Archive of Our Own

"Ooh, what about this?" Will held up the book he had been scouring, searching for a spell.

Joyce and Hopper were out of town, helping Jonathan move back into college, meaning Will and Mike had the cabin to themselves, and they had decided to make good use of the precious quiet time. Going into their senior year of high school, they'd decided to work on a project together: a story, thought up by the two of them, written by Mike, and illustrated by Will.

They were currently still in the thinking stage, which meant a trip to the library and various books, pencils, and paper sprawled about the two of them where they sat on the living room floor. The story was to be inspired by D&D, Star Wars, and all the things the two of them shared a love for, following a pair of boys—best friends—loosely based off of themselves, though neither of them would admit it.

"Wait, lemme see?" Mike held out a hand, pulling the book to himself and allowing his eyes to focus. "Which one?"

"The third one."

Will was quiet while Mike read the two lines.

"Maybe." He handed the book back.

"Maybe?"

Mike shrugged. "I mean, it's just hard to tell which spell would be best just by reading them since they're in Latin."

Will frowned, the book's yellowed edges staring back at him. "Do you want me to read it out loud? I can try to sound it out."

"I mean, no. I'm just saying I don't know how to choose just by reading it."

Will blinked.

"I'll try to read it. Maybe it'll sound magical out loud."

Mike leaned back, a smile on his lips. "Yeah, right."

Will rolled his eyes playfully. "You'll see."

He cleared his throat.

He recited the Latin words, though they may have fallen off his tongue less than gracefully, and when he lowered the book, he expected to see a grinning Mike, a roast on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he found Mike… missing.

"Mike?" He frowned, confused as he took in the spot on the floor where Mike had just been, where his clothes still were. Where something was bundled beneath them. Moving.

Will looked around. How did he not see him get up?

"Mike?" He called again hesitantly, keeping his eyes on the moving pile on the floor before him. "Mike!" He turned his head towards the kitchen. Mike had to be in there.

The clothes kept moving, as though a monster were raising itself out of the floorboards, preparing to expose itself when it inevitably made a leap towards Will.

But when it did expose itself, it wasn't climactic in the way Will had thought, because there on the floor in front of him where Mike had just been, untangling itself from the confines of his clothes was… a dog?

Will was sure his expression was one of complete shock as he stared at the creature that still struggled against the clothes.

"Um, Mike?" Will's voice carried throughout the room, still expecting Mike to reappear, to laugh off the insane prank, to somehow come up with the intricate details of how he got the dog in without Will noticing, how he changed out of his clothes so quickly.

Mike didn't come.

Instead, the dog, finally freeing itself, turned at the sound of his voice, tilting its head ever so slightly.

Will stared.

It felt like time stood still.

Will looked down at the book still gripped too tightly in his hands, at the spell he'd just recited in Latin, then back up where the dog still stared at him.

"Mike?" His voice was softer now. Scared.

This couldn't be happening.

The dog inched forward, as though Will had summoned it. Which, if it really were Mike, he supposed he did.

Slowly, he placed the book down on the floor between them, eyes still on the raven-furred dog.

"Mike, is that you?"

If Mike was hiding somewhere, this would be so embarrassing.

The dog looked down at the book, then back to Will, before inching forward again. Will felt the need to retreat, to put distance between himself and the animal, but he stayed still, worried what a sudden movement might do to it.

The dog came to a stop just before the book, one paw resting against its edge, then picked up the other and set it on the page.

Right on top of the spell.

A shudder passed through Will as the realization finally settled.

He turned Mike into a dog.

"Mike." He whispered, voice regretful. His eyes found the dog's, brown as could be. Mike's. Brown like Mike's.

Puppy eyes like Mike's.

His fur, fluffy and black, and pointed floppy ears. A black australian shepherd there on the floor where Mike had just been.

Now that he saw it, he couldn't stop seeing it. It was Mike before him in animal form.

Will had done it to him, and he looked—well, now that he knew it was him, he recognized the expression, the eyes.

Mike was scared, too.

"I'm so sorry. Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Mike." His chest felt tight, eyes still stuck on the animal—no—on Mike. He couldn't look away.

When no response came, Will could feel himself spiral further. He was so dumb. How would Mike respond?

He grabbed the book again, pulling it close and scanning the page for any reference to undoing what he'd done. It was useless. Either because there was no remedy or because Will was too anxious to read the English bits thoroughly.

It could have been either, but the latter was true without a doubt. Will was barely retaining a single word as he scanned through the pages, mumbling apology after apology while he did so.

A small whimper pulled his attention from his frantic search to Mike again, who sat before him still, ears pulled back, and tail tucked tightly against himself.

Sad. Scared.

"Mike, hey." He dropped the book on his lap. "It's okay. You're not going to stay like this. I'll get you back to normal. Don't worry." The reassurances flew from his lips as he leaned forward, empathetic eyes finding Mike's. "You're okay. I did this, and I'm going to fix it, okay? You're okay."

Another whimper escaped Mike, softer than the first.

"No, Mike. I'm gonna fix it." He leaned further, extending a hand to pet down the dog's head comfortingly. "I will, don't worry. I'm gonna take care of you."

His hand continued, running down his head, beginning between his ears and ending just at his neck, before starting at the top again.

That is, until he paused, another realization crashing into him.

"Shit. Mike, I'm so sorry. Is this weird? I'm sorry." He pulled his hand away as if Mike's fur had seared it, but before he could drop it back to his lap, Mike's head fell beneath it, nosing at his hand.

"Oh. Is it okay?" Will's hand hovered awkwardly.

Mike kept nudging.

"Okay, good."

Will let his hand fall back into place, resuming his comforting movements. "I like it, too. Your fur is nice."

Mike found his eyes, a question roaming within them.

"I mean, not, like, nice, just—I don't know. It's fluffy and… soft, I guess." Mike looked away, accepting his answer, though if he could use his words, Will could imagine he'd be making fun of his choice of wording right about now.

The thought made Will's heart flutter, then drop as he remembered that the reason he was imagining what Mike would say and not hearing it was because Mike physically couldn't speak.

He continued his petting, hoping it gave Mike as much comfort as it was giving him.

Whatever the reason, it seemed to be working. Mike's ears were more relaxed, and his tail didn't wag by any means, but it wasn't pressed so tightly either.

Will brought the book back to his attention, one hand continuing to graze against Mike's coat. He expertly flipped through the pages with one hand, looking for any indication of a reversal spell more calmly this time. He didn't speak, hoping not to stress Mike further.

It wasn't until he flipped to the back and found a page filled with disclaimers that he felt he was getting anywhere.

