WILL POV-

---- Two weeks later: Saturday 8:43 PM ----

Two weeks passed since their memorable night at Scoops Ahoy; Will and Mike found themselves getting into a comfortable groove. It was almost as though nothing had changed between them; to some, they already acted like an aging old couple; Living together, waking each other up, texting constantly and watching silly movies together, although now they cuddle and kiss. They were still taking things slow.

They had gone on countless little dates; exploring the town and taking long walks in the park; although there wasn't much to see in this landlocked state. In the secrecy of night, they would walk hand in hand; it was ironically the only time they felt comfortable to... it's hard to be gay in Indiana.

Will felt himself opening up to the ravenette, obviously not telling everything, just little titbits about his ex and the circumstances of how he met Steve and Robin. But he vowed never to tell anyone about the murders; if Mike found out... Well, Will didn't wanna think about it.

The brunette introduced Mike to DND, spending multiple hours discussing characters, campaigns and ideas. They had discovered shared interest in music tastes; apparently Mike was working on a song with his band: Yes, he was in a band with his friends; Dustin, Lucas, Max and El as the lead guitarist, and doing vocals at times.

They had done soo much together that it almost felt as though they had been dating for years and-

"First date to the pharmacy together!" Mike playfully joked, cutting the small boy out his own thoughts, "This is a big step!" grabbing a shampoo bottle off the shelf.

"We've been to the pharmacy before! And we just had a dinner date!" Will mocked back, swinging the empty basket in his arms.

"But this is different," The ravenette peered from over the aisle racks,

"How so?" The brunette asked

"Well, this time we are actually dating..." The ravenette chuckled, walking over to Will throwing the shampoo in the basket.

As they strolled down the aisle together, Mike couldn't help but notice the familiar tune playing softly in the background from the store speakers. A mischievous grin curling his lips, as he recognised the song; it was a song the ravenette had sung with his band; he knew all the lyrics.

Unable to contain his playful nature, Mike's voice filled the store, harmonising with the melody; his tone was soft, matching perfectly to the sound; it made sense why he was in a band, he really had range, "I'm lost in admiration, could I need you this much?" He sang, swaying slightly as he continued, "Oh, you're wasting my time,"

The brunette widened his eyes in a pleasant surprise, a warm smile spread across his face, "I'm sorry, but are you singing Tears for Fears?" he giggled

"Yeah!" the ravenette chuckled pointing at the speakers continuing, "You're just, just, just wasting time!"

Will snorted looking around, "Mike, stop!" He whispered, his cheeks filled with a crimson hue, "People could be watching."

"We're the only ones here!" The ravenette chuckled undeterred, gripping both of Will's hands. Refusing to let go as he shook them around, tightening his grip with a dumb smile on his face. The lyrics flowing from the tall boy's lips as though he directed the words solely for the brunette. "Something happens and I'm head over heels,"

Will turned his head away, but upon seeing the soft supporting smile from the cashier, the brunette let his guard down, feeling the comfort filling him as a smile spread on his face. He joined in, their voices blending together in a sweet duet. "I never find out 'til I'm head over heels!"

With a twinkle lighting his eyes, Mike continued, "Something happens and I'm head over heels,"

The brunette chuckled, his heart swelling with happiness. It was moments like this that showed him that he was healing as he felt able to slowly move on from the past. As they sang, they meandered through the aisles; the only person still in the store was the cashier who smiled bright.

They arrived in the next section, looking for things they needed; Mike's playful nature transformed into a romantic tone as he picked an inhaler and held it dramatically, presenting it to Will, "You take my breath away!" he winked, a small smile from his own pun before placing it back on the shelf.

The brunette's cheeks flushed with a mixture of affection and amusement, "You're such a dork!" he endearingly mocked. With a bright grin on his face, he went along with it, "You breathe oxygen too? We have so much in common!"

"Oh, you're soo pharma-cute-ical!" The ravenette pinched the small boy's cheek. Exchanging playful banter, their connection grew with each passing moment. The pharmacy becoming a playground filled with their affection and light-hearted demeanours.

