline. “because…” he exhaled through his nose. “because i don’t want you biking back alone. it’s already dark, and last time—”

he cut himself off, jaw tightening. his eyes dropped to the floor. “last time?” will repeated, more to himself. his stomach twisted a little when he realized what mike was referring to.

“mike…” will started. “why are you thinking about—?”

“of course i am,” he cut in. “you—” he paused, trying to keep his voice even. “you disappeared. i mean, yeah, i know it was years ago, but every time you're late or you walk home alone or — whatever — i think about it. about you not making it home,” he admitted.

the silence returned, and all both boys could hear was their heavy breathing. heavy from what? he didn’t know.

“so… of course, i think about it. it’s hard not to,” mike laughed awkwardly, one of his hands snaking up to rub his own shoulder. “it was probably the worse night of my life, y’know,”

will’s mouth parted slightly, taken aback not by the words, but by how raw they came out. the room was quiet. even the cicadas outside seemed muted.

“i get it,” will said, voice soft. “i really do. but nothing’s gonna happen, mike. not tonight,”

mike gave a weak huff, like he wanted to believe that. “but you don’t know that, will,”

“i do,” he said gently. “besides, i think you’re forgetting something.” mike raised an eyebrow. “even if something happens, our friendly town superhero, spiderman will be there to save me,” he said, jokingly, trying to lighten the mood.

mike cracked a smile at that, just a small one.

“how about, i’ll text you the second i’m back,” will added. “you can even make me call you. or — you know what? i’ll wave from the window, like we’re in some sort of movie.”

the older boy chuckled, making will flash a grin. mike stared at him for another long second, then sighed and shoved a hand through his hair.

“fine,” he muttered. “but we stick together the whole way there.”

will nodded quickly. “deal.”

“and you really have to wave from the window.”

will saluted teasingly, making mike roll his eyes. “wouldn’t dream of skipping it.”

mike laughed softly, causing will to laugh along with him. he bit the inside of his cheek softly, turning towards the hall. “let me grab my jacket.”

mike nodded, adjusting his hoodie and fumbling with the zipper slightly. as will disappeared down the hall, he couldn’t help but feel the pit at the bottom of his stomach.

this wasn’t his spider senses, no. this was something much better. he didn’t know why it felt like such a big deal — biking someone home — but it did. maybe because it was mike. maybe because he didn’t want this night to end, not yet.

he shrugged his jacket on his shoulders and turned back around down the hall.

they met again at the front door. will shut the door gently behind them, quietly slipping outside into the warm night. will stuffed his keys into his jacket pocket. their bikes were leaning against the porch railing, frames glinting a little under the flickering porch light.

the cicadas had started their song back up again. somewhere in the distance, a dog barked. the night seemed calm. normal. the air was cool, and there was barely any wind.

a perfect night for patrol, it seemed.

but he couldn’t worry about that, not right now.

not when mike was already on his bike, looking at will and waiting for him to hop on his. quickly, he swung his leg over the bike, one foot still on the ground.

they rode quietly down the street, the gentle whirring of their bike chains adding another sound to the peaceful night.

the familiar houses of their neighborhood passed by in a blur. mrs. sinclair’s garden, with its overgrown rosebushes. the blue house with the creaky swing set. the corner store where they used to buy candy after school, its neon open sign now dark.

will's heart was beating a little faster than normal, but he'd just blame it on the exercise. mike took a turn, glancing to his side to make sure will was still beside him.

their eyes met briefly in the darkness, and will felt that familiar flutter in his chest.

he wondered if mike could hear his heartbeat in the quiet of the night. if he could sense the nervous energy radiating off him.

superpowers or not, will felt completely powerless in the moment.

will's fingers tightened on the handlebars as they coasted down another familiar street. the streetlights casted long shadows across the street, making the whole scene feel almost dreamlike.

mike knew exactly where he was going, riding down the street with ease. will noticed that the route they’d been taking was longer than necessary, but he didn't mind. not at all.

they turned onto maple street, where the trees formed a natural canopy overhead. will thought about all the times they'd biked these same streets as kids, without a care in the world. now everything felt different. charged. meaningful.

mike slowed his pace slightly, and will matched it instinctively. they were riding close enough that their handlebars could almost touch. the proximity didn’t seem crazy for any outsiders looking in, but for will? god, it was like his entire world was collapsing.

ahead, a cat darted across their path. mike swerved slightly, letting out a quiet laugh that made will's heart skip.

they were approaching mike's house now, too quickly for will's liking. the familiar two-story structure stood ahead, most of its windows dark except for nancy’s room.

will's fingers twitched on his handlebars, fighting the urge to hit his brakes, to slow time down somehow. to stretch this moment out just a little longer. but physics and time waited for no one, not even superheroes.

as they pulled into mike's driveway, the crunch of gravel under their tires seemed impossibly loud in the quiet night. they came to a stop, and for a moment, neither of them moved to get off their bikes.

mike was the first to break the silence. "so..." he started, his voice barely above a whisper.

"so," will mumbled, equally as quiet. he couldn't bring himself to look directly at mike, instead focusing on the way the moonlight shined off of his sliver handlebars.

"thanks for, um, letting me bike you home," mike said, then immediately winced. "i mean, for letting me bike with you. to my home. which doesn't make any sense because it's my house, but—"

"mike," will interrupted with a small laugh, finally looking up with a smile. "i get it."

mike let out a nervous laugh, running a hand through his hair. "sorry, i'm being weird."

"you're always weird," will said softly, but there was no bite to it.

they fell into silence again. will could feel his heart hammering so hard that he was sure mike could hear it too.

“promise you won’t be late again tomorrow?” mike asked, turning over to meet will’s eyes.

will smiled softly. “i’ll… try.”

mike scoffed, rolling his eyes as he let out a soft chuckle. but now, mike was looking at him — really looking at him. will felt like he might blow up under the intensity of his gaze. mike started, "will, i—"

suddenly, a light flicked on in the wheeler house, making them both jump. a silhouette appeared in the window above.

"i should probably go in," mike said quickly, though he made no move to do so.

"yeah, probably," will agreed, but didn't move either. mike swung his leg over his bike, finally standing. he leaned his bike against the fence, kicking some gravel from under his feet as he walked to the door.

just as will was about to turn around in his drive-way, mike said one last thing. “did you forget?” 

will looked back at mike, who had a hopeful look on his face. will smiled softly. “no, i’m just waiting for you to get to your room.”

will watched as mike’s face lit up even more after hearing will’s words. without hesitation, mike opened the door and slammed it behind him. he waited at the curb intently, staring up at mike’s dark window. then, he saw the light flick on and the curtains thrash open.

mike looked out the window expectantly, an eager smile placed on his face.

will noticed and smiled, his heart skipping a beat in his chest. slowly, he pushed off the road with one foot, starting to slowly pedal. then, he raised his hand and waved to mike, picking up his pace and biking down the street.

mike smiled at the sight, softly waving back. he followed his movements all the way down the road, moving himself to try and keep will in his line of sight as he got farther down the street.

just as will was about to turn the street, his phone buzzed. he grabbed it out his pocket and looked quickly, careful not to crash into anything.

straight out of a movie, huh? mike texted him, making will smile to himself fondly.

he closed his phone and biked off. he shook his head, the smile still present on his face. soon enough, will couldn’t see the wheeler house anymore, and all mike saw from out his window was the dark night and an empty street.

will sat on the roof of his favorite building — not too high but not too low. his legs dangled off the edge as he looked below, admiring all the cars roaming through the downtown streets.

his phone buzzed in his bag. slowly, he grabbed his phone, clicking it on.

mike [9:57 pm]:
hey, did you get home?

a small smile started to form on will’s face, even though it wasn’t visible under his mask.

he tapped back, even though it was difficult at first due to his covered fingers.

will [9:59 pm]:
yup, all good. in bed rn.

almost immediately, mike started to text back.

mike [9:59 pm]:
okay, just making sure. goodnight :)

even though it was just a texted smile, it meant a lot to will. he was starting to think it meant too much. he texted back quickly before he forgot.

will [10:00 pm]:
goodnight, mike. <3 see you tomorrow

he sent the message and closed his phone, tossing it back into his bag and throwing the bag over his shoulder as he hopped to his feet, jumping over to another roof nearby.

Chapter Text

when the sun blared through will’s window, straight into his eyes, he figured that this time, he had finally woken up on time.

he groaned as he sat up, hair sticking up in five different directions, the imprint of his pillow still pressed into his cheek. his mask was still on his bed, while his suit was lazily stuffed under.

squinting at the clock, he realized that he was late, again. 8:18. “shit,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand.

he fumbled around for his hoodie — the one slung over the back of his chair since monday — and yanked on it with his web as he stumbled toward the door.

he grabbed his suit, mask, and his burner phone — just in case — and shoved it into his backpack.

will nearly tripped over a shoe, cursed under his breath, and swung the bedroom door open — only to be met with the smell of something burnt and the sound of music coming from downstairs.

he slowly turned the corner, peeking into the kitchen.

there, was jonathan. he was cooking something on the stove, but it didn’t smell so good. the stereo was placed carefully on the dining table, just loud enough to reach the kitchen.

jonathan turned his head away from the pan. “oh, hey. good morning, sleepyhead.”

“g’morning,” he said, voice still scratchy from sleep. will made his way to the kitchen, walking behind jonathan, taking a peek over his shoulder.

immediately, the smell of weed hit his nostrils. really? he’s already high? will looked up at jonathan, who was completely focused on flipping what looked like an overcooked pancake.

“you want one?” jonathan questioned, looking back at will.

will just grimaced, and took a step back. “that’s alright. not really hungry,” he gave jonathan a smile.

jonathan just shrugged, and looked back at the stove. his eyes flicked up at the clock.

“hey, don’t you start school at 8?” jonathan asked, finally putting the pancake on a plate. will grabbed a granola bar from the cabinet, even though he had just denied that he was hungry.

“yeah,” will sighed, shrugging his backpack on his shoulder.

jonathan took another look at him — at the half-zipped hoodie, the wrinkled pants, the barely-brushed hair — and raised an eyebrow. “you’re late.”

will deadpanned. “obviously,” he scoffed. who did jonathan think he was talking to anyway? it’s not like he’s been here for the last couple months. instead he’s been either sleeping, or in the clouds.

“well then, get going,” he said, turning back to the stove.

will ignored him and shoved the bar into his mouth, slinging his bag all the way on as he headed for the door. “i’ll be back after school,” he mumbled through a full mouth. “don’t set the house on fire.”

“no promises,” jonathan called after him, already turning the stove back on like that wasn’t the exact concern.

will rolled his eyes and stepped outside, pulling his hoodie up over his messy hair as the cool morning air hit his face. the sun was already too bright, and his brain still felt like it hadn’t caught up with his body yet.

he grabbed his phone out from his pocket, taking a glance at the time. 8:29. okay, maybe this time — swinging to school would be better.

he sighed, tugged his backpack tighter, and ducked into the alley behind a house. no one around.

with one deep breath, he pulled his mask from his backpack pocket and slipped it on. the suit followed with it, quickly slipping it on just as he had practiced so many times before.

then — thwip.

the web caught the side of a building, and suddenly will was airborne, wind in his face, granola bar in his mouth, the city below him rushing past in a blur.

late again. tired again.

but at least up here, flying between rooftops with the wind in his ears and the sun hitting the tops of buildings —

at least up here, he felt a little more like himself.

he felt a little more… free.

will slid into his seat just as the bell rang for first period, still slightly out of breath, hoodie sleeves pushed up to his elbows, a pencil clutched in one hand. his hair was still wind-tangled, and the strap of his backpack had somehow twisted itself into a knot across his chest.

but, he made it.

mrs. adams didn’t even look up from her attendance sheet. that was probably a good sign.

he pulled out his notebook, trying not to look like someone who had web-slung across half the city six minutes ago.

by the time the period ended, will had almost convinced himself he felt normal. like he wasn’t balancing biology notes and secret identities at 8 in the morning.

almost.

the second the bell rang, he barely made it out the door before he heard it:

“will freakin’ byers,” lucas shouted, jogging up next to him, grinning wide. “not an hour or two late! that’s, like — growth!”

will rolled his eyes. “yeah, well, don’t get so used to it,” he teased, making lucas just chuckle.

