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The time has come.
With the fear that Vecna would expose Will's secret, Will decided to do it on his own instead.
He has finally confessed. Confessed about being different. About him not being straight.
Everyone seemed to understand. Robin looked proud, and Mike looked in awe, though he tried to hide it. To further support Will, everyone went in and hugged him.
All of this felt nice to Will. Happy that everyone accepted for who he truly is. But he couldn't help but feel as if Mike had been staring at him more than usual. This scared Will. What if he knows? What if he's silently judging me?
Will tried to brush those kinds of thoughts away, just as he also decided to try to stay away from Mike altogether for now. Too risky. He can't bear to lose a friendship that's this important to him.
Immediately after everyone let Will be, he and Robin went outside, away from people, to have a conversation about this.
But as the nosy person that he is, Mike has secretly followed.
"Will! I can't believe you did that, in front of SO many people too! You go man! I'm so proud, I couldn’t have ever done that in front of such a big group. I mean, you were totally rockin' out there, next thing I know you're gonna be the one called 'Rockin' Will'!"
Robin hugged Will tightly, and Will returned the hug, shedding a few tears. It was a big event for Will, so he couldn't contain his emotions. Despite only getting close with Robin recently, he has built a special connection with her. He was very grateful for her being there for him.
An another person who is different, just like him.
"I- I just want to thank you. Thank you so much, Robin. And now that I think about it, maybe you're right, he is just my Tammy. Though, I-"
Will hesitated, his voice covered with uncertainty. He needed some time to think, so he looked down; saying that Mike is his Tammy felt... Wrong. Very wrong.
Since the day Mike asked to be his friend, they have been the closest of friends. Mike used to be by Will's side all the time.
Mike's caring and tender nature toward Will, and when Mike's voice softened whenever he was talking to Will. That probably caused Will to get a crush on— No. To fall in love with Mike.
Too bad the feelings aren't mutual.
"What's wrong Will?"
Robin spoke out, a look of concern planted on her face. She placed her hand on Will's arm, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
Will decided to tell her what he thought about all of this — having Mike as his Tammy.
"I just... I don't want him to be my Tammy... But I know he can never feel the same way. I just wish there would be a chance, that maybe he'd-"
Will stopped, his emotions getting the best of him, as a few tears slid down his cheeks. He pulled himself towards Robin and cried into her. He felt weak. Why couldn't he speak of this? Why was it so hard to express his feelings? He hated it. He despised being so emotional, yet at the same time not being able to explain how he feels.
"Hey, hey! Will! It's okay Will..."
Robin soothed him, patting his head gently. She knew this was a sensitive topic for him, so she tried to be as serious and comforting to him as possible.
Then, she continued.
"You know... He doesn't HAVE to be your Tammy."
"But he, but he-"
Will stuttered, looking up at Robin with teary eyes. In return, Robin wiped some tears from his cheek using her thumb.
"You still have a chance, Will. Just because that happened to me, doesn't mean it's gonna be the same for you. You and I are similar, but it doesn't mean EVERYTHING is gonna go the same for us. You hear me, Will? Plus, you and him are like totally different than me and Tammy. I mean, she was just a hallway crush, nothing serious. And you with him on the other hand..."
Robin smiled, putting a hand on Will's shoulder in a reassuring way.
"You still have a chance."
Will had no words, he looked at Robin with hope in his eyes. He hugged her again, and this time — he wasn't crying.
"Thank you, Robin. Thank you so so much."
Just as they were hugging, someone called out for Robin. They hesitantly let go of each other, and Will wiped off the remaining almost dried off tears from his face.
"Aw, c'mon. We were having a moment over here."
Robin comments, which makes both of them chuckle.
Will really needed this. Maybe he should talk to Mike too, but Will wasn't sure if he was ready to face Mike just yet. Robin cleared up his head, but it was still quite the mess. He didn't want to mess things up more than he already has. But for now, he was just hoping that he won't run into Mike after Robin will leave him.
"Well then, I'll catch you later, Will the Wise!"
"See ya, Rockin' Robin."
