Chapter Text
He'd follow him anywhere.
He knew that.
If Will had led him straight into Vecna's arms, he'd go gladly. No one has wrapped their hand so gently around his heart the way Will had. Not the way Will's softness kept a fire lit in Mike. It kept him warm and safe. Will would never lead him into danger. He knew that. That's how much he trusted his best friend.
Yes.
Best. Friend.
Such an odd word to him now. Was a best friend all that Will was to him? Were these shared moments just a whirlwind of friends fighting for their life?
For the first time in his 16 years of life, he didn't want to call Will his friend. It seemed...wrong.
Distasteful even.
That knot twisted in his chest at this.
Tight.
Painful.
It was painful to think about how he saw Will. It was wrong even. He shouldn't feel these things. Will is his friend. Will is a...
A guy.
But what was so wrong with that? He had seen old movies with gay people. Why was that precious soft love seen as so bad?
"It's a sin."
"It's filthy."
Those were the words he heard so often.
Yet, Mike still can't bring himself to see it that way. Maybe because deep in that core, way inside his heart, he knows he may be in love with his best friend.
The possibility flashes through his mind like headlights, freezing him in place. Sweat begins to bead at his temples as fast as his breathing picks up. It's jogging it's pace but Mike can't find it in him to get in a full breath of air and-
"Hey" a voice breaks Mike's internal panic.
Well maybe not so internal as the visible struggle that arises on Will's face sends Mike into a fit of trying to look like nothing is wrong.
Mike has developed a tendency of this. Going down a mental hole of panic over his feelings and hiding it all the moment anyone else might see.
His posture stiffens when Will takes the spot next to him.
Close. Too close for the state he's in right now.
A gasp escapes from his lips at the sudden pressure of Will's hand brings his attention out of his own thoughts.
It's funny the power Will holds over Mike. That with one touch all senses in Mike come to a halt and ease into the warms he radiates. The knowing his best friend is there ready to comfort his, just like he does for Will.
Mike is convinced the powers he gained after seeing Vecna again weren't the only ones he has. That he's had some sort of tether on Mike long long before this. No one could bring Mike into a hug with such ease. Not even needing to ask what's wrong, and just knowing that all Mike truly needs right now is a hug from Will.
A moment passes. Then another.
Mike doesn't want any of these moments to pass at all honestly. He wishes he could stay here in these arms. Away from the world.
From the monsters.
From the cruel words of those who don't understand.
He wonders if he can...no. No Mike can't like Will.
Mike can't because Will doesn't like Mike. He likes Robin.
Isn't that cruel huh? When Mike is able to finally have the chance to come to terms with whatever he feels for Will, Robin comes and sweeps him off his feet. His Will.
No. Not his. Will was never his.
He knew that. Right? He should've at least. Why else would he date El? But why else would he break up with her when she ask him if he saw a future with her? Truthfully Mike didn't know why he kept El strung along for so long. She deserved better than this. To be able to find herself without him holding her back.
Once again ripped from his thoughts by the feeling of Will now letting him go.
Looking up into those eyes nothing seems to worry him anymore.
Not as much at least.
"Thank you. You didn't have to..I- I mean I'm grateful just.." Mike sputters out really not knowing what exactly he's thanking Will for.
"I know. Its okay. You don't have to thank me. I just can tell somethings bothering you and figured you'd need a hug before I asked about it."
It's so easy for Will to just speak like he never questions what he wants anymore. Mike noticed this change in him after he got his powers. Like everything became clear to him and suddenly, Will was no longer than shy kid who second guessed his every move.
Mike finally tears his eyes away from him as he plays with the stray string on his sweater. Well Will's sweater actually. Mike had stolen it years ago and it just became his. Will had never asked for it back.
He tries to breathe out. To clear his mind, but it comes out strangled almost.
Mike didn't realize how thirsty he was. Nor did he know if water would satisfy the thirst that settled deep in his center.
Despite the dryness, he spoke, "Um no you're right. I did need that." More playing with that string.
What about this string was so satisfying it took Mike's attention from the one this he never grew tired of staring at?
He didn't know or care.
Still, Mike kept at that damned string.