“i’m impressed,” el added, popping up from behind him out of nowhere. “we were taking bets on whether you’d show up before or after second period.”

will laughed, the party continuing to walk down the hall. “yeah, well. you know. progress,” he shrugged.

“next thing you know,” max chimed in, “he’ll start doing his math homework before the morning it’s due.”

will gasped mockingly. “rude.”

they all laughed, walking together through the hall like always. but will could feel it before he saw it — that weight. that familiar shift in energy that settled between his shoulders like a held breath.

then mike fell in beside him, quiet at first, eyes flicking down to will’s hoodie. it was still half-zipped, his shirt rumpled. there was a faint scrape on the side of his neck he hadn’t had time to cover up from last night’s patrol.

mike noticed. of course he did.

“you okay?” he asked quietly, staring at him intently.

will’s face snapped over to mike’s. “yeah!” will said, a little too quickly. “i just… overslept a little.”

mike gave him a look, and will didn’t meet it.

“at least i’m waking up earlier,” will added, “do you want me to keep showing up at 10?” he asked, nudging his shoulder softly.

mike just chuckled. “i think this is just fine.”

and the way mike’s chuckle sent ripples through will’s spine, he didn’t know if mike had superpowers too — because it sure felt like he did.

the others didn’t notice it. they just kept chatting — something about gym class and how lucas was planning to fake a twisted ankle to avoid running the mile.

but mike’s eyes lingered on will for just a second too long. and will’s heart beat was just a little too fast beneath his hoodie.

suddenly, someone bumped into will’s shoulder. the whole party looked back, and it seemed like the whole hallway did too.

“yo! watch where you’re—” a voice echoed through the halls. will flinched back, the voice loud in his ears.

it was chance. yes, that chance. the once on the basketball team. every girl in school liked him at least once — it was hard not too. will could admit it, the boy was attractive.

when will opened his eyes, he was greeted with the sight of chance right in front of his face. why had he stopped yelling?

“sorry, dude,” chance muttered. then a smile appeared across his face, almost like he remembered where he was. he brought his hand up and patted will’s shoulder softly.

will looked up into his eyes. damn — he didn’t realize how much taller chance was. “it’s… it’s fine,” he managed to say, his voice small.

chance’s smile widened once more. their eyes stayed locked, not even daring to break. they looked at each other for too long, it was unbearable.

finally, chance just sighed. “see you around?” he offered.

will just nodded, unsure of what that meant.

with that, chance walked off into the crowded hall. will couldn’t help but watch him walk away.

seemingly, the hall started up again, but not the party.

“yo, what was that about?” lucas asked, looking over to will.

will turned back around to look at lucas. he just shrugged. “i have no idea.”

“are you okay?” mike asked, placing his hand on will’s shoulder.

suddenly, will became very aware of mike’s touch. the way he gripped his shoulder. he just put his hand on mike’s and brought it down, nodding at him. he wasn’t sure if he could take any longer of mike’s touch, even if it was just a tiny second.

“yeah, i’m fine,” he reassured him, even though mike obviously didn’t believe it.

lucas and max started walking again, and so did the rest of the party.

“are you positive?” mike asked again. “chance is a… pretty big dude.”

will just laughed. “yeah, i’m sure,” little did mike know, he’s dealt with things a lot more painful.

“well, if you’re sure,” mike just said, still looking at will from the corner of his eye.

el made her way next to mike, bumping their arms together. mike took a glance beside him, wrapping his arm around el with a smile.

will just straightened himself up, clearing this throat quietly. “i’m gonna get to class. see you guys!” will said, already walking ahead, not waiting for responses.

the others barely noticed — dustin muttered something about saving him a seat at lunch, lucas was still workshopping his fake injury with max — but mike watched him go, eyebrows pulling together.

will didn’t look back. he couldn’t. his ears were nearly burning.

he turned the corner too fast, nearly bumping into a girl from his chemistry class. he muttered a quiet “sorry” and he kept walking. his fingers tugged at the sleeves of his hoodie, like it could somehow make him invisible.

when he made it to his second period, all he did was slump down in his seat.

why did school always feel so fucking long?

the final bell rang like a mercy.

will moved through the sea of students with his hood up and his earbuds in, but no music playing. he just needed the illusion of quiet. something to drown out the hum of conversations, the squeak of sneakers on tile, the slam of lockers shutting all around him like gunshots.

he avoided his usual hallways, because he knew the party would be there to stop him. he didn’t want to deal with that right now, so the back entrance was his best bet.

once will had gotten out of the school, he decided to just take his usual route home.

past the bus loop. down cherry street. around the corner with the broken stop sign where someone spray-painted a smiley face over the stop sign.

but something felt… off.

not enough to see. not enough to know. just enough to feel.

the wind had picked up, but not in a casual way — not in a gentle, fall-leaves kind of way. It was colder than it should’ve been. sharper. it moved through the trees too quietly, like it was trying not to be heard.

will kept walking. his fingers were curled tight in the sleeves of his hoodie. his backpack felt heavier than usual — everything felt heavier

a dog barked in the distance. a screen door slammed shut. a crow croaked from the top of a telephone pole, wings twitching. every sound felt louder, like it was blaring through his ears.

he tried to shake it off. he took a glance behind him cautiously, just in case.

but then he stepped into the alley shortcut between decker’s hardware and the empty laundromat — the one with the old mural peeling off the brick wall — and his stomach dropped.

no sound. no breeze. no birds. no traffic. just silence.

thick, unnatural silence.

will’s footsteps slowed, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up.

and his spider-sense — the one that had been surprisingly quiet all day — suddenly flared like a warning siren in his skull.

something’s — no, — someone’s here.

when he turned around, expecting something behind him — there was nothing. nothing to be found.

yet, the feeling didn't fade.

he sped-walked out the alley, trying his best to reach his house, as quickly as he possibly could.

when will finally reached his house, the feeling in his stomach still hadn’t faded. it had been like that the whole way back, and will wasn’t quite sure what it was this time.

usually, he could always figure out what his spider-sense was telling him. but this? this was different. it wasn’t a warning. it was a chill. a presence.

he quietly unlocked the door, careful not to make his entrance too known.

the smell of something cooking hit him first — garlic and tomato and something vaguely burnt. the soft sound of music playing from the living room stereo drifted down the hall, just like it had this morning — this time, just half-muted by walls and conversation.

will stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

he stepped into the kitchen and found joyce stirring something in a pot, her hair pulled back messily, an old hawkins high sweatshirt on. jonathan was at the kitchen table, sorting through a stack of records with a half-eaten sandwich next to him.

across, the living room, el was sat in front of the coffee table, carefully arranging puzzle pieces. her backpack was still on the floor next to her, and so were her books. she hadn’t even bothered to change from her school clothes.

will blinked. it was normal. too normal.

joyce turned and smiled. “you're just in time. we’re trying to do family dinner tonight. jonathan’s idea.”

jonathan glanced up. “which mom immediately turned into ‘let’s use up all the leftovers in one pot.’”

“it’s resourceful,” joyce argued, giving the pot one last stir before lowering the heat. “el, can you get the bowls?”

“mhm!” el stood up with a nod, brushing past will and giving his arm a little squeeze as she passed. she smiled at him softly, which will returned.

jonathan looked up again. “you didn’t bike to school, will. why?.”

will froze for a second. “no,” he said quickly. “walked. needed some air.”

jonathan’s eyes narrowed, just slightly. “uh-huh.”

joyce set the pot on a trivet in the center of the table. “well, time to eat,” she sighed. “sit! you look tired, honey,” her voice wavered, sounding a little worried.

will just shook his head. “i’m fine, mom. don’t worry.”

el set the bowls down as they all gathered around the table. for a moment, will's chest loosened. maybe it was nothing. maybe the feeling was just leftover adrenaline from the day. maybe—

and then he saw it. a shadow passing by the kitchen window, just a quick movement that disappeared as fast as it had appeared.

will's breath caught in his throat.

"will?" joyce's voice broke through his thoughts. "you okay? you look like you've seen a ghost."

he forced a smile. "yeah, just... thought i saw something outside."

jonathan turned to look out the window, brow furrowed. "there's nothing there."

"probably just a bird or something," will muttered, picking up his spoon.

he caught el’s gaze from her seat. she looked at him, confused, like she was trying to pick apart his brain.

"so how was school?" joyce asked, oblivious to the silent exchange happening between will and el.

"fine," they both answered in unison, a little too quickly.

jonathan raised an eyebrow but said nothing, taking another bite of whatever concoction joyce had prepared.

will took another bite of his dinner, trying to ignore the growing unease in his stomach. the food was... actually not bad, despite joyce's reputation for creative cooking mishaps. it was warm and filling, but he could barely taste it with his mind racing.

"i got an a on my history project," el offered, filling the silence that had settled around the table.

"that's great!" joyce beamed, reaching over to squeeze el's hand. "what about you, will? how's that science class going?"

will nodded, pushing his food around. "it's good. we're studying, uh, ecosystems."

jonathan was still looking at him with that penetrating gaze that made will feel like he was being x-rayed. his brother had always been too perceptive — even after all the weed he consumes.

"anything interesting happen today?" jonathan asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

will hesitated. "just normal stuff."

the shadow flickered past the window again. this time, will was certain he wasn't imagining it.

"actually," will said suddenly, pushing his bowl away, "i have a ton of homework. might turn it in early."

"but you barely touched your food," joyce protested, concern etched across her face.

"i'm just not that hungry," will said, standing up. "dinner was good though, mom. thanks."

el watched him with those intense eyes of hers, and will knew she could sense something was off. he gave her a small shake of his head — not now.

"well, at least take some water with you," joyce said, already filling a glass. "and i'll save your portion if you get hungry later."

"thanks, mom," will murmured, taking the glass and backing away from the table.

he could feel all their eyes on his back as he made his way down the hall to his bedroom.

once inside, he closed the door softly behind him, leaning against it with a sigh. the feeling in his stomach hadn't gone away. if anything, it had intensified.

he clicked on the light softly. the light-bulb currently in the light was old, so it didn’t light up the room much. the light was dim, just enough to blend perfectly with the sun peering through the window.

will set the water down on his desk and moved to the window, pulling the curtain back just enough to peer outside. for a moment, there was nothing — just the usual view.

and then he saw it again. a movement in the shadows of the forest next to his house, too deliberate to be the wind, too solid to be his imagination.

will let the curtain fall back into place, his heart hammering in his chest. whatever was happening, whatever was out there, he knew one thing for certain — hawkins was never going to let him have a normal life.

just as he sat down on his bed, ready to relax just for one second of his fucked-up life — a soft tapping on his window made will jump.

he sat up from his bed, inching towards the curtains slowly. okay, if something is there, be prepared to fight it. shit, he’s not even in his suit right now! okay, okay. not important.

through the curtains, he could make out a figure outside — human-sized, not some otherworldly creature, but that didn't mean much in hawkins.

still, maybe that was what he was looking for — a human.

will's mind raced. the tapping came again, more insistent this time. "will?" a familiar voice called, muffled through the glass. "will, it's me."

mike. it was mike.

he immediately pulled back the curtain to see mike's face, glowy in the sun, his breath fogging up the glass. “mike? what are you doing here?” he whisper-yelled.

mike looked out of breath — like he had run here. “you—” mike started, but was cut off by his huffing breaths.

okay, maybe he was lucky he wasn’t in his suit. but, what the hell was going on?

was that mike he'd seen earlier? was he just trying to lure him to the window?

but, what if it wasn’t him?

what if, something was actually out there — if something had followed him home — then that put mike in danger too.

will rushed to the window to open the window. without hesitation, will unlocked the window and pushed it open. "get in," he hissed, "hurry!"

mike looked confused but didn't argue. he was used to will's urgency by now. he climbed through the window, will helping to pull him inside before quickly shutting the window behind him and drawing the curtains closed.

will shut it and locked in, closing the curtains quickly before anything could even show up again.

mike dusted off his pants, his breath still huffing slightly.

