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“I saw them in my visions,” Will panted, “I came as fast as I could. Are you- are you okay?”
Mike was at a loss of words. He never expected his night to go like this. It would’ve been the usual. Microwaving a meal and reading in his room, sitting in an empty house, wondering where his sister was, and hoping the team would finally find her on this crawl. Never in his life would he have expected for demodogs to circle his house. Target him, like he is the next Wheeler on Vecna’s list. But the most unexpected turn of events was Will Byers, standing there with blood all over him. But the only blood that belonged to him was that dripping from his nose.
“Mike? You okay?” Will asked again, darting his eyes away from Mike’s and then back at him. Like his silence was an insult, a judgement.
“Are you?,” Mike blurted out. His shaky hands pointing at Will from head to toe. What a sight. Mike thought. Will was completely covered in blood and he admitted, it was the hottest thing he had ever seen.
Will breathed out quietly, almost a laugh. Looking around awkwardly he said: “Coul- could I come in?”
Mike snapped out of it, whatever it was or meant. He had no time to dwell on the fact his mind went there. To those thoughts that he always avoided but since El went out of his life (not really, but she was just not his girlfriend anymore) and Will moved in, it had only gotten stronger. A feeling that felt wrong but oh so right at the same time. “We- well yeah, come in.” He gestured Will to come inside.
Will didn’t move too far into the house. Instead he turned back to face Mike who just locked the door behind him. He wiped the blood from his face. His thumb caught onto the corner of his mouth. And Mike could die right then and there. His eyes were dark, pupils dilated, he looked almost hungry. Like a predator looking at his prey. The thrill from the kill, from using his powers was exhilarating. An adrenaline that made him either the bravest or stupidest person in the world right now as he stalked closer to Mike. “Aren’t you going to thank me?” He asked playfully.
Mike let out a nervous laugh. Gosh since when did he become so… so… confident? Or… Mike didn’t know what the right word was to describe the way Will looked at him now. “I- eh- thank you, really, thank you.” Mike needed to get out of this position now. “Do you want to…” he gestured to Will, his fingers almost touching him. “Clean that off?”
“Yeah, sure,” Will said as he moved to the kitchen. “I’m so hungry,” he paced around restlessly, opening kitchen cabinets as if looking for something, anything that could soothe this hunger, this want, this rush he was having. “Do you have anything to eat?”
“Yeah take whatever I-. Will are you okay? You seem a little off…”
“I just- I-“ Will dumped a handful of chips that he found into his mouth. “Don’t judge me but-“
Mike, now intrigued, moved closer and sat on the kitchen counter. “I won’t, I promise…”
“I just feel so…” Will paused to think. He moved closer to Mike until he was almost standing between Mike’s legs, leaning sideways on the counter. “So powerful.” Will looked Mike in the eyes. Big mistake.
Now that Mike got a closer look at Will he notices his hair laid messy and wet, some strands sticking to his forehead. Mike wondered what it would feel like to run his hands through it. How Will would react to that touch, how he would react to his hands wherever Mike may phantasize they were going. Stop stop He reminded himself. This is his best friend. He is a boy, just like Mike. But why can’t he stop thinking about things, things that aren’t meant to be felt or wanted. “I, well, you ARE very powerful. And you look really badass right now, like-“
“DON’T say superhero Mike,” Will cut him off. Giving him a knowing look. But Mike would never know, never figure out what it meant. Will thought. “I’m not heroic,” he stood taller moving slightly away from the counter but letting his fingers linger, just next to Mike’s knee. “I’m more like… a villain really.”
“Don’t say that!” Mike argued. But Will shook his head.
“No, I am. I’ve killed now. And the truth is…” Will got quieter. He didn’t dare looking Mike in the eyes. “I enjoyed it.” There… he said it.
Mike shook his head, reaching out for Wills arm. “Will, don’t go all moral and just on me. Don’t punish yourself for using your powers for good.” Will gave Mike a questioning look, but Mike continued anyway. “It’s okay that you enjoyed it.”
“But it’s wrong… it’s,” Will paused, “sinful” he breathed out. Not the first time he has had these thoughts about himself. But loving his best friend was one thing, enjoying a kill was something entirely different. However, with Mike now grabbing both his hands, making his heart ache again with that burn that will forever stay there, eating at him, he might choose the latter sin. If he could just be normal, if he could just be Mike’s best friend and not analyze every interaction they had over the past few months.
“It’s not a sin to enjoy something,” Mike said softly, “especially if it doesn’t harm anyone.” Man, maybe he should take his own advice.
