MIKE POV -

---- Two Days Later: Sunday 8:34 PM ----

[Make Will Byers Happy]

[5 Days Remaining]

[Penalty: Death]

The pop-up message appeared before Mike's eyes promptly; it had been increasing its visibility now-a-days as he got closer to the end.

He stood at the checkout counter, the smell of metal and old wood lingered in the air. It took everything for Mike not to cover his nose from the stench; it wasn't bad, it was just very strong, too strong on a first visit. The shop was dimly lit and shelves overflowed with a number of trinkets; Mike couldn't even begin to understand the stories each of them must hold; why were they sole? Who sold them?

Placing the items he came for on the table, he smiled soft, handing over dollar bills to the shopkeeper, his phone buzzing in his pocket – It was a text from Troy,

TROY: ['Dude, you're still sick. Chill.']

MIKE: 'It's fine'

Mike texted back a reply; this was his default saying... he was always 'just fine'

TROY: ['What's the hurry? You could barely get up a few days ago, what's with the random side-quests?']

The tall boy hesitated over the keys for mere seconds; how could he explain that he had been on the hunt for these specific items for a while now? He couldn't, right? So with a short ponder, he replied,

MIKE: 'There's not much time left, that's why.'

It took a few seconds, Troy was typing a reply, clearly confused, the dots bouncing in the corner of the screen; Troy would type out and then delete the message....

TROY: ['What?']

The ravenette was about to reply, but didn't know what to say,

MIKE: 'Never mind, I'm fine, trust me.'

With that, he silenced his phone, placing it in his pocket; he had a long list of things he wanted to do before he was forced to leave this world by the game's hands.

The shopkeeper cut him out his thoughts, handing him the carefully wrapped items, placing them into a brown bag, passing the boy a curious look, probably wondering what made these dusty items so valuable. They had been on the shelf for months, no one had ever come to buy them, no one even showed interest in them; so why was this random boy - who looked like he's in a gang - want them?

But Mike didn't say anything, grabbing the brown bag, "Thank you," he muttered, exiting the store without a second look.

Leaving the front door, the chime of the bell rung, announcing his departure; a bright smile adorned his face as he looked down at the bag's contents; he finally found them.

Will's trophies... the ones his dad had sold.

There was a noticeable lightness in his steps as he strut down the sidewalk, his mind working on autopilot as he approached closer to his destination. He held the bag close, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He knew Friday was rough between them, but he hoped that maybe this gesture could show Will that he cared.

He took a deep breath as he approached Will's front door, trekking through the forest to get to his house. The courage bubbled inside his very core as he knocked softly on the door, hiding the brown paper bag behind his back; hoping this would mend their fences and convey how much he really cared.

The door opened just a crack, just enough for the small boy to stick his head through to see Mike on the other side; he struggled to open it fully. When the door opened, the brunette appeared dishevelled, his hair a mess, still in his pyjamas; was he sleeping?

Mike parted his lips, ready to speak when Will beat him to it, rushing into an apology, his words tumbling out like someone unlocked his tongue for the first time. "I'm really sorry for what I said yesterday, I didn't mean it. I was just worried about you... sorry," sincerity radiated from him, his heart heavy. He stepped out his house onto the porch.

"Never mind that," the ravenette gently cut him off, holding out the bag toward him, "For you,"

Curiosity flickered behind the brunette's eyes as he accepted the bag, but that curiosity faded when he pulled out one of the trophies. It shone in the porchlights, its golden hue reflecting the lamp's colour, it was the trophies from his past victories...

"I didn't ask for this." Was all the small boy mumbled, his expression unclear,

"I know!" the ravenette smiled bright, thinking the best, "But it's a record of your achievements; I found them all for you... isn't that great?"

"I didn't want it at all." Will finally looked up, meeting Mike's eyes, his expression filled with emotion, but it wasn't happiness, nor was it anger, rather, a genuine, deep-rooted sadness; he wasn't even this emotional on Friday. It seemed like he was in disbelief... Mike was pitying him again.

