synopsis. will invites mike to field day 1990 at pratt in brooklyn. mike's been visiting a lot since their first year began, but this is the first time he's meeting will's new friend, carlton. mike has a feeling they won't be getting along.
tags. 90s byler, college byler, pre-established byler, apollo & hyacinthus inspired, greek myth inspired, first kiss, will is an art student at pratt in ny, i hate carlton
@bylermicrofic | wc: 502 | read on ao3
It was obvious that Carlton had feelings for him.
The way he hovered close to Will, making sure their arms brushed every time he reached for something across the picnic blanket.
Will sat bathed in light. His freckles were more prominent than ever. Everything about Will was more prominent than ever. Every time he visited, Mike felt drawn to him in a way he never had before. It made him antsy.
“So … how’re you liking Field Day, Mike?” Carlton asked.
Mike couldn’t respond. His eyes were locked on the bit of mustard dripping from the corner of Will’s mouth. He watched Will’s tongue dart out, trying to lick it away.
“Here, let me.” Carlton took his napkin and dabbed at Will’s lip.
Mike wanted to punch him in the face.
“Oh! We’re up for frisbee. C’mon.” Will set down his hot dog and pulled Mike towards the open field.
The three of them stood in a triangle. Mike found himself in possession of the frisbee.
Mike wound up to throw it into Will’s open arms. He almost didn’t notice Carlton bend over to pick something up. The frisbee shot out of his hands.
Mike watched as another frisbee collided with his, sending it straight down with too much force, hitting Will squarely in the forehead.
Mike ran over, but Carlton was already at Will’s side.
“I’m so sorry, Will. That other frisbee came out of nowhere.”
“It was your frisbee that hit him, Mike,” Carlton sneered. And he shuffled Will away towards health services.
*.⋆☀︎˖°⋆✿.⋆°
Mike was staring at the ceiling of Will’s dorm from his mattress on the floor.
Will stormed into the room, the door slamming behind him.
“Are you okay?” Mike spoke.
“He’s a creep. I don’t know why I even bothered trying to be friends with him! He can’t take no for an answer. He tried to kiss me right after they told me I was probably concussed!”
Mike’s chest tightened. “I’m so sorry, Will.”
“Don’t be. He told me he threw that frisbee, anyway. Thought I’d find it hot that he was willing to do that to get me alone.” Will huffed.
The red blush on Mike’s face bloomed towards his neck. He looked at the sharp mark on Will’s forehead, scrunched in frustration. When he met Mike’s eyes, it softened.
“He just doesn’t get it,” Will spoke tenderly. “I don’t need protecting. I need trust. Trust that I can make my own decisions.”
Will walked over to Mike. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes.” Mike said without a second thought.
Will reached up to cradle Mike’s face.
“Please stop me if I’m being stupid.” Will leaned in, his breath tickling Mike’s cheeks.
Mike took Will’s hand and placed it against his chest, his heart hammering.
Will clutched at Mike’s shirt and connected their lips. Mike couldn’t help himself from melting under his warmth.
“Wait, you’re not just doing this because you’re concussed, right?”
“Shut up, Mike.” And he pulled him back in.
