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Mike had biked straight to the Byer’s after school, after finding his usual deskmate wasn’t there. His empty seat was a bad memory of what had been.
He reached the house fast, not even a five minute pedal with the speed he had reached. He dropped his bike on the lawn, not bothering with the kickstand and he clambered onto the porch, knocking his fist against the door.
It took awhile for someone to answer, Mike realising if anything Will would be the only one home. Both Joyce and Jonathan were at work till much later. His shoe steadily bounced against the creaky porch.
He heard the door unlock, prompting him to straighten out. Watching as it opened to reveal who he was missing.
“Will.” He smiled, instantly calming at the sight of his best friend, shoulders lowered as his nerves dropped.
Will Byers stood in the doorway, still in his slightly too big pajamas passed down from Jonathan. His bowl cut a mess, signifying he had gotten out of bed to answer the door. Thin blanket wrapped around him like a cape, as he dragged it on the floor.
“Hey, you okay?” Mike asked, turning his head, that's when Will sneezed. The small boy rubbed at his already red nose.
“Oh.” he said, understanding the situation. Will pushed the door open and walked away, expecting Mike to enter, which he did. Closing and locking it behind him as he followed.
It was cold inside which was common for the Byer house, their heating broken since Mike could remember, but looking at Will’s state he wished he could magically fix it himself.
“Anyone else home?” He asked, knowing the answer already, but wishing someone had been to take care of Will. Will shook his head, settling down into one of the kitchen chairs, slumping against the backrest.
Mike tossed Will’s missing work onto the counter before joining the other boy, watching as Will sneezed again.
“Do you want me to make you something?” Mike asked, watching as Will turned to look at him with his big brown eyes. The sweet eyes of someone who never deserved to be sick.
“Tea?” Mike prompted, not the best person to be taking care of a sick person. But he would be the best he could for Will, cause he was Will.
Will smiled back nodding, his eyes slightly drooped probably his sickness making him tired, without asking the taller boy placed his hand on the other's forehead, feeling his own as well to compare.
He wasn’t all the much hotter, which relieved Mike. Remembering when he had that terrible fever and was hospitalized. When he opened eyes however, Will was looking up to him with flushed cheeks, and that made Mike quickly retrieve his hand, covering his mouth as he played off having to clear his throat.
“How about you get in bed and I’ll bring it to you.” Mike proposed, averting his eyes from Will, who slowly brushed his bangs back down to cover his forehead. Will nodded, and pushed his chair out walking back to his room sleepily. While Mike however stayed sat with his hand in front of his mouth.
“Right! I’m making tea.” he suddenly yelled, jumping from his chair. Feeling embarrassed right after saying it, but he knew the other would never hold it against him.
He grabbed the Byer’s green kettle off the stove, humming as he moved to the sink to fill it up. He had spent so much time at their house, after the numerous times of watching Joyce make breakfast he knew where everything was within the kitchen.
Once full he placed it onto one of the stove burners, turning it on and listening to the flame click before sparking to life. As a bright red flame engulfed the bottom half of the kettle.
He opened a small drawer to the side, sifting through their tea bag collection, pulling out a chamomile after remembering his mom had given it to him once when he had been sick.
Turning to the other side of the kitchen to get a nice mug, he took the water off the head right before it could whistle. Not wanting to bother Will, placing the hot on a trivet that sat to the side, it was in a weird cat shape.
He turned the burner off, tearing the tea open and dropping the bag into the empty mug, holding the thin string between his fingers as he poured the hot water. Watching as the water started shifting into a light brown.
After the tea bag had diffused into the water he removed it, dropping it into the trash. Having the last minute idea to rummage through the fridge for honey. He squeezed the golden substance in, taking a spoon and mixing it, finally happy with what he was going to serve Will.
Mike carefully carried it to his best friend's room, finding him already curled back into his bed.
“Will, tea.” he grinned, watching as he turned over to face Mike. an illegally sweet smile on his face as he went to sit up.
“Careful it's hot.” he warned, passing it off to Will who sniffed it, letting out a calm breath as he blew on the cup.
Mike pulled over Will’s desk chair, and watched as he cradled the hot mug in his hands. Steam rising and breaking around the brunette's face.
He cautiously took a first sip, and Mike watched closely hoping he didn’t mess it up. Will’s chest rose and fell as he brought the mug away from his lips, huffing out a warmed breath.
Will turned and smiled at Mike, before going back to slowly sipping his tea. Mike finally felt truthfully calm, knowing Will would get better, knowing this angel of a human was going to be alright.
He took the mug when Will finished. About to go and put it into the sink, when Will grabbed a hold of his shirt, pulling him back into his chair.
He looked at his friend quizzically, though when he pulled the blanket down beside him, how could he resist?
Mike left the mug on his nightstand, climbing in next to his favorite person in the world who curled up against him.
“Thank you Mike.” his soft voice said, slightly scratchy, but equally as angelic.
“Of course Will.” he smiled, feeling Will’s soft hair against his chin as Will leaned into his shoulder. He closed his eyes, knowing everything would be alright.