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The Wheeler house used to feel magical at Christmas time, it still did, the warm glow of all the lights and the scent of home cooking drifted through home, making Will feel small again. He still remembered his first time at a Wheeler Christmas party, in December of 1976. The memories were hazy now, eleven years later, but a few moments remain. Joyce biting her nails on the way to the house, Jonathan ruffling his hair when they stepped out of the car, Mike running to hug him in his big tacky Christmas sweater. Their mothers had given them each gifts to give to each other which they gleefully exchanged in the basement together. Will had kissed Mike’s cheek under mistletoe, something that Karen and Joyce had laughed at together, called ‘sweet’. Even Lonnie held back, all things considered, only lectured Will about it on the way home, simply saying, “You don’t do that again, not with other boys, it gives the wrong impression.”
This Christmas felt special, delicate. It was Will’s first Christmas with Mike as a couple, something he’d dreamed of since he began to understand why he couldn’t kiss Mike under the mistletoe. He was determined to play it cool though, he hadn’t even rambled to Jonathan about any of it yet, which meant it was all fine and Will was not anxious at all. Jonathan was the only one who technically knew, meaning he’d guessed less than a week after his and Mike’s first kiss and Will was so giddy that when Jonathan had asked he instantly flushed and broke out into a toothy smile. He just nodded, he was never any good at lying to Jonathan anyway.
He and Mike had decided not to tell anyone yet, not out of fear but simply because this was theirs and it was special, they didn’t want anyone else to ruin the start of something like this. Will had also felt shy and overwhelmed at the thought of all the attention and the knowing looks that would come there way. He had been surprised at Mike’s indifference to anyone knowing, even in his most indulgent daydreams and fantasies Will had resigned himself to the assumption that being with him would be something hidden, something shameful, especially to someone like Mike who Will thought would have to give up a stable future, that he was well on his way to the Wheeler suburban dream with Jane. That was until she dumped him and moved states with her sister, their sister? His family had become a little complicated. Mike’s had too, Mr and Mrs Wheeler had gone overseas this Christmas for the first time that Will could remember. Karen had wanted to visit her brother in Europe and had decided that the end of the quarantine was the best time to do it. Will knew it was deeper than that though, he noticed how Mrs Wheeler started to fidget as if there was something itchy beneath her skin every time she was in their kitchen. Mike was suddenly deemed old enough to be ‘man of the house’, (according to Ted), for the week of Christmas. Which really meant that Nancy was in charge of them during her Christmas break and that he and Mike stayed in their pyjamas all day and played games in the basement, just like when they were kids.
With the Wheeler house empty save for Holly, Nancy and Mike, they had decided to have their own little Christmas gathering.
The Party each had their own family Christmases to go to, opting to visit the next day instead. But the rest of the Byers and Hopper would be over, along with Holly’s friend Mary, and to Will’s excitement, Robin and Vickie. Vickie’s parents had the same idea as the Wheelers and decided to skip town. And Robin had said she ‘didn’t give a shit’ about whatever her family was doing.
—
Will had just finished helping clean the kitchen with Nancy, when something caught his eye, just above the doorway. Mistletoe.
He smiled, turning to see Mike walking over, his hands a little dusty from fixing up the fireplace.
“When did you put that up?” Will laughed, pointing above their heads, feeling the blush spread across his cheeks.
Mike fought a smile, shrugged, “Oh, just a… couple hours ago.”
Will laughed, rolled his eyes despite the massive grin on his face, “You are such a cliché.”
Mike’s face broke out into that full smile that Will had been waiting for, making the room spin. He leaned up, cupping a hand around Mike’s neck and pulled him into a kiss, Mike’s hands immediately found their place on Will’s waist. He felt the warmth spread in his chest as Mike’s lips moved against his. When they pulled away Will sighed, resting his forehead against Mike’s, smiling while Mike gripped his sides, holding him close.
