#zombieboywill

will never thought he would fall in love. in fact, he was so sure that he had even mentioned it as a passing comment to his mother during breakfast.

but, when being surrounded by love and relationships his whole life, will couldn't help but yearn.

he had seen everyone around him getting into relationships. his friends, all forming romantic bonds with another person in the party or out. his mother, finding her second and third chances in love after divorcing will's father. will had even seen his brother fall in and out of love.

will couldn't help but yearn. he was a romantic at heart, but for a boy like him he would never be able to. that is why he refrained from it, why he lied to his mother about never falling in love.

and will believed it, he truly did. but that was until he met you. until he fully understood you.

after moving back to hawkins, will had gotten close to you. he never thought he'd be branching out, making friends with people outside of the party. he had gotten so comfortable with them, so close that he had almost forgotten about the outside world and the hate that lingered.

but none of that mattered with you.

with others he wasn't familiar with, will had felt uneasy. he felt different in ways others wouldn't understand, he felt like he couldn't be himself. but that wasn't true with you.

will was so open with you, so trusting with you in a way he wasn't with many people. he had told you about the upside down too, and introduced you to the rest of the party. he even told you more of his secrets, but never his deepest one.

that had led you to this moment.

you and will were walking around the forests of hawkins, having had sneaked out of the wsqk building. the two of you just wanted some space and quiet, away from everyone who was panicking and yelling back at the radio station (not to mention the increase in panic they would be causing with that). you were both just walking around and laughing, enjoy eachother's company.

"-and then he got kicked out of the class. almost punched the teacher in the face." you say, a shrug following your words after recalling what had happened earlier in the day. "would've enjoyed bitching about it with you in class though, if only we were in the same one." you sigh after, shaking your head.

will just chuckles softly, bumping shoulders with you. he felt light talking to you, happy for once. he could finally forget all of his worries about the upside down when he was around you.

"well, i can't really change what classes i'm in, can i?" he responds, rolling his eyes. he was just teasing, of course, but he continues to bump against you. he totally didn't want a reaction out of it.

you look over at will with a small glare, almost pouting at him but you refrain. instead, you just bump him back with a laugh of your own before acting innocent.

will takes this as a decleration of war. he bumps back too, harder this time. it makes you stumble forward, and he winces a little at the idea of actually hurting you.

however, instead of you actually being hurt or complaining, you shoot will another glare. you move closer to him and you practially shove him to the side as you bump your hip with his. it does cause him to stumble a little, and his heart even does a small flip.

"you are so on." will laughs after he finds his balance once again.

he moves back to walk by you, and he shoves you harder than before. this back and forth keeps going on, but it eventually ends once you trip and fall onto the forest floor.

"shit!" will gasps as he sees you stumble onto the floor. he leans down to make sure you're okay, but you just laugh and kick the back of will's leg so he lands on top of you.

now, the two of you are on the forest floor. will is looming over you, hands on either side of your head as he just stares down at you. his heart is racing, pounding deep inside of him and he feels scared about what's running through his mind in that moment. how he wants to tell you his deepest secret so badly, or even smother you deeper into the forest floor.

all you do is laugh as you look up at him, seeing the anxiety written on his face. you smile warmly, leaning up to look at his face even closer. that does something to him, and he feels his stomach flip.

"don't- don't lean in any closer." will whispers shakily, swallowing thickly as he stares you down. "i'm going to do something i regret if you lean in closer." and he really believes he will.

but you don't listen. in fact, you lean in closer and your nose brushes against will's. your breaths mingle, eyes locked as you just enjoy the moment together.

"i'm.. i'm really glad i became friends with you." you say softly, gulping down some saliva too out of pure nervousness. "but i think- i think i'm too in love with you to just be friends with you." you whisper as you lean in closer again, giving will enough time to pull away.

will never thought he would be hearing something like that coming from you. never in his life did he think he'd meet someone like him, in hawkins no less. it was a shock to him, but his heart also felt elated as he realised that you actually loved him too.

so much for telling his mother he was never going to fall in love.

will just leans in and he risks it all. he presses his lips against yours, closing his eyes to melt into the kiss. he never thought he'd be kissing a guy, or you no less. it made his whole day that he finally got to kiss you. in fact, it made his whole year. his whole life better.

you don't pull away either as will's lips are on yours, you lean in and just wrap your arms around will's neck. you don't want to leave, but the fact that your first kiss was on a forest floor was making you reconsider. yet, you didn't make a move to leave.

but, there's a sudden noise like a snap of a twig. will immediately jumps, pulling off of you and sitting down on the floor. you also shoot upright, almost clashing heads with will as you did so.

the two of you sit in silence, hearts pounding at the thought of getting caught. you two were only guys kissing, in a small town no less. bad things could happen if the wrong people caught you.

as you wait, anxiety at it's all time high, footsteps draw closer. you and will share a look before the person comes up to you two.

"there you two are!" robin calls out, taking a second to catch her breath. she was obviously running to try find you two. "jeez, joyce was chewing my ass because you went missing again, will. don't run off again!" he groans.

you snort out a small laugh before standing up, offering will a hand. the two of you stand up, staying close for a few seconds too long before pulling away.

this must've be what love feels like, will thinks, where it makes you kiss in the middle of a forest and you almost get caught. he didn't mind it at all, though. he would do it again, if he could do it with you.

he'll definitely enjoy holding your hand on the way back to the wsqk, trying to hide it from robin.

he was definitely in love, and he wasn't complaining at all.