His hand on Mike paused when he saw it. There on the bottom of the page, in the smallest writing known to man.

'See the second book in the series for antidotes and reversals'.

The sigh that left Will's lungs felt as if it had carried and quelled all the negative emotions from his body in that very moment.

"Here, Mike. There's a book to reverse it." He angled the book towards Mike, though he wasn't even sure he could read in his dog form. "Right here. See? You're going to be fine."

Their eyes connected again, Will's hopeful expression attaching itself to Mike in an instant.

"They probably have it at the library." Will looked at the watch on his wrist. "And we have time. It doesn't close for another hour."

And if Mike's tail wagged just once, Will didn't mention it.

…

"Sir, your dog can't be in here."

Will had just stepped across the threshold when the librarian's voice greeted him. It was soft in honor of the atmosphere but stern in a way that suggested she'd dealt with this before and she would stand her ground.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes," The librarian extended a finger towards the door where Will could see the backwards outline of a 'no pets allowed' sign.

He stared for a second longer than he probably should have.

"Please? I really need him."

"Is he a service animal?"

"No, but—"

"Then he has to stay outside."

Will's face fell as he looked to where Mike stood at his knees. His teeth dug into his bottom lip.

"C'mon, Mike." He mumbled, pushing the door open and holding it for Mike to follow him out.

What could they do? He couldn't leave Mike in the car. He couldn't leave him outside.

He could, but he didn't feel comfortable leaving Mike alone and vulnerable as a dog.

So what? Drop him back home? He couldn't do that and make it back before the library closed either.

He sighed as he began to walk towards the parking lot where Joyce's car was waiting, only pausing when he noticed that Mike was no longer beside him.

"Mike?"

He was still just outside the door, sitting now, and when Will turned to him, he extended his paw.

Will frowned. "What are you—Are you doing… shake?"

He squatted down before him, letting his paw fall into his hand, only for Mike to push his paw downwards. Will dropped it, frowning still, when Mike lifted his paw again, only to repeat the same sequence.

"What? You want to stay?"

At that, Mike stopped.

"No, Mike. The lady said you can't come in, and I don't want to leave you out here."

Mike extended his paw again.

"I know you want to be human again, but I don't—I don't want you to be alone. We need to stay together."

Will couldn't leave him alone. What if something happened? Someone took him? Anything? Mike couldn't speak. He was too vulnerable, and Will needed to make sure he was safe.

He'd rather have a dog version of Mike than no Mike at all.

Mike didn't move.

He wanted to stay. That much was clear. And as much as it bothered Will, it was his choice. It should be. Will couldn't steal Mike's freedom of choice, his free will, his autonomy. Will made him like this. He couldn't take away what little control he had left. He had to at least try, even if it meant doing something he wasn't quite comfortable with. If Mike wanted it, he had to try.

"Okay, but don't move. Okay? I'll be quick. Just stay here."

He gave Mike a quick pat, scratching softly for a moment before tearing his eyes and hands away and re-entering the library, doing so begrudgingly.

He didn't take his time.

He was quick.

He returned to where they had found the original book, only to find the slot next to it as empty as could be. A jolt of anxiety ran through him, but he swallowed it down.

He scanned the other aisles, hoping that perhaps it had been misplaced.

It was nowhere to be found.

Finally, he returned to the lady at the front desk, who, with slight irritation, ran a search to find if the book was currently rented, or perhaps at another branch.

Bingo.

With relief and excitement thrumming throughout his chest, Will pushed the library door open for the second time, pleased to return to Mike with an update.

Just pleased to return to Mike.

His heart dropped.

"Mike?" Will called, scanning the sidewalk.

He was gone, as though he had only been truly present in Will's imagination.

His heart pounded in his chest. This was the very thing he had feared. Mike was just gone.

Missing. Disappeared.

Was he taken? Did he wander off? How could Will find him in his current state? Anyone could have taken him.

Will bristled at the thought.

They could've taken him home and made him their pet. The idea of Mike being reduced to an animal and dehumanized made him sick. Even a pleasant home was less than Mike deserved. Mike had dreams and goals. They both did.

Mike couldn't be confined to the life of an animal, sitting, shaking, rolling over, eating, sleeping, and waiting for the next time his owner would give him attention.

Or worse, whoever found him could take him to the pound.

"Mike!" Will called again, voice slightly shaky.

His eyes found the greenery just to the left of the building, leading to a small field and some woods just beyond. He had to have gone that way. Otherwise…

"Mike!"

All at once, movement caught his eye. Between some bushes on the edge of the forest, a black blob rushed out.

Before Will could properly sigh with relief, he was knocked completely off balance, Mike tackling him to the ground.

"M-Mike—"

Will struggled to get a word out, voice still shaky as Mike climbed atop him, tongue swiping out and slobbering all over his face. His tail beat back and forth as he licked Will's cheeks, mouth, nose—anything he could get his tongue on. Will's hands automatically fell to Mike's furry neck in an effort to hold him back.

"Mike! Mike—stop!" Will tried to get out through his lips, pressed together as Mike relentlessly continued to lick over them. He pushed at his neck gently but hard enough to get Mike off of him—his face at least—for just a moment before he was diving back in for more.

"Mike!"

"Mommy, look!" Another voice traveled through the air, distracting Mike temporarily.

Will glanced to his left to find a middle-aged woman holding hands with a small girl, walking towards the library.

"The puppy is licking him! Ew!" She giggled, pointing towards the scene where Mike had resumed his efforts, bored already of the distraction.

"Yes, baby, but dogs lick instead of giving kisses. His dog must love him so much if it's giving him so many kisses."

Though Will barely registered the words, they finally seemed to give Mike pause. His licking gradually slowed to a stop, head turning back to the strangers, then to Will again.

His tongue rested outside his mouth as he panted softly, tail still wagging excitedly behind him, front paws still pushing down on Will's chest.

The door clicked shut, the woman and her daughter disappearing inside. Will took the opportunity to sit up, Mike's paws reluctantly falling off of him and to the ground instead.

He took a deep, shaky breath, still feeling unsteady after the rush of anxiety, especially since it came to a head when he lost Mike.

He pet Mike once, hand trembling slightly as he did so, then let it drop to his lap.

"Why did you leave? You scared me."

Understanding registered in Mike's demeanor, tail slowing but never stopping entirely. He took in Will's words, looked to the side—towards the trees he'd sprinted out of—then turned back to Will, lowering his head slightly. His ears pointed back for a moment, but his tail still moved.

Will took another breath. "You really scared me."

