Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Alright!” Dustin claps his hands together, “That works. Anyone got questions?”

All of a sudden the toilet flushes and Steve enters the room drying his hands off on his pants.

“Were you seriously in the bathroom?”

“Huh?”

“Steve!” Dustin rubs his head. “We are trying to save the world if you haven’t noticed!”

Will rolled his eyes. They had only been back in Hawkins for two weeks and he was already used to their bickering. Dustin continued to scold him, but Hopper interrupted him.

“Stop, yelling doesn’t help anyone. Just fill Steve in, and do it quickly.”

Dustin sighs but listens, “El, Hopper, and Joyce will go to the cross-”

“What cross?” Steve asks.

“Where the gates cross, the literal giant X in the middle of Hawkins.”

“Why are they going there?”

“Oh my God, Steve. Can’t you just let me talk and maybe you would find out!”

“Alright, alright take a breath, Henderson!” He said defensively.

“Ok ok I’m sorry. They are going to the cross so El can close all the gates at the same time. So all of us need to go to the different gates to watch for Vecna. If he shows up, or really if anything weird shows up, we tell Hopper so he can El out of there.”

“Ok, who is going to each gate?”

“We are deciding that right now,” Hopper finished.

“Jonathon and I can go to the Creel House.” Nancy volunteered.

“Me and Steve will take the RV,” Robin added.

“Lucas and I can do the road?” Dustin looked at Lucas.

“Yeah that’s good with me.” Lucas replied.

“That leaves you two.” Hopper explained.

Mike looked at Will with this soft smile he had been using a lot lately with Will. Will almost sighed. Of all people of course he would be paired with Mike! It wasn’t that Will hated Mike, the issue was that Will still, even after what happened in California, liked Mike. Like really liked Mike, but Mike didn’t like Will, not the same way. Will was sure he didn’t, even if Mike and El broke up. Will wouldn’t let himself think he had a shot, it would just make the denial hurt that much more. Will had to shake himself back to reality to see his mom was about to talk to him.

“Do you have headphones?”

“Yes Mom.”

“Music?”

“Yes.”

“Backup music?”

“Yes!”

“Flashlights?”

“Yes I have everything!”

“Ok, ok I just want you to be safe.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he’s safe.” Mike reassured Joyce while placing his hand on Will's shoulder.

Will almost jumped. He had no idea Mike had moved from his spot next to Dustin to next to him. In fact it spooked him so bad he hadn’t realized Mike’s hand was on his shoulder till his mom had left. Will immediately panicked.

Why was his hand on me? Why hadn’t he moved it yet? Why was Mike looking at me like that? Did Mike say something and I didn’t notice?

“Will? Are you ok?” Mike asked.

“Yeah I’m fine.” Will didn’t mean for it to come out snappy like it did, but he couldn’t apologize, because apologizing meant explaining and that meant telling Mike the truth. That would not happen.

“Let’s just go.” Will hoped that he could give off the vibe that he didn’t want to talk without being mean, he hated feeling like he was mean. They walked for a bit in silence when Will looked over at Mike. Mike was making the face he always does when he needs to talk or he will explode. Will quickly looked away hoping he could escape another awkward moment. He tried to act nonchalant, but in a “please don’t start a conversation” kind of way. It didn’t work.

“Are you completely sure you are ok? You can tell me you know?” Mike questioned.

“Yeah I’m fine.”

“Will please, I know something is going on. We have barely talked at all since we got back to Hawkins. I thought we fixed things?”

Will was unsure if the last sentence was a question or a statement, either way he didn’t know what to say.

“We did fix things. Everything’s fine,” he answered while kicking some rocks as they walked.

“Just fine?”

“Great! Everything’s great Mike! What do you want me to say?"

“Hey I’m just trying to help!”

“Can you please just stop?” Will was almost begging him.

“Stop what Will? I’m trying to be a good friend. I’m trying to talk to you. I-I thought that’s what we both wanted!”

“Yeah well that was before!” Crap Will thought. Why would I say that? Mike was now super confused, and Will could tell.

“Before what?” Mike softened a little, but Will was not letting him in. Before you said you loved her. Will wanted to say.

“Nevermind. Just forget it.”

“No!” Mike grabbed Will’s wrist, stopping him from walking, “You need to tell me Will. Why can’t you let me know what I did?”

“Stop talking Mike!” Will had never yelled at Mike like this. He immediately regretted it after seeing the look on Mike’s face. Like he had just been slapped, like Will had just slapped him. It was the worst Will thought he had ever felt in his life. They both looked away and continued their walk to the lake. Their silent, awkward, sad, brutal walk.

Chapter Text

“Johnathon and I can go to the Creel House.” Nancy volunteered.

“Me and Steve will take the RV,” Robin added.

“Lucas and I can do the rood?” Dustin looked at Lucas.

“Yeah that’s good with me.” Lucas replied.

Mike knew who his partner was even before Hopper said anything.

“That leaves you two.” Hopper explained.

It was Will. Mike couldn’t help but immediately turn and smile at his best friend. Mike hadn’t said anything, but he secretly really wanted Will to be his partner. See, things have been different since California. Mike had been different, well maybe not different, just more aware. Aware of himself, of his actions and most importantly he was way more aware of his thoughts. To be honest Mike was glad he and El were over. God you sound like such a jerk Mike! He thought. But it was true. He wasn’t what El needed. He held her back. Mike hated to think it but he didn’t love El in the way she wanted to be loved.

Ughh why do feelings suck? Mike was so confused nowadays, but one thought kept popping into his mind, Will, my best friend Will. Well actually that’s a lie; it’s more like, Wow did Will always look like that? Or Why do I keep looking at his lips? Well it’s just because I’m trying to hear what he’s saying. Yeah that’s it. Mike’s spiraling had to end abruptly because people started walking towards their partners. He headed to Will where Joyce was talking to him, her eyebrows pinched, clearly worried about him. Mike acted without any thought.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he’s safe,” he said while softly placing a hand on Will’s broad shoulder. Will jumped. Mike noticed and saw a strange look on his face. Mike just stared at him for a while. He was almost in awe at how good he could look even as the world was ending. Maybe he even glanced at his lips. Then he realized, My hand is still on his shoulder! He quickly moved it away, but Will still looked off.