---

being in a secret relationship was difficult, to say the least.

yes, you loved will. you would do anything for him, even give him the moon if he asked. but, there was some things that made it hard.

the sneaking around, the stolen glances and secret touches? it got to a point where you wanted to say fuck it and just kiss will infront of everyone. but, of course, you couldn't. even despite how much you wanted to. the two of you would probably be the talk of the town if anyone saw, forced to move away and be apart. because, if people knew, if people saw, that would be the only thing they'd think of you two as.

but even sitting in mike wheeler's basement, your mind stays on will.

he's wearing something simple, but it's so him. his hair is tousled, messy in all the right places and he has a soft smile on his face.

all you want to do is throw your arms over him and kiss him all over, no matter if all your other friends were in the room. but, you had to restrain yourself even when it felt like the hardest thing in the world.

it didn't help that will was sitting right next to you, nodding along to the story mike was blabbering on about. you had stopped paying attention ages ago, subtly glancing at will somewhere along the way. your glances weren't that subtle though, because each time you looked max started snorting to herself.

"alright, that story just made me hungry. wanna come with me to see what mrs wheeler is hiding in the pantry?" lucas asks max, cutting off mike's story. max nods, shooting you a knowing look. "yep, i could go for a snack right now." she hums before standing up from her spot on the couch.

dustin perks up at lucas' suggestion, not caring that the other just wanted to spend time with his girlfriend.

"she better have some more three musketeers, or else i'm leaving and making sure this place is stocked up." he responds, jumping up from his own spot. he even sends mike a glare, knowing what he was about to say about his favourite chocolate.

mike glares back and he just sighs, standing up. "why would my mom have your favourite chocolate? it doesn't even taste good." he says before fake gagging at the thought of it. he has to shake his head to try forget about it.

jane also looks at her other friends, deciding to tag along. "it's not that bad, mike. dustin gave me some before, i like it." she says, giving dustin a warm smile.

immediately, dustin turns smug. he drapes an arm over jane's shoulders and he nods proudly.

"you heard her, mike. 'it's not that bad'- i'll take that as a compliment." he shrugs before flipping off mike playfully. jane laughs as the two of them start walking up the stairs, following lucas and max.

mike groans and he rolls his eyes. "ass." he mutters before following everyone else up the stairs.

you insantly turn to will, a smirk forming on your lips, similar to the smirk that dustin had on just a few seconds ago.

"you come here often?" you ask, sliding across the couch to reach will's side. "i've never seen such a handsome man around these parts before.." you hum, nodding as you look will up and down.

will laughs in response, shaking his head at your words. "i don't know.. i wouldn't necessarily say handsome.." he mumbles back, looking away a little flustered. he was acting as if the two of you had just started dating, although it had been almost a year of secrecy now.

you tut at his words and shake your head too. you lean in closer, trailing a finger under his chin.

"that is not true, you are the most handsomest man i've ever seen. seriously, i think you were hand crafted.. specially picked for me.." you mutter, trailing off as your eyes dart down to will's lips.

you swallow thickly. it would be so easy to just kiss will, to lean in and press your lips against his. however, everyone else could return.. they could catch you two in the act.

"you know, if you wanted to kiss me, you could've just said that." will whispers, a few more laughs leaving his lips. "no need to butter me up." he hums, leaning in closer. he's almost sitting in your lap, thigh brushing against yours.

your hands reach down, tracing over will's torso before they land on his hips. "i need to, because you deserve it." you say back, looking up at his eyes. "you do deserve it.. and i'll be damned if i didn't take the opportunity to remind you how handsome you are, or whatever else." you huff at will's words, squeezing his hips gently.

will rolls his eyes at your words. "you're being dramatic. you do know that though, right?" he asks, a teasing tone to his voice as he tilts his head. he slips into your lap properly as he speaks, eyes caught onto yours as he does so. he sees the way you get shocked, he can feel how your heart picks up a little. he loves it.

"kiss me, kiss me, kiss me.." he whispers into one of your ears, leaning in close to him. his breath fans over your face and you shiver at the heat.

you look into will's eyes, heart thrumming in your chest. "i love you so much.." you respond before leaning in too, pressing your lips against his.

the kiss is soft, warm. it's not too needy, not insistent. it's perfect and steady, just like how your relationship had been this whole time. you wouldn't want it any other way, and you loved small moments like these.

will hums into the kiss, closing his eyes. "..love you.. too.." he mumbles inbetween kisses. his arms wrap around your neck, pulling himself in closer to you as you pull his hips in closer.

the sound of lips pressing together fill the basement, but it's quickly drained out by the sound of footsteps and complaining. unfortunately, the two of you can't hear - too involved in eachother's lips.

"i already asked you, why would- oh shit." mike says, stopping in the middle of the stairway. "damn, we go for less than five minutes and you two are on eachother already." he laughs, the others following down the stairs behind him.

the others laugh too, and you two quickly pull away from eachother. will's face flushes, and you feel your heart race. the two of you just stare at your friends, not knowing how to save yourselves from this situation.

"why.. why are you guys not surprised at all?" you ask, voice almost squeaking because of how surprised you were.

they all walk down the stairs, piling back onto the couch.

"jane told us she walked in on you two at the cabin before, so we kinda picked up on the clues." max shrugs her shoulders, throwing you a grin as she sits on the other side of you.

"i'm sorry, i thought you had already told them." jane apologises, offering you and will a sheepish grin. "i didn't see anything bad before either- just kisses too." she confirms, shaking her head.

you and will look at eachother, slightly relieved, before looking at everyone else again. you sigh heavily and fall against will dramatically.

