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Will pulls his knees up closer to his chest, curling in on himself as he rests his cheek against one of them, paintbrush balanced loosely between his fingers and a palette of paint smudged in soft colors in the other hand. There’s a quiet focus to him, the kind that makes everything else fade out.
His head bobs gently along to the music playing through his speakers, a soft hum slipping from his throat without him even realizing it. The room feels warm, filled with that easy, peaceful kind of quiet, just the kind he needs to push his worries out of his head, until his phone starts buzzing against his bed.
Once. Twice. Again.
Will ignores it at first, just dips his brush back into the paint, dragging color across the page. But, the buzzing doesn’t stop. It keeps going, insistent, breaking through the calm.
By the tenth buzz in five minutes, Will lets out a long, dramatic sigh, tipping his head back for a second like he’s been personally wronged. He leans over, reaching for his computer, clicking away from Pinterest to Spotify and hitting pause. The music cuts out, leaving the room a little too quiet.
Another buzz.
“Okay, okay-” Will mutters under his breath, already leaning toward his bed. He grabs his phone from the blanket, nearly dropping his brush in the process, and swipes it open, thumbs moving quickly as he taps in his password.
The screen lights up against his face, and just like that, all his attention shifts.
Luke!!
can we talk? nothing bad, dont be worried
i miss you and i dont want to leave things on a bad note
Yesterday, 3:26 PM.
Luke!!
are you busy today?
i was thinking of catching a movie
or some netflix if you wanna stay home
i got you flowers 💐
and chocolate 🍫
💐🍫
you always have your notifs on 😞
im sorry if im annoying you, i just want to apologize properly for the other day
Today, 6:12 PM.
Will gnaws on the skin of his bottom lip, worrying it between his teeth until it stings, his stomach twisting in slow, uneasy knots. He tucks himself in tighter, pulling his knees up and pressing his face against them, frowning into the warmth of his own skin.
He wasn’t mad. Not really. Lucas hadn’t done anything wrong.
They were nineteen, fully grown adults out of school, so Will should act like an adult. It wasn’t weird to not tell your boyfriend every single thing, or to not jump into every argument like it was life or death. Will knows that. He tells himself that, over and over, like if he repeats it enough it’ll settle right. He's an adult, he shouldn't be so upset.
It’s just that… with Lucas, things had always been different. He never felt like he needed to drag Lucas onto the same page as him. Not since they were thirteen and Will felt humiliated each time he saw Lucas' face.
Will squeezes his eyes shut, exhaling quietly through his nose, his grip tightening around his legs. His thumb drags absently along his knee, like he’s trying to smooth something out that won’t go away. Nineteen isn't an age where you should be feeling sick to your stomach over an argument that wasn't even an argument.
It wasn’t even a fight with Lucas, really, and somehow that made it worse.
It was a fight with Mike, sharp and sudden and ugly in that familiar way, and Will had expected something. Not a big thing, not a scene, just… something. A look, a word, a hand on his shoulder from his boyfriend, anything that would give Will some support, but Lucas hadn’t.
He’d laughed instead, awkward, a little strained, and winced like it would blow over if he didn’t touch it. Then he just followed after, like nothing had happened, like that fixed anything.
Will presses his face harder into his knees, his expression tightening, something small and hurt curling up in his chest. He knows it shouldn’t matter this much, but for some stupid reason, it does.
Luke!!
hi ❤️
i see that checkmark 👀
please just let me know youre okay
Now.
Will swallows thickly. There was a flood of messages from the group chat and he swipes the notifs as they pop up. He was just going to ignore his phone, wind down properly, maybe scroll on Tumblr, but he couldn't bring himself to leave Lucas waiting, not when he could feel the worry.
You
I'm okay!!
The three dots pop up immediately and Will can't help himself from smiling, pressing his mouth against the back of his knuckles, back of his neck hot.
Luke!!
thank god, if i was stuck on delivered one more time i was going to kill myself 💀
You
Lmao, you would not.
Luke!!
dont lmao me with the uppercase l
i know youre mad at me im sorry
let me make it up to you?
You
How are you planning on making it up to me?
(＾ 〰 ＾)
Will goes to swipe away another notification but clicks on it instead, panicking and shutting his phone off. It vibrates harder.
Mikee is calling you…
Usually, if Will was ignoring someone he would just let it ring. Right now, however, he felt a little petty so he hangs up. A few seconds after, it rings again.
Mikee is calling you…
Maybe Will is a bad person, but he clicks his phone to do not disturb, opening his messages again.
Mikee
listen I'm sorry, alright?
I was totally out of line
I get that
Yesterday, 12:53 PM.
Mikee
don't be like this
I know I was an asshole but you're my best friend
Lucas is totally freaking out now too
I know the thing with Jane was a bit much
Yesterday, 1:32 PM.
Mikee
I don't know what I was thinking, okay?
I wasn't thinking
can you just text me back so we can talk?
Yesterday, 1:46 PM.
Mikee
you're being petty
Yesterday, 3:07 PM.
Mikee
I don't know why I sent that last message
you're not being petty
I didn't mean that
let's just talk?
Yesterday, 3:13 PM.
Mikee
Lucas just tore me a new one
I'm pretty sure I won't be able to hear out my left ear for a year at least
let me know when you read this, maybe I can come over?
Yesterday, 8:49 PM.
