byler oneshots

37 - visit to cali

*summer after sophomore year*
*the byers but not el live in cali*
*will pov*

Beads of sweat drip down the back of my neck where my hair and skin meet as I stride down the long street to my house. The walk from the arcade isn't short, but on days where Jonathan can't pick me up, I don't really mind it. I have gone there almost every day since we moved, so it's become like a second home to me, even though that sounds insanely pathetic and dorky.

I wipe the sweat off of my forehead as I near my house, but a lump forms in my throat as I walk up the driveway. There is a random car parked in the driveway, and unless Jonathan bought a new car, which I doubt, someone else is here.

My speed quickens as I walk up the few stairs to the house and swing the door open, my breath hitching in my throat as I practically collapse to the ground in tears. I can feel my heart just about stop for a millisecond.

The Wheelers.

Nancy and Jonathan sit next to each other on the couch across from my mom and Mrs. Wheeler, Mike sitting at the dining room table facing me with a huge toothy grin on his face.

"Hi." Mike says, jumping out of his chair and wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me in. It takes me a minute to process what's going on, but soon enough my arms drape over his shoulders and I'm squeezing him tightly, tears falling onto his shirt.

"I - I can't believe you're here. How are you guys here?!" I cry, leaning back as Mike and Nancy just laugh softly.

"We've had it planned for a while and wanted it to be a surprise for you and Jonathan." Mrs. Wheeler says, hopping off the couch and giving me a quick hug. Nancy and I hug as well as I stand back next to Mike, waiting until we're alone so that I can kiss him.

"So Mike do you - wanna see my room?" I ask, facing him.

"Definitely!" Mike says. He follows close behind me as we walk up the stairs and head to my room. I shut the door and immediately turn around to see Mike blushing like crazy.

"I missed you so much." Mike says, cupping my face in his hand and kissing me firmly. It feels a lot like our first kiss, desperate and thrilling as his hands find my waist. We both pull each other closer and lean as far as we possibly can into the kiss for the next minute until we both lean away, his hands still gripping my waist.

"I didn't think you would cry when I surprised you." he laughs weakly.

"Welp, the past few months have been pretty hard, and seeing you was all I needed to fix everything." I say. A look of worry spreads across his face.

"What's wrong? Why have the last few months been hard?" he asks, concern filling his voice.

"It's just that - that it's been pretty hard to make friends. Nobody seems to really like me at the high school. It's just really hard moving and not knowing anyone. I know it was the best for me to stay out of Hawkins, but god, I miss it so much. I miss the party so much. I miss you so much." I say, a few tears running down my cheeks.

"The people at your school are insane to not want to be friends with you. If only they knew how incredibly smart and kind you are." Mike says, wiping away my tears with his thumb.

"And I missed you so much, too." Mike says, kissing all over my face. My sadness immediately melts into affection as we both take off our shoes and lay down in my bed, making sure to lock the door first.

Mike lays his head on my pillow and I lay my head on his chest, his arm holding me close to him.

"I love you so much." I say, feeling his chest rise and fall.

"I love you too, Will. More than you'll ever know." Mike says back quietly.