“did you see something out there?” will asked, immediately. “anything?”

mike frowned. "no? should i have?"

will shook his head. “no— no. just, forget about it. i’m being paranoid.”

just as mike opened his mouth to say something else, will cut him off. “okay, but — what was that about?” will complained, turning towards mike.

mike collapsed onto will's bed, still catching his breath. "i didn't see you after school," he said, his voice tinged with worry. will sat next to him cautiously. "i know the way we all usually take. you weren’t there."

"oh," will said softly, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at mike's concern. he brushed it off. nothing serious, nothing serious.

he cleared his throat, searching his mind for an excuse, any excuse. "yeah, i... went a different way. had to do something.”

that was a lame excuse, but it would work.

mike shrugged. “well, i just… wanted to check on you,” he said, casually, looking up at will through his eyelashes.

shit, will really was whipped. he blinked back down at mike, almost certain his cheeks were getting redder.

will broke their eye-contact, the sight almost too unbearable to witness. he looked out into his room as he rubbed the back of his neck, almost instinctively. “uh, thanks.”

an awkward silence filled the room, and will was sure that mike could feel it.

he cleared his throat once more. “did you have to come through the window though?" will asked, "you know we have a front door, right?"

mike huffed a laugh, his lace slightly flushed in the dim light. "i, uh... i didn't want el to see me," he admitted, looking up at the ceiling

"what?" will batted an eye, looking over at mike who was still laying down. "why not?"

mike fidgeted with the hem of his jacket, and will couldn't help but notice how the nervous gesture made him look endearingly vulnerable. “i… because i needed to talk to you. just you." he met will’s eyes finally.

will's mouth went dry. "okay," he said carefully, trying to keep his voice steady. "about what?"

“you know— do you remember?” mike asked, then clarified. “what i said yesterday?”

will tilted his head, “you said a lot of things yesterday.”

mike shook his head, chuckling softly. he sat up, so now will and him were sitting next to each other, both of their bodies facing the other.

“what i said about… going somewhere. somewhere i wanted to—”

“take el?” will asked, “yeah, i remember… why?”

mike scoffed. “i think you know why.”

will’s heart skipped a beat. why was mike so insistent about taking him out? “why are you so persistent about this?”

“because i—” mike cut himself off with a sigh. “i want to do something— something… together. like we used to.”

will blinked at him softly, unsure if the words were even registering in his brain.

the silence was unbearable. mike's eyes darted around the room, landing everywhere but on will's face.

mike started again, "you know, like we used to... before everything got so complicated. when it was just us, riding our bikes, playing d&d, having adventures."

"we still do those things," will said carefully, though he knew it wasn't quite true. everything was different now.

"no, we don't," mike said, finally meeting will's gaze. "not like before. and i miss it. i miss..." he trailed off, his fingers nervously picking at a loose thread on his sleeve.

"what?" will asked, his heart thundering in his chest. "what do you miss?"

mike took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for something. “i miss how it was before everything happened.”

will felt like he could hardly breathe. “don’t we all?” he laughed quietly, trying to lighten the mood.

mike chuckled softly, even through will’s attempt wasn’t that great.

"but… what about el?" he managed to ask, hating how his voice shook slightly.

mike's expression clouded. he looked away from will. "that's... that's part of what i need to talk to you about. things with el, they're..." he paused, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "they're not the same anymore. and i think... i think maybe they never were what i thought they were."

“is that why you didn’t want her to see you?” will asked, hesitantly.

mike just nodded softly, almost unnoticeable.

another silence came over them.

will could sense the way mike’s mood changed. “we don’t have to talk about it now,” he muttered, making mike meet will’s eyes once again. “we have our whole lives to.”

mike laughed softly, his eyes never leaving will’s once.

will felt like his mind never stopped moving. he was thinking a hundred miles per second, if that was even possible.

“so… does the offer still stand?” will asked softly.

mike returned his question with a smile. “of course it does.”

will just blinked at him, a hesitant smile growing on his own. maybe patrol could wait.

Chapter Text

mike was already waiting on his bike when will jumped down from the window, shirt sleeves shoved up to his elbows, hair sticking up like he’d run his hands through it too many times.

“okay,” will said, dusting off his pants. “so, where exactly are we going?”

mike raised a brow. “what, you don’t trust me?”

will shrugged, trying to play it cool, which usually always failed. “i guess i’m just curious. is that a problem?”

mike snorted a laugh. “no, no. not at all,” he adjusted himself on the bike, and will could notice his hands getting fidgety. mike was getting… nervous?

“are you gonna get on?” mike asked, snapping will out of his thinking-trance.

will grimaced. “you’re sure you aren’t gonna crash?” he teased mike, making mike grin widen just a little.

“crash? nah, i’m practically a pro. besides, if i do, i’ll crash with you. so, we’ll be even,” mike said, then added, “promise.”

will rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips. he climbed on behind mike, settling in carefully, one hand finding its way to rest lightly on mike’s waist.

“alright, pro,” will said, voice soft, “let’s see if you can keep that promise.”

mike started to pedal, the gentle rumble of the concrete filling the quiet night air as they started moving down the street. will tightened his grip just a bit, heart thumping in a way that he knew had nothing to do with the speed.

will wasn’t sure what he was expecting when mike said “trust me,” … but it wasn’t this.

the street was packed. colorful strings of lights stretched between lampposts, glowing over booths of homemade jewelry, food trucks, thrift tables, live music echoing off brick walls. people moved in every direction — arms bumping, kids running, voices overlapping like static.

will blinked. “what is this?” he asked mike, who also seemed to be processing the size. “it looks… cursed.”

“i think it’s called like… market… something?” mike said, shrugging, already grabbing will’s wrist before they could get separated. “they only do it once a month. i figured it’d be cool.”

will looked down at their wrists immediately. mike’s warm hand was a contrast to his cold body temperature, goosebumps running up his arms quickly. “cool,” will muttered, glancing around. “or overwhelming.”

mike stifled a laugh. “yeah i… didn’t realize there would be so many people,” he scratched the back of his neck.

the shorter boy just shook his head. “it’s fine, don’t worry.”

they walked mike’s bike along the sidewalk until they found a place to lock it, then stepped into the chaos.

before will could say anything else, mike was already walking, dragging will along with him. “this isn’t it. c’mon, follow me!” mike looked back at him, with the sideways smile he always did.

and so, will followed. it wasn’t really like he had a choice.

they weaved through rows of booths, pausing here and there to examine hand-painted pins or candles that smelled like rain. a band was playing something low and dreamy near the corner, and the scent of fried dough and kettle corn trailed throughout the street.

will bumped someone’s shoulder, probably two, maybe three. but even then, mike didn’t let go of his wrist.

eventually, mike tugged them off to the side, slipping into a quieter path between two vendors — less people, less string lights, and a faint glow from a cart at the far end.

will glanced down at their hands and realized, mike wasn’t just holding onto his wrist now, they were fully holding hands. and his hand, was still in mike’s.

neither of them said anything. will wasn’t even sure if mike noticed.

even though it felt like it, the world didn’t stop moving — people still passed them by, the buzz of the fair continuing like a distant hum — but in that tiny moment, tucked between pop-up tents and paper lanterns, it didn’t really matter.

it was just them.

mike finally let go, but only to stuff his hands in his hoodie and glance at will with a half-smile. “see? not totally lame, right?”

will smiled back, soft and small, still admiring all the lights and stands. but even with all the distractions, his eyes couldn’t help but drift to one specific thing. one boy. standing right in front of him. “no— it’s— it’s… kind of… perfect.”

they wandered further down the quieter strip, past a booth selling secondhand comic books and another covered in mismatched postcards and typewriter poetry.

when they finally reached the cart at the very end, will realized what they were here for.

there was a big cardboard sign on the top that read, “ICE CREAM!” under the sign, there were yellow and pink neon lights, hanging from all different sides. and finally, a little chalkboard sign out front read “CASH ONLY :)” with a half-smiley face and a crooked star doodled next to it.

will blinked. “i’ve never even heard of this place.”

“exactly,” mike said, smug. “there’s nobody here. nobody we know. no long lines. no steve harrington judging our topping choices.”

will snorted. “and you were gonna bring el here?”

mike hesitated — just for a beat.

“yeah,” he said, but then added, quieter, “but i didn’t.”

and will didn’t push it any further.

when they walked up, they were greeted with the owner — a cheerful older woman with a messy bun and a bright smile — greeted them like old friends. “evening, loves. what’ll it be tonight?”

mike glanced at will. “anything you want. it’s on me,” will could feel his heart skip at least two beats at those words.

will’s eyes flicked over the chalkboard menu — flavors with names like midnight berry, salted caramel dream, and vanilla moonlight.

“i’m thinking… vanilla, but with those little rainbow sprinkles?” will said shyly. the woman nodded.

mike grinned, but it didn’t seem like he was looking at the ice cream. “and i’ll have uh…” his gaze finally flicked away from will, and to the menu. “chocolate swirl?”

“alright, coming up!” the lady said, disappearing into the cart.

the woman returned, balancing two cones carefully. will’s vanilla, topped with bright, cheerful rainbow sprinkles, and mike’s — rich and dark with thick swirls of fudge ribboned through the chocolate ice cream.

“thank you so much!” will exclaimed as mike took out his wallet, handing the owner the money.

“of course!” she said, smiling at the boys. “you two enjoy.”

they both walked off with a wave.

mike tasted his cone first, eyes lighting up as he tasted it. “oh my god, this is so good. you’ve gotta try it.”

“mike you know i hate chocolate,” will groaned, pushing away the ice cream as mike tried to give it to him.

“which is weird because you absolutely love reese’s,” mike scoffed, taking back his ice cream like will pushing it away had personally offended him.

will blinked. “you know my favorite candy?” will asked, tilting his head.

mike looked at will like he had been caught. “of— of course i do!” he chuckled nervously. will just smiled at him, turning to his ice cream.

will took a cautious lick of his vanilla, the cold sweetness melting smoothly on his tongue. he glanced sideways at mike, who was watching him out of the corner of his eye.

will could see mike physically gulp. huh, cute.

they sat on a creaky bench near the back of the stand, both of them still holding their ice creams. mike’s was nearly half-finished, while was still just getting started.

mike plopped down dramatically. “my legs are broken. carry me home.”

“while i’m riding your bike?” will asked, chuckling softly under his breath as the words came out. “yeah, no thanks.”

