Will and Mike (Stranger Things) Byler Fanfic

A Cabin & A Reunion (13)

Once they got to the cabin, Lucas swung the door open at once. Will collapsed at the front steps of the cabin, on his hands and knees, he heaved and coughed. Mike fell to his side, trying to help him.

The rest of the crew; Dustin, Max, and Eleven gasped in shock, seeing Will and Mike return to them after a month of absence. They stared down at the soaked boys, before bursting into chatter.

"Mike!" Eleven exclaimed, going down to hug him. Mike stood up and hugged her back. Dustin helped Will up and brought his soaked self inside, as Will continued to cough.

"Mike... I missed you so much. I was so worried!" Eleven said as she hugged him tight, tears running down her cheeks, further soaking Mike's already wet jacket.

"I missed you too, El." Mike murmured, gazing down at the steps where Will just was, reflecting back to him coughing in pain. Everyone else was already inside, so Eleven and Mike slipped inside as well.

Inside, the cabin was warm and humble. Not too warm, but warmer than the merciless storm outside. The walls were lined with brown wood, same with the flooring. It was abandoned, but well maintained for being so. The fireplace burned heartily, bringing light and warmth. Will sat on the floor in front of it, cold and sick, his eyes struggling to keep open. He was wrapped up in a thick towel. The sight of him made Mike's heart drop in his chest, wanting to comfort Will. Mike dropped the blue backpack he was carrying beside the front door.

Eleven gave Mike a towel as well, and Mike sat on a wooden chair near the couch. She took a seat on a chair beside him, holding his hand and squeezing it gently.

"Okay, so, where have you two been?" Max questioned.

"Long story. We've been just getting by as we could, in and out of people's houses and bunkers. We made it out alive at least, haha." Mike joked, although no one laughed. He turned more serious. "But yeah, for this past month, me and Will have been searching for you guys."

"I'm just glad you two are safe and here now." El said softly, staring at Mike longingly.

"Anyways, Lucas, how did you find them?" Dustin asked.

"Well, y'know how you guys sent me to check if it really was a demogorgon lurking in the forest? I think it was. I kind of... screamed... and I think Mike heard me, and then he came and found me, in the middle of this forest."

"Damn." Max said. "Awww, Lucas is a little scaredy cat." She teased.

"Shut up, Max." Lucas smiled at her. "You try being in that situation, out in the forest alone, in a storm, almost being seen by the monster." Max smiled back and gave Lucas a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Will..." Dustin spoke, turning the attention to his friend leaning against the fireplace. "Are you okay?"

"I think I'm better." Will said. "It was so cold out there..."

"Rest up." Lucas said. "We have sleeping bags for everyone. We even saved two for when you and Mike came back. It's like we knew you would come back soon."

"Thank you." Will said softly.

"Are there any plans?" Mike asked.

"We've been trying to think of some." Dustin said. "But we wanted to have you two to be here first before we decided anything."

"I think our first move should be going and talking to Hopper." Max suggested. "He's not staying here, but him and Joyce are helping gather supplies for us like food and water when we need it. They're staying at some motel in the town near."

"Oh, okay. That's a good idea." Mike said.

Outside, from the window, a very obvious and bright flash of lighting struck, followed by distant rumbles of thunder.

"I'm so glad I'm not out there anymore." Mike said.

"Yeah, I hope you don't get sick, because Will already has." El said.

"Yeah, I hope not either." Mike said.

"You don't know how worried I've been about you. You could've been... gone. I'm so glad you're here with me now." Eleven said, gently rubbing Mike's arm.

"Guys." Lucas interrupted.

"Mhm?" "Yes?" "What is it?"

"Y'know how I said there's a demogorgon lurking near?" Lucas said.

"Yeah, what about it?" Dustin said cautiously, glancing out the window.

"I think maybe we should take turns keeping guard throughout the night. Just in case anything happens. You never know." Lucas said.

"Good point. It's getting pretty late. Who wants to go first?" Max said.

"I'll do it." Mike said. "I'll stay up for a few hours after you guys go to sleep, and then I'll wake up whoever's next."

"I'll go after then." Lucas said.

"I'll be third." Dustin said.

"Okay, then I guess I'll be last then, I'll go until morning." Max said.

"Okay, that's settled. You guys can start wrapping up now then." Mike said.

"There's a baseball bat in the corner over there, just so you know." Lucas pointed out. "Make sure to keep your eye on it."

Everyone started to line up their sleeping bags together, close since there was limited space. Mike was wedged in between El and Will. The small chatter amongst everyone got quieter and quieter. As everyone laid and wound down, Mike stared at the ticking clock in the left corner of the room. He counted a few of the minutes that went by. While everyone was asleep/going to sleep, he kept himself occupied by thinking of everything that has happened so far, and what might come.

He looked down to the sleeping Will beside him.

How am I gonna tell El about us? Mike thought. I'll do it tomorrow for sure, I can't be a jerk to both her and Will by hiding it.

Who knew it would end up being this way?

As he kept thinking, he heard rustling outside, and the howling wind. He wiped sweat from his brow, as he knew he should be safe. He couldn't help but tense every time the roof creaked in the cabin, though. Other than the strange noises outside, in the cabin, it was silent except for the clock ticking and the breathing of the sleeping teenagers. Although the front door was locked, he couldn't help but stare at the door, feeling like anything could happen at any moment. Inside though, was much warmer due to the fireplace that was crackling near Mike. He was pretty much completely dry by now.

Nothing will happen. No, I'm just trying to comfort myself. Nothing. Will. Happen. You've dealt with those horrible monsters in the past. Why would this be any different? I mean, of course you wouldn't want to fight a demogorgon half asleep, but who knows if I'll actually have to?

Mike took a deep breath, looking over at Eleven.

I don't know how to go about this without completely breaking her heart. I've been with her for years. But I can't lie. Will would want me to be honest, like he has been with me. It's for the better.

Before he knew it, it had already been a few hours. He nudged Lucas awake.

"Lucas. It's your turn now."

"Mmm..." He grumbled, slowly waking up. Once Lucas sat up fully, and was rubbing his eyes, Mike took that as his cue to lie down. As he did, he stared into the back of Will's head, his eyes slowly falling shut. Instantly, he was asleep, he was just so tired.

He needed his rest for tomorrow.