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1
What the fuck is he doing, genuinely. Mike cannot for the life of him wrap his head around Will’s odd..”friendship” with Robin. If you could even call it that.
Mike isn’t even sure when they became close, it just happened. One day they were on opposite sides of the room, not even paying attention to the other and the next laughing as if they’ve been doing so for years.
Which they haven’t!
But Mike has.
Oh, Mike has done so much more than Robin. Who does she even think she is? Genuinely?
Just a few minutes ago they were all standing outside, near a gate that was left open by a demo. Joyce had finally let Will participate in something a little more dangerous, the reason being his new-found powers.
Mike can still remember the look on Will’s face as he wiped the blood from his nose. He had looked so powerful and confident and…beautiful.
A year ago he wouldn’t have admitted that even to himself, but when the world is ending, well hopefully not, Mike can admit it. It felt like breathing to finally be able to look at Will without his chest tightening and his breath catching. Without feeling like any movement will indicate that whatever he’s doing isn’t right, normal.
Of course Dustin had refused to stay with Steve, of course he just had to. So they had to find another person to stay in the car.
Mike had opened his mouth to suggest Robin stays, after all Steve is her best friend or whatever but she beat him to it.
”Mike, you could stay in the van with Steve, no?” What the fuck. Why the fuck would Mike stay with Steve.
“Why can’t you stay with him?” His brows furrowed and his face twisted into a disgusted look.
”Because,” She put her hand on Will’s shoulder and smiled gently as if he was a kid. Ha! She doesn’t even know that Will hates being treated as a kid.
“I am going wherever this wizard is.” She ruffled his hair and winked at Mike, who felt his stomach drop. There’s no way, right?
Will does NOT like Robin and vice-versa RIGHT?
Before Mike could get another word in the conversation Hopper clasped his hands together and announced that they’re heading in and that they will be in touch.
And its stupid really, why are 7 people going into the upside down, he doesn’t get it.
But now he sits in the van, completely quiet because what is he supposed to say to Steve of all people?
Steve doesn’t seem to mind the silence, instead he’s humming whatever song is on the radio and looking outside the window as if waiting for someone to appear.
“Hey.” Mike cleared his throat but his voice still came out shaky. God why is he so scared to talk to him?
”Whats up?” Steve turned his head and raised an eyebrow.
“Your friend..uhm Robin, you’re best friends right?” Steve nodded and reached out to the back to grab something, though he struggled to find whatever it was.
”What’s up with her and Will?” Mike asked and Steve just shrugged in response, which angered him even more. Genuinely why is he acting like he doesn’t notice. Maybe he just doesn’t care because he has now fully got out of his seat to go look for something.
”Well one thing i know is that Will’s hogging Robin all to himself. I’ve barely been able to talk to her these past 2 days.” So he does notice.
”See! That what im talking about!” Steve finally pulls out a bopper and lets out a sigh of relief, before making it back to his seat. “It’s honestly disgusting, i mean Will is 16 and she’s like 100.”
Steve pauses to look at Mike who’s still rambling on about Robin and Will. What exactly does he think is going on?
”Don’t you think its a little weird?” Mike asks and Steve finally snaps out of his confusion to answer.
”Buddy, you’ve got it all wrong. They’re not..whatever you think they are.” Mike’s face relaxes but his posture remains stiff, curated.
”Infact, I overheard Robin giving him…love advice?” Steve says as he bites down on the bopper. Mike freezes.
love advice?
for Will?
“I don’t really understand why its Robin giving him love advice given the fact that she’s…she’s…yeah.” He trails off as he looks back at Mike. Come to think of it, Steve can’t exactly recall if he’s ever had a one-on-one conversation with little Wheeler.
“Love advice..” Mike mutters to himself but Steve hears it and hums before eating the last piece of his snack and throwing the paper somewhere in the back.
”Yeah but if you want any dont go to Robin. She cant help you.”
”Why?”
”She just can’t.”
Mike furrows his brows and slightly tilts his head. It doesn’t make sense, whats so special about Robin that he’s not allowed to ask for advice from her.
”I cant get advice from her and you can’t.” Steve says and starts fumbling with the radio.
“But Will can?” Mike asks with a questioning tone. Steve sighs and rolls his eyes at him, geez why does he have to have such an attitude?
”I dont know. I mean maybe?” Maybe?
So there is a requirement to talk to Robin, got it. If Mike liked her before, he sure as hell doesn’t like her anymore now.
”Fuck does that mean? What if i need help in my love life? Is she gonna…shoo me away?” He asks with an annoyed tone that makes Steve want to bash his head against the wheel.
Why do they always ask so. many. questions?
“if you need any advice you can always come to me, i can promise you i would be better at helping you than Robin. At least in this.” Mike sighed and contemplated. It’s not like Steve is going to mind if he..tells him right?
”So got any lady problems?” great no forget everything he just thought.
Mike groans and buries his face in his hands. “Can’t be that bad? You and El have been together for what now?”
”We’re not together.” Steve almost chokes at that. He’s pretty sure they were the ones who kept making everyone listen to their problems even when otherworldly monsters were coming to attack them. So why on earth would they break up?
”I..honestly like someone else..like i really like them.” For Mike, it was never easy to admit it to himself. He would spend nights laying on his back trying to convince himself that he’s just paranoid. That his face heating up and palms sweating at the thought of his best friend was normal.
