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Mike Wheeler was back in Hawkins and he was confused. It had only been one week, and so much had changed. His home looked like the Devil’s Lair, his mother had banned him from ever leaving again, and Dustin was hiding something.
His best friend was acting like a stranger. Mike first noticed it when Dustin squeezed him extra hard as they hugged outside Mike’s house. Dustin was not affectionate, so Mike usually kept his hands to himself around the curly-haired boy. However, Dustin hadn’t let go of him until Mike choked from being squeezed too hard. It was obvious that something was wrong. But when Mike asked Dustin about it, all he got was a whispered, “I’ll tell you later, buddy,” and a soft pat on the shoulder.
They were at the hospital now, outside Max’s room. Will, Dustin and Mike had been quick to volunteer to stay with Lucas, too scared to separate from each other now that they were together again. Steve and Robin were getting them something to eat, as the hospital didn’t provide any food for overnight stayers. El had gone back to Hopper’s cabin with the rest of the Byers and Nancy, who wasn’t ready to leave Jonathan’s side. Hopper had also been reluctant to leave El but had work to do. The police department wouldn’t fix itself.
“Hey,” Dustin whispered, grabbing Mike’s attention. He leaned closer to Mike, practically glueing himself to him.
“Yeah?”
“I have to tell you something,” Dustin sighed. “It’s kinda bad, so can we go somewhere else?”
Mike frowned. Was it that bad that they had to keep it a secret from Will and Lucas? But after taking one look at Dustin’s face he agreed immediately. He nodded, and they got up, walking down the hallway side by side. Dustin took them to the male bathrooms, pulling Mike into a stall and locking it shut.
Mike was terrified. What the hell was Dustin about to tell him?
“What is it?” Mike practically begged. He gave his friend a desperate look, wanting to be out of the dark.
Dustin choked on a sob, “It’s - it’s about Eddie…He didn’t make it, Mike.”
What the hell?
Mike huffed. “What are you talking about?”
Dustin wiped his face of tears. He sniffed a couple of times and then reached down to grab both of Mike’s hands.
“Eddie was killed last week.”
No. There was no way-
Mike slid down the stall, knees pulling to his chest. A mindless buzz entered his ears as the rest of Dustin’s words drowned out. Mike’s chest constricted painfully. Eddie was gone? How was that possible? As far as Mike knew, their dungeon master hadn’t been involved in any of their supernatural bullshit.
A sudden thought entered his mind. Oh no. Had Eddie been framed for Chrissy’s murder? Mike knew Hellfire had a bad rep, but this was- oh god. This was too far. Eddie didn’t deserve to fucking die over it-
“Mike!” Dustin cried out, crouching next to him in the small stall. “Hey, hey, talk to me.” He grabbed Mike’s shoulders with both hands.
Mike shuddered, the shock rendering him speechless. “How the fuck?” he choked. Dustin held onto him tighter. “How did he die, Dustin? Was it the police?” he asked sharply, voice turning hysterical. “I swear I'll fucking-”
“Mike...” Dustin whined through his tears. He bowed his head, forehead resting on Mike’s bent knees. “It wasn’t the police. I saw it happen. It was the Upside Down.” Mike gasped, eyes widening at the admission. “That - that stupid idiot went back to play hero,” Dustin cried, voice cracking with each word. “He went back to that place and killed the Demobats and I just-” Dustin lifted his head, tears falling like raindrops in a gutter. “I just wish I had done something. But I didn’t. I just sat there, holding him, and he - he just thanked me and apologised. He was so brave even though he was dying in my arms…I hate that I couldn’t do anything. I hate myself so much.”
Mike sobbed through Dustin’s explanation, his hand pressed over his wobbly mouth.
Dustin shook his head, wiping his cheek on his shoulder, “It feels like my fault.”
Mike sobbed harder, head hitting the stall behind him.
“It feels like he died because of me-”
“Stop it! ” Mike cried, “Stop saying that!”
“It’s true!” Dustin screamed, eyes glazed over. “I did nothing, Mike! I wish - I wish it had been me, I wish-”
“Shut up!” Mike sobbed loudly, blocking his ears with both hands.
Suddenly a pair of footsteps entered the bathroom, and a worried voice called out, “Mike? Dustin? Are you guys in here?”
It was Will.
Another set of footsteps followed, the door creaking behind them. “Are they here?” Lucas asked, sounding out of breath. “Will check the stalls!” he said desperately.
Will ran into each stall, the doors banging against the walls of the bathroom, causing a cacophony of noise.
Dustin had stopped crying, tears drying on his red cheeks. Mike held eye contact with him, still shaking with sobs. His lips pressed into a tight line and the sniffling sounds were so loud. Once Will was standing outside their stall, his breathing was the only thing breaking up Mike’s sobs.
“Guys?” Will asked softly. “Please let us in.”
Another pair of shoes joined Will’s, coming to a stop outside their stall.
“C’mon, guys, tell us what’s wrong,” Lucas begged. And Mike instantly felt horrible. His friend was probably so worried, so paranoid, especially after the week he’d had. Mike felt fucking awful for putting him through more pain.
“I told him,” Dustin croaked, a hand stroking back Mike’s long curls so they were out of his face. “He just needs some time.”
Lucas let out a breath, “Can I talk to him?”
Mike closed his eyes, another round of sobs leaving his mouth in small gasps. Fuck, what was wrong with him?
“Mike, please,” Will begged, “Let us in.”
This seemed to be the final straw, as Dustin immediately stood on his knees and unlocked the stall, the door swinging outwards and revealing the two boys inside.
Mike looked up at them through his tears.
Will froze at the sight of them, eyes blinking rapidly as Lucas barged inside, sliding next to Mike and wrapping him in a hug. Mike let himself take comfort in his best friend’s embrace, choking on more sobs as he finally let go. Lucas didn’t shush him, he only held on tighter, whispering, “I know, I know…” into his ear over and over again.
Mike shook in his arms. “He thinks it’s his fault,” he sobbed into Lucas’s jumper, voice thick with tears. “He blames himself, Lucas,” Mike whined, hands turning white as he gripped Lucas’s elbows. Lucas just nodded, rubbing Mike’s back soothingly. Over his shoulder, Mike saw Dustin crawl out of the stall and into Will’s arms, the two boys crying together. Will was saying something to Dustin, and Mike hoped it would be enough. His best friend didn’t deserve to feel that way.
“We’ll keep reminding him, then,” Lucas said with determination, chin resting on top of Mike’s head. “How are you holding up, though?”
“I miss him,” Mike cried softly, eyes closing shut. “I miss him so damn much - and - and I-” he sobbed harder, and Lucas held him firmly against his chest. “I wish I got to say goodbye.”
“I’m sure he heard you,” Lucas sniffled, beginning to cry as well.
Mike shook harder, and Lucas shushed him.
“I hope so,” Mike whispered once he’d calmed down enough. “I hope he knew how much he meant to us.”
Dustin’s voice answered, “He did,” he said resolutely, still snuggled into Will’s side.
And Mike took solace in that.
Eddie Munson would not be forgotten, and his death would not be in vain. Mike would make sure of it.