Mikee
I'm sorry for comparing you to Max
and for calling you Max 2.0
I know you're not
I've been thinking about it a lot, and I know I fucked up
I'm just upset that Jane and Dustin are together now, and you and Lucas are together, and I just feel like maybe I lost you or something
We're supposed to be best friends but whenever Lucas is around you just can't stop blushing or laughing at his jokes or hanging off of each other
I'm happy for you, I am, I just miss Jane
I didn't mean to say anything, I was just thinking about how Lucas and Max used to break up all the time when we were younger, and I got so mad at the thought of you and Lucas breaking up too
you deserve to be happy, all I want is for you to be happy with someone who really appreciates you
I know Lucas makes you happy
he's like a brother to me, and I'm so glad that the two of you took that step, I just don't know
are me and Max supposed to date now or something?
it just feels unbalanced
I know you don't feel like that, but it's all I can think about
I don't know
maybe I'd feel better if Jane and Dustin broke up next
I really care about her, I can't ever imagine caring for someone like that the way I do for her, and you know what everyone says, we're meant to be and everything
I don't know
please call
or text
I could really use some of that wisdom right now, Will the Wise
Today, 3:08 AM.
Mikee
Lucas won't stop annoying me over it
I get it, he's your ex boyfriend, but I'm your best friend
Dustin's never like this with Jane
I don't know what his problem is
text me back before I come break your door down, I'm really on the edge right now
Today, 12:36 PM.
Will winces, thumb jerking against the screen as he scrolls too fast, like maybe if he doesn’t look too closely it won’t hit as hard, but it already has. The messages blur together, too many, too much, and the few he’s actually read are enough to make his stomach churn.
God, he feels sick.
He squeezes his eyes shut for a second, swallowing hard. He knows he’s not just some replacement. He’s not a second Max any more than Dustin is a second Mike. That’s stupid. He knows that.
He’s his own person. Him and Max couldn’t be more different if they tried.
But… Max was Lucas’ first love.
The first person he ever kissed. The girl he used to talk about like she was everything, like she was forever, the one he thought he was going to marry when they were just kids, when everything felt simple and permanent.
And, on the other side, Mike had Jane. His first kiss too, his first everything, in a way that stuck.
Will’s chest tightens.
Did Lucas feel that way about Max, the way Mike feels about Jane?
Something deep and steady and impossible to shake?
Will drags a hand roughly across his mouth, like he can wipe the feeling away, but it sticks, clinging to the back of his throat. His eyes burn, vision going a little blurry as he stares down at nothing. He doesn’t want to think about it. He really, really doesn’t. The phone feels too heavy in his hand all of a sudden. Weighed down and too full of things he wishes he didn’t know. He shuts it off quickly, like it might bite him, and tosses it onto his bed.
A second later, he follows it.
He doesn’t even bother pulling the covers back, just collapses face-first into the pillows, the air rushing out of his lungs on impact. He presses his face down harder than he needs to, like if he just stays there long enough, everything inside him will quiet down. Across the room, his paint sits forgotten, colors drying on the palette, stiffening in the bristles of his brushes, turning useless.
He knows he’ll regret that later, but right now, it’s easier not to think about it.
It’s easier not to think about anything at all when his lungs are straining for air, when the pillow muffles everything, when there’s no space for thoughts, just the dull, pressing weight of it all.
If he can’t breathe, he can’t cry.
___________________________________
Jane drops down onto his bed without warning, and Will lets out a strangled, pained noise when all her weight lands squarely on his back.
“Jane-” it comes out muffled and breathless, crushed into his pillow. “Oh my God-”
“You have not eaten,” she says flatly, like that explains everything.
Will groans, dragging his arms up to cover his head, trying to sink deeper into the mattress like he can disappear into it. He doesn’t answer, doesn’t move, just lays there like if he stays still enough she might go away. She doesn’t.
Instead, she sighs, long and put-upon, and shifts, carefully rearranging herself so she’s draped along his back, arms wrapping around his middle as best she can. She presses her face between his shoulder blades, her cheek warm even through his shirt, and squeezes him in a stubborn sort of hug. Will huffs weakly into the pillow.
After a moment, Jane speaks again, quieter this time. “Everyone is very worried.”
“…I know,” Will mumbles, the words smothered by fabric.
Her arms tighten a little. “Lucas sent flowers. Mom put them on the counter. They are very pretty,” she continues, like she’s reading off a list. “He also brought the bouquet of fruits in the green foam. Dad tried to eat the peaches, but Jonathan stopped him.” Will’s chest twists at that, something soft and aching blooming right alongside everything else. “You should come out of your room, Will,” Jane murmurs, her voice softer now, almost careful. “We all miss you.” She pauses, pressing her face a little closer into his back. “I miss you the most.”
Will exhales slowly, the breath catching somewhere on the way out. It hurts, sharp and quiet, and he squeezes his eyes shut before shifting one hand out from under himself, patting weakly at the bed beside him.
Jane immediately rolls off, obedient, and Will turns over onto his back, staring blankly up at the ceiling. The fan spins lazily above him. He focuses on it for a second, like maybe it’ll steady him.
Jane settles against his side instead, pressing her face into his chest. Will’s arms come up around her automatically, wrapping around her shoulders, holding her close. He rests his chin lightly on the top of her head.
For a second, it’s quiet.
“…Do you think Lucas has feelings for Max still?” Will asks finally, his voice small in a way he hates.