Movement by the window caught his eye and Will turned to see Robin and Vickie walking toward the house. Quickly he and Mike moved apart to open the door for them, blush still across their cheeks. They gave quick hellos and Merry Christmases, and Will saw a glint in Robin’s eyes, that look she gets when she’s excited to tell him something but holding back. Once Mike turned and walked towards the kitchen Vickie quickly pecked a kiss on Robin’s lips, saying “For the mistletoe," and darted off. Will giggled, turning to see the blush on Robin’s cheeks. “Shut up.” She mumbled before suddenly grabbing his arm and pulling him to the couch.
—
“I just— what if he doesn’t like it? It’s important that it’s not just good, that it’s special and … I don’t know what if he got me something better? What if he got something expensive and then I look stupid or- or like I don’t care enough and it’s too late to get him anything new now just… what if he hates it?” Will sighed, finally turning to face Robin, she was …smiling?
“Well… you could always just… kiss him again.” She said, trying to contain her laughter
Will couldn’t see it but he knew he had just turned bright red.
“Oh my god you saw that!.” He brought his hands up to his cheeks to hide his face.
Robin nodded.
A memory came back to Will and he smiled.
“Did I at least look like I knew what I was doing?”
“Oh yeah. Definitely.” She nodded. He blushed even further, the whole thing made him feel incredibly shy.
“So- so you see why this present has to— has to be so good now. It’s our first Christmas as…” he rambled, trailing off at the end as the warmth in his face grew hotter still.
“Will,” Robin placed a hand on his shoulder, “He’ll like it” She said, as if she just knew. “And if he doesn’t, then give me a list and I’m hijacking the WSQK with all the songs he hates.“
Despite the talk with Robin, Will’s anxiety did not dissipate quite enough by the time everyone had arrived and it was time to open presents. He shied away from the whole ordeal, not pushing to open his gifts. Will always loved this part of Christmas, watching everyone else open their presents from each other, hugging and smiling, knowing how much thought and love was put into each gift, it made him feel warm and safe. He watched as Holly and Mary exchanged gifts, smiling at their childhood glee, they reminded him of Mike and himself all those years ago, hugging each other and squealing in surprise once the gifts had been unwrapped. The two girls eventually got bored of watching everyone else and ran off to go play in Holly’s room, Will didn’t blame them, time feels so slow when you’re young.
Hopper and Joyce’s gifts to each other were practical yet loving, Nancy’s and Jonathan’s too. It made Will a little nervous, there was nothing practical about his gift to Mike, he cursed himself for being so sentimental. Robin and Vickie didn’t exchange gifts, said they already had before coming which made Will excited to ask Robin what she got before he realised it was probably a lie so whatever romantic gifts they were yet to open wouldn’t be done in front of everyone else. This made Will even more nervous.
He and Jonathan had both bought each other new Walkmans without realising, each selflessly prioritizing the other while secretly wanting the gift for themselves. Joyce and Hopper had bought Will a high quality set of paint brushes and canvases that he was endlessly grateful for, hugging Joyce tightly and even allowing Hopper to ruffle his hair. Mike went next, handing Will his gift, saying it tied in to Joyce and Hopper’s, Joyce smiled knowingly in a way that made Will blush a little with all the eyes on him. Neatly wrapped was a set of paints, not just any paints, expensive ones, the set had so many colours that Will had gasped.
“Your mom helped me pick it out– I mean, I knew what she was getting you, we wanted to coordinate and we both love your paintings a lot so…” Will felt like he could cry but he held it together,
“Thank you… I love it.” He breathed, sitting back down on the couch beside Mike as he reached for his gift.
“I uh… it’s kinda silly and it’s not… it’s-”
“Will, stop rambling, let me see.” Mike interrupted, speaking softly.
“Yeah… ok.” He handed the gift to Mike who smiled at him widely in excitement. At the sound the paper ripping Will’s heart began to race. With the wrapping pulled back the painting came into view and at the sight of something he had created Will felt a wave of embarrassment come over him, his entire body felt suddenly hot.
