Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mike’s leg bounced expectantly as he nervously stared down the clock in his room, counting down the minutes until the Byers family would arrive. 

Twelve minutes. 

For some context, if you haven’t already heard, Hawkins had recently been, for a lack of  a better term, torn a new one. Leaving many displaced and the government both wary and worried. So much so, that new strict guidelines had been implemented. No one was to come in or leave Hawkins without official governmentally issued authorization. What a nightmare. 

Five minutes. 

It really wasn’t that much of a nightmare for the Wheeler family, as they didn’t leave town very often, only to visit relatives and the sort, and Mike wasn’t even particularly fond of his family anyway so, a small win if we’re being honest.

Three minutes. 

Now, why was Mike Wheeler of all people up at 10AM on a Saturday looking uneasy and paler than he usually did? This can all be attributed to one boy, his best friend, Will Byers. 

It’s been a while since Will has even stepped foot into Mike’s house, let alone Mike’s room, and Mike has done some serious revamping in here, he’s nervous about what Will might think about it. After all, he is the more creative of the two. Mike turns his head to gaze at the painting Will had gifted him not too long ago, despite it being commissioned by El, it’s important to him nonetheless. Though sometimes, 

He kind of wished it was all from Will. 

But that’s not odd at all, not out of the ordinary, no not one bit. The dark haired boy tucked some wandering strands of hair behind his ear, he gazed at the clock one final time before, and as if on cue. 

The doorbell rang. 

He quickly rose from his bed, rushing out the door and almost slipping past the stairwell, thankfully puberty did one thing right by him, using his right, lanky arm to grab onto the railing, Mike used the beautiful force that is momentum and physics to swing himself down the staircase. Almost diving headfirst towards the front door, he looks around after landing a not so graceful touchdown, and he seems to be the first to arrive at the door. Shrugging, he takes on the duty of allowing the Byers family in. Met with quite the chaotic scene, despite there only being three of them in total  Mike quickly attempted to make his presence known amidst the mayhem. 

“Hi Ms. Byers!” He announced, trying to sound as nonchalant as he could, as soon as she noticed Mike’s presence, Joyce quickly quit her mucking and worrying for her boys and greeted Mike back.

“Mike! It’s so nice to see you, Gosh I keep forgetting how big you boys are getting.” She says, smiling wide, eerily similar to Will’s. Speaking of which, Joyce stepped aside to reveal Will, skin tanned golden with sweat trickling down his neck. He wore a t-shirt that wrapped generously around his biceps, Mike gulped. 

“hEyy Will..” His sad attempt to lower his voice was met with a frightening mixture of both a voice crack and croak. Despite Mike making a fool of himself, Will smiled his signature smirk, it held no malice or judgement, and made Mike feel wanted. His stomach did a weird flip as Will licked his lips before offering a response. Not that he was staring at his lips or anything.

“Hey Mike!” His eyes were bright and full of excitement and all of Mike’s worries just washed away. How was he even nervous earlier, when an angel was coming to LIVE with him for the next god knows how long? It’s weird, how Will Byers seems to live unaffected by the world around him. Despite having probably the roughest childhood out of The Party, he still held on to that childlike sense of wonder and joy that Mike feared was slipping through his fingers, like a running tap under a pruned pair of hands, too tired to grab and yet he tries nonetheless. But when he was with Will, he

wasn’t afraid the feeling was gone, Will carried it within him and spread it to others, to Mike. With Will, he felt like himself, like the leader he once was, fearless and brave, yet understanding and compassionate. The boy brings out the best in him, and was the best thing that he’s ever done, and so Mike can’t help but gawk and goggle as the Byers family stared back at the awestruck boy, waiting for him to invite them in. 

It was only when Jonathan cleared his throat, in an almost theatrical manner, that Mike snapped out of his daydream, feeling his face grow hot that he invited them in. 

“Mike, what took you so long to invite the Byers in?--” Karen Wheeler questioned, though she quickly moved on as soon as she spotted her close friend. “JOYCE! Oh it’s been too long, hasn’t it. Please come sit, let me get you something to drink.” Karen was glowing as she led Joyce towards the kitchen island. Yes, she was married with a husband and three kids, but she still felt lonely, Mike can only imagine the relief she must be feeling, finally getting to just hang out with a friend. Though, Mike doesn’t have to imagine for long because a playful bump of the shoulder reels him back into the reality that currently is his life. Will Byers is going to be staying here, in his house. Will Byers is the face Mike is going to be seeing every single day for an indefinite amount of time. Will Byers, who is his best friend!

So why did he feel so very royally fucked?

