(1996, Small apartment in New York) Mike and Will had moved away from Hawkins after the events of the Upside Down and bought a small apartment in New York together. Will would regularly have nightmares, even years after the occurrences. So, he'd disappear for an hour and a half and go to their fire escape to light a couple of cigarettes. Tonight was no different. Will did the same routine. Wake up from a nightmare, struggle to fall back asleep, and give in to the craving and step outside to the cool New York wind that was disturbed by the smell of smoke. Will stood on the dark green fire escape, looking over the bustling streets of New York. The streets were always busy, even at 3 am. It was much different than the quiet town of Hawkins, but both Mike and Will liked the change a lot. He brought the cigarette up to his lips and held it there for a minute before letting out a long drag from it. Will sighed, smoke coming from his nostrils as he did so. Suddenly, he heard the window for the fire escape slide up, and he quickly turned around to see Mike come through it. Will turned back around, feeling Mike's arms wrap around his back and his chin rest on Mike's shoulder. "You've been out here for an hour and a half," Mike murmured, shutting his eyes and listening to all the noises New York had to offer. "I couldn't sleep," Will mumbled back to his boyfriend, taking another drag from the cigarette. Mike hummed at that, still groggy from waking up to not find Will next to him in bed. "You always say that. You always say you're going to quit, but you never do." Mike pointed out, his voice a bit slurred. Will rolled his eyes, even though Mike couldn't see. Poor William always said he'd quit, but he never did.