Jane goes still. He can feel her frown against him, confused. “He is in love with you,” she says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
Will swallows. “Well- yeah. I know. But… do you ever think that maybe- like, maybe he’s more in love with Max?” His fingers tighten slightly in her sleeve. “And that he just can’t have her? And that maybe he’s just… with me because it’s easier? Or because I’m here? And he’s just- waiting until he can-” His voice breaks off, sharp and sudden. He sucks in a breath, deep and shaky, holding it there until it burns in his chest.
Anything but crying. He doesn’t want to cry.
“Will,” Jane murmurs, pushing herself up so she can look at him properly, her brows drawn together. “Why would you think this?”
He shrugs helplessly, eyes darting away from hers. “It's nothing.”
“Lucas is dating you because he loves you,” she continues, firm in that blunt way she has. “A boyfriend is supposed to love you. If he does not love you, he would not be your boyfriend.”
Will lets out a weak, humorless breath. “…He isn’t. Not right now.”
Jane’s expression changes immediately, protective. “He did something?”
“No-! No,” Will says quickly, shaking his head. “He didn’t do anything, I just- I’m just thinking. Too much. We're on a break. Couples do that. Breaks.”
Her eyes narrow slightly. “Can I see your phone?”
“…No,” Will whispers after a beat.
Her eye twitches. “Who hurt you?” she asks, very seriously. “This does not sound like you. Do you want me to get Jonathan?”
“It’s nothing,” Will insists, even though his voice wobbles. “Can we just- drop it? Please? I’m hungry, we can go make lunch or something, I don’t-”
There’s a sudden, loud bang against his window. Will yelps, jerking violently, his heart leaping straight into his throat.
Jane is on her feet instantly, snatching the lamp off his bedside table like a weapon, holding it out in front of her. “Stay behind me.”
“Jane-” Will scrambles upright, staring at the window. “Maybe it was just a bird-?”
Something else slams into the window, louder this time. Will flinches back, instincts screaming at him to run, to hide. Jane doesn’t hesitate, she yanks the window open with one hand and hurls the lamp outside. It shatters.
“OW-! SHIT-”
Jane freezes.
“Lucas?” Will blurts, scrambling forward at the shout, lunging forward, leaning halfway out the window. “What are you doing-?!”
Lucas looks up from below, wincing, one hand pressed to his head. Broken lamp pieces are scattered around his feet. “I was coming to see you?” he says, like that explains everything.
Will’s gone before he can think about it, out his bedroom, down the hallway, taking the stairs two at a time, barely registering anyone calling after him. He yanks the front door open and bolts outside, rounding the house and dropping to his knees in front of Lucas.
“How bad is it?” Will demands, hands hovering like he doesn’t know where to touch. “Is there ringing? Can you see me? Do you- do you feel dizzy?”
Lucas blinks at him, then softens, reaching up to catch one of Will’s hands, threading their fingers together. “I can see you,” he says gently. “You’re freaking out.”
“I’m not-” Will cuts himself off, squeezing his hand tighter instead. “Jane just threw a lamp at your head-”
“She’s got a good arm,” Lucas says, a little dazed, a little amused. “She should try out for football.” Will huffs out something that’s almost a laugh, his shoulders loosening just a little. “Can you go back upstairs, though?” Lucas adds, glancing behind him. “I had a plan.”
Will frowns, following his gaze, and then groans. “Lucas…” A speaker sits set up behind him, big and obvious and glowing. “You’re kidding.”
“You stopped answering my texts,” Lucas says, like that’s a perfectly reasonable escalation. “I had to bring out the big guns. You didn’t even respond when Dustin sent you pictures of Mews.”
Will winces, guilt twisting in his chest. He squeezes Lucas’ hand once before pulling back slightly. “I know, I just- I’ve been… busy, and-”
“I’m sorry,” Lucas cuts in quickly. Will blinks. Lucas shifts closer on his knees, his voice softer now, more serious. “I shouldn’t have laughed yesterday. It wasn’t cool, it wasn’t fair. I should’ve said something. I should’ve been on your side.”
Will’s chest tightens. “Luke-”
“I mean,” Lucas adds, a small smile tugging at his mouth, “I should’ve, like, punched Mike and carried you away dramatically or something.” Will snorts despite himself. “There it is,” Lucas murmurs, eyes lighting up a little at the sound. “That’s better.”
Will shakes his head, but he’s smiling now, just a little. “I don't think punching Mike would be a good idea.”
“It’s a pattern,” Lucas continues, softer, teasing again. “We only ever fight when Mike does something stupid. If Max was here, she’d say that’s a sign.”
Will’s heart gives a small, uncomfortable lurch at her name, but Lucas is looking at him, steady and warm, like he’s the only thing that matters. “Lucas,” Will says quietly, “I’m pretty sure that’s just a coincidence.”
“Oh, so it’s not my fault you don’t like girls? Got it.”
Will lets out a startled, bright laugh, real this time, and shoves his shoulder. “Shut up, we were thirteen-”
Lucas catches his arm, tugging him closer before he can pull away. The movement is gentle but without the hesitation Will is used to. They end up closer than Will expects, close enough that he can feel the warmth coming off Lucas, see the tiny details in his face, the curve of his mouth, the softness in his eyes.
“Hey,” Lucas whispers, quieter now. Will’s breath catches. “Can I kiss you?”
Will blinks, his face going warm instantly. “Excuse me?”
“I know we’re… on a break,” Lucas says, a little sheepish, a little hopeful, wincing. “But- is there any leeway there? I’ll settle for a peck.” His thumb brushes lightly over Will’s knuckles. “Just one. To hold me over?”