"good for you two, man! finally getting it on." lucas practically beams for the both of you, grinning wildly.

mike glares at lucas' words before shaking his head. "just keep it out of my basement, next time it could be my mom walking in." he grumbles before sitting down himself.

you look at will again after mike's words and you chuckle. "well.. i guess that means we don't have to hide now." you say softly, leaning in to press a small kiss to his cheek. "that's good to know." you hum.

will nods and he leans against you after the kiss. "true.. i'm glad they're not crazy about it." he whispers, giving you a small smile. "i love you." he says, taking your hand to press a kiss to it.

you grin at him, the noise and chaos of your other friends fading into the background.

"i love you." you respond back, taking will in close to kiss him again. even if your friends started fake gagging in disgust.

---

having a sleepover in the middle of what could be the end of the world was refreshing. will no longer had to worry about the upside down, or vecna, or even the mindflayer. his mind was at peace - even if it was for only one night.

[name] had invited him over, saying a change of pace from the wheeler's basement might be nice. and the other boy was definitely right.

finally being able to sleep in an actual bed wasn't something will thought he'd ever get to experience again. he thought he'd be stuck longer down in the wheeler's basement, sleeping on the old couch. sleeping in a bed, let alone sharing that bed with someone you've been crushing hard for, was way better.

"so, what do you want to get up to?" [name] asks as he plops himself onto the bed, laying down.

will had been sitting near the headboard of the bed, flipping through a comic book he found earlier. but, as he hears [name]'s voice, he's no longer focused on the book in hand. he looks up and just smiles at [name], and it lingers for a few seconds too long to be friendly anymore.

sensing that he's not getting a verbal response anytime soon, [name] just rolls his eyes at will. he shoves the other boy playfully before coming to sit next to him, thighs brushing and all.

"i was thinking- we could sneak into the living room, watch a movie if my parents are asleep and have midnight snacks." [name] says as he looks into will's own eyes. they're both smiling at eachother now, feeling closer than before. but [name] has to quickly look away, feeling an ache in his stomach. "i mean, unless that sounds too childish we can just hang in here." he mumbles too quickly and too quiety, avoiding will's gaze.

will's smile falters slightly as he sees how quickly [name]'s own expression changes. it hurts him, it hurts that part of him that is scared of truly being himself. if his own friend was acting like this because of a lingering smile, or a brush of the leg.. how would he react if he knew the truth? he didn't want to think about it. not now, when everything seemed to be okay.

"it's not childish at all, [name]." will reassures, leaning in a little closer. and in that moment, he itches to reach out and grab [name]'s hand. he desperately wants to squeeze it, hold it.. to finally say what he wants to say. but he settles for this instead. "you know i'd do anything with you, but i think i'd prefer staying in here tonight. with you." will continues with a small laugh, head dropping slightly.

[name] just feels his heart clench in his chest at will's words. so many things race through his mind in that moment, but he doesn't know what he should say. he just sits there, heart pounding, whilst a wobbly smile forms on his lips.

"yeah.. yeah. okay." [name] says with a laugh of his own. he then slides under the blankets, pulling will in with him.

the two of them were now face to face, laying in [name]'s bed. the tension was there, but it didn't seem like any of them wanted to address it just yet. or maybe everything was about to change between them.

as will searches [name]'s eyes, he sees sparkles there. unspoken words. it almost gives him hope to say the truth, to say what he wanted to..

"want to know a secret?" will asks, and it slips out of nowhere. [name] doesn't verbally respond to the question, he just nods slowly as his smile reappears.

will has to take a deep breath, bracing himself for the reveal. he doesn't want anything to change, even though it probably would. he was still scared, but the look in [name]'s eyes made him less afraid.

"i've.. i've always hid this part of me from everyone." will starts, voice trembling. "i.. i never wanted anyone to think i'm.. different, you know? to outcast me for this.. but i know i'm different, and i'm not scared of this anymore. not when i have people like you by my side." he whispers, meeting [name]'s gaze once more.

the brown haired boy shuffles closer. his legs interlock with [name]'s and he has to try keep himself from crying.

"i like.. i like guys, in a romantic sense. i mean. i'm gay." he admits, and a small laugh leaves him once again as he feels pathetic admitting this to his long time crush and best friend. "and there's this one guy.. this one guy that i really like now. he's close to us, really close.. and all i'd want to do is just date him even if the world hates people like us. because i feel like i can truly be myself around him.. and i'm not afraid of loving when it's with him." he feels like he's about to cry admitting this, only a few seconds away from the verge of breaking down.

it takes [name] a few moments to process will's words. he blinks slowly, mouth hanging open in shock. but the shock isn't filled with hate or anything that would make will feel even more afraid. he moves in, squeezing will into a hug.

"you idiot," [name] laughs softly, resting his forehead against will's. "i would never treat you differently because of something like this. jeez, you like guys and someone else likes girls. what's the difference other than their privates?" he rolls his eyes before snorting at his own words, trying to lighten the mood if anything.

[name] gently moves his hands to cup will's face, brushing his thumbs against the other teen's cheeks. "i'm always here for you- unless this guy you like is mike. then i'm kicking you out for shitty taste in men." he pinches one of will's cheeks whilst grinning.

will rolls his own eyes in response and he shoves [name] away at his words. "no! i don't like him.. it's someone else we're close with." he says, voice dropping into a whisper as he looks into [name]'s eyes once again. "someone.. i'm really close to right now, actually." he hums as his hands run up and down his friend's arms, caressing the other.