"I know you didn't," the raven-haired boy replied, the look on Will's face hit him hard, he had never seen him like that. "I just thought maybe you'd want it back, you know,"

"This was what I was talking about last time!" Will looked away, emotions bubbling to the surface, threatening to spill. He bit his tongue, forcing himself to continue without overreacting, "Thank you for this..." His voice softened, too soft, "I'll pay you back... how much did it cost?"

"What?"

"I'll pay you for the trophies," the brunette repeated, leaving no room for miscommunication,

"I'm not gonna take money from you Will."

"I will pay you back," The small boy's voice was firm, clear he wouldn't take no for an answer as he turned back to his door,

Mike reached out grabbing Will's hand as he whispered, "Please let me explain,"

The brunette only paused for mere moments, his expression tired but resigned, "I can't do this right now," his voice low and heavy, hanging in the air with every word, "I'm exhausted... just let me be alone for now," he begged, unable to deal with his own emotions, shutting down completely.

Mike's gaze softened as he took in Will's sadness, but he didn't know what else to say. Before he could muster another word, the brown-haired boy sighed, eyes downcast. "Just... please. I need some space." His tone gentle yet quiet as he walked into his house, the door clicking softly behind him, leaving Mike standing alone on the porch...

He sighed...

He wanted to spend the remaining days making Will happy, but recently, whatever he did, whatever he tried, it just kept getting worse... what does he do now?

Minutes of silence passed, each one stretching longer than the last. Mike tried to reach out countless times, but it was futile, clear Will was sad about something; he didn't know what to do. Mike just wanted to make him feel better, but how?

[Make Will Byers Happy]

[4 Days Remaining]

[Penalty: Death]

Mike's heart pounded, he couldn't ignore this any longer; He felt every second ticking away from him. When he checked his watch, it was past 12AM, the new day had started, and that meant one more day he had lost to this world... it was his last week.

And in that moment, he made a stupid decision, but a necessary, stupid decision.

He approached the house once more. His breathing was heavy and his heart was pounding, but whether that was from his actions or the message of his remaining days he wasn't sure. He raised his hand, and with a sharp breath knocked on the door...

KNOCK

KNOCK

He waited for a second as the door was finally answered; the brunette was obviously confused and annoyed, "I just told you I wanted space,"

"All I want is for you to listen to me," Mike said, his voice filled with a raw sincerity, holding his hands up in surrender.

"What?" Will squinted,

"Please just trust me on this," he said soft, "I just wanna show you something."

The brunette debated closing the door and walking away, but the gaze Mike had on his face was... telling. It was as if he was actually willing to open himself up to be vulnerable just like the small boy always wanted, "What exactly?"

"It's... hard to explain... but it's close to me," Mike explained, not entirely sure what his plan was.

"Alright," he murmured. "I'll come with you... let me just change my clothes."

---- Monday: 2:04 AM ----

The train rattled quietly as it sped through the night, casting pale shadows onto their faces. Will sat by the window, his eyes wide with wonder like a child on their birthday, watching the world under the moonlight, "I've never been on a train at night before," he giggled, a complete contrast to his earlier demeanour; who knew Will Byers loved trains?

The ravenette watched, capturing the moment, committing it to memory, "Glad to know I could be your first," he joked, forcing a smile through his heavy heart,

"You've always been my first everything," Will mentioned once more, not even finding the words cheesy, "Have you ever been on a train at night before?"

"Occasionally,"

"Why?" the small boy asked, his questions never ending.

"For work, and sometimes just for fun." Mike shrugged,

"Work?" Will asked, "Aren't you rich? Have you always been working?"