“whatever,” mike said, rolling his eyes sarcastically. “i wasn’t prepared for walking this much,” mike said, fake-weeping into his hands.

will bumped his knee. “you’re a disaster,” he said, shaking his head.

mike just laughed silently, going back to devouring his ice cream that was starting to melt in his hand. will figured he’d just do the same, licking the sides where the ice cream was close to dripping onto his hand.

“i can’t believe you got chocolate,” will said, grimacing playfully as he looked as mike’s ice cream.

mike smirked, licking the fudge that had melted down to his fingers. “what can i say? some things just never go out of style.”

will laughed quietly, going back to licking his melted ice cream.

“you didn’t like it?” mike asked when he saw how much of will’s ice cream was left.

will stifled a laugh. “no, i like it. i just don’t destroy my food like it’s my last time eating,” will joked, “unlike somebody i know…”

“hey!” mike said, playfully nudging will’s shoulder. “it’s a talent, thank you very much.”

will just chuckled, his knee slightly brushing mike’s.

then again.

and then again.

will looked down at their knees, and it was almost like mike was doing it on purpose.

neither of them spoke for a minute.

just the faint sound of laughter from down the street. the wind moving through the trees. a guitar playing somewhere in the distance.

“i was gonna bring el here,” mike said again, voice quiet, almost like reminding will was the right thing to do.

but it wasn’t. it wasn’t at all. his stomach tensed. “i remember.”

mike didn’t look at him, he just sighed out, “i thought… it’d fix something. or prove something. i don’t know.”

will turned to him, brows furrowed.

mike kept talking, like he had to get it out or he’d combust. “but it didn’t feel right. i wanted to share something with her but… when i imagined actually being here, it wasn’t with her. it wasn’t anyone else.”

will’s breath caught.

mike looked at him then. really looked. his eyes dark and soft and a little scared.

neither of them said anything. they didn’t need to. will knew what mike was saying. but did he know what it meant? not a clue in the world.

will just leaned back, shoulder against mike’s, eyes drifting up to the lights above them.

and mike stayed right there, beside him.

even though the silence was comfortable, will knew it had to end. somehow, someday. this couldn’t go on forever. not when mike was still with his sister, which was a reminder that will’s brain did not need to give him.

but this wasn’t a date. so why did it feel like a date?

“you ready to bike home now?” will said, breaking the thin silence.

mike looked over at him and sighed, hiding his hands into his face. “ugh, i forgot about that part.”

will just laughed, nudging mike softly. “you’re a disaster.”

mike peeked at him through his fingers, grinning. “yeah, but you’re still here.”

will froze, heartbeat hitching once again. see? feels like a date. or maybe that was just him, and a combination of his massive crush and his easily-swooned heart.

mike dropped his hands and leaned back, suddenly very casual. “what i mean is— like. you didn’t bail. on this. i figured you’d be too cool.”

“too cool?” will asked with a scoff. “i am not cool,” will said immediately.

“you’re, like, artsy cool,” mike argued. “mysterious. secretly-deep. you’ve got that whole tortured soul thing going.”

will shrugged. “well… that’s not exactly off. but i’m not mysterious.”

mike just laughed, “you’re wearing a hoodie in 80 degree weather.”

“… touché.”

they didn’t bike home.

no, they didn’t forget mike’s bike. karen would’ve killed mike.

but, they still didn’t bike.

they could have — the ride would’ve taken maybe seven minutes, ten if they hit all the red lights.

but instead, they walked.

side by side, mike’s bike rolling slowly beside them. mike gripped onto one of the handle bars, carefully guiding the bike to walk along with them, tires squeaking against pavement every few steps.

the market was behind them now, its lights a dim blur in the distance, and the town had gone still — the kind of quiet that only existed after 12 a.m. on a summer night. porch lights were off. stores were closed. even the bugs had quieted.

it was just them.

mike’s shirt sleeves were pushed up again, hands gripping that one handlebar loosely. will’s hoodie was too warm, but he hadn’t taken it off — something about it made him feel a little safer, like the silence between them couldn’t swallow him whole.

the street was wide and empty, and without a word, they drifted toward the middle of it. no cars. no people. just streetlamps glowing overhead and the soft sound of rubber tires and sneaker soles.

when will realized that they were the only people there, he checked his phone quickly.

12:18. shit. how did they stay out for so long? he forgot completely about patrol! it was almost like, being with mike made him forget all his worries. including the city of hawkins and his duty to be their hero.

he just gulped, closing his phone and placing it back into his pocket.

he didn’t want this night to end, not at all. he wanted to stay with mike for forever if he could. but this was real life they were talking about, and will has a real job he needs to get to.

well, technically, it wasn’t real. but whatever.

“why didn’t we bike?” mike asked eventually, bringing will back to reality. mike didn’t look at him, he just stared in front of them.

will took a glance over at the side of mike’s face. the streetlights put a faint glow on mike’s cheeks, and will could already feel his face heating up.

will shrugged. “you tell me. it’s your bike,” he replied, making mike chuckle under his breath.

mike didn’t reply, he just let those words float in the air.

they walked in sync. their hands brushed by each other once, and the touch ignited like fire. neither of them apologized.

the air was cool now, sticky with the last traces of summer heat, but gentle enough that it didn’t matter. will looked up — the sky above them was clear, stars faint but visible between the streetlight glow.

mike glanced over. “do you ever think about getting out of here?”

will blinked. “like… hawkins?” mike just nodded. “well, i was ‘out of here’ for at least a year.”

“that must’ve been the best year of your life,” mike sighed, looking up at the sky as well. “a year not in hawkins? in my dreams.”

will just shrugged. “it really wasn’t,” he just sighed, then looked over at mike. “cause i didn’t have you guys.”

mike looked back at will, with a glow in his eyes that he couldn’t describe.

will knew what he really wanted to say. yeah, he missed the rest of the party. but who was the person he sat by the phone for? mike. and it was always going to be mike.

“i just wish that…. i could run. forever. and then i’d be like… gone. off in the mountains somewhere. or maybe the ocean. or a big city, like chicago or something,” mike kicked a little pebble ahead of him. “i don’t know. sometimes it feels like this place is just waiting to swallow people up.”

will smiled faintly. “yeah… it kind of chews you up, doesn’t it?”

mike didn’t answer right away. he just nodded, kicking at the pavement.

the silence returned, and will could do nothing but accept it.

mike looked over at him, eyes a little softer now. “would you come with me?”

will blinked, caught off guard. “to what? the mountains? the ocean? chicago?”

“all of it,” mike said. “wherever i end up. like you said. i think i’d… miss you guys too much.”

will hummed, looking up to the sky once more, pretending to think about the question. but, in reality, the question was simple. will would say yes in a heartbeat.

“well,” he said dryly, “getting emotionally wrecked by this town is kind of our thing.”

mike snorted, shoulders shaking as he laughed, shaking the bike along with him. “yeah, true.”

will grinned, then added, “but yeah. i’d go. anywhere, really. as long as it’s…” with you. “not here.”

mike smiled, really smiled, and it wasn’t loud or bright — it was quiet, like something blooming in secret. like something will had waited a long time to see.

they turned down the street that led toward will’s house, the porch light a dim glow in the distance.

neither of them said “i don’t want this night to end.”

but both of them walked a little slower. like maybe, if they dragged their feet long enough, they’d reach his house in the morning.

when they finally reached will house, the porch light flickered faintly above the steps, casting long, soft shadows across the front walk. both of the boys noticed, but decided not to pay it any mind.

the rest of the street was dark. still. like even the world knew to leave them alone for just a little longer.

they made their way to the side of the house, where mike leaned his bike gently against the wall, his fingers lingering on the handlebars longer than he needed to.

will stood a few feet away, right in front of the window he’d climbed out of earlier, one hand resting on the inside like muscle memory. the window was still open in front him, the curtain swaying just a little in the warm breeze.

mike stayed near his bike, hands shoved in his jacket pocket. they just stared at each other. neither of them moved to leave. not yet.

“do you think your mom noticed that you were gone?” mike asked.

will just chuckled under his breath. “jonathan? probably. el? maybe, who knows. my mom? definitely not.”

mike snorted, bringing his hand up to his mouth. will just smiled at the sight.

they didn’t speak for a long moment. the air between them buzzed with something unspoken — soft, crackling, a little fragile.

mike rocked on the balls of his feet. “so… tonight didn’t suck.”

will laughed under his breath. “you really know how to give a compliment.”

“i’m serious,” mike said, smiling. “it was… fun. it was nice.”

will looked down, then back up. “yeah. it was.”

their eyes met — just for a second too long.

will’s hand brushed against the inside of his window once again. mike’s fingers twitched like he almost reached for it. almost.

but instead, just as will was about to climb back into the window, he said, “you’re different lately.”

will’s breath caught. he turned back around, taking his hands from the window. “what do you mean? i thought we talked about this.”

“no, no. it’s not that. it’s—” mike cut himself off, sighing. “i don’t know. you just… feel different. not in a bad way. just— like something’s changed.”

will swallowed, mouth dry. “maybe i have.”

mike just stared back at will, his eyes flicking down maybe once or twice. will couldn’t help but notice, but brush it off. “you’re overthinking it, will,” was all he could tell himself.

mike took a tiny step closer, just enough to feel closer but not enough to cross a line. will tensed up at the movement, feeling his shoulders tighten.

his lips parted like he might say something more, but instead he smiled — soft and crooked, like he didn’t trust himself to push any further. “goodnight, byers.”

will hesitated. then smiled too, rolling his eyes playfilly. “’night, wheeler.”

mike grabbed his bike from off the wall, watching as will lifted himself up into the window, and then finally into his room.

will stood by his window until he heard mike bike away, then closing it, locking it, and sinking down into his bed.

what the fuck was he thinking?

will was curled on his side in bed, hoodie still on, the curtains still flowing from the fan in will’s room.

he hadn’t turned on any music. no noise. just the hum of the fan and the quiet leftover warmth in his chest from the walk home — from mike’s smile, from that look in his eyes, from the words they didn’t quite say.

then, his phone buzzed.

he didn’t even have to check the screen. he knew who it was. he always did.

will [12:35 AM]:
made it home?

mike [12:37 AM]:
yup

will [12:37 AM]:
cool so you didn’t get kidnapped by the performers at the market?

mike [12:37 AM]:
close call there was a mime. he looked into my soul

will snorted into his pillow.

will [12:38 AM]:
i knew the market was cursed

mike [12:38 AM]:
worth it tho

will [12:39 AM]:
yeah
it was

mike [12:41 AM]:
you made it inside alive right
i didn’t just walk you straight to your death, did i?

will rolled his eyes, grinning into the dark.

will [12:41 AM]:
you didn’t
but when the porch light flickered and i almost ascended

mike [12:42 AM]:
rip
he was brave. he was tired. he was full of ice cream

will laughed softly, covering his face with the back of his hand.

will [12:42 AM]:
please shut up
but thanks
for tonight
i didn’t know i needed it

there was a pause. the typing bubble appeared. disappeared. reappeared.

mike [12:44 AM]:
me too
i don’t think
i’ve felt like that
in a long time
like… normal
or good
or something

will stared at the screen, heart kicking hard against his ribs. he knew as he was typing his message that he shouldn’t send it, but his fingers worked faster than his brain.

will [12:45 AM]:
i feel like
when i’m with you
it’s quieter in my head

another pause. then,

mike [12:46 AM]:
you can’t just say stuff like that and expect me to sleep after

will [12:46 AM]:
sorry
just being honest

mike [12:47 AM]:
don’t be sorry
ever

will’s throat went tight. he wanted to say something else — something more. but he couldn’t. so instead, he just typed,

will [12:49 AM]:
goodnight mike
for real this time

mike [12:49 AM]:
goodnight will
sweet dreams

will smiled so hard it hurt once he closed his phone. his phone fell somewhere in his bed as he plopped back down on his pillow.

tomorrow was saturday, which means he had time to make up his unexcused spider-absence.

he really shouldn’t be acting all carefree right now, especially with this new thing on the loose. he should be out there, finding evidence and tracking it down. being spider-man.

but it was kind of hard to do that with mike wheeler on his mind 24/7 and everybody else up his ass.

but, even with everything on his mind, for the first time in a long time, he fell asleep easy.