“Will? Are you ok?”

Yeah I’m fine.” Will seemed to snap back at him which only made Mike more concerned. Mike had also noticed that Will had been acting odd lately. Acting distant around Mike. It made him worried that he didn't want to be his partner.

“Let’s just go,” Will continued. Will walked out the door of the cabin. Mike turned on his flashlight and followed him towards the lake.

They were going to walk because they were practically out of bikes after running from the danger they were in lately, not having time to bring the bikes back where they belonged. They walked for a bit, both of them staring in random directions until Mike couldn’t stay silent anymore. “Are you completely sure you are ok? You can tell me you know?” Mike was starting to really worry now, Will never used to hide things from him. Whatever was going on must have been really bothering him. Does he not want to be my partner? kept popping up in his mind.

“Yeah I’m fine.” Mike saw right through his lies. They have been best friends for years, so Mike always knew when Will was lying. He could see it in his eyes.

“Will please, I know something is going on. We have barely talked at all since we got back to Hawkins. I thought we fixed things?” Mike knew that wasn’t true, they may have fixed some things but there were definitely some problems that were still there. If there were really no problems then Will would just talk to Mike and Mike wouldn’t be so confused about himself.

“We did fix things. Everything’s fine.”

“Just fine?” They had stopped walking and were facing each other.

“Great! Everything’s great Mike! What do you want me to say?” Will threw his arms as he spoke.

Honestly Mike didn’t know what he wanted Will to say. So he got defensive, “Hey I’m just trying to help!”

“Can you please just stop?” Will looked like someone was torturing him, it made Mike’s heart break. He didn’t want to hurt Will, but he needed to know what was going on.

“Stop what Will? I’m trying to be a good friend. I’m trying to talk to you. I-I thought that’s what we both wanted!” That’s what I want. Mike couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“Yeah well that was before!”

What? He started replaying everything that happened in the last few weeks trying to figure out what he was talking about. “Before what?”

“Nevermind.” Will turned to keep walking, however Mike was not letting Will back out of this one.

“No!” He grabbed his wrist to stop him from leaving. Not too hard of a squeeze because he was afraid of harming Will even more than he already had. “You need to tell me Will. Why can’t you let me know what I did?”

“Stop talking Mike!”

Mike froze. It felt like he had been stabbed. Will had never ever yelled at him like this. Yes they have fought before, but Will never yelled like that. Mike didn’t know what to do. Does he hate me? What did I do? How do I fix this? Mike panicked and put his head down. They walked the rest of the way in absolute quiet.

As they walked Mike couldn’t stop his mind from racing. That was another thing that changed about Mike. This change started a while ago, he wasn’t really sure when but it got worse as he got older. He couldn’t stop his mind or heart from racing when he was with Will. It was to the point where in order to be able to breathe normally he had to look away from him.

Why did this happen? It didn’t happen with my other friends. Because Will isn’t like my other friends. Shut up brain! I know why it happens. That’s enough! Mike must have been fighting with himself for quite some time because they already arrived at the lake. There were spores everywhere and it had gotten colder the closer they got to the lake. Breathing in the spores was gross and hurt Mike’s throat. They got to the beach and Mike saw the gate. It was like a huge cut, red and deep. The glow it casted made it so they no longer needed their flashlights. Still, even with the huge gate there Mike could only think of Will. This is my chance to fix things! But before he started talking to Will he had to tell the group they had arrived.

“This is Mike and Will. We safely made it to the lake. Over.”

Hopper’s serious voice crackled over the walkie-talkie, “Alright, this is going to take a minute so when you guys all get to your post get a good spot set up to wait. Over.”

Mike dropped his backpack on the ground and sat up against a rough tree trunk. Then he took out his water and drank. The spores were really annoying in his throat this made Mike even more sad that Will spent a week breathing this crap in. Will sat down about three feet away from him. Still not talking. Come on Mike! Just talk to him! He took a deep breath, “What song did you pick? For, you know, if “he” comes. Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” Wow, real smooth Mike, bring up the worst case scenario! Perfect! Totally not traumatizing!

“Actually, I brought Boys Don’t Cry, by The Cure.”

“Oh.” Mike didn’t know Will’s favorite song anymore. He didn’t know why that hurt but it did. It really did. Hey, at least he answered. Keep going! “I’ve never heard that one.”

“It’s good.”

“I would assume it is if it’s supposed to save your life.” Ughhhh that was such a stupid thing to say! You’re supposed to cheer him up, not make things sad!

“Hopefully it won’t have to.” Will's eyes looked distant and sad. He stared at the ground; he wrapped his arms around his knees that were up against his chest. Mike felt awful for bringing this up.

“It won’t. I promise.” Mike wouldn’t let anything happen to Will. Will had been through so much and he didn’t deserve any of it. Will was the kindest person Mike knew. He had only yelled at Mike like three times, and Mike was always being a total jerk and deserved it when Will did yell. Which is why Mike didn’t know why Will was upset. He didn’t understand what he did. The conversation died again. It was so quiet. Only the sound of their heavy breathing as a result of the toxic air could be heard. Mike tried again, with a better topic this time, “We never really caught up. I’m sorry I didn’t ask you about California.”

“It’s fine.”

“How was it?”

“I don’t know. It was nice being safe from monsters, but having no friends kinda sucked.”

Mike had no idea Will had no friends there. He assumed that he had tons of friends. He didn’t understand how any one could dislike Will. “Oh, I’m really sorry Will.”

“I know. It’s ok.”

Things were going well, so he scooted closer to Will. Not too close to scare him or make him uncomfortable but enough to show he was there for him. “How ‘bout this. After all this craziness is over, we go see a movie together, like old times.” Mike was terrified of being denied, but he tried to sound confident.

