zombie

"and here is the artist's latest painting," a person's voice echoes throughout the exhibition halls. "they call it 'the weeping figure'." they continue, outstretching their arm to allow visitor's to shift their attention to the art on the walls.

it was a very dark and bleak painting, feelings of dread and despair hitting anyone who looked at it.

compared to the artist's other paintings, it was the darkest one. both because of the colours used, and the story behind it. it was clear what the message of the painting was trying to portray - the meaning of losing someone, the feeling of forgetting what that person looks like. it was all those messy thoughts that encaptured a grieving person exactly.

people walking past where whispering, commenting on the art.

"since when did they turn to such.. depressive themes?" one passerby side, almost sneering at the thematic changes of the anonymous artist's work. they had no idea what the artist had gone through, and they never will.

"i like this change in scenery." another person whispers to their lover. "it shows how.. art doesn't have to be all that pretty, you know?" she almost giggles, clinging onto the man walking besides her.

but the real question was, what was the actual art piece? surely it was something important that there was a whole exhibit with it in, surely the artist themselves were important.

the painting contained two figures. one was clearly male, holding and clinging onto another figure. tears were pouring down the male's face, his hazel coloured eyes surrounded by red instead of a white sclera. his brown hair a mess, dirty and almost blooded. he was possibly the reason why the painting was called 'the weeping figure', after all.

the other figure, however, didn't seem in place in this painting. they were less realistic looking, almost blurry in this clear piece of art. their face was crossed out, scribbled out and almost painted over thousands of times. it was clear the artist had slowly started to forget the other person's face over time, but they were someone who meant a lot to them.

the two were surrounded in a hell-like world, which seemed eerily close to home but off. the red and blue highlighting their bodies, making such a dark painting seem so beautiful too.

will stands there, at the back of the exhibition. he stares at this painting for a while, and he can almost feel tears welling up in his eyes as he recalls the events.

you, in his arms, slowly dying in the upside down. you refused to let him help you, saying it would safer for him if he just left you and lived for himself. but he couldn't leave you, so he stayed until your final breath, as you pressed your cold lips against his own.

will remembers the day clearly, his feelings and emotions. but, as the years passed by, he had slowly started to forget your face. he started to forget how you sounded like and he hated it. his first love, the first person that had stolen his heart.. gone too soon.

"what do you think of their new piece, sir?" someone asks will, snapping him out of his thoughts. he quickly straightens up, wiping away any tears from his face. "i think.. there's a deep story behind it, which makes it so beautiful." he responds, and the other person smiles before walking past.

nobody would ever know the true meaning behind the painting, or that will was the one who made it. but, at least he could still capture you in his art, no matter how much he still remembered of you.

---

the water of the lake glimmers and shines as the sun sets in hawkins. will was swimming around in the body of water, splashing and flicking his tail as he did so. he was bored out of his mind, like he always was. there wasn't much to do, being a merman in hawkins. he was confined to one body of water, in the middle of nowhere, with no other mermaids or mermen like him.

at least he had you, though.

you had stumbled across him on accident a few years ago, being a curious child exploring the forest. you had been allured by the shimmer of water, and it only drew you closer to will - a boy of your age. only, he wasn't entirely like you, he had a tail, scales, gills, pointy ears.. he was a real life merman. and the little boy that met him that day squealed so loud it almost scared the merman.

now, at 17, the two of you have grown closer. extremely close to the point that more romantic feelings were involved now. you didn't mind it one bit, being in love with someone like will. you didn't care how different he was- your heart chose him, and you would follow your heart.

as will takes laps around the lake, he hears footsteps that sound like someone is running. he stops and immediately ducks his head under the water, hoping whoever was running didn't spot him.

"will? are you there?" you asks as you kneel infront of the water bed. "sorry- i thought i was late for our meet up. i wanted to go get you some of your favourite fish, but i didn't realise they were sold out at the shop near my house so i had to drive across town and.." you pause, furrowing your eyebrows. "sorry, i'm going on and on again, aren't i?" you laugh softly.

will's head pops up from the water and he gives you a toothy grin, flashing you his sharp teeth. he swims over to you and presses a kiss to your cheek with a small hum.

you blink a few times in surprise before turning your head to the side, feeling a wave of embarrassment and heat creep up you. "i guess all you needed was me, not the fish.." you mumble with another small laugh.

will just nods at your words before reaching his hands up to make you look at him. his eyes say all what he can't actually say, that he missed you and just wanted you near. it made your heart ache in your chest, and all you could do was lean into will's hands.

"i'm still going to give you the fish, by the way." you say, tilting your head to press a kiss to will's hands. "no matter how charming your eyes are. you're probably just seeking a kiss, aren't you?" you tease with a small grin.

the merman simply rolls his eyes and gives you a quick pinch on the cheeks. he pushes himself up, sitting next to you on the ground. his tail is still half submerged in the water, the rest of him out in the open so he could be closer to you.

you open your bag and pull out yet another bag with some fish inside it. you hand it over to will and he studies the contents with a smile before putting it to the side. he leans into you once more, a grin on his face. you know what he wants, but you can't help but be a tease about it.