—

today, will woke up bright and early. he told his mom some lame excuse about going over to dustin’s house, because he knew dustin would cover for him.

even though it was still morning, the day was already in full swing.

will — spiderman — had already helped two people get out of a car crash, one person stuck in a bathroom, and the baker (who he always helped) carry her pastries.

he swung over rooftops with the kind of ease that only came from routine — from doing this day in and day out, rain or shine, bruised or buzzing with something he couldn’t name.

he’d stashed his backpack behind the old movie theater, folded his hoodie carefully and wedged it between two bricks. mask on, one earbud in, wind blowing on his face.

it wasn’t that he didn’t love being spider-man.

it was just that… lately, the thrill had started to feel different. a little heavier. a little lonelier.

will landed on the roof of the hardware store and crouched low, catching his breath. from here, he could see the square down below — the fruit vendor setting up, someone walking their dog, a toddler crying over a dropped juice box.

just another saturday morning in hawkins. it would get more chaotic tonight, like it always does.

he exhaled, letting the wind cool the back of his neck. his phone buzzed in his pocket — he had to web it out with a sigh, awkwardly peeling off one glove.

dustin [9:31 AM]:
ur lucky that i love you
i think your mom bought my charm

will [9:32 AM]:
sureeee
tell her we’re doing something d&d related lol

dustin [9:32 AM]:
do you need help?
is it finally time for me to shine?

will snorted from under his mask.

will [9:33 AM]:
you wish
i’ll be home around noon-ish maybe

dustin [9:33 AM]:
what’s the maybe

will didn’t answer.

because he didn’t know.

he did another lap around the neighborhood — light patrol. nothing serious. a cat stuck on a fire escape (named muffin, apparently), a broken bike chain for a kid he vaguely recognized from the arcade.

a morning like this was good. it meant people were okay. it meant he could breathe.

and yet — as he perched on the water tower, the town quiet underneath him, will couldn’t help it.

his mind wandered.

to last night.

to the way mike had looked under all those hanging lights. the ice cream they ate. the moment they had.

and suddenly, swinging through the sky wasn’t enough to clear his head.

will didn’t mean to run into him.

he really didn’t.

the scene had unfolded fast — too fast.

a delivery truck had jumped the curb near jefferson and fifth, the driver swerving to avoid hitting a cyclist who’d darted into the crosswalk without looking. the truck jumped the curb, skidded across the sidewalk, and slammed into a lamppost with a teeth-rattling clang.

no one was seriously hurt, but it had drawn a crowd. people stood on the sidewalks, whispering, filming, shielding their eyes against the sun.

will was already moving before the dust even settled.

he had already secured the truck with webbing, making sure the truck wouldn’t roll back into the road and cause more chaos.

he darted to the truck’s driver side quickly “hey— hey, easy,” he said, helping the delivery guy out of the truck. “can you move? any pain?”

the man shook his head, dazed. “i’m— i’m okay. i think.”

will helped him sit on the curb, crouching low. “deep breaths. you're alright.”

the scene wasn’t chaos, not really, but it was enough to make him feel wired, eyes scanning, heart racing.

suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder. “that kid—” a woman pointed, making will turn his attention. “the one on the bike. the one he wiped out.”

will turned, eyes scanning. there — across the street, a few feet from where the cyclist had been thrown off his bike from the swerving truck — someone was kneeling down beside them. helping. holding the kid steady.

when he took a closer look, will’s chest tightened under the suit.

mike.

his dark hoodie was shoved halfway up his arms, and his hair was a mess, like he’d just run across the street. he was talking to the kid, calm and focused, one hand gently bracing their shoulder. the bike was on the floor next to them, and so was a frozen coke bottle that seemed to be full.

will’s breath caught in his throat for just a second — not from surprise, but instinct. great.

he shouldn’t go over there. not with this many people. not with the suit on.

but mike’s hand was trembling. just barely. no one else would notice, but will did. the kind of tremble that meant adrenaline, or shock, or—

he crossed the street before he could talk himself out of it. will crossed the street in a few quick strides, his feet thudding lightly against pavement.

“you okay?” he asked, voice low and calm behind the filter, looking down at the cyclist. “do you need help? a hospital?”

the boy on the floor just nodded. it seemed like he was still in shock, which will was familiar with. so, instead, mike answered for him.

mike looked up, surprised, but not shocked. “yeah. he’s fine. a little scraped up, but nothing serious.”

will nodded as he crouched down beside him, checking the kid quickly. “you did good,” he said quietly. “thanks for helping,” he put his hand on mike’s shoulder without even thinking.

mike looked up at him, with the same look in his eye that he couldn’t describe. fuck. not right now, will. not right now.

will stood again, glancing toward the crowd that had started to thin out. someone was filming from across the street. another person was handing water to the driver. sirens were approaching in the distance.

it was under control.

mike stood up next to him. he looked beside him at mike. he opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it. he knew this was wrong. he knew he shouldn’t be doing this, but lately. he hasn’t really cared.

“you should relax for a sec. you’re kind of pale,” will sighed out

mike just blinked at him. “huh?”

will tilted his head. “you’re just… standing here. kinda pale. thought maybe—”

“i’m fine,” mike said, too fast. “i just— uh— spider-man’s talking to me, and i wasn’t mentally prepared for that.”

will paused. then huffed a small laugh. “okay. fair.”

he looked him over, letting himself see mike — flushed cheeks, too-wide eyes, the can of soda now in his hand. his other hand was still shaking, just slightly.

“you sure you’re okay?” will asked again, softer this time. “you’re not injured? you look… a little spaced out.”

mike’s mouth opened. then closed. “yeah,” he said eventually. “just— you’re… you’re really him.”

will smiled behind the mask. “don’t sound so shocked.”

“no, i mean—” mike ran a hand through his hair, eyes still fixed on will like he wasn’t real. “it’s just weird. you don’t look as tall as people say.”

will snorted. “thanks for pointing that out.”

they stood there for a beat.

mike shoved his hands in his pockets. “you, uh… always check in on people randomly?”

will shrugged. “only when they look like they need it.”

mike blinked again. and will could feel the moment — the way mike tilted his head like he was trying to see him underneath the mask. not just spider-man. him. the person under the mask.

but mike could never see him. he could never, find out.

someone shouted from down the block — someone needing help. will glanced that way, then back at mike.

“take care, yeah?” he said, backing up a step. “get some water instead of all that soda you drink.”

mike gave him the most unimpressed look imaginable. “is that official spider-man medical advice?”

will winked — even if mike couldn’t see it. “certified.”

just as mike opened his mouth to say something else. will turned and ran, shooting a web and vanishing up into the skyline. mike watched him as he swing from building to building, the faint noise of the web echoing through his ears.

“wait!—” he exclaimed, but will was already gone. “what do you mean, ‘all the soda i drink’…?” mike mumbled to himself, trying to figure out what that meant.

will landed on a rooftop three blocks over, dropped into a crouch, and immediately buried his masked face in his hands.

“what the hell was that,” he muttered to himself, voice muffled through his gloves.

will sat on the edge of the rooftop, legs stretched out in front of him, mask still on but tugged halfway up so he could breathe.

he hadn’t meant to say so much. or sound so soft. or get that close. they didn’t just talk — he checked on him. worried about him. said soft things. flirted, probably. made dumb jokes. sounded suspiciously like himself.

but the second he saw mike, his brain had short-circuited. his body just moved. and then he was crouched beside him like it was the most natural thing in the world, acting like spider-man didn’t have a city to patrol, acting like mike wasn’t the exact person he was trying to hide this from.

but mike had looked at him with those eyes and—

he groaned and flopped back on the roof, staring up at the sky like it had answers.

his phone buzzed in his pocket. he ignored it.

then it buzzed again.

and again.

with a groan, will fished it out and saw seven notifications from dustin, all in under a minute.

dustin [10:37 am]:
bro
BRO
BROOOOOO
WILL
DID YOU SERIOUSLY
TALK TO MIKE
WHILE SUITED UP

will [10:38 am]:
what
what
how’d you know

dustin [10:39 am]:
he’s texting me right now IN ALL CAPS
“spiderman talked to me”
“he asked if i was okay”
“do u think he thinks i’m cool”

will covered his face again. the bad thing was, he did think mike was cool.

will [10:39 am]:
i didn’t mean to
it just happened
there was a crash!! he looked pale!! it was instinct!!!
he was THERE
i couldn’t not say something
i just asked if he was okay

dustin [10:40 am]:
i mean
you COULD have 
like a normal superhero
but noooo

dustin [10:43 am]:
anyway
he's like
“i bet i’m his favorite civilian”
and i’m sitting here like
little do you know

will groaned again, typing with one hand.

will [10:43 am]:
can you maybe like
not tell him

dustin [10:43 am]:
obviously not??? this is SO FUN
you’re both spiraling and i get to witness it

will [10:44 am]:
please shut up

dustin [10:45 am]:
LOL
now he’s asking me
“do u think we’ll see each other again?”
HAHAHHAHA

will [10:45 am]:
no no no no no
this is bad
this is so bad
i can NEVER show my face again

dustin [10:46 am]:
oh it gets worse
he said ”he touched my shoulder”
"i think he had nice hands. does spider-man have nice hands?? is that a thing people say???”

will froze.

he sat up slowly.

he stared at the text for a full minute.

will [10:47 am]:
he’s talking about my HANDS???
wait
do i have nice hands?
is that a real thing that people say?

dustin [10:47 am]:
why are you worrying about that right now

will [10:47 am]:
sorry sorry
do you think he’ll find out?
he's gonna figure it out
he's literally gonna figure it out
i can’t believe i told him to drink water like an absolute loser

dustin [10:47 am]:
YEAH
AND HE SAID
"he said i should drink some water because i drink 'too much soda'"
...
will.

will could feel his heart stop beating, even if it was just for a second.

will [10:47 am]:
SHIT
I SAID THAT???

dustin [10:47 am]:
smh
you probably said it all softly too didn’t you
like
“hey... drink some water :)”
i’m imagining your superhero voice

will [10:47 am]:
shut up
i don’t have a superhero voice.

dustin [10:48 am]:
even worse

will kicked his foot uselessly in the air.

will [10:48 am]:
i am the worst superhero of all time
next week’s headline is gonna be
'spider-man emotionally implodes over boy”

dustin [10:49 am]:
ok but like
counterpoint
he’s into it

will paused. stared.

will [10:50 am]:
shut up

dustin [10:50 am]:
no
like fr
he literally said
“he felt familiar. i don’t know why.”
GOOO GET YOUR MAN

will’s heart nearly fell out of his chest.

will [10:50 am]:
SHUT UP
that’s not a good thing.
and even if he WAS into it (which he isn’t, because he’s straight)
he’s into spiderman
not me

dustin [10:51 am]:
do you always have to be such a partypooper?

will just shook his head in disbelief. he stood up, a little too fast, staggering a little on the ledge.

will [10:52 am]:
i have to go

dustin [10:52 AM]:
where??
you better be going to confess
or are you going to cry in a sewer??
or to web him a juice box??

will [10:52 am]:
i hate you

dustin [10:53 AM]:
love you too!

will shoved his phone back in his pocket and launched himself off the rooftop, hoping the wind in his ears would drown out the fact that his face was on fire.