[name] stares at will and he gets a feeling of deja vu once again. his eyes flicker from will's eyes to his lips. "is it me?" he asks, own voice dropping to a whisper. he feels his heart clench in his chest, that this could finally be it. "please.. please say it's me will, because i swear to you i will give you everything you want because i've felt this way about you for so long too.." he swallows thickly, practically shaking in anticipation after his own admission.

the silence stretches in the room for a few seconds, anxiety seeping from the two teens. but it all melts away as soon as will's lips meet [name]'s and everything feels perfect in that moment.

the kiss starts sweet at first, the two teens melting against eachother. then, hands move around and they hold eachother tighter than they ever had done so before. they kept kissing until they were left breathless.

"holy shit-" [name] says as he breaks away from the kiss. he gasps softly and then just grins like a mad man before squeezing will tightly. "i like you, i like you so fucking much." he mumbles, pressing more kisses to will's face.

will smiles, and his previous worries are gone. he no longer has to worry about being accepted, because at least he had one person by his side. the person he loved so much.

"i like you a lot too.." will whispers and he leans against [name]. "i'm glad you feel the same.." he hums softly, just smiling at the other boy.

the first time you had cracked your neck, will was extremely worried.

the two of you had been in his room. you were sitting on the floor, whilst will was laying in bed just lounging about. it was how you enjoyed spending your time together- just being in the comfort of eachother's presence.

you had been reading a comic, slouching forward to get a better view. you were starting to get tense because of the position you were in, so you sat back up and rolled your neck.

a loud 'crack' sound rung throughout the room. will immediately shot up from his position, eyes wide.

"what the- [name] are you okay?" he asks, sliding down the bed to sit next to you. he immediately takes your hands into his own, checking you all over.

it makes you laugh at how protective he is, but your heart also melts at the gesture. it's sweet, but will worries too much.

"i was just cracking my neck." you say, shaking your head in response. there's a small smile on your lips as you look at your boyfriend, noting the way you could feel his heart racing (even in his hands). "felt good. have you never done that?" you question further.

will just blinks, noting how unbothered you were by all of this. it made him realise he was definitely overreacting, but in a place like hawkins it was sometimes needed.

"that was you.. just cracking your neck? it was so loud, you scared me." he laughs, leaning in to rest his forehead against yours. "you have to, like, warn me next time." he mumbles before pressing a quick peck to your lips.

you hum and lean into the kiss quickly before pulling away. "i guess my bones are just loud then." you grin, almost teasingly.

the next few times will is around you when you crack your bones, he's less shocked but he still jumps slightly.

this time, you're sitting around the table in mike's basement. mike had just written a new campaign, eager to play it with everyone.

you sit by will, like you usually do. you're nodding along to what mike is saying, and the moment is full of tension. all of your characters are at extremely low hps, and a new boss has just entered that could potentially wipe you all out in one hit.

it's scary, even more terrifying than actually facing vecna.

you move your hands above your head to relax yourself, some of your fingers cracking and popping as you did so.

will jumps, or at least he tries not to be too scared by it. he's heard you do so many times before, but it still frightens him.

the others see will jump, and they laugh. not because they're making fun of him or anything, but they find it almost heartwarming how he gets jumpy about small things. they wouldn't want anything to harm him, especially after everything you've all been through.

"is the campaign really that terrifying?" mike asks as he looks around, eyes eventually settling on will's form.

will immediately shakes his head and he looks away. he gets flustered with all the attention on him, especially since he got scared because of something so small as you just cracking your bones.

"it's not, sorry. it's [name] that's terrifying." he responds, whispering under his breath but everyone hears him anyway.

you laugh softly and lean in, pressing a small kiss to the top of will's head. "sorry, handsome." you mutter into his head before pulling away.

jane just awes at the interaction before everyone continues the campaign.

will gets more used to this unusual habit of yours, in the end. after hearing you do it so much, he's gotten less jumpy and more annoyed at hearing you do it so much.

it's evident when the two of you move in together for the first time. after years of spending time together and being attached to the hip, he's heard you crack and pop your bones countless times. sure, if it's out of nowhere he might still get scared, but most times that isn't the case.

you're standing against one of the kitchen countertops, book in hand. you're skimming through it, brows furrowed. it was something for one of your university assignments that you just couldn't wrap your head around yet, even after spending so much time reading it.

you sigh and put the book down on the counter. you run a hand over your face afterwards before standing in the kitchen, almost contemplating your decisions.

will is standing by the sink, washing one of his plates from dinner. he's humming along to a song he heard earlier on the radio, and you smile at the sound of it.

but, of course, you want to rile him up a little.

so, you arch your back slightly and put your hands on your hips. the familiar sound of popping and cracking comes back, alongside with dishes clattering in the sink.

will shoots you a glare, turning to face away from the sink. "i seriously hate you, i hope you know that?" he says before turning off the tap with a sigh. he wipes his hands off before walking towards you, almost stomping like a puppy. it was cute.

"i didn't realise i was in love with an old man who needed to pop his bones once in a while." he scoffs before wrapping his arms around your waist. "pop his bones? okay, nevermind, that sounds weird." he laughs, annoyance from just a few seconds ago melting away.

you grin at him and bring your hands from your own hips up to his face. you caress his cheeks, looking into his green eyes.

"well, too bad. you're stuck with this old man for.. forever now." you hum, resting your forehead against his. "and, you'll be hearing me pop lots of bones and boners-" you say before melting into a fit of laughter. it was like you were teens again.

will just rolls his eyes and presses his lips against yours.

he didn't mind you and your weird habits.. even if they freaked him out a little.