"what? you want a kiss?" you ask with a raised eyebrow, earning an eager nod in response. "i don't know.. last time you almost bit my lips off." you shrug before turning to look at the water.

in no time, you feel a bump against your shoulder. you look over and see will's head bumping against your shoulder, which was his way of trying to get your attention. he looks up once he notices your head has turned towards him, his eyes immediately going watery. sometimes you thought he was more like a puppy than a merman..

"i was joking, will." you laugh softly, shaking your head. "you just have very sharp teeth." you mumble as your hands move to cup will's face.

will immediately melts at your touch, and all hints of previous sadness are gone. his tail flicks in the water, almost splashing you. you don't mind it, though. you always end up leaving wet anyway.

he leans in closer, his cold and wet nose bumping against yours. you shiver at the sensation slightly, still not used to how wet will was after all these years. but, you didn't mind it. it was still will that you were holding in your arms at the end of the day.

"one kiss." you whisper, lips almost brushing against will's. "then i'm going to read you this story i found and you can eat, okay?" you say, narrowing your gaze to will's face. will just chuckles softly and he nods, but you know that this whole thing will probably escalate and you'll end up sharing more than one kiss. will was always so sly, after all.. getting what he wanted.

will presses his lips against yours and he closes his eyes. you do the same, leaning into the other teen's touch and closing your own eyes. will even wraps his arms around your torso, and you can feel the water from will's arms start to seep into your clothes. all you can think about is will in that moment, nothing else.

but the kiss soon comes to a stop as will's teeth graze against your bottom lip. you pull away, eyes wide open as you laugh.

"that hurts, you know!" you say as you continue to laugh. will's owns eyes open up and he looks at you with a frown. you lean in, opening up will's mouth to look at his teeth. "these are so sharp.. i'm surprised you haven't, like, torn my lips off yet." you tease, and will just grunts at you in return.

you let go of will to reach over, grabbing the fish from earlier. you place it in will's lap, watching how his tail flicks in the water. he's clearly excited.

"eat up, okay?" you say before reaching over to your own bag. "i have something to read for you whilst you eat. i've mentioned it before.." you mumble before pulling a book out.

it was the little mermaid, of course. will could sort of make out the words on the cover, you had tried to teach him how to read before since he didn't speak much. but, it was hard to learn especially since merpeople had much different vocabulary to humans.

"this isn't the disney one which is all nice and happy endings." you explain, opening the book to the front page. will was already munching on his fish, leaning against you as he did so.

you start to read to will as he eats, listening to his small reactions as you speak. he eats slowly, wanting you to read more to him.

as time goes on, will eventually ends up finishing his fish and you finish reading as you feel him dozing off. after all, the sun was starting to set. so, you lean over, pressing a kiss to will's temple.

"i'll read more to you tomorrow, yeah?" you say softly, and will just nods against you. "and, hey, maybe one day.. i'll take you out of this lake to some big ocean, like by the beach or something so you can explore like the mermaid.. but of course i'm not going to let anything bad happen to you." you shrug and will just smiles at your words.

will looks up at you with droopy eyes and he grins, once again showing you his spikey teeth. "love you." he whispers in a scratchy voice. your heart immediately melts and you scoop will into your arms, his tail flopping around. "i love you too." you grin, pressing a few kisses around will's face.

will then catches your lips with his own just like before, and it catches you off guard. you don't complain though, just pressing your own lips against his (again). you laugh into the kiss though and you have to pull away.

"your lips taste like fish." you tease, as if he hadn't just been eating fish. "i don't think i can kiss you again." you whisper with a small chuckle, and will just glares at you.

you stand up and gather your stuff into your bag before swinging it over your shoulder. will slips back into the water, but his head is still poking out to watch your every move. his tail splashes around, and he's still smiling warmly at you.

you lean down and press a small kiss to the top of will's head. "i'll see you tomorrow, yeah?" you say softly before ruffling his hair. "don't miss me too much." you say before standing up again and walking away, waving will off.

will just splashes his tail as you go, swimming around in circles to say farewell.

sure, it was strange - a human and merperson being together.. but you and will surely made it work.

---

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.

---

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.

---

"look, it's the girl who thinks she's a boy!"

"do girls run from you after they see your tits when you claim you're a boy?"

"oh, you're probably gay too, right? bet dudes run away seeing you're a girl in disguise too!"

people snicker throughout the corridor as you walk past. all you wanted to do was have one day where nobody said anything, where nobody gave a damn about how you chose to identify. instead, you were stuck living in a daily nightmare.

you continue to walk past, pushing through crowds of people that are still staring at you and watching your every move. but someone suddenly grabs you, slamming you against some lockers.

