Chapter Text
-MIKE-
Chapter song: I don’t know how to love by The Drums
The camera flashed again and suddenly Mike processed what was happening. He was so caught up in the moment he hadn’t realized the implications of what he was doing.
He quickly pulled away from Will, the warm smile on his face fading to a look of guilt, somehow turning redder than it was before.
Why was he behaving this way?
It’s not a big deal. He was pulling the snow out of his hair.
Despite the fact that he couldn’t even touch him just a year ago in the airport it felt so natural now—
until it didn’t.
until he realizes what he’s doing.
Until he realizes who he’s touching. A boy, which as bad as it is it’s not just any boy. It’s the boy he’s known since he was a child. The boy he cares deeply for, who’s he’s been with through it all.
Why does it feel so perfect? Yet why does he feel so guilty?
He felt a warmth, a comfortability with Will. Something he’d only ever hoped of feeling with El.
But it’s not love.
It can’t be?
So many questions filled his mind, he quickly attempted to shove them out as he stood up from his place in the snow.
“I’m getting cold, I’m heading inside.”
Will opened his mouth to speak but Mike had already turned his back.
Holly glanced between the two, looking to Jonathan who looked equally as confused.
Will shot Jonathan a smile as if to say ‘it’s fine’ before he could begin to worry for his brother.
Jonathan already wasn’t fond Mike and would take any excuse to complain about him.
⟢
Mike scribbled in his notebook, the page was filled with smudged words telling the story of a boy with a personality suspiciously similar to Will.
He had gotten through dinner speaking barely a word to Will and he planned to keep it that way, at least until he knew what to do with himself.
“Mike.”
His avoidant plans were quickly interrupted
He snapped back to reality, looking up from his notebook, his eyes meeting with the boy in front of him. Will motioned towards the shared room
“Can we talk for a second?” His voice barely above a whisper.
shit
He’s been trying to make sense of his feelings all day, the last thing he wants to do is talk about them.
He reluctantly follows Will to their room, taking a seat on the squeaky mattress.
Will crossed his arms, standing in front of Mike. “Why have you been avoiding me all day? Did I do something?-“
He quickly interrupted “no! No you did nothing wrong.”
Will furrowed his brows “So then what is it?”
Mike knows he will regret it if he doesn’t tell the truth, still, he doesn’t know what that truth is.
“Will,” he looked up at the brunette stood menacingly in front of him. His soft brown eyes meeting Will’s concerned gaze.
“I’m- I’m really sorry. I have a lot going on right now- a lot on my mind. I promise I’ll do better.” Mike replied, fidgeting with the sleeve of his borrowed sweater.
Will’s face vanished of any anger, fading into worry.
He placed his hand onto Mike’s shoulder. “You know you can always talk to me. I’d understand.”
Mike nodded in response, looking down at his sleeves.
Would he?
He knows Will would never judge him but he doesn’t want it to go back to the way it was before. He can’t lose Will even as a friend.
Will sat down next to the other boy, their shoulders pressed together.
Finally, Mike felt relaxed against his touch.
“You know I care so much about you. Please, Mike. Talk to me. Whenever you’re ready.”
He felt tears swelling in his eyes, quickly rubbing them away, again nodding in response. If he spoke a single word he would choke on them, fall apart into a sobbing mess.
He felt an arm wrap around his shoulder, he sank into Will, resting his head against him.
His vision blurred with tears he refused to let escape, his stomach was twisting and his heart was beating outside of his chest.
He could feel Will’s rapid heart beat as well through the soft fabric of his sweater.
God dammit, Will was too kind for his own good. Mike had been avoiding him all day and despite that Will was there for him without question.
His heart felt like it was being ripped out of his chest in the best way possible. It was a scary thought but maybe just maybe really does love that boy.
Mike let himself rest there, comfortable in the arms of the friend he’s known forever, the smell of Will’s shampoo mixed with detergent lingering on his sweater.
The hum of the old heater and the sound of Will’s heartbeat faded as his eyes grew heavier.
It felt like no time had passed when he woke up next to the same boy he’d been practically cuddling what seemed moments before.
Will flipped through pages of a novel. The room was an orange hue, lit by the morning sun.
How tired was he..?
Did he sleep next to Will the entire night?
and his biggest concern came upon the sight of the wide open door
Did his father see?