---

going back to the upside down wasn't something will thought he was going to do again. nor was reliving the experience again, and getting tangled up in some vines whilst screaming for his life. it wasn't something on his to-do-again list. ever.

luckily, he was with [name] the whole time. the other boy came running, slicing the vines clean off of will's body and guiding him to safety. he even held will, calming him down for as long as he needed whilst they were there. but it's always been like that, for as long as they've been friends.

that was the same now.

will and [name] were back at the wsqk station. neither of them had said anything to anyone upon returning, just an uneasy silence filling the building.

but everyone knew something was up. they saw the bruise marks around will's neck, and they noticed how [name] was lingering around too close. protecting him from anything else that could cause harm.

the two of them entered the bathroom, stopping by the makeshift kitchen beforehand. they stood there, also basking in the uneasy silence that was present when they were near the others. it was hard to talk now, hard to talk about everything that was going on. but at least they knew that they'd be there for one another.

"..mind taking your shirt off?" [name] asks as he sets the ice pack on the bathroom sink. "so i can check for any other injuries, of course." he explains quickly, trying not to seem weird even if his heart was in his throat.

will's eyes flicker over to [name]'s form and a small smile graces his lips. he feels a little less uneasy than he had been feeling around an hour ago, but that's just how he always felt around [name]. no matter what kind of situation they were in.

"you sure you aren't just trying to see me naked?" will asks in response, teasing his friend. he was still taking his shirt off anyway though, upon [name]'s request. "you could just ask, you know?" he whispers with a small laugh.

[name]'s own eyes were focused on will's torso. he was watching as the other teen pulled his shirt off, eyes never looking away.

but [name]'s breath hitches once he sees a certain scar on will's torso. he blinks a few time and leans in, a hand reaching out to touch. to feel will's skin under his fingertips.

"this.. is this from back then?" he asks quietly as his fingers trace the burn scar. it was a line, back from when will's mind was infected by the mind flayer and nancy poked him with a hot fireplace stake to try get it out of him. [name] never knew that it went that far, that his friend at that young of an age had been harmed so much.

slowly, [name]'s eyes look into will's. a frown forms on his lips as he shuffles closer. "does it still hurt- or is it your new bruises? i don't really see much.. other than the one around your neck and wrists." he rambles along, still gently caressing will's scar.

will's hand find [name]'s, pulling them away from his scar. he frowns a little too, more at the memories that lingered rather than [name]'s touch.

"it doesn't hurt- only the memories do." he sighs softly, tilting his head back as he leans further against the sink. "it always does- but that's not the main concern now." he mumbles, voice hoarse from the tears that were welling in his eyes and the vines from earlier.

[name]'s eyes don't stray away from will's face, but his frown only gets deeper. he places one hand on will's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. his other hand reaches for the ice pack that was resting on the sink.

"i'm here. i will always be here for you will, no matter what." he says, sounding as reassuring and soft as possible. he even presses the ice pack to will's neck as he speaks. "so you can always talk to me- but if you don't want to talk now you do have to." he whispers.

[name] leans in close and he presses his lips against will's neck softly. he closes his eyes and just holds will close, not saying anything else for a few more seconds. this time, a comfortable silence fell over them.

will sighs and he leans against [name]. his head rests against the other teen's, just humming as he feels [name]'s lips on his skin. his arms wrap around [name]'s waist and he just squeezes him. never wanting to leave. never wanting to find himself in that place anymore, with those memories.

but with [name] it was easy. even with all of the bruises, with all of the memories. it was always easy with [name] around.

"now," [name] hums and he pulls back, opening his eyes to smile at will. "let's clean you up, yeah? i don't want you catching a cold because i made you take your shirt off. joyce might kill me." he snorts.

will laughs in response too, opening his eyes to look at [name]. he nods and goes along with what [name] does.

slowly but surely, the bruises stop hurting and they fade away. all whilst [name] is by will's side.

you and will were insperable, practically attached to the hip. the two of you went everywhere together, and you were always seen together. it was so bad that the amount of time you spent together rivaled that of the actual couples within your friend group.

but it's not like the two of you minded it. not in the slightest.

the two of you had found comfort in eachother's company. you had shared music reccomendations, will had shown you his art and even made you his muse from time to time. you both hung out, came up with different d&d campaigns and more.

it was a truly fufilling friendship, to the point where you two had gotten closer to eachother than with anyone else in the party.

but, of course, your friends noticed this. it was in their faces all the time, after all. it was everywhere they looked whenever they were around the two of you.

jane thought the relationship you two formed was sweet. she always went on about how lucky she was that her brother found a best friend, someone that truly understood him. and it was true what she said, too. you understood him best, and he understood you best.

however, mike had a different idea in mind about how close the two of you were. he always grumbled whenever you came over to spend time at the wheeler's basement, mumbling to himself about how attached you had gotten to will. how peculiar it was. but, you played it off that he was simply just jealous, especially since will was friends with him first.

but there were others in your mutual friend group that shared a different sentiment. they saw something deeper than just a friendship, or even a best-friendship. they saw the adoration you two held for eachother - the lingering gazes, touches and whispered words.

that was even more so evident now, hanging out at mike's place.

everyone was piled up on the couch, tucked in tightly next to one another. you didn't mind it at all, as you were sitting next to will after all. your thigh was pressed up against his, shoulder bumping his too. you didn't mind it, and neither did he as he just gives you a small smile and leans further into you, giving whoever was sitting on his other side more space.

mike had invited everyone over for a movie night, but he just hadn't expected everyone to pile on his couch so he was annoyed. he was grumbling about you once again to lucas and dustin, pretending you couldn't hear.

but, as the movie went on, you had droned out mike's words. your focus was on the movie, and will. maybe more on will than the actual movie, though. not that you'd ever admit that out loud. but, there was so many things you'd say to will that you just couldn't, even if it was killing you inside.

"shoot- the popcorn's all out." max groans, standing up from her spot on the couch. "[name], wanna help me get some more?" she asks, tilting her head to the side to get a look at you.

you're immediately cut out of your train of thought, looking over at max. admittedly, will looks too once he hears your name. he always does.

