Archive of Our Own

Will really needs to stop listening to his friends.

First, El and Max convinced him to do community college with them before transferring over to RISD— which actually allowed him to save up enough money to get an apartment with Jonathan after he graduated from NYU. And starting college without knowing anyone in the state wouldn’t have been any fun anyway. But that’s not the point.

Then, Max somehow got it in his head that getting a matching tattoo with her would be a good idea. It’s not a bad tattoo— it was his design after all— but he’s just not a tattoo kind of guy. He never would have gotten one otherwise. It doesn’t help that it was done by his friend from his old Art 352 class. An amateur tattoo artist, to say the least. In all fairness, it looks pretty good.

Now, she and Dustin have made him join a dating app. Will doesn’t really know how he got here— he’s just found himself sitting on the couch between them, phone held in his hand, as the loading screen pops up.

“Do I really have to do this?” he asks, for what is presumably the millionth time. He lost track a while ago.

“Yes,” Max replies without hesitation. “You’re unbearably lonely.”

Will drops his jaw, offended. Sure, he might not have the most entertaining love life, but he wouldn’t go that far. He’s happy where he is. Content. He doesn’t need a guy to fulfill him. “My loneliness is completely bearable.”

“I don’t care about you. It’s unbearable for us,” she clarifies. Again, rude. “What— you’ve been on one date in your life? What was his name?” she asks Dustin.

“Tom,” he answers confidently.

“Timothy,” Will corrects, rolling his eyes. “And it wasn’t just one date. We were boyfriends.”

“Yeah, for a month,” Max says. “When you were sixteen. Did you even kiss?” They did not, but Will isn’t going to admit that, so he stays silent. “That’s just sad, Will. Come on. We live in the digital age. You have hundreds of guys at your fingertips who’d all jump at the chance to be with you. Get a date, flirt meaninglessly, get married— I don’t care, just put yourself out there. Please.”

Will groans dramatically— a full fall back on the couch and stare up at the ceiling kind of dramatic. Max and Dustin just watch. They’ve learned to deal with his theatrics by now. Eventually, he sits up and complies while they fuss over his profile.

They go through all of their camera rolls for decent photos of him, which there aren’t many of. They end up caving and texting Jonathan for help. He sends them at least two dozen, and those are just the ones on his phone. He tells them to wait as he transfers over the pictures from his camera, but Will assures him that’s not necessary. He already has way too many, and frankly, he doesn’t care enough to go through them.

The first photo they choose is one that Jonathan took during their last family vacation. He and El were fooling around on some stairs while waiting for their mom to get back from the bathroom, and took turns modeling for Jonathan. It’s a pretty nice picture, Will has to admit. It was taken at golden hour, as he’s learned from Jon’s many rants, making everything practically glow. Including him.

Dustin pushes for something more serious as the attention grabber— particularly, a black and white photo from when he posed for one of Jonathan’s final projects. Will gives that suggestion a hard no. He looks ridiculous in that one. He’s making super uncomfortable, intense eye-contact with the camera, with his head propped up on his hand.

Will’s happy with his decision. It’s a bit goofy, with his arms spread out like a plane, but at least he’s smiling. Max gives it the okay, and he frankly trusts her opinion on what’s attractive in guys more than Dustin’s.

He adds a second picture of him and El at their favorite ice cream shop, and a third of all his friends at the roller rink. Dustin bugs him to include something from his mom’s wedding a few years ago, where he’d worn a suit. Will finally relents, under the condition that it would just be a dumb mirror selfie he took, hand grasping at his collar, making it clear that he did not want to be in that thing. He doesn’t want to look like a try-hard.

After selecting a final few— him in a flower crown El made him, a photo Max had taken in secret of him reading a book under a tree, caption titled “nerd,” and a hiking trip he, unfortunately, went on with Hopper, where he’s all sweaty and looks like death— he’s finally done.

Okay, maybe he’s a bit self-destructive with his choices. Subconsciously, that might have been on purpose. If no one finds him attractive, Max can’t get mad at him if nothing comes from this endeavor. Oops— no matches. Guess he’ll just have to delete the app. For the sake of his self-esteem.

With one final glance over his profile, he clicks the done button.

Will Byers
21
Rhode Island

He/him :)

(Aspiring) Artist, though it feels a bit conceited to say that. I swear, I’m going to college for it and everything.

My friend said to write that I’m a hopeless romantic, but that’s completely untrue and he’s a liar. Also, my favorite movie is Lady and the Tramp.

God, that’s humiliating. He’s so awkward. He never wants to look at his bio ever again. Now, all he has to do is find someone that’s interested. And, worse, find someone that interests him.

Will, surprisingly, has matched with quite a few people. In all honesty, he probably would have had even more if he wasn’t so damn picky. It’s not that he thinks he’s too good for everyone— he just doesn’t find many people attractive. He’s questioned more than once if he’s somewhere on the aromantic spectrum; this can’t be normal.

Sure, the guys on here are attractive— conventionally. But the few that have stood out to him ended up going nowhere. Or, they tried to go somewhere— very quickly in fact. Will immediately unmatched them. He’d think that strangers on the internet would have some class.

After a couple days on the app, he’s about ready to call it quits. He gave it a shot; Max can’t get on his ass about it anymore. Internet dating just isn’t his thing.

At least, he thought so— until he comes across a profile of perhaps the most gorgeous boy he’s ever seen. Okay, maybe not the most gorgeous— Han Solo exists— but certainly to his taste. Impressive, for someone who doesn’t seem to be a Hollywood celebrity. Pretty, but in a flawed kind of way. Wait— that sounds mean. Not ugly. The guy is just sort of… awkward.

It’s clear that he doesn’t like his picture taken; there are absolutely no selfies, and most of the pictures are with other people. Friends, it looks like. Maybe a sister, if those stunning cheekbones and curly hair are genetic. He’s smiling in half the photos, and scowling in the others. Will finds it sort of cute.

He’s tall— Will imagines he’d tower over him— and skinny, too. He has hair that’s either black, or a very dark brown. He sort of looks like he hasn’t seen the sun in weeks. In other words, he’s exactly Will’s type.

Mike Wheeler
21
3 miles away

He/him

If one more person calls me gay for putting my pronouns in my bio I’m going to lose my mind. My good sir, you matched with a man. I don’t know what you were expecting here.