“So, you have any idea what the sleeping arrangements are going to look like?” Will questioned, wiggling his eyebrows humorously. Mike knows it was all in good nature but god was his heart pounding out of his chest as soon as he realized the implications of the query. What if Mike and Will had to share a room? Not that it was a problem, at least for Will, but Mike on the other hand was currently going through a midlife-midlife crisis and didn’t think his heart could handle sleeping in the same room  as Will Byers. 

“Uhh, yeah no not really man. I mean, I have some ideas but, Mom’s in charge so we’ll see what she decides on. Nancy wanted to be the one to set it all up, and Mom almost let her, but she realized Jonathan would also be coming over, and immediately revoked her privilege.” Mike smirked at the connotation. He felt as though he were on

cloud 9 and met Jesus himself for a moment as he listened to Will giggle, it sounded like an angel’s chorus. 

“Yeah, Mom wasn’t going to let Jonathan anywhere near Nancy’s room without the door being, at minimum, three inches open. Said something about Hopper telling her that you can never trust teenagers. She went on about how distance makes the heart grow fonder and that puts them at more risk.. She was ranting.” 

Mike rolled his eyes. “Yeah, where have I heard that before? Hop is reusing his tactics that didn’t even work in the first place.” 

“And how would you know that?” Will pouted, like actually pouted. And Mike thinks he felt his knees go weak for a moment, though he tried his best to make himself at least appear composed. 

“Well ya’know, back when El and I were…” Mike trailed off for a moment. Does Will know that he and El broke up? Why does Will’s knowledge of whether the two of them are still a pair bother him so much?

Will’s eyebrows scrunched up and he gave Mike his signature confused look, yet he was still pouting. “Back when you guys were what?” He folded his arms, it was kind of intimidating Mike. 

There was a pregnant pause before Mike decided to speak up again, but not before gulping down the lump in his throat. Seriously, what was up with him today? “...Dating..” He mumbled.

“YOU GUYS BROKE UP?!” Will shouted, so loudly in fact that the Russians on the other side of the planet that mannapped Hopper probably heard. All the ruckus and chaos that once consumed the Wheeler home quickly came to a halt, and all that could be heard was the scurrying of Holly’s feet as she speedily moved from place to place, a habit she may or may not have picked up from Mike. Mike’s heart has dropped to his pelvic floor at this point, as the house is still as silent as a statue. Though he did not have to spend long worrying about the silence, as the ecosystem that is the

Wheelers and Byers living under the same roof moves on, quickly. Everyone returned to what they had originally been doing and Mike felt himself let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He wasn’t yet out of the water, he felt himself get snatched and dragged by Will, towards the end of the staircase. He pulled Mike’s head towards his mouth and Mike thought that if he died right then in there, he’d probably be totally fine with it. 

He brought Mike’s ear to his lips as he whisperscreamed what he said before, 

“YOU AND EL BROKE UP??” His lips briefly tickled Mike’s ear and the taller of the two couldn’t help but flinch and move back. Will’s hands leaving his shoulders left him feeling colder than usual. 

“Y-yeah man, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner..” He gazed off to the side, embarrassed and ashamed. Will was his BEST FRIEND, he should’ve been the first to know, yet for some odd reason, telling him felt different to telling Dustin or Lucas, both of which simply said they ‘called it’ and moved on, not even letting Mike wallow or marinate with the breakup. The idea of informing Will of the breakup feels weighted.. But, the cat’s out of the bag now so, what can you do? 

“No, don’t be sorry about it, Mike. I guess I’m just kinda shocked neither of you told me about it..” He trailed off for a moment, deep in thought as he picked his next words wisely. Will was insightful like that, and it was something that Mike had always admired about him. He was always one to consider all the variables of a situation, including the emotional ones. Meanwhile Mike, on the other hand, was one to take everything at face value. At times it was a useful skill to have, but it often made him come off as apathetic. “I’m sorry to hear about that. But you’re both more than your relationship status. And you both have people who value you..” He paused again, seemingly trying to gather the courage to do something bold. “Who need you.” 

Oh.

Will’s gaze refused to meet Mike’s. And honestly? Mike was a little grateful. If Will were to give him a bashful look after dropping a bomb like that, Mike would have to violently fight back the urge to kiss him square on the lips right then and there and–

Woah. 

Woah.

WOAHWOAHWOAHWOAHWOAHWOAH!!!