No answer. Will still was looking down. He’s just thinking. Don’t worry yet! A few seconds passed, no answer. “Will?” Great! Already denied! Something seemed off, Will still hadn’t looked up. “Will? Hello?” Anxiety and panic rose in Mike. “Will!” Mike really felt something was wrong. He went and sat on his knees in front of Will. He lifted his head gently, wondering if maybe he fell asleep somehow, what he saw made him jump back. Will’s face was colorless. His eyes were rolled back and he was blinking rapidly.

Mike ran for the walkie-talkie. “Help please! Anyone! He’s got him! Vecna has Will!”

Chapter Text

Will and Mike had finally made it to the lake. Will’s legs were getting tired and the walk itself was awful and awkward. He wasn’t exactly sure what he thought the lake would look like, but whatever he could imagine, it was scarier. The cold took him right back to when he was a kid, trapped and alone and terrified. Wondering if he was ever going to go back home. Wondering if this was a punishment for being different. Will jumped at a movement next to him. It was just Mike who had sat down after telling the groups they had made it. He sat down too but not very close. Will was still nervous to talk to Mike, but the silence was really getting to him. Will didn’t know what to say especially after what he had said earlier. I wish I could tell Mike how sorry I am. To Will’s surprise Mike started talking “What song did you pick? For, you know, if “he” comes. Should I Stay Or Should I Go?”

It was definitely an odd and kind of dark question however Will needed to talk. “Actually, I brought Boys Don’t Cry, by The Cure.”

“Oh. I’ve never heard that one.” Will was honestly glad, worried if Mike knew the song that it would give him away.

Will fidgeted with his fingers, his knees pulled in close.“It’s good.”

“I would assume it is if it’s supposed to save your life.” Will knew Mike was just trying to lighten the mood, still Will got a huge wave of fear.

“Hopefully it won’t have to.” Will breathed almost just to himself. He hadn’t said anything because he didn’t want to panic anyone, but he could feel Him, not super close but close enough to keep him on edge.

“It won’t. I promise.” How? Will wondered. How, even when I treated him like crap just a little while ago, can he comfort me so easily? He really is just a caring person. Maybe he wouldn’t hate me if I told him the truth. There was a long pause before Mike spoke again, “We never really caught up. I’m sorry I didn’t ask you about California.”

“It’s fine.” Will liked that they were talking again, however he was not bringing up the most fun topics.

“How was it?”

“I don’t know,” He knew that was a lie. California sucked. No friends, no D and D, pretty much no brother, no free mom, and no Mike. “It was nice being safe from monsters, but having no friends kinda sucked.”

“Oh, I’m really sorry Will.”

“I know. It’s ok.” Will drew a quick breath. He felt Him get closer, a lot closer and it wasn’t going away. Will was terrified something bad was going to happen, and if it did he couldn’t die without telling Mike the truth. Here goes nothing. Just do it! “Mike?”

Looked at Will with those soft eyes he always used with him, and that little smile that warmed Will’s heart, “Yeah?”

“Ca-can I tell you something?” That was it. No backing out now! The feeling got worse as Will pushed through.

“Of course Will, you can tell me anything!”

“Right,” another deep breath. “Mike, the reason I’ve been acting weird is, well, I think- no, I know that I-I like you. And not like a “friend like”. More than that. What I’m saying is…I love you Mike. I have for a long time, since we were kids. Since that-that day on the swings. Since the first time I saw your smile. It’s ok if you don’t feel the same, but I need you to know.” Will was shaking now. He was so scared. Mike looked stunned… then he- he laughed? At first a chuckle but slowly it turned into a deep belly laugh. Will started to laugh too just out of pure confusion.

“You thought I didn’t know?”

“You knew?” Will was confused by Mike’s response and still couldn’t tell if Mike liked him back.

“I had a feeling. B-but I didn’t think you would have the guts to tell me! And I really didn’t think you would actually think that I would like you back! Ew! I mean a boy and a boy, really?”

All the color drained from Will’s face, “What…”

“Oh don’t look so sad! You really thought I was some Boy-Kisser like you? Now that’s sad!”

Will was worried Mike wouldn’t like him back, but what he was saying was just torture. Will started crying, his voice breaking as he spoke,“M-Mike? What’s going on? I don’t understa-”

“What’s going on, Willam, is that I don’t love you, and I never ever have.” Mike's expression was cold and lifeless. Lifeless… Wait!

“You’re not Mike.” Will muttered it just to himself at first.

“What was that?” Mike’s now snake-like eyes looked as if they were daring him to say it again, like he wanted him to figure it out.

“I said, you’re not Mike!” In that moment Mike transformed into Will’s worst fear. There he was, right in front of him, Vecna. Even worse than what El had described, even worse than what he remembered from the first time.

“No, I am not Mike, but that doesn’t mean what I said is wrong. You know the truth, don’t you? Mike would never love you. Never.” Vecna and Will were now standing face to face and the scenery had changed to the snowball, but it was drowned in a red light and an eerie haze covered the entire room. “Do you remember this nigh-”

“SHUT UP!” Will ran towards the nearest door. I just need to stay alive until Mike turns on the music! Just stay alive! Just stay al- “Ahhh!” A cold, slimy vine had wrapped around his leg and pulled him to the wall of the gymnasium.

“Why so quick to leave?” Henry tilted his head as if the answer wasn’t obvious. “I’m only here to educate you. But then again, you have probably already realized the truth,” He chuckled.

“What truth?” Will spat.

“Allow me to show you.” He gestured to the room as it came to life, Will immediately got a wave of memories, and not all good ones. There they were, it was weird for Will to see himself so little, so traumatized, so unready of what was to come. However he also remembered how he felt that night. He was so happy to be with his friends again even if they weren’t thrilled to be there. He remembered thinking Mike looked really good in his little suit. Then the scene continued, and a slow song came on. Lucas and Max went to dance together. Will almost asked Mike to dance, almost, but it was too late. A girl asked Will to dance, he looked at Mike desperate for a way out. Instead Mike encouraged him to dance with her.

“Do you know why he told you to dance with her?” His cold voice woke Will right back up from the trance he was in. Back to the nightmare that was Will’s life. “Do you?” Will was not going to answer his dumb questions. “It was because he wanted to get you away from him.”

His silence did not last long, “What?”