—

mike [11:13 am]:
okay okay
but like what if he recognized me

mike [11:16 am]:
like he looked at me
REALLY looked at me

mike [11:20 am]:
what if i know him
like not know him know him
but like... know him

dustin [11:21 am]:
bro.
are you seriously still thinking about this

mike [11:21 am]:
DUSTIN I’M SERIOUS
his voice???
it felt weirdly familiar but like comforting????

mike [11:25 am]:
do u think he thought i was cool
or did i sound dumb
be honest

dustin [11:25 am]:
i think you sounded like a middle schooler meeting taylor swift

mike [11:25 am]:
THANK YOU FOR NOTHING

mike [11:26 AM]:
wait also his hands

dustin [11:26 am]:
here we go

mike [11:26 am]:
shut up
his hands were SO firm
even tho he had gloves on
but like not in a weird way
just like nice hands
long fingers like he plays guitar or draws or something idk

dustin [11:28 am]:
bro
why are you trying to build spiderman in ur head
you do NOT know the man
delusional ass

mike [11:28 am]:
no i’m not
shut up
it’s not like that i just
... he talked to me

mike [11:31 am]:
okay but seriously
what if he’s someone we know
like what if it’s someone from school

mike [11:33 am]: 
BUT LIKE
he asked if i was okay out of all those people
and i wasn’t even in the situation
i was just helping out

dustin [11:33 am]:
you’re blushing while you type this aren’t you

mike [11:33 am]:
NO 
shut up 
i’m just being normal and logical

dustin [11:33 am]:
you texted me “do you think he liked my voice” not even like 6 minutes ago

mike [11:34 am]:
please shut up.

mike [11:37 am]:
but do you think he did…..

dustin [11:37 am]:
DUDE

mike [11:37 am]:
STOP
it was like he knew

dustin [11:38 am]:
knew what?
that you’re dramatic and dehydrated???

mike [11:38 am]:
you’re the worst

dustin [11:38 am]:
nah you’re just fanboying over a man in a full body suit

mike [11:39 am]:
whatever 
at least he didn’t make fun of me for crying over my cat stuck in a tree
like SOME people

dustin [11:40 am]:
HE DIDN’T MAKE FUN OF ME
but
you're right
he probably said it all gentle like “take care” and “drink some water”
wow
he must really like you

mike [11:41 am]:
wait
wait
WAIT DO U THINK HE DOES????

dustin [11:41 am]:
goodbye
i’m logging out forever
why does it seem like you like him more than ME
and that says a lot
i need you to know how unhinged you sound
it’s amazing

mike [11:42 am]:
shut up
i’m still in shock
i’ll get over it in a couple days

mike [11:50 am]:
okay but like
do you think he’s cute under the mask

dustin [11:51 am]:
oh buddy
you’re so far gone
stop thinking about spiderman and think about your girlfriend.

mike [11:52 am]:
i hate you
i'm just asking.

dustin [11:52 am]:
don’t worry, i love you too.

Chapter Text

monday morning hit harder than it should have.

will hadn’t slept much — not since saturday night. not since he accidentally — well, not accidentally — spoke to mike in full costume, then had to sit through a rapid-fire text thread from dustin about how mike was texting him.

all of sunday had been a haze — a little of pacing around his room, mask balled up in one hand, staring at his phone like it might explode. he spent most of it swinging around town to clear his head and ignoring the part of himself that kept wondering if mike recognized his voice.

he hadn’t. right? … right?

will hovered near the front entrance for a second longer than necessary before pushing through the doors. the moment he crossed the threshold, it was loud. the kind of loud that felt too normal — slamming lockers, screeching chairs, the scent of cafeteria tater tots from three hallways away. it should’ve grounded him.

it didn’t. his chest was still tight.

he just had to get to his locker. then class. then survive lunch without combusting.

simple! until—

“psst,” dustin hissed as will fumbled with his combo. “we need to talk.” dustin popped up beside him, grinning like a lunatic, backpack already slung over one shoulder, baseball cap slightly askew like he’d been running to get here.

“i’m good, thanks,” will muttered, not even bothering to look at dustin as he focused on his lock.

“i’m serious, byers. this is, like, rule number one. you never talk to your crush while in the suit!”

will finally looked over at him, his cheeks a little pinker. “he’s not—” will just groaned. “okay tony stark. why are you acting like you’re the one who almost got caught?”

“because i am emotionally invested in your downfall,” dustin snapped, adjusting his hat. “also i’m your guy in the chair. if you blow your cover to mike, i blow my cover too. and then we’re both fucked.”

will just shrugged, opening his locker as he threw his backpack in. “fine. i’ll avoid him then!”

dustin narrowed his eyes. “you have english with him.”

“i’ll... sit in the back.”

“don’t you usually sit next to him?”

“i’ll fake sick.”

“will.”

“i’ll figure it out!” will whispered harshly, looking around the hall. searching for… probably mike.

dustin didn’t even blink. “he’s already texted me twice this morning. and i’m supposed to be the spider-man geek.”

will groaned again, grabbing a book from his locker. “what’d he say?”

“well… i just think he’s still in shock,” dustin sighed, leaning against the locker next to will. “cause spiderman treated him so… normally,” dustin said, in a tone almost mocking will.

will just rolled his eyes. “i get it.”

“you were practically flirting,” dustin scoffed.

will dropped his head behind his locker door. “it wasn’t flirting.”

dustin just laughed. “so congrats, romeo, your secret identity is hanging on by a single web thread.”

“he’s not suspecting anything, dustin!” will said, too quickly. “he just thought spiderman was cool.”

dustin raised an eyebrow. “he’s been texting me all weekend. he said — and i quote — ‘he sounded kind of familiar. that’s weird, right?’ i showed you our messages!”

will slammed his locker shut, trying not to get caught in the wave of kids rushing to their late classes. he was already walking when he started speaking again. “great. amazing. i’m doomed.”

“no, you’re just an idiot,” dustin said cheerfully, jogging to keep up with him. “all you have to do is lay low. no weird interactions. no voice slips. no dramatic rescues that scream ‘look at me, mike!’ just be boring.”

will narrowed his eyes. “i am boring.”

“not when you’re swinging off rooftops and saving the town like a hot little menace, you’re not,” dustin said a little too loud for his liking.

will almost choked on his breath. “dustin,” he whispered.

dustin just laughed sliently at his side. will stared at him, deadpan. “you're enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“i’m terrified. but also yes, deeply enjoying this.”

will just walked ahead of dustin, up to his class. dustin stood back. “don’t forget the rules!” he exclaimed, a grin on his face.

will didn’t turn around, but he flipped dustin off behind his back.

the cafeteria buzzed like always — trays slamming, chairs dragging, max already yelling about how the mashed potatoes tasted like drywall. her and these damn mashed potatoes.

they were all at their usual table. it was one of those rare days where everyone actually showed up — unfortunate for will. el and mike were sharing a side — also unfortunate for will. max was on the edge with her headphones half-in, lucas half-dozing in front of her, and dustin practically bouncing with untapped chaos.

will sat down with his food across from mike, and really tried not to look. tried. failed. it was like his eyes were magnets to mike… and he hated it.

“so, you really saw him?” el asked, eyes wide, sipping on a juice box like this was the most riveting story ever told.

“yeah.” mike nodded, a little too casual. “he just… swooped in. i didn’t even see where he came from. there was this truck that swerved and he got the driver out in, like, two seconds.”

el smiled softly. “did he help you?”

“well, yeah.” mike pushed his tray away. “saved a whole crash. told me to get to safety and everything.”

max rolled her eyes. “did he give you a signed headshot too?”

“hey,” mike said, half-laughing. “you didn’t see him in action.”

“well, was he cool?” el asked.

“yeah,” mike said, then caught himself. “i mean— not, like, cool cool. he was kinda awkward.”

“he was awkward?” will repeated before he could stop himself.

mike looked at him across the table, just a little too long. “yeah. like… a little shaky. plus, he wasn’t acting superhero-ey. he was more… normal.”

will went still. oh no. he was fucked.

dustin choked on his milk.

lucas looked over quickly. “yo, you good?” he patted his back softly as he coughed.

dustin just gave him a thumbs up. “okay!” he said, between his coughs.

“was he hot?” max asked mike flatly, completely disregarding dustin, biting into a green apple.

mike blinked. “i— i don’t know?”

max rolled her eyes. “so that’s a yes.”

will stiffened, slowly poking at his food, trying to seem normal. lucas yawned quietly. “didn’t you used to say spiderman was annoying and overrated?”

mike blinked. “i— he’s still annoying in the news,” he muttered. “but, like, in person? he’s kind of…”

“you said he was a glorified pest control worker,” max said through a bite of pizza.

will stared at his tray, trying not to let the heat crawl up his neck. he hadn’t made a dent in his food at all. not even the pre-packaged roll.

when will looked up… all he could see was el and mike, sitting closely together. practically combined.

he thought that they were fighting. or had mike been lying to him the other night?

max stood up, snapping will out of his head. “okay, this has been thrilling, but i’m going to the vending machine. you want anything?” she asked the table.

will jumped at the chance. “i’ll come with you.”

max shrugged. “suit yourself,” they both got up from the table and walked away. will could feel eyes on his back. definitely dustin’s. maybe even mike.

the walked out of the cafeteria and into the hallway, past rows of dusty trophy cases and ancient posters for band recitals and last semester’s prom. the vending machine flickered at the end of the hallway like it was on its last breath.

will kept his eyes forward, hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie. he didn’t really want a snack. he just needed to not be sitting across from mike wheeler for a minute.

max didn’t say anything at first. she slid a crumpled dollar into the machine and punched in the code for a granola bar. it thudded against the metal grate, and she leaned down to grab it.

then, without looking at him, she said, “you know, byers… you’ve been different lately.”

will froze, hand hovering over the snack buttons. “what?” this again?

“different,” she repeated casually, tearing open the wrapper with her teeth. “quieter. well, i mean, you’ve always been quiet. but this is like... different quiet.”

will furrowed his brows. “isn’t that the same thing?”

max turned to face him, finally. her expression wasn’t judgmental. just sharp. focused. “you know what i mean.”

will looked away with a chuckle. “you sound like dustin.”

max scoffed. “dustin’s a conspiracy theorist in training. i’m just… observant.”

the vending machine beeped at him. he didn’t even remember choosing anything. a bag of pretzels tumbled into the tray below. he didn’t pick it up.

“you okay?” max asked after a beat, more softly.

will hesitated. “yeah. i’m fine,” he reached down to grab the pretzels.

max nodded slowly. “right. the i’m fine answer.” she leaned against the side of the machine, her voice dropping a little. “look, the rest of them might be buying that…”

will glanced up, chest tightening.

“... but i’m not,” max finished, not unkindly. “i know what it looks like when someone’s lying.”

will opened his mouth to say something — deny it, maybe — but max just held up her hand.

“you don’t have to explain it,” she said. “i’m not asking for that. just…” she glanced toward the hallway, then back at him. “whatever it is, i hope you’re not dealing with it alone.”

will felt his throat close a little, but the feeling in his chest lighten a little. max was always… chill about everything. he gave him a little bit of relief, at least.

