WILL POV-

---- 9:37 PM ----

After two meals and many hours later, the pair of Will and El found themselves on either side of the couch, laying down; each with their individual blankets. Content in each other's company, they watched the second 'Shrek' movie as the brunette said he had never watched a single of the 'Shrek' franchise before. El decided to run a mini movie marathon.

She was offended by the notion of the small boy never watching a single Shrek movie before, but in Will's defence, he didn't really have children's channels when he was younger. Time seemed to slip as the brunette found himself engulfed in the film; a bowl of popcorn mere inches away.

Hours passed like minutes and just as the climax of the movie played, Mike made his presence knowing by coming up behind them, descending down the stairs with newfound energy and a fresh set of clothes. His footsteps creaked against the wooden tiles, before gasping, "You're watching Shrek without me?"

Will wasn't even listening, too engrossed in the movie, yet El turned her head around not moving from her laying position, "You were asleep, it's not our fault!" she shrugged, an amused smile playing on her lips. "It's Will's first time watching it!"

Mike's pout was almost instantaneous, he wanted to watch a movie with Will but also felt sad that the small boy didn't have a normal childhood from what he had heard about Will's father. "This is so unfair." he said, pouting like a child; seeming as though El was the one to bring out the kid version of Mike out.

The doe-eyed girl, always the caring best-friend, grinned, reaching a hand out and pointing to the kitchen, "Your dinner is still warm in the oven if you want; Will said you hadn't eaten yet."

The brunette didn't look away from the screen, he wasn't even aware of Mike's presence as the movie played before him. He had never watched this movie before; his father hated doing anything kid-related. It was unsure why he ever had kids; probably for tax benefits...

Mike couldn't help but steal a glance from Will, his heart swelling, captivated by his adorable concentration on the movie. Unable to resist any longer, he decided it would be the perfect moment to steal a kiss to the cheek; showing his admiration outwardly. Leaning down from behind the couch, he planted a gentle kiss to Will's cheek; his raven hair tickling the small boy's neck.

The small boy blinked, caught off guard from the sudden action as he shifted to look upwards seeing Mike's face mere inches away from his. His eyes widened; his face flushing slightly as he realised Mike was trying to be romantic and he wasn't even aware he was even in the room.

Smiling sheepishly, Will decided to playfully make amends, reaching for a piece of popcorn holding it to the sky toward the tall boy's lips, mirroring the sweet gesture the ravenette intended.

"Popcorn!" the small boy offered with a warm smile.

Mike furrowed his brows, momentarily taken aback by the situation and couldn't help but find it endearing. He accepted the popcorn with a grin leaning closer and letting Will hand-feed him, then placing another kiss on Will's cheek. "Thanks Bunny!"

They shared a fond smile before Will shuffled, turning his attention back to the movie, worried he would miss some of it. Mike, with his heart still fluttering from the brunette's sweetness stood back up straight running a hand through his hair, deciding it was time to go to the kitchen to enjoy the dinner El prepared before they hit the road. "I'll head to the kitchen for dinner." making his way over

"Okay." The small boy dismissed, waving a hand over.

"It's in the oven remember!" The doe-eyed girl screamed as he walked away.

---- 10:18 PM ----

As the evening was winding down and the beginning of the third movie was playing. Will and El hadn't moved an inch, yet their bowls of popcorn ran dry.

Mike returned into the room with a bright gleam in his eyes, "Guess what, you two," he exclaimed as he stormed before the TV, blocking the view. His arms crossed against his chest as he wore a wide grin. "I have news!"

The small boy pouted, sitting up straight as he sighed dramatically, "What now? Are you gonna try proposing again?" he chuckled looking past the ravenette in an attempt to see the screen.

"Not today." Mike shook his head with the same amount of sass, "We're going to California."

"We knew this, but carry on," the brunette sarcastically mentioned.

Mike, in fact did carry on, "El is coming with us,"

Will raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with the doe-eyed girl who mirrored his confusion also sitting up. He couldn't help but be sarcastic, "Well I must say I didn't see this one coming!"

El tried to gauge the information scanning the brunette's features for a chance he might know something she doesn't. However, Will simply shrugged, not having an inkling what Mike was talking about, but then again, he never really did; it was a quality he found oddly endearing though.

The doe-eyed girl furrowed her brows, turning her attention to Mike with a blank stare etched onto her features, "Why are you taking me to California? I just got back a few days ago!" she questioned, retuning just this Monday after the birthday party for her missing brother; he would have been 21 this year.

To that, the ravenette beamed with excitement, yet couldn't spill the secret just yet, "My lips are sealed. It's a surprise but trust me; it's worth the wait."

El turned to Will again, seeking any hint to if he knew more then he let on, but the brunette's face told her everything she needed to know- he was as clueless as she was. But she sighed, realising she has no choice but to go along with Mike's sudden plan. "Fine, fine." knowing she had nothing better to do and all her work could be done remotely,

"Yes!" the ravenette exclaimed, "Trust me El, this is going to be unforgettable! Pack your bags and get your stuff ready."

"Okay fine," she sighed, "When are we going?"

"Now!" Mike spoke.

"Now?" El repeated, her jaw dropping

"Well, if we leave now, we can get there for the morning." The tall boy exclaimed.

"Mike Wheeler you are incorrigible, you know?" El stood up from the couch with a grunt, "A little heads up would have been nice!" she reprimanded as she turned the corner going up the stairs to collect her bearings.

The tall boy shouted behind her in a jocular tone, cupping his hands around his mouth to let the sound travel further, "If I knew what 'incorrigible' meant I'd be offended,"

"Good!" the pair heard El's faint voice shout back with the same amount of sass.

Mike's chuckles died down as his attention turned to the brunette sitting cross-legged on the couch, patting the empty space that El once resided on, gesturing the ravenette to sit down. Mike, taking it as a romantic gesture, jumped at the opportunity with a smile joining him; he thought Will wanted to cuddle or share a moment of affection.

But to the tall boy's surprise, Will leaned close and whispered, "I didn't ask you to sit here to be romantic... I wanted you to stop blocking the Goddamn TV."

Mike burst into laughter, realising that he missed the brunette's sarcastic wit; the proposal attempt made Will uncomfortable for the entire drive from Utah to Nevada, thinking back, Mike should have seen the clear signs before that.

But with a sigh, the ravenette placed an arm around the small boy; he liked this... he really liked this.

He was glad he met Will. 

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1318 Words

Stay Safe <3