The boy from the lab / BYLER

• 4- Return •

"So, will, how did you usually train growing up?"

"well, um- i dont like to talk about it much but uh-"

~flash back~

"Now Twelve, i want you to light up every single bulb in the ring."

"i-i ca-"

"yes you can, just try. try, Twelve. I believe in you"

he glanced towards Eleven warily, who smiled slightly at him kindly

"Twelve!"

He closed his eyes and focused hard.
slowly, the lowest bulb lit up, illuminating the area slightly.
"Thats it! Now try and light them all, one by one."

Frowning slightly, he harnessed all the energy he could. The lights lit up, one by one. He then made the lights illuminate in patterns, before opening his eyes, exhaustion clouding his mind

"Brilliant! Well done Twelve. You did well."

He sat on the floor of the rainbow room, stacking blocks gently in intricate and creative patterns. Suddenly, he felt an arm on his shoulder

"HOW DARE YOU UPSTAGE ME? YOU'RE JUST LIKE STUPID ELEVEN, EXCEPT SHES TOO DUMB TO EVEN LIGHT UP THE CIRCLE!!"

He felt himself being flung into the air, his head smashing against the ceiling. Ears ringing, he tried to fight back, but since he was exhausted from the training, he couldnt muster up any strength.

Somewhere between the 10th and 11th time he smashed against the wall he blacked out. The last thing he heard was screaming as he watched his attacker fly up into he sky, limbs strained.

~Flashback Over~

"woah...that really happened?"
"it happened alot to me and El. 'was normal."
"I guess you're super powerful now huh? you could kick their asses"
"i guess"

"hey will, look at me"
"huh?"
"im so sorry you went through that. Im so sorry. You didnt deserve it."

Suddenly Will felt tears in his eyes.
No one had addressed the trauma he'd gone through before
"Mike.."

the lights began to flicker. then, the bulbs burst. Mike looked up and saw the window cracking.

"H-hey will, you gotta calm down!"

Then, his composure broke. All the windows in the house smashed to pieces as will let out hearty sobs, clinging to Mike who was shielding them both from the shards.

"Will!"

Will looked up at Mike as he gazed into his eyes. And thats when Mike knew.

He loved Will Byers.

"hey hey will, just, focus on me okay? dont look at the window. Its not your fault. Its not. Your fault."

The walls started to crack next

"okay will cmon buddy, theres no need to break the house down okay?"

Will settled into Mikes shoulder and the cracks in the walls disappeared.

"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?"Johnathan screamed as he burst in

Mike frowned and held a finger up to his mouth, silencing Johnathans screams.

wills eyes shot up and stared at mike wildly.

"Will?"

Then, Will grabbed Mikes collar and pressed his lips against his.