Mike stepped forward again, letting his paw come to rest against Will's thigh, then lowered his head to Will's forearm, nosing at it gently as if to apologize.

As Will caught his breath, heart slowing back to a regular pace, his frown lessened. He could never stay mad at Mike in his human form, especially when he looked at him with his puppy eyes. Now that Mike was quite literally a dog, it was even harder.

Slowly, he moved his hand to Mike's head again, softly petting him.

"It's okay. Just don't do that again, okay? I didn't know if—if—" he paused, "I didn't know if something happened."

Mike's tail paused, then picked up again.

"I know it's only been, like, an hour and you're right here, but I really miss you."

Mike's ears turned down for the second time, and his tail slowed dramatically. His head turned to the building beside them.

Will's hand didn't stop even as he turned to the building as well, catching Mike's question quickly enough.

"I didn't find it." He began. "But I know where it is, and we're going to get it. Just… not tonight."

Will smiled sadly at the dog, pausing his petting to scratch gently just under his jaw.

"It's at the other library." Mike would know what he meant; the library a town over. "We won't make it before it closes." He kept scratching. It seemed to calm Mike. "We'll go in the morning, okay?"

Will gave a couple more scratches before he pushed himself up from the ground. He looked down at Mike, pondering.

"If you're going to be like this for a little while longer, I guess we can't have pizza for dinner anymore."

The words elicited a small whine from Mike.

"It's okay, we'll find you something." Will glanced around, as if the simple act of turning his head would spawn dog food right before their eyes.

But Mike was a dog, so was the thought really that crazy?

"We'll have to stop at the store. Hopefully we can find some meat or something." Will paused. "And hopefully they let you in this time."

…

There was no sign outside the grocery store preventing pets from entering, and Will was beyond grateful for it. He wasn't sure he could've left Mike alone again if there was.

Now the two were staring at a wall of packaged red meat. Will couldn't stop the corners of his mouth from curving upwards when he noticed Mike's nose twitching, likely tempted by all the scents of food compiled so strongly in one place.

He took in the options, eyes catching on the ground beef. That felt like a good, balanced option. He could make something for himself and feed Mike with it easily, too.

"He's so well behaved."

Will turned to find a dark-haired boy beside him. He looked about the same age, and despite growing up in such a small town, Will didn't recognize him.

"Yeah, he's great." Will smiled politely, leaning forward to pick up a package of beef. It felt a bit awkward talking about Mike in his dog form to a stranger.

Mike's tail paused its wagging as he took in the new person talking to Will.

"How long have you had him?"

Will blinked. He looked down at Mike for a moment, then back to the stranger.

"Um, not too long."

The guy nodded, eyes leaving Mike to cling to Will instead.

"What's his name?"

Mike's head moved back and forth between the two boys, ears perked up as if hanging on to every word.

"Mike."

"Mike? That's an interesting name for a dog."

Will shrugged. "I guess. I think it's kinda cool when animals have people names."

The guy smiled, intrigued, then squatted down. "Hi Mike." He smiled, inclining his head to address Will once more. "I have a dog at home. They might get along. Maybe we should meet up at the park sometime."

"Oh," Will looked down at Mike again. He almost laughed at the thought that he was halfway to booking a playdate for him with another dog. "Y—yeah. Maybe. I'm not sure how long I'm going to have him, though. I think—I think my uncle is taking him soon."

"Oh, that's too bad." The boy chewed his lip, thinking. He extended a hand towards Mike, clicking his tongue. "Here, boy." His voice was raised an octave higher. It didn't escape Will's notice that Mike backed away just barely. "Is he friendly?"

"Yeah—well—yeah, I guess, usually."

When Mike didn't budge, the boy stood up again.

"Well, maybe he's just shy. Here. Let me give you my number just in case you keep him a little longer."

"Oh—uh—"

Will was cut off by the foreign sound of a low rumble from below him. It was startling. He hadn't heard Mike make any noise other than a whimper here and there and then some heavy breaths outside of the library.

His eyes shot to Mike, who had placed one paw forward, snout scrunching, and on the verge of bearing his teeth.

The boy took a step back. "Woah, woah. Did I do something?"

But Will's attention was glued to his companion.

"Mike?"

He didn't spare Will a glance, instead stepping his other paw an inch forward, not attacking, but warning.

"He's just protective sometimes," Will explained, barely sparing the boy a glance.

"Mike," He tried again, and this time, Mike tilted his head, just far enough that he could see Will and keep the boy in his line of sight. "It's okay."

He turned back to the boy, posture still defensive but no longer growling as he took a small step back.

"Wow, dude. You're, like, a dog whisperer or something."

Will shrugged, clutching the beef in one hand and taking a small side step away.

"Yeah, well, maybe I'll see you around." The boy grinned pleasantly.

"Yeah, maybe." Will smiled back even as he turned to walk away, eyes trailing behind him to make sure Mike followed.

Will eyed Mike the whole walk to the front and while they checked out. Once they were outside, he finally spoke.

"What was that, Mike?" He asked, brows gently pulled together. "He wasn't going to hurt you. I was right there. I wouldn't let him take you."

Mike just walked beside him, giving no indication of his reasoning or thoughts, or even that he heard Will speaking.

"Was it because he was talking down to you? Like you're actually an animal?" Will shook his head. "I know it's weird, but you do look like a dog to everyone else."

Mike kept his eyes ahead as he trailed along beside Will.

"Was it because of the other dog? We wouldn't have actually met up with them. I wouldn't do that to you."

When they came to a stop beside the car, Mike looked at him, then away again.

It was an odd feeling.

It was the first time since Mike had turned that Will couldn't understand him. Thinking about it, it was impressive how well he had understood so far. He supposed it was easy to speak without words when you knew someone well enough, but that made this all the more perplexing, because why couldn't he understand?

…

That night together was one of the best Will had ever had, and he wasn't making some joke about it being because Mike wasn't able to run his mouth.

It was just… peaceful.

Domestic, almost.

When they'd arrived home, Will cooked up the beef, putting out a reasonable portion for Mike, as well as some water, and adding some to a quesadilla for himself. When they were both satisfied, they'd made their way back to the living room.

Will left their mess of research on the floor, instead taking a seat on the couch and patting the space beside him for Mike to join.

They watched a movie, Will petting Mike when he had nudged at his hand once more, until he eventually rested his chin against Will's thigh, shaking his head gently if Will ever paused his petting. It was so sweet, Will could have combusted there on the spot.

Instead, he thought about how fun it would be to tease Mike about his behavior tomorrow.

When the hours drew later, they retreated to Will's bedroom.

