Chapter Text
Mike found himself in front of the door that had the number 47 on it. He twisted the key he had gotten at the reception a few minutes earlier. The room was empty, his roommate would probably arrive later. He threw his bags on one of the beds, the one near the window and started putting his clothes into the drawers.
He was gonna be starting all over again. He was in a different college last year but that had turned out to be a huge mistake. All the classes were boring and he quickly realised that it wasn't something for him, luckily he was able to transfer but that also meant starting all over again.
Not that he had any proper friends anyway. But he was dedicated, he was not gonna let his life go completely to waste.
He was gonna make friends, he was gonna be social, and he would finish writing that damn book he started. He was gonna share a room with another boy, his name was Liam Greenwood or something like that.
Their room had two beds, two desks, and a big closet with two compartments. He put his clothes in his part of the closet, he put his books on the shelves above his desk. He wanted to decorate his side of the room more but he didn't have anything he could put on the wall except the painting he had gotten from his friend, Will.
He and Will didn't speak anymore but Mike still considered him his best friend.
They had known each other since they were in kindergarten, they went to school together, they played d&d together, and they fought monsters together. So even though they didn't have contact anymore they would always have that special connection.
He taped Will’s painting to his wall right above his bed. Will had given him it when they were on their way to save Eleven. Back then Mike was struggling with his feelings towards El, he couldn't make himself say the big L word. And Will gave him a painting El had commissioned.
He ran his fingers over the paint when the door opened. He turned around to see a dude with blue hair and a nose piercing enter his room.
The blue haired boy’s face lit up when he saw Mike.
“You must be Mike right? I’m Liam, looks like we're gonna be roommates huh?”
He sounded cheerful and extroverted, challenging Mike's shyness.
“Uh… Yeah! I took the bed by the window. I hope that's okay! We can switch if you want to!”
Mike’s voice was high pitched and nervous.
Why did he have to be so awkward?
He wasn't used to talking to new people or making an effort to make friends. He only had four close friends all his life: Lucas, Will, Dustin and then Max came along later but that was due to Lucas and Dustin. When he started in high school Eddie practically adopted him and his friends so he never had actually made the effort to make new friends.The only times he could think of where he made a move was when he approached Will on those swings and when he kissed El.
And now the party split up, the rest got new friends, El had sent them a letter a couple months ago confirming Mike's theory but also saying that she wouldn’t be returning anytime soon. She didn't say where she was hiding because she was scared the bad men would find the letter and Mike knew it was for the better. They had broken up a few days before she vanished, they agreed that they were better off as friends and that Eleven needed to rely on herself when fighting Vecna.
Looking back Mike realizes she was probably trying to prepare him for his sacrifice, as if losing her wouldn't hurt just as much even though they were just friends…
“No, don't worry I don't mind,” Liam said, pulling Mike from his thoughts.
“Cool” Mike mumbled. God he was awkward.
“So uh.. wanna just set some rules real quick so we don't start arguing about dumb shit?” Liam asked.
“Sure”
“Ok so we both keep our sides of the room clean and we can take turns cleaning the bathroom and stuff?”
“Yeah sounds good”
“And how do you feel about visitors? Do you mind if some of my friends stay here sometimes?” Liam's voice sounded a little uncertain as if he’s asking too much.
“Yeah that's fine as long as they don't stay after 8 pm maybe?”
“Yeah, that's fine! Also erm…” Mike turned to look at Liam when his voice trailed off.
"What's up?” Mike didn’t understand why Liam seemed so uncertain all of the sudden.
“I also should let you know that I have a boyfriend. I know you might not like people like us but i thought it would be stupid to hide that from you” Liam avoided Mike's gaze.
It took Mike a while to understand what he meant.
“Oh you thought I'd have a problem with you being- that you’re… you know? No-no it's totally chill I'm- my best friend is uh also like that” Mike shut up when he realised how dumb he sounded.
Liam let out a small laugh “Chill, thanks yeah”
Mike cringed at how awkward he sounded in his own ears.
“You’re also allowed to have friends over if you want too, of course” Liam added, he already sounded relaxed and light hearted again.
“Oh I dont… I just transferred here, I don't really have any-” Mike mumbled before Liam interrupted.
“-You can just hang out with my gang! You seem cool, they probably won't mind!”
“Oh I don't wanna be a burden or anything!” Mike quickly said but Liam dismissed him.
“Nah you’re good! We’re gonna have a small get-together party thing tomorrow you should totally join!” Liam sounded excited and Mike refused to sabotage himself again by letting this opportunity go so he agreed.
“Deal!” Liam said.
Then he turned and started to put his clothes in his part of the closet.
Mike laid onto his own bed with his note book, scribbling random words onto a page.
No matter how hard he tried he couldn't figure out how he wanted his story to go. Eventually he gave up and got his walkman out of his bag.
He didn't really know a lot of music but Will had once made him a mixtape of songs he just had to hear so that was the one Mike usually listened to.
The tape had the cure, the smiths and a lot of the other odd bands Will used to talk about.