As Will saw Robin run off from the scene, he sensed a presence. He thought nothing of it, but flinched upon hearing a "Hey Will." from behind him.
Mike.
Shit.
Will didn't respond, nor did he turn around.
He took a deep breath. A shiver ran down his spine once Mike had spoken again.
"Sooo, who's the lucky guy? Tammy? He from California?"
Mike asked, trying to sound like he's teasing Will, but his eyes exposed a hint of... jealousy? Will didn't see that. He turned around only after Mike was done talking. And even after that, he couldn't bear to face him.
"Oh, Mike— Well uhm.. Wait, you weren't eavesdropping on and me and Robin, were you?"
Will quickly changed the topic, somewhat laughing it off, trying his best not to stare or seem weird. Mike's gaze was sharp, but he was too oblivious to tell that Will was embarrassed. It's for the best.
Will always appreciated how clueless Mike could sometimes be, which made hiding feelings for him much easier.
Mike, what a man to love.
"Well, no, I just walked in as Robin was leaving, only heard you thanking her or something. Now, time to answer my question."
Mike seemed tense, walking closer to Will, which made him even more nervous. No. He couldn't let Mike see him like this. He needed an excuse.
“Mike… This has been a lot already, I would like to leave that for later.”
Will swallowed the spit he had been holding in for a while now. He still refused to look at Mike, scared of what his expression might be— Concerned? Angry? Disgusted? Could be anything.
But he has also been scared that if Mike sees his face, now knowing that Will is gay, he will notice his eyes. His love-struck eyes every time he looks at Mike. That can ruin everything.
Mike grumbled, stopping walking. He seems to be thinking about something. Will sighed with relief.
But before he realized it, Mike took a step forward and spoke once again, this time in his softer tone.
“Yeah, you're right Will. I’m sorry. But I'm also gonna say that no matter how different you may be, there's no way anything would ever make me hate you or something.”
Mike was close enough to pat Will on the shoulder, which the latter didn't expect. This gesture caused Will to finally look up at Mike. He didn't look angry, nor disgusted, or any of that sort. He looked peaceful, happy even. With a warm smile, and those darn puppy dog eyes. One of Will's weaknesses, but thankfully because of the bad lighting outside, Mike shouldn't be able to see the slight blush on Will's face.
Though, Will couldn't help but chuckle at what Mike said, and for some reason, he put his hand on Mike’s that was on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Mike... This means a lot coming from you."
Will didn't want to say much because he was scared his voice would expose how vulnerable he was right now.
They just stared into each other's eyes for a moment, which reminded Will of simpler times. Times when he and Mike were always together. Playing dnd, drawing, and watching movies. He missed this so much. His only wish was to go back and relive these moments together.
No problems. No Vecna or Mind Flayer. No possession. No feeling like every inch of your body doesn't belong to you anymore. No feeling that each and every secret of yours is known by someone, and could be revealed to everyone at any moment.
Just back to when he was 10, hanging out with Mike and his other friends.
Will has been thinking for a while now, and to his surprise, their eye contact remained. That flustered Will. He has also just now realized how close the two of them are, so he pulled his hand away from Mike's.
But instead of Mike putting his hand off of Will's shoulder, he moved in closer, pulling Will into a big hug.
Will was now even closer to Mike, which made him even more flustered and confused. 'Why was Mike doing this??' was all Will could think of right now.
Though he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it. Mike's hugs always felt different than anyone else's. Warmer, tighter, gosh...
"You know Will... I guess I'm that curious about this Tammy guy because you and I are best friends, and you have never ever mentioned him. You know, thought we kept no secrets from each other."
Will almost coughed when Mike said that. Mike, always so persistent. He always wanted to know everything about Will. Yet, at the same time, that was kind of what made Will fall in love with Mike in the first place.
Will was lost in thought, so he didn't answer for a bit. To that, Mike tightened the hug, placing his head on Will's shoulder to get him to speak. Will coughed at last.
"Right right, sorry. Well, I just, I thought you'd judge me, and maybe even leave me."