Will did his nightly routine, brushing his teeth and washing his face. When he returned, he found Mike curled up on his sleeping bag beside his bed, just like normal.

Maybe it was the way Mike was curled into himself, or the way his head was resting, but his eyes followed Will's every movement. Maybe it was the sight of a cute, lonely dog looking all sad about sleeping on the floor, or maybe it was just because Will still felt bad for Mike being stuck in this state.

Whatever the reason, the sight tugged at his heart.

Mike's eyes followed Will around the room as he flipped the light switch off and climbed into his bed, the room faintly lit by a nightlight plugged into an outlet by the door. He paused before lying down, unable to stop himself when he found Mike's puppy eyes on him once more.

"It's gonna be okay, Mike. We'll get you back to normal tomorrow. I promise."

Mike continued to stare up at him.

Will turned, lying down fully and facing the ceiling.

He stared and stared. It was fun having Mike as a dog. It was a unique experience that no one would believe either of them about once he was back to normal. There were also things that seemed to be allowed that just weren't when Mike was human.

Would Mike ever have lain on the sofa, watching TV with his cheek pressed to Will's thigh? Would he have tackled Will and pushed him down because he was so excited to see him? Would he ever want his hands on him as he did now? Petting and scratching softly?

The short and honest answer was no.

Mike wouldn't have done those things, wouldn't have wanted those things. Will knew that, and yet the thought made him sick. He'd been enjoying the things that Mike would probably never have even considered before Will turned him into a dog.

Mike was scared and stuck in a new physical form, and all Will could think about was how much he liked it, liked being needed, wanted, loved, and shown that love by the person he yearned for it from most.

First thing in the morning, Will would be outside the library, waiting for the doors to be unlocked. He wouldn't be the reason Mike had to stay this way for any longer, even if part of him secretly loved it. It's not as though Will truly wanted Mike to stay that way. In fact, he actually missed his Mike so much more. It was just the reminder that brought him the most pain, that Mike would never treat him the way dog-Mike did.

He wished he could speak to him. Speak and hear Mike's voice respond.

Tomorrow.

He'd fix it tomorrow.

A loud exhale of breath sounded from the floor beside him.

Perhaps Mike was having his own spiral, though it was likely far more deserved since he was the real victim here.

Will took the opportunity to roll to his side, taking in a dimly lit Mike. If they both couldn't sleep, he could at least talk for the two of them.

As soon as he'd turned over, Mike's head shot up, and his tail twitched just once, eyes hopeful and expectant.

"Hey," Will started, unsure of where this was going. "Can't sleep?"

Mike's tail twitched again.

"Me neither." Will began, a few empty moments passing while he picked at a thread coming loose in his sheets. He stared at the way Mike's fluffy hair fell. It looked so soft, and Will knew that it was firsthand. "Y'know, I loved Chester, I miss him sometimes, but if I ever had a dog again, I think I'd want him to be just like you."

Their eyes connected, Mike's wide and receptive, ears perked. Will looked away.

"Not actually you, though. I'd miss you too much. Talking to you—or—listening to you talk. Knowing your thoughts and… stuff." Will let out a soft laugh, eyes finding Mike's again. "I already miss you, and it's only been, like, seven hours."

He sighed, letting silence consume them once more.

"Want to come up here? There's room—"

Before he'd even finished, Mike was already standing, tail wagging freely and winding up to jump onto the bed.

"Oh—" Will couldn't help but laugh as Mike came to lie beside him, curled up again, his back just a couple inches from Will's stomach. "So that's a yes then."

Mike's head, which had settled on the bed, ears still perked, rose in question at Will's quip.

"It's okay, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want you here."

Mike's head settled back down, satisfied with Will's response. His tail wagged once, twice, then settled as though he was finally ready to sleep.

Will felt it, too, the contentment that followed. With Mike beside him, closer, he felt better. As though the proximity helped assure him that Mike was there, safe, and would be all through the night.

His palm grazed Mike's fur once again, and if it stayed there long after he fell asleep, who was to say?

…

Will woke to the sun shining through the window. He was lying on his back, one arm stretched over his head, the other resting across the bed. His eyes squinted as he blinked to clear them. Slowly, he became aware of a weight pressing just above his hip.

He blinked again, finally focusing on the spot where Mike's head rested against him. His eyes were open, blinking back at Will. His head lifted then, tail starting to whip back and forth as though this was the moment he'd been waiting for.

"Hey," Will's voice came out scratchy. He pushed himself up, still adjusting to his surroundings. Glancing at his side table where his alarm clock rested, he found it blinking back, red numbers informing him that it was just past seven. He yawned once as he pushed back his covers. "Ready to get you back to normal?"

Mike's tail was a force to be reckoned with. He stood on the bed, stretching his front legs out and arching his back. Will chuckled softly at the sight, his hand finding Mike's head once again.

Will got ready quickly.

The library was to open at eight, and he wasn't going to waste a single moment.

He eyed Mike as he slid his shoes on beside the front door. Mike stared up at him happily, patiently waiting to join him outside.

When he finished, Will dropped to his knees.

"I think you should stay here."

It was comical how quickly Mike's tail halted its swaying.

"I'm sorry. It's just making me nervous. You'll probably have to wait outside, and I really don't want to lose you again."

Mike's ears twitched, but his tail stayed still.

"I won't be long. I can put on a movie for you." Will tried to sound cheerful despite the ache that had inched its way into his heart at the thought of leaving Mike. "I'll be back before it's over. Promise."

Mike was still for a moment, considering, then turned towards the couch, stepping towards it.

Will sighed, thankful that Mike conceded. The decision was hard enough as it was.

He held up a few different VHS tapes, deciding on one based on indications Mike unknowingly gave him with his tail. When it began playing, Will squatted before Mike, where he sat on the sofa.

"I'll be right back. Okay?" Will's hand found its spot behind one of Mike's ears out of habit, scratching softly.

Mike's eyes were sad but understanding. He leaned forward, snout nosing against Will's cheek, sniffing, nuzzling, scenting, and Will couldn't help but lean in a bit, too, wrapping his arms around his best friend's neck and hugging him gently, hands still fingering over Mike's coat.

He pulled away.

"Don't move." He smiled.

He stole one final glance at Mike, balled up on the couch, before he clicked the door shut and locked it from the outside.

…

Will's heart was light when he slid his house key back into the lock. He'd found the book and, to be safe, he'd made sure to find the spell before he even left the library. He couldn't decide if the intensified lightness in his chest was because he was excited to see Mike again or just anxious to get back to him.

It was probably both.

No sooner had he pushed the door closed—calling for Mike as he did so—than Mike appeared, tail hammering behind him as he jumped up against Will, pushing him to lose his balance once more.

