Chapter Text
Mike stares with a slight disgust in the mirror. His nose had turned a deep purple, spreading out to underneath his eyes. There was blood still on his face. Some on his cheek he doesn't recall and then some that had dried by his nose.
They had been there for, what, seven days? And Mike looked gaunt. Looked weak and frail and tiny.
Mike turns on the sink and grabs one of the washcloths. He wets it and looks back to the mirror.
The bruise is tender. Now that he isn't worried about Will and their worlds crashing to an end Mike had more space to focus on the pain.
He winces, but manages to wipe away the blood and grime from his face at least.
Mike looks down at his shirt, bits of blood on that as well. He manages to smell himself and almost has to gag.
He sees now why Hopper was so keen to urge Mike into the bathroom for a shower and change of clothes.
Mike runs a hand through his hair. It's greasy, and he feels the need to wash his hands after.
It's jarringly silent. Makes Mike think of the hours on end he would spend alone in that bunker, waiting for Will to return.
And then he starts thinking of Will and can't stop. He had fallen asleep. Hopper mentioned waking him up after Mike so he could shower as well, but Mike had glared at that and Hopper just gave him a strange look.
At least now Will had realized they'd escape. At least he would never have to face the doctor again. He would never be subject to the noise and would never experience that pain again. Will was free.
Mike takes a deep breath and then strips out of his clothes. He doesn't think he ever wants to see them again, and upon seeing a sizable trash can he dumps everything but his shoes in there.
The water is cold at first, but Mike doesn't care. As soon as he glances down he sees the now-brown water running into the drain.
Mike takes the washcloth and scrubs. He scrubs himself until his skin turns red and even then he doesn't feel clean. He had held onto this notion that-that ridding himself of his clothes and the grime would somehow rid him of that place. That he would step out of this shower a new man. The same man he used to be. Before. That maybe he would stop glaring at people and would stop thinking of the way those guards would laugh at him.
But Mikes skin turns red and irritated and the grime and smell leaves the memory stays.
Mike turns off the water. And there's still something wet running down his face.
And Mike shouldn't be crying, because this was a good thing. He and Will have been rescued. They escaped. It was over. And there were so many things now happening that Mike couldn't handle it and he tries to wipe away the tears but more come to replace them.
Mike was crying as if he had any right to cry. As if anything had even happened to him. When Will was the one who had truly been tortured, the worst thing that happened to Mike was hours upon hours of boredom. A punch in the face, maybe.
So what did Mike have to cry about?
He wipes at his face frantically. It doesn't help. It doesn't help for a long while in which Mike stares at his red and puffy face in the mirror and hates himself for feeling like this.
But eventually he's too tired to keep going. His head hurts, and he's tired, and there's a set of clothes waiting for him.
So Mike changes again. The shirt must be Hoppers, but the pajama pants fit well and Mike can recall El having worn them before.
Mike leans against the sink to inspect his bruise further when he hears Wills scream.
And it's automatic, isn't it? Mikes mind goes right back to that place and he doesn't think twice before he's ripping open the bathroom door and running for Wills voice.
There's someone leaned by the couch Will had been. Will is awake and he's scared and Mike just collided into the figure, consequences be damned.
Get away from him!
He yells.
Kid! Hey!
And Mike elbows Hopper. Quit it!
And Mike doesn't quit it.
Go away!
He yells. He pushes at Hopper and turns to Will, turns to start comforting him. Whether it was the nightmare of pain or the real thing. Will needed Mike.
Jesus, okay, I'm backing up.
Hopper backs away. He keeps his gaze on the pair of them but Mike is used to being watched now.
Will?
His voice goes soft instantly, a contrast from his earlier yell.
Will swallows and he's still laying down and he reaches out for Mikes hand who takes it easily.
Sorry.
Will whispers. I woke up. And I forgot- I forgot what happened.
It's okay Will.
Mike reaches his other hand to brush his hair back. It's greasy too.