“Yes, you see even at a young age he knew what you were. Not only did he know he was disgusted! He doesn’t love you, Will. He loves El.” Will could see them dancing together. They looked so happy. Will turned away as they kissed.

“Shut up!” Will tried to swing a fist at him from the wall but was stopped again by a vine.

“Oh but we aren’t done yet.” The area changed to a new location: Outside Mike’s house. It was raining.

“No…” he whispered. Vines were wrapped all around one of his legs keeping him from running. They were fighting, Past Mike and Past Will that was. Will braced for the words that would scar him for the next year.

“It’s not my fault you don’t like girls!” Will wanted to cry but he couldn’t let him win. Come on Mike! Where is the music?

Henry snickered, “You think about that moment often. Lying awake at night replaying it in your head. Correct?” He took Will’s quiet stare as an answer. “Yet you still hope he likes you. Don’t you see? He doesn’t love you, Will.” They followed Young Will as he biked in the rain to Castle Byers.

“Do you remember how you felt, Will?” How could he forget? It was one of the worst days of his life. Will thought no one loved him, and he wasn’t proud of it but he destroyed it; he destroyed Castle Byers.

“That wasn’t the only thing you thought of hurting, was it?” Will hated it but he started to cry. “No, you thought of hurting yourself too. Right?”

“Please, please let me go,” Will begged. Tears leaking from his closed eyes.

“You thought the pain would stop if you just ended it all.”

“Please.”

“I don’t know why you are so upset with me, I saved you that night. You felt me, which caused you to stop.”

“You didn’t save me. You made my life a living nightmare! You’ve tried to kill me for years! You’re the reason I hate myself! It’s you! It’s always you! Why can’t you leave me alone!” His voice broke, “P-Please leave me alone.” Vecna wiped a few tears from Will’s shaking face. Then the surroundings switched: The airport in California.

“You were so excited to see him. So excited to catch up, for things to go back to normal. They would never go back to normal.” Will remembered planning that whole day in his head the night before. Being unable to sleep knowing his best friend was coming to see him. Spending way too long picking out his outfit, brushing his hair and going through practice conversions in his head. He was smiling so hard when he saw Mike. Mike was different looking, taller, thinner, he had longer hair and was even cuter. Little did he know that was the only time he would be smiling that day. Then there it was. That stupid side hug. That freaking side hug that would be the terrible start to a terrible day. “He didn’t come for you. He came for El. If she wasn’t living with you he probably wouldn’t have come.”

“That’s not true! Mike and I are friends!”

“You know that’s not going to last much longer. You fight more and more as you get older. He dislikes you more and more each year. Just a matter of time till he leaves you in general. Leaves you all alone.”

“You. Know. NOTHING!”

“I do know. I know many things. I know he does not love you.” The world around them transformed yet again: The pizzeria, El was on the counter, Mike was about to talk. Will was about to beg to be let go when he heard a voice. The voice was singing.

“Should I stay or should I go now? If I go, there will be trouble and if I stay, it will be double.” The voice was not that of the original singer, however the voice was familiar. It was a bit raspy and sounded as if the singer was crying.

Just then he saw it, the portal the music created. Will’s body was sitting down and Mike was sitting in front of it shaking it. It was too far away to see anything else. Vena was distracted for a minute by the odd voice. Will took his only shot. He kicked Vena in between the legs with his one free leg, drug his nails into the vines until they let go, and kicked the remaining vines off. Henry had recovered by now and went to swipe at him. Will punched him in the face and ran as fast as he could towards the portal. His body was so full of adrenalin that he didn’t even process the fact he had actually punched Venca, or that there were various objects being thrown at him. He had almost made it to the portal. He now knew who was singing and it gave him the strength to keep running. Blood splattering everywhere, vines almost touching his back. His heart was beating so loud he could barely hear the song. His legs were about to give up, but he was only a few feet away. Come on, come one! He just wanted everything to be ok. Just a few more feet! Tears were coming down from his eyes like waterfalls. So close! He wanted to go home, just go home. Please make it! His feet were on fire. Now! He jumped into the portal!

It went black.

No more singing. No more real world. No more upside down. No more Vecna. No more Mike. No more running. His body felt hollow. His mind was racing, somehow it was also blank, empty even. All of a sudden he felt a pressure on his mouth. Like something was pushing up against his lips. Then…

It all came flooding back.

Chapter Text

Joyce’s voice immediately boomed back at Mike, “GET THE MUSIC! NOW!”

Mike scrambled towards the backpack. He rushed to get Will’s chosen cassette tap. He went to put it in the Walkman, but his trembling fingers slipped and dropped it. He picked it up right away.

“Please, please still work!” He put the headphones on Will and pressed play and then… nothing happened. Mike smacked the gadget, “Come on, you piece of shit! Work!” It still didn’t work. Mike was starting to lose it. He drew quick breaths and was pulling at his clothes like they were choking him.

“Mike talk to us. What is going on?” Hopper’s serious tone didn’t help Mike’s state of panic.

Mike was shaking uncontrollably, “I can’t… I can’t get it to work!”

“Can’t get what to work?!” Jonathan asked, clearly terrified.

“The music! It won’t play!” The silence that followed was deathly.

“We are on the way Mike just-” Hopper was cut off by who he assumed was Joyce.

“DRIVE HOPPER! GO! NOW! HOLD ON MIKE WE’RE-” The Walkie-Takie died.

Mike slapped the Walkie-Talkie repeatedly “No, no, no, no! Don’t be dead! Shit!”

Mike didn’t know what to do. His heart was pounding in his head. I need to wake him up. They are too far away to wait for help. He didn’t know how it was supposed to help but he started shaking Will. At that moment he felt how cold and lifeless Will was. “Will, please! I need you to wake up! Come on, Will! You can do this, just wake up! Will, can you hear me?! WILL!” He started tearing up now. I can't lose you Will, please. Memories of him and Will flashed in his head.

The first day they met. The day Will said yes. When Will first came to his house. Will tried to teach Mike to draw, but Mike just liked watching him draw; how he would stick out his little tongue when he was focused. The times when Will cried about his dad. Mike always felt so bad. He would hug Will and just let him break down. And when he took him to Castle Byers. He thought it was so cool that Will’s drawing was real! The night he told Will that they would go crazy together.

