What is Love? (A Byler AU)

Mike's Plan

Today was October 4, 1985. School had started up again and our party was now in high school. It seemed like a normal day, but it wasn't. Not only had it officially been three months since the Battle at Starcourt Mall, but today also marked three months since Will and I had started whatever this thing was between us.

Now, the past three months hadn't been completely perfect- since I was recovering from the injuries that the Mind Flayer left me with- but being with Will had made it so much better. He had come to see me at the hospital every day I was there, and he and my other friends had helped Max, Billy, El, and me every step of the way in our recoveries. According to the doctors, the most we would receive was major scarring but we would be able to go about our lives normally.

Will and I had gone on a few dates over the past three months; our first one was on the hill nearby Cerebro-Will led me there to see the sunsets, and then for our second one we went to the movie theater downtown- Robin recommended we sit in the very back so we wouldn't get caught if we wanted to hold hands or kiss during our date. We had also gone on a few double dates with Jonathan and Nancy, and a few other ones with El and Max. Thankfully Max and I had reconciled more during our recovery and were now good enough friends to go on double dates together.

Tonight I was in charge of planning the date for me and Will, and I had big plans for tonight. A few weeks ago I had made a plan with Jonathan to secretly rebuild Castle Byers- since it was really my fault it had been destroyed. I had planned for a picnic, just me and Will inside the rebuilt Castle Byers, and there I would ask him if he wanted to be my boyfriend. We hadn't really made it official yet, I don't think. Since I was still recovering it was still sort of a trial period in our relationship, and I really wanted it to keep going; I really wanted him to feel the same, but would understand if he didn't. I had been a major asshole over the summer.

Anyway, now I was standing in my room putting on my suit for tonight. I had everything ready except for my stupid ass tie. The little bitch refused to work! Aggravated, I ran downstairs to ask my dad for help.

"Hey, dad? Can you help me put this tie on?" I asked as I walked into the living room to see my dad watching TV in his La-z-boy.

"Sure, son." He grumbled as he sat up. "What're you all dressed up for?"

Then mom walked into the room, "Oh, you look so cute, sweetheart!" I groaned, "Where are you going in such a nice suit?" Was it such a goddamn big deal to wear a suit?

My parents looked to me, expecting an answer as my dad finished helping me with my tie, "I'm... going on a date."

"Ooh! Who's the lucky girl?" Mom asked.

This was uncomfortable. "Uh... actually... I'm going on a date with Will..." I looked down, praying that they would accept me, "I'm bisexual, and he's my boyfriend." A lump rose in my throat as silence fell in the room.

My dad put a hand on my shoulder, "I'm proud of you, son. Go for what makes you happy." After he finished speaking he sat right back down in his recliner and put his attention on the TV.

My mom gripped me in a tight hug, in response I awkwardly wrapped my arms around her and leaned down to rest my head on her shoulder. "I'm so proud of you for telling us, sweetie! We'll love you no matter what, okay?" She told me softly.

I nodded as I wiped the tears off my face.

"You don't need to be worried to tell us anything, all right?" If I told you half the things that went on in my life you'd go crazy. So yes, I was worried.

I nodded again as she handed me some tissues.

"Oh! We need to get a picture of you getting ready for your first date!" She ran over and grabbed a camera, "Get up on the stairs and smile!" She held up the camera as I got on the steps. "We'll get one with Will on your next one!"