Since when did he want to kiss Will? When did he start feeling this way? Mike doesn’t feel any different about Will though. Has he always felt this way? If he were being honest, if this is what loving Will felt like then it was as easy as breathing. If this is what loving Will meant then Mike was pretty sure that loving Will is something his very essence requires to keep functioning. Because he has loved Will for as long as he’s been able to form thoughts, and he can’t see a future where that isn’t the case. Will and Mike, Mike and Will. Their story is one that’s been seen, told, and experienced a million times over. Perhaps the first telling of their story being one adjacent to two unicellular organisms combining to become a beautiful symbiotic being. Nonetheless, it is one that will continue to develop and evolve. Both ever-changing and everlasting.

Love prevails, always. 

Chapter Text

So, after spiraling in the middle of a conversation, and determining that Will probably thinks that Mike has officially lost his mind, he has come to two conclusions. One: He has the fattest, most pathetic, and unrequited crush EVER on Will. And two:

He has always felt this way. 

Seriously, in the few moments that Mike spent struggling and wreathing with his own thoughts, he could not recall a time where Will did not take up every aspect of his life. He consumed and haunted everything about Mike, to the point where he almost feels like an extension of Will. A modern day retelling of endosymbiosis. Twin flames, soulmates, whatever the term was, that was how Mike felt about Will. What was he supposed to do with this now? Mike was not one to hold things in, if he felt something, he’d say it. But a damn near decade long friendship was on the line! He has to keep his shit together, and he’ll try his best to, even if the few interactions he’s had with Will just today have proven otherwise. Before Mike could fall further into insanity, Will spoke up once more. 

“I mean like– Everyone we know! Like Lucas and Dustin, Max and Eleven. We all need you! I just– Don’t let this relationship set the tone for the rest of your life. It was your first experience with a girlfriend and it’s only to be expected that you guys would break up. Not that I was expecting it! It’s just, highschool relationships don’t last forever.. I’m rambling..” Will look sincerely ashamed, taking Mike aback because he didn’t see any issue with his rambling. He loved it! 

Mike shook his head in awe before he decided to offer a response, “No it’s fine, Will.. I appreciate it. It wasn’t a big deal. She broke up with me, and she had every right to and yeah, we probably weren’t going to be a thing forever. I mean, El has fuckin’ superpowers! I’m just some DnD nerd, ya’know? Not your typical pairing.” He awkwardly chortled. 

“Oh? I somehow assumed it’d be a mutual type of thing.” Will raised an eyebrow. 

“Nah, but enough about El! Let’s get you all settled in!” Mike attempted to pivot, he was getting seriously sick of talking about him getting dumped. 

Will shook his head, seemingly pulling himself out of some sort of daze. “No yeah, of course!” 

The two of them headed towards Karen, who was already shoulder deep in gossip with Joyce, who responded equally as excited. As they strolled up to the island of the kitchen Mike spoke out. 

“MOM!” He yelled, immediately capturing her attention, and also being the victim of her vicious gaze. She clearly did not appreciate him raising his voice when he was only a few paces away from her, especially with guests over, but he was just used to always calling her name out that way. You can’t blame him, it’s muscle memory! “What's the sleeping arrangement going to look like..?” He continued. “And don’t say Nancy is in charge just because you’re in, what looks like, a very compelling conversation with Ms. Byers. If you’re open to suggestions, Will can sleep in my room” Mike blurted out, almost instantaneously regretting it and damning his stupid unhesitating mouth. Oh sweet Jesus, why on EARTH would he say that? He quickly panicked, he wasn’t really paying attention to what was coming out of his mouth. He secretly prayed that his mother wouldn’t agree because, how was he meant to survive sleeping in the same room with the newly discovered love of his life? 

In a more bashful, soft manner, Mike spoke up again. “Just a suggestion, Everyone else can– Ah I dunno, you’ll figure something out..” The dark haired boy managed to mutter out. 

Will soon spoke up after Mike. “Yeah, I don’t mind at all Mrs. Wheeler!” He turned his head, his sweet gaze being directed at Mike. “It’ll be like a sleepover.” He said, handling the words more gently than he did with Mrs. Wheeler. Or perhaps Mike was reading too much into it, as he so often does. 

Mike watched as the gears turned in his mother’s mind, he nervously bit his lip. It was weird, a part of him wanted Will to sleep in his room, but another part, a far more sensible part of him, was telling him that this was probably the worst idea he’s ever had. 

“Alright then, I suppose it’s settled. Joyce here will take the guest bedroom beside Nancy upstairs, Will can stay with Mike, and Jonathan will take the basement. How’s that sound boys?” 

Terrible. 