Will couldn't help the giggle that escaped him as he fell to his knees, hands on Mike's front again, only unlike last time, he was happy—ecstatic even. Mike was right where he left him and just as excited to see him as he was to see Mike.

"Mike, stop!" He laughed again, trying to seal his lips together as Mike attacked them with wet kisses. "Mike!"

Mike's front paws were still on him, pushing excitedly as his tongue mapped Will's entire face, all the way back to his ear, nibbling and licking all the way.

Will shivered at the tickling sensation. "Not my ear, Mike!" He giggled again.

His tongue poked out time after time, moving on to small licks, anywhere he could reach.

Will's posture changed; instead of his hands being positioned on Mike's front, he moved them to hold the side of his neck, welcoming his joyful lapping. He didn't stop smiling, but he did do a little better at keeping his mouth closed.

When Mike finally relented, Will's face felt cool as the air met his freshly wettened skin. He'd gone so far as to have even licked Will's eyelids.

Will took a deep breath, the corners of his mouth still pressed up as he wiped his cheeks against his arms.

"I guess you missed me?" His eyes shone. Mike's tail beat excitedly. His tongue lay outside of his mouth again in a way that almost looked like he was smiling.

"Well, I have good news. I found it. C'mon." Will stood, grabbing the backpack that he'd dropped upon his return and moving to sit on the living room floor, right where he was the evening before.

He unzipped it, pulling out the book, more accurately classified as his most precious item for the time being. Mike sat before him as he flipped to the page he found in the library.

"It's here. See?" He held it up for Mike. He paused. "Are you ready?"

Mike's tail wagged faster.

"Okay." Will took a breath to begin reading, then paused, eyes finding Mike again.

He raised himself into a kneeling position, leaning over the couch and pulling at the blanket that was laid across the back. He shook it out and wrapped it over Mike's entire body, even his head, tucking it tightly so that only his snout peeked out.

"Just in case," He mumbled, sitting back down.

He eyed Mike one last time, searching for anything else that might be out of place.

Finding nothing, he turned his attention back to the book.

He recited the spell slowly, in the hopes that he wouldn't somehow mess it up and make this worse. He wasn't sure he'd enjoy a snake version of Mike as much as he did the dog version, and he definitely didn't want to somehow make him stay this way permanently.

When he finished, he looked up, eyes drawn to Mike as though they belonged on him.

If he wasn't so relieved, he might have been grateful he had the foresight to cover Mike beforehand.

But he was, because there before him, with his porcelain skin, freckled cheeks and messy curls, was Mike.

Human Mike.

His Mike.

Will didn't give him even a moment before it was he who was doing the tackling instead. His arms wrapped tightly around Mike's shoulders even as he fell backwards, his back falling against the living room floor.

"You're back. I can't believe it worked. I can't believe it worked." Will was all breaths and repetitive words, too thrilled and relieved to focus on anything else. Not even the way Mike's arms had wrapped around his back as well, holding on just as tightly.

Will's nose was pressed against Mike's shoulder, breathing him in with every intake of breath. Mike was back. Mike was Mike. Mike looked like Mike. And Mike smelled like Mike.

"You're back. I'm so glad you're back." He was. So much so that he had to fight against the lump that was currently forming in his throat against his will.

"Me too, Will," Mike's voice, hoarse with disuse, filled Will's ears, and his eyes stung before he swallowed it down again. He would not cry. "But you were right."

Will pushed himself up, still close, still clutching Mike, just far enough to see his face.

"You were right to give me the blanket." Mike smiled shyly.

Will's cheeks heated immediately, hands releasing Mike as he pulled himself off of him.

"Oh, right. Sorry." Will's lashes fluttered as he backed away, bashfully giving Mike some space. "I'm just so relieved."

Mike's expression reflected Will's as he lifted himself back into his sitting position. At least how Will imagined he looked. Happy, excited, shy, hopeful.

"It's okay. Me too." Mike's smile covered his whole face, even working its way into his eyes, and Will couldn't help but do the same. "I'm gonna go change real quick."

"Yeah, yeah. Of course." Will nodded.

He waited patiently while Mike changed in his room, organizing some of the mess on the living room floor absentmindedly. The plan was always that Mike would spend the night, so luckily he had packed a bag.

When Mike returned, he sat on the edge of the couch, leaning forward to rest his elbows against his knees.

"So," He started, lifting his brows at Will. "That happened."

Will nodded, slowly growing worried when he remembered that he was the reason for all that had occurred. Mike even told him he didn't need to read the spell aloud, and he did it anyway.

"Mike, I'm really sorry." He took a breath. "I can't believe I did that to you, and I can't imagine how scared you must've been."

Mike shrugged. "I was scared at first, but eventually it was kind of… fun?

"Really?"

"Yeah, in the beginning, I was really freaked out. I mean, you saw. But after we went to the library, I started to feel better."

Will nodded slowly, processing the information. Maybe it wasn't as bad as he thought if Mike had enjoyed part of the experience, but something still tugged at him.

"Why did you leave? At the library."

Mike sat up, looking away suddenly, as though he found anything more interesting than Will's face.

"I just—saw something."

"You saw something? I was so worried. I thought maybe someone took you—or you got hit by a car or something."

Mike finally found Will's eyes, expression regretful but still a little timid. "I'm sorry. I wasn't really thinking. Sometimes it was hard to keep my thoughts straight. It felt like my brain was moving so fast."

"I guess that makes sense. I'm just glad you're okay."

"Yeah." Mike agreed, seeming a little more confident. "No one's gonna believe us."

Will shook his head quickly. "Oh, we definitely can't tell anyone. They'll think we're crazy."

"Definitely. At least we were together for it." Mike smiled proudly, though Will wasn't quite sure what he was proud of.

He frowned. "What did you see? What distracted you outside the library?"

"Oh—um—just a squirrel." Mike stared at Will hesitantly, as if preparing himself for a reaction.

"A squirrel?"

Mike nodded.

"And you… went after it?"

Mike was still, then nodded again.

Will could feel his lips spreading into a smile.

"You chased a squirrel?"

"I mean, when you put it that way—"

"You chased a squirrel!" Will's hand covered his mouth, trying to stifle his chuckles as Mike's cheeks reddened. "I can't believe you chased a squirrel, but you were upset that that guy at the store was talking to you like you were a dog."

"What? That's not why I was mad." Mike frowned, crossing his arms at the memory.

"It wasn't? Then why were you?" Will's laughs eased, but his smile remained.