I’m not sure what I can write about myself that doesn’t make me sound like a giant dork. Let’s just say that I can speak three languages, and two of them are made up.

Forget his looks— his bio is even better. This is exactly the kind of person Will needs. Someone open-minded, smart— a dork, as he put it. If he ends up matching with him, Will hit the jackpot.

It only takes a few minutes before a message from Mike comes through.

Oh wow
I really didn’t think you’d match with me
Hey
Sorry, I’m usually way more suave than this
I’m super charming and cool, I swear

Cause you’re like
Pardon my French
Hot

Will sighs deeply out of his nose, disappointed but not surprised. Of course Mike is like all of those other guys that have messaged him. Why wouldn’t he be? Will had just hoped he’d be a bit more original than this. His second picture was him dressed up at the Ren faire, for goodness sake. All Will wants is a nice, nerdy loser. Is that too much to ask?

His finger hovers over the unmatch button, before deciding against it. Will wants to give him a chance. If he’s putting himself out there, he can at least quit half-assing it. Besides— he might as well have some fun with this.

How am I?

I told you I’m smooth

I did
You’re hot

I promise I have no lines
I was lying before, I’m really not smooth
You think I’m hot?

I’m dead serious
You looked nice and I panicked
I got nervous
What I meant to say was hi, I’m Mike and my favorite type of rock is igneous. What’s yours?

Rocks. Huh. Maybe Will misjudged him a bit. Maybe he isn’t bad after all. Actually, he seems kind of cute.

Reading back through Mike’s messages while imagining a flustered, lanky idiot with a poor grasp of social cues, Will determines that he’s definitely cute. Mike is confident and funny, but somehow self-conscious at the same time. He doesn’t know the power he wields, and that only adds to his attractiveness.

Well, now Will is nervous. He feels like he’s at an animal shelter, falling for the most scraggly, unfriendly dog they’ve got. He wants this one. He needs this boy to like him back.

He replies to the text in the only way he knows how. He just hopes that his answer is satisfactory enough for Mike.

Very good choice
Sorry if I messed things up earlier
I didn’t want to come off as a dickwad

Me neither. Everyone kind of sucks

Oh gross
Trust me, I grew up with sisters. They instilled hatred of men in me since I was born
Sad that they’re so beautiful

Oh no, that’s not where my troubles lie
I think I’m just too much for a lot of people
That’s kind of the goal though
I usually open with a dumb question to weed out the boring guys
What’s your opinion on furries?

No. I just want to see how people answer

Perfectly
I hate when people judge others for stupid shit. Who cares?
I don’t want to date someone like that
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a hater
But only for people who deserve it

Me too
If you and your friends are slow walkers who take up the entire sidewalk, you better watch out
Anyway what’s your favorite font

Hey I respect tnr
It’s criticized but a classic

Good choice
Mine’s Iowan
I set it as my default on my computer
I’m glad you’re not a dud like the others. It’s nice to meet someone with an actual personality
Tbh I didn’t think you would
Wait that sounds mean
I just mean that
Well, you’re very handsome
Most handsome people don’t put up with my ramblings for so long because they know that they can definitely do better
And now I sound like an insecure loser
Sorry, I’ll shut up

Which one of us was the flirt again?

I can’t help it
My charisma score is a 20, I’m just that good
Joking, clearly
It’s probably my lowest

DO YOU??
Can I proclaim my undying love or is it too soon?

Me too!
Well, my friends and I still play
You have to join us sometime
I mean
If you want
No pressure

Great!
When did our flirting turn into arranging a dnd session with a group of random guys?

You’re joking right?
I’m like a walking target for bullies

My character or me?

Is it arrogant to say intelligence?

Oh, are you into scholars?
I’m sorry to have to break it to you, but I’m actually kind of a dumbass
Smart, but an absolute idiot
My friend Lucas calls me paradoxical

If you consider that a big word than you’ll be unequivocally ebullient with the rest of my vocabulary

Lol
So what would you say your highest is?
Strength? I think it’s strength. You look like you could snap me in half

Ah yes
I saw that
I was intrigued
You do portraits or something?

No not at all
It’s impressive

Gimme the link right now
I’ll buy you out

Will quickly loses track of time as he messages Mike. He can’t even remember half of their conversation; all he knows is that it’s dark out, and he’s starving. His stomach must have been growling for a while now.

He can’t explain it. He’s never had a conversation flow so easily with anyone other than his lifelong friends. Mike is extremely easy to talk to. Even if they don’t work out romantically, he hopes they can still stay in touch. He meant what he said— he needs friends in Rhode Island. And no, his brother doesn’t count. El and Max live back in Indiana, and Dustin is out to the west. They only really visit each other during breaks. It’s Will’s turn to host this summer, until he heads back home for a couple weeks in July.

Though he’d never admit it, Max was right; he’s embarrassingly lonely. It’s not just his romantic life that’s nonexistent— it’s his social life too. He has a couple acquaintances from his classes, and that’s about it. He’s a bit sick of going to the bar with his brother. He loves Jonathan— he really does— but that’s just sad. At least he’s brought a couple work friends back to the apartment lately.

Will likes Mike. He really does. He’s witty, and sweet, and just the right amount of snarky for it to be endearing rather than annoying. He’s opinionated— he knows exactly what he wants, and he isn’t afraid to shout it out. Will never has to worry about accidentally saying the wrong thing; Mike would certainly call him out on it if he did. And he trusts Mike enough to do the same to him. Bantering with him is as easy as breathing.

He’s fucked. Truly and utterly fucked.

He shoots Mike a quick goodbye, and shuts his phone off for the night. If he doesn’t, he’s scared he’ll keep messaging Mike until morning; and then he’ll look like a desperate freak who gets attached way too fast. Which isn’t untrue, but still. Mike can remain blissfully ignorant of that fact.

Not to be super boring and ask you about your job but
Why does it say in your bio that telling people you’re an artist feels conceited
I think it sounds sick as hell

Ah I see
You’re going to art school though, right?
You must be pretty good

Oh so VERY good
That’s prestigious

You study my pics now?

