Why was he holding his hand (when he's supposed to be mine?)

Chapter 11 - Handsome -

Will's alarm went off and he rolled out of bed. It was always harder to get out of bed on Friday knowing the weekend was only a day away which reminded Will he still hadn't asked Mike or El about meeting up on Friday. He sighed. He didn't know why he was putting it off. They were his friends, more than his friends. El was his sister and Mike was his best friend, or at least he used to be. Today had to be the day.

He stumbled to the bathroom running a hand through his hair. Will didn't often look at himself in the mirror but today something made him stop. He realized he was grown up. He was tall now, taller than Jonathan even. But that wasn't even what made him freeze and stare at himself in the mirror. It was that for the first time since he was twelve he looked happy. Grinning at the realization he went into the kitchen to get some breakfast.

Joyce was surprisingly still there.

"Oh hey mom! Thought you'd be at work already."
Joyce grinned from the stove where she was cooking pancakes. "I got the day off to do some wedding planning with Hop. We are going to look at venues all of today and tomorrow so I won't be home 'til Sunday."
Will realized he hadn't even asked if he could have the party to hang out tomorrow. "Since you're gonna be gone I just wanted to check too make sure it was okay if the party came over."

Joyce nodded enthusiastically "Of course, it's been awhile since you guys have all hung out.

"Yeah I guess it has. Things have been a bit weird since...moving back."

Joyce nodded sympathetically then jumped at the sound of a horn honking. "Oh! Is that David?" Will nodded, blushing out of embarrassment. "Y'know I like having him around. No more having to drive you too school." Will nodded hurriedly while rushing too grab his bag.

"Handsome too."

Will stood in shock at Joyce who's' eyes teased him over the cup of coffee she was drinking. "Love you sweetie."

"Yeah love you." Will said, rolling his eyes.

David grinned at Will as he jumped into the car.

"My mom thinks you're handsome." Will mumbled an explanation for the annoyed look on his face. David just nodded sagely. "Your mom is a very intelligent lady."

Will grinned at him. "Just drive Handsome."
"Ha I knew you thought I was handsome."
"Shut up."
"I'm telling my friends about me being gay tommorow, and I was wondering if it would be okay if I tell them about us too."

David looked over at him quizzically. "Why would I mind?"
Will rolled his eyes "In case you've forgotten we've only been dating for one day."

David laughed "Yeah but I've had a crush on you for like five days, so it's cool."
"Cool."

As they pulled off the Byers quiet side road and onto the busier part of town David kissed him, causing Will to exclaim in surprise.

"What was that for?" David shrugged, "I want to kiss you when we pull into the school parking lot but I can't because everyone thinks we are just adoring best friends."

That caused Will to feel a twinge of... hurt?....jealousy?.....guilt. Mike was his best friend. But he pushed that feeling down.

"You wish we were the Hawkins High couple? I'm sorry to inform you I'm not nearly cool enough for that."

David shook his head in mock sadness, "Guess we're gonna have to call it quits then."

Will nodded sagely "It was nice while it lasted buddy."

They both burst into laughter as they pulled into the school parking lot. They happened to pull into the parking lot next to Mike's car. "I'm gonna go ask Mike if he's coming over tomorrow okay?" David nodded, turning the car off and touching his hand to Will's. That's all they were allowed to do in public but Will appreciated the gesture. "See you later, Will grinned." "Yeah see ya."

Will walked over to Mike's car watching Mike step out of the car along with El who was coming out of the passenger seat.
"Hey El!" He exclaimed, embracing his step sister .

"Hi Will." She gave him a tight hug.
"You good?" He whispered into her ear, (He could hear Mike coming around the car.) She glared at him then turned back to Will.

"Tell you later." He nodded understandingly.

Mike stood awkwardly a couple feet away from El and Will. His hands were stuffed into his front pockets and he was leaning forward slouching and looking generally sulky. Will loved how Mike looked when he...nope David. He nodded to Mike.

"Hey man."

"Hey"

An awkward heaviness sat in the air for a few minutes before Will let go of El and started walking into the building, the other two followed him. "Did you guys want to come to my house tomorrow? The whole part, minus Max, is gonna be there."

El looked hesitant but Will gave her a pleading look. "Yes. Okay." She said but she glared at him. He mouthed a silent thank you too her.

Mike nonchalantly said "Yeah. Cool. Should I bring my D + D playbook?"

Will shook his head. "I don't think it's a good idea. Dustin isn't ready yet. Let's just hang out."

Mike nodded and once again the air hung stagnant. Was this really what their friendship had become? Nothing to talk about for more than a minute? Will silently fumed too himself for a moment longer before the bell rang giving him a perfect excuse to walk away from the awkward situation.

"See you guys tomorrow at around 3 then?" They both nodded as he walked away.