"Because—" Mike paused, looking away again. "Just—actually yeah, I guess that is why I was mad. And I didn't like how he was talking to you."

Will tilted his head. "How he was talking to me? What do you mean? He was nice."

"Yeah, too nice. It was a little weird, don't you think?"

Will's brows pulled together as he tried to view the memory through Mike's perspective. "I don't know. Not really." He spoke slowly, still trying to understand. "People talk to me like that all the time."

"All the time?"

"Yeah, like, if a stranger talks to me, they're usually pretty nice. I don't feel like it was weird."

Mike leaned forward, elbows on his knees again, gaze locked on Will.

"So that happens a lot?"

Despite his confusion, Will nodded. "Doesn't it happen to you?"

Mike shook his head, brows scrunched together.

"Oh," Will began. "I think I just have one of those faces, like, I look friendly or something."

"Yeah, maybe." His voice was low, final, as though he had grown tired of the conversation.

"I wish he didn't talk to us though," Will began, honesty seeping out of him. "Of course, because he talked to you like you were an animal but… I mean, that kinda made sense. It was mainly because I didn't really want anyone near you when you were like that." He paused, remembering. "I was so scared of losing you again, of someone taking you. I don't know how I would've found you, and they could've, just, kept you," He looked away, frowning as his fears over the last few hours bubbled to the surface. "I just feel awful that you went through that to begin with. I should've just listened to you and looked for a new spell."

"And turned me into a bear instead? Who knows what else is in that book." Mike lifted his arm as he spoke, waving it about to further his point. He smiled, "You can't help it that you're a sorcerer. I don't want you to feel bad about this. You did great. You stayed with me and took care of me, and if it hadn't been you, I doubt I would've been as relaxed as I was so quickly. I'm glad you read that spell because I think this was a once in a lifetime experience."

"You do?"

"Yeah, I do. I really do."

Mike smiled, and Will smiled back. His words did help him feel a little better, but now he longed for physical connection. He wanted to reach out, run his fingers down Mike's fur, pausing to scratch now and then. But Mike was human. It was what Will wanted and worked so diligently for. He couldn't pet him now. That would just be too weird.

His eyes scanned the mess that still surrounded him as he resumed organizing it.

"So, I guess we're not using that spell." He glanced at Mike, a smile on his lips.

"Yeah, maybe not."

…

They stayed together for the rest of the day, Mike spending the night once more and returning home the following day. Even though Will missed the physical aspect of their short predicament, he felt closer to Mike than ever, the experience bonding them in a new way.

Time went on, and Will's fingers still itched to find themselves on Mike. Every time Mike's hand brushed through his curls, Will longed just a bit to replace it with his own. And though Mike was always pleased to see Will when he'd arrive at the party's hangouts, he missed the way Mike had greeted him before, with such excitement that he ended up on the floor. He didn't dare to yearn for the kisses that followed.

Two weeks after Mike had returned to his human form, Will found himself in his basement. The night had closed in, and Dustin and Lucas had since left after rotting the day away, binging movie after movie.

Will was still sitting on one end of the couch—parallel to where Mike had been sitting on the other end—when Mike returned from upstairs, where he'd grabbed them a couple of sodas. He placed them both on the coffee table, snatched a pillow, and sprawled out on the open part of the couch.

Will's stomach flipped at the realization that their position was so close to another they'd had. It was almost the same as it had been when they watched TV on the couch when Mike was still a dog. While Mike's head wasn't resting on him as it did then, the upper half of the pillow pressed against Will's thigh, his head close enough that it mimicked the feeling.

The temptation was strong. With Mike's head so close to where Will's hand rested against his lap, with his hair fluffy and wavy, sprawled out against the pillow, Will had to fight to keep his attention on the TV, ignoring the way his hand felt as if it were buzzing with electricity. Electricity that could only be quelled through contact with Mike's curls.

He forced himself to focus and, all things considered, he did reasonably well. It wasn't until about halfway through the movie that he had to at least speak, and could he really be blamed if the topic was what had occurred two weeks ago?

"Do you ever miss it?" He asked, voice just high enough to hear over the quiet rumblings of the TV.

Mike rolled from his side to his back, craning his head back to see Will.

"Being a dog?" His voice was soft.

"Yeah."

Mike relaxed his neck, staring at the ceiling as he pondered.

"Um, not really." He replied.

Will's heart dropped, which was dumb, because obviously he wanted Mike as a human and obviously Mike would prefer to be himself.

"I mean, sometimes I… I guess I just, well, sometimes I miss… I mean, yeah, it's—yeah, not really." Mike shook his head, words low and vulnerable, as though his jumble was getting at something he was scared to share.

He paused, and Will didn't fill the silence, letting Mike use it to clear his thoughts.

"Will?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you, um," He craned his head again, just for a moment, then his eyes found the ceiling once more. "I guess, I miss…"

"Hmm?" Will encouraged him. The atmosphere was so soft, so gentle, the only other noise being the TV, volume low to begin with.

"I just…" He paused, and Will watched the idea die on Mike's lips. "Never mind, it's dumb."

"Mike, you can't say that and then not tell me." Will fought back a smile.

"It's just… embarrassing."

"I don't care. I mean, I think we're past that."

Mike was quiet for a moment, eyes stuck somewhere above them, as though he might find the answer to Will's question up there.

Will watched as Mike's cheeks that had been dusted pink deepened in color.

"I miss, um, Will…" Will watched Mike's Adam's apple bob. "Can you, um, can you pet me?"

Will froze. He stopped breathing, his eyes widened, and his heart picked up its pace.

Mike looked back again, fearful but desperate to see Will's reaction.

"Never mind, I told you it was dumb. I was just joking anyway." Where before Mike's words were hesitant, now they fell unceremoniously from his lips. "It was nice then, but it would totally be weird now. I don't even know why I—"

The first thing he noticed was that Mike's hair was so soft.

As his fingers threaded through, the strands consumed them completely, and he was glad he didn't know what it felt like before. It would have made wanting it so much harder. A calmness immediately washed over him, consuming him from the inside out, releasing something deep in his chest in a way that made him feel so comfortable, so content.

It seemed to have the same effect on Mike, who let out a small sigh—probably one he hoped Will didn't hear—and closed his eyes.

Will kept going, unable to stop and happy he didn't need to try. He soaked up the moment, eyes feasting on the picture of Mike so relaxed at the sensation as well. He took it in, mapping and memorizing, just in case it didn't happen again and he'd have to rely on memory alone for refuge.

"I missed it, too." He admitted quietly.

Mike peeled his eyes open briefly, tilting his head again.

"You did?" He sounded hopeful.