“now, i don’t know what it is you’re lying about,” max started. “but i guarantee i can figure it out,” she teased, with a smile.

will just looked back at her and returned her smile, chuckling softly under his breath. “let’s pass on that one.”

max just rolled her eyes, laughing softly. she stood up straight, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and said, “come on. if we’re gone too long, they’re gonna think we’re plotting something. especially dustin.”

will gave a tiny smile. “we kind of are.”

max grinned. “good.”

they were almost back to the table when max muttered, “don’t make it weirder.”

will blinked. “make what weirder?” he whispered back.

“you, zoning out,” she said, eyeing him. “looking like you’re about to pass out.”

“i’m not—” he started, but then they reached the table.

mike looked up immediately. eyes tracking will like they were magnetized. will pretended not to notice, sliding into his seat, keeping his head down. max followed, sliding into the spot in front of lucas and casually stealing will’s unopened milk carton without a word.

next to him, dustin raised an eyebrow, nudging him with his foot softly. a silent “you good?”

will just ignored him.

“a granola bar? really? again?” lucas asked through a mouthful of pizza, noticing the bar on the table.

“of course,” max said with a sarcastic smile, opening the carton of milk quickly.

will just sat, staring at the vending machine snack still sat untouched in his palm. the bag was already warm.

then, suddenly— someone’s shadow fell over the table.

will didn’t look up at first. he was too busy twisting the vending bag in his hands, the plastic crinkling softly beneath his fingers.

“hey,” a voice said. familiar. too familiar.

will’s head snapped up.

it was chance, again. the basketball player. the one who’d bumped into him in the hall last week.

he was leaning just slightly toward their table, a small object in his hand. his hair was a little messy, his hoodie was half-zipped, and he was holding a familiar-looking keychain.

too familiar. he could feel his spider-sense creep up his back slowly.

will had always found chance attractive from afar… but this close? god, it was a different view.

he was standing just a step back from their table — posture casual, like he belonged there. like he knew he’d be seen.

“what’s up, sinclair?” he said, even though his gaze flickered over to will ever so often.

lucas perked up. “oh hey, chance.”

“didn’t know you sat back here,” chance said, glancing at the table before locking eyes on will again.

and will? will immediately forgot how to breathe.

“you’re will, right?” chance asked, with an easy smile. a smile that… seemed so complex under the surface.

will blinked. “uh… yeah?”

chance pulled something from the front pocket of his hoodie and held it up. “i think this is yours. found it under the desk in second period — back row.”

will’s stomach dropped.

it was his zipper pull. the one from his black camera bag — the one he only used to carry his suit now. there was no way he dropped that. he’s too… careful with that bag.

which meant—

he breath hitched softly under his breath. will reached out slowly and took it from chance’s fingers. their hands brushed — and will’s face got instantly warm.

“thanks,” he said quickly. way too quickly.

chance’s smile didn’t falter. “no worries,” he sighed. he stopped for a second, but opened his mouth again, seemingly wanting to say more. “try not to forget stuff, yeah? i won’t be there to get it back every time.”

will’s mouth got dry immediately. he just let out an awkward chuckle. “yeah. i’ll… try.”

he lingered a second longer than necessary, and so did his gaze on will. “see you around,” he added, then glanced at lucas. “you coming to practice later?”

lucas nodded, still chewing. “yeah. i’ll be there.”

chance gave him a quick salute and strolled off, already tossing something in his backpack like none of this meant anything.

but for will? it meant everything.

he looked down at the zipper pull in his palm, pulse loud in his ears. how the hell did he find this?

dustin leaned closer to his ear, even though he made no effort to be quiet. “you’re blushing.”

will immediately turned away. “no- no i’m not!” he denied, even though he could obviously feel the heat creeping up his neck.

“sure,” max added with a chuckle, which made el and lucas laugh along with her.

but, across the table, mike was quiet. too quiet. he hadn’t said a word since chance had gotten here, but his eyes were trained on will. focused. like he was watching a puzzle piece click into place — and he didn’t like it.

will shoved the zipper pull into his hoodie pocket and tried to act like nothing had happened.

he wasn’t sure it worked.

the second bell rang, and the hallway swelled with noise — slamming doors, half-shouted goodbyes, papers rustling, lockers groaning open like ancient machines.

will moved through the chaos in a daze.

he told himself it was stupid. that he was just being paranoid. that of course chance couldn’t have—

but he found the zipper pull, will. he heard, almost audible in his brain.

he didn’t remember ever bringing that bag to second period. which meant someone had been in his locker. had opened the camera bag. had seen—

will’s chest tightened.

he reached his locker. tried to make it look casual as he spun the combination. like he wasn’t about to puke.

the door creaked open. everything looked... mostly normal. his notebooks were stacked. the random crap from art class still wedged in the corner. that one tupperware he kept forgetting to bring home.

but when he reached for the shelf where he kept his camera bag…

his fingers froze.

it was there. tucked in the back, just like always. but—

the strap was looped differently. the zipper was halfway unzipped. and the flap had been folded in the wrong direction.

will’s heart dropped to his stomach.

he grabbed the bag, set it gently on top of his other books, and opened it fully. the suit was still inside. black and red, folded neatly. mask flattened like a secret. all of it there.

but everything felt… touched. like someone had gone through it. looked inside. maybe even held the mask in their hands.

will swallowed hard, blinking down at the fabric.

he saw it. chance opened the bag. he had to have.

will stared into the locker like it might give him answers. it didn’t.

the hallway kept moving. a teacher barked something down the corridor. someone dropped a stack of papers. a girl shrieked with laughter.

but will just stood there, heart racing, hands clenched around a secret that was starting to feel way too exposed.

“tidy locker,” a deep voice came from behind him. will flinched so hard he nearly dropped the bag. he turned, eyes wide.

leaning on the locker next to his. hands in his hoodie pockets. backpack slung lazily over one shoulder. smile easy. too easy.

will’s heart jumped to his throat. “hi,” he said. or tried to. it came out more like a wheeze.

chance looked at him, eyes flicking briefly to the camera bag in will’s arms. “didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

“you didn’t,” will lied.

chance’s lips curved, amused. “you always carry that thing around?” he asked, eyes flicking down as he gestured to the black bag still in will’s tight grasp.

will blinked up at chance confusedly. “what?”

“the bag,” chance nodded. “looks kind of heavy-duty for school stuff.”

he looked down at the bag. damn it. he forgot it was even in his hand. “oh,” he muttered, realizing what chance was referring to.

“it's... uh,” will scrambled for an answer. “it’s for… art. supplies. paints and stuff.” he shoved his hand in the bag and pushed the suit deeper into the bag, re-zipped it, and tucked it back onto the shelf like it burned.

chance tilted his head, eyes flicking to the bag in the locker. “cool. you paint?”

“sometimes,” will said, fidgeting with his fingers in front of him. “not really. just when i’m… bored.”

chance hummed. then leaned in just a little closer. not enough to break any rules, but just enough to scramble will’s brain completely “see you around?”

will just nodded slowly, almost like he was still trying to process the whole situation.

and then, chance walked away. he turned the corner, and was gone with the tide of students. will stood there for another ten seconds — even though it felt like hours — frozen.

so… he definitely knew something. or he suspects. or—

he didn’t know what scared him more.

Chapter Text

will’s head was pounding before he even made it up the front steps.

today was… worse than the usual day at hawkins hellscape. especially lunch.

that whole situation with chance? he didn’t even want to think about it.

and mike? that was a whole different conversation.

his eyes burned from staring at the whiteboard all day, and his arms ached from lugging his books — plus, his brain was still buzzing with half a dozen math problems he definitely didn’t understand.

all he wanted — needed — was to collapse somewhere before he had to go out for patrol.

the front door stuck for a second, like it always did, before giving way with a groan.

as he opened the door, all he could smell was his mom’s coffee brewing faintly from the kitchen — and somewhere farther in the house, jonathan’s stereo hummed softly.

will dropped his backpack by the wall with a dull thud and kicked off his sneakers, one at a time, not even caring that they fell sloppy.

he didn’t really have time to care about the little things.

he started towards the couch, ready to lay down, even just for five minutes. just five minutes.

but, before he could even sit down on the couch—

“will!” joyce’s voice rang out from the kitchen, followed by the clinking of her china plates.

he didn’t answer right away — maybe if he stayed silent, she’d assume he wasn’t home yet.

“will!”

so much for that. he groaned softly. “what?”

“phone!”

of course. the one thing in this house older then the vintage ceiling lights.

that ancient wall-mounted phone.

will dragged himself upright, muttering something under his breath about karma and unpaid labor, and shuffled over.

he quickly took the phone off the wall, pressing the cold receiver to his ear. “hello?”

“finally,” dustin’s voice exploded into his ear, too loud. “what took you so long?”

will frowned. “why are you calling the house phone?”

“because they can track cell phones, will. do you want the government to hear our conversations? calling your personal phone is like sending the government a gps pin.”

will blinked. “then what about our text messages?”

“i…” dustin started. “deleted them!”

will just deadpanned, even though dustin couldn’t see his face. “and they can probably still hear us over this line too, genius.”

a pause. then the unmistakable clack-clack-clack of dustin’s keyboard came faintly through the receiver. “okay, yeah. fair point. but retro surveillance is way cooler. and— don’t change the subject!”

“i didn’t know we had one,” will rolled his eyes.

“well i was getting to it—!”

will pinched the bridge of his nose. “what do you want, dustin?”

“so…” dustin started. “how was lunch today?” he said, his tone shifting. that teasing tone dustin liked to use with will.

will felt his stomach tighten. “it was… lunch.”

“mhm.”

will sighed, looking over to the kitchen to make sure his mom wasn’t paying attention. “dustin—”

“i’m just saying… you were definitely blushing over that chance guy,” dustin laughed, making will’s face heat up. “did someone finally catch up to mike?”

“what? no,” will said quickly, his voice pitching a little too high.

“ohhh, that’s a yes if i’ve ever heard one,” dustin sing-songed. “and mike was right there, man. front row seats to the whole thing!"

will rubbed the back of his neck. “you’re imagining things.”

“mmh, i don’t think so. the air at that table was so tense it could’ve shattered glass. i bet mike’s still bitching about it in his brain,” will tried not to picture it — mike’s jaw set, his eyes narrowed, his fork barely touching his food.

will gripped the phone cord a little tighter without meaning to. “can we not talk about this?” he asked quietly.

on the other end, a faint clack-clack-clack started up. it wasn’t loud, but it was definitely there. “what are you doing?” will asked, suspicious.

“me? nothing,” dustin replied, way too fast.

“dustin.”

another beat of silence. then, “… okay, fine, you caught me. i’m running a little… surveillance.”

will frowned. “surveillance?"

“possibly…?” dustin winced from the other side of the phone.

will just closed his eyes. “you’re unbelievable. what kind of surveillance?"

“whatever, you caught me," dustin sighed. "but in my defense, someone’s gotta keep an eye out while you’re busy dodging heart eyes from chance and mike!” will opened his mouth to protest, but dustin cut in, voice pitching up a couple octaves.

”okay… i know i’m not your official chair guy yet—”

“you’re not,” will cut in, flatly.

“— but!” dustin streamrolled ahead, clearly ignoring him. “i might have just found something — a… situation.”

will sighed. “what kind of situation?”

“two, maybe three guys outside of goldsmith’s jewelry. the one over by the strip mall. one has a crowbar, which is definitely not standard window-shopping equipment.”

will straightened, glancing instinctively towards jonathan’s room door. “how sure are you?”

“pretty sure. but they’re amateur hour. i'm look at this... grainy mall security feed and—” dustin took a deep breath, seemingly loosing his breath from all his ranting. will could hear the typing in the back.