Will said the last part a bit quieter. Mike pulled away from the hug to look directly at Will, but he kept his hands on each of Will's arms.
His eyes were wide and confused. Will looked away.
"What are you saying, Will? I'd never leave you because of someone you like. You're my friend, my best friend. Nor would I ever judge you for that. Don't you think that ever again, you got me?"
Mike sounded offended, but he still kept his soft voice, reserved only for Will.
This whole speech felt like an arrow being fired into Will's heart, something about it was so... Will couldn't explain it. He quickly calmed himself and said something in return.
"It's not as simple as it may look like, Mike... Also important to mention, Tammy isn't a guy. Just an example. So yeah. There's no Tammy here."
Mike's eyes widened, and he was now also thinking about something. Will thought it was a good opportunity to step away, because they were still more close to each other than Will could currently handle, but Mike's hands were tightly locked on Will's arms, so he couldn't quite move. All he could do was hope the bad lighting won't expose his blush, or that Mike wouldn't catch on.
"No Tammy, huh... Yeah, that adds up."
Mike muttered to himself. Will decided to finally look at Mike once again, since he was currently looking down, lost in thought.
Will admired how Mike looked right now, it reminded him of when Mike had to make decisions, for example which move was smarter while playing dnd, or even more important ones, the ones that involved more people. In those times, he'd always look deep in thought. It made Will smile.
Before Will could look away and stop smiling, Mike looked at him, and their eyes met for a moment. Will swore he could see Mike's eyes twinkle, but it was probably just his imagination.
Mike's grip suddenly loosened, so Will stepped away, looking down at the floor now.
"Hey, Will?"
Mike spoke out after a few seconds.
"Yeah, Mike?"
"Look at me."
Will, hesitantly, looked up.
"No matter who your crush is, I'll never stop caring for you."
That caused Will to chuckle, but he felt his eyes starting to water, so before Mike could see, he looked away yet again.
He hated how much he had to look away from Mike, in truth, he wanted to look at Mike forever. He had his face engraved in his mind. He could draw him at any time from his memory. But seeing him like this, in real time, felt better than anything.
Unfortunately, he had no choice but to turn away. Just like always.
Though this time, Mike didn't let it slide.
"Don't look away now, Will."
Will could've never have expected that, but he felt Mike's hand on his cheek, turning his face back to face Mike. He had only dreamt of a moment like this. Thankfully, his blush was still not seen because of the lighting, but his watery eyes were.
Will said nothing.
Mike was looking at Will's eyes and noticed him nearly tearing up, which caused Mike to frown. He spoke again with his soft voice.
"You know I hate to see you sad like that, Will."
Just as he was speaking, he put his thumb closer to Will's lips, cupping his cheek. He used that thumb to 'lift' Will's lips on one side a bit, so it'd look like he was smiling. Surprisingly, that worked. Will was now smiling, despite still having tears in his eyes.
This didn't feel so bad, but the question stayed; Why was Mike doing this? Is this just friendly behavior, or was he hinting at something?
No. How could Will ever think it meant something more, Mike is just trying to comfort him after Will came out. Will cursed himself for even thinking that.
Stupid. Selfish.
Will unnoticeably frowned as a result of his thoughts. Mike immediately noticed and moved closer, his hand moving from Will's cheek to his shoulder.
That doesn't mean anything. Will kept repeating in his head.
"Will? Is something wrong, Will?"
He sounded worried, his eyes running across Will.
That doesn't mean anything.
"Why are you doing this."
"..What?"
"Why are you so touchy all of a sudden?"
Will's eyes teared up. This wasn't like Mike. Did he want something? Was he making fun of him? Was he trying to humiliate him by acting touchy, so that he could expose him after? Why.
Mike stayed silent. His hand slid down from Will's shoulder, now resting by his side.
He looked down and sighed. He's hesitating.
Will didn't say anything either, nor did he look at Mike. Just what he thought. He found out what Mike was doing, and now Mike felt like Will knew that he was just trying to embarrass him, right?