“But what if it is,” Will swallowed, the buzz from before slowly being replaced by something else, “what if it’s not meant to be enjoyed. That it is frowned upon,” he pauses. “The killing I mean,” he clarifies. Will doesn’t think he’s talking about that anymore tho.
“But those are demodogs. They’ve hurt plenty. And honestly, you have every right to enjoy it, I mean,” Mike rambled, he really wants to reassure Will that it’s okay, because it’s them. Will could tell Mike everything and he wouldn’t judge him… ever. He needs Will to know that, or, maybe he needs that reassurance for himself too. “You’ve been hurt SO much by all of this. And now you have powers to fight back. I would do the same in your position.” That made Will smile. God he is so… Mike decided he NEEDS to get that blood of of Will. Before he cannot handle it any longer and does something stupid. “Would you like to wash the blood off? Get into some other clothes?”
Will nodded, “Yeah, I just wanna forget this right now.”
Mike nodded in agreement. They make their way up the stairs to the bathroom. Mike sorts out some new clothes for Will, his clothes. They always shared them when they were younger so it wouldn’t be weird now right? Right?
“Thank you,” Will said as he placed the clothes next to the sink. He winced, the movement giving away his predicament.
“Are you okay?” Mike reached out but stopped halfway, his fingers barely hovering over Wills ribs.
“Yeah, it’s just a scratch.” Will pulls up the fabric of his shirt revealing a big cut on his side. It didn’t seem like a deep one luckily, but it still stinged.
“Whoa, we need to take care of that.”
“No it’s fine really.”
“No, take of that bloody shirt, you don’t want it to get infected, quick.” Mike pushed Will down in the chair. And almost removed his shirt himself if Will hadn’t been quicker. They pause for a moment. Wills face was flushed. Mike’s probably too. Focus Mike. He thinks as he grabs an emergency kit from one of the cabinets.
The sound Will made when Mike tried to clean the wound is now burned into his head for forever. Mike didn’t know if it was the disinfectant or his touch. Why would he hope for it to be his touch? Why was he wishing that his touch had that effect on Will?? Maybe because he was so hot… SHUT UP Mike needed to focus. He muttered a quiet “Sorry.” It was all he could say. As he worked his way along the cut.
He then decided to try something as he softly placed his other fingers on Will’s stomach to steady him, which sent an almost instant chill through Will who exhaled slowly like he forgot how to breathe. “Will.”
“Mike.”
Mike made eye contact. Which was a big mistake. Wills dark eyes already staring back at him. They were so close, Mike wouldn’t need to move a lot to close the gap and kiss him. Really kiss him. Gosh he wanted to kiss him. But it was wrong. Everything about this was wrong. Friends don’t look at each other like this. Friends don’t shiver at each other’s touch. Did Will know? God if he only knew. But Mike wouldn’t want that, for if he might repel Will. Lose him. No he could never.
“A- are you okay?” Will asks, so sweetly it makes Mike melt. “What’s on you mind?” His eyes searched Mike’s. And for a moment Mike felt like he could read his mind. Suddenly self conscious, Mike releases his touch from Will and creates distance between them.
“Yeah I’m fine.” He avoided all eye contact with Will. Because otherwise he had to look up, into those dark eyes. Suddenly Mike felt very small underneath Wills gaze. And god since when did he get so tall, and so… big? Will had always been a small almost delicate kid. But since he returned from California, let’s just say Mike thought he got a gym membership or something. He never thought Will would be the type, but here they are. And now Mike could only think of what it would feel like for Will to-.
“Mike?” Will whispered. “What are you thinking about?”
Mike could not stand to be so vulnerable. Will could probably read every emotion on his face. But maybe Mike wanted him to. “About earlier,” he began, “you saying you feel like you shouldn’t enjoy certain things, want certain things.”
“Yeah?”
“I just, I get it okay…” a pause. Mike searches for Wills eyes for if even for a moment Will might catch onto what he is trying to say without him having to say it. Because he could never be that brave. “To want something so much, knowing you shouldn’t. But you want it so much it is almost…”
“Sinful?” Will added. “Like you said before? It’s not a sin to enjoy something.”
Mike’s knew those words would come right back at him. “Sometimes I feel like… like I’m not supposed to-“
Will’s gaze softened. “Mike.”
“Yeah?”
“Wh- what is this about?” Mike didn’t answer so Will continued. “Because it’s okay you know? We have all had these moments. But like you said…” Will did not need to repeat it again for Mike to understand. He leaned in closer to Mike. “I mean I’ve had those moments too…”
“Yeah with the killing but that’s-“
“Not just then.” Wills eyes met Mike’s again. It made his heart skip a beat. Since when did it get so hot in here?