Mike’s voice faltered slightly as he responded. “Sounds good, mom!” This was probably going to be the hardest thing Mike Wheeler has ever done. And he’s helped save the world at least TWICE at this point. 

“Will sweetie, why don’t you follow Mike up to his room and start settling in?” Joyce chimed in. 

“Yup, will do.” Will responded, turning to face Mike, giving him a little nod of approval as he headed towards the edge of the stairwell where he had left his belongings earlier. Will grabbed a couple of his items, leaving a few on the ground. Mike had a great thought come to him then, and although in retrospect it wasn’t really as great of a thought as he once believed. 

“Allow me to help you with those, O’Great Will the Wise.” He winked playfully. 

“Why thank you, Mike the Brave, whatever would I do without you?” Teasing back,Will giggled as he handed the taller of the two a couple of bags to carry up the stairs. 

“Of course, it is simply my pleasure..” Though Mike would soon be regretting even conjuring up the thought of offering to assist Will because by the time he got to the halfway mark of the stairs, his arms were about to fall off his body. Mike didn’t want to admit that he was weak, but let’s just say he’s a lot of height and not a lot of muscle. He turned his head to feast his eyes upon Will, a reward for making it up this far, and phew, was it the reward that Mike was needing. While Mike had been busy gaining inches on Will, standing at a freakish 5ft 11in, Will had apparently been busy bulking up in California, because what the fuck? Mike watched closely as Will’s biceps flexed deliciously underneath the amber radiance coming from the lamp on the roof of the staircase. For a moment, he caught Will’s gaze, and he almost instantaneously whipped his head back around, facing his destination. Mike shook his head, trying to rid himself of feeling heat creeping its way up his neck. 

As soon as he reached the top, poor Mike collapsed in exhaustion. Just what on earth was Will carrying in there with him? 

“Dude,” He managed to huff out, “What the fuck are in those?” 

At first, all Will offered back was a mischievous smirk, which kind of– No, really frightened Mike. Though he did eventually respond, with words. “Just the usual.. Ya’know, clothes, shoes, art supplies, basic necessities!” 

Mike nodded as Will continued to walk off, but sprung up as soon as he fully processed the sentence. 

“You- You brought your art supplies?!” Mike exclaimed, definitely coming off more excited than he meant to. 

“Oh, ah yeah! Murray somehow managed to grab most of them.” He paused before continuing, “Lucky you.” 

Flustered, Mike tried his best to offer a response in an appropriate amount of time, but he ended up failing miserably. “Uh, yeah. You know I love your art.” He said, almost feeling bashful. Mike Wheeler, feeling bashful.  

There’s a first for everything, it seems.

As they continued forward, heading towards Mike’s room, the darker haired boy got flashbanged with the memory of what’s to await within his bedroom, Will's art, everywhere. What can he say? He appreciates the hard work Will puts into every piece, he has binders full of art he’s received throughout the years, never throwing a single one out. They each reflect a different point in time, a separate era of their lives. Mike likes watching his improvement throughout the years, it puts him at ease to know that he never lost Will on that fateful November night back in ‘83. That Will got to live and grow alongside him. Mike’s emotional train of thought soon gets cut off by the creak of his door and the gasp that seemed to escape Will. He quickly scurried up

behind and around Will to witness his expression, and what in Mike’s room could warrant a reaction such as that. 

“You..” Will began, voice sounding a bit off kilter. “You kept so many..” His voice somehow sounded wobbly to Mike, though he was surely mistaken, right? There’s no way Will was feeling emotional over something such as this. 

“I kept them all. Every single one.” Mike slid towards the end of his bed, reaching underneath to grab the box that contained a behemoth of binders, all holding one thing, Will’s drawings. 

“Holy.. Mike, most of these aren’t even that good!” He exhaled a humourless chuckle. 

“They’re all important to me, Will. Hey look, this one’s pretty good, and you were only what– Like 10 when you made it?” 

“Oh no, that one is so bad. You wouldn’t get it, I start hating stuff like 10 minutes after I finish drawing it.” 

Mike simply offered a hum in response, as he grabbed Will’s things and hauled them into his room. Once he was done with his portion, he looked around. Mike is what most would label a hoarder. Anything remotely significant to him was being kept somewhere in his room for the rest of eternity, and it is not a habit he’s willing to break. That being said, it is kind of making him regret his life because there is not a lot of space for Will to put his stuff, let alone set up an entire area dedicated to sleeping. The thought of the two of them sharing a bed crossed his mind, and then stayed there because– holy shit. 

Mike Wheeler had it bad for Will, and for some reason he felt himself being propelled into absolute annihilation. Death by gay panic.