"I'm sorry Will. Just the thought of you having a crush on someone... I dunno. It makes me feel some way, and that makes me act up— yeah I'm sorry, this is stupid, sorry."
Mike didn't look at Will, but now Will did.
"Makes you feel... what way?"
For some reason, what Mike said gave Will hope.
No. No way.
That doesn't mean anything.
Just a coincidence. It could be just Mike feeling happy for Will for telling about his crush.
But there is a possibility, right?
"I guess... It makes me feel dunno, jealous? Yeah, never mind this sounds really stupid."
Jealous? Mike?
Now that Will thought about it, it made perfect sense. The staring, the touchiness, the use of his soft voice.
But there's no way he meant it in a romantic way.
But maybe there is?
Will decided to shoot his shot.
"Jealous... of me liking somebody else? Did you want me to like you instead?"
Will looked up at Mike's eyes, and to his surprise, he did the same.
Mike's eyes were wide, and there was a twinkle in them.
This time, Will was sure it was not just his imagination.
"Mike?"
Will repeated, reaching his hand to touch Mike's arm. He could swear he could feel Mike shiver.
And out of nowhere, Mike finally spoke up.
"Yeah, Will. Okay. I was jealous. The thought of you liking anyone else feels wrong to me. Which is weird... I don't know why the fact that you probably like Lucas or something makes me feel angry. Or someone from Cali. I hate it, but I can't help but feel like I want you all to myself. Yeah again sorry, forget it."
For maybe the first time ever, Will heard uncertainty and embarrassment in Mike's voice? He was always confident and he spoke his truth, but this time, he was a flustering mess. Will couldn't believe it.
"Oh, Mike... I don't like Lucas, nor any guys from California... I-"
Will hesitantly chuckled, slightly tightening his grip on Mike's arm. Right now, he had a small smirk on his face, and his eyes elsewhere. And on the other side— Mike, hands crossed, and eyes on Will.
"It's just that El told me you drew some painting for some girl you like, well now I know it's not a girl, and I thought... But you said not Cali though. Hm."
Wait. Painting. El told him what? Though Mike didn't figure it out just yet...
Will thought that everything was going smoothly for now, so maybe a hint or two won't hurt? Right?
"The painting? Well, she is right, I did make, and even gave a painting to the person I like."
Will plastered a half smile on his face, looking at Mike with hopeful eyes.
Although Mike still didn't quite get it.
"Wait, you even gave her- him the painting? When did you even have a chance?"
Mike genuinely looked confused and a bit angry, though his soft voice stayed.
Will couldn't help but laugh at that. Well surely, with his last hint, Mike will get it.
But what if Mike doesn't actually like him back? Platonic jealousy is normal, especially when they've been friends for a decade. Will was starting to regret going this far.
But instead of stopping, like he usually does, he went for it. With a deep breath, and a cheerful smile on his face, he said his last hint.
"Mike... You're the only person I have ever given paintings to."
Silence. Mike stopped in his tracks, now just staring at Will.
Will was starting to feel like he had made the wrong decision, now officially ruining his friendship. But before he could say anything else, Mike was the one to tear up this time.
But not sad tears. Happy tears.
"Will.. Are you saying what I think you are?"
Mike finally got it. Will was feeling so many things at once. He still couldn't confirm if Mike meant it in a good or a bad way, so he was beginning to feel really nervous.
"Y-yeah. Are you okay with that? You don't find that.. weird or anything? If you don't feel the same way that's completely fine, I'll try to get-"
Will was cut off by Mike hugging him, tighter than ever before. Will could feel Mike's heart beating rapidly, as well as his short breaths paired with the wet trails that his tears left on Will's shoulder.
Will couldn't believe this was real, this had to be a dream. He was waiting for a moment when he would wake up, and all of this would be over. But since Mike was basically pinching him all over by hugging him so tight, this had to be real.
"Will, me? What were you thinking falling for me out of all people... Oh my god. I- I'm so sorry for not being there when you needed me most. For how long have you felt this way?"
Mike was basically crying at this point, but now, so was Will too.