”WHAT?” Steve’s loud voice sounded too close in the claustrophobic van. Mike’s face scrunched up before he nodded.
”Who is she?” Steve asked. His face light up in excitement and Mike cringed at the way Steve keeps thinking its a girl, yet he can’t blame him.
”My friend..we’re…friends. We’ve been close for years.” Steve, now fully facing him, rested his hand on the backrest and smiled at him as a sign to continue.
”They..she..is amazing. I think i’ve written over 100 letters to her, which i’ve never sent of course but she deserves each and every word i layed on that paper. It’s stupid but i kinda carry one around me at all times, in case i get brave enough to say something.”
It was true, Mike had written so many letter for Will while he was in california, yet he couldn’t bring himself to send even one. At the time it had felt dirty, disgusting. Even if the letter was just about his time at school it felt like Will would somehow know what he meant to write. And the fear of never getting a letter back from Will made him never respond to his letters.
”So you said you were close, the world is ending, who cares right? You should tell her, she might like you back.”
”She does. At least i think so?” Steve’s face dropped and then twisted into pure confusion.
“What?”
”It was a whole deal, i cant get into it but i think she does.” His face fell as he looked down at his lap, his fingers stratching at one and other.
A few weeks back Mike had mentioned the painting to El. The painting Will gave him in that van. The painting Will had said El commissioned. The painting that Will gave to him with such encouraging words that Mike’s heart fluttered. Yet El had no idea what he was talking about. And suddenly, as if for the first time in his life, Mike’s brain worked immediately to put the clues together. That night he had gone to bed so giddy and his dad had even raised an eyebrow at why he was smiling so much.
”Jeez so what, you need help with confessing?” Mike shook his head and sighed.
“I dont know if i want to confess…it’s scary.”
“Are you hearing yourself? She likes you back and you’re scared? I think there are way scarier things you’ve done.” And what does Mike know right? Because why is Steve giving him good advice, maybe Dustin was right and he wasn’t THAT bad.
”No, you know what. I am going to help you, okay? We’re gonna make a plan and you will confess.” Mike swallowed and nodded. Steve seemed determined but he wondered how he would react if he found out Mike wasn’t talking about a girl.
The walkie-talkie came to life with dustin bringing news about their mission.
2
It’s been a few days and they haven’t talked again. Not since the van. Somehow Steve has a gut feeling that he cannot just let this go, no he needs to figure out who this girl is and help little Wheeler confess.
He walks up to Mike who’s sitting on the couch in WSQK, reading a comic.
“Hey dude.” Mike looks up for a split second before going back to his comic. Maybe it’s just how he is but Steve doesn’t think Wheeler has ever liked him.
”You uh..any luck with the girl?” Mike freezes and finally meets Steve’s eyes before shaking his head lightly. Steve notices how stiff Mike becomes when talking about her, is that normal? But he guesses wouldn’t know, he was always the popular jock and from what he’s heard from Nancy - Mike’s not so popular. In fact when he was younger it was so bad he almost jumped off a cliff, according to Dustin.
”Come on, what is she like…popular?” Steve notices how Mike is barely breathing, holding his breath. “Like Jennifer Hayes? I remember all the kids liked her, no?”
Mike shakes his head before finally responding in an annoyed tone, “No she’s not Jennifer Hayes. She’s actually pretty much a loser like me.”
Steve furrows his eyebrows. Isn’t that a good thing? That would mean he doesn’t have to worry about being out of her league.
”Well then, that helps. We could come up with a romantic way to confess. Nerds love romance, no?” Mike scoffs and rolls his eyes. He finally sets down the comic and turns to face Steve entirely.
”I dont-“ Steve cut him off by grabbing him and pulling him into the radio room and sitting him down into the chair.
”Robins not here so lets be quick, wanna dedicate a song to her?” Mike gulped and Steve saw how his ears turned slightly pink.
“Come on, she’ll love it.” He said as he started browsing through the many music tapes to find something.
He held up an ‘Every Breath you take’ tape and Mike quickly shook his head.
“Thats the song that played at the ‘84 snowball.” Steve remembers that snowball. Dustin had asked him to help with his hair and outfit. Dustin ended up dancing with Nancy but damn was he proud of him.
Steve hummed and continued searching. Surely there’s gotta be something this kid will like?
Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Mike leaning to touch the panel and he quickly swatted at his hand to stop.
He ended up showing Mike 4 more songs to which each time he said no and visibly got more annoyed. Steve really doesn’t get this kid. Why is he so mad if all Steve wants is to help?
He shrugged and sat down in the chair next to Mike dramatically before sighing.
“Well if you keep saying no to everything, i can’t help you.” But Mike wasn’t listening, he was staring at a cassette quietly as if too afraid to ask for that one.
Isn’t Mike like, the leader of the group? Why is he suddenly so quiet and shy? Steve has never seen him like this, even when Will had gone missing, Mike continued to lead them and was the most vocal. Suddenly he’s acting as if something is physically holding him back from speaking.
Steve looked at the tape aswell.
”This one?” He asked and took it. Mike scoffed and grabbed it from his hands.
”Yes this one.” It was ‘Heroes’ by David Bowie.
Steve took it back from Mike and looked at it before humming. If he thought the song was a little odd for Mike and some girl, he didn’t say anything.
”Alright, you want me to say something? Like,” Steve gestured with his hands, “This is for that one special girl?” Mike’s eyes shot open and he quickly shook his head.