Will’s heart stutters hard in his chest. “Hold you over until what?” he asks, barely above a whisper.
Lucas’s hands slide carefully to Will’s waist, resting there like he’s asking permission without words. “Until I’m your boyfriend again, obviously.”
Something in Will’s chest melts completely. He doesn’t even realize he’s leaning in until it’s too late, their foreheads brushing. His fingers curl into the back of Lucas’s shirt, double layered the way Lucas liked, a long sleeved shirt under a tee that somehow never managed to make him feel suffocated.
“Okay,” Will breathes, too distracted by plush lips and teeth peeking out mid grin for him to even register the color of Lucas' clothing.
Lucas doesn't bother asking again, slotting their lips together, thumbs pressing in against Will's stomach from where they hold his waist. The kiss is soft, gentle in a way that makes Will’s chest ache, like Lucas is trying to say everything he didn’t earlier without messing it up this time. Will leans into it, tilting his head slightly, his hand sliding up to the back of Lucas’s neck to keep him close.
When they pull back, it’s not far. Will’s eyes stay half-lidded, his forehead resting lightly against Lucas’s. “…You brought a speaker,” he murmurs, a little dazed.
Lucas huffs a quiet laugh. “Yeah.”
“…Idiot.”
“Yeah,” Lucas agrees softly. “Was that kiss a one time thing or can I cash in another?”
Will smiles, small and shy and still a little unsure, but when Lucas leans back in he meets him halfway, shifting up on his knees, ignoring the sound of his sister giggling.
___________________________________
Dusty
YOURE WRONG
Now.
Mikee
yeah, she's wrong
Now.
MadMax
and you're an idiot, small businesses aren't supposed to be about the price it's about the family involvement or whatever
and shut up mike literally no one cares about what you have to say
Now.
Dusty
that makes no sense, if it doesnt positively benefit the economy by allowing cash flow to prosper, its a bad investment this is basic supply and demand
Now.
Luke!!
dude what are you even saying 💀
Now.
MadMax
and what about lemonade stands?
Now.
Mikee
people care about what I have to say, you're just upset that you don't know what you're talking about
Now
Dusty
let me find sources
Now.
MadMax
😭 are you fr
Now.
Jane <3
I miss lemonade stands :( I haven't seen one in so long. Where are all the children hiding?
You
Guys, why are we talking about the economy right now? (˘･_･˘)
Now.
Mikee
“children hiding” makes it sound like you're looking for them
Now.
Dusty
WILL
Now.
MadMax
don't even get them started
Now.
Jane <3
Will! You are back!
Now.
Mikee
you haven't responded to my dms? if you haven't seen
Now.
Luke!!
💐🍫
💐🍫❤️
Now.
Dusty
the doghouse is crazy LMFAOOOO
Now.
Jane <3
I think it is cute!
Now.
Dusty
i agree its super cute youre so right sugarsnap
Now.
MadMax
kill me now
Now.
Will snickers, hearting a few messages.
Luke!!
ly will, let me take you to an arcade later?
Now.
Dusty
imagine he says no
Now.
MadMax
that indirect shade
Now.
Mikee
why are you asking in the group chat, this is for party matters not dates
Now.
Jane <3
I like getting to watch, it is like a romantic comedy.
Now.
Dusty
romcoms are the best, youre so right. we should go see one
Now.
MadMax
mike this is why literally no one likes you
Now.
Luke!!
dustin try copying me one more time and im going to bya
Now.
Dusty
you wouldnt lukey pookie
Now.
You
That sounds nice <3 I'm also kinda hungry…
Now.
Mikee
I have some pizza at mine from last night? it has mushrooms though, but you can pick them off maybe?
Dusty
????
LMAOOOOOOO
CLIP THAT
OH MY GOD CLIP THAT
Now.
Mikee
shut up, man
Now.
MadMax
how does it get worse
Now.
Luke!!
💀 am i seeing this right
am i dreaming
Now.
Jane <3
Clipping it!
Now.
Dusty
you should make a twitch channel, id watch you everyday and clip every smile you make
Now.
You
@lucASSinclair Dinner?
Now.
Dusty
OHHHHHHHHHHHG
Now.
Luke!!
ill come pick you up, you can handle the gps ❤️
Now.
Jane <3
Can I come? I am also hungry.
Now.
Luke!!
💀
Now.
Mikee
same here.
Now.
Luke!!
💀💀
Now.
Dusty
what time are you picking us up?
Now.
Luke!!
💀💀💀
Now.
MadMax
I'm full, keep that away from me
Now.
Luke!!
youre an angel sent from heaven 😭🙏
Now.
Will’s hands twitch in his lap, fingers curling and uncurling like they don’t know what to do with themselves. The phone feels too heavy, like it’s weighing his whole arm down, like if he holds it any longer it might sink straight through him.
He hesitates.
He shouldn’t be jealous. That thought comes quick, sharp, immediate, like something he’s practiced. He shouldn’t be jealous over two of his friends talking. That’s ridiculous. It’s normal. It’s fine. He swallows, throat tight.
Him and Lucas are on a break. A healthy break. That’s what they said. What everyone says, like it means something solid and reassuring instead of something soft and uncertain that shifts under his feet. A break is good. A break is mature. A break is something couples do when they’re doing things right. Nineteen year olds have breaks.
Will presses his lips together, his fingers tightening slightly around his phone before loosening again.