“Wha- what do you mean?” Mike asks.
Will chuckles softly. “I think you know what I mean.” He got that look again. They were so close.
“But would you forgive me?” Mike asks just below his breath. “Would you forgive me for my sins?”
“I would,” Will replied, “would you.”
Mike doesn’t know when it happened. But he found his hand on Wills lap. His finger tracing softly over the fabric of his jeans. Will reaches out and slowly entangles his fingers with Mike’s. “I would, of course, I would,” was all Mike could say.
This was too much. The way Will looked at him, the way his touch burned into his skin. He suddenly felt so exposed like he just revealed his deepest and darkest secret. And maybe he had. “I’ll let you shower,” he stammers, jumping up and putting distance between him and Will, “towels are in there.”
“Mike.” Will reaches for him. But Mike is already at the door. Closing it abruptly as if putting a wall between them would help.
What was he thinking? How could he possibly think that Will would feel the same. And now he did this vague confession that Will is definitely going to question him about later. Mike went into his room, anxiously pacing back and forth.
“Mike.” Will startled him. He didn’t know when Will had entered the room. He hadn’t showered yet. His chest still bare, his hair still a mess and it was all just too much for Mike. But Will moved closer to him and Mike met him in the middle anyway.
“Wha- you can’t just run off like that.” Will whispered so softly that Mike only heard it because he was so damn close.
“I just- sorry.” Mike stuttered. Don’t look at his lips don’t look at his lips. But he just couldn’t help himself. His eyes fluttering quickly back to Will’s.
“I forgive you, remember?” And Mike was almost certain right then and there that Will caught onto what he was trying to say. However, there was still some doubt in him. Not sure what to do now. And afraid he might have misread it because he wants it so much.
Will slowly lifts his hand to cup Mike’s cheek. A bold move. But Will had been acting bold all evening. Mike let out a shaky breath, letting his fingers wander until they gently touch Will’s hips in a desperate attempt to move him just a little closer.
Will looks at him, brows furrowed, like he was asking him something but Mike’s head was spinning now. Too many thoughts coming in at once but one was louder than the others. It was his stupid phantasy, the one where Will likes him back. Where he too wants to run his hands all over. Kiss him anywhere he pleases just to see how he would react. Screw it. Mike thought. As he tilted his head and closed the gap between their lips.
Will made a noise that let Mike’s stomach flutter. The kiss was slow and gentle. As if any wrong move would ruin this moment, would ruin their lifelong friendship. It scared Mike but at the same time sent such a rush through him. He never knew he could feel like this. Will’s hands grabbed more firmly at Mike, now moving towards his hair. “Will,” Mike whispered against his lips. Letting just a little space fall between them.
“Mike.” Will breathed heavy, his chest falling and rising the same way Mike’s does. And before Mike could even think he might have misjudged him, Will returns the favour and kisses him hard. Pushing Mike slowly towards the wall.
When his back made contact with the wall Mike let out a soft desperate noise, opening his mouth just enough for Will to slip his tongue past his lips deepening their kiss. Mike had to steady himself by grabbing Will’s hips more firmly, gently squeezing his soft skin before running his fingers up his back. Blood now all over his hands. They parted for a moment catching their breath. “My shirt,” Mike whispered.
“Take it off,” Will whispered, his voice low and hoarse. Will didn’t need to tell him twice. Mike pulls his shirt over his head, Will’s hands following the movement, grabbing it and tossing it to the side. His hands slowly gliding from Mike’s neck down past his stomach to rest on his hips. God it drove him crazy. It felt so so good. Mike grabbed at Will’s arms, feeling every muscle bellow his fingers. His legs parting a little, letting Will but one of his in between them.
They were a tangled hot mess. Covered in blood. Their kiss became rougher by the minute, making them catch their breath whenever they could. What a sight it must be. Mike thought. Him and Will, being like this. Doing this. It was supposed to feel wrong but Mike felt like it was the best thing in the world to do. A sin that Mike would gladly commit, if it got him right in this position, pressed between the wall and Will’s chest. Mike would gladly carry that burden for the rest of his life.
Will slowly releases his grip. Pausing their kiss in heavy breaths dancing on each others skin. “Do you have any idea,“ Will said under his breath, “how long I’ve wanted to do this with you.”
Mike was speechless. What does he mean by that. He must’ve given Will a confused look because he released a chuckle which quickly turned into a laugh.
“Mike, don’t tell me you never noticed. You can’t be that blind.”