I just test well
I’m not like some genius
I memorize information easily

3.95
But that doesn’t mean anything
My classes are just easy

English
The goal is to become an author
Also unstable but

Stop flattering me

Will smiles down at his phone from his spot on the couch. He’s meant to be watching TV with Jonathan, but he got a bit distracted at the sound of his notifications dinging.

It’s only been slightly over twenty-four hours since he first messaged Mike, but they’ve been chatting on and off ever since. Mike is talkative, that’s for sure. Will doesn’t think he’s messaged first once— and he’s glad for it. He can’t start a conversation to save his life. He has no idea what he’d even talk about. Mike doesn’t seem to have that problem. He never runs out of things to say.

So far, Will knows that Mike had a blueberry muffin for breakfast, got into an argument with his roommate about what temperature is adequate to set an apartment at, and was accepted into a class he was waitlisted for next semester. Surprisingly, Will finds that he actually cares. He cares about the stupid, pointless details of Mike’s day, if only to hear him talk about them. Anything to keep him on the app longer.

“You talking to your boyfriend?”

Will’s head snaps up at Jonathan’s voice next to him. He blushes, embarrassed. “He’s not my boyfriend,” he defends uselessly, giggling like a teenager as another message from Mike comes through.

“Don’t act like you don’t know that Dustin filled me in on the whole dating app thing,” Jonathan says, shooting him a knowing look. Damn it. Leave it to the one person who’s always been able to read him better than anyone else to clock his shit. “You’ve been so smiley today. I can tell you’re talking to a guy. Who is he?”

Will shrugs, averting his gaze. “Just— no one. Someone. It doesn’t matter.”

“Come on,” he leans closer, nudging Will’s arm with his. “Just show me. I need to make sure he’s good enough for you.”

Will rolls his eyes. He does not need his brother to watch over him all the time. He’s a grown man— he can pick out his own guys just fine. Still, he clicks out of the conversation and onto Mike’s profile. He holds his phone out for Jonathan to see, who grabs it and pulls it closer to his face.

“Hmm,” he nods, swiping to the next photo. “Hmm,” he repeats, louder this time, looking vaguely impressed. Will hates it. Jonathan hands him back his phone, saying, “I like him. He’s definitely your type.”

Will just sputters at that. “I don’t have a type,” he mutters weakly, though he knows he isn’t fooling him. He absolutely has a type.

“You do. And it’s that guy. He’s nice, I hope?”

Will can’t do anything but smile down at his hands. “Yeah. He’s nice. Maybe not in a traditional way, but… he’s sweet.”

Jonathan grins back at him softly. “Good. Make sure it stays that way. And I hope you two work out. You deserve someone you’re clearly head over heels for.”

Will glares at him as Jonathan ruffles his hair. He stands up with a stretch, leaving Will behind. “I’m going to head to bed. Turn the TV off when you’re done flirting.”

He is doing no such thing. Will huffs, annoyed, then returns to his phone to continue flirting.

Oh?
Really?

I’m definitely hot for you 😘

And yet you’re still here
Because you LIKE me ;)

Favorite video game, go

Alright I’ll make it easier
Favorite video game FRANCHISE
And don’t say Fortnite or something

Oh based?
Are you a Nintendo guy?
Cause I can get behind that

Hell yeah
Wii sports guy’s voice is hot

Mmmm
Yeah :)

You’re very much not dumb
But yeah
Secretly
They annoy me and I want them
But why is Wii sports guy dumb?

Damn I didn’t know you were so well acquainted with him
Is he an ex?
Also you never answered my question

Wrong answer
We can’t keep talking anymore

Zelda, clearly
You’re a Nintendo fan and you don’t like Zelda?

It should have

Will is becoming increasingly more aware that he has no idea how talking stages work. He was never really in one before. His last relationship was in high school— he simply just found himself with a boyfriend, no idea how he got there. Probably with a confession scribbled out on notebook paper that was passed to Will while he was trying to concentrate on the lecture.

Now he’s getting nervous. It’s been weeks since he first matched with Mike. They should be dating by now, right? Is Will supposed to ask him out? He kind of figured that was Mike’s job seeing as he was all… confident and brave and manly.

What worries him more is the idea that Mike is talking to other guys on the side. He’s on a dating app— who knows how many conversations he’s having at the moment? The problem with not dating Mike is that he’s not dating Mike. They haven’t had those talks yet— about exclusivity and the casualness of their relationship.

Is Will interesting enough to keep all of Mike’s attention for himself? He doubts it. Will stopped browsing for guys the second he started talking to Mike, but who’s to say that he’s done the same? Maybe Will is just an option for him; someone he’s playing around with for the time being. Will dreads the day Mike stops replying in favor of a stronger, taller, more handsome guy.

But what can he say? “Hey Mike, can you hurry up and ask me out already? I’m scared I’ll miss my chance and you’ll be off the market for good”?

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
what

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
oh your dream boy
idk what you’re so worried about
you could just straight up say “i’m going to get coffee, want to come?”
he’d be out the door in a matter of seconds

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
i’m being serious
he’s whipped
i’ve read your messages, remember?

𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘦 😍💋
Yeah he’s totally gone for you dude
We all witnessed that disaster
On a completely unrelated note, your birthday is not a good password

𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 🧙‍♀️🪄💞
I wish we could have met him before we left.
Now we can’t embarrass you in front of your date.

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
grow a pair?

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
oh YOU shut it, i’m trying to help
i want to see you guys become a happy nerdy little couple

𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘦 😍💋
Aww you DO have a heart

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
🖕

𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘦 😍💋
Seriously though you have nothing to worry about
Either ask him out now, or wait for him to

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
yeah i can’t imagine he has many offers
no offense to your man
but he’s a giant dork
he’s not going anywhere anytime soon

𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 🧙‍♀️🪄💞
He sends you good morning and good night texts.
He’s definitely lonely.

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
jesus christ I’LL ask him
give me his number

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
well that’s a good place to start isn’t it

𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘦 😍💋
Not until Hop sees it

Max is right. He just has to man up and ask. It’s clear that their little flirtation isn’t progressing any further without a push. Just a small one. A nudge. One that tells Mike that he’s very much interested, and would like to take the next step.