There’s nothing wrong with Lucas being friendly, and there's especially bothing wrong with him laughing at Max’s messages, or replying quickly, or typing and typing like he has things to say. Max is easy to talk to. Max has always been easy to talk to. She’s funny, she’s sharp, she fits into Lucas’s world in a way that makes sense without effort.
Will’s stomach twists. It wouldn’t even matter if Lucas was with her right now, because they’re on a break, and a break is basically half of a breakup, a temporary one, even. They’re not together. Not officially. Not in a way that gives Will any right to say anything, even if Lucas is still bringing him flowers.
Even if he shows up with those stupid fruit bouquets, all arranged carefully with Will’s favorite pieces, like he’s paying attention, like he knows him. He swallows thickly, eyes flicking away from his phone like it burned him. His eyebrows draw together hard enough that it aches, a dull pressure settling behind them.
It doesn’t matter.
He tells himself that again, quieter this time.
It’s not his place. If Lucas wants to talk to Max, he can. If Lucas is happier like that, if he laughs easier, if things feel lighter, then that’s good. That’s what Will’s supposed to want, for him to be happy, even if it’s not with him.
Will’s grip on his phone loosens, his shoulders sinking slightly as something heavy settles in his chest.
You
How about a movie and takeout at mine, 6-7 or so? With everyone.
Now.
Dusty
dude wtf did you do @lucASSinclair
Now.
Mikee
I'll bring snacks
did you want pizza or chinese?
Now.
Luke!!
im going to kill myself 💀
Now.
MadMax
if i see that fuckass skull emoji one more time
Now.
Luke!!
⚱️
Now.
Dusty
⚰️
Now.
MadMax has left the chat…
___________________________________
Will shifts, munching on a chuck of sesame chicken. Lucas' fakes a yawn, stretching his arm out and settling it across Will's shoulders. Will goes easily, leaning his back against Lucas' chest, snug.
He looks up, making eye contact with Mike, who furrows his eyebrows and glances to Will's phone before back to Will, desperate. Will hesitates before giving in.
Mikee
can we talk now?
Now.
Will sighs, Lucas' hand squeezing his shoulder.
You
I'm still hurt.
Now.
Mikee
I know
I'm sorry
I didn't mean to hurt you Will I promise you're my best friend
Now.
Will's fingers twitch, hesitating over his phone screen. He can hear Lucas laugh, Max snickering a bit, the two of them whispering about the movie as it goes on.
You
It's okay.
Now.
Mikee
it's not, I'm sorry
I just didn't want anything else to change, you know?
first Jane and now you
I know you and Lucas have been together for a while but taking breaks is normal, it doesn't make you Max. me and Jane took breaks all the time
Now.
You
I don't want to be the kind of boyfriend who needs breaks to deal with the person I like, Mike. I like Lucas so much it hurts to breathe sometimes, that's not something that stops because we stop dating for a day or two, and I don't want to pretend it does.
Thank you for trying to look out for me, but I think that I need to figure this one out of my own. You're my best friend forever, and you've always been there for me, but I need to invest myself in this. I just can't deal with this self doubt.
I'm sorry things didn't work out with Jane, but you'll find someone new and you'll love them so much that when you see Jane all you can feel is glad that you loved her once. You'll have someone new, Mike. Don't waste good opportunities with good people because you're holding on.
Now.
Mikee
I love you
Now.
You
I love you too, you're the best friend I could've ever asked for. Please, just don't get involved again. I don't think I could handle it.
Now.
Mikee
course
you don't need to worry about me at all
go get your boyfriend back haha
Now.
Will's nose twitches at the laugh, his stomach dropping. When he turns to look at Mike, the other boy isn't making eye contact, sinking down into his chair, shoulders pushing up by his ears.
“Hey,” Lucas murmurs, voice hot against Will's ear. A shiver runs down his spine. Will's head twitching to the side. “You just missed, like, the last ten minutes.”
“Uh huh. And you missed the last thirty, talking through every scene.” It's a little meaner than he'd like it to be, whispered and sharp. Lucas pauses, frowning at him, and Will has to let out a deep exhale, forcing his body to relax. “Sorry. I’m being mean- it’s just…” Will licks his lips, eyebrows furrowed, before he passes his phone over to Lucas.
“Are you sure? You don’t have to, Will- I trust you.”
“It’s easier than trying to explain,” Will whispers back, dropping his head down onto Lucas’ shoulder, trying to focus back on the movie.
___________________________________
When the others finally drift out, one by one, voices fading down the hall, the front door creaking shut, it leaves the house wrapped in this soft, echoing quiet. The kind that settles gently instead of pressing in.
Will and Lucas end up on the couch without really deciding to. Will’s curled in on himself, knees pulled tight to his chest, arms wrapped loosely around them. His chin rests on the curve of his knee, and he peeks at Lucas over the top of it, like he’s half-hiding, half-watching.
Lucas is turned toward him, one leg tucked under himself, the other hanging off the edge of the couch. He looks careful, like he’s choosing his next words before he says them. It’s quiet for a long moment, and Will kind of wants to bash his head in, or suffocate himself so he doesn't need to deal with the tension.
“You’re not Max to me.”
Will blinks, the words hitting him all at once. “I- I know,” he stammers quickly, heat rushing up the back of his neck, blooming across his cheeks. “I know that. I’m not- I couldn’t be her.”
Lucas’s expression tightens immediately, something almost frustrated flickering there. He leans forward without thinking, hands coming up to rest on top of Will’s knees, grounding him there. His fingers squeeze gently. “Do you?” Lucas says, softer now, but firmer. “Do you actually know that?”