"At least 5 years for sure... But even before that, you were always the most important person in my life."
Both of them just sobbed in each other's arms. It was beautiful in a way. A light flickered on a nearby pole, adding to the atmosphere.
"I could've told you too... You're braver than me, Will. For a long time, I had trouble admitting it. But you did it, Will. You did..."
Mike pulled away ever so slightly, just so he could see Will's face. Despite the horrid lighting, it was clear that both of them were flushed with both tears and smiles.
"I didn't even say it, though."
"And you didn't have to."
Will's smile grew at that, hearing that phrase after such a long time felt so refreshing. Especially because of the setting and timing at that moment.
Will didn't have too much time to think before Mike bumped his forehead against Will's.
They were incredibly close. Closer than ever before.
Will closely observed Mike's face, trying to find any details he didn't see before. He could barely see the details, but he could make out Mike's defined jawline, his light freckles, and his perfectly shaped eyebrows. How could he always look so perfect? Even when he was barely visible?
But that's when Mike asked a sudden question. Three words.
"Will... May I?"
This whole time, Mike has been eyeing his lips, at times looking at his eyes as well. So Will knew exactly what he was asking.
Without a word, Will smiled, and slowly put his nose against Mike's, giving him a green light.
To that, Mike closed his eyes and went in for the kiss. Will's eyes dilated as Mike moved closer, but he decided to follow, closing his eyes and also moving closer, before their lips finally interlocked.
Will has never kissed anyone before, so for his first kiss to be with Mike is a dream come true. This was still a bit confusing to him, so he let Mike lead.
To Will's surprise, Mike was actually a very great kisser. He could feel both his and Mike's heartbeats raising, he could tell this may have been the first time Mike has felt this way, just like Will.
Will could feel his hands moving on their own, grabbing Mike as if he was about to slip away. He could finally feel his curls the way he has always wanted to. He still couldn't believe this was actually real.
Mike has also been up to action— his hands were sliding across from Will's waist to his shoulders.
The cold air surrounding them gave them the chills, but at the same time this moment warmed both of them up better than any heater.
Will has never experienced something like this. It's like all of his troubles melted away.
For a moment, he couldn't feel Vecna inside of him. He didn't feel like he was just a puppet or a spy for an evil man. He felt actually wanted by someone, whom he wanted back.
Despite never wanting this to end, Will had to break the kiss because he was gasping for air, as if he was drowning. In a way, he was drowning in emotions.
Will pulled his head back to look at Mike. He never saw him like that. But Will thought he looked perfect. To share such a moment with him, and for him to enjoy it too, it was unbelievable. But he clung onto the hope that all of this was real.
Mike didn't take too long to speak.
"Holy shit. This was.. Gosh. Have you ever kissed before? I gotta talk to whoever taught you because woah."
What Mike said made Will laugh out loud. Mike gave him a curious look, before lightly pecking his cheek.
"Unfortunately for you, there's no one to talk to... You were my first kiss, Mike. No one taught me anything, I just followed whatever you did."
Will was still giggling, and Mike's reaction amused him even further.
"No way. I was actually your first? I must admit I am honored. But seriously, Will. You're too good for a first timer."
Mike laughed as well, shock was still visible in his eyes though.
"Guess I'm a natural then."
Both of them stayed in one place, just enjoying each other's presence. Neither of them have even noticed how fast time had passed. Soon, they had to face Vecna.
Will didn't want to. He wanted to stay in Mike's arms, he felt protected in them. But he knew that after this battle, he could go back into Mike's arms, and never have to worry about Vecna, or the Mind Flayer, or the Upside Down ever again. They just had to win this battle.
But at least now Will knew that all of his most important secrets were now known, so there was nothing that Vecna could use against him. That made his courage rise up.
As another breeze passed through Mike and Will, they decided it was time to stop, and to back to prepare for battle. Neither wanted this, but both knew it was for the best.
At least no one saw them that night.
They decided to keep their encounter a secret for now, there's already enough going on. They will tell those who need to know when the time is right.
And for now, they just had to focus on winning.