Do you want to shower? Or change out of your clothes?
Mike figures he should ask, now that Wills awake and from how wide his eyes are Mike knows he won't be falling back asleep.
Will nods easy enough and let's go of Mikes hand to sit up.
Hopper keeps watching, stands there and observes for a moment until he disappears into Els bedroom.
Can you stand?
Mike holds out both his arms and Will takes them.
Yeah.
He pulls himself up, holding tight to Mike. I'm not feeling as tied as earlier.
He still looked the part, but was at least able to put one foot in front of the other and hobble forward with Mikes help.
Hopper exits Els room with another set of clothes, beats Will and Mike to the bathroom.
Mike manages to get Will sitting on the edge of the bathtub while Hopper sets the clothes down. Mike feels a little embarrassed at having pushed him over and yelled at him.
Hopper lingers for a moment, staring at them and running a hand through his hair, frustrated, but then he leaves and closes the door.
It's the first time they've been alone with each other. Truly alone.
Mike sits on the edge of the bath next to Will. He takes Wills hand in his own, it's natural at this point, and turns to face him.
Will looks marginally better than he did just an hour ago. At least, he didn't look so terrified. Wills fingers are still cold against Mikes. They curl slightly underneath Mikes palm.
Will leans forward, just slightly, but it's enough to spur Mike on as well. He opens his arms and Will falls into them and for once they share a hug that isn't a desperate goodbye or an attempt to ease pain but rather something tender and comforting. Something just for them.
Mike wraps his arms around Wills shoulders, on hand resting on his back and the other moving to hold his head. Mike rests his chin on top of Wills hair. Holds him close with the knowledge that he would never be taken away again.
Will squeezes him close. Rubs his hands up and down Mikes back soothingly and breathes slow and even and not panicked or in pain into Mikes chest.
It's Will who pulls away. Who sits back and gives something of a sad smile to Mike that slowly turns into a frown as he studies Mikes place.
Does it hurt?
One of Wills hands reaches up and ghosts over Mikes nose.
No.
Mike says, but Will gives him an unimpressed look. A little,
Mike admits, but it's not so bad.
Will nods and brings his hand back down, eyes still trained on the bruise slightly.
Come on, let's get you cleaned up.
Mike studied Wills face back. Notes the blood on his ear and the only partially wiped away blood on his nose.
Mike leaves Will sitting and wets a washcloth, making sure the temperature was pleasant before sitting down next to him again.
He focuses on his task, grateful for something to do. For a way to help. It reminds Mike of the first time he had wiped the blood off Wills face in that place. How it had been flowing from his eyes and covering every part of him, how it took two napkins to even reveal Wills skin.
But this is different. Will is safe. This will be the last time Mike will have to wipe the blood off his face.
Mike thinks, about halfway through, that Will is sitting up just fine, and was focusing intently on Mike and tilting his head as necessary, that Will could likely do this on his own. Could probably wipe at his face with a greater accuracy and would maybe prefer it, having that autonomy again. But Will sits still and tilts his head and watches Mike.
There we go.
Mike murmurs as he finishes up. Will closes his eyes for a moment before Mike retracts his hand.
You should sit in the shower. Do you need help with your clothes?
Mike asks.
I think I got it.
Will begins to take off his shirt and manages it all right. I-I should be okay on my own.
He says once the shirt is bunched up in his hands.
Okay. But call me if you need anything.
Mike waits for Wills nod before leaving the bathroom.
Hopper is waiting outside. In the kitchen, watching Mike.
Come sit.
He keeps his voice gentle.
(Sit.
The Sergeant demands. You'll do your best to answer my questions and get some food, won't you?
)
Mike clenches his jaw and sits down across from Hopper. There's already a glass of water and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich waiting.
He okay in there?
Hopper asks as Mike takes a sip of the water.
Yeah.
Will croaks out. And he knows he should apologize for earlier, but he doesn't.
Hopper observes Mike for a moment, but then just nods. Alright.