"I was just thinking about the finish of everything and our plan and I got scared and I don't want to lose anyone and-"
"MIKE
HEY MIKE"
Hands are on both his shoulders shaking him now. So gentle Mike wonders if he may be actually made of glass. He looks up at the lines creasing in between Will's eyebrows.
Cute
The lines from his face relax as Will sighs. "Listen I know you're scared. I- Im scared too. I don’t want to lose you."
A second passes. Then another. Too many slip away.
"I don't want to lose anyone. Not my family or my friends or my- not anyone."
Reality hits Mike again. Just like a bird falling into a tree mid soar. It hurts. The fall.
The fall from the tenderness Will had given him. He falls all the way back down to the harsh reality life has painted before him. How he wishes he had the skill to paint over it. To stop the thought of Will being with someone else. Having someone else he cares about most.
It hasn't been until they're faced with probable death that he's realized what he's felt all along.
He can't face it just yet.
There's that pull in him that tells him it's wrong and he should listen to his dads words.
But should he? Would this all be easier or hurt less?
He does know at least, that he doesn't want Will with anyone else. He wants him to always be the most important person in his life. Always.
"Let's make a promise then."
Will seems confused but also intrigued at what this promise entails. He gives Mike a go on sort of look. He breathes out long and less labored.
"Promise to return to each other always and no matter what."
The silence that follows is so thin and long. It wraps around Mike's neck like a cord meant to choke him.
Finally, Will looks back into his eyes with a glow that comes with a matching smile.
Cute
It tugs on that soft and tender part of Mikes heart.
"I promise I will always return back to you no matter what."
"Always?"
"Always."
A verbal agreement hangs in the air, followed something else. A soul bound agreement. That promise to never leave the other.
Mike takes it. He takes every bit of Will he can.
Even if he can never fully be his.
Just that little bit.
~~~~~~
An echo of grunts flood the hallway. Not what you'd think when it's really 4 teens building their own weapons to fight supernatural entities.
It's the last thing they need to do before facing Vecna once again.
Before the biggest fight of their lives.
Mike honestly doesn't want to be building weapons. He's already chosen the rusty ax to protect himself and others. Why should he be here? It's quite boring honestly just being around his sister, her ex and her boyfriend.
Maybe if he begs he can be freed...
Nancy beats him to it before he can act.
"Go. I know you have better things to do with others.." She says without looking at him more than a moment.
She oddly doesn't seem to mind so he takes this chance. Mike sets his semi-finished, but also badly done, bat on the table and flees.
Gotta find him. Gotta find him. Go find Will.
His thoughts ping around his mind until he find himself in a room with his Will. To his misfortune Robin is also here along with El.
Now he doesn't hate either of them, but he wants to be able to spend time with the person he cares most about before he fights for his life.
"Oh Mike! Perfect! You can be the last one on our team." Robin yells a bit too enthusiastically, receiving a shy look over from Will.
Great
GreatGreatGreatGreatGreat...
Well this isn't ideal but he's just glad to not be separated. Also to not be with the adults. He doesn't need their overprotective yelling as much as he appreciates it.
For a second Mike thinks he sees Will look up at him as his cheeks flush, but Mike won't let his hope get the better of his mind.
Not again.
Over at the desk Robin is now sitting at, Will takes one last glance at Mike before crouching down to make sure what he says won't be heard by anyone but him and Robin.
He knows Robin is up to something when she flashes his a knowing smile up at him.
"You know that he still is with El so why do you keep trying?" Will says with maybe too much sadness hidden in his eyes.
Those eyes cause Robin to pull Will into a big sister (who's not you're actual sister and just a sisterly lesbian) hug. She can tell he needs it as he softens into her grasp.
Robin didn't know how important Will would become to her. Yet she wouldn't trade their sibling-like relationship for the world. Having someone who knows what it's like to be a queer kid in the 80's, that isn't dating her, feels comforting in a way her heart has craved. To be able to confide in someone and not have to keep every worry to herself. She adores being there for Will too. He's needed this even more than she did, and she feels so sweet about being able to help Will find himself. Also with helping get Mike with Will.
