Welcome to my first fan fic! Please leave a review and enjoy! Rated M for future chapters. It's about to get angsty in here.

I do not own Strangers Things, nor endorse any affiliates in this story.

Chapter 1

"Agricultural Engineering?", exclaimed Will.

"Yeah", Mike said, while shoving the last of his burger in his mouth, "It's more exciting than it sounds".

Will and Mike were enjoying their usual Friday night tradition of Benny's burgers and fries. With college starting up in a few weeks, Mike and Will were ecstatic, but anxious. The sweet taste of greasy beef, topped with melted cheddar and the works, always kept them calm.

"I just always pictured you as a NASA employee, with a tie, plastic badge, and a coffee mug with a quirky saying", Will stated.

"Hey! What's wrong with quirky coffee mugs? Are you hating on my "I Hate Mondays" cup?"

"See? Like I said…future NASA employee."

"Whatever. It beats rolling around in paint!"

Will playfully gasped and threw a french fry at Mike. Mike responded by lightly kicking his foot. Will blushed slightly at Mike's response. If only Mike knew Will's feelings…his true feelings. Will had a huge crush on Mike since he was 15 years old. However, there was always something in the way; a giant elephant in the imaginary room that contained his love life.

El Hopper.

Mike and El had been dating since after the Snowball of '84. At first, Will was excited for both of them, just like the rest of the party. When they entered high school, things began to change. Mike wanted to study science and math, and be sweet on El. Mike followed her around everywhere, drooling over her every step. It got so bad that Dustin brought an old mop to school and shouted, "We don't want any slip and falls, because of your love drooling!" While the rest of the party laughed hysterically, Mike was pissed and snapped the mop in half, with his knee.

Will became more in tune with himself and realized what he desired. He wanted to be an artist, attend a university with an excellent art program, and make it big in the art world. Abstract was his favorite because he could throw paint all over a canvas, while his teachers praised his skill. However, he had a soft spot for just a number two pencil and paper.

But most importantly, he wanted someone to love…a man.

Senior year, Will came out and everyone was supportive. He was finally confident in his own mindset, but the hole in his heart remained. He longed for Mike, but he did not want to ruin their friendship, by causing a rift between Mike and El. So, he stood on the sidelines, like a true friend. He watched Mike and El sneak quick kisses between classes, cuddle on the couch in Mike's basement, and share a large milkshake with one straw. Will became jealous, longing to be in El's place.

"What's El up to tonight?" Will asked.

"She's working over at The Hawk," Mike said, "I think Steve is taking her home, since Hopper is on duty tonight".

"At least she's keeping busy."

Friday nights were always his night with Mike. Absolutely no exceptions. El understood this rule, at the beginning of their relationship. El opted to work Friday nights at The Hawk, while Mike and Will hung out. Every week, Mike and Will had the same routine. They would start with burgers at Benny's, followed by a movie marathon in Mike's basement. Sometimes, Will would sleep over or Jonathan would take him home, after dropping off Nancy.

When Will did sleep over, he would always watch Mike sleep. He would focus on Mike's soft breathing, the rising and falling his chest, and at times, a soft snore or two. One time, Mike's whole body twitched, and Will took that memory and locked it up in his head. He was head over heels in love with his tall and lanky best friend. The next morning, when he had to go home, he would sulk all day, knowing that Mike and El were together. The thought of El running her fingers through Mike's midnight curls and Mike tickling her sides, was enough to nauseate Will. He daydreamed of running his hands through Mike's hair and how he longed for Mike to tease him senselessly.

However, Will did have an upper advantage. He knew something about Mike and El that he would remind himself, when he needed some comfort to his pain. Mike and El have never hooked up. El made it very clear that she was not ready. Although there were many times that Mike was hormonally frustrated, he did respect El's decision. Will kept thinking to himself that maybe one day, Mike would grow tired of waiting for El. Maybe Mike would give Will a chance to be more than just friends. But then the thought quickly dissolved, as Will kept grip with reality: Mike was in love with El.

Once dinner was finished, they piled into Mike's car and drove to the house. They were quiet on the car ride, Mike focused on the road and Will was fiddling with the radio. Will settled on a station that was playing Cheap Trick. Will looked over and caught Mike glancing at Will. Mike quickly turned his eyes back to the road. Will felt his face get hot…was Mike checking him out? No, Will thought, why would he.

"Mom, Dad, and Holly are visiting my Aunt Nora this weekend. I think Nancy is staying over with Jonathan tonight, too. We'll have the house to ourselves," Mike said softly.

Will's face went from lukewarm to a burning inferno. "Um, ok…that sounds cool."