“God no, dont say anything just play it. If the-she is listening she’ll think about it being for her.”
These past few months of living together with Will they had spent a lot of time in the basement and with Will being paranoid about Vecna, the radio was almost always on.
( “This songs nice.” Will said as he continued sketching on his notepad. They were sprawled out on the couch, a little too close for friends but completely normal for them.
Maybe not anymore, they had grown apart, but neither minded.
I, I can remember (I remember)
Standing by the wall (By the wall)
And the guns shot above our heads (Over our heads)
And we kissed as though nothing could fall (Nothing could fall)
And the shame was on the other side
Oh, we can beat them forever and ever
Then we could be heroes just for one day
We can be heroes
We can be heroes
We can be heroes just for one day
We can be heroes
The radio was quiet, loud enough for them to hear the song but quiet enough for it to not leave the walls of the basement.
”Yeah..” Mike looked up from his x-men comic, “Kinda reminds me of us, you know? With the whole Vecna thing.”
Will looked up at Mike to meet his eyes. His brown eyes soft and slightly widened, “Yeah, it kinda does.” )
”Alright.” Steve said and put the tape in. The radio had been playing songs on auto so they had to wait for the last song to finish.
Mike groaned and threw his head back in the chair, his hands flying up to his hair to pull, “This is so stupid.”
Steve laughed and leaned back in his chair, “Well Wheeler, love makes you stupid.”
He smiled to himself in pride, after Dustin had started to distance himself from everyone, Steve didn’t have anyone to talk to. Well, of course, there was Robin who was always by his side, but recently with her becoming friends with Will, he felt kind of pushed aside. They had some sort of deep bond that no one, including Steve, understood.
There was also whatever was going on with Nancy and Jonathan. Maybe Jonathan was right, he had been kind of selfish. Nancy obviously didn’t like whatever competition Jonathan and him were having and she had voiced it multiple times. Leave it to Steve to fuck it up by not listening to.
Still, talking to Mike, who was awfully quiet for his usual commanding and loud self, was kind of a relief. And it had been a long while since Steve has helped anyone in romance, except Robin and Vickie. But really for them it worked out on its own.
The song started playing and Mike got up and left immediately, as if it was burning him alive.
Steve chuckled to himself at his embarrassment.
3
The heavy thunderstorm had blew out the power in almost all of Hawkins.
Steve and Nancy were sitting on a couch in the WSQK station while Robin and Will planned something. Occasionally Lucas or Mike chimed in and Joyce watched in awe as her son was leading the party.
”Okay so thats solved, we lure one somewhere, let it go back to its hiding place, we put El into the bathtub and she spies on the demogorgon.” Robin said as she clapped her hands together.
”It wont work.” Lucas cut in. His voice was sharp and everyone looked at him, “Remember how..when Max first started showing symptoms she said she entered his mind, somewhere he didn’t want her in.”
Robin nodded but tilted her head as if to say ‘continue’.
”What if…they’re in there. Thats why El can’t see them in the void. Their physical body is wherever Will saw them,” Will nodded and dropped his head.
”But their consciousness is in his mind, only this time it’s on purpose.” The room felt silent as they contemplated what he just said.
“That..could explain why he made up this whole Mr. Whatsit thing. It was to lure them in and create a false sense of security.” Nancy said and crossed her arms as if to protect her self. Steve looked at her for only a second but looked away when she returned his gaze.
Mike sighed as he rubbed his face with his hand, “That doesn’t get us anywhere. Even if they’re in his mind and we somehow rescue their physical bodies, we can’t get them out of there.”
Will bit his lip as if to bite back something he wants to say.
”What is it, Will?” Mike asked gently, his eyes landing on the frigid brunette.
Steve didn’t understand their friendship. They were close, closer than he’s seen others with each other but in a more intimate way.
As if they could read each other’s minds, Mike said, “You think El could go into his mind again?” He asked, voice even softer than before.
Suddenly Steve became very aware of everything going on and immediately picked up on the weirded out look Lucas was giving the two.
Will nodded at Mike’s words. Seriously, if Mike is so serious about this girl he has to stop spending time with Will.
“Alright, that could work? We should still try.” Joyce said and everyone nodded. Steve caught Will smiling at his mom, presumably because she finally isn’t so overbearing with him.
As everyone began leaving, Steve grabbed Mike’s arm and pulled him into the other room.
”What?” Mike asked with a stoic expression. This kid is testing Steve’s patience, seriously.
”You have to stop hanging out with Will so much. You two can practically read each other’s minds.” Mike pulled his hand out of Steve’s grip and furrowed his eyebrows in a defensive way.
”So? What do you have a problem with out friendship now?” He asked and got so close up in Steves face he could see the anger in his eyes.
Steve grabbed his shoulders and tried to calm him down, “No, dude that’s not what this is about. I mean you should spend some time with your girl as well instead of always with Will.”
Mike pulled his hands off his shoulders and turned around to face the wall away from him, “I can do what i want.”
Steve sighed and thought about ut for a second before asking, “Tell me what you like about her.”
Mike froze up and slowly turned his head around, mouth slightly agape, “Uhm..”
”Come on! You could probably name hundreds of things about Will, try it with her this time!”
Mike huffed, his cheeks turning slightly pink and let his gaze drop to the floor, ”I guess i like her kind personality…”
Steve gestured for him to continue on.