"i can help you get some, m'lady-" lucas responds back, reaching to put an arm around max's shoulder. all she does is shake her head and stand up, grabbing your arm and pulling you up.

and, before you know it, you're walking up the stairs out of the wheeler's basement and into their kitchen.

you're a little confused, of course, as you would've sworn you saw dustin hoard all the popcorn. but, you just shook your head and followed max.

"so, what's up with you and will?" she asks, putting some popcorn into the microwave before turning to look at you. "you two are.. acting kinda peculiar." she comments, tilting her head to better read your expression.

you immediately stiffen. your eyes dart everywhere but to her face, and you feel yourself warm up a little. this isn't what you expected, but you had your suspicions when she called you of all people to tell her.

"i don't.. i don't know what you mean." you respond simply after clearing your throat. "we're not acting.. peculiarly. we're acting like normal friends would." you shrug, trying to ignore the fact that you do not want to be 'normal friends' with will. you want the complete opposite of that.

max just laughs at your words, a proper belly laugh as if you had just told her the funniest thing ever. "friends? seriously? you two act more like boyfriends if i knew any better." she says once she's calmed down.

you immediately feel unease fill your stomach. you don't know how to respond to that. if you told max the truth- would she accept you? or would she run and tell everyone, make a spectacle of what you thinknof will? the very thought of it made you shiver.

"..i mean i'd want that, but i doubt he would want that too." you mumble back, turning your head away from her. you decide to trust her, because after all, the two of you have been through worse shit than knowing about two guys being in a potential relationship. "i want to be with him. everywhere. but he probably doesn't see me that way, or guys like that in general." you shake your head, dread filling your mind.

max just leans against the counter, arms crosses over her chest. she's glaring at you, and judging. hard. she doesn't believe a word that's coming out of your mouth right now and it clearly shows.

"you should become a comedian or something, you know?" she responds, turning to the microwave once she hears it ping. "he obviously feels the same way. the way he looks at you is filled with such admiration- i don't think i've ever seen lucas look at me in such way." she continues, giving you another light laugh.

max takes the bag out of the microwave. she cuts it open before dumping the contents into a bowl she found after rummaging through mrs wheeler's cupboards. she turns back to you, holding out the bowl. a truce, almost. for whatever reason.

"you should make a move- or else you might be too late and he might break your heart." she says, softly. her voice is more vulnerable now, because she knows this is probably hard- especially since making the wrong move to another guy could cause you serious trouble. but she knows will, and she knows you, so she knows that wouldn't be the case.

you take the bowl from max's hands and sigh. "i just.. i don't know what to say to him. i can speak louder, even shout his name out but i'm afraid he won't know how proud i am. or how i feel for that matter." you admit, defeatedly, before stuffing your face with some popcorn.

max just shakes her head at laughs as she sees your form. "you don't have to say anything, you could show him." she shrugs her shoulders. "let's go." she finishes, nodding back to the basement stairs.

the two of you make your way back downstairs. you walk past everyone to get back to your side of the couch, heart racing at the thought of sitting next to will again. so, once you move to sit next to him, you hand will the bowl.

"here." you say before sitting down, sneaking a quick kiss to his cheek and hoping nobody else saw. "just how you like it." you whisper, trying to not disturb the others who were watching the movie.

will pauses for a second before he turns his head to look at you. a smile graces his lips and he gladly takes the popcorn, now comfortably resting (more like melting) into your side with the bowl in his lap. he understands now- even if you can't say the words with everyone around.

"i want to be with you, everywhere." you whisper into his ear as he rests his head on your shoulder. "you're not getting rid of me now." you let out a low chuckle.

will just smiles more, practically snuggling up to you. he hums and nods, reciprocating your words without saying anything out loud.

max watches from her seat and she shoots you a smile and a quick thumbs up.

now the group (or, rather just mike since he was the only one complaining) would have to suffer with you two being closer than ever. as now, the two of you were going to be everywhere, together. that wasn't going to change.

---

will knew from early on about your feelings for his older brother. he had caught on, especially when you kept coming round to their house.

he saw the way you lingered around jonathan, even if he went to get something from another room or he went to dissappear. you always followed him and lingered around, almost as if you were a puppy.

will noticed that, and he noticed more. the way you looked at jonathan, the way you smiled when he was around or the fact that you seemed just a bit more excited whenever jonathan said your name.

sure, 12 year old will didn't understand how he felt about himself, but he did know you and jonathan had something special. something that was deeper than friendship.

but it all changed once jonathan got together with nancy.

will saw how you stopped coming around as much as you used to, only stopping by if you were asked to babysit him or if you needed to do something with jonathan for school. your special looks had stopped, and you stayed in the room even when jonathan left.

the little boy was curious. after all, he had grown up with you as much as he did jonathan. so, he wanted to know.

it was when you were babysitting the now 13 year old boy after all of his troubles with the mindflayer. joyce was out working late, and jonathan was out with nancy.

you didn't mind look after will, he was a good kid. he was quiet, always busying himself with his art or comic books. and, luckily enough, he enjoyed your company too.

"so.." will trails off, looking up at you. he was doodling away at the kitchen table as you sat opposite him, doing some school work. "did something happen with you and jonathan? is that why you don't come over anymore? i miss having you over." he says, a small frown forming on his lips.

you look up from your own papers and meet will's gaze. your brows furrow and you have to really think about how to respond. despite will being a few years younger than.. he sure could catch up on things quickly.