The night before the Snowball. Will was scared of going because he didn’t know how to dance and he was scared of being bullied. Mike told him that they could practice. He put on a song and they danced in Mike’s basement. They were laughing so hard as they tripped over each other's feet. Will even tried to dip Mike; he failed and they landed on top of each other, on the ground, laughing and Mike was blushing so hard. He didn’t completely know yet but he loved Will even then. Then it all clicked.

I love him. I love Will Byers, and I am not losing him. Never again.

“Will, I- I’m sorry. I am so so sorry.” A tear slipped down his cheek as he stared at Will’s blank eyes. “I treated you awfully. I know you say it’s fine, b-but it’s not fine. It was never fine. The truth is Will.” He grabbed Will’s hand hoping Will would grab back.

“I was scared. I was so scared, and I was stupid. I hated myself and… and I took it out on you. You never deserved that Will. I don’t know if you can hear me, but I can’t lose you. I already lost you once, when we thought you drowned. It was the worst day of my life. I-I don’t know how to live without you, Will. I told you before that when I met you was the best thing I ever did. That’s still true. That will always be true.” Mike was finding it hard to breathe again.

“I can’t lose you Will- I can’t I just can’t! Please… please come back to me. I need you Will. I know I try to be strong and a leader, but I can’t lead without you!” Mike looked at Will and bawled, “I love you! I love you William Byers! I love the way you stick your tongue out when you draw. I love the way you look at me, like-like I’m the only person in the room. I love your messy bed head, I love your big beautiful eyes, and your beautiful smile. I love how kind you are. I love how big your heart is. I love everything about you.” Mike held Will’s body, tears streaming down onto Will’s clothes. Mike waited… one second, two, three, four, five seconds.

Nothing happened. It didn’t work. Vecna had Will and he wouldn’t let go. Mike was hysterical now. sobbing and sobbing and shaking Will and begging him to come back and listening for a car and looking for people. Mike wanted to switch places. He wished he could, but he couldn’t. I can’t give up. Will would never give up on me. Mike took a few shuttering breaths. He would try a thousand different things before he would let Will go. He would not let it end like this. Not now. Not ever. He loved him and he wouldn’t let him die without him knowing. So….

He sang. Micheal Wheeler sang.

He sang “Should I Stay Or Should I Go”. He knew it was not the song Will brought, but it was the first song he could think of that Will loved. He wasn’t sure if it could save him because it was him singing, however he didn’t care. Mike would sing all his life if it could save Will.

“If you say that-that you are min-ine. I’ll be here till-l the end of time.” Mike sang the whole song, start to finish, word for word. He had memorized it from hearing Will sing it when they were little. As he sang the last few lines Will’s body started to twitch, so Mike sang louder. When he finished he was so full of emotion and love and fear and hope, he couldn’t stop himself. He kissed him. Mike kissed his best friend. His best friend who he loved. All of a sudden, he felt Will kiss back. He thought it was a trick or maybe a dream. He pulled away to see Will who was in shock. Mike started weeping again, “You’re alive! Oh my god, you’re alive.” He squeezed him so tight he almost broke Will’s ribs.

“I’m alive, I’m alive!” Mike could tell Will was wailing now too, “I-I was s-s-so scared, Mike.”

Mike softened his grip, not wanting to hurt him. But he didn’t want to let him go yet. “It’s ok! It’s all ok now. I got you, I got you now Will.” They stayed like that for a bit: comforting each other. Until they had both calmed down.

“You saved me. You saved me Mike.”

Mike extended his arms so he could look at Will, but didn’t remove his hands from him, because he was still scared of losing him. “I-I did?” Mike had hoped singing would work but now he knew it had.

“I heard you sing. I haven’t heard you sing since we were kids.” Will chuckled, wiping at his tears. “I missed your voice,” Will seemed nervous as he said that, like he was waiting for Mike to have a bad reaction. “Then I ran to the portal and then… then I woke up to you know...” He looked Mike in the eyes which confirmed he knew what Mike did.

Mike’s smile fell and he panicked, “I am so sorry Will! I-I didn’t know how you would feel and-and I was scared but I needed you to know because you deserve the truth! B-b-but now I see that it was wrong to, you know, do that without your consent and I didn’t know if you had heard what I had said before that and-” Mike was moving his arms all over the place as he spoke trying to apologize and explain without ruining everything. Will slowly started to smirk.

“Mike,” Will placed his hands on Mike’s hands and lowered them so they were sitting on Mike’s knees, “it’s ok. At least it’s ok with me.”

“Really?”

“Mike I’ve liked you since we were little kids, and over time my feelings have just grown, but I didn’t think you felt the same so I stayed quiet.”

“I honestly don’t get how you like me back after I was a jerk to you,” Mike shook his head in disbelief and relief.

Will teased, “Yeah, well miracles happen everyday.” Mike couldn’t help but laugh at that, not because it was funny but just because he was happy.

“I can not believe William Byers loves me back!”

“I can not believe Micheal Wheeler loves me back!” Will kissed Mike. This time it was long, purposeful and passionate. They had waited a long time for this, and it was all they could have ever wanted. When they parted they both had goofy grins on their faces. Mike’s eyes widened as he glanced at Will. Will was producing a golden glow from inside his head. “What’s wrong Mike?”

“Your brain is glowing…” Mike was purely mesmerizing by the sight. His hand slowly pointed to it.

“What?” Will reached up at his head, then he stopped and stared at Mike’s chest. “Mike, your heart is glowing too.” Mike glimpsed down and it was true.

“What on earth…” He looked around and gasped. The vines and the gate were all turning to golden dust and disintegrating into the sky. He gazed back at Will who was standing now and staring in awe. The same gold dust particles were coming out of Will’s mouth and nose “Will! Are you ok? There’s stuff coming out of your mouth!”

“I think-I think we killed it.” Will was still staring straight ahead at the dying gate.

“What do you mean?”

Will turned to Mike now, “The Upside Down, I think it’s gone.”

