MIKE POV-

---- 2:40 AM ----

In the stillness of the nights, the ravenette lied awake; hours passed since they last spoke, his thoughts consumed by a whirlwind of emotions and memories. He couldn't help but replay the moment in his mind. Will's dejected 'goodnight' echoed through him, leaving a persistent ache inside him.

His eyes were wide open staring at the door, the room dark merely illuminated by the soft glow of the moon shining through the curtains. He remembered the moment he poured his heart out to Will, confessing his feelings and longing. It was terrifying yet liberating; it just... felt right. For a brief moment it seemed like the brunette was going to reciprocate; he knew Will loved him back, and yet, the rejection left him crashing down, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.

What stung more was the fact that Will did love him back, so it must have been something that Mike had done... but he just didn't know what. Did Will think Mike was lying? He was being the most honest he had ever been in that instance.

He blinked his eyes, a tad thirsty, feeling unable to sleep, grappling with the myriad of emotions. Jealousy and anger filled his being at the thought of Will and Robin dating, a longing for the connection he once had with Will; it was overwhelming. He thought if he confessed his emotions this whole situation would be resolved, but it seemed as if everything got more complicated.

He replayed the moment in his head; he handled everything so poorly before this moment; he even turned to drinking because he was so confused with his own emotions for Will; it was unbearable, but he made a promise; he would never drink again... at least not until he was of legal age.

The rain had died out outside, the water occasionally hitting the window like a thousand tiny hands begging to be let in. And yet, he could hear another sound; it was muffled but it wasn't coming from outside, it was coming from behind him. He listened, hearing soft whimpering, realising that it was Will. Immediately, he turned over concerned,

Sitting up, Mike placed a hand on Will's shoulder with concern evident on his face, "Will, what's wrong?" he whispered panicked.

At first, the brunette tried to stifle his sounds by biting his own hand, attempting to conceal his emotions and perhaps even pretend to be asleep.

But Mike could sense the turmoil in the brunette's uneven breaths, the deep anguish that lied beneath the surface. He didn't give up, instead asking again, "Will... what's wrong?" this time his voice less panicked and softer, gently encouraging his friend to open.

Finally, the brunette broke down, his voice trembling as he immediately flipped around to face Mike, clinging to him tight, seeking comfort in the familiar warmth of his best friend. Mike felt the air being knocked out of him but didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Will,

The floodgates of the brunette's pent-up emotions burst open, his voice trembling as he spoke, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he apologised repeatedly, his words coming out in choked sobs, "I'm sorry for being such a bad friend. You did so much for me, and I hate myself for rejecting you. I wish I could be what you want."

Tears streamed down his face, his breathing uneven as he continued, "I thought I was doing the right thing, but I hurt you. I wanted to push you away because I was scared. You mean everything to me, and I pushed you away." he wailed.

As Will spoke, Mike listened with a heavy heart, running a hand through the brunette's hair, as Will continued to cry into Mike's chest.

Mike closed his eyes, his heart aching as he spoke tenderly, "Will, you're not a bad friend. You've always been there for me, and you mean the world to me. I just want you to be happy no matter what."

Will nodded against the ravenette's chest and after a while, the brunette's tears subsided, his eyes glistening as his grip loosened. With a deep, shaky sigh, the brunette started to calm down, feeling the weight of Mike's arms around him, burying his head in Mike's chest,

Mike offered a warm smile, running a hand through Will's hair once again, "It's going to be okay. We're going to work this out together. I'm not going anywhere."

After a few seconds, Will managed to nod, "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out." Mike promised, his smile widening, squeezing Will again but then noticing the rumbling of the brunette's stomach who merely groaned embarrassed. The ravenette merely spoke, "Have you eaten?"

"I- um fell asleep; I think I missed dinner... and lunch," the brunette whispered embarrassed,

"You have to eat Will." Mike softly reprimanded, "How about we get some food in you? Yeah?"

