#or else

m: this.. "tammy" of yours. did you really have a crush on him?

will's a little hesitant to answear.

w: yeah.

m: does he even deserve it?

will stops walking, mike too. will's lost for words. did mike not get it?

w: what do you mean?

m: i mean seems like all he did was hurt you, how can you possibly like him?

w: i- i don't understand what you mean.

mike starts talking fast.

m: for the past few years he only made you feel like shit, you fought all the time and he doesn't know why but he just couldn't act right with you. so why, i mean how do you like him? enough to make it hurt, enough for vecna to use it against you?

will is starting to understand. mike got it, just not quite.

w: what do you mean, mike? sure, we fought, but... he always apologized and we were so close that it hardly mattered. i didn't care if it hurt and i just couldn't help it. he was so nice and he made me feel like i mattered, i had no chance.

m: you do matter.

w: ... okay.

will and mike stare at each other for a while. until mike starts talking again.

m: why.. why did you never tell him that?

w: dunno. i never planned.

m: why?

w: why does it matter?

will starts to get frustrated.

m: well, maybe if "tammy" knew he would have...

w: what?

m: i dunno! maybe you could've figured it out together.

will huffs a laugh.

w: right. okay, yeah sure, mike.

will starts walking, mike follows.

m: do you still have a crush on "tammy"?

w: what? mike, this is not the time.

m: we could not make it till tomorrow so it's the perfect time.

w: why does it even matter?!

they stop again. will is angry now. what is this interrogation?

m: it's important! do you?

w: we knew each other for years and spent almost every day together and he's annoying as ever and i still like him, okay? you happy now?

will crosses his arms waiting for mike to answer, too angry to back down. he anticipated him getting all awkward about it but he can't quite read mike's expression.

m: yes, actually. i am.

mike was beaming. will's confused.

w: what?

m: maybe that's all he needed. maybe he was too scared to admit to himself that he felt more for his best friend than for his girlfriend. maybe he was mad at himself for thinking that way and tried to run from the truth. but if he knew, if only he knew... then everything would have changed. he wouldn't have to be scared anymore.

will is shoked.

w: mike.. what do you mean?

m: i mean.. if you still wanted him he doesn't have to be your "tammy" or whatever. he can just be... yours.

they just stood there. mike looking at will like that. like he always did but even more now. and will... he just couldn't believe it. is this some trick? is he still captured by vecna?

w: mike. don't joke like that. it's cruel.

m: i would never joke like that! never.

mike was looking at him with the most earnest eyes.

god... was he serious?

before will could even think of an answer they got interrupted.

- guys, move along maybe?

right. they are in the middle of what could be the final battle. will didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

w: we should get going.

m: yeah..

w: mike.. it's not just a crush, i don't just like him. i.. i've been in love with him for a while.

mike smiles softly.

m: looking back... maybe he was in love with you longer. he was just a fucking coward.

w: you're not a coward.

mike made a face and shrugged, like he didn't believe him.

he then playfully nudged will's shoulder.

m: c'mon, don't wanna be late for vecna's slaughter.