WILL POV-

Transitioning himself over to the bathtub, the small boy stripped out his old clothes slipping in, allowing the warm water to envelope him; he was free of the handcuffs, but for how long? He couldn't shake the memories of his recent encounter with the ravenette; in layman's terms he was scared shitless. The chilling words, the taunting, the near kiss replaying in his mind like a haunting scary film; he'd rather throw up a slug than ever experience that again... That was terrifying. He wanted to slip his head into the tub, wanting the heat to reach every pore of his body, but refrained, knowing that probably wasn't the best idea...

His thoughts then turned to his wrists, where the handcuffs Mike used to restrain him during the journey. The harsh metal of the cuffs dug into his skin, leaving behind prominent purple bruises behind; the marks of the pain and confinement he endured. The physical discomfort a stark contrast to his naturally pale skin; a reminder of the dangerous situation he was in.

Touching the mark with his other hand, he felt a stinging sensation, twinging from the slight pain. His heart pounded in his chest feeling nauseous and trapped, not just by the handcuffs but also by Mike's manipulation and control. He knew that any crack to his exterior and he would be controlled till the day he died; perhaps he was being melodramatic considering it had barely been a day and a half but if he was complacent and allowed himself to be wore down, he might never see the light of day again.

The soothing water provided comfort, a momentary sense of relief. The warm embrace of the bath provided a brief block from the harsh reality he found himself in; glad he was allowed to be in here by himself. He was grateful for this small inkling of privacy, even if he couldn't fully let his guard down, but allowed a small smile to creep onto his face.

Leaning against the back wall of the bathtub, the warm water offered comfort, like a deep hug he desperately needed, soothing his aching muscles and calming his nerves.

The bruises on his chest from where Mike had attacked him when he tried to escape throbbed painfully, matching his aching wrist. He couldn't believe he moved from one callous individual to another one who was just as cruel, but considering Max and Lucas were so nice... why were they friends with Mike; he was an absolute dickhead with a few screws loose. The realisation that the ravenette was a criminal sent shockwaves through him, now fully aware of the lengths he was willing to go to get his way.

Even if he was free in this bathroom, it wouldn't last. He knew the ravenette was probably waiting out the room listening in case he hears glass shattering or suspicious shuffling to break the door down and catch Will if he tried to escape.

The small boy couldn't even leave if he tried, for some reason, in this god-forsaken bathroom, there was only one window and it had grates covering it from the outside; what kind of motel does that? But no matter the small bliss he felt in the bathtub, he couldn't wash away the fear and dread he felt from Mike; he could deal with beatings, he was used to it just... not the other stuff.

Tracing the bruises on his chest with a shaky hand, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger bubble up within him, slightly flinching from the subtle touch; it was the first time he was seeing his marks. He didn't deserve to be treated this way, to be nothing more than reduced to a puppet in the ravenette's twisted head.

Yet, he knew he needed to go around this very carefully, he couldn't trust anyone in this situation, not even himself. He had to be cautious of his every word but couldn't go silent, not at all; he couldn't make the tall boy think he won, needing to keep his same sarcastic, sassy attitude. He realised he needed to stay strong, vigilant and whatever other 'buzz' word it took to protect himself. He would not let Mike break him.

He couldn't help but replay the unsettling encounter from earlier, the fear and unease amplified by all the physical pain; not even noticing the emotional distress he was in. He wanted to find some solace in the quiet of the bathroom; it wasn't the cleanest, but it was the best he could do for now. The moment was abruptly shattered by a loud, violent banging on the door.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

The small boy flinched from the sound, feeling the panic rise in his chest. He knew it was Mike, but it terrified him none the less.

The ravenette blared through the door. Filled with rage and impatience, "What the hell are you doing in there? Hurry up you little shit! I don't have all day!"

"I'm coming! Give me a minute!" the small boy called out, grumbling slightly in his words; his voice was calm, yet filled with anxiety.

"A minute?" Mike responded, filled with even more fury, "I'll break down this fucking door if you don't get out now!"

The brunette rolled his eyes, slowly raising himself out the tub, his body tense and vulnerable, quickly wrapping himself in a towel, trying to shield himself. He wished he could disappear; become a puddle of goo to get away, maybe then he could escape down the sink.

The tall boy's voice from outside the door grew more impatient, vigorously and rapidly knocking on the wood, demanding Will to hurry up. The urgency annoying the small boy as he unlocked the door, opening it a small crack as Mike shoved a bag with clothes through the gap.

The small boy hesitated for a moment, accepting the bag but dreading what he would find inside. As he opened the bag, his heart sank, they were plain and ill-fitting clothes, nothing like anything he would find at home. Although it was newly brought, ugly and uninspiring... "Makes sense why Mike would like these..." he muttered.

He examined the shirt, feeling the rough fabric against his fingers. The sight of them made him wince; he longed for his own clothes, for some familiarity and comfort. But with a sigh, he decided to wear the clothes, furrowing his eyes at his own reflection seeing someone he barely knew, his clothes were what made him, him!

When he finally opened the bathroom door and stepped out, he almost stumbled backwards, seeing Mike's cold face staring at him, leaning on the door frame, smirking,

"About time," the ravenette sneered, his voice dropping with sarcasm, "You look like a potato sack,"

The small boy didn't respond, rolling his eyes; annoyed by the whole encounter. "It's not my fault I'm wearing these ugly ass clothes." he muttered sarcastically, his voice bitter.

Mike shot a cold glance making his own snide comment, "Oh, the little princess doesn't like the clothes? Cry me a river! Be grateful I give you something to wear."