Mike shifted away from the brunette's touch. Will didn't want to let him go but the own pain in his stomach and the promise of food made him even hungrier; allowing his stomach to growl with anticipation. He chuckled embarrassed.

Mike stood up beside the bed, extending a hand out, "Let's go." he whispered, "We have to be quiet so we don't wake anyone up, this can be our little secret." he winked.

Will was blushing like crazy but thankfully hidden under the cover of darkness, his face still stained with dry tears. He smiled, accepting the hand.

The brunette was pulled up almost instantly, entailing a gasp as he was lifted to his feet. Mike led him to the kitchen, the trek made Will's heart race in the secrecy of their shared adventure.

Reaching the kitchen, the brunette switched on the light; ensuring not to disturb his parents. "I'll go get the cereal... you get the bowls." He commanded, releasing his hand from Mike to walk over to the cupboards.

Opening the door to the shelf, he tried to reach the box but coming up a little short, "Who the hell put it at the top?" Will whined with a jump, trying to grasp the box as it remained just out of reach. Frustration crept in, but before it can fully settle, Mike came up behind him, reaching his hand over Will's, effortlessly retrieving the cereal box.

Will remained stunned, feeling a rush of warmth flowing through him; his stomach doing flips from both the close proximity and the goosebumps from the sudden touch. His cheeks blushed a rosy hue as Mike spoke with a smile, lowering the box to Will's eyes, "Here, it looked like you needed some help." he said, his hot breath penetrating the brunette's neck.

"Th-thanks," Will whispered softly, his words carrying a hint of bashfulness as gratitude and shyness glinted in his eyes. "Let's sit down," he mumbled.

The ravenette nodded after helping Will get the cereal, proceeding to eat their midnight snack together. Sitting side by side on the kitchen table, they placed the box down; the atmosphere tense yet comforting.

Will couldn't help but feel his heart racing, as if the world stopped spinning around them; he wished the world could stay like this. It reminded him of when they were younger, sneaking into the kitchen to eat chocolate until they were sick.

The brunette poured the cereal into the bowl taking a hefty bowlful then reaching for the milk, but his hand brushed against Mike's leaving goosebumps in its wake. The ravenette moved his hand away flustered, "Oh, um, you go first."

"No, no, you go ahead!" Will blushed, pushing the carton slightly toward the ravenette.

"Seriously, Will; you're hungry, you go first!" Mike smiled

"I can wait you're the guest." The small boy chuckled.

"Will." The ravenette urged

"Mike." the brunette mocked,

After a brief silence, the ravenette looked at Will with a raised eyebrow, realising this cycle was never going to end so he had a plan, picking up the milk and filling up the brunette's bowl first, teasing, "There you go; a gourmet breakfast."

"Damn, this is the best you can do?" Will snarked in response,

"Well, we've all got to start somewhere, huh?" Mike smiled with a mischievous glint in his eye. Will laughed and eventually the pair fell into a comfortable silence, settled in their respective spots as they shovelled cereal into their mouths, each lost in thought. Will's thoughts sadly passed back to the drunken kisses Mike had given him a few days ago; he tensed, trying to find the right words.

The brunette felt unable to keep his mind to himself anymore, Will swallowed his food, turning to Mike with a sincere look in his eyes, "Mike!" He announced, getting the ravenette's attention immediately, "Did you mean what you said when you were drunk?"

"I'm sorry Will, I can't remember," The ravenette frowned, taking a bit of his cereal. "What did I say?"

"When you were drunk... you said you wished I was a girl." the brunette exposed.

Mike's brows knit, struggling to understand that he said that; disappointed with himself, "I... I did? I don't remember anything from that night, but I am so, so sorry that I hurt you."

All of Will's confidence had dissipated upon hearing the ravenette's sullen voice; Will could tell Mike felt extremely remorseful for what he said even though he couldn't remember it, "It's fine; you were drunk." he lied, trying to brush off the conversation so he doesn't make Mike feel guilty any longer.

