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

Chapter 28 - We're Just Friends -

Mike walked out of Max's house and got into his car and sat for a few minutes. He turned on the car and put his hands on the steering wheel but couldn't tear his eyes away from the spot he was staring at on Max's garage door. It was like a shock had just been delivered to his entire system. He couldn't move couldn't do anything but think about it over and over again. He was gay. What was he supposed to do with that. He thought back to the way his dad complained about "fucking queers" under his breath whenever David Bowie came onto the screen. Or how his mother had whispered in hushed tones to a friend about how the family down the road had a queer son. He winced at the though of his mother being disgusted by him. His whole family viewing him with disgust. Even worse he imagined Will's face when he found out. He would think Mike had used him to figure himself out. Mike supposed he had. God what a shitty friend he was.

Just because Will was gay didn't mean he wanted him Mike rationalize. Besides he knew he had to apologize and make things right before he told Will about his feelings. Feeling rather empty he began driving back to the Byer's house for the second time in 24 hours. He knocked on the door and a few moments later it was whipped open.

Will couldn't help his eyebrows shooting up at the sight of Mike. What was he doing here? Had he not walked out after kissing him a few hours all flustered? Yet here he was again on his porch and Will didn't have the heart to send him away. Those eyes looking up He couldn't say no to Mike Wheeler.

"What do you want Mike?" He said in what he hoped was a stony tone.

Mike carded his hand through his hair nervously before speaking.

"God Will I'm so sorry. I've been such a shitty friend. I've been horrible to you ever since last summer and I've treated you awfully and ignored you and then I was drunk last night and I kissed you. God I'm so sorry for that. I was confused this morning from the kiss last night and so I kissed you again and I had no right to take advantage of you and... fuck... I just. I'm so sorry Will?"

Will stared at him blankly. Had he just? Yes, he had. Mike Wheeler had just apologized to him. He blinked slowly staring at the freckle faced boy staring at him nervously. Mike Wheeler never apologized. It melted Will's heart. He couldn't stay mad at this boy.

"Of course I forgive you Mike."

Mike laughed seeming to release the tension in his body. His defensive position switched to one of calm and relaxation. "Friends?" He offered.

Will nodded laughing as well. "Best friends."

Mike gestured toward the inside of the Byer's house. "Did you want to hang out today?"

Will smiled and nodded enthusiastically letting Mike back in.

Later that night when Mike left Will sank into his bed smiling. It had been a perfect day. He'd kissed Mike, even if Mike had made it clear it was just because he was confused. Then Mike had miraculously apologized to him. Then they had hung out and it was amazing. They had been able to go back to the way they were before.

Before everyone had shown up it had just been Mike and Will. There was no party and nobody wanted to date any girls. Will hadn't been taken by an interdimensional monster and their biggest concern had been whose house to have a sleepover at. That was what Will had missed. He missed having his best friend. Now he had him again and Will supposed that could be enough.

Still he couldn't help but remember the way Mike's lips had felt on his, the way it had all felt so right. He would miss that feeling forever because though he could remember every moment clearly now, he knew he wouldn't be able to remember it forever. One day the fact that he had kissed Mike wouldn't cause his heart to speed up and his face to heat up. One day he would be over Mike, he promised himself but until that day came a little unrequited longing never hurt anyone right?

Mike flopped onto his bed after ignoring his mother who was saying something about how she had called Dustin's mother and she had said they hadn't slept over there. He sighed into his pillow. He would deal with being caught in that lie later. He was in love with Will. Looking back it all made sense he realized. The way El had never felt quite right. The way Will felt like home. His arms holding him made him feel complete. His brown eyes looking into Mike's.....Mike let out a bitter laugh. That would never be his. Will would never be his. He would have to resign himself to secret memories.

He would just have to treasure the little things. A brush on the hand here and an arm around the shoulder here. These would be the ways he imagined Will was his, and maybe one day it would be enough. At least he could always remember that one day he kissed Will Byers. That memory he would hold forever.