WILL POV-

---- A year later: Friday 6:53 PM ----

As the next few months rolled around, the pair approached their first year together. Mike had something special planned for the evening; it was a surprise filled with romance, although the brunette had known about it for a while. The ravenette was never the best at keeping secrets, but Will decided not to tell him; it would destroy the pleasant night and honestly, it was easier for Mike to think he had tricked Will with the surprise.

So as the sun set, Will was banished to his bedroom; the ravenette had told him to stay inside as he 'got rid of bugs'. The small boy knew it was just a ploy so he could set up the living room; Mike even got help from his friends as they came to set up the place; Dustin and El helped cook, while Lucas, Max and Erica placed decorations. Steve and Robin were also there... but it was clear they were just goofing off. They had all gone home by now.

A few minutes later, Will looked down at his watch; he actually enjoyed the solace that came from his alone time. He was able to collect his thoughts and have time for art; something he was unable to do with his pursuit for justice. He still meets the 'Scoops Troops' regularly, but now their conversations were less tense; Will promised one day he would return to help the cause of justice with his friends but... he wasn't so sure he wanted to anymore; knowing there were other ways to let justice prevail. He shook his head as that was a thought for another time, hearing repeated knocking from the door as Mike poked his head in, "Hey!"

Walking into the room, he grabbed the brunette's hand off the bed, "Close your eyes..." he softly demanded. Will obliged, following the taller boy's lead; although he was prepared for the surprise, he didn't know what awaits him on the other side.

Mike led the brunette into their cozy living room, a mischievous smile on his face as he marvelled at his own work. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, "You can open your eyes now..."

The small boy rubbed his eyes opening them, gasping in delight at the sight before him. The room adorned with twinkling fairy lights, casting a soft glow that illuminated the space. A beautifully set table stood in the centre, adorned with candles and a bouquet of his favourite flowers.

The ravenette anxiously stepped to the side, nervousness filling as he awaited a reaction, "Do you like it?" stretching his words while fidgeting his fingers.

"I- I love it!" Will's heart swelled with joy as he looked around, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness, "This is amazing, You- you didn't need to do all this!" he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

The ravenette pulled Will into an embrace, "I wanted to make everything special for you!" he whispered, his eyes gleaming with affection. "Happy one year anniversary Teacup!" Letting go with a small smile.

Taking their seats at the table, Mike revealed the culinary masterpiece he had prepared. The tantalising aroma filling the air as they exchanged playful banter, savouring the delicious meal ahead of them. As they sat together, immersed in the romantic atmosphere of the apartment, the brunette gazed into his boyfriend's eyes, his heart overflowing with affection.

"You know, Mike?" Will began, his voice filled with tenderness, "We've made it through a whole year! I guess we're just too good at relationships!"

The ravenette's eyes twinkled with amusement as he leaned back in his chair, playing along, "Oh absolutely! We should probably start giving out relationship advice."

Will leaned forward, his voice soft. "All you need for a relationship is; lots of laughter, inside jokes and shameless goofiness!" Listing all the surface level points.

"And here I thought you had some relationship powers!" Mike laughed.

"I do, I can make your heart skip a beat! That's my power!" The small boy winked

Mike raised his eyebrows, placing a hand over his chest mockingly. "Oh, so that's what it was? I thought I was having heart palpitations!"

"No, no!" The brunette shook his head grinning. "It was my charming smile and irresistible wit!"

Their banter continuing through the night adorned by playful compliments and affectionate teasing. They found joy in creating their own language and sharing their interests. The conversation flowing effortlessly, filled with light-hearted moments and genuine connections.

As they indulged in their meal, the brunette couldn't help but steal a glance from his boyfriend, "I know they say a way to a man's heart is his stomach, but you've conquered my heart and taste buds."

Mike blushed, pretending to brush off the compliment; it meant the world to him to hear his boyfriend say that. "Oh. This is nothing! Wait until you see what I plan for next year!"

Will said nothing, but secretly smiled from the taller boy wanting to be with him for another year. Suddenly, Mike's eyes lit, a bulb going off in his brain as he leaned over, whispering, "Wait right here, I have a surprise for you!"

"Another one?" Curiosity piqued as Will watched the ravenette swiftly rise from his seat and walk to the living room. He opened a cupboard before returning with a beautifully wrapped box in hand, placing it in front of Will with a playful smile.

"For me?" The brunette exclaimed, his cheeks turning a rosy shade of pink. "What's this?"

The ravenette smiled, his eyes glimmering, "You're supposed to open it to find out Teacup!" affectionally mocking with a nickname.

With a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation, Will carefully unwrapped the box. Inside nestled on the soft cushion were two delicate rings, shimmering in the lights. The small boy's breath hitched, hoping this wasn't an engagement.

"These are promise rings," Mike explained, his voice filled with tenderness. "I thought of you when I saw them... one's for you and the other is for me!"

The brunette exhaled, as much as he would love a proposal, perhaps he should wait for a few more years. He smiled at the gesture, his voice wavering, "I- I don't know what to say!"

The ravenette took Will's hand in his; his touch gentle and reassuring. "You don't need to say anything, Will. Just know that wearing this ring signifies that I'm dedicated to you!"

Touched by his words, the small boy held out his hand, a shy smile gracing his face. Mike took a ring slipping it on Will's finger, placing the other on his own.