As they continued their exploration of the store, they picked up everything they needed making their way to the front counter. The woman behind the register smiled, "You two make such a cute couple!" she excitedly chirped,

"Thank you!" Will smiled, placing his basket on the counter and paying for his items,

As they left the pharmacy, the pair instinctively found their hands finding each other; their fingers intertwining just as they had done on their first date. Just one simple gesture affirmed the way Will felt, knowing he was more comfortable here than he had ever been. He looked over at the ravenette, a soft smile conveying all the emotions he didn't dare to say.

Promptly walking home hand-in-hand, their hearts still soaring for joy as they reached the apartment. As they stepped through the front door, a sense of coziness enveloped them, setting the stage for a perfect movie night.

They kicked off their shoes and changed into more comfortable attire; considering they have been living together for over two years, it was easier to wear cozy clothing without being embarrassed. They settled into the comfortable couch cuddling under the warm blanket; the room was dimly lit, creating an ambience as they prepared to immerse themselves in the magic that is cinematography. The brunette strolled through the selections on Netflix as Mike snuggled resting his head on Will's shoulder.

The brunette finally chose a movie and as the opening credits graced the screen, the room filled with tension as eerie music set the mood. His eyes darted to Mike's face, seeing a hint of unease. With concern he asked, "Are you okay? I can change the movie if you don't want horror."

The ravenette shook his head, "I'm good!"

Will respected the response, but couldn't shake the feeling that Mike was merely putting on a front, but decided to trust his boyfriend's words.

The suspense gradually built up as Mike tried his best to appear unaffected, but his grip on the popcorn bucket and occasional fidgeting showed his true nature. The brunette couldn't help but feel empathy as he scooted closer, reassuring him as he extended a comforting hand; interlocking fingers under the blanket.

"You're scared, aren't you?" Will whispered, his voice soft and gentle, not wanting to embarrass the ravenette. "Shall I switch to another movie?"

The ravenette hesitated for a moment, sighing as he leaned into Will's embrace. "Yes please!" He admitted with a slight blush, "I don't like to tell but... I'm not a fan of horror movies."

The brunette warmly smiled, planting a kiss to Mike's temple. "It's alright! I understand." after all the murders Will had committed, it didn't seem as though any movie could scare him, "Let's find something we both feel comfortable with!"

They immediately switched the movie; scrolling through the selection, a certain film caught Mike's eye, "Shrek 2!" he exclaimed.

"Really?" The brunette furrowed his brows.

The ravenette simply nodded, excited to watch the childhood film he had been unable to see in a long time. Instantly, the atmosphere shifted as laughter replaced tension; the pair finding themselves fully immersed in the whacky world of the cartoon.

Throughout the movie Will stole glances from Mike; seeing him considerably relaxed brought a smile to his lips; he made the right choice... it wasn't even about the change of movie but everything; he was doing everything he wanted to when he moved to college. Cut out his thoughts when Mike began belting a rendition of 'I Need a Hero!" when the song appeared on screen.

The brunette simply listened amused, not wanting to steal the taller boy's thunder. As the credits rolled, the room was quiet as the ravenette stretched, "Can we watch the first one?"

"The first what?" Will scrunched his face.

"The first Shrek!" Mike repeated.

"Why didn't we watch the first and then the second?" The small boy asked

"Because the second movie is superior!" The ravenette playfully deadpanned.

The brunette softly chuckled, "Can't argue that logic!" simply nodding as he switched movies. The film began, introducing the main characters as Mike took this as an opportunity to nestle himself comfortably resting his head on Will's lap. The brunette gently stroked the ravenette's hair, feeling a surge of affection for his boyfriend.

The movie started as Will found himself engrossed in the captivating take on fairytales, softly giggling at its slapstick comedy. But hearing nothing from Mike, he looked down, stealing a glance and noticing the peaceful expression on his sleeping face.

Chuckling soft, the brunette couldn't help but resist admiring how adorable the ravenette looked, hearing his soft snores. He gently shifted, careful not to disturb Mike's slumber to reach the remote control.

With a tender smile, he turned off the TV, allowing the room to be at peace. He relaxed, cherishing this intimate moment. But as the minutes passed, he felt lost in thoughts, marvelling at their instant connection.

Knowing the ravenette's need to rest, Will decided to let him sleep; he leaned close whispering, "Thank you Mike... I'm grateful you're in my life!" 

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1669 Words

Soak in the cuteness while you can...

Stay Safe <3