He seems to surrender.
You two okay to share a bed tonight? You can sleep in Els room and we'll figure out the rest in the morning.
Hopper still watches carefully as Mike picks up his sandwich.
He pauses before he puts in his mouth. His brain immediately and automatically telling him to wait. Telling him he isn't starving so he should save it for Will. Tells him he doesn't know when the next meal will come.
But this is Hoppers cabin and they have a pantry of eggos and a freezer of frozen fruit and Mike can see the bread and peanut butter and jelly still out on the counter and Mike is not going to starve so he takes a bite.
He realizes he's yet to answer Hopper question. He clears his throat after he swallows. Yeah. That'll be good.
Mike takes another bite.
Are you sure they didn't follow us?
Mike asks.
Hopper leans back in his chair. I'm sure. There was almost nobody in that whole place-
No more than eighteen.
Mike supplies.
Hopper raises an eyebrow. Right. Very few. If I missed anyone, I doubt they'll have the time to track us down with any urgency. We shouldn't stay here long term, we'll need to figure something out, but we'll be okay for a couple days. You know all the defenses I have up here for El, if anything does happen we'll have time to escape.
Okay.
Mike agrees. Okay. But they'll look for him. And they're looking for you. I told them your name.
And Mike has the decency to look embarrassed, but he doesn't regret it.
Hopper, at least, doesn't seem angry. He takes a slow breath and Mikes grip on his sandwich tightens before he speaks. That's okay kid. What else did you tell them?
Nothing else that was true.
Mike says.
Mike takes a few more bites before setting his sandwich down. He can hear the water still running in the bathroom. He hopes Will is doing okay. Starts to wonder if he should check in on him.
Done eating?
Mike looks down at his sandwich. Exactly half eaten. He's still hungry. And he still wants to keep it. Save it for when Will returns exhausted and starving.
But there is still bread and peanut butter and jelly out on the counter.
You're going to make Will one?
Mike finds himself asking.
Yeah.
Hoppers voice is still so gentle. Mike thought Hopper hated him. I will. As many as you guys want.
Mike picks it up again. Continues eating. He hears the shower turn off in the bathroom.
If you get hungry at night you're welcome to anything too.
Hopper stands up and finally takes his gaze off of Mike to begin preparing another sandwich.
Mike keeps eating, keeping an ear out for the door to open behind him or for Will to call for help.
Eventually he does hear the click of the door opening and quickly stands to help Will.
It's relieving to see him in normal clothes again. Clean and free from blood. He was wearing a pair of sweatpants similar to the ones Mike had on. His shirt must have been Els, it was a slightly tighter fit than Mikes and left his arms bare, showing off the bruises from all the IV lines.
Will smiles at Mike. He was still pale. Still clung to the door until Mike was close enough for him to lean on. But Will smiles and it has Mike smiling back.
Don't think I've had a better shower.
He jokes. He lets Mike pull a chair out for him at the table.
You seem a bit more awake Will.
Hopper comments as he sets the sandwich down in front of him.
Yeah.
Will shifts uncomfortably a little. I was just... really tired for a moment there. Dunno.
Hopper makes a face that means he knows it's a lie, but says nothing about it. Are you doing okay, Will? Anything you need.
Will shakes his head. Takes another bit and keeps his head down a bit.
Alright.
Hopper seems to lay off a bit. I'm going to go change the sheets on Els bed. Holler if you need anything.
Hopper disappears and Mike sits with Will quietly. He sits in his own chair, but on the side so he's facing Will, kneecaps nudging at his thighs.
They sit in silence, no words needed. Mike stays close to Will, finds himself wanting to glance to the corner where the guards would be at the desk except- except it was just the living room.
You okay?
Will whispers, even though they don't need to whisper anymore.
Mike tears his gaze from the living room. Nods. I'm okay. Still a little shaken, I think.
Will takes his hand easily. Wraps around Mike and squeezes and smiles. We're okay now. We're safe.
