Okay, entertain me for a second. It’s 1995. Mike and Will haven’t spoken in years, but they both live in New York City in an attempt to chase their respective dreams.
Mike is a struggling writer while Will’s art has gained critical acclaim. Will has dated people. Mike is less interested and deeply closeted.
Neil Perry survives his suicide attempt and also moves to the city and goes to NYU for acting. Todd Anderson enrolls in their creative writing program.
By 1995, they’re deeply in love and in a very committed relationship. They’ve both experienced measurable success—Neil as a stage actor and Todd as a prolific writer.
Will is offered to opportunity to do set design for Hamlet, which Neil happens to be starring in at the time. Will wants a change, so, what the hell, he’ll help paint some sets.
Neil, being friendly to everyone and having mentored many younger actors, takes a liking to Will. Will idolizes Neil for the work he’s done and for being an openly gay Broadway actor. So, Neil becomes something of a father figure to Will.
Mike has idolized Todd Anderson and his work for years. On a whim, he sends some of his writing to Todd, not expecting much would come from it. Not only does he receive a response, but Todd asks to meet with him in person. They build a mentor/mentee relationship, through which Mike slowly gains his footing and his confidence.
Mike writes about Will. Of course he does. Todd notices, and thinks, wait, didn’t Neil mention that a kid working for his show was named Will? And they’re both from this random town…?
Will doesn’t talk about Mike often, but while getting drinks with Neil and a bunch of the cast and crew, he offhandedly mentions his estranged best friend/crush. Neil immediately clocks it—it’s the kid whose work Todd has been reading.
Neil comes up with a scheme—he wants to get them to at least talk to each other. They clearly are still interested in one another based on the way they wistfully talk about one another (even though Will is often drunk or sleep deprived when he talks about Mike).
Todd is hesitant, but he eventually caves out of boredom and wanting to make his boyfriend happy. He and Neil agree that they’re going to subtly mention both of them…and, if nothing else, get them in the same room together.
So, they’re gonna parent trap Byler, and it works a little too well.
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