One thing’s for certain— if things don’t work out with Mike, Will never wants to do this again. He’s put way too much of his emotional energy into this relationship; he can’t restart the talking stage with anyone else, with the potential of it going nowhere. Dating apps are not for him. Maybe dating isn’t for him. Not if it isn’t with Mike.

Oh
Okay
Well, I really enjoyed talking to you
I wish you luck :)

Oh thank god
You scared me

Shhh
It’s a secret

Yes
Definitely
Should I delete the app as well?
Is that where we’re at?

No it’s fine
It’s not like I’m talking to anyone else anyway

Were you?
Do you get jealous a lot?

I’d say you know me pretty well
And I’m glad
Jealousy is hot

Hot*
I wish someone liked me enough to be jealous

Okay well that’s just an asshole move
Did either of them know you liked him?

good
they deserve it

What??
They were jerks
And you can do much better anyway

Well
Better than me honestly

Yeah?
You’re pulchritudinous yourself

I did

Will enters Mike’s number into his new contact, before deleting the dating app from his phone. He never wants to look at that thing again. It’s pure evil.

While he waits for Mike to text him— because he is not doing it first, after just having made a move thirty minutes ago— he grabs himself a bowl of cereal. Yes, he’s having cereal for lunch. Don’t judge him— he’s experiencing many feelings.

He does the puzzles on the box while he eats, finding them way too easy. He completes them all before finishing his first bowl. It’s almost like they were made for kids, or something, because Will eats kids’ cereal like a loser. What made him think he was worthy of Mike’s affection? He’s still in his pajamas at one in the afternoon for Christ’s sake.

It’s as Will shovels a horrendously massive spoonful of cereal in his mouth that Jonathan walks into the kitchen. He pauses in the doorway, clearly sensing that he’s interrupted something. “Did Mike break up with you?”

“We’re not dating,” he says through a mouthful. He chews and quickly swallows it down, adding, “But no, we’re fine.”

Jonathan pulls a seat out across from him. He sits, leaning forward with his forearms resting on the table. “What’s wrong, then? Why are you moping?”

“I’m not moping,” he deflects, as he stares down at where he’s slowly stirring his cereal, forlorn.

“Uh huh,” Jonathan says sarcastically. “Sure. Now spill.”

And Will has never been that strong; especially not with his brother. “I’m just… scared, I guess. I really like him. I don’t think I’ve ever liked someone this much. What if I mess it up?”

“You won’t mess up,” he assures with a confidence that Will certainly doesn’t have. “I’ve known you for over twenty years, alright? Trust me when I say that you’re incapable of messing things up. He’s going to love you. And if he doesn’t, he isn’t worthy of your love. But I doubt that will be a problem.”

“Yeah, right,” he mumbles down at his bowl. “He won’t even ask me out.”

“He’s probably nervous— just like you are.”

Well, Will supposes that could be true. While Mike is relatively confident most of the time, he does seem to get nervous. At least around Will.

Will has never struggled with patience before, but Mike is testing him now. Maybe he just needs a bit of encouragement— reassurance. Will is not asking him out— he refuses— but he can be a bit more forward, if that’s what Mike needs.

“I guess,” Will says.

Jonathan gives him a smile, standing to ruffle his hair. Will grimaces at him. “Believe me— he’ll be taking you out to dinner in no time.”

Sure. Whatever.

Just as Jonathan starts out the door, his phone chimes with a message. Jonathan, annoyingly, lets out a knowing laugh. Will pointedly ignores it, and the blush on his face.

I heard that a handsome guy owns this number

Nah
Only the ones whose names start with W

Just the one
But he has the beauty of ten men
😍😍😍😍

So?

Yeah no I’m not
I’m just messing around

My friends call me a clumsy fool with no regard for social cues so I’m going to have to disagree

Oh my god am I that obvious?

I thought we were getting along a little too well
Neurotypicals can’t sit through my ramblings on sharks
Even my sister gives up around minute ten
Oh I never asked you
Are you the youngest child?

ME TOO
Are you sure though? You totally give youngest sibling vibes

Oh got it
I was the youngest for nine blissful years until the demon came along

Alright I guess she’s not all bad
If she helps me pick up hot guys

Excuse you
I’m sweeping you off your feet

Will sighs. He doesn’t know how much clearer he could be. Any more obvious and he’ll be begging Mike on his knees to just ask him out already.

Will flops back onto his pillow, turning off his phone and throwing it to the other side of his bed that he made it to sometime during their conversation.

He’s done. He refuses to text Mike again today, unless it’s a “yes, I would love to go out with you.” Sure, maybe he’s being a bit dramatic. But he’s tired, okay? This has been an emotional roller coaster. He doesn’t want to play these games anymore.

Will?
Wiiiiilllllll
Are you asleep again?
You and your naps
Sleep tight <3
Text me when you wake up

Will is a weak, weak man. Not only does he take a nap like Mike said, he also messages him back when he wakes up.

He can’t help it. Mike is too sweet to ignore, even if he is unbelievably frustrating and clueless. That’s exactly why Will likes him. And besides— between talking to Mike as a friend, or not talking at all, it really isn’t a competition.

Mike responds almost immediately, because of course he does. Will’s stomach does a swoop.

Hey!
Sleep well?

Lol of course you did
I can’t believe that you call yourself a light sleeper

Do you drool?
I feel like you drool

Knew it
Listen Will
I wanted to ask you something

William Byers (At least, I assume your name is William. Tbh I’m not really sure), I hope this isn’t too forward of me, because I know we just met, but I was hoping you’d want to join me for dinner sometime? Or coffee, or a movie. Anything you’d like, really. I just want to spend time with you in person.

Will nearly squeals. No, scratch that— he does squeal. Loudly. He hopes Jonathan didn’t hear that, because he’ll never live it down.

Mike asked him out. Finally. He’d hoped that’s where that question was going, but he didn’t want to get ahead of himself. He has a date. With Mike. Officially.

Okay, no. Play it cool. He can do this. Don't screw it up.

!!
Okay
When are you free?

I’m not sure if working in daycare is a real person job, but okay
Does Friday work for you?
6?

Really?
I’ve been told that I move way too fast in past relationships
I thought I was flubbing it up again but I couldn’t wait any longer

Oh. Is Will really that impatient? That desperate? He couldn’t even let them get to know each other for three weeks without going crazy? Well. That’s humbling. And humiliating. He’s going to single-handedly inflate Mike’s ego.