"we were talking to you, freak." one of the jocks say, keeping you pinned down to the lockers. his arm is across your chest, and he's grabbing a fist full of your clothes. his breath is hot against your face, and it reeks of whatever he had from the cafeteria during lunch. you grimace and close your eyes, trying to pretend you're someplace else.

it doesn't help. people keep on speaking, yelling insults in your face and getting their spit all over you. it's unpleasant - but this is what you've had to experience ever since starting highschool. hell.

"you don't want to listen, huh?" the jock's voice drones on. "maybe i should make you listen then." he scoffs, and you suddenly feel a fist to your face.

you groan and immediately slide down the lockers. he lets go of your shirt before kicking you in the side, watching with a pleased smirk as you grovel in pain.

it's hell, living as a trans boy in the 80s, but it was either this or live life pretending. you didn't know what you would prefer right now.

"fucking freak." the same jock murmurs under his breath before walking off. his friends follow close behind him, laughing and turning to look back at you on occasional with huge grins on their faces.

you open your eyes and see people staring. most of them are in groups, whispering about you, whilst others stare in shock or laugh.

it was like this almost every week. get called names, get punched, then get stared at with no help.

you just groan and struggle to get up. you wipe the underside of your nose, seeing red settle on your hand. you sigh and wipe it against your trousers before pushing past everyone once more, making your way outside of the building.

will had been watching close by from his locker, heart aching at the fact that he couldn't do anything to help you. so, instead of going to class, he makes his way to the nurse's office and gets some ice before heading out to find you.

"there you are." he says with a small sigh, finally catching you sitting under a tree outside. you were sitting with your knees tucked to your chest, sleeve pressed up against your bloodied nose. "you know, i've been looking for you everywhere. i should've figured you'd be here.." will mumbles before sitting down next to you.

you look over to will before looking away from him. a deep frown takes over your features and you just sit there in silence. you don't understand why will still bothers, why will still wants to be seen around you despite what everyone says.

but, as your thoughts consume you, you don't even realise that there's ice being pressed on your nose bridge now. you're taken aback slightly, but you look over at will once more.

"the things they say, they're not true, you know?" will speaks softly, gazing deep into your eyes with heavy emotions. "you're not pretending.. and i think, whoever you liked wouldn't run. they'd.. like you for you, not your parts. and who cares if your parts don't match your mind? it's bullshit that people make such a big deal out of it." he laughs, trying to make you feel a little better.

you don't say anything. instead, you just slump against will's side and rest your head on his shoulder. he has to adjust his position slightly, making sure the ice was still pressed against your injury.

"i just want one day.. one day of peace." you whisper, closing your eyes. "one day where i'm not treated like a spectacle or some sort of freak." you sigh, feeling a heavy weight inside of you. you always did, but it felt a little lighter with will around.

will hums and he rests his head against yours. his free hand reaches towards one of yours, interlinking your pinkies together. your heart stutters in your chest, and you feel like a normal teenager for once. doing what you should be doing.

"whenever you're with me, i'll make sure of it." he promises, squeezing your pinky finger tightly in his own. "because you're not a freak.. you're just a boy who deserves happiness, to be free in his skin for once.. someone who deserves love too." he adds that last part on relatively quieter than the rest of his words, eyes flicking down to your face.

you let out a small chuckle, your own eyes flicking over to meet will's. "you know, if you say shit like that, i'm going to start thinking you like me in a more than friends way." you tease, pulling back slightly. "then you're going to get shit from people in there about liking me." you say, nodding back over the school building.

"and- and if i do, then what?" will stutters out, cutting you off from finishing your own sentence. "it doesn't matter- it doesn't matter that i like you and that you happen to be different from other guys. all that matters is you're you and.. i don't give a shit about anything else because you make me feel like i'm normal too, [name]! but you just don't see that!" he finally spills out his emotions, letting out a little groan as he falls back against the tree that's placed behind the two of you.

a small smile creeps on your lips as you hear will's words. you laugh a little and tilt your head back, will's hand dropping with the ice.

"i feel that way about you too." you admit. "you make me feel.. like i can only be normal around you. like you're my safe space or something, so i do see it. because i know it- it's because it's how i feel. whether it's.. something deeper than friendship or not." you shake your head, looking over at will with a little smirk.

will just glares at you before lightly shoving you away. "i hate that i actually like you." he scoffs, obviously teasing. "you dumb, infuriating idiot." he mumbles.

you just laugh a little more and lean in closer to will. "just say you want to kiss me or something?" you grin, leaning a little closer to the other boy.

will shakes his head and he pushes you away. "nope, not until we clean your face. you have blood all over your nose and lip." he says before standing up from his spot. he holds out a hand for you too, pulling you up with him.

"so.. you actually like me? even if i'm not a.. real guy?" you ask, walking together with will back inside the building.

"you are a real guy, and you're my safe space too. of course i like you." he responds, leaning over to give you a quick kiss on the cheek.

suddenly, you had forgotten all of the bullying and felt like a normal teenage boy for once.

---

"a girl asked me out for prom today." you blurt out amidst the silence that had settled upon the room. "from math class- tracy i think her name is? short, brown hair and green eyes. you guys have probably seen around before." you mumble, shrugging your shoulders at the admission.

you can hear your friends gasp at your words, some even laughing. but you don't hear any indication of will's reaction, and you don't see the solemn look on his face. you don't dare look up.