“i’m trying to look for more angles—” he said, sounding strained. “all i know is that this guy is terrible at crime. like, you could take him down in your sleep.”

will looked around his house quickly, to make sure nobody was around him. jonathan was still in his room while joyce was still in the kitchen. el was probably at hopper’s cabin, or hiding in her room.

“amateur hour?” will scoffed. “you’re being vague, dustin. if this was an interview, you’d already be kicked out by now.”

“vague? excuse me, this is expert analysis,” dustin shot back, the clacking of keys getting faster. “i’m just saying, you could handle this without even messing up your hair. well… your mask hair.”

will smirked despite himself. “you’ve clearly never worn this suit. it’s all mask hair.”

“whatever, byers,” dustin said, and will could practically hear the grin in his voice. “point is — it’s small time, but still worth your attention. these idiots are just asking to get webbed up.”

will leaned his elbow on the wall, lowering his voice. “you’re not just trying to get me out there to distract me from… you know.”

“from mike and chance? absolutely not. but if that is a side benefit, hey, i’m not complaining.”

will groaned quietly, glancing back toward the kitchen before starting for the stairs. “you’re impossible.”

“and you’re wasting daylight,” dustin replied cheerfully. “the longer you stand there, the more likely these guys are to remember that jewelry stores have alarms.”

will reached the top of the stairs and cracked his bedroom door, scanning for any wandering siblings or moms. coast clear.

will could still hear dustin clicking away at his keyboard. “and byers—”

he narrowed his eyes, even though dustin still couldn’t see him. “what?”

“don’t get your butt kicked. that would be embarrassing for the city’s friendly neighborhood—”

will cut him off with a sigh. “yeah, yeah. try not to hack the pentagon while i’m gone,” he replied sarcastically.

“too late.” dustin’s tone was way too smug for will liking, but he just let it slide. he huffed a laugh before he hung up, slipping the phone back on the wall as he started down the hallway.

the second he turned toward his bedroom door, his heart stopped cold.

el was standing right there in the hall, barefoot, arms resting at her sides.

“where are you going?” she asked, her head tilting slightly, eyes narrowed in that careful, quiet way that made her almost scarier than his own mom.

will froze mid-step, his brain scrambling for something — anything — normal to say. “uh… to my… room?”

el’s brow furrowed as she scanned him intently. he could feel himself slowly breaking under her gaze. “you have that face.”

“what face?”

“the one you have when you’re lying.”

will laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “i don’t have a lying face.”

“yes, you do,” she said flatly. “your eyes get all…” she squinted and gestured vaguely at his face. “like that.”

will shifted uncomfortably. “okay, first of all, that’s rude. second of all, i’m really not going anywhere—”

el’s gaze stayed locked on him, unblinking. “you’re hiding something.”

he swallowed, forcing out a casual laugh. “i’m not hiding anything. i’m just… going for a walk.”

“right now?” she asked, one eyebrow rising, looking towards the window, which was stained with raindrops.

will hadn’t even noticed the fact that it was storming outside, the occasional thunder blasting through the house, slightly shaking the trees as they continued to sway in the air. will let out a fake yawn and started edging toward his room. “heard rain water's good for you. helps you... think.”

she didn’t move out of his way so he could continue down the hall, still studying him like a hawk. “you’re being weird.”

will grinned awkwardly. “thanks, i try. now, if you’ll excuse me—!” he slipped past her before she could say anything else, ducking into his room and shutting the door with a quiet click.

only when he leaned against it, listening for her retreating footsteps, did he let out a slow breath.

the job had been easy — laughably so.

three guys, a crowbar, and the tactical genius of a deer. will webbed them up in record time — left them dangling for hawkins pd to deal with, and was back in the air before anyone could get a clear look at him.

he launched himself off the side of the strip mall and into the hawkins air, the wind sharp against his cheeks — cold from the raining that came over the town earlier. today was pretty calm. nothing was really going on — from what will had seen.

and if anything, dustin or hopper would’ve told him something. so now, he’s on his way back home, swinging from building to building, trying to clear his mind.

that’s when it hit him.

that hum under his skin. that creeping static at the base of his neck. the same sensation he’s been feeling on and off for days now. will just muttered underneath his breath. “not you again…” and swung toward it anyway.

it tugged him left, through the sleepy strip of downtown. past the diner. past the hardware store. the hum sharpened. he followed it instinctively, swinging lower over the rooftops, scanning the sidewalks and alleys as the sensation sharpened.

left.

he arced hard, web releasing from the streetlight with a snap, landing in a crouch on the flat roof of the hardware store. he landed light on the damp edge of the roof.

closer.

he moved again, the pull growing heavier — it wasn’t like before, but there. the same nagging presence he’d been feeling for days.

and then… there. there it was.

it wasn’t some, huge monster or some shadow person like will was expecting, no.

it was a lone figure leaned against the lamppost at the far end of an alley — posture casual. too casual — hands stuffed in their jacket pockets. the yellow light from the flickering lamp overhead caught on their hair. a person.

he also noticed slight shift of their stance when he noticed the shadow moving above him. the figure looked up, squinting through the dark.

and that’s will’s stomach dropped.

“hey,” chance called up, voice like they were just passing in the school hallway.

will froze. his mind scrambled for anything to say. anything — but chance’s eyes flicked up to the mask, and there wasn’t a shred of doubt there.

he just blinked. “… do i know you?” he asked, trying for that scratchy, made-up spider-man voice he’s been trying to use lately — dustin’s recommendation.

chance smirked. “yeah, you do,” his spider-sense hummed again. not danger. just there. watching him.

will crouched on the ledge. “okay… either you’re the friendliest, most well-known mugger in hawkins, or—”

“— or, i know who you are.”

that made will’s chest tighten. “… pretty sure you don’t.”

chance didn’t move closer, just tilted his head like he was trying to get a better look. will didn’t move. he couldn’t chance just let the silence stretch, the only sound being the buzzing of the light above.

“you,” chance said, now stepping closer until he was just under the fire escape, still looking up. “you’re spider-man.”

will’s throat felt dry, but still — he started again “i—”

“don’t bother lying.” chance’s tone wasn’t sharp when he cut in — if anything, it was weirdly calm. “i’ve known for a while.”

will’s pulse kicked up hard. he tiled his head. “how?”

chance just sighed. “there was a day — after school. you had your headphones on. you didn’t hear me calling after you. so i followed you—”

“wow, stalker much?” will cut in, staring at chance, every muscle tensed.

“— just to catch up! not in a creepy way,” chance said quickly — holding up his hands — giving another short laugh from will’s reaction. “i just wanted to talk to you. and… next thing i know, you’re climbing a wall and swinging halfway across town.”

“and why did you, want to talk to me?” will asked again, his tone still bitter.

chance hesitated, like he hadn’t expected to get called out. “… maybe, i just thought you were interesting.”

will narrowed his eyes behind the mask. “that’s not an answer.”

chance shrugged, his expression unreadable under the glow of the light. “maybe i don’t have one you’d believe.”

will shifted on the ledge, every instinct screaming to get out of this alley. but the spider-sense was still there — not warning him to run, not telling him chance was a threat… just humming, low and constant, like it was keeping him here.

his whole body was still stiff.

“relax, byers. i’m not gonna tell anyone,” chance huffed another laugh, a small smirk appearing on his face.

“… not gonna tell anyone what?” will asked, still not giving him the win.

chance’s smirk deepened. “that our very own spider-man just happens to share a face with the quiet guy in my history class.”

will stared at him from the roof, weighing his options — bolt, deny, or drop down and have face whatever this was turning into.

will’s fingers curled a little tighter on the brick ledge. “… okay. so, what do you want?” his voice was flat, but the mask kept his expression hidden. “are you trying to blackmail me, or something?”

chance actually laughed at that — not mocking, but like will had just told him a joke. “blackmail you? what would i even ask for? free swings to school? a cut of your… what, spider profits?”

“i don’t have spider profits.”

“exactly. lousy blackmail target.” chance shifted his weight, leaning a shoulder against the wall like they were just having a casual chat and not a info-that-could-blow-will’s-life-apart chat. “if i wanted something, i’d have asked for it by now.”

will’s rolled his eyes behind the mask. “then why tell me at all?”

chance tilted his head, smirk softening into something more unreadable. “because… figure it’s better for me to tell you rather than you wonder why some jock in your history class keeps staring at you.”

will’s stomach twisted again. “creepy. was that supposed to make me feel better?”

“not my job to make you feel better.” chance’s gaze held steady, unflinching. “but maybe my job is making sure you know you’re not as invisible as you think you are.”

the spider-sense thrummed again — steady, quiet, persistent.

will’s finally shifted his weight back, toes finding the ledge behind him. “this conversation is over.”

“sure,” chance said quickly, like he didn’t want will to leave just yet. “but before you go—” he stepped closer to the roof where will was now standing on. “— give me your number.”

will let out a sharp laugh. “not happening.”

chance just grinned up at him. “c’mon. for emergencies. like… if someone’s murdering me. or if i accidentally follow you across town again. you know, life or death situations.”

“that’s what 911 is for.”

“yeah, but are they spider-man?” chance said, leaning casually against the fire escape. “think about it — you’ll have my number too. just in case you ever need… whatever it is i’m good for.”

“being a stalker?” will asked sarcastically. “hmm, honestly? could be helpful.”

chance let out another real laugh — like what will said was actually funny. “yeah. being a stalker,” he responded.

will hated that a tiny part of him knew it was easier to give in than argue all night. and that another part of him wanted this conversation to keep going. his heart was thumping out of his chest — from adrenaline. from shock. from… he didn’t even know himself.

“… fine,” he muttered, dropping down just far enough to toss phone number into chance’s waiting hand. chance took it with a smile, typing his number and contact into will’s phone.

“see?” chance smirked as will pulled back. “that wasn’t so hard, was it?” will didn’t answer — he just rolled his eyes under the mask.

“and… this is your real number, right? not you’re… spiderman number? the one y’know, you give to fans,” chance asked, with a smirk, handing back his phone.

will stared down at him. “yeah, it’s my real number,” will grabbed his phone hastily, and then turned around. “i don’t even have a spider-man number. but, if i did — i probably would’ve gave you that one,” will said, a small smile starting to form on his face.

“i’m flattered,” chance said, pocketing his phone like he’d just won something. “guess i’ll find out when i text you later.”

will ignored that, firing a web to the edge of the next building. “don’t!” he called over his shoulder.

chance’s voice followed him anyway — he’s always seemed like the type who wanted the last word. “no promises, byers!”

the swing back home should’ve been routine. instead, every stretch of web felt heavier, like the city air had thickened around him.

his brain wouldn’t stop cycling through it — the look chance had given him, the casual way he said, “i’ve known for a while” — chance’s number now sitting in his phone like it belonged there.

by the time he landed on the roof of his own house — heart still thudding — the whole thing had replayed in his head maybe around 50 times. chance knowing felt… heavier. stickier compared to when dustin found out.

dustin had been bad enough. him knowing was annoying, sure — but they were friends, and at least predictable. he knew where the lines were — a safe variable.

but chance? chance was an unknown variable. and unknowns? unknowns were dangerous.

he slipped through his window, taking off his mask quickly, shoving into his desk drawer. he raked a hand through his hair anxiously — his heart beating too fast. half from the night’s swing, half from something else entirely — his phone heavy in his pocket. chance’s number sitting there like a ticking bomb.

he didn’t even need to look at it to know chance’s number was there.

waiting.

and, deep down, will hated himself for wondering — waiting — when chance would use it.