Honestly, she's come to realize gay men are so much more dense than lesbians.
It's so clear Mike likes Will just as much as Will likes him.
Does no one else see the clear jealousy contort Mikes face into something so sour??
This jealousy is her weapon of choice actually. Maybe if she can bring that jealousy to the surface, then maybe Mike will finally boil over and spill those feelings out for Will.
They both need this confession.
And when it does happen,
Robin will be here to help protect and guide them.
~~
Fuck
What the fuck
Mikes heart burns up with that same jealousy It's a miracle there isn't steam shooting from his ears and nostrils.
The image of Will melting into Robins hug the same way he does Mikes is enough to send him into a frenzy.
"WILL"
The words come a little too loud. Too forceful.
Both Robin and Will snap their faces to the right. Mike cringes in on himself at the sudden attention he's brought on himself. Even El is looking at him like he's insane.
He coughs unsure what to say now. He didn't think ahead of this.
"Um"
Say something. Idiot SAY SOMETHING.
"Well. Will.. Um yeah Will can you help me go over what the goal for our group is. I'm still confused since I didn't know I'd be with you guys" Maybe that was a good enough save.
It wasn't, but we won't mention that.
It takes a push from Robin to get Will out of his dazed looking at Mike to get him moving.
Both boys find a corner to sit and let Will guide Mike through their plan. Mike already knew the plan. Will knows Mike knows the plan. Everyone went over each plan as a group. Exactly why this was NOT a nice save.
Still Will explains each part in simple but thorough detail.
Mike nods along.
He's not hearing any of this.
Just listening along to the sound of Wills voice and tracing over his face with his eyes. Once. Then twice.
Then over and over and over and over.
He continues until Will finally notices Mike is not paying attention to a word he's said. He's only paying attention to Will. That familiar rose floods over Will's cheeks and down his neck. It rises up to his ears as well, leaving him as Mikes favorite rose flushed flower.
"Hmm eh.." Will can't speak.
The attention is too much.
He both bathes in it and gravels at the hollowness it brings him.
In the corner of his eye sits El, working with Robin on something irrelevant to the pinch in Will's gut.
Mike's girlfriend is here.
Mike isn't with her.
Mike is staring at Will.
He shouldn't.
So Will does what he should and softly pushes Mike's face away. Before he can bring his hand back to his lap though, Mike holds it there.
"Mm your hands have always been so soft. Even with all we've fought. They stay so soft..."
Mike's now staring down into Wil's palm as he cradles his hand like it’s a treasure he had found in a museum.
"Mike you shouldn-"
"Mine can't get this soft. How do yours?" Mike looks up at Will.
You can't.
He can't.
Even if he feels that way...You shouldn't.
Why shouldn't Will indulge in this feeling with Mike though? Is it because he's too scared?
He wasn't before. Not until now.
Not until Mike is suddenly too close to him. The room suddenly too small.
He can't breathe. If he does he can smell the floral shampoo Mike uses. It's the same brand Will does. Who copied who though?
Will can't remember. Not when they're so close he can feel when Mike releases the breath built up inside his chest.
Will's eyebrows soften. They soften then curl up in the middle, and paint the longing that shakes him to the core whenever he thinks of Mike too hard.
Neither speaks a word but something is said.
A silent plea from Mike.
Answered by a no from Will that isn't spoken with words.
Will can't take the hurt slipping onto Mikes face, so he sets Mikes hands back into his own lap and leaves him with a smile.
A smile that he hopes conveys the love he still feels for Mike.
It wavers in translation though. When it processes through Mikes mind it's formed into a 'I can't tell what you feel'
The frustration flurries in Mike. It's not letting him go. Swarming him and tearing at him like a blizzard. A blizzard that's both too hot and too cold.
Then.
Almost as if he's entered the eye of the storm.
He makes a clear decision.
He won't lose Will. No. They promised they'd always return to each other.
So Mike will make sure his Will returns to him.
He just needs to confront Robin. What could go wrong in telling the girl, that the boy you're in love with may like, to back off of said boy??
He can't worry it now or he knows he will go back on this decision.
He has to act on this plan and maybe, just maybe luck may go his way...
~~~