"no way, someone actually asked you of all people?" mike says, elbowing you in the stomach. he had the biggest grin on his face, as if he could do any better.

you just roll your eyes and push mike away. "shut up. i know i'm weird, but i'm not as insufferable as you. i don't hear you saying you have a date, asshole." you scoffs, glaring at the raven-haired teen.

jane had perked up as she heard you say you had a date. she was definitely excited. she was a romantic at heart, just like her brother (even if they weren't blood related.)

"i'm happy for you, [name]. she sounds nice, i'm just upset i can't come with you guys this year." she sighs softly, shaking her head. she was a year behind all of you, after all. you guys would be graduating soon, and she would still have to be in high school for another year.

you shoot jane a smile, and max even reaches over to give the girl a sideways hug. she whispers something that makes jane giggle and smile, and it geniunely warms your heart.

"did you say yes?"

the question is way too silent, too soft for your liking. it makes your heart clench, and you don't even fully understand why. but you look over to will, seeing the expression on his face.

it was hard to read. there were a mixture of expressions melted into one - hurt, confusion.. but also heartbreak. you couldn't question it, even if it was killing you to find out why will had suddenly gone quiet. why he had gotten so upset.

"yeah, i did." you nod at will's question. "she's, like, the first girl who's shown any romantic interest in me and hasn't thought i'm a freak. i don't see why i shouldn't give her a shot." you just shrug, but even as you speak the words don't feel right. especially not with the way will is looking at you right now with that heavy, emotion filled gaze.

dustin lets out a whoop at the words that fall from your lips, and lucas lets out his own cheer. the two of them pile on top of you, giving you a bone-crushing hug.

"he's finally all grown up, i can't believe it." lucas coos, wiping a fake tear from his face. "our son is finally dating.. stepping foot into the real world." dustin adds, letting out his own fake sobs.

you just groan at their words, sinking into the couch to try and escape from your friends. but, it didn't help. dustin and lucas just kept themselves on you, practically suffocating you.

"lucas! get off of him!" max says, trying to hold back her laughs. "he has to actually be alive to experience prom with his date." she sighs, getting up to pull lucas off of your body.

lucas and dustin gasp and look at eachother. they immediately pull away, almost falling onto their asses and off of the couch.

"i am never telling you guys anything about my romantic life ever again." you say with a small laugh, but your heart pangs once again.

-☆-

prom season rolls around quite quickly. you find many hours of your day consumed by just shopping for a suit, scrambling to put everything together. and, soon enough, the final day had arrived.

you had picked up your date already and made your way to the venue. she was wearing a nice dress that was coloured green to match her eyes. you weren't matching colours with her, instead wearing a nice pale blue three piece suit.

the two of you had made it to the school's gym. tracy wandered off to go take pictures with her friends, whilst you stood there slightly confused.

you wandered around, waving through crowds of bodies. eventually, you found your own friends. mike, dustin, lucas, max.. and most importantly, will. they were all standing off to a corner, talking and laughing about something.

you pause infront of will. your heart stutters, and a smile forms on your lips. it's brigher than the smile you had on when you saw tracy in her dress, bigger than it too.

"you look.. amazing." you whisper softly, voice barely audible over the thumping music and chatter of people. despite that, will still turns to look at you with a smile on his face.

he's wearing something similar to what he did years ago in the snow ball, but this time with a yellow dress shirt and tie that suites him. he's grown into this mature look more, and it just makes your heart stop. you didn't react like this when you saw tracy, so you don't understand why you're acting like this around will.

"thanks. you clean up nicely yourself." will responds back with a tease, a small chuckle escaping his lips. of course, him and his smart mouth.

you go to speak once more, but all of a sudden you hear someone call out your name and some arms flinging around you.

"[name]!" tracy says as she squeezes you tight. "are you going to introduce me?" she asks as she looks over at will. she has a smile on her face that doesn't look truly authentic. will doesn't trust it for some reason.

the noise that you had droned out earlier to focus on will came rushing back suddenly. you blink a few times before quickly clearing your throat and looking between the two. they looked eerily similar when this close to eachother..

you just nod and look at tracy. "tracy, this is will." you say before looking at will with a nervous smile. "will, this is tracy." you say as tracy goes to shake will's hand.

then, some slow dance song fills the gymnasium. everyone starts pairing up, moving into the middle of the room to dance with their partners. tracy's not looking at will anymore, and her hands are back on you.

"let's go!" she says, already dragging you away. you give will an apologetic smile before walking away, not realising that will had already stormed out.

so, there you are, slow dancing with a girl from your maths class. your hands are on her waist, and her hands are draped around your neck. she's dangerously close, and you can smell some fruit punch faintly on her breath. you swallow thickly, eyes darting everywhere across her face.