It felt like he was right, but it seemed too good to be true. “So the particles coming out of you are?” Mike asked.

“The leftover Mind Flayer!” He had to admit, it made some sense. “I just don’t understand how.”

Then Mike realized. “Oh my god Will! You’re The Wise! That’s how you killed it, with your mind! That’s why your brain is glowing!”

Will’s eyes watered and he grinned because he understood now too. “I didn’t do it alone.” He put his hand on Mike's heart which made Mike blush. “You’re The Heart” They wrapped their arms around each other once again, happy tears streaming down their faces as they now knew they had finally won. However, Mike still had one last thing to do.

“Will, I know everything going on is crazy but I love you, and- and well… I was wondering if you wanted to be my boyfriend? Like my real actual boyfriend?”

Will's smile was as huge as an ocean. “Yes!” Mike reached for Will and spun him in the air.

“Mike!” Will giggled, “Put me down! You’re going to hurt yourself!”

But Mike didn’t care because he was happy and Will was happy. Suddenly they could hear the roar of a car that was getting louder. Mike put Will down. Will turned to Mike with a puzzled expression. “It’s just your mom and Hopper.” The sound of car doors slamming and running feet made Mike remember that he never told anyone Will was ok, or that they killed Vecna. Wow! We actually killed him! He could feel weight lifting off him.

“MIKE! WILL! WHERE ARE YOU?!” Joyce screamed in distress.

“MIKE!” Hopper hollered.

“We’re down here!” Mike called back.

“It’s ok now! I-I think we killed him!” Will informed them.

“YOU KILLED WILL?!?” Joyce was getting closer to them but still couldn’t see that Will was right there.

Will didn’t know that walkie-talkie had died and Mike couldn’t alert them he was ok, “What? Mom, I’m ok! Venca’s dead!” Mike decided he might need to step in to help explain. However he thought he should let Joyce process the fact that Will was out of danger’s reach.

“Oh my god, Will!” She pulled Will into a suffocating hug. Mike understood how Joyce felt. So he knew to let them have some privacy.

“Wait. So you killed him? How?” Hopper asked Mike.

“I’m not exactly sure. I woke up Will, and… yeah..,” he wasn’t ready to share that story yet. “Then everything connected to the Upside Down started falling apart and disappearing." Mike gestured to the little bit of slowly disappearing vines that were left. “So I think that something that happened must have snapped something in Will, and he used it to kill Venca through the hive-mind and the Upside Down all together. Maybe he even did it subconsciously."

“Don’t give me all the credit,” Will interrupted. “I couldn’t do it without you,” he grabbed Mike's hand. It made Mike’s pulse rush especially in front of Joyce and Hopper, but they both looked at their hands and ignored it, which he was thankful for. Mike was proud to be Will’s boyfriend, but coming out to everyone was still super scary.

“Well let’s get you two home,” Hopper decided. As they walked to the car Mike didn’t let go of Will’s hand. It felt right to hold his hand; safer even, like nothing could hurt them now. He was his boyfriend after all. Mike could hold his hand all he wanted now. And he wanted to all the time. They were walking behind Hop and Joyce so Mike talked to Will.

“Should we tell them?” Mike whispered to Will.

“Let’s let everything settle down first, don’t want the Upside Down to steal our moment.” Will kissed Mike’s cheek softly, which melted Mike’s heart. He couldn’t wait to go home and be with his friends and family and Will.

Chapter Text

Will sat in the back of the car, beaming as he held his best friend’s hand, correction, his boyfriend’s hand. That thought made his heart do flips in his chest. Mike is my boyfriend! Mike loves me! Will had to constantly poke himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Then Mike leaned towards him and whispered, “Are you ok?”

Will was confused, “Yeah, why?”

“Your leg,” Mike pointed at Will’s thigh, “you keep touching it.”

“Oh…” Will blushed at how obvious he was being. “I’m just, I don’t know,” he sighed. “I’m checking to make sure this is all real, you know?” Mike nodded. “Like this is just so… unbelievable! Not-not in a bad way! It just seems like a dream, you know? Like we finally, actually did it. We won!” Will felt like he could fly just by saying that out loud. He could finally say that they won and know in his heart it was true. He couldn’t feel the Mind Flayer or Vecna anymore, and it was sweet relief.

Mike replied, “I get it. I mean we have fought the Upside Down for, I don’t even know how long anymore! Honestly I’m just so happy! I-I don’t know how to explain just how-how amazing this feels!” Will looked at Mike’s smiling face and, for a moment, saw little 12 year old Micheal Wheeler sitting across from him at the D and D table, loving life, laughing with their friends, rolling dice, and exploding with reactions! Until Joyce cut off his daydreaming.

“Alright boys we’re here! Let’s go tell them all the good news!” Her voice sounded brighter than it had in years, which just made Will's grin widen. They practically skipped to the cabin door, but when they opened it the vibe inside was much more somber. Everyone was sitting with their heads down.

Will spoke up, “Guys?” Everyone whipped their heads around and burst with emotion.

“Will! Mike!” Dustin ran and swallowed them in a hug. He cried into their shoulders. “I thought you were goners. I-I didn’t know what I would do if-if…”

“We’re ok, Dustin. It’s all going to be ok.” Will soothed.

Lucas joined the group hug. “You scared the shit out of us.” He said with tears streaming down his face.

“Don’t ever do that again!” El scolded them, “I-I hate you for scaring us!”

“You don’t mean that,” Mike responded.

She started sobbing as she hugged them, “No I don’t.”

“Will…” was all Jonathon could manage before breaking down and squeezing into the group.

Nancy followed right behind him, “I love you Mike, ok? I’m sorry I don’t say it enough! I’m gonna make it up to you, I-I promise!”

“It’s alright Nanc. You’re an amazing sister… even if you talk to your guns more than me,” Mike teased.

Nancy chuckled while crying. “You’re such an asshole,” she mumbled. They all stayed there for a good minute crying, hugging, and reminding each other that they were ok.

Once they all calmed down Steve asked, “Wait so is Vecna still out there?”

“You guys are gonna want to sit down for this one,” Mike warned. They all sat around the living room eager to know what the boys were going to share. “Do you wanna say it?” Mike offered.