The gift was a detailed painting of Mike The Brave, painted in the style of a Medieval Portrait. Each brushstroke had felt like an incredibly vulnerable display of his deepest affections, looking at it now, with everyone in the room made Will feel as if the entire house were slowly spinning.
Mike ran his fingers across the painting slowly. “Wow… Will this is amazing.” He said in awe. “Well it’s-“ Will began but was cut off by Mike throwing his arms around Will in a hug. Will laughed and tentatively placed his arms on Mike’s back. “I wish I could kiss you right now.” He whispered into Will’s ear, sending a warm shiver down his spine as his cheeks turned pink again.
Mike pulled back making Will suddenly aware of everyone else’s presence, particularly Robin’s wide, slightly smug smile.
—
Once all the gifts had been given and the room was empty Mike suddenly grabbed Will’s hand and pulled him down the stairs to the basement. “Mike! Slow down what are you doing?” Will laughed, the warmth from Mike’s hand spreading all the way up his shoulder.
“They’re going to wonder where we-” Will began but was cut off by Mike suddenly pulling him in for a kiss. Will felt as if he were floating, Mike’s face up against his, his hands in his hair. Just as he began to melt into him Mike pulled them apart, holding Will’s face in his hands.
“You’re amazing!” He said, like it was an objective truth that he was affirming.
“Well, I don’t know I just wanted to-”
Mike rolled his eyes at him.
“No, Will, you’re amazing, thank you.” Mike repeated, his eyes shining, looking directly into Will’s own. Will smiled bashfully,
“Okay, okay, I guess I am.” He laughed rolling his eyes at Mike in imitation.
“Good. I’m going to tell you every day until you believe it.” He said, sounding as determined as he had been while constructing plans for other dimensions.
This time Will pulled him in for a kiss. Mike immediately followed, breathing Will in, he grabbed at his hips and walked them backwards until Mike’s knees hit the couch and they fell back onto it, Will on Mike’s lap. He pulled back, peppering kisses across Will’s face as he giggled.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” Mike said against his cheek,
“Me too.” He breathed, mind dreamy and focused solely on Mike’s soft touch. He slid his hand into Will’s hair, playing with it lightly as he spoke, their faces pressed together.
“I know I gave you your gift but I have-”
“Hey-” Will leapt up out of Mike’s lap at the sound, whirling around to see Jonathan at the top of the stairs.
“It’s almost time to phone Jane.” He said, visibly stifling a laugh.
At that Will gave an excited “Oh!” and turned to grab Mike’s hand as they ran up the stairs.
“Merry Christmas!” Will called through the phone, The sound of Jane’s voice crackled back echoing his own words. A smile spread across his face as soon she spoke. Jane’s voice had always been comforting to him. Maybe it was because the first words she spoke to him were to soothe him in his fear all those years ago, maybe he just loved her.
“Have you been having a good Christmas?” She asked.
“Yeah! Great, it’s nice being with everyone, though I wish you and Kali were here. How’s Washington?”
“Very good. Yesterday there was snow. Kali and I made snowmen, I made one of you.” She answered, making Will smile wide enough to show all his teeth.
“Aww, Jane I’m honoured.”
“We took photos, I’ll mail them to you and it will be like I’m there,” Will could hear her breathing out as she smiled over the phone. “And you can always talk to me… the other way.” She added slowly. Will had only just gotten the hang of communicating in the void and despite the vastness it could be really fun, it was the only power they ever really used anymore, and he was grateful for that.
“Of course.”
“Okay kid, my turn.” Hopper patted his shoulder.
“Say hi to Kali for me!” He called through the phone before saying his goodbyes and handing it over to Hopper.
–
Once the day was over they retreated to Mike’s room, reminding Will of those early Christmases where he’d slept over.