The small boy narrowed his eyes, attempting to push pass the tall boy but failing as the ravenette's body blocked him, almost as though he was waiting for a witty comment to be returned,

Will sighed annoyed, "Oh, I'm very grateful," he said, placing a fake smile on his face, "I'll be the most fashionable hostage you'll ever see."

Mike's face tightened, and the brunette knew he was pushing Mike's buttons. Still, he couldn't resist his safety mechanism to make fun of the ravenette's ego, also helping him assert some of his own control even if it was through snarky remarks.

"You better not act like this in front of my parents," Mike threatened, "You'll regret it!"

Will held his ground, refusing to back down. "Or what? You'll make me wear even uglier clothes?"

The tall boy chuckled, covering his mouth with a hint of amusement in his eyes, "Hey, they may not be runway-worthy, but I think you look good," he replied, almost sounding... genuine. It was a strange moment to be honest, and for a second Will wondered if Mike liked the banter between them.

However, as quick as the warmth entered, it left as the ravenette's tone turned cold again, "Now don't get too comfortable." he said, dangling the handcuffs that seemingly come out of nowhere; the sound of metal clinking in the air.

The small boy felt his wrist already ache as he saw the handcuffs, taking a step back, "You cannot be serious!" he protested, his voice twinged with panic.

"Oh, I'm very serious," the tall boy retorted, his harsh tone resurging, "I can't have you roaming around like some lost child."

With a sinking feeling, Will shuddered as Mike grabbed his arm dragging him to the bed, gesturing for him to sit as he fastened the handcuff to the small boy's already-aching wrist, while connecting him to the bedpost; ensuring he couldn't leave at all.

The ravenette smirked, an unsettling look on his face as he pat the small boy's head, seeing him duck away, "I like it when you're scared of me..." he taunted, as if this was some sort of twisted game, relishing in the power he held.

With a cold chuckle, Mike placed the TV remote into Will's hands, seemingly amused by the irony of providing entertainment while keeping him bound, "Here, enjoy a little show while I'm away. Wouldn't want you to get bored!" he said, cruelly jeering.

The brunette snarled, his face scrunching with every word as the anger within him boiled over, he refused to fight fire with fire but having Mike up close and personal set him off, so in a moment of pure courage and stupidity, he spat directly onto Mike's face; a glob of saliva landing in the taller boy's eyes.

The ravenette's expression morphed, turning from a sarcastic smile to a dead stare as he wiped the spit off with the back of his palm. "You little shit!" he exclaimed, "You like pushing your luck, don't you?"

The small boy could feel his throat close but refusing to show any sign of fear as he lifted his face, a stern glare indicating his glimmer of satisfaction knowing he momentarily disrupted Mike's control. Will stayed strong in the face of this dangerous man, knowing he couldn't be overwhelmed by every little thing, or he would be unable to survive this ordeal.

They glared into each other's eyes for a while, refusing to be the first to look away, "You're lucky my mum wants to meet you in one piece." The ravenette huffed, breaking the eye contact, stomping to the bathroom.

Will released a shaky breath as he heard the faucet running, steadying his nerves, aware that he's still handcuffed to the bed. In some cases, this would be taken out of context and be a turn on for some but... not now. But there was something else he realised, he technically won that exchange, Mike backed down first and was the one to break the eye contact. "Point Will Byers!" he chuckled under his breath, slightly amused by the situation.

He thought it was weird that the ravenette had handed him the TV remote; why wouldn't he indulge himself for a while? It's not like he had a lot of options. Fiddling with the remote in his hand he flipped through the different channels, obviously finding nothing interesting besides some old, copyright free movies... Will was surprised this place had TVs at all; though they looked like it came straight out the 80's: antenna's and all.

---- 10:34 AM ----

The small boy settled on watching a movie; an old movie consisting of a typical love story; probably made in the 20's considering the black and white of the projection. He didn't mind; it was the most fun he's had since he got kidnapped.

The sound of the water running stopped abruptly; clear to the brunette that Mike had finally finished his bath; he really didn't want to see the ravenette again; every time he came close, or talked, it made his skin crawl. Not to mention he needed to act all lovey-dovey in front of his parents for a few hours; this was truly the darkest timeline.

A few minutes passed as the tall boy emerged from the bathroom, wearing a fresh set of clothes; although of course his were nice and fit him accordingly. His hair was wet, and the towel adorned over his shoulder as he ruffled his hair, not bothering to allow it to dry.

Will didn't really notice Mike walk into the room, planning on watching his movie for as long as he can.

Suddenly, the ravenette snatched the remote from his hand, "Is this your idea of entertainment?" he sneered, his tone sarcastic, "You really know how to pick 'em,"

Will just stared pass Mike at the TV, genuinely enjoying the movie that was playing; it wasn't amazing by any means, but it surely was a good distraction given the circumstances; the ravenette furrowed his brows switching the movie off.

"Hey! I was watching that!" the small boy complained.

Mike smirked, clearly pleased with himself for getting a reaction; even if it was a small one. "And now you have to watch me!" he sarcastically smiled, grabbing the small boy's chin facing it toward him, "You really are a pathetic little thing, aren't you? Glued to the TV as though it will save you!" joking with a slight pout.

The brunette shook his head away from the touch as Mike reached over, unlocking the handcuffs; dragging him to the car and clamping him to the seat again.

"Stay here!" the tall boy ordered, running back to return the key and paying before leaving.

Will had no time to process anything, keeping his gaze low, Was he really going to fake date Mike?

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2333 Words

Stay Safe <3