Will nodded, fingers still threading gently.

He took courage from Mike's confession, deciding to quietly admit one of his own. "I also miss how you'd… jump up on me when you'd see me. How excited you were."

If Will couldn't see Mike, he would've heard the grin through his voice. "You liked that?"

Will nodded again, thankful that the basement was only dimly lit, hopefully hiding his burning cheeks. He ignored the fact that he had noticed Mike's blush in the very same lighting.

"I mean, I can do that again."

If Will's cheeks were warm before, now they were flaming.

"Mike."

"What?"

He shook his head, once again fighting the smile that relentlessly forced its way to his lips.

Mike stared up at him for a moment longer before returning to his side, which Will took to mean that the conversation was over, the petting too. With a heavy heart, he released Mike's hair, pulling his hand back to his lap.

Mike turned back over immediately. "Why'd you stop?"

Will blinked.

"Do you want to stop?" He rephrased.

Will shook his head. "No."

"Keep going." With that, Mike turned back to his side.

So Will did, thankful for every brush of his fingers against Mike's hair.

When Mike's entire body seemed to relax, when his head turned downwards, definitely no longer watching the TV, even then, when Will could tell he'd fallen asleep, he didn't stop.

Only when his own consciousness began to slip did his movements pause, hand relaxing against Mike's curls, head tilting back against the couch as he let himself fall into the feeling of comfort and safety.

…

That night changed something between them.

Perhaps it was the vulnerability or just the realization that they both missed and desired the same things, but after that, it was just… different. Not too different and not bad different. Just enough for a gentle blush to stain Will's cheeks if someone mentioned Mike's name. Just enough for his heart to beat faster, his chest to soar when he had the privilege of sitting next to Mike during a party hang out.

Mike hadn't tackled him, but the petting became something of a regularity, even when the others were around. If they were sitting beside one another on the couch, Will's arm might rest on the back, and if Mike leaned back, why wouldn't his hand find its way into his curls? Why wouldn't he bury it there for a time?

And when Mike was leaning forward, eyes stuck on the TV, gaming his heart out, was it really so bad if Will gave him a gentle scratch and pat to congratulate him if he passed a level?

Why wouldn't he do it? He liked it. Mike liked it. They established that. It didn't matter if the others were around; it wasn't as though the action was romantic in any way. They never noticed anyway, and if Will was thankful for that, too, did it really matter?

It wasn't until another fateful evening in Mike's basement that Will realized they may have noticed more than he thought they had.

They all sat around the coffee table with a board game laid out in the center. Will had often found Mike beside him as of late, but that day, Mike sat across from him, between Dustin and Max.

Mike had just had a successful turn, his grin contagious if it wasn't so annoying and boastful, when Dustin's hand slipped behind him. It crawled its way into Mike's locks as he jokingly congratulated him.

Immediately, Will bristled at the sight. He'd never thought about it before. He loved doing it. He loved the feeling, the sensation, knowing that it had the same effect on Mike, but he'd never considered that someone else might do the same, that Mike might like someone else doing the same.

His gut twisted.

"What are you doing?" Mike's voice brought him back to the present.

"What?" Dustin grinned, pulling his hand back to himself. "Will does it all the time."

"Yeah, Will. Not you." Mike frowned. "That's weird."

"But it's not weird when Will does it?"

"No."

Dustin rolled his eyes at Mike's dramatics. "Whatever, dude."

"Yeah, Dustin, everyone knows that's a 'Will' thing." Max retorted, sarcastically joking about Mike's reaction.

"Obviously." Lucas agreed, lips turned up.

Dustin lifted his hands in surrender. "Okay, my bad. Geez, he's all yours, Will." He rolled his eyes again playfully. "Take him off my hands."

"Literally." Max grinned.

"Y'know what? I think he will." Unlike Dustin, when Mike rolled his eyes, the feeling behind it seemed genuine.

He stood, pushing himself off the floor and stepping over Dustin's lap to join Will on the couch. Their thighs were but an inch apart when he plopped himself beside him.

Will was still frozen, unsure of what to do or say. He hadn't realized anyone had even noticed the new physical addition to their relationship, but by the way they were joking about it, they clearly had.

And for a while.

It shouldn't have been shocking. It's not like he made a big effort to hide it. If he had, he never would have done it at all if they were around. Still, he felt exposed, like they all saw him, saw everything, straight down to his core.

Mike didn't seem embarrassed.

He seemed annoyed, irritated that Dustin would even consider touching him in that way and maybe a little irritated that everyone was laughing it off. The thought helped Will, at least a bit. If Mike wasn't embarrassed, he shouldn't be either.

"You can't move." Dustin frowned. "You'll mess the turns up."

Mike just shrugged. "I'll just go after you still."

Dustin threw up his hands and shook his head.

Will glanced at Mike when he felt his eyes on him.

Mike lifted his brows expectantly.

Will's brows furrowed.

Mike sighed.

His hand reached out, grasping Will's wrist and bringing it towards his shoulder, towards his hair, letting go once recognition crossed Will's face.

Will let himself be guided, fingers burying themselves at the nape of Mike's neck where he began to move them gently. He couldn't help the way his chest automatically loosened, less at the feeling of Mike's hair between his fingers, and more at the realization that Mike really wanted them there. Wanted him there. No one else. Just him.

"Oh, here we go." Dustin joked, and Will tore his stare away at the reminder that they weren't, in fact, alone, and everyone had a front row seat.

Mike did the same, his stare finding Dustin once more. "Just go already. It's your turn."

Will's focus was spread thin. He lost the game, but somehow, he didn't feel like he was losing.

…

Time passed again and, this time, things stayed the same. Will was as happy as he could be, and though a part of him yearned for more, for a label, something that would explain their dynamic, give him clarity, and tell the world that Mike was his, he was more than grateful and thrilled with the way things were.

Did it really matter? At least their friends knew to respect their weird boundaries, even though the fact that they were there confused Will further. He knew why he didn't want anyone else caressing Mike, but why did Mike feel that way?

He didn't bring it up, too afraid to put their dynamic that had grown so dear to him at stake. And when Thanksgiving rolled around, and Will's family traveled to celebrate with family, he missed Mike more than he realized he would. He itched to get back to Hawkins.

When they returned that Sunday, Will brought his bag inside, changed his clothes, and hopped on his bike. While he hadn't expected to feel like part of himself was missing by being away from Mike, before he left Mike had somehow had the foresight to ask Will to come over when he returned.

Will rushed to do so, his heart hammering in his chest. His feet kicked at the pedals as though he could physically feel the distance between them closing.