The ravenette hesitated, unsure how to reply to the question; in the real world,  he would frequent trains because it was easier and faster than learning to drive. There were various jobs he had taken on in the real-world after he was cut off from his parents; he had almost every job description under the sun, so instead, he just glossed it over, "This and that,"

Will crinkled his nose in a cute manner, "You have a habit of speaking like that,"

"I'm being serious; it was just 'this and that', it's not interesting at all." Changing the subject as he didn't want to be scrutinized, "I wanted to take you back to the mountains but its probably too late for that," and too suspicious. What type of person suggests taking random trips to another State in the dead-of-night? And why did Will agree?

"Well, I like the sea since you like the sea," The brunette shifted the conversation accordingly. Will seemed to be extra accommodating after their earlier argument; in Will's mind, Mike was doing exactly what he asked: he was opening up his heart, showing him a part of him he'd never shown anyone before.

"Well, the closest body of water is in the opposite direction, so..." the tall boy joked.

"Let's just sit on the trin till it loops back around,"

"Have you forgotten that we have school in a few hours?"

"It's the last week anyway... and besides I think I need a day off," the brunette added, actually meaning the words he said,

Mike opened his mouth, ready to say something, but cut off by a familiar robotic voice calling out to the passengers of the train, "Next Stop: Chicago, Illinois," that was their stop; The train slowed to a snail's place...

"We get off here," Mike collected himself as he grabbed an adjacent railing,

"Chicago?" Will asked, what the Hell was in Chicago of all places?

"Yeah," the ravenette replied, not bothering to explaining at all as they jumped from their seats, finally stepping out the doors and out of the station. The night air was cool, carrying an ever so familiar scent of alcohol and pine; the streetlamps surrounding filled the air with a symphony of colours.

Mike took a deep breath, looking around at the old station encapsulated by tall buildings; it was almost otherworldly to see it in this universe. Feeling a rush of memories of the real world, he scanned the surrounding area and the bustle of the city he was accustomed to.

"This place hasn't changed at all," the tall boy's jaw hung ajar in awe.

"How often did you used to come here?"

"I used to live here for a while," Mike told a half-truth, he wasn't so sure if you could call ages twelve-to-eighteen as a 'while'. Back then, Mike had nothing in Indiana to return to after Nancy's passing, no friends, no family, no life. With nowhere else to go, he just settled down in Chicago where he would not be perceived.

"When?"

"Oh, it was a while ago," Mike mumbled, wanting to change the subject. He still couldn't believe his eyes though; it felt strange to have Will here now, to be sharing this place with him, even if it was only for one night.

"You actually used to live here?" The small boy's eyes darted around in awe, taking up every minute detail with excitement. He glanced up at the towering buildings and still open stores; it seemed like the city never slept. This was a piece of Mike's world, something personal he was sharing, and that thought alone had Will asking nonstop questions, "So did you have any favourite spots here?"

Chuckling with his hands in his pockets, the ravenette was thinking hard, trying his best to remember the route to his destination, "Yeah, a few,"

"What about your old friends? Do you still see them?"

"Um..." Mike hesitated, remembering his actual school, the loneliness of those years and what they entailed; he had no one, but kept up the facade, "We lost touch,"

The boys continued on their commute, Mike's eyes narrowing as he turned the street corner, it was way past midnight and they were meandering without a care in the world; turning the corner to a side street, he slowed his pace... there it was, nestled between the laundromat and a bookstore: the small donut shop.

"Here it is!" the tall boy announced, gesturing to the store; he was so glad it was here in this world with its warm light spilling onto the sidewalk exactly as he remembered.

The brunette looked at the shop with a slight head tilt, "I didn't know you were a donut fan. You hate sugar..."

"True... but trust me, these are to die-for!" Mike laughed as he opened the door for the pair of them, stepping inside with a softening grin, his eyes gleaming. It was still the same charming store with its few cozy tables and donuts lined behind the glass for anyone to ogle at.

Wide-eyed, Will looked around, scanning the different items like a child in a sweet-shop for the first time. He thought long and hard, worried he might make the wrong choice; then finally, he picked a chocolate donut, grinning as he pointed it out to the worker.