"nothing happened." you respond, relaxing your face. "we just.. we're busy, you know? plus, your brother has a girlfriend now too so." you shrug your shoulders before going back to your work.

will doesn't buy your excuse. jonathan had been spending time with nancy, but she didn't take up his whole time. if he was prioritising his relationship over his friendship, will would think he's a bad friend. but he knew that wasn't true of his brother.

"he's not always busy though." will says, tilting his head. "if he's not working, he's moping around in his room like always, you know?" he laughs, teasing his brother even when he wasn't in the room.

you laugh a little at will's words and you shake your head. "oh yeah?" you ask back. "i thought he was caught up with nancy.." you mumble, scribbling down something in your notebook.

will shakes his head too, almost slamming down his pencils. "no way!" he laughs, leaning back in his chair. "he's .. a loner if he's not hanging out with you or nancy." he admits, grinning like he was telling you the biggest secret ever.

then, his face goes serious. he leans in and narrows his gaze at your face.

"do.. you have a girlfriend?" he suddenly asks. you tense at the question, relationships always being a touchy subject in your life.

"uh.. no, actually." you say, looking up at will with a weary expression. "i don't really like.. i mean, i'm trying to focus on school. there's not long left until graduation.. just a few more years." you shrug, completely avoiding the question.

will hums and his eyes trail over your face. he looks stern, a harsh gaze on his face. but it quickly melts away and he smiles at you.

"your secret's safe with me, [name]." he whispers before patting your hands. it's like he knows, the little brat.

years pass by, and you rekindle with jonathan again. everything gets better, and you no longer feel such a heavy weight on your chest as you did way before.

now, you're at the wsqk, standing off to the side as everyone prepares for the final battle. your mind is racing with thoughts of different things and how everything could possibly go wrong.

a specific thought lingers. what if you die before telling jonathan how you truly felt? you've wanted to tell him for so long but.. you still can't now. not when everything could go wrong, when you could mess everything up that you built. when you could ruin everything with the person you cared the most for.

"[name]!" robin says, waving a hand over your face. "you're spacing out over here, don't tell me you're getting cold feet about this?" she laughs, trying to ease her own nerves down.

but she sees where you're looking and she realises it isn't nerves. it isn't anything like that.

"oh, [name].." she says softly, whispering now. "is it about..?" she suggests, eyes darting towards said person.

you immediately blink and regain consciousness, looking over at robin with a startled expression. "what- what? no. of course not." you shake your head, trying to defend yourself (even if it's not convincing in the slighest). "even if it was- i can't do anything about it. he has.. her. and he deserves someone like her.. you know so they could like.. start a family or some bullshit like that." you mumble, leaning over to grab your weapon and sling it over your shoulder.

robin just frowns deeply at your words and she slings an arm over your shoulder. now, the two of you are looking into jonathan's direction, watching him get ready too.

"who says people like us can't start families too, huh? we don't have to have the same standard families everyone else has.." she responds, shaking her head. "plus, i'm pretty sure i overheard nance mention that she broke up with him.. she said it to.. mike? or maybe it was jonathan mentioning it to joyce. i don't remember." she shrugs her shoulders.

you shoot robin a small look that shows you're clearly unimpressed. "don't give me hope, buckley." you scoff before laughing at your friend, shrugging her off your shoulder.

you jog over to jonathan, clutching your weapon tightly in hand. you rock on the balls of your feet, giving him a small smile.

"hey." you say, softly. he immediately looks over at you and he smiles. "hey. you look ready." he comments with a small laugh, and you can feel your heart just ache.

you shake your head and give an awkward grin. "well.. i don't feel ready, honestly." you admit with a small shrug. "but.. that's not why i'm here. i just wanted to say that i'm sorry for what happened between you and nancy. i'm here for you." you swallow thickly, too afraid to meet jonathan's gaze now.

jonathan stands there just staring at you for a few seconds, expression unchanging. his lips soon quirk up into a smile and he just pats you on the shoulder.

"i know you are, you've been here for me since kindergarten." he adds with a small laugh before squeezing your shoulder. "and, honestly? i'm surprised she didn't break up with me sooner." he shrugs before crossing his arms over his chest.

you look over at jonathan, more confused than what you were feeling when you were staring at him just a few minutes ago. "seriously? i thought things were going well for you. or was it the whole lying about college thing?" you ask, and a hint of teasing creeps into your voice. all jonathan does is nod and shrug, accepting his fate.

"well, that's.. not everything i wanted to say." you continue as a sheepish expression fills in your features. "after all this is over and we kill vecna.. we should just.. talk. the two of us, about everything. you could come over to my place and we could watch a movie, or not. depends on what you want." you suggest, no longer meeting jonathan's gaze.

the other man just smiles at you, nodding along at the suggestion. "yeah, that sounds nice. i mean, i think we need to relax after all this shit." he laughs a little. you beam at his words. "let's just hope we make it out in the end." he sighs.

you nod along too. "yeah, hopefully." you imitate him with another sigh.

at least now you had something to look forward to, even if your feelings for jonathan stayed unspoken until the very end.