Mike gripped the steering wheel tightly, as he pulled into the driveway. They made their way to the basement door and Will dropped his overnight bag on the floor.

"So, what movie should we start with?" Mike asked, while pulling out the drawer of video tapes.

"Um….Back to the Future?" Will nervously bit his lip, watching Mike bend over.

"Excellent choice!"

As Mike was setting up the VHS player, Will got depressed. Mike took notice and sat down next to Will. "What's wrong?" Mike asked.

"I'm going to miss our Friday nights," Will mumbled, while staring at his lap.

"Me too. It's only for a semester or two. Once they removes you from the waitlist, and you're accepted, we can resume our tradition."

"If they accept me."

"They will!"

A prestigious university, down in South Carolina, offered Mike a full ride to study Agricultural Engineering. It took Will, along with the other party members, some time to get used to the idea of Mike working with trees and dirt. Dustin and Lucas began referring to Mike as "The Farmer". For Christmas, Max gave Mike a pair of overalls, as a dig (no pun intended) at Mike's new adventure. It didn't matter to Mike; he found his calling. Besides, the joke was on Max…he wore them every Sunday.

Since Hopper and El were now living in the cabin, Mike would often venture out into the woods. It became a familiar, yet peaceful place, when the stress of the day was too much for him. That's when Mike got interested in agriculture. Every so often, he would help Hopper cut down some trees, near the cabin, to make more space. One weekend, Hopper and Mike were clearing out a section of trees, to make room for a driveway. Mike started asking Hopper questions about different types of trees. Over time, the conversation turned into topics about what products and structures are created from wood. Mike's interest was peaked. Not long afterwards, he had his sights set on moving south.

Will applied to the same school as Mike and got waitlisted (he had to apply…he wanted to be with Mike), as his SAT score border lined regular admission. Will was so pissed, but had a backup plan. Will decided to attend Indiana University, while he waited for Clemson's decision. Both schools had excellent art programs. If he didn't get accepted, he would stay at Indiana.

Mike gave Will a reassuring pat on his thigh. Will turned four shades of red in six seconds. Mike patted his thigh, and Will was desperately trying to hold it together. Mike could have patted his shoulder, or even slapped his back. Playful kick and now thigh patting? What's gotten in to Mike? Will tried to slow his breathing, as the movie started.

As the movie progressed, Will notice Mike inching closer to Will. Then, towards the end of the film, Mike lightly kicked Will's foot…again. Will sat motionless, attempting to concentrate on the movie's ending (even though they've seen this movie 103 times). As the credits rolled, Mike and Will both slowly turned towards each other. Mike stared at Will, like he was going say something, but didn't have the words. Will swallowed hard, and held his hands together, to keep them from trembling. Mike's stare then turned into a look of pure need. What was up with Mike tonight? Was this another episode of sexual frustration? In Will's mind, he certainly hoped so. He would be happy to satisfy Mike's needs.

They began to move closer, heads slowly gravitating towards each other….

RRRRRRINGGGGGG!

Damn it, Will cursed in his head.

Mike snapped out of his sexual daze, or whatever funk he was in, got up and answered the phone.

"Hello?" Mike answered.

Will sat on the couch and listened attentively to Mike. It was El, of course, calling to let Mike know she made it home ok.

"I'm glad work was bearable, tonight. Tell Steve I said hello. Are we still meeting at 11 tomorrow? Great! Sleep well, my princess. I love you!" Mike began to make kissing sounds into the phone.

Will shuddered. Here they go again. Will grabbed his overnight bag and went to the bathroom. As he was getting ready for bed, he splashed cold water on his face. He needed to snap back into reality. Mike was with El. He will always be with El. Will had to accept it and remind himself he can only dream. Maybe trying to follow Mike out of state was a bad idea. Will felt completely torn by his emotions. His brain shouted, "Mike and El", but his heart cried "you deserve Mike, too".

When Will came out of the bathroom, Mike had changed clothes and was setting up the sleeping bags on the floor.

Will took a deep breath. "Do you mind if I sleep on the couch?"

Mike looked confused. "Um…no, not at all. Is something wrong?"

"I just don't feel well." Will grabbed his sleeping bag and settled in to the couch. Mike stood there for a few moments, then turned the light off and slipped into his sleeping bag.

For a few minutes, it was completely silent. Mike finally spoke up. "Are you sure you're ok?"

"I'm ok, Mike. Let's go to sleep," Will huffed.

"Ok. G-good night Will."

"Night."

As he heard Mike drift off to sleep, Will made himself a solid promise. He was tired of being the third wheel. He wanted to be Mike's one and only.

It was decided…Will was going to pursue Mike.