As usual, Mike ordered his cinnamon roll donut, the one he always used to buy... this was his only 'positive' about Chicago, he couldn't name a single other. He hated his boarding school, he hated the students, he hated the teachers, he hated everything.

They sat by the window, hearing the soft hum of the city around them despite the time. Will leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he watched Mike with curiosity, speaking with a sudden serious expression, "I'm sorry for being such a... jerk recently. I know I've been all over the place these past couple days," he murmured, a touch of embarrassment creeping onto his rosy cheeks. "I just – I don't know why I act the way I do. I guess it's... the whole graduation thing and... everything's changing... and I don't want it to."

"I know... I know it sounds stupid and selfish..." He continued "but I guess I'm just scared of losing you like I have everyone else I'm close to... all I want to do is stay here with you. And I'm sorry if I've been too much or... been hard to be around recently,"

Mike's expression softened, "It's not stupid at all, change is scary," he said quietly, but deep down, the words hurt the ravenette deep to the core.

The brunette looked down at his hands, changing the subject; he didn't want to dwell on this any longer than he had to; he hated his own feelings, "I wonder if we would have been together if we met earlier," the brunette leaned closer, speaking as he wiped his face with a napkin.

"Oh, trust me, you would have hated me,"

"You say that, but you never explain why," Will pouted,

Mike let out an exhale, chewing the food in his mouth before continuing, he tried to keep his previous life behaviours a secret, but if he only had a few days left, he might as well open up a tad, "I used to smoke, drink, gamble and get into fights; I also got arrested once,"

"You got what?!" the small boy exclaimed,

"For a non-violent crime," the ravenette emphasized, although it was clear no one was hurt... permanently.

"So you really were a 'mad dog' as Troy says?"

"I guess..." Mike mumbled, picking a sprinkle off his donut, "But that was in the past... It's cringy to think about that now,"

"Is that why you and Nancy moved to Hawkins?"

"Yeah... something like that," Mike nodded, it was the best explanation he could think of; everything he was saying was technically the truth, but the timeline he was laying out was off. He grew up and raised in Indiana and got shipped off to Chicago at age 12.

"It's weird to think of you here... before this," Will said softly,

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Sometimes it feels like you just appeared to me one day like a guardian angel,"

"Don't say stuff like that," Mike mumbled in embarrassment,

"I'm serious... I really think I'm in love this time," the small boy looked into Mike's eyes as if gazing into his soul; if he were a cartoon character, hearts would shine from his eyes and radiate from all round him.

[Calculating Fondness...]

[Fondness: 89]

Mike blinked as a message reared its head, this time it was soft and serene; Will's actions, words and feelings all aligned with one another, it was as though he couldn't possibly tell a lie when it came to this. It wasn't just a joke or something to make Mike feel good, it was genuine raw emotions - a confession from the heart.

"What do you know about love at eighteen?" the ravenette couldn't even make eye contact,

Will grinned unfazed, "I'm old enough to know who I love," he said with a certainty that made Mike's heart ache just a little from the sincere gaze.

What did it mean to love someone? Will loved Mike and Mike loved Will, but were their love's the same, were they different? Who loved who more? Why did the questions keep appearing in Mike's head? If he had received love from his parents, genuine love, would he be able to accept the words with his full heart? Would he be able to say it back?

When Will said stuff like this, it made him feel like he was going to explode,

Mike looked down at his half-finished donut; barely having the apatite. He came with that sole mission of Making Will happy, but it seemed futile; why did he think he could do this? The dull ache he felt grew stronger.

After a while, they finished up, wondering the streets until they ended up taking a stroll by the river, illuminated by the soft streetlamps. The night air was crisp, the streets were becoming quieter as they advanced, save perhaps the occasional shuffling and the sound of the river against the banks.