"you're really handsome, you know that?" she whispers, fingers twirling the end strands of your hair. "i mean, i thought you were weird.. hanging out with those losers. but, you're handsome." she says, tilting her head and smiling at you.

you slightly grimace at her words. "my friends aren't losers.." you mumble in response. "they're actually pretty cool, if you actually tried to get to know them." you fight for your friends, a small frown on your lips.

she doesn't listen to what you say, just rolling her eyes at your words. once the music reaches a crescendo, she presses her lips against yours withour a care in the world.

everything stops, and not in a good way. your heart drops and all of a sudden you feel queasy. you pull away almost immediately, dropping your hands from her waist. you dart away, pushing past the crowds of people infront of you.

you don't even know where you're running off to, but you know you just had to be out of there. you felt like you were going to throw up, and even now you felt bile rising up your throat.

kisses weren't meant to make you feel like that, were they? you had seen your fair share of relationships, whether that was from movies or your own best friends being a couple. it was full of love, not disgust to the point of feeling physically ill.

in the midst of you overthinking, you find yourself running to the football field. you stop and breathe heavily, holding onto your stomach to try and ease the nausea you felt.

you look around and see will sitting on the bleachers. he looked.. miserable. his shoulders were shaking, and all you could do was watch for a second and feel your heart break.

"will?" you whisper, taking a few steps towards him. will looks up and you see the tears streaming down his face, along with his red rimmed eyes. he quickly wipes his face and sniffles as he looks at you.

"what are you doing here? i thought you were inside dancing with.. tracy." will asks, a wet laugh leaving his lips. but you can hear how his heart is breaking behind the laughs, and it breaks your heart too.

you immediately shake your head, just standing infront of him awkwardly. "no.. no. i couldn't do it." you say with yet another sigh. "she.. she said all of you guys were losers. then she kissed me." you laugh too, just like will, but it isn't geniune.

will looks up at you and he blinks. "if she kissed you.. why are you here?" he asks, and he sounds almost hopeful.

you just shrug before sitting down next to will on the bleachers. "it felt wrong. i felt like i was going to throw up." you admit before looking over at the boy next to you.

you groan a little, throwing your head down into your lap. "i just.. i think i've finally realised something." you mumble into your lap. you just felt frustration bubble up inside you, but will continues listening lile always. "i thought.. i thought i could pretend that everything was normal for one day by going on a date with some girl.. but it feels wrong. it all just feels wrong." you look up at will with a frown.

will just sits there, nodding along in understanding. he puts a hand on your back, gently rubbing it up and down, urging you to continue speaking. he would always listen to your frustrations, if only you would let him.

"i realised it when i saw the look in your eyes when i said i was going with her." your voice is quieter, shakier as you continue speaking. "my heart felt heavy when i saw the look on your face, because i realised all i ever wanted was you. all i needed was you- not some girl." you sigh, shaking your head.

will swallows thickly and he straightens up. his hand drops from your back. "what are you trying to say?" he asks, staring intensely into your eyes.

"i thought i needed a girl to make me feel normal- but.. i like guys. i like you, will." you blurt out, all the feelings that had been bubbling up inside of you for the past few weeks spilling out. "i should've been dancing with you. i should've kissed you in that hall, not some girl who i barely know and calls our friends losers." you just groan and lean against the bleachers, sinking into the structure.

will doesn't say anything for a good few seconds. he blinks a few times, and the only thing that fills the silence is the faint music from the gym.

what is the best thing to do after the person you love is frustrated? will thinks for a few moments, but he doesn't even have to think hard. he remembers what he said to robin, a few years back - kissing someone to make up for an argument. and he does just that.

will uses one of his hands to cup one of your cheeks, and his lips are on yours. he closes his eyes and just leans into you, enjoying the warmth of your lips on his. you enjoy it too, clearly, as you don't pull away or fight it. you just melt into him as much as he melts into you.

"you can still hear the music from here, can't you?" you whisper against will's lips, still going back in to peck him more and more. "we should dance- have our own private moment without any worries." you say before pulling away.

you take will's hand and walk him onto the field. you move will's hands to rest around your shoulders and near your neck. you put your hands on will's waist before moving in closer to him, closer than you were with tracy.

"i really do like you." you whisper, eyes flicking to meet will's gaze as the two of you start swaying to the music. "i really do like you too." will chuckles in response.

the two of you lean in close once again, lips pressing against eachother's. you two close your eyes and just sway along with the music.

sometimes, even with the wrong prom date, you could find truth in yourself..

---

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.