Oh me neither
I’m kind of winging it
My last relationship started when I was eighteen, and I wouldn’t consider myself mature by then
I’m barely an adult NOW

I really don’t
I just figured
Idk
We haven’t even called each other yet
I still don’t know if you’re catfishing me
Seemed a bit too soon to ask you out

That’s not possible

I have an idea
It’s a surprise
But you’ll have to dress fancy
I assume you own a suit
From the picture

Trust me, it’s alright
Just dress up
I’ll take care of the rest

Alright alright
Bossy

Will ends up texting Mike late the next morning, even after talking all day— though, that’s not too unusual for them. He doesn’t have to wait long for a response.

Oh for sure
Gimme a sec

What, now? He didn’t mean right this second. He’s still in bed; in his pajamas. He barely got up to brush his teeth and comb through his hair this morning.

Suddenly, Will’s screen is covered by Mike’s contact requesting a FaceTime. His profile photo is one that Will stole off the app— Mike in his Brown sweater, a wide smile on his face, with his little sister climbed up onto his back. Will imagines that he’s a sweet brother, carrying her wherever she wants to go, raising her high on his ridiculously tall shoulders to see over large crowds.

Will rolls onto his stomach and adjusts his hair in the preview screen. It’s messy, but it’ll do. He’s just glad he brushed it. He takes a deep breath, then holds the phone out at a reasonable distance and clicks to answer.

It buffers for only a couple seconds, before his own image shrinks into the corner, and Mike’s pops up as a blurry, pixelated mess. Will can tell who he’s looking at even before it clears. That’s Mike. His Mike.

Mike’s face breaks out in a wide grin as he waves at the camera. “Hey, Will.”

Will’s heart almost melts to his feet at the sound of his voice, and the sight of him in front of him. He’s here. He’s real. He’s not just a few photos Will has long since memorized. “Hi,” he replies nervously. He shoots him back a shy smile. “What’s up?”

Mike’s expression drops into one of shock, his lips parting slightly and blush appearing on his cheeks. Will raises his eyebrows, concerned, before Mike says, “Your voice is… deeper than I imagined it.”

“Oh,” Will blurts out uselessly. “Is that a bad thing?”

“No!” he shouts, cringing as he glances to what Will assumes to be a door just out of frame. He’s sitting in his kitchen, in front of the refrigerator. “No, it’s nice. It just surprised me. So, um— what have you been up to?”

“Not much,” he answers simply, leaving them in a heavy silence. This is so awkward. Why is this so awkward? They’ve been chatting nonstop for weeks— Will knows more about Mike than he probably knows about his own step-dad. They’ve never struggled for conversation before, but now, he can’t figure out what to say for the life of him. “Honestly, embarrassingly little.”

Mike, thank goodness, barks out a laugh. “I feel that. I just managed to get myself out of bed to eat breakfast now.” He tilts his camera down until a plate covered in leftover syrup comes into view.

Will can’t help but crack a smile, even through the suffocating tension that seems to dissolve a bit. “What happened to your real person job?”

“It’s Sunday, Will.” Oh. Is it? Will easily loses track of the days during summer. He has nowhere he needs to be, no one he needs to see. Not until Friday, which he was sure wasn’t today, so he didn’t bother worrying about it. Apparently, it’s in five days. All he knows is that he needs to be in Jonathan’s car in a little over a week, ready and packed for Indiana. “What about you? Are you working on any… art stuff today?”

“‘Art stuff,’” he snorts mockingly. “I probably should. That doesn’t mean I’m going to, though.”

“You should take me with you. I want to see your drawings. And I’ve been told that I’m a really good motivator, and not at all annoyingly distracting.”

Before Will can respond with a “sure, I believe that,” Mike’s head snaps to the side, looking at something off camera. That something enters the frame seconds later, completely covered by a red hoodie. The figure opens the fridge behind Mike and starts rummaging through it. Mike just watches him impatiently, saying nothing.

“Hey, Nance,” the figure calls out. It’s a guy.

Mike, clearly embarrassed, drops his head into his hand. “Not Nancy.”

Hoodie-guy finally spins around to face the camera, a confused look on his face. He’s very handsome. Muscular, too— Will can tell even from underneath the thick layers. He isn’t sure whether he’s attracted to him, or jealous that he’s over there hoarding Mike’s attention. “Who else could it be? You don’t have any other friends.”

Mike shoots him a sharp glare, elbowing him in the side. Hoodie-guy barely even flinches, but whether that’s because he’s tough or Mike is exceptionally weak, Will isn’t sure. “Go away, Lucas. I’m on the phone.”

Lucas. That’s Mike’s roommate, if he remembers correctly. Mike lives with him? And he’s on a dating app? There’s no way. Lucas must be painfully straight, because how else would Mike still be single right now?

Lucas’ face lights up in interest. He leans closer to the camera, a sudden smirk on his lips. “Ooh, is this your new boyfriend?”

Mike’s cheeks darken rapidly, and he grits his teeth. “Get. Out,” he tells Lucas, who only laughs at his misery.

“This is my kitchen! I’m allowed to be in here if I so choose.” He turns to Will again, bending over the table to shove his face up into the phone. “Mike really likes you. He talks about you all the time. He was a nervous wreck before he asked you out— pacing the living room and everything.”

“Lucas, I swear—“ Mike starts, but Will cuts him off.

“That’s good. I really like him, too,” he confesses, staring only at Mike’s image on the screen. Mike’s face softens from its scowl, and he gives Will a pleased smile. Will returns it easily.

“Aww,” Lucas coos, sporting a grimace, as if he just ate something too sweet. “Gross. I’m an ally, but I can’t wait for pride month to be over so all you gays have to go back into hiding.”

Mike rolls his eyes. “You’ve dated men before, shut the fuck up.”

Lucas shrugs, grabbing an orange from the counter. As quick as he came, he disappears from view. Mike watches him leave disdainfully.

“He’s gay?” Will asks as soon as his gaze is back on him.

“Bi,” Mike corrects, rolling his eyes once again. “And annoying. Sorry about him.”