Mike nods again, looks into Wills eyes and thinks for a moment that they are very close together. Closer than they might have gotten before all this, but Mike doesn't move away and neither does Will.
Thank you.
Will says.
For what?
Mike wants to take Wills other hand but it's out of reach.
You kept me sane in there Mike. Without you I-
Will seems to choke up just a little, I don't know what I would have done. You kept me safe.
Mike tries for a smile but clenches his jaw. Safe? Will was in danger that whole time and Mike just watched. Watched as Will slowly withered away. Grew paler and more unaware and in greater contestant pain. Mike failed to do anything useful. He didn't even get Will out. Couldn't even escape on his own.
I'm serious.
Will must sense Mikes apprehension. His other hand takes Mikes and Will leans in closer. I mean, it was horrible, with the doctor-
Will cuts himself off and Mike holds his hands closer.
But I got through it because I knew you'd be there waiting for me. And you'd take care of me.
It still doesn't seem like enough. But Will is leaning in ever closer now and Mikes eyes flit down to his lips and-
No.
Mike wraps his arms around Will. He pulls his head over his shoulder and holds him tight. Appropriate.
Will melts into it. Reaches one hand up to Mikes hair and rests it there. His other hand wraps around Mikes waist. For once, Mike feels protected by this hug. Feels like Will is looking out for him and holding him through his pain. It isn't fair, because Will is in infinitely more pain, is in more need than Will, but Mike melts into the embrace as well.
Mike enjoys the familiar feeling of having Will safe in his arms and enjoys the new feeling of Will comforting him. Enjoys that Will is safe, in part due to Mike, and Mike could enjoy time with him not spent worrying about his current state. Mike just enjoys it.
They pull away eventually. When the door to Els bedroom closes loudly and Hopper steps raise in volume.
Beds ready.
Hopper stares at them a moment too long. They're still so close. Mike still doesn't want to leave Wills side. Either of you want another sandwich? Or anything else?
He walks to the counter and waits for a reply.
Will shakes his head at Mike. No, we're good.
Mike replies.
Hopper looks at them again. Turns around to stare but makes a point to let it be and simply begin putting away the food.
Alright. I'll be in my room then. Try and get some sleep.
Mike leads the way to Els room. Closes the door behind them while Will takes a seat on the bed. A real bed.
Mike sits down on the other side. His usual side, closer to the guards. Except there were no guards.
They climb under the covers. Mike turns off the lamp and they are plunged into darkness.
And now the question of... them.
They were no longer there. Will would no longer wake up in pain and was no longer constantly cold due to blood loss. He was no longer delirious and in need of comfort. Will no longer needs Mike.
He doesn't need Mike to protect him. He doesn't need Mike to speak for him. He doesn't need Mike to wipe the blood off his face. He doesn't need Mike to hold him close in the dark.
The bed is large enough that there is no excuse to be close. The house is warm enough there is no excuse to huddle. Will is aware enough there is no reason to comfort.
Mike.
Will whispers in the dark. Mike swallows. Ever aware of the space between them.
Yeah?
He tries to keep his voice from shaking.
Will shuffles, turns to his side so he can face Mike. Mike turns his head, sees Will moving closer. So close their legs touch and his head is right next to Mikes.
So close their faces are almost touching. Wills nose brushes Mikes.
Mike makes a point to not look at Wills lips. Makes a point to stare right into his eyes.
Will frowns slightly. Backs away just a bit. Sorry.
He whispers.
And maybe- maybe just because Mike doesn't need to hold Will doesn't mean Will doesn't want it.
Mike leans in. Their noses brush again. He turns to his side and their legs entangle again. Will smiles slightly at Mike in the dark. Reciprocates.
And Mike thinks he's going to die. It had been one thing to hold Will through rough times. It's another thing to do so with no excuse. To be this intimate with no reason other than they both wanted it.
Their faces are so close. Wills eyes are not meeting Mikes. They've traveled down to his lips.