”I like her brown hair and hazel eyes, the way they look mostly green in the sun but can turn almost pitch black in the dark. I like the way she’s so brave, even when im not, even though im supposed to be the brave one. And she is so talented, there’s not many things she can’t do. And she’s so gentle..”
Mike looked up and saw Steve gleaming at him, “Alright, yeah that’s enough.” he said, returning to his usual closed off self.
If you told Steve 1 year ago that Micheal Wheeler would open up to him he would have laughed. Now it doesn’t seem all that crazy, the kid just needs someone to talk to.
Why doesn’t he talk to Will about this?
”Well that was great! See, i knew you could do it.” He punched Mike’s shoulder lightly and smiled, “You should seriously consider telling her. I can help you come up with a way!”
Mike shook his head and brushed off the idea completely, something Steve just doesn’t get. If Mike knows that she likes him back why doesn’t he just go for it? What exactly is so scary to him?
A voice cut through the silence.
”MIKE! GET OVER HERE SO I CAN DRIVE US HOME! YOU HAVE 20 SECONDS!” Nancy yelled from the other room, suddenly the commotion that had been just background noise returned at full volume.
”Okay, well tell me when you’re ready.” Mike just nodded and left, mumbling something under his breath that Steve couldn’t make out.
4
Lucas keeps eyeing Mike strangely and muttering to himself. Steve noticed the stares directed at Mike a few days ago, yet he didn’t think much of it.
Most of the time he notices them whenever Mike’s interacting with Will. Maybe Lucas is suspicious of Will? Steve could kinda see it, he suddenly can channel Vecna’s powers and they’re all supposed to trust that he’s not a spy.
Maybe Steve himself is also a little suspicious of him, but he tries to trust him. After all the last time he was possessed he had been acting like a complete maniac, drawing all over the place and screaming all the time.
But Steve can admit he still has changed. No, this isn’t the same boy he served ice cream at Scoop’s Ahoy back in ‘85. That boy was quiet, always trailing behind his friends, behind Mike.
But this Will, he was more confident. He took charge along with Eleven and Mike, something he usually reserved for the two of them. Weirdest of all, he stopped chasing after everyone, yet now he has Mike orbiting around him at all times.
Steve considers if this has anything to do with his new-found friendship with Robin. She’s a pretty self-assured person, maybe he thought him a thing or two.
But that wouldn’t make sense, he had been friends with Mike since forever and Mike is a very confident person, at least on the outside so whats so special about Robin.
Oh
Will must have a crush on Robin. Steve sighs to himself and shakes his head. He better talk to her about this, she isn’t letting a teenager crush on her knowingly right?
While he supposes it’s not that big of a deal, a lot of teens have puppy crushes on older people, he still just has an unexplainable gut feeling that something is right in front of him.
By the time Steve gets to the station he’s already planned out everything he wants to say.
”ROBIN! You there?” He yells throughout the building.
”IN HERE!” Robin yells back from the radio room. Fuck they were supposed to work today.
Steve walked into the room and immediately met Robins eyes. It didn’t take a genius to realise that she was pissed.
”Where were you? You were supposed to help.” She said, annoyance lacing her tone. She had three tapes in her hands and Steve could tell she had been running around all day trying to do everything by herself.
”Shit i totally forgot im so sorry…” He trailed off as he noticed the tape he and Mike had played on the table. She is going to be so pissed.
”It’s fine Steve. I more so wanna know why you had touched the radio while it was on auto. You know when it’s on auto it’s always playing Christmas songs.” Steve groaned and sat down next to her.
”It’s complicated.” Robin hummed and slid the microphone closer to herself.
”I hope that song wasn’t too accurate to whatever’s going on in this town. Wouldn’t want to scare anyone.” She spoke into the microphone. Steve watched her and bit his lip to stop himself from saying anything.
”Anyway this next one I think you’re going to love, It’s a classic for surviving the apocalypse after all.” She muted the microphone and put in the tape.
”Alright what is it?” She turned to him and asked. It scared Steve just a little to think that they’re close enough for her to be able to read him so well.
If you told Steve back in ‘85 that he would think that means they’re dating, but now he’s kinda glad that never worked out for him. Robin’s a good friend and he doesn’t want to lose her.
”Right, so about Will…” Robin stiffened and her eyes grew wide, “You do know he has a crush on you right?”
She looked at Steve for just a moment more in silence before bursting out in laughter. He quirked his eyebrows.
”Steve, Steve,” She said between laughter, “He doesn’t like me.” Steve was confused because just an hour ago he had been so sure of it. Even know there’s more evidence pointing to it than not.
“What? No he literally does I figured that out. And I’m just worried that, you know, you’re giving him false hope by being so close to him.” Now it was Robin’s turn to look utterly confused, because what on earth was Steve on about?
”No, Steve, he doesn’t like me. Trust me.” Steve sighed and slid back in his chair.
”Yeah, okay. Okay.” He grabbed the cassette that Robin had placed on the table.
“Seriously though, what’s up with this song?” She turned to him and asked with a lower tone. Steve shook his head and placed it back.
”Nothing. Nothing.” He huffed and rubbed his face with his hand.
Should he tell Robin about his whole predicament? No, no he shouldn’t. If Robin can’t tell him that she’s Will’s love coach, Steve shouldn’t either.
”Alright, but if it’s about Nancy again..” She trailed off as she replaced the tape and played the next song.