“Ah,” he nods, then falls quiet. If sexuality isn’t an issue, why wouldn’t they be dating? Unless… unless they already have. Unless they’re exes and Will is a rebound. They fight like exes. Maybe they’re just waiting for the perfect time to get back together. “And you and him, you’re…”

“Roommates,” Mike fills in automatically.

“Right. And you’ve never…”

“Never?”

“You know,” Will says, growing embarrassed. Why is he like this? Why can’t he just let things go? Mike is going to think he’s crazy. “Dated?”

Crazy does seem to be the right word, as Mike breaks out in what can only be described as hysterical laughter. He pulls the most disgusted face, shaking his head, as if trying to repel the thought. “No. No way. He’s like my brother.”

“Oh, okay,” he says, relieved, but mostly just mortified.

“Why?” Mike asks, suddenly giddy. “Are you jealous?”

“No,” he denies. If his arms weren’t propping him up, they would be crossed, just to show how much he isn’t jealous.

Mike grins like a maniac. “Good,” he says, oddly gentle for how excited he looks. “I’m glad. Wouldn’t want you to be. That would be ridiculous.”

Will glares at him, blushing. He’s totally enjoying this. Will is out here suffering, and he’s laughing about it. What an ass. Will should hang up on him.

He doesn’t.

Will doesn’t realize how long they spend on the phone until they part ways and the call ended screen pops up, displaying their time. Two hours and thirty-six minutes. That’s stupid. It’s a stupid amount of time, and still, he was sad when they said their goodbyes.

Will promised to call him again tomorrow after Mike gets home from work. He can last until then. Who’s he kidding— they’ll probably end up texting by dinner. They better. Will can’t take the wait.

When Friday finally rolls around, Will puts on his best— and only— suit. He’s honestly surprised it still fits; he hasn’t worn it since his mom’s wedding years ago.

He still isn’t sure about tonight. Not about going out with Mike— that part he’s certain of— but the whole tux thing. He would hate to pressure Mike into taking him somewhere expensive. He doesn’t even know if he wants to go somewhere expensive. Nevermind the itchy collars and suffocating ties of the upper class, it’s also just… the upper class.

Will does not belong anywhere with a chandelier. He’s been reminded of that by his classmates every day since kindergarten, with Jonathan’s beaten up shoes on his feet, and his tattered jacket from the thrift. Sitting in a silent diner with a bottle full of hundred dollar wine and filet mignon or whatever the hell rich people eat— it sounds like a nightmare. He’s getting sweaty just thinking about it. The suit doesn’t help.

Look— Will knows that Mike grew up comfortably. It was exceptionally clear when they discussed growing up in the midwest, and Will couldn’t relate to any of his experiences. His secret basement that was practically a second bedroom to him, the weekly trips to the movie theater he used to take with his family, his mom that got to stay home and do his laundry, cook every meal, clean his room— it’s all foreign to Will.

So, yes, he knows that Mike could probably afford to take him out to a nice restaurant with the money he doesn’t spend on rent, because his and Lucas’s parents are paying it for them. That doesn’t mean he feels any more comfortable with it. He’s serious— if the bill gets too high, they’re splitting it. And if the prices are more than he’s willing to spend himself, he’ll refuse to eat.

But, more than anything, Will trusts Mike. If he says not to worry, he won’t worry. Maybe they’re just going to Olive Garden, or something, and Mike wanted to be romantic and shit.

Before Will can start second guessing his wardrobe choices, there’s a harsh knock on his apartment door. Oh fuck, okay, he thinks, fiddling with the button on his jacket sleeve. It’s fine. It’s just Mike.

Will feels a bit like Cinderella as he makes his way down the hallway to meet his Prince Charming. For the first time, Will is realizing that he’ll be wearing a suit as well. Mike. In a suit. If he thought the necktie made him breathless— man.

He keeps his gaze trained on the door in front of him, striding toward it, determined. He almost doesn’t notice Jonathan sitting on the couch, until his voice startles the crap out of Will.

“You’re dressed nice. Is Mike taking you somewhere fancy?”

“Hope not,” he replies shortly; he’s much too nervous for anything more. Eyes still locked on the door, Will wipes his hands on his pants, then sets one on top of the knob, unmoving.

“If he does,” Jonathan says, with a voice that tells Will that he knows exactly what’s going on in his head, “just enjoy it, okay? You deserve a treat every once and a while.”

Will’s first instinct is to argue, but he only nods. It’s not worth the fight. Jonathan doesn’t back down when it comes to his happiness. With a deep, grounding breath, Will swings open the door.

Mike is, believe it or not, more gorgeous when he’s not on a six-inch screen. Will isn’t sure how much that has to do with the suit, but he soaks in all the little details that were never picked up on camera. His eyelashes are long— surprisingly so— and his eyes are the most beautiful shade of brown, shining in the lamp light.

He has freckles. How has Will never noticed his freckles?

He’s wearing a dark blue bowtie and black leather dress shoes— a far cry from his usual style of jeans and Converse. His hair is curly and wild, but still neater than usual; clearly, he styled it for tonight. He looks… nice. Very nice. Will thinks he’d fit in perfectly with all those rich people. He can hardly tell that it’s just a nerd under all those expensive fabrics.

Neither of them has said a word since they saw each other. Will, on his end, is stunned. He hopes Mike feels the same. He can’t help but crack a joke to release some of this charged energy between them. “I feel like you should be wearing a monocle and top hat.”

Mike, never one to back down from a bit, tilts his head back and groans in frustration, but he has a wide smile on his face. “I knew I should have brought those.” He looks back at Will, attempting— and failing— to bite back his grin, and raises his eyebrows. He lifts his arms away from his body as if he’s about to do a turn to show off his outfit. “What do you think? Can I pull it off without them, or should I head back now?”

Will gives him what he knows must be a love-struck smile, glancing up at his head. “You definitely don’t need them. Your hair looks nice— wouldn’t want to cover it up.”

Mike mindlessly grabs at one of the curls. “My sister came over and did it for me. Sorry— is it lame to talk about siblings on a date?”

“No, it's fine. Jonathan’s eavesdropping on our conversation right now, so.”

Right on cue, Jonathan pokes his head into the doorway, still sitting on the couch. “Have him back by eight.”

“Nine,” Will says, crossing his arms.