Will nodded excitedly. “So… Umm well,” he sighed. “How do I put this?”

“Well, spit it out already!” Robin exclaimed.

“Yeah come on Byers, we don’t have all day!” Steve pressured.

Will answered, “That’s kinda the thing. You see we do have all day.” The room fell silent.

Steve broke the silence, “Am I the only one who doesn’t get it?”

“Yeah, no, I’m lost,” Lucas said.

“Same.” Jonathan agreed.

“Ditto,” Robin admitted.

“Can I just say it?” Mike asked.

Will was clearly not good at this. “Go for it,” he replied.

“Will killed Venca!”

They all jumped up, “What?!”

“Yep!” Mike said while proudly staring at Will. They all embraced each other once again and celebrated.

“Wait!” Everyone turned to Nancy. “How do you know he’s dead? And how did you kill him?”

Will declared, “I'm honestly not sure how, but I don’t feel him at all anymore and-”

Mike interrupted, “Everything around us that was connected to the hive-mind just fell apart!”

“I know this is exciting, but what if this is all a trap? If we don’t even know how you “killed” him, then we should still believe he’s out there.”

“I think I get it!” Dustin announced. “Ok listen up everyone! Will was connected to the hive-mind, correct?” They all agreed. “And Venca was using his powers on Will, correct? So… What if Will turned his own powers against him? He’s done it before! When he was spying on the Mind Flayer, just this time Will was much more powerful.”

Will’s eyes widened, “You know… There was a moment. When-when, like everything was just blank, I guess? It’s hard to describe. Like I was empty, but, somehow, my mind was racing. I know it doesn’t make sense, but what if my mind was racing and my body was just gone, because-be-because I was channeling all my energy into the hive-mind!”

Everyone stared at Nancy, Joyce, Hopper, and Dustin, waiting for the final call. Nancy and Joyce nodded at Hop. “It- it makes sense.” Hopper concluded. Everyone cheered!

“Now we are twins!” El cheered as she squeezed Will.

Will laughed, “Venca killer twins?”

“Yes!”

“So everything in the Upside Down is gone?” Lucas checked again.

“Seems like it!” Mike celebrated. Lucas sprinted out the door. “Lucus! Where are you going?!” Everyone chased after him.

“Max! Hospital! Gotta go! NOW!” He didn’t need to explain any further. They all packed into the two cars and rushed to the hospital.

They followed Lucas as he ran to the room. The lady at the desk hollered, “Hey! Visiting hours are over!” They ignored her. “Hey! Ugh, whatever I give up!”

They crammed into one elevator, Lucas spammed the button. They were panting as the elevator rose to Max’s floor. They dashed to her room. “Max!” Lucas screamed. She was slowly opening her eyes and coughing. Lucas sprung to her side, patting her back and holding her hand as she coughed up the, now golden, Upside Down particles. The particles floated up and disintegrated. Max was breathing heavily and Lucas rubbed her back trying to comfort her even though he was breaking down too. “It’s ok. You’re o-ok.”

“L-lucas?” She whimpered.

“Y-yeah I’m her-here.” He said between sobs.

“Am-am I alive?”

“Yes, yes you are. You’re safe now.”

“Then… then why… Why can’t I see you? I want- I want to see.”

“I know. I know, but it's ok, It’s me. I promise I’m right here.” Max reached up slowly. She touched his tear stained face.

“It is you,” she gasped.

“It’s you,” he replied. They embraced each other. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you. I was so scared, Lucas. I was so so scared.”

“I know, you’re safe now. You’re safe.” He buried his face in her shoulder, holding her close to his heart. “You know, I played your song everyday.”

“I know, I-I could hear it.”

“You’re gonna need a new favorite song, because I am so sick of that one.”

She snickered, “Wanna know a secret?”

“Of course."

She whispered like she was sharing drama with her friends back in 5th grade, “I’m sick of it too.”

Lucas laughed into Max’s hair, holding her even tighter. Lucas looked at everyone in the room. They were quiet as they gave Lucas and Max their moment. They were all clearly happy-crying as they watched them. “Welcome home Sleeping Beauty." Lucas could feel Max roll her eyes at how cheesy that comment was.

“You’re such a dork,” then she took a breath, taking the whole moment in. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Lucas’s heart overflowed with love. He was never leaving Max’s side again, never ever again. He extended his arms to see her gorgeous freckled face, “We actually have some good news-”

Max looked confused, “We?”

Lucas had already forgotten Max couldn’t see. He remembered now as he looked at her eyes; they were beautiful as always but now were glazed over and had a milky tint. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I just-I mean I didn’t know or-I forgot-”

“Lucas,” she said patiently, “it’s alright. It’s gonna take some getting used to for both of us. But, umm, who else is here?” They all stated their names.

“Hopper.”

“Joyce.”

“Steve.”

“Robin.”

“Jonathon.”

“Nancy.”

“Dustin.”

“Mike.”

“Will.”

“And me. Or El, sorry.”

“El?” Max teared up again.

“Y-yeah.”

“Where are you?” Max reached out towards the sound of El’s voice.

El grabbed her hand. “I’m right here. Can-can I hug you?” Max didn’t answer, she just hugged her tightly. “I missed you, Max.”

“Me too.” Max really really meant that.

“I can’t believe you’re back.”

“Me neither.” Max wanted to lighten the mood. “How was California?”

El wiped her tears, "Really boring without you.”

“Of course it was. You still dating Wheeler?” It was kind of an awkward question because he was right there in the room, but they were on good terms and El wanted to move past it.

“No, we are just friends now.”

“That’s good. Did you beat that son of a bitch, Venca, for me?”

“Actaully, Will did.”

“Huh? Will Byers?”

Will stepped next to El. “Yeah, I killed him.”

“Wow. That’s- That’s the best news I’ve ever heard! Actually?!”

El responded full of pride for her brother, “Yes!”

“Hell yeah!” she cheered. Then Max smirked, “Oh and Will?”

“Yeah?”

“You still got that bowl cut?”