Will hesitates. “...Yeah. Yeah, ‘course.”
Lucas’s thumbs press a little more into his knees, like he’s trying to anchor him. “Will,” he says, quieter, “you are nothing like her, and I don’t want you to be.” Will’s breath catches slightly. “I like you because you’re you,” Lucas continues, his voice warm, steady, like he’s building something solid between them piece by piece. “You and Max couldn’t be more different, and that’s- that’s the point. That’s a good thing. It doesn’t change anything for me.”
Will swallows, his gaze dropping for a second before lifting back up to meet Lucas’s. “…I know,” he whispers again, softer this time, like he’s trying to believe it more than just say it.
Lucas’s hands tighten again, just briefly. He looks at him like it matters that he understands. “You say that,” Lucas murmurs, “but it doesn’t sound like you believe it.” He exhales, shaking his head a little. “I don’t want you comparing yourself to her. Or to anyone. It’s not- it’s not even the same thing.” He pauses, searching for the words. “She’s my best friend,” he says finally. “And you’re my boyfriend.”
The word lands gently, but it still makes Will’s heart stutter. “Oh.”
“I care about you in completely different ways,” Lucas goes on. “Like… like how Mike is your best friend, but I’m-” he huffs a quiet breath, a small smile tugging at his mouth, “I’m your boyfriend. What they think, what they do, it shouldn’t really matter to us like that.” Will nods faintly, his fingers tightening around his sleeves. “I don’t have feelings for Max,” Lucas repeats, more plainly now. Then, a little quieter, more honest, “But I think… a part of me, like, really deep down, is always going to love her a little. Just- not like that.”
Will exhales slowly, something in his chest aching but not breaking. “…Yeah,” he breathes. “I get that.”
Lucas watches him carefully, like he’s checking for cracks. “My mom says that it can be hard sometimes, when people have a history like that, even when it doesn’t mean anything anymore.”
Will glances at him, curious despite himself. “…What does she say to do?”
Lucas smiles a little, softer now. “She says when my dad gets worried, they go on a date. Like, a real one, and they remind each other why they chose each other in the first place, and they trust each other. She thinks we should do that, too.”
Will lets out a small, surprised giggle, the sound slipping out before he can stop it. “You asked your parents about us?”
“Of course I did,” Lucas says immediately, almost defensive, but there’s a smile breaking through. “They love you, and they love me. This doesn’t change anything for them.” Will’s smile grows, soft and shy. “I’m not scared about being with you,” Lucas adds, his voice dropping just a little. “I’m not scared to be proud of it. This is important to me. You’re important to me. So yeah, I ask for advice sometimes.”
Will snickers quietly, ducking his head a little. “Should we do it, then?”
“I mean, yeah.” Lucas grins at him, wide and fond, like he’s been waiting to see that. “I love that you chew on the ends of your colored pencils when you draw,” he says suddenly. “Your mouth ends up all colorful after, and you don’t even notice.”
Will lets out a small, embarrassed laugh, hiding his face slightly behind his knee. “I need to stop doing that.”
“No, you don’t,” Lucas says immediately. “It’s cute.”
Will huffs, smiling despite himself. “Okay, um- I love that you say the bunny-ear loop thing under your breath when you tie your shoes,” he says, gaining a little confidence. “Like, you still say it, and it reminds me of when you taught Erica how to tie hers, and you kept saying it out loud so she wouldn’t feel embarrassed.”
Lucas blinks at him, surprised. “You remember that?”
Will shrugs one shoulder, cheeks warm. “Yeah. I mean… I remember a lot of things about you.”
Lucas’s expression softens immediately, something almost tender settling in his eyes. “I love that you do that,” he says quietly. “That you notice the small stuff. That you care about it.” Will ducks his head again, but he’s smiling. “I love that you love things other people might think are stupid,” Lucas continues. “You don’t let it make you smaller, even when it probably would for someone else.”
Will glances up at him, fingers curling in his lap. “…I love that you’re not scared to say how you feel,” Will breathes after a second. “You never have been. Even when everyone else thinks one thing, you’ll just- go your own way instead of pretending.”
Lucas huffs a small laugh. “That just means I’m stubborn.”
“No,” Will says softly. “It means you’re brave. I’ve always thought that.”
Lucas stills for a second at that before he rubs his palms up and down his thighs, sneaker tapping on the ground. “I admire that you’re not scared to feel things,” Lucas settles on after a moment. “It's pretty cool,” His eyes flicker with amusement. “You watch horror movies even though they freak you out-”
“They do not-”
“You jump at every scary part,” Lucas continues, grinning now, “but you still lean closer instead of looking away. You cry at kiss scenes in the rain, and you cried so hard watching The Notebook I thought you were gonna throw up, but you still watched it again.”
Will presses his face into his knees, but he’s smiling so hard it almost hurts. “It makes me feel like I can do that too,” Lucas stammers, quieter. “Like I don’t have to pretend I’m not… soft sometimes.”
Will peeks back up at him, eyes bright. “Is this your way of asking me to make fun of you more?”
“No,” Lucas laughs. “…I also like that you stand up for me,” Lucas shifts, trying to lean in the humor, but Will sees the hesitation under it. “No one else really gets it. I know you don't , either, but you don’t make me feel stupid for being upset about things they don’t understand. Like when people grip the bags tighter when I walk by, or when someone makes a joke that lands wrong- you never laugh at them, or act scared, either. I'm just Lucas to you. You've never once hesitated to stand up for me.”