“It’s not, dont worry.” Steve replied.
”Great, then help me work.” She got up and dragged him with her.
He had missed this to be honest, being able to talk to Robin one on one. Maybe this isn’t the best setting, especially with the whole town full of military and Vecna who is back, but still.
5
The rain outside is heavy, occasionally hitting the windowsill. The Wheeler’s basement is cold, so cold that Steve doesn’t get how Jonathan and Will can possibly sleep down here.
Speaking of Will, Steve notices how much more frigid he became when in the cold basement. He supposes it has something to do with his possession back in ‘84 and with the whole ‘he likes it cold’ thing. Another thing he’s noticed is Mike.
How Mike sits just a little closer to Will than anyone else. Mike’s voice that becomes a tone softer when he turns to Will. The way Mike seems to accidentally keep touching Will in one way or another. Like a shoulder bump or knee brush.
Steve internally groans because what is Mike doing. If he just did this with that mystery girl this whole problem wouldn’t have arose.
Will doesn’t seem to mind though, in fact he reciprocates Mike’s touch with leaning closer to him.
And worst of all Robin keeps shooting Will a knowing look.
What does she know? He feels so lost. Maybe it was a mistake getting involved in Mike’s love life. Now though it’s too late and Steve is determined to find out who it is and help Mike if its the last thing he does.
So when Nancy returns and drags Jonathan and Robin with her, leaving Steve, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Mike in the basement he needs to start figuring things out, non-suspiciously of course.
”So..how’s school?” He asks hoping Mike will elicit any reaction but instead all four boys groan at the same time. Dustin swats his hand and Lucas buries his head in his hands.
”That bad?” Will nods at the same time as Dustin. This is not giving Steve anything, he has to dig deeper.
He looks around the basement, the walls are covered in drawing, all the same style. Some are signed W.B. He searches around until he notices a picture on the wall next to him. It’s a photo from their middle school graduation.
In the left corner of the photo, next to Lucas is a girl with brown hair and brown eyes. Bingo!
That has to be her.
Steve clears his throat and continues with his questions, “So uh..anyone from your middle school still in your class?”
Dustin threw a pillow towards Steve in frustration. Lucas nodded. Mike turned red.
”What is it, Mike?” Steve asked, a slight smirk on his face. Mike glared at him.
’The hell are you getting at?’
’Im just interested!’
Mike rolled his eyes and looked away from him. Fine if he wants to play like this, two can play that game.
”You okay?” He heard Will whisper to Mike. Mike turned around to face him, a slight blush still noticeable on his face and nodded.
Steve pointed to the girl in the picture, “How about this one?” Mike looked back at him and then shared a look with Will.
”Well yeah, she’s in my english class.” Interesting.
“Yeah…she’s pretty right? You think so?” Will raised an eyebrow and looked between them, his knees pulled up almost to his face. Mike narrowed his eyes at Steve.
Lucas and Dustin meanwhile were deep in conversation about how only the assholes stayed and now they’re ten times worse or whatever they’re talking about.
”But none of them are worse than Andy.” Dustin stated to which Lucas groaned.
”Yeah but dud you keep provoking them! Maybe..maybe it’s time you take off the hellfire t-shirt and just..stay in your lane.” Dustin’s eyes shot open and he pushed Lucas slightly.
”Do you not care about Eddie at all? What the fuck is wrong with you?” He spat at Lucas who rolled his eyes and threw his hands in the air.
”Can you guys just stop? This isn’t important right now.” Will’s voice cut through their argument. Mike immediately turned to look at him, mouth slightly agape, the same red slowly creeping back at his face.
Even Steve himself has never seen Will snap at anyone before, jesus Robin has created a monster.
Dustin pointed his open hand towards Will, “Easy for you to say! You weren’t even here when it all went down!”
That seemed to upset Mike because he immediately snapped back, “Shut up, Dustin! It’s not like he had a choice.”
Lucas added something and that went back to Dustin and Lucas arguing about something entirely different now. But Steve isn’t paying attention to them anymore.
No, Steve cannot pay attention, not when Mike looks like a giggling school girl next to Will.
It has to just be because he asked about the girl. Jesus, Wheeler is whipped for her. Steve takes another glance at the photo, she’s pretty he supposes, doesn’t look like she’d be a nerd though. But what does he know.
+1
Nothing, apparently. Steve knows nothing.
Dustin had radioed him to pick him up, apparently he got into another fight with Andy, this time luckily, leaving him unscathed.
Steve sat in the car in silence, the dead of night before them painting the sky. He was driving Dustin to his house.
It was currently 11 PM and instead of being at the comfort of his own house, his own bed, he was driving Dustin home.
”Say something.” Dustin cut through the deafening silence. Steve averted his gaze from the road to the passenger seat for just a split second and scoffed.
”Please, dude. I just…need to take my mind off everything. Tell me anything.” The thing is, Steve hadn’t been up to much himself. Not anything the rest of them don’t know.
”I saw you talking to Mike a few times..I haven’t seen you two hangout, like ever. What was that about?” Dustin trailed off. Ah right, he could tell him about that.
Steve contemplated for a minute before deciding he could tell him. After all, maybe Dustin also knows something about her, maybe he could help.
”Yeah Wheeler’s been..i dont know. He came to me for love advice.” Dustin’s eyes shot open and his jaw dropped.