Jonathan doesn’t relent, staring him in the eyes unwaveringly. “Eight.”

He rolls his eyes, shouting a quick, “Goodbye!” before stepping onto the porch, closing the door behind him. “You don’t have to listen to him,” Will tells Mike. “He’s not the boss of me. My bedtime isn’t until nine-thirty.”

Mike snorts a laugh, joining him as they walk down the stairs to his car. Hesitantly, Will feels a hand grab his. He tries not to squeal like a girl as he gives it a reassuring squeeze.

“So, where are we going?” he asks once he’s seated. Unfortunately, he can’t grab hold of Mike’s hand again while he buckles his seatbelt, but he supposes that not flying out of the windshield to his death is worth it.

“It’s a secret,” he replies, just like he has every other time Will has asked. “Trust me— you’ll like the food. We’ve talked about it before. And I’m ninety-nine percent certain you’ve been to this place as well.”

Really? Will knows for sure he’s never been anywhere where the dress code is above business casual. Maybe it really is Olive Garden.

Will tries not to worry about it as Mike makes the drive. They don’t go far— hence why Will would have likely gone to this establishment in particular. It’s only about a five minute car ride until Mike pulls into a large parking lot, surrounded by several restaurants and stores.

Directly in front of them, however, is a pizza place.

Will turns to Mike, who looks like he’s trying desperately not to laugh. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah,” he answers, clearly getting a kick out of Will’s confusion. And annoyance. “Is this casual enough for you, my lord?”

As much as he doesn’t want to, Will lets out a chuckle of his own. This is ridiculous. They’re going to go in there, looking like this. This might be the single most humiliating thing he’s ever done; the most fun, too.

Will isn’t the most adventurous guy out there. Surprising, right? He would never do something like this on his own— it makes him too nervous. Mike, on the other hand, is wild. He’s probably the type to cosplay out in public, or something. Absolutely fearless. Will admires it. He wishes he was like that. Maybe he can be, with Mike here. Maybe all he needed was someone to push him out of his comfort zone.

Will shakes his head, smiling fondly. “You’re leading the way. I am not going to be the first idiot they see.”

They both get out of the car, making their way to the building. Will has never been more glad that his date decided not to show up with a monocle and top hat— which isn’t a sentence he thought he’d ever say, but, well, it’s Mike. Mike, for his part, doesn’t seem self-conscious in the slightest. He holds his head high as he throws open the door. Will imagines that he’s wearing the same faux-serious expression he’s been sporting all evening— like he’s some important business man from the 1800’s, and how dare anyone question his attire. That, and a small grin of amusement.

Will ducks his head, both to hide his blush and his smile. This is no laughing matter.

Mike steps up to the counter, resting an arm on top like he belongs here. “Hello there,” he says to the poor worker. “I’ll take a medium pizza with sausage and pepperoni, and two fountain drinks.”

He remembers Will’s order. They’d only discussed it once, when the topic of Will’s tenth birthday came up. He’d only ever eaten cheese pizza before that, but the restaurant messed up their order. His mom felt awful, despite his reassurances, so he grabbed a slice anyway, sure he would hate it. It was the best pizza he’s ever had.

Mike turns to him, breaking him out of his daze. “Dr. Pepper?” he asks, holding out his cup.

“Yeah,” he nods absently. “I can go get it.” He reaches out his hand, but Mike pulls the cups out of his grasp.

“What kind of fancy pants would I be if I made you get your own drink? Go sit down, I’ve got it.”

Will doesn’t know whether to swoon or laugh. He does a little of both.

He finds a seat near the corner, because as much fun as he’s having, he’d rather not be in more of the center of attention than he is currently. He’s suddenly anxious without Mike to share some of the spotlight, so he pulls out his phone. He opens the camera app, flipping it towards his face, and takes a quick picture from under the table. It’s not a great angle, but it gets his suit in frame just fine. He opens Instagram and posts it to his close friends story, which consists of about five people— one of which is his mom.

“In a pizza shop…” he titles it, and under that in smaller text, “And he’s really pretty.”

Almost instantly, Max sends a screenshot of his story to the group chat.

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
is this real?

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
not that pickle brain
why are you dressed like you're going to a banquet?

𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘦 😍💋
What’s a pickle brain?

𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 🧙‍♀️🪄💞
Why?

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
right
okay

𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 🧙‍♀️🪄💞
He’s nice though?
You’re having a good time?

𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘦 🛹🖕
🖕

𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘦 😍💋
Give us updates!
Oh good he’s gone
Will and Mike sitting in a tree
K i s s i n g
Kiss him goodnight for me Will!

Will shoves his phone in his pocket just as Mike sets the drinks down on the table. He takes the seat across from Will, bringing the straw to his lips. They’re soft, he realizes. He really does want to kiss him. Damnit, Dustin.

Will clears his throat instead, rolling his straw wrapper into a little ball. “Everyone’s staring at us,” he mutters lowly, catching a glimpse of an elderly couple watching them out of the corner of his eye.

Mike’s eyebrows furrow in concern, forming cute little wrinkles on his forehead. “Are you uncomfortable? We can leave if you want.”

He quickly shakes his head. “No— no, not at all.” That might be a partial lie, but what does it matter? “It’s kind of funny. And it’s not like they’re glaring any harder than they would be if we were two regular men on a date.”

Mike leans back against the booth. “That’s true, unfortunately. At least this way we look hot while they do it.”

He’s not sure whether that’s a compliment toward Mike or himself, but it flusters Will anyway. Mike thinks he looks hot. Unlike the first time Mike said it, he feels honored.

It doesn’t take long for the pizza to arrive, or for the waiter to do a double take at their wardrobe choices. Will has to stifle a laugh behind his hand as Mike says in a booming voice, “Thank you, good sir,” and hands him a five. The waiter quickly rushes away.

Will can’t hold back his cackle when Mike turns to him, and neither can he. Garnering even more negative attention with their ruckus, Will has a hard time catching his breath. Mike, for one, looks stupidly proud of himself.

“You’re so dumb,” Will tells him, though they both know he doesn’t mean it. “This is dumb.”

“You like me anyway,” he retorts, and unfortunately, it’s true.