---

it had been almost two years since you had passed away in the upside down, and will wasn't even there to witness it. he had been in california, trying to find his sister, and he couldn't say goodbye to you.

it had fucked with will mentally. he became more distant, more reserved than he originally had been and everyone noticed.

mike, lucas, jane and dustin noticed how will was feeling. they knew how close you two were, but they could've never understood how he was truly feeling inside.

sure, dustin tried to empathise. he had gone through the same thing with eddie, grieving the loss of a close friend. but, dustin hadn't known eddie for that long, and the length of you and will's friendship spanned longer. your relationship ran deeper, and will feared nobody would understand how he felt, either.

it didn't help that there was no body to be found in the upside down. it was as if you had completely vanished, and whenever he visted your grave he was reminded of it. he was reminded of the fact that he was talking to an empty casket, that you weren't actually there listening to all his worries and updates. it made him feel worse every time he remembered it.

still, will visited your grave quite frequently. he stared at the headstone where your name was beautifully carved out as he spoke about his life. he'd tell you everything - how school was going, how everyone else was or just anything that came to mind. it was as if you were still there, and you never left his side. even if that was far from reality.

as of recently, will hadn't been able to visit you. he had been so busy with everything related to the upside down, it had completely slipped his mind. but he still wanted to tell you everything that was happening, he'd just have to wait until all of this was over. until vecna was dead.

so, travelling to the upside down in murray's truck, will just put his head down and thought. he had to get out of this alive for you, to be able to avenge you after everything that had happened. he just hoped this would be enough to make everything right again, to remove the weight of the guilt he was feeling.

once the truck pulled to a stop at the upside down's version of the wsqk, everyone filed out. they surveyed the area, making sure no surprises would be out to get them.

everything seemed okay, or rather as okay as the upside down could get. but something still felt.. off.

the sound of rustling and distant footsteps made will's head turn. he narrowed his eyes, trying to deduce where the noise was coming from. this didn't sound like one of the demogorgons, or demobats dustin said existed last time he went. this sounded more.. human.

"i think someone's here." will says, turning to look at everyone else. "i can hear footsteps, over near the building somewhere." he comments, pointing behind him.

everyone went quiet. nobody answered to will's worries, and he felt slightly frustrated. was no one taking him seriously?

sure, they were all looking in the direction, but they were all silent. why?

will looks back and his heart drops too.

there you were- looking slightly less like yourself than when he last saw you.

your hair was slightly longer, messier than usual. you were all rugged; dirt, bruises and scars littering all parts of your body. you even looked devoid of life, as if you were just the shell of the person you once were.

"..will?" you say, voice hoarse as you stumble out from where you were hiding. "everyone.. here.." you continue, and your voice is breaking as you look at everyone.

immediately, you run (to the best of your ability) to will. you catch him in a hug, pulling him down with you as you collapse onto the floor.

everyone just stands there in shock, unsure of what to say or do as they look at your form. but they started to whisper, questions mingling between everyone.

"how is he alive?" one person asks.

"is that really our [name]..?" someone else questions.

"how did he survive out here for that long?" a third person mumbles.

but you don't care about the questions, all you do is hold will in your arms, squeezing him tight.

will's heart races. he can't believe it. you're here, in front of him, even if you look like shit. he didn't care, because all he cared about right now was that you were back.

"i can't believe it," will lets out, a sob leaving past his lips. "you're here.. how? everyone thought you were dead. i thought you were dead.. but you're here.." he says inbetween shaky breaths as tears pour down his face.

you just smile at him, tears forming in your own eyes. as you smile, your fangs point out from your mouth and will is taken aback slightly.

"those.. bat things.. turned me into some sort of vampire thing." you explain, not even entirely sure what has happened to yourself. "kind of.. survived off of tracking down any dead soldiers and.. you know.." you laugh, shaking your head.

then, you look between yourself and will. you frown immediately as you see what has happened, feeling guilty for the fact that you just slammed the other teen on the floor. you immediately stand up, helping will up too.

"i didn't think.. i'd ever see any of you again." you say as you look at everyone who was staring. you give a wobbly smile and walk towards them. "i thought i was going to be alone.." you laugh, a little self depricatingly.

dustin walks towards you and he pulls you in for a hug. he had been so scared for you, considering everything that happened with eddie. he was just glad that at least one of his friends was still here, even if he had turned into some demobat-vampire combination.

lucas and mike walk towards you too, joining in on the hug. they pat you on the back, each saying how they were glad too that you were back.

"will was so distraught- at least you're safe now." lucas laughs, looking at will over your shoulder with a small smile. "we can get our old will back- and you." he chuckles softly, continuing to pat your back.

"shit, you sure you're not kas or something?" mike asks as he looks you up and down, noting the fangs peeking out of your mouth. "are you working for vecna?" he questions further, raising an eyebrow. of course, he was teasing. he was just glad to have you back now.

you immediately shake your head and laugh at mike's teasing words. "no.. i'm not. i was staying in here the whole time because i thought i needed music to get out of here.. like max was doing with kate bush." you shrug your shoulders before looking at lucas again. "how is she..?" you ask.

lucas smiles and he feels himself getting a little teary eyed at the mention. "she's.. great. long story short, she fell into a coma in vecna's mind but she pulled out because she's a badass." he sighs softly, wiping his eyes and pulling away from the hug.

both mike and dustin pull away too, just smiling at you now.

"guys! i know we want to reminisce but we have to get up the tower. vecna's still on the other side." nancy says with a small groan, shaking her head. she then starts making her way to the tower, the other older teens following her.

dustin, lucas and mike wave before jogging away to the tower too. once again, you're left with will.