They flit back up to Mikes eyes. Mike.
He whispers again.
Will.
And as Mike speaks it, their lips brush. The faintest of touches. Will let's out a breath and Mike can feel it.
Please.
And it's all the permission Mike needs to close the remaining distance. To bring one hand up to cup Wills jaw close and connect their lips and feel Wills hot breath against his mouth.
Wills hands travel up to Mikes chest. Sit there and curl up and keep Mike close to him. Mikes other hand runs through Wills hair. Runs down the back of his neck and rests.
They part lips once they both loose breath. Mike waits, meeting Wills eyes and they both seem a little scared.
I think I love you.
Mike says. He's never said it out loud. Hardly ever admitted it in his head. But he feels safe with Will. Feels like he can trust Will with this even if he can't trust himself with it.
Wills hands travel up Mikes chest to his neck. Reach up and cup his jaw and then Will goes in for another kiss. Shorter and more chaste. But they both smile when he pulls away again.
Mike, I've been in love with you for years.
He sounds close to crying again. Mike hates that. He brings a hand down to Wills waist and pulls him in closer, leaving no room between them. He wants to kiss Will again. Wants to kiss Will and never stop now that he knows this is an option.
He settles for kissing Will once and looking into his eyes once he's pulled out.
What does this mean?
Mike asks. Will is still breathing hot and heavy from moments ago.
I think it means we figure out the rest in the morning.
Will smiles a bit and Mike almost laughs at the reference.
I think we're going to have a lot of figuring out to do tomorrow.
He comments and Will just hums.
But that's a problem for tomorrow.
For now, Will is closing his eyes and resting his head down on Mikes arm and Mikes lips are still tingling from earlier and their legs are still intertwined and Mikes own breaths start to slow down in tandem with Wills.
He falls asleep like that. Content that whatever would come next, he and Will would stick together.
Stupid. Mikes whole fucking job was to warn Will before they turned on the machine. He was supposed to notice those things. Was supposed to hear the scrape of the chair and wake Will up.
But Will was screaming in his arms and the bedsheets were getting tangled and Mike doesn't have time to dwell on it.
He falls into routine. Mike holds Will close and rubs his back and begins to whisper his platitudes.
Wills scream has died down. Now reduced to a whimper and his hands wrapping tight around Mike like he might get taken away. Not the machine then. Just a nightmare. It meant he might have woken up the guards and they might be angry.
Mike lets Will bury his face in Mikes chest. Rubs his back and holds him tight.
Then he hears noise. The guards. Mike tenses and Will tenses right with him. The lights turn on and Will screams again and Mikes eyes fly to the guards as he scrambles to try and stand while simultaneously holding Will still.
He didn't mean it!
Mike calls out instantly except the person he has called it out to is not one of the guards. It's not a man in a military uniform with an annoyed sneer on his face or a look of disgust but Hopper with his hands up and a gentle face of concern.
It's only me. You're safe. You're both safe.
Mike forces himself to breathe. Forces himself to look around the room and find they are not in the bunker.
Will is still trembling in his arms. Mike breathes and breathes and doesn't say anything when Hopper moves closer.
Are you both okay?
He asks.
We're fine.
Mike wants Hopper to leave and turn off the lights because Will is still scared of the situation.
Do you want me to leave?
Hopper asks.
Mike nods immediately. He wants to be alone. Alone with Will so he can properly calm him down.
Okay.
If it hurts Hoppers feelings he doesn't show it. He retreats and turns the lights back off and leaves, not after hesitating too long and staring at Will in Mikes arms.
Mike lets out a breath of relief and returns his attention to Will.
It's okay Will. It was dream. It's over now.
Mike speaks softly and continues to run a hand down Wills neck while he trembles slightly.
Will nods into his chest. At least recognizes that it's over, but he continues to tremble.
Mike holds him close. He holds Will while he trembles and even when the trembling recedes and his breathing has evened out Mike holds Will close.
They both fall asleep like that again.