“I’m glad you’re, um, staying over.” Mike mumbled, fiddling with the sleeve of his pyjamas.
“Yeah?” Will breathed, moving to sit beside Mike on his bed.
“Yeah.”
“And… I- I know I already have you the paint set but I- there’s something…” Mike leaned over and took a small wrapped box out of the drawer on his nightstand.
“There’s something else I wanted to give you.”
Will smiled.
“Oh Mike, you don’t have to.”
“No I- it’s kind of..” He sighed, “Just open it.” He finished, exhaling hard and handing the gift to Will.
He peeled back the paper slowly, watching Mike bite his nails in his periphery. Inside was a black box, he lifted the lid, revealing two necklaces. Both silver, one with a small shining padlock, the other, a key. As Will reached his hand into the box Mike immediately began to ramble out an explanation. “One of those is for you and the other is for me– not that I’m giving myself a gift just, they match, they’re a pair, like us.” Will’s heart fluttered, he opened his mouth to express his gratitude but Mike kept talking. “You can choose whichever one but I kinda thought you would be the lock and I’d be the key,” Mike bowed his head slightly, avoiding eye contact while his face turned the colour of an early sunrise, “because I was thinking of the painting you gave me that spring and what you said.” At this Will was the one to pinken, smiling shyly. “You said I was ‘the heart’ and I… I can’t make the beautiful paintings you do or find the perfect words the way you do but, I was thinking and… you’re my heart, Will.” At this Mike turned to look at him, his eyes shining and vulnerable in a way that felt precious and delicate.
“Mike…” Will reached out to take his hand and Mike let him, curling his fingers around the back of Will’s palm, he turned to look at the ground again.
“It’s maybe a bit… on the nose but…” Mike began again “you’re locked inside of my heart, you always have been and…” he breathed in shakily, “I love you, Will.” Will inhaled sharply, tears welled in his eyes and his heart hammering in his chest like a drill. He placed the box beside him and used the hand not gripping Mike’s to cup his face, turning it toward him so he could look him in the eyes.
“Mike,” he sniffled, smile wide across his face.
“I love you.” Mike exhaled a smile, tear rolling down his cheek. Will leaned over and pulled the key necklace from the box beside him. He draped it delicately over Mike’s neck.
“Thank you… so much. I love it.” He said as he did up the clasp, running his hand softly down the side of Mike’s neck and feeling him shiver under his fingertips. He moved to do the same with the lock when Mike, took his hand, “Let me,” he breathed, taking the chain of the necklace from between Will’s fingers. The cool metal against Mike’s warm touch made him tremble in the best way, after connecting the clasp Mike slid his hands up Will’s neck to cup his face. Mike’s eyes darted all over him, simply watching, breathing the same air. Will grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Mike pushed against him, his hand cupping his face while the other slid down from his shoulder to his waist where it held him in place.
Will felt as though someone had set a firecracker off in his heart. He pulled Mike closer, his hands pressed against his back, his lips moving against his, letting his teeth ghost across Mike’s bottom lip. Mike leaned over onto him, twisting them over until he was on Will’s lap, he leaned back, Mike now lying on top of him. It all felt surreal, like a dream he’d have when he was thirteen. Christmas Day, making out with Mike in his bedroom, Mike, his boyfriend who loved him. Will slid his hands into Mike’s hair, tilting his head to a slight angle and letting his tongue slide past Mike’s lips, at this Mike’s thumb rubbed circles against Will’s jaw. He felt as Mike’s tongue delicately licked across the back of Will’s front teeth, following the shape of them down and back up again. He then slipped his own tongue back past his lips and Mike followed. Will closed the kiss, lips locking around Mike’s before they both pulled back. His eyes fluttered open to find Mike looking down at him, breathless and pink. “How are you so good at this?” He breathed, rolling off of Will but pulling him close against him. Will just laughed, nuzzling his warm face into Mike’s neck, feeling the cool touch of the key necklace against his skin.