”What?! You serious? What did he say?” And to be honest Steve doesn’t know what to say, there isn’t much to go off of.
”Well he really likes some girl from school and he-“
“HE AND ELEVEN BROKE UP?” Dustin cut him off by yelling. Had Wheeler not told them? Had Steve been the only one who knows? No, surely Will knows.
”Yeah, yeah they did.”
“Jesus….tell me about this girl, maybe i know her too.” He tried to recall everything Mike had told him, something about letters, oh she had brown hair too.
”Yeah he mentioned he’s been close to her for ages there’s no way you don’t know her.” But Steve himself didn’t know her, he might not be that close to Wheeler but surely he would’ve known from Nancy that he had other friends? Maybe not.
“Thats such bullshit, Mike doesn’t talk to anyone at school excluding the party.” Dustin said and shifted in his seat. Thats when Steve noticed he did have a cut on his face, shit he was a really bad friend for not noticing.
He parked near the road and stopped the car, “The fuck are you doing, dude. I have to get home, my mom’s gonna worry sick.” Henderson said but Steve had already got out of his seat and started rummaging through the cabinet at the back of the van.
Fortunately, He found the first aid kit. Thank god, he was worried that may have been used up from when they were in the upside down.
”Steve?” Dustin asked from the passenger seat and Steve returned to his seat. He grabbed a disinfect tissue and started cleaning up Dustin’s face.
”Sorry I didn’t notice you got hurt.” Dustin hummed in response and let himself be taken care of. He tilted his head for easier access. Shit, he might need stitches.
Steve grabbed a bandage and tore off a piece and carefully put it on his face, “There, we can go now.”
He started the car back up and got back out on the road. Dustin’s house should be about 5 minutes from here anyway.
”Continue about Mike.” Dustin said. Right, Steve had forgotten about that conversation.
”Right so, as i said, he mentioned they have been close for years,” He saw Henderson shaking his head from the side, “He also said that she’s kind of a loser like him, She has brown hair and hazel eyes, She’s kind and gentle but brave and-“
He cut himself off because he noticed Dustin was staring at him with a completely bewildered expression, “What?”
Dustin shook his head, his mouth slightly ajar still, “Dude, are you hearing yourself right now?” What?
”Well, yeah i’m speaking so-“ Dustin slightly punched his elbow. Okay remind him to not be a smartass with Dustin of all people.
”Steve, listen! Brown hair, Hazel eyes, Kind, Gentle, Loser, Brave and Mike has been close to them in years!” He said in a loud tone, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Steve could feel his heart beating just a little faster, it was like he already knew the answer before his brain caught up.
”I dont understand what you’re getting at!”
“The ‘girl’,” Dustin used his hands to air quote the word, “Mike’s so in love with, is none other than Will Byers.”
Steve slammed the brakes to a stop, the car slightly launched them forward, “DUDE!” Dustin yelled at him.
Fuck, he was right, he was absolutely right. And it was right in front of him the whole time.
The way Mike had been so pissed about Robin and Will, the way Mike acted around Will, the way they both read each other’s minds, the song that Steve was confused about because why would Mike play that for some girl, The way Mike didn’t want to confess.
He looked around and realised they’re in his neighbourhood and he gestured for Dustin to get out, “What? I thought you said you’re taking me home! This is like-“
“I dont care you can walk home! I have to take care of a few things.” Dustin scoffed and jumped out of the car before muttering a ‘good night’.
The second he was out of view, Steve speeded away towards the WSQK.
The whole drive there he was mentally preparing for how to get information out of Robin.
As he pulled into the drive way, he nearly launched himself out of the car and ran towards the door.
Hw swung the door open and was met with Robin lying on the couch in front of him, a book in her hand.
He tried to Catch his breath as he braced himself against the door, “Jesus, you ran here or what?” Robin asked, a slight smile on her face.
Steve shook his head and between breaths answered, “No, drove.” She chuckled at that and flipped the page in her book, completely unbothered.
”I need to know. I need to know. Why are you helping Will?” Robin froze and dropped her book then almost immediately regained her posture, but it seemed too practiced.
“That’s none of your business, Harrington.” She answered calmly and picked up her book. Steve huffed and ran a hand over his face.
”No, Robin, you need to tell me because i might know something and i need to know…is Will like..you know..you?” His voice dropped at the last words. Robin stood up and gestured for him to close the door.
”Even if he was, i wouldn’t tell you. And what do you mean you know something?” She asked, her hands flying everywhere as she continued gesturing. Steve had almost forgotten how expressive she can be.
”Listen, I might have been helping Mike out, in the way you are, but i hadn’t know until Henderson pointed out that..well..Mike’s talking about Will.”
Robins eyes shot open and her jaw dropped slightly, she completely froze in the middle of her pacing. Then a big smile appeared on her face.
”Shit i just outed him to you and Henderson, didn’t I?” Steve asked, slightly wincing at the thought. Out of all the shitty things he’s done, this one is definitely high up on the list.
He groaned and buried his head in his hands, slightly sliding down the door but Robin grabbed his forearm.
”Steve, yeah that was a really shitty thing to do, but,” The smile on her face looked like it hurt, that meant Will liked Mike back, right? Shit hadn’t he said he already knew that though?
”Will likes him back, i know. Mike knows too.” Robin’s eyebrows raised and her mouth formed into an ‘o’.
”Shit, really? He knew the whole time?” She was wincing slightly, he nodded.