When he arrived, there were no cars in the driveway, but he was sure Mike was still home. He could feel it.

"Mike?!" He called as soon as he opened the door, glancing back to let it shut.

He'd hardly turned back around when he heard footsteps pounding down the stairs. He took a step forward, unable to wipe the grin from his face.

That is, until he realized that Mike wasn't slowing. A split second later, Mike slammed into him, breath knocked out of his lungs as his hands pushed backwards to soften his fall.

He blinked, catching his breath as he slowly realized that Mike had tackled him, just as he did before. He straddled him, one knee outside his hip, the other awkwardly between his legs, arms wrapping around his middle as Mike pressed their bodies together.

He squeezed tightly, the action making Will snap back to reality, moving his own arms up to wrap around Mike as well.

"I missed you," Mike mumbled into his neck before pulling back to look at him. Something in his expression made Will think there was more. Something he wasn't saying.

Something he was considering.

"I missed—" Will's words froze on his tongue.

His eyes widened.

Because Mike had leaned forward, tongue just barely sticking out between his lips, and licked a short, testing stripe up the side of Will's face.

"Did you just…"

Mike blinked back at him, his shy, puppy eyes in full effect.

"…Lick me?"

"Was that weird?"

A little, yes, but Will wouldn't complain.

"No," he shook his head, pupils surely dilating as he stared back at a grinning Mike.

Mike leaned forward again, almost hesitant, licking an even smaller stripe to the left of Will's lips, just close enough that he grazed the corner of Will's mouth.

Will's whole body buzzed at the sensation. He inhaled a small gasp. It was so unexpected, but even so, it made him greedy. He wanted more, despite the fact that he already had so much. More than he had ever dreamed of.

Mike pulled away again, his eyes scanning Will's. His expression showed that he was considering something once more, or maybe that look had just never left.

But did Will imagine it? The way Mike's eyes seemed stuck somewhere just below his nose, taking turns between looking there and his eyes?

Did he imagine Mike's tongue, barely slipping out of his lips, wetting them, before disappearing again?

Did he imagine his own doing the same?

His lips parted, jaw going slack as he lay beneath his best friend, staring up at him. He was so in love with him, he didn't even know it was possible to love someone so much. His chest felt constricted, too much love contained, caged inside, clawing to get out.

He knew he didn't imagine it, or rather, hoped he didn't, when Mike's gaze dropped to that spot below his nose and stayed there, when he leaned in, closing the already small space between them, when he pressed his lips to Will's.

No tongue this time, no licking and lapping, just lips pressed ever so chastely against lips.

Gentle.

Until Mike pulled back, eyes hungry for a reaction from the boy caged beneath him. Will was sure he gave him one, with the way his eyes felt dazed, his breaths shaky and brows curving up slightly with emotion.

"W-was that? Weird?" Mike's voice came out breathy, nervous.

Will blinked quickly, shaking his head with small, quick movements, unable to look away.

"Okay," Mike took a breath. "Should I, um, do it again?"

Will's gaze automatically dropped to Mike's lips once again, breath hitching as they did so. His mouth was still barely open, and he hardly had time to inhale through it before Mike's was pressed to his once more.

Their lips slotted together this time, Mike taking the small space Will had left and putting it to use as he did so, taking his bottom lip between his own. It was slow, gentle, and Will found himself leaning into it. His arms came up to wrap fully around Mike's neck and shoulders, one hand slipping its way into his curls, fingers exploring slowly.

He was used to it by now, the feeling of Mike's hair against his skin, but that didn't make it any less exhilarating.

What he wasn't used to was the way that Mike gasped softly against his lips. So soft, if they weren't pressed on his own, Will never would have noticed.

In response, Mike's hands squeezed tightly at his waist until one released it, coming up to rest against Will's jaw, the other still gripping tightly, holding himself from dropping his entire weight on Will in the process.

Will didn't know how long it lasted, only that when Mike pulled away he was breathing shakily, too, and his lips were vibrant and glossy. Will's brain flooded with something at the sight. Dopamine, serotonin, something. Maybe everything. Because that was what this was to him.

He blinked again, clearing his eyes, memorizing, making sure it was real. That Mike really looked like that, all trembling with adrenaline and staring down at him the way he was. That Will's hand in his hair pulled that reaction from him.

That he kissed him.

Mike's lips curved upwards, and the sight solidified Will's reality.

His own did the same, his chest so full, he couldn't contain the laugh that bubbled up.

As if doing so permitted him, Mike followed suit, his forehead dropping to rest against Will's collarbone for a moment as he did so.

They stayed like that for a moment, overcome by emotion and too high off of them to care.

When Mike lifted his head again, his eyes were glossy, too.

"Are you going to start doing that every time I come over?" Will said through a smile.

Mike lifted a shoulder. "You're the one that said you missed it."

"Yeah, missed you being so excited to see me, not bodyslamming me and slobbering all over my face and…"

Kissing him.

Mike still smiled, "So you didn't like it?"

"I—I didn't say that."

"So you liked it."

"I—"

Mike licked his lips again, and any half-hearted rebuttal Will was cooking up dissipated into thin air at the sight.

Mike's smile began to fade, but not entirely, as though his face still held its memory even as it grew more serious.

"It's okay. I did, too."

"Liked what?" He had to be sure. "Tackling me?"

Mike stared for a moment, then slowly nodded. "All of it." His gaze dropped again, as if to show Will which part he meant. "All of it." He said again, quieter.

He didn't think it was possible to feel another surge of joy electrify his chest, but there he was, electrified all the same.

"Me too," Will whispered back.

…

Telling the party was a must.

They couldn't have Dustin noticing again and taking it upon himself to kiss Mike this time.

In fact, that was exactly how they told them, letting them know that there was another 'Will thing' Dustin and the rest of them definitely were not welcome to participate in.

Dustin just rolled his eyes, saying he'd never kiss Mike.

Lucas and Max couldn't stop laughing.

Will just smiled, excited to have a whole grouping of 'Will things' and a label to explain them.

His mind felt clear and his heart full, all because he turned Mike into a dog, which turned out to be just a bit of good luck in disguise.

Will wasn't guilty anymore. Instead, he was grateful.

And though he'd never read another line from the Latin book of spells, he was glad for the one he'd read because it led him to where he was now; happy and in love with the boy of his dreams.

Who knows, maybe it would've happened another way, but Will didn't spend much time dreaming of that. Not when he was perfectly content with the odd way that things did come about.

It wouldn't have made sense if their story was 'normal'.

That wasn't them.

And if Will later discovered that Mike still enjoyed licking him—especially his earlobes—did it really matter how that realization came about?