---

summer in hawkins wasn't exactly enjoyable. it was sticky, it was sweaty and just altogether unbearable. there weren't enough popsicle sticks in the world to help cool anyone down, and half of the fans in people's homes were broken down.

you were lucky steve was your boyfriend. it meant that, during the summer, you got access to his house. that meant free air conditioning, and a sweat free summer as a bonus.

unfortunately, steve said that the air conditioning had broken or something. you weren't really paying attention when you came over, really. you were desperate for the cool air, but now it was gone.

so, as you sat on the couch in steve's living room, you sweat. it was uncomfortable, and you felt yourself almost sticking to the couch. for such a big house and (probably) loaded parents, you were kinda annoyed that your boyfriend hadn't gotten the air con fixed. or a fan.

at least steve offered you a cold drink, but he was taking too long to get it. you were sweating buckets, probably to the point where you started to morph into the couch. it was unpleasant.

to try and aleviate the feeling, you take your shirt off. you use it to wipe the sweat beading down your forehead, patting down the rest of your body too just in case.

sure, there was a little bit of a breeze, but it wasn't enough. you were still sweating, still swiltering from the heat. except, now, you were just shirtless and luckily not binding, because that would've made the heat even more unbearable.

as you're lounging on steve's couch, trying to make yourself as comfortable as possible, steve walks in. he has two drinks in hand, one opened which was obviously his, and another one which had condensation dripping from it. you couldn't wait to get your mouth around it, too feel the coolness down your throat. you geniunely felt like you were on fire right now.

"what are you doing?" steve asks, eyes narrowing at your form. "actually, what are you wearing- or, not wearing?" he questions, slightly confused as he looks at you.

you copy his expression, raising an eyebrow and tilting your head. you sit up properly, wanting to reach for your drink, but steve is holding it back for now.

"i'm topless right now and you're staring at my tits. is that what you want to hear?" you question back with a frustrated sigh. "can you give me my drink now, it's too hot for you to be messing around with me.." you mumble, lunging forward to grab the can from steve.

however, steve moves fast. he takes a step back and shakes his head. "you're not getting it until you explain.. this." he comments as he looks your chest up and down. "you said, tits? you sure you don't mean pecs or something? i mean, guys don't really have boobs, do they?" he says before taking a sip of his drink to really think deeply.

a scoff leaves your lips and you roll your eyes. you get up from your comfortable position on the couch to stand in front of your boyfriend. "so what am i then, a woman?" you ask before taking the unopened can from steve's hand, relishing in its coolness. "and here i thought i was your boyfriend." you hum, cracking the can open. you take a sip, staring into steve's eyes with a harsh intensity. if he said something wrong..

"wait, wait. i didn't say that. you are my boyfriend, what on earth are you trying to get at?" steve asks, shaking his head. he was slightly offended you'd think so lowly of him, but he couldn't blame you, especially since he was an asshole before he became nicer. "i'm just saying, guys don't have tits, and maybe you have pecs? have you been working out?" he asks, trying to help himself out.

you just sigh and take another sip of your drink. you make your way to the couch, flopping down on it and making yourself comfortable once again. for a few seconds, you have to think about what to say, but you realise you'll end up being crude anyway.

"these are tits." you respond, looking up at steve. "some guys do have tits, if they were born women, but that doesn't mean they're still women." you say with a small shrug, taking another sip of your drink.

steve blinks a few times, listening to your words. "so, you weren't just being vulgar like always? you were being serious?" he asks before moving to sit down next to you. he puts a hand on your thigh, gently rubbing circles into your skin. "sorry, i wasn't trying to be an asshole. i just.. i still don't understand." he admits with a small sigh.

you nod slowly, turning to look at him. "i'm trans- born a girl, but now i'm a guy and all of that stuff." you explain. "there are other people like me, the opposite and stuff like that you know? but, i'm still me. i would've sworn i told you before." you say with a small laugh, shaking your head.

steve smiles warmly at you. "hell yeah you're a guy." he says before draping an arm over your shoulder to pull you in close. "you're my guy. my man who forgot to tell me about the most important part of himself." he chuckles, trying to be your hype man as best as he could, even with a little added teasing.

you roll your eyes and push the other man off of you. "shut up. in my defence, i thought i already told you, and you're sweaty so don't touch me." you say, shuffling away from steve as far as you could. "i'll be sure to tell you stuff properly next time, though." you hum, taking a sip of your drink and looking at steve. you have a small smirk on your lips as you do so.

"whatever, whatever. at least now i'll be able to stare at you topless, because damn was i missing out." steve comments, wiggling his eyebrows as he unashamedly stares at your chest. he even leans in to get a proper look, but you swat him away immediately.

you sigh and continue sipping on your drink, enjoying the cold liquid that pours down your throat. you just hum, listening to the buzz of static in the background.

"you're disgusting, you know that?" you mumble into the can of your drink, but there's a hint of humor behind your words. "did you do this with all your past lovers?" you question, raising an eyebrow.

steve rolls and he puts his can down on the coffee table. he shuffles close to you, not caring if he was sweaty or too warm for you.

"no, you asshole. only you." steve mumbles, pressing a small kiss to your cheek. "but, i'm glad you told me. if anyone says anything, i'll be your.. knight in shining armour yeah?" he says before puffing out his chest.

you immediately glare at steve and kick him away. "i think i can handle myself- plus i don't give a shit what anyone says. let them think what i think- all that's different about me is that i have boobs and a vagina." you shake your head, thinking about what you'd do if anyone else found out. "i just don't like how much i've said boobs in the past.. 10 minutes, i can't wait to get rid of these things some time in the future." you laugh, the conversation shifting to a warmer mood.

steve looks at your chest then into your eyes once again, but he was pretty guilty for staring for way too long now.

"you know.. since it's so warm, let's go take a shower to cool down." he suggests, a sultry tone catching onto his voice. "and.. i can appreciate all of you a little more.. since we haven't done that much yet.." he whispers, ducking down to press a kiss to your neck. steve even starts trailing his lips lower before you pull him away.

"i realise why i didn't tell you now, you freak." you laugh again before standing up. "but.. a cold shower sounds nice." you hum, biting your lip as you look down at steve.

you immediately run off to the bathroom, and steve quickly follows behind to take a long shower with you.

---