“How? Whenever i looked at them, Mike seemed really oblivious?” Steve shook his head and sighed.
”No he knew, he didn’t tell me how but he did.” Robin huffed and then turned around, thinking.
”Great! No this is great! They like each other!” She was practically fan girling, meanwhile he still felt horrible for telling two people, without Mike even knowing that he figured it out.
Okay, figured it out is a reach, he literally needed Dustin to spell it out, but still! How can someone fuck up so much in one day, one evening.
”So what do we do? do we like, tell them?” Robin shook her head. Looked like she already had a plan.
She looked at the whiteboard that had doodles on, mostly from the party members but some from Robin and Steve themselves, and erased them.
She started drawing as if this was some intricate scheme and Steve watched. Then suddenly it hit him, the reason Will and Robin had been more confident lately. They had each other now. Sure, Steve had been there for Robin through her rants about girls and he understood her but Will, Will understood her. In ways Steve will never be able to.
He smiled to himself and waited until Robin finished.
It didn’t take long before she revealed her plan, “So, We get both of them alone like always, you take Will this time, I take Mike,” She leaned over and whispered as if telling him a secret, “Mike needs someone like me to talk to him, trust me.”
She turned around and pointed to the poorly drawn figures, “Then, we lure them somewhere, preferably lovers lake, pretending as if we’re going to meet them there. We tell them it’s urgent and that we’ll be there as soon as possible, but we wont!”
Steve nodded, “So they’ll be left alone at this place and hopefully they talk it out.” It was a solid plan, a cliche, sure, but a still solid one at that.
”Alright, i’m in.” Robin jumped and squealed, like literally squealed. Steve laughed at that and then brought out his fist, which Robin bumped.
And so the next time the whole group was together they stuck to their plan. Robin quickly grabbed Mike to follow her somewhere, while Steve did the same with Will a few minutes later.
”Steve, where are we going?” Will asked, his voice gentle and laced with worry, as he practically pulled him outside.
“Look, I need help. This is very urgent Will.” Steve grabbed his shoulders and shook desperately. Will nodded quickly as if he was already agreeing to whatever Steve was going to say.
That was the moment he realised Will is so much more patient and kind hearted than Mike, he will have no issue getting him to Lovers lake. Robin on the other hand..Steve wishes her luck. Especially because Mike clearly wasn’t too fond of her.
”I can’t explain it here, no one else can know about this, okay?” Steve pretended to look around hastily and then fixed his gaze to Will. Mike was right, his eyes really did seem pitch black in the dark.
”Meet me at lovers lake in thirty, I really hope to see you there, okay? You’re the only one who can help me.” Will nodded again, eyebrows furrowed, eyes impossibly wide. Steve really hopes he isn’t scaring the shit out of Will.
”Is everything okay though? Is it related to..” He trailed off and Steve nodded, whatever he can do to get him to go, he will.
Will sighed and dropped his head between his shoulders, staring at his feet, “Okay, i’ll be there.”
He pulled out a crumpled piece of paper and gave it to Will, “Dont open it until you’re there, okay?” Steve shot him a slight smile and hurried inside before shouting, “DONT BE LATE!”
Will didn’t know what to think of it. He hadn’t even ever really talked to Steve, and now? He was practically begging him to meet him at lovers lake?
Something seemed off about this. Why didn’t he want anyone else there? Why him of all people? He wasn’t going to question him though, knowing he’ll find out sooner or later anyway.
So instead, Will hopped on his bike and started heading towards the lake, hoping to get there before Steve. He wouldn’t want to leave him waiting after all. And knowing him, he’ll be driving so that will take him 15 minutes less time to get there before Will.
It was slightly raining outside but then again when was it not these days? Will pushed through, peddling through the soft rain that was slowly soaking his jacket.
If Steve pulled him all the way across town for something stupid and Will gets sick, he might actually kill him with his own bare hands. Or maybe get a demogorgon to do it for him.
18 minutes later he’s pulling into the forest that surrounds lovers lake and his heart is thumping. He hasn’t ever been particularly fond of forests ever since that night, but right now, especially when he’s alone, he really doesn’t want to go in. he sighed as he got off his bike and walked in.
The forest was completely silent, just as it had been on that night and every step he took he looked around, paranoid.
He pulled out the piece of paper Steve had given him while trudging through the woods and unraveled it, it’s not like Steve will know he looked before standing right in front of the lake.
’He always carries a letter with him. Ask him about it, don’t let him deny it.’
What?
Will was so confused, he stared at the paper and almost tripped over a branch, he should really watch where he goes.
Every second, he’s getting more and more sure Steve won’t have anything important to say, the paper proved that much.
Even so, it had to mean something. And who is he?
Before he knew it, Will was standing in front of the lake, the same lake they told him he got pulled out of. Well, his fake-body at least.
He checked his watch, three minutes. Steve should be here in three minutes.
Will walks around and spots a log on the ground. He sits down and takes in the scenery.
Even in nights like these, where the forest is silent and the rain is so cold, so cold it reminds him of the upside down, Will cannot deny that Hawkins is beautiful. As much as he had hated this place, the horrible people that spat hurtful things to him and his friends every day or the upside down that seemed to sense their every step, he still knew deep in his heart that this was his home.
He missed it when he was in California, the place where he, El, Jon and his Mom were supposed to create a new life, away from the upside down. But no, this was his home because no matter what they go through here, they do it together.
the sound of a branch cracking snapped him out of his thoughts, as he frantically looked around.