They easily get through the entire pizza between them, chatting all the while. Honestly, Will thinks they spent more time talking than eating. He could probably write an entire book on Mike at this point— his childhood, his hopes and dreams, his regrets. Will knows it all. And Mike knows all of him.

Neither of them get up to leave, even after they finish their sodas and have to refill them. Will wonders if it’s too much to order dessert. The workers might like them more if they did.

He fiddles with his straw, stirring the ice in his cup so it makes a clanging sound against the plastic. “I’m glad you asked me out when you did,” he says, half meeting Mike’s eyes as he glances up. “I’m going on vacation for a couple weeks. I couldn’t have waited that long for our date.”

“Yeah?” he asks, equal amounts surprised and interested. “Where to?”

“Home,” Will smiles into his drink. “To see my mom. It’s been six months since I was last there. I miss her.”

Mike nods understandingly. He knows just how much of a mama’s boy Will is; almost an embarrassing amount. “I get that. My mom’s been bugging me to visit as well. Hey— you’re not far from Indianapolis, are you? Maybe I should stop by at the same time. We could meet up? Go on a second date?”

“Yeah,” Will says, biting back the most absurd grin the world has ever seen. “Maybe.”

“Sorry,” he blurts suddenly, looking a bit regretful. “Is that too fast? It’s just— I’m having a really good time. I’d like to see you again, if that’s okay.”

“‘Okay’ might be an understatement,” he replies, reveling in the relief and delight that floods Mike’s face.

“Good. That’s good. I’m glad. Very good.”

Will snorts, flicking his paper ball wrapper at Mike’s forehead. “Dork.” He lifts a hand to the spot, offended.

It’s quiet for the first time all night, until Mike lets out a sigh. “I can’t think of an excuse to keep us here longer.”

“Neither can I,” he replies, regretfully. “I guess that means we should head out?”

“If we must.” Mike stands from his side of the booth, then holds a hand out for Will to take. He graciously accepts it, letting himself be pulled to his feet. Will doesn’t let go until they reach the car.

The ride back is quieter than it was on the way here, but it’s not awkward in the slightest. It’s more… content. Disappointed, maybe, that the night is coming to a close, but the air is filled with understanding that this isn’t the end. They’ll see each other soon. They’ll call even sooner. Will doesn’t doubt that there will be a text message waiting for him the second he steps into his house.

They both remain seated as the car pulls up to Will’s apartment. It’s eight-thirteen— Jonathan’s going to be pissed— but he’s not particularly in a hurry. He knows Mike isn’t, either. He doesn’t move until Mike begins opening his own door.

Mike rounds the hood of his car, meeting Will where he stands on the curb. He gestures his head to the door with a small smile, and Will joins him at his side as they make their way up the sidewalk. They stop on the doormat, Mike turning so that Will’s back is facing the house. He takes both of Will’s hands in his own, Mike’s fingers carefully grasping his.

“I really did have a nice time tonight,” he tells Will, voice quiet and gentle in the night. It feels right— like anything more will break the enchantment around them.

“I did too,” Will replies hopefully. This is it, right? The moment he’s heard about? Where guys walk their dates to their door and kiss them goodnight for the first time? He’s ready. He’s so ready. He’s about to start leaning in before Mike speaks again.

“Well, I guess I’ll… see you later? After you get back? Maybe before?”

Will nods rapidly. Here it comes.

Mike begins to lean down, and Will can feel his arm being led somewhere— maybe Mike’s face, or his hair, or his shoulders— but he’s not paying it enough attention to care. He braces himself for a kiss, and when it comes, he can’t help but let his eyes fly open. Because there, on his doorstep, Mike Wheeler is kissing his hand.

He’s too stunned to speak— too stunned to move. He doesn’t think he’s breathing as Mike slowly removes his lips from his knuckles. For the second time tonight, Will thinks he’s found a real-life prince.

His elation is quickly ripped away as Mike smiles at him, then turns to walk to his car. “Mike!” he exclaims, baffled. Without Will realizing what he’s doing, he grabs Mike’s hand again and tugs him backward, preventing him from leaving.

Mike only has time to shoot him a confused look before Will grabs him by the face and presses their lips together. It’s too forceful, and Will just sort of sits there, because he absolutely does not know how to kiss, but Mike melts into it anyway. He wraps his arms around Will’s waist, and takes charge of the kiss so Will can follow his lead.

He tastes like greasy pizza and root beer, and he’s fairly sure that his fingers are wrinkling his suit, but Will still feels like he’s floating from happiness. He kissed Mike.

He pulls back as quickly as he went in, holding Mike’s face close to his. He pants heavily, sure that his breath is hitting Mike’s face as his is doing to Will’s. He doesn’t mind.

“You were not about to let me leave for Indiana without a kiss,” he says accusingly.

Mike at least has the decency to look ashamed about it. “I was trying to be a gentleman.”

And Will… is a sucker. That’s so sweet. He’s absolutely charmed. He doesn’t even know what to say to that; there are no words that can possibly convey the affection running through his veins.

So he doesn’t say anything. He leans forward to plant another kiss to Mike’s pretty red lips.

Mike grins widely, grabbing onto Will’s collar to pull him in for one of his own. “Okay,” he says as he retreats. “I really should go. I’ll see you later, alright?”

Will nods as he watches Mike start toward his car once again. Before he even makes it three steps, he spins back around. In a blink, he's standing in front of Will, kissing him one last time on the cheek. And then he’s off.

“Bye,” Mike calls over his shoulder, waving.

Will just waves back as he disappears into his car. He heaves out a bittersweet sigh, then opens the door to his apartment.

Surprisingly, Jonathan isn’t sitting there waiting for him. Or, if he was, he left after spying on his brother makeout with his date on the porch. Either way, Will is glad. He just wants to flop on his bed and scream into his pillow.

As soon as he’s in the privacy of his own room, he pulls out his phone. He smiles like a loser at the messages that are waiting for him.

Miss you 😘
Did you get in safely?

Oh no, I could never
There wasn’t a kidnapper in your house or anything though, right?

Okay
Well tell me something only Will would know

I
Okay
Fine

Bossy

Chill out I already got you something
And Jonathan so he doesn’t give me the eyes
You would think that he’d give me a break after a year

Lies we are not

…Maybe
I got you a milkshake though
Because I love you more