Will’s chest tightens, but in a good way this time. “You've always been just Lucas.”
“I know, it's just-” Lucas shrugs a little. “It’s different for me. I know they don’t get it- they don’t get what it’s like to… look like me. I’m black, I know it’s not some messed up thing or whatever, and I know that’s never been an issue with any of you, but sometimes you can just see they don’t understand, especially when it comes to why sometimes I just can’t do the same things they can because it’s- dangerous. I think that’s probably why I used to fight with Mike so often, even if it’s stupid. He just- he doesn’t get it, but you don’t make me feel stupid for being upset sometimes, when I don’t want to dress up as the only black character from whatever show or comic we want, like why can’t I be Venkman, for once? Or when we went as the teen titans for halloween a few years ago and I said I wanted to be beast boy, and Mike tried saying Dustin should be beast boy instead-” Lucas laughs, shaking his head. “But you dressed up as Raven, that way if people were looking at me funny at least we’d all look funny.”
“...Do you remember how upset Mike got when Jane dressed up as Robin even though he was dressed up as Robin too, but he wanted her to be starfire?”
“Yeah, every time me and Max kissed he kept complaining that starfire and beast boy weren’t together so it wasn’t accurate.” Lucas rolls his eyes, exaggerating, and Will snorts.
Will shifts, uncurling slightly, dropping his legs so he’s sitting cross-legged now, facing Lucas more fully. “How about this year we just pick whatever we want?” Will says. “No matching. Jane wants to be Hannah Montana, but only the normal version. Not the popstar, so I just just Hannah? I haven't seen the show.”
Lucas grins, leaning back against the couch, comfortable. “And you, Byers? Maybe Justin Bieber?”
“I was thinking Peter Parker,” Will corrects, a little more animated now. “Like- normal clothes, camera, mask in a bag, kind of leaning into the theme?”
“I could be the Human Torch,” Lucas says immediately.
Will’s face lights up. “Wait- that’s perfect. 1963 or 2005?”
“2005,” Lucas says confidently. “Better costumes.” Will beams at him. Lucas leans in just a little, his voice dropping, softer again. “You know what else we should do?”
“What?” Will asks, already leaning closer too, his fingers twisting together.
Lucas hesitates, just for a second. “Go on a date.”
Will stills, stomach fluttering. “Really?”
“No breaks,” Lucas adds quickly. “No pretending we have to do things the way everyone else does. Just… us. The way we want. I don’t want to keep acting like being a couple is something we have to put on hold. It just- it doesn't suit us, you know?”
Will’s throat bobs, swallowing. “... Yeah. I know.”
“Date me,” Lucas murmurs, a small, hopeful smile pulling at his lips.
Will stares at him for half a second longer, then rolls his eyes, grinning, and shoves his shoulder lightly. “Shut up.”
Lucas laughs. “Is that a no?”
“It’s a yes,” Will mutters, trying to hide his smile. “Just- don’t make it a whole thing, or I'll have to break up with you again. My ego is at stake, here.”
Lucas immediately whoops, shooting up slightly and punching the air. Will groans, dropping back against the couch, covering his face. “Oh my God-”
___________________________________
“I’m happy for you.”
It comes out of Mike all at once, too fast, like he’s been holding it in too long and it finally just slipped out. His eyebrows are drawn together, not in anger, but in something tighter, something more honest, raw.
Will freezes in the doorway of his room, hand still resting on the edge of it, like he forgot what he was doing. There’s a lump already forming in his throat, thick and sudden, and he doesn’t trust himself to speak yet.
“…Mike?” he manages, barely.
Mike shifts on his feet, glancing past him into the room for a second, but he doesn’t step inside. He stays where he is, stuck, unable to move forward. “You know,” Mike stammers, voice weak. “Lucas asked me before he asked you out. Like- the first time.”
Will blinks, caught off guard. “Okay?”
Mike huffs a small breath, one hand rubbing at the back of his neck. “He didn’t know if it was a good idea. He was worried he’d mess it up, or that it would make things weird, or- I don’t know. He just… cared a lot.” His mouth twitches, something soft and a little sad. “He always has, with you.” Will’s chest tightens, his fingers curling slightly against the doorframe. “I told him to go for it,” Mike continues. “Because I knew you’d be happy. Like- really happy.” His eyes flick back up to Will’s. “And I was right.”
Will swallows hard, his vision starting to blur. “What is this?”
Mike takes a breath, deeper this time, like he’s steadying himself. “You two love each other, Will,” he says, simple and certain. Will’s lips part, but nothing comes out. “And-... I’m sorry,” Mike adds, voice heavy. “I’m sorry for- for getting into your head about it, and making you doubt that. I don’t know why I did that.” He shakes his head slightly, frustrated with himself. “I think I was just… scared of things changing. Or scared of being left behind. Or- I don’t know. But that’s not your fault.”
Will feels something in his chest crack open, like an open wound that's finally scabbed, but he's tugging on the bandaid keeping it covered. Healing, but not quite.
“I’m over it now,” Mike whispers, looking at him properly again. “I mean it. I don’t want to be the reason you question something good. You’re my best friend.” His voice softens, almost breaking. “I want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
Will’s breath stutters, and suddenly he’s crying, quiet at first, then enough to make his shoulders shake. He doesn’t even think about it before he steps forward, closing the space between them and wrapping his arms around Mike’s middle, holding on tight.