"vecna? other side?" you ask will, raising an eyebrow. "is this it? the end of the upside down?" you persist, taking a few steps forward to stand infront of the other teen.

will sighs and he shakes his head. "there's a lot to explain.. but if you come with us i'll tell you everything. i swear." he promises, looking into your eyes with such worry. he takes your hand in his own, squeezing them tightly.

he could feel the coldness of your skin, completely different to how you used to feel before everything happened. you truly had become undead, and it still broke his heart that he couldn't help you when it happened. but he was here now, and he wasn't going to leave you, even if you were a vampire now.

"okay.. i'll come with. i'm not leaving you again i swear." you promise in return, smiling and hugging will again.

the coolness of your skin seeps through will's clothes. he shivers, but he also enjoys it because it's you. because he has you back now. he wasn't going to let you go ever again, no matter how cold you were. no matter how vampire-ish.

"..you reckon i could get a little bit of your blood though?" you whisper into will's ear before ducking down to press a kiss to his neck. "might help me fight.." you shrug.

will immediately scoffs and he pushes you away. "you are crazy. i just found you again! be patient and tell me about how you've been surviving here, then i'd consider it." he huffs, rolling his eyes before nudging you. he starts walking towards the tower, a small grin on his lips.

you start running after him, grinning as well. your fangs are poking out, even more at the prospect of will possibly taking up your suggestion.

"okay! i will! just don't run from me!" you call out before jumping on him and nibbling his ear.

will yelps and he pushes you off. he narrows his eyes at you before rushing ahead again.

at least now you had a hope of leaving the upside down. you could be with will and your friends once more, even if you had become undead..

hopefully the people of hawkins wouldn't notice much of a difference once you return.

---

living in hawkins during the military operation was hell. no phone calls outside of town, no leaving and being watched by soldier's for every move you took.

it was exhausting, even more so than the threat of vecna and the upside down. will had grown tired of the military, tired of being unable to contact you.

he missed the simpler times, back in california. yes, his time there was cut short, but you made him feel as if he had already been living there years prior.

you had immediately bonded with him and jane, accepting them into your small town with warmth. despite everyone's comments, you stayed by their side and you all became friends quickly. jane loved you, and will did too- but in a slightly different way to jane, of course. which is how you two ended up together in the first place.

however, being in hawkins without you was torture. sometimes he laid awake, thinking of you. all he could do was wish he was back in lenora hills, listening to you ramble on about a new song you heard on the radio as he had to restrain himself from holding you tightly.

it was all simpler then, back in california. will would do anything to go back.

unfortunately, that wouldn't be happening anytime soon, especially with the military occupation. so, as he bikes to the wqsk to meet up with everyone for the next crawl, he just frowns at himself as he thinks back to simpler times.

he wishes to tell you so much, to hold you tight. it repeats through his mind day and night, even more so as he watches his friends be happy with their special people. too bad his special person wasn't here, and it would probably be a long time till he could again. he hated it, and all the thoughts that swirled around his mind to do with it.

as will bikes up the final hill to get to the wsqk building, he pauses. he sees murray's truck, and he's confused all of a sudden. murray usually came earlier in the day, when it was only jonathan, nancy, robin and steve at the wsqk, not at a time like this.

will gets off his bike, deciding to walk the rest of the way. he listens closely, trying to hear if anything sounded suspicious or off. he didn't want to partake in another crawl where he was forced to sit back and do nothing.

"so, wait, what did you say your name was?" will hears nancy ask. he pays no mind to it, head hung low as he continues his path up.

"it's [name], it's nice to meet you all." a voice says in response.

will freezes. his bike clatters to the pavement and he looks up. he sees you, surrounded by quite a few people, waving and smiling. his heart literally stops for a good few seconds. he can't believe it.

"[name]!" he calls out, running over to you. your in his arms in an instant, and he's hugging you tightly. "how are you- what are you doing here?" he asks with a laugh of disbelief, putting you down on the floor once more.

you're caught off guard as arms wrap around you, but that soon fades away as you realise it's will's arms. you hug him back, a bright smile on your face as you hold him close.

"i had to come see you." you whisper softly into his ear, just embracing him. "..but i had to use some assistance, of course. i'm here now though." you hum, leaning into him.

will sighs softly, just standing there with you in his arms. he couldn't believe you were here, and all of his previous worries and frustrations had vanished straight away. everything melted away as soon as you were in his arms, and he wouldn't trade this feeling for anything else in the world right now.

"well, you should be thanking santa." murray cuts off the heartfelt reunion. "he got in contact with me, especially with the huge mess that happened back in cali. i've filled him in on all the details- so he's good to join us today." he says, feeling chuffed with his accomplishment.

will just looks over your shoulder at murray, chuckling softly. "thanks, santa. i didn't think christmas was coming early this year." he hums, going back to holding you tightly, completly absorbing himself in you.

the others laugh and they shake their heads, one by one heading off inside the radio station. but others come too- joyce, hopper and jane. jane immediately runs to you, noticing your head of hair.