Will glanced at Mike, breaking the silence. "Are you planning to get anything for Nancy? I mean, it's not every day you go all the way to Chicago,"

The tall boy laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah... I kind of didn't tell her I was heading out of town," admitting with a chuckle,

They strolled side by side, finding a spot near the river where the lamps illuminated them, the grass was soft and lush, the people were few and the water was serene, casting a soft glow onto everything,

Will pulled his knees up to his chest, resting his chin on them, gazing out onto the flowing river before them, "Woah... pretty," the peacefulness in his voice echoed with the ripples.

"Yeah," the ravenette kept his eyes on the river as he ached, managing a faint grin back. He hadn't intended on bring the brunette here, especially not after the memories that haunted him of this town, but oddly, it felt correct to share, "I used to come here when things got rough,"

The small boy looked at him sympathetically, a small smile on his face; was that why they were here today? What was on Mike's Mind? "What are you thinking about?"

"Alcohol,"

"Huh?"

"I could really use a drink right now," Mike admitted with a sigh and a shaking head, knowing that the only way he'd get through what he needed to was to be drunk out his mind, "Don't ever do it," scolding the ravenette,

"Huh?!" Will chuckled, blurting aloud,

"There's a reason adults tell you not to do certain things,"

"Well, instead of that, let's just get ice-cream," The brunette pointed to the convenience store just across the path,

Mike blinked, but not really surprised by the suggestion, "Ice cream?" he scrunched his face, "We just had donuts," he raised a brow, watching as Will's lips curled into a mischievous grin,

"It's not about ice cream, I just like being with you," A teasing glint appeared in Will's eyes, saying the words with such conviction; the words sounded familiar. A warmth spread in Mike's chest, mixing with a bittersweet emotion. How could Will always say the right thing? Before Mike could respond, Will already jumped up from the grass, "I'll be right back," disappearing into the direction of the store.

The raven-haired boy watched him through the glass, the silhouette of the brunette walking around inside, choosing ice-creams with such intensity, ensuring he made the right choice. Mike just leaned back, resting on his elbows, his head thrown back, part of him dreading what he'd come here to do... and what he'd have to say,

"I'm back!" Will called out, emerging with a popsicle in each hand, triumphantly presenting them like priceless treasures, holding one out to his boyfriend.

"Popsicles?" the tall boy laughed, accepting it,

"The ice-cream choices were 'bleh'," the brunette stuck out his tongue, shrugging and taking his seat by his boyfriend. Unwrapping their popsicles, they savoured the cold sensation as they fell into a comfortable silence, watching the glow of the city.

Mike took a breath, looking at his boyfriend with a sullen expression. At best, they were sitting by a river near an old train station, but Will was as excited as if this were a romantic date, without the slightest thought that Mike might hurt him.

"Will?" the tall boy called, the name that was familiar on his tongue, but it felt heavy with no clarity. It was as though an invisible hand clamped down on his mouth, forcing him to be silent, tugging the words from his lips. When he tried again, he struggled, "Actually Will, I'm from..."

His larynx closed,

The brunette looked over, furrowing his brows, noticing the unusual expression, "Mike...? Are you okay?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes,

Clenching his fists, Mike closed his eyes tight, desperate to let the brunette in, to finally break down the walls that kept him far from the world. When he was being stared at like that, it was hard to reason, the secret he had wanted to burst out his chest: this world place, his limited time, his missions...

"Well... i... The thing is..."

Why couldn't he speak? What was wrong with him? Where was his voice? Why would the game do this?

[ERROR: SYSTEM MALFUNCTION]

The sudden system error message flashed in his vision, overlaying everything. His remaining time ticked down alarmingly fast; the numbers in singular digets,

[Make Will Byers Happy]

[4 Days Remaining]

[Penalty: Death]

A cold realisation washed over him; he tried to do everything right, he tried to make Will happy, to complete all his missions, to delay the time as much as possible, make all the right choices... he wanted to tell the truth about this world but the game wouldn't let him... he had no other option,

With a shuddering, shaking breath, Mike spoke,

"I think we should break up,"

------

3984 Words

Stay Safe <3