Mike doesn’t hesitate for even a second. He pulls Will in just as tightly, bending down a little so they fit together the way they always have, like muscle memory, like nothing’s changed at all.
“I love him,” Will chokes out against his shoulder, his voice breaking. “And it- it really sucked for a while, Mike-”
“I know,” Mike says immediately, one hand coming up to the back of Will’s head, holding him there. “I know. I’m so sorry.”
Will squeezes his eyes shut, gripping him tighter, body heavy in a way that’s finally starting to lift. “It’s okay,” Will manages after a second, his voice hoarse but steadier.
“I'm happy for you,” Mike repeats, his tears smearing against Will's shoulder. “I'm over it. I'll get over it.”
___________________________________
Will stretches out along the couch, one arm tucked under his head and the other lazily draped across his stomach, his head snug in Lucas' lap, fingers carding through his hair while a show runs in the background.
It’s quiet in that soft, late-afternoon way. The kind where the light turns gold and everything feels slower, warmer.
“You’re staring again,” Will murmurs, not even opening his eyes.
“I’m not,” Lucas says immediately.
Will cracks one eye open, unimpressed. “You are.”
Lucas shrugs a shoulder, trying to play it off, but his hand doesn’t stop moving through Will’s hair, thumb brushing gently over his temple. “What about it, huh?”
Will hums, pretending to think about it. “It’s kinda weird.”
“Oh, is it?” Lucas says, leaning back slightly. “Want me to stop?”
His hand stills just enough that Will notices, and immediately tilts his head into Lucas’ palm again, chasing the touch without thinking. “…No,” Will admits, quieter. “You can keep going.”
Lucas smiles, small and soft, and starts again, slower this time. “That’s what I thought.”
Will lets out a breath, eyes slipping closed again. There’s a beat of silence, but it’s comfortable, easy. The kind that doesn’t need filling. “You’re really warm,” Will says after a minute, voice drifting.
Lucas snorts. “What does that even mean?”
“It means you’re warm,” Will repeats, like it’s obvious. He shifts slightly, curling a little more into Lucas, cheek pressing more firmly against his thigh. “Like… I don’t know. Comfortable.”
Lucas’s fingers pause for half a second at that, something soft flickering across his face. “You’re comfortable too,” he says.
Will smiles faintly. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Lucas says, quieter now. “Like I don’t have to think so hard when you’re around.”
Will opens his eyes again at that, really looking at him this time. There’s something shy there, something hopeful. “You think too hard?”
“All the time,” Lucas says. “Except right now.”
Will’s gaze softens. “Good,” he murmurs. “Don’t start.”
Lucas huffs a laugh, shaking his head. “Bossy.”
“Only with you.”
“Oh, only me?” Lucas raises an eyebrow. “I feel special, Byers.”
“You should,” Will snorts, just a little smug.
Lucas looks down at him, really looks this time, at the way Will’s hair falls messy over his forehead, at the way his lips curve like he’s trying not to smile too much. Something in Lucas’s expression shifts, softens even more.
“What?” Will asks, suddenly self-conscious under the attention.
“Nothing,” Lucas says, but he doesn’t look away.
“Luke, just tell me, come on.”
“It’s nothing,” he repeats, but there’s a smile tugging at his mouth now.
Will squints at him. “You’re doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
“Looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
Will hesitates, then mutters, “Like you’re about to say something and then not say it.”
Lucas laughs quietly. “Maybe I am.”
Will nudges him lightly with his shoulder. “Well, don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t brush past it, come on, I can’t read your mind.” Will frowns a little and Lucas pushes his thumb against Will's bottom lip, feeling it move beneath the pad of his finger. “Tell me, you have to say it.”
Lucas shakes his head, amused. “I don't have to say anything, I actually, I know my Miranda rights.”
“Can you list all of them right now?”
Lucas doesn’t answer right away. He just looks at him for a second longer, then leans down, slow enough that Will sees it coming, feels his breath hitch just a little. The kiss is soft. Quick, but not rushed, just enough to linger. It's romantic in the way that makes Will want to scream in his pillow and giggle, or spend hours sketching out a portrait.
“…Okay,” Will exhales, voice breathless when his boyfriend pulls back. “You can do that again.”
Lucas grins. “If it's an offer…” Lucas leans down and kisses him again, a little longer this time. Will’s hand comes up, almost without thinking, curling loosely in the front of Lucas’s shirt. When they part, neither of them moves very far.
“You were saying something,” Will reminds him quietly.
Lucas exhales, forehead almost touching Will’s now. “Yeah, I was.”
“And?”
Lucas smiles, softer than before. “I like you. A lot.”
Will huffs a quiet laugh. “That’s it?”
“That’s it,” Lucas whispers, teasing. “Was that not obvious?”
Will shrugs a little, but his cheeks are warm. “I just wanted to hear you say it.”
Lucas brushes his thumb along Will’s cheek. “Yeah?” Lucas leans down, pressing another gentle kiss to his lips, lingering this time like he doesn’t want to pull away at all.
“I like you too,” Will whispers when they part.
Lucas smiles against him. “Good.”
Will shifts slightly, settling back into his lap like he never plans on leaving. “Don’t stop,” he murmurs, nudging Lucas’s hand back into his hair.
Lucas chuckles, but obliges, fingers slipping back into place like they belong there. “Bossy,” he repeats.
Will smiles, eyes closing again. “Only with you.”