"[name]! i can't believe it's you!" she says, hugging both you and will. "i missed you so much- there is so much to talk about." she beams, grinning as much as you and will were.

joyce and hopper walk behind, joyce giving you a smile as you look up to wave at her.

"im assuming you're happy with my present, will?" she asks, standing infront of the group hug. "i noticed how upset you were, and i figured this would cheer you up." she says softly, crossing her arms over her chest.

will pulls away from the hug, allowing jane to say her own greeting to you. he looks at his mother with a shy smile, immediately acting bashful.

"yeah.. i am happy. thank you." he says, jogging over to joyce and hugging her tightly too. "thank you so much." he whispers before pulling away and looking at you once more.

jane's making her way inside, hopper following her in too. joyce gives will a knowing look before she walks inside too, giving you and will some alone time.

you look at will with a smile, and he smiles back. he still can't believe you're here, and all he wants to do is hold you in his arms and never have you leave his side. ever.

"i'm so glad you're here." will whispers, running into you once again. "i'm so glad you're here, i'm serious. i was.. i felt so alone without you." he almost tears up out of pure happiness as he squeezes you tightly.

you lean into him once more, closing your eyes. you just breathe him in, memories of him flooding back to you. memories of better times that were filled with love.

you missed him. you missed this.

"i'm so happy i'm here too." you admit in a soft voice. "it was so hard getting here, but i'm here now." you laugh, opening your eyes to look into his once again. you saw the love behind them, the way the hazel pops as they sparkle. you missed his eyes, all of his features. "i missed you so much.." you say, the words repeating in your mind over and over again.

will looks into your eyes and he just stares into them for a while in the silence. he leans in, moving his hands from around your waist to cup your cheeks.

he leans in, pressing his lips against yours. it catches you off guard. after all, will wasn't the one who initiated affection back in california. he had been more reserved, scared even. but now? it seemed he had some newfound confidence, and you didn't mind it one bit.

you press your lips back against will's, humming softly. you close your eyes and just embrace the kiss. it had been so long since you had one, after all. this one just felt so right, and you wouldn't trade this for anything else.

once the kiss ends, the two of you laugh breathlessly and smile at eachother. the sun is starting to set in the background too, and the pink hues colour paint will's face beautifully. you had missed this sight. missed everything about the boy infront of you.

"i can't stop thinking about how much i missed you." you laugh again, bumping your head against will's. "i love you so much." you mumble, looking at will with such love in your eyes.

will presses a small kiss to your nose before pulling back. he smiles and tilts his head. "i love you too. you're not leaving my side, you know that right?" he warns, smirking and wiggling his eyebrows. a tease he was, and that didn't change about him since you last saw him.

"well, i have to give you a tour now." will hums, taking one of your hands in his own. "there's a lot we have to catch up on- and i have to introduce you to everyone. come on!" he says, estatic, before pulling you into wsqk building.

everyone's already waiting inside, the party talking amongst themselves. as soon as you step in, they look up at you.

"who's this, will?" lucas asks as he looks between you and will. will's face is flushed, and he's slightly embarrassed by the question, especially after what he was just doing with you.

"this is [name].. my friend from california. i've mentioned him to you guys before, have i not?" he responds, tilting his head.

mike and dustin turn to look at the two of you, and the both of them raise their eyebrows. but, dustin's confused expression soon turns into recognition. he nods and smiles, standing up with an extended hand towards you.

"hey, i'm dustin." he introduces himself. then, he turns back and points at the others in the party. "that's mike, acting like a grump, then that's lucas and i'm assuming you already know jane." he says before smiling at you once again.

you shake his hand and you nod, taking in every one dustin was pointing to. "you guys have a friend called.. max too, right? i heard what happened to her. i hope i'll able to meet her anyway." you hum, a hopeful expression on your face.

will leans in, hooking an arm around one of yours. he gives everyone a weary smile. "you will be able to, i'm sure lucas would love to take you." he whispers softly before squeezing your arm. "we're going to go have a look around now though." he says to the others before waving goodbye to them.

you wave goodbye too, glad to have met will's friends finally after having heard so much about them back in california. you follow will to the next area he wanted to show you, and it just so happened to be a secluded area.

"did i tell you how much i missed you?" will asks, looking into your eyes as he backs you into a corner. "because i have.. so much, and i really hope my friends like you.. but i also want to hog you to myself for now." he laughs softly, coming closer to you.

you lean in instinctively, face close to will's. "oh yeah?" you raise an eyebrow, teasing the other boy back. "i think you should show me how much you missed me before we finish our tour." you chuckle softly, dropping your eyes down to will's lips.

"i'll remind you as much as you like." will responds before he presses his lips against yours, with just as much insistence as he had done so outside.

and in that moment, all you could think about was will. you didn't have to miss him any longer, because he's with you right now. you just couldn't wait for what you'd get up to with his friends.

---

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.

---