Please be Steve and not Vecna.
Please be Steve and not a demogorgon.
Please be Steve
..
“Mike?” Will asked, more to himself and he watched as Mike slowly made his way towards him.
“Uh hey?” He seemed just as confused as Will.
Mike stood in front of him, arms crossed, “Have you uh, seen Robin?” Will raised an eyebrow and shook his head. He scooted more to the side to make room for Mike to sit down. He took the hint and did so.
”Huh weird. She told me to meet her here. Didn’t think i’d run into you though.” His eyes shot open and eyebrows raised.
Robin told Mike to meet her HERE?!
”Thats uhm..” He looked around. There was no sign of Steve or Robin around. In fact, there was no one here, the only sound around them were crickets and the occasional car passing by the woods that could be heard even by the lake.
“Steve told me the same thing…” Will averted his gaze from Mike and pulled his knees to his face.
Mike coughed and then turned his whole body to look at him, “What? Why-“ he cut himself off and turned back towards the forest.
Was this a set up? It had to be.
Judging by Mike’s reaction he also knew.
Will remember about the paper Steve gave him. It had to have meant something, was Mike in on this too?
”Can i see it?” Will asked, his voice just above a whisper, as he straightened out his back and finally met Mike’s eyes.
Mike’s face was lightly pink, but that could’ve just been a trick of the light.
”See what?” Mike tilted his head slightly and his face softened slightly. Will took a breath he didn’t realise he was holding.
“The letter.” Mike’s eyes widened slowly and he gulped. He turned face the other way.
”What letter?” Thats when Will knew that he knew what letter. And apparently it was something he obviously didn’t want to talk about.
And listen, on a regular day Will would never push Mike to talk about something he doesn’t want to, but right now, after all that’s happened Will needs to know what’s going on.
”Mike, come on, you know what i’m talking about.” He lowered his voice even more. Mike dropped his head and sighed before rummaging through his jacket’s pocket and pulling out a piece of paper.
He handed it to Will who took it slowly, careful not to touch Mike’s hand.
As Will opened the letter, he felt Mike’s eyes on him, as if he was waiting for his reaction to whatever was written down.
..
Dear Will,
It’s been about 2 months since you and El left, and I admit i’ve been a very shitty friend by not replying to your letter. You sent me two letter, two. And i couldn’t reply to either of them. It’s stupid, really. Whenever i try writing a letter to you, I always end up saying things i dont want to say. Writing to El is easy though, I can just say whatever and send it.
Jesus, Im sorry for not writing. How have you been? I know you told me in your last letters but those are almost two months old now. You asked about hellfire and to answer that, I don’t want to join. It doesn’t feel fair to you. Dustin’s kinda pushing all of us to join so i don’t think i have a choice.
Max has probably written to El, right? Well, she’s been weird. She’s quiet and once again broke up with Lucas. It’s hard to get them to be in the same room nowadays.
The stupidest part is that i dont feel whole, not since you left. Maybe that sounds weird, whatever, but when you left it felt like a piece of me left as well. And no, i dont mean when you and El left, i mean just you.
Whatever, this is so stupid. Just know i miss you.
Love, From, Mike
..
Will stared at the letter, his hands shaking slightly, mouth agape. Mike had looked away at some point and crossed his arms in a way that looked like he was hugging himself.
”Mike..” His voice was soft and seemed to snap Mike out of his thoughts. He turned his head back to Will and smiled slightly, it didn’t reach his eyes.
”What does..what does this mean?” He asked, voice barely audible. He hadn’t noticed how close Mike was, their thighs pressed together, forearms touching. And Mike’s face was inches away from his. If he wanted to he could lean in and-
“I think…you know.” Mike’s gaze flickered from his eyes to his lips for just a split second but Will noticed. There’s just no way.
“I dont-“ But he was cut off by Mike closing the distance and finally slotting their lips together. Mike’s hands sneaked up to his face and held him there as he kissed him.
He pulled away and when he noticed, Will’s bewildered expression panicked a little, “If i read it wrong I’m so-“ This time it was Wills turn to cut him off by grabbing his sweater and pulling him closer. This time Will kissed him and Mike followed almost immediately, kissing him back.
The kiss was more passionate than the first one, partially because this time Will reciprocated. Mike slightly tugged on Will’s bottom lip, which pulled out a soft groan from Will. Mike smiled into the kiss.
Eventually they had to pull back for air, but they slotted their foreheads together, brushing their noses in the process.
”I love you..” Will whisper against Mike’s lips and Mike hummed before pressing one more kiss to them.
”I love you too, Will.” And Will’s heart was beating so loud, there was no doubt Mike could hear it. He giggled and put his head on Mike’s shoulder.
“This is so stupid, did Steve and Robin really set us up?” He murmured into his almost dry sweater. When did it stop raining?
“Well i might have turned to Steve for help but i didn’t think he would find out it was you i liked, he didn’t even know it was a girl, much less you.” Will laughed at that and put his hands around Mike’s neck, pulling him closer.
”Who knows, maybe Steve knew the whole time.”
He didn’t, they didn’t have to know that though. So when two days later Steve caught them holding hands under the table he didn’t say anything. He just looked at Robin, who was deep in conversation with Will, too deep to notice his interlinked hand with Mike, and smiled.