But the ravenette could tell something wasn't right; he knew Will long enough to understand his feelings, "No, Will. It's not fine." he insisted, gently grabbing both of Will's hands in his, "I can tell your upset, and I don't want you to feel like you have to hide your feelings."

Will looked at Mike, hesitating for a moment, "It just... It just stung; it was like you were confirming that you would never like me because I was a boy and then you were being so clingy and then... today you just confessed out of nowhere and... I've just been so confused."

Mike's eyebrows softened, understanding the gravity of his drunken words, "I... didn't know I said that. I'm truly sorry for causing you all this pain; that was just me being stupid and selfish and dealing with my own shit. I understand why you've been avoiding me this week; I can't change the past or what I said, but I can promise that I love you, and I value you more than anything."

Will's eyes widened in surprise by all the words tumbling out of Mike's mouth; his heart raced, feeling a mixture of emotions and yet, in the back of his mind a thought gnawed at him; he wasn't sure if Mike really meant those words or if it was something he was merely saying because he felt guilty. He wanted to believe Mike but the fear of being hurt held him back again. However, as he looked into Mike's sincere eyes, he found a glimmer of hope.

The ravenette spoke understandingly, "And I understand it might be overwhelming, but I'm willing to make it right, I'm serious about what I said earlier when I confession and to show how much you mean to me, I want to take you out on a date."

The brunette blinked in surprise, "A... a date?" He questioned, unbeknownst to Mike this would be his first ever date.

Mike nodded, his eyes sincere, "Yes, a real date. Just the two of us. I want to prove that I like you no matter what gender you are; I'm willing to do whatever it takes so you believe me. You don't have to accept my confession, just please let me make this up to you."

The brunette's initial shock gave way to a soft smile, "I don't know what to say,"

"How about saying yes?" Mike's face lit up with hope, softly squeezing Will's hands, "Let me take you out on a date, and I promise I'll make it special, just like you."

The brunette thought for a second before finally nodding, "Okay, let's do it."

The ravenette's smile widened, "I promise you won't regret it!" he leaned in pressing a soft peck to the brunette's cheek. The affectionate gesture sent a warm shiver down Will's spine. He was still hesitant but there was something so undeniably genuine in Mike's eyes that made it difficult to refuse.

But before Will could react, he heard a familiar voice clearing his throat that made them both jump; interlocking one hand in fear. Standing before them was Hopper; his eyes oddly attentive, his bedhead prominent.

Will's heart skipped a beat, afraid how his stepdad might react, especially since he had seen the kiss that Mike had just given on his cheek, but Hopper's response surprised him.

"Goddammit! Not another one of my kids Wheeler!" Hopper crossed his arms, his tone a fake whine, "Just when I think I have you away from my daughter; you go for my son." he laughed.

Will felt a blush creep onto his cheeks from embarrassment, "Dad..." he stretched, "It's... it's not like that,"

"Oh, is it not?" Hopper grinned bright, "Well have fun on your 'not-a-date' date."

"You heard? Where we that loud?" Will's eyes widened.

"Not at all! I didn't mean to hear but it was just so warm I thought I'd stand in the hallway." Hopper explained with a bad excuse.

"Okay, maybe it is a date," The brunette mumbled looking both ways nervously.

"I know, I heard." The burly man nodded,

Will passed a joking deadpanned expression on his face, "Dad!"

"What?" Hopper shrugged, "It's my responsibility that Wheeler doesn't mess up. I just worry, that's all!"

"I promise I'll treat him with only the utmost respect." Mike raised a hand to the air as if making a scout promise.

"You better, I have my eyes on you." The burly man warned to which Mike frantically nodded, no one ever wants to get on the chief's bad side.

The brunette smiled as Hopper turned around, "Don't stay up too late." he said, walking to his bedroom once again. Will felt a wave of gratitude for his father's understanding and acceptance. It was a reassuring moment,

He looked down at his hand, seeing his hand interlocked with Mike's... he was looking forward to this date.

His first date.

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2397 Words

Stay Safe <3