"Oh-" The brunette cut off the tender moment, "I have something for you as well!" popping up from his seat with a mischievous smile; leaving Mike curious and intrigued. Disappearing into his bedroom, he searched around for a few minutes; he hid the gift for Mike so well that... not even he could remember where he put it! He sighed; how could he lose such an important gift?

Defeated, he slumped to the bed thinking hard as his eyes wandered the room until they landed on a painting... he knew where it was! Jumping from the bed, over to behind his paint box! His heart pounded with excitement as he returned, holding the small gift box in his hands carefully concealing it.

The ravenette sparkled with delight as he watched. "A surprise? Oh Teacup, you spoil me!" chuckling slightly as the brunette approached, handing the present over.

"Open it!" the small boy chirped

Mike trembled as he took the box, eagerly unwrapping to await its contents. His eyes widened; inside was a stunning pair of dagger-shaped earrings, intricately crafted with an alluring hint of adventure and danger.

"I thought they would match your band's aesthetic..." Will bashfully uttered, his voice laced with playfulness. "And I thought you'd look pretty hot with them!" mumbling the last sentence.

"Woah! These are so incredible! I love them!" Mike jumped up from his seat to plant a little kiss on the small boy's cheek. "Would you do the honours?" motioning to the box,

"I'd love to!" The brunette softly smiled, gently reaching his hand out to take one of the earrings from the box as the ravenette's heart fluttered with anticipation. Will daintily placed the dagger on Mike's earlobe, adjusting it with care. The cold metal sent a shiver down his spine, but Will's soft touch made his heart skip a beat.

Stepping back, the small boy admired his handiness with a satisfied grin on his face. "Perfect!"

"Me or the earrings?" Mike joked

"The earrings, definitely the earrings!" The small boy chuckled, but Mike could tell the truth.

"Didn't you just call me hot earlier?" the ravenette smugly questioned

"Uh- Umm... Maybe..." the small boy blushed

"Well, I love them regardless!" Mike chuckled, "God we are soo cringy!" he added

"We really are!" the brunette softly agreed

"This is not all for the night though!" The tall boy smiled, raising a hand to the air.

"It's not?" Will furrowed his brows.

"Nope, there's still one more thing!" the ravenette walked over to the light switch, gently dimming the apartment. The enchanting atmosphere prevailed as the soft glow of the fairy lights casted a warm ambience as the room bathed in a delicate shower of shadows and hues.

The fairy lights twinkled like stars illuminating the night sky. Will caught a breath as he took in the scene. When he heard Mike had a surprise planned, this was not what he was expecting.

The ravenette flipped on his portable speaker, playing a soft melody; one Will knew of. It was 'Every Breath You Take' by the Police! He loved this song; it was a lot like a vocal hug. Grabbing his hand, Mike pulled him over to the living room; leading them into a graceful slow dance. Their bodies swaying in a perfect harmony.

Will's eyes widened as he noticed blue and white streamers decorating the room; a very Christmas aesthetic; along with the words, "Snowball?" the brunette mumbled under his breath. The realisation hit him; the colours, lights and streamers all familiar. The awe and warmth flooding his heart.

"You recreated the Snowball?" Will asked, his voice filled with disbelief and joy.

The ravenette nodded, a tender smile on his lips, "I heard you never went to your high school prom, so I wanted to give you the experience you missed. Our own little Snowball!"

The brunette felt overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness that Mike had poured into, not just this but everything. "You're truly amazing Mike!"

"I know!" The tall boy softly chuckled at the compliment as they continued to sway with the melody. The room transformed into a dance floor just for the two of them as time stood still, holding its breath.

Will couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the incredible person before him, standing in his arms. He felt his wounds of the past healing as Mike showed him a brighter future, "How did you even know how the dance even looked like?"

"I asked Eddie! He helped me choreograph it!" the ravenette whispered.

The brunette nodded, sufficient with the answer. He remembered the night of the Snowball dance clearly; he was eager to go and begged to be taken but his Ex-boyfriend refused, even stopping Will from going either. The brunette didn't really know why he was with his Ex... maybe it was the thought of someone who liked him, or the thrill of someone older showing an interest in him...

He also remembers how excited Richie was to show pictures he and Eddie took; they couldn't take explicit relationship photos like the classic handhold or hug... but none the less they loved it, taking as many as they could, and afterwards going to a photobooth to take dumb teen pictures. He told his friends he was sick... but no one ever knew why Will didn't turn up to prom that day...

But the brunette shook his head, casting that away as he focused on the here and now; that's what counts. But speaking of Richie... he was finally wake, well, he was still hospitalised and mostly immobile as he tried to move his body after 1554 days-

Well, perhaps all the logistics shouldn't be focused on at a time like this; all that mattered was that his best friend was safe- and he had an amazing boyfriend.

Looking at Mike, the glow of the fairy lights allowed him to take in the radiance of his features; his pointed nose, his dark eyes and sharp cheekbones; he really hit the jackpot. In that moment he felt himself lost in a trance; creating memories that would forever be etched into his heart.

As the song drew to a close, they found themselves lingering in each other's arms, cherishing the bond between them. Will rested his head in the crevice of the ravenette's neck; never in a million years could he have dreamt of anything of the sort.

Perhaps he could be happy, everything seemed to be going good for him, and nothing could destroy that...

Right? 

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2204 Words

I apologise in advance

I've also never been to Prom before :(

Stay Safe <3