byler oneshots

67 - thanksgiving

mike pov
november of sophomore year

"Michael, I know it's not ideal, but we can't risk getting grandma and grandpa sick. I promise we'll bring back some of grandmas apple pie and we left minefield for you to get pizza or whatever you want, honey." my mom says, sitting on my bed next to me. She runs her fingers through my hair slowly, me pretending to cough.

"It's okay mom. Really. You guys should probably get going so you don't miss your flight." I say. She nods her head lightly, standing up.

"Love you hun. Happy thanksgiving." she says quietly, walking out the door. About ten minutes later, I watch the car pull out of the driveway and turn off of our street, and that is when I run to the phone.

I dial Will's phone number from memory and it only rings once before he picks up.

"Mike! Did the plan work?!" he asks eagerly.

"Yup, they just left left!" I say happily, smiling widely.

"Oh my god, I can't believe you pulled that off! Do you wanna come over? I think we're gonna be eating at like 4 but you can come now." he says.

"Definitely. I just need to shower and get dressed." I tell him.

"Okay...but Mike? I need to tell you something. This probably won't be like the thanksgivings you're used to. The food isn't great and there isn't a lot of it, but it's enough." Will says, a bit of sadness in his voice. My chest stings because I know how much will and Joyce are going through since they used most of their savings for Jonathan to go to college.

"Will, as long as I'm with you, it'll be the best thanksgiving ever." I say. I hear him let out a sigh of relief and happiness.

"See you soon." he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice.

I quickly take a shower and grab a pair of jeans and a big brown sweater before pulling on my converse and heading out the door with the tray of cookies I made yesterday.

I drive the car cautiously so that none of my neighbors see me driving without my license and tell my parents. When I pull into Will's driveway, I see him and Joyce cooking in the window, laughing and talking.

I knock on the door and it opens almost immediately, Will smiling in front of me.

"Mike!" he says, ushering me inside. The smell of homemade food fills the air and I breathe in deeply, setting the cookies on the counter.

"Hi Ms. Byers!" I say, hugging her tightly.

"Hi honey!" she says, continuing to cook after we let go.

"Thank you so much for being on board with the plan. I really appreciate it." I say nervously, glancing back and forth between her and Will.

"Of course, Mike. Plus, Will wouldn't leave me alone about you being here." she laughs. I look over to Will who's cheeks are now bright red and he's staring down at his feet.

"Why don't you guys go and hang out and I'll call you in when dinner is ready." she says. We both nod and I follow Will into his room, shutting the door behind us.

"You wouldn't leave her alone about me being here?" I mock, his cheeks turning red again.

"Shut up, Mike." he laughs. I inch closer to him and take his hands in mine.

"Will, I really am thankful that you're letting me stay here for thanksgiving. It's just that...I don't know, my family isn't the best. All they wanna do is discuss politics, and it usually leads to them talking about how disgusting gay people are, and I know I would lose it if I were there." I say, him squeezing my hands tightly in return.

"I'm so sorry. My dad was like that too, that's why I'm happy he left. Thanksgiving with my mom would be fun, but I miss Jonathan a lot more lately, so having you here is gonna be great for me and my mom. Gives us some much needed company." he says.

He places his lips softly on mine, his hands brushing the hair out of my face. My hands snake around his waist as we continue to kiss, that is until the door opens.

"Oh! Sorry!" I hear Ms. Byers say, shutting the door again. 

"I - sorry mom! We were just uh - kissing. Everything okay?" Will asks awkwardly.

"I was just hoping that you boys could help me finish up the food if you're not too - too busy." she says softly.

"Sure! One sec!" he says, flustered. I break into a fit of laughter as I hear her walk back into the kitchen.

"Stop laughing, that was so embarrassing!"  he says, nudging my arm. I kiss him quickly and leave him blushing as we walk into the kitchen. For the next hour, we help her cook, and we sit down to eat, I look around and it feels like I'm part of a family who really loves and cares for me, and for once, I feel at home.