“Yeah…”

“Let me tell you a secret.” Will leaned closer. “I don’t know how long it’s been, but that’s gotta be out of style by now.”

Will groaned, “I know, I know! I’m gonna get a new hair cut alright! Sorry saving the world came first!"

“Hey, maybe Mike can give you some of his! He’s got plenty to spare!” Max, Will, and El all cracked up.

Mike walked to them, “Alright! For your information Max, I cut my hair! Dustin is growing his hair out now!”

Dustin intervened, “And it looks fabulous!” He tossed his messy, curly hair to show it off. The whole party surrounded Max now. They were all laughing, teasing and catching up as the adults talked in their own group by the door.

Hopper walked over to the kids, “Alright, here's the plan! Jonathan and Will will still stay at the Wheelers’. Dustin, Steve will drive you to your house. El will stay with me and Joyce at the cabin. So, nothing has changed there. What has changed is, obviously, Max is back. Max, I’m sorry to tell you this, but… your mom moved a few towns away because she knew Lucas would be with you and she didn’t want to live here with all the “earthquakes.””

“I’m not surprised. She didn’t really deserve the “Mom of The Year” award.” Lucas squeezed her hand to show how sorry he was.

“Anyway, I talked to a doctor and you will have to stay in the hospital a few more nights so make sure everything is ok. Lucas you can stay here, or you can go home and get a good night's sleep for once.”

“No way! You think I’m gonna leave after we just got Max back?!”

“That’s what we thought would happen so Joyce called your mom and told her Max woke up and you would be staying with her.”

“Oh… Thank you, Hopper.”

“You're welcome. Now everyone needs to say their goodbyes and get to bed!” They all protested. “Hey! No but’s! You all need sleep! We can come back tomorrow.” Everyone gave in eventually and gave Lucas and Max a hug goodbye.

“I’ll come back straight away tomorrow! I promise!” El said as they hugged.

“Good. We have a lot of catching up to do,” Max beamed.

Steve, Robin, Jonathan, Nancy and Dustin squeezed into Steve’s car. Hopper, Joyce, Will, Mike, and El fit into Hopper’s car. Hopper drove, Joyce sat in the passenger seat and Will sat in between Mike and El. “Today should be a new holiday,” El stated as they drove. “Victory Day or something like that.”

“Victory Day,” Will repeated. “I like that.”

“If only it would get us out of school.” Mike expressed. “That’s one thing I’m not excited to go back to normal.” Even though school was canceled this year, it’s bound to be back next year. Will wasn’t excited about that either. However nothing could ruin this day. Victory Day was his new favorite holiday.

When Will and Mike got dropped off at the Wheelers’ he wondered what would happen. Would he sleep in the basement like he had been? He knew Jonathan wouldn’t be sleeping in the basement. He only slept there if he and Nancy were fighting, any other night he would sneak up to Nancy’s room. He smiled at the thought of sneaking upstairs with his brother to meet up with their lovers. They walked inside and immediately got water. “Who knew those particles would make you so thirsty.” Mike exclaimed.

“Well, I kinda knew,” Will said. Even though they had won, those memories still haunted Will.

Will immediately felt better as Mike wrapped his arms around Will from behind. He rested his head on Will’s shoulder. “Hey, you’re safe. You never have to go back there. We won.” Mike being all over Will made him turn crimson red. He turned around and kissed Mike softly.

“How do you always know how to make me feel better?”

“Lots of practice.” Mike cooed as he kissed Will back.

Being together with Mike made Will feel brave, high on adrenaline even. “We need to tell everyone about us soon because I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to keep it a secret.” Will confessed, a sly smile tugging at his lips.

“You guys really suck at keeping secrets.” Will and Mike jumped apart and the sound of Nancy’s voice. Will looked over and saw Jonathan and Nancy standing with huge smirks on their faces. Oh no. Will thought. This can’t be happening. Will wanted to tell everyone, but on his terms. Why didn’t he hear them come in?

“Exactly how long were you two standing there?” Mike questioned out of breath.

“Long enough to know exactly how you woke up Will up.” Nancy claimed. After seeing how terrified they still looked, she added, “I don’t care if that’s what you’re worried about. You two have always been extra close.” She shrugged, “You can love whoever you want. Love is love.” Then she pointed to the cups, “But I am thirsty, so I’m gonna get some water and go to bed.” Will was so relieved to hear that and by the look of it, Mike was too. They then turned to Jonathan.

“Well, I kinda already guessed, but like Nancy said, you can love anyone who makes you happy. I’m really really happy for you two.”

Mike and Will hugged them both tightly.

“Thank you so much,” Mike and Will mumbled. After they all changed into pajamas and got ready for bed. Jonathan and Nancy went to bed in Nancy’s room and Will started walking towards the basement.

“Will,” Mike whispered, “where are you going?”

“The basement?”

“Oh… Would you want to sleep in my room w-with me?”

Will’s eyes lit up. “Yes, I would love to.”

Chapter Text

Will was walking with Mike to Mike’s room. They were having a sleepover. They haven’t had a sleepover since they were little. So many things have changed since then. Will was Mike’s boyfriend now. Mike was so glad Nancy was ok with him loving Will. Everything was going right today. Will loved him. Max was back. El and him were good as just friends. Venca and the Upside Down were dead. He couldn’t think of a better day, well meeting Will was a tie for best day. Will and Mike got in bed. Will laid his head on Mike's chest; Will’s hair lightly tickling his chin. His arm was wrapped around Will. It made his arm a bit sore, but being close to Will was worth it. He turned off the lamp, but he didn’t fall asleep. He stared at the ceiling, smiling and replaying the day.

“Mike?” Will said in a hushed tone.

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Will.” He didn’t hesitate. He knew what he felt was real, he knew it was love. He was so excited to spend every day with Will. He couldn’t wait to take him on a real date, or go to college with him or whatever came next. He thought that they could tell everyone tomorrow when they went to see Max. He was about to ask what time they were going to see Max, but he heard Will softly snoring and knew he had already fallen asleep. He kissed his unconscious boyfriend on the top of his cute head and whispered, “Goodnight, Will the Wise. I love you to the Upside Down and back.”