“I- I had no idea,” Mike said bewildered. Memories of them flooded his mind as he searched for any sign Will might have given him, anything that could’ve given it away. He let go of Will, his gaze falling on a particular corner of his room. A wall covered with paintings and art given to him, mostly by Will, but also by Eleven for example, tho, she commissioned it to-. “The painting.”
Will made a slight choking sound at that and Mike smiled. He moves towards his bed, plopping down in one swift motion. His fingers touched his lips as to savor the moment. Scared that Will’s imprint on them might go away. His gaze met Will’s again. Who hadn’t moved from his spot, as if he stayed very still he would disappear. Will laughed, genuinely laughed. “El didn’t commission you to make it for me didn’t she? You came up with it all yourself… for me.”
Will moved towards the bed, now standing over Mike, a look of adoration appeared across his face. “I might’ve.”
Mike made an exaggerated gasp, clutching his chest as if he heard the most scandalous thing. “YOU have a CRUSH on ME?”
That made Will laugh, again. And Mike thought it was the best sound in the world. “You KISSED me. YOU did, Mike.” He teased back.
“So what if I did…” he shrugged. “I just wanted to.”
“You are-“ Will shook his head as if displeased, but the corners of his mouth turned up into a smile, a blush creeping on his cheeks. “Such an asshole.” He playfully shoved Mike who gladly lowered himself on the bed.
“What are you gonna do about it?” Mike said, voice low. Please do something about it.
As if Will read his mind he lowered himself on top of Mike. Squeezing him into the mattress. His hands landing on either side of Mikes head. Will might look like he was in control but Mike had him right where he wanted him. “Shut up.” Will whispered as he slowly, like excruciatingly slowly, bent down to kiss Mike. Then moving from his lips towards his cheeks, peppering kisses all over his face.
Mike didn’t complain, instead he let his hands roam over Will’s back, exploring every little curve and detail. Will smiled against Mike’s skin and lowered his focus to his neck. Mike let out a soft groan, his hands finding Will’s hair. It was sticky, the blood staining it so it stood up a little like he used hair gel.
That was Will’s cue to continue, and so he did with pleasure, drawing as many little noises out of Mike as he could. His hands now lowering slowly, resting on Mike’s stomach. Mike was completely flustered, his cheeks a crimson red, his eyes dark with want, just like Will’s.
A sudden click of the front door broke them apart in seconds. The realization kicking in. They scrambled back up, limbs tangled awkwardly, trying to erase the crime scene. Mike hated it, but he didn’t want someone to find out… yet. The world wasn’t ready for them yet, especially not Hawkins. It saddened him for a minute, until Will caught him of guard with a swift kiss on his cheek.
“You might wanna cover that up,” Will pointed at an incriminating dark spot on his neck. Proof of what they had done. Proof that he belonged to Will.
“Oh- oh my god you didn’t!” Mike touched his neck. “This is gonna last for days Will!”
“MIKEEEE!” It was Nancy yelling at the bottom of the stairs. A sudden reminder they weren’t alone anymore.
“Ye- yeah?” Mike yelled back. Will was giggling at his side and Mike gave him a playful push.
“MIKEEEE” She yelled again.
Mike hated when she did that. He stood up and got out of his room. “Nancy I’m right here what do you want?” He quickly covered the bruise on his neck. But it must’ve looked weird. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, his hair was all messed up and his skin still simmered from Will’s touch.
“I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” She answered.
“Yeah I’m fine. I mean- we got attacked. But we’re alright now.” Maybe this would explain to Nancy why he looked so disheveled. She seemed to accept the excuse. It was the truth after all, only leaving out another maybe more relevant detail.
“Who is with you?” She asked. Ah, there it is, the detail.
“Uh- Will.”
“Hi Nancy,” he came to stand next to Mike. Luckily with a shirt on. But, blood all over his hair. He realized and quickly said: ”just cleaning of the demodog blood.”
“Gross,” she said holding back a smile. “Alright, dinner is at five.” And then left them to put her stuff away as if she didn’t casually went to the upside down through secret tunnels underneath a highly guarded military space.
“I’m gonna shower,” Will said, gently touching Mike’s shoulder.
“Alright…” Mike paused. “You know there is a drought in Hawkins recently so…”
“Sure…” Will chuckled.
“I’m serious!” Mike rambled holding back his smile. “Will…”
Will went into the bathroom. But before he closed the door he gives Mike a gentle kiss. “I’m not going anywhere Mike. I’ll see you soon.” He grinned. “Go put on some clothes.”
Mike smiled as Will shut the door. He couldn’t believe what had transpired in the last couple